WALK: BLUE GUM FOREST- BLACKHEATH
HELD: FRIDAY 7TH – 9TH APRIL 2017
WALK A: FRIDAY to SUNDAY – 3 day walk 2 nights with WALK B: arriving Sunday from Perry’s Lookdown Blackheath 7am.
Leader: Eric Caswell
This walk was postponed due to poor weather last month, and the rescheduled date was planned with perfect weather.
With Backpacks sorted & loaded (under 20kilos),. Victoria Falls was an excellent place to start this three day adventure with Eric, Hans & Duncan, and as they passed Burra Korain camp area (alongside the Grose River) in such good time they sought a more scenic area to pitch their tents a few klms along the track.
As first light on Saturday this trio continued to admire the vegetation and river and numerous ecosystems until they reached Acacia Flat. This track is frequented by many and lots of track notes swapped with other walkers, wondering also why they were asked specific questions, they realised after some time they did have similar attire to ‘park rangers’.
Communication with Joby & John was scheduled via UHF radio on the Saturday noting all was well and John looked forward to seeing them on Sunday morning with morning tea, alas some other members were unable to participate. Sunday morning skies were perfect to capture those cliff top colours only known to the Blue Mountains and the walk Sunday (6hrs), took them through Blue Gum Forest, Junction rock, along Rodriguez Pass to and through the Grand Canyon to exit at Neates Glen. Backpacks were remarkably lighter (tested by Joby), and a few sore muscles will be a reminder of their journey.
Note: Weather conditions play an important part in this trip. The predicated cold weather front came in late on Sunday. Many walkers were witnessed heading into the Grand Canyon late on Sunday obviously unaware of the change in weather pattern.
Map Ref: Blue Mountains
Updates 9 April 2017:
The sun is shining! the Blue Gum Forest -Blackheath Walk A: members left this morning the fellas may endure a few cool nights and hope to remain dry. The Walk B: members look forward to catching up with them early Sunday morning after a downhill journey from Perry’s Lookdown to Acacia Flat to share in morning tea. Both groups then will continue in the Blue Gum Forest Area towards Junction Rock and then around through the Grand Canyon and exit at Neates Glen where Joby (I) will be ready to listen to their adventure. As Hans is on the walk I am sure there will be some photos on the facebook page very soon. To the other members enjoy your weekend and look forward to the upcoming adventure Easter Sunday “Ferntree Gully”-Rylstone. -Joby.
Blue Gum Forest – Blackheath (TICK/DONE)
Friday: Mt Victoria Falls to Burra Korain campground to Acacia Flat campground meeting up with Walk B Sunday morning then continued to Junction Rock in the heart of the Blue Gum Forest and through the majestic grand canyon exiting at Neates Glen carpark. Home safe & sound. The weather was perfect until the end of walk & then we witnessed a severe cold front: wind & rain as predicted. More pics to come soon. Pics by Hans & Joby.
