SUNDAY 17 JULY 2016
Description: WALK: GARDENS OF STONE (WOLGAN STATE FOREST) – Cape Horn
Distance: Walk 6klm approx – Easy Walk
Leader: Joby & John Mitchell
Report: Joby Mitchell
Images: Joby Mitchell
An early start for 15 members departing Mudgee 7:30am with the fog hanging around most of the way to Lidsdale. After Lidsdale we headed along the Wolgan Road then left onto Long Swamp Road (dirt/black mud), this is where we had planned a few 4WD vehicles or vehicles with a high undercarriage for this short journey.
It was all OK with my vehicle I had Geoff navigating the path through around over and under the large waterholes where black mud was attempting to land on my white vehicle in every way. That short journey just a few klms resembled a washing machine action as my passengers just gently swayed and now and again probably felt like the agitator action was just a dream. We arrived at lookout of which I had promised would be an exceptional view for morning tea, alas the edge of the lookout just blended into fog! Kookaburrah’s were laughing –not at us of course!
We continued on the Baal Bone Gap ‘track’ known as the Bicentennial Trail for another 2klms where we left the vehicles and enjoyed a walk on the fire trail heading towards Cape Horn.
Thankfully the fog had lifted while we explored the area and enjoyed our picnic lunches. Noting the cliff edge to have a notably sharp drop off 100 metres +! The view was magnificent and noting the familiar icon mountains of Mt Davidson, Mt McLean & in the distance Pantoneys Crown. On the trail back we went off the track to explore
the rock formations; unusual feature rocks on display.
Back along the track we headed to the cars and yes the washing machine motions did not disturb too many of the participants, on the return journey, but to make sure all was well we enjoyed a refreshment (coffee) at Running Stream.
The walk was not over until the cars were washed!!
Map Ref: Cullen Bullen 8931-3N 2nd Ed, Ben Bullen 8931-4S & Garden of Stone visitors map