Monday, May 16, 2011
Pete's Poem
The old Ford reserve
Attendees
John and Marni ...........Good organisation skills, John expert in finding sttep walking tracks
(motto" the only way is up")
David and Steph..........Ambassadors for Crocs footwear, also excel in camp cooking
Pete and Aida..............Very helpful in camp procedures - Pete trialist for multi toed footwear
Stewart and Di............ Producers of excellant unnamed desserts. Stewart a decamping Critic
(being ex Boys Brigade)
Gordon and Virginia....New Zealand trained experts in river crossing, and astronomy.
Pete and Dawn........... Some poetry and artistic skills.
Mick............................. Culinary skills -Lamb stew a specialty - some
Somw experience in booking cancellations
. .
Thursday
The call had come from John,to rally
For walking in Megalong Valley.
First an afternoon walk along the Six Foot Track
As far as the suspension bridge, and then back
Our small group ,delighted to be together again,
For camping and walking and no sign of rain.
The Old Ford Reserve our rendezvous,
a good riverside campground - except fot the loo.
A flimsy structure of corrugated tin
With a poor wind strength - without and within.
A rusting pan and concrete floor,
It's only strong point - a unisex door.
Sleeping in a tent was not for Stew and Di
Perhaps there was trouble with zipping the fly
Or maybe they didn't quite like the loo
Preferring airconditioned comfort and a loo that was new.
Friday
Birds in the bush calling in melodic tones
And creeks a bubbling round stepping stones.
Quite easy walking - all seemed happy and fit,
then John played his trump card - the uphill bit.
This upward track soon became steps - a stairway to heaven.
Dawn kept a count - four hundred and seventy seven!
But everyone made it, this intrepid bunch,
Gathered at the lookout to enjoy the view and a well earned lunch.
David looked "with it" in his bright orange Crocs
Nicely set off with royal blue socks.
That evening his brand new barbecue plate, still wearing paint,
Had to be burnt off ,so that the eggs it did not taint
Aida who stayed in camp, her knee being quite crook,
Watched over our gear and read a good book.
A good decision, sure enough
Crossing the streams and up and down steps, just a bit too tough.
Saturday
On the steps of our camper all covered in foil
Lay two chocolate eggs, not eggs you could boil
A pleasant surprise, although it does appear
The Easter Bunny is running early this year.
After a cup of tea, we packed up our gear
And assembled for brealfast at a cafe quite near.
A fitting end to our time together these past two days
Before setting out on our separate ways.
Attendees
John and Marni ...........Good organisation skills, John expert in finding sttep walking tracks
(motto" the only way is up")
David and Steph..........Ambassadors for Crocs footwear, also excel in camp cooking
Pete and Aida..............Very helpful in camp procedures - Pete trialist for multi toed footwear
Stewart and Di............ Producers of excellant unnamed desserts. Stewart a decamping Critic
(being ex Boys Brigade)
Gordon and Virginia....New Zealand trained experts in river crossing, and astronomy.
Pete and Dawn........... Some poetry and artistic skills.
Mick............................. Culinary skills -Lamb stew a specialty - some
Somw experience in booking cancellations
. .
Thursday
The call had come from John,to rally
For walking in Megalong Valley.
First an afternoon walk along the Six Foot Track
As far as the suspension bridge, and then back
Our small group ,delighted to be together again,
For camping and walking and no sign of rain.
The Old Ford Reserve our rendezvous,
a good riverside campground - except fot the loo.
A flimsy structure of corrugated tin
With a poor wind strength - without and within.
A rusting pan and concrete floor,
It's only strong point - a unisex door.
Sleeping in a tent was not for Stew and Di
Perhaps there was trouble with zipping the fly
Or maybe they didn't quite like the loo
Preferring airconditioned comfort and a loo that was new.
Friday
Birds in the bush calling in melodic tones
And creeks a bubbling round stepping stones.
Quite easy walking - all seemed happy and fit,
then John played his trump card - the uphill bit.
This upward track soon became steps - a stairway to heaven.
Dawn kept a count - four hundred and seventy seven!
But everyone made it, this intrepid bunch,
Gathered at the lookout to enjoy the view and a well earned lunch.
David looked "with it" in his bright orange Crocs
Nicely set off with royal blue socks.
That evening his brand new barbecue plate, still wearing paint,
Had to be burnt off ,so that the eggs it did not taint
Aida who stayed in camp, her knee being quite crook,
Watched over our gear and read a good book.
A good decision, sure enough
Crossing the streams and up and down steps, just a bit too tough.
Saturday
On the steps of our camper all covered in foil
Lay two chocolate eggs, not eggs you could boil
A pleasant surprise, although it does appear
The Easter Bunny is running early this year.
After a cup of tea, we packed up our gear
And assembled for brealfast at a cafe quite near.
A fitting end to our time together these past two days
Before setting out on our separate ways.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunny side up - all the way to the top and back !
I write this in my post walk flush - high on finishing and the fresh Megalong air. High also on the warmth you get from the camaraderie of a shared experience and eggs. There's also something of a relief that my body enjoyed - no, REALLY enjoyed the walking and climbing in a way that matched my mind's idea of a good time from stimulating conversations and corny jokes. And who would have thought I would learn to crotchet. There was no challenge too large (or outrageous) as was proven by the pink noodle-box desserts and the Easter bunny finding us.... even a new toilet ! And eggs which ever way you please...
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The stars above
Gordon unknown to most of us is a bit of an expert on on the stars!
While we were sitting around the campsite a wealth of star facts were revealed. And for fear of misquoting the great Starman of Megalong I have wikied the below information.
Speaking of Starman I feel it only fair to mention Spa-man! (and his wife Spa Woman!) while not in the spirit of the great Camp cook out - Stu and Di chose not to sleep under the Milky Way instead retiring to a well sprung luxury mattress with hot and cold running water nearby - but this sin may have been atoned, by the provision of the most spectacularly presented camp food ever!!! in the history of "Camp food" a delicate chocolatycreamyberry concoction served in prettypink noodle boxes!!!! Wow 11/10 for presentation Di!!!!
"Alpha Centauri" is the name given to what appears as a single star to the naked eye and the brightest star in the southern constellation of Centaurus. With the aid of a telescope, Alpha Centauri can be resolved into a binary star system in close orbit. This is known as the Alpha Centauri AB system, often abbreviated as α Centauri AB or α Cen AB.
"Alpha Centauri A (α Cen A) and Alpha Centauri B (α Cen B) are the individual stars of the binary system, usually defined to identify them as the different component of the binary α Cen AB. As viewed from Earth, there is likely an additional companion located 2.2° away from the AB star system, whose distance is much greater than the observed separation between stars A and B. This companion is Proxima Centauri, Proxima, or α Cen C. If it were bright enough to be seen without a telescope, Proxima Centauri would appear to the naked eye as a star separate from α Cen AB. Alpha Centauri AB and Proxima Centauri form a visual double star, and they are assumed to be gravitationally associated with each other. Direct evidence that Proxima Centauri has an elliptical orbit typical of binary stars has yet to be determined.[10]
Together all three components make a triple star system, referred to by double-star observers as the triple star (or multiple star), α Cen AB-C."
Camp Cook - The perfect poached egg - 80°C
Paying the price!
Simple huh?
A couple of weeks ago I read on one of my many blog feeds how to poach the perfect egg - and as this came up in conversation at the big breakfast at the Megalong Valley Tearooms where we debriefed following the camping trip. I thought for the record I would share the knowledge! Oh yes and you can check out the tearooms too on the link below!
http://www.megalongtearooms.com/history.php
Poached Egg
Ingredients
1 pan of boiling water - The water in the pan must be over 3" deep to stop the egg sticking to the base
1 cup
1 egg (very fresh) room temperature
dash of vinegar if you are not confident in your egg's freshness
Assemble ingredients - into the pan of boiling water add the dash of vinegar and bring back to a simmer.Do not add salt to the water! (this negates the congealing power of the vinegar). Egg white sets at 80°C so the water need be no hotter than this or the taste and texture will be affected negatively.
Into the cup - carefully break the egg so the yolk remains intact. Slowly lower the cup into the now simmering water being careful not to burn yourself and let a little of the water lap into the cup then gently and slowly let the egg slip into the water and watch the white form. You can help the white stay closer to the yolk with a spoon. - At this point you may choose to turn off the heat and wait for the requisite 3 minutes for a soft yolk or you can choose to leave the heat on - the temperature needs to be less than 83°C! Use a thermometer until you get it down pat!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
For a Change - Camping!
Venue - Camping at Old Ford Reserve
Facilities - Basic! Bring Water to drink - "This is a flat, grassed camping area on Megalong Creek, about 500 m south of the Six Foot Track crossing with Megalong Rd. It’s a little more than 8 km from the trackhead. There are toilets here, as well as good swimming holes."
How to get there - To get into Megalong turn left at the traffic lights in Blackheath, cross the railway lines and immediately turn left into Station St which runs parallel with the railway. Follow Station St for 350 metres, turn right into Shipley Rd. Continue along Shipley Rd for about 750 metres till you approach the multi signpost for Megalong. Turn left here and descend down into the beautiful rainforest of Blackheath Glen. Continue past the picnic area on your right for about another 7.5km and cross over Megalong Creek at Old Ford Reserve
Schedule -
Thursday 24 March - Arrive at Campsite and set up Tents before Lunch. Walk to Swing Bridge and return after Lunch (4 -5 hrs return)
Oh yes and check out this woman's blog - inspiring words and photos I hope she doesn't mind me using her lovely image of Old Ford Reserve
http://bluemountainsjournal.blogspot.com/2007/05/return.html
Friday 25 March - Walk in opposite direction to Bonnie Doon Falls Lookout and return (6hrs return - steep section)
Bonnie Doon Falls pic from http://ozultimate.com/bushwalking/walk.php?nid=218
Saturday 26 March - Break camp and evaluation Coffee in Katoomba.
You will need - Tent, Sleeping Mats, Food and Cooking Gear for 3 Days - Sleeping Bag.
Facilities - Basic! Bring Water to drink - "This is a flat, grassed camping area on Megalong Creek, about 500 m south of the Six Foot Track crossing with Megalong Rd. It’s a little more than 8 km from the trackhead. There are toilets here, as well as good swimming holes."
How to get there - To get into Megalong turn left at the traffic lights in Blackheath, cross the railway lines and immediately turn left into Station St which runs parallel with the railway. Follow Station St for 350 metres, turn right into Shipley Rd. Continue along Shipley Rd for about 750 metres till you approach the multi signpost for Megalong. Turn left here and descend down into the beautiful rainforest of Blackheath Glen. Continue past the picnic area on your right for about another 7.5km and cross over Megalong Creek at Old Ford Reserve
Schedule -
Thursday 24 March - Arrive at Campsite and set up Tents before Lunch. Walk to Swing Bridge and return after Lunch (4 -5 hrs return)
Oh yes and check out this woman's blog - inspiring words and photos I hope she doesn't mind me using her lovely image of Old Ford Reserve
http://bluemountainsjournal.blogspot.com/2007/05/return.html
Friday 25 March - Walk in opposite direction to Bonnie Doon Falls Lookout and return (6hrs return - steep section)
Bonnie Doon Falls pic from http://ozultimate.com/bushwalking/walk.php?nid=218
Saturday 26 March - Break camp and evaluation Coffee in Katoomba.
You will need - Tent, Sleeping Mats, Food and Cooking Gear for 3 Days - Sleeping Bag.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Mt. Victoria Walk
Venue: Cedar Lodge Cabins
42 Great Western Hwy.
Mount Victoria
Date: Friday 17 Sept to Sun 19 Sept
Planned walks:
Fri: 11am - leave Cedar Lodge, take Mt. York Rd. to Hartley Vale via Lockyers Rd. and return via Lawsons Long Alley (see map) (4 hrs)
Sat: Morning free to explore mountain markets coffee, op shop. 2pm leave Cedar Lodge for Pulpit Rock/(2hrs return)Bushrangers Cave - Mt. Victoria Flicks at Night
Sun 10am: By Car to Mt Victoria Falls lookout then walk to Burrakorai Flat via Victoria Falls (12k - 4hrs)
42 Great Western Hwy.
Mount Victoria
Date: Friday 17 Sept to Sun 19 Sept
Planned walks:
Fri: 11am - leave Cedar Lodge, take Mt. York Rd. to Hartley Vale via Lockyers Rd. and return via Lawsons Long Alley (see map) (4 hrs)
Sun 10am: By Car to Mt Victoria Falls lookout then walk to Burrakorai Flat via Victoria Falls (12k - 4hrs)
has been booked for 17/18 Sept - Towels and Linen supplied Electric blankets available
$140 per couple for 2 nights suggest we share cooking (BBQ supplied)
More detail closer to time! contact John and Marnie if u have any issues....
Nice pics on this website http://ozultimate.com/bushwalking/walk.php?nid=724
Nice pics on this website http://ozultimate.com/bushwalking/walk.php?nid=724
Saturday, July 3, 2010
March Walk- Jenolan to Wallerawang - Pete's Poem
Day One
The Wallerawang station our rendezvous point
Virginia, Gordon, Marni, John, Steph, Mick. Pete, Aida,
Dawn, Pete and Alvoro
One short of a dozen assembled again
Good weather ahead, no sign of rain
Greetings all round, coffee and snacks
Discussing logistics, for us and our packs.
By car, to Jenolan cabins for the night,
Walkers and packs all jammed in tight.
Jenolan cabins , a pleasant surprise
Well equipped, clean and quite a good size
Outside tables with distant mountain views
And close by, peacefully grazing, grey kangaroos
Caves House is 6ks down the track
Steep going down, steeper coming back
Refreshment taken a rest and a chat
Aida excited with a six dollar hat
Day Two
An early mist, another fine day
John’s eggs in toast set us up for the day
Steph’s car carrying packs and our lunch
Hampton the goal for this motley bunch
Alvoro, Virginia and Gordon leading the way
When John gave a shout “you’re going the wrong way”
Their track went uphill, the usual way to go
They assumed it was right, understandably so.
Head for the windmills, if you lose your way
That’s where we’re headed at the end of the day
Bind Pit Road was the arranged lunch spot
Like Browns cows we arrived ,thirsty and hot.
Through forest road and up winding hills
Yearning to sight those elusive windmills
Finally on a distant hill, shining white
Our target, the windmills, came into sight
Pete and Aida, turning right not left, missing the track,
Hadn’t seen the windmills, so had to turn back
Behind those windmills was Hampton Hotel
Good food, good service, they treated us well
Day Three
The walk to Rydal was mostly on tar
Undulating, again John’s route was right on par
Into the town at end of day all tired and hot
Closely followed by some bikers – a handsome lot
Our booking long secured, safe and sound
Those bikers had to make do at the Rydal showground.
A cold beer then hot shower and excellent meal
Relaxed sated and reflecting, a comfortable feel.
Day Four
A hearty breakfast once more had us set for the day,
Farewell to our host and so on our way
The track sometime rough and of course up and down
Across highway and byways to Wallerawang town.
Finally gathering at the station shop
Good coffee and cakes with fresh cream on top
The next walk discussed, the where and the when
Four days together and still we are friends
Reflections
Monday, March 22, 2010
Latest ramblings
Autumn Walking Adventure
Bicentennial National Trail Attempt - March 18 - 21 2010
Start Jenolan Caves Car Park - Kiaora Hill 8 ks (largely uphill)
Stay at Jenolan Caves Cottages - Food for dinner and breakfast to be carried. bookings to be made 4th March (apparently there is no planning well ahead here)
Kiaora Hill to Hampton - 18ks( knowing John this too will be mostly uphill but I await further instructions!)
Stay - Halfway Hotel Motel meals available! Bunkhouse is booked for group.
Hampton to Rydal 21ks
Hotel Alexander -7 rooms- meals available.
Rydal to Wallerawang 12ks
appraisal at Wang Hotel during lunch.
Change of plan! Walk down to Jenolan Caves before we walk back up the hill!
Who suggested that?
Not Pete!
Waiting for coffee at the rendezvous point - Wallerwang
The 6 ft Track Jenolan Caves to Wallerwang - 4 days of Walking and eating
Day 1
Jenolan Caves Cottages - Jenolan Caves - and back again
Wow what a view through Carlotta Arch!
The whole thing!
The "Victorians" knew how to make an impression
Time for a coffee - what the!
Do not slap bird when on wire!
Hmmm..... who picked a Thursday to come here - not in school holidays!
ah well - we will have a coffee and an ice block instead!
How on earth did they get those huge tourist coaches through that gap?
Looks wider from the other side don't you think!!
while waiting I found a few interesting things
this was the way out - wonder where the wheelchairs have access?
Looks cool and refreshing!
There must be water here somewhere it says River Walk!
No wonder its called Blue Lake!
The alternative route along the regular road for the injured walker led to a view of Mount Inspiration
Back at camp - keen hangers on made the most of their contact with the gourmet walkers
Salad dressing adds a certain something to the flavour of common or garden grass don't you think?
Pete waits anxiously for dinner while the kangaroo in the background tucks into a pre dinner snack
Day 2
Jenolan Cottages - Halfway Hotel Hampton 21 klms
Lunch Break
Look at the magic toadstools!
We must have gone the wrong way!
Lucky someone left a direction sign
Oh good the end is near on the second day !
nice blue barrel!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
It's on again the next big walk
Part of the Bicentennial National Trail our next walk will be out of the Jenolan Caves valley to Wallerawang
The Australian Bicentennial National Trail runs from Healsville in Victoria to Cooktown in Queensland it(BNT) is a 5,330 kilometre self-reliant multi-use route through bush, wilderness and mountain areas. It is suitable for horse riders, walkers and mountain bike riders. The Trail winds through some of the most magnificent terrain in Australia; unsurpassed views, wilderness valleys and the excitement of the pioneering spirit will keep you enthralled as you travel along the Trail or any section of it. It is not suitable for, or available to, any form of motorised transport such as four-wheel-drive vehicles or trail bikes.
Preparation in advance is of paramount importance to ensure you have adequate supplies to remain fully self-contained for the duration of your trek. There are few supply towns along the trail so you need to take everything with you.
Usually there are no facilities provided and water is obtained from creeks and dams so water requires treatment before drinking.
The Trail traverses a variety of track surfaces, from formed bitumen roads to unformed natural terrain.
image from http://www.nationaltrail.com.au/index.html
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