Sydney 2014 – Day 12 – 28th January – Megalong Valley Plus

I have wondered for years what is in the Megalong Valley. The answer is – not much!

We started the day with a visit to the business district of Katoomba to collect mail and do some shopping. That done, we packed lunch and headed back to Blackheath, from where the road descends into the Megalong Valley.

The historic Explorers Tree

The historic Explorers Tree

On the way we made a call at a historic site known as the Explorers Tree. As the  photograph shows, the tree is now a stump, but it’s significance is that it was marked by explorers Lawson, Blaxland and Wentworth in their first crossing of the Blue Mountains. Obviously it needs some TLC.

Eight kilometres of sealed, narrow and winding two way road leads to the tiny town of Megalong and for a surprising distance beyond, given that it leads to a dead end.

Shady café in Megalong.

Shady café in Megalong.

The Megalong Valley is another area of former shale mining, but that was long ago and there are no obvious signs of it today. The area is mostly rural with a little tourist activity. There are a couple of horse trail riding operations and a surprisingly successful cafe/restaurant, judging by the number of laughing and chattering people seated at tables beneath shady trees. Through the town are

Shale mining memorabilia.

Shale mining memorabilia.

at least three free camp areas with toilets provided, which seem to be favoured by motor homes.

Back at the top of the mountain we turned left to visit Hargreaves Lookout and in so doing drove through the Shipley Plateau area that the tourist brochure claimed to be worth visiting for the orchards there. Obviously the material was written a long time ago and no one has bothered to update it. There is really nothing to see. Prominent signs lead to one apple orchard that clearly has been closed for years.

The Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath from the Megalong Valley.

The Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath from the Megalong Valley.

Viewing area at Echo Point.

Viewing area at Echo Point.

So, feeling that we had given the Blue Mountains a pretty good going over we came back to Echo Point to once again view the Three Sisters. We had one of the clearest views possible on what was a near perfect summer afternoon. And, unlike most other sisters that I know, they do not look a day older. On the way back to the van we took the short stroll

Classic view of the Three Sisters.

Classic view of the Three Sisters.

to Cliff Lookout where we had excellent views of the Skyway, Scenic Railway and the newer cable way that also runs to the valley floor. We also saw where Katoomba Creek plunges into the valley from a different view point and Ruth caught a glimpse of Katoomba Falls.

The Skyway car passed over on our walk.

The Skyway car passed over on our walk.

The complex at Scenic World

The complex at Scenic World

 

Where Katoomba Creek takes its final plunge.

Where Katoomba Creek takes its final plunge.

This visit to the Blue Mountains has been mainly about looking at iconic tourist sites. I would like to return for long enough to do some of the many walks, particularly those that run along cliff tops or descend into the valleys.

And where are the best mountain views? Govett’s Leap, without a doubt!

Sydney 2014 – Day 11 – 27th January – Beyond Katoomba

Another cold night bur no fog this morning – only cloud cover but higher cloud than yesterday. By mid-morning the cloud burned off leaving us with a clear sunny day.

The Court House at the Hartley Historic Village

The Court House at the Hartley Historic Village

The long since unlicensed Newnes Hotel, now a museum and kiosk.

The long since unlicensed Newnes Hotel, now a museum and kiosk.

We went further afield today. Travelling west we passed through the remaining Blue Mountain towns, down the steep Victoria Pass, made a brief stop at the Hartley Historic Village, passed through Lithgow and on to a small place called Newnes. Newnes is at the southern border of Wollemi National Park. It is a very popular camping place, particularly with 4WD owners as a river crossing is necessary to reach the main camping area.

The camping area is surrounded by sandstone topped mountains.

The camping area is surrounded by sandstone topped mountains.

Layout of the processing plant is shown on the information board.

Layout of the processing plant is shown on the information board.

But Newnes has historical significance. In 1906 the Commonwealth Oil Company commenced building a shale oil mine and refinery just down the Wolgan River from the site of the town which was built by the company and named after its Chairman. The product was transported to Sydney by rail over a purpose built railway that joined

Old photograph of the processing plant.

Old photograph of the processing plant.

the Government rail system between Lithgow and Bell. The line ran through difficult country and included two tunnels. The line has been out of commission for many years and the rails removed but one tunnel can be driven through on the way to the second that has become home to a glow worm colony.

Old rolling stock waits for restoring to its original condition.

Old rolling stock waits for restoring to its original condition.

The refinery was apparently quite sturdily built as substantial relics remain. To tour them requires about 2 hours walking over a path not designed for new knees. We started out but it soon became obvious that we would run out of time, so turned back to the car.

 

 

Gates by the road side announce the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa.

Gates by the road side announce the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa.

The Wolgan Valley was the centre of a controversy not long ago when a hospitality company from the Middle East was granted approval to build a rather lavish resort and spa primarily, it seemed, for their own nationals. Some locals and others were not happy with the arrangement and the matter raged on Sydney radio for a while. The resort was built and is operating but it can’t be seen from the road, which incidentally, is now sealed to about 200 metres past the front gate of the resort.

Looking north along the valley from the top of the cutting that descends into the southern end.

Looking north along the valley from the top of the cutting that descends into the southern end.

The valley is beautiful. It is narrow and follows the stream that flows through its centre. The mountains that form the valley rise steeply and are capped with sandstone cliffs that display most attractive colours. Apart from the national park at the lower end of the valley the remainder is farm country with cattle and sheep. Maybe a return visit with the caravan one day so there will be time to do the walk and soak up the history.

 

Wallerang Power Station is powered by local coal.

Wallerawang Power Station is powered by local coal.

 

Ruth on Clarence Station platform. This is part of the currently suspended tourist rail operation.

Ruth on Clarence Station platform. This is part of the currently suspended tourist rail operation.

We returned to Lithgow, pausing to photograph the Wallerawang power station. Lithgow is a coal town and is surrounded by coal mines. Instead of returning via the Victoria Pass we took the Chifley Road to Bell, stopping in to the currently dormant Zig Zag Railway. It is out of commission due to damage sustained during the Blue Mountains bush fires last October. We deviated from the

Hartley Vale from Mt York Lookout.

Hartley Vale from Mt York Lookout.

Darling Causeway that follows the railway between Bell and Mount Victoria to drop down into Hartley Vale, returning to the Great Western Highway at Little Hartley.

We spent the afternoon looking at the iconic lookouts and waterfalls of the western Blue Mountain Plateau. These included Mount York, Mount Piddington, Govett’s Leap and Govett’s Falls and Evans Lookout and drove out onto the Narrow Neck Plateau that divides the Jamison

Govetts Leap Falls and cliff face.

Govett’s Leap Falls and cliff face.

and Megalong Valleys. This last feature was a bit of a dead loss as, after experiencing easily the worst road on this trip we discovered that there is not much to see without embarking on long walks. Walks of various lengths were required to reach the lookout point from the various car parks.

View from Govetts Leap Lookout

View from Govett’s Leap Lookout

 

Another view from Govetts Leap Lookout.

Another view from Govett’s Leap Lookout.

 

So that was our day driving. After a bit of a rest in the sunshine by the van I went for a walk to look for the Katoomba Falls. We had tried to find them yesterday but had turned

The main fall at Katoomba Falls.

The main fall at Katoomba Falls.

back because of steep stairs. They are indeed at the bottom of steep and rather rough steps. The main falls are near the road, only about 300 metres from the caravan park. The Katoomba Creek then runs through a very pretty gorge and over a series of smaller falls and rapids until it plunges over a cliff into the Jamison Valley.

 

The final run of Katoomba Creek before it drops into the Jameson Valley.

The final run of Katoomba Creek before it drops into the Jameson Valley.

 

Sydney 2014 – Day 10 – 26th January – Katoomba

Our strategy for avoiding hot weather by staying in the mountains is working all too well. The minimum was 9C at Katoomba last night. We could hear moisture dripping during the night but could not hear rain, so guessed that there was a heavy fog. We were correct. A heavy fog had blanketed the entire area. It did not lift until after lunch and even then the valleys held large fog banks and the cloud base was sitting on top of the higher mountain ranges. With conditions so unsuitable for sightseeing during the morning we stayed in the van for the most part and gave the heater a work out. After lunch the conditions had improved so we set off to look around.

Top of the Leura Mall. The mall is on a fairly steep hillside.

Top of the Leura Mall. The mall is on a fairly steep hillside.

 

The caravan park is at Katoomba Falls and right near the Skyway and Scenic Railway. The best view of the valleys and cliffs is from the Cliff Drive that follows the top of the escarpment and takes in many of the iconic locations. We looked in at Leura Falls, Gordon Falls and Sublime Point and did a leisurely walk around Leura Mall. That, incidentally, is the name of the street that runs through the main shopping area, not some fancy title for a modern development.

Leura Mall. Not a spare car parking space in sight.

Leura Mall. Not a spare car parking space in sight.

Development rules are obviously strict as many old buildings remain and have been tastefully renovated and contain the boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants and household goods stores that you will find in most tourist shopping precincts.

We drove past Echo Point, the observation point for the Three Sisters, mainly because it looked as though no one else had driven past. On this public holiday it was a seething mass of humanity. Besides the “Sisters” looked to be obscured by fog.

Leura Falls viewed from above.

Leura Falls viewed from above.

Sightseeing in the Blue Mountains can be quite strenuous, as flights of steps or steep inclines need to be negotiated to reach lookouts, waterfalls and other features. So I have seen a bit more than Ruth, but I have taken plenty of photos so I can share.

One of the falls in the Leura Falls group of cascades.

One of the falls in the Leura Falls group of cascades.

A converted church in Leura Mall

A converted church in Leura Mall

 

Bottom of Leura Mall

Bottom end of Leura Mall

Gordon Falls viewed from Gordon Falls Lookout.

Gordon Falls viewed from Gordon Falls Lookout.

Sublime Point from Gordon Falls Lookout.

Sublime Point from Gordon Falls Lookout.

The rear view of the Three Sisters from Gordon Falls Lookout.

The rear view of the Three Sisters from Gordon Falls Lookout.

 

Jamison Valley and Clouds.

Jamison Valley and Clouds.

 

Katoomba in the mist from Sublime Point.

Katoomba in the mist from Sublime Point.

 

Attractive colours in the cliff face. Notes houses with superb views.

Attractive colours in the cliff face. Note houses with superb views.

 

View back to Gordon Falls Lookout.

View back to Gordon Falls Lookout.

Clouds remained at mountain top level all day.

Clouds remained at mountain top level all day.

 

Sydney 2014 – Day 9 – 25th January – Toukley to Katoomba

Today’s activity was the drive. For variety we followed the road through The Entrance to Gosford and then followed major highways for the rest of the way. The only bit of excitement was when I took a wrong on ramp in the western suburbs of Sydney and ended up with the sun on the wrong side of the car. But a quick exit and reorientation and we were headed in the right direction again.

Last time we travelled the road to Katoomba there was road works at many places. Most of the work is now finished with only one section still under construction, but after crossing the Nepean River it is up hill all the way , so was a slow journey.

It has been a quiet afternoon. Well, as quiet as a caravan park is when full of families for a long weekend and when it borders a cricket ground where there shouts and cheers whenever a wicket fell. We back onto the community kitchen so meal times are rather noisy. But we are quiet!

Ruth and I honeymooned here almost 52 years ago so there will be some nostalgia in the visit. Driving down the street today much is still the same as then but there is new development as well. When we were here all that time ago we did not have a car, so we now plan to visit some outlying places that we were not able to visit then.

Stand by for the story!

Sydney 2014 – Day 8 – 24th January – The Watagan Mountains

We had planned to take Judy and Alan with us on a drive into the Watagan Ranges for a picnic, but they had commitments that could not conveniently be changed, so we excused them and went by ourselves. We were following an established trek that included features of the Watagan National Park and surrounding state forests. This was another gravel road, and another opportunity to operate the Challenger in 4 wheel drive mode.

A roadside view through the trees

A roadside view through the trees

Our highest altitude during the day was around 550 metres so these mountains are dwarfed by those that we had visited over the last few days. The highlights of the trip were picnic and camping areas and lookouts. There are some areas of semi rain forest but the bush scenery was fairly ordinary. But on this last day before a long weekend the camping areas were filling up so it was easy to see the value of the area to residents of Sydney and Newcastle who are looking for an escape from city congestion.

There had been some rain so the dust was settled but had only produced a few wet spots. The road was in good condition with only a few washed out and corrugated sections. We crossed a number of ranges during the day so the drive was quite varied. As my beginnings were well and truly in the bush I love to return to it. I guess I am revisiting my roots to some extent. I think Ruth, brought up in the city, sometimes wonders what it is all about.

Boarding House Dam picnic area

Boarding House Dam picnic area

We stopped for lunch at Boarding House Dam picnic area. The facilities are set in a glen that could have been a small volcano crater. The stream was dammed many years ago to provide water for a boarding house that  accommodated timber cutters during early logging operations. We drove through regenerated and plantation areas not too far away.

The dam that gives the area its name

The small dam that gives the area its name

The view from Heaton's Lookout

The view from Heaton’s Lookout

The last feature of the day was Heaton’s Lookout that provides sweeping views over the coastal lakes of the Central Coast of NSW. Unfortunately there was a great deal of haze so the view was not all that good, but worth the drive.

Instead of following the trek back to the Sydney-Newcastle Highway we retraced our steps for few kilometres and drove down the mountain to Cessnock and Pokolbin to have a brief look

An impressive facility at Pokolbin

An impressive facility at Pokolbin

at the Hunter Valley vineyards. In the early years of our residency in Brisbane we often came through this area to avoid the congestion on inadequate roads. It was interesting to see the development and the money that has been spent on cellar door developments at some of the better known wineries.

About ready to pick

About ready to pick

Hungerford Hill's impressive cellar door

Hungerford Hill’s impressive cellar door

We paused in Cessnock for a cup of coffee before returning to the van along other familiar roads. We enjoyed a quiet evening but were awakened several times during the night by heavy rain. There would have been some very happy people as their parched gardens were watered by the persistent showers.

Sydney 2014 – Day 7 – 23rd January – Gloucester to Toukley

The morning was overcast and progressed to drizzle as we packed up to move on to Canton Beach Holiday Park at Toukley on the shores of Tuggerah Lake. Light rain continued for most of the trip but did clear as we reached our destination.

Our reason for spending a couple of days here was to catch up with Ruth’s sister Judy and her husband Alan. After setting up the van we took the short drive to their home for afternoon tea and a chat. Later we joined them for dinner at the Toukley Golf Club and chatted again while we dined and watched the last golfers for the day make their way up the fairway to the 18th hole: and for some the 19th hole as well. Then back to the van for a relatively early night.

No pictures today.

Sydney 2014 – Day 6 – 22nd January – Around Gloucester

The sunshine and warm weather have gone, to be replaces by cool cloudy and rainy conditions. All areas through which we have travelled have badly needed rain so we shouldn’t complain. So we won’t!

But we did spend the morning around the van – a bit of shopping and some work that needed to be done. After lunch we went exploring again.

As I was born in Taree and lived in the area until I was 15, I am familiar with the Manning River that flows past the town and empties into the ocean at Harrington. But I have never thought much about its source. During map study as part of planning for this trip, I noticed that a stream that has its origins high in the Barrington Mountains was marked “Manning River”. Sure enough, they are one and the same. On our drive down to Gloucester from Walcha we crossed the Manning a couple of times but could not stop for a photo due to narrow roads and narrower bridges. We had also been told about the Bretti camping area and had caught just a glimpse of it on the same journey. This time a steep hill and the caravan pushing from behind swept us past without the chance of a real look. So we took an afternoon drive back north to see both.

 

Bretti camping area. Where the Barnard meets the Manning

Bretti camping area. Where the Barnard meets the Manning

 

Bretti is about 40 kilometres back up the Walcha Road. It is located in the most perfect valley where the Barnard and Manning Rivers converge. The road runs along the edge of the mountain above the valley, but only for a short distance, so the view from the road is tantalisingly brief.

The road runs along the ridge above Bretti camping area

The road runs along the ridge above Bretti camping area

The camping area runs along the banks of both rivers. Facilities are minimal, with only a couple of small toilet blocks, but there is plenty of water in the river and the area is intended for self sufficient campers. There were probably 30 camps and groups. Double that number would not have crowded the area!

 

 

Gloryvale Bridge over the Manning River

Gloryvale Bridge over the Manning River

 

It began to rain again as we started back, so a couple of photos of the Manning River had to be taken dodging the rain. You will see that this far from the sea it is only a small stream. A camper to who we spoke at Bretti told us that the Manning has 153 tributaries flowing into it between its source and the ocean, so no wonder it is so much larger at its mouth.

Manning River. Please boil the water before drinking!

Manning River. Please boil the water before drinking!

The rain had settled in for the afternoon so we went back to the van to shelter and warmth. It had become quite cool.

Sydney 2014 – Day 5 – 21st January – Barrington Tops

We are back in the lowlands so there was no need for a doona last night. We were comfortable with some help from our fan. Today dawned cloudy with rain forecast as possible but it soon cleared into brilliant sunshine with the promise of a hot day.

Honeysuckle is a typical rest area.

Honeysuckle is a typical rest area.

After clearing some business related matters, including waiting for it to be 9.00 am in Brisbane, we loaded our lunch (but forgot the thermos) and set off. We were following the road that runs from Barrington, just north of Gloucester, to Scone. The road is variously known as Scone Road, Barrington Tops Road and Barrington Tops Track. We followed it right through the State Forests, National Park and State Conservation Areas that collectively seem to be known as Barrington Tops National Park.

There is roughly 35 kilometres of sealed road that passes through the old gold town of Copeland, climbs 500 meters over a range and then descends 500 meters into a rural valley. It then becomes a gravel road as it ascends to the National Park area.

View over the mountains from Devils Hole Lookout

View over the mountains from Devils Hole Lookout

After a few kilometres after the gravel starts the road takes a sharp right hand turn over a stream and starts to climb from about 200 meters to near to 1,500 meters above sea level. The gravel road to the park boundary is in good condition but deteriorates a bit as soon as it crosses the boundary. A sign in council territory advises that you have reached the end of a council maintained road. A sign inside the park boundary advises that the road is not regularly maintained because of lack of funds. A case of taking the high moral ground on the one hand and passing the buck on the other!

The view from Thunderbolt's Lookout

The view from Thunderbolt’s Lookout

 

It was cooler at the higher altitudes so walking was pleasant. We visited the points of interest along the way, guided by a National parks brochure. There are two lookouts of note on this road, Thunderbolt’s Lookout and devils Hole. Both reward a short walk with great mountain views but they are not the equal of those that we gained from Point Lookout near Ebor, although at about the same altitude.

Presumably Thunderbolt’s Lookout is named for the famous bush ranger. He was active in areas not too far away from here so perhaps the lookout was the point from which he patched for his enemies. The National parks brochure is silent on this matter.

A boardwalk spans Polblue Creek between the day use and camping areas.

A boardwalk spans Polblue Creek between the day use and camping areas.

We had lunch at the Devils Hole day use area, did the short walk, and then drove on to Polblue picnic and camping areas which are separated by the swampy Polblue Creek. The rangers at the NP office in Gloucester had told us that Polblue was the main camping area. It certainly has space and facilities for a large number of people but the crowds were not there today. The only residents were a couple in an off road caravan. We would have seen only about a dozen vehicles in the mountain area all day and most seemed to be commuting between the major centres at either end of the road.

The caravan belongs to the sole residents of Polblue camping area

The caravan belongs to the sole residents of Polblue camping area

We chatted to and had coffee with the only tenants in the camping area. They are fellow Queenslanders who have followed a very similar route to ours in arriving at Barrington. Like us they are heading to Sydney and staying at the same caravan park with our stays overlapping.

 

 

Cleared slopes of the Upper Hunter Valley in the afternoon sunlight.

Cleared slopes of the Upper Hunter Valley in the afternoon sunlight.

We crossed the entire area to just past the Dingo Gate at the top of the long steep slopes that lead down into the Upper Hunter Valley. More views of mountains but these were paetly clear of trees and covered with brown grass. Another 15 kilometres and we would have reached the first small town on the way to Scone. But duty called. Someone needed to close the Dingo Gate that had been left open despite a prominent sign that said it should be shut.

The Dingo Gate after being closed

The Dingo Gate after being closed

The sun filtering through the pine trees produced an attractive effect.

The sun filtering through the pine trees produced an attractive effect.

Not far back from the gate the road runs through a pine plantation. Only 100 meters off the road is a rest area in such deep shade that it seems almost dark when you enter. A short walk leads to the edge of the pines where the normal forest recommences. The effect of the sun filtering through the foliage at the top of the trees was quite striking.

We lingered a bit longer with the folk at Polblue over that cup of coffee than we had intended, so it was near dusk when we reached the van. For the first time on this trip we turned the air conditioning on. The van was quite hot after being locked up all day.

Sydney 2014 – Day 4 – 20th January – Armidale to Gloucester

Not much sightseeing today but endless ups and downs over considerable altitude. Last night was a doona night and the morning again dawned fine with the promise of a hot day. Once again the promise was kept.

The white stain shows where the water normally is.

The white stain shows where the water normally is.

The drive from Armidale through Uralla and on to Walcha is through fairly gently undulating pasture land but Walcha is at the edge of the plateau and the hills start to the south and east. We took a side trip to visit Apsley Falls and Gorge which are about 20 km towards Wauchope and the coast so we started to experience hilly country.

 

 

 

 

Only a couple of pools remain at the foot of the falls.

Only a couple of pools remain at the foot of the falls.

Apsley Falls must be magnificent when there have been good falls of rain but today were totally dry, with the exception of a few pools at the very bottom of the gorge. The area is well presented with excellent visitor facilities.

 

 

This is part of the 106 steps to the mid-level viewing platform.

This is part of the 106 steps to the mid-level viewing platform.

 

 

A suspension bridge provides access to the far side of the gorge.

A suspension bridge provides access to the far side of the gorge.

 

A suspension bridge spans the stream above the falls to give access to the far bank. We didn’t do that walk today but it would be pleasant in cooler weather with water going over the falls. But I did the climb down 106 stars (and back up again) to the lower viewing platform. I felt the last few steps back up.

Apsley Falls are in the Oxley Wild Rivers National park and are on the Apsley River. The dry falls that we saw yesterday at Wollomombi are on the Chandler River. Both flow into the Macleay River which, after flowing a great distance, reaches the ocean at South West Rocks.

The rest area at Nowendoc provided a pleasant lunch stop.

The rest area at Nowendoc provided a pleasant lunch stop.

Our path took us back to Walcha and then through Nowendoc to Barrington and then to Gloucester. As soon as we left Walcha the road started to climb. Past 1,100 meters, then past 1,200 meters, down a bit and then higher still. The altimeter on the GPS reached 1,332 meters and then we plunged. Down we went more than 400 meters in a few kilometres into the Nowendoc valley. Farming country extends almost to the edge of the plateau with pine plantations and virgin bush at the edge and on the decline into the valley. Then farm lands again..

Nawendoc commercial centre

Nawendoc commercial centre

Nowendoc is a tiny town located about a kilometre from the main road. We visited and used their excellent travellers’ facilities, including a picnic shelter, for lunch.

Back on the road and it was back to climbing and descending again. Finally we came to Karo Mountain and a descent that was very steep. A sign at the top warned all vehicles to use low gear. What sound advice! The descent went on and on, around several sharp bends and past numerous signs to indicate that the slope still had some distance to go. Once we reached the bottom of this descent it was not far to Gloucester.

We had intended to take the van over Barrington Tops with a possible overnight stop somewhere near the top. But storms are forecast so we will make day trips into the area until we move on in a couple of days.

Sydney 2014 – Day 3 – 19th January – Ebor to Armidale

We awoke to the distant lowing of cattle, as yesterdays heard returned via the water supply to resume grazing on the road side, as they had been the previous day. It had been a doona night with the temperature down to 11C. The sun rose into an almost clear sky with the promise of warmth.

Upper Falls at Ebor Falls. Still some water in the Guy Fawkes River

Upper Falls at Ebor Falls. Still some water in the Guy Fawkes River

Immediately after breakfast we unhitched the car and drove across the road to the day area at Ebor Falls. We have been here a couple of times before but a waterfall is always worth looking at. Rainfall through the area has been low by normal standards but there was a fair flow of water tumbling over the upper and lower falls on the Guy Fawkes River, just as it flows into the Gay Fawkes National Park within walking distance from the small town of Ebor.

Lower falls at Ebor. Please excuse the reflection.

Lower falls at Ebor. Please excuse the reflection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth standing by the trig point at the summit

Ruth standing by the trig point at the summit

 

 

 

 

 

 

The view from the first observation point just below the summit

The view from the first observation point just below the summit

Point Lookout, a mountain peak of over 1,500 meters, is about 25 kilometres by road from Ebor. Previously, when we went there, we encountered a pea soup fog about 300 meters from the top and could see nothing. This is a common state of affairs as the lichen covered trees, scrubs and rocks attest. But today was different. We had struck a clear day. A short walk from the car park to a lookout was certainly worth the effort.

The view from the second observation point overlooking an adjoining valley

The view from the second observation point overlooking an adjoining valley

Spread before us was the most magnificent panorama of mountain scenery that we have seen in a long while. Range after range, divided by deep valleys and gorges, reached away to the distant Pacific which we could not quite see because of distant haze. Those northern NSW ranges are sure rugged!

 

 

Breeding ponds at trout hatchery

Breeding ponds at trout hatchery

We had passed a trout hatchery on the way to the mountain peak and stopped in to have a look. We took the self guided tour, which started with an explanatory video and finished with a self conducted walk which included feeding the trout from a small bag of fish feed with which had been supplied.

I would love to catch one this size!

I would love to catch one this size!

When I go fishing the activity can reasonably be described as feeding the fish but then I feed them without seeing them. Although warm weather makes trout a bit sluggish there was enough interest to disturb the surface as large fish lunged at the pellets. Summer is a bit off season so there was not a lot going on but we left with an understanding of the process that provides the fingerlings that are used to populate the lakes and streams for the sport of trout anglers.

Processing centre for breeding eggs but not operating at this time of the year.

Processing centre for breeding eggs but not operating at this time of the year.

While there we bought some smoked and sliced trout. Does anyone have a loaf of very fresh bread handy?

Back at the van we had lunch, hooked up and headed for Armidale. We made two short detours.

 

Very dry Wollomombi Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Very dry Wollomombi Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

First a turn to the right to check out the tiny town of Wollomombi and a few kilometres later a turn to the left into the northern most part of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park to check the Wollomombi Gorge. We would also have checked the Wollomombi Falls but lack of rain has left them without even a trickle. But the gorge is spectacular even without water.

The day turned out quite hot. Armidale recorded a top of 34C and it felt it. But just as we finished setting up for the night thunder sounded, to be followed by wind and rain. Storms have continued since then with another one passing as dusk settles. The overnight minimum is forecast to be 11C. Another doona night!