Last weekend I returned to Thor Head on the Asgard Plateau at the head of the Grose Valley. Previous visits had revealed that it would be a good place to get some photos from – particularly at sunset. I walked out to the head from Mt Victoria on Saturday and spent the greater part of Saturday on the head scouting out photo spots. On Sunday I was joined by friends – Stu, Enmoore, Martin and Kath and we did a bit of exploring.
Thor is the Norse god of thunder and storms. As it turned out – just as the good photographic light was just turning on – a big storm came over and my photography was curtailed. Photographers call the period of time before sunset (or just after dawn) the “golden hour” when the light is soft and warm, bringing out the relief and saturating the colours. Well I had an interesting lead in. A large cloud mass dominated the late afternoon sky – and there was no golden hour. But a small gap in the clouds near the horizon promised at least a period of good light when the sun passed through that gap shortly before setting. I would have perhaps ten minutes to try and capture some photos.
As I hoped the sun did appear in the cloud gap. What I have called a “crack effect” took place where the large cloud bank took on a very dark sinister and very dramatic appearance. The sun’s rays painted the massive cliffs of the Grose Valley. Closer, at Thor Head the intricate rock formations of the head now took on a more dimensional relief.
The camera worked hard. I was happy. Photographic opportunities abounded – near and far. I was swapping from a telephoto lens to wide angle lens and about to continue my photographing when rain hit. I had a parka – but used it to cover up my lenses. I could get wet – they couldn’t! I continued taking photos for a while, but the camera was starting to get a little wet and a few droplets were on the front of the lens.
It was time to scurry back to the shelter of my camp – on the ridge leading up to the head. It had been a promising few minutes -rudely interrupted – but despite this – it was great to be out and experiencing the grandeur of nature.
During the evening the clouds cleared and the stars appeared. I would get up early the next morning to see what dawn would offer. Some bush locations are good for sunset, some for sunrise, some for both. I had picked Thor Head as being better for sunset. THis turned out to be right – at least for my visit. The sun popped up over the Northern rim of the Grose Valley offering none of the drama of the sunset. The light was nice and soft – but not brilliant.
Later in the morning I packed up and headed back to Asgard Swamp to meet up with the others. While waiting I could admire the beautiful trees (scribbly gums) surrounding the swamp and also try a few wildflower shots.
When the others turned up, we all headed out to Thor Head. This time we did a bit of exploring. We climbed down off the head to the top of the cliff overlooking the drainage creek from the swamp. There were a few places where you could scramble down. At one place we saw the tell tale line of ring bolts indicating a sports climb. A long way to go for a climb!
Speaking of climbs, looking across the Grose Valley to Dalpura Head, we could see the incredible “Lost Pillar” – a pinnacle that has been described as Australia’s answer to the “Lost Arrow” pinnacle in Yosemite Valley in California. The far edge of the pillar has a climb named the “Wafer Thin Fin“. It is very spectacular.
Lost Pillar on the right side of the cliff. Look also at its shadow.
After lunch, we headed down to inspect the old mine and coke ovens near the cliff line. Then it was only a short way to the lookout on Asgard Head for some final views.
More photos can be viewed on my pages starting here