This was a very pleasant weekend spent in the Blue Mountains. The main purpose was to celebrate a friend’s significant birthday – and the campsite at Asgard Swamp was a good place for that.
Dawn – Grose Valley from Thor Head
I had joined Digi Dave, travelling up the mountains on Friday afternoon. This allowed us to visit the lookout at Boars Head at Katoomba. It was windy and cloud obscured the Sun when we arrived, but later, it appeared out of a gap in the clouds just before sunset. Nice.
We later camped out on Narrow Neck. I got up early for dawn, and walked a short way to the lookout and Aboriginal site, but the sunrise was not very impressive.
We then made our way to Blackheath for a cafe stop, and then out along the Victoria Falls Road to the carpark for the Asgard Plateau. There we met Martin, Steffi and others. We quickly walked down to the campsite at the second swamp. We were soon joined by more friends. Jasper was keen to get to the campsite –
But Seby was wanting to see how steep his bendy bus could climb –
In the afternoon, we walked out to Thor Head. Its a short walk and features very nice views of the upper Grose Valley. I took photos of the two spectacular detached pinnacles.
The Liversidge Hill Pinnacle
The Lost Pillar at Dalpura Head
Some more photos from Thor Head –
Then back to camp for some serious eating and drinking. It was a very pleasant evening.
The highlight was three amazing cakes.
I got up early the next morning for dawn on Thor Head. Another pleasant excursion.
Then back at camp for breakfast. After that, I wandered around the swamp trying to photograph some of the birds.
Then, some in the party set off for Asgard Head. On top, we had more great views of the Grose Valley.
There was also a number of raptors – two Nankeen Kestrels and a Wedge-tailed Eagle cruising around the valley.
Near the lookout, were a lot of small Caladenia orchids.
We then descended to the track and made a visit to the old McKenzie Coal Mine and Coke Oven.
Then it was back to camp for lunch, and then the walk out back to the cars. This was a very pleasant weekend.