Wendy had organsed a walk to the Red Rocks above the Capertee Valley. It was a long weekend, but as it turned out we only walked for two days. This was the first overnight bushwalk I had been on for a long time. It was great to be outdoors on an overnight trip – but also very sad to see so much destruction from the bushfires.
We set off from Newnes and walked up the valley of Little Capertee Creek. The whole valley had been badly burnt out, but it was quite green due to regrowth. We followed a faint track – but going was slower than usual because of the bushfire regrowth. It was hard to work out where the track was.
Further the valley, we climbed out onto the Wolgan-Capertee divide. On top – it was a desolation. Everything had been badly burnt and there was hardly any living vegetation. This was particularly so in the heath areas.
On one hill, we did spot some very small orchids. And there did seem to be quite a few animal footprints around.
We made our way to our intended campsite. This area too was very badly burnt. But it was great to be back in this spectacular part of the Blue Mountains. Wendy explored further along the Red Rocks while I spent some time photographing.
And now for dawn –
After breakfast, we packed up and staring walking south along the tops.
We reached a place that friends had seen Koalas. Little chance of finding them now.
We turned off the main ridge here and followed ridge towards the Wolgan Valley. On the way, we stopped at this nice rock formation –
And then we descended down a pass back into the Wolgan Valley.
It was pleasant to get out, but, Oh so much devastation. I have been walking in this area for 45 years, and this is the first time in that period that it has been burnt. Much of the country was relatively open – either heathland or open woodland. Some leaf litter, but no thick bush. I hope it recovers.
Thanks for the photos and insight. Looks like a great place to see.