A friend, Dave Os, invited me to join him and some others on a walk along the Caleys Range in the Devils Wilderness. Dave’s plan was to walk along the fire trail to near its end and look for a campsite and then do a few short side trips. He had already contacted the landholder and obtained permission to walk through.
We met up at a cafe on the Bell Road, and then proceeded to the property we would start from. After talking to the landholders, we set off with our packs along the fire road that goes along Caleys Range. It was easy pleasant walking.
In the party was Dave Os, Penny, Digi Dave, Andrew, Pip, Don, Beckie, Michael, Nick and myself.
The whole area had been burnt out in the recent bushfires, but not as badly as some other parts of the Blue Mountains. Regeneration was taking place.
There was an amazing abundance of Orchids. There were a lot of Leek Orchids (Prasophyllum sp.) –
And a lot of Spotted Sun Orchids ( Theymitra ixioides) –
The landholders had suggested a good place to camp was a grassy spot at the end of the fire road. This was where we walked to – and indeed it was a nice place to camp.
There was a nice lookout nearby.
Aft er lunch, some of the party headed out along the range to Skeleton Rocks. I went back along the fire road with Don to look for birds and more orchids.
We found quite a few sundews, and lots more orchids.
Not far back along the fire road, close to where the Caleys Range turns off (and the old fire trail that goes out further is now very overgrown), was a large open rocky area. Here we found quite a few Aboriginal sharpening grooves.
And some more orchids –
We also found a few Greenhood Orchids (Pterostylis longifolia) –
Now for some birds –
Striated Thornbill
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Back at camp, we had a very pleasant evening.
Early next morning, I again joined Don for some bird watching. He was recording their calls and I was taking photos.
Striated Thornbill
Golden Whistler
Noisy Friarbird
Then, after breakfast, I joined Digi Dave for a short walk along the range to a nice lookout.
Then after lunch, we started walking back to the cars. Here is another Yellow-faced Honeyeater –
And another Greenhood Orchid. This one perhaps Pterostylis chocolatina –
It had been a very pleasant weekend out in the bush, catching up with old friends.
Hello David,
The flowering everywhere this year is excellent. Been twice to West Head (opposite Lion Island and overlooking Broken Bay). Well worth if you can get there, there is no public transport. The Basin track and its offshoot to Mackerel beach track are excellent. Views spectacular and flowers everywhere.
Unfortunately, Muogamarra is closed due to health issues.