Claire had organised a surprise birthday party walk for her husband, and our good friend, John on Sunday. They had travelled down from their home near Rockhampton in Queensland to the Blue Mountains. A lot of John’s friends made it along and we had a really good day.
Sylvia Falls – Valley of the Waters
We met up at the Conservation Hut and then walked along the Undercliff Track to Wentworth Falls, with a side trip down to Den Fenella on the way. At the falls we joined a multitude of other walkers on the way down the steps to the bottom of the upper falls. There were thousands of other walkers out that day.
It was slightly less crowded along the National Pass Track, but the crowds started again when we got to Valley of the Waters. We managed to find a shady place just off the track to have a nice party lunch (thanks Claire!). Our lunch spot had good views and we could also watch all the absqealers in the commercial parties on the abseil down Empress Falls. I found it difficult to get a photo of the falls without people! At one time there were 4 separate ropes set up.
We then climbed up the last few sets of stairs back to the Conservation Hut – a good place for coffee or a cool drink before farewelling John, Claire and their kids Emma and Michael.
Empress Falls
Empress Falls – a minute or two later
More photos from the day are online here.