Claustral Canyon – 25 November 2014

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Dave Noble

John had organised  a trip to Claustral Canyon and invited me to join the group.

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In the party were John, a second John, Stephen, Keith, Carl, Alex, Sierra and myself. A fairly large party for the canyon – but this gave me plenty of photographic opportunities.

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The lighting was fairly subdued – which is not too bad for capturing the beauty of the canyon. Often it is too sunny – and a lot of the highlights in the photos are burnt out. In those conditions you can find areas of the canyon lit with reflected light and get nice photos.  Continue reading →

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Cape Banks – 24 November 2014

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Dave Noble

Thunderstorms were forecast on the afternoon of the 24th so I decided it may be nice to head out to Cape Banks for some photography. On previous visits I had admired the rock platforms out there.

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It is a short walk from La Perouse, through Botany Bay National Park to Cape Banks. Approaching storms provided some moodily lighting, but the storm was getting quite close and I could see a lot of lightning strikes. Continue reading →

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Benge Memorial Weekend 21- 23 November 2014

Posted on November 28, 2014 by Dave Noble

There was going to be a gathering of friends of Benge (Graant Benett) on the summit of Mt Hay. We were going to meet there to reflect on his life.

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Before heading out to Mt Hay, I had travelled up the mountains with Digi Dave the previous afternoon, and we visited some lookout of Leura for some photos and went to Sublime Point for sunset. Continue reading →

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Dunphy Kowmung Adventure – Video

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Dave Noble

Here is the video of the Dunphy Kowmung Adventure Re-enactment.

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Glenbrook Creek and Kanuka Brook – 19 November 2014

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Dave Noble

This was a nice walk in the Lower Blue Mountains. I started from Glenbrook Station and walked to the National Park entrance and then down to the Blue Pool turnoff. It was not far down the track to Glenbrook Creek and just upstream lies the Blue Pool. The Blue Pool is one of many swimming holes along Glenbrook Creek.

Glenbrook Ck

Glenbrook Ck

I crossed Glenbrook Creek and followed the track upstream on the west bank past the Blue Pool. There is a reasonable track on this bank all the way to the junction with Kanuka Brook (not far upstream of that point lies the Duck Hole – another large swimming hole). Continue reading →

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Back to the Birds – Cooks River 17 November 2014

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Dave Noble

Another pleasant afternoon spent observing the birdlife along the river. Here is a selection of photos –

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Lots of young birds at this time of the year. Continue reading →

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Barrenjoey Bush Regeneration 15-16 November 2014

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Dave Noble

Stu and Enmoore had organised a weekend at Barrenjoey to do some bush regeneration. This is part of an ongoing program. The party was Stu, Enmoore, Chuin Nee, John, Jasper, Martin, Steffy, Su Li, Brent, Wendy, Don, Ian and NPWS ranger Jude.

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Most of the party have been to Barrenjoey previously for other bush regeneration activities. These other activities had been single days. This time – we would be staying overnight in the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage, next to the lighthouse. Continue reading →

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Royal Coastal Walk 11-12 November 2014

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Dave Noble

The Coastal Walk in Royal National Park has been rebranded as the “Royal Coastal Walk” – in a welcome series of new signs.

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The new signs not only give visitors and idea of what things (e.g. animals and plants) to look out for, but also have maps showing the track network and the location of the sign relative to Bundeena and Otford. The signs have been supplemented with a lot of new marker posts that show where the track goes. These will be a big help in some places where the track is very braided – keeping walkers on the one path, and allowing the other paths to revegetate.

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What magnificent coastal scenery this track covers. A huge variety of scenery. Heath covered cliffs, beaches, rock platforms, truncated headlands, lagoons, inlets, rainforest, waterfalls….. a  very diverse landscape. Also lots of birds, animals and plants. Continue reading →

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Sydney Climbing Guide – Now on Android

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Dave Noble

I wrote earlier about the Sydney Climbing Guide being available for iPhone. This very useful guide is now available for Android. It has lots of new additions – not only new climbs but new crags (such as the Kentlyn Krag)

climb1 Climb2

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Mt Victoria Walk – 11 November 2014

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Dave Noble

Bob was keen for a daywalk up the Blue Mountains. Our plan was to go to the Elphinstone (Radiata) Plateau near Katoomba to do some of the passes. However, as we head up the mountains, we were greeted by thick mist and light rain. Not the best weather for scrambling.

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I suggested we keep going, and see if the weather was any better further along the mountain – e.g. at Mt Victoria. It was perhaps – slightly better. We set off behind the old Tollhouse, near where the Highway crosses the railway line, and walked down into Fairy Bower.  Continue reading →

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