Vale – Wilf Hilder

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Dave Noble

Bushwalker – Wilf Hilder passed away recently. I did not know Wilf very well but he was certainly well known and well respected in the bushwalking community. The first time I had heard his name mentioned was just after I had started bushwalking with Springwood Bushwalking Club in 1973 in connection with a Colo rescue. Apparently, Wilf, whilst on a Colo – Wollangambe walk had been bitten by a bullant. Being allergic to their bites, he had lost consciousness and a rescue to had been set in motion. Such was Wilf’s reputation at the time as a really strong bushwalker that it was ironic that he could have been stopped by something so small.

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Mittagong to Katoomba Bushwalk

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Dave Noble

In early July, I was joined by Sarah and Saul on a week long bushwalk from Mittagong to Katoomba. This is a classic Blue Mountains bushwalking trip. It can be done as a very long and hard daytrip (by runners) or in two days by tiger walkers. However to do it that quickly means walking along a lot for roads. It is far better to take a longer time and spend time appreciating some of the great scenery that is available. I have done this walk (and the reverse) a number of times and it is good to go either via the Blue Breaks or via Kanangra Walls.

This time, we originally intended to go via the Blue Breaks – by traversing the Axehead Range and then climbing onto Lacys Tableland and continuing for a traverse of Bimlow Tableland. However, we encountered a period of very strong winds and a high level route that involved some rock scrambling and exposed campsites did not seem like a good idea. Instead, we went to the Kowmung River at the north end of the Bulga Denis Canyon and then via Gingra Range to Kanangra Walls and Mt Cloudmaker. Then to Splendour Rock and the Wild Dog Mountains, crossing Medlow Gap, followed by the last part – Narrow Neck.

Walking down Starlights Trail to the Nattai River

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Dulwich Hill to Kurnell Ride

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Dave Noble

July is a good time to jump on the bike and to head out to Kurnell and do some whale watching. On this trip I was accompanied by Albert and Meri – and then later we met up with John, Chuin Nee and Digi Dave. We went via the Cooks River Cycleway to Botany Bay, then along the foreshore of Botany Bay on another cycleway to the Captain Cook Bridge and Taren point. Then, after a short section of road riding – we went along another cycleway to Shark Park, then towards Cronulla and along the side of the road to Kurnell. Then into Sydney Harbour National Park to a nice lookout. We saw quite a few whales – but they were a bit shy and reluctant to appear in photos… Then back to Kurnell for fish and chips and back home. A beautiful July Saturday in Sydney.
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Dulwich Hill to Botany Bay Bike Ride

Posted on July 1, 2011 by Dave Noble

Another nice bike ride on the Cooks River Cycleway. This time heading East from Dulwich Hill to Tempe and then to Botany Bay for a coffee stop before returning. I was accompanied by friends John and Chuin Nee. Chuin Nee had a brand new bike to try out! Here is a video from the ride –

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Blue Rocks Bushwalk – June Long Weekend 2011

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Dave Noble

A long weekend is a great time for bushwalking. The extra day allows you to go further than you normally can on a two day weekend – and that is a great bonus. The long weekend in June, with typically cool weather, is a good time for camping high and enjoying the sunrise and sunsets.

Over the past few years many of the trips I have gone on on the June Long Weekend have been either to the Red Rocks or the Blue Rocks. These two places are quite different and lie on opposite sides on the southern rim of the Capertee Valley.

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Vivid – Sydney Light Show 2011 – Revisited

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Dave Noble

A few more pictures from a second visit to the light show –


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Climbing at Mt Boyce, Blue Mts

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Dave Noble

Climbing in the Blue Mountains during winter can be cold. We were lucky to start off on a beautiful calm and sunny morning at Mt Boyce near Blackheath. I was climbing with Chuin Nee, John and Su Li and we were joined by Sarah and James who had come up from Canberra. At Mt Boyce we climbed in the “Abseil Gully” sector. You leave your stuff at the top of the crag and rack up and abseil down.

Sarah (in red) on "Set, Piece' Battle"

First I led up the classic “The Eyrie”. It offers easy climbing in a spectacular setting, starting with a slab and then an arete to a small cave – the “Eyrie”. Then I belayed up Su Li. The second pitch starts with a funky move to get out of the cave and then nice exposed climbing to the top.

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Vivid – Sydney Light Show 2011

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Dave Noble


Went along last night, with friends Chuin Nee and John to the Opera House and Circular Quay for the Vivid Light Show. Took a camera and tripod along (so did many, many others….) to get some photos. The show was very impressive this year and we didn’t manage to see all the exhibits. Here is a selection of photos –

 

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Donkey Mountain Weekend

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Dave Noble

Donkey Mountain in the Wolgan Valley (Wollemi National Park – Northern Blue Mts) is a most interesting and spectacular place to visit. It was a good place to go to celebrate Rik’s birthday and Wendy finishing off her job. It is also a place where you can and should take your time and explore the many pagodas and miniature canyons that are found there.

On this trip we climbed up one end and then had lunch. After lunch we traversed the mountain. We were always close to the skyline – it was easy and very enjoyable scrambling in places and all easy route finding.

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Gardens of Stone – Needs Your Help

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Dave Noble

Its important to help protect the Gardens of Stone. Part of the area lies within Ben Bullen State Forest and is danger from open cut coal mining. You can read more about it by going to the Nature Conservation Council’s action page

Please sign the online email to Minister Chris Hartcher who is responsible for Resources and Energy

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