The Festival of Canyons is an event organised yearly by the UTSOAC to promote canyoning and to allow members of university clubs to get to know each other.
This year is was held at Mt Wilson. A lot of people turned up – which was really good considering the run up of bad weather. Parties set off for various canyons on Saturday morning. Some of them found the Wollangambe River too high to cross and had to change their plans. I was in a party that set off down the very safe Dalpura Canyon.
The canyon was in really nice condition. The water was up a fair bit – but it was not dangerous. The creek has a small catchment and we did not have any problems. We were also lucky with the weather. At the end of the canyon, while we were having lunch in a cave, there was a big storm. We had a lot of thunder and lightning but not much rain where we were. Others, canyoning nearer Mt Wilson, experienced heavy rain and hail, and then probably some panic as water levels rose. Luckily, they were able to climb out of the canyon.
Ellen in her costume
After the storm passed over , we returned to Mt Wilson. The weather had improved a lot, and there was a lot of pleasant socialising at the campground. Some tried the slack line, others were content to rehydrate…..
In the early evening, Shane had set up a projector and a slide show was held. Some of the canyoners had been canyoning in costumes, and there was a prize for best costume. Luke from UNSW Outdoor Club won, by acclamation. His costume was top hat and tails – very formal! There were several spongebobs, some clowns, a monster, and Max in his mankini.
Food and drink had been provided by the UTSOAC and was gratefully consumed. Thanks Ellen for the organisation and to Scott for organising the prizes. Also, thanks to SUBW canyoner, Pete who brought in a huge pile of dry wood for the evening fire.
Ellen collecting donations for Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue
Saturday night was fine, and water levels went down overnight. On Sunday, I was in a party that visited Clatterteeth Canyon. Water levels were high, but safe and we had a very good day.
More photos are on my website. Dalpura Canyon, The Festival on Saturday evening, Clatterteeth Canyon.
Thanks to everyone who donated!! We raised $560 + some donated gear for BWRS. Not a bad effort for a few clubs on a rainy weekend. See you all next year!