The weather forecast for last weekend was not the best for canyoning. Rain on Friday night and then two cool days. But the Blue Mountains offers a great diversity of canyon experiences and it is not too hard to choose canyons to suit whatever conditions nature provides.
On Saturday, an old friend Doug, had invited me to join him and a few other friends, Dave and Nick for a day of canyoning. Our original plan when the forecast was for cool weather was to visit South Bowens Creek – Upper Section, which has no abseils or swims, and perhaps only one deep wade. But given the local rain we decided it was unwise and instead headed west into the Gardens of Stone to visit one of the dry canyons there.
This turned out to be a good choice. The canyon we visited was actually a bit wet for a dry canyon. There were some pools of water and a slight flow. It was nice. A lot of droplets were falling down the sidewalls.
We had started the day very early, and we finished our canyon before lunch. It was far too early to head home, so we decided to visit another dry canyon – this time one not too far away in Wollemi National Park.
It was a short easy walk to the canyon – and we went all the way through it and then back up, and on the way back climbing out to get some views of the slot from above.
A very nice day out. More photos on my website here.
Sunday was a bigger more social affair. I headed up the mountains again, this time with Stacey. We had been invited by Andrew to join him and nine of his friends. Like Andrew, they all appeared to work in medical research.
Our canyons were in the Medlow Bath/Blackheath area – Jugglers Canyon and the Grand Canyon. A good combination.
A lot of Andrew’s party were new to canyoning – but they took to it well – having no trouble with the abseils in Jugglers Canyon – which were quite wet and slippery. Actually, nice conditions for the canyon.
We had lunch at the bottom, and then proceeded up the tourist track to the head of the Grand Canyon. One more abseil and we were in.
The Grand Canyon is nice and deep with a long sustained constriction. There is only one compulsory swim – and that is at the end.
Again – the canyon was in great condition. Recent rain had “flushed” the canyon out. Everything seemed fresh and green.
More photos on my website here.
