Horses and horse riding

Another of my favourite memories as a child was horse riding at Eight Bells. There was a kind of ecstasy in cantering from the bottom of the paddock back to the top of it.  I remember feeding the horses sugar lumps and rubbing their noses and feeling so much affection for them.  I still love horses. They are such extraordinary creatures and so gentle.

Camping and hiking in the Megalong Valley (Blue Mountains)

I went camping and hiking with my favourite Meet Up Group, Sydney Bushwalkers, this weekend. We did two hikes along sections of the most famous trail in the area; The Six Foot Track.

Highlights of the weekend included:

• The beautiful camp site in pristine natural surroundings with a tranquil creek flowing through it.
• The wonderful, sunny weather we were graced with.
• Jo and Wendy, the friendly leaders, who were so keen for us all to have a great time.
• The great group; such lovely people all.
• The cute horse who came over to say hello on the first day hike. She was rewarded with an apple for her friendliness.
• Exploring a tucked away waterfall off the path near Nellies Glen.
• A steep walk up the stairs at Nellies Glen to get the heart pumping, and not being too disappointed when we had to turn back to rejoin the group.
• Sitting by the camp fire at night, munching delicious toasties and marshmallows (thanks Wendy!)
• Chatting to Rob, a fellow SAFA, about South Africa - always so great to reminisce.
• A display of the most amazing tree climbing I've ever seen!!  You had to be there to believe it. See the photos below.
• The gorgeous scenery, especially on the second day.
• Plucking up the courage to cross the very wobbly suspension bridge over the river. My rampant fear of heights nearly got the better of me but I managed to get across and back.
• A gorgeous, bracing swim in the river and lying back in the waterfalls.  Such a beautiful spot!
• Putting my little camera to the test. She did well.  My SLR didn't come out the whole weekend.

The number one highlight of the weekend for me was watching a two metre black snake swim across the river to within meters where we were sitting.  I've never seen such agility and grace.  I was so mesmerised I forgot to be scared!  I will look twice before diving into rock pools next time though.

All in all, an awesome weekend. I can't wait now to do the full length of The Six Foot Track (covering 42 km's).

First day hike

Camp life

Amazing tree climbing

Second day hike

The scary bridge!

Bracing but refreshingly delicious.

Bee hives - Australian bees don't have stings, so I could get close.

Crazy guy - would give even Russell a go for this money !!

The snake!

Related link

Meet Up link

Horse-riding in The Blue Mountains

On the final day of our long weekend hiking excursion, we went horse riding.  I rode a large, gentle giant called Zorro.  The scenery was spectacular. The highlight of the day was getting to cantor through a field. I thought I was hot stuff until Michelle rocketed past me and left me in her dust!

Man and horse bonding

Thanks to Guy for taking this photo.  He's an awesome photographer.  See his site here.

Horses at The Hunter Valley

These photos were taken during a photography weekend to The Hunter Valley.

Guy and I spent ages with these beautiful horses.  Aren't they beautiful?  They were extremely friendly and seemed to love having their photos taken.  Bonding with them was a wonderful experience.