Coogee for a stroll and swim with Shushann and Lydia

Always lovely to visit Shushann.  The hot weather was cooling down but we still decided to go for a swim which was invigorating.  After a while, impressive storm clouds appeared on the horizon. Stunning they were.

An invigorating swim

Storm clouds

Driving to IKEA in the storm

I've never known rain to come down so fast!  It was pretty scary.

Hiking up a storm in Grand Canyon and Govett's Leap

I did an awesome and extremely wet hike down into the Grand Canyon and around to Govett's leap with Meet Up (Sydney Explorers).  Due to the weather forecast (90% chance of storms!) and train issues, only 6 of us arrived for the hike out of 30 who originally signed up for it.  We were well rewarded as the hike was absolutely stunning.

Highlights of the day included:

• All my favourite Meet Up people together in one group; Dave, Yen, Cloris, Kenny and the incorrigible Srini.
• Dunking our heads in a waterfall and walking behind it to get down into the canyon.
• Extremely slippery rocks at the bottom of the canyon. In fact, I slipped and took a hard fall which gave me quite a shock. I didn't seem any worse the wear for it, but time will tell!
• The rain starting to bucket down half way through the canyon. Thankfully, it wasn't cold though. 
• The way the rain made the vegetation in the canyon seem all the more lush, and the beautiful fresh smell of it.
• Hiking in the rain, with the feel of it on my skin, feeling intensely alive.
• Some beautiful flowers and plants I hadn't noticed before.
• A lovely, refreshing swim in the rain.
• Some stunning rivers, streams and rock pools all bordered by lush ferns.
• Arriving at the bottom of The Bridal Veil Falls which was in full flow and having another dip, although the wind was strong and there was quite a nip in the air.
• Crossing the river at the falls with mighty winds and strong torrents making it an adventure.
• The steep climp up the side of the valley, including some steep metal stair cases with dripping water off the overhangs keeping us cool.
• Absolutely stunning views of The Bridal Veil falls as we neared the top of Govett's Leap.
• The gorgeous whisps of mist and cloud that hung over the valley; such a great sight.
• Changing into dry clothes when we got to our cars.
• A drink and delicious pie at The Ivanhoe Hotel after the hike.

All in all, a super and memorable day. Sometimes it pays to brave the elements!!

The view from Govett's Leap where we left the car.

Having a dunk in a waterfall on the way down into The Grand Canyon.

At the bottom of the canyon.

The clouds starting to look ominous.

Beautiful flowers, some of which I haven't noticed before.

Dave, Cloris, Kenny, Yen, Srini

Srini dealt with the pouring rain differently to me.

Despite the rain, we had a lovely dip. Warmer in than out!

Some beautiful streams and rock pools...

... and beautiful rivers too.

Our first view of Bridal Veil Falls, very windy with lots of spray and an exciting crossing.

Gorgeous whisps of cloud across the valley

Climbing up the steep steps of Govett's Leap.

As we neared the summit of Govett's leap, we got an awesome view of The Bridal Falls.

Our final view over Govett's Leap before heading by car back into Blackheath for a drink and pie...

... but not before Srini had one final leap!

A colourful mural in Blackheath

Camping and hiking in The Kangaroo Valley.

I had a wonderful weekend at The Kangaroo Valley this weekend with Sydney Explorers.


Highlights of the weekend included:

• Driving down on Friday evening with Srini.
• The wonderful camp-site in Kangaroo Valley, set on huge lawns, separated by giant rocks, and a lovely river running through.
• Being Dave's birthday on Friday night, Rudy brought a sinfully good chocolate cake. So delicious!
• Great fun and hilarity, especially with JC and Srini.
• Wombats wandering through the camp-site after dusk. I'm amazed how big they can get.
• A 14 km return hike on Saturday to an amazing lake and flooded forest. A perfect spot for a group swim and some leaps.
• Elna and Srini's very impressive one legged poses. Very flexible and graceful, both of them! I would have fallen flat on my face.
• Some fun banter with JC, Srini, Anne Maree and Tony in the car after the hike on the way to the pub. 
• Delicious "crossbow" cider at the pub and back at the camp site.
• Scrumptious cheese and crackers and cherry pie supplied by the lovely Rob and Kim.
• Srini's enormous camping chair that I kind of stole. Sorry Srini, I really must get myself one!
• Gorgeous swims in river at the camp site to cool off and freshen the armpits to make up for the lack of a shower.
• Joining some kids to swing into the river on a rope tied to a tree.  So much fun;  never to late to have a happy childhood.
• A very scenic 11 km hike on Sunday to enjoy three spectacular views of the valley, river and dam.
• The enormous bull ants that seemed everywhere on the hike.  I got bitten again but nothing compared to last time!
• The most delicious pie I've just about ever tasted at The World's Best Pie shop. 
• A last drink at the pub before heading off for our return journey.
• The very picturesque and quaint town of Kangaroo Valley. It has a great vibe.
• The most amazing thunder storm breaking out as we left Kangaroo Valley. Amazing clouds and then rain so hard that we had to stop driving.  Only lasted 5 minutes thankfully.
• A much needed coffee at The Shaggy Cow on the way home. What a great name for a cafe!
• Some nourishing heart to heart chats with Srini on the drive home.

Saturday hike

The amazing flooded forest that we hiked to on Saturday.

Quite a surreal place and the perfect spot for a swim ...

... and of course, some leaping!!

Some impressive one-legged poses by Elna and Srini.

Having an awesome swim

Life at the camp site

The camp site with its huge lawn, lovely river and wombats wandering through. Srini and I gave the tree swing a go.

Sunday hike

Our Sunday hike included three great views.

Beautiful cliffs and views of the river below.

Views of the Tallowa Dam.

JC and Srini have fun on the cliff.

The 3 Amigos

The flowers were out in force again, especially on the Sunday hike.

I loved the different patterns and colours in these leaves.

World's Best Pies

For once, the sign didn't lie. They really were that good!

Kangaroo Valley Town

Lots of old buildings and a quaint, relaxed vibe.

Having a well deserved final drink at the pub.

A wonderful group, as always.

Storm clouds on the way home

I love stormy, dramatic skies!