From the program notes: '[a walk] to visit two Aboriginal art sites: firstly to Upside Down Man Cave in Popran NP and then on to Swintons Cave in the McPherson State Forest - these are some of the finest in the Sydney area.'
Setting off on the fire trail, but soon deviating to what could be called 'off-track'.
On arrival at the rock platform that is the roof of the Upside Down Man Cave, Leader Clive talked of the guidelines: Five only in the cave at one time, no part of any person to touch a cave wall. Photography permitted.
Most waiting on a rock platform, overlooking beautiful vegetation; and under the platform, five inspecting the Upside Down Man Cave.
Work in red ochre, charcoal and white-on-white for the Man himself.
It was back into cars, and a short journey over tarmac to the next segment of the Program.
On their third and final recce, the leaders sufficiently impressed a local resident to cause her to offer parking inside her property's outside perimiter, the only condition being to 'Close the gate'. This kind gesture saved four kilometers' walking in the McPherson State Forest.
Also on this ultimate recce, there was a brand new sign 'Access by Permission Only'. Four days until 17 May. Acting Hon. Sec. Pete produced all HVB documentation the authorities needed, notoriously not an easy task, and HVB had permission; the first group to walk under the new by-laws.
Leader Clive emphasizes all the rules, including 'No hands on the cave walls.'
Swintons Cave has a wave-like structure, the art work is on the inside of the wave. One walker left their hat out - no part of clothing or body to touch artwork.
300 years ago the adults took their eyes off the kids, who then got busy in the other room doing Ngarra's left foot.
A clear kangaroo, but what is the animal in the top right corner of the second image?
Shalom! from the cave.
Forest walking on the way to lunch.
Lunch was taken in the The Uncle Jacko Smith Memorial Shelter,
which is a short walk from Swintons Cave.
Toilet facilities available!
For the record:
At left - Leader Clive and Acting Hon. Sec. Pete.
Co-leader Celia was elsewhere, keeping an eye on the walkers at that time not inspecting Swintons Cave.
Clive and Celia led Helen A, Chris B, Sue B, Polly ,Elaine E, Mary, Lyndy, Kas, Dawn, Bert, Hazel, Marilyn and Keith (on his second walk), Bella and Pete, Anne R, Kurt, Deidre, Lyn and Drina.
Sue B and Bert were FAs.
Kurt was Tail-end Charlie.
Photos: Drina (1,4,6,8,22,24), Pete(2,3,10,12,13,14,17,21), Bert(5,11,16), Deidre(7,9,15), Anne R(18,19,20), Helen A(23), Bella(25).