The Plus Walk on 16 September was from the top of Golden Stairs, Narrow Neck, Katoomba to Melville’s Lookout on Mount Solitary. After passing through a couple of showers on the drive up, the weather was fine and improved as the day progressed. The change in elevation on the walk of 2,100 metres (up and down) over 15 kms proved quite a challenge. The Golden Stairs were quickly descended, followed by a level walk to near the Ruined Castle. Here we had morning tea at the recently installed shelter shed, water tanks and toilet!
Mt Solitary from the Golden Stairs
On the track again we soon reached Cedar Gap and then starts the arduous ascent of the Koorawall Knife Edge. A few sections require rock scrambling, but all acquitted the task well. Lyn won the prize for first spotting a Waratah in full bloom.
"New South Wales Waratah" Telopea speciosissima
Once on top of Mount Solitary, we proceeded along (and unfortunately down) to Chinaman’s Gully and the adjacent Melville’s lookout. The view was superb, by then sunny, and the atmosphere was very clear (no doubt helped by the previous day’s strong wind). We spent almost an hour at the lunch spot. Then, it was return the way we came; somewhat slower on the steep sections. We reached the cars at 5.00 pm. However, everyone agreed it was a fantastic day.
Curious wildlife........ View along the way.......
For the record leaders Don B and Polly were joined by Pragati, John M, Guenter and Lyn.
Words by Don B
Photos by Guenter (1, 3) Polly (2, 4, 5)