Sixteen Hillview walkers, led by Kurt and Bert, braved a temperature of nine degrees and heavy fog to start the Grand Canyon Walk at Evans LO. At the LO we had views over endless fog, where, so rumour has it, on sunny days there are extensive vistas over the Grose Valley. As we descended the steep, impressively restored track to Greaves Creek the fog lifted to light mist and the steep moss covered cliffs, steps and rocks surrounded by ferns and other thick vegetation gave the impression that Hobbits and Elves might emerge at any minute. Weather of this type has a beauty of its own. After morning tea at Greaves Creek the walk continued through the Canyon with many short stops to marvel at its beauty and then eventually back up the steep ascent through Neates Glen back into the fog and light drizzle onto Evans Lookout Road.
Following a brief discussion it was unanimously agreed we should, despite light rain, continue to the Braeside Walk, stopping to admire waratahs on the way, and settled for lunch in light drizzle at two tables in the picnic area at the start of the walk. We then continued through light fog along the track to be met by a splash of colour from all the wild flowers along the entire track in such abundance it resembled nature’s garden. In the background through the mist was the quite fast flowing Govetts Leap Brook which ended as the Bridal Veil Falls where we emerged on the cliff top track from Govetts Leap to Evans LO. Here we were once again met by the endless fog over the Grose Valley with just a slight hint of Pulpit Rock and Lockley Pylon as fragments of fog thinned out but quickly closed again. We managed the remaining steps to Evans LO car park where we arrived at about 3.00 pm. The day finished with coffee at Blackheath. Despite, or maybe because of, the weather the walk received unanimous approval.
An eerie outlook in the car park at Evans Lookout at the start of the walk
Descending to the Canyon ............................ and crossing the Grand Canyon creek
C
The vanguard behind a waterfalll and an intriguing rock overhang 
Flora and Fauna ln Neates Glen
Fern perfection Dilwynnia and rain drops Gomopholobium
and colourful too!
A beautiful combination of water and web
Govetts Leap Brook and old railway water supply dam at the Braeside Track crossing
Comesperma Ericinum-heathwart,pink matchheads or pyramid flower John B surrounded by yellow flowers on the track to Evans Lookout
Waratah Telopea Speciosissima
Kurt and Bert led fourteen walkers, Helen A, Nick, John B, Ross B, Wendy C, Polly, Elaine E, Robyn F, Anne G, Mary, Sheila, Wendy P, Barbara and Deidre.
Words by Kurt
Photos: Barbara (1,2,4,6,7,8,9,11,12,13), Deidre(3,14) and Wendy C (5,10)