The previous day's rain increased the run off over the beautiful Leura Cascades
Despite a forecast for showers and intermittent storms fifteen walkers met at the corner of Gordon Rd and Jersey Ave in perfect Blue Mountain’s weather which remained perfect for the entire walk. This meeting point was chosen as the Cliff Drive between Leura and Katoomba remains closed to cars due to the partial collapse of the bridge near the Leura Cascades parking area. Hence the beginning of our walk was along the Cliff Drive to the parking area where, after three years, work had finally, started on repairing the road. From the parking area we started along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk and turned off onto the steep downhill track along the Leura Cascades to the bottom of the cascades and the lookout over the Jameson Valley. The track was quite wet and slippery from the previous day’s rain but had the benefit of increasing the run off over the cascades. We then climbed back up this steep track and continued along the Prince Henry Cliff walk and turned off to the Bridal Veil Lookout where we had morning tea.
It was brilliant sunshine for the briefing Heading off to Leura Cascades
The track down to the cascades was wet and slippery
First glimpse of the Jameson Valley at the lookout at the end of the cascades and morning tea was at Bridal Veil Falls Lookout at the top of the cliff on the left hand side!
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Ascending the steep stairs from Bridal Veil Falls Lookout and the pretty Bridal Veil Falls
After morning tea we continued to the Tarpeian Rock Lookout, named after the hill in ancient Rome where murderers, traitors and politically incorrect public servants were flung from the cliff to their deaths. The leaders refrained from giving a demonstration with some unsuspecting walker and instead allowed everyone to take in the spectacular view across the valley from the King’s Tableland across Mt Solitary and the Ruined Castle to the Narrow Neck Plateau with just a glimpse of the rear side of the Three Sisters at Katoomba.
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Long range view of Jamison Valley Tarpeian Rock Lookout
Unfortunately the next section of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk to Olympian Rock Lookout was closed to a landslide and we had to exit at this point to Gordon Road where our cars were parked and then walk along Olympian Parade where we could access a track back down to the Cliff Walk and the Olympian Rock Lookout, one of the most spectacular lookouts in this part of the Blue Mountains.
Heading back to the exit point at Gordon Road Angophoras lighting up the valley below Olympian Lookout 
Spectacular Mt Solitary and beyond from Olympian Lookout
We then continued to Elysian Rock Lookout (whoever named these lookouts must have had a fascination for Roman and Greek mythology) where once again we were blocked by a landslide and had to exit back onto Olympian Parade and walk along it to the Gordon Falls Reserve for lunch. Just prior to lunch we walked down the steep steps and ladder to the Gordon Falls Lookout by which time it became quite hot and muggy. Following lunch a discussion ensued about the remainder of the walk down the very long and steep stairs to the Pool of Siloam after which we were supposed to walk up steep steps to the Golf Links Lookout, back to the Pool of Siloam and then onto the Lyrebird Dell Circuit. It was unanimously agreed to miss the Golf Links Lookout and hence we proceeded to the Pool of Siloam. Following the previous day’s rain this Pool and its waterfall was in its full glory and in some respects the highlight of the walk. After the Pool we turned onto the Lyrebird Dell track with its many caves, returned to the Gordon Falls Reserve and walked back along the road to our cars. Just as we entered the cars we felt some drops of rain.
A scattered lunch at Gordon Falls Reserve Approaching Pool of Siloam
Down, down, down to the Pool of Siloam and the leaders are happy all walkers are safely down
Siloam Pool and waterfall was in its full glory after the rain Walkers admiring the pool and falls
Turnoff point to Lyrebird Dell Track and resting at some conveniently placed tables and chairs under one of the many caves along the track
Ascent on the Lyrebird Dell Track to the Lone Pine Track back to Gordon Falls Reserve and the cars! Lone Pine Memorial and wonderful gnarled tree on the Lone Pine Track Thinking of how lucky we were with the weather we thought little more about it and proceeded to coffee at the Bakehouse. During coffee the heavens opened which gave us the excuse to stay a little longer in the coffee shop. But soon the sun returned for our drive back home. (Note: The Blue Mountains Council is introducing paid parking in all the villages in the mountains making it very difficult to find free parking for coffee. Such is progress.)
Coffee at the Bakehouse on Wentworth at Leura
Deidre and Kurt led Helen A, Anne G, Ros and John, Phyllis, Colleen, Christine M, Wendy P, Vreni, Sue S, Lyn, Pauline and Don Wo.
Thank you to First Aider: Ros and Tail End Charlie: John G. Thank you also to Kas and Sue S who joined us on the recce.
Words: Kurt
Photos: Christine M (1, 6, 18, 19, 26), Sue S (2, 3, 8, 22, 23, 27-35), Don Wo (4, 7, 10, 13, 20, 21, 25), Pauline (5, 11, 17), Colleen (9, 12, 14-16, 24)
....and some Spring flowers along the way
Black Wattle Callicoma serratifolia Daisy Bush Olearia tomentosa Mountain Devil Lambertia formosa Heath Epacris obtusifolia
Waratah Telopea speciosissma Tea-tree Leptospermum polygalifolium Sydney Boronia Boronia sp. Triggerplant Stylidium graminifolium
