Thirteen walkers met at the intersection of the Six Foot Track and Megalong Valley Road car park for the 13kms return walk to the Coxs River. This 6.5kms section of the Six Foot Track starts off by passing the Megalong Cemetery which became the final resting place for at least fourteen people who died between 1894 and 1931. The cemetery is dedicated to the memory of the men and women who pioneered Megalong Valley. The track wanders through open farmland, crossing steep gullies, down the side of a valley to the Coxs River. The historic 44.8kms Six Foot Track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves was first established in 1884 to provide good access to Jenolan Caves by horse.
Negotiating one of metal stiles through the farmlands 
The gully provided a welcome morning tea spot
Refreshed from a break we headed down more gullies, over metal stiles, through closed gates, down timber steps passing by granite boulders. We stopped to admire the historic Toad Rock before reaching a series of larger granite bulders - one of the small overhangs is the home to a wild bee hive.
Heading down some more timber steps the valley opened up with views down to the Coxs River and onto our destination the Bowtells Swing Bridge. The bridge was opened in 1992 by the Royal Australian Engineers. The bridge was named after a fellow soldier of the builders, Corporal Bob Bowtell who suffocated and died in foul air whilst attempting to clear a tunnel of the VC during the vietnam war. Bowtell grew up in Katoomba and is now buried in West Malaysia.
John D'C carefully negotiating the bridge while Lyn and Sheila wait their turn
SueS returning from crossing the bridge
Some walkers crossed the bridge while others elected not to cross. The rain had started while we were eating our lunch and it wasn't long before we felt quite cold. We didn't linger any longer and quickly finished our lunch setting out on our return journey. 
The large granite boulded provided a sheltered drink stop after climbing up from the Coxs River
The showers persisted most of the way back to the cars when a few rays of sunshine appeared.
Almost back to the cars!
Arriving back at the cars, wet weather gear was discarded as we changed into our spare warm clothes and headed for the beautiful Megalong Valley Tea Rooms where we enjoyed a variety of beverages.
Deidre and Sue S led 11 walkers - Clive, John D’C, Mary, Martin, Celia, Lyndy, Sheila, Wendy P, Kurt, Vreni, Lyn.
Thank you to Tail End Charlie (and gate closer): Martin and First Aid Officers: Lyndy and Kurt
Words by Deidre
Photos by Sue S (1, 3, 4 (photo from the noticeboard at the start of the track) 5, 8, 10 (photo from the noticeboard at the start of the track) 12), Deidre (2, 6, 7, 13)
Sheila (9, 11)
Photos of flora and fauna on the recce - 24 August. The recce was a very different day from today's walk. It was quite hot and dry. Amazing the difference a little bit of moisture made to the bush and farmlands today. 
Western Boobialla, Water Bush Myoporum montanum
Photos by Kas (1), Deidre (2), Sue S (3) flower identification also by Sue S