Hwarangdo Australia Day Hiking - 2009
It is said that while only “10 minutes down the mountain from Katoomba, Wentworth Falls is less well-known, but every bit as stunning.” Let the pictures speak for themselves…
We arrived in good spirits, confident, fresh, and energetic from the Christmas break. However, what started out as a breezy 3km Nature Track circuit, turned into crazy climb down National Pass...then Wentworth Pass and up through the Valley of the Waters. With a descent of approximately 200m - 450m (then ascent...then descent...then ascent...and ascent...and ascent...and ascent) our walk for "all fitness levels" quickly turned into one for "experienced climbers only". But with Master Kim and Andrew a.k.a. Tiny, following our trail there was no chance of a cheeky short cut.
Due to our adventurous spirit and poor sense of direction ("Who needs a map when you’re a Hwa Rang Do Warrior?!" says Adam), and after many hours of back-trekking, rock climbing, stair climbing, rope (yes rope) climbing, I suspect we had the whole of Wentworth falls covered – from Wentworth Falls Picnic area to the Observatory and National Pass. Despite the strenuous walk, the scenery was as impressive as expected – with, Shane and Raymond admitting they caught a glimpse of an unexpected but delightful view!
After 5 hours of INTENSE walking/hiking/climbing/jumping (I’m not quite sure what you would call what we did!) – Not only did we all get a taste of the great outdoors, I also learnt an important lesson - when Master Kim and the HRD group decide to do something - they don’t take short cuts and they don’t take excuses...next time I’m bringing an extra water bottle!
Main Highlights of the Day
• A Forest rave lead by Adam and Shane
• The Return of Shane (mythical creature) Gavin with his chicken legs and his special forest dance
• Lunch under the Waterfall
• Beautiful Swedish tourists abseiling down a waterfall and frolicking in the water
• Watching tired and thirsty HRD students falling over one-by-one under the waterfall while desperately trying to refill their water bottles at the end of a tedious 5 hour hike – Priceless!
Jennifer
ps. Check out the gallery from the hike!
