Leader: Tony Hickson

Blue Mountains NP: Carlons to Coxs River loop

21 October 2019

An 80 leaders walk

Photos top: Brian Piper

Photos below: Jon Hestelow

Yum! crayfish for dinner

Memorial O Kennedy

Friendly company along the Coxs River

Dendrobium speciosum with pods

Participants:

Tony Hickson, Tom Dowling, Jon Hestelow, Josie Walker, Colin Isaac, Margaret Rozea, Bill Donoghoe, Joy Bell, Brian Piper, Ewa Jazwinski, Elaine Lau

Walk description:

Carlons Farm to Coxs River via Ironmonger Spur and return via Breakfast Creek and Carlon Creek. All on track including the steep descent to Coxs River. Rock hopping along Breakfast Creek and nettles likely so gaiters recommended. A classic Blue Mountains walk with great views and nice streams. Map: Jenolan

Report:

We headed off on a warm but very windy day towards the top of Ironmonger Spur then took on the very steep descent which reminded us why bushwalkers refer to it as Ironmongrel Spur. When we arrived at the Junction of Cox’s River and Breakfast Creek we spotted two Red Bellied Black snakes in the river. Inspected the memorial plaque for the teenager who drowned in the area in a major flood event about 50 years ago.

We then worked our way up Breakfast Creek and managed the 30 odd creek crossings with dry feet because there was almost no water in the creek - just a few pools every so often. The driest the leader has ever seen it. Spotted several Lyre Birds, another black snake, and a couple of water dragons. Had a pleasant lunch beside a rock pool.

When we reached Carlon Creek we headed North towards Carlons Farm. We immediately struck the perennial stinging nettles for a few hundred metres but everyone was well prepared with gaiters or long duds.

The Bell Birds were in good form as always as we approached the top of the climb and plenty of wallabies entertained us as well - so a good day for wildlife!

We finished at about 4 pm after what most walkers felt was a pretty solid day out but an enjoyable one.