Yerranderie Trek
24 – 25/05/03
Members attending; Robert, Ann, Doogie and Tribe, Dave and Kika, Jim and Christine,
Rudy and Anika, John and Ann, Michael, Adrian, David.
Saturday start somewhat over cast in the morning and set an ominous mood for
a wet weekend away. Everyone met on time at the twin Mobil’s Pheasants nest.
A call from Rob saying he was about 10 minutes late. He told us he would catch
up to us near Mittagong. A quick whip to organise people to move out and some
hasty tyre maintenance on one of the Patrols, saw us catching up to Rob at
Mittagong. Dave was not sure of the way out to Wombeyan Cave via the High
Range Rd so I took the lead on to the caves. This section was quick, and we
arrived at the caves around midday. We broke out the drinks and snacks, and
made the necessary pit stops.
Leaving the caves we had Rob out in front doing the navigating with all participants
hot on his heels looking for Lang’s Lane. Making the turn we were then of
the last of the tar for the weekend. Lang’s Lane was into good order and we
made good time. Our next left turn was into a less travelled road that was
a little worse for wear. With the grading being stopped in midstream. We still
made good time but were slowed momentarily with a short muddy hill.
Reaching the top of the trial we made a right turn and were then on the main
road into Yerranderie, with a planned detour through the Lime Burners Trail.
With a hard right we were off down the Trial travelling south. Finding our
way to the bottom of the Lime Burners flats. Where we all made the creak crossing.
Some of us, such as myself with little less grace. Jim, I was told, being
the only one to have two goes at the creak exit. Above the creek we stopped
for lunch.
After lunch we set out for Yerranderie to make camp for the night. Coming
to the end of Lime Burners, we followed the trek notes and made the "the right
turn" to Yerranderie. It was not long after this, that we start hearing calls
of "I think we have done this bit all ready" over the UHF’s. It was then decided
that there had been a miss print in the directions and that we should have
travelled the opposite way through Lime Burners.
The Navigation sorted we found ourselves back on the main road to Yerranderie
and passing the entrance to Lime Burners for the second time. Some one just
had to announced that we had just over shot the Lime Burns. By now we were
running a little late. Arriving at the airstrip above the village. We went
to the " Free" campsite. Dave Mick and myself set us the Bachelors pads on
the high side of the grounds, with rest of the group lower down the slop around
the communal fire.
With tents raised and meals eaten, everyone converge on the communal fire.
Wines and beers followed and the conversation wander through an array of subjects.
The two Dave’s, Mick and Rudy braved a taste test of the white lightening
that I had brought along to for antifreeze.
Sunday started with rain in the morning. The gods did smile briefly enough
to allow us to get on with some of our morning routines during a few breaks
in the rain.
We departed around 9am and first stop was the old graveyard. It was then around
to the old Private Town where we were to strike a deal of $5.00 per car. It
was interesting.
The next port of call for a brief lunch and to celebrate Rudy’s birthday was
an old Aborigine site. This was used in the "dream time" by the local tribes
to sharpen spear and tools etc. It comprised solely of a huge flat rock on
the edge of a cliff. The scrapings were a little hard to see with all the
water lying around.
On leaving the site, we again set a good pace back up the road toward Jenolan,
Then a turn of toward Dingo Dell. The start to this track was muddy. This
I think is where I set my standards for the rest of the track by sliding side
ways into the bog, before lurching my way out of it. We then started the climb
down into Dingo Dell. With Rob out in front, the rest of us took our turns
descending the steps, with each becoming steeper. About half way down Rob
said that he had slid down one of the steps and we should take great care
on that section. Feeling confident and second in convoy at this time, I eased
the Pajero over, and picked what I thought was the strait line down the hill.
Then giving a demo on how not to descend the track. With the next step coming
up to meet me broad side, I was not happy! Thankfully the car straightened
up in time to go over the RIGHT way. The rest of the crew came down the right
way except for Mick. With everyone safe at the bottom in Dingo Dell, Rob then
asked who wanted to play on the hill. At this point Rudy, Anika, Dave Kika
and myself decided to head on and let the thrill seekers catch up. Driving
onto the Kowmung River and crossing it we did not have to wait long for the
rest of the crew to catch up and continue to the Kangarra Wall.
At the turn off to the Walls we bid fare well to Jim and Christine and then
went on to a short cut to the walls to cut of a few kilometres. The short
cut was easy till we came to a small creak with a rocky entry. Rudy was first
across taking his car to the right to avoid the rocks in the track, and showing
he could travel just fine on three wheels and still hold its balance at a
45-degrees of angle. After the crossing the run into the walls was easy going
and we made good time. Unfortunately a rolling mist coming up the valley dampened
the view at the walls. It was still worth the visit.
When we left the walls, it was getting late. So a mad dash was made for the
Jenolan Caves. As we headed down Rob was informed that the road was in fact,
closed. So we head out via Oberon. By now a fuel stop was a must for all,
then a run onto Wentworth falls for dinner. Where I made my farewells.
The weekend was fantastic, the scenery magnificent. The company and friends
was the best and all had an outstanding weekend. To Rob, we cant thank you
enough for being trip leader once again, it was greatly appreciated.
Adrian Pitts