140 replies to this topic

[Brownster]

What a weekend. My first FATASS event and it wont be the last. Went in a fair bit under prepared in terms of MTB training. Carwyn and I dropped Innes off to meet the guys at 7am at Katoomba and also John and Steve. From there we set off to to Blackheath and I left my Brumby there. We kicked off around 8.30am and finished the MTB at 7.30pm.

I think everyone under-estimated alot of the run and MTB as it was quoted for MTB as 65km but was more like 80km to 90km.

We arrived at Mt Cookem around lunch time and spend a bit of time trying to find the right track up the mountain. In the end couldnt so just started heading vertical. 2 and 3/4 hours later we had made the top and thought the worst was behind us. Anyone that is thinking of taking a mountain bike on this is CRAZY !!!! It was alot further to Yerranderie then I expected and we did it tough (maybe lots of training will remedy this for next time).

Big thanks to John and Steve for all the behind the scenes work they provided and the lift out as we couldnt continue today. (Hope Innes has been kind to my bike)...

Thanks to Innes for putting together an awesome event with the support crew from heaven....

Looking forward to more adventures with these crazy runners !!!

Edited by Brownster, 23 June 2008 - 08:03 AM.

[Martin Dugdale]

Sounds like lots of fun, lost on mountains, cold and desperate, damm it I should have been there

[Brownster]

Just heard that the boys got to the Station around 6pm... Now on a train back to Sydney Im sure... Cant wait to hear the stories about todays adventure.

[Brownster]

Will get Carwyn to post up some pictures that we took on Mt Cookem and Im sure some of the other boys will get some from the run and ride on here today...

[Beaver]

I met Innes, Terry, Jan and Phil at Katoomba at 7am.

Ran out along Narrowneck, Tarros ladder and then straight on at the medlow gap junction.  I turned around at the 23km mark (3 hours) and headed back to Katoomba via Medlow Gap, Mitchells Creek Fire Trail (met and said hello to CR Dutchie), then joined 6FT back to Katoomba.  

All up 52km in just under 7 hours - a good training run with good company for a few hours.  I drank from a couple of the creeks and haven't felt any ill effects.

Jan was only about 18 minutes behind Innes and Terry at the 23km mark and was unbelievably strong on the uphill sections!  I left a gel with Innes and some coffee beans with Jan.

2 MTB riders passed me soon after and looked to be enjoying the downhill towards Coxs river.

Perfect running weather.

Looks like I missed all the excitement though.

Tarros ladder spikes were very cold on bare hands (missed the ladders that were rigged up for TNF100).

I'm in for next years K2M.


Narrowneck - MCFT - 6FT

[Spud]

Nice run Beaver,

What happened to Milov, he's not still out there is he?

[Beaver]

Milov phoned in sick.

[Innes]

Hmmm....

Started form Katoomba at 07:00 and making good progress along along narrowneck with Terry and Andrew, Pipi had already gone ahead and we soon left Jan behind.
The morning was perfect , 12 degrees and blue skies and felt wonderful to be running once again in the bush.
Tarros seemed far easier than I remembered and we were soon past medlow gap and heading down to the river at a very relaxed pace.
Finding good company and enjoying a good yarn as you run sure makes the K's go by quickly but can also be dangerous and we obviously went cruising past the large "MOUNT COOKEM" sign as we discussed the virtues of various Ultras.

Andrew turned back just before the river which Terry and I reached in 3 hrs. we couldn;t find the spot we were supposed to cross and with massive overconfidence decided to cross, push up the ridge and head left to the trail.
I looked across and Terry was in water up to his chest which I though rather odd, but the weather was nice so we soon soon pushing up the other wide.
It was slow going with no trail but not to fierce and we crsted the top in about 30-40 mins.
We continued on fo a while and started feeling a little concerned until we spotted a couple of hikers in the middle of no-where on no trail who saved ours arses.

"wheres the scotts main range trail please mate"

He led us across to a little lookout and pointed off into the distance -

"thats it over there"

damn....

We headed down a ridge which turned almost comical in its steepness until we had to literally lay flat on out backs and slide down certain parts of it @!!!
This was perfect training for the Barkley but neither of us would be ever doing that crazy Ultra.
we covered 5 k in the next 5 hrs.
we hit the Kowmung river eventually and waded upstream for an age trying to find a ridge that would get us up onto Scotts main range.
We finally found one and its was the steepest thing I have ever gone up in a race (or training run for that matter).
We ended up literally climbing it with hands and feet and it was starting to take a toll...

Finally we stumbled from the bush and hit the firetrail on Scotts main range, I kissed it like the Pope hitting a foreign runway and we both started to run.
It felt magical  to be moving again and we covered 10 k's in an hr and were feeling pretty good about life once again but both a bit pissed off that we had lost so many hrs in a long run like this.
It was dark a couple hrs before we hit Yerranderie and by the time we arrived we were both pretty quiet and didn;t have much left in the tank so decided to spend the night and see our options the next day.
John and his son in law Steve are the best support crew in Australia, big call but I have no doubt thats correct. The fire was raging, the stew and curry was amazing and carrying on was simple not an option.

The MTB riders eventually all got back ok, but it was obvious that 2 of them were not going to be contiuing the next day which gave me and Terry a great opportunity to cycle out the next day.
A few beers later and we hit the hay.
We hheaded out the next morning at 7:30 and affter a breakfast of Sausage, bacon and beans we headed off.
I have never MTB'ed before and was amazed by how hard I found it on that terrain but it was a great day although once again tougher that I imagined.
Views all day were stunning and I was glad to be able to see this part of the run in daylight.

It was a hard day in the saddle on some pretty rough terrain but it was also a great social day riding with various people.
Terry seemed to be suited to MTB riding and was constantly up the front and waiting for others to arrive.
We hit the Caves rd at 3:30 and covered the last 30 k's in an hr and 15 mins which felt great.

A brilliant weekend, I still have to conquer K2M as a run but have no regrets at all after a brilliant weekend and have pulled up amazingly well this morning.
Thanks to Terry for the great company.

Thanks to John and Steve for the brilliant reception and support.

well done to Jan for a great 29 hrs walk ( how fast can this man walk???)
And lastly congrats to Pipi for a sensational run, you have really set the bar with this.

Innes

[Beaver]

WOW!  

Innes I'd be keen for the three peaks run you pointed out on Saturday (I'll be in charge of nav though   ) - also I see on the map that you can run along coxs river past the 6ft junction and end up near medlow gap - I'd like to try that too.

[dropbear]

Innes, on Jun 23 2008, 10:24 AM, said:

We continued on fo a while and started feeling a little concerned until we spotted a couple of hikers in the middle of no-where on no trail who saved ours arses.

"wheres the scotts main range trail please mate"

He led us across to a little lookout and pointed off into the distance -

"thats it over there"

damn....

We headed down a ridge which turned almost comical in its steepness until we had to literally lay flat on out backs and slide down certain parts of it @!!!
This was perfect training for the Barkley but neither of us would be ever doing that crazy Ultra.

Innes

Innes,

You didn't need that.  From my hazy memory the scramble up to Scott's Main Range is rugged at the best of times!  But it made for a ripping report.

db.

[EXE]

I'd be in a Three Peaks Fatass.  

I failed to complete all three in a "bush walking" attempt a few years ago.  This was life before CR but having done the Tas 3P in Easter a quinella sounds quite appealling in a masocistic way.

Here are some useful links:

SUBW - David Noble

Cool Running Fatass

Pipi, Milov, KelvinM and AndyK might like to do the quinella also.  Add on the Bright 4 Peaks for a trifecta?

Congratulations on your great effort Pipi and to all of you that had such an exciting weekend.


EXE

Edited by EXE, 23 June 2008 - 01:03 PM.

[milov]

amazing stuff,

I feel so incredibly soft for not being there.

I guess I will have to look at a rescheduling of K2M

I am sure I will find two or three more willing to join in the fun

milov

[Anklestrapper]

Wow is right!

Didn't you guys think it would be tough enough without all the extra?!?

It seems to mean that my 'helpful drop' of coke and potato chips may still be be sitting in the middle of Nattai Fire trail waiting for a taker!

[Innes]

Anklestrapper, on Jun 22 2008, 01:18 PM, said:

Wow is right!

Didn't you guys think it would be tough enough without all the extra?!?

It seems to mean that my 'helpful drop' of coke and potato chips may still be be sitting in the middle of Nattai Fire trail waiting for a taker!

Thanks anyway, very kind.

[Tim 2]

milov, on Jun 22 2008, 09:52 PM, said:

amazing stuff,

I feel so incredibly soft for not being there.

I guess I will have to look at a rescheduling of K2M

I am sure I will find two or three more willing to join in the fun

milov

You can count on me as long as i'm not tapering for, doing or recovering from something else.
Three peaks also.

And yes you are soft as am i also although i think sydney striders appreciated me turning up for the XC on saturday at nowra, a mere 12km with some pathetic little hills.  I was misled into expecting big long tough hills.

Tim

[Spud]

Of course I'll be in for a K2M round two also.
(Kids stuff permitting).

Hats off guys, great effort, love to hear from Pipi and how good is the Herrmannator?

[pipi]

Katoomba - to - Mittagong

I have wanted to do this trip for more than 10 years - although it was not until this year that I would have considered trying to run it.

The seed was sown by Terry, who placed the idea on Coolrunning.  However, as the weekend approached, family and work commitments looked like they had killed the chance to run, which was a relief  - as that meant I had a good reason not to go and did not have to think seriously about it.  That all started to change on the Sunday prior to last weekend.  I was driving home with some mates from the Paddy Pallin Rogaine, and one of them was starting to apply some positive pressure.  He knew that I wanted to try this run, and had offered to drive me to Katoomba on Saturday morning - thanks a lot Pawel!!  Then, on Wednesday, my boss phoned me and suggested that the work that had been scheduled for Saturday could be done on Thursday night - long day Friday (he had imposed a new deadline for other reasons).  All of a sudden I was free - well I still had to work on Sunday afternoon but it appeared feasible.


Saturday was an early start, we arrived in Katooma at 6:40.  It was great to meet Terry, Innes, Jan, Beaver and a couple of the mountain bikers.  I was disappointed that Milov could not make it - as he was the only one of the proposed runners that I have previously met.  It was intimidating meeting Jan - he has a mountain goat build, with an intensity in his eyes like Andrew Kromar.

We all set off at 7, but none of us except Jan knew the way through Katoomba.  I ran ahead as I was cold and not warming up.  I met Pawel on the dirt road leading out to Narrowneck, and we ran out to the end together - stopping several times to apply chafing cream.  At the end of Narrowneck I showed Pawel the many peaks, highlighting Yerranderrie peak which was a bloody long way away, and only the half way point for this run.  After a break enjoying the views, I was a bit surprised to be alone, but thought I would trot off and let the others catch me - I know that long runs I have previously tried I have died in the arse, and so thought it was inevitable that I would be joined soon.

Down the ladders and past Medlow gap - I had a surreal and very special moment on the fire trail - ahead of me was what I think was a Dingo - certainly not a fox, and had the same shape and color as the dingos I have scene in Central Australia - the only puzzling feature was that it appeared more hairy than other dingoes I have scene.  I slowed to a walk and watched this wild dog for a couple of minutes - the dog took a while to realize that I was present before it darted off into the forest.  What better way to enter the Wild Dog Mountains?

The road down to the Cox's was very pretty - there was a chorus from the lyre birds and a scattering of Blue gums - a sort of place that bushwalkers don't often see as their routes tend to follow ridges.  The walk up Mt. Cookem has fantastic views - it is a good place to slow down and take it all in.  Back on firetrail, I ran out of water about 20 minutes prior to New Yards - however the weather was perfect for running, and dehydration was not a huge concern with the cool temperature.  I had a 25 minute break at New Yards, chatted to a fellow fixing an electrical circuit whom offered a cup of tea. I declined and set off on the slog to Yerranderie.

The slog from New Yards to Yerranderie was for me the most mentally draining part of the run.  The fire trail is hard packed, wide and never ending.  On top of this there are not a lot of views.  Just before Byrnes gap, I filled up with water from the huts - this water had a strong tenon taste that took a few mouth fulls to get used too.  

Arriving at Yerranderie is strange - you keep think that you are almost there, and then when you do arrive it is a surprise.  It was awesome to have John drive into Yerranderie.  Having such support gives you the confidence to try these runs - it is good to know that there is an option to bail if necessary.  I ate too much at Yerranderie, and after filling up my water again I headed off towards Balloon Pass.  Whenever I tried to run, my stomach complained loudly, so I walked for the first 45 minutes out of Yerranderie in an effort to settle my stomach.  The next section of the run was awesome - fantastic running.  From Yerranderie to the Wollondilly river is a long down hill stretch that ends up going through abandoned farms.  This means lots of easy running with lots of wild life and grand vistas.  There were emus, wombats and loads of kangaroos.  The wild cattle were bellowing as the sun was setting.  And the cliffs lines were glowing - Bonum Pic looked awesome.

I crossed the river, pulled out my head torch and headed off to Balloon Pass.  I stopped once or twice to check my map, and pulled out my compass at the sign indicating Balloon Pass.  I searched about and found the old fire trail that Anklestrapper had told me about - and headed up hill.  At the first point where the scrub cleared I headed South across the major gully (which had large pools of water in it) an onto the next ridge which I followed up to the pass.  There is no track on this ridge, and patches of unpleasant scrub - but generally the going is fast.  The last section of the climb is steep, not something that you would want to do in the rain, and yours hands are constantly touching the ground.  I was very relieved and happy to find the pass without any major problems - it was 6:30 pm - I signed the log book and left a hello message for the others - I must have been tired because I think that wrote Carmen instead of Jan.

It was only then that the harsh reality hit me - getting up Balloon Pass is the easy bit - getting down is tough.  I wandered into the bush three times from the logbook - three times because the first two I did not believe what I saw - the route down is a scrub bash down a creek.  Thankfully, somebody has recently cleared some of the bushes in places - but it is a nervous decent.  In two places there are waterfalls that are easily negotiated but a surprise when you come across them.  This is the sort of route where you could easily loose 6 hours or more if you make a mistake.  After the creek junction, blue markers nailed to trees certainly help with the traversing decent into the valley, but the route is easily lost and backtracking was often necessary.  I certainly felt a little vulnerable and stupid on this stretch - it would be sensible to carry a sleeping bag in this sort of terrain in winter.  Anklestrapper later agreed that coming down Balloon Pass is a lot harder than going up it.

The Natai River was pleasant enough, I lost the overgrown trail at the last river crossing, but a scrub bash heading due East from the River found it quickly enough.  The firetrail leading up to Wattle Ridge and the carpark for Starlights trail was trying.  There is a lot of sand, and many loud aggravated wombats willing to scream out at you.  My wife was waiting at the carpark, she was not very happy with me trying this run - actually she thinks it is just stupid - more than silly even - before the run she insisted that I take our Epirb, and pack an extra set of thermals.  I had a long break, more than happy with my time, and ate a huge bowl of Maggi Noodles.  Anklestrapper had arrived just after me, and so it was great to chat.

With reluctance, I left their company and headed off to Mittagong.  This last part of the run is unnecessary.  Running through Hilltop, Colo Vale, Willow Vale and finally Mittagong.  Between 30 minutes and an hour after leaving my wife I had a major swell of tiredness.  I wanted to have a quick sleep (I had a total of 7 hours sleep on the two nights prior to the run due to work) but it was too cold.  I found myself having microsleeps as I walked along the road.  Maybe it was the noodles, but about an hour after leaving the carpark I woke back up and started to run again towards Mittagong.  Where the road leaves Hilltop there is a sign that says "Mittagong 12 km" - this sign is just wrong - my maps suggest about 15 km - which is a huge difference when this is the furtherest that you have ever run.  I had a chat to the local Police officer, whom had pulled over to have a chat after slowly driving past on three separate occasions.  I also acquired a cheer squad - some hoons in a dual cab ute whom followed and passed me over a 40 minute stretch, yelling and sounding their horns each time they met me.

Finally I reached Mittagong Train station - I was to tired to be excited, and was happy to go home.

My splits were:

New Yards   4 hr 21 min
Yerranderrie 7 hr 53 min
Wollondilly River 10 hr 24 min
Nattai River  12 hr 33 min
Starlight's carpark  16 hr 2 min
Mittagong Train Station 19 hr 52 min

After my experience with Balloon Pass, I think it would be reasonable to carry a GPS, or run with someone experienced in bush navigation.  In its current state you could get into a lot of trouble on that route.  The other route heading to Wombeyan caves road past Bonum Pic is probably much nicer for a run, and means that there is one less large climb and probably a lot quicker.

[pipi]

Beaver, on Jun 23 2008, 10:55 AM, said:

Innes I'd be keen for the three peaks run you pointed out on Saturday (I'll be in charge of nav though   ) - also I see on the map that you can run along coxs river past the 6ft junction and end up near medlow gap - I'd like to try that too.

I would like to try the Three peaks  too - I would be keen to attempt a 24 hour version including Mount Janolan and Carlon's head.  Anytime after the middle of August would be good.

As a bush walker I have been around them three times, but only once on foot starting and finishing in Katoomba.

[rodthehornet]

Pipi,

Congratulations on making it and a great report to match.

Rod

[Spud]

Hairy stuff Pipi, great run well done, loved the report.
Pop it up on the website for future reference.

Cheers

[terry]

Definately the best Fatass i have done so far.

Thanks to Innes for the organisation and the running/mountain biking partner. Thanks to John for the crewing, that stew really hit the spot.

Congratulations Pipi, great run and great report. And Jan another tough run under the belt, awesome stuff.

On saurday it took Innes and i 12 hours to reach Yerranderie. That included 5km in 4 hours of scrub bashing up and down mountains rougher and steeper than hellgate just to get back on the trail. Call me crazy but i actually enjoyed every bit of it. After being told of our actual position by some bushwalkers and then pointed in the general direction at no point were we in any kind of danger.
Shuffeling into Yerranderie at 7pm ish, Innes and i had pretty much made our mind up not to continue on due to fatigue and get a lift with John and Steve into Mittagong on sunday morning. A copout i know but still a tough run.
When a couple of mountain bikes were being threatened to be turned into scap by two guys that had a tough day Innes and I thought we would rescue the bikes and finish our journey to Mittagong. Although i enjoyed the riding it was tough and turned into a long day, 10 hours from Yerranderie -Mittagong. And finally a 10km ride from the train station to home.

Thanks to all the mountain bikers for finishing off a great weekend.

ps- if anyone wants to run this again i will be at the start better prepared.

[tim]

terry, on Jun 24 2008, 10:21 PM, said:

ps- if anyone wants to run this again i will be at the start better prepared.

it sounds amazing.

what stuff would you do to be better prepared?

[terry]

I might take several maps. Gear wise i was ok maybe more food also. And i will be mentally prepared to go the distance.

[Innes]

pipi, on Jun 22 2008, 08:24 PM, said:

I would like to try the Three peaks  too - I would be keen to attempt a 24 hour version including Mount Janolan and Carlon's head.  Anytime after the middle of August would be good.

As a bush walker I have been around them three times, but only once on foot starting and finishing in Katoomba.

PHil -

Put it up on the Calendar,
make sure it doesn't coincide with 12foot and I will be a taker.
I promise to not get involved in any navigation though ...

[Long Arms]

I Loved the reort Pipi.  Balloon Pass sounded very tricky. Well done on making this epic trip.


Arms

[terry]

Your navigation was very good Innes. we only missed one turn. Next time neither of us will make that mistake again.

[pipi]

Innes, on Jun 25 2008, 04:51 PM, said:

I promise to not get involved in any navigation though ...

I think you should do the opposite.  Take a look at the maps, work out what extra features to look for.  For example when descending the fire trail from Narrowneck you can see Mt. Cookem through the trees - I guess that you would also see the Kowmung valley come in to join the Cox's.  Then go back out and enjoy.  Navigation is part of the fun of the bush and it allows you to cover a lot of interesting country.  Get out there, do some navigating and enjoy yourself.  Being able to finish this trip in the fashion that you did shows that you have  a strong spirit and a level head that does not panic.

Getting lost is often good fun, as it means you will see something that is unexpected, and places that are pretty nice to visit.

If worst came to worst, you could join Blue dogs hated list and try something like Rogaining.  There is an ultra in every Rogaine if you seek it.

[Innes]

pipi, on Jun 24 2008, 09:27 PM, said:

I think you should do the opposite.  Take a look at the maps, work out what extra features to look for.  For example when descending the fire trail from Narrowneck you can see Mt. Cookem through the trees - I guess that you would also see the Kowmung valley come in to join the Cox's.  Then go back out and enjoy.  Navigation is part of the fun of the bush and it allows you to cover a lot of interesting country.  Get out there, do some navigating and enjoy yourself.  Being able to finish this trip in the fashion that you did shows that you have  a strong spirit and a level head that does not panic.

Getting lost is often good fun, as it means you will see something that is unexpected, and places that are pretty nice to visit.

If worst came to worst, you could join Blue dogs hated list and try something like Rogaining.  There is an ultra in every Rogaine if you seek it.

I would love to have a go at Rogaining Phil -
Any sites or contacts for this?

[EXE]

Hi Innes, the local organisation is the NSW Rogaining Association.

I have taken up Rogaining this year with some initial guidnace from Pipi.  It is very easy to get into the sport via the web.  The events are very well organised, heaps of fun and very complementary in developing skills for Ultra Running especially FATASS.

EXE

[rodthehornet]

Innes,

If you want to have a hit at rogaining, let me know.  We are at a similar level and I want to have a go at it.  Teams of 2-5, so we might be able to find a couple of others around our speed.


Rod

[Brick]

rodthehornet, on Jun 27 2008, 09:18 AM, said:

Innes,

If you want to have a hit at rogaining, let me know.  We are at a similar level and I want to have a go at it.  Teams of 2-5, so we might be able to find a couple of others around our speed.


Rod

My arm could be twisted depending upon dates/times fit in with family commitments and other races.

[Innes]

rodthehornet, on Jun 26 2008, 09:18 AM, said:

Innes,

If you want to have a hit at rogaining, let me know.  We are at a similar level and I want to have a go at it.  Teams of 2-5, so we might be able to find a couple of others around our speed.


Rod

Rod-

Sounds like fun, ,I am definately keen, Brick is up for it as well.
Lets give it a bash.

I will give you a bell over the weekend.

Innes

[Innes]

Theres a 12 hr event at lake Macquarie on October 11th?

Sounds likes a great event.

[nikolay]

Well done to all of you who braved such a tough course!

Pipi, to go straight bushbashing knowing there will not be a trail in the next couple of hours, in the middle of the night, in the middle of no-where, in winter, alone, at place you've never been before, negotiating waterfalls (!!!) and that all after 12 hour running through rough terrain - impressive (to say the least)!
I'm glad I didn't take your offer to join the run as I would've been in a lot of trouble…

Thanks for sharing your reports - great read!

[rodthehornet]

Innes, on Jun 27 2008, 11:11 AM, said:

Theres a 12 hr event at lake Macquarie on October 11th?

Sounds likes a great event.

Fits in well with it 2 weeks after Fitzroy Falls and a couple of weeks before GNW.  

If we have a go, we must grab someone that is 'in the know' to teach us the finer points on a training run.  

If you are up at W2G on Sunday we can chat.


Rod

[EXE]

Please note there is a Rogaine Navigation and Skills Workshop at Rydal (near Lithgow) on 13-14 September for those (including me!) that need some improved "navigability".

EXE

[pipi]

EXE, on Jun 27 2008, 01:41 PM, said:

Please note there is a Rogaine Navigation and Skills Workshop at Rydal (near Lithgow) on 13-14 September for those (including me!) that need some improved "navigability".

EXE

I had not meant to hijack this thread - but anyway...

At the Navigation workshop priority will be given first to people who have volunteered at rogaines, and second to people whom have entered a rogaine in the last 12 months, and the number of participants will be capped to about 50.  The reasons for the proposed priority entry is that the Rogaine association is very short of volunteers, and that there are many people who already rogaine, but also get lost a lot and have expressed an interest in improving their skills.  The reason for the capped number is to ensure a trainer - participant ratio of about 1:4.

Also, the date for the workshop will be September 20-21 (because the State forests that we wanted to use for the skills sessions were already booked by incompatible users on Septemner 13-14).

I have this information as I am the organiser of the workshop.

Also, this years Australian Rogaine Championships should inlcude a fair amount of farm land, and as such should be friendly to runners.

Pipi

P.S.  An awesome time in the North Face 100 EXE.

[EXE]

Shucks Pipi   .. and thanks for clarification re rogain nav training.


EXE

Edited by EXE, 28 June 2008 - 04:53 PM.

[jan]

Hi FatAsses,

Thanks everyone for a great outing, especially Innes for putting it on, Andrew for another load of choc coffee beans, and John and Steve for offering support. Special thanks to Paul - your kind offering of Coke in the middle of the firetrail lifted my body and spirit Sunday morning - what a nice surprise!

Congratulations to Paul and Matt on their great run a few weeks back, and what an awesome run by Phil. Saw your 6:41pm entry in the Beloon Pass book and thought you'd have a cracker of a run. Had a bit of a chuckle to be called Carmen, though.

For me the usual long and lonely day at the office. Glorious early morning views from Narrowneck, deafening Bellbirds on the way down to the Coxs, apart from the biting wind a magnificent winter morning. New fancy waterboard signs everywhere. Picked up the ridge to Cookem, was about a third of the way up when I heard voices from the other sidee of the valley. Thought they were the MTBers and gave them a cooee, got one back and went back to work. Great views back to the Wild Dogs and Narrowneck and to Grizzled Dog Ridge, the one onto which I mistakenly took Paul Every in the mist during our 2005 M2K epic. Picked up Cedar Road, could for the life of me see only one set of footprints. At New Yards people told me one runner had been through. Wonderful sunny morning along Scotts Main Range, nice views to the Blue Breaks and to the Cloudmaker massif. Wind still fierce. Past the water holes, finally Mt Feld. Night fell as I passed Butchers Creek. At the Byrnes Gap house, two trucks approached, John and the Yerranderie caretaker. They were picking up MTBers "40 km back". Only Phil ahead of me, Innes and Terry must have gotten lost going up Cookem. 5km on Yerranderie, with Steve mending a beautiful fire. Had a short stop and a bit of John's nice chicken stew. Steve made me a cuppa (thanks mate!), large selection of drop bags, but mine was missing. Bummer, had been looking forward to my beer. A bit more seriously, had not that much food left because the plan was to rely on the drop bag stuff for the second half. Left at 6:30pm. Very happy with my progress.

Down Sheepwalk Drive, towards the Wollondilly and the Nattai Walls. Great views in the light of a generous moon. Never saw the Wollondilly flowing that well, last time we didn't even get our feet wet, this time they were sodden and cold. On to another shiny Waterboard sign to Beloon Pass, turned onto the old farm road, took the right fork, up to the bend, crossed the gully. This should be the ridge. Could just see the pass way above. Followed the ridge for a bit, saw the terrain rise to the right. Went there, across a minor gully, onto a better defined ridge. Was now slightly to the right of the pass. Had been down from the pass twice but never up from the river, couldn't remember whether the ridge was slightly north or south of the pass. Pushed east on the ridge, it became very steep and overgrown. No more views of the pass, too steep, quite dark. Was rock clambering now. Wouldn't want to go down from here. Looked across the very deep gully to the ridge to the north. Was almost certain by now I was on the wrong one. Only way was up, though. More dense growth on insanely steep slopes. At least something to grab. Picked my way very slowly and carefully, if I dropped here I'd be in the sh##s. Eventually hit the cliffs. Still no views of the pass. Started to traverse north. Hairy affair. More dense vegetation, cliffs everywhere. Finally, saw the other ridge ahead and the pass above. Where would I be without the moon. Still more pulling up on tufts of grass and bits of rock. Finally, step features. Felt like the autobahn. Made the pass at half past midnight, greatly relieved. Wind funneling through the pass. Quick entry in the book, thought I knew the way from here down to Vineyard Flat pretty well. Was in for a bit of a shock. Everything massively overgrown. Fallen trees. Vines everywhere. Couldn't see where I was stepping. Reminded me of a Lake Macquarie Rogaine years ago. Took ages to get to the creek bed and the waterfall. Some kind soul had cut a few spots. Then blue markers appeared, looked quite new. Whoever placed them will go to bushwalker's heaven. Going still very slow. Eventually got to Vineyard Flat. Shins completely shredded by now. Through the river for the first time. Nattai Firetrail very overgrown. Three more crossings, the last one near Middle Flat quite deep because of fallen trees damming the river. Finally hit the slopes out of the valley, enjoyed the uphill but started to get quite sleepy. Thought of Phil and wondered whether he had finished by now. Arrived at the gate listening to the Holland-Russia Euro broadcast. Dawn came, and then there was water, Coke and chips neatly lined up in the middle of the fire trail. "Hang in there! Gift from Anklestrapper" said the labels. What a legend! Took some Coke, went on to Wattle Ridge. Another nice sunny morning. Familiar landmarks now. Shooting range. Power lines. Hilltop. Feet now quite sore. The wretched narrow road between Hilltop and Colo Vale. Heaps of traffic. What high petrol prices? Left and to the freeway. Not far now. New developments on the outskirts of Mittagong, more retail dens for people to buy stuff they probably don't need. Garden Centres, Bunnings. The golf course. The caravan park where I had stayed with Lawrence before our desperate scramble down the Nattai River valley in 2004's Freeze Dried Ass and with Paul before the 2005 M2K. Finally, Mittagong station. 3 minutes past noon. What a slow second half... Just as the train approached, two of the MTBers showed up. Apparently, Innes and Terry were riding their bikes to Mittagong after spending the night at Yerranderie, and yes, they lost their way around Mt Cookem. The two ran off to get tickets, but I didn't see them again. Into the train, onto a seat. Eyes closed. Nice.

A magnificent course, although a bit tedious at the end. Those who unfortunately missed out this time might be interested in the long-planned Southern Blue Mountain Traverse aka M2K2K which I'm tentatively scheduling for either the last weekend of September ot the first weekend of October. Mittagong - Beloon Pass - Yerranderie - Mt Feld - Kowmung River - Kanangra Walls - Mt Cloudmaker - Coxs River - Mt Yellow Dog - Narrowneck - Katoomba. All the fun of K2M/M2K without Scotts Main Range but with some extra entertainment along the Kanangra-to-Katoomba course. Lots of shorter options.

Some photos are here.

Thanks everyone for a great weekend. Let's do this again sometime.

Jan

[Innes]

excellent report Jan, I loved it.
The more I read about Beloon pass the more inclined I am to make my first attempt in daylight....
Have fun in Paris and good luck with achieving yr perfect badwater.

[SMC42K]

Brilliant reports from those who did it. I loved every minute of it and am keen to do it again, the support that is. There is one person who has been missed in most reports & that is Scott Chisolm, the caretaker at Yerranderrie. He made us very welcome & showed a lot of concern when only Phil appeared before sunset. As soon as he got the call that some of the MTBers were in strife at Mt Cookem he had no hesitation in letting me know & then heading off to help. We need more people like him. A man of True Blue Aussie spirit. A HUGE thank you, Scott.

Edited by SMC42K, 28 June 2008 - 02:53 PM.