418 replies to this topic

[rodthehornet]

vstaR, on Sep 22 2008, 10:56 AM, said:

You'll need more than a couple of bucks if you want to head up to the main building - it's $10 one way or $19 return on either the cableway or railway. To 'spend a penny' you'll have to spend a 'lobster' - a very expensive toilet stop!

So guys, is the best estimate still that it's around 45-50k's and 10 hrs? I've wanted to do Mt Solitary and Ruined Castle for years.

I think I will take the Golden Staircase if all else fails.  $19 for a train ride is worse than City Rail.

What's this 10 hours business???  Its actually a pretty flat course.  Best I can work out there are only 2 hills on the whole course - Up Mt Solitary and up Kedumba:D     Hope to see you up there for a run.


Rod

[trailpuddin]

rodthehornet, on Sep 23 2008, 09:00 PM, said:

I think I will take the Golden Staircase if all else fails.  $19 for a train ride is worse than City Rail.

What's this 10 hours business???  Its actually a pretty flat course.  Best I can work out there are only 2 hills on the whole course - Up Mt Solitary and up Kedumba:D    


Rod

mmm...Rod if you need to up the difficulty factor you're more than welcome to carry me on your back up those hills.  

[Spud]

Here's a sketch of the intended route.
Works out at roughly 45kms. Some of the best running to be had in the Blue Mountains.
So we're looking at 4-5-6-7-8-9-4. Fatass calendar updated.
Giddyup!
 sketch.jpg   121.17K   50 downloads

Edited by Spud, 26 September 2008 - 08:54 PM.

[Thomas]

I'm up for this also - good hitout 4 weeks out from GNW.

Love running up in them thar mountains.  

[WolfRoss]

I'm still in for this one, and am looking forward to going over Mt Solitary again - there will be water in a plastic jerry can at the bottom of the Golden Staircase, hidden but marked by coloured tape - more on the day.  Oh yes, anyone want to join me at the back of the pack, that's OK.  But I'm not as fit as the last time I did this one, so I will be running/walking and maybe a lot of walking!!  When I get to Thurber steps or even Leura forest, I will have to make a decision whether to turn and go back thru the Jamieson Valley to QVH, or go up the steps to Katoomba.  A big pikeout or not?!  

Ross

[Brick]

rodthehornet, on Sep 23 2008, 09:00 PM, said:

I think I will take the Golden Staircase if all else fails.  $19 for a train ride is worse than City Rail.

What's this 10 hours business???  Its actually a pretty flat course.  Best I can work out there are only 2 hills on the whole course - Up Mt Solitary and up Kedumba:D     Hope to see you up there for a run.


Rod

So how long do you think Mr Hornet?
And what date is it again?

[rodthehornet]

From memory in TNF I took about 3 hours from 3 sisters to the hospital and that is about 20kms.  I imagine the climb over Mt. Solitary will be a bit more difficult, so in the region of 8 hours for the mid packers.

I am curious about the location of the track head for Mt. Solitary.  You come down Kedumba and reach the T-intersection.  I imagine you turn right, but I have yet to locate the head.  I have looked for it a couple of times when running thru there.  Maybe Tim2 for directions????

Rod

Edit:  It is Saturday week, 11/10/2008.  7am at the old hospital.

Edited by rodthehornet, 01 October 2008 - 03:23 PM.

[Jogger]

Rod - that is the $6m question : it's reasonably obscure.

Turn right at the T-intersection, then its Left about 50m on, from memory marked by a couple of small stone cairns by the side of the trail, I think at a right hand bend. Miss the turn and you are totally ka-ka. even from the turn its a bit of a twisty track. crossing a stream over a fallen tree etc. It's good fun until someone loses an eye. The climb up solitary would have to be the steepest track anywhere in NSW that you can do without ropes or the need to rock climb.

I am still considering this - is it at the hospital or the water board gates? parking is ok at the gates and ok in a 2wd.

[Beaver]

Guys,

I'm going to have to give it a miss.  Buzzlightyear is pacing me at GNW and we are going to run over the last couple of sections so he can see the course.

Will be keen to read reports as I'll be sure to do it after GNW.

[Spud]

I vaguely remember the cairn/trailhead from a few years ago. I do recall it been quite hairy to the foot of the climb though.
We should be right, we'll be together then, so we can all get lost together.  

[rodthehornet]

JoggerKev, on Oct 1 2008, 05:30 PM, said:

Rod - that is the $6m question : it's reasonably obscure.

Turn right at the T-intersection, then its Left about 50m on, from memory marked by a couple of small stone cairns by the side of the trail, I think at a right hand bend. Miss the turn and you are totally ka-ka. even from the turn its a bit of a twisty track. crossing a stream over a fallen tree etc. It's good fun until someone loses an eye. The climb up solitary would have to be the steepest track anywhere in NSW that you can do without ropes or the need to rock climb.

I am still considering this - is it at the hospital or the water board gates? parking is ok at the gates and ok in a 2wd.

Thanks Kev.  No wonder I have never found the track head.  I always expected there would at least be a NPWS marker or small sign.

Have to confirm meeting spot.  I sort of assumed the hospital - didnt really think of parking at the gate.  

Rod

[Spud]

Parking at the gates would be the go.

[Martin Dugdale]

Given that I can't make it on the 11th and also given that there seems to be a reasonable chance of heading off into the wilderness in the wrong direction.
will somebody please post the right directions so that I can run it on the following weekend.

thanks in advance

[pipi]

rodthehornet, on Oct 1 2008, 03:22 PM, said:

I am curious about the location of the track head for Mt. Solitary.  You come down Kedumba and reach the T-intersection.  I imagine you turn right, but I have yet to locate the head.  I have looked for it a couple of times when running thru there.  Maybe Tim2 for directions????

The cairn at the track junction is pretty obvious if you are looking for it.  The track to the river is pretty defined at the moment (well it was two months ago).  Plenty of people loose about 10-20 minutes finding the track after crossing the river - there is are two obvious tracks (one from people taking the wrong track and hence traveling it twice).  When on the right track, the trail leading up Mt. Solitary is also pretty defined - there is now a sign on the trail about 2/3rds the way up the hill.  The track along the top of Mt. Solitary can confuse people - especially as it splits and rejoins several times, and it is not unknown for people to go around in circles every now and then.  I think you should be prepared for more than 8 hours - especially if you find rock hoping slow.

I hope that you enjoy what is one of the best day trips in the country.

[Tim 2]

pipi, on Oct 1 2008, 04:10 AM, said:

The cairn at the track junction is pretty obvious if you are looking for it.  The track to the river is pretty defined at the moment (well it was two months ago).  Plenty of people loose about 10-20 minutes finding the track after crossing the river - there is are two obvious tracks (one from people taking the wrong track and hence traveling it twice).  When on the right track, the trail leading up Mt. Solitary is also pretty defined - there is now a sign on the trail about 2/3rds the way up the hill.  The track along the top of Mt. Solitary can confuse people - especially as it splits and rejoins several times, and it is not unknown for people to go around in circles every now and then.  I think you should be prepared for more than 8 hours - especially if you find rock hoping slow.

I hope that you enjoy what is one of the best day trips in the country.

The only two things i'd add is after crossing jamison river there is a gully running at right angles to the river from the west.  the correct track up the hill is to the right of this gully. once on it you can't go wrong.  There is also a campsite in a depression on the plateau that has multiple tracks leading away from it.  Hard to describe which is the correct track but if you not winding up a hill in a westerly direction you're going the wrong way!!!!

Have fun guys wish i could make it

Tim

[trailpuddin]

pipi, on Oct 1 2008, 08:10 PM, said:

The cairn at the track junction is pretty obvious if you are looking for it.

Agree pipi,  I've been on that part of the track a few times so can guide us for the turn-off.  

Unless someone has got a last minute protest, lets make the Gates the starting point.

[rodthehornet]

Wolfross,

Jerry cans sound fine..... I am sure if some other little halfway treats make it down, would be greatly appreciated.  

Thinking about the climb out and will probably do a drop at the track head.  A frozen drink bottle and a jelly cup will be great on the way out.


rod

[vstaR]

Is it time for a roll call?

[Spud]

vstaR, on Oct 9 2008, 10:29 AM, said:

Is it time for a roll call?

Yep.

[Thomas]

I'm in.

Katoomba Forecast for saturday min 8C max 19C.  

Edited by Thomas, 09 October 2008 - 12:52 PM.

[Jogger]

at the moment I am in.

[Brick]

If anybody is going from Pennant Hills area and can give me a lift up and back please PM me.

Cheers
Brick

[trailpuddin]

I'm in.  Yee haa.

[Just Did It]

Unmm, I can't help but noticing the proper Blue Lab starts and finishes at Woodford?

[rodthehornet]

Just Did It, on Oct 9 2008, 09:40 PM, said:

Unmm, I can't help but noticing the proper Blue Lab starts and finishes at Woodford?

Feel free to take it on.  Roughly 90km in total - same length as 12 foot, but I would suggest a bit tougher.

Still in for Saturday - to quote the late Big Kev 'I'm excited'.

Hornet

[Just Did It]

Rod The Hornet: noted, thanks!

[Spud]

Just Did It, on Oct 9 2008, 09:40 PM, said:

Unmm, I can't help but noticing the proper Blue Lab starts and finishes at Woodford?

You are such a purist JDI.  
This way you get to see the best bits of the run without piking at Katoomba, like I did way back when.

Looking forward to it.

[Just Did It]

Spud, good point.  It was earier to be a purist when I was fitter.....  So hope to see you at Kedumba gates tomorrow.


PS -  Belated congrats on your recent Glasshouse 100 mile time. On the strengh of that, you wouldn't be piking at Katoomba!

[Spud]

Just Did It, on Oct 10 2008, 12:50 PM, said:

Spud, good point.  It was earier to be a purist when I was fitter.....  So hope to see you at Kedumba gates tomorrow.


PS -  Belated congrats on your recent Glasshouse 100 mile time. On the strengh of that, you wouldn't be piking at Katoomba!

Great to hear you'll be there tomorrow JDI and yep no piking.
I was trawling through the fatass website reminiscing and reading reports. I love this quote from Ian Wright.
Sums this run up nicely.

Blue Labyrinth Nov 2003.

"An absolute Classic that puts the Six Foot & 12 Foot trail runs in the shade"

Edited by Spud, 10 October 2008 - 12:04 PM.

[Just Did It]

Those were days!

[Spud]

Classic!

 14.jpg   136.85K   46 downloads

[Jillsupportcrew1]

Ross is ready for the run and has very cautiously done a water drop at the bottom of the Golden Stairs. When I say cautious he got the fright of his life by a brown snake right where he was about to put the water. I think the snake was more frightened of him!!! Ross wouldn't go back to the tree until I went there bashing a big stick on the ground to make sure it was gone.

Anyway, the jerry can full of water is behind the big gum tree opposite the bottom of the Golden stairs. There is a branch in front of the tree with yellow crepe paper wrapped around it (if the rain hasn't disolved the colour).

If you feel the urge grab a big stick and bash the ground to chase off any snakes feel free to do so.
The snakes are definately out and about so take care everyone and have a brilliant and safe run.

Jill.

[rodthehornet]

Thanks for the water drop.  It sure sounds like it is snake season.  Every trail thread I hit has reports of the little buggers.  

Rod

[rodthehornet]

Great day out in the mountains. 5 in total made the run with a support crew of 1 looking after the card table. Spud, Thomas, trailpuddin, Wolfross and myself set off just after 7am.  

Two packs formed with Spud, Thomas and me clearing the way and Trailpuddin and Wolfross bringing up the rear.

The climb up Mt. Solitary is steep but with the footholds, very doable.  The views on top of Solitary and then over at the railway looking where you have been are great.  Plenty of funny looks from the day trippers when 3 sweaty men start pointing out where they have been in the morning.

In total, just short of 40km, with us doing it fairly comfortably in 6:45.  Got to halfway at the railway in around 4 hours and then cruised home in just under 3 - got to love the negative splits.

Many thanks to Jill and Ross for the water drop and being there to greet us in the morning.  Well done trailpuddin for starting the idea off and coming out to meet up with us.  Thanks for the company Tom and Phil, the day was a blast.

I have attached the elevation chart and garmin file.  Spud has a few neat photos of us all over the course.  Will be back for another hitout around this loop.

Edit:  Just added google earth pic.  Not sure if the garmin file will work.

Cheers
Rod

PS - 'Just Did It' it clicked after talking to Spud on your identity - classic foot in mouth giving you a run down of the courses.  Sorry to have missed you today.  Would have been great to have you show us how it is done.

Attached Files

•  Mt_Solitary_google.jpg   100.19K   27 downloads
•  Mt_Solitary_loop.gpx   752.63K   13 downloads
•  Mt_Solitary_loop___elevation_chart.jpg   72.1K   23 downloads

Edited by rodthehornet, 11 October 2008 - 03:54 PM.

[Jillsupportcrew1]

Congratulations to Phil, Rod, Tom and the shortened trip, Ross.

Kirralee (I hope I have spelt that correctly), you are a brave woman. Congratulations. By the way, where are you? I hope your trip went fine. You missed out on seeing the sweaty guys at the finish line!

While all of you were off on your run I was off to different spots around Katoomba following Ross' progress via messages from his mobile phone. While doing so I took a few photos and have put them in my Blue Lab album, this album also has the start and finish photos.

Hope you all had a fabulous time, certainly looked as though you did.

All the best,
Jill

Edited by Jillsupportcrew1, 11 October 2008 - 10:25 PM.

[Thomas]

Looking back from scenic rail at the enormity of Solitary after you've just crossed over it was staggering. This is a must do run for all trail nazis.

Thanks for a great day out Spud and Rod. Ross and Jill great effort to get 20 litres to the base of the Golden stairs very much appreciated.

Nice to meet you Trailpuddin, Sorry we missed you at the end, hope you a good day out.

[Spud]

The most excellent trail run around.
I thoroughly enjoyed yesterdays adventure. There is something awesome about the road less travelled up Solitary. We had no problems whatsoever finding the trail from Kedumba, it is much more defined than when I last ran it in 2003. Lots of good memories came flooding back once we hit the climb proper, I swear parts of that incline are at least 50 degrees! Great fun, we were all on a runners high once we topped out. We somehow missed the log book but managed to find the best sandstone platform overlooking the valley towards Katoomba for brunch. Lots of wonderful wildflowers about and once on the other side we managed to cut straight through the middle of the Ruined Castle rather than around it, which made for some precarious descents. The Federal Pass trail (as those that ran NF or WE can attest to) is a trail runners dream. We ran from Ruined Castle pretty much all the way to Leura Forest at a good clip thanks to Tom's pace setting. The traverse back along the valley to Kedumba walls was a tad more sedate, enjoying the rolling terrain and the final slog out. Magic!

Thanks Ross and Jill for the brekky and jerry can water drop (huge effort!!), very much appreciated. Kirallee (Trailpuddin), gutsy effort fronting up, hope you report back and let us know how you went.

Rod and Tom, thanks for the company, these are the type of runs/experiences best shared, had a blast out there guys.

I posted the photos from my phone camera here.

[Twopennys]

I now have a huge dose of trail envy - nice work guys.

[WolfRoss]

What a great day, the ascent of Mt solitary was indeed a challenge for me.  Trailpuddin and myself reached the top about 9am and paused for breath, reflection and photos.  The BOOK, in a metal container was in a tattered condition and needs attention.  Next time I go there I'll bring another notebook and pencil. I didn't see Trailpuddin again and I hope she is OK... maybe we shall see a posting here?

The ascent and descent of Mt Solitary shot my legs to pieces, my having not done more than 10/12 Ks for a year or so.  I jogged/walked along the Federal Pass, and had to make a decision at the bottom of Furber steps whether to continue or not.  I'd had a good day out and covered 20K, and gone over Solitary, so I piked out and went up the steps for a cold drink and ice cream supplied by JIll.  I'll go for longer practice runs from now on.  

Spud - good photos and I do believe that the beautiful Waratah is the same one that I photographed at the bottom of the knife edge?

Well done Spud, Rod, Tom, Trailpuddin and Support Crew Jill.

Ross

PS When I took my turn to get water from behind the tree opposite the Golden Stair, there were about a dozen or so walkers milling around like some convention.  I wonder if they thought I was taking a leak behind the tree?!

[trailpuddin]

Hi all - I'm here!

Sorry about slow posting - I spent the weekend up in the Mountains and have only just got back - no I wasn't running the blue labyrinth the whole time!

Thanks to everyone for being welcoming and I was blown away to see the breakfast table on arrival - 6.30am and hot tea and muffins waiting.  Thanks Jill and Ross!

Well here's my report on my very first Fat Ass outing.  

I had a most sensational day.  Thanks to wolfross' encouragement I made it up the steep part in a reasonable time.  Then Mt Solitary conspired to distract me from my cause.  The wildflowers were incredible, and I took plenty of time to take it in.  No use rushing through something so beautiful. I wasn't planning on climbing up that hill again next week.  I stopped on a rocky outcrop for some morning tea (the first of 3 I had up there) and found myself surrounded by black cockatoos, it was definitely a day for sensory overload.  I really enjoyed the run across the top, the rocky outcrops and twisting trail.  I became mindful of Jill's warning about the snakes - lucky I sent all those fast runners out in front to clear the track.  

I started my decent just before 11am.  I really love the scramble down through the rocks, it one of the great features of the track.   I chatted to a scottish guy for a while who was heading up the hill.  He asked me if it was much further to the top.  He had that desparate look in his eye of "please say I'm almost there".  I'm a bad liar.  

I decided to get "serious" when I got to the bottom and started to run in earnest.  That lasted a couple of hundred metres until I came upon the waratahs and more photos required taking.  After that though I tightened up the straps on my pack and got focused.  I came upon some runners heading up the mountain and asked if they had seen Ross.  They reported him to be 15-20 min ahead so I set my sights on catching him by the water stop.  After the steepness of the Solitary the flat run was an absolute hoot.  Reported sightings of Ross continued but I didn't seem to be gaining on him, although based on Ross' report I only missed him by a couple of minutes because I came across the group of walkers he referred to not far from the water stop.

I continued at a cracking pace (for me) for a bit and the tourist density started to increase rapidly.  Around the scenic railway it got to the point that walking was the only polite choice.  The problem with slowing down was I started to feel the fatigue.  I got to Leura falls and contemplated if I wanted to cross the valley back to Kedumba.  I decided I had enjoyed the day and probably be pushing too hard if I went the fully monty. So I called my backup plan otherwise known as a brother.  He was up near Echo Point so I back tracked and went up the giant stairway which proved a reasonable substitute for missing out on going back up Kedumba.  

I was very tired and very happy.  I think it was about 2pm when I gto up to Echo Point.  Not only did I have a great day I also now have an excellent goal; to finish the whole run next year. Also must learn the discipline of staying focused on the task at hand before taking up fat ass running career.

Thanks to all for being an inspiration.

So, some guidance...Is there a run out there better than Blue Labyrinth?

Kirrily (10 points for trying on the spelling!)

[Spud]

Great to hear you enjoyed the run so much Trailpuddin.
Would love to see some of the snaps you took if you care to share.

Well done, see you at the next fatass!  

[Martin Dugdale]

trailpuddin, on Oct 12 2008, 06:47 PM, said:

Hi all - I'm here!

Sorry about slow posting - I spent the weekend up in the Mountains and have only just got back - no I wasn't running the blue labyrinth the whole time!

Thanks to everyone for being welcoming and I was blown away to see the breakfast table on arrival - 6.30am and hot tea and muffins waiting.  Thanks Jill and Ross!

Well here's my report on my very first Fat Ass outing.  

I had a most sensational day.  Thanks to wolfross' encouragement I made it up the steep part in a reasonable time.  Then Mt Solitary conspired to distract me from my cause.  The wildflowers were incredible, and I took plenty of time to take it in.  No use rushing through something so beautiful. I wasn't planning on climbing up that hill again next week.  I stopped on a rocky outcrop for some morning tea (the first of 3 I had up there) and found myself surrounded by black cockatoos, it was definitely a day for sensory overload.  I really enjoyed the run across the top, the rocky outcrops and twisting trail.  I became mindful of Jill's warning about the snakes - lucky I sent all those fast runners out in front to clear the track.  

I started my decent just before 11am.  I really love the scramble down through the rocks, it one of the great features of the track.   I chatted to a scottish guy for a while who was heading up the hill.  He asked me if it was much further to the top.  He had that desparate look in his eye of "please say I'm almost there".  I'm a bad liar.  

I decided to get "serious" when I got to the bottom and started to run in earnest.  That lasted a couple of hundred metres until I came upon the waratahs and more photos required taking.  After that though I tightened up the straps on my pack and got focused.  I came upon some runners heading up the mountain and asked if they had seen Ross.  They reported him to be 15-20 min ahead so I set my sights on catching him by the water stop.  After the steepness of the Solitary the flat run was an absolute hoot.  Reported sightings of Ross continued but I didn't seem to be gaining on him, although based on Ross' report I only missed him by a couple of minutes because I came across the group of walkers he referred to not far from the water stop.

I continued at a cracking pace (for me) for a bit and the tourist density started to increase rapidly.  Around the scenic railway it got to the point that walking was the only polite choice.  The problem with slowing down was I started to feel the fatigue.  I got to Leura falls and contemplated if I wanted to cross the valley back to Kedumba.  I decided I had enjoyed the day and probably be pushing too hard if I went the fully monty. So I called my backup plan otherwise known as a brother.  He was up near Echo Point so I back tracked and went up the giant stairway which proved a reasonable substitute for missing out on going back up Kedumba.  

I was very tired and very happy.  I think it was about 2pm when I gto up to Echo Point.  Not only did I have a great day I also now have an excellent goal; to finish the whole run next year. Also must learn the discipline of staying focused on the task at hand before taking up fat ass running career.

Thanks to all for being an inspiration.

So, some guidance...Is there a run out there better than Blue Labyrinth?

Kirrily (10 points for trying on the spelling!)

Hi Trail puddin, have a look at the Hellgate thread. dont have the link to hand but you can find it in the calendar

Edited by Martin Dugdale, 12 October 2008 - 07:16 PM.

[Twopennys]

Martin Dugdale, on Oct 12 2008, 07:15 PM, said:

Hi Trail puddin, have a look at the Hellgate thread. dont have the link to hand but you can find it in the calendar

That would be here

[trailpuddin]

Martin Dugdale, on Oct 12 2008, 07:15 PM, said:

Hi Trail puddin, have a look at the Hellgate thread. dont have the link to hand but you can find it in the calendar

Wow that looks fantastic.  I'm In!! Hopefully my calves would have stopped hurting by then  

[Just Did It]

Sorry about not turning up at all.  My partner got flue and asthma attack on friday night and so had to look after her and deflect some of the kids attention.........  2

[Just Did It]

Sorry about not turning up at all.  My partner got flu and asthma attack early Sat am and so I had to look after her and deflect some of the kids attention.........  2Pennies is right about trail envy.

Rodthehornet, you don't have any foot in mouth, I was just stiring.

Spud, nice photos.   Mt Solitary is looks huge, specially after you've jsut crossed it.   Did you
visit the Ruined Castle directly from Mt Solitary??  The decent pictures look impressive!

Regards
Just Did It (not)

[Spud]

Missed you out there Kieron, along with a few others.
We ended up crossing directly over Ruined Castle instead of taking the trail that skirts around it, was great fun.

I have been dreaming all week about getting out there again. Definitely won't leave it so long between visits, it's that good a run.
So if you are keen to get up there anytime, let me know.

Edited by Spud, 14 October 2008 - 06:35 AM.

[Brick]

Spud, on Oct 14 2008, 07:35 AM, said:

Missed you out there Kieron, along with a few others.
We ended up crossing directly over Ruined Castle instead of taking the trail that skirts around it, was great fun.

I have been dreaming all week about getting out there again. Definitely won't leave it so long between visits, it's that good a run.
So if you are keen to get up there anytime, let me know.

Next time you all do this can I get a lift from some kind sole pretty please.
I also have fatass envy.

[Martin Dugdale]

Brick, on Oct 14 2008, 07:45 AM, said:

Next time you all do this can I get a lift from some kind sole pretty please.
I also have fatass envy.

I have got this on my to do list,  but am running out of weekends. it could be possible on Nov 22 or 23rd, what suits you best?

[Brick]

Martin Dugdale, on Oct 14 2008, 08:49 AM, said:

I have got this on my to do list,  but am running out of weekends. it could be possible on Nov 22 or 23rd, what suits you best?

2 weeks after GNW100 and 3 weeks before C2K it is a possible maybe either date depending upon how badly GNW hammers my legs.
Only time will tell how well I recover.

Brick