Jenolan State Forest Trip.

or... "You can't see the forest for the fog " trip.

 In all there were 23 trippers in 10 vehicles gathered at the Glenbrook Information Centre prior to the cut off time of 8.00 am, thus selection of trip reporter was by means of the usual "draw the name from the hat" method. The Cottee's were the lucky trip reporters and a round of applause was heard when the name was announced.

The convoy was away by 8.15am and proceeded up the Great Western Highway towards Mt. Victoria. Drizzle was encountered at Wentworth Falls then fog at around Leura. This fog was to become a feature of our trip as is mentioned later. At Mt. Victoria we turned right and proceeded along the road towards Bell and then left into Hartley Valley Rd travelling through historic Hartley Vale, then through to Hassans Wall lookout near Lithgow. The Fog stopped us from seeing any view. We then proceeded back to the GWH then into Cox's Valley. The country side of the Cox's Valley was the best seen in years with beautiful lush green fields and full dams. Luckily we were below the fog line which allowed us see the Valley country side. We stopped just outside Hampton (junction of the road to Jenolan Caves and Oberon). Unfortunately the foggy conditions had returned and as usual at this picnic area it was very cool.

 After morning tea (11.20 am) we proceeded into the Hampton State Forest, the Fog was still with us and was swirling eerily between the tall pine trees. In places it cloaked the road in the typical 'pea soup'. We proceeded to Mt. Bindo lookout and although the fog had temporarily lifted the high tree line had filtered the distant view. On this track we passed forestry workers stacking newly cut timber and it was interesting to see how some of this machinery worked particularly the one that stripped off all the branches before the logs were stacked.

 Back on the bitumen, somewhere along the Duckmaloi Rd., headed towards Oberon for a short time and then into the Jenolan State Forest on the Boggy Creek Rd. A few of the tracks we took were overgrown and much care had to be taken especially those with wide vehicles (read Nissan Patrol). I guess the recent abundance of rain has given great growing weather to the blackberry vines. There was also the need to negotiate around and over a few fallen trees.

 We stopped for lunch at a picnic area on the Jenolan Caves Road just past Lipeys Creek Rd. at 12.45pm. The Hines' Staffordshire terrier nearly wore his neck out at lunch time looking hopefully at Roger and Barbara for a handout. He would have eaten both their lunches and then started on Judy Taylors by his antics.

After lunch we proceeded down Lipeys Creek Road and you guessed it, Wal found the fog again. Actually it was an eerie experience to drive in both fog and dusty conditions. We came to one creek crossing which required much care it being fast flowing, steep entry and exit and drop off on the left - all made the crossing without any problem. Next it was up a hill which had a series of muddy sections and at one of these we had to use the first law of 4 wheel driving , that is 'stop get out and have a look'. Having decided that there was no option but to go through the boggy bit each driver was guided across the obstacle. After this we proceeded to another hill where inspection revealed even worse slippery conditions so, taking this into account with the weather and the time of day, Wal decided not to proceed but chose an alternate track to arrive at a sheltered picnic area. There we stopped briefly for afternoon tea before heading for home in light drizzle and fog.

 In summary it was an unusual day in the sense that we drove in foggy conditions for 90% of the day. We never-the-less had an enjoyable day. We thank Wal & Beryl for leading the trip and for arranging the foggy conditions.