The Colossal Claustral Canyoning Event Mount Irvine, New South Wales, Australia
By
EcoTeam on 17-Jan-04. Waypoint GCHAF3
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Logs
Damn it, YES, I'm logging my own event cache! 
What a day!
Challenge #1 was trying to convince two EcoChicks to get out of bed at 5am on a Saturday morning, not to mention out of the bathroom, and that this really is a fun thing we are about do...
We just made it to the carpark in time to find the others ready and waiting.
The weather looked ominous, but soon cleared for a fantastic day. Even the leeches and a horde of commercial punters couldn't damper our spirits as we walked, swam, jumped, scrambled, abseiled, crawled, slid, fell, stumbled, climbed, cached, and ate our way through this magnificent, deep and dark fern laden canyon. The lush green environment was a stark contrast to last seasons dry barren wilderness.
The age old Geocaching tradition of consuming Freddo Frogs was upheld at the lunch spot, while caching stories and gossip were swapped - "I once found a cache THIS BIG..."
Let it be known that EcoNic will be seeking REVENGE for the old "heavy rock in the pack" trick!, only discovered at the end of the canyon, much to everyones amusement!
One must wonder, will Mindsocket think that drains are still a cool place to hangout after this?
Oh yeah, we found a cache too...
Thanks everyone for coming and making it a great day out. It was a great success, we'll have to organise another one next year.
[This entry was edited by EcoTeam on Monday, January 19, 2004 at 5:09:05 AM.]
What a day!
Challenge #1 was trying to convince two EcoChicks to get out of bed at 5am on a Saturday morning, not to mention out of the bathroom, and that this really is a fun thing we are about do...
We just made it to the carpark in time to find the others ready and waiting.
The weather looked ominous, but soon cleared for a fantastic day. Even the leeches and a horde of commercial punters couldn't damper our spirits as we walked, swam, jumped, scrambled, abseiled, crawled, slid, fell, stumbled, climbed, cached, and ate our way through this magnificent, deep and dark fern laden canyon. The lush green environment was a stark contrast to last seasons dry barren wilderness.
The age old Geocaching tradition of consuming Freddo Frogs was upheld at the lunch spot, while caching stories and gossip were swapped - "I once found a cache THIS BIG..."
Let it be known that EcoNic will be seeking REVENGE for the old "heavy rock in the pack" trick!, only discovered at the end of the canyon, much to everyones amusement!
One must wonder, will Mindsocket think that drains are still a cool place to hangout after this?
Oh yeah, we found a cache too...
Thanks everyone for coming and making it a great day out. It was a great success, we'll have to organise another one next year.
[This entry was edited by EcoTeam on Monday, January 19, 2004 at 5:09:05 AM.]
As you can tell I made it out alive (had to leave the group early as I had to meet my lift home).
Once again the weather bureau proved they have as much chance of getting the weather right, as I’ve got of winning the lottery (I don’t buy tickets) and the day turned out perfect for a canyon.
So once someone got their act together we headed out along the first ridge where the clouds to the south where clearing to reveal a blue sky and on the north side clouds still shrouded the lower mountains and the valleys.
Soon we where descending to the creek and the gum trees are replaced by tree ferns. The whole environment seems to become darker and the colours more vibrant the more we progress down the creek.
Then it was time to change into wetsuits and being the bashful type I had to go ahead and change so no one would see me in the nuddy. One of the group turns up and he tells me I missed out on a good perv back there.
We soon encountered our first water, which is only shallow and we are then sliding down logs and doing daring jumps into more water.
On reaching the falls, cache fever takes over and the mad scramble begins but I will let the cache finders tell that story.
Once they had that sorted out it was onto the falls and the abseils and once the group in front moved on the first pitch was rigged and the SES rats swung into action and soon had the other two pitches rigged. After everyone else descended I was the tail end Charlie having to bring all the ropes down after completing the abseils.
As I join the group I find them pigging out again but soon after the Rats are off so I stroll off after them.
The canyon now is filling with mist as the sunlight starts to penetrate the depths of the slot.
After dodging killer yabbies we reach the Thunder Gorge for another food stop. Alas I had to farewell the group and continued on alone into the wilderness.
On reaching the exit and removing my wetsuit I found I had been sharing it with a leech, which made a bit of a mess. After a cup of coca it was up the hill and home.
Will have the photos from the trip tomorrow.
Thanks to Eco Team for organising a great day out.
Once again the weather bureau proved they have as much chance of getting the weather right, as I’ve got of winning the lottery (I don’t buy tickets) and the day turned out perfect for a canyon.
So once someone got their act together we headed out along the first ridge where the clouds to the south where clearing to reveal a blue sky and on the north side clouds still shrouded the lower mountains and the valleys.
Soon we where descending to the creek and the gum trees are replaced by tree ferns. The whole environment seems to become darker and the colours more vibrant the more we progress down the creek.
Then it was time to change into wetsuits and being the bashful type I had to go ahead and change so no one would see me in the nuddy. One of the group turns up and he tells me I missed out on a good perv back there.
We soon encountered our first water, which is only shallow and we are then sliding down logs and doing daring jumps into more water.
On reaching the falls, cache fever takes over and the mad scramble begins but I will let the cache finders tell that story.
Once they had that sorted out it was onto the falls and the abseils and once the group in front moved on the first pitch was rigged and the SES rats swung into action and soon had the other two pitches rigged. After everyone else descended I was the tail end Charlie having to bring all the ropes down after completing the abseils.
As I join the group I find them pigging out again but soon after the Rats are off so I stroll off after them.
The canyon now is filling with mist as the sunlight starts to penetrate the depths of the slot.
After dodging killer yabbies we reach the Thunder Gorge for another food stop. Alas I had to farewell the group and continued on alone into the wilderness.
On reaching the exit and removing my wetsuit I found I had been sharing it with a leech, which made a bit of a mess. After a cup of coca it was up the hill and home.
Will have the photos from the trip tomorrow.
Thanks to Eco Team for organising a great day out.
While we where enjoying Claustral there was a full scale rescue over at Wollangambe 1 for a female with chest injuries.
Ahhh!!! at this is point I wonder whether I can get the right words to describe our canyoning event. I've done a few canyons in my time but this place leaves the rest for dead when it comes to spectacular views.
Living so far away we made this an overnight event. We arrived late Friday in agmonst rain and fog to find Rogfrat already there.
An early start on Saturday ensured we were one of the first into the canyon. As we entered the creek it didn't take long for the walls to close in and sun to be reduced to flicker. The canyon holding its own mystical magical as at times we were in complete darkness while at other times the serenity would be broken by mobs of fellow canyoners.
On and on we trekked until we reached the black hole of Calcutta and a bottle jamb ensured there was plenty of time to complete the formailities of this event. A quick tranverse and we had one of NSW's remotest, hardest, picturesque and least logged caches.
No time to sit on our morals there was some fun to be had with the abseils. Down the first, then the second and then through the black hole...... Great fun. Pressing on we went through mountains of sheer cliffs stopping occassionally for food breaks.
At lunch we took a short detour to the glow worm caves and bid farewell to Tangles before continuing further and further downstream until our canyon finally come to an end.
Then the hike out and what a hell of a climb it is, up up and more up finally reaching the top at 5.30pm. Completing one of the best canyons and event caches I've been on.
Thanks to all who attended and a special thanks to Ecoteam.
Living so far away we made this an overnight event. We arrived late Friday in agmonst rain and fog to find Rogfrat already there.
An early start on Saturday ensured we were one of the first into the canyon. As we entered the creek it didn't take long for the walls to close in and sun to be reduced to flicker. The canyon holding its own mystical magical as at times we were in complete darkness while at other times the serenity would be broken by mobs of fellow canyoners.
On and on we trekked until we reached the black hole of Calcutta and a bottle jamb ensured there was plenty of time to complete the formailities of this event. A quick tranverse and we had one of NSW's remotest, hardest, picturesque and least logged caches.
No time to sit on our morals there was some fun to be had with the abseils. Down the first, then the second and then through the black hole...... Great fun. Pressing on we went through mountains of sheer cliffs stopping occassionally for food breaks.
At lunch we took a short detour to the glow worm caves and bid farewell to Tangles before continuing further and further downstream until our canyon finally come to an end.
Then the hike out and what a hell of a climb it is, up up and more up finally reaching the top at 5.30pm. Completing one of the best canyons and event caches I've been on.
Thanks to all who attended and a special thanks to Ecoteam.
What can I say... a bloody long day but worth every second of it. Mindsocket turned up on my doorstep at a spritely 5am ready to head off. While he had a coffee, I got the last of me gear packed and we headed off into the night. After a quick stop at the servo at Richmond for last minute supplies we arrived at the rally point at around 7am to meet Rogfrat and the SES Rats. EcoTeam turned up just before 7.30 and we proceeded into the unknown at about 7.45am. We were the first group of the day to head in. It was very quickly apparent that it was going to be a hard dayby how quickly the terrain fell away into the canyon - we were going to have to climb back out of there later!!
This is a fantastic canyon that just keeps getting better the deeper you get into it. We suited up and after a couple exciting jumps and swims we made it to the abseils and the cache location. Claustrophobia was quickly retrieved by Mindsocket and we all signed the logbook whilst fending off some tricky questions by a guide from a large commercial group that arrived behind us.
With the formalities of the day we continued on our way into the canyon. The abseils through the falls were spectacular. Thanks to Riblit for the loan of his descender - it worked like a treat. Not long after it was lunchtime and a chance to warm up from the freezing water in the sun. I don't remember putting that much dressing in with my salad though - I think I need some better waterproofing for the next canyon....
A quick visit to the glowworm cave and it was off again, scrambling over boulders and down a couple tricky hand-over-hands. Too soon the canyon was over and it was time to head upwards again with the sodden wetsuit in the pack. Two and a half hours, 500m ascent and some spectacular views over the ranges later and we emerged again at the cars at around 5.40pm (the last of about 4 or 5 groups to go through!). After a quick stop over at Gondwana on the way home, MS and I got home again about 8pm. I don't know about Rog but I crashed out pretty quick.
A great day. Thank EcoTeam for organising it.
Zijerfex
This is a fantastic canyon that just keeps getting better the deeper you get into it. We suited up and after a couple exciting jumps and swims we made it to the abseils and the cache location. Claustrophobia was quickly retrieved by Mindsocket and we all signed the logbook whilst fending off some tricky questions by a guide from a large commercial group that arrived behind us.
With the formalities of the day we continued on our way into the canyon. The abseils through the falls were spectacular. Thanks to Riblit for the loan of his descender - it worked like a treat. Not long after it was lunchtime and a chance to warm up from the freezing water in the sun. I don't remember putting that much dressing in with my salad though - I think I need some better waterproofing for the next canyon....
A quick visit to the glowworm cave and it was off again, scrambling over boulders and down a couple tricky hand-over-hands. Too soon the canyon was over and it was time to head upwards again with the sodden wetsuit in the pack. Two and a half hours, 500m ascent and some spectacular views over the ranges later and we emerged again at the cars at around 5.40pm (the last of about 4 or 5 groups to go through!). After a quick stop over at Gondwana on the way home, MS and I got home again about 8pm. I don't know about Rog but I crashed out pretty quick.
A great day. Thank EcoTeam for organising it.
Zijerfex
Well, what can I say that hasn't been said already? ... A brilliant trip through an amazing canyon with some fun people makes for a great event (oh, and we found the cache along the way). 
One thing's for sure, I'm feeling a little sore now. I'll put up photos once the film in the disposable is finished and processed.
Thanks Ecoteam for running the event, and to Blocko & Badger for the cache that inspired it.
One thing's for sure, I'm feeling a little sore now. I'll put up photos once the film in the disposable is finished and processed.
Thanks Ecoteam for running the event, and to Blocko & Badger for the cache that inspired it.
Hey what a great trip. Thanks everyone especially Ecoteam for making my 6th cache an unforgetable event.
I arrived 9pm Friday night to find no one about and I wondered if I was in the right place, on the right day.... I pulled out the GPS. Then thru the fog came the Rats and a Swampgecko... It was all going to be good. It was fantastic...I like glow worms....
Thanks again everyone. I look forward to the next one
I arrived 9pm Friday night to find no one about and I wondered if I was in the right place, on the right day.... I pulled out the GPS. Then thru the fog came the Rats and a Swampgecko... It was all going to be good. It was fantastic...I like glow worms....
Thanks again everyone. I look forward to the next one
Looks like it's rain!
The trip is still on, so met at the designated time and spot.
The extra water should make for a really good trip.
See you all then.
EcoDave
The trip is still on, so met at the designated time and spot.
The extra water should make for a really good trip.
See you all then.
EcoDave
The Bronze is Out - See forum post for details.http://geocaching.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5634#5634
Hopefully see you at the Caves to Caves event.
The Bronze.
Hi from Woodhouse Jamboree ADELAIDE..to save confusion...I won't be home in time to make the trip...don't wait for me..maybe I'll arrange another time/trip for those who also can't make this one...Ropes
Because I'm not just around the corner and I'm not sure exactly where we meet and start from I was going to scout out the RV the afternoon before and camp/stay the Friday Night nearby.
(1) Any suggestions on nearby campsites / motels.
(2) Would anyone like to join me. - will be an early night.
Bronze.
(1) Any suggestions on nearby campsites / motels.
(2) Would anyone like to join me. - will be an early night.
Bronze.
>Trip cancellation, postponement or relocation.
>Assuming the park is not closed due to fire risk what >weather conditions will affect this trip and when will we >be notified of any changes?
>If weather conditions prevent attempting Claustral what >are the alternatives and would we need any extra gear?
Good questions.
We will be doing something regardless of weather, so everyone turn up at the designated time and spot and we'll decide from there. Check this page the night before though.
I would say that we'd cancel Claustral under the following conditions:
- It's been raining heavy (up there) for a few days before the event and it's raining when we get there.
- If it's pouring down when we get there, and it's not just passing over.
- NPWS close the canyons because of fire risk (happened a LOT last year)
- There is a fire nearby
Previous rain saturates the ground and instantly washes all rainfall into the canyon creating flash floods, this is our biggest risk. If it's been dry before and it's lightly raining on the day and doesn't look like it will get worse, then I'd say we'd still go in (group decision though).
We can always back out before going into the abseils, I believe there is an exit to Camels Hump just before the abseils.
The word from someone who done it the other week is that water levels are really low. I'm hoping for a bit of rain beforehand actually to make things a bit more exciting.
If you do Claustral in low water level, you'll wonder what all the fuss is about - it's reatively easy.
An alternative canyon might be Dalpura. I have done this one in heavy rain and it's nice and safe in high water. Only one 6m abseil and a short day. Koombanda is also an option (bit of bush bashing), as is the Grand Canyon (20m abseil). Another backup would be Dargans Creek. No abseils in the canyon but you can do a few at the dam.
So we have plenty of options.
EcoDave
[This entry was edited by EcoTeam on Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 11:25:03 PM.]
>Assuming the park is not closed due to fire risk what >weather conditions will affect this trip and when will we >be notified of any changes?
>If weather conditions prevent attempting Claustral what >are the alternatives and would we need any extra gear?
Good questions.
We will be doing something regardless of weather, so everyone turn up at the designated time and spot and we'll decide from there. Check this page the night before though.
I would say that we'd cancel Claustral under the following conditions:
- It's been raining heavy (up there) for a few days before the event and it's raining when we get there.
- If it's pouring down when we get there, and it's not just passing over.
- NPWS close the canyons because of fire risk (happened a LOT last year)
- There is a fire nearby
Previous rain saturates the ground and instantly washes all rainfall into the canyon creating flash floods, this is our biggest risk. If it's been dry before and it's lightly raining on the day and doesn't look like it will get worse, then I'd say we'd still go in (group decision though).
We can always back out before going into the abseils, I believe there is an exit to Camels Hump just before the abseils.
The word from someone who done it the other week is that water levels are really low. I'm hoping for a bit of rain beforehand actually to make things a bit more exciting.
If you do Claustral in low water level, you'll wonder what all the fuss is about - it's reatively easy.
An alternative canyon might be Dalpura. I have done this one in heavy rain and it's nice and safe in high water. Only one 6m abseil and a short day. Koombanda is also an option (bit of bush bashing), as is the Grand Canyon (20m abseil). Another backup would be Dargans Creek. No abseils in the canyon but you can do a few at the dam.
So we have plenty of options.
EcoDave
[This entry was edited by EcoTeam on Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 11:25:03 PM.]
Really looking forward to this trip now. Is anyone able to pick me up from Waverton (Nth Sydney) on the way, as I'm without car? I can make my way to somewhere else more convenient if need be.
Picked up some shiny new Dunlop Volleys last night (I love 'em, wish they came in black though). I have decided a figure 8 is the best descender for me (versatile and familiar, even if not the best for canyons) and will pick one up today. I'll be getting some practice tonight when I abseil in the dark down to a bunker in a cliff face.
Ok, enough thinking out loud from me, I'll try to stop adding logs until "smiley time".
Picked up some shiny new Dunlop Volleys last night (I love 'em, wish they came in black though). I have decided a figure 8 is the best descender for me (versatile and familiar, even if not the best for canyons) and will pick one up today. I'll be getting some practice tonight when I abseil in the dark down to a bunker in a cliff face.
Ok, enough thinking out loud from me, I'll try to stop adding logs until "smiley time".
Ok, Mind Socket * 1 is in for sure! Just going through the list of required gear ...
- A wetsuit, preferably full length --- I can probably source a non-full length one, but will try to find a full length one.
- Thermals --- bah!
- An abseiling harness --- got
- suitable descender --- buying tonight
- gloves --- what sort???
- A dry bag --- Don't have one of these, will see what I can sort out, any recommendations?
- Helmet --- I'll be a dag with my bike helmet
- Dunlop Volleys --- buying tonight
- food,clothes,sunscreen/torches etc --- sorted
- Your own ropes and other gear --- will bring what I have (pretty much just a few karabiners), don't think I'll bother with my 50m dynamic rope unless it's really needed?
Pls contact me if you can address any of the questions/recommendation requests.
- A wetsuit, preferably full length --- I can probably source a non-full length one, but will try to find a full length one.
- Thermals --- bah!
- An abseiling harness --- got
- suitable descender --- buying tonight
- gloves --- what sort???
- A dry bag --- Don't have one of these, will see what I can sort out, any recommendations?
- Helmet --- I'll be a dag with my bike helmet
- Dunlop Volleys --- buying tonight
- food,clothes,sunscreen/torches etc --- sorted
- Your own ropes and other gear --- will bring what I have (pretty much just a few karabiners), don't think I'll bother with my 50m dynamic rope unless it's really needed?
Pls contact me if you can address any of the questions/recommendation requests.
>A wetsuit, preferably full length --- I can probably >source a non-full length one, but will try to find a full >length one.
I use a 3/4 length short sleve one and survive ok. There are only a few really long swims (>20m).
>- gloves --- what sort???
Cheap leather rigger gloves, - A dry bag --- Don't have one of these, will see what I >can sort out, any recommendations?
The best ones are the heavy welded canvas Baja brand bags, but they are expensive. Next best is the fabric type Seal-Line bags. Least effective are 3 or more Tuff Stuff garbage bags tied one inside the other. They work if they don't get punctured inside your pack.
>- Your own ropes and other gear --- will bring what I have >(pretty much just a few karabiners), don't think I'll >bother with my 50m dynamic rope unless it's really needed?
I think we probably have enough ropes already.
EcoDave
I use a 3/4 length short sleve one and survive ok. There are only a few really long swims (>20m).
>- gloves --- what sort???
Cheap leather rigger gloves, - A dry bag --- Don't have one of these, will see what I >can sort out, any recommendations?
The best ones are the heavy welded canvas Baja brand bags, but they are expensive. Next best is the fabric type Seal-Line bags. Least effective are 3 or more Tuff Stuff garbage bags tied one inside the other. They work if they don't get punctured inside your pack.
>- Your own ropes and other gear --- will bring what I have >(pretty much just a few karabiners), don't think I'll >bother with my 50m dynamic rope unless it's really needed?
I think we probably have enough ropes already.
EcoDave
For those new to canyoning, you might find my Canyoning FAQ guide interesting reading. Can be downloaded here:
http://alternatezone.com/canyoning/
EcoDave
http://alternatezone.com/canyoning/
EcoDave
Something people should beware of is the Claustral car park has a history of cars being broken into. It’s advisable not to leave any valuables in your car, as well as bags on seats, store everything out of sight.
Trip cancellation, postponement or relocation.
Assuming the park is not closed due to fire risk what weather conditions will affect this trip and when will we be notified of any changes?
If weather conditions prevent attempting Claustral what are the alternatives and would we need any extra gear?
Camping
People camp where we are leaving the cars. There are no dunnies or anything. Also where you turn in there is a picnic table and I think a BBQ. Alternatively you can try Mount Wilson which has a very nice, free camping area which is about 20km away off the Bells line of road and can be found here S33°30.053' E150°23.437'
Trip cancellation, postponement or relocation.
Assuming the park is not closed due to fire risk what weather conditions will affect this trip and when will we be notified of any changes?
If weather conditions prevent attempting Claustral what are the alternatives and would we need any extra gear?
Camping
People camp where we are leaving the cars. There are no dunnies or anything. Also where you turn in there is a picnic table and I think a BBQ. Alternatively you can try Mount Wilson which has a very nice, free camping area which is about 20km away off the Bells line of road and can be found here S33°30.053' E150°23.437'
Wow! Sounds like fun. I'll have to get some Abseiling and Canyoning experience so I can come to the next one.
The Rats have down sized our group from 4 to 2. I should be able to help Bronze out with hardware and harness, if still required.
We'll also be bringing 50m x 11mm
A few short hand lines, tapes and karabiners.
Plus the usual first-aid kit, munchies etc etc.
We'll also be bringing 50m x 11mm
A few short hand lines, tapes and karabiners.
Plus the usual first-aid kit, munchies etc etc.
You can get 2nd hand wetsuits from Cash Converters and also the Salvos I believe.
EcoDave
EcoDave
That will be good thanks Rats. I will still source a wetsuit if I can so I don't damage and soil someone elses. Guy at Backpacker tours (Bathurst) replied and dosen't hire. Sending the next mail off to BMAC at Katoomba but will probably buy a wetsuit through Ebay. An I know its not smart to by a second hand harness thats all. Will send you an Email.
If it’s not too much trouble could you post the names of the people attending
Please.
Please.
So far we have:
EcoTeam (Dave, Nicole, Janelle)
The Bronze
Ropes
RogFrat
Bushrats (Ziggy and Ann) - Unlikely to make it at this stage
MindSocket (Roger)
Zijerfex (Phil)
Tangles
The Rats (Dave and 3 muggles)
Looks like almost all of us have canyoning experience, but only about 1/3 have done Claustral before.
Name tags on the helmets might be a good idea.
EcoDave
[This entry was edited by EcoTeam on Sunday, January 04, 2004 at 11:20:37 PM.]
EcoTeam (Dave, Nicole, Janelle)
The Bronze
Ropes
RogFrat
Bushrats (Ziggy and Ann) - Unlikely to make it at this stage
MindSocket (Roger)
Zijerfex (Phil)
Tangles
The Rats (Dave and 3 muggles)
Looks like almost all of us have canyoning experience, but only about 1/3 have done Claustral before.
Name tags on the helmets might be a good idea.
EcoDave
[This entry was edited by EcoTeam on Sunday, January 04, 2004 at 11:20:37 PM.]
Howdy All -
Two things while I answer my Emails. Just returned from Qld and 12degree C water sounds just fine compared to the 35-45 I have experienced in Central and Coastal Qld and NSW.
(1) I would like to suggest that every one fits out a name badge on there kits as introductions I'm guessing will be short and sweet. The only social opportunity we will get will be hard at work. To make face to name more memorable for the camp fire stories I would like to suggest everyone puts there name on there pack or helmet.
(2) If Anyone would like to hire there gear for me to use I would be happy to borrow it provided it is in good condition. All I have sources so far is a helmet and shoes. I'm an average build of 180cm tall and 80kg's. 34 inches is my waist at the top of my hips.
If no offers in the next week or so I will hire what I need but that will mean two trips down the mountians and I live West of them at Dubbo.
Look forward to seeing you all then.
The Bronze - [email protected] 02 68824113.
Two things while I answer my Emails. Just returned from Qld and 12degree C water sounds just fine compared to the 35-45 I have experienced in Central and Coastal Qld and NSW.
(1) I would like to suggest that every one fits out a name badge on there kits as introductions I'm guessing will be short and sweet. The only social opportunity we will get will be hard at work. To make face to name more memorable for the camp fire stories I would like to suggest everyone puts there name on there pack or helmet.
(2) If Anyone would like to hire there gear for me to use I would be happy to borrow it provided it is in good condition. All I have sources so far is a helmet and shoes. I'm an average build of 180cm tall and 80kg's. 34 inches is my waist at the top of my hips.
If no offers in the next week or so I will hire what I need but that will mean two trips down the mountians and I live West of them at Dubbo.
Look forward to seeing you all then.
The Bronze - [email protected] 02 68824113.
Rules are meant to be broken
You can join us Ropes!
It's now going to be one heck of an event. We'll have to sign the (canyon) logbook as say 3 seperate groups of 5.
The Plan:
Everyone be at the carpark by 7:30am, and have your packs and gear ready to go. We'll suit up down at the creek or the first swim. We'll need an experienced person who's done the canyon before to stay at the back and ensure no one gets left behind. We'll all congregate at the abseil entrance and fight over who gets to get to retrive the cache. Photos and a snack if we have to wait for other groups to abseil. We'll have to play fair and let as many other groups through as possible at the abseil. Get through the 3 abseils as quickly as we can, as this is the canyon bottleneck. Then it's a couple of hours up the magnificent slot. Lunch will be at the junction with Thunder canyon. If we have time, some or all of us can go up Thunder canyon for a quick look (I've heard there is a glow worm cave behind the waterfall)
The tunnel swim and some small drops will bring us to the exit. There is an extra wade half way up the climb out at Rainbow Ravine, so those who want to stay in their wetsuits can do so, otherwise we'll change before the climb out.
The walk out will be at least 2 hours and is 500m total ascent. If smaller parties do break away then we need an experienced person in each group who knows the route. We'll gather again at the top of Camels Hump for some great pics.
You can join us Ropes!
It's now going to be one heck of an event. We'll have to sign the (canyon) logbook as say 3 seperate groups of 5.
The Plan:
Everyone be at the carpark by 7:30am, and have your packs and gear ready to go. We'll suit up down at the creek or the first swim. We'll need an experienced person who's done the canyon before to stay at the back and ensure no one gets left behind. We'll all congregate at the abseil entrance and fight over who gets to get to retrive the cache. Photos and a snack if we have to wait for other groups to abseil. We'll have to play fair and let as many other groups through as possible at the abseil. Get through the 3 abseils as quickly as we can, as this is the canyon bottleneck. Then it's a couple of hours up the magnificent slot. Lunch will be at the junction with Thunder canyon. If we have time, some or all of us can go up Thunder canyon for a quick look (I've heard there is a glow worm cave behind the waterfall)
The tunnel swim and some small drops will bring us to the exit. There is an extra wade half way up the climb out at Rainbow Ravine, so those who want to stay in their wetsuits can do so, otherwise we'll change before the climb out.
The walk out will be at least 2 hours and is 500m total ascent. If smaller parties do break away then we need an experienced person in each group who knows the route. We'll gather again at the top of Camels Hump for some great pics.
Please don't think I wasn't interested...Jumbuck and I return from the 20th Australian Scouts Jamboree (Adelaide) at 11am on the 17th... BUGGER...of all the days!!! Have fun in the canyon you lucky people.
I will be bringing the following
Rope rescue kit
First aid kit (mainly used for treating wildlife)
PLB. Probably will not work in the canyon
Shovel
Stove
Coco.
Rope rescue kit
First aid kit (mainly used for treating wildlife)
PLB. Probably will not work in the canyon
Shovel
Stove
Coco.
I have a 5 bar Petzl rack and Petzl helmet that I can lend to the cause. Zijerfex if you are still in need of a descender, the rack works well.
Expressions of interest in attending have now CLOSED!
For those who still need gear, there have been several people offering to provide spare gear. Can those who need to borrow gear post a message here, and those who have spare gear please respond in kind.
It would be a bit silly for all of us to double up on any gear, Claustral is a long walk out with extra weight :->
For the group we need:
1 x 40m rope
2 x 30m ropes
A dynamic safety line and a few quickdraws and associated climbing protection gear.
I can provide the 40m rope and a handline for downclimbs.
Can others who have some extra shorter ropes please respond also.
Thanks
EcoDave
For those who still need gear, there have been several people offering to provide spare gear. Can those who need to borrow gear post a message here, and those who have spare gear please respond in kind.
It would be a bit silly for all of us to double up on any gear, Claustral is a long walk out with extra weight :->
For the group we need:
1 x 40m rope
2 x 30m ropes
A dynamic safety line and a few quickdraws and associated climbing protection gear.
I can provide the 40m rope and a handline for downclimbs.
Can others who have some extra shorter ropes please respond also.
Thanks
EcoDave
Zijerfex x 1 would definately like to attend. Just have to get myself a descender.
Everyone will need a harness and descender for this trip. A simple piton bar and karabiner will suffice, or a cheap figure 8 will also do the job. Inline devices are recommended though.
You can get by without a dry bag, a few "tough stuff" garbage bags will do the trick, and you can most likely share dry bag space with the others too.
Wetsuits you can buy from Cash Converters or the Salvos, or can be hired for $15-$20/day too.
For a helmet you can just use an old bike helmet.
Can't help on the ride, unless you can get to/from somewhere between Baulkham Hills and Richmond.
If someone has some quickdraws and a short dynamic safety line, they might come in handy for the cache retrieval.
I know where the cache is, but I do not know what is involved in the "ledge traverse" to get to it. Supposed to be easy though.
EcoDave
[This entry was edited by EcoTeam on Monday, December 22, 2003 at 11:57:33 PM.]
You can get by without a dry bag, a few "tough stuff" garbage bags will do the trick, and you can most likely share dry bag space with the others too.
Wetsuits you can buy from Cash Converters or the Salvos, or can be hired for $15-$20/day too.
For a helmet you can just use an old bike helmet.
Can't help on the ride, unless you can get to/from somewhere between Baulkham Hills and Richmond.
If someone has some quickdraws and a short dynamic safety line, they might come in handy for the cache retrieval.
I know where the cache is, but I do not know what is involved in the "ledge traverse" to get to it. Supposed to be easy though.
EcoDave
[This entry was edited by EcoTeam on Monday, December 22, 2003 at 11:57:33 PM.]
I'm very keen (if available), and might have another geocacher friend interested too. I have a 50m dynamic rope and harness (and other rock gear that's not useful for canyoning), but no descender, dry bag etc (willing to purchase a bug or similar). I'll also need a ride to/from.
After checking that the work schedule was clear one Rat plus 3 SES mugglers will be there..... Looking forward to the adventure.
I had a beer (or two) with 'The Rats' last night currently on holidays out this way. Dave showed interest in the canyon event but hasn't been online - so if the date suits him it might make two of us.
Come on guys, we need some extra people to make this worthwhile and fun as an event!
If you have not done Claustral canyon (or any canyon) before, and you have the basic abseiling skills, come along and marvel at one the most spectacular canyons in the world. It will be a trip you will never forget.
EcoDave
If you have not done Claustral canyon (or any canyon) before, and you have the basic abseiling skills, come along and marvel at one the most spectacular canyons in the world. It will be a trip you will never forget.
EcoDave
Count The Bronze in, depending on the date.
It has been a while - have to resource the gear again.
It has been a while - have to resource the gear again.
