We were determined to do one of the many hikes in the area today and started by visiting the interpretation centre and looking at the view over the millions of eucalyptus trees in Rock Grose Valley which give off the blue haze which gives the area its name.
We came prepared with water, a ham roll and an Anzac biscuit as supplies and we set off on the circular 'Grand Canyon Trail'. We were not convinced at the start that we would be able to complete it but thought we'd see how far we could get. Initially it was an incredibly steep descent via slopes and steps and at one point metal stairs more like a ladder. After an hour or so we made it to the bottom and had an early lunch by a stream where we fed a little bird (to be IDed!) with the Anzac biscuit.
My knee was playing up and we were both tired so we agreed that it would not be bad to turn back at any point. However people passing in the opposite direction promised we find a waterfall within a short distance so we continued on. We spotted bright red large crayfish in the stream and fish and the vegetation was amazing, lush, verdant and with large tree ferns. By this time we realised that it was probably a shorter distance to continue on the route rather than turning back. We were really tired and hot.
The views of the Canyon both from the bottom and walkways up were stunning. At one point we had to walk behind a waterfall and another time through a pitch black tunnel in he rocks. Luckily I had my head torch but when I shone it around the tunnel I spotted literally dozens of very big spiders all moving really fast on the cave ceiling. I think they were just after the large Mosquitos but I think the light disturbed them.
We continued onwards and upwards past sheer drops so high we couldn't see where the bottom was. We saw lots of large skinks but sadly still no snakes since the two western brown snakes all those weeks ago on the West coast in Cervantes. We did see some massive red ants nearly an inch long which I've since found out are Giant Red Bullet ants, they are really aggressive and the pain of their sting can last more than two days... probably not a good idea for me to have poked them a bit with a stick then!
We finally completed the steep zig zag trail of steps to the top and continued on to find the car. It was definitely one of the most challenging walks we have completed and Colin has now discovered that apparently this is classed as 'Difficult' in the guide which makes us even more impressed that we finished it.
My legs are killing me now or at least my knees are, but we still managed to hobble to a very good Thai restaurant for a well deserved meal (and a sticky rice and mango dessert unlike last night!).
