POSTPONED 1 WEEK DUE TO POOR WEATHER FORECAST
Hi all,
I am planning to lead a weekend canyoning trip in the Blue Mountains weather permitting. Depart Friday night, camp at Blackheath Glen Reserve, Arethusa Canyon Saturday and the short Whore's Bed canyon Sunday returning to Canberra by late Sunday afternoon.
The trip is only suitable for people who have canyoned previously and are confident abseilers and don't mind an exposed rock climb out of the canyon on Saturday. This trip will only proceed if the weather forecast for the blue mountains is suitable (no thurnderstorms or rain forecast) - a decision to proceed will be made the Wednesday prior.
Details of the canyons can be found here: https://canyoning.org.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=617 and http://www.david-noble.net/blog/?p=38979
Arethusa Canyon requires three rock climbs on the exit - we will only undertake this canyon if I can get a competent lead climber along (5x draws required for the ring bolts, and comfortable leading on a static rope - note the bolts are reported as being very closely spaced). If no leader climber is present, we will undertake Bowens Creek North Branch canyon - notes here https://ozultimate.com/canyoning/track_notes/bowens_creek_north.htm and then do Whore's Bed on Sunday - camping at Mt Wilson Cathedral of Ferns camoing area.
If I haven't been on a trip with you, please note in your sign up your canyoning and rope experience and if you are comfortable lead climbing. Not suitable for beginners. Preference for attendence will be given to members of the canyon training group from 2020 as a further opportunity to develop canyon leading skills.
With lead climber - Saturday Arethusa Canyon, with exit up Alpheus Canyon if time permits otherwise standard climbing exits per description in link.
Without lead climber - Bowens Creek Canyon North Branch (upper and lower - if running out of time early exit at the start of the lower section)