[SUBW-A] Trip Report: Bowen's Creek (north branch)

[Luke Binsted]

Party: Marcelle Gannon, Rachel Kay, David Lee, Dennis Lee (unrelated),
Ritesh, Clare Ly, James Bevan, Marika Ruhala, Clementia Yuen & Luke Binsted

A four-car meeting on the Wynnes Rocks Road was somehow perfectly timed, so
all ten of us headed down the trail in bright sunshine. Before reaching the
anthill turnoff, two fire engines passed us - this was of some concern
because any back-burning could have made our exit difficult. But the firemen
said nothing, and no smoke was smelt that day, so they must have been
playing with their hoses on a training mission.

The gully descent was very pleasant, and we reached Bowen's creek with two
smaller parties directly behind us. After a short slosh along the creek we
all wet-suited up, then the day took a turn for the bizarre: David Lee took
an ill-advised plunge into the water, injuring his tail-bone on an unseen
rock. After lying down him for a bit on the sand and hearing groans that
he'd be alright, we all headed onwards. But not for long... Clementia and I
had already descended the 'key-hole' waterfall, when David decided that he'd
had enough. This was certainly a wise option, since the earlier impact had
spooked him into distrusting his own legs to carry him over the difficult
terrain. 

After climbing the roped waterfall to remonstrate on the best course of
action, I accepted Marcelle and Rachel's very gracious offer to walk him
out. After all, I was the only one who had done the canyon before and I
didn't want to curtail everyone else's day. Clementia was down below waiting
- she wasn't going to get back up the waterfall - so onward we had to go.
The large rock jump (8m) provided the adrenaline highlight of the day for
the remaining seven, the passed party had checked out the depth for us.

We had lunch at the junction of north and south of Bowen's branches and
exited without incident. We met Marcelle, Rachel and David back at the cars
- they had only beaten us there by some 20 minutes. We had a quick search
for Dangar dam, only getting there after a rough drive next to the wrong
railway tracks and Marcelle's departure. Clare, James and I amused ourselves
with an even bigger jump from atop the big rock in the dam - maybe this was
12m. It took some bravery and vainglory, but we did it before heading back
to Sydney.

Thanks ever so much to Rachel and Marcelle for walking David out - I owe you
two another canyon soon. I'd better make it a smaller party! I trust that
the remaining six hardy adventurers had a good canyon experience. And get
well soon Dave: how is your bruise looking?

Regards,

Luke