Jenolan River

[mikeC]

I'm interested in having a look at the Jenolan River from the ford
near Sassafras Creek along to the Cox's. Is this a difficult section
to walk at river level or is all mainly up on high banks? I'm thinking
of a simple in and out the same way, from the fire trial (6 foot
track?) on Black Range.

[Roger Caffin]

Post by mikeC
I'm interested in having a look at the Jenolan River from the ford
near Sassafras Creek along to the Cox's. Is this a difficult section
to walk at river level or is all mainly up on high banks? I'm thinking
of a simple in and out the same way, from the fire trial (6 foot
track?) on Black Range.

Most of it is on flood banks, covered in that weed which has spread down
from Caves House. A few wades, nothing serious.
However, there are two obstacles.

1) There is the 'swim' section near the junction with the Coxs, although it
is not as deep as it used to be and we managed to wade it recently. It may
have gone up a bit with all the rain. Be a bit cold... It's on the front
cover of the Summer 2009 edition of The Bushwalker magazine at
http://www.bushwalking.org.au/bushwalking/BWSummer09.pdf

2) The other difficulty is Hellgate Gorge. A 19 year old raving nut case
might jump the waterfall and climb down the other side, but if you slip ...
Not me, thank you. There is a high level rock-climbing traverse bypass, but
you would be well-advised to take 20+ m of rope or tape to secure this. If
you have 40 m of rope you could abseil into the water fairly safely and swim
(bit cold though!). Failing that, you can climb a couple of hundred metres
up to the ridge above and come down the spur. Steep, but no problems.

In fact, I would love to know the state of both the Jenolan and Coxs right
now. Anyone?

Cheers
Roger Caffin

[kanangra]

Post by Roger Caffin

Post by mikeC
I'm interested in having a look at the Jenolan River from the ford
near Sassafras Creek along to the Cox's.  Is this a difficult section
to walk at river level or is all mainly up on high banks? I'm thinking
of a simple in and out the same way, from the fire trial (6 foot
track?) on Black Range.

Most of it is on flood banks, covered in that weed which has spread down
from Caves House. A few wades, nothing serious.
However, there are two obstacles.
1) There is the 'swim' section near the junction with the Coxs, although it
is not as deep as it used to be and we managed to wade it recently. It may
have gone up a bit with all the rain. Be a bit cold... It's on the front
cover of the Summer 2009 edition of The Bushwalker magazine athttp://www.bushwalking.org.au/bushwalking/BWSummer09.pdf
2) The other difficulty is Hellgate Gorge. A 19 year old raving nut case
might jump the waterfall and climb down the other side, but if you slip ...
Not me, thank you. There is a high level rock-climbing traverse bypass, but
you would be well-advised to take 20+ m of rope or tape to secure this. If
you have 40 m of rope you could abseil into the water fairly safely and swim
(bit cold though!). Failing that, you can climb a couple of hundred metres
up to the ridge above and come down the spur. Steep, but no problems.
In fact, I would love to know the state of both the Jenolan and Coxs right
now. Anyone?
Cheers
Roger Caffin

Roger,

I was there on the weekend and the water levels in both had receded
but were still higher then normal levels. Both were running strongly
as was Breakfast Ck which was particularly clear. Water was quite cold
though.

We did a day walk from Dunphy's CP down Carlons and up Black Horse
then to the Coxs via Blue Dog. Steep off the end of that. Then up
river to Flaggi Clear before ascending the ridge to Tinpot Mt. Had
lunch on top before descending to the river again via Ironmonger spur
( a much gentler descent route ). then back to the CP via Breakfast Ck
and Carlons.

A great day. cool with gusting winds. A great atmosphere.

K,

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Kanagra

Thanks for that. Hum ... thinking ...

Water was quite cold though.

Yeah, I'll bet!

lunch on top before descending to the river again via Ironmonger spur
( a much gentler descent route ). then back to the CP via Breakfast Ck

My admiration for taking the longer route home. I can imagine the
temptation...

Cheers
Roger