Shoalhaven river 1 pack rafters 0. OR Broke Back Bungonia

A fine adventure with a twist. A serious underestimation of the speed of the raft/Dinghy needing a readjustment to the original plan....

With Ivan & Peter biting the bullet and investing there stock pile into a Klymit you bueat ultra lite Dinghy, it was only right to put then to the test. And guest Mr Schultz stepping into the breach using the spare adventure boat, made for a happy quartet. 

In true adventure style, the newly minted boats, would not be put through a test before. Just Carpe Diem. 

The well thought through, well somewhat well thought through, plan was:

1.   To camp at Bungonia on Friday - let the weekend begin 

2.   Park car at end point, Badgerys Lookout. Which had magnificent vista of the Shoalhaven Gorge. This had everyone salivating. 

3.   The roll back to start point, south of bungonia campsite. Matodoro Ridge Trail. Drive as far as possible to Helipad.

4.   Scramble down to Shoalhaven river

5.   Paddle to Bungonia Gorge entrance. Camp

6.   Time permitting walkup Gorge

7.   Paddle to Badgerys Lookout path.

8.   Walk back up to car. 

No problems. at 42km. At walking pace. two days easy. Yet...

The Plan

Car one, arrived, set up camp, ate, had beers, chewed the fat. Car two, took the scenic route. visiting all lookouts before finding camp site 9ish. They then ate, had beers, well one did. chewed the fat. Sleeping configurations we on display here. One in Hammock, other in UL 1 man tent, Clive Cowboy camping in the bivi, and other in palatial 2 man number. It was a cold night. 5 degrees. 

Aspiring packrafters were presented with team cowboy hats as bonding agent. While it took for ever to pack up, blowing schedule. We were ready to go.. Not quite, the Golden bomber wouldn’t start. Read manual on the Beemer on how to jump start, when battery in the back. Only after emptying the boot of course.

Cow Boys at Helipad. All loaded up

Oh, at Official backpack Weigh-in. the count was: Graham: 18kg. Peter 18.1 (what were they taking). Ivan 11.6 (but hadn’t added the wetsuit yet). And Clive at a measly 11.3 (he decidied to leave the wetsuit). With Packraft and Paddles. All in all not too bad. It would as also noted that Ivan confronted with the thought of carrying the uber light 1.3kg 1 man tent, convinced Peter, they should cuddle up together in the two man. Which of course was now stowed in Peter's pack. A wily old fox this Ivan character. 

Did end point car drop off, admired the vista, raced back. And as luck would have it the road wasnt locked and the old holden turned into a bloody fine 4x4. Every extra km in the car one less we had to hike. Lifting spirits no end. And getting us back on schedule. 

Team photo at Helipad. Fairly decent looking path, down we go. With much banter ensuing. Unfortunately G fitness or lack thereof started to show. And the banter was now only 3 strong. 

Getting closer, the true beauty of this river revealed itself. And nicely flowing too. wooohoo. found a suitable launch spot. Let the cavorting begin. It was noted; all except Peter used the well design, fit-for-purpose tie down straps for backpacks. Not Peter, choosing to demonstrate his Scouts knot tying prowess. Show-off. 

Some early hesitation to shoot the rapids, which were really just ripples. but rapids to neophyte whitewater rafter. And rafts were dinghies. So took a few goes to shoot a few. The African contingent, proving more adept or more gung-ho it seemed. 

A particularly boisterous ripple, maybe a class 2, swept one members boat off, leaving him stranded in the rapid. with much gesticulating to rafter below, to collect, what I thought was his boat. It was not his boat he was gesticulating about. No, more serious than that, significantly more serious. Said rafter had been entrusted with the wine. And in the mayhem of the water, the fine 2009 shiraz and fallen from his pack and boat. Boat was recovered; bailing bottle recovered, alas, Shiraz left. So look out people of the river. it could be your lucky day. (positioned somewhere down from 34 52.830S, 150 03.152E). Lesson #1 - Always secure valuables like wine to backpack. 

The river opened up and sun started to comedown. Ambling down the river, water like glass. all are happy. The worries of Quarter Closes, Business Fixing, Clinical Diagnosis all furthest from our minds. Reminded me of the Zambezi trips come sunset. Well except for the odd snort from Hippos, grunt from elies, eye's popping up from below the surface to check you out. Other than that, just the same. At least we had wine secured on those trips. You do sleep easier in OZ bush though; possum v Lion/Hyena. So same just different.  

 Thing was, we weren't even through the Block up. Yikes, well behind misconstrued planned pacing. Yet found a super duper bank for happy campers. Ivan & Peter becoming acquainted for tent share later that night. They did look a happy couple pitching their Targ together. Schultz had his Hammock up in short time, Roberts left scratching for a flat surface for bivi. Dinner; Risotto ala Jonty Biltong, accompanied by Warm Broccoli, leek & Raisan Salad, with Raspberry Chocolate Pudding. All freshly prepared, straight from the dehydrator. 

So with dinner done and dusted. Time to review the plan. Double yikes 20k to Badgerys. OKAAAY. And when that was announced to the team a pregnant pause as we all did our mental math’s. And so a discussion ensued. Press on Badgerys. Go to Bungonia, Go back. If go back which route? Then, to vote or captains call. Consensus was, go back 1 k up river, then scale up the appropriately named New Come Up Ridge. And what an inviting name too. which joined with New Come UP Trail, lead us back to car. This being a quicker option to going ahead up the river to New Chum Ridge, then scrambling up to the Helipad. But longer walk back to car. Did wonder where 'OLD' Chum & OLD Come Up were. not on this map. 

With pressure off, some decided to sleep in. Well it seemed that way. Not saying, Hammocker or couple in tent! So much for early start. After scrambled eggs (with Biltong of course), decamped, depart 9ish for paddle up stream. Deflate at Come Up Creek, actually a dry bed. And so began the Scramble up, New Come Up. Scramble became a clamber, became a plod. Not much banter going on. When would this thing end. End it did nearly 2 hours later. We did have a Minestrone Soup and Dried Fruit Compote to finish. devoured in extra short time. And on-ward to find trail end point. And with Memory-Map and tracker on, it took us with pin point accuracy back to the fire trail. And like horse heading for home a route march back to car. We hoped it starts. Didn't first time. Second it kick, we breathed again. 

Now only thing to agree on was suitable location for obligatory, celebratory beer. This proofing more of a negotiation than the route. Alls well. Longueville Hotel it was. Cheers to you boys. A good adventure with a twist.

Shoalhaven vee vill be baack. 

Ivan the Rafter

Seek a launch pad

Preparing to launch

Graham the Rafter

Peter the Rafter

Floating down the river

A winner

The wines demise

Vista from Badgerys Lookout

Adventurers at the ready

Happy campers

A camp spot to die for

Slog up - New Come UP

the actual route

Bristol point campers

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Buckskin Gulch & Paria Canyon

The Start

So they say this is a 3 to 6 day adventure. All depending on conditions. Aka, the water levels. So being the responsible adventurer, called the Ranger while still back in aus. Said they'd had record rain. But levels coming down, not good. Equals; cold and slow. And more wet suit attire. And most importantly, at one point there's a rock jam 3/4 way down the slot. Low water you climbs under said jam. High means over the top. And rope to get down. Took string to lower back pack and scramble doyen myself. Ended up going under. Glad didn't take a rope.

The big Rock Jam. Not such a challenge

High tailed it out of Vegas early morning. With all the faffing about, stopping off to get requisite permit and poop bags, instructions from Ranger etc. Only arrived at Vermillion cliffs motel, my overnighter, late. Not much else in Vermilion cliffs except the motel. But great food, fantastic burger and bigger range of beers than Vegas. Run by adventurers, so must

Good Arizona Lager 

be good. 

Met Liegh, from Wagga Wagga, would you believe. More knowledgeable than anyone I'd met. 'The best canyon hike in the US, the world even'. .. Big call. She was not alone on this point. Suppose that's why after all the research chose this one.  

  Logistics are; leave car at the end of the trail; Lees ferry where Paria river meets the Colorado. This is where the rafters start for the Grand canyon river rafting. Reminded me of Vic falls.  For me it was a 7am rendezvous and the 1:45 hr. shuttle with Betty, to the start. for a fee of course. I had to chuckle, she had lots of advice for this hike. Being seriously over weight and with walking stick. Doubt she'd ever done this.

The entrance to the Buckskin Gulch

Disposed of Betty and charged off with much gusto. Happiness abounded. With a 20k long Gulch (supposedly the longest in the world). there are no real camping spots in the Gulch and it could be suicide if it rained. This was much, much narrower than the Narrows. It was amazing how high up the rock walls wooded debris had lodged itself,  at some points maybe 10 metres up. Even more amazing was the way the muddy waters had sculpted sides of the canyon walls, remarkable. First mistake, didn't bring a decent camera. The mobile just hadn't done it justice, both in terms of capturing the textured walls and the colours created by the sunlight stealing through the top of the canyon.

And to the first mud pool. So donned on Neoprene type socks and leggings. And ventured forth. As I didn't have those you beaut Canyon shoes like in the Narrows, had bought some sandals as s poor substitute. Theory bring they would at least detain and be light to walk in. First test passed.   Just wet muddy for the rest of the day. 

This was fun. Like racing through a maze for big kids. Just went on and on. Deeper n higher walls. More water pools, just not as bad as everyone had made out. So cussed them. That meant an extra 2kg on my back for three days. 

Majestic Walls 

In fact, pack weighted 15.6kg, that was with 3.5 liters and 800 g of vino (considered essential).  With 4 days of food. Not to bad. 

The rock jam proved to be a non event. All a bit disappointing really. It did mean good progress was made. 
Finally arriving at the confluence at about 3. All up 26k. 
Things changed now. With the Paria flowing it was more like the Narrows. Constant river walking. The sandals didn't perform well at this. Getting bloody pebbles under your feet. Not that I was changing. That would have meant no dry shoes in camp. Now that would be very problematic. 
Pressed on hoping to get to 'big spring' where there was a camp site opposite the fresh water source. Didn't make it. By 5 and light fading. Came across a pretty decent looking spot. Little high up. It off the wind. And checked what was on the menu. Spaghetti pesto it was. Not before sundowners. And tucked into that wine. Well earned I thought. So much so smashed the lot. Less weight for tomorrow. 

As with the Narrows didn't bother with the tarp. Once again took forever to decamp. 

The second day, the canyon started to open up. Criss-crossed it constantly. Towering canyon walls. Was brilliant. By this stage was crossing that river with gazelle like grace. Well I thought so. 

Rather than talking to myself or out shooting waiting for the echo and other dump things, took to looking for features in the rock. A Buddha, saw Dory of Nemo fame, much hilarity. 

Dory -NO?

My Butt

Took a side trip up Wrather canyon up to Wrather Arch. nearly missed the canyon entrance. Hidden in shrubbery. More natural wonders and box ticked.

Wrather Arch - Great side trip. 

And by dusk found accommodation. Just as tucking in,  started to rain. So up goes the tarp. Just in time.

Executed decamping much better and was on the veritable Road by 7am. Wanting to get to Lees ferry by midday. 
The canyon opens up wide, so longer river side walking less in the water. 
Good progress was made and arrived at lees ferry by lunch.  Which was good. I see the predicted cold front coming in. Headed back to Vermillion cliffs for another great burger. 
This was an outstanding little adventure.

Morning Sun 

The Route

The Start

So they say this is a 3 to 6 day adventure. All depending on conditions. Aka, the water levels. So being the responsible adventurer, called the Ranger while still back in aus. Said they'd had record rain. But levels coming down, not good. Equals; cold and slow. And more wet suit attire. And most importantly, at one point there's a rock jam 3/4 way down the slot. Low water you climbs under said jam. High means over the top. And rope to get down. Took string to lower back pack and scramble doyen myself. Ended up going under. Glad didn't take a rope.

The big Rock Jam. Not such a challenge

High tailed it out of Vegas early morning. With all the faffing about, stopping off to get requisite permit and poop bags, instructions from Ranger etc. Only arrived at Vermillion cliffs motel, my overnighter, late. Not much else in Vermilion cliffs except the motel. But great food, fantastic burger and bigger range of beers than Vegas. Run by adventurers, so must

Good Arizona Lager 

be good. 

Met Liegh, from Wagga Wagga, would you believe. More knowledgeable than anyone I'd met. 'The best canyon hike in the US, the world even'. .. Big call. She was not alone on this point. Suppose that's why after all the research chose this one.  

  Logistics are; leave car at the end of the trail; Lees ferry where Paria river meets the Colorado. This is where the rafters start for the Grand canyon river rafting. Reminded me of Vic falls.  For me it was a 7am rendezvous and the 1:45 hr. shuttle with Betty, to the start. for a fee of course. I had to chuckle, she had lots of advice for this hike. Being seriously over weight and with walking stick. Doubt she'd ever done this.

The entrance to the Buckskin Gulch

Disposed of Betty and charged off with much gusto. Happiness abounded. With a 20k long Gulch (supposedly the longest in the world). there are no real camping spots in the Gulch and it could be suicide if it rained. This was much, much narrower than the Narrows. It was amazing how high up the rock walls wooded debris had lodged itself,  at some points maybe 10 metres up. Even more amazing was the way the muddy waters had sculpted sides of the canyon walls, remarkable. First mistake, didn't bring a decent camera. The mobile just hadn't done it justice, both in terms of capturing the textured walls and the colours created by the sunlight stealing through the top of the canyon.

And to the first mud pool. So donned on Neoprene type socks and leggings. And ventured forth. As I didn't have those you beaut Canyon shoes like in the Narrows, had bought some sandals as s poor substitute. Theory bring they would at least detain and be light to walk in. First test passed.   Just wet muddy for the rest of the day. 

This was fun. Like racing through a maze for big kids. Just went on and on. Deeper n higher walls. More water pools, just not as bad as everyone had made out. So cussed them. That meant an extra 2kg on my back for three days. 

Majestic Walls 

In fact, pack weighted 15.6kg, that was with 3.5 liters and 800 g of vino (considered essential).  With 4 days of food. Not to bad. 

The rock jam proved to be a non event. All a bit disappointing really. It did mean good progress was made. 
Finally arriving at the confluence at about 3. All up 26k. 
Things changed now. With the Paria flowing it was more like the Narrows. Constant river walking. The sandals didn't perform well at this. Getting bloody pebbles under your feet. Not that I was changing. That would have meant no dry shoes in camp. Now that would be very problematic. 
Pressed on hoping to get to 'big spring' where there was a camp site opposite the fresh water source. Didn't make it. By 5 and light fading. Came across a pretty decent looking spot. Little high up. It off the wind. And checked what was on the menu. Spaghetti pesto it was. Not before sundowners. And tucked into that wine. Well earned I thought. So much so smashed the lot. Less weight for tomorrow. 

As with the Narrows didn't bother with the tarp. Once again took forever to decamp. 

The second day, the canyon started to open up. Criss-crossed it constantly. Towering canyon walls. Was brilliant. By this stage was crossing that river with gazelle like grace. Well I thought so. 

Rather than talking to myself or out shooting waiting for the echo and other dump things, took to looking for features in the rock. A Buddha, saw Dory of Nemo fame, much hilarity. 

Dory -NO?

My Butt

Took a side trip up Wrather canyon up to Wrather Arch. nearly missed the canyon entrance. Hidden in shrubbery. More natural wonders and box ticked.

Wrather Arch - Great side trip. 

And by dusk found accommodation. Just as tucking in,  started to rain. So up goes the tarp. Just in time.

Executed decamping much better and was on the veritable Road by 7am. Wanting to get to Lees ferry by midday. 
The canyon opens up wide, so longer river side walking less in the water. 
Good progress was made and arrived at lees ferry by lunch.  Which was good. I see the predicted cold front coming in. Headed back to Vermillion cliffs for another great burger. 
This was an outstanding little adventure.

Morning Sun 

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=3036348

Zion national park - the Narrows

The Narrows Trailhead

As they say in big bad USofA, I'm cowboy camping. Meaning under the stars. Although I'm under 4 layers. Cloudless sky, my nooky nicely protected from the wind.  . Under the canyon rock face. Camp site 9. It is loooverly. So far. Camping at zion with tarp on. Was very cold indeed. Icy wind. Blowing under the closed side. No wind in number 9. Did wake up at 3 ish. Added on the down jacket. No 9 got cold.

Cold!

This is everything I expect in the way of spectacular canyon walls. Didn't expect the water to be so freezing. Took a picture of a little Eddie,  on the side of the bank. It still had ice on the surface. That was 1 PM.  tried to stay out for as long as possible. Soon it be came impossible. So stomping through with gay abandonment. 

In fact I knew all that conquistadorsing in the Pungwe would find its use. Not that I was on my arse. Just navigating the river. What rocks to stand on which to avoid. Must have cross that River a hundred times.
It's magic how this River closes in. From wide open to a narrow cutting through the rock. I may have paid more attention in geography if this is what Mr Parker droned on about. 

Took me forever to pack up that morning. Packing the kitchen, the bedroom, the daily ritual, first time used a poop bag. Gotta pack it all out of the Narrows you know. After all last thing you want to see as you stomp through the river is a floater pass you by. Left to the last, put the wet and Icy cold socks, Neoprene socks and boots back on. Ouch.

Actually ended up hiring some you bueat fancy canyoning boots. Was a little circumspect, have to say they drained brilliantly and the traction on them rocks was reassuring. Hired from zion adventure Co. Same guys that gave me the ride to the top of the river, Chamberlain ranch, that d being the start point. With a cool guy, Cam, an accountant, corporate refugee. Now a canyoner. Now poor but happy!

Most of the second day was stomping through the river. Either the feet had become acclimatised or the water was warmer. Either way less numbness.
You knew you were coming to the end when you saw day hikers coming up.
And for the weight watchers; was happy to get the pack weight down 10.4kg. And that included the Neoprene bottoms and top. Had 2 litres of water. Figured don't need much. Readily available, after treating of course.
All in all a euphoric experience. Seriously awesome.

K2K in a day

What can you say about K2K in a day
You could say the Narrow Neck walk is the longest 9.235kms and a few millimeters known to man
You can also say a 4 am wake up call is downright impolite
lets not talk about that retched decent down 'strong leg' more like 'weak knee'.
We're on a roll here..
How's the extra payload of water in your shoe's as you stagger up 'bad' dog!
Well its no good yellow pup is it?

Then again there is some serious pay back for your efforts

You can say the views were most awesome, Kanagawa walls, Goowong was it, serious eye candy.....
You gotta love the names along the way; rip rack roar & rumble or how about high & mighty. They must have been conjured up at the pink palace after several too many.
And you can most certainly say is all the more enjoyable to share it with people who have such a passion and love of the aussie bush.
To meet new people from all walks, with that common interest.
You gotta say, love 'Stralia, folk from the 4 corners; a tramper, rambler,  Marcheur, strapper, yuanzu, a few bushwalkers thrown in for good measure.  Meeting up on a for a  fine day of 'type 2' fun.
And some mighty fine leadership, good onya Francis and Alan.