Mermaid Pool and Tahmoor Canyon

I took a group of 17 friends to  Mermaid Pool and Tahmoor Canyon - a wonder world of potholes, pools, swimming holes and waterfalls. It was a fun day out but the group was larger than was wise and I managed to lose some along the way for a little while which was pretty stressful!  Leading a group through rough terrain with a poorly marked track is not for sissies - think I'll stick to small groups of friends in the future.  I didn't get to take as many photos as usual as my attentions were on navigation and group counting. Thankfully I had Gavin to help, who'd done hike twice before.

Gavin and Srini have a leap at the pot-holes.

My turn for a leap.

Beautiful potholes.

These wonderful reflection photos in the potholes were taken by Anupam.

Amazing how the water has sculptured the rocks.

We arrive at the stunning Mermaid Pool.

Group shot - all 17 of us.

Sitting at the top of Mermaid Pool.

I dipped into the water for a lovely massage.

Stopping off at the top of the cliffs above Mermaid Falls for a stunning view.

Wendy on the cliff.

Michelle and a lovely guy from Sydney Bushwalkers.

Another gorgeous view of Mermaid Falls a bit further along.

A great spot for our lunch break. It was a very hot, humid day so our swims were much needed and appreciated.

Gavin and Srini having fun.

Beautiful waterfall.

More waterfalls along the way.

Gavin in his hiking gear!

Camping and hiking in the Megalong Valley (Blue Mountains)

I went camping and hiking with my favourite Meet Up Group, Sydney Bushwalkers, this weekend. We did two hikes along sections of the most famous trail in the area; The Six Foot Track.

Highlights of the weekend included:

• The beautiful camp site in pristine natural surroundings with a tranquil creek flowing through it.
• The wonderful, sunny weather we were graced with.
• Jo and Wendy, the friendly leaders, who were so keen for us all to have a great time.
• The great group; such lovely people all.
• The cute horse who came over to say hello on the first day hike. She was rewarded with an apple for her friendliness.
• Exploring a tucked away waterfall off the path near Nellies Glen.
• A steep walk up the stairs at Nellies Glen to get the heart pumping, and not being too disappointed when we had to turn back to rejoin the group.
• Sitting by the camp fire at night, munching delicious toasties and marshmallows (thanks Wendy!)
• Chatting to Rob, a fellow SAFA, about South Africa - always so great to reminisce.
• A display of the most amazing tree climbing I've ever seen!!  You had to be there to believe it. See the photos below.
• The gorgeous scenery, especially on the second day.
• Plucking up the courage to cross the very wobbly suspension bridge over the river. My rampant fear of heights nearly got the better of me but I managed to get across and back.
• A gorgeous, bracing swim in the river and lying back in the waterfalls.  Such a beautiful spot!
• Putting my little camera to the test. She did well.  My SLR didn't come out the whole weekend.

The number one highlight of the weekend for me was watching a two metre black snake swim across the river to within meters where we were sitting.  I've never seen such agility and grace.  I was so mesmerised I forgot to be scared!  I will look twice before diving into rock pools next time though.

All in all, an awesome weekend. I can't wait now to do the full length of The Six Foot Track (covering 42 km's).

First day hike

Camp life

Amazing tree climbing

Second day hike

The scary bridge!

Bracing but refreshingly delicious.

Bee hives - Australian bees don't have stings, so I could get close.

Crazy guy - would give even Russell a go for this money !!

The snake!

Related link

Meet Up link

Berowra Valley NP walk: Thornleigh to Hornsby

This was another wonderful hike with beautiful, water sculptured rocks.  It was a hot day but well worth the effort.  It was especially lovely to meet up with Chrisèl again who I met on a hike in Sept 2013 and felt a great sense of connection with.