taloyoak

Now what you need to understand is that the so called “greenies”- people who in my honest opinion, take an active and pro-active approach to educating, enforcing and making the rest of this beautiful country aware of not only destructive man made ideas, but to also the stupid ( but admittedly) unaware first settlers that brought these “pests” in. If European Carp were a beautiful tasting fish, equally hard to catch et el, would we be thinking of them the same way we do of trout?. Anyone who knows me- realises that I love nature, I appreciate the wild and its inherent beauty. I hate the million Indian Myna’s around my place, but I also appreciate life. I love trout- every aspect of them- their tenacity to adapt to our eco-system, their intelligence, their ability in the “calorie” equation etc, but if I had to make a choice based on whether or not I would want “invasive/introduced” species over native species- I would without a doubt want all the non-native species gone. In Kanangra there are only a few Macquarie Black Perch left- I have been so lucky to see them, catch one for a photo, and I revel in the fact that not many other people see them today. I also have seen the destruction of the Carp in the Cox’s (although on fly they are not as easy to hook, and they fight like Bones), and more so, the feral pigs- they do some serious damage. I think any avid fisherperson who understands the ecology, the dynamics of the fragile eco-systems in place where trout live and flourish, can appreciate that these places are not infinite. They are so easily destroyed and ruined by the smallest of margins. I would challenge anyone who says that introduced species should be left alone, because if you look at the dynamics, then you will realise that the introduced species simply change everything in that system. The fact that cat’s, dog’s, llamas and alpacas are either domesticated for pets in a “mostly” controlled environment, or in the case of Llamas and alpacas, cow’s and chickens- cow’s do not cause the devastation that trout and carp do, nor do chickens, nor llamas and alpacas. Australia- in particular our temperate climate and waterways are “ideal” for species like tilapia, weather loaches etc, and if it wasn’t brought to our attention, most of our pristine waterways would end up devoid of any life other than the introduced species. Sure I love catching trout, but I’d prefer they were not there. The “Greenies” actually make some of their political interests in matters that many other Aussies dismiss, and instead we are more interested in if we can get a cheap toll on the M4, or a faster rail link to Parramatta. I would hope that most people on this website would be at least open to listening, educating themselves on conservation etc- all you need to do is go look at countries like Japan, Vietnam, India etc- and see how polluted, and devastated their fisheries have become. The Greenies do have some far out ideas, but I believe most are valid, it is us who make un-researched and uneducated comments and assumptions.

HALF THE PHOTO'S!

nO NEVER FOUND MY nORTH FACE JACKET- DOESN'T MATTER IT WAS TOO HEAVY ANYWAY, GETTING A MARMOT SUPER MICA JKT.

Thanks Igg, But It isn't my best post- I procrastinated for a week or so to type it up- my philosophy is basically that if you are a memebr of a fishing website that has around 20,000 members- surely you can spend 30 mins or so to type up a report- spell check it ( my pet peave!), and if you go out and want to make a report- take the time ( which isn't real hard) to take some good photos. Unfortunately every time I have ever gone on trips- even up in the Arctic, 70% of the time I neglected to take pics- not anymore. I love sharing reports with everyone, and all you membersn have a digital camera- just take loads of pics- maybe 10 out of 50 tuen out great- well the other 19,000 members appreciate pics. Everytime I log on, to look at the site, I really appreciate members who take the time to take pics- like MAKO, GREG L, etc etc and even SWORDIE- he takes great photos...that is what keeps the interest with the site/forum. There is nothing worse than checking out a report without pics. Just my 5 mins worth!

I would NEVER mock Oranges....my middle name is Citrus Sinensis!

nice lizards mate, wish they were here on my plate right now with some chips and a good drop of white!

Geoff, I am feverishly organising time off,getting my new tent made, shaving kilo's off both my fat ass and gear list, and trying to convince the "slave labour camp commandant" that I can buy more gear!. Needless to say I will be going no matter what, even if that means straight to divorce- no trial separation etc.....I'm good to go.

Thanks nurse Ratchett ( LOL- just kiddin'), I have downloaded the movie and gonna watch it with the ball and chain tonite!

Oops!, forgot to add the big hook jaw male that Scotty caught, and also his titanium tent pegs against ultralight aluminium ones

SOME MORE PICS

I headed out from Katoomba after submitting my trip plan and getting an EPIRB from the Police, and made my way along the scenic Narrow Neck trail. Arrived at the fire tower which is about ¾ the way to the end of the trail, and out to Carlons Head. I’d read the descriptions, but wasn’t deterred because of the “climb” on chains. Well……hahaha, was I wrong. At what point do you listen to that voice in your head that tries to talk sense when all you do is fight that, and the urge to explore new things and places takes over… Welcome to my head, and Carlon’s Head. “All of the pitches involve some awkward moves and a fall on any of the pitches would be very nasty, if not fatal. Be warned, some of the rungs are loose, and one has in fact broken off. If you have concerns, you would be advised to take 20m of rope and set up a belay. Carlon Head is not a pass for the faint hearted! A Coast and Mountain walker had a bad fall descending the exposed section around 1971-72 and for a while it was feared he'd broken his back. He had to be airlifted out with an Iroquois helicopter. Although there are chains and spikes/loops on the exposed sections it is imperative that you employ a tape or rope to set up a safety backup. Attach it to a harness or use a bowline knot to place a body loop in the end and place under the armpits. Wrap the other end around one of the bolts or through the large eyebolt to use as a belay friction device” – This is an excerpt from one of the Blue Mtn’s guidebooks. Basically it technically isn’t too bad, just a lot of airy exposure, and obviously as stated above- a slip or fall would almost definitely result in serious injury or death. There are a number of cliffs to descend using fixed chains and metal spikes- I wish I had of taken some photos for you all, but to be honest I was too involved in whether or not I was going to be able to get down. At the base of one of the down climbs there was a broken metal spike- nothing like that to instil more fear!. With my pack on, down climbing was very difficult. Well finally I get to the bottom, but then spent 30 mins trying to figure out exactly where the trail went, as there were 2 options, 1 I followed to the right, it contoured the cliff, but led nowhere- at least nothing that I could get down, then the other way led to a cliff with a chimney rock down climb. I looked at it for 5 mins, trying to figure out whether this was the right way- looking for worn rock etc, but decided to take that option. I had to basically drop my pack over the ½ way because it was too hard to squeeze through with it, and as I did drop it managed to roll down, down, down about 30 meters of hill. Shit!. Sketched my way through the chimney, then got my pack, and then it was a horrendous extremely steep downhill descent to the fire trail that leads from Packsaddlers to Medlow Gap. Now…. The whole idea of taking this route was to cut time. Usually to get from Katoomba to Medlow Gap takes around 3 hrs. Well by the time I got to Medlow Gap it had taken well over 6 hr’s, I was tired, hungry and pissed off- but also kind of happy that I had checked out another area of the mountains. Never again!. So as I walked in to Medlow Gap at around 4pm, I toyed with the idea of camping at Medlow ( all it is is a signboard with a small eave roof maybe 1m wide), or I could walk the next 60 mins to Mobbs Soak and bivvy at the cave. I decided to walk to Mobbs, but the whole time trying to convince myself to keep going the extra 3 hr’s ( in the dark) to Kanangra ck, where my gear was. I got to Mobbs and decided to stay in the cave. I had nothing. I spent about 20 mins collecting Casuarina needles- basically those thin string like needles on the ground, to use as a bed, then also used tree branches and leaves to make a bed. I had a bivvy bag- but not your normal goretex one, but a coated nylon “sack”. I settled in to the cold, yes it was really cold, I ended up putting on my Simms waders, and every single piece of clothes I had, in the VB( Vapour Barrier ) bag. Well those of you that do not know what a Vapour Barrier is- basically it is a sack ( or socks etc), that are non-breathable. They are designed to keep you warm by holding in the radiated heat you naturally lose, however the downside is that they also trap your insensible loss (the almost 1 lt of fluid you lose in an average night’s sleep from sweating). I had to basically every 2 hrs, use my chamois towel to soak up the water/sweat- it really was that bad!. Needless to say, I had a shit sleep, it was freezing cold. I was soooooooooo glad for the morning- had set my alarm for 630am. Packed up, ate some muesli bars, and made my way to Kanangra ck. Got down to K ck and my camp around 1030am. It was a great clear and sunny day, it is hard to describe how beautiful this part of the mountains is. When I walk in to that place, I am overwhelmed with happiness, my tired legs are instantly renewed, and I feel just so privileged to be able to spend time in this almost untouched wilderness. My little buddy Supreme Lyrebird was chortling away as usual- he makes me laugh with his crazy calls and rants. Last trip with Irongusavius et al – I left my tent up with gear in it, and it was all there. Basically just got sorted and ate something then Kyuss (Scott) arrived, happy and in good spirits. We exchanged handshakes and started bantering and getting to know you chit chat. He was going pure ultralight (UL). So the big news was that the week before we had spoken and also emailed many times to organise the trip, I had recommended some UL gear- and then he pulls out his 450gm, double skin tent- yeah baby Terra Nova Laser UL. I won’t tell you how much it costs, but I can tell you I was jealous as hell!. The fly is made of a new textile called Cuben Fiber- the most incredible ultralight fabric that destroys every other textile for weight vs puncture/abrasion/tear strength, plus it is waterproof. And YES it is expensive as hell. ( a little side note: I just ordered some from the US, and I bought a cheap dome tent, unstitched/unpicked the tent, so I can make a pattern, and I am going to sew a Cuben Fiber tent)….. LOL- Kyuss was seriously going lightweight, and I love that!. Then he pulls out an orange from his pack- hahaha gotta ward off that scurvy!. Scott’s pack and gear were just awesome and I am really impressed with his UL approach to hiking. Anyway we sat around chatting for some time and ate some lunch then chatted some more and finally decided to head down to the mouth of K and C. When I first started coming down to this place I never fished the mouth thinking that the Cox's was too polluted to have lots of fish living in the actual area so it wasn't until another raider told me of his exploits and how good the fishing can be there. Well since then every trip I have caught some good sized bows. I also figured that seeing as it was spawning time but the stream was too low to allow the trout up into it they would just be waiting and milling around there for the rains to come. I was right. I made a few casts into the normal runs and riffles but nothing. Then Scott made a couple and hooked onto a really nice big fat "dolphin". It gave him a bit of excitement but no real acrobatics and I waded out to net him. A perfect example of a wild male Rainbow Trout!. It had the eloquent hook jaw and superb markings. Every time I see a nice example of these beasties it puts a huge smile on my face. We nabbed a few kodak moments and Scott released him and he disappeared into the depths and we both silently thanked him for allowing us to meet such a beautiful fish. I have to admit I hate it when the lure beats the fly but the other real excuse for my donut or skunk was that I had forgotten to buy some big flies like buggers etc as the week before when I went with irongustavius and luderick angler to TCD - I had lost pretty much all my good big flies. My box was basically full of dries!!!!. Scott moved up the Cox's working the area around the mouth and he proceeded to nail a few more bows but all big females, big fat and clean. I acted more like a guide than fisherman and netted the fish then we took photos and I think I actually managed to get a smile out of Scott" flat affect" Bradburn!!-lol. He also told me that he had seen a "massive silver flash" swim downstream in front of him. He couldn't exactly see what it was but by the look on his face it must have been humongous. I made a few more casts in-between his and also waded out to retrieve some of his million dollar lures. I had a spare pair of Gore-Tex waders for him to use but his sneakers wouldn't fit over the stocking feet so he went “sans” waders and yes the water was fcuking freezing!. It was getting late and so we leisurely strolled the 10 mins back to camp walking through the homestead ( konangaroo crossing). I had also borrowed an old, rusting thunderbox that has been sitting way up in the corner of one of the paddocks full of spider webs and dirt- so I cleaned it up a bit and had placed it up in our "latrine" area. You wouldn't believe how fantastic it is to be able to sit down in comfort when you are dropping the kids off at the pool!-heheheheh. So we got dinner going, I had actually brought along ingredients to make Chilli Con Carne- dehydrated kidney beans, dehy peas, carrots, corn, TVP which I let soak in tomato paste and beef stock, Spanish onions, fresh Chilli, fresh coriander. all the food that I had dehydrated 2 months ago is still awesome. If you have doubts about taste etc I am telling you it is exactly the same but of course weighs 90% less in your pack. During the prep I also got stuck into some nice scotch which warmed me up just nice. The best part was that Scott doesn't drink anything but Vodka - just suited me fine!. Scott had brought along a few of the Mountain House freeze dried meals. They make some amazingly tasty meals but also a few can be bland. They are usually priced around $15 for a "2 person" serving which really equates to a 1 man out camping serving as Angus found out the previous trip!. For dessert we had a bunch of Tim Tams that I had brought. We then watched a movie on the iPod and it was a beautiful clear night full of stars- wow! Hit the rack around 10pm or a bit earlier and I had a great sleep unlike the night on leaves the night before. Saturday morning we got up around 8am I think- Scott had actually gotten up early to fish a few of the pools near the camp and caught 2 fish I think. We ate, and got ready and basically skipped all the low pools and worked the upper reaches- where the deep pools are. During the skipping between pools, we were amazed at how many big fish- particularly big browns that were in these pools. Some of these Brown’s were huge. We spend about 5-6 hr’s working our way up to the Wilhannia Creek junction, and the huge pool before it was chock-a-block full of BIG fish- but even though I did the Chuck Norris stealth manoeuvre into them- we spooked them. Headed back to camp, we were starving and I had remembered that I brought along 2 loaves of Garlic Bread, and I had forgotten to bring alfoil to cook the bread, so I just fried them in a pan, and OMG they turned out awesome- Scott said it was the “best garlic bread he’d had in his life”- quote Verbatim!....LOL- and I don’t dispel this- cause as any of you guys and gals know- when you are out in the boonies, any food tastes great. We both vowed to bring garlic bread on every single trip from now- carbs, lightweight and tasty- what more is there to convince?. We also made a Laksa- no fish this time, so use salami, deep fried tofu, chilli, coriander, coconut cream, laksa paste etc- and it tuned OK- not as good as last trip with Gus, but filling and tasty. We watched another movie- this time in my tent as it was chilly out- watched the Aussie WW1 movie – “Beneath Hill 60” – I love that movie. That night was pretty cold. Sunday am- we got up at 7am, to a clear cold morning, made a huge breakfast to fill our bodies with protein and carbs for the walk out, cleaned up camp, packed up my gear that stays down there, and I think we headed out by 10am’ish. The walk out like I have described before is not real fun. The 2hr extreme uphill mountain hike to the top of Mt Yellow Dog is awesome- it will test your faith, your heart, and mental spirit. Those 2 hr’s you are hating everything and trying to suck in the O2 and fuel your legs as they work like pistons to propel you upwards. A great time for all the family!. Luckily this time we had tonnes of food- many choc muesli bars, an Orange!!!!!, and a whole salami between us. We got to Packsaddlers/aka Carlons Farm in the Megalong around 5pm- this time the trip was good weather and because we had plenty of food for the trip out it was actually quite pleasant. I’m heading back in next weekend, cause I made the dumb mistake to leave my mobile phone/drivers licence and visa card in a ziplock in a jacket I leave down there- yeah Matt for the win!......then a bit of a hiatus, then we ( a few of us) are gonna do a mission to the Kowmung. I just ordered a tonne of Cuben Fiber fabric from the US to make my new tent- when done, will be a waterproof single skin tent weighing less than 400gm’s. For you that like ultralight gear etc- Cuben Fiber is the new ultralight technology- unreal- all these people in the US are making packs, tents, tarps, stuff sacks, sleeping bags et al from this fabric- it is the lightest, most abrasion/puncture and tear resistant fabric known- but is expensive. Truly the new fabric!. Every time I go into the mountains I feel like George Mallory and when asked by friends and family why I punish myself to go into these places… I respond – “Because it’s there!” Get out, explore, do the things you dream of, make the most of your lives before arthritis, dementia, alzheimers etc take hold…. We live in the best country in the world, and we owe it to ourselves and our kids to show them how wonderful this country is. I NEVER get sick of hiking in to Kanangra- If I could- I’d live there for the rest of my life…….

Hi All, I was fishing at TCD last Sunday and stupidly lost my North Face Gore-Tex jacket, it is grey with red in it. Had it on my daypack strap- the howling wind must of taken it- I looked all over for it but to no avail! If anyone is going there and finds it, can they please PM me. Thanks, Matt

Hi All, I was fishing at TCD last Sunday and stupidly lost my North Face Gore-Tex jacket, it is grey with red in it. Had it on my daypack strap- the howling wind must of taken it- I looked all over for it but to no avail! If anyone is going there and finds it, can they please PM me. Thanks, Matt

Jesus mate some awesome fat boys!- well done!

Let me know where and when you are going - I might be able to hook you up with some friends ( I lived in Alaska for 2 years ) Nanook.

KOI rule!

MAKO- as always you rock!, I always really look forward to your yak reports, and good pics. Thanks! Matt

Mate, there is some good fishing, but not really around the easiest access areas at thew bridge, wharf, carpark etc. If you go along the trail past the cafe's, boatsheds- up stream, there are some good spots to do typical estuary fishing, but honestly unless you have a boat or qayaaq, then really don't expect great fishing. Maybe Apple Tree Bay could be a bit better. Not trying to be negative, but if you live around this area- go to Narrabeen Lake or West Head, Akuna etc. If you "need" the family affair- Pittwater has some good spots, as does the Harbour around Ball's Head, Kirribilli, Lavender Bay etc.... I added a map for you. Cheers, N

I Love your Love more mate!

Got to the mouth- it was basically trickling into the Cox’s, and no way fish could get up, but I grabbed the cheating rod and cast some hard body frikken magic lure , did a sh*t cast into the opposing bank, pulled the bail and then retrieved across the stream against the flow- and hahhaah just like Sarah Palin thinking she can win the 2012 election, I hooked a big fish- it exploded out of the water like a Liger, and tore the drag, really fought like Gaddafi against the rebels and I landed the “2nd” biggest bow of the trip. Then I took over on Gus’s fly rod, with his homemade freshwater crayfish fly, and worked the area, while he took off like on World’s Wildest Police Video’s upstream and in the space of 45 mins in the very fading light hooked like 7 or 8 big fish and landed 5. He hooked a massive trout- I saw it explode out of the water like a Polaris Missile fired from the USS Nautilus Nuclear sub, it eventually broke his leader and 1 million dollar lure, but he continued to get follows and hook ups. I said to him that I was embarrassed and stunned that so many fish were there, and we should have fished here the whole time!. – But……. That is fishing- always learning, and with these remote streams, it is always an evolving process and learning experience. Maybe one day I will earn a PhD in the Blue Mtn’s streams in Kanangra-Boyd NP like Professor Centerpin- Respect! Monday night way really cold- not -50c like I know, but all relative to your conditions. I had to get out my space blankie and cocoon myself in it whilst wearing my parka and beanie et al. LOL….Tuesday morning We had “agreed” on getting up at 7am, and hitting the trail by 830am. By 830am I had made coffee, packed half my gear, been to the pool to drop off the kids, and tried to make enough noise to wake the boys up. They were like 14 year olds on start of new term!. The first thing I said to Dan was “ How’d you sleep pilgrim?”- I got a pensive “ I didn’t sleep…I was Fu$#@ng freezing all night!”…hahhahah told you suckers!. We packed up, ate most of our left over food, cleaned up camp, doing an “Emu Bob”- reference for Hodgey….LOL! . It was a crystal clear beautiful sunny morning. Actually the night before- we sat around the fire, looking at the stars, in silence just admiring this wonderful place. It has to be my absolute favourite place in Australia. The boys were amazed at the beauty, the solace, and the remoteness so “close” to Sydney. We got all our combustible trash and put it on the smouldering fire. Me being the 10 year old that I am, went and poured 1 litre of Shellite on the fire and trash- it didn’t light. I wasn’t game to go and light it, so lit some paper and threw it from a safe distance to it- hahahhah it was like a “Daisy cutter/MOAB” bomb!. Gus was walking back to camp from the stream when it lit- he yelled out “ WTF!”…..like a VBIED going off!. Well where can I find the words to “explain” the walk out. At the best of times it isn’t a treat, but we left in good spirits, sun shining etc, but when we got almost to the top of Mt Yellow Dog 2 hr’s later- in between we keeled over and died about 6 times with tachycardia and shortness of breath- hahahah all part of the pain!, it clouded in – we could see the ominous clouds rolling in from Kanangra Walls, then the rain started. We didn’t bother getting into Gore-Tex- it was light. But by Mobbs Soak, we were f’ing freezing cold, soaking wet even in Gore-Tex “Guaranteed to keep you wet”, and starving. Every single f’ing time I go I never take enough food for the 7-9hr hike out….NEVER!. We had between us 3 muesli bars, a bit of beef jerky, and 2 snickers bars. By the time we got to Medlow Gap it was almost sleeting- I was so cold….OMFG!. the rain abated, we walked down the fire trail towards the Megalong- hahahh we were all destroyed, but this is where I get my “fun”- cold, starving, miserable etc- all mental…..that’s the name of the game- I “know” the boys loved it even though they bitched the whole time back- all I could think of was when can I come back, but also I was hurting and cold and hungry , and Gus’s monologues of Springwood McDonald’s didn’t help the cause. We got back to his still there car just on dark, it started to sleet, we changed into dry clothing, made the drive out the Megalong Valley, and through the mountains in icy, wet, foggy and dangerous roads to Macca’s- Gus and Dan’s eyes were like diamonds- I wanted to get changed, so had to do the ghetto, total change-a-roo in the car park whilst some woman was nearby ( and I was trying to change in the car, respectfully whilst the boys laughed)- yeah, for those 30 seconds I was like the champion of Lithgow!. Well, where to next?............ for all you Raider’s that think you are too old, too fat, too lazy, etc….. You too can go there- have a great time, camp, drink right out of the river. Hear Wild Dogs howling near you, catch nice fish and experience what the Blue Mtn’s is about. I never once have said it was easy. It is a long journey in and out, but even though both boys were ruined, by the time they got home, hot shower, in a real bed etc- they fell asleep that very night dreaming and planning to go back in as soon as they could!. This is what I live for!

I cast up to the end of the pool and got a good take- oh yeah baby- double hook up, gangsta style!. My Bow was an “Eddie the Eagle” – spectacular jumps, and tonnes of fun. All the walking and lousy rainy weather paid off. We headed up a few more streams and all 3 of us landed some fish. We decided to keep 2 from the double hook up, and the 1 from the next pool for our Laksa dinner. We went about 20 mins upstream to one of the nicest pools, and we casted a tonne, had 2 good hits, but no hook ups, then Gus nailed a good fish on lure I tried his nice Sage rod, and then nabbed a nice bow. We kept 1, then headed back- it was around 4pm. When we got back to the double hook up pool- the fish we left on the bank- covered with leaves and casuarina branches had already been attacked by birds?- but luckily we were not wanting the head and eyes- so the fillets were ok. Made the “Mecca like” walk back to camp- I took my head torch, and we were like idiots in a mine field on the walk back. I did a classy descent down a bank- almost broke my Loomis rod, but was funny for the boys- hahahahh. Got back to camp, got into our evening attire, a few “horses doovers”- of the fine whiskey and rum then headed to the stream ( about 30 seconds away), half hammered ( well I was!), and I filleted the 4 trout with my Swiss army knife- actually did a good job!, and we loaded up with water and headed back. Before we had even gone on the trip Gus and I had talked about making Laksa as we were both Laksa aficionados so I brought the fresh chilli and coriander and coconut cream, and they brought the laksa paste, vermicelli and tofu. I added dehy vegies, and then I pan fried the trout fillets with chilli and oil, then added the chopped coriander, and etc, etc- we ate like kings- not just normal kings, but REAL KINGS. That one meal “defined” the trip- great place, great company, fresh air, great food, and a genuine camaraderie. We finished all the turps………………. Monday- again these guys!....these guys!, I don’t know- I had to get all “medieval “ on them and get them up- like teenagers getting to school. I honestly think Dan was awake, cause it was his turn to wash up, but he wouldn’t get out of his tent. So me being too “Mom”- took all the pots and pans and plates and water bottles and did the chores. Those lazy bastards!. We got off at about 10am, then went right up the top- worked the pools hard, nailed some good fish, but saw so many big fish just hiding in like 2 inches of water on the side of riffles- amazing, I never get complacent with this stream- it always throws me a left hook. Lots and lots of storm damage with trees, branches and leaf matter in the water. Gus nailed some good Brown’s. His casting got better and better along the trip- I tried to give him some pointers, but he was casting real good most of the time. When the pools were closed in he often “cheated” and went to lure- I just shook my head- Using a lure in the stream is like choosing to go to Wynyard Maccas or Tetsuya’s on Kent St. There is no real comparison, and yes ok you want to hear me say it???- I used the lures a few times and caught some fish!. I hated every second of it. It felt like being online and meeting a hot Russian girl, then 5 mins later they want 3G’s for an “airfare”- it just ain’t the same. I’d rather email that crazy woman who loves cats on eHarmony!. So………….. we ended up workin’ all tha way to the Ghetto ( Wilhannia Ck junction)- and Gus caught 2 good fish there, then we didi-mau’d from there to get back to camp by around 4pm. Got back I said to Gus, as I had reasoned the whole trip that because the water was so low etc, that I reckoned the spawning run had not happened yet, so maybe the Cox’s could have some big boys hanging around. He was up for it, but Dan ( God love the guy- he isn’t a fisherman, but loved the hiking and place), wasn’t into walking another 15 mins to there…..so we left him with a big fat tank of gas and just walked away!. continued.....

Ok- I asked Donna for extra upload space, so will add photos during report then also in following posts.....so bear with me! Well……about a week late but finally got it done! Left Sat arvo 9th, headed to Leura to stay with a family friend- hate the fact they bought a block of land and built a big house there with views of the 3 Sisters for less than $300K. Was greeted with a schooner of Carlsberg, then caught up on gossip and chit-chat, then homemade pumpkin soup, then a fresh made beef and kidney pie, with fresh asparagus, nice bottle of Chardonnay and followed up with fresh cooked apricot strudel and cream. Needless to say- I went to bed late, bloated, sated and wanting to sleep in. Set the alarm for 7am, got up, got ready, Carol was already in the kitchen making pancakes with strawberries, cream, maple syrup and fresh Java. I pigged out, then we made haste and drove to the end of the Megalong to Carlons Farm/ aka packsaddlers. I am almost sick with the fact that until now only went in via Katoomba and Narrow Neck. Going in this way takes only about 1.5hrs easy walk along fire trail, unlike Narrow neck which is a 3 hr hike/climb etc to Medlow Gap. Got to Mobbs Soak in the early arvo- but seeing as my pack weighed about 40kg- yes 40 kg…I bailed on the entire walk in and camped there. I had luckily spoke with a mate of mine who is a Professor in food Technology at my University and he let me come in to use the commercial dehydrators and vacuum sealers- I basically took 20kg of food and turned it into about 2.5kg. You name it I took it. I even vacuum sealed toilet paper, clothes, first aid gear etc- all for the sake of room in my pack. Unlike other trip I took in my Mont 3 man mountaineering tent- big room albeit big weight. Spent Sun night at Mobbs in very cold conditions for the Bluie's- one of the coldest I have spent. Mon- hit the road early got to K ck and my campsite- went to find my cached gear ( remember some bastard stole my $200 thermarest last time)- so was searching around, and couldn’t find it- was like “ for F’s sake!- again!!!!!”, then walking back to campsite- saw the bag- sighed and let out a little chortle….. Set up camp- the biggest shock which I forgot to mention was the number of massive trees that had been felled from the big storm the week before ( Medlow Bath train wreck). On the trail in many massive trees felled- scary stuff considering my previous posts with trees felled and big winds. The campsite had been annihilated and 2 big trees felled right over the site- WOW! Ate well, started to saw down the trees to clear for Angus and Dan, then hooked into the Rum, and settled in for a very cold night and a few good movies on the IPod. Tue/Wed – fished the mouth of K ck and Cox’s- astonished to see extremely low water- no chance of fish to get into K ck, and trees covering- which I pulled away- but even though I had followed the BOM Cox’s river height almost religiously for the month on their website- it was the lowest I have ever seen. I nailed 3 really big Rainbows in the mouth- I guess it makes sense right?- low water, spawning time- meaning the ‘bows will mill at the mouth waiting for the water. Spent another half day upstream- nailed 1 really nice guy in the long “narrow cliff pool”- a superb looking stretch 20 mins upstream from camp, did some nice double hauls with my new Airflow line ( treated with Armorall)- oh yeah 60ft casts baby!. I’m no perfect caster- but did some great loops, and tagging a good fish made it better. Thursday- WOW- another rrrrrrrreally cold night, but happy that the entire week had perfect clear,sunny days. Perfect for my Solar Panel to recharge my Lithium do it all battery to recharge IPod, batteries et al. I played games and watched movies for about 6 hr’s every night- I’m by myself and it is dark at 5pm!!!. Friday-Basically tried to “spruce” up the site for the boys, cut trees etc and just a lazy day all round- actually didn’t fish cause wanted to save the fishing for Angus and Danni boy. Friday- left at 1230pm for the 5 hr hike back up to Medlow Gap- was clear, nice and Sunny when I left, but when I got to the Everest Summit ( Yellow Dog) without bottled oxygen….LOL!, it started to rain ( I wasn’t gonna take my Gore-Tex Jacket), but got to Medlow Gap around 530pm, sat under the little signboard and covered roof enough to stop me from getting wet- put on my Sitka Down jacket and played Angry Birds ( trying to finally get complete 3 stars to all games- original, seasons, Rio etc!- man Halloween is hard!- 3 stars is like winning Lotto!). The boys arrived in the rain at 650pm. We shaked hands- had a few laughs, and I basically convinced them the trail is ok……hahahhah. Well it started to get really wet, cold, and foggy. Got to Mobbs Soak, wet and cold –the boys, not knowing any better were in good spirits but LOL- along the way a few hills started to test them. It is tough, even from Carlon’s Farm, but in the dark, rain, fog, cold- yep, awesome!. By the time we got past the Splendour Rock junction, they were obviously chanting “Allah Akbar” or something similar, there are a few places between there and Mt Yellow Dog summit that the trail is “questionable”- in the dark, fog, rain- unforgiving. A few times I wondered off track for 30 second’s- under pressure to be the “guide”- quickly found the way, then used my memory to remember certain landmarks- even in total darkness, always try to remember certain points. At Mt Yellow Dog, Gus was tired- he had a lot of gear ( good oh him!), Dan- little 45lt pack, like a Xmas hamper, I was hating him!!!!. Gus’s knee was playing up, and the 1.5hr in the dark decent down to the Cox’s was like an arthroscopy or total knee replacement without Midazolam!. By the time we hit the crossing at Cox’s, he was like Mad Max 2 with the metal brace on!. I think we got to camp around 0230hrs- cold, soaking wet, hungry but laughing and delusional. I loved every minute of it- as I always do. Like bringing moths to a flame- I have this almost love/hate relationship with Kanangra which I am sure Kyuss can explain. The trip in is not fun- maybe the first time, but otherwise one of those soul destroying “ I wish I was 19 again” adventures. At first we were talking about making a fire, drying out etc, but we decided to just erect the tents and call it a night.I helped the boys put up their tents, then we went our separate ways. Next morning, I got up I think around 8am, both other tents were “like Han Solo in Carbonite” – meaning there was no movement. I cranked up the MSR stove, got the fresh Java on the Percolator and attempted to be quiet- respecting that they were asleep. Well eventually they got up, we ate, drank about 3 litres of Coffee between us, yapped, did the immature men hanging out together acting like 15 y.olds, and literally by the time we coerced each other into fishing it was 2pm!!!! Wtf!.- HAHAHHA. I took the boys upstream aways, we caught a few small fish, saw some nice fish in inches of water scoot away as usual, but the day was pretty quiet. I know they didn’t enjoy the “pig trail” walking through the bush- but it is a lot easier and quicker than wading between pools, and in Kanangra the lower pools are far apart. We got back to the camp, it was raining , but we managed to get a fire going ( with the help of Shellite)- hahah when I lit the fire it was like the Russian Tsar Nuclear Bomb- big shock wave- hahahahah boys will be boys!. Got stuck into the Capt’n Morgan ( can’t believe Dan-o brought it in the glass bottle), and Gus’s “ fancy schmancy” whisky, which was like drinking “cultured” paint stripper. The boys had brought expensive freeze dried meals- actually extremely tasty, but at around $15 a pop, expensive. Gus neglected to realize that a “1 person serving”- was like a preschool recess meal, and he was hungry and had to scrounge of us. We erected a washing line of sorts, drank good, laughed, got to know each other and had a great evening. Sunday…..Up again late, these young folk sure like to sleep. None of the “DWAG” up at the crack of dawn and into fishing….. I literally had to coax these bastards out of the rack. Again about a 44 gallon drum of coffee, then we headed up the creek. I basically told them we’d skip the lower pools and head right up to the “business” end of the ck. It is about a 45-60 min stroll through the bush along mostly feral hog trails to get to the better pools. These upper reaches of Kanangra are accentuated with cliffs, covered with wild orchids, moss and crystal clear pools, deep and almost a surreal quiet eeriness to them. The odd Wallaby hopping away, Supreme Lyrebirds, and the sun valiantly trying to penetrate its way into the deep well sculpted stream. We hit the “double hook up” pool. This pool has great natural slow ebb to it, deep with a nice rock formation for the fish, and almost a perfect scenario kind of appeal. I headed in first, saw some nice fish, but they quickly spooked and took off. But then almost immediately we saw a rise and take. WOW. Then I casted a few times- nothing. Gus moseyed his way to me and I told him there was a bunch of fish right there, he cast, and immediately hooked up to nice rainbow. post will continue........

love your work Royce!

THAT WOULD BE 2ND BIGGEST- HERE IS BIGGEST!

Greg no cheating- stick to fly...RESPECT!