Mountains, Nature, Waterfalls with Aches and Pains
On Saturday, I decided to join the Canon Collective nature and waterfalls shoot at Wentworth Fall. To be totally honest about it, I was a bit apprehensive as I knew it would be quite a testing hike to the bottom of the valley. I was kind of hoping for rain for an excuse to miss the shoot. Alas, it did not rain and I thought I might just as well go the shoot with the Collective. At least there will be people there to motivate me for the strenuous hike and the safety of knowing that I won't end up making a one way trip to the bottom.
I have done this hike on numerous occasions about 10 years ago and it was not too bad on the younger body that I had then. But as you get older the body seems to have forgotten about the muscles that you once had. On the descent of the hike, I envied the young ones with their springy steps conquering the descent like the latest sports vehicle. But with age my legs are no longer that springy and with each step, it felt more like a pair of worn out shock absorbers unable to stop my jarring knees. So when the younger members reached the bottom in an hour or so, I was slowly chugging on and managed to reach the bottom about half an hour later. I must admit to being tempted to turn back at about half way when I met a member of the group who had given up. By then I think I felt sorry for her and even more sorry for myself.
On arrival at the bottom, a place usually usually deserted because of the difficult hike was surprising full of tourists and visitors. Not at all good for the members of the Collective there to capture the grand vista of the fall without the intrusion of people. Anyway, the Collective spent about an hour and a half at the bottom when I met up with Mark and Monty (Monish). On arrival at the bottom, my legs were so wobbly that I needed the tripod for myself more than for the camera.
If you think that the descent was difficult, let me tell you the ascent was murderous/suicidal to say the least. Once again I am left to envy the young hikers with their springy steps conquering the punishing steps with gusto. My mind was willing but me legs felt like a pair of pistons just about to cease up. So on it was struggling like an old worn out truck in the first gear all the way up. Whilst the others had made their way up within an hour, it took me about two hours to reach the top with the generous encouragement of Mark who was very patient. I would not have waited for myself. On reaching the top and the day after I am reminded of the muscles that my legs have long forgotten with the onset of a rush of lactic acid. I will be walking bow legged the next few days.
If you have not done the Grand Canyon trail at Blackheath, you should. It's a wonderful walk during this time of year. We should do it again soon.
Some shots of Wentworth Falls and the Blue Mountains
