johnw wrote:Thanks for posting the update and photo flatfoot. Likewise it's been years since I've been through there due to the closure. If memory serves, there used to be a series of very eroded old stone steps around there. Last time I used them some looked very dodgy and I was doubtful about how long they'd last. I wonder if that's where the landslip was.
Leppy wrote:Hi guys, does anyone who is this walk is anywhere on the wildwalks website?
Avidbushwalker wrote:Also any recommendations of books/websites for history of the Rodriguez Pass and even on the last landslide that occurred?
Avidbushwalker wrote:I understand this walk is currently closed again. Would anyone know how the repairs are going and when it might be reopened???? Thanks.
keithj wrote:Avidbushwalker wrote:I understand this walk is currently closed again. Would anyone know how the repairs are going and when it might be reopened???? Thanks.
Latest I heard from NPWS was that Rodriguez may never be reopened as a maintained track. The Horse Track is more likely to be the designated tourist route into the valley instead - it's safer, more easily maintained, more even grade, fewer steps, less likely to be impacted by future rock falls.
However, it is possible that Rodriguez will be reopened as a 'wild' route at some stage.
Govetts Leap descend into the valley is deemed higher priority than Rodriguez or Horse Track, and that's progressing slowly... so I wouldn't be holding my breath.
Both were still closed when I wandered past about an hour ago.
johnw wrote:Avidbushwalker wrote:Also any recommendations of books/websites for history of the Rodriguez Pass and even on the last landslide that occurred?
For history I'm not aware of a book that is dedicated to only the Rodriguez Pass, but Andy Macqueen's "Back to the Brink" covers it well.
It's also an excellent resource for the whole of the Grose Valley/Govett Gorge.
The most recent landslips that I'm aware of have happened in the last 10-15 years but I don't know if any recent books have covered those.
The locations are on the upper part of the track towards Beauchamp Falls.
Finding specific web sites on either topic is more of a challenge. I can't think of anything right now.
Also have a look in Lamdha books in Wentworth Falls. He has some fairly specialised/unique titles related to Blue Mountains bushwalking.
Megalong Books in Leura is also worth a look.
Avidbushwalker wrote:Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'll try and obtain a copy of the 'Back to the Brink' book - Certainly sounds interesting and would provide an insight into the Gross.
From looking at the area, it's understandable why there have been so many landslides.
I'm guessing the two mentioned bookstores might have this in stock? I'll check them out.
johnw wrote:Avidbushwalker wrote:Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'll try and obtain a copy of the 'Back to the Brink' book - Certainly sounds interesting and would provide an insight into the Gross.
From looking at the area, it's understandable why there have been so many landslides.
I'm guessing the two mentioned bookstores might have this in stock? I'll check them out.
No worries. Yes much of the upper Blueys is very landslip prone.
Both Lamdha Books and Megalong Books appear to have the second edition in stock for $40-00 (latest version).
https://www.megalongbooks.com.au/p/blue-mountains-back-from-the-brink-blue-gum-forest-grose-wilderness?barcode=9780646476957&search_key=back+from+the+brin
https://www.lamdhabooks.com.au/
Lamdha had it on the shelf when I called in there last month. You could also try the NPWS visitor centre shop at Govetts Leap, they usually have it.
I only have the first edition but struggle with the idea of updating it unless there are major changes.
I believe the newer edition did add more information but probably not enough for me to part with another $40.
Avidbushwalker wrote:Yes such a shame that it's prone to landslides as it's cooler than the lower areas and thus makes summer bushwalking easier.
Thank you for your multiple suggestions of where to purchase it. I ended up going past Megalong Books. I've started skim reading it and very interesting. And I'd agree with you- I doubt it has that much more information.
I also bought Jim Smith's book on Lindeman Pass. Have you done this from near the Bridal Veil Falls/Leura recently?? I've done part of it - Gladstone and Roberts Pass and also through to Wentworth Falls but want to do more of it.
Avidbushwalker wrote:That book sounds interesting. still have some decent reading to do with the two books I have, but will definitely be on the hunt for it. Could you give me an overview of it?
Avidbushwalker wrote:Ahh. That's a shame you have a dodgy knee. It would be extremely interesting to do Lindemans Pass from the one end to the other which is my next plan. Yes it has been showing some closures on the NPWS for many months. It didn't give too much information but I've checked it and it's not showing as closed now, updated December 24. It must be reopened?? There was a landslide between Gladstone and Roberts but quite easily passable compared to others I've encountered. And Roberts to Valley of the Waters was reasonably straight forward.
Avidbushwalker wrote:Would you mind if I sent you a dm/pm with a couple of other random questions I have? I'm getting off track here!!!
Avidbushwalker wrote:And too true. I've really been getting into the historic routes, so fascinating and much better than the overpopulated routes. I didn't see a soul from Roberts to Valley of the Waters!
johnw wrote:Avidbushwalker wrote:That book sounds interesting. still have some decent reading to do with the two books I have, but will definitely be on the hunt for it. Could you give me an overview of it?
Written circa early 80s, possibly a definitive work on almost all popular and obscure tracks around the Blue Mountains.
Short form track notes, related information and useful hand drawn annotated sketch maps. Bear in mind the date of publication as some things will have changed.
Good compact size to carry around and not heavy. Just don't drop into a creek like I did on one occasion!
The only copy I can find online is via Abebooks from a seller in Armidale. If interested I'd grab it, they are rarer than hen's teeth.
https://www.abebooks.com/9780909325527/See-Blue-Mountains-Jim-Smith-0909325529/plp
Bron wrote:I camped at Acacia Flat twice last year and met track workers on the Perrys Lookdown track both times. We had walked across from Neates Glen and my Son was very impressed at the level of track formation along the cliff tops (we usually walk in the Colo). The Track down to Blue Gum Forest seemed to be heading the same way in terms of track formation as the impression I got was that it will become the main access to the valley for campers.
There were gates at the top of Govetts Leap track but clearly walkers were climbing around them.
Horse Track was visible from the bottom if you were looking carefully.
I cant see Rodriguez Pass being reopen as below Beachamp Falls the shale seam comes to the surface at the base of the creek and there has been multiple large slips here.
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