Our overnight bushwalk up Mt Solitary in the Blue mountains was a great success. It was a fun time exploring the bush with the kids and doing Bear Grylls (Man vs Wild) impersonations. We think that Daniel (6) may be youngest to summit and camp up there. It was a big effort for the kids to do the scrambling up the knife edge and we found the climbing was their favourite part. I guess there are no surprises there.
We playing with a new toy the Go Pro Hero cam (HD) to give a bit of a different perspective for the video.
Each kid had to carry some of their own gear. Daniel carried his sleeping mat (therm-a-rest prolite 3 3/4) and fleece sleeping bag liner along with his own clothes and some water for along the way. I continued in trying to carry a little as possible and started ended up carrying 7.5kgs. We both slept in the single person tarp tent scarp 1 (from Henry Shires). It worked well for the both of us, if a little tight on space. I think I'll have to tell Carrie I'm getting the scarp 2 so I can "take Daniel off her hands" a bit more!
We ate dehydrated Mexican fiesta beans which is a big success in the bush after walking all day. Lunch was salami sticks, crackers and cheese with a little bit of condensed milk for a quick hit of energy before the big climbs. Interestingly the big climb up the golden stairs back to the car was done with much enthusiasm and required very little encouragement.
As the weekend draws near it's time to get the details together for this trip which hopefully we can still do it with my son feeling sick. I've also found another record of some kids doing this walk with the youngest being 7.
Each trip I ask a few questions and do a bit of research to ensure safety and enjoyment.
What weather should I expect and be prepared for?
Weather can make or break a trip. I find that when I know what to expect and come prepared then the trip is enjoyable, even if it's raining the whole time. The two sites I mostly visit for Australian weather information are Bureau of Meteorology and Weatherzone.
It's been too long since I've had some outdoor goodness thanks to more back surgery. So it's time get out and take my 6 yo on an overnight hike. He's done a fair bit of car camping but just one bushwalking trip with only 15 minute walk, but this time it's different. It's about a real hike, albeit an easy one. It's a chance to do some real walking and scrambling and stay out under the stars bushwalking style. There'll be no soft comforts like big tents with camp kitchens or camping trailers here (so of course Dion won't be coming).
We've got some friend's kids (8 and 11) coming along (and their mum) which will help with the motivation along the walk when Daniel gets tired plus they'll provide a fun atmosphere all around - share the bushwalking love I say (read as "convert those smelly dirt bike riding kids to real bush adventure").
I've selected a short and simple walk - Mt Solitary return via the Golden Staircase on Narrowneck plateau in the Blue Mountains. Here's my reasons:
I've done this trip many times with friends and newbies (it was even my first overnight bushwalk - done solo)
It's physically easy with a brief bit of fun scrambling up Mt Solitary (about 7km each way)
There are campsites along the way meaning if he gets too tired we can bail early
It's interesting with a bit of a climb, some caves and good views of the Jamison valley
