Barrington Tops
4th-5th Feb 2006

Written by Henry Lipinski.

Three hours trip to meeting/assembly place at Singleton’s playground went uneventfully. Rob’s radio call at 10:00 caught us 5 km before Singleton. We were the last car arriving at 10:10.

The weather was just holding up – overcast and frequent drizzle wetting windscreen and the temperature was definitely not in high 20-ties.
Thirty minutes wait for one more participant ended after a few phone calls and message left on delinquent mobile and the small convoy of six cars led by Rob Kelly moved on.

We set off toward Gresford along the Lake St Clair road and after few km turned right into “No through road”. This led us to one of TSRs with imaginative name “Sunset Lane” and the next “Starvation Lane”. Both lanes were deeply rutted although dry – during wet season could provide some challenge for the “mud mashers”.

After short drive on bitumen the route went into beautifully green hills climbing to around 600m. Couple time’s radio calls from participants called for stop for picture taking sessions. Further on the road become interestingly slippery and soggy in some parts of the forest.
After some diversion we arrived to NLRC lease. Paul from Newcastle branch was already there. Considering low hanging clouds and small drizzle – everybody start peg their tents.

Late lunch followed under camp shacks. After lunch some more adventurous members went on foot in search for nearby waterfall. Given rough direction by Paul the party preceded through the rainforest type vegetations.

After half hour walk and couple of creeks crossing we found very picturesque waterfall.

The small stream was falling around 30m of vertical cliff into a small pool surrounded by lush green vegetation.

On way back our engineering skills were tested & involved in building bridge to allow safe creek crossing. Late supper and wine helped in establishing new contacts and some interesting stories were heard and exchanged.

Next morning lazy and sleepy atmosphere with small rain drizzle was shattered by a car alarm horn – sorry guys- I get reminded that the car hood is also armed.

After early breakfast at 9AM we were advised not to attempt the climb up to Mt Cabre Bald but were invited to try a section of the original Carters Brush Trail just outside of the camp. The route led through a dense forest and track was wet and slippery after rainy night.

Following Rob we covered about 1.5 km of some quite challenging steep, slippery and rocky terrain when the signal from the head stopped us all. Rob get stuck trying to get through narrow gully filled up with mud and water. “a “bit of a bog” As this proved to be impassable, the whole cavalcade turned back after some small tree clearing to make a turn around room.

On return to camp site we found that our tents dry off letting us to pack our cars. There was no time to try another trip and everyone agreed to proceed back home. The column of six Land Rovers drove to Paterson, stopping on Masseys Creek Road for lunch.

After a short stop at Paterson Park for goodbye everyone parted their way home, with Rob & Jacqui leaving us at Maitland.