It was only last week that I explored Little Zig Zag and Reinits Pass for the first time, but I was keen to come back with the kids to show them the Bushrangers Cave. In the spirit of adventure, we invited some other young friends to join our little expedition.
We lunched in sunshine at Pulpit Rock before setting off down the zig-zagging track below. After an odd encounter with a group of clients from a local guiding company who had somehow lost their leader, we reached the cavernous entrance to the cave, donned headtorches, and proceeded to explore the dimmest, darkest reaches of the cave.
Clare’s only previous experience of caving was our visits to Jenolan, so I think she may have been expecting something much grander. She seemed a little underwhelmed, but quickly recovered her enthusiasm, especially once we continued on our journey and descended into the fern forest below.
I had only intended to do a short walk to the cave and back, but the kids all seemed in fine form so we decided to venture a bit further and complete the loop again via Reinits Pass.
After some rain during the week the track was much more slippery, and most of us fell over at least once. But the forest was also teeming with beautiful fungi, in all shapes and colours, and because we were walking at a much slower pace I had a chance to take a few more photos this time.
The kids formed a very noisy and colourful procession through the bush. They delighted in finding ‘real clay’ and a variety of bright-coloured berries adorning the track, most notably the blueberry ash. Energy levels waned a little on the return uphill, but this was quickly remedied with a plenitude of snacks, which we enjoyed on a rock ledge at the base of the cliffs.
Alex was very keen to continue on to Ross Cave, but after banging his head on a rock overhang he started to feel a bit queasy, and I realised that we’d reached the limit of the day’s adventures. It’s nice to know that we have something new to explore for next time we venture up this way.
We made it back to Blackheath and to Logan Brae orchard just before closing time. So as the sun dropped low to the horizon, we enjoyed some hot, spiced apple juice and views of the escarpment, before returning home with tired legs and warm tummies.