Grace's Laid Back Adventures : Trip report: SUBW intermediate canyoning trip

Dates: 01/05/2021-02/05/2021

Participants: SUBW and me (Paul and Geoff's group)

The day started very early for me, as I was unable to join the group the day before due to university commitments. Waking up at 4, I made my way to Newnes campground, almost hit a wombat on the way. When I arrived at the campground (which was very easy to located thank to a sign that had our group name on it), I thought that I was on time because I did not see a lot of people there. The truth was that most of the other groups had left already. Nonetheless, I was more than happy to join Paul and Geoff's group for the trip to Devil Pinch Canyon.

With Jen who joined us for the walk!

We crossed the Wolgan river and set off to Pipeline track, that was also when I realised that the track looked oddly familiar, turned out I walked the track already when I joined Felix's Newnes Canyoning track!

However, the track was still as steep as I could remember, only difference was, I reached the top faster than last time, which felt really good. We had a quick snack and water break at the same spot, the scenery was still as amazing as the first time I enjoyed. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to Jen, as she headed back to the campground.

We got lost a bit finding the way to Devil Pinch entrance, I wasn't worry as much since I knew that Paul and Geoff already did the canyon before. At the first abseil, while having lunch, we were surprised to find out that Sabs and Dean's group were still at the first abseil, and Paul expressed some concerns that they would finish their second canyon, Starlight canyon at dark. We would be safe since our group would only do Devil Pinch.

Entrance to the canyon

Coming out from an injury, the first abseil was quite nervous for me, we abseiled down a pool that was waist depth.

I love the constrictions formation, its nature sculpted curve was like paintings looking from below. As our group mostly consisted of beginners, we made our way slowly down and through the canyon, which allowed me to enjoy the canyon even more.

Finishing the first section, the canyon opened up and we made our ways through a lot more constrictions.

Sliding and squeezing through, I noticed that there were a lot of moss in these ones compared to the entrance. They added a very cool feeling.

Squeezing and sliding, it was very fun making our way through the canyon

The second abseiling was more exciting, we had to go over a large rock, and for some of the members, it was their first time going under an overhang.

Laura was very nervous before the abseil but she was very happy that she landed safely

The walk became even more exciting, as we swam through several sections.

It was getting pretty chilly inside

We came out and had another snack and water break, before descending to Wolgan river. When we reached the river, it started to look darker, as the sun had set. We walked along the river until we could find the fire trail that led us back to the car park where Jen was waiting.

While changing our clothes, we met Martyr and his group, and decided to walk together back to the car park. There were concerned that Sabs still did not arrive at the fire trail, so everyone agreed to leave a walkie talkie at the gate so that Sabs could use when he came out. We walked to the gate in the dark, with the starry sky above us. We were surprised that Aidan, another group leader, was waiting for everyone, what a good leader he was. He decided to wait for Sabs and so I went back in Jen's Car with everyone else.

I was very excited to have a hot bath at the campground, and making pizza with everyone. Some got very creative with their pizza, while I just put some tomatoes, cheese and franks with my limited chopping skill. Enjoying the pizza by the fire, which Aidan called a nature television (which had only one channel so we wouldn't need to change!), the club discussed about how their day went.

The next day we had a very relaxing morning, and decided to divide into two groups. One would tackle the challenging Nightmare canyon and the other would have a slow day with a walk to the Newnes Gloworm tunnel. I joined the other group as I did not want to leave the place after sunset. The walk was wonderful, and I'm glad I joined another SUBW trip.