Monday 28 July 2014

Where Eagles Soar

My new buddy Mark identified all the peaks and landmarks visible from the Monkey Creek Cafe then asked if we had been to Hassans Walls. I had, but quite a few years ago so we got directions. Hassans Walls is the name of a ridge high above the plains that lie at the foot of Victoria Pass, the steep winding road which descends the western side of The Blue Mountains. It is named for its resemblance to an area in India, Hassan, where many intricately carved temples in the shape of pagodas are located. The dominant feature of Hassans Walls is the natural rock formations known as pagodas.


Sadasiva temple at Nuggehalli - Hassan district of Karnataka state India Image credit
The road from Dargan to Hassans Walls is via the mining town of Lithgow. This town has risen on the back of the coal industry and there is presently some concern over plans to expand mining operations into areas of natural beauty. Find out more about the fight to Protect the Gardens of Stone.


A short, but steep, winding, narrow road climbs out of Lithgow to the top of the ridge. From the carpark at the end of the road is a short walk to a boardwalk perched on the edge of the escarpment. Standing here you are presented with a majestic 180˚ vista from the east on your left around to the west on your right. The view takes in the undulating rural landscape below.



And as we prepared to leave this beautiful wedge-tailed eagle suddenly appeared above us effortlessly riding the thermal currents above the cliff tops.


7 comments:

Rhonda Albom said...

Really beautiful and picturesque. Should I ever make it back to Sydney, I think we have to include some time in your Blue Mountains.

Unknown said...

I would love to go to Australia one of these days. Such a beautiful place. Those natural rock formations are crazy, I would have sworn that someone cut that out of the stone. Crazy what the Earth can do. Your title makes me want to sing that song by Bette Middler.

Lesley said...

I am going to come and visit you Lynne and you can show me all these amazing sights! Arizona is pretty nice too, but we don't have some of the cool things that Australia does.

Amber Nelson said...

Wow, that is some amazing scenery. So serene and relaxing.

Unknown said...

Amazing pics and it seems like a great place to relax.

Anonymous said...

When I used to live in Sydney the Blue Mountains was our favorite weekend escape.

Unknown said...

Amazing - must go there someday!

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