Blue Mountains Journal

Lost City, Newnes State Forest A big cluster of pagoda rock formations viewed from above, known as the Lost City. And we've found the end of this trip at last! We start something new tomorrow. Words to walk with: From Monoliths by Mark O'Connor The fey high lonely rocks stand in the Valley of Idols, undercut by strata of soft coal, The wind has no power till one day they topple, unstacking sideways at the seams.

Blackfellows Hands Track, Newnes State Forest We are on our way to the Lost City. Passing a few ant's nests on the way. Words to walk with: The Ant by Ogden Nash "The ant has made herself illustrious By constant industry industrious. So what? Would you be calm and placid If you were full of formic acid?"

Blackfellows Hands Trail, Newnes State Forest For me, there can never to too much ferns, cliffs or trickling water. Words to walk with: It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility. ~Rachel Carson

Blackfellow's Hands Trail, Newnes State Forest As we are back tracking I thought you might be interested in a few more shots from along the track. Words to walk with : By Emily Dickinson "Nature is what we know But have no Art to say, So impotent our Wisdom is To Her Simplicity."

Wollemi National Park, Newnes One last look at the lovely scenery at Newnes. In my next few posts I am going to take you back into the Newnes State Forest to see one more place on the way home. Words to walk with: Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you... while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~John Muir

Newnes shale oil refinery ruins, Wollemi National Park The ruins are extensive, spreading a kilometre along the Wolgan river and up a steep slope. It must have been quite a challenge getting the works established. I understand that a 100 years ago this was one of the biggest industrial operations in the state. Words to walk with: From Love Among the Ruins by Robert Browning "Now,--the single little turret that remains On the plains, By the caper overrooted, by the gourd Overscored, While the patching houseleek's head of blossom winks Through the chinks-- Marks the basement whence a tower in ancient time Sprang sublime, And a burning ring, all round, the chariots traced As they raced, And the monarch and his minions and his dames Viewed the games. ... In one year they sent a million fighters forth South and North, And they built their gods a brazen pillar high As the sky, Yet reserved a thousand chariots in full force-- Gold, of course. Oh heart! oh blood that freezes, blood t...

Parrafin sheds, Newnes shale-oil refinery ruins, Wollemi National Park They produced kerosene and paraffin (used for making candles) from the shale. This is one of the largest relics at Newnes. Words to walk with: By Edna St Vincent Millay "My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -- it gives a lovely light! "