Pulpit Rock

Our second day in the Blue Mountains was a cloudy one with just a bit of drizzle.  We drove up from Katoomba to Blackheath, to the Evans Lookout, and started out on our walk to Pulpit Rock.  The trail follows the cliff edge and excepting the first descent into (and then ascent out of) Hayward Gully, it was actually a fairly gentle walk.  Overall, this was probably the easiest bushwalk we did during our trip.  Which was a good break.. our legs were pretty tired from yesterday.

Perhaps because it was overcast or because it was early, but we didn't see any other people on the trail on our way to Pulpit Rock.  There were a couple people at the lookout once we arrived, and on our return trip we didn't see anyone until about halfway back to the start.  Quite the change from how busy the trails were yesterday.  There were a few people as we approached Evans Lookout once again, and the parking lot was starting to get busy as we left.

The most notable wildlife sighting were yellow-tailed black cockatoos, which we saw a couple times, and later parrots (currently unidentified.)  We didn't see any mammals in the Blue Mountains whatsoever -- the first of all our bushwalks to be lacking a marsupial of some kind.

Here's what a NSW National Park sign has to say about the geology of the area:

"The vast gorge was shaped by streams eroding through the uppermost basalt layer (the youngest rocks in the area). Remnants of this layer exist on the top of Mt Hay and Mt Banks. The eroded rock particles have been carried out to sea by the Grose and Hawkesbury Rivers.

The striking vertical sandstone cliffs above the steep slopes have come about because of the layers of softer shales and coal below them.  The shale erodes more readily as it expands and contracts in wet and dry weather. This results in undercutting of the cliff face, which fractures vertically and collapses in large blocks."

A waterfall to the left of Evans Lookout (looking southeast)

Looking north-northwest, the cliff we were going to follow

Looking almost directly north to our destination: Pulpit Rock in the distance
(the little thumb-like tusk sticking up)

Despite being cloudy, it was still a really beautiful day with amazing views!

Another view of Pulpit Rock and the Grose Valley

Going down into Hayward Gully

Bridal Veil Falls (another one)

We passed some really interesting rocks
and sandstone caves along the way

Feeling the hardness of the sandstone

Pulpit Rock, a little closer

More interesting rocks--something leftover after
the sandstone eroded away

The red leaves on the eucalyptus are probably new growth

At the Pulpit Rock Lookout, looking north toward Mt Hay

Looking down into the valley far below

One last view before our way back to the start.