Today we checked out Morrisons Burn, the next creek over from Nichols. Similar geology and similar catchment size meant there was potential for a canyon to be lurking in its shadows. We started up the trail near Nichols to gain the track towards Swampy Summit, then a dirt road to close proximity of the stream. We fortunately found a relatively resistance-free path through the scrub without too much trouble. We we got to the creek I marveled at how small it was. However it quickly gained volume and surprisingly had some rather large boulders the whole way down the creek which made the travel interesting. Just below the tributary junction we reached a sedimentary layer- the same one in Nichols that created the Cup and Saucers. Here it sculpted a 3m slide into a shallow pool, the creek's most interesting feature. The entire rest of the way the creek descended steadily instead of dropping in waterfalls. For a while it decided to turn to hail instead of sun, but later reverted. After 1.5 km in the creek we reached the road and began walking back to the car. I noticed a nice swimming pool beneath the next bridge and we decided to follow Leith Stream the rest of the way back to our car. To our great surprise most of the way was a really pleasant (albeit cold) gorge. Pool after pool, some genuine swimmers, this would make a great and incredibly accessible summer float trip. The geology was spectacular too with a variety of volcanic rocks including a lava flow pouring down a paleo-hillside. Eventually we found our way back to the car. It wasn't the canyon I was hoping for but it had its surprises and made for a pleasant trip. Thanks to Lara.
No comments:
Post a Comment