Posted by Jan Roberts on September 02, We have been blessed with some stunning winter days of late โ clear sunny skies meaning fabulous star lit skies come evening. Click here for more With not a breath of wind the reflections were outstanding. Just a light dusting on the mountain tops emitting a pretty pink hue and reflecting over the native bush and into the lake โ pure magic.
It was lovely to sit out on the wharf and enjoy the peace and tranquility โ reflect on the reflectionsโฆโฆ. A wonderful memory of their holiday to New Zealand and their visit to the wonderful West Coast one winters evening. First up is the old bathhouse sitting on the roadside. Now just the concrete shell of what was once a huge complex and stated as a requirement by the union of the day.
From the roadside it is deceptive as to what is hidden further in from the huge brick chimney stack towering up from the bedrock. The mine was in operation from through to its final closure in in some form or another. Leading off from the mine site there is a basic trail heading into the mountains. Known locally as Kings Knob track, the trail follows a cutting through the hillside and heads deep into the bush.
It is amazing how quickly you are surrounded by the native bush. There is a small creek burbling along side and the bird song is gorgeous. Following the trail we head up the fern and tree-clad hillside โ surrounded byโฆ.. It is steep in some places โ basically clambering up tree roots.
It is so worth the effort though as you pop out of the trees into a clearing โ complete with picnic table to take in the surrounding views of the Grey Valley and over the Blackball township. We take a few minutes to soak it all in and catch our breath before carefully negotiating our way down the other side โ back into town. Time for lunch and Formerly the Blackball Hilton is calling our name. A great place to start and finish your Blackball explorations โ with a delicious venison pie and pint of their best.
