Hiking up a storm in Grand Canyon and Govett's Leap

I did an awesome and extremely wet hike down into the Grand Canyon and around to Govett's leap with Meet Up (Sydney Explorers).  Due to the weather forecast (90% chance of storms!) and train issues, only 6 of us arrived for the hike out of 30 who originally signed up for it.  We were well rewarded as the hike was absolutely stunning.

Highlights of the day included:

• All my favourite Meet Up people together in one group; Dave, Yen, Cloris, Kenny and the incorrigible Srini.
• Dunking our heads in a waterfall and walking behind it to get down into the canyon.
• Extremely slippery rocks at the bottom of the canyon. In fact, I slipped and took a hard fall which gave me quite a shock. I didn't seem any worse the wear for it, but time will tell!
• The rain starting to bucket down half way through the canyon. Thankfully, it wasn't cold though. 
• The way the rain made the vegetation in the canyon seem all the more lush, and the beautiful fresh smell of it.
• Hiking in the rain, with the feel of it on my skin, feeling intensely alive.
• Some beautiful flowers and plants I hadn't noticed before.
• A lovely, refreshing swim in the rain.
• Some stunning rivers, streams and rock pools all bordered by lush ferns.
• Arriving at the bottom of The Bridal Veil Falls which was in full flow and having another dip, although the wind was strong and there was quite a nip in the air.
• Crossing the river at the falls with mighty winds and strong torrents making it an adventure.
• The steep climp up the side of the valley, including some steep metal stair cases with dripping water off the overhangs keeping us cool.
• Absolutely stunning views of The Bridal Veil falls as we neared the top of Govett's Leap.
• The gorgeous whisps of mist and cloud that hung over the valley; such a great sight.
• Changing into dry clothes when we got to our cars.
• A drink and delicious pie at The Ivanhoe Hotel after the hike.

All in all, a super and memorable day. Sometimes it pays to brave the elements!!

The view from Govett's Leap where we left the car.

Having a dunk in a waterfall on the way down into The Grand Canyon.

At the bottom of the canyon.

The clouds starting to look ominous.

Beautiful flowers, some of which I haven't noticed before.

Dave, Cloris, Kenny, Yen, Srini

Srini dealt with the pouring rain differently to me.

Despite the rain, we had a lovely dip. Warmer in than out!

Some beautiful streams and rock pools...

... and beautiful rivers too.

Our first view of Bridal Veil Falls, very windy with lots of spray and an exciting crossing.

Gorgeous whisps of cloud across the valley

Climbing up the steep steps of Govett's Leap.

As we neared the summit of Govett's leap, we got an awesome view of The Bridal Falls.

Our final view over Govett's Leap before heading by car back into Blackheath for a drink and pie...

... but not before Srini had one final leap!

A colourful mural in Blackheath