Confusing Creek
Confusing Creek
We wanted to explore the area south of Dry Canyon but when we arrived at the gate, we became confused by the National Parks sign: the website had stated the area was open but the signage showed that walkers were not allowed! So change of plan!
Harold suggested a tributary of the Bungleboori Creek and off we went. The waratahs were flowering early this year and the spring flowers had started to bloom… After admiring the views from a pagoda, we made our descent to a side-creek of the tributary going through a slot for the sake of it! When we arrived at the creek we became confused a second time: the creek was flowing in the wrong direction! What was going on?
We looked at the map and were further confused as the creek should not have been there.
The creek disappeared into a small canyon/constriction so we found a way down and followed it from the bottom. We found a lower pool and an upper pool: in-between the creek was flowing underground. Mystery solved! The side creek was poorly mapped and we “ground truthed” it and called it confusing creek!
After a leisurely lunch (are there any other kind?) among the waratahs, we climbed onto the ridge and made our way back to the cars!
A Poorly Mapped Creek and the importance of ground truthing!
“Confusing CreeK” is the westmost creek on the topo map. Looking at the aerial imagery, it makes some sense that the creek is drawn as it is on the topographic map.
However having followed the creek on foot, this is what the reality looks like!
When it comes to geographic features, topographic maps are mostly correct. However the interpretation of the aerial imagery in the absence of a ground survey can introduce errors!
