KARLGARIN

SURFING THE WAVE!

SAT 30.11.2013: Wave Rock is the best known feature of Hyden Rock. It is a concave wall of granite, or flared slope. Streaks of black algal remains plastered on the rock surface emphasise its shape. Wave Rock is a result of water weathering the rock at the base of the slopes bordering Hyden Rock. Wave Rock is over 100 metres long, and taller than a 3 storey building (15 metres). It is believed to have begun forming as much as 60 million years ago. The wave only became a national attraction when a photograph of it won the 1963/64 Kodak International Colour Picture Competition at the New York International Fair.

Noongar aboriginal people are known to have been in this area for tens of thousands of years. Hyden Rock walk (on top of Wave Rock), is to the old quarry at the Western end of the Wave, then up onto the top of the main rock formation. "Some climbing and descending is involved....." Day 2 of our climbing and descending meant the Leyland mountain goats were incorporating frequent stops! The Hyden Dam was a major component of the town's water supply right through until 2000. The walls capture approximately 45% of all water falling and acts as a giant funnel into the dam.

HYDEN DAM

 



CATCHMENT WALLS & SALT LAKES IN THE DISTANCE

Hippo's Yawn is a tafone within a very large boulder. "Tafone" is an Italian word for a window or aperture commonly caused by the scouring action of the wind and water, but in this case it is a result of salts like halite and gypsum from the salt lakes crystallising out the original boulder exerting enough pressure to break it from within.

HIPPO'S YAWN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stopped at Hyden on our return trip to view the sculptures depicting Hyden's history. There have been many Stimulus Package Grants for the country towns and this was one. Also, recreation grounds that include venues for all sports and facilities that the city folk would die for!