Preparing for the Mt Solitary hike with kids

As the weekend draws near it's time to get the details together for this trip which hopefully we can still do it with my son feeling sick. I've also found another record of some kids doing this walk with the youngest being 7.

Each trip I ask a few questions and do a bit of research to ensure safety and enjoyment.

What weather should I expect and be prepared for?

Weather can make or break a trip. I find that when I know what to expect and come prepared then the trip is enjoyable, even if it's raining the whole time. The two sites I mostly visit for Australian weather information are Bureau of Meteorology and Weatherzone.

Forecasts tell me what to expect and what clothing and tent I need to take. We're expecting fine weather with highs of 29C for both days with a night temp of 15C. http://www.weatherzone.com.au/nsw/central-tablelands/katoomba

• We don't need too many warm clothes or wet weather gear.
• We'll talk the minimal amount (enough for an emergency change of weather).
• We must take sun screen, hats and long sleeves.
• We'll also get an early start to try and get there earlier and avoid the heat of the day.

Warnings let me know of potentially big problems with fires, flooding or storms. Currently there aren't any warnings for the area even though there are flood warnings north and fire warning south.

Can I get drinking water?

Reading the track notes/blogs and previous trips to this area give me a good idea of the availability of water. In the Blue Mountains water is especially hard to get and often not great so weather observations let me know if those questionable water sources will be stagnant, empty or hopefully have something we can use in it.

• There have been some recent good rainfalls leading me to believe that the small water source at the North Eastern end of Chinaman's gully on the top of Solitary will have useable water. I will take my steripen to kill the nasty giardia and cryptosporidium, both of which I believe would be unlikely with this water source. However it's worth 110gms to make sure.

Are there any Fire Bans or Park Closures?

See fire information at the NSW Rural Fire Service website and check with NPWS about the park if you're going into a National Park.