Briggs
Bluff is an impressive peak from the flat track leaving the Roses Gap car
park. Most gazing up at the summit wall on that Saturday morning had little
idea of the trail ahead but could appreciate that there would be blood,
sweat, tears and perhaps a few bruises involved in the rugged climb ahead.
The first
stop for the day was beside the cool ferns surrounding the pool at the base
of Beehive Falls. The continuing dry had reduced the
falls to a small trickle but it gave the group a chance to adjust clothing
and packs and prepare for the steep haul ahead.
The
Bayside group, led by Peter, struck out strongly but were soon brought back
to the fray by a somewhat ambiguous red direction arrow. We made steady
progress in the warm weather and soon had the worst of the climbing behind
us. It may have helped that we had ‘superman’ aka John in his red cape
walking with us (supposedly a rain cover for his pack).
Second
breakfast was called at the “Arch” where the green tripod seat made its
appearance to the amusement of our city hikers. At the Briggs Bluff turnoff
determined preparations were made to thwart the marauding crows that
carefully watch hiking parties from treetop locations and plot sorties to
deplete packs of edible contents. Packs secured, we made the 1 km detour to
reach the top of Briggs Bluff. Unfortunately the windy conditions prevented
us from enjoying the panoramic views for too long and we soon returned to
our stashed gear. Success! Not a single pack had its zip undone and no food
was lost. One to us; zero to the currawongs.
After a
welcome lunch break, we continued on past the Mud Hut Creek Bush Campsite
and on to tackle the second major climb for the day. Despite the warm
weather, this was soon conquered and we were enjoying views of
Lake
Wartook from our high point. The spring wildflowers were also a
highlight with many varieties including orchids seen alongside the track.
As we
descended to our campsite, Longpoint East, the promised water gathering spot
proved disappointing. Usually a decent flow of water across some rocks, it
was hardly more than a drip. Undeterred Beth and Carmel collected water in a rock people whilst
the rest of us continued to camp, hoping for better water in the creek
behind the camp.
Peter,
Mabel and I spent some time in this pursuit and came back with enough
reasonable quality water to get us through the rest of the trip.
Around
the cooking circle (fuel stove only area) that evening we traded stories and
walking gear tips. Peter’s cheapo “Crocs” proved a revelation in lightweight
camp shoes. Mabel’s shared pre-dinner nibbles and apricot and almond
Biscotti meant that some could lay claim to a five course bush feast. Dianne
and John’s 2 litres of red wine was also enjoyed by all; especially by those
who didn’t have to carry it!
The next
morning we followed the 4WD tracks to Longpoint West Camp where we found
clear, fresh water flowing. I think the party was unconvinced at my
protestations that this was very unusual.
In the
relative cool of the morning we climbed the Mt Difficult track. At the base
of the summit we off-loaded our packs and made the ascent to the summit
cairn and trig point. Alas on our return, we found our feathered friends had
taken advantage of our complacency. John and Mabel lost food to the
currawongs. The score was now one all!
At lunch
on the return to Roses Gap, John declared the weekend a catastrophe.
Alarmed, we all stared at him. He was still ruminating over Peter’s late
night revelation that true love only lasted a month. Peter upgraded this
estimate to 10 years when pressed, but it was the former statement that
captured the imagination and destroyed it for some. We can only hope time
will heal the disillusionment!
Thanks to
all for accepting the challenges of this walk with good grace and much
humour.
Coralie
