Walkers: Dianne F, John L, Tony & Sandra D, Ken & Margaret
F, Liz & Mike H, Mabel M, Coralie G, Helen A, Linda
H, Diane D, Doug W and Anne M.
Organisers: Dianne F and Sandra D
Photos:
Reports:
Report 1:
Freshly mown lawns greeted us as we pulled in to the luxurious camp ground just behind Sandra and Tony’s Dunkeld home. With Tony in attendance, the fire was already roaring as we selected sites for the tents. It was then on to complete a circuit of the town’s arboretum before a pre-dinner drink with the rowdy locals at the Royal Mail Hotel.
Back at the camp site we settled in to the serious business of eating, drinking and cooking our barbecue fare. Well, we would have if Ken’s very large T-bone steak hadn’t taken up most of the available cooking space! Eventually fed and watered we retired for the night; Ken & Marg to the inside accommodation (the excuse offered was ‘forgotten tent pegs’) and the rest of us to our tents.
The wind howled most of the night but fortunately no one experienced tent lift-off and we were all packed ready to go by the time the first cars from Warrnambool appeared. Morning coffee at the Royal Mail preceded the ascent of the first and highest peak for the day, Mt Abrupt.
Twelve walkers assembled for the photograph at the base of Abrupt and we were soon climbing steadily. A few stops were taken along the way as we adjusted levels of clothing, sipped from our drink bottles and generally drank in the views. Sandra took a tumble on a rocky section but was soon patched up Mabel and ready to go sporting only a small cut and a bruise on her head.
The clouds darkened as we neared the summit and it was necessary to add layers of clothing to keep warm as we snacked before the return journey. We reached the base around 12 o’clock and decided to lunch at the Mt Sturgeon car park. Here we were met by Doug and Anne. Linda left for Koroit, Helen, Sandra and Ken returned to Dunkeld on afternoon tea duties and the rest of us tackled the second peak of Mt Sturgeon.
The climb was made more pleasurable by the fields of native orchids, wax-lips and greenhoods were especially plentiful. Nearing the last gully before the summit, the light rain became heavier and we were forced to don rain coats. The rain persisted on the descent and there was some thought of abandoning the third peak.
The bad weather abated, however and we were able to meet up with Helen, Ken and
Sandra at the turn off to Piccaninny summit. They had trekked in with bottles of
champagne, scones, jam and cream. Celebrating on the third peak for the day we
reflected on a great activity. It was very successful because
• it was a challenge to complete all three peaks in a day,
• people could join for the parts that suited them,
• it was only an hour’s drive from home,
• it wasn’t expensive and
• it provided an enjoyable social outlet.
Long live the three peaks challenge! Thanks to all who helped turn this into a wonderful club event.
Coralie G
Report 2:
Sandra and Tony invited us to camp on the back lawn at their
holiday house at Dunkeld. Six of us took up that offer. Tony had the fire
burning on our arrival after 3pm on Saturday. Slight hiccup – I’d forgotten the
tent poles! Sandra ushered us indoors!
We walked over to the Arboretum to enjoy the scenic area that reflects the
mountains in the lake. Old gum trees, birds flitting about, so peaceful. We
followed the track through the campground and along the creek, edging our way to
the Royal Mail. We ordered drinks just as Mabel and Coralie arrived.
The backyard fire was hot on our return, ready to barbeque, share aperitifs and
salads. A crescent moon shone when the sun went down. We drifted indoors for
pavlova and coffee and chocolates.
In the morning we were to meet Michael and Liz at the Mt Abrupt car park.
Dianne, Diane and John arrived well before so we sauntered up to the Pub for
another coffee before hitting the trail.
In sunshine we scaled Abrupt enjoying the display of wildflowers: Wattle,
Banksia, Heath, Grevillea. No one else was on the mountain. Clear views along
the Serra Range and the salt lakes beyond the green Victoria Valley were
brimming.
Linda left whilst the rest of us drove to Sturgeon carpark for our lunch. Anne
and Doug were waiting. Helen and Ken returned to Dunkeld with Sandra. We others
set off through the low slopes of Sturgeon admiring the myriad of orchids. Pale
pink and deeper pink and cream Caladenia, patches of Greenhoods, and searched
for Leopard Orchids that Mabel had seen the week before. Gorgeous.
The sky clouded as we ascended and rain was falling as we neared the summit.
Abrupt was shrouded in cloud and rain whipped across the summit. However a while
later when we crossed towards the Piccaninny the rain ceased. Doug and Anne
continued back to their car. Coralie scouted ahead followed by the rest of us
keen to finish our challenge.
Near the Piccaninny high point we met Sandra, Helen and Ken. It was 3:30pm just
as Dianne had anticipated. The contents of the three daypacks were revealed at
the summit. Glasses, Champagne, pumpkin scones, raspberry jam and whipped cream!
Sandra, what a hostess!
Thanks to our hosts and a wonderful day out together bushwalking. Thanks
President Di for offering us the Three Peak Challenge. A Great Day.
Marg
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