Walkers: Leader: Coralie
Photos:
Report:
Seven hardy souls met up at the coffee shop (naturally) at Halls Gap for final refreshments before heading into the great wilderness. Little did they know what lie ahead! I swear there is something in the Grampians that brings out the best (& worst) in all of us. What can one say about a walk that elicits such comments as “Look at the Thryptomene that is not out yet” Yep, we all looked – but oddly enough, we could not see any flowers! Oh well, anticipation is often the best part of a trip! The weather was perfect for walking – not too hot, not too cold, and definitely not wet – just right! We had a wonderful walk in, admiring the wildflowers (even some that were yet to bloom) and generally catching up. We reached the first campsite just past the Briggs Bluff turn off and decided to stop for the day there. Tents were soon erected; afternoon tea was shared and enjoyed by all! We then set off for the Bluff we all reached the top and were amused by the antics of a few of our crew who decided to see who could squeeze through the smallest hole in a rock! Oh, the things one sees when one does not have a camera! Three out of seven made it through– the rest of us had a laughing competition!
It was when we arrived back at the tents that disaster struck – our esteemed leader unzipped her tent and let out a blood-curdling scream! We all courageously dashed to her rescue – with thoughts of the tent scene in Psycho (or was that a shower scene) and the like. . . . . in time to watch the fattest, happiest RAT (four legged type) seen in many a long time. This RAT had literally scoffed himself on so many nuts that he could not even run away – he waddled! According to the victim herself, this RAT was actually wiping his whiskers as he waddled out – using the door in preference to the hole he made to get in(yes, it definitely was a male RAT, female RATS have much more decorum!!). Well, there was a happy RAT but an unhappy leader. As if the Currawong's were not enough to contend with, this was attack from all angles.
We decided to restore order over tea – as any bushwalker (and RAT) knows – food heals many wounds! We traded tales of RATS, critters and walks along with a few laughs. After tea a few of us decided to go for night wander – to look at the night sky and collect water before going to bed. We left the camp in the capable hands of a few who decided to stay behind! Some guard people they turned out to be! While they were sleeping in their tents that *#@%&* RAT came back for more! Yep, this time he went for the pack – nothing is sacred in the RAT world! By this time, our leader was mumbling about him having a terminal case of indigestion! Unbelievable. That night I slept with my pack in the tent, firmly under my feet.
The morning dawned – with no more incidents, we decided to pack up and get out of there! Again, the weather was perfect for walking. Some members scurried up Mt Difficult while others minded the packs for us – and they did a much better job than their predecessors did!
It was a great walk, lovely weather, wonderful wildflowers, great company, pity about the wildlife. If you are thinking of walking the Briggs Bluff Circuit, I know a great little camping spot . . . . . . .
Thanks Coralie for a wonderful walk. I am sorry about the critter/vermin damage. Welcome to the VOCA club, it is quite exclusive. They say bad luck comes in threes so you have had your share now.
Quotes of the walk:
“Look at the thryptomene that is not out yet”
“The huts are good and you get comfortable with the other people on the walk
because you sleep with them every night!?#*”
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!!”
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