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After several aborted, alternate plans, Diane Drake led a long weekend overnighter in the Mt Stapylton region. With five eager starters we left the Stapylton Campground and began the slow climb past the Mt of Olives.
Walking was straight forward on the well formed tracks in this area and we enjoyed fine conditions despite the weather being at its wintry best earlier in the week. The situation changed somewhat as we hit the overgrown 4WD track that would take us around the back of Mt Stapylton and to the rocky out crop known as Gog and Magog. Although it had been some time since Sandra had carried an overnight pack, she found the trail to her liking. Forging ahead, whilst the rest of us constantly had to disentangle ourselves from the vegetation overhanging the path, earned her the nickname of “the Wombat”.
After a few hours of walking, we descended sharply on very rocky terrain. A short time later, Diane selected a flat campsite a little beyond the rocky bulk of Gog and Magog. It was still a little damp from recent rain and seemed to be formed from a clay base. Unfortunately, I had forgotten a ground sheet and the clay stuck fast to the tent floor and subsequently required numerous washings back at home.
Once our tent city had been established, we got down to the serious business of afternoon tea. Whilst we were sharing pumpkin scones, Tim Tams, chilli and lime cashews and the like, a group of mountain bikers swooped and hollered their way down to us. We could hardly believe that they had ridden the rough trail we had just walked but they bore the ripped T shirts and assorted scratches and bruises to prove it. At this point Linda, returned to the Mt Zero road to retrieve her car and drive home and Mike, Diane, Sandra and I set about testing our rock climbing skills on the lower slopes of Gog and Magog.
Later that evening as we cooked dinner, we were treated to a beautiful changing light display on the surroundings rock faces as the Sun slowly set in the west.
The next morning we walked around to Hollow Mountain and Mt Zero before completing the circuit past Mt Stapylton and back to the car.
Thanks to Diane for leading this trip at short notice and acting as the main driver and to Mike, Sandra and Linda for their entertaining company.
Coralie G
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