Walkers: Janice, Mabel and Marg.
Photos:
Report:
Despite a less than encouraging weather forecast of showers and cold, and previous experience of Mount Cole in less than optimal conditions, three hearty and optimistic walkers met in Beaufort and headed off for another Beeripmo adventure.
It was chilly enough to make a boil up before we started a no brainer, and thus fortified and dressed for anticipated blizzards we headed off about 11.00.
Disrobing stops were debated all the way to the top of Raglan Falls. Gradually the layers were thrown off. Discarded coats, waterproof pants, fleeces, gloves and hats were stowed carefully for quick access it needed. The falls were disappointingly dry, despite the torrential downpour and floods in Ararat only three days earlier.
Now more suitably attired, we made steady progress with only a minimal stop to avoid being snapfrozen whilst eating lunch. Despite the weather being cold enough to deter even the bravest leech, it remained dry. We continued on at a steady pace to keep warm, and arrived at camp, leech free, at 2:30.
We spent our time in usual porker fashion: catching up with all of Marg‘s news from Ararat whilst drinking hots cups of soup, enjoying a new range of light, seasoned garlic and black pepper rice rounds for pre-dinner snacks and experimenting with a very nice light red from the Brique (highly recommended 1 litre tetra pack). With all the frivolous stuff out of the way we settled down to serious eating: Thai green curry, dhal and rice, and a Mediterranean chick pea casserole to keep the cold at bay. The abundant firewood strewn all over the campsites was cleaned up and kept us warm, with the cosy fire keeping dark of earth hour at bay. The cold evening conditions did not eventuate and we retired to bed totally relaxed.
Warm and toasty, we slept well all night and arose ready for a 8:45 departure. Again making fast progress, we took the Mount Buangor scenic route, enjoyed morning tea at Mugwamp at 11:00 and detoured to the Glut picnic ground for lunch. This diversion is highly recommended for its fresh water, tables, and toilets, all at only about 15 mins off the main route. We arrived back at Richards before 2;00, plenty of time for coffee and indulgence at ParisJour, our absolute fave French café in Beaufort. (See last years‘ Beeripmo walk report) Fortified with take home supplies of quiche, tart, pasties and the best meat pies outside the famed Warrabara bakery, we headed home, much satisfied.
The Beeripmo walk takes hikers through beautiful forests and past impressive moss covered rocks to a walkers only campsite with toilets, tank water, tables, and fireplaces. It is one of the few overnight walks where the abundance of fire wood makes the permitted campfire an enjoyable reality. The walker can enjoy expansive views and challenging conditions in a short two days. Add the obvious attractions of the Beaufort Cafes, you can understand why it is a favourite.
Janice, Mabel and Marg.
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