Photos: Dianne D
Report:
On an overcast morning, we set out from the Major Mitchell turntable undecided as to what to wear. It was cold BUT there was going to be a 1.8 km uphill stint. At the first corner there was some rearranging of gear and then it was all steam ahead to the summit.
We walked steadily to Boundary Gap where a late morning tea was enjoyed. The steep track to the top of the Plateau was easily followed as the freshly painted yellow markers were plentiful and distinct. Lunch was taken at the First Wannon camp site now dominated by the sight of a green galvanised iron toilet across the creek. Water was running freely and Diane’s wooden puma was still lurking in a tree (ask her to show you sometime).
Mindful of the long journey ahead of us still we set out across the Plateau soon after eating. Track finding was relatively easily especially with several experienced spotters behind the leader. Unfortunately it appeared the promised wildflower garden here was not evident; it was too soon for many recovering species or perhaps it had been too cold over the winter.
The descent along the ridge and down into Stockyard Gap was as tricky as ever and people were intent on watching their every footstep. No major mishaps were experienced although Clive moaned about the climb to the helipad (“Wasn’t it supposed to be all downhill?”).
In the shadows of the late afternoon we skirted the lower foothills of the southern end of the Mt William Range. Here wildflowers were more abundant. Heaths, wattles, Running Postman, several varieties of pea and even the odd orchid were spotted in the more sandy areas next to the main tourist road.
In fading light we reached the cars at Jimmy’s Creek; our bodies telling us we had done a fair day’s walking! John kindly drove a contingent to Mt William to retrieve the cars whilst Clive and Dianne enjoyed a cuppa and waited patiently for the return of their rides.
Coralie G
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