Walkers: Ken
F, Linda C, Lothar (leader), Marg F, Peter M, Rosalie M
Photos:
Report:
Thursday 7th: Boronia Peak.
In Halls Gap we visited Rosalie’s sister and husband for coffee and cake before
heading off on our walk. We passed the sections of
track that we helped fix a year or so ago. The bush was also recovering
nicely from the fires. We didn’t linger at the top – just enough to take a
couple of pics and wave to rellies – before heading down again. In a sheltered
spot we had lunch then returned slowly to the car. Afterwards, we had treats in
Halls Gap then drove to the Emu Holiday Park in Wartook and set ourselves up in
cabin #2. Later we went for a sunset stroll and had vegetarian curry and rice
for tea.
Friday 8th: Mt Stapylton Circuit.
Wildflowers were in full bloom. As we went clockwise around the circuit the
weather changed slowly from a fine mist to a heavy drizzle. When we reached the
Y point we decided on the safer option – not to continue to the top but instead
to complete the circuit. The rain got steadily worse but eventually stopped as
we neared the car. At the cabin the new gas heater worked a treat so we set up
an impromptu Chinese laundry .Later that afternoon we drove to Horsham to
replace a broken buckle. Oh, and to have coffee and cakes at Jas! We went on
another sunset stroll to take a few pictures. Dinner was spaghetti with a
tuna/vegetable/tomato pasta sauce.
Saturday 9th: Briggs Bluff.
The weather looked promising and we were not
disappointed. On the walk up to Beehive Falls the path wound its way through
wattles in full flower, bringing us to the foot of the falls which had an
amazing amount of water cascading over. Photos were taken and then we climbed
upwards and onwards to the Bluff. The views were stunning and we found many
different plants and much bird life. We had lunch, enjoyed the spectacular views
and on returning to the cars agreed that we deserved coffee and cake (at Wartook
Pottery). Back at the cabin our own Gordon Ramsey (Lothar) and assistant chef
(Peter) cooked the best roast lamb in the camp oven. Roast lamb and a good wine
was the finish to a very pleasant day. I think this should have been
called the gourmet Grampians weekend.
Linda C
Sunday 10th: Mt Difficult?
The weather was somewhat foul so instead of the planned walk we did the less
risky touristy stuff: A second drive to Horsham for coffees and high GI snacks,
a visit to an outdoor shop, a walk to and around Mackenzies Falls, and then to
Wartook Pottery for coffee and cake. Too wet so no sunset stroll today! We had
vegie soup for tea and finished the evening with many merry rounds of “Kings
Corners”.
Monday 11th: The Fortress.
We were joined today by Ken and Marg. The track was initially sandy and flat but
after veering right we had a steady climb. At a vantage point we could see snow
on some of the peaks. The weather was still ideal for walking so we decided to
continue to the camping area – up, up, then down, down we went. We had lunch
under the massive overhang in the camping area. We decided not to explore the
Fortress proper. Instead we headed back uphill and then slowly descended back to
the carpark. We said our goodbyes and 5 minutes after leaving the heavens
opened. Lucky timing! Afternoon tea at Madigans in Penshurst was a fitting treat
on the way home.
Lothar
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