Walkers: Coralie G, Marg F, Janice(leader), Ken F(support)
Photos:
Report:
Keen to explore new approaches to an old favourite, Marg, Coralie and I started our ascent of the Major Mitchell Plateau at the base of the Stockyard track at Mafeking. After meeting at the William Picnic Ground, Ken had chauffeured us to the starting point and about 9:00 we headed off to climb steeply up to the plateau. The winds were so strong that at times we were relying on our packs and poles to keep us anchored to the ground and we carefully kept well clear of the edge! The wind dropped soon after lunch, and we were happily pitching our tents at the campsite about 2:30.
Staggering, a consequence of an extended afternoon tea rather than the wind, or the steep climb and long traverse, we explored the area surrounding the First Wannon Campsite area for the best vantage point for the customary viewing of sunset across the Sierra Range.
This task accomplished we turned our attention to dinner, and despite an untoward incident, straight from the bushwalkers song book “Fifty Ways to Lose Your Tucker” (with apologies to Paul Simon, see below) we enjoyed the usual three course feast, accompanied by fine wine. Replete and knowing we had a short day ahead, we settled into our tents looking forward to a leisurely breakfast in the morning. The wind strengthened back to gale force during the evening, and the tents were constantly rocked by strong gusts throughout the night. I, for one, was thankful that my indulgence over dinner enabled me to hold the tent down and it stayed firmly where it was pitched.
The wind meant we had dry tents to pack up, and after enjoying breakfast we headed off in high spirits. We were able to stay ahead of the rain as we made our way down into Boundary Gap, past the dry Kalymna Falls and on to Mount William Picnic ground by 11:00, where Ken had a fire, warm date scones and a boiling billy waiting as promised.
The route up and across the plateau from South to the East allowed for a challenging overnight walk when time was short. We enjoyed the different perspective on a well known and well walked destination.
Thanks to Ken for the delicious morning tea and his generous offer to help with the transfers, reducing the time consuming car shuffles.
Janice
Oh, the words to that old bushwalking favourite “Fifty Ways to Lose Your
Tucker”...
“Fifty Ways to Lose Your Tucker” (to the tune of “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover”)
Walkin’ in the Gramps, Champs?
On the Apple Isle, Kyle?
Hikin’ with the Club, Bub?
Doin’ the Duke of Ed, Ned?
Out the back of Lorne, Shaun?
There’s plenty of ways to go, Bro,
More than 50 ways to lose your tucker!
A big eater, Peter?
Want to lose weight, mate?
Saving up for a pie, Di?
Don’t like your meal, Neil?
Too much food, Jude?
All tried and true, Sue;
More than 50 ways to lose your tucker!
Try a dehyd spill, Phill
Feed it to a fox, Rox
Revive a rat, Matt
Leave it for the ants, Nance,
Make a metho mess, Bess
At home on the shelf, Ralph
In the top of your pack, Jack
For the Currawong to nick, Mick
Food for the crow, Beau
Out for the possums to rob, Bob
There’s plenty of ways to go Bro,
More than 50 ways to lose your tucker
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