Lothar's -
Walkers: Coralie G (leader), Graeme W, Irene H, Linda H, Lothar S, Mabel M, Marg F
Photos: Irene's -
Lothar's -
Report:
For a number of years after the devastating Grampians fires the Mt Rosea Track was closed. On Sunday May 3 the Club attempted the first assault on the summit since the track reopened. We left the usual path shortly after commencement to climb via the route taken by rock climbers. This route is well contoured and we made good progress until we hit the old “Grand Stairway”. Unfortunately this has eroded over the years and we picked our way carefully up through the rocks and logs of this section.
Rejoining the main track was a signal for morning tea. The view from the rocky ledge chosen was spectacular and overlooked Sundial Peak and Lake Bellfield. Fed and watered we charged forward through the rocky canyons and mysterious rock stacks to the steel bridge across a narrow but very deep chasm.
At the summit, the sun dived under the clouds and the wind sprang up. We indentified nearby peaks and made our way down the track to find a more sheltered lunch site. As the track became less steep, we turned our attention to the rock formations; goblins and kings were agreed upon but the Ninja turtle style guardians of the valley did not elicit the same degree of acclamation.
The path down was varied with sandy and grassy sections interspersed with traverses across large slabs of rock and we took time to photograph and enjoy the descent. We reached the bottom at 2 o’clock allowing time for a visit to the “Grape Escape” gourmet event on the Halls Gap oval. As we needed to drive home that afternoon, no one took up the offer. Diane and I had been on the Saturday and can thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in sampling the food and wine of the region. Perhaps next year a group can stay overnight so that walking, wining and dining can all be enjoyed safely.
Coralie
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