With the sun rising, Amy and I headed to El Questro Gorge whilst Lynda stayed behind with Jess.  Amy and I planned to conquer the big boulder at the half way point and carry on to Mic Micking Pool at the end of the gorge.

Half the fun is the 4WD track in.  Whilst not challenging it contains a deep water crossing and winds its way through the Kimberley’s distinct vegetation to the beginning of the gorge.  Starting the walk from the carpark it is a rocky scramble along the river bed to the halfway pool.  The gorge on this section narrows as it closes in on the halfway pool with sheer cliff faces rising up from beneath you.  It is a beautiful gorge to travel through which get prettier the further you travel into it.

Safely at the halfway pool we sat and pondered how to get past the big boulder blocking our track…it is true that many people fail the challenge of scaling the big boulder due to having to wade through waist deep water to access the boulder.  What this means is that when you reach the boulder you begin climbing it with wet feet…which is exactly what you don’t want on a smooth slippery steep surface.

Well with shoes off and back pack held high we headed out to the big boulder.  Then the challenge of how firstly to get out of the water onto the BB and then how to climb it!  I pushed Amy out of the water to a safe perching point, handed her the back pack and balanced the hiking boots precariously on the BB.  After a few attempts I was out of the water perched on the boulder with a handhold and very small foot hold for one foot, Amy just above me holding on…what next.  I somehow managed to get one boot on my foot to give me a bit of traction and then at full stretch, with a lot of good faith in my rather bleak foot hold pushed myself up and across to another landing.  A slight slip and I was gone!  Yes…made it, hold onto Amy with one hand so she could collect the boots and then I dragged her to my ledge.  From there we both put our boots on and made the rest of the climb easily.

Back on the trail we quickly covered the remaining 2klm of the trip despite warning and notes on how difficult the track was.  Sure, it was challenging in parts but mostly just a whole lot of good fun as you tackled the big boulder and then the big series of boulder strewn across the gorge, the climb up the side of the waterfall and then finally the climb up and into Mic Micking Pool.

At the pool you are in awe of nature’s beauty.  The pool is small but enclosed by narrow sheer cliffs above you and the waterfall at the far end of the crystal pool is amazing as it freefalls onto rocks below.  We quickly undressed and took a surprisingly warmish swim (in comparison to other pools in gorges) swimming out to the waterfall and sitting underneath it on natures well crafter lounge chair.  We swam and played for half and hour enjoying ourselves and having some great fun together.  Several photos followed before heading back.

We descended the gorge quickly back to the big boulder (BB) and again pondered on a plan of attack.  I decided on throwing the walking boots 20m to dry ground.  Three out of four boots landed safely with one of my boots taking a bad bounce and a slight dip in the pool…minor casualty.  We then slid down the BB to the pool below, Amy taking an involuntary slide towards the bottom of the BB and an uncontrolled splash into the pool below.  I managed to stay in control and therefore kept the back pack dry.  A quick swim followed and then we walked out the remaining part of the gorge back to the car.

In the end the 3 to 5 hour return (without a swim) turned out to be about 4 hours with 1 hour of sightseeing and swimming.  In fact the walk out took less than an hour with a swim.

Heading back to camp we spotted J & T who had walked some of the Amelia Gorge and we talked about tackling Moonshine Gorge in the afternoon.

That is what we did, I did the loop walk trail and everyone else bugged out at the last minute and walked in the reverse direction just to the swimming hole.

My walk took me up over the range with fabulous scenery down onto the gorge and surrounding range.  Once up on top you descended down to the halfway pool where you could take a swim.  I decided not to and finally bumped into the rest of the group coming the other way some 500m past the waterhole.  We all retraced our steps so that those who wished could take a swim.  We lounged around at the water hole for some time before heading back to the cars around 4:30pm.  Halfway back to the car park I noticed that Jeff was struggling with Banjo on his back so I relieved him of Banjo and carried him back to camp for Jeff.

What was interesting about this walk and gorge were the layered rock formations which were balanced on a 45 degree angle and towered above you.  The gorge was wide and open and the walking difficult but the rock formations were the highlight.  The water hole I could give a miss and I really believe walking only 1 klm into this gorge will place you in the most interesting section of the gorge.

The other interesting part of the gorge is the long 4WD track to the car park at the start of the gorge.  The track follows the El Questro Gorge track until after the deep water crossing.  It then branches right and continues for several klms as it weaves its way to Moonshine Gorge.  You travel through a few rocky sections and a couple of creek crossings before arriving at the carpark.

Back at camp after nightfall it was time for a shower and for me an early night.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

I thought I would list all the mountain peaks that we climb during our trip around Australia and rate them based on difficulty of the climb.

List of mountain peaks climbed in date order (most recent first), including height and state.

16/09/2010 Mt Bartle Frere, QLD (1,622m)Highest peak in Queensland***(also 5/10/2010 with Joey Jess)

26/3/2010 – Mt Ossa, TAS  (1,617m) Highest Peak in Tasmania *****

8/2/2010 – Cradle Mountain, TAS (1,545m) ** (also 16/3/2010)

5/2/2010 – Black Bluff, TAS (1,338m) ***

16/02/2010 – Mt Bogong, VIC (1,986m) Highest Peak in Victoria *****

14/01/2010 – Mt Koscuiszko, NSW (2,228m) Highest Peak in Australia *

29/12/2009 – Mt Warning, NSW (1,156) ***

Bluff Knoll, WA (1,095m)**

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

We have been camped on the foreshore of Lake Tinnaroo for the past three days enjoying the brilliant sunny weather and placid calm picturesque waters of the lake.  Got to say this is one of the special places we have visited where time stands still while you get to enjoy the beauty and fun activities you can have here.

We are camped at Kuari Campground which can be reached easily via Kuari and a short trip down an unsealed road…just look out for log trucks and other motorists who seem to think they are the only ones on the road.

Kuari Camp is just awesome.  We are camped in an elevated position, 30m from the Lake on a beautiful grassy bank.  Pine trees and rainforest are off in the distance and the Lake forms a beautiful sheltered bay which is fantastic for the kids to play and swim…sensational.

The sun has been out and we have been swimming and scurfing on Lake Tinaroo during the day.  Yesterday I went for a mountain bike ride on the many trails in the area too.  There is something here for everyone and with the right weather is paradise…life doesn’t get much better.

The blokes have been doing the hard yards too.  We have set the yabbie pots and are up at 5:30am each morning pulling the pots and so far getting a feed of red claw for lunch each day.  These marron looking shellfish are very tasty and are fun to catch.  Each morning after pulling the pots the kids have come down to the river bank waiting for our return and have enjoyed playing with the Red Claw…so far, so good, no one has been bitten by the rather strong claws on these suckers.  We have been using vegie scraps and have found loading up the pots with bait works best.

What has also been great about our stay here is the kids having a go at scurfing behind Hamish’s dinghy.  The kids have learnt to take off from shore standing up on the surf board and have been so enthusiastic and proud of themselves for achieving that.  Jessy and Amy have loved the experience because they have wanted to have a go at surfing for ages and finally got a go (or the closest thing to it, anyhow).  Hey, even Bushman Bud after 25 years in the surfing wilderness after a freak accident at Margaret River managed to find his feet and enjoy some scurfing too.  Hamish was the star with his graceful moves.

Of course there is always catching up with great friends which is another enjoyable part of the travelling experience.  We have enjoyed catching up with Alex and Hamish and have formed a great friendship with them…thanks guys for another great few days…we look forward to more in the future.

Whilst at Lake Tinnaroo we plan to use this as a base to climb Bartle Frere and take in some more of the sights and touristy spots around the Atherton Tablelands.  The Lake is very well located for this.

What can I say, what an awesome place to be…I am here and you should be.  Get out and experience this fantastic tranquil place, get a feed of Red Claw, perhaps a Barra and watch the kids playing in safe calm water.  Life is good here for sure.  If you don’t visit Lake Tinaroo when visiting the Atherton Tablelands you have missed one of the beautiful spots in the area.

I am sitting here now, looking over the Lake, blogging and bringing this great location to your doorstop…photos to come.  I am admiring the lake, waiting for the Red Claw to fill the pots and looking forward to an afternoon play on the Lake or perhaps mountain bike ride.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

The dreaded flu caught up to me at Bicheno and I have been recovering the past couple of days.  I am just starting to feel better and will start putting time into the blog recapping Easter and my new trip “The Waterfall Way.”  This will be a good one to do…so stay tuned.

We will attempt a walk later today…it would be nice to stretch the legs.  I have planned to do the 5.6klm walk to the Aspley Gorge in the Douglas Aspley National Park.  The walk crosses the Aspley River and follows the forest through to the Aspley Gorge.

Followimg on from that we will head to Coles Bay and check out Wine Glass Bay, drive on the “Friendly Beaches” and take on some walks through the Freycinet region.

From there it is to the West Coast for the Balfour Track with the Ulverstone 4WD Trip and Montezuma Falls/Ring River Road trip with the Devonport 4WD Club…busy times ahead hey.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

So I left Mole Creek at 1:30pm arriving at Dove Lake at 2:45pm.  Most would see that as a little late to start the climb but for me this was to be a speedy, push it all the way climb, drop dead…well almost…kind of climb.  Off I went following Dove Lake to the steep section to Marions Lookout.  To the sign post at Marions Lookout I made it in 27 mins and 45 seconds (that’s right, Dove Lake to Marions Lookout).  From there it was the Overland Track to Kitcheners Hut at the start of the Cradle Mtn summit track – for this section of track 19 mins and 15 seconds.  Finally the summit climb…Kitcheners Hut to the Cairn Stone at the summit of Cradle Mountain…29 mins and 35 seconds.  So from Dove Lake via Marions Lookout to the summit of Cradle Mountain it took a total of 1 hour 16 minutes and 25 seconds…I surprised myself…wow. 

On the way down it was easier and I moved somewhat faster.  I really wanted to beat the one hour mark so I was prepared to jog where necessary to get under the hour.  Soooo, going down Cradle Summit to Kitcheners Hut 21 mins and 15 seconds, Kitcheners Hut to Marions Lookout 16 mins and 20 seconds and Marions Lookout to Dove Lake car park 20 mins and 20 seconds.  Total time down was 57 mins and 55 seconds…under one hour…yeah I did it…awesome.

Yes, I am a nut, a little crazy and find enjoyment in doing these things others would call silly.  I just like pushing my body to its limit and seeing how far I can really push myself.  Getting out of your comfort zone and pushing through boundaries is what it is all about.  The same stays true no matter what you take on in life.  Unless you are operating outside your comfort zone do you really learn anything or move forward…for me no…get out there and give it a crack and see what you can achieve…the results will amaze you.  Lets face it, just over 11 weeks ago I was 10+ kgs heavier and a whole lot more unfit and to achieve what I did today proves you can do anything you put your mind to.

So that was what Bushman Bud does when he is not 4WDing, camping or looking for adventure somewhere.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

It takes about 10 mins to complete the 800m walk one way to the lookout.  The lookout is on two levels and looks out on the Alum Cliffs which are part of a g0rge cut by the Mersey River.  The river itself cascades over numerous rapids cutting its way through the forest below and the gateway of the Alum Cliffs.  It is a beautiful lookout with brilliant scenery of river, forest and the imposing and attractive Alum Cliffs.  Well worth the detour if passing through Mole Creek, so turn the car up Mersey Hill Road, put on the walking shoes and give it a go!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

Devils Gullet is a lookout over 230m sheer cliffs that have been shaped by ice and rain over millions of years.  In the distance is the vista of Cradle Mtn – Lake St Clair National Park and it many mountain peaks.  There is a board at the lookout pointing out the many peaks on display – namely Cradle Mountain off to the far right.

The lookout is a 530m walk from the car park on well maintained pathways.  It is level other than a 100m stretch which is a little steep in parts.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzJS65mbxmc

This is a great drive through very scenic forestry and then up high to the scenic lookouts of Devils Gullet and Fisher River Lookout.  Throw in a side trip to Mackenzie Lake and the canals of its hydro scheme and you have a great day trip.  You could also combine a tour at either King Solomons Cave or Marakooper Cave.

The best route for this drive is to start at the Mole Creek Caravan Park at the intersection of Union Bridge Road and Liena Road.  Follow Liena Road through to Liena.  Once at Liena follow Echo Valley Road for a short while before branching right onto Gads Hill Road.  Gads Hill Road is a very scenic drive.  At the T intersection turn right into Olivers Road and this will take to a T intersection with Mersey Forest Road.  Turn right for a small distance before turning right at the sign post to Devils Gullet.  You should now be on Lake Mackenzie Road and 14 klms from the turn off to Devils Gullet Lookout (which is signposted).

Devils Gullet is a lookout over 230m sheer cliffs that have been shaped by ice and rain over millions of years.  In the distance is the vista of Cradle Mtn – Lake St Clair National Park and it many mountain peaks.  There is a board at the lookout pointing out the many peaks on display – namely Cradle Mountain off to the far right.

The lookout is a 530m walk from the car park on well maintained pathways.  It is level other than a 100m stretch which is a little steep in parts.

Leaving Devils Gullet car park turn right to visit Lake Mackenzie.  It takes a further 10 to 15 minutes to arrive at the dam wall.  Fishing, swimming and boating is on offer here as a moonscape lookout over the lake.  Following the road is the canal and aqueduct of the hydro scheme, which is worth a look itself.

The road finishes at the dam so turn around and head back.  About 5 klm past the turn off to Devils Gullet is the Fisher River Lookout.

The Fisher River Lookout is a beautiful vista over the Cradle Mtn – Lake St Clair National Park and highlights many of the towering peaks of the park.  Off in the distance is the famous Cradle Mtn and Mt Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak).  There is a board which names all the various peaks you can see.  It is a great vista and well worth a look.

The lookout is best approached coming back down the road from Devils Gullet to make for easier parking and access.

The lookout is approximately 9klm up Lake Mackenzie Road turning off Mersey Forest Road.

Returning to the end of Lake Mackenzie Road turn right into Mersey Forest Road and follow the road back to Liena Road.  This completes the scenic loop.  Turn right into Liena Road which takes you back to Mole Creek.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

The Fisher River Lookout is a beautiful vista over the Cradle Mtn – Lake St Clair National Park and highlights many of the towering peaks of the park.  Off in the distance is the famous Cradle Mtn and Mt Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak).  There is a board which names all the various peaks you can see.  It is a great vista and well worth a look.

The lookout is best approached coming back down the road from Devils Gullet to make for easier parking and access.

The lookout is approximately 9klm up Lake Mackenzie Road turning off Mersey Forest Road.

Today we are in Deloraine having a look around the small quaint village and catching up on laundry – chores!!  Tommorrow we will head bush for some walks or some 4WDing.  There is plenty to see and do around here so keep posted.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia