A bleak weather forecast deterred many from heading to the Grampians but a few determined souls decided to still give it a try.
Not having been to the Grampians for many, many years and knowing, from recent trips to Dunolly and the Pyrenees Ranges, that the wildflowers in Victoria this year were blooming magnificently, Steve and I decided to go anyway. And it didn't disappoint.
People arrived over several days, doing their own things until Gayle's walks started on Monday. Saturday was a lovely, sunny day and Steve and I explored the northern end in T-shirts and shorts! Who'd have thought! However, rain did come late in the day. Sunday started grey and drizzly but then fined up for most of our walk with Sue - down to T-shirts again.
All 7 SGWAACers turned up on Monday to do our first walk accompanied by Gayle's brother Gary and his wife Julie who live just outside Gariwerd and walk there often. We decided on a close-by walk because of inclement weather conditions - Clematis Falls, Bullace Glen and Chatauqua Peak circuit. The rain stayed away for long enough for there to be a good view from the Peak, but we all arrived back in various states of wetness depending on the quality of our raincoats.
With beautiful weather again on Tuesday we did the Wonderland/Pinnacle loop starting and finishing in Halls Gap. Gayle's nephew Reuben, his 3 year old daughter and two of his in-laws also joined us on Tuesday making quite a large group. Warmth and sunshine were on the menu and we were soon seeking shade, and a couple of us even cooled off under a waterfall. The views from the peaks were wonderful; the waterfalls were gushing and the creeks were cascading brown down the gorges making frothy 'cappuccinos' in every pool. There was evidence of the creeks having been much higher which would have prevented any walking at that time. We were very lucky.
After we got back to camp it started pouring and soon the water was thundering over the spillway from Lake Bellfield. But Wednesday was fine again and the group headed north to climb Mt.Zero and Hollow Mountain. From the top of Mt. Zero two Wedge-tailed Eagles were spotted giving a spellbinding display of their aeronautical skills using the thermals caused by the mountains.
It turns out that Sue (Steward) is an expert at spotting and identifying orchids. I lost count of how many different orchids we saw, many of which I would not have seen if Sue had not pointed them out. In addition to the numerous orchids, many, many plants were flowering filling the bush with colour - white, pink, blue, purple, yellow, red and many shades between. It was stunning. I was able to identify some species and a visit to the Botanic Gardens in Halls Gap helped to identify others. So, so beautiful. Thanks Gayle and Gary for organising the walks and giving us the motivation to visit the Gariwerd N.P.
Particpants:Gayle, Annie, Sue, Susan, Pauline, Steve and Paula
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