South Gippsland

Participants: Michelle, Barbara, Bev, Bev and Rod, Ian and Sue, Helen, Jane, Tim, Patsy (Leader) and John (Whip)

We all arrived safely on Monday and gathered in the camp kitchen (I call it the beer garden) for Happy Hour to discuss the walks planned and for those hikers who were new, to get to know each other.

On Tuesday morning, we left camp nice and early – we aimed for 7.30am, but someone was searching for a key, and our departure was delayed to 7.45am, not a “trainsmash”. After car shuffling we finally headed off on our first hike of the week – we commenced at Cassidy Gap Road and slowly, but surely reached Signal Peak. The cloud cleared which was a bonus. We had morning tea up there. We continued along the ridge to Mt Abrupt to have lunch at 827m above sea level. We enjoyed great views and glorious sunshine.

After lunch we strolled back to our cars which we had left at the Mt Abrupt car park.

Length: 9.25km / Elevation Gain: 605m

We relaxed back at camp in the pool (31 degrees – too hot) and discussed the next days’ walk during the unmissable Happy Hour.

On Wednesday morning, after another early start and a car shuffle, we commenced our walk from the Piccaninny car park. We headed up the Piccaninny and ventured across to conquer Mt Sturgeon. By now, participants were feeling more agile and found this hike easier than Mt Abrupt. We enjoyed lunch on top of Mt Sturgeon (at 552m above sea level – no wonder this walk was easier).

The climb back down was quite spectacular via a ridge walk, steps and newly built ladders. Unfortunately, Jane could not join us as she had sore hips, however, she enjoyed a wonderful small hike on Chatauqua Peak.

The day was finished off with – you guessed it – Happy Hour! We discussed various options and decided that our last day will be Beehive Falls and Briggs Bluff.

Length: 8.85kms / Elevation Gain: 486m

Thursday morning, we met early to avoid the heat and headed off to the Beehive Falls car park to commence our walk – we were happy – only a 45 minute drive and no car shuffle – winning.

This walk was challenging, but everyone enjoyed the climb up and across the falls. The sun was shining on the beautiful sandstone rocks. Spectacular. We connected with some of the Northern Grampians Peak Trail, but then wandered off to Briggs Bluff – for me it was the first time that no gale was blowing. We enjoyed lunch up there and took in the amazing views of the Wimmera.

The walk back to the cars was nice and steady. Everyone made it without injury and in good spirits.

Length: 12.75kms / Elevation gain: 550m

Michelle and Barbara enjoyed the Pinnacles on their own on that day and Sue was recovering from a bug she picked up in the hot pool. We missed all three on our hike!

We spent the evening dining at the Halls Gap Hotel and feeling inspired on what we had all achieved.

The week was fantastic, we joked, laughed, groaned, and helped and supported each other. I thank John for being a wonderful whip and also Ian slotting in when the going got tough. I thank each and everyone for bringing along so much good humour, laughter and gameness which has made this week so great.

Here is a little poem with respect to Lost keys, Shoes and Pole, and Ice Cream:

Lost Boots, Lost Keys, Pole and Ice Cream!

We lost some boots on a dry trail, 

We lost some keys, without fail. 

The warm wind blew, the sky turned blue, 

And still, we walked the long, long way. 

The boots, so worn, had slipped from sight, 

The keys, they vanished, in the night. 

But in our heart, a thought did gleam— 

A little joy could still redeem. 

For in the midst of all our plight, 

We found a shop, a welcome sight: 

A shop with ice cream, cold and sweet, 

The perfect treat for weary feet. 

So boots may go and keys may roam, 

But ice cream’s here to lead us home. 

And though we wander, far and wide, 

A scoop of joy will be our guide. 

So lost or found, it matters not, 

For in the end, we've found our spot— 

A world of sweetness, calm and bright, 

Where ice cream melts the darkest night.

By the way all, except the pole, was found.