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| Panorama on the walk |
I arose to a low cloud cover which prompted a change of plans with respect to walking to the highest peak. Instead i though i would do the Lake Belcher walk "5-6 hours some muddy sections" We had already done a little bit of the track to view the moor mosaic. After I read This fishing report I was convinced to pack my spinning gear.
I drove up the hill again and about 3/4 of the way up the cloud vanished. Typical but now too late in the day for the climb to Mount Field East.
I set off up the rise across the moor. It was a bit boggy but no worse than ankle depth if you put your foot in the wrong place. It was a long shallow climb for about 1.8 km before the ground hardened into rock and a long steeper decent began. There were some very nice views over the valley towards Maydena. The mountain i have been calling Mount Field West looks more likely to be Tyenna peak so as usual i am wrong. I will confirm this when i download the GPS track. I descended and descended around 350 metres vertically to the stream bed with the only excitement being a 20cm diameter paperbark snapping off as i was using it to hang on to.White ant poop is not very strong. At this stage I was already not looking forward to the return climb but it was well within what i am used to. After crossing a single plank bridge the track deteriorated into a button grass swamp. This is one occasion that the gaiters came into their own. Progress was slow as the track was poorly marked and very boggy necessitating hopping from spot to spot. As i walked into the swamp I came across the owner of a Commodore parked at the start of the walk. A younger man with some circumference and a shipload of gear. He was staggering around off the track so i redirected him. He had finished night shift at 7am and had driven up for an overnight fishing trip. We exchanged pleasantries and moved off me galloping ahead. I am guessing there was about 1.5km before i arrived at the hut which was in good condition and suitable for an overnighter. I filled in the visitor book and headed towards the lake. The track became even more indistinct and boggy so i decided to turn back especially as is still couldn't see the water.. I then found a more distinct track and decided to go forward again. This lasted about 40 metres and after evaluating the terrain ahead, the time and my physical condition I decided to return. I figured if I did push on then I would fish, lose track of time, be late and more tired returning and if i did catcha couple of 3 pounders i would either have to let them go or carry them up the hill.As I started the return journey my right foot disappeared up to the knee in the mud. Great! I passed the other fishermen and we stopped for a fishy chat before I headed back through the swamp. Another episode of the disappearing leg convinced me i had made the right decision. The gaiters did their job and kept the mud off my legs and out of my boots. i had taken one litre of water and as this was nearly gone i finished it off and refilled my water from the clear stream flowing from the lake.. Finally i cleared the swamp and began the long slow climb out of the valley. A few rests and a few cramps and I was at the top of the hill. Obviously somewater had entered my right boot as i could feel a blister forming on my heel. Unfortunately no tape was available to pad it. A bit of an oversight in the hiking packing department. Should also carry some spare dry socks too. I should mention i was also lugging the 2 cameras in their bag plus the obligatory and unnecessary warm jumper and wet weather gear.
I reached the car, confirmed the blister and drove back to camp in my Crocs. On my return my neighbour a retired scout leader applied treatment from the scouting days. Cut off the loose skin, apply metho and a large bandaid. Somehow i don't think i will be doing a big hike tomorrow.
That was the day. A departing camper had left a bundle of slightly old mushrooms which i had on toast for tea. If i have food poisoning it will either be the stream water or the mushies.
I can't believe it is Friday already!
Night Folks
Cheers Simon
Lake Belcher walk (16Mb)
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