Off a camping

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Originally uploaded by robandwend.

Had a brilliant, but cool, time camping somewhere East of here. Here's our day 2 report for the clubs mag:

DAY TWO – Sunday 3 June.

Elachbutting Rock.

We woke bright and early by the resident alarm clock – a crow, to a clear blue sky and promise of a warm, dry day ahead. After a substantial breakfast, nine of us (Tony, Dave, Keith, Marianne & Karl, Anne & Simon and Wendy & Robert) set off on a morning walk over Elachbutting Rock. Initially taking the 4wd track, we soon diverted through the bush to start the ascent. The rock, like most we visited this long weekend was a thankfully non-slip granite outcrop. An easy climb to the top was rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding bush. The top being littered with water filled hollows making for more interesting photo opportunities. A steep decent led to the ‘front’ of the rock (opposite side to the camp) where Simon and Anne led us on to the wave, and Monty’s pass – both spectacular rock formations showing the power of water and time.

Continuing around the rock we followed the 4wd track for some time, before again ascending back over towards the camp. This led on to a rather steep descent, leading to varied techniques ranging from Tony’s impression of a mountain goat to Wendy’s sit and slide approach.

The morning’s activities were rewarded by morning tea back a camp, before setting off for Baladjie Rock. There was a detour from the planned route due to problems with Tony’s GPS. However we were soon back on track, and had lunch at the rock before starting the climb. The reward at the summit was a large rock cairn, now slightly taller thanks to some site works from Karl and Tony. The views from here gave panoramic vistas of the surrounding lakes.

Attempts to navigate around the base of the rock proved futile as we drove through ceaseless meandering tracks weaving intricate pattens through the bushland. Karl and Marianne left us at this point for an early return, as we headed off for a failed attempt at access to Chiddarcooping Nature Reserve – which had been closed off for management vehicles only. We continued on to Yanneymooning Rock for afternoon tea. Simon, Robert, Wendy and Anne headed off from here to stock up on fire wood, whilst the rest again traversed the granite.

Everyone arrived back at camp in close succession, and a roaring fire was soon started – much needed as the temperatures soon plummeted with the disappearing sun. A very pleasant evening was spent by the camp fire, and thankfully Tony didn’t sing or snore too much.