Tenterfield Adventures - Tuesday 23 to Thursday 25 June, Part One.
I was excited when friend Jan invited me to join her hiking in the Bald Rock and Boonoo Boonoo National Parks. A 4 hour drive from Brisbane takes one to the New England Tableland and Tenterfield, where we based ourselves. The area has an average elevation of 900 metres and experiences cold frosty winters and the very occasional snowfall.
Day one - left Brisbane at 7.30 am, temperature 19 C. By the time we had climbed up onto the plateau, it had dropped to 7C. A hot cuppa was enjoyed at Bald Rock picnic area, before our ascent of Australia's largest granite monolith of 260m height. I love climbing, but my body often stalls, so I wasn't sure if I would succeed climbing the open face.
Let the fun begin!
Jan could quite easily have raced up, but was very supportive of me. This was one of numerous rest stops. Had I not had my poles with me, I would have had to have turned around.
The higher we climbed, the more spectacular the views became.
Success! The worst is done.
From here on up, the trail was very comfortable to walk, with many photo stops for the view and not for calming the racing heart.
Sunshine warmth for our low temperature snack break.
Heading back down.
We joined a 3 kilometre track for our descent. This trail also had the wow factor with all its giant boulders.
Looking back to Jan.
After a wander along the main street of Tenterfield, we made our way to our motel on the town's outskirts. This striking 'winter' tree was outside our room and looked amazing against the late afternoon sky. You will see more of it in my next post.
A cuppa was made, and rugged up, we headed outside to watch the sunset, sitting in the motel rotunda. 5C.
Wow, we were treated to a spectacular colour show, that lasted a good hour.
It was an exhilerating, triumphant day under glorious, sunny winter skies. The climb and those vast views are unforgetable. Watch this space for day 2.
I would love to read your comment.
Looks like a wonderful time!!!
ReplyDeleteJust amazing, Linda. The weather was perfect for us.
DeleteWhat a glorious place. I’m very envious. B x
ReplyDeleteIt was stunning, Barbara. Funny how I am envious of all your trails.
DeleteNow that's a perfect day! I wonder was the surface you climbed up on slippery or sticky? It looks a bit sticky so you don't slide! Congratulations on completing your journey to reach your destination!
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't slippery, Alexandra, but would be if wet. I only needed the poles to give my body strength to overcome the fear of height. The heart was certainly racing.
DeleteWhat a wonderful sunset! And good for you for making it all the way to the summit of that rock. Loved the photos of you and your friend next to those gigantic boulders.
ReplyDeleteI was in awe of the vast views but my favourite pics were the ones you mentioned. Solid huge granite boulders.
DeleteYou amaze me! Well done. My sister-in-law just broke her ankle in two places hiking near Las Vegas, so I know it can be precarious. I'm glad you made it in one piece and were able to capture those spectacular images. The sunset definitely added a beautiful coda to the day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. With my osteoporosis I am very aware what one fall can mean.I awlays think of you when I am clicking away.I wonder how many more you would take.
DeleteWhat an amazing site... with several wow factors!
ReplyDeleteThe sunset tea at 5 C must have been a special experience for you. :)
Happy July! xx
It was most certainly all 'WOW', Sara. The climb was amazing but experiencing real winter cold was also just the best.
DeleteCongratulations on what looks like a very challenging hike. And the views, wow!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter. Yep, the views were WOW!
DeleteWonderful blog!
ReplyDeleteWishes my Slovenija - Ljubljana, kiss Andreja!
Thank you for stopping by. It was an amazing day.
ReplyDelete