Friday 19 November 2021

Return to Mt Mitchell

 Wednesday 17 November

I am relieved to report that hiking this week has been a sheer joy! Thursday afternoon of last week, the heat and humidity was broken by a tremendous thunderstorm. Thirty-one millimetres fell in just thirty minutes. Our summer storms don't necessarily bring relief from the humidity, but a week later, we are still enjoying the return of spring-like days and our nights are wonderfully chilly.

Both the Gaiter Girls and Hungry Hikers chose to make the most of this lovely weather. On Tuesday the GG's headed for Lamington Plateau and hiked 21 kilometres of the magnificent Ship's Stern Trail. Surprise, surprise, there was an overload of images, so I will post later of this amazing day!

Earlier this year, I had climbed Mt Mitchell  and Mt Cordeau with my friend Jan. The HH'ers have climbed Mt Cordeau previously, so I felt confident that Mt Mitchell wouldn't be a problem for them. As we made our early approach to Cunninghams Gap, [starting point] both peaks were shrouded in cloud. The closer we came, the more ominous their cliff-front height looked. 

We were only four this week. There was almost revolt in the car as we drove beneath the towering vista of Mt Mitchell. I rapidly reassured them that this was yet another amazingly, graded trail and they would love every minute of hiking.

I'm happy to report that they did love it except for the visit of the unhappy, mother bower bird, the treacherous bogs, raging streams, a frightening python and many tree falls! They rose to the challenges (all very minor] and made it to the top gasping, not for breath, but for the glorious views and ever-changing vegetation.                             


How lovely to enjoy a hot cuppa snug in our coats.The wearing of coats at this time of year is normally non-existant.

Laurel even thought it might snow!

Top left - The female bower bird perched above our table and squawking constantly. We have no idea if, or where her nest was. The male was quite unperturbed.

Laurel acting frightened! Well, we are not sure if she was just acting!

Laurel preparing for the hike. Gaiters to save her from the snakes [1] and repellent for the leeches [nil] and ticks [nil]. The hike commenced through a rainforest canopy.

Ready, set, go! Silly me didn't have my coat on for long, but the temperature was never uncomfortable.


The first of numerous tree falls. The storms had passed through here on several days last week, causing danage to the trail, but bringing very welcome rain to the area. The 'bogs' were tiny and the 'raging streams' a mere trickle.





The snake incident - Margot and I were ahead of Jocelyn and Laurel by a few metres. Suddenly there was the sound of alarm behind us. Laurel had spotted a snake's head looming above the plants beside the path. We must have disturbed the python on our passing. I was able to zoom in with my lens to find him. Quite a big fellow but very harmless in this situation. Laurel has a horrible fear of snakes and wasn't unable to  contemplate dashing passed. Thankfully  the python chose to slither slowly across the path and up the steep slope beside it, into the thick undergrowth. Even then, it took quite some time to reassure Laurel to hike on.

The snake crossing the path - Jocelyn is tapping her poles to make sure the python continues on. Our poles and boots hitting the ground, set off vibrations that alerts snakes of our presence and usually they get out of the way before we see them. 

The views opened up as we climbed higher.

Mt Cordeau







The path narrowed and got steeper as we neared the summit.





Total euphoria as we took in the 360 degree views.

The descent begins.



We were down by 1pm and took a short drive to Lake Moogerah to eat our lunch. It was then a short drive back to Kalbar, where we had read that there were sunflower fields.

We were a week late. These were the remnants about to be ploughed in.

The rural views though, were pretty special.




We took a quieter road home through more lush green farmland. The magic of rain lifted my spirits [not that they needed lifting]. It must be such a relief for the farmers after years of drought brown!

A very successful day summed up by Margot on our hiking page. "It wasn't a walk in the park, but I'd really love to do this lovely hike again."

I'd love to read your comment.

15 comments:

  1. I'm not afraid of snakes, but I do admit that python would have given me pause.

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    1. They are slow and unconcerned by our presence. The previous day the GG's encountered a very long, very poisonous brown snake. The trail was narrow and steep on both sides. The snake was facing up the slope. On our approach he flew up it, raced across it and then flew [literally] across the track and down the slope. It all happened in a flash. His movements in the short time we had to watch, were phenomenal. We were in awe but totally relieved at how the incident played out. A bear or a snake? I'll take the snake!

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  2. Beautiful hike! How great that you got your friends to enjoy this trail too. Loved the video of the snake. I'm not afraid of snakes but I would certainly give that python a wide berth.

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    1. Thanks Linda. I am always thinking of you and how many photos you would enjoy taking!

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  3. Another wonderful adventure. The thistle and the beetle were certainly colorful. In answer to your question of a few days ago, it's about 50 miles from our house to the Elk Rock viewpoint.

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    1. It was! I had imagined you living closer to Elk Rock viewpoint, hence my question.

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  4. The hike sounds challenging but invigorating for sure. I can understand your friend’s reluctance about the snake. The view at the summit must feel so satisfying after the climb and the beauty…

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    1. This one wasn't terribley challenging, Marie. The trail finds the best contours to follow. Looking up at the peak as one drives up, one can't imagine that it is possible. I never want to leave the summit.

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  5. As the patch on the pack says "It's not the distance It's the journey!" and what a journey you had! Your destination was quite something too! I did not watch the video of the snake, I would rather run into a grizzly bear than a snake. My favourite photo is the one that goes with the caption "the path narrowed and got steeper as we neared the summit".

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    1. The photo with the caption is where, my mind was saying I don't like this! I am not going any further! Thankfully the body over-ruled the mind and moved on.

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  6. Such gorgeous views and fascinating plants, dear Helen! Your hikes are so cheerful.
    I would be moving in hops if were to hike there... to try to scare the snakes away. :)
    Thank you for your comment today. I can totally understand why in spring, heading to hot weather one is not in the Christmas mood yet! Here with the darkness and cool temperatures and soon also snow, something magical and warm like Christmas cheer is needed. :)
    Have a happy Sunday!

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    1. In our group we all have different levels of fear re snakes. They are out there. They respond to vibrations in the ground. Our footsteps and poles hitting the ground, warn them we are coming and they swiftly move on. In the breeding season it can be a different situation. Thankfully of all the snakes we have seen, non have been in a confrontaional situation. At least 3 each summer.

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  7. You have a wonderful view out that window! I'd be gazing out instead of getting my work done!
    Game ស្លត់អនឡាញ​

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  8. Superb day out on what looks a a proper pointy mountain. Added excitement of the snake with great photos and video clip

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  9. What views, both up and down. I couldn't believe all that tree deadfall that you ladies made your way through. And the SNAKE! so long - I thought it was never going to end. What a hike - brave gals!

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