REACH for the CLOUDS

Those present: Denise, Elaine, Joanne & Gary, Maureen, Mick, Veronica.

We met at the corner cafe for coffee, with mixed feelings about the weather. There had been some rain during the night, and even some light rain that morning. The mountain was "in the clouds" as we absorbed our caffeine "hit".  Common desire (not common sense!) won out, and we decided to go ahead with the ascent. The convoy made it's way to the park, where we donned our packs and headed for the clouds.
The walk into the bush was pleasant, with a clear path climbing and dipping through ferny groves and wooded rises. The slope gradually became steeper and then almost vertical! At least the forestry people had helped by cutting steps (albeit tall steps) into the rock, and placed chain "handrails" in some of the steeper places. Here and there along the climb there were openings in the vegetation where we could survey the surrounding countryside, and peer down upon the town below. At each of these openings, the town grew smaller... alarmingly so.  The final climb to the top was more like a scamper on hands and feet, as the chain had petered out some distance below.  On arrival at the top (we won't say here in what order or how long some took to get there...) we each stood or collapsed, huffing and puffing, waiting for the heart to slow it's thumping beat to somewhere near normal. We wandered about, taking photos or just marvelling at the panoramic views.  We also marvelled at the number of Golden Orb spiders who inhabited this heady peak.  All agreed that they felt a sense of peace here. We ate lunch and chatted and laughed, all secretly dreading the time when we would have to face the descent back down to so called "civilization".  When that time came, we split into groups, with Veronica, Denise, Elaine and Maureen leaving first.  Joanne had wandered off for a meditation, so she, Gary and Mick left this peak a while later. We all "caught up" about half way down, where a small track led off to the South. We followed the track to a pleasant opening where there was a seat and a great view. More photos and we again headed downwards. As the track again became less steep there were some sighs of relief, some problems with the dreaded "wobbly knee syndrome" some great one-liners, and much laughter. After a short stop to photograph a very placid Eastern Water Dragon (long way from water ! ) we finally arrived at the park and our cars. We decided on a quick drink back at the corner cafe, where after relating our endeavours, we were invited to sign their "climbers book".  We chatted a while, and with the usual hugs all round, went our ways....

Mick's Musings

That was one hell of a climb up!

Tall steps don't go with short legs....

Interesting to note the feeling of peace experienced by all.

Great views of all of our other favourite mountains.

Quote of the day from Elaine re "going down" ... can't repeat it here.

Small area at top with trees belies the sheer rock faces below.....

Unusual to see so many (and fairly big too) spiders in such a small area.

The strength of their web fibres is amazing.........

The butterflies were with us, even at 438m above sea level !

Lizards have character!

I feel that there will be some sore muscles from this one....

That was one hell of a climb down !