After arriving at the car park, we split into the 3 groups. Some of us didn’t realise, to our slight detriment, the implications of the word “wet”. It doesn’t pay to take a mobile not sealed in a waterproof bag, as Phil soon found out. Also the phrase “none or very little rock climbing involved” is very much depending on the individual’s interpretation. In other words there was a lot of both of both wet and rock climbing.
We headed off up then down the lovely and relatively easy track. It didn’t take long until we began to get very hot. At this stage we were grateful that we were heading to the water. A snack when we reached the shelter before heading up the stream. It was very refreshing walking through the water. We made good time following the stream which still had enough water in it to make it interesting and cool.
Vision into the water was tricky as there was a lot of sun reflection and shadow but we managed to navigate over the underlying surface with little bother. Only rarely did we walk alongside the stream. This was usually due to a waterfall that we were unable to climb up
We had lunch at a beautiful spot in the sun, beside the water. After this break, which warmed us up, we were initially strangely reluctant to get wet again. That is apart from “Waterman” who made a beeline for the deepest water every time. We waded through varying levels of water ranging from ankle to shoulder depth. Deeper than that and we swam. Something which we did on quite a few occasions. So refreshing but a little unnerving with boots on.
We climbed up quite a few rock faces beside waterfalls. Some a bit difficult and requiring the climber be rendered some assistance. Thanks to those who did help even if it was simply taking a leki pole out of the way during a climb. I didn’t realise that Lynda was in training for weight lifting at the Olympics! And I am not meaning in taking a pole out of the way! There was one gap to climb up which was almost like a chimney. Luckily there were many hand and foot holds to use.
There were many others on the tracks mostly coming down. Quite a few people were making the most of the cool, deep pools, swimming and jumping in from, what seemed to be, great heights.
If anyone is going to walk this, keep an eye open for Campbell’s watch and Phil’s sunglasses. Both expensive items for which I am sure there would be a reward. J
A different tramp with enough challenges to make it an interesting and enjoyable day, through a beautiful and scenic area. How lucky we are to have this on our doorstep!
Thanks to Pierre the organiser, Campbell the driver and to Lynda who took up the role of overseer of our group.