Update:
So,what a great day, temperature in mid thirties, cool breeze blowing, cloudless skies. We arrived at Warraweena to be met by Stony, the Swiss Australian fella with a touch of irish in his accent. Great chap and very helpful,pointed us is the direction of the Mt Gill track. Having seen Betsy he was happy for us to continue, think some of the folks turn up in new shinies,and low profile tyres.
The track is rough, generally following a creek bed,and after the storms earlier in the week,it's a little washed out in places. Equipped with a chain,lent by Stony, we set off, with the knowledge we might not get all the way through,but had the chain in case it helped pull any fallen trees out of the way.
Warraweena itself is about 35 km off the bitumen, not too far really, although that itself takes a while, not the smoothest of dirt roads. To then leave for the track heading further away, you do get the feeling of remoteness, even more so as the track in places gets somewhat hairy, and airy under Betsy's front wheels!!!!! Incredibly sure footed, we progress in low first or second, Just ticking along, especially as this is our first real test off road.
For the night we have been allowed to camp at Cockatoo hut, a simple corrugated shed,with a veranda for some nice evening shade. However nice a hut is, our tent is cleaner, and bug free,so that is were will sleep.
Now most of you know Becky, certainly anyone who has been to Lincomb does, and this track I couldnt have done without her. Top job spotting me through,and also some pics along the way. The fact also that we are quite remote, in an old truck doesn't faze her either, or she has a lot of faith in me!! The other reason there is a quiet feeling in the area, is it's just us. Stony closes it all down in the next few weeks as it gets too hot in summer, and no one comes up. The other reason is it's fire season, and it's best to keep out.
Sitting on the veranda, birds chirping , goats grazing,lots of goats, and Roos quietly munching near by,and not a human noise anywhere. Quite nice really, and a waeco with supper and plenty of cold beers.
Tomorrow should be another great day, the climb itself is pretty steep, over rock and shale,upto 914m above sea level, quite high for these parts, so I am expecting awesome views. We first have to continue along the creek bed, though we have walked the first km, and looks ok.
Continued:
Wow, totally spectacular. Not sure when spectacular started really, but last night watching the night sky, millions of stars on a cloudless night,in the tent with no fly sheet, shooting stars and satellites, and not a sound to be heard, apart from the two cockatoos in the tree above, randomly straining their vocal cords!
Sunrise appeared, and the temperature started to rise,so an early start.37deg due. Breakfast and a quick decamp,set us on our way. The next part of the track/ creek was unchecked so we weren't sure what we would find. Apart from moving the odd branch, and deep wash out, not much, so we progressed steadily in low second.
Then we came to the climb out and up to the top of Mt Gill, long,slow rough and steep. There was the occasional shreek,and eyes closing from Becky,but we made it. Stunning views, exceptional day.
The return was equally slow, but my old Betsy was actually superb,and did surprise me,with how able the old girl is. Incredibly sure footed, and plenty of grunt when needed. We talked to Stoney on the way down, on the UHF , to say all was ok. Hard to understand his response but I am sure it was something like "see you soon, great to know all is well, your truck is awesome.......!!!!"
So we made it, a track I will do again, along with a longer stay in the park, to explore the numerous other tracks. Anyone want to join me?.
Now we are in the southern Flinders, Quorn, just two more nights under canvas before Adelaide, and catching up with friends.
Just need wifi to send this.
Hope all is well with you all back home, we are half way through, aaaarrrgggghhhh!!!!
Keep you posted.
Cheers, Tony.
On top of Mt Gill
had to walk for these