Cradle mountain

Day 12 - Cradle mountain

Saturday, 8 February 2014

Up early to beat the crowds. Delighted to have clear blue skies. Registered at the Ronny Car park, packed up lunch! snacks and water. Nearly forgot my stick.

Across the button grass 'meadow', creeks lined by pandanus palms. Phew, it's hot! The steps start, groan. Love the respite when the track leads you through rainforest. The waterfall was lovely, followed by Crater Lake. Then the real steps start. HH points out to me where the track goes to Marion's lookout. Up there!? Oh no. I plod on wondering how my knees are going to cope coming down. The climbing steps are aided by an anchored chain to help balance you, a real help. Finally made it to the lookout. Looks down into wombat lake and up to the summit of The Cradle. HH continued up and I returned.

Passing people still going up I was ever so glad I was over all that huff and puff and on the descent. Knees behaved themselves. Back at the carp ark an hour later drove off to check out the Devil Centre. Didn't look that interesting until tour times so went off for a coffee at the info centre until next tour time. Got involved writing up blog and uploading photos, so missed tour time :). Oh well there were a couple more walks I wanted to check out.

The Enchanted and King Billy walks not far away. Enchanted was flat, but King Billy was up and up and up, but the giant beeches were awesome. Like being in a fantasy land. Had the new camera with me, had fun trying to work things out. The KING at the top of the walk made it worth it. Only found in Tassie, this pine tree is quite unique. A different smell, pale pink colour, very light, but also very hardy makes it excellent for boat building. Not many stands of it left.

When I got back to the car saw the backpack hanging on the back of the camper. HH was relaxed in a comfortable chair, thoroughly exhausted and parched. He had only missed me by 10 minutes and had to wait another 50 to get a drink. I made up a large magnesium drink for him. Think he might have some sore legs over the next few days.

After a rest, shower and beer he was still exhausted. A curry dinner (glad I had got out some leftovers and didn't have to cook) and HH was in bed before me.

	Marion's Lookout and the summit. [Map]		Crater Lake Waterfall [Map]
	Crater lake [Map]		Crater Lake and boat shed [Map]
	Marion's Lookout [Map]		Posing in front of the beast [Map]
	The boardwalk [Map]		Follow the crowds [Map]
	Views from the top [Map]		Cradle Views [Map]
	More views [Map]		Bitten! [Map]

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