MacGregor Peak 2018

Today we're walking to MacGregor Peak through the Magic Forest. This was scheduled for last week, but with rain forecast for the area, we postponed it to this week.

Well, the forecast wasn't much better this week but both Bob & I agreed we'd go for it anyway. How bad could it be?

It was fine traveling down, but began to drizzle as we got closer. Wayne had checked it out online that morning and it was covered with cloud.

On arrival, it was a very light shower and I debated putting on my spray jacket, but did so in the end.

Bob had a surprise for us and decided we'd walk a clockwise circuit rather than our usual counterclockwise.

A few puddles to start

It will get worse. I can tell you now that while I was fiddling with my camera, my foot slipped and I came very close to falling full length into the larger puddle. Thankfully, I had my stick and that saved me. 

Spring has certainly sprung here

We're following MacGregor Road

This will be the first of many fallen trees of many sizes we have to cross today.

While the others crossed, I admired the flowers.

After watching the others, I made my way over the log and followed at a distance.

This area has been logged in the past, of course

 I catch up with the others as they cope with another log.

Bob's on the other side keeping an eye for any shortcut takers

On we go, it's grown up quite a bit since the first time we walked here.

The old stump from earlier days

The puddles are getting bigger

I hurry forward with camera at the ready, but everyone was disappointingly sure-footed.

I think that's Jenny in the middle, we all knew she could walk on water!

The tall, green grass-like plant is cutting grass

Cutting Grass is well named. It tangles up your feet tempting you to grab a handful to stop a fall, but if you do, it will cut you to the bone.

Tasmanian Aborigines used the leaves for rope and basket weaving, pounded the seeds for flour, and sometimes the base of the plant for food. They, of course, knew how to handle it. 

Peter and I wait until everyone else forms a path for us

Soon after, we find a spot for Morning Tea by the roadside.

Morning Tea

Always carry something to sit on

Tea finished, we move on as the road goes down hill, complete with running water.

Heading down with the water

It's not long before we reach a junction with another old track called Scofields Road

We came down the right fork

This sign is in the bush near the junction

I suspect it's been a long time since a car came down here.

The bush is slowly closing in. Notice the size of the walkers and that old stump next to them

We continue on, but it's not long before we reach our point to turnoff.

First time ever for us to go up this way.

Probably a bit optimistic

It's basically up from here

I think that's Ron ahead in his poncho

Although I thought I could hear him saying something about "The Bells, The Bells!" with a french accent.

Lots of twists and turns, lots of different coloured markers, make it interesting.

A word about photos. You really need to stop and use a tripod, as it is very dark now. I used the flash, but reflection from water droplets ruined several photos, so I can't do real justice to the beauty of the area in this blog. You'll have to come and see it for yourselves.

It's important to stick together as it's easy to disappear

Base of partially fallen tree

It's dark, green and wet

I can't remember if it was Peter and Ron or Peter and Wayne that pointed these two locals to me.

One of the forms of the Darkling Beetle

There are several types, but I like to call this one Adelium Tenebroides. Mainly because the common name for that is the Fat-arsed Darkling beetle!

Next we find a small tree draped with hanging moss.

On we go, mainly climbing up steep, wet slopes and over slippery, moss covered rocks. The rocks become larger and piled higher as we climb. Soon we reach a point I recognize from other walks as a spot for lunch.

Lunch spot

In good weather the view from here is beautiful. Today, however, it's a total whiteout.

So not having a view to look at, I turn to my surroundings. Everything here is covered with some type of moss or lichen.

Miniature conifers

Opportunist

Tiny bugged-eyed alien

Still eating lunch

Lunch finished, we move on. There will be much clambering over rocks such as these. The green coating gives very little traction and you need to carefully watch your step.

The beauty of the place makes it all worthwhile.

We pass through a couple of areas that appear as small forests, which is easier walking.

Little forest

Interesting formation

What happens when I use the flash and it reflects from all the water droplets

On we go, still climbing up some steep rock piles until we reach a point near the top where the climate changes, fairly abruptly, into dry forest.

Old survey point at top of MacGregor Peak

 There is a lookout just off track, but because of the mist it's not worth having a look.

We'll be heading down to the fire tower about an hour away according to the sign

The bush is beginning to open up a bit

Not the best photo, but look carefully at the centre for an 8-legged friend

This appears to be an Ambicodamus crinitus or as we all know it, a Red and Black Spider. If this is a male he might be looking for a female friend.

This area has been logged in the past

The last time we walked here it had also been burnt by a bushfire.

More fallen trees to navigate around or over

We reach the fire tower and only wait for everyone to catch up

We walk down to an access road that leads up to near the tower. We're heading down when Bob offers us a short cut, one I remember climbing up the last time we were here.

I'm afraid I was too busy concentrating on staying upright to get any photos.

Didn't work completely as when standing on a wet rock, my boots slowly slide out from under me and I landed flat on my pack with my feet in the air. Always glad to provide a laugh, it was only with difficulty I managed to roll onto my side and resume the vertical position with no visible injuries.

I may need counseling because of the laughter of some of the others though.

On we go, down until we reach another old track that will take us back to the cars.

The easy part

We'll head off track soon

 I think we had 13 walkers, but I do know we covered 9.52km in 4:44hours moving time. Thanks to Bob for a good walk and letting us see the other side of the trees. We've been here in good weather, but today let us see a little of the other side of the forest.

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