Lower Mountain Tracks 2019

Today we're on a Lower Mountain Tracks walk, variations of which we've done several times before.

Our starting place is the old quarry at Fern Tree.

Mount Wellington from Kingston

The cloud is well above where we'll be walking

Setting off from the quarry

There is still construction work going on and the part of the Pipe Line Track I wanted to use is closed off. We didn't know that, however, as we crossed on to the track before the barrier, walked along as far as we could go before dropping down behind the church to the road making our way around to the open section of the track.

We set off towards Silver Falls. The weather isn't bad for walking and it actually gets warmer later.

As we get nearer the falls, a large group of school children appear, coming down from falls. Most in shorts, so the cold should wake them up!

Silver Falls complete with water

Leaving the falls, we climb to the junction with Reids Track. I offer everyone the choice of continuing on the route used in the past, or Reids Track which is shorter, but steeper. I'm pleased to say everyone chose the tougher track. Up we go.

Leaving the Falls

The start of Reids Track

Looking down

After some delay, we reach Radfords Track, heading towards the Springs and Morning Tea.

On arrival the Sun is out, as you can see, and we settle on two picnic tables.

Morning Tea at the Springs

Tea finished, we cross the road and pick up the Lenah Valley Track. No steep climbs here. We follow it to the Sphinx Rock lookout having successfully navigated the child proof gate.

The top of the mountain is still in cloud

River Derwent and the eastern shore in the distance

The cloud clears, exposing part of the Organ Pipes

The edge of Sphinx Rock

This was a popular climbing spot and there used to be two bolts sunk in the rock for a rope ladder. A tourist was sitting and enjoying the view, unfortunately blocking a good spot to stand for a good view.

Returning to the main track, we continue towards Junction Cabin and lunch.

One of many springs on the mountain

Crossing a rock fall

Looking down

The winter sun behind me highlights the lichen on the rocks

We're soon at Junction Cabin and settle down for lunch. Most sit outside, which leaves me the cabin all to myself. Ron does find me out, though.

Lunch finished, we head back on another track

It's the North-South track shared by walkers and cyclists. I stop to photograph the track marker and discover the rest have left at a rate of knots. If it wasn't damp there would have been a cloud of dust.

I finally catch up at a rock fall

Having finally rejoined the group I dither a bit about stopping again to take another photo. The photo won.

I decide not to push to catch up again, but just keep a steady pace and catch up whenever. Which I finally do.

We reach another track junction which I originally planned to take, but Bob has a suggestion which sounds good so instead of turning off onto the Shoobridge track, we continue on the North-South track, heading towards the Springs.

Reaching the junction with the Fingerpost track, we turn left to head downhill.

Fingerpost Track going down

Steps to Pinnacle Road...

...to pickup Fingerpost Track on other side

 Down we go, picking up the Fern Glade Track back to the cars.

A good day for a walk at this level on the mountain. We had 13 walkers and covered 12.99km in 4:28hrs.

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