Neika - St Crispins Well 7 Sep 2021.

 This walk is one we have walked a number of times and as such there is quite a lot of information about who St Crispin was and the history of the well in the 2014 and 2018 blogs which can be accessed through the search facility.

Today's walk is being led by Ron along the Pipeline Track and back.  After a very windy night the day ended up cold and windy but clear so a good day for walking.

We are now walking along The Pipeline Track that hides pipes providing some of water to the City of Hobart.

The early pace today could be describe as brisk as everyone was feeling the cold spring air.

There are some who get distracted on their way.

Part of the group decided today was the day for using the shelter of the hut to avoid the wind.

While the hardier ones pulled up a stone and sat down in the weather to enjoy their morning tea.

The age of the pipe is noted by the distinct bend although some might have thought it should have been bending down rather than up.

There was quite a discussion between some of the group about the poor blokes who excavated the well when it was constructed in early 1870's. I think they were all wondering how long it took with a hammer and chisel standing in the creek with no waterproof gear to keep them dry.

Our generation would probably die if forced to work under those conditions.

Obviously some people walk faster than others as this lot seems to walking further along the Pipeline Track than others.

There are a number of these danger signs along the side of the Pipeline Track and while the track is not undercut like the sign indicates it is a very steep drop off the side of the track.

This is the first time I have had a good look at this rock scree and I originally thought it was just a boulder field through which the side track to St Crispins Well passes.

However on closer inspection the formation of the rocks is not random and there are a series of terraced walls which are obviously man made.

When I finished investigating the rock wall and turned around there was no-one to be seen.

A southerly view past an old dead eucalypt stag (possibly the remains tree damaged in the 1967 bushfire).

A large scree slope alongside the track.

The way Mother Natures manages to decorate the man-made objects alongside the track is somewhat magical.

The elusive Cathedral Rock.  We were meant to walk to it about a month ago but cancelled the walk due to  snow and high winds. It is hoped to can go there soon.

The sun came out across the Rock just as I took the photo.

Ten seconds later the clouds blocked out the sun.

Today's lunch was just before we got back to the cars.

 

Leader Ron had such a hard day with the group that he need a sit down to change his boots when he got back to the car.

We had 16 walkers today who covered 11 kms over 3.5 hours and in looking at the last photo of the day it was noted that nearly everyone walked in their warmest gear.