Pipeline Track - 9 May 2023

Today's walk was to be Myrtle Forest to Collins Cap but due to inclement weather we are doing The Pipeline Track on the lower mountain.

This is a walk that we have done a number of times but aside from rain it is quite a protected walk from the weather.

The walkers getting prepared at the car park at Neika.

 After a short discussion is was determined that when the group arrived at the Pipeline Track we would head downhill towards Ferntree.

 However when entering the track from the car park the sign advising of the Pipeline Track being closed towards Ferntree we turned left instead and headed up the track. As a group we are if nothing else fairly flexible so long as we get a walk in.

Off up the hill from the car park we go.

Then we head along the track.

 Trying to find a place for morning tea where the majority can find a seat is always a high priority even it means sitting on a pile of rocky rubble from a minor rock slide.

Note the various shades of green showing through the forest canopy.

A lonely toadstool sitting on a ridge just above the track.

A view of Cathedral Rock through the low cloud on the mountain.

A tower of rocks appearing through the forest.

And then there was light rain but enough to don the wet weather gear.

We always marvel at the construction of the Pipeline Track as we walk along it.

 This creek flows through the forest over a very large boulder area then under the old Huon Road just below Neika.

14 hardy walkers covered 12.6 kms in 3 hours and 45 mins and enjoyed the walk as it was not windy or clouded over and you could not see where you going.

Lost World - Mt Arthur 2 May 2023

 The walk today was to the Lost World from Big Bend car park and then on to Mt Arthur before visiting the Sama and Scout Huts.

The weather forecast was a bit vague but it was dry enough when we started so the group decided it was going to do the planned walk.

The track into the Lost World was steep and involved some scrambling.

 

 

Some of the views across the city were spectacular.

 

 

An interesting scramble over fallen dolerite columns that created a range of little grottoes.

And on arrival at the morning tea spot there were a lot of happy walkers.

 

 

And now for the climb out and heading towards Mt Arthur.

And the sun came out to highlight the dolerite cliff face.

 

 

Route finding across to Mt Arthur.  There were some cairns but it mainly consisted of finding the way following the ridge line through the light scrub and boulders.

The Sama Hut was spotted through the trees after climbing downhill. The hut is well maintained and sits on small ledge beneath a rocky crag.

A great spot for lunch.

The Queens Enthroned (a comment by photographer Chris).

Now heading around the side of the mountain and up to find the Scout Hut (now closed due to structural issues).

There a great views from above the Scout Hut.

There is a pad back to Big Bend and the car park.

 There were 12 walkers who completed the 2.2km (yes that is correct from the GPS) walk in 3 hours 36 minutes and now stands as the record for the least numbers of kms walked by the group (quite possibly since the inception of the group).

Special thanks should go to Mendelt for leading the group, providing some words and both Mendelt and Chris for the photos and GPS track.