Day 102 Rossmore Rd - Wrattens NP

The marker points to the bar at Rossmore
Caravan Park. Don't know if there's one
showing the way out.

27th July, 2021 19.6km

2401.5 / 2697.4km

Sometimes you see some unexpected things.
They should have been in Birdsville this weekend.

I had to get up early as I was getting a lift with Mal back over to Rossmore Rd where the trail continues. They have another couple of hundred acres that back onto the caravan park.

The pack was very full and heavy and I had a selection of Lesleys slices for smoko.

We said our goodbyes and I was on my way. The trail continues up Rossmore Rd and eventually goes into a dirt road. A good sign initially was water flowing in the creeks and I hoped that would continue.

Rossmore Road

Got excited. This is not just a drain pipe but
clear running water coming out of it.

I was planning to visit some chimneys that are left from an old smelter. It's claim to fame is that it's built with split stone instead of bricks. In my eagerness I turned off the road and started climbing a hill before I realised I missed the turnoff to the chimney. The hill climb was a bugger with a couple of false summits and I wasn't going back down to do it again.

Once on top of the range it was fairly easy going and fine views north. There are rural blocks and plenty of signs telling me it's private property. What is it with people.

I checked out the official camping reserve and it had no water so I had to keep moving past the old shamrock gold mine. There was water in the creeks along here but since they were beside the cyanide pond I decided to leave them. The trail then turns down a road and I enter Wrattens National Park.

I picked up some water from a dam and found a flattish spot next to the road. There were other flat spots but under large trees which I normally give a miss. Being at elevation I'm hoping it is not as cold. -0.8 at Lesleys place this morning.

Looking back towards Kilkivan. I think
Rossmore road follows that valley.

Second jump up. I think I was thinking you've got to be
kidding and then looked up and saw a rare BNT sign
mocking me as if to say yep up this bloody hill you go

My camp spot for the night. Best I could do to
keep away from large trees. A car passed about 4am.
I was thinking after walking it Copperhead Road,
(song reference) especially as it's a back road to Gympie.

Found this stuff at IGA Murgon. 3 different
flavours. Will try it out.