Day 139 Back on track - Scenic Rim

The National Trail I came down a week ago

Thursday 2nd September, 2021 8.8km

2748 / 2350.9km

I was excited to get going this morning. Janet was out of bed. I had packed the backpack last night and we were ready to go by 7.30am.

A quick stop for a Macca's breakfast then the drive out to Thornton which was about an hour from Janet's place. We had rain last night and the final bit of dirt road to the trailhead was a little bit muddy and the little red car bottomed out a couple of times. A quick goodbye for now to Janet and a prayer that she will listen to Siri and take the correct turns back home safely.

The sign

The track was wet and mud quickly built up in the boots. There was a lot of cloud cover and as I climbed it was getting thicker and thicker. I was expecting a view like I had at Kroombit. Which was none. But it cleared enough in patches that I was rewarded.

The walk trail

There are a couple of tricky bits where you climb small rock faces in a creek. This was where the boots and the harder soles are at a small disadvantage. The rocks are slippery and a softer shoe and sole work well, but the wet mud and grass would have made its way through and the boots kept me dry. Trade off's and I think I'm happier walking with dry feet. I just had to concentrate and make sure my foot was planted and steady.

Climb the creek

Just the walk up the hill put me in a good mood as the track climbed in a series of switchbacks. It was good to be back on a dedicated walking trail. This walk apparently is a partnership with a private operator and the National Parks. This section on private land was made available to the public and the private operator got a couple of sites within the National Park for some huts. From what I can see you pay this operator about $1000 per day but you get gourmet food and accomodation each day, or do it my way and pay $6.50 per day and carry everything. The trail has to be booked and is limited to 4 couples a day. The $6 camp sites have room for 4 or so tents and a drop toilet and water tank (so far).

I was looking for these in Kroombit where they
got a mention on the rainforest walk. But there
was a lot out on the track up.

I climb the escarpment and then go over a stile into the National Park. Today was only about 8 kilometres and it took me about 3 hours to reach the camp, with a few stops to look at the view.

One other couple have come into camp and we will camp with each other over the next 3 days. I'll have to remember to not piss them off on day 1.

So far Belinda has picked the 19th September to meet somewhere in the Northern Territory so that gives me the 7 days to finish this then 9 days to collect the car and get wher ever.

Felt good to be back out on trail. In no small part as it is actually a walk trail.

I did get a view

more views

The $1000 accomodation

The $6 accomodation