Day 141 Scenic Rim Trail - Banshee

Sun up

Saturday 4th September, 2021 6.5km

2767.5 / 2331.4km

Spotted a bush rat last night as it was attacking my rubbish bag. I ended up throwing it further from the tent to give me some peace.

The other campers

It rained last night and there is still fog this morning, looks like it's clearing though. The trail winds down to Mount Castle lookout then begins its cross country trek.

Into the jungle

The trail is now just a cleared patch through the bush. Lots of tree roots and rocks coupled with

slimy dirt, I expected a couple of falls. I didn't disappoint myself and had two. Both times was when I kept stepping whilst looking at something else, I've got to remember to stop.

The forest gets real thick and this day's walk whilst hard, is the most pleasant. The trail intersects another trail that goes to Mount Castle and it's here I meet some people out for a weekend walk. One fellow mentions Brisbane is talking lockdown again. Please stop, just till I can get out of here.

A peek through the clouds

The forest is inspiring and I pass through different stages. Thick rainforest then more open forest where it looks like fire has killed some big trees opening the canopy. Then an area where some larger gum trees have taken hold which changes the dynamic of the undergrowth.

Got a shot where I could

The trail again leaves the more established walks and drops down and down and down to a creek. Here it picks up the Cascade walk and then onto the Ridge walk before it leaves that to climb a hill to the Banshee Walkers Camp under an old plantation of hoop pines. The camp sites are raised platforms. At least they are level.

The board tells me I should be able to see

Today has been one of the better days walking. Loved every minute of it. Including the falls. I learnt quickly and where the trail meets the creek there is about 50 metres to walk down to get to the cascade circuit track. Most of that 50 metres I did sliding on my butt. This saved me from falling over which was on the cards on the slippery rock.

The path gets tricky at times

My companions on this walk was a couple from Brisbane Liz and Pete. It was a pleasure to meet and share camps and stories with them.

Birds Nest growing on an Elkhorn

The trail crossed just above this little waterfall

Cascade Falls

Banshee walkers camp

Day 140 Scenic Rim Trail

Looking at Mt Castle

Friday 3rd September, 2021 13km

2761/2337.9km

I was up early, but was visited in the night by bush rats. My food was up in a pouch like the mezzanine floor of the tent. They climbed the inner tent and chewed holes in the mesh. More repairs needed and must hang foodbag from now on.

The road

I met a walker from the lodge. They are walking the same way but turn off up different trails to get to their next stop. Last night they were met with drinks and hot towels to wash the sweat off. I found out it's only $2750 per person 4 day 3 night trek.

Fog rolls in

The walk today starts through a rainforest area that gets thicker as I climb. The trail is following an old logging road, so it's fairly easy to walk and look around. I walked past a couple of pig traps and met the ranger coming down to check them before the weekend.

The wind has been howling all day and it looks like rain, it spoils the views somewhat. I'm not having much luck with these Ridge views in Qld.

The forest embraces your senses

I stopped for breakfast at an old winch used in the timber cutting days. This is apparently the end of the maintained trail section coming from the south.

I follow the road and all to soon I was at the camp site. I didn't take much notice of the distances when booking. I'm only taking about 5 hours so far between first and second campsites. 4 hours day 1.

More forest

Magical

The camp has room for 4 tents only 2 sites were reasonably level and not under trees. Surprisingly the wind is still howling and the edge of the Ridge is only 20 metres away and you only get a slight breeze. I'm looking at Mount Castle and as the sun goes down the lights of the valley show with a huge glow of Brisbane I presume. Would be good for a clear view.

I saw a Lyre bird today. A lot of rifle birds and all day the Skippy Whistle. I tried to take a photo of some birds but take too long just pointing the phone in the right direction. I need Gavin, my neighbourly bird watcher with me. Good track for him.

Textures and patterns

I feel at home

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

Days 133 - 138 Pause - replan due to Covid

Saturday 28th August - Wednesday 1st September, 2021

After deciding to get picked up I have spent a week at cousin Janet's house. We have talked a lot when you can get any sense out of her. She likes ouzo. I was going for a port night but had to pull up short as she also likes port. The only thing safe around her were salt and vinegar chips. Although I heard they were good dunked in ouzo and coke. Thank you Janet for your generous hospitality and putting up with me

I did keep walking, doing up to 10 kilometres a day going down to the shops and back. The new suburbs here are lacking soul and are a drab grey. There is so much rubbish on the footpaths and roads. I walked different paths to the shops and got a feel for Redbank Plains. I'm lucky I suppose to be able to live where I do.

Many plans were hatched as I watched the news. In the end it was decided that myself, Belinda and Isabelle will meet in the Northern Territory and holiday together towards the end of September. If I go home I can get there via the NT provided I spend 14 days there. WA has the NT at a level where Belinda can return without quarantine. So provided things don't change we will see each other in about 3 weeks.

So I will walk the rest of the way to Killarney them make my way to the NT. I booked the camps along the scenic trail in the Main Range National Park which will add 4 days to the walk. I have to go back to Thornton/Laidley Gap for the start and walk a out 7 kilometres down the Cunningham Highway on day 4 to pick up the national trail again. This gets me to Killarney about the 9th September which is 1 day before NSW, in theory, opens up from lockdown in the country areas but as I'm heading to the NT it's not important and I won't be looking at crossing till early October now so I will worry about that later.

So provided Qld and NT don't have outbreaks we have plan 2344 to follow.

Day 132 Rosevale

Going across paddoc these girls were
very curious

Thursday 26th August, 2021 20.5km

2739.2 / 2359.7km

The day started cold again. These little valleys don't warm up until the sun clears the ranges.

Have to go up over another range

I walk past all the houses that house all the dogs. I counted 3 properties and at least 14 dogs between them. All in market garden settings so not a place you expect working dogs. One property looked more like it was breeding fighting dogs.

I then get to cross another range again starting through private property. Up top I meet a road then start the process of walking the backroads to Rosevale.

Join a track at the top

I saw another property with the "Land For Wildlife" sign. This one really did make me question the legitimacy of the claim with additional signs warning of guard dogs and one even mentioning dogs on the loose. Hearing the barking and also rubbish and buildings about made me think - If I was wild I think it is a place I would steer clear from.

Going down

As I'm enjoying the sun I get a message that the NSW lockdown has now been extended to 10 September. That is now 2 weeks away and I'm 4 days from Killarney. I am thinking I'm getting there on the 30th August. I'm walking down the road now planning different scenario's. A quick look at the map shows me when I get to Rosevale,it's the closest I will be to Brisbane as at Rosevale the trail turns directly south.

The land for wildlife sign plus dogs on loose 
sign don't gel with me

A quick couple of phone calls and cousin Janet is 35 minutes away. So I decide to pull off the trail again and reassess. I have many days to decide as I can't walk into NSW until at least the 10th September.

Kangaroos resting

Janet eventually arrives in her little red car. It's always nice to catch up with family but I was reassessing very quickly my decision when we get back to Janet's place. She parks on the verge and I pull out my pack from the boot and I walk to the front door. It swings open and a big man is standing there and I say hello but hear behind me Janet go ohhhhh. I'm sorry I live next door. Now I can sympathise a little she's only been here three months. But she's parked beside a street tree and her house doesn't have one. The number on the letter box might also give it away. But she waited till I was talking to a big black man before the realisation hit. Hmm I'm in for a good time I think. Plans are being hatched to see what the best way to proceed will be.

More to come.

Road to Rosevale

Wire gate, look at the strainer on top

Day 131 Thornton

Early morning start

 Wednesday 25th August, 2021 28.9km

2718.7 / 2380.2km

I got up early and went to the packing shed kitchen and had a hot coffee before heading off.

There was still a cold wind blowing and I had to rug up til the sun broke through. Today was a long day with another range to go over.

Cold until the sun comes over the hills.

You walk up to the Mt Sylvia primary school then turn right then it's about 15 kilometres along this road towards the range gaining height slowly till you need to climb up over Laidley Gap.

The road through the valley

Lovely view from up there and then it's a down hill run until you hit main camp road. Another spot where the local land holder let's you pass through private property. Just before the road was a shed and toilet and it's the start of the Scenic Rim trail which is a 4 day hike to Cunningham's Gap. I sat and tried to work out whether I should turn off that way but lack of signals strength meant I couldn't get all the information I needed to make a decision. I decided to keep following the National Trail up the road to Thornton where I camped at Centenary Park. If you don't want access to a shower and power it's free to camp. Otherwise it's 21 or $25.

Back through paddocks

I camped beside the table and didn't realise the floodlight will come on at dusk and does not turn off till dawn. It lights up the BBQ and a large area around. To get out of the light you either have to go behind it or the other side of the toilets or way over the back.

There are a lot of dogs barking around here at night and you are under the landing flight path for Amberley air base. Lights, dogs, planes and cars. Oh so good to be back in civilisation.

Over another range

Next valley

Going down there

The community park where you camp

Hot peanut butter wraps for afternoon tea