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Day 14 - Stirling Ranges - 26 November 2020

Double mountain addicts

Mt. Hassell is where we began, or the journey to the nipple as it became known.

Starts with a gradual climb over exposed land. Until you reach the first false peak.

Approaching the nipple, that looked quite steep we questioned whether you were able to get on top of it. A couple of false peaks late we realised you could, just needed a quick, steep rock climb.

The summit is great, with good views of Toolbrunup that is very close.

With Mt. Hassell done, and us still full of beans we continued on to Mt. Talyuberlup. This promised to be an exciting climb with an ascent of almost 300m in less than 1km.

The track starts with a tease of a warm-up section with a slight slope through shaded area. Then the incline picks up a bit and every step is up, through a narrow path with wildflowers and greenery.

Reaching the base of the rock cliff the scenery changes to almost jungle like as the plants thrive in the shade of the rock

The last few metres is a near vertical climb to the peak.

And the views at the peak are brilliant, complete 360° of the ranges around you.

Done for the day, spent and ready to chill

Total elevation gain: 747m

Distance: 5.6km

Time: 2 hours

Day 13 - Stirling Ranges - 25 November 2020

Double mountain day.

A more reasonable start time today. First tackled Mt Toolbrunup. Which I think is now my favourite West Aussie mountain to climb.

It teases you at the start with a calm and shady mountain walk.

But then the rocks start coming, and they don't stop coming.

But a good husband will always assist his wife while she struggles up.

And then just up to the peak it's even steeper before it opens on to a great landing pad with brilliant 360° views.

The climb down is just as challenging. Krys seemed to like to utilise the bum slide while I was more of a fan of the crab/exorcist walk to scamper back down the rocks.

After a quick bush lunch we were ready for the second mountain. Mt Trio.

This is almost the exact opposite of Mt Toolbrunup in terms of paths. The first 500m is the hardest with constant steep stairs burning your legs.

Once the stairs are defeated, a casual stroll along the ridgeline leads you to the peak, where we could look upon the two mountains we previously conquered.

As we staggered back down the stairs, we decided two was enough and called it a day.

Total elevation gain: 906m

Total distance: 7km

Total time: 2h 38m

Day 12 - Stirling Ranges - 24 November 2020

We decided to dedicate ourselves to a crazy early start. Rising at the ass crack of dawn (4:30am) we popped down to Bluff Knoll. Discovered however to other people are crazy dedicated and 6 groups were already there and at the top, watching the sunrise.

We did however get to climb the whole thing by ourselves. Not being passed or slowly gain on while going up 580m on steps is a bonus.

An exciting challenge was at the top as the mountain tried to force us off with very strong winds, but we powered through to the peak.

Then came the fun part. Walking downhill while watching other hikers struggle towards us uphill, as we knew that pain was already behind us. Was much easier to enjoy the view too.

Elevation Gain: 575m

Distance 6.2km

Time: 2hrs 13mins

With a 40°C day approaching and extreme fire warnings, we played it safe and took the rest of the day off. Saving the rest of the climbs for tomorrow.

#Bluff Knoll #Stirling Ranges #mountain #hike

Day 11 - Stirling Ranges - 23 November 2020

After grabbing supplies to go off the grid and getting a massage to prepare our bodies we were all set for some good walks.

The first taste was a stroll up to Castle Rock.

250m elevation on a 2km track, with a small bit of rock scrambling and ladder climbing.

Then enjoying a great view before a casual stroll back down.

Then we were ready to journey on to our base camp for the real climbs. Staying at the Dutch cottage at The Lilly, a very unique accommodation full of nicnacs, all seemingly Dutch inspired. I assume other units have themed decorations too.

#castle rock #hike #porongurup

Day 10 - Albany - 22 November 2020

Time to get energetic again.

Our parks pass was active so we instantly took full advantage by exploring all of the Torndirrup national Park, starting with the bald head trail. (Then realised you don't need the park pass for this bit)

It's very pretty, so welcomed taking our time with the walk.

Was also a fairly steep climb, so kind of needed to take our time.

The views were definitely worth it, and the weather was perfect.

Views for the rest of the day were luckily much easier to access.

Blowholes that didn't blow, a bridge that you can't walk over and a gap that doesn't separate much.

A bit of a drive after lunch took us to Little beach in Two People's Nature Bay Reserve. This was a near perfect beach, only downside is I didn't find it warm enough to swim. Some brave souls disagreed though and were in the icy water, for less than a few minutes though.

A nap on the beach ended the day and our last chance to explore local Albany. Now we look to our future of constant mountain climbs.

Day 9 - Albany - 21 November 2020

Our last day of relaxation before we become energetic travellers.

So we started with a casual 20km ride along a heritage trail from Denmark.

Interesting to see the shelters along the track for the hard core Munda Biddi trailers. Whilst also seeing the wildflowers and views along the inlet.

Wandered around Denmark, the local hippie town, after a great lunch at the bakery. We discovered our perfect shop "The Green Pantry", with bulk foods to buy, compostable scrubbers and deodorants etc. Ended up being the most things purchased this trip.

Keeping our trend going we went op shopping back in Albany where I picked up a fancy shirt for our extravagant dinner plans.

Dinner at Liberté was amazing, chilli crab garlic noodles were awesome while Krys devoured a beautiful chicken bao bun.

And who could say no to an avatar the last Airbender cocktail. Glad we got in and booked when we did.

Day 8 - Albany - 20 November 2020

All aboard the Kalgan Queen

Today was our river cruise, an extravagance we don't normally indulge, but spoiled ourselves this time.

We were greeted by our friendly and hungry boarding party.

Lead by Captain Jack (Harkness) up the Kalgan river where he narrated with great enthusiasm and knowledge through the various birdlife we would encounter.

Clearly an enthusiastic history buff, our captain regaled us with stories of early Albany settlers and river events, perhaps with a bit of creative license for entertainment.

Feeding pelicans and osprey birds of prey were some of the exciting moments we observed.

We had a beautiful damper and coffee cooked fresh on the boat bbq to keep us satisfied until journey's end. A 4 hour trek that flew by and inspired us to learn or confirm more about Albany's history.

As the breeze picked up, we finished the day with a stroll along the wind farm, to see the turbines in full action.

Impressive and even alien looking pieces of technology. A design 20 years in the making that stands 65 metres tall with 35 meter blades moving at 290km/h at the tips. Remarkable to see up close.

The day spun to a close with a walk through our backyard that opened up to a local restaurant for dinner, pretty bloody handy.

Day 7 - Albany - 19 November 2020

We woke up in a new luxurious unit, as we had decided to spoil ourselves. With a bathroom bigger than our bedroom and a back garden bigger than our whole house.

Albany was clearly a big step up from Collie in terms of town facilities and restaurants.

After a sleepless night from the previous day's injuries we walked as zombies through some of Albany's historical areas. A walk along Ellen Cove boardwalk up to what's left of Point King lighthouse, the second lighthouse ever built in WA

Lots of local fauna to be seen on the way, namely hundreds of King Skink lizards running under your feet. Or "slimy snakes with legs" as eloquently described by Krys.

A quick drive up the hill took us to Mt Clarence parklands, Convoy lookout. Exploring and analysing the military armaments left over from defending the port.

Curious to see the aiming telescope room and how they would go about positioning and aiming these huge weapons.

A quick thrift shop scoring some great new fashion items and we were done for the day. Hoping to catch up on sleep for a big River cruise tomorrow.

#albany #ellen cove #convoy lookout

Day 6 - Collie - 18 November 2020

A smooth start to the with a nice easy ride took a hectic turn.

Today was our last day in Collie to explore tracks, so off to Mt Leonard to see what's up with that.

Starts with Boylan track, which promised to be a steady climb up the hill. It was actually more fun than that with some quick downhill obstacles thrown in to keep you sane.

Energy was low, so decided on a green track at the top, the lennard half circuit. Well it was green for about 3/4, but the rest was grueling uphill along a rugged washed out surface, kind of disappointing. Still pretty at bits though.

Then to end the day, was the track that is top rated, what we all came down for, the grizzly trail. However shortly into the trail I did an unexpected flip, landed on my head and shattered my helmet. So I didn't feel like riding much more after that.

After Krys finished the track to go get the car she assured me that the rest of it was the best track of the week, and I truly missed out.

While waiting for Krys I got a call from the air bnb, we stuffed up the dates and were meant to have checked out already. A mad rush back, we did the fastest pack up of a house ever and then quickly on the road to Albany.

4 days

109km

1430m elevation gain

1 broken helmet

0 flat tires

And we are all done with the mountain biking segment of our trip.

#collie #mtb #mountainbike #mt lennard

Day 5 - Collie - 16 November 2020

We came back to finish Arklow tracks, and then some.

First up was 9km of smooth berms, pumps and climbs to the peak of the map.

Morning tea under a large tree at the peak of the map. We have learnt our lesson to keep our energy high.

Continuing down around about arklow and pet cemetery. Frankly these were boring straight tracks, more like roads. Beautiful scenery though. 13km of that was enough.

Back to some more fun with a great pump track along Mornington glory.

Then some great jumps and bends, but an evil climb along dead cats.

With energy to spare this time we had another lunch on a log before tackling rays again.

And then with even more energy, thought another 10km along dead cats and Mornington was a good idea. Same track we were lost on last time. Thankfully this time when we got lost again we had a better map.

40km of trails, 700m of climbs, legs on fire but spirits high. Fun and fulfilling day.

Day 4 - Collie - 16 November 2020

Riding around the Arklow tracks this morning.

Started with a quick 7.5km on Rays track. Some fun berms and ramps to log climbs, very narrowly missed a blue tongue chilling on the track.

Back to where we started we made a very big mistake, we didn't take our lunch before riding the 220 to the dam.

220 is 7km of flowing and scenic riding, across the creek becomes an almost tropical environment and beautiful to ride through.

Stopping at the dam would have been a beautiful spot for lunch, but we are dumb.

So on empty stomachs we continued to finish another 17km, down the 220 return.

Some small sections offer a quick black diamond bypass, that I was occasionally confident enough to tackle.

And no broken body parts after the attempts, so big bonus.

Then, of course, we got lost very close to the end. Many intersecting, unmarked tracks lead us astray and soon we were doing laps in deep bush, down things that perhaps once we're roads.

Eventually we escaped and rewarded ourselves with donuts, caramel slice and strudle at the picturesque black diamond lake.

The beautiful water is very clear and a curious azure blue colour. Actually an abandoned mine, with the limestone causing the unique colour.

This day was long and tiring and more recharging was needed ready for the same again tomorrow.

#mountainbike #collie #mtb #arklow

Day 3 - Collie - 15 November 2020

First day hitting the tracks.

Today was dedicated to the local MTB routes in town, the Collie Wagyl Biddi. Short and fun tracks a stone's throw from the air bnb, so we could do them a few times.

Marri meander- starts the circuit and is a grueling start. Quite a few rock climbs, one that punished me with a butt impale and a pedal to the shin. Then rewarded with a rocky and challenging downhill.

Rocky horror-

This track is the most fun, riding over rock jumps next to a steep drop to the river feels probably more extreme than it is. Seems to simulate riding along a cliffs edge. Some large berms are great fun then some more challenging rock climbs.

Drop dead fred-

A quick intermission from rocky horror, best highlight is this rocky pump section.

Sprockets rocket-

An easy connecting track with some fun berms on the last downhill part.

A ride down what is actual called the Collie Esplande, yes the dirt track is what I mean, and we are back home for a few drinks. Recharging for tomorrow's tracks.

Day 2 - Collie - 14 November 2020

Waffles with bacon and fruit toast for breakfast is a great way to start a day.

*picture not found*

Rained out for the day so decided on Wellington dam, had a happy surprise to find there was a mural in progress that looks quite impressive now, will be amazing when finished.

We invaded a campsite at honeymoon pool to take a walk along the river, following the Jabitj trail. Well, followed it for the most part, lost it halfway and ended up on an animal trail instead. Still pretty though.

King jarrah, a large Jarrah tree that we drove to, but was relatively unimpressed in comparison to the many large trees we have seen previously.

We went on a gnome hunt at Gnomesville, trying to find the three wise men we left there 7 odd years ago. They appear to have gone on a pilgrimage elsewhere, however did find some other creepy visitors.

Just as the rain poured down we were off to lunch at Bush shack brewery, a tasting picket with everything from chilli beer to creaming soda kept us happy while we turned bar starters into a tapas meal.

As the rain started hammering down it was a good idea to start a fire at home and settled in for Gloomhaven.

One more day conquered, ready for some energetic ones to follow.

Day 1 - Collie - 13th November 2020

We arrived in Collie, with a mystery of hundreds of dead bees in the accommodation to solve.

Good pub feed at The Vic, scared by how dodgy it looks out front but the back is quite comfortable. Plus couldn't take the wife to the Crown as it was skimpy night.

An interesting introduction to this town and the locals. Curious to see what tomorrow brings.

Tasmania Day 8

Leaving cradle mountain today, we had a short amount of time to enjoy some cool small towns before leaving for good.

First up was Sheffield, a cool and quirky town only 1 hour from cradle mountain. The town of murals as it is known, with a house of marbles, collectable store and steam engines plodding along the street.

The old town styles continued with the historic town of Evandale to see the national penny-farthing championship. A cool festival with quirky bikes to try out, fencing lessons, balls to play inside and far more things to enjoy than we had time for unfortunately.

And that's all there was. Back on the plane and back to reality now.

Tasmania Day 7 (part 2)

After the Forrest tracks we crossed the road to check out knyvet and pencil line falls. Both very pretty spots.

Now I think we have earned lunch. At the Highland tavern we finally had a decent purchased meal at cradle mountain, burgers appear to be their speciality.

Next we were on a mission, we have still yet to see wombats and only had a couple hours left. We had heard that Ronny creek was a sure thing for Wombat catching. And it didn't dissapoint.

Continuing up the board walk we went to pay our respects to the original caretaker of cradle mountain, Gustav Weindorfer. A very well preserved and education shack is found along with a nice short Forrest walk.

Was the perfect end to our visit as we were ready to rest after another long day on our feet.

Tasmania Day 7

A day for the casual walks around Cradle Mountain. Starting at the Ranger station we we did an enchanted walk that had secret spots that were meant to be for kids only, but we proved them wrong.

From enchantment we entered a nice long Forest walk, taking a small part of pencil pine to the speeler track.

A large variety of plant life and scenery. Was great to observe Cradle mountain over the plains while we wandered a path essentially all to ourselves.

We then somehow connected to king bill track to get back to some official board walk tracks through some mossy woods.

Found a pretty epic fallen tree, was interesting to see its root system freshly exposed.

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