there's 3 ways to get to the summit of mt cargill (676 metres)
drive - not today thanks - and 2 walks of 3-4 hours round trip
bethunes gully reads as a place worthy of a visit so it is selected
a short drive down an unsealed road at the end of north-east valley
park the car, on with the jacket and backpack and a-hiking we go
it's immediately impressive with a path cutting through a reserve
a loudly running stream, grassed areas, swings, a bar-b-que area
all surrounded by very tall pines housing some happy bellbirds
we agree this will be a perfect picnic spot one summer evening
but today it is a place of transience only and so it is a fleeting visit
a gentle wander up the clearings and a bridge crossing the stream
then into what looks, feels, smells and sounds like a real rainforest
a pleasant surprise really - the path is wet but is well maintained
the radiata (?) pines are huge - 40-50 metres tall and straight
dappled sunlight on this relatively warm afternoon a nice effect
the path turns regularly - no single stretch more than 5-10 metres
the canopy now quite thick and ferns, etc now also dominating
so a sense of not really knowing what lays ahead except upwards
pre-walk reading suggesting an easy walk and a choice to be made
do the bethunes gully loop or divert at some point to mt cargill's peak
we cross small bridges, admire small waterfalls and take in some views
but the path keeps going and going - nearly an hour later is decision time
we have climbed up a long way and still a way to go to the visible summit
our party splits - but an urge to continue sees more uphill walking activity
a couple descending interrogated - there's a fork about 700 meters ahead
and only 15-20 minutes to the summit - encouraging words so pushing on
some 15 minutes later the fork is reached - but no real choice is available
down via a different track to another car-park or 30 minutes to the peak
oh well come this far and the antenna actually looks quite close up there
but the terrain has changed - the graded track now more demanding
in parts maneuvering boulders, puddles or a set of steep, large steps
the heart is pumping, the legs are heavy and the clothing now soaked
stops are often but the views are stunning out across the peninsula
a group of people taking up prime space in the tussock for a picnic
another sign then spotted - 5 minutes to the summit - and fresh legs
striding to the top and the very impressive installation is investigated
a few cars and people having made the easy journey up - phooey
the panorama is superb from the city at right to warrington at left
fortunately the weather is also on side so time taken to enjoy it
then - reverse mode - back down the same path taken up
walking quite quickly and a feeling - yep - the knees are ok
(longer walks and/or a ski trip can be comtemplated/planned)
50 minutes down and double that up - less than 3 hours advised
feeling quite exhilerated by it all really as we drive back to the city
looking up at the peak - woo-hoo - conquered that - give it a tick
beer and chips considered - coffee and potatoes taken instead
very happy to have made the effort to discover this great walk
we shall return - at least to base camp for a summer picnic...
