Today I walked more than 30km in just under six hours, retracing some of my steps from last summer along Demon Ridge.
Juliet drove me to the starting point along the Clear Spot Road where it intersects with Dingo Ridge Road. I set off in cold conditions (three degrees according to Suzie) at 9.20am.
I expected to encounter snow, as there was a good fall overnight on Mount Buffalo and Mount Porepunkah, which we could see from home. It must have only settled above 1000 metres, because that’s the exact height of Clear Spot and there was no snow there.
I had good views though across to the snowy ranges on Buffalo and further afield. It was a steady 40-minute climb from the starting point to Clear Spot, which also offered spectacular views.
From there I walked along Demon Ridge, which extends scores of kilometres southwards at an elevation between 900 and 1100 metres. There was evidence of last year’s bushfire, but the regrowth and wet conditions made it less obvious.
Last year I missed the Mudhole Track turn-off to Wandiligong, taking a steeper and longer route. I vowed not to repeat the perilous descent, however temptation saw me in similar straits when I couldn’t resist exploring an unnamed track that I knew would reach the valley 550 metres below.
It was tame at first and then it dropped like a steeple. No harm though, I reached the bottom without much drama and then proceeded to wander a maze of forest tracks. There are only one or two places where the bush tracks meet the main road and I kept missing them. Finally I found myself at the back of an orchard and cut through to reach the road.
I then walked most of the Wandiligong Valley before resting briefly at Alpine Park at 1.10pm. I resolved then to walk home, or at least to Bright.
I followed the Morses Creek track to Bright and the rail trail to home. It was an enjoyable walk and I’m not feeling too sore at the moment. That will probably come tomorrow.
My plan now is to enjoy a barbecue, some fine wine, a Wallabies win against New Zealand and a Lions win against Collingwood.
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