Thursday 4th April 2019
We started out reasonably early (about 8.30am) as the hike for today was 14.5km with an estimated time of 5-6 hours. We haven’t done a long hike in a little while but we are looking forward to only carrying our day pack. As usual we go prepared for everything with rain gear, thermals, snake bandage, satellite phone and food. We always like to have gear in case of emergency. Hopefully if we work on this theory we will always be prepared but hopefully will never need it. The hike starts from Pincham carpark and started along a fire trail before heading along a 5km paved pathway with bridges over the creek. The pathway was an initiative for unemployed and has made for a very comfortable hike, albeit uphill.
We had a couple of decisions along the way for extension to the hike, DB not too keen to add more time but as always we want to see as much as possible. Our first decision was to decline the long cut of Goulds Circuit as this added a couple of extra kms, maybe 3 to our already long hike. We took the short sidetrack to Spirey View which was a view out to the Breadknife. Then we headed to the Breadknife and Grand High Tops. This was a climb further uphill and presented us with an amazing view. It was only midday so we decided to save our lunch stop for later on but enjoyed a snack at this viewpoint. Onwards we go as we still have 7km to get back to the carpark with a big decision on the Bluff Mountain summit which we have been told gives an amazing 360° views. We decided to see how we felt we reached the sidetrack. The decision was quite big as it was a 300m climb in elevation over only 1.3km distance. So a tough climb. My vote was to do it, Dave was not so sure, but in the end we decided to have a go. It was very tough, uphill all the way with some steep and very steep sections. All in all it was worth it as the view at the top was magnificent. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the top.
After lunch we headed on our way as we still had the tough trek down the very steep 1.3km, which although isn’t so hard on your heart, it is very tough on your legs. Also it was still a good few more kms back to the car. It was a lovely walk. A big day but made oh so much easier without our heavy overnight packs. Our total hike distance ended up being over 17km and our day out was about 7 hours. Phew! Time for dinner and rest. We were ever so grateful for the hot shower at the end of the day.
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Apostlebirds came to visit us at breakfast time.
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Our trek details for today. Breadknife and Grand High Tops Circuit.
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Spirey View lookout up to Breadknife
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..a continuous uphill climb.
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A little stop at Wilsons Rest..
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..from the ever inclining paved walk.
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..the stairs were a little relief..
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As we continue along the Grand High Tops circuit..
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..and the Breadknife rock was so narrow.
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..it was a magnificent view..
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Sitting on the Breadknife rock looking out to more of the Breadknife
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Heading along the Grand High Tops ridge..
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. a little rest at Grand High Tops. .
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A Currawong in flight at Grand High Tops.
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David chatting to an older man who had made the hike with a walking stick and we assume his grandson who was photographing the view with a drone.
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Looking towards Bluff Mountain. Will we on won’t we.
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Decision time. To do Bluff Mountain or not. Never to shy away from a chellenge..
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..we head on our way up Bluff Mountain..
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Some viewpoints along the way..
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As usual a lovely reward..
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..for the rigorous climb up and up.
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Looking out over the farmyards/plains in the distance
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..we were joined by about 4 wedgetail eagles who gave a flying display.
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..the clouds were coming over..
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..we enjoyed the view..
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Whilst up at the top..
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..it was so green.
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Looking towards the Breadknife
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Time for a well earned rest..
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..we were joined by some very large, bright coloured flies..
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..and had a very peaceful place for our lunch break..
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..what a magnificent view..
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At the top of Bluff Mountain..
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..David spotted a legless lizard. I was glad he was in front as I am sure I would have missed it.
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..some pretty blackboys along the way..
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The rest of the way was normal hiking track…
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Looking back towards Bluff Mountain – 300m up over 1.3km. Eeekkk!!
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The long trail home.