Larapinta Trail – Tjoritja Ranges NT – Day 13

Tuesday 14 June 2022
4/5 Junction to Brinkley Bluff – Section 4 Part 1
Distance 7.87km
Moving time 2:26
Track time 3:28
Temp 3′- 25
Up 607m Down 95m

“Section 4 – follows the high quartzite ridges of the Chewings Range and although graded difficult will reward walkers with breathtaking views in all directions. The trail follows the river valley from Birthday Waterhole to Mintbush Spring, then enters Stuart’s Pass, an upper branch of the Hugh River, then down a little to Rocky left before steeply ascending Brinkley Bluff.”

Today was going to be tough. We have a short distance with a huge elevation. We set off at about 10am on the undulating first four kilometres. Then it was time to go up. Over the next 2km we climbed 280m in elevation. This was on switch backs, over rocks and a constant up up, and up. This took us through Stuart’s Pass which was a continuous climb up. We saw many different flowers today and also walked through another burnt section. We then descended 66m over the next km to Rocky Cleft which was an amazing view point through jagged rocks. But the tough bit about that was we then had to ascend 283m over the next 1.3km. It was a tough climb which was along switchbacks, as well as some tricky rock faces. David was in his element and climbed quickly considering he was carrying 5 litres of water again. Lucky we were down to 2 days of food. I had 3 litres today so it was also a bit heavy. I just had to dig deep and walk on and on and on. We arrived at the top at about 1.30. I was hot, sweaty and puffed but the view was worth it. We had spectacular views in all directions. We just enjoyed the views all afternoon. We had a walk out to the point, a chat with our fellow hikers – Liza, Penny and Eric, plus another 4 hikers from last night – all heading on our same itinerary. A bit later a young girl arrived plus just before sunset a lady from Umina Surf Club (Suzanne) and her niece arrived. She had decided not to wear her toe socks this time and was regretting this decision as she could feel blisters developing. David hasn’t worn his yet. She had only been on the track 5 days with 12 to go, so David have her his toe socks. Paying it forward as everyone on the track seems to do. Always looking out for your fellow hikers. The camaraderie is fantastic. We watched a beautiful sunset and moonrise at the million start restaurant at the top of Brinkley Bluff (elevation 1209m) and marvelled at how lucky we all are to experience the wonders of this trail.

: Trying to hide from the morning yet again. Love him to bit but boy does he hate the cold..

: Mintbush Spring – just a landmark really..

: As we walk the only undulating part of today’s hike..

: ..the mountains are looming in the distance..

: At the start of Stuart’s Pass..

: ..it was a continual up, up, up..

: ..heading towards up up some of those little mounds in the distance hehehe!

: .As you can see by my face – it was a little struggle, the weather was quite warm and there was no shade along the trail..

: ..but everywhere you look luckily you reap the rewards of your walk..

: Some rocky sections along the way..

: A little look back..

: ..some amazing trees..

: ..so let’s continue the uphill slog..

: ..almost there..

: ..some little flowers..

: ..and some more..

: We still have to keep climbing to the saddle..

: ..as we keep going..

: ..the unusual flowers – these ones change at their different stages..

: ..and the dried grasses..

: Almost there..

: ..a military dragon to distract me from the hill and give me a little rest..

: ..David has made it to the saddle, that’s about halfway up of today’s elevation climb..

: David is pointing to where we are headed.

: But before we head up, we head down to Rocky Cleft..

: ..a little gap in the rocks..

: It was a pretty view..

: ..as I enjoy a temporary moment before heading back up to the saddle.

: Ok, I have made it back up to the saddle and another look at the view before the tough ascent to Brinkley Bluff..

: ..another 283m climb in elevation over the short 1.3km distance..

: ..with some tough rock scrambles..

: ..as well as many switchbacks..

: Another photo of the view just because I can and also to take a breather..

: David is almost there and once again has powered ahead..

: ..he still manages to find a little spotted locust of some kind along the way..

: ..as I climb the last little bit before reaching..

: Brinkley Bluff. 360° views for the next 18hrs or so..

: As we claim our little campsite as by the end of the day there would have been about 20 of us..

: ..time for a little lunch break at Restaurant Brinkley..

: ..then we pitch our awesome tent at campground Brinkley..rated 1 million star..

: Time for a little house keeping, filtering our water for tomorrow as Brinkley Bluff is a dry camp – we have had to carry tomorrow’s water as well..