Bastion Cascades Feb 2019

[bluetongue]

A mate and I tackled the BC- Stone Hut circuit a couple of days ago. Access to the walk start was very good and possible in a 2WD vehicle provided there was a tad of clearance. At the time it was possible to continue for about 500 metres beyond the quarry car park to where a couple of lay-bys made it possible to swing off track. Having had some warning of some significant windfall in late 2018 we made a decision at the Cascades/ Stone Hut- Dell junction to head off in a clockwise direction and review our options once at the Cascades. The Cascades still had a reasonable flow and was a wonderful stop for a cups and some potato and cheese muffins whilst we reviewed our options. We decided to soldier on towards Crowdens Croft and the Stone Hut and we were very glad we did. This is a most delightful section with some small pockets of sub alpine vegetation including Pencil Pine Richea Sassafras Cushion Plants and not least of all some superb rock formations. It was all downhill from the Dell - Stone Hut junction . There was a reasonable number of large trees that had come down in recent storms but imo these were not sufficient to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm in planning a trip to the area. My only advice would be that in the current state of the track in the section leading up to the Dell- Stone Hut junction, a clockwise circuit might just make the navigation a bit easier through the wind blown area. Navigation the entire circuit for the most part is quite easy with both triangles and/or flagging tape. There are only a few sections where you have to stop and think. Beware if using a compass anywhere it is a bit rocky- mine did a 360 with the pull in the area. Also - don’t rely on accurate location info shown on the 1:25000 Quamby Brook sheet for some of the features here such as the “true “ track and Stone Hut location . Times posted for the circuit are fairly close to the mark however both of us who are nudging 70 completed it in 4.5 hrs.Finally- a visit to the area was indeed balm for the soul and is highly recommended.

[eggs]

Thanks for the report, bluetongue

[vagrom]

A beautiful cul de sac location with classic Tassie rainforest. Thanks for your report.