As promised I am uploading the photo's from my recent two hikes (1) Lees Paddock - done as an overnighter over Easter with the three kids and(2) Mt Roland done with two kids today- one child was away on a scout camp
The Lees hut trip was magic, the weather was great and the trip was a real learning expereince - as it was our first overnight hike so to speak. Due to recent heavy rains Oxley falls were really flowing and were quite a sight. Looking through the morning fog to Mt Pellion was also quite special albeit a bit chilly.
As it was our first hike, we probably packed to much gear as my pack was around 22kg and I will when money allows invest in better quality (read lighter) sleeping bags
The two points really stuck in my mind and lessons have been duly learnt.
Lesson one - when tracks are muddy you really should listen to the sales person in the shop and buy gaiters (which have now been duly aquired).
Lesson two - watch the you tube video''s etc on how to pack your bag properly - very sore hips - upon watching video''s I realised that the weight was not properly distributed, and as the wife so succintly put - did you stop and adjust it on the hike - upon which I replied - didn't think of that.
The Mt Roland trip was more of a challenge as the seven year daughter insisted upon coming (which was fine with me , not her brother through), the hike to the junnction on the saddle which should take 2 hours actually took four hours, so we cut short the trip and just walked onto the Minnow Creek look out rather than risk being caught on the mountain in the dark - whilst we had torches just in case with young kids it was far better to be safe than sorry. The wind also picked up on the plataue and it became chilly.
All up we spent six hours in the hike and whilst the 14 year old coped quite well, the seven year struggled on the way up and looking back perhaps this is best a summer trip where we can really take our time on the way up - the walk down of course was not an issue & we took the reccomended 2 hours.
Perhaps the best part of both trips occurred when we got home each time, as the kids very excitedly told "mum"all about the trip or should I say adventure.
Anyway here are the photo's. (aplogies for the image quality - taken on mobile phone camera)
Cheers
Steve
