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Tue 10th Sep – Rawnsley Bluff

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The victorious last day of high school; the much anticipated final song of the encore; the last long, languid day of Summer. The sweetness of an ordeal winding to its natural end.

We have been hiking for six or seven or eight days depending on who James is talking to. In total we have hiked 100 to 150km depending on James’ mood. Whatever the story, the fact remains – this is our final day.

Today we climb Rawnsley Bluff. It’s a category five hike, which is the most technical that we’ve done so far. It’s up and down return. As we come (safely and slowly) down the bluff, Declan says it all, “you guys are my favourite hiking partners”.

The weather across all days has been close to perfect.

Favourite general aspect of the hike, by walker:

  1. JRT: Finding the highest point on the landscape and conquering the ascent. Soaking in the views at the top.
  2. DW: Seeing the track, either where you’ve come from or where you are going, extend into the horizon.
  3. CR: Waking up with such a simple goal of just trucking along on foot. A mind clear of complexity.

KMs: 14km round trip, with an extra 3km added on at the end to take James to see the Aboriginal Rock Art.

More trees. More peaks. More steep slopes to scramble up and down. This walk looks south on a different aspect over Rawnsley station that we hadn’t since from elevation before. DW.
This tree is growing sideways out of a bed of rocks. I also struggle in this inhospitable environment. JRT
If Cait is looking sheepish in this photo it is because she is catching up to James and me after the first official trek bowel movement. All those days of carrying toilet paper were finally for something! DW.
Dad, I anticipate this event being a focus of the comments. CR.
At the top of the climb, before walking around 3km across the ridge to the end of the bluff. This was the only view over agricultural land over the six days. CR.
This little fella has a nice blue and yellow tinge to him. DW.
Not a snake! CR
Little Lizzy loves the camera 📸. The 5 digit hands and feet are surprisingly human-like. Who is our common stromatolite ancestor? JRT
At the top of the bluff we had a good view South. A plane was towing up and releasing gliders from a nearby airport at this time and I was clearly more interested in that than James’ photo. DW.
James getting some last minute yarns in by the Cairn. CR.
An epic Cairn. I happily add a rock, with a mild worry of knocking it over. JRT.
The final entry in the ongoing juice box saga. I wonder when James will have to consider drinking one again. DW.
This juice box also ends up on the rock. The flies appreciate it more than me. JRT
Claire, your postcard will be on its way as soon as we find a postbox. DW.
Learning more about Claire on this day was a highlight. I am disappointed with the lack of specific book titles that Claire has read recently. If you feel so inclined Claire, please update me in the comments. James also didn’t know your favourite movie. CR.
A bad brother. JRT
We never climbed the ranges you see here to the South. More mysteries await for others to experience on their own journeys. DW.
Love this photo dek. JRT
If you wonder why I am in all these photos it is because as leader, I need to scout ahead to find the track and encourage others not to dawdle. Caitlin is a few minutes behind. DW.
Our final hike completed. On the first try of this photo I swallowed a fly. DW.
I have a fly friend on my nose. CR.
Big smiles knowing we don’t have to walk tomorrow. JRT
Actually, minor fib. We did another small walk to search for some Aboriginal artwork nearby. The first site we found just had this graffiti from Hao Do and a very welcoming bench. DW.
We spend a few mins questioning if this rock contains some artwork. It does not. JRT
The second site was more impressive. Frustratingly, there appeared to be nothing in the area that told us what we were looking at. DW.
The artwork is ~5000 years old, and shows ceremonies, animals, water holes, and more within Wilpena Pound. The colours are beautifully preserved. JRT

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1 Response

  1. Beautiful opening paragraph Cait for another great blog post. I thought the sideways tree was great photo till I saw the one of the Ranges with just Declan in it. But then it is the rock art that really makes you wonder. How old it is and how wonderful that it survived so that you can just walk up and see it.

    Loved the photos of you all. What a great achievement. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. Well done all!!