{"id":1472,"date":"2024-09-11T04:12:32","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T04:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aerowalsh.com\/cr\/?p=1472"},"modified":"2024-09-11T04:29:14","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T04:29:14","slug":"sun-8th-sep-st-marys-peak-loop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cr.aerowalsh.com\/?p=1472","title":{"rendered":"Sun 8th Sep – St Marys Peak Loop"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fresh faced straight out of rest day, we tackle the peaks of Wilpena Pound to great reward. This is James’ favourite hike of the six. James appreciates that the hike commences with the peak looming over us and then at its hardest, we have ascended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temperature is much cooler overall today which is a salve, and this cooler temperature continues for the final half of the trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am nervous about the rock scrambling described in our guide book. In reality it’s not too bad, quite steep and I did have to pull myself up in sections, but at no point does it feel too dangerous. Still, given it’s labelled as “extremely strenuous”, I am surprised by how popular the walk is. We cross paths with around five other groups, nearly all of which power past me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KMs: 21km for Dec and James. 19kms for CR, who had a little sit down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In a meta commentary on modern social media, James is photographing Anne photographing a ring-neck parrot. The parrot did not appear to be photographing anything. DW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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St Marys Peak beckons in this distance. DW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Caitlin has purchased a bladder to carry 2.5L of water in an easy to access form factor. This means her water is ripe for thieving at every stop as seen here. This in turn means I finish each trek with litres of water as James runs out and enables me to shame him for guzzling his too greedily. DW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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JRT, in the classic frantic fashion that unravels from a complete lack of planning, bought this long sleeved shirt at Broken Hill Dimmys. They didn’t have his (big boy) size so the shirt he bought is too tight and requires Declan’s assistance to shimmy in and out of. At his core, no matter how many millions of Revolut shares he accumulates, James is the stingiest, least prepared person I have ever met. He is a big red head going to the dessert and came without a long sleeved shirt or drink bottle. He is our friend, James. CR.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Alpine Cait in her natural element scrambling over the rocks. The total climb was 500-700m today. DW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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There’s a 90% chance Declan is farting straight into James’ face. CR.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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It was at this point James overstepped and tore a hole in his pants right in the crotch. He is doing a quick touch inspection here. Tomorrow is a new pants day. DW.
After a big ripping noise it was obvious what happened. Unfortunately there is a lot of climbing to go. JRT.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A post-mortem revealed James had indeed absolutely destroyed his pants. DW.
Fortunately we are very slow and do not have people behind us for the rest of the walk. JRT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n