Day 11 Monadnocks to Mt Cooke
We acknowledge the Nyoongar People as the traditional custodians of the land and waters along the Bibbulmun Track
We have been looking forward to today, after time poring over our paper maps yesterday in the tent. The track follows a spine incorporating two small peaks, Mt Cuthbert and Mt Vincent, with views in every direction. There will be plenty of granite and interesting plants, too. The forecast is great, and the early cloud should lift soon. And, as it turns out, there is a bit of excitement as well!
The days overview map
Monadnocks to Mt Cooke
… and the details for the day.
We set off in mist, but hints of sun peek weakly through. The fog should burn off soon.
Leaf rolling spider. She or he will be hiding in their little house.
Pterostylis vittata, a tall, bold greenhood orchid. The small dark labellum on the lower petals is a hair trigger that flips the insect up into the chamber where the reproductive parts reside. You can’t touch these trigger sensitive orchids when photographing them because the slightest jostle will trip the labellum under the hood.
Calothamnus quadrifus amongst the granite
We gain altitude up Mt Cuthbert and the views begin. Still a little mist about but it just adds to the beauty.
Goodenia trinervis growing on burnt granite
Beautiful Cladia (coral lichen) in a moist granite cranny.
Borya sphaerocephala (Pincushions) is aptly named. You don’t want to kneel on this plant because the leaves will poke straight through your pants!
Burchardia multiflora on granite
The pools atop granite outcrops were an important water source for First Peoples. Sometimes you can recognise the smallest, deepest pools, as well as other artefacts.
The walking is great fun. Thru-hiking by its very nature means you have ordinary days and spectacular days. Today is one of the latter because of the views and the variety.
The sky continues to clear so we soak up the sun and the views
Grevillea bipinnitifida
Some steep rocky sections, but no climbing. So far the walk has not been demanding except in the sense that we are hiking every day. It is this cumulative effect that I’m beginning to notice, even after a rest day.
…and back into forest. Today is SO much fun!
Scaevola calliptera
Wonderful view from Mt Vincent back towards Mt Cuthbert
We sit down to prepare soup and crackers but are interrupted by a helicopter circling once, twice, three times around us. Odd. It then lands 150 metres to the south. We go see if we can help and indeed it is someone from the hut the night before. He’s had a medical episode and needs evacuation. I ask permission from his buddy (these pictures have since been seen and okayed for publication by the patient as well) and take a few shots while Geoff helps carry gear.
Unlike at Abyssinia Rock, there is excellent phone coverage atop Mt Vincent. The patient’s buddy was able to ring 000 and, during the conversation, asked them whether he should activate his PLB as well. The answer was no: they could get all the information they needed via the phone, and also call back for more details if necessary.
Geoff lends the patient his fleece jacket as he helps him reach the chopper. The medic is rather put out when Geoff asks for it back before the patient gets in. “Do you really need it?” the medic asks. Um, yes! He has no idea that we are about a week away from a shop, and that there is no second fleece for Geoff to wear until then!
We finally get to eat our soup and crackers for lunch.
Clear fell scars mar the view on the descent, but you can see that the walking is still primarily through forest.
Still plenty of wildflowers, here yellow Hibbertia and orange coral pea (Kennedia)
Grevillea quercifolium
Lovely open woodland and swamp
Stirlingia latifolia perching on a rock in a stream
And our wonderful campsite at Mt Cooke.
The west- facing hut catches the evening light.
Our twin sleeping quilt has retained nearly all of its loft despite the cold, damp nights. When we arrive in camp, we often hang it over a rail in the hut to air.
It has been an eventful day, and one of my favourites of the walk thus far. The variety and views have been wonderful, and we’ve had plenty of time to enjoy them. The two climbs were very doable at our pace, even with the chopper evac delaying us considerably. A banner day to savour.
