Day 10: Pine Hut Plain
We stopped at Chalice Lake yesterday partly so we wouldn’t have to negotiate the steep scramble down past Grails Falls when Helen was tired. Today, the descent and walk out is straightforward after our rest day, and we can also see why the lovely day walk through varied vegetation to Grail Falls is so popular.
9 km walk with a short climb out of Chapter Lake - total elevation gain for the day 100m
Chalice Lake’s morning mirror before the breeze picks up.
This gives you an idea of why the tracks are tiring.
Descending down into the forest, with log crossings.
Ferns and eucalypts. It’s warm!
Many of the biggest, oldest mountain ash have fallen.
Further down, silver wattle is at the end of its succession after the last fire.
Jackson’s Creek Suspension Bridge.
The end of Mersey Forest Rd! Never has a road walk looked so inviting!
Lees Paddock Track and Pine Hut.
Lees Paddock track continues to Cradle Mountain National Park. We’ll do a Day walk there tomorrow.
Time for another wash!
Another lovely campsite beside the babbling Mersey River, with Premier Peak behind, and Dean’s Bluff in the distance.
Soaking up the sun !
Our trusty alcohol cook system: Caldera Cone Tri-Ti with Toaks siphon stove and evernew pot.
Another dinner with a view.
We’re pleased we booked the room with a view.