Life Trove: Wolgan Valley

A sublime hike to The Gardens of Stone with Gavin, Srini, Rajesh and Michal.

Highlights

Michal's amazing driving over muddy, cratered roads to get us to the start of the hike. My car got stuck and started to over-heat so we had to abandon her half way. Thank goodness for Michal's Saburu!
Coming across a lovely grotto early on in the hike where we signed the guest book as a grumpy Scott Morrison.
Hiking along a ridge almost all the way so the going was pretty flat. A low effort hike but with awesome rewards.
After an hour of hiking, the ridge opening up with sublime views of The Wolgan Valley.
The extraordinary rock formations including awesome pagodas. This part of the world is not called "Gardens of Stone" for nothing.
Stunning views of rain on the horizon with shafts of light shining though. The rain caught up with us after a little while but it cleared up quickly.
Reaching a great camp site but deciding to press on in case we came to an even better one.
Srini's exhortation that we hike to The Nipple, famous for its epic views. We reached it and carried our packs up it for good measure (God knows why!) to reach another group of hikers Srini knew.
The wind picking up, it started getting bitterly cold. No better camps site eventuated so we regrouped our steps back to the initial one.
After setting up our tents, enjoying a gorgeous sunset over the valley while sipping wine.
Collecting wood and making a wonderful fire that warmed us up nicely.
Lots more wine, delicious sea food Laksa (thanks Srini) and sublime sausages fried up in garlic butter on the fire (thanks Gavin).
Srini declaring loudly that he was "The Last Man Standing." What a champion he is.
Gavin's tent suddenly blowing away in the strong wind and requiring some rapid action to stop it.
A rather chilly night to put it mildly. Gavin's pesky tent decided to collapse in the middle of the night requiring more action.
More scrumptious sausages for breakfast. Never tasted anything so good!!
A relatively gentle walk back, enjoying more sublime views.
Rajesh carrying my pack down a treacherous incline when my fear of heights kicked in. Now that IS a true champion!!
More muddy fun driving back out.
Stopping off for pizza on the way back.
All in all, a fantastic weekend.
PS The saying of the weekend, "Did you stop for a Hot Lunch?"