| Leader | Mentor | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Selwyn | Glenys | Frank |
| Alternates | Lynley | Jan M | Mark |
Distance for Alternates: 14 km. Distance for Standards: not as far as they had expected.
Where was the bus? That all important component of our Wednesday outings was nowhere to be seen, as the 0800 hr departure time came and went. Dave our driver had misread his instructions, so it was a slightly delayed departure.
From the email received on Monday: “The Standards will summit Mt Oxford with its magnificent 360 degree views, while the Alternates will tramp to Ryde Falls”. These were pretty good predictors as this is what generally happens on the day. Or not. The adage “where there’s a will, there’s a way” might have crossed trampers’ minds, but as sometimes happens, the best will in the world can’t compete with a spring weather event. Fortunately, the foehn effect on the eastern side of the mountains meant there was no rain. Prudence went a long way to ensure that everyone returned safely home.
Mt Oxford and Ryde Falls are near Oxford township in the 11,350 hectare forest which features walking and mountain biking tracks and a recreational hunting area. It is an accredited Dark Sky Park – a wonderful area for stargazing. Both walks begin at Cooper’s Creek carpark a few minutes’ drive from the township.
We were all pleased to have our North American contingent slowly increasing in number with the return of Michele to down under. Visitor Chris was also welcomed for the outing.
As the 12 Standards and 19 Alternates set off at 0930 hr, the NW wind was starting to increase. The Standards went up. The Alternates walked along an undulating course in the style of over and under, or occasionally through the branches of fallen trees, with the sporadic patch of bog to add to the challenge. Generally, the track follows the contours of the hillside and is well maintained, although there were waratahs waiting to trip up an unwary walker. We concluded that these were planted mid track to stabilize particular areas.
The Standards enjoyed a lovely two hour uphill walk, to just beyond the treeline. After advancing a short distance and then with a distinct possibility of trampers being toppled over by the gale, it was deemed a good move to retreat. Alas for the Standards, today’s goal of summitting Mt Oxford was not meant to be. Lunch was enjoyed in a more sheltered spot downhill, out of the wind, before an early return to the bus, with a 90-minute wait for the Alternates to appear.
Meantime the Alternates enjoyed their break at the river’s edge, but not before most of the group had downed packs and walked on to view the lovely Ryde Falls. This short section is becoming a little more exciting with a fairly decent slip that is eroding the access. With the absence of sandflies or wasps, it is a pleasant place for an interlude. The return was via the same route, so we were somewhat prepared for a repeat of the navigational skills required.
The bus departed Cooper’s Creek at 1510 hrs. While the gale had partly disrupted one plan, it was agreed that the area is a lovely place to explore. On a day like today, the cobwebs are certainly blown away and any discomfort becomes secondary to another good day out.
Text by Marie-Therese
