I was keen try some new gear on an overnight hike and had to try something new after learning my next planned location, Mount Cole, is still closed after last years bushfires.
https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/lorne-waterfalls-loop/
It was longer and harder than I wanted, but the weather was perfect and I was feeling confident, so decided to give it a go.
After booking a campsite, doing hours of prep, and meticulous gear grooming, I was ready. Until I stumbled across some All Trails reviews the night before!
and
Of course being All Trails, there was also this review that happened between the above two.
Given I am pretty inexperienced at overnight hiking and lugging heavy backpacks, I decided to change my plans. New plan: Park at the Allenvale camping ground Saturday morning and start the main loop in reverse, as soon as it got too hairy then I could turn around and find other safer hikes near the campsite.
Good plan. The walk started well - new pack was comfortable, the weather was amazing, and walking along St George River, past the Phantom Falls, and up Cora Lynn Creek was stunning.
But this only lasted for 4km; then the water crossings started. The first creek crossing was ok, but I wasn't willing to try the second. The rocks were insanely slippery and there was no way I was getting across without wet feet and maybe a fall. I think I will wear trail runners and just walk through the water next time (and bring spare socks).
I then backtracked a bit before heading down Henderson Track and this took me back to Phantom Falls via Allen Dam. It was lunch time and I found a great spot on St George River to enjoy a break and to try out the camp chair I had been lugging around.
Alas the northern loop towards Handerson Falls was closed so I went back past the car and walked to Sheoaks picnic ground.
From there I headed back to the camp site and setup camp. I had a good few hours of afternoon sun and I soaked it up. The chair was definitely worth taking and having a nap in the tent with the sun on my face was just divine.
Enjoyed the evening with music, my audio book, and a decent dinner. The little gas cookers blow the old trangia out of the water and I discovered how good hot chocolates are when camping.
Slept like a log for the first half of the night, but pretty miserable for the second half. Must have passed the sleeping bag comfort rating so I was cold and restless.
After a quick coffee and breakfast, I headed for a 6km return walk to Teddy's Lookout. More gorgeous riverside tracks, then a decent hill, and finally ocean views. A great way to start the day, and not carrying anything felt fantastic.
Ended up doing 14km on the Saturday with the full backpack, and 6km on Sunday unencumbered. Left around 10 and was home before lunch. I would be keen to try this area again as there are a lot of walking tracks here to explore.
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