122. Halls Gap-Pinnacle-Wonderland Loop
At 7.55am nine walkers welcomed Fiona and left the carpark at Halls Gap to tackle the thousand ironing board steps that head towards Wonderland. (So named because the steel shapes resemble ironing boards!)
The day was perfect with no wind and plenty of haze that would soon burn off to a perfect walking day. The steps levelled to a delightful bush track that wound its way through house sized boulders until we reached the Pinnacle and our upper limit of 740 metres. (On Monday we reached 1009 metres on Mt Rosea but from a higher start.)
For the first time in three days, we encountered other walkers in larger numbers. Their walk, from the Wonderland carpark, is the most popular of all Grampians day trips. We had done the hard yards.
After morning tea, which was almost eaten by a crow (Raven), we headed down through the wonderfully named Silent street. It resembles a deserted street complete with cobblestones and sidewalks. (A little imagination is required.) We then descended thought the Grand Canyon that is deep and impressive and to the Wonderland carpark where Joan was pictured astride an Indian motorbike!
Lunch was in the canyon that the upper access has been closed off for safety reasons. On the easier downhill descent, we followed Stony Creek to Splitters falls and eventually to Venus baths, a Grampians focal point for well over a century. The flowers were similar to those of yesterday but with four notable additions. Thanks to Fiona for identification.
A well-earned rest in the carpark provided a final cup of tea for all. Jan gave herself a treat with an ice cream. A marauding Wattle Bird gave himself a treat of the ice cream to the dismay of Jan!
Another wonderful Grampians day.
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