Mount Hay

A day out with the UMBMC under the encouraging leadership of Damon, six of us  did the Mount Hay, Venus Tor, Boorong Craggs circuit on a very windy day, excitingly (?!) windy, in some places.

The walk included some interesting challenges of steep leaf-covered slopes, vertiginous ridge-edge sections and much rock scrambling. The dappled sky made the sun bearable and gave welcome shade.

Taking pictures in the 'most challenging'  places is difficult due to the necessary concentration required to stay on track --or on edge!

The walk was very much enjoyed by all--Thanks Damon.

I include Damon's report here--much more colourful!

It was a very amiable group that set out at 10.20am for Mt Hay — Marian, Bob, Diah, Julielou with her 2nd walk with the club and Hisako with her 1st! Perfect conditions for walking, not hot, with a cooling breeze (gusty at times), with - as Julielou pointed out - cartoon clouds. We stopped to admire the view on the way to the summit of Mt Hay, where we took the obligatory ‘pile of rocks’ photo.

The descent was just as quick, especially with the help of a rope conveniently placed at the final slope of rock. Bob checked the anchor point for us - a perfect bowline. Morning tea and pleasant conversation was had on a sunny (and windy) rock platform near the cliffs. It was fascinating to hear about the delights of home-made hazelnut toffee and the deadly properties of cashew nut oil :) From our position, we could discern 2 odd white dots on the side of Venus Tor. Hisako ended speculation about what they might be by whipping out a pair of binoculars - two people with white shirts.

On the way to Venus Tor we met them coming back - 2 members of a larger party, the Springwood Bushwalking Club, just returning from Boorong Crags. And oh, by the way, did you come down a rope from Mt Hay? We put that there, we’ll probably take that when we go. I hope you don’t mind! Thanks guys.

We traversed the ledge around Venus Tor despite the gusty conditions and got to the top, with magnificent views of the surrounding country, then continued on to Boorong Crags. Once we found the track down, we made out way through the thick bush up to the crag, where we enjoyed lunch and more friendly conversation - mostly about giant spiders as I recall :)

Then it was time to return. We got up the now ropeless rock slope and the steep haul up Mt Hay, and eventually returned to the cars at 4pm. A longer time than I had estimated! But everyone had enjoyed the walk.

Many thanks to everyone who came.