Distance: 13.5km
Temp: 32°c Max, 18°c min
Day 1: https://www.strava.com/activities/4863136564
With only a short day planned we had a late start and met for lunch before getting to the trail head. It was closer to 2pm before we actually set off. The first 2 km were fairly easy following along an old fire trail, even though some of it was a decent incline. Plenty of cobblers pegs to latch onto clothing as well.
There had been a fire through here not too long ago and as soon as we turned off the road it was significantly harder. The trail was overgrown with weeds towering over my head. Pushing through thick green scrub in 75% humidity built up the sweat and drained energy fast. Some plants sharper than others...
Pace slowed to a crawl on some sections with regular breaks and trying to re-acquire the trail after it disappeared under weeds or a fallen tree. When we reached the top of the ridge I thought it would have been easier but we traded the weeds for Gympie Gympie and stinging nettle. I got hit at least two dozen times.
 |
| Photo by Aaron. That's a lot of Ouchie! |
Persevering through we made it to a rainforest section with a lot more open understory and much easier going, albeit steep incline again. Near the top the Aussie scrub broke through again and welcomed us with a grove of Grass Trees.
From there, and a beautiful view just beyond, we made it to the Steamers Saddle camp. A nice open spot, suitable for 5 hiking tents, 6-7 if you squeeze. With very reliable fresh water just 250m east.
With the late start we did get into camp a little late but plenty of light to setup and cook dinner. Just dark enough for the torch as I was finishing up eating. We stayed up and chatted (and reduced some pack weight by consuming some port and scotch... ) for a while but were all ready to turn into bed by about 8pm.
We had a fairly relaxed morning pack up in camp, letting things dry a little after last nights rain. There were a bunch of Red Triangle slugs about who obviously enjoyed the small shower.
Before long though we were setting off up to the summit of Mt Steamer. Straight from camp we started the ~260m climb. With a goat trail most of the way it was easier than the hills yesterday, but the soil was damp and rocks were slippery. Just as we reached the top, as luck often has it, a cloud rolled in and obscured our view.. Plenty of Wildflowers along the way though.
Never mind though, off we went again. Following on a thin ridge line before starting the descent down to the stern. Rainforest scrub here, once again spotted with stinging nettle and Gympie Gympie. Luckily there was a distinct lack of Lawyer Vine ("Wait-a-while") though. A few small rock Cairns letting us know we were on the right path and eventually we made the Stern.
We ditched the packs at the junction and made our way to probably one of the most scenic lookouts in SE-QLD. Often a bucket list hike for many Brisbane Bushwalkers. The Steamer Ranges. You sit on the Stern and look out over the Mast, Funnel and Prow. Definitely a great view and a nice relaxing spot to sit just feeling the wind blow by.
 |
| Photo by Mike |
With the Sun starting to beat down it was time to return to our packs and finish off the hike. As soon as you step off the Stern ridge it's loose dirt/rocks and big steps down. You follow along the base of the cliff mostly and only deviate for short stints before linking back up with it. It's not very far, but it definitely feels it.
We then passed the Mast, mostly the same again and met the rise up to the Funnel. There was some opportune (or so we thought...) Flagging tape marking 'the trail' down back to Steamer creek so we took a punt and followed it. There was no trail. Waiting through long grass, down a steep slope with the occasional hidden stinging nettle... I got hit a few more times. We decided to traverse over to where we though the actual trail was, through two gullies and lots more long grass. Hot, muggy work. At least we got some light rain about 1/2 way down to cool us off....
Eventually we made back to the creek and were on the fire trail out. Just past the NP gate, about 1pm, were 2 keen hikers who apparently spent the day looking for the trail head. They asked it how long it took us and if they had enough time to duck up in the afternoon. We suggested they might want to start fresh another day....
After the ~7 creek crossings to get out we were back on the bitumen. A quick sit down and Schooner + some chips at the pub in Yangan and then we set off home.
After the ~7 creek crossings to get out we were back on the bitumen. A quick sit down and Schooner + some chips at the pub in Yangan and then we set off home.
