| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Chris S | Janne R | Peter | Jan M |
| Alternates | Norma | Garry G | Bev | Leonie |
Distance 11.3km; elevation gain 565m; duration 4hrs (approx)
Thirty two trampers set off from Mistletoe Flat, visitors David and Catherine joining the 15 Alternates who set off along the Sidle 73 track. This is a pleasant walk in the Craigieburn Basin linking through to Coalpit Spur Track which flows along the side of the West Coast Road, SH73. With a nor’west brewing we were all pleased that the tramp was going ahead after last week’s cancelled outing, albeit a change of plan from the scheduled Bealey Spur walk.
Having passed a burnt out truck and trailer unit on the highway near Lake Lyndon where crews were in attendance, we were conscious that accidents can happen on the roads or on the tracks. None such event for the Alternates today as Leader Norma maintained a steady pace on our way to an early morning tea break in the sunshine. Remnants of snow had been spotted on the Torlesse Range on the drive, but nothing was seen on the surrounding Craigieburns.
A short walk along an access road led to Coalpit Spur Track, a very agreeable track through stands of beech trees. We successfully forded a fast flowing stream after being instructed to buddy up to avoid any slips or unnecessary dunking.
Against the murmur of background traffic on SH73, a leisurely lunch was enjoyed as we sat in a clearing under the pylons. There seemed a brief interval between morning tea and lunch but which also allowed ample time for discussing tramping and travel adventures, both past and proposed.
Along the way a decided hint of autumn’s approach was reflected in leaves turning colour, and patches of ripe blackberries. Tailender Leonie allowed time to linger and sample. Vivid red hawthorn berries, rose hips, red toadstools and red markers provided a further splash of colour.
The departure from the regular Alternates’ walk, to make allowances for track closures, meant a shorter walking time. Thus we were surprised to see the bus at Manson Creek carpark by Flock Hill Station, with the time being only 1315 hrs. During the hour or so before the Standards arrived the nor’west picked up, white caps appeared on nearby Lake Pearson and most adjourned to seats on the bus.
Bus driver Garry had us back at Bishopdale at 1655 hrs, following a short refreshment break at Darfield.
Text by Marie-Therese
The 17 trampers in the Standards abandoned the original plan to head to Lyndon Saddle via Mistletoe Track. Instead we headed up Broken River Ski Field Road then right onto Luge Track that runs up to Lyndon Saddle 2.4 km away. It was a cool start but Leader Chris set a brisk pace and we soon warmed up.
We walked through beech forest on a well-formed track cushioned by leaves to our morning tea stop on the track. It was lovely to have some bird song accompany us here and later in our tramp. We continued onwards and upwards to Lyndon Saddle. The plan was to make a quick detour up and down Helicopter Hill however it was decided that time wasn’t on our side. We continued on down to the Craigieburn Edge Track and the Craigieburn Skifield Road.
From the road it was a left turn onto Coalpit Spur Track and a nice sheltered and grassy spot for lunch. Soon after lunch we crossed the Craigieburn Stream and the event of the day was our Leader coming to grief and getting rather wet. He wasn’t harmed and only his pride was dented! The rest of us crossed without incident. After one more stream crossing we reached the bus at 2.30pm. This was a relaxing day out in beautiful bush which was enjoyed by all after the cancellation the previous week.
Text by Janice and Warren
