Karen & Ian's little adventures: 6th Week - Friday

Caught the shuttle bus and once again headed for Dove Lake but to do a different walk. Turned the corner and there was Cradle Mountain with no clouds covering it. A view not that often seen out of summer. Set off and after about 1km of rocky path and tree roots arrived at Lake Lilla where our paths separate. Ian went up to Wombat Pool and Crater Lake then up to Marions Lookout (1223m). This involved a lot of up hill climbing and at one point using a chain to help pull yourself up. Not for me. I elected to do the 3.5 km to Ronny Creek. This started with having to cross over water and mud, then rocks and tree roots before it became a boardwalk. I never encountered another person for about 3km of this walk and it was just so peaceful. Back at Ronny Creek I caught the shuttle bus and walked back to the van. Ian meanwhile completes his 6km to end up at Ronny Creek. He had messaged me when he thought he would be arriving at Ronny Creek so I walked back and caught the shuttle up to him and we then walked 5.5 km down to the Interpretation Centre and Rangers Station. This was along a boardwalk track although did go up and down the hills. That was it the feet and knees were not going to do the last 2km to the visitors centre so decided to get the shuttle. We had filled in a log of our walk so had to sign in that we had returned from it and that there was no need to send out a search party. While doing this we missed the shuttle so had a look around the Rangers Station and Interpretation Centre before standing at the bus stop. The next shuttle was full so passed us by. Ian then decided he was walking the final 2km to the Visitors Centre because it could be ages before a bus with seats comes by. So off he goes. About 2 minutes later a wombat decides to cross the car park and bus stop so I watch him until the next shuttle pulls up. It was full but luckily 4 people got off so the 3 of us waiting get on and waved to Ian (who was about half way) as we went by. Back at the Visitors Centre I wait until Ian arrives and we walk the final leg back to the van. We have completed the walks we wanted to do. This is a really beautiful place and worth the visit but boy are the legs and feet aching now.