Day Eight - Saturday 27th April - Melrose Campground The remarkable Mt. Remarkable

We had one challenge to be overcome today: to climb Mt Remarkable. We knew that it would take about 5 hours and was 16 kms return. We had been looking at the mountain behind us thinking 'Its not that high - we'll be fine'. As with many mountain climbs you soon discover that there is yet another hill, and yet another hill, and yet another hill, all steeper than the last. It was a miracle that we managed to leave the campsite at 10am. By the time clothes were decided upon, people were showered, sunscreen was applied, sandwiches were made, snacks were distributed, clothing was discussed and changed again, water bottles were filled, hats were located, tissues were found and everyone had been to the loo, it was amazing that we left at all! Fortunately it was a balmy day in the mid-20s with a cool breeze: perfect walking conditions.

One of the distinguishing features of this mountain is the large amount of rocks and scree that has slid down the steepest slopes, so there was plenty of rocky paths to negotiate. There I was congratulating myself on buying good walking boots with lots of tread so I didn't slip and slide everywhere, and a guy goes past walking in his Crocs: was he mad??!! It would have been truly remarkable if I had managed to climb Mt Remarkable.....but I didn't. I did half of it and 7 kms took me four hours including rest stops so it wasn't easy going.

The views were fabulous: kilometres of flat plains punctuated by the occasional silo, with the misty blue Flinders Ranges in the distance. Lots of different vegetation including a gully filled with native grasstrees and some magnificent old gums. Although it was difficult to appreciate the vegetation when it really wasn't possible to lift your eyes up of the dirt and rocks too often, or you would be at risk of tumbling down the hill. As I write this I'm sitting at the campsite with a cup of tea and cake, and the others have yet to return. Five hours has been and gone and no sign of them yet. I'm not sure how long I should wait before sending out the alarm. Fingers crossed they return soon! Update: They returned looking exhausted but happy. It was 17.1 kms and took almost seven hours. A few drinks will be appreciated by all I'm sure! Chili con carne for dinner will help fend off the increasing cold but at least there's no wind tonight. So the end of a successful day for some! Your slightly disappointed and weary correspondent Dianne