This is the final part of my Larapinta Trail blog covers days 11 to 14. Part 1 covered days 1 to 5 and part 2 covered days 6 to 10. I also have a video overview on youtube.
Day 11
Millers Flat to Mulga Camp
Section 3 and 2
Distance: 19km
We had decided to take the alternate high route from Millers Flat round to Tangentyere Junction. The other guy who caught up to us took the low route. We left before sunrise and on the way up there were heaps of budgies in the trees. Overall the high route didn’t seem that hard and we stopped for a quick snack break at the top. We then headed to Jay Creek for lunch. A lot of the track from Fish Hole to Jay Creek was along a dry creek bed which was slow going walking in the sand. After lunch we then headed to Mulga Camp.
Day 12
Mulga Camp to Hat Hill Saddle
Section 2 and 1
Distance: 19km
We again left early just before sunrise. Not long after leaving we saw the moon set. The full moon is tonight. We had morning tea at Bond Gap which was one of our favourite morning tea spots. Just after leaving Bond Gap we saw our fourth snake. When we got to Simpsons Gap we filled up our water at the hiker’s camp and there were mouse droppings all over the sleeping platforms. We heard about there being lots of mice here. We then went down to the trail head for lunch.
Tessa was hoping to join us at Simpsons Gap however we got a message from her saying she was sick so couldn’t join us now. After lunch we then headed down to have a look at the gap. We then headed up to Hat Hill Saddle for camp to try and avoid the mice. We did have a couple but weren’t that bad. We had a chill afternoon and then watched the full moon rise before going to bed.
Day 13
Hat Hill Saddle to Wallaby Gap
Section 1
Distance: 9.8km
We only had a short distance to cover so we had a very relaxed morning and pack up. Our first stop was at Fairy Springs for a long morning tea break. We watched the zebra finches and the odd budgie for a while. They would all group in the trees and bushes and then moved across to the top of the cliff and then make their way down to the water. We then went to Scorpion Pool for an extended lunch break. Again we watched the birds come down to the water. Along with the zebra finches and budgies there was also spotted doves and spinifex pigeons. As expected we got to camp early. We went down to Wallaby Gap and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. The sunset was stunning, as usual the last sunrise or sunset is the best one on my trips. As we went to bed the mice started coming out. Thankfully they didn’t get into any of our stuff.
Day 14
Wallaby Gap to Alice Springs Telegraph Station
Section 1
Distance: 13.9km
We left early as we were hoping to finish before lunch. As we were walking over Euro Ridge we watched the sunrise. We continued on and had a quick break at the railway crossing. Not long after that we walked under the Geoff Moss Bridge and started our countdown to the end. It didn’t take us long from there to get to the end and we headed straight to the café at the Telegraph Station. Tessa was going to pick us up however the car was at the mechanics and was then going to borrow her housemate’s car however it was also at the mechanics. She ended up organising a taxi for us. Once we got back we headed straight to the shower, our first shower in over 14 days. We then had lunch, relaxed and eventually started sorting our gear out.
Post Larapinta Trail
Total distance: 244km
The following day after Tessa’s car was back from the mechanics we went out and picked up our two food drops. We also walked into Serpentine Gorge as we didn’t get to when we walked through as it was a big day. On the walk in we saw a legless lizard (not a snake). We also went up to the lookout which had a great view.
Overall we enjoyed the Larapinta Trail. For us it felt like a pretty easy and straightforward trail from the planning right through to completing the trail. Both my sister and I have had a lot of experience hiking and I do this for work so this won’t be the case for many other people. Some of our highlights are the following:
· Favourite camp: Counts Point
· Favourite section: 5
· Watching the birds at Fairy Springs and Scorpion Pool
· Sleeping out in the open looking up at the stars
· All the different flowers along the trail
Here are a few suggestions for those thinking about doing the Larapinta Trail
· Camp at as many high camps as you can,
· Don’t be afraid to change your plans along the way
· Carry all the maps as it makes it easier to plan if you decide to change anything
· Do some hikes carrying your full pack if haven’t done much hiking before
· Take your time to enjoy the trail and the little side trips
I hope you have enjoyed reading through my Larapinta Trail blog. As I mentioned at the start this is my first blog I’ve done from my trips so if you have any feedback or suggestions please let me know.
留言