Cradle Mountain Summit

January 20

We drive from our camp spot and bull into an overlook. The ground is specked with orchids and we enjoy the view into the valley below. I am glad that we headed east of Cradle Mountain to camp or we would have missed this treasure. The forecast was wrong: no rain in sight. The vew clouds above us are fluffy white and do not obstruct the view to the top spires of Cradle Mountain. Mom and dad choose to take the trail around Dove Lake while Patrick and I take the opportunity of such a lovely day to summit the mountain. When it rains 270 days of the year here, we nearly feel it is our duty to appreciate the clear views from the top when we arrive on such a lovey day. We pass by lakes, scrample up rocky faces, weave through forest and in the last hour, clamber over large rocks before sumitting. For some, their hearts beat fast because of the exertion and cardio. I am reminded of my fear of heights and my heart beats fast for an all together different reason. Upon reaching the top, I am calm and the sun is warm with a nice breeze. We can see for miles in ever direction. Peaceful. Beautiful. Surely to be amungst my favorite moments in Australia.

We hike down quickly in order to meet my parents at the van. Worried we had taken so long, they arrived only 5 minutes before us after also having had a lovely day in the park. Just like most things seem to be working on our trip, the day couldn't have worked out much better. Well okay maybe an extra water bottle on the trail but we rehydrated with some sparkling apple cider and then said goodbye to Cradle Mountain, a very special place.

We craved a shower, laundry and a good nights rest. We stopped at Longford River Caravan Park. Dinner was burgers, beer, potatoes and a fresh salad followed up with Tim Tams for desert. (Patrick and I are addicted). Ducks followed us arround, but there were no spottings of the duck billed platapus that were sometimes spotted in the river. I was determined with both a evening and morning platapus hunt amungst the trees on the bank, but to no avail. With only a day and a half left on the island, I am doubtful that we will find one in the wild. I can't complain however because our wildlife spotting has been better than I could have imagined – skinks, 6 echidnas, 4 possums, over a dozen wombats and so many hopping marsupials that I have lost count. The bird life is everywhere too. I need the help of my niece Greta, an avid birder, to help me identify them all.