Once we had checked into our lodge, we decided to make full use of time and do some hiking, despite the ominous weather. After all, that's why we decided to include the Grampians in our itinerary - because we love the outdoors.
I first got hooked on hiking when I tried it in Bali in 2008, where we did an early morning climb to the summit of Mt Batur. Though i struggle with steep terrain and the descent (i blame it on the short legs and the fear of heights), i enjoy the changing landscape and that sense of accomplishment whenever i reach my end point.
But i digress.
Based on the information we had found from a website on the different walks in the Grampians, we decided to start off with an easy hike at the The Balconies Lookout (the walk is graded as Easy with 50 metres in elevation), which according to the Visit Melbourne webbie, is a great place to take in panoramic views.
I first got hooked on hiking when I tried it in Bali in 2008, where we did an early morning climb to the summit of Mt Batur. Though i struggle with steep terrain and the descent (i blame it on the short legs and the fear of heights), i enjoy the changing landscape and that sense of accomplishment whenever i reach my end point.
But i digress.
Based on the information we had found from a website on the different walks in the Grampians, we decided to start off with an easy hike at the The Balconies Lookout (the walk is graded as Easy with 50 metres in elevation), which according to the Visit Melbourne webbie, is a great place to take in panoramic views.
Grey and foggy on our drive there
One of the lookout points near the carpark. A pity the weather wasn't clear.
The start of the trail to the Balconies Lookout. The return trip took us 45 minutes in total.
Little Red Hiking Hood
I'm not into bird watching but I was very excited to spot this Kookaburra on our way there. Thanks to Wikipedia, i've found out that it's a Laughing Kookaburra.
At the Balconies Lookout
The two sandstone rocks jutting from the cliff face are nicknamed the Jaws of Death. Again, i wish we had better weather. The view would have been much better.
We then drove to the Boroka Lookout, which was known as one of the best lookouts in the Grampians. This time round, it was just a short 15 minutes walk from the carpark to the lookout point. Amazing how the weather could morph so quickly.
We were very thankful for the clear weather, and the double rainbows :)
Our last stop of the day (racing against sunset again) was The Pinnacle. There're two routes leading to The Pinnacle from different car parks. We chose the easier route, a 4.2km return walk graded as Medium with an elevation of 110m.
And it was back to gloomy and grey weather again. It was drizzling almost the whole return trip and we were wet and cold.
Because i was too busy getting my footing right and making sure i didn't slip among the wet rocks, I don't have photos from the first 3/4 of the ascent. Photos below were taken when we were nearing The Pinnacle.
Nowhere near The Pinnacle
The weather got clearer and clearer as we ascended. Hooray!
The only people we met at The Pinnacle was an Australian couple who had taken the tougher route to reach the summit. Kudos to them for making the wet and slipper climb in their Wellington boots! By the way, it was really scary going up the steps to the lookout point where they were standing in the pic. You can't really tell from the photo, but it was so windy I felt like I was going to get blown off any moment!
The beautiful view from The Pinnacle. Reminds me of how small our existence is really.
I guess he likes to live life on the edge, literally
Yay, I made it!
The fiance led the way on the descent and pointed out the yellow arrows to follow. If I were lost in a National park, i'd never be able to find my way out :P
Back to gloomy weather again
We just had to take these 'accomplishment' photos
It was then back to Halls Gap for dinner
Nothing like a warm hot choclate to end the physically exhausting day
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