Ormiston Pound – Hermits Hideaway
Awake at 6 am, per usual. After having breakfast and packing up, it was time for us to say goodbye to our new friend, Sam from Hobart.
Then we set off on the day’s walk. Soon we after leaving Ormiston Gorge we saw the following sign, but saw neither kangaroos nor elves, let alone elves riding kangaroos.
It was a short walk, only 14 km, but we had to carry enough water for two days (5 litres). It would be a high camp with a 250m climb. So, whilst the walk was short, it was demanding.
The weather was cool and there were spots of rain at times. The walking was pleasant. I stopped for a lengthy break at 10:30 am and had morning tea and lunch. Whilst I was doing this, the rest of the party went past me.
After lunch, it was time for the climb, which I did at a slow and steady pace . At the top of the climb, there are extensive views of Mount Giles to the north and, in the distance, Mount Sonder to the west.
The walk continues for 3 km along a ridge to our camping site (also shown on my map as Hermits Hideaway).
It was a windy day. However, the campsite is sit behind a natural rock barrier, about 2 m high, which protects the site from the wind.
I saw a number of eagles floating on the wind currents.
There was plenty of time before dinner, so I read a few chapters of Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene. I’m really enjoying it.
I cooked dinner from a vantage point where I could see Mount Sonder with the sun setting behind it. Dinner was kangaroo bolognese with two minute noodles.
