Day 1
This was always going to be the highlight of the trip – if all went well. The route from here, took me up almost to Dead Horse Gap (with obvious jokes), then into the Pilot Wilderness on the Cascade Trail and onto the Cowombat Trail for a night camping in Cowombat Flat. The next day would take me to Benambra or Omeo along the Cowombat Trail and the Old Limestone Road.
Ambitiously, I’d thought I could make it to Bulley Creek on the first night, then Omeo the second but I’d leave the decisions until the last moment and do whatever was best (and easiest).
So onto the Cascade Trail, and it was superb. There were a few creek crossings and hike-a-bike as I wound through low alpine heather-like plants. One creek crossing was deeper after the rain, so I took off my new shoes and socks and carried the bike through. As I sat on a rock putting my shoes back on, I noticed the small walking bridge that I should have used but didn’t see. Oh well.
I saw a few Mountain Bikers but that was all. I also didn’t see many animals apart from a few Brumbies. On these trails there had been culling of introduced species in recent weeks. Not a lot of horse poo on the Cascade Trail, but there was lots on the Cowombat section.
It was invigorating being out here, and I stopped too many times to take photos and look around. There were also some very steep hills that required pushing, so progress was slow.
Somehow, I missed seeing the Cascade Hut, but in my defence, there were trail works in progress and maybe there was a sign missing. So I decided to have a late lunch at the Tin Mine Hut.
After all of the uphills and pushing, there were a few fantastic downhills that made it all worthwhile. The track was in great condition and this just added to the speed and the fun.
When I got there, Tin Mine Hut was down a steep hill, so I set up my chair at the top in the shade, and had a great lunch of scrambled eggs, capsicum and pesto on wraps – delicious.
That spot was the end of the Cascade Trail and the start of the Cowombat Trail. It immediately deteriorated. The descents were rocky and not exactly exhilarating and the trail became much more overgrown. It was still beautiful but required a bit more hard work.
In the end, I made it to Cowombat Flat at about 5:30pm and decided to stay there and not push on another difficult 11kms to Bulley Creek. I had absolutely everything I needed right here – a stream to filter water from, a flat grassy campsite and a beautiful late afternoon. It was blissful and very very quiet.
Day 2
After a cold night, I waited for the sun to hit my tent before emerging. There were Brumbies grazing further up the slope and the birds were doing their morning thing, as I had my muesli and coffee and packed up. What a nice spot to camp !
I was interested to see what Bulley Creek was like but after a difficult 11kms, I found the creek dry and no perfect camp spot like I’d had. I was really happy to have stayed where I did. It meant I had enough water to wash and cook and enough for today’s ride. I’d hate to think what would have happened if I’d pushed on yesterday.
From there the trail gradually improved and before too long, I’d come to the end of the Cowombat track and emerged onto the old Limestone Road which if be on for the rest of the day.
What greeted me were four big ugly 4WDs who sped past spewing smells and dust everywhere. After nearly two days of total serenity, this was a shock.
I setup my chair well back from the road and had some lunch. One guy stopped and asked if I needed water – such a kind thing to do.
Then I set off on the pretty nice gravel road towards some civilisation. I hated all the 4WDs who covered me in dust and pushed me off the road. I was also passed by a series of motor bike riders along the way.
As I walked in, one guy got up and said – gee, you did well to get here ! He was one of the riders who went past, so I had a long chat to him and his group. Later, a lady picking up dinner from the pub kitchen told me she’d seen me and hadn’t covered me in dust. In fairness, there were a few thoughtful drivers who slowed down when they approached me – much appreciated.
It turned out to be a long, exhausting day and I decided early to stop in Benambra if possible. Luckily, the pub was open and they did meals and accommodation !
I had a big meal and slept like a log.
