Day 6 Cave Hill to McDermid Rock
Thursday, 18th September 2014
We’re still travelling The Woodlines heading toward Lake Johnston where we’ll make camp.
The Woodlines is less travelled than Holland Track; an indicator being the number of fallen trees accross the track which don’t have go arounds. We get the axe and saw out several times to clear the track. We did this even if there were go arounds for the smaller trees but there were a couple which were just too big ( needed a chainsaw ) so we used the exisitng go around. At no time did we create new go arounds as we belive if there isn’t a go around you clear the track where possible.
Travelling along The Woodlines you can see evidence of the previous train tracks, there are sections of railway sleepers pretty much in tact and rail spikes can be found on and around the track – take care not to get a puncture.
We turn onto Victoria Rock road and make our way to Banks Rock which is said to be similar to Wave Rock.
It’s remarkable, although it isn’t as tall as Wave Rock it seems longer and from some angles is virtually identical. We were saddened to see where a car(s) and motorbike(s) had been across the rock and clearly left their mark and damaged the rock – WHY?? :'( Once again there was water at the top of Banks Rock and as with most of the “rocks” in the area there were heaps of little dragons sunning and running all over the rock. They’re very quick and we didn’t get a good photo of one.
We leave Banks Rock and make tracks for Lake Johnston intending to set up camp for the day. We pull in, it’s not a good spot for us and our tent – not a lot of shade. We’re heading to McDermid Rock and on the way we see a salt lake (un-named per our map) with what appears to be two red hills on the banks. We take a closer look; it looks like someone has dug a hole into the salt lake and dumped the sand causing the “red hills” and creating a deep hole of water. Now this could be a swimming hole or used by nearby mines for water.Hmm.. no wonder the salt lake is dry.
About 1.30pm we arrive a McDermid Rock and settle in for the day. Another perfect day ends, Oh! sorry have I said that before 🙂
Trip info – From Cave Hill to Mc Dermid Rock
Distance Travelled 99kms
Average Speed 20kph
Total Travel Time 4hr 57mins
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