Didthul (Pigeon House) Mountain

Today's adventure was a trek up Pigeon House Mountain. An hours drive from our campground along some fairly rough gravel tracks, we converged at the carpark and picnic area ready to tackle the trail!

Our group of 22 included 3 small people who had arrived and started early to get a head start. The trail was reported to be a grade 4, 5km return trip taking between 2.5 - 3.5hrs. 

The track began with a series of switchbacks before a section of stairs. The group naturally splintered with the faster walkers leading the way. We caught the little ones about 1/3 of the way up. Near the top of this first steep section was a large rock ledge - a great spot to regroup, rest and snack. 

Once we got going again, the group again spread out. The track flattened out which allowed the first glimpses of the top of Pigeon House to be seen though the trees. Andy was ahead with Katy while I was at the back with Ella, Ryan, Morgan, Kyle and 6 year old daughter Wallace. 

My Garmin indicated we were well over halfway in distance to the top, however as we discovered later this was not the case! Lots of encouragement and support was needed by Wallace and we were determined for her to make it to the summit. Kyle would rotate between carrying Wallace on his shoulders and us holding her hands as she negotiated the uneven rocky steps of the trail.

It all became much easier as we reached the base of the ladder section. Soon after we arrived at the top to the cheers of the rest of the group. The panoramic views over the Budawangs was fantastic. A group photo at the top was required before we could enjoy a break and some food.

Usually the descent part of a walk is quicker however Wally was really struggling despite our best efforts on encouragement and distraction! Kyle did a superhuman effort with the shoulder rides and his quads must have been killing! Our water levels were dwindling fast as the day warmed up significantly. We were so happy to reach the switchbacks knowing we were almost there but they kept on going!!

Just over 4 hours after beginning and covering a total of 7.2km we arrived back at the cars again to the cheers of our fellow walkers. 

Ice cream and cold drinks at the service station on the way back to the camp ground were well deserved and much appreciated! Back at the campground, our focus was getting to the beach as soon as possible to cool off!

For dinner, our family was keen to have fish'n'chips and drove to the closet town, Bawley Point. Sadly the only takeaway sonly old pizza and the owners were not at all nice so we opted to get cooking supplies from the IGA next-door. Then it was back to the campground to cook meatballs and pasta!