Higgs track April 2018

This Sunday was my first walk with the Ramblers. This group has just celebrated its 45th anniversary as a walking and hiking club. There were four people at High street where we had been asked to meet. Two more joined us, Julie at Deloraine and Peter at the start of the walk.

it was a cloudy day with a forecast of heavy rain by mid afternoon. As we approached the steep slopes of the western tiers, cloud partially swathed the mountain sides. The light was softened and gentle.

The walk begins on a bark trail, crosses a creek by an established bridge. We saw the first of many fine examples of Tasmanian fungi. Elaine is even more enthusiastic about them than I am. We took so many photos. The damp mizzle blessed them with the most delicate coating of moisture, making them appear even more delicate and sublime than in harsher daylight.

The track winds up the slope, the steps on the rocky track needed care but did not present too severe a technical challenge. Then after crossing a rocky creek bed, water chugging beneath us as we clambered over them, the route became more difficult. This was only a short interlude before arriving at the cairn marking the culmination of the track.

On the way up we passed a track to the right which is actually the original path, where Stanley Higgs brought up cattle to feed on the alpine meadows and heaths in the Tasmanian summer. He built the track himself in the 1880s.

Mist filled the forests. The blue light and soft wet haze made every image magical. There is something about a foggy forest that harkens back to our north European ancestry in the medieval and ancient woodlands. It resonates with the subconscious.

The plateau is covered by snow grass, cushion plants, rocket and herb fields. Ponds and streams woven within the landscape. A solitary pencil pine was silhouetted by the fog. The hut is well provisioned with bunk beds, blankets and cooking utensils. After lunch, we walked the short distance to the lake. It seemed so vast, it’s opposite bank hidden by the prevailing cloud.

The first part down deserved attention , and I was slow as always on any treacherous surface and had only two inconsequential tumbles.

We soon reached the easier section of the descent, and enjoyed the many fungi some nestled in fallen leaves, others emerging from rotting bark and logs and a few peeking out between fern fronds. So many colours and forms.

The ferns and ash trees, the myrtle beechs spotted liberally with moss and bright, iridescent flaky lichens. The bush was quiet and still. It was all very beautiful.

We soon arrived back at the cars, and left this wonderful area. We stopped at an excellent providore in Deloraine for Cake and coffee.

What a super days walk with great company.