Lizard Point was unfinished business for both Baz and I. Baz had tried to go there once before (via Mt Superbus) with his mate Gardy, but a navigational error caused them to miss out. Last year (see 13 April 07 entry) Baz and I tried to get there via The Steamers, but found that due to the steep terrain and sometimes close scrub, we couldn't pull it off as a day walk. We turned back that day after lunch on top of Mt Steamer.
So 13 months after our last attempt, Baz and I returned with Gardy, Cory, and Alex Briggs to do the same route as an over-nighter. It took us about 6 hours to get there and about 5 to return. A long time for a walk that's only about 6km (horizontal distance on the map). There's a lot of very steep ground, thick and varied bush, and occasional scrambling. With a ~20kg pack, it's one of the hardest walks I've done in recent years. Whilst we needed to carry plenty of water as there is no water-point on this walk, our packs could have been lighter - certainly mine could. We ate very well and had a couple of litres of wine with dinner.
Alex and I used this as a training walk and gear shakeout for Larapinta which is only 4 weeks away. It's the first time I've used my new tent (MSR Hubba Hubba) and my new mattress. It was a useful exercise for both of us, and resulted in a new shopping list for me.
Throughout this walk the views south to Mt Superbus and north along the Main Range are spectacular. But the views from the jutting buttress of Lizard Point are really something to remember. The sunrise lighting up the length of the Main Range is absolutely beautiful.
Good company, good food, heavy packs, difficult terrain. A great adventure. I loved it.
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