Farewell to the Richmonds

March 22
Captain Creek Hut to Pelorus Creek campground
KM 1824
Distance: 22.3km 
Elevation: ascent 594m, descent 689m
Steps: 32,600
Time: 7:55am - 2:05pm

We both felt a little sad to be leaving Captain Creek Hut and its resident California Quail this morning. We'd had the place to ourselves and really enjoyed the location and the character. As you can tell we had the fire going, partly to dry our clothes and warm things up a little, but also for a little ambience. We made sure to replace the firewood for the next people. As we started out this morning we both commented that we would like to come back to the Richmond Ranges Forest Park another time and explore some of the other, easier, tracks, perhaps as day walks or overnighters. But probably not the Rintouls again.

This track is definitely more popular because the quality improved the further we walked! It flattened and widened, and eventually joined up with the Pelorus River. We fair flew along this track after the fitness we gained over not only the last few days, but the last nearly 3 months. After 11km the track joined the gravel access road and we walked even faster.

Although at this point it's fair to say we could almost smell the coffee and chocolate brownie awaiting us at the cafe at Pelorus Bridge and it gave us an extra kick.

Along the way we came across a fine example of a Trail Angel. The owner of the property has provided a tap for TA walkers to fill up at, and planted a range of fruit treees along the boundary so people can help themselves. We had JUST missed the apple season, which were sadly lying on the ground beyond suitable eating. 
Before we got to Pelorus Bridge and our coffee, we had the continued delight of walking alongside the crystal clear and green Pelorus River. It was stunning, particularly when it reflected the steep valley slopes which were clothed in forest or fascinating rock formations. The highlight was the Emerald Pools, below.

While we are somewhat back in civilisation, this DoC campsite still doesn't provide a place to power phones and other devices. Also, the cafe closed at 3pm; so we are very much looking forward to getting to Havelock for another shower; washing clothes; re-provisioning; and charging our phones!






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