This is a surprise walk, because you actually climb to the top, see another peak walk across the ridge and climb to the top of that one, only to do this again and you then really see the top of the mountain. It was a very pleasant hike and much easier than Mt Trio because it was without steps and on a gradient. Although it is a steep gradient, it is much easier than steps.
We climbed right to the top of that rocky knoll – we are really pleased with ourselves with that effort.
Below is a better view showing the three step ups to the top of Mt Hassell. We reached the summit from the right hand side of this photo below.
The photos above and below were taken after our walk – you can see how the skies clear by 11am each day.
We must be getting used of this uphill walking because we were surprised again, how quickly we had climbed when we turned around to see the car park.
There are timber sections where there is no rock under foot. These sections would be muddy in the rain and to save the track from deteriorating the decking has been put down.
These “flowers” were really weird, they looked dried and like pods that had opened to disperse seeds. We couldn’t see how they would be pollinated. We found unopened, “flowering” and spent ones. Quite unusual.
The Banksia leaves comes in such a variety of shape and styles. There are ferns with spikes on them as well.
I have seen these Banksia before but that still doesn’t stop my amazement on how they grow. They grow along the ground with just a few single leaves trailing and then send the flower up from almost the ground. Another on my must grow list which is getting out of control.
Down below is Red Gum scenic drive – our car park and in the far distance is Mt Trio – our climb yesterday. The grass trees with their grey green leaves really stand out in the view.
We found a grass tree with new blooms on it. It was short, so I could get a photo overhead as well.
None of the plants are much higher than about 1.5 metres, but they are growing so close together, you cannot make your way off track if you see something, even if it is only a couple of metres away.
We still have a view of the car park and the view to Mt Trio is getting better all the time. We know that Mt Hassell is approximately the same height, so know that we have a long way to go to be able to look across to it.
This will give you an idea of the angle of the track.
Even more stunning Banksia in flower – yet another one that I really like. It is a deep burgundy in between dark yellow, with fine pine like leaves.
This is a view over to Bluff Knoll, one of the most popular walks in the park. We are leaving this one until Tuesday when most people will have had to return to work….
This is the same flower that the honey possum was on, but here it is in another shade, more a cerise pink rather than burgundy.
Even in the middle of summer, there are so many flowers blooming. The white ones reminded me of little angels.
Glen spotted this falcon (not absolutely sure) which was virtually motionless and just suspended – Adjustment to stay in that position was so minimal, just a slight movement or a couple of little flickers of the wing. We watched it for several minutes maintain that exact position while searching for prey.
You can see the progress we have made in regards to height by the view we now have of Mt Trio.
That’s the car park below, we have climbed the hill in front and walked across the saddle to the top of the second hill, but wait there is more.
Where we have come from and where we are going
That’s Mt Trio over there. We are climbing the rocky knoll and getting close to the top.
Taking in the view…. but
We still have a bit more to do.
This is very deceptive, we still have another saddle to walk across before we start the climb up the rocks.
Yes, we are finally on the very top of Mt Hassell and looking over to– Toolbrunup Peak 1052 metres
Our highest walk in the park will be Bluff Knoll at 1095 metres.
All the way up we were walking on ancient seabed from millions of years ago and here right at the top of the mountain there is more. The ripple is ancient sea floor and here it is pushed to the top of Mt Hassell. Apparently this all occurred a little while ago 1800 million years.
Here is bug of the day.
Found on the track on our way down. Jet matt black, I haven’t seen one this shape or colour before. A very intricate pattern on the shell.
Mt Trio 856 metres Mt Hassell 827 metres
It took us 3 hrs and 40 minutes which included all the stops to admire the plants, photographs, drinks and snacks at the top, plus we met up with the same couple from Mt Trio yesterday (they were late again :) ) We met them when we were coming down yesterday and again today, so stopped for a chat. The track notes say 3 hours.
Do you think the white flower might be a Southern Cross Orchid? I have tried to import a photo without success.
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