To Mt. Thumb and Beyond

It was Saturday, just after lunch and Craig and Graham's Dad had an idea. He thought that Craig might enjoy another strenuous hike up Mt. Thumb. (In fact, Craig's Dad needed the exercise.)

When they arrived at the head of the trail a thunderstorm was threatening. The clouds were low and the sky was dark. Fortunately, in the end, the afternoon thunderstorm turned out to be more of a thunder-drizzle.

The rain was so gentle that this squirrel was completely unimpressed.

While Craig and Dad took a short break at the very first little lookout on the way up, the drizzle stopped. But, the air was very warm and humid making both of them sweat a lot.

While they rested, Craig tried to take a photo of Dad. Just as he pressed the shutter button Dad reached out to adjust the aim.

With a little help, the second attempt was much better.

The next stop was a small lookout just below the summit of Mt. Thumb.

And, there was another brief break at the summit.

Craig became quite Buddha-like at one point.

Craig had another try at taking a photo but needed another last second adjustment to avoid photographing his father's feet.

Then, unexpectedly, Craig decided that he didn't want to go home yet. He wanted to keep walking toward another summit, Nine-Five Peak. It was only an extra 600 metres according to the signs but it was stairs all the way. The view from the top was superb.

One nice man who arrived at the peak from another direction offered to take a photo. He also gave Craig a coffee flavoured lolly.

Craig climbed up on the rock by himself.

He didn't seem to care much about the view.

On the way down the sun came out making it even hotter and the humidity didn't let up.

This spider didn't look anywhere near as sweaty as Dad, who lost at least 2 kilos during the walk.

Craig was happy all the way down while Dad struggled. The last few hundred yards of their descent saw Craig hopping, skipping and jumping happily while Dad limped along with his calves cramping up badly. The old man either has to go hiking more often or find somewhere else to build up leg strength before coming back.