DAY 3 - ALOLA to VASI CAMPSITE

Thursday 22 May

The trekkers were up early as the packs on call was given. Then they trekked out of camp and down past the main village for approx. 20 mins and then an hour with magnificent views across the valley to the small creek crossing, followed by a short up for a break. Then it was a long gradual ascent for a few hours to Eora Creek battle site, where they left the track for a short side trail to the see a Japanese ammunition dump. Here the trekkers discussed the forts defensive significance and how the battle to capture the fort unfurled and then it was another 60-minute hike to morning tea. They had a good break at morning tea, refuelled and then it was packs on again for a tough, steep hike for approx. 45 minutes to inspect an Australian Ammunition Dump containing live grenades and rounds. Light showers fell for the most of the day making an already muddy track even wetter & muddier as they hiked a long 2.5-hour trek of undulating terrain to Templeton’s crossing for lunch.

After lunch it was a tough hike up for 30 minutes, then the track flattened out for a bit, then some more up’s, flats for an hour to a rest at the top the mountain and the last 30 minutes down into Vasi campsite over the water for night 3. Even with the tough conditions the group made fantastic time and arrived in camp at 4:15pm. Only a few of the trekkers braved the icy cold waters of the creek for a swim whilst most of the others are enjoying some popcorn and getting ready for dinner.