DAY 3 - ALOLA TO VASI CAMPSITE

Wednesday 23 July

Another early wake up as they trekked to and through the village of Alola with incredible views across the valley to the small creek crossing. Then it was a short uphill hike for a break and then a long gradual ascent for a few hours to Eora Creek battle site. Here they left the track for a short side trail to see a Japanese ammunition dump. 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 short break at morning tea, refuelled and then it was packs on again for a tough, steep and slow hike for approx. 45 minutes to inspect an Australian Ammunition Dump containing live grenades and rounds. Then a long trek 2.5-hour trek of undulating terrain with a few fallen trees across the track to Templeton’s crossing for lunch. The trekkers are lucky to experience another day with great weather and track conditions.

After lunch it was another tough hike up for 30 minutes and then the track flattened out for a bit, then some more ups for an hour to a rest at the top the mountain, then the last 30 minutes down into Vasi campsite over the water for night 3. It was a very big day for the trekkers although they arrived at camp on time, at 4:15pm. Everyone is doing well however, once again only a few trekkers braved the cold of tonight’s creek for a swim. They are now enjoying some popcorn and getting ready for dinner.