DAY 3 - ALOLA TO VASI CAMPSITE

Thursday 23 July

Trekkers were early to sleep last night most hitting the bed by 7:30pm. However, they were up early and the morning began with a quiet trek down from camp to the creek, offering incredible valley views toward the crossing. After a short climb and rest, the group embarked on a long, gradual ascent lasting several hours to the Eora Creek battle site. They detoured briefly to inspect a Japanese ammunition dump, discussing its defensive significance and the battle to capture the fort, then continued for another hour to morning tea. Refuelled and rested, they set off again for a tough 45‑minute climb to examine an Australian ammunition dump containing live grenades and rounds.

Next came a 2.5‑hour stretch of undulating track—obstructed in places by fallen trees—bringing them to Templeton’s Crossing for lunch. The afternoon route included a steep 30‑minute climb, some flats, more rises, and an hour of mixed terrain before a final 30‑minute descent into Vasi campsite, crossing the creek en route. The weather was unusually cool today with low humidity which was welcomed by all, although strangely there was quite a bit of wind. The track was in good condition and quite firm underfoot as the group arrived in camp in great time at 4pm. Only a few hardy trekkers took a bracing swim in the creek; the rest relaxed with popcorn as they prepared for dinner and looking forward to what tomorrow has in store for them.