5th November 2022
Stirling Range Retreat
We wake up to find that the power is still off. I manage a shower before the pumped water stops. Remarkably the water is still hot before it runs out.
What a day! A climb up Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the Stirling Range at 1,095 metres above seal level (or 1,099m depending on the source).
The 'climb' starts from the car park with a short descent, and then turns into an unrelenting climb. Much of the route comprises steep steps, not until about two thirds of the way up does it change to a rough track. The climb is classed as 'Class 4' - described as for experienced bushwalkers. (Class 5 being for experts!) On the way up we met several groups that pass us: a group of three men, one of whom had worked in the UK, and a couple who I would judge to be about 40 or so. There were several others that passed us while we (mainly me) had a short break or two! Chatting with other 'climbers' provided a welcome rest. When we eventually reached the top we were rewarded with a round of applause from the people who had passed us on the way up! The views were pretty spectacular. We enjoyed our Red Leicester cheese sandwiches before starting our descent.
Going up one always has the option of saying enough is enough and turning round and going back down. Having reached the top one one doesn't have a choice, you have to do the whole descent - and it was much harder than one might expect. By the time we reached the bottom my legs were like jelly!
One couple who we had passed and repassed on the way up and down passed us again somewhere near the bottom. I was amazed to see that the lady had taken off her walking boots and was barefoot. I couldn't have walked at all with no shoes on that rough track, how she managed to go down the steps I have no idea.
We met the couple again in the car park where I remarked on her barefoot technique, she said it didn't bother her at all. Whilst chatting she asked if we would mind telling her how old we were. I replied that of course I didn't mind and that I was flattered that she'd asked. My reply was that we were both 72, Jo being 72 and a bit and that I was 72 and a lot. In another back-handed compliment she said she wished her parents (or was it grand-parents) would be a bit more adventurous. It made the walk.
Later I look at my phone and see that I have climbed the equivalent of 171 floors today. Out of curiosity I look up how many floors the tallest building in the world has - the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It has 163 floors; no wonder I feel a bit exhausted!
Back at Stirling Range Retreat the power had been re-connected. We buy another can of beans from reception and Jo commandeers my fly-protecting hat so she can read by the swimming pool. I recover from the climb by having a 'rest'! Jo cooks the remaining sausages in the comfort of our own chalet. We finish the wine.
