DAY 3 - ALOLA TO VASI CAMPSITE

Monday 09 September

This morning began with a short walk to Alola Village where the trekkers got to inspect the museum. Then they trekked down for an hour with magnificent views across the valley to the small creek crossing, followed by a long gradual ascent for 2.5 hours to Eora Creek battle site. Then they left the track for a short side trail to the see a Japanese ammunition dump. Recently another extensive section of this Forest Fort, located only a short distance further up the ridge has been revealed by the local landowners. Here the trekkers discussed the forts defensive significance and how the battle to capture the fort unfurled. Then it was another 45-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 before a long 2.5-hour trek onto 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 we had some more up’s, flat for an hour and then the last 30 minutes was downhill into Vasi campsite over the water for night 3. The trekkers arrived at camp at 4:45pm as per schedule, the weather was great with dry track conditions, and everyone is doing well. They are now braving the icy cold waters of the creek for a swim, whilst most of the others are enjoying some popcorn and getting ready for dinner.