The Lorinna Leg

 

17.9Kms 3:36Hours (Stage 3)

Down memory lane - Stage 3

Round Mountain through Lorinna to the Start of Paton's Road, Lemonthyme. . 18kms and 3 1/2 hours this morning on Stage 3 through Lorinna was a trip down memory lane. I used to travel this road (now closed) as a child with my grandfather and then father to visit a tiny outreach fellowship meeting in a small building on the site of what is now the Lorinna Community Centre. Its the only community centre I know with communal pizza oven. Having lunch there today sitting on what was probably one of the original bench seats, I recalled one visit where my brother and sisters and I went foraging around the old hall site to see what we could dig up, and we found all kinds of rusty and ancient treasures. On a visit many years later after Lorinna had became a mecca for people seeking an alternative lifestyle, I spent a day with a Swiss biodynamic farmer Martin. I will never forget walking with him alongside his draught horse while the plough almost silently sliced and turned the sod. The only sound was the jingling of the harness chains and Martin's gentle instructions. His barn still stands, the green field is there but Martin like many others has moved on. Later on the way out of Lorinna I passed what was Illusion Farm, a Buddhist community which still functions in a way (now Dorje Ling). I recalled a great evening with Sunny Philip sitting in the long house discussing the differences of Christian and Buddhist philosophies with the community. Ended today at the Lemonthyme Power Station. Day off tomorrow as I have an important meeting in the evening. The real journey starts Thursday morning on Paton's Road, 2 days up to Pelion and Mt Ossa. Not sure of my ability to update posts on this leg....

Stage 2: Roland to Round Mountain

Stage 2: Town to Top Pilgrimage. Headed out this morning after a refreshing thunderstorm and walked the Roland - Promised Land - Staverton, Cethana, and Round Mountain leg. For years prior to the Hydro Electric development this was the only road south into the Upper Forth Valley, Lorinna, the 5 Mile Rise mines and the trapping and snaring country which is now the Cradle Mountain National Park. It was fascinating leaving developed rural land (although lots being lost to tree farms) and heading into the inhospitable ravines around the end of Round Mountain. Early explorers called this place 'Hell's Gates' which is just a few hours walk from the Promised Land. Road workers who had past me earlier in the day were a little surprised to have me wander past. They were not sure whether to hold me up or let me through. Then it was off road and onto a disused mining track. The old mine doors, i recall from years ago have long since rotted away leaving the adit open for inspection. Too muddy to get far inside. End of the road today at the Cockatoo Road junction. Hoping to get to Lemonthyme power station via Lorinna community tomorrow.

Stage 1: Sheffield to Roland–a Sunday afternoon stroll with Merran

Headed out from home this afternoon on the first leg of a journey to the top of Tassie... my end of year / advent retreat / pilgrmage. It was great walking out my back door and nearly 5 kms later past the original farm my great great grandfather settled in 1860 just as the Kentish Plains were opened up. Wonder how many of my great grandparents walked this same road to school and to shop in Sheffield. Then on to the village of Roland. Nice to have Merran with me for stage 1. Planning Roland to Round Mountain tomorrow.

A second mini pilgrimage 2014

 

Merran reminded me that while drinking coffee at Round Mountain Cafe a year or so ago, I had mooted the idea of walking from home to Mt Ossa, in a kind of ‘slow movement way’ (of the walking not cooking variety).  The idea must have percolated deep in my subconscious as it jumped out a couple of weeks ago energised by a long year of consulting work with conflict and other organisational pressures.  So it begins.  Sheffield to Mount Ossa and return in a variety of stages along the old tracks, mining routes and snarers pathways south.  Stay tuned.