Why I Still Go to the Mountains Vol. 65 Back to the Same Place, Eight Hours Later — Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre

I left Wombat Pool behind and made my way down the wooden steps.

Before long, another lake came into view.

The exposed layers of rock twisted and folded across the landscape—the kind of geological formation that would probably bring tears of joy to a geologist’s eyes.

A small stream flowed quietly between them.

Earlier, up on the highlands, I had seen water seemingly seeping straight out of the ground.

Perhaps those tiny trickles had gradually come together and made their way down here.

16:19

I arrived at Lake Lilla.

A quiet lakeshore.

There was almost no sign of anything moving, as though time itself had stopped.

Every now and then, a gentle breeze sent small ripples across the surface.

And just as quickly, they disappeared.

Perhaps this landscape has remained almost unchanged for a very long time.

16:24

A sign appeared ahead.

Dove Lake Boatshed — 5 min

At last, the end of the trail was getting close.

Which also meant I was about to return to where I had started this morning.

Exactly eight hours had passed since I began walking.

I had climbed to the summit of Cradle Mountain, made my way around the other side, passed one lake after another, and finally returned to the same place.

After taking a few quick photos, I headed for the shuttle bus stop.

16:35
I stopped at the clean toilets, then hurried over to the bus stop.

There was no need to worry about getting on, as the shuttle required a reservation, but a line of hikers who had already finished their day on the mountain had begun to form.

16:40
The shuttle bus arrived.

After checking the number of passengers, we pulled away from Dove Lake about five minutes later.

17:16
The bus brought me back to the Visitor Centre where I had started that morning.

And with that, my day at Cradle Mountain was over.

It had felt like a long day.

And yet, looking back, it seemed to have passed in an instant.

A pleasant tiredness filled my body.

But an even greater sense of satisfaction remained.

After walking almost continuously since morning, my body was certainly tired.

Strangely, though, my mind felt light.

The sky was still bright.

Now then—

perhaps it was time to think about what to make for dinner, while looking back on everything that had happened today.

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