Initially, I had planned to start at Neds Gully, hike up to Sugarloaf Saddle via the Little River Track, Tweed Spur Track, and the Messmate Track, then across the Razorback having climbed Sugarloaf via the Canyon Track, and camping at the Farmyard, then across the Jawbones and Mt Cathedral the following day, dropping down to Neds Gully.
Having heard that there may be problems with water at the Farmyard, I carried around 6 litres on me, finding out that my cask was leaking when i got to the start of the Messmate Track.
A note on the Messmate Track - whilst this may be a nice gradual stroll heading down, when climbing up on a 34 degree day, and half your pack weight consists of water, this track is a nightmare. Seems that the track hardening has gone south around half way up, and walking uphill is a nightmare in a track that crumbles away at the side. Not fun, and was happy to get to Sugarloaf Saddle. Maybe some time for Parks Victoria to do some maintenance before the track costs some ankles?
The climb to Sugarloaf was a serious undertaking. The Canyon is the easier way to the top, however by no means does that mean that its easy. Climbing with a pack up the "Canyon" section was particularly awkward in places, where a slip would have meant a serious injury, or worse. The top was reached after a quick scramble up an incredibly steep slab, and was able to survey the track as it headed over the Razorback.
The Razorback was much more of a serious walk than I had expected, and completely wrecked my legs. Much of the track follows the crest of the Razorback, which is extremely narrow, and constantly requires scrambling. Although the Razorback is only 3 kilometers long, about 3/4 of it is a constant scramble over terrain either similar to the Canyon Track, or over large slabs of rock requiring awkward climbs or drops.
Ended up getting to the Farmyard at around 7:30pm.
Next day, went to investigate the water situation, after hearing from other hikers that water was practically dry at Jawbones Creek, and verifying this myself, I decided to head down to Cooks Mill rather than head over the Jawbones, as I simply did not have enough water for the way (Only had 200 ml or so after breakfast).
About half way down the Jawbones Track, I did manage to spot some good water though, and after filling up, decided that I couldnt be bothered climbing back up again with a full pack, and headed to Cooks Mill via the St Bernards Track, and back to the car at Neds Gully.
A note on the Razorback - This was much more a serious hike than I had expected, was very painful on the ankles and knees, and although an incredible walk, might be a while before I do it again.
Anyway, here's some pics.
Loggers resorting to extreme methods to stop hikers walking in state parks.
Start of the Messmate track, and my improvised method of trying to stop my cask from leaking.
Climbing Sugarloaf, just before the scramble
The Canyon. This is just the start of the climb, it goes up much higher, and gets more airy as you get higher.
The Razorback, Jawbones, and Mt Cathedral from just below Sugarloaf.
An easy section along the Razorback
The morning after.
The North Jawbone
