Buchanan's Fort

24 March 2002

The sky was angry that day my friends, like a crusty old through walker returning home from the Overland track to a sumptuous banquet of 3 minute rice.

Our day started with a chat to the local landowner, who, judging by the animated but lengthy conversation was only too happy to have us as guests on his property (forever).

We crossed the creek bordering Stinson Memorial Park (south of Beaudesert) to start an immediate and unrelenting ascent of Buchanans Fort. Dark clouds threatened to turn our steep track into a mud wrestle but our trusty navigator Steve said "It'll be right mate" and we were.

As our heart rate increased and we were starting not to have fun, a cold wind came up from the south, lifting our spirits and cooling our sweaty armpits. After morning tea, many questions of "Is that the top or a false summit?" and a never ending round of cow impersonations (or worse still a song) by Steve B, we reached the top of Buchanans Fort. We were rewarded with sweeping views of the Border Ranges and the Lost World enveloped in mist and dark looming clouds. Our sense of wonder was short lived as we decided to press on before we got wet.

To cross over to Little Widgee we had a choice of a gently sloping grassy saddle or to go straight down and up again. We chose the latter and more interesting route thinking it might be quicker. Lunch was enjoyed on Widgee with a round of Easter eggs and views of Mts Lindesay and Barney.

Descent of Widgee was a little tricky with lots of loose rock, long grass and heaps of Golden Orb spiders (big ones). Half way down I thought I might walk out in front since I was the actual leader, but after walking through way too many big spider webs I made an executive decision to leave it to the experts and the "non spider apprehensive". After some contouring around and a check of Steve B's GPS, we located the correct ridge to get us back to our waiting cars. A quick car shuttle got us back to Stinson Park, earlier than expected but dry as a bone.

Many thanks to Steve Moyle for showing us the way with some help from Trevor Cox. Congratulations to Margaret and John D who proudly announced they had completed their first M66 walk (easy). Thanks to all others who made this an enjoyable walk. Linda