We arrived at Urbenville just after lunch and decided to hike to a new climbing spot that afternoon while the weather was fine. The route descriptions were pretty good and we followed faint motorcycle tracks before a step, ferny section lead steeply up to the rock wall. Kicking away the leeches that had attached themselves to Chris' shoes, we checked out the routes and rested before heading back down the hill.
Once back at the car we decided to go for a swim at Tooloom Falls, and wash away the sweat and grime. We scrambled down the rock cliff and had a great swim in and around the falls. Noting the the adjacent camp site was full, we drove in to town to have dinner at the local pub, and watched the day turn to night.
That night, we decided to explore Yabbra State Forest a little more, to try and find a suitable place to camp for the night. We drove past 'Battery Hill' a small section of rock we planned to climb the next day. Soon the narrow track became overgrown, and before long I was driving through metre high grass unsure of where the track continued. Sticking to the mountain we found the track again, following it all the way around to where we started from! Feeling tired and not seeing any other suitable sights during the day, we parked on the other side of the waterfall on an old rocky road and set our tents up as best we could.
No sooner had we finished then the rain kicked it. We hastily climbed into our tents, tried to get comfy on the rocky ground, and fell asleep to the rain getting heavier. It continued through the night, by morning it had stopped but it was clear that we wouldn't be climbing that day.
Plan B involved driving a little further south to a place called Paddys Flat, nestled on the banks of the upper Clarence River. It was the site of many previous camping adventures, and an epic winter kayak trip earlier in the year.
After an early lunch and setting up camp to dry a few things out, Chris and I set off down the Clarence River. The recent rain had stirred up the water, but it was pleasant paddling downstream. We navigated the small rapids without issue, but as we got further downstream the skies darkened.
Keeping in mind we would need to paddle all the way upstream back to camp, we turned around after a few hours and started back. Soon after, the skies opened up. Lightly at first, but the rain soon grew heavy. The river swelled a little, and it was noticeably harder paddling against the extra current.
The rain eased as we arrived back to camp, we set about starting a fire and drying things as best we could. At least our tents were properly pitched so our bedding was dry. The fire was soon blazing, and we say around in the light drizzle enjoying a beer and a hot dinner. Night came and with it more rain, so we retired to our tents for the night, a lot more comfortable on a bed of thick grass beneath.
It was hot and humid the next morning as we packed up camp, still no climbing to be done due to the rain, so as we started back to Brisbane we made a slight detour for one last hike. We stopped at Mt Maroon (the site of many great adventures) and started up the steep summit track. We made good time and arrived at the top after lunch, drenched under the hot sun. It was very windy at the top, so after a moment to enjoy the vista and a short rest we started back down.
A few hours later we were back home, another great trip away. It was a shame that we couldn't get any climbing in, but we more than made up for it with some great hiking and kayaking. A trip to be repeated soon.
More photos here
