Trip Report: Albert Riverish Overnight Day hike

On a rainy Monday morning, a group of overly optimistic UQMC hikers set out on an overnight adventure. After several weeks of heavy rainfall, the water was flowing fast in Lamington National Park, making for some beautiful waterfalls, and extra exciting slippery creek crossings.

Despite the rain, we forged ahead with heavy packs and high spirits. Our determination paid off, as we enjoyed beautiful track conditions, some friendly leeches, and stunning mountain views!

By early afternoon, we made it to our proposed camp. With hot tea, we all huddled under Jacob his marginally effective shelter (a poncho strung up between trees) as the chilly rain continued to drizzle down. Miranda proposed the ‘underwear hypothesis’, which describes the direct relationship observed between the point at which the rain soaks through all your waterproof layers to your underwear, and how done you are with walking in the rain.

As we surveyed our soggy campsite and shivered in wet clothing, the thought of a 6km walk out became a little too tempting. We finished off our 19km day at a record pace, and hiked out to warm cars and cold beers at the pub.

The conclusion you may think I draw here is that you should stay home when the conditions are suboptimal. In fact, it is the opposite. We knew exactly what we were walking into that morning. Good conditions are never a guarantee when you go outside, and to experience the full spectrum of weather is an essential part of the hiking experience. One disclaimer is that you should always know that you are safe though (so bring a PBL and first aid kit). There is something special about a rainforest shrouded in rain and mist, and thundering waterfalls, swollen to bursting after weeks of torrential rainfall. In my opinion, there is nothing more fulfilling than a freezing, muddy, numb fingered, wet socks adventure.