Hencamp Creek 2016

Ten walkers (9 members, 1 visitor) attended the walk up Hencamp Creek. The plan is go further this time and try to reach a waterfall that I had glimpses of in 2013 on the mutineers walk.  I was nervous because the chief mutineer had returned for this walk. We would have to keep her happy ! – or maybe  a decent bush bash over a steep bluff in rugged terrain will fix her attitude !

We appoint a tail-end Charlie, the most important position in the group. Our chief mutineer has kindly volunteered.

From the start it was a twenty hike along a track, then enter the creek. Rockhopping along the level creek, several channels to choose from, we go right. Staying right means we get the correct branch later.  After one hour, we arrive at significant fork with a branch left, and one ahead. We go ahead (avoid the left branch), the rocks get bigger and the creek gains some altitude. After 1 hr 45 minutes reach the first waterfall and big pool, a good smoko stop.  To get to the top of the waterfall, we have to go bush which is through big boulders and scrub. The creek has good waterflow this year.

After smoko, we continue rock hopping and bush bashing along the creek, past numerous small cascades and pools. The creek was pretty with decent flow. About 11:45 am we reach the ravine pool, the traditional lunch stop. Quick stop here for swim, then we get ready to go on. Last time we tried the right side and were blocked. This time, we plan to go left. The walkers look at the cliff and bluff on the left side, some saying ‘how the hell do we do this ?’. I am wondering about my sanity as well. Ah well, be brave, go on ! Back track a short distance, then start the climb up the bluff, slipping and sliding on loose surface, then angle along the contour above the cliff line. Then into lantana, good bush bashing. Then over fern covered ground, where I found a hole, to fall one leg into.  With warnings to others of hidden holes, we cautiously move through. We come to a water race high above the cliff, I explore down but a sheer cliff is below. Rosemary explores along the contour and finds a good route.  We can hear the waterfall therefore must be close. We angle down bashing our way through scrub, to reach the top of a great waterfall.  Mission accomplished. Whilst that seemed like an eternity, it was only 25 minutes traverse. Does not seem so hard now. Some explore the top of the waterfall that drops into the ravine, others go to find a lunch pool. With reports of a nice pool found, we all join for lunch. Some brave the chilly water for a swim. Altitude at top of falls is 265 metres. 

After lunch back down to the ravine pool (212 metres altitude). A nice break here.  We start the trek home, enjoying  several breaks along the way. Back at the first waterfall on middle platform we stop for swim and smoko. To go downstream, means back up and clamber through boulders and bush. Or does it ? Travis decides a pack swim will be easier. With pack held high above shoulders, he crosses the pool. Three others decided that is a good option – having Travis carry your pack across the pool !  The rest of us did the hard way and went bush. We reassemble and continue the homeward journey.  Pick the correct exit point and leave the creek to join the track, back at the cars at 4:25 pm. 13.4 hike.

Plan was Rollingstone store for ice creams. Three cars went there, but where did Paul go ? Bet they went to the servo on the highway ! (they did). An enjoyable ice cream and drink. I then took Travis to show him the start of the Mt Halifax track, for motivational purposes. I think he needs to hike up to Mt Halifax then on to Paluma, be good for him J.

A great day out, and we achieved the mission of reaching that waterfall (and without a munity). We should do this creek more often, providing there has been decent rainfall. Hencamp is best when there has been good rainfall and the creek has decent flow. Whilst not a hard walk like North Creek, there is still rock hopping fatigue by the end of the day.