Pigeon House

We climbed Pigeon House Mountain (720m ASL) on Sunday, a total walk of 6 km. It was named on 21 April 1770 by Captain James Cook, and its name reflects the fact that its summit resembles a dove cote. The drive was only 54 km from home, the last 2/3 being on unsealed roads, and bad ones at that, so the drive took us about an hour.

The climb from the parking lot was tough - uphill for the first half hour, over rocks, stumps, and fallen trees, on a carpet of slippery gum leaves. We turned west at the top and followed a saddle to the base of the mountain, through what looked like a fairy forest (sorry John!), with 3 m high flora with delicate foliage and tiny pink and white flowers. Climbing again over bigger rocks and rustic wooden steps brought us to the base of the rocky summit, which is gained by climbing a series of metal steps and ladders. It was well worth the climbing and the mini M&M's we had to feed the girls to get them there (especially our youngest, who, at 9 did a marvelous job).















We stayed at the summit for a while, talking with other climbers and enjoying the view. The coast was hazy, so we didn't have any views of the water, but there were spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

We took our time on the way down, exploring for caves at the bases of the stairways before heading all the way down. At this point, it was almost harder descending, as our legs were tired from the climb and were subject to trembling as we went down the steeper parts.

I was prepared for a reviving snack back at the car, having left an eskie full of cheese and crackers, nuts and marsh- mallows, as well as another bottle of water, in the boot.