I grew up in a hiking family. A family who went on long ass hikes for the fun of it and in the school holidays we would go somewhere and complete multi day hikes with other crazy families. I am not new to the concept of hiking.
Fifteen years later when I met Phil, I knew he was a hiker as he had casually mentioned that he did the Wilson’s Prom Southern Circuit in one day - a 30km+ round trip (read about when we did it over three days here). Phil is fit.
In the early days of our relationship many of our dates included hikes - I recalled one of those times here (Keppell Lookout hike). One weekend we decided to head out to Cathedral Ranges for what was described to me as a ‘short’ and ‘easy’ hike.
Fifteen years later when I met Phil, I knew he was a hiker as he had casually mentioned that he did the Wilson’s Prom Southern Circuit in one day - a 30km+ round trip (read about when we did it over three days here). Phil is fit.
In the early days of our relationship many of our dates included hikes - I recalled one of those times here (Keppell Lookout hike). One weekend we decided to head out to Cathedral Ranges for what was described to me as a ‘short’ and ‘easy’ hike.
 Just an easy walk... |  See that pointy bit? That's Cathedral Peak. |
The Cathedral Range National Park is 100km north east from Melbourne. On this day we started at Cooks Mill Campground and took the Saint Barnards Track onto Jawbone Creek Track. Turns out this part of the hike included many stairs (my nemesis).
At the top of the stairs there was an additional walk called ‘North Jawbone Track’. I sat at the bottom feeling sorry for myself (and resting) while Phil scarpered up alone.
After walking through an area called the Farmyard (very meadow like) we started along the ridge track to Cathedral Peak and Little Cathedral Peak. This part shouldn't even be called a hike as there was more clamboring over boulders than walking. Although this section was fairly flat it was actually just as hard as you were constantly going up and down and using your hands to pull yourself up and help keep your balance.
It didn’t help that I felt sick (most likely a result of drinking too much water every time we stopped for a break on the stairs). I found this hike incredibly tough. I remember feeling so ill and so embarrassed that I was struggling to keep up with Phil. I was trying my best to put on a brave face and just keep going but my stomach hurt and I JUST COULDN’T HOLD IT IN ANY LONGER…. So I started crying.
At the top of the stairs there was an additional walk called ‘North Jawbone Track’. I sat at the bottom feeling sorry for myself (and resting) while Phil scarpered up alone.
After walking through an area called the Farmyard (very meadow like) we started along the ridge track to Cathedral Peak and Little Cathedral Peak. This part shouldn't even be called a hike as there was more clamboring over boulders than walking. Although this section was fairly flat it was actually just as hard as you were constantly going up and down and using your hands to pull yourself up and help keep your balance.
It didn’t help that I felt sick (most likely a result of drinking too much water every time we stopped for a break on the stairs). I found this hike incredibly tough. I remember feeling so ill and so embarrassed that I was struggling to keep up with Phil. I was trying my best to put on a brave face and just keep going but my stomach hurt and I JUST COULDN’T HOLD IT IN ANY LONGER…. So I started crying.
 Feeling sorry for myself (if you zoom in you can see the tears) |  The ridge line that defeated me. |
I remember thinking Phil was going to end it with me for being such a sook. There was one point where he actually yelled at me to keep going. Rude! But on the way down Neds Gully Track, I decided that once we got to the campground that I would sit while Phil continued on the last few kilometres to get the car back at Cooks Mill Campground. There was a sign for a creepy wombat with mange lingering around, so I was glad when the car arrived and we started to head home.
Lucky Phil didn’t end it with me and maybe I somehow passed this initiation as we have now completed many more hikes together - but none as hard as this one!
Until next time,
Sxx
P.S. We haven’t attempted this hike again, but we have done another similar hike at Cathedral Ranges. What’s the hardest hike you have done?
Lucky Phil didn’t end it with me and maybe I somehow passed this initiation as we have now completed many more hikes together - but none as hard as this one!
Until next time,
Sxx
P.S. We haven’t attempted this hike again, but we have done another similar hike at Cathedral Ranges. What’s the hardest hike you have done?
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