Hombrum's Bluff. A reconnaissance. 22.06.08

A trio of intrepid trekkers wandered out on an unofficial POM Bushwalk to scope new terrain for future treks. Our journey would start at 15 mile at the small village on the other side of the Laloki River near the Bluff Inn. The villagers assured us that it would be okay to drive our vehicles across an old World War 2 Marston matting bridge, but we preferred to leave the cars on the same side that the road was on. With car guards in place, we headed across the Laloki and up towards Hombrum's Bluff.

Our guides from the Village outnumbered us and this didn't include the kids who came along for the walk. Many of the kids had never climbed the mountain before and they were keen to see what the view was like, so they ran up the ever steepening slope. Unlike the kids, we took our time. Resting frequently to catch our breath, we would often turn around and admire the view as it was a clear morning with little high level cloud. We saw Wallabies and a Bandicoot and this increased the excitement with the kids, as the area we walked through was the local hunting ground and the men of the village hunted in much smaller groups then the one we were amongst.

Our original plan was to walk up to the top and then return in the same manner, but we were soon to discover that this was perhaps a one way track with a descent thwart with danger. The grass was very tall and feeling your way with your boots was a recipe for a trip and a fall on the way down. So it was decided to continue across the top of the ridge until we reached the Sogeri Junction, this added another two hours or so to the two hours of climbing.

After negotiating a ride back to the Bluff Inn and back to our cars, we were able to head home, tired, bleeding and sore. But a good walk, and a good challenge. Special thanks go to the "Queen" of the walk who was very supportive.

A tough start with a super steep two hours up hill followed by a lengthy undulating 12kms back to Sogeri. Will investigate another spur which may prove to be a safer descent and therefore making a good loop instead of walking to Sogeri...