Day 2: Merry Christmas!

I knew this day would be easier (and was rumoured to be the easiest) because it was also the shortest day at about 7 kms of walking, but in truth it was super easy. There was very few up hill portions and of what there was, it was very gradual.

Setting off on the track from Waterfall Valley.

Halfway to Windemere hut was a turn off for Lake Will where most people choose to leave their packs and eat lunch lakeside. We stopped alongside many others and ate some snacks but would carry on our way. I heard later that a mountain bird broke into a few backpacks and had strewn someone's belongings all over the place. We all learned a lesson that day: secure your bags!

Jeremy and I pausing for a break at the Lake Will turn off. I dropped my lens cap under the wooden platform right after this picture and we would spend a good 10 minutes trying to get it out with clever stick manoeuvres.

The walk was amazingly beautiful and the day's weather was much better than the day before. It was a little cloudy and misty at the beginning of the day but by noon we had beautiful clear, blue skies. Perfect weather for an Aussie Christmas!

Beautiful Barn Bluff from Windemere Hut! Amazing to think that in two days we had walked from the other side of that mountain!

We arrived early and were the first to settle in the huts. Our hike only took about 3 hours and we were thankfully able to enjoy an afternoon of rest and relaxation unlike the previous day's 10 hour walk. There was a wallaby and her baby waiting by the front door to greet us (and every other hike that arrived over the next few hours--we were all surprised they didn't hop away!), and the hut was charming. For many of us, this would be our favourite night of the whole trip.

Windemere Hut

Mother and joey waiting for us at the door!

We chose our beds and had a good time greeting everyone who arrived. Adele shared chocolate and whiskey; Erin and Stuart shared some rum; we shared some trail mix complete with gummy bears. and everyone sat around and chatted. It was a very good Christmas.

Taking a moment to plan out our next day. As you can see on the walls, there were lots of good information boards for hikers when they arrived.

Merry Christmas!

What a view!

In the evening, Jeremy and I went for a walk to see the scenery and take photos of animals.
It was so beautiful to look out over Lake Windemere and up at Barn Bluff. I think this was my best Christmas ever. No presents, no hoopla. just a beautiful view and the company of good people.