See Part I for an introduction to Macalister Springs region.

See Part II for Mt Howitt in the clouds.

ps. click on images to see a larger view.

Friday morning, it was clear skies overhead with the valleys and The Terrible Hollow below filled with low cloud.

Although my sleeping bag discouraged me from waking for sunrise, I did manage to scramble up to the lookout area soon thereafter and enjoyed the magical views:

The Crosscut Saw and to far right, Mt Buggary, with the cloud hiding the depths of The Terrible Hollow.

After breakfast we decided to head up to The Crosscut Saw before we head home.

Cloud still hiding The Terrible Hollow with The Crosscut Saw on the left.

Yep, no back pack for this short trip, my light rain jacket had pockets large enough for a water bottle, and my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Micro Four Thirds camera with 12mm lens, while I was also able to borrow my friend’s 75mm lens.

Hikers walking the start of the Crosscut Saw – Olympus mZD 75mm f/1.8 lens.

Looking back eastwards towards The Devil’s Staircase – Olympus mZD 75mm f/1.8 lens.

East aspect of Mt Speculation with Mt Buffalo in the background – Olympus mZD 75mm f/1.8 lens.

Looking south east to Mt Howitt on the left and Mt Buller on the right – Olympus mZD 12mm f/2.0 lens.

What a difference a day makes with the sun out:

• everlasting daisies and other flowers opened
• insects buzzing around – including small butterflies and those flies
• the aggressive alpine ants were active
• it became hot walking even in tee shirt and shorts with sun hat on
• eyes became sunburnt – so busy taking photos I forgot about my sunglasses – at end of the day my eyes were red!
• you have to drink more – that means carry more water
• the copperhead snakes are out – we almost stepped on two basking in the sun on the walking path near Mac Springs