We’re back down in the Southern Flinders Ranges (parked at Port Augusta because it is closest to these mountains) where we planned to be because we’re on our way home. There are mountains here we were keeping up our sleeve in case we ran out, and so we are calling on them to complete our 30.

Today it was the Hidden Gorge Mountain, (my name for it because I couldn’t find its name). There are different starting points for many walks especially when they’re on a circuit that doesn’t come back to the initial starting point. This was one of those but doesn’t work for us because we would have to walk back to our car which could be tens of kms away.

So we began at Mambray Creek, the starting point for a range of hikes. This was our travel day today so we were limited in the time we had to beat the dark. So we wandered through I think probably my favourite trees now – the Red River Gum. I’ve shared my fascination with them before but one characteristic that really fascinates me.

It is their branches. The way they twist and bend their shiny limbs mesmerises me so when I see them again I am in paradise. We moved quickly up steeply into the native pine forests of the ranges so Corrie gets her European flavour as well. Narrow paths clinging to the mountain side then take us gradually up, their surface a Flinders mixture of different rock sizes.

The clinging paths then sidle onto the ridge proper and twist and turn as the mountain does. Kangaroos jumped across our path as emus who were just as happy to see us ran up the path. They don’t seem to understand that we use this path also and seem to get a shock when we continue to show up. There was no time to get to the Hidden Gorge so there may be a chance to approach from the other trail.

In Port Augusta now, we ended a hurried but interesting day with a chat with three young folk who are just starting their walking holiday so it was great to be an expert on all things hiking.