St Mary Peak - Outback EarthCache Blinman, South Australia, Australia
By AMobious & Azuljewel on 29-Apr-14. Waypoint GC53T1H

TFTC

Fabulous climb and view.Answers submitted to the CO.

Wow wow wow!!!! what an awesome hike to up here unfortunately I ended doing the short trip up and back the 14 K one I ever get chance again I’ll be doing the loop it is without doubt one of the best outlooks I’ve ever seen if you ever get a chance to do this you have to do this hike

Eventually made it to the top and stopped for lunch. Impressive views as always, checked out what we could of the path ahead for our traverse of the range toward Mt Abrupt. TFTC!!!!

Day 12 in SA after numerous trips were sabotaged due to you know what and its a fab day. The Ikera- Flinders Ranges and it’s caches are high on the list along with several other random caches so hoping to tick all boxes before heading back to home base. I’ve learnt theRE are plenty of quality SA caches - plenty to pique the curiosity and anticipation of another surprise or fun cache. TFTC AND THE FUN and the effort to contribute to this fave game.

What a day we have had today. Walked the outside trail to St Mary Peak and then returned via the inside trail through the pound, all up 22km in 8 hours. View at the top was amazing 360 one. Tftc

Great but long climb up this morning. Required info sent to CO

Not many words that can convey how amazing this was. We didn't get much time at the peak as geoboyf struggled more than we'd thought and we got up a liiiittle late, but he pushed through and made it & I couldn't be more proud. This was easily the most physically trying thing we've ever done, both of us. Can't wait to out-do ourselves.

TFTC!

Came and stayed in the campground at Willow Springs Station for 5 nights with friends...

I had been anxious about climbing to the top of St Mary's Peak ever since my friend suggested we should do it...I was sure I would "die" from the hard terrain...

Today was the day it was going to happen...with a lot of encouragement from my friends and their patience I made it to the top...

We walked the whole 21kms...outside trail on the way up and the inside trail on the way down...in hindsight we should have started earlier (we started at 9am) as it took 10hrs to complete, returning in the dark at 7pm...(I know to a lot of people this seems an excessive amount of time to complete the trail but for me it was very challenging) We knew we needed to be off the mountain before dark and we did, so we had the easier walk as the sun set...

Along the way I hit my head on a rock ledge...I had tears from exhaustion and stomach cramps as I reached the top...if there had not been a cache there, I probably would have given up at the Saddle but I was determined to get both caches at the peak...

We had taken our lunch and eaten it at the top. We sat in awe of the amazing views...it was such a beautiful clear day...

We descending quickly...no time for any more views and very little stops as we made our way to the pound floor...more tears as exhaustion was real...my mind was willing but my body did not want to cooperate...

I can now say that "I CLIMBED ST MARY'S PEAK" and I am still alive...

Thanks for placing the earthcache AMobious to give me the goal I needed to get to the top

A great day to climb St Mary Peak. We started at 7:40 and reached GZ around 11:00. Questions to answers have been send and (GPS) photo is included. TFTC

Today we planned to walk up St Mary’s Peak, with not a cloud in the sky we set off at 6:45am and went up the outside trail. With the distances slowly decreasing as we walked we wondered if the trail would ever go up and how steep it would get as only 3km to go we were still at the base of the ridge. Sure enough it went up, some some rock climbing took place but it wasn’t too bad. Most people would make it up here. After reaching the saddle at 8:30am the view over the valley was sure enough worth the steep part. Off we continued up the mountain and the wind started to really pick up and the clouds closed in. Reaching the top by 9am the view was still spectacular and could see as far as the eye could see. It was well worth the walk up.
On our way back down we decided we would go back via the inside trail to stay out of the sun the best we could. After having a chat we decided that it was best that we should have gone back down the outside trail as the inside was rather view less and still rather hot. After all we were back to the pub for lunch by 11:30am. A great walk none the less and 21.4km in 4.5hours ain’t too bad
TFTC

Found with gridge98

Logging with permission. What a fantastic experience this walk has been. It was definitely challenging but well worth it and made even more fun with an earthcache. Thanks AMobious and Azuljewel

Wow what a hike

Cache #2137. First Earth cache we tried today.

We decided to go to St Mary for Easter Holiday 2019. Today we made it.

I have a 11kg baby on my back, and the carrier is about 2.5kg. It took us more than 3 hours to go to the top. The first 4.2km is easy, then we start climbing. Excellent view on the top. Lots of lizards there.

Spent sometime to enjoy the view, and answered the questions. Answers have been sent to Earth cache owner, and owner replied in 6 minutes. Thanks for the quick response.

Then spend another 3+ hours to hike back to the Wilpena Pound Information Centre.

Thanks for the cache, AMobious & Azuljewel.

Did the research on the very scenic and rewarding Earthcache with BantamCT during an enjoyable visit to Wilpena Pound and a strenuous hike up to St Mary Peak. Thanks for the cache AMobious!

Ralf_de, angrit and I visited this amazing place. The pictures and/or answers were send by ralf_de. #00215 TFTC

Ralf_de, _eos_ and I found this nice cache. The answer and the picture you got from ralf_de. Thank you 'AMobious & Caliazuljewel' for the cache 'St Mary Peak - Outback EarthCache'.

#00874 / TFTC

On our tour through Australia we (angrit&_eos_&ralf_de) make stop for 2 nights in the flinders ranges. On our small drive/walk around we found these nice earthcache. We choose the outside route to the peak and the inside route back to our campervan.

OUT: -
IN: picture(s)

TFTC
#01399

Thanks for the cache and geological info. Great walk up to the peak today, unfortunately no view with low cloud blanketing the area.

This is what we came for - the climb to St. Mary's Peak. I had done it once before but that was over 40 years ago and a very distant memory of sunburn, dehydration and exhaustion. Today I was with Sal, (the better half or brisal), Anymules and Kiwi Aussie. Today we were well prepared with water, food and it was an overcast nineteen degrees and a great day for a hike.
So starting from the visitors center we made our way to where to where the big decision had to me made. Which way. [?] I remember the last trip was the loop. Up the outside and return via the inside trail through the Pound. I wanted to go via that route again. We did. [^]
The first 5 km was mostly flat along a well marked trail before the route turned and headed up towards, well today the clouds. As soon as we reached about 700 metres altitude we started to be in the clouds and the views below and around disappeared so it was just a matter of climbing up and up. When we reached the saddle it was probably good that we couldn't see just how steep the terrain was both sides of us. The last 1.6 km was rock hopping and climbing, different from the more direct route I took 40 year ago I was to later learn. Back then the route went straight across the face and now it takes a safer loop around the summit. Finally we made it to the sloping rocks at the summit to admire the views of........CLOUD. [B)] We couldn't see further than 10 metres in any direction. [B)][B)] Probably just as well as we peered over the edge.
What a fantastic place to visit and for a cache.
Answers have been sent and logged in advance of the reply. A fav point from me for the experience. [^]

**Thanks AMobious for this cache. **

A long walk and we made it. And all we can see is fog.

Thanks for the cache jt_au.
Found on 10 Jun 2018 at 1:17:30 pm.
Find #6629

On our tour around the world we spent two days in the Flinders Range. Today we hiked up St Mary Peak. What a great experience despite the wind and rain! Since my phone is my GPS is my camera, I've taken a picture of a geocoin. Many thanks to AMobious and Caliahuljewel! Answers sent via messenger.

The end of a bucket list moment for me and my partner PrincessBec, Spirits were high and the back pack was full of the goodies required to endure the next 21 odd km's, and what an adventure. wow wow wow awesome hike and an awesome view.

As crazy as it sounds I would do this walk again

Thanks for the cache AMobious & Caliazuljewel

This was my third climb of St Mary peak and like the last time the conditions were far from ideal. It had rained quite a bit in the early morning and the peak was shrouded in fog.

Conditions did improve a bit during the climb and we got some nice views into the pound and also some towards the ABC ranges when we reached the saddle.

At the top visibility was zero again unfortunately.

Still we had a beaut day out and I am pretty sure this won’t be my last time up here.

tftec

Dad dragged us all up and down the mountain. I did enjoy the rock hopping and rock climbing though. The views were great as well when the clouds lifted.
Tftec

My first time at Wilpena. Took a full day to climb to the Peak, starting at 8:00am and taking the outside track to ascend. Met a few people along the way. Got to the top around 11:30 and took in the view.

Highlight was a pair of Wedge-Tailed Eagles soaring below me. Views were fantastic and the weather was nice and cool with little wind. Perfect.

Returned to the campsite at Wilpena 12km - hard slog for the first 3km until you reach the floor of the pound then another 9km of track. Got back around 4pm, tired but happy to have done the loop.

Thanks AMobious, for the cache,

A great hike to the top, thanks.

At the moment Pfote and me are on a work and travel backpacking trip through the world. After I've spent a full year in Australia Pfote joined me for my second year down here. We will definitely try to collect a lot of boxes and all the special things in every state all around and right through the middle. 

Now, after a bit more than twenty-four months we're finally on our last big journey through the country. From Melbourne to Adelaide and up north to Alice Springs and then past the Uluru via the great central road to Perth. Of course with a load of detours wherever we find something awesome.

Staying a couple of days in the Flinders Range, hiking and caching all over this amazing place. 
After some shorter hikes yesterday we decided to do the big one today. Started here, took the outside track up, got surprised by heavy rain, lost almost two hours while waiting for sun and decided to take the outside trail back, even with wet ground to have a chance to get back down with some sunlight.
Almost made it, but the last ten minutes we had to walk in the pitch black. A crazy experience!

TFTC and greetings from Germany.

--- This log is trackable! ---
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--- Dieser Logeintrag ist trackbar ---
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Relogging this under individual account, previously a member of Gaz'n'Kab account.

Previously logged under a team account. Re-logging with my individual account.

The roadtrip to end all roadtrips has begun! Gaz'n'Kab and catscatscats22 have left all but their trusty steed behind, and have embarked on the most epicest adventures across Australia

We set off bright and early this morning to hike St Mary's Peak, and this cache was next up for us today The hike up to this cache was absolutely amazing, and one which we will never forget! Once at the top, we grabbed the nearby traditional, before collecting the answers for this EarthCache We headed back to the peak for lunch, where we were joined by an Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby [^] A truly memorable experience!

TFTC AMobious, our answers have been submitted

The roadtrip to end all roadtrips has begun! Gaz'n'Kab and catscatscats22 have left all but their trusty steed behind, and have embarked on the most epicest adventures across Australia

We set off bright and early this morning to hike St Mary's Peak, and this cache was next up for us today The hike up to this cache was absolutely amazing, and one which we will never forget! Once at the top, we grabbed the nearby traditional, before collecting the answers for this EarthCache We headed back to the peak for lunch, where we were joined by an Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby [^] A truly memorable experience!

TFTC AMobious, our answers have been submitted

Found with Vydra20. TFTC

I enjoyed this big hike very much. The best spot in Flinders Range. TFTC!

Believe this has been removed. ....

#1611 After finding the nearby trad cache, we then went to work on collecting the answers to the earthcache. This must be a very exciting area for a geology enthusiast. It was a challenging walk to the summit but the views and achievement made it all worthwhile. An enjoyable earthcache with our answers emailed to the CO as per the requirements, thanks Amobious FP issued.

Its there. Earthcaches are virtual and do not move or get muggled. They require research and geological questions to be answered when you visit the GZ coords.

I needed this and it's neighbour for my D/T matrix and we were staying at Willow Springs, so AAT and TJOT and I set off for a walk. It looked a bit cloudy but we had no idea how inclement it was going to be at the top.

We went up the outside and planned to go back on the inside. It was very cold and cloudy at the saddle but we persevered. At the top, it was actually dangerously cold and icy and we didn't stay long.

There wasn't a hell of a lot of difference in the views in any direction. Visibility was maybe 25m

Thanks AMobius

went with DJOT and AAT
nice view of clouds
thanks for the cache

Headed off walking at 7:15am for this cache and the other cache at the summit.  A pleasant walk for 4k and then the relentless climb up started.... and continued. Got to the saddle, a quick picture stop, then onward and upward arriving at the summit at 10am. 

I was last up here c1970 and it was good to see some of the old painted markers. I "found" the two caches, took photos and then relaxed at the top by myself for an hour, departing at 11am. 

I even had a yellow footed rock wallaby visit me right at the top.  I got a picture of him! 

Time to return, I returned passing 14 people going up on the summit track and got back at 1pm.  5hrs 45mins total return , with 1 hour relaxing at the summit in the warm sun and absolutely no breeze, lovely.  AND, it was good to see the old metal sign  (st Mary Peak) still there!


For this cache, got the required information and email subsequently sent to CO.  Excellent panoramic views, Thanks

tftc . was on our bucket list to do, as last time here,
ten years ago we ran out of time to get the top..
great walk , couple of blisters & some tired legs .
amazing views.

We had an amazing time in Wilpena pound, really liked the long hike up to St. Mary Peak, in total a whopping 21km from and to the campsite we stayed.
Really enjoyed the view on top, that was a real reward after the hike!
Thanks for the Earth Cache and greetings from Switzerland!

Visit on my 15. AUSTRALIA Trip 2014/2015.
Thank you for this cache.
This time I walked only on the Inside Trail, total 28.9 km in a total time of 7:53 hours.
This is my second visit to the summit in recent years.
Please note: This walk is very difficult - much over large stones rise - take enough water - that's no fun and requires a GOOD condition!
Cheers Peter
#2381

This entry was edited by KPKproject on Friday, 16 January 2015 at 07:38:23 UTC.

Visited the cache on a full loop. TJ

The top of St Mary's Peak is a fantastic location. 360 degrees of views and there is no stopping that view. Thanks for a brilliant earthcache. Well done.

Found the location and the fantastic view. Answers sent off.

Awsome place. Challenging walk up and back on the outer trail but so rewarding. I didnt realize that this earth cache was here until after I had done the walk and my geo-bro told me about it. Cheers

climbed St Marys peak a few months ago. still want to claim FTF
Geohubby has been to the top 4 times, I have been there twice.
we have also been up olsen Bagge twice, Rawnsleys Bluff three times.
now looking for more challenges

Its two months down now and the FTF still hasn't been claimed!

Well, it is a decent enjoyable hike and also a T4.5. It is really worth the effort to get up here. It has some of the most spectacular views in Australia

Its one month down and the FTF still hasn't been claimed! Well, it is a decent enjoyable hike and T4.

It is really worth the effort to get up here. It has some of the most spectacular views in Australia

This appears to be in South Australia, not NSW.

It's a miracle.