Seven of us arrived at Flora car park about 11am and were soon underway to Salisbury Lodge. Rain gear was donned and doffed as required by the occasional rain showers, and after about 4 hours walk we arrived at Salisbury Lodge. There were plenty of others tramping in the area, and the lodge was near capacity on Friday night.
Team leaving Salisbury lodge
Saturday morning dawned fine although the day was mostly overcast, with rain showers forecast for later. We set off for Balloon Hut, bagged bunks, and made our way up the ridge towards Mt Peel, stopping for lunch at the turnoff to Lake Peel. 
Tablelands view
The route to Lake Peel looked uninviting due to the depth of soft wet snow blanketing the track which would have been laborious to negotiate, so we all headed up the first, steep, portion of the ridge, a mix of snow patches, alpine grasses and herbs, and rocky bits. As we crested the flatter part of the ridge, we were exposed to the westerly wind and imminent rain showers, accompanied by cloud which reduced visibility. Discussion was held to ascertain who was happy to press on to the summit, and who wished to return promptly to Balloon Hut. In the end, Brian set off alone for the summit, being comfortable with the inclement conditions and not minding the possibility he would be unrewarded with views from up high.
snow tramping
Brian encountered strong but steady wind at times, and found the ridge was clear of snow all the way to the summit, arrived at 1:30pm just as the weather started to clear. Conditions remained clear for him all the way back to Balloon Hut, but it was still windy.
View from top of Mt Peel
Soon after Brian’s return to Balloon Hut, the rest of the party decided to return to Salisbury Lodge for the night, visiting Bishop’s Cave on the way.
Debbie led the group through Bishops Cave, then we wandered through this magical area to Cundy Creek. It was like being on a different world, with the trees all twisted and turned. We made our way between tomos and cave entrances, careful not to fall into the dark abyss. A diversion to see the grave of the miner and hear his story, before emerging on the western side of this bush area, not far from the track. We had a look at the Blacksmiths shop, before joining the main track back to where we had left our packs.
Twisty trees in Cundy creek
Brian caught up just as the others returned to the track from the cave visit, and we all resumed the walk to Salisbury, which had fewer residents this night. As we walked across the Tableland flats the sun broke through in the West setting the red tussock aglow, before quickly dropping below the horizon. We could see Mt Peel ridge with its’ cap of snow glinting in the afternoon sun.
Evening glow on Tableland
Sunday again dawned fine, and we set off enjoying good weather apart from a brief shower while lunching at Flora Hut. On the way we checked out all the rock shelters, and admired all the work that had been carried out to make them comfortable.
Stormy Tableland
We arrived at the carpark just as rain started in earnest; timing could hardly have been better.
Thanks to Kath for organising and leading an enjoyable trip, and to all participants.
Participants: Kath (leader), Debbie, Graeme, Veronica, Maaike, Jo and Brian (scribe with team additions).