By Felicity wills, 21 March 2024
On a random Thursday evening in March, a group set off with hopes high and adrenaline pumping, ready to experience the mighty and ferocious dry creek. The journey started after the fleet arrived at Belmont Regional Park. As the sun cast its final glowing hues, the group of ten frolicked across the dry grassy hills, almost forgetting their original goal. Just as the sky turned from red to deep blue, Craig Scott (ex-VUWTC) announced that they had arrived at the creek's source. Wetsuits (some of which may have been too small), head torches, helmets and harnesses were slipped on as the dying light finally faded and entered them into the second phase of their adventure. For 40 minutes the group marched through bushes and weeds following the trickling creek as it disappeared in and out of sight. The camaraderie between the members kept the atmosphere high as they wondered what an unknowing bystander would make of what they were doing. Eventually, Dry Creek formed into an actual Creek and the group splashed onward. They faced many hurdles as their journey continued on, grappling sticks, glowworms, eels, and lots of slippery rocks which claimed many (now soaked) victims. But their final challenge was yet to come. Looming ahead the roaring creek vanished, shooting off into the abyss below. A rope was set up and the harnesses were finally put to use as one by one the members abseiled down the waterfall (some more graceful than others). Waiting in the cold for everyone had taken its toll and inspired the group to run the final stretch of the creek. Tired and breathless the group approached the car park, joy was felt throughout as it meant the promise of warmth. After de-wetsuiting and re-clothing (and possibly losing some car keys) the group had officially completed their mission and could head home.
