The Search for Access to Mt Perry - Flinders Peak Group

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/plZpdSl8XrE

I filmed this on GoPro so I'll upload this when time permits as this was very interesting to traverse and perhaps you're interested in seeing it too. Check back or keep an eye on my YouTube channel when I upload this. Mind you, I'll never do this route again for reasons logged below.

First attempt at trying to find a route to the elusive Mt Perry near Mt Blaine in the Flinders Peak Group. Saw on the maps a ridgeline route starting from Undullah Rd, where a large rock is painted blue with the southern cross stars. Perhaps you've seen this driving past. This is a hiking track leading up toward a Conservation Park sign. This is the Mount Perry Conservation Park area, and the only entry into it that I'm currently aware of until I explore further.

I had my ebike with me on this one and my hopes were high. Starts off with a seriously steep ascent upward to the ridgeline - quick elevation gained here - this steep section looked like an old trail but once on the upper ridgeline, everything was overgrown. Hand on my heart, this track seemed like no one had hiked this for years. It was unbelievably overgrown. I found an old fence line on the ridge and followed that somewhat.

And the spiders, uuggh. Man, I don't know what they're being fed but these have to be the biggest Orb Weaver spiders I've ever seen, and pretty much everywhere... not to mention the plethora of Christmas spiders all over me (I don't care how cute they are). I've ridden some serious bushbash trails (check my YouTube channel if you're interested), but I've never experienced it like this. I went as far as I could on this one but it went beyond the joke with bush overgrowth and I had to make the decision to turn back. I hate not completing an original intent, and it feels like a personal let down (maybe dragging the bike along was too much on this one? Probs). After a loud personal crying session in the bush on my lonesome about my failure as a hiker, I picked myself up off the the spider infested bush floor, bid the giant orb weavers farewell and began heading back. Actually I think spiders were all over me, this truly was Spider Alley!

At one segment, I jumped the fence as it seemed slightly easier to ride upon some messy cow trail, but that soon began descending down the western mountain side and I had to then go off track and ascend up a steep section (no trail) back up to the ridgeline to the fence again. Followed it until some boundary, jumped over, and was again on my original trail.

On my way back, I must admit the downhill descent was gnarly and incredibly satisfying on my bike (the one I initially climbed) - hoping this looks as good on film as it was riding it. And just near where my car was parked at the blue southern star rock, I had some MTB filming fun on a gnarly rock drop. No Mt Perry this time.... although I could see it within my sights. I'll have to investigate an alternate route maybe from around Mt Blaine side. We'll see. The quest continues...