Part of the story of the climb -
The ascent was almost unnoticeable for the first kilometre or so as you passed by dried reeds that stood out in the backlight. The climb proper began as you reached the forest. Now it was a true hikers’ trail. Switchback after switchback until you reach a saddle between two mountains. Here there was a round table with bench seats and a sign proclaiming that this was Ngunnawal country. The mount had indeed been significant for them, a place to guide their paths.
There was another sign about orchids. “This section of the track is particularly rich in orchids, especially in spring” and “Tidbinbilla has more orchid species than all of Britain” got me somewhat excited. Now, other than the snakes I’d been keeping an eye out for, I could look for orchids. Way I figured it was that seeing an orchid would give me a special feeling of goodness while sighting a snake is clearly not a pleasant experience and death can result. Bit of no-brainer really. For the next ¾ of an hour though, I saw neither, though you must remember I was really only looking for orchids.
From the saddle the climb became steep in places and they ever had steps here and there. Glimpses of distant views could be garnered through gaps in the branches, hastening my footsteps somewhat. Somehow you most often seemed to be heading away from your destination but then, a few twists and turns later and you could see the summit above.
Scraggy gums left mottled shadows as you moved into the granite proper, large lumps of rocks that you had to divert around, like protective walls around a castle, and you had to find a way through. The rocks became larger and then, just ahead, a properly constructed lookout of hatched steel flooring.
Somehow, while the view was impressive, you just knew it was going to be better further on. The trail swung away and into the large outcrop until, suddenly, you were beside a broad made road, the fire trail that came via a different, and shorter route. Right beside it was a sign, “Welcome to Gibraltar Peak”. Yet you weren’t actually up the top just yet. That was about another 300 metres further on and, when I zig-zagged through the giant boulders, excitement came to the fore yet again.
There was a giant crack in one monolith that you could squeeze through and that led you to what could be fairly labelled the rear view. Impressive though it was, you couldn’t help but feel the main event was on the other side, and so it transpired. Finally clearing all obstacles I clambered on top of one giant slab of rock. “Wow” was the word that immediately came to mind and it didn’t disappear for some time. - continued on next page

Vacation Homes in Paddys River

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Compare 144 Vacation Homes in Paddys River with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

"Nice house to return to after a hard days work"

"Great place to stay, modern, heaps of space and an easy 10 minute drive to Canberra. Highly recommend. "

3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

"Beautifully designed modern townhouse near parks for children and short drive to shopping.Everything was thoughtfully presented, good quality bedding and kitchen well stocked. Property is new, pristine and owner was helpful and easy to connect with. When can I move in?"

SAR 951 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

"Great place to stay"

SAR 471 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jul - 3 Jul

"This is a fabulous place to stay. Our border collie loved the cubby house. It’s old but spotless.Beds are comfortable and it’s a spacious house.It’s going to be my regular Canberra stopover.The stairs my be a problem for elderly people "

SAR 711 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Jun - 24 Jun

"Very Good will definitely stay there again"

"Fantastic place to stay"

"Great little house in suburbs, comfy beds, huge lounge chair. 3 stairs to front door with no rail and shower has no edging so water runs everywhere we had to leave 5 towels on floor to contain "

"Suited our working needs"

SAR 1,386 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Jul - 20 Jul

"Kathleen ensured we had everything we needed to enjoy our stay and was very accommodating of family needs."

"Home is very large, great location. quiet area"

"Excellent accommodation with plenty of living rooms"

SAR 1,565 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jul - 6 Jul

"Very well equipped and comfortable unit with secure yard. Lots of little added touches and pantry/fridge items, recliner chairs, outside area and coffee machine alongside comfy retro decor. Short walk to supermarkets, cafes, brewery, parks, and bushwalking’s paths. "

"This property was an absolute disaster. It was old and shabby in the extreme. We had to leave immediately upon arrival as there was an awful smell inside. I discovered the source of the smell in a kitchen bin which had not been emptied. It contained a rotting dog bone and meat offcuts covered in maggots. The owner refused to take responsibility for it and refused to refund us, making every excuse under the sun why he could not. The entire property was old, every surface covered in dust, dirt and...

SAR 507 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Jul - 18 Jul