LESSONS FROM LIMA

WHEN I saw the huge tree strewn across the track, my heart plummeted. I only hoped our vehicle wouldn’t do the same, as it was precariously close to the massive bog hole of mud in front of us. The main track was tantalisingly close, visible barely 50 metres away, but the huge tree effectively blocked us from going any farther.

Turning around was our only option, but even that would be tricky. The terrain was slippery; it had been a slow crawl down the muddy track and the thought of going back up the embankment did not thrill me. We were alone, we had no phone service and the winter sun was quickly disappearing into the cold shadows of the afternoon.

We’re in the hills of the Strathbogie Ranges, near Lima South, just over a couple of hours from Melbourne. It was the June long weekend, the first