OK - Here it is. I'll have to post it in bits as I type very slowly (one finger). I hope it's of some use ....
Sat 13 Nov. The day dawned with weather reports looking decided gloomy. Brian, the girls and I had booked hotel rooms at Moe to be closer to the walk's start at Walhalla. We had dinner at the Moe RSL - and had a wonderful "last supper". The service and food were excellent. The rain was teeming down as we returned to the hotel. Not promising.
Sun 14 Nov. The day dawned with weather reports looking much better. We had a leisurely drive to Walhalla and registered our walk intents at the register at the general store. This isn't necessary, but recommended. After a short bit of sightseeing (and obligatory photos) we donned our packs, kissed our goodbyes to the girls and hit the trail. 9 am. The day looked promising as we climbed the track out of town. We met and chatted with several daywalkers as we left Walhalla. We opted to cross the Poverty point bridge rather than detour (thanks for the track update fellas !) and settled in for lunch after crossing. Another couple we met informed us that the bridge had been used a few weeks previous for a fun run. Also, later, I found out that the bridge was reopened a week or so after our crossing. After lunch the track climbed steadily until we reached the Thompson valley rd. We crossed over and started the 2 klm descent to the O'Shea's mill site. I hadn't gotten my trail legs yet and was bushed as we arrived at camp. A quick, tasty dinner was had and an early night was called, as we had a big day ahead tomorrow.
Mon 15 Nov. The day dawned wet and drizzly, both of us needing to dry gear later. A quick breakfast of oatmeal and onto a river crossing. The East Tyers river was flowing well and Brian readied the camera in case I fell. Stinker ! A stout log was utilized and we scrambled up the bank. The track would upwards through magnificent mountain ash trees, then sharply onto Mt Erica rd. Tough going indeed. Brian the mountain goat was ahead at every turn while I just plodded along. Brian was suffering a bit of a chest cold, but you'd never know it ! I arrived at the Mountain Monarchs campsite to find Brian comatose and drying his tent. We walked another klm to the carpark where we had lunch. The 2nd leg of our day had us climbing the 400 mts to get onto the Baw Baw plateau. We finally arrived at the Talbot hut ruins and it's lovely little tarn. I was totally spent, but very satisfied as we had combined days 2 and 3. The fog/mist rolled in early so we had dinner and collapsed. A cool night it was too !