Steps And Leeches Galore

Is there a better way to spend Valentines Day climbing up and down thousands of steps and removing tens of leeches? At least some 20 people thought so!
We met a the top of the Perrys Lookdown track on a drizzly day. Last time I had an helicopter ride to get me out, today I would not!

There were no views – just a thick blanket of fog. As we descended the steep uneven steps, I was dreading the climb later this afternoon! The steepest section is the pass through the cliffs. Afterwards it is steadfastly downhill with some flatfish sections… I collected my first leech after the metal bridge.

At the old blue gum track intersection, we made our way to Acacia Flat where a few hardy souls were camping. The first leech offensive was launched during our morning tea break. I even found one on the banana I had put on rock while I was rummaging in the deep black hole that is my backpack: I doubt it was a vegetarian leech! After some de-leeching, we walked back to the Old Blue Gum towards Little Blue Gum. The walking was fast and furious but to no avail! We had to stop to get rid of the bloodthirsty stowaways!
We found a lovely spot by the Grose for lunch and a swim but we had to retreat: we were surrounded by the enemy! We turned back and crossed the enemy lines back to the Old Blue Gum where another de-leeching was performed. 

 It was time to ascend the 600 m! That was done with a lot of huffing and puffing but eventually we all made it at different times to the top.