When Adventure Meets Love: Our Unforgettable Mansfield Weekend!
- Phil Czaj
- Aug 1, 2023
- 5 min read
Hey fellow adventurers! Phil here, and let me take you on a journey to our most unforgettable weekend in the breathtaking Alpine National Park! Strap in for a wild ride filled with scenic hikes, an unexpected engagement, and an exhilarating helicopter flight!
It all began with a quiet stay at my girlfriend's parents' place in Mansfield on Thursday night. Friday was spent joyfully exploring Mansfield together. As the sun set, we checked into The Sebel, a charming alpine resort in Merrijig, where we relaxed and soaked in the stunning mountain views, gearing up for the big hike on Saturday.
Originally, we planned a challenging hike to Mount Buller Summit via the Klingsporn track and back along the Delatite River, but as I delved further into the trails, I discovered that this hike was considerably longer than I had anticipated, stretching over 30 kilometers! Not to be deterred, I embarked on some more research and found an alternative track that ignited our adventurous spirits - the Plain Creek Trail. This scenic route led to the mesmerizing Plain Creek Waterfall, but I also noticed something intriguing on the map - a potential continuation to Refuge Hut 3 and then down via the Mount Buller Epic trail, a mountain bike trail normally used in summer, creating a round trip of an estimated 16 to 20 kilometers.
Saturday morning arrived, and with excitement in our hearts, we arrived at Carters Road Picnic Area around 9:45 am, ready to conquer the Plain Creek Trail. The first part of the trail, leading to the waterfall, offered us a beautiful 7-kilometer out-and-back hike. The trail took us through lush ferns and muddy paths, revealing small but stunning streams and cascades along the way and a beautiful waterfall at the end of the walking track. As we trekked, I glanced at my GPS and saw a trail branching off to the right further up the road, confirming what I had found during my research. We decided to venture further, eager to explore beyond the waterfall's beauty.
After a bit of bush bashing and a few kilometers up the road, we encountered a turn-off to Burnt Hut Knob - a small single track climb through blackberry bushes. The path occasionally disappeared, but our determination prevailed as we pushed upward, and as we ascended, small patches of snow began to appear, adding a touch of magic to the experience. Finally, we reached a crossroads after ascending 1100 meters, having completed about 13 kilometers by this point. It was another 1.5 kilometers to Refuge No. 3 Hut, and with our stomachs growling, we pushed forward.
At last, Refuge Hut No. 3 came into view. The hut stood peacefully amidst the picturesque landscape, with neatly cut and piled wood both inside and out. With lunchtime upon us, I decided it was the perfect spot to refuel our energy and keep our spirits high. But as the warmth of the hut embraced us, I knew it was the right time for a big reveal. Among our hiking gear, I carried a special item - an engagement ring! My girlfriend, Ann-Marie, had no idea what was coming, and the element of surprise was part of the adventure! With a mix of nerves and excitement, I declared my love for her and asked her to marry me. Through the happiest of tears, she said YES, and near Mount Pinnacle in Refuge No. 3 Hut, our journey as fiancés began!
As the sun began to set on our engagement day, we knew that time was of the essence. With a night hike ahead, we set out on the Mount Buller Epic trail. The trail eventually led us to an information board that revealed our distance from the finish - about 10 to 12 kilometers. As we continued our way down guided only by our head torches and the enchanting glow of the starlit night. The trail led us through rugged terrain, but the path was surprisingly easy to follow, and as we continued our journey, we made excellent time.
The night sky twinkled above us, and the moon cast a soft glow on the landscape. We couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude for the beauty that surrounded us. The serenity of the night, combined with the joy of our newfound commitment, made the hike even more special. We were on top of the world!
The realization that we were nearing the end of our extraordinary adventure brought a mix of emotions - satisfaction for completing the hike, anticipation to share our news with our parents, and eagerness to celebrate our engagement together. As the moon hung high in the sky, we reached the familiar intersection with just under 3 kilometers to go. We picked up our pace, determined to make it to the finish line. The dark of night surrounded us, but the glow of our love lit the way.
With grace and style, we navigated the trail finally making it back to the car in the cover of night. Swapping our hiking shoes, we made the 5-kilometer car journey back to The Sebel. We quickly changed our attire at superhero-like speed - it was almost as if we had superpowers! With haste, we arrived at dinner, eager to share our life-changing news with our parents. Though fashionably late, we couldn't wait to see the smiles on their faces when they heard our engagement story.
The joy and excitement of the evening knew no bounds. The warmth of love and celebration filled the air as we sat together, recounting our incredible Mansfield adventure. The support and love from our families made the moment even more special, and we felt truly blessed to have shared this remarkable journey with them.
To cap off an already extraordinary weekend, we treated ourselves to a magical helicopter flight with David from Alpine Helicopter Charter on Sunday morning. Soaring above Mansfield's stunning landscapes, we marveled at the beauty that surrounded us. The breathtaking aerial views took our breath away as we enjoyed a brunch atop The Paps. David's expertise and knowledge of the area added a fascinating touch to the experience, making it truly memorable.
And there you have it, dear readers - the tale of our unforgettable Mansfield weekend, filled with adventure, love, and moments that will remain etched in our hearts forever.
With love and excitement,
Phil & Ann-Marie
Have you ever had a hiking adventure that turned into something more magical than you could have ever imagined? Share your incredible stories in the comments below, and let's celebrate the love, surprises, and unforgettable moments that can be found when exploring the great outdoors! 🏞️💖
🚁✨ For thrilling helicopter flight options and breathtaking aerial experiences, check out David's incredible offerings at Alpine Helicopter Charter at the link below! Take your adventures to new heights and embrace the beauty from above. 🪂🌄
Mindblowing just love it 😀 😍 ❤️