But no, we set off for the 5 hour Pound Walk.  The trail led up through the valley and across the ridge line passing a variety of native flowers set against the red escarpment.  Reaching the top of the ridge the full pound in all its glory was exposed below us.  From here the trail led down into the base of the pound meandering across the base and across several dry river beds.  Were we really going to have to swim at the end?

The trail continued down the ravine with the cliff face slowly closing in with shear walls on both sides. As we rounded the bend a deep pool lay before us laughing at 7 walkers deciding if a 4 hour return walk was possible.  No going back now. Jay was first stripping down in to his large Y fronts and a beany to at least keep one appendage warm.  Based on the loud inhale of oxygen and breathing like a whale I could tell this was not going to be fun. Next was Kathy and the kids and the screams just added to the fear ahead.

With all the others safely on the other side (a slightly whiter colour than when they left) the clothes were dispatched in to plastic bags and the first toe dipped on to the water.  OMFGGGGGGG!  In order to try to act before the brain could say this is mad, I plunged in to the river.  As the water reached the nether region all I could thing of was - thank god I am not having any more children.  The icy liquid reached the chest and any trace of oxygen was sucked out of the lungs.  By this stage all the blood was being drawn to the brain in survival mode meaning that the feet and legs no longer decide to work. Luckily momentum took me to the other bank just before CPR was required.  "Well that was refreshing......".

After drying and getting re-dressed comprehension was slowly returning and we were able to continue on the walk.  Having returned to camp it was time for a hot chocolate to be finished with a toasty warm camp fire and lovely dinner from the camp oven.  

It was not that bad after all.    NOT.