We're making good time. Our group is reasonably fit,median age late 30s,though the walk is challenging enough to make us all feel we're getting a good workout. The only one not puffing is our guide,Michael,who we've just heard climbed Mount Everest in 2006 and is in training to do it solo next year.
The route is clearly marked and it would be hard to get lost,but Michael earns his keep by leading us on a short detour to where the Dryridge Estate winery gazes across the valley to the glowing orange Narrow Neck escarpment.
It's lunchtime. Mark has arrived with the support vehicle and is turning steaks on the barbie while chef Carl lays out the salad and winery staff pour generous samples of riesling and Six Foot Track Shiraz. The scouts file past below,looking for a suitable spot to eat their muesli bars and scroggin.
Our afternoon route takes us through open forest to where the Cox's River cuts a deep gorge. Crossing it on the narrow swing bridge quickens the pulse of those with vertigo,self included,though any danger is imaginary rather than real.
Cox's River camping ground is a mini metropolis on a spring weekend,crowded with four-wheel-drive enthusiasts,family groups and,of course,those scouts. Fortunately,we glampers have Mark,who was here yesterday to set up tents and a hot shower cubicle away from the throng. My super-deluxe tent is high enough for me to stand in and is equipped with a stretcher.
My knees would genuflect in gratitude if they could,as would the rest of me when the dinner and wine work their magic.
Day Two is a challenge as we climb from the Megalong Valley to the Black Range,fording creeks along the way. After a particularly steep pinch we settle on a log to catch our breath.
"Phew,"Lyn puffs,"I'm supposed to be playing mah-jong with my U3A[University of the Third Age] group today."She'll have bragging rights when next she sees them and an excellent bedtime story for her 16 grandchildren. She's certainly an inspiring example.
Next morning we're woken by the kookaburras and ready for the final leg. Anyone who's really hurting could ride in the LandCruiser but Mark gently encourages everyone to push on to complete the last 10 kilometres down the hill into Jenolan,where some visit the famous caves and others grab a coffee or cool drink at the cafe.
"You drink cola?"Michael asks."You know that's not good for you."
A glamper counters:"Climbing Everest's not good for you but you have to live a little,don't you?"
Walking the Six Foot Track has been good for us in every way and we've all lived a little this weekend.
The writer was the guest of Life's an Adventure.
Trip notes
Getting there
The Six Foot Track starts from the Explorers'Tree parking area,three kilometres west of Katoomba on the Great Western Highway. Limited private bus services run between Jenolan and Katoomba.jenolancaves.org.au.
Life's an Adventure runs three-day walks including all meals,beverages,tent accommodation and shuttles from Sydney if required. Prices range from $379 for a standard tour to $549 for the super-deluxe option. (02) 9913 8939,lifesanadventure.com.au.
With the kids
Walking the entire Six Foot Track is a strenuous undertaking and not recommended for young children. However,most active nine- or 10-year-olds would enjoy a walk down Nellie's Glen to camp at Cox's River and climb out the next day.