Sphinx Cousin

 Tuesday 12 May 2026

 Went up Middle ridge past the old huts site, including Cecil Johnston's before emerging on Lenah Valley Track.   On approaching Rock Cabin we came upon track work and had to return to Shoobridge junction and approach Sphinx Cousin (my name for the monolith).  It was a scramble around the side to reach the top, but just a few metres leaving through the bush the base of Sphinx Rock.

Update 19 May 2026

As there was no takers for the planned Madmans Hill walk, I decided to go from Lenah Valley to the Springs.    The boardwalk near Lone Cabin and also close to Rock Cabin has been replaced by a gravelled path with rocks drains. I hadn't seen anyone on the Lenah Valley Track but heard people behind and was surprised how quickly the couple overtook me even though I felt I was moving at a good pace.   Contrary to the advertised notice  the section of track from Sphinx Rock to The Springs was closed so  I had to go the long way round to reach the end for lunch.  Stuart Graham was there with his group of walkers who we have met on several occasions over the years.
 
Return was along the North South Track and it was along here that I met several other walkers, but no bikes.    A woman in the first party had a packet of snakes and kindly offered me one, which I felt was a nice gesture.   Shortly after I passed a woman who remembered me  from the previous week when we were at Sphinx Rock.
 
Upwards LV-Springs   8.1k  2:45 detour added about 30 minutes to the normal time.  Return  via North South 7.2k  2:05

Falls Hut ruin

Sphinx Cousin cliff

Woodland below Sphinx Cousin

Upgraded track near Rock Cabin  19 May 2026