Cradle Mountain is named for a miner’s cradle. It is not a volcano but it is made by wind and erosion and galatial movement. The geological makeup is dolorite. The glacier was not all the way to the top so the top was not affected by the glacier movement and is rough and jagged. The mountains around it are smooth.
In the early years, this area was used for timber, trapping, and mining. In 1980 it was designated as a UNESCO area.
During WWII Australia was underdefended because most men where fighting in Germany and elsewhere. They sent Chocos (undertrained newbies from the army reserve who would melt during combat) to Papua New Guinea to stop a Japanese advancement. Kokoda Track through the Owen Stanley range was the site of many battles in dense humid malaria-filled jungles. Our tour guide has crossed that trail and said that it was the hardest thing that he has ever done.
The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour with their superior planes called Zero AND at the same time bombed Darwin where 300 people died. They also bombed Townsville and a palm tree was destroyed and one cow was killed. People were scared and built trenches outside their homes.
Japan was not successful because of the immense size of Australia. They could not establish supply lines. The Japanese wouldn’t use the three man Aussie trenches. Japanese would deem them unlucky and dig their own one person trenches.
The Battle of Midway saved Australia as it destroyed many of the Japanese ships that were headed toward Australia.
Brenda’s Walk Around Dove Lake
Rob’s Hike Up to Marion’s Lookout
Along the way we cross many walkways, climb up many steps, and walk across many loose and jagged rocks. The group sets a brisk pace. With effort I was able to keep up.
ANZAC Day starts with a 5am service at the Returned and Services League (RSL) for a solemn program with bugle calls. Then everyone goes to the pub and toasts the fallen and veterans. Then they go out into the street to gamble. It is the only day that it is allowed. The game is called Two Up. It is basically heads and tails with two coins but with a lot of rules!!
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