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Since we were on a roll with the walking, we took off for Mount Trio in the Stirling Ranges and a 3.6km walk. The very friendly ranger told us to leave 3 hours available for it and that worried me (and my aching knees) a little. Why on earth would it take so long? We soon found out. This walk was right up the side of the mountain. It was steep, it was slippery and it was the hardest walk I have ever done in my whole entire life. The trek up was the hardest even with the very frequent stops to catch our breath and rest the legs. Caleb continued with the complaining from yesterday but I could hardly blame him. So many times I wanted to stop, sit and cry. The sun was beating down, we were expecting a top of 42 degrees, and there was little shade. Aaron charged on ahead, as he does, and we made the slow journey up the mountain. I started to worry in advance about the return trip as the gradient was so steep and the shale rock so loose. 
We met two other walkers on their way down who assured us the view was indeed worth the effort. They also commented on how fit Aaron was (further ahead) seemingly striding along effortlessly. Good on him!
When we reached the summit, the relief was immense and the view sensational. We sat to rest and found 4 ladybirds waiting for us. We took this as a special omen. We each added a rock to the cairn created by those who had been there before us and we rested awhile, (personally I was dreading the journey back down) until Ray finally picked up the backpack and we headed off. It was a tough journey, legs working against the gradient and becoming like jelly after a couple of hundred meters. We daren’t stop more than once because our legs began to seize up and getting them to start again was tricky. I’ve never experienced anything like it before. Ray estimated the gradient to be 2:1. Two meters forward, one metre up. Add the loose rock, heat and sun and it was HARD. 
We returned to the van exhausted but very proud of ourselves. We re-hydrated, hooked up and set off for Lake Grace, our planned stop for the night. 
On the way we passed “the Lily”, a Dutch windmill lovingly built by a Dutchman and his wife over 6 years. They used to run a cafe serving traditional Dutch food and accommodation but now they are retired. You can stay there but that’s about it. We drove up the driveway to get a photo though. 
We pulled into Lake Grace about 5:30pm , each of us absolutely physically shattered. An early night was required!

Make sure you take the opportunity to conquer Mount Trio for the splendid view and the personal challenge if you are ever in the vicinity. A first aid kit and plenty of water and refreshments would also be a good addition to your walking kit.