6.3 million years young, 875 metres high…
…born of volcanic eruptions, it still stands, and ignites a crippling fire in the limbs of all who attempt to scale it. No one could ever rightfully claim to have conquered it. Lord Howe Islanders revere it, they see it every day from almost everywhere on the island. In fact, it influences the local weather.
Often adorned with an orographic cloud formation, Mount Gower provided an original haven for early Whalers, and a workplace for pig hunters and palm seeders. It’s a comforting navigational beacon for sailors and aviators, and an earthly heaven for naturalists, ornithologists, geologists and hikers.
Categorically classified as the ultimate Lord Howe Island trek and a pinnacle of recreational hikes available internationally, Mt Gower delivers in all respects, but also suffers the title of graveyard for the occasional unfortunate climber.
View of Mt Lidgbird and the lowlands from summit of Mt Gower.
On Sunday, the 5th of January 2014…
…Mount Gower is to host the ultimate challenge for a group of 5 islanders who’ll attempt to break the ascent/descent record for both males and females.
The first recorded attempt to summit Gower was in 1869… surveyor Robert David Fitzgerald and Shoalhaven Billy Trombone, camped in a thatch hut in Erskine’s Valley, relying on a Magpie for nutrition and a wild pig for their dogs. Ultimately, they failed to reach the summit and documented a fear of the Lower Road ledge as they returned to the lowlands. Since then, the islanders have trudged over every square metre of the mountain. Some at speed and with great strength and agility in pursuit of feral goats and pigs, others on scientific exploits or in conservation mode to protect unique bird life, eradicate rats, and extinguish noxious weeds.
Urban myths and chilling stories such as “Black Billy”, provided the catalyst for the young folk to high tail it along the trails, and some of the more competitive inclined recorded their climb times for bragging rights. It was well documented that some of the local hunters could reach the summit in just over 60 minutes, but few had reason to place limb and life at risk by combining a redline uphill scramble with rapid descent. Nevertheless, efforts of 2 to 2hrs 30mins were claimed (consider that the average trip is 6-8 hours).
In May 1995, an official record was set by island descendant, Philip Whistler, in an overall time of 1hr 41mins 10secs.
He’s now invited some of the fittest locals to set a new benchmark and dedicate the proceeds of their efforts to the Island school. In doing so, they will declare their respect for Mt Gower and Lord Howe.
In 1998 Sir David Attenborough stated, “Lord Howe is so extraordinary it’s almost unbelievable”. Those accepting this challenge have personally experienced the uniqueness and splendour of the island, and offer a warm invitation to all islanders and tourists to join them at the start/finish line at Capella Lodge for a special Mt Gower morning.
A collection of historical images
MTGOWER 