Ok. Its an extinct volcano.
Allegedly.

Mt Franklin was created by a large volcanic eruption 470,000 years ago.
Untold tonnes of ejecta, including granite, basalt, red & green olivine, megacrysts and scoria formed a high cone rising above the plain.

Today the crater is a free camping reserve set amongst thick stands of deciduous and conifer trees. During the ancient eruption lava breached the the eastern rim of the cone and today a narrow winding paved road accesses the crater at this point.

We found out it is a popular overnight destination and there were already quite a few camper vans and caravans on site by the time we pulled up late afternoon.
A group of French speaking teenagers in a small wagon-circle of vans were playing a game of boules just across from the site we selected.

The cool afternoon air was cupped in the shadow of crater providing welcome relief from yesterday’s heat. We took a short hike up the rim and back to warm up.

And in other news we finally, christened our chemical toilet…..um, you know…in the solids department.
Hard to believe I know, but up until last night our loo was a number 2 virgin.
We just always seemed to have an alternative option at hand when nature called.

I am sworn to secrecy on specifics of who performed the actual deed…..but it was a big one. Commensurate with the significance of such a passing out ceremony.

And somehow today, Ripley and her passengers all seem a little more relaxed. Her toilet smells of roses. And all is well with the world.