Australian Hiker

Yesterday was very much a day spent road walking, both on bitumen and dirt management roads. The first real sign that today was going to be different was my first steep descent as I made my way towards the very prominent Mount Roland fully realising I was going to have to go up again. The ascents and descents were severe but a noticeable change from the previous two days. Another pattern for yesterday were the occasional rain storms that seemed to come from nowhere very quickly and then go almost as fast. Both times I rushed to get my rain gear on only to have it stop by the time I did.

Yesterday also saw my first flood division and according to the guide book this is unmarked but there was an alternate route sign at the start along with the occasional trail marker along the way. I hit the diversion bridge in about another 4km. Another day just on 20km and for a number of reasons that seems to be my limit so it looks like I will need my spare days at the end of the trip to complete.

Last night I camped about 50 metres off the road in a eucalyptus reserve as the area that I am walking through at the moment is farmland and the verges aren’t very private so I have no choice. I spotted this area about 3:45pm and managed to set up and cook dinner before another small rain storm. I had a good sleep last night including a long block between 4:30pm and 11:30pm so I am feeling rested.

For the first time I’m going to have to filter water and while there is plenty to be had, I need to find some that doesn’t have a dead road kill wallaby in it which is easier said than done. I’m just going to have to find a source that starts at the top of a hill.

Now for breakfast and then pack up and go.

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