Australian Hiker

Today was most physically demanding day of the whole trip for a number of reasons. Firstly it was a 22km day, my biggest so far, and secondly the wind.

The day started out okay but by mid morning I found myself walking up a series of steep hills into a strong headwind. I did an Instagram post and at that stage the winds were steady at 60-70 km per hour. Just after I posted they increased to around 80 km which made for very slow going. Then to make matters worse, they shifted to a tail wind which you think would have made things better but actually made it hard the balance.

Overnight the winds have come and gone requiring me to add the additional guy lines to stabilise my tent.

During the day I passed through two towns, Ellendale and Westerway. Both smallish towns as towns go but with small shops and post offices. Most of all it was a chance to have a snack and in the case of Westerway, to top up my water. I ended up camping on the southern outskirts of Westerway.

For those following me on the online map you will have noticed that I am now firmly dipping in and out of the Tasmanian Trail. As previously mentioned all of the creeks and streams are running very high and if there is a water fording required I will detour around it. My choice was backed up on this day as I went over a bridge crossing that had if I had tried to cross the river, it would’ve been a swim.

Both the weather and the landscape have changed quite dramatically from the north and I am now walking through a drier farmland environment. This walk really does provide an opportunity to see Tasmanian and go off the beaten track to many small communities that most people are unlikely to ever visit. Sure the trail bypasses all the national parks but that’s a visit for another time.

I’ve been asked on social media if I’m warm enough in my tent and the answer to that is yes. I have a new Sea to Summit sleeping bag which is keeping me toasty and on those really cold nights, I have a thermal liner which I’ve only used once to boost up the temperature.

Over the next two days I have just on 29 km to walk to my next town stop. So I’m planning for a long then a short day and then will take advantage of the hotel room.

The forecast is for rain but thankfully not a lot.

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