Hiking on the Great North Walk - a personal reflection
By Sue
Oh dear “What have I signed up for..?”…an early thought, whilst determining what gear I needed to take me on this camping and hiking weekend. Not so for Facebook and Adventure Retailers who have targeted me relentlessly during my wide and numerous online searches for gear I thought I needed, as they obviously were in the game to convince me so. YouTube viewing and fun escapades were to follow, on how to put it together once received. Much of my gear was bought in a series of exploratory ‘suck and see’ determinations; up-selling at each stage until I knew I had the best I could track down, rationalise, afford, but within the time to day zero ... Yes, this is the kit I want, correction; need. My mind balancing the investment in kit and self (especially when compared to the varying other past 5*Star myopic hotel spends) - that is of course before DITRA.
Now my city ventures take me directly to Kent Street; electronically to Snowy’s; locally to Paddy’s. Not to mention that Supermarket shopping will just never be the same. The ‘piece de resistance’ was the pedicure 2 days out when in situ I declared “Oh No .. %@#” to the pedicurist that committed the scissors to a nail cut that would have led to a middle toe track exorcism if they hadn’t been quick to respond with a toenail infill… just in time! For anyone fond of Haruki Murakami, this is IQ84 territory.
For those that don’t know me well you’ve guessed it - I’m the total novice.
Then the day - awake at 0315 - the final pack and weigh. Down to the wire, then the decision that the Merlot wouldn’t be joining me. In fact, the second wrap and extra coffee sachets had to be ditched as well (definitely couldn’t be the camp chair - Ali S. that’s your story to tell!). Arrived at Brunkerville, ominous-sounding enough, but a Michele muffin put us at ease before setting off.
On track all going well …up…up….up….. Up… down …. Down …. DOWN …. repeat… along vast stretches of fire trail. Fabulous scenery and an absolute stamina test however despite my outward look; just loving it!
Then to CAMP preceded by a surprise just prior – a sit-down loo - then just 750 m to the stunning vista of our overnight lookout site. Plenty of daylight left to set up the site, wrestle tents, enjoy the ambience and cloudless bush sunset, cook dinner before joining the circle fireside chat and then snuggling into thermals and sleeping bags in our tent homes. A long day filled with laughs and some cries but exhilarating to the end.
Day 2. Breakfast and pack up camp. Ready to go.
Outstanding by its difference and diversity. Challenging to the end with incredible terrain. Beautiful rain forest trails, tight tracks across streams, under rock formations, over huge felled trees, big climbs, BIG descents, unbelievable rock scrambles. Tough mentally and tough physically.
Just one last BIG climb; then mid-way faced with one BIG step up. Mind and legs momentarily buckled followed by a 360 pirouette to a sitting position. Not so graceful; more like a stranded turtle backpack and gravity completing the turn and surprising Margaret G. with a “gosh are you okay?” A massive infusion of electrolytes and I’m on my way again.
Surprise and release to finally drop the pack! Comfort provided by cold drinks and salty chips and then a little sadness that the experience was over and we were headed home.
Thank you to Jo and Michele for providing the how, when, where and way to support the adventure. The promise to experience the joy of independent trekking; to learn and to be challenged by steep hills, wide fire trails and slippery ‘jungle’ trails - absolutely delivered. The promise of spectacular views and stunning Australian bush - absolutely delivered. The bonus. The camaraderie and joy of sharing with fun and spirited women the opportunity that for me never even appeared on my ‘to-do list’ until a very short time ago.
A big personal thank you to the special ladies that provided the mentoring in advance and the support during, that got me to the finish line.
I await the next adventure.