Bibbulmun Track - Day 45 - 48

Day 45

Woke up around 6am and toasted some Fruit & Spice muffins I had bought for breakfast. Unfortunately the boat across Wilson Inlet wasn't running this week. Its primarily a fishing charter boat, but the operator is in Perth the whole week.  

With the Bibbulmun Foundation and WA Parks declaring a TEC (Threatened Ecological Community) over the peninsula on the eastern side walking is no longer a valid option. Luckily Mark from the Blue Wren YHA offers a taxi service around to the other side. 

I jumped in with a German couple who took a rest day yesterday and we all left just before 8. We made the first drop point (where the track crosses Eden Road) after about 30min where they hopped out, but I had asked to be dropped at Pelican Point, a further 8.5km track distance, where the boat would normally land. Beautiful spot.  

I thought I would stop at Nullaki camp (14.2km) because of the later start and mucking around... but it seems that the BTF also count the boat ride as Track distance, cutting 5km off. The track follows the edge of the Inlet and is pretty flat easy walking. While sandy its covered in vegetation/grass.. doesn't seem to get much use... 

It wasn't long until I passed the first drop point where immediately the wear on the track was very noticeable. When dropping me off Mark mentioned that barely 5% do the extra 8.5k. I figured it wasn't that much in the grand scheme of things. Getting to Nullaki just past 10am I stopped for smoko but quickly made the decision to push on a further 17k to West Cape Howe. 

Back into the sandy dune climbs but at least there was no rain last night and the overgrown plants were dry! I spotted a few snakes a large Dugite, a smaller greenish snake with a triangle shaped head and a little spotted brown guy that I later confirmed was a legless lizard. 

Around a few more bends and over a few more hills I spotted a few more Spider Orchids again. Then eventually found myself at Lowlands Beach. 200m off track to the lookout with a toilet, water tank, table and shade for a break. 2wd vehicle accessable (gravel road) and a beautiful spot. 

I didn't stay too long before pushing on the last 4.5km to camp where Roman and Carina (German couple) were already setup. Another couple Ian and Eleanor, just doing Denmark > Albany, arrived a few hours later and set up a tent making just 3 for the hut. 5 total. 

There was a pretty awesome spot for views up behind the hut on a small knoll. There was just the right amount of clouds to make for a very pretty sunset. It was pretty windy and very cold though, but probably lt worth it. 

Day 46

It was a cold windy morning and despite the epic view last night I wasn't brave enough in the morning to get out of my sleeping bag and watch the sunrise. Despite being last out of bed I was still first on trail by 715am. 

Shorter day today, just 16km. The trail in parts is pretty over grown with stiff and spikey shrubs so my shins copped quite a few scrapes and scratches. I saw a few more spider orchids which are really beautiful and as I crested a hill was able to see the 18 Turbines that make up the Albany Wind farm. Not far from the end now...  

It was a good sunny day so there were also quite a few snakes about. There was a recently partially maintained stretch (near a 4wd access) where i saw 5 Crowned snakes within a stretch of just 100m. Over the morning I saw about 6 Dugite slither off into the bush and I heard at least a dozen more snakes or lizards scurry off in a hurry.  

I made camp before 11am to find 2 hikers stopping for smoko. They had done a 10k (20 return) side trip down to the point of West Cape Howe and stayed in a camping spot there. More thoughts about pushing on as its only 12k for the next hut, then 12 more the one after which I planned to combine tomorrow.  

In the end I decided to stay, there's another Inlet crossing close by and I would prefer to hit this one at a lower tide in the morning. I made a good choice because apparently "Brenda the Quenda" (Bandicoot) is a frequent visitor here and she made an appearance just before 2pm. I also had phone service so I was able to book the bus, plane and accommodation in Albany and Perth to get me home. It really is getting close to the end...  

Same 5 from the hut last night, though Ian and Eleanor took their time not reaching the hut until about 330pm, again setting up their tent. A bit later another 4 rolled in, Parents and their 2 adult kids. Mark and Camilla I met in Denmark. Mark was resting a sore hip and was struggling pretty bad, so they hitched from near Nullaki hut past West Cape Howe and were dropped a few hundred meters from here. 

A small lookout is just behind the hut again but nothing like the views last night and mostly closed in by trees. I also discovered that despite putting sunscreen on I mustn't have used enough and my arms got a little pink...  

Day 47

Busy hut in the morning meant a bit of noise. Since I was awake early I got away before 7. At the 2k mark there is a day use area for the beach with bins so I was able to ditch rubbish. The weight of the wrappers isn't much but the psychological benefits not carrying it give a bit of a boost.  

The beach was fairly flat and with the outgoing tide fairly firm. Bit of kelp washed up that was still easy to avoid. I skipped across a small creek 1.5km in and managed to keep the feet dry before eventually reaching the Torbay inlet. I took the shoes off and waded across, thigh deep. 

After the Inlet the tall dunes and steep beach returned. I kept the shoes off but with the slope and compact sand would have been better in shoes. At the end of the beach there was a lookout and a seat which was a good opportunity to dust off sand and re-shoe. 

Back up on the sand dunes but the trail is fairly compact and well maintained. I made the Mutton Bird hut at 930am, good thing I'm double hutting today. 

After leaving the hut you get close to the Albany Wind Turbines. Massive massive machines. As you wind along the coast past them there are numerous view points displaying a beautiful coastline. 

I made the next, and last, hut just after 1pm. I went up the small lookout behind it and was there maybe 15min before it started to drizzle. By the time I had returned to the hut it was showers and moments after I was safe heavy rain. 

4 others showed up a little later, not so lucky. Cold rain and wind... I was cold without being wet!! My first day was raining, why not the last night too....? 

Day 48

It was windy and stormy all night. Quite a bit of rain on and off. The wind blew all the still dry sand under the shelter over anything left out and the occasional swirl of wind would carry some rain in sideways too! 

Checking the Radar overbreakfast there were heaps of small patches of rain coming in from the ocean but no real big banks. So j got ready and, as luck would have it, it started pissing down... After 2min there was another gap though and I got away.  

The first few km fell quick and it wasn't long before I got my first good view of Albany. The trail flowed pretty smoothly down to the waters edge where I soon met a bitumen bike/huke path. Clipped the poles away and dirch rubbish in a convenient bin and continued along the waters edge. Its really beautiful if you ignore the road on your left. 

After you cross a railway line its back up another hill (last one for good measure?) Where I partially regretted not having my poles handy... Then your basically in town. A few local streets later before you cross the park and reach the Southern Terminus. 

I had made pretty good time, arriving at 9. With the visitor centre not open until 10 it gave me plenty of time to find the Coach House cafe and sit down for a massive 'Aussie Breakfast'. Then it was back up York Street a little to officially ring the bell and sign the final trail logbook. 

I'm now sitting at the restaurant under my accom for the night until the room is ready. Plan was to buy some "Travel home" clothes... but apparently most things are shut on Sunday in Albany... My merino shirt will have to do for the bus and I'll pick up something in Perth before my flight. 

Bus tomorrow morning leaves at 9 and takes most of the day. So Perth for a night before flying home and returning home. There are a few hikers that just finished last 2 days, a few more I was with last night and others that will double hut in today. The plan is a dinner and catch-up/good bye before we all go on our separate ways.  

As always bitter-sweet endings. Some great company has made this yet another memorable hike. I'll be sure to make a toast to many many more tonight. 

Happy trails. 

Bibbulmun Track - Day 39 - 44

Day 39

Awoke to the sound of rain so I opened up BOM and it looks like that may be the theme for the next 5 days. Mostly 1-3mm but a few times it jumps to 5-10. Yay.  Shoved everything into the pack and left it in the common room while we went the 500m into town for breakfast. 

Great breakfast at the Bakery+Cafe and very filling... but I knew I would want more later so ordered a toasted ham and cheese Crossiant and 2 mini pies to take away. It started to drizzle so I plugged my phone in for a final charge and by 11 when it cleared I set off. 

The trail out of town was fairly easy. Following along the Inlet walking track so fairly flat but mostly paved so hard underfoot. By the time I hit the first hill about 4.5km in I started to feel the full weight of a full food load out, both in my pack and belly...  

Near the top is the Giant Tingle Tree which is still growing but the base has been burnt out and is big enough to park a car under! Massive massive trees here. 

Camp didn't feel like too much further and was a L shaped hut, but up on stilts (incase the creek floods I guess) so a bit unique. The river, coloured by tannin, was very cold but looked beautiful and there was a nice log so I dropped in my feet in for a soak. 

Threat of rain tonight (and the next few days...) so 5 hikers in the hut tonight. Plenty of room. Space for probably 16, 20 if shoulder to shoulder. Feels a bit cool by the creek so sleeping bag liner left within arms reach.  

Day 40

Another double hut day today so a fairly early start, getting away just before 7am. Mostly uphill through more Tingle Forest until I reached a tree top walk. Suspended 40m above the floor with the Tingle trees reaching 30m further than that above. $21 price tag was probably a bit much for a 15min loop but it was nice to be among the trees.  

The hut for lunch was only 1.5km past that and I got in just after 11 to find a 16 strong group of day hikers. They are doing "The best of the Bibb" which is apparently 9 days of day hikes. Fancy accom at night at different places along the track and a bus for drop offs and pickups. Today they planned a 10km stretch from the Tree top to Conspicuous Cliffs. 

They set off as I sat down for lunch but after I started again it wasn't long before I caught them. At 3 separate road crossings I saw the bus so the hikers could customise how long they wanted their day to be. Certainly easier than carrying a pack the whole way.... 

After getting past the horde I started to get more into sandy dunes again. Mostly firm but a little bit of soft stuff to keep it interesting. It wasn't long before I was on the coast again with beautiful ocean views. 

Track goes back onto the beach and this time the soft dune beach exit took a bit of effort. 2 steps up while sinking 1 step back. Then as soon as you're off the beach dunes its a 160m climb up the headland. 

The hut wasn't much past the peak of the headland where we found Darcy, the "81 and 11/12ths" year old E2E hiker already setup in the hut. It's pretty exposed and windy up here but a great view. Sunset was mostly hidden behind the headland but there was some great colour in the sky and a friend to enjoy it with. 2 from last night must have single hutted (or wild camped) leaving 4 for the hut. 

Day 41

Throughout the night was on/off rain. Some heavy but mostly light. Darcy was up and about before sunrise to start packing and was off and hiking just after 530am, I waited a while longer before I got out of my sleeping bag. Away just before 7 in a gap in the rain I made it a few km before another heavy shower.  

A few more k and I had already caught up to Darcy. Just moving along at his own pace enjoying the absolutely stunning coastline and bays. I set up atop a little headland, despite only being 3km short of Peaceful Bay, and just took in the view for a good 30min.  

On the next stretch there were a few sink holes, one I didn't manage to avoid, so I had wet sandy shoes getting into town. There was beach showers so I took the time to rinse the shoes. Better wet than wet and sandy... Got in pretty early around 10:30am and enjoyed a great Big Breakfast at the Cafe. 

We also found out the famed Fish and Chip shop was closd for 3 days as the family that runs it was attending the Charity Telethon event in Perth, with one of the kids performing. 

3 of us split a 3 bedroom Chalet (if you could call a beach shack that) which looked pretty nice. Was setup like Bonnydoon (from the Castle) and had a Pool Room wall and a few other decorations. I grabbed a partial resupply from the Caravan Park kiosk. Quite expensive, especially as I was only grazing snacks....  Wouldn't want to do a full resupply here.  

Good showers in the shower block. Nice pressure and good hot water. The Cafe (because of the Fisho being closed) were very kind and said they would open up for an hour at dinner. Great burgers too! We put on a DVD after a 20min search for the remote... and then quick to bed.  

Day 42

Heavy heavy rain again last night, though exaggerated by the tin roof. The walk to the cafe wasn't too bad, just a light shower. Looks like showers all day. Just a quick pie and H+C Crossiant for me. Jess and Aaron were talking about the virtues of a warm bed and roof vs hiking out in the rain. 

I set out in a light gap and it seemed great for about 1km. After that the trail became overgrown and the rain wasn't an issue, just the water dropping off every over hanging branch was enough to soak me and the shoes. As if that wasn't bad enough the track was flooded in sections from the heavy rain last night so 2 sections were up to my knees. Shoes were wet anyway. 

After 9k I reached the canoe crossing which has been much talked about. You would think raging currents and 5' waves knocking people over. It was a simple crossing but the north side was left short of canoes so I took back an extra 2, then back myself. Making it three crossings in total. 

Back into dunes up and down. Up and down and eventually onto the beach. Would have been good to be able to pick the tides because dodging waves in shoes is about as annoying as doing it in 4wds... 

6km total on the beach today but most of it was fairly solid unlike the last few beaches. One last stint into the dunes again and then I reached the hut around 230. Darcy was already setting up and another hiker was just packing from lunch to do another 11.5km to a car camping site ahead near trail. 

Just before 4 a school group turned up. 14 students and 2 teachers. Groups larger than 6 have to tent, not use hut, so watching them setup dome tents provided a bit of entertainment. Aaron arrived soon after with news that Jess had decided to Zero. Then just before sunset a NOBO hiker joined us. So 4 in the hut and 16 tenting. 

Day 43

The kids were up fairly early and as a result so was I. More entertainment as they tried for pancakes on a camping stove. I packed fairly quickly and was away by 615am. Luckily blue skies. At least at the start. 

Back into sand dunes but the trail was fairly overgrown with stiff,sharp, spikey plants. At the top of a hill I looked over my leg and found I had picked up a hitch-hiker. My first tick. It had already bitten in but came off quite easy. 

The view over Mazzoletti beach was amazing and I also happened to spy a Survey Marker right at the top. Down hill from there I had smoko at the Parry Inlet camp ground. The Inlet crossing was just ahead on the beach, followed by another 7km of beach... so I took off my shoes and got started.  

The sand was pretty good at the start. Handy to walk along the waves breaking without having to worry about shoes. I reached the Inlet and waded across. It was pretty firm but in the middle reached just above my waist, wetting the bottom of my pack in the process. Everything important was safe in dry sacks.  

The next 7km was ok. A lot was hard sand still but the tide came in and it was a steep beach in parts so I did have to do plenty of soft sand walking. There were also a few choke points with waves reaching the dunes. 

At the far end I reached Greens Pool area, which would be a fantastic spot for swimming/snorkelling on a warm sunny day. It was not warm, nor sunny. I sat on the rocks and watched a few braver than I get into wetsuits and swim laps. Just as I was packing up a heavy downpour started. 

Too far from the shelters near the carpark I accepted my fate (shorts still wet from the jnlet crossing anyway...) and took the short track to Elephant Rocks. Looks good, even in the rain. 

From there it was a pretty short 1.7km (and 130m climb) to camp atop Tower Hill. Was in just after 1 with no sun and a bit if a breeze so I started feeling cold as soon as I stopped. No school kids tonight, so just 3; Darcy, Aaron and I in the hut. 

Day 44

Darcy was up and out early again but u slept in a bit more. Finally getting out of camp just before 7am. 20k into town today. Well maintained section of track so last nights rain on the plants didn't drop on me. 

Back down to the beach briefly before heading inland. Mt Hallowell was a good climb, with a nice break at Monkey Rocks half way up. It also had a pretty good view.  There are heaps of granite boulders and gaps in thebrocks I know I would have loved to explore as a kid. 

Pretty fast to drop down the other side and along a heritage trail by Wilson Inlet. The foreshore must be privately owned in sections though because you often get spat out onto roads to walk a few blocks before dropping back. Then by a swamp before eventually reaching Denmark River. From there its a shortish walk into town.  

I went to the accom first and got a room for the night so I could ditch my pack and head out for lunch. Bakery had some great meals which filled me up. After that it was almost a 2km (return) walk extra to the Info centre to sign the logbook. Back at the accom to do washing and have a shower before popping down the pub for a beer. 

Bibbulmun Track - Day 33 - 38

Day 33
Breakfast in the hotel room this morning. I had hoped to hit the Cafe on the way out, but I had a slightly longer day (32.4km) and they said they didn't open until 8am. As I walked past about 715 I saw someone coming out with a coffee in hand...  Oh well.

The track was fairly easy in the morning. Nice sandy soil but not loose sand. We also followed along an old rail line so it was an easy grade. A little further we started to follow the Gardner river and criss cross it a few times. A few sections of loose sand seemed to suck extra energy with each step.

Orchids today are out in force. Heaps of Enameled, Cowslip, Snail and a new (to me) pink cowslip. Made it to Gardner hut just before 11am for lunch. A hiker was having a rest day here (nursing a sore knee) but was ok to walk out to Northcliffe tomorrow.

After lunch there were a few more sections of soft sand as well as some swampy flooded sections of trail. I caught up to Jess who had stopped to swap her boots out for sandals. With the trail runners, they dry fairly fast, I am happy to just plough on through it. Deepest got to just below my knee. Three more puddles to wade through (a few others you could skirt around) with the last being just 1.6km shy of camp.

It was a bit too short to dry out the shoes so I found what little sun I could and when that was fading sat them near the fire. They'll still be damp in the morning... but apparently more flooded sections ahead anyway. Camp tonight was by a lake that was giving me very strong Lake Boomajin vibes. With a bit if wind it was a bit too cold for a dip... 4 at camp tonight.

Day 34
Every hikers favourite thing; wet shoes. Temp was fairly good this morning though so it wasn't too bad. Packed up and away just after 7. 25ish to do today.

Trail elevation is pretty mild through this bit. Coastal wetlands so up and down a few knolls but nothing serious. Some inundated sections of trail had great elevated (and bouncy!) Log/plank bridges. Others did not.

I made it about 8km in before having to get the shoes wet again. Just over the top of my socks, but more than enough to fill the shoes. Firm base if you stick to the middle though.  

I had just overtaken Karen when I decided to  pull up in a little patch of sun for lunch. She had left camp at least an hour before me but had stopped herself and just got going again when I reached her so she continued on.

Afternoon fell pretty quickly mostly through wetlands and fairly flat. Feet did get werlt a few more times though. Made itnto camp at 12:20 to find a NOBO hiker (19km for him) so it was good to ask about the upcoming track conditions.

By the end of the evening a few more strolled in, including two near dusk. We enjoyed our last campfire (total fire ban from here south) and had a really good view of the stars from the bridge that crossed the river at camp. 9 at camp tonight, 8 in the hut. Earplugs at the ready... 

Day 35
Surprisingly the only thing that woke me during the night (other than needing a pee...) was some very heavy rain. Not sure how long it lasted because I fell back asleep fairly quick. Everything outside was pretty drenched, including the 2nd table. Which made the single table under cover very crowded for breakfast. 

Everyone seemed to be having a slow start today, myself included only getting away at 745. The trail was along 4wd tracks for at least the first 13km so the distance fell quick but felt a little monotonous. Did see some flying duck orchids though enjoying the sun.

Another bonus is that there wasn't any more puddles to wade through so the shoes fully dried. Might be short lived though, according to NOBO hikers tomorrow for us will be the most flooded. Stopped for smoko break at 10 and made it to camp just before 12... 

No fires allowed anymore as its all National Park and coastal. The afternoon was spent mostly playing cards and pondering if I should have just pushed on for an extra 21km (41km total) to the next hut. A few people pushed on to wild/bush camp but its discouraged by the BTF https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/the-track/faqs/

Q: Can I camp between campsites?

A: No camping (free camping) is permitted between Bibbulmun Track campsites, where there is no official designated campsite, in National Parks, Conservation Parks or Nature Reserves. This also applies to water catchment areas - ie most of the Track between Kalamunda and Collie, and south of the Blackwood River. 

Relaxing with the view from Mt Chance isn't a bad way to spend an afternoon anyway.

5 of the 8 at the hut tonight decided to head back up for dinner/sunset. Its not very far and 25m elevation but fairly steep. Unlike Girraween though its granite is nice and grippy, not polished smooth like The Pyramid. 2 are tenting tonight, leaving 6 in the hut (one NOBO.)

Day 36
It was a bit warm last night kicked off the thermal layers and still had the sleeping bag half open. People were up early and I got going 710am. There were a few inundated sections but easy to get around.

After 7.5 ish k there was a side trail up to Mt Pingerup. Not far and only 170m elevation gain, without the pack, easy. On the way up I saw my first Dugite (snake) but jt slithered off before I could get the phone out. The view from the top was amazing. Well worth it.

The second half of the track was soggy most of the way. Longest ford through a swamp was about 300m. The wettest track was about 6km from camp and lasted until I was within a kilometre. Mostly only shin deep but the occasional sink hole that was up to the knee.

Up behind the hut was another good granite outcrop with a great view over Broke Inlet. Anorher NOBO hiker tonight who tented as did Sarah and Tanya, so 5 for the shelter from the 8 total. A few of us went back up for dinner at sunset but with some cloud cover blocking the view it wasn't as good as last night.

Day 37
Double hut today so I was keen to get away early... Ended up being the 2nd out of camp at 645. The NOBO hiker headed off 5min prior. The first 2-3 km out from camp were still wetland areas and required some nimble water dodging. 

Luckily thanks to some well placed branches (by others) and one very convenient ant mound I was able to keep my socks dry. Past the wetlands and into the dunes turned the track into dry sand. Fairly vegetated though so still fairly firm under foot.

It wasn't until I was within 1.5k of the beach that the sand shifted away from grey to a more golden colour that it started to sink underfoot. I made Mandalay Beach by 9am and stopped at one of the lookouts (dirt road access looked 2wd accessable) to empty some sand out if the shoes. But wasted because the next section is along the beach... 

Soft dunes to get down and despite it being an outgoing mid-tide I was still sinking at least 2 inches into the wet sand. Would hate to be doing this with a really heavy pack...  Ahead was the much discussed 'super difficult' sand dunes ascent. I was picturing a kilometre long soft sand blow... but found a vegetated dune valley. 

It was still soft sand, which definitely sapped my energy, but nothing like I imagined it would. The trouble wasn't so much it I think, but the 2 dozen or so other sand dunes after it. A mix of softer sand on some of them but constant up and over and down then up in the full sun definitely made me feel the last 5km into lunch.

Long Point shelter, at 18km, was a good place to stop in the shade and get some more water... which I had finished on the second last sand dune. It was very refreshing to wash off the sweat from my face and chug down some water. Lunch was great too.

I took a bit longer than usual for lunch to let some of the heat of the day pass. There was also a short (1.4km return) track to the rocky headland for which the shelter is named. Whats another 25min on a double hut day?

After an almost 3 hour break it was time to get moving again. The trail was still winding over sand dunes. A bit firmer than the last stretch but still plenty of sections that were soft. Then you turn straight up a steep hill, with steps, which are always fun. Good to get the heart pumping.

You Roller-coaster along the top for a while and enjoy the ocean breeze. Very nice to cool down after the hot climb. On the descent I collected enough sand in each shoe to make a reasonably sized sand castle... Luckily there was a boot washing station (to help prevent Dieback disease) with a seat so I could empty them for the 4th time today...

It got fairly firm from there and before long we were in the trees again. Towering Tingle Gum trees started to appear as the ground shifted from sand to soil. Once over another suspension bridge you jump straight into the Mt Clare climb. Almost 200m of gain in just under 1.5km. I reached camp just after 430pm with my shirt soaked with sweat. 

No view from camp as were surrounded by more Tingle trees and other scrub. Nice spot, but at just 10km from Walpole it looks like most people press on. I was more than happy to stop! Easy day into town in the morning might even catch the cafe still serving the breakfast menu.

Day 38
Got away by 710am to head down Mt Clare and reach Walpole for breakfast. The true summit was about 300m from the hut but didn't really offer any impressive view. There was a small gap in the trees to the north so I'm glad I didn't make the effort to try catch sunset here last night. 

Most of the way down was a fairly smooth gentle slope. Just the occasional steep bit down and a few surprising ups. Mid way there was another lookout with a slightly better view. Mid way it transitioned back from the tall Tingle trees to open wetland scrub but it was still in the cool of the morning so not bad. 

I continued along the wetland walk which crossed Walpole River and had a few boardwalk sections before you get onto a Sewer main maintenance road for the final 1.5k into town. Reaching the visitor centre just after 9 I found out that Western Power were doing work on the main town line... which has left the town without mains power from "8-5"

Luckily the cafe had backup gene and I was still able to get the 'Big Breakfast' which was fantastic. Onto accom with the power still out so we setup in the common room with the indoor fire and listened to Aaron (19 yo) play some absolute classics on the piano as I got my butt kicked in Trivial Pursuit.

Late afternoon the power finally came back on so we were able to do washing and have showers! Charging electronics was also handy. We forwent the pub meal in favour of a charcuterie board for dinner.

Bibbulmun Track - Day 30 - 32

Day 30

A bit more rain in the morning but I managed to shoot off just after 8am. First stop was the Gloucester Tree. A cool tree that you can normally climb up around on the re-bar spikes... sadly for me it was closed for maintenance... 

The track then takes you down into a valley and along a creek for a while and in typical Bibb fashion; Half way up the hill and then half way back down, then back up again... There was a short side trip to some Cascades which were nice for a break. 

After the break the remaining km fell quickly and I found myself at an empty hut by 130pm. It started spitting soon after so I quickly grabbed some mostly dry twigs and sticks for a fire later. It wasn't long before Jess caught up too. 

Around 4 we lit the fire and just as we got it going we were joined by another team of 4. 2 E2E hikers and a pair of friends that were joining them for a section. Apparently they have been behind us by a day for a few weeks so they were happy they caught up and finally met us. All in the hut tonight, and although both top loft spots were free all 4 decided to fill in the space in the middle of the bottom platform... 

Day 31

I was the first up this morning, getting out of bed at 630am. The others wernt too far behind but I was already packed and ready as they were still making their coffee. 

Fairly easy trail today and some amazing spots along the Warren River to stop for breaks. Some cool little rapids and if was a touch warmer some great swimming spots. 

The 2nd half diverted from the river but was still pretty easy walking. So much so that I was at the next hut at 1130am...  There was a nice dam here with steps for entry. A bit of sun, a lot of time and a little boredom got me to jump in for a dip. I lasted 30 seconds. It was almost as cold as the river. Very refreshing...  

The others soon made and we played some cards to pass more time in the arvo. One of the group of 4 also had a Bluetooth speaker so we had some tunes going. At one point everyone turned on their flashing mode for our headlamps to have a 20 second mini-rave. 

After dinner down by the Lake edge we could see a bunch of marron (yabbies) hanging about. They didn't stay long with all the lights shining on them. Some a decent size, apparently they're good for eating... but have a very restricted collection season.

Day 32

Only a short 14km today so there wasn't a big rush in the morning. People started stirring just after 6 and I was out about 630. While I was having breakfast two keen hikers decided the dam looked good for a morning swim. Mad. Very quick way to wake up I guess...

Noticing another change in vegetation. Trees are spreading out and less of the huge Karri Gums. Stating to see more wetland and marsh type grasses but today also has you walking along farmland. Lush green grass and lots of dairy cattle.

After the farmland we were back along another river and past the wier which provides the town water. Nice creek most of the way. I made town at about 940am. Pub starts serving lunch at 12... I ate a sneaky pie at the cafe for smoko. When I still had time in the morning I also did my resupply in the General store. 6 days worth... pack is heavy again...

Pub finally opened so headed there for lunch. 5 others from the hut last night were there. On the way it started raining pretty heavy, good day to be watching it thought the window. Room check-in isn't until 3pm so there was a bit of time to kill in the afternoon. The group of 4 had planned to hike out (15 ish km to next hut) but the rain dampened their plans so they grabbed rooms too. 

Laid out the food resupply to work out rations for the next leg. 6 days, but the last day is only 10km so not as much needed there. Probably have too much.... have to ensure there is enough though :o Also discovered that my Micro->USB C adapter had died so picked a new (more expensive than I would like) cable. The shortest they had was 1m...

We played cards upstairs and snacked fairly heavily in the arvo. When the game finished i took the time to do some life admin stuff and lost track of time. When I finally went down I found the kitchen had closed 10min prior... Lucky some hiker friends had extra chips/wedges to share. 

There was a motor bike group ride all staying here tonight so a pretty vibrant atmosphere. We played darts for a short while before a relatively late night, just after 9pm! I feel asleep very easy.