Hiking - 2025 09 - Point Pure (Main Range National Park)

Finally had a good free weekend to tick off a hike that's been on my to do list for a little while, Point Pure in the northern section of Main Range National Park.

The usual pre-hike preparation the day before, seemingly blowing the dust and brushing some cobwebs off some of my hiking gear. Second time used this year, shameful. I also decided to pre-soak my water filter as it probably dried out. My brother 3d printed me a new cap for the back end of my sawyer squeeze which came in handy to stop any dripping.

The hike starts from Glen Rock/Casuarina Camp Ground, about a 2 hour drive from home. We got away just on 7 and had a smooth run up and were away hiking by 920. The first 4km are along a very well maintained mixed use trail. Crossing Blackwell's Creek a few times. We could get across dry the first 3 but no chance for the 4th so ploughed on through. Fairly exposed at the start, pack sunscreen!

The fire trail ends and you have to push though about 400m of snake country (knee-waist high grass) before linking up with some old fence trails heading up Repeater Ridge. Fairly easy going along the fence line, barely a scant trace of wire but the majority of posts are still standing strong. The the track it's easy to follow. Still pretty exposed on the Ridge.

Eventually the 4wd track ends, and it appears like the fence gets a lot better, with the trail changing more into bush scrub. Good footpad still and a bit more shade, but the incline definitely makes you work. A few rocky sections that require a bit of effort, but I would stop short of calling it a scramble. One had a cute little green snake, trying to soak up some warmth. Eventually you top out on an unnamed peak, take a sharp left, and start heading down again. 

Steep stepping down almost straight away as you walk along some fairly thin Ridge lines. Made a little more hazardous as it began to rain on us. Littered with a few more rocky outcrops to navigate you roller-coaster along the Ridge for a while. Eventually you veer right, where we almost immediately lost the footpad. Unable to relocate it we traversed across the side of the hill, often a foot slipping on the wet grass.

My shoes were mostly dry after the creek crossing, during the climb, but wet grass has made them drenched once more. This section would have been a bit annoying in the dry, so pushing through wet grass certainly wasn't making it better... type 2 fun right...? It was very slow going, carefully placing each step as the grass was hiding many rocks, logs and washouts. I managed to hold my feet, a few times just barely, but my partner did slide about 1/2 a meter and with the slope needed some help up. At least the rain had eased up... 

Eventually we started to hear rushing water, so I knew we were almost through it. Sigh of relief as we spotted a crystal clear flowing creek, gushing with water. The Valley also opened up to great views as the skies finally parted and we actually saw the sun again. Not much longer to camp from here but we stopped to collect more water for the night and tomorrow. Even with pre-soaking the filter it had more of a drip than a flow... Good excuse for a rest I guess.

Like some magical barrier the other side of the creek was more open bush, with relatively short grass. Mush easier walking. Not far from the creek we startled a wild pig that shot off into the bush. Black as night. It wasn't much further until we were at camp. Fairly spacious, obvious signs of past hikers, including a fire ring, and a great view into the valley. With the damp ground from the earlier rain and the wind picking up the valley we were very quick to cool down. I threw on my thermal top and used my rain jacket to block the wind and my partner already had almost all of her layers on. 

We ventured the ~100m from camp to the tip of Point Pure to enjoy a late arvo tea and the view. Not long after we were visited by another little busy friend. A tiny little guy, very interested in the scotch bottle. Back to the tent briefly for me to change into the rest of me warmer clothes before making dinner, enjoying the last of the sun disappearing, some good colour after it dropped behind the mountains, but fairly short lived. Soon it was time to head to bed to slip into warm sleeping bags.   

Immediately discovered a decent, unfixable hole, on the seam of my hiking pillow. It has seen a lot of use though, but it's not something you want to discover at bed time. Looks like the old lightweight trick (not carrying a pillow, just using a bunched up puffy jumper) would have to do for tonight... The wind was pretty strong for the first half of the night, and was still howling during the first pee break, but dropped off some time before early morning. I had a fairly broken sleep with my lack of pillow, drifting in and out of sleep and readjusting the puffy-pillow all throughout the night. 

In the morning it was nice and calm with the sun shinning, so it started to warm up fairly quickly and the condensation on the tent quickly dried. Still a more casual pack up with the two of us, so it wasn't until 820am that we broke camp and begun the hike home. No trail immediately apparent from camp, but it was still nice open scrub with short grass and easy going. Navigation was fairly easy... there was a cliff to our right; Don't fall off it.  

It wasn't too long before the scrub got thicker. Faint traces of a footpad appearing suddenly under foot and then dissipating just as quickly back into overgrown scrub. Some evidence of past hikers were branches were snapped off and had already regrown. Choke points that funnel hikers onto a similar route (top of peaks, around bigger fallen trees) had more defined tracks, but even these lasted barely 10-20 meters before dissipating once again into the scrub. Mostly soft scrub though, not too hard on the bare shins. At a creek crossing we could see patches of stinging nettle, but easy to avoid. Along the exposed cliff line was a lot clearer and easier going. Still fairly slow though, navigating and passing through it all. Probably averaging just over 1.5 km /hr through this stretch.   

There was another good climb to get up and over a cliff line before linking up to a ridge. On the way up almost stepped on a decent sized Carpet Python enjoying a patch of sun. Only the 2nd snake we've seen this weekend.... but I'm not sure I'd want to think too hard about all the ones we didn't... 

After all that climbing it was time to head back down.... 600m drop over ~2.5km made for some pretty steep sections. Ground was fairly good, plenty of vegetation cover for the most part. Some of it had fairly loose dirt which lead to a few slips. Steep drops either side at a few points as well, so be careful with your feet placements, but safe enough as long as you take your time, and that we did...  

Just as you reach the creek at the bottom you run into thickets of Lantana. Fun! There is a goat trail that leads you right through a 100m gauntlet of it, then you double back along the dry rocky creek bed to almost where you started (+ down a ~2m drop off.) If I venture back again, I might drop to the creek a little earlier off to the right nearing the end of the ridge, as following the creek was a lot easier than pushing through the lantana. 

A little celebration as we made it back to the maintained shared use trail. Nice and wide, slashed grass, easy hiking. Still 9km back to the car though. Lots more criss-crossing over the creek. Some you can stay dry through, others not. Held a fairly steady 5km/hr pace most of the way, excluding the creek crossings/rock hopping, and back to the car with plenty of sunlight left. Though definitely a long day for just 15 km...  

Hiking - 2021 02 - Steamers (Main Range NP)

Distance: 13.5km

Temp: 32°c Max, 18°c min

My cousin was interested in doing some hiking so I helped him toss around a few ideas before we settled on Rat-a-Tat in Lamington. 5 bodies all keen and ready to go, until heavy rain 3 weeks prior to the hike closed many of the trails there...  We came up with the Steamers hike as a back up plan despite it being a tad more difficult.  

Day 1: https://www.strava.com/activities/4863136564

With only a short day planned we had a late start and met for lunch before getting to the trail head. It was closer to 2pm before we actually set off. The first 2 km were fairly easy following along an old fire trail, even though some of it was a decent incline. Plenty of cobblers pegs to latch onto clothing as well.  

There had been a fire through here not too long ago and as soon as we turned off the road it was significantly harder. The trail was overgrown with weeds towering over my head. Pushing through thick green scrub in 75% humidity built up the sweat and drained energy fast.  Some plants sharper than others...  

Pace slowed to a crawl on some sections with regular breaks and trying to re-acquire the trail after it disappeared under weeds or a fallen tree. When we reached the top of the ridge I thought it would have been easier but we traded the weeds for Gympie Gympie and stinging nettle. I got hit at least two dozen times.  

Photo by Aaron. That's a lot of Ouchie!

Persevering through we made it to a rainforest section with a lot more open understory and much easier going, albeit steep incline again. Near the top the Aussie scrub broke through again and welcomed us with a grove of Grass Trees.  

From there, and a beautiful view just beyond, we made it to the Steamers Saddle camp. A nice open spot, suitable for 5 hiking tents, 6-7 if you squeeze. With very reliable fresh water just 250m east.  

With the late start we did get into camp a little late but plenty of light to setup and cook dinner. Just dark enough for the torch as I was finishing up eating. We stayed up and chatted (and reduced some pack weight by consuming some port and scotch... ) for a while but were all ready to turn into bed by about 8pm.  

Day 2: https://www.strava.com/activities/4863136411

We had a fairly relaxed morning pack up in camp, letting things dry a little after last nights rain. There were a bunch of Red Triangle slugs about who obviously enjoyed the small shower.  

Before long though we were setting off up to the summit of Mt Steamer. Straight from camp we started the ~260m climb. With a goat trail most of the way it was easier than the hills yesterday, but the soil was damp and rocks were slippery. Just as we reached the top, as luck often has it, a cloud rolled in and obscured our view..  Plenty of Wildflowers along the way though.  

Never mind though, off we went again. Following on a thin ridge line before starting the descent down to the stern. Rainforest scrub here, once again spotted with stinging nettle and Gympie Gympie. Luckily there was a distinct lack of Lawyer Vine ("Wait-a-while") though. A few small rock Cairns letting us know we were on the right path and eventually we made the Stern.   

We ditched the packs at the junction and made our way to probably one of the most scenic lookouts in SE-QLD. Often a bucket list hike for many Brisbane Bushwalkers. The Steamer Ranges. You sit on the Stern and look out over the Mast, Funnel and Prow. Definitely a great view and a nice relaxing spot to sit just feeling the wind blow by.  

Photo by Mike

With the Sun starting to beat down it was time to return to our packs and finish off the hike. As soon as you step off the Stern ridge it's loose dirt/rocks and big steps down. You follow along the base of the cliff mostly and only deviate for short stints before linking back up with it. It's not very far, but it definitely feels it.  

We then passed the Mast, mostly the same again and met the rise up to the Funnel. There was some opportune (or so we thought...) Flagging tape marking 'the trail' down back to Steamer creek so we took a punt and followed it. There was no trail. Waiting through long grass, down a steep slope with the occasional hidden stinging nettle... I got hit a few more times. We decided to traverse over to where we though the actual trail was, through two gullies and lots more long grass. Hot, muggy work. At least we got some light rain about 1/2 way down to cool us off.... 

Eventually we made back to the creek and were on the fire trail out. Just past the NP gate, about 1pm, were 2 keen hikers who apparently spent the day looking for the trail head. They asked it how long it took us and if they had enough time to duck up in the afternoon. We suggested they might want to start fresh another day....  

After the ~7 creek crossings to get out we were back on the bitumen. A quick sit down and Schooner + some chips at the pub in Yangan and then we set off home. 

Hiking - 2020 08 - Stinson Crash (O'Reilly's to Christmas Creek)

The morning started with a few long drives. First to get a car to the end of the walk, the furthermost point of Christmas Creek Road, Lamington. Second to drive my hiking buddy and I all the way around the mountain and up to the Green Mountain section of Lamington NP. Better known as 'O'Reilly's'.  

We left just after 7am and were up the top at just before 12. We had lunch at the cafe there, options were a bit limited... should have just got a pie... Ham and Cheese Croissant plus a shared bowl of wedges was pretty filling though.  

About 1245 we finally set off on the walk! The first 9 ish km are on a pretty well maintained section of trails. Very well maintained Border Track for 5km then another 4 on the Albert River circuit getting us to Echo Point and a great view of Mt Warning. Really clear day today with views extending past Mt Warning and over the ocean   

After Echo Point it does go onto more remote trails. Fairly well used though so well worn and easy to follow. When I expressed that thought I got an "Uggh, really?" So maybe my expectations for trails is a little too forgiving...  

It was very well marked as well, you couldn't go 5m without seeing another piece of flagging tape. Quite a few pieces fell on the ground, I only grabbed a few. It was also funny to see the ones with 4 different types of flagging, on the same little tree. As if the fluro orange already on the tree needed the help of yellow and pink too...  

Just after 4pm we came across the sign for Rat-a-Tat, a welcome sign as the woods start getting dark around 5... We took the turn off and went the 50m down hill to a nice, big (ish), flat site for camp. A nice flowing stream only meters away made water collection easy as well.  

Setup with more than enough light but then had to bring out the head lamps for dinner. Sadly one was dead on arrival with no spare batteries. Made do with just mine and phone lights as required. Without torch light we could look up through the small gaps in the canopy and see that there was an amazing clear night sky. After dinner, and a few sneaky MnM's for dessert, we brushed our teeth and turned in for the night.

It was a very relaxing morning pack.So much so that when we were still nice and warm in our bags, just past 7am, we heard a group of eager hikers (I had learned were doing the same trail as a 1 day adventure) hike past the Rat-a-tat turn off. After a little more snooze time and a leisurely breakfast we finally broke camp around 915am. Straight into an uphill stretch. The track was still well/not-well defined (depending on your view point) but then amount of flagging has certainly dropped off. 

I started picking up all the old flagging tape that had fallen to the ground. Feels like there's more flag waving here than at a parade... 

Despite the easy to follow trail it was a little over grown for some of it. Quite a bit of Wait-a-while vine to cause snags as we brushed by. The steep uphill slowed our pace, almost as much as the steep down sections did. Uphill sections thick with wait-a-while certainly hindered progress too.  

We stopped off for lunch at Kalinya Lookout, shortly after Mt Thorakban. A really nice little lookout in the sun. The westerly winds have blown up bringing with them dust and hazy views. Still able to make out Mt Warning through it. Most of the walk has been sheltered but the cool breeze was still reaching us at the forest floor making for a mostly chilly day.

Next it was up to Point Lookout for another short break before doing the final 800 ish meters into Stinson remote camp. Not the best sites to select from but we made do and found a flat spot. I set off for water down (then back up!) a pretty steep trail. Beautiful creek though, and good way to warm up.  

Just after 5 we heard a few voices and a pair that had come up from Christmas Ck strolled into camp. Conversation was basically; 

Them: Did you know you have to book here? 

Me: Ahh, yeah.

Them: Oh, we saw that there was only one spot and it was booked out. 

Me: Yep, would have been us...  

Them: Oh... Do you know where the wreck is?  

Showed them the path to the wreck, and the one down to water (they said they had plenty) and talked about where we came from. As I mentioned Point Lookout, not far away, they decided to push on and get the wreck on their way out tomorrow. I said they could stay, an meant it, but also glad they kept going. Hopefully they'll make it before dark. They seemed interested in the sunrise over Mt Warning after I mentioned it would be nice.

Around 6pm it was just starting to get dark so we made our dinners then retreated to the warmth of the tent and sleeping bags soon after.

The next morning saw yet another relaxed pack-up. Everything was squared away by 9am but we left our packs at camp to do the short (but steep, a precursor for the day...) side trail down to the Stinson crash site. A big tree had fallen in the last year and efforts were made to uncover the area. I honestly can't remember there being too much wreckage left when I first did it (20 years ago) though.  

We then started the steep uphill to get back to camp and crossed paths again with the guys from yesterday. They had made it to camp with light but it was dark by the time they finished setting up. The wind, which we felt but barely, was apparently quite strong up there. Only one braved the cold winds for sunrise.

After retrieving our packs we started down towards Christmas Creek. Deceptive at first it seemed like a nice trail but it soon picked up grade into the near vertical grade I remembered. Hey, at least this time it was dry, not muddy.  

We took a careful and cautious approach to get down. Flagging tape had picked up in frequency again making it easy to follow but the sheer steepness made for slow going. Climbing down over roots and rocks we eventually made the scramble. Someone had left a rope for a more direct route which was handy.  

The old route was up to the right and then along a thin ledge before going up. The new (red) was obviously straight up. But not too difficult.

Onward and... downward? The trail descends 500m in under 2km, with the steepest 150m elevation drop in just ~200m horizontal distance. Makes for some pretty cool tree roots though.  

Finally reaching Christmas Ck we took a sigh of relief and were able to ditch our packs and head a little further up stream to Westray's Grave. The end to his ill-fated journey seeking help after the crash.  

From there it was back down the creek line, picking up our packs once again and finishing the final 3 ish km to our car. A few fallen trees, as well as a Strangler with the host tree completely gone, were only a mild inconvenience to the now seasoned hikers. One decent rock hop across a creek later and we were finally finished.  

The only thing left was yet another drive up to O'Reilly's to get the second car and then the long drive back down and home. Probably took a little longer than expected but with a bit of motivation could be condensed into an easy 2 day hike.  

Hiking - 2020 08 - K'Gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk.

Day 1: Happy Valley > Valley of the Giants - 20.8km  

Day 2: Valley > Wabby (+Side trips) - 27.9km  

Day 3: Wabby > Central Station - 19.1km  

Day 4: Central > Jabiru Swamp Camp - 31.3km  

Day 5: Jabiru > Inskip Car park - 17.5km  

With the others already gone and the curry pie successfully consumed it was time to head off and find the start of the Great Walk. Only a few hundred meters up the road was the official terminus... and a lot of signs warning about Dingos... (You can read about where the Pie came from at the end of my (K'Gari) Fraser Island Diving post)

Considering that K'Gari is a sand island the track was relatively solid. A few sections gave way under foot but mostly it was fine. Lots of fallen trees to clamber over, or around, with the softer sections did make for slower going. It wasn't long though before I made the first camp 6.7km in... I was skipping this one. Nice lake though.

The next bit was more forested which helped with the path surface. Still plenty of trees down to make things interesting. Very large pines that seemed to reach into the clouds. My trekking pole is 1.15m for reference.

Just before 5pm I made it to where I was camping. 20.8km, not a bad afternoon. One other camper here so after i was setup I joined him for dinner. He's from Melbourne (seem to be meeting a lot of them lately...) but started an Australia tour back in Jan and has been in QLD since March.   

As he is heading north I was able to glean some info about the trail (and the 0 Dingos he has seen.) We also shared tails of other adventures which is always nice to take a few notes from. He was heading west soon so I put him onto Carnarvon as a must see. Mozzies were pretty aggressive, so we soon retired to our tents. I would have barely made 7pm before falling asleep.

Easy pack in the morning and I said my goodbyes before heading out. It was just 400m to the first side trail of today. Up to a Giant Tallowwood, over 1000 years old and 11.5m in circumference!

It wasn't much further for another (7.2km return) side trial to another big tree. Still very impressive but a lot of extra kms for one tree... A lot of others must have had the same thought as the trail is less travelled and in softer ground. Something I should note for this trail; If you're a trekking pole user use the blunt stop ends. The spikes on my poles dig into the sand too much making them less useful.  

Back to the main trail and just over the 1/2 way point for today was another side trail to Badjala Sand blow. I stopped here for lunch to enjoy the view. What was meant to be a relaxing hour turned into a 45min game of whack-a-mole with Mozzies. I lamented the wind the last few days as it was horrible for diving... but I sure could have used a breeze to keep those blood suckers at bay.  Still, a good view, even if it was an effort to climb the edge of the blow to see it.  

Just as I was hearing up to leave I noticed a tick crawling up my leg. Good to get them before they dig in. There was another couple arriving too, with day packs. They had been dropped off at 'M9' road crossing and were aiming near where I broke camp. K'Gari GW seems to fall victim to a few of the other QLD Great Walls in that there's no place on trail that can't be traversed as a day hike. Takes away some of that remoteness feeling.  

I got to Lake Wabby by 215 and found a group just leaving (towards the beach track) so I had it all to myself. Pretty rare for Wabby. I didn't stay too long though deciding continue on for camp.

After setting up and sitting around camp I questioned my decision to move on from the lake side... I was starting to get sore feet, so glad to be off them, but there were less mozzies by the lake... definitely a better view too.  

One thing about camp though, and most of the trail actually, was the abundance of Midyim bushes. Haven't noticed much in the way of berries (wrong time I think) but in the right season they would provide a great little fresh snack on trail.    

With so much time at camp I took out the map and started looking at my plan. 29.9km today... and if I combine two 'short' days I could do a 32km day and finish a day early... 

2k wouldn't be too much longer, hardly noticeable, and it should be flatter trail too as it follows along lake edges for quite a bit. This would also have the added bonus of less time swatting Mozzies... and even with important blog writing time, 3 hours to kill before sunset solo in camp is a really long time.   

Luckily a pair of hikers showed up at 515 so I had someone to share dinner, and the mosquitoes, with. With my new plan of action I also had some spare Tim-Tams which were good to share as dessert. After here and some time at the Whitsundays these guys plan to do the Larapinta, so it was nice reliving it through their plan.

Had a slow pack in the morning and left camp around 750am. Not a long day today, 18.6 in total. It was 12km to Lake McKenzie where I was due at 1030am to meet the folks, Kristie and Jeremy to get the rest of my food and have a bit of a play with the nieces. Lots of uphill from camp so I was slower than expected.  

One other Nobo hiker who actually came from Hook Point (as opposed to Kingfisher like the rest) so he was able to give me some trail conditions for the remainder of the trek. It wasn't too long before Lake McKenzie came into view which its beautiful white sand beach.

Another 750m on and I was at the car park. Spotted dads Triton pretty quickly (unique roof rack and not many other Tritons on the island) but couldn't see Jeremy's Cruiser. Started to head down to the lake to find Kristie heading up to get changed into togs. She gave me the bad news that they has some mechanical issues with the Cruiser, sounds like blown CV joints :( 

She and the girls hopped in the Triton for the day while he stayed back and tried to get some work done. Kingfisher Bay is better than most office cubicles I guess...  

Down at the lake the girls were enjoying a (very cold) swim. I settled for getting my shins wet. The soft sand (which I'm told is a great way to exfoliate) does wonders for sore hikers feet. 

When it was too cold to keep swimming we went up to the Dingo proof fence for some lunch. Mum had brought some really nice fresh Pineapple. Fresh fruit on trail is amazing. I also had a ham and tomato sandwich and some Cadbury chocolate. I eat well on hikes! A Monitor Lizard hung about for a while too, hoping for a feed.  

After lunch the girls had warmed up and were keen for another swim. I decided to press on. Collected my things, said goodbye again and set off on the short 6.6km to camp for the night. About 4km in I was at Basin Lake and decided that I had plenty of sun left so I might as well take another break.  

The next 2.6k fell pretty quickly and I was soon on the boardwalk at central station. A bus group was coming the opposite way (there's a 900m loop) and had a few questions and comments but it wasn't long before I was at the Walkers Camp. 

It seems that most hikers skip this one (makes sense with McKenzie not far away) as there was branches and leaf litter on all the sites. The others so far had been swept fairly clean, as far as hiker camps go. However I was happy to be here for the hot showers. 

My excitement was short lived. I got ready and dropped 2x $2 coins in only to discover the stall I had chosen had a broken head. A single stream of hot water shot out like a jet, about an inch above my head... Still, I made do using a hand to direct water and got semi clean. Luckily I had a 3rd coin so after the hot water ran out I switched stalls and had a good, albeit short, shower. 

While getting ready for bed I was found by a leech. Another reason to pass on this camp :o No other walkers here though I am close to a regular camp site so I could hear all the car campers getting back from the days driving/settling in for the night/cooking dinner. It was barely past 6 before I retired to my tent. 

In the morning I discovered that a mouse had got into the "Dingo proof" cage and set upon my food bag. Luckily it only got into the milo/powdered milk mix and mustn't have enjoyed it. Leaving the rest alone. At the other camps they had sheet metal boxes which are rodent proof as well. Still, I otherwise would have had it in my tent and likely have a mouse sized hole in that too!

After breakfast was the task of getting up and out of the valley. They're only small hills here but I still feel them. Luckily half way up I was given a good reason to stop, a coastal carpet python sunning itself in the morning light. I may have stopped for some flowers too... 

The morning fell pretty quickly making it to the next camp site, lake Benaroon, for smoko. Only a short break before continuing on to Boomanjin for a slightly longer break, finding a trekking pole someone had forgotten just prior to arriving. The last 2km before here was along the sandy shore of the lake. Some was compacted and easy to walk on but a lot was loose. With full exposure to the sun I was glad for the break.  

Pushing on further to Dilli Village I arrived just after 1pm. And thus officially ended the Great! Walk.

I was kinda hanging out for a soft drink, figured they would have a kiosk with a few things but it was all fenced off with "NO PUBLIC ACCESS" signs... Would have likely been ok but it didn't seem welcoming... so I just snuck in a beach access gate to fill a water bottle and continued on. About 600m down the Jabiru Swamp trail was a nice grassy spot on the shade to pull up for lunch.

Glad I'm doing this bit in the afternoon. Makes it nice and shaded. The Jabiru Swamp trail isn't so much a trail, but a seldom used vehicle track. While some of it was ok a lot was loose sand as you'd expect and also a narrower path to thread (the width of a tyre.) 

After about 4km it did improve, there was a side road where most 4wd must come from/head off. The swamp itself is just that, a swamp. Surprisingly few mozzies though. Little bit of a breeze might be keeping them at bay.  

There was only 3 platforms at camp (at least a dozen at the others on the official walk) and no toilet or water tank. Luckily I knew about the water and came prepared, collected from a stream that crossed the road. Good thing I always bring a trowel and spare TP too!  Discovered tick #2 before dinner.

The next 15km of the swamp trail were as uneventful as the first 10. Swamp and more swamp. At least there was a Blue Tounge to say hello too. No streams south of camp; So carry all your water from the barge, collect from the swamp or walk at least a k past camp. 

Just over 15k and I was onto the beach. A long line of 4wd waiting to depart the island, a few of them asking questions as I walked to the head of the queue. Some Dolphins swam by as I was waiting, then it was on to the barge and almost home free.  

The line to get to the ferry to come over was longer than I had ever seen it. All the way back to the bitumen road! Some nights in solo camps I think how nice it would be to have company, but then I see somewhere like Inskip on a long weekend, 2000 strong with campers. Loud music and people yelling and suddenly those quiet solo sites don't seem so bad.  

A quick pit stop at Rainbow for a pie and a drink before starting the drive home. Had an amazing run down the Bruce. Completely accident free! A spot of rain near the Gateway exit saw things slow, but only a fraction and it wasn't long before I could start the exciting task of cleaning sand off gear...  

Found another 2 small ticks, bringing the total to 4, nestled in when I finally got cleaned up. Just started spitting here, so a good excuse to leave the rest of the gear cleaning until tomorrow!