It said: “only experienced bushwalkers beyond this point” – this was after we had walked 700 metres through this delightful gorge. It had a feeling about it and where Corrie would say: “I think this is too hard”, did not say that. Instead she lifted her leg higher than she normally would to climb over a boulder; she’d crawl through crevices and slide on her bum; walk on sharp sloped rock platforms; and take calculated risks to keep going.
We walked our very many styles for another 1.5 kms, a long way in a gorge. The walls were so high and with small caves, so orange, rocks so diverse in shape and size, and wide sloping platforms, Islands of smaller gums peppered what would be small islands when the torrents came. There were pools that covered tracks so we had to make our own, but were ready to wade through them, if the route became impassable.
Which finally it did. I could not safely scale a huge rock and I dare not ask Corrie with the mood she was in – scary! Unusually we were the only ones walking in such a special area, maybe the route could have been a hindrance or simply the fact that it was well off the beaten track. But we were in for a reward for our quiet journey.
We had heard about the rare yellow footed wallaby found in ‘hard to get to places’ and therefore this would be one of those places. And there it was fairly high up and already on the move. The wallaby moved slowly, and was easily identified, no, not with its yellow feet but with its clear ring tail. I took photos but not sure how clear they were, I’ll look after this.
Excited about our sighting, I got down to my less exciting task of finding climbing spots.I soon found another undulating fire trail. The hills spread out from the mountain beside each other and where they meet they form a gully – the base of the undulation and in this case leaving very steep slopes.
The owner of our recent home came over to have a chat, the latest character that helped make our journey rich with his story.
Today is the penultimate day. We finish tomorrow after a successful challenge, and like on our last camino in Portugal, we were left with that feeling of saudade – sad that it’s over but glad that it happened.
See you for our final day tomorrow.
Hi you two Undaunted Wild Creatures, It’s been so excellent reading your reports about eventful daily enterprises, and your adaptability to every challenge, your interest and appreciation of nature and natural beauty and your engagingly written humorous comments. I don’t want your odyssey to end it’s been so awesomely entertaining and distracting – wish you a happy journey home — at least tomorrow you’ll report more exploits🏃🏻♀️🏃
Hi Will Coralie Quite an adventure in the Gorge – incredible really. And all the best tomorrow with your final day . Take care
also with everything happening with Covid what is your next step after finishing. driving back to NSW and self isolate ?
Or stuck in SA. Maybe i missed the info which may have posted .
Sometime down the dusty track when you are both free I’d love to have you both for lunch or arvo tea ? Cheers
Hello dear friends!
Both Janine and I are touched by the way you describe your journey, Will – the inner journey as well as the outer one, with all their respective challenges. You are both very courageous, and an inspiration to us in how you deal with the daily challenges. You have a beautiful way of describing your experiences, which makes it easier for us to visualise your whole journey.
So this is your last day, and that word saudade says it, doesn’t it? Apart from the sadness and gladness, I would expect that you feel a real sense of satisfaction (and so you should), and relief that physically it’s been easier for you than on some previous caminos.
Look forward to catching up with you at some time, by some other means.
Love from us both.