Thilba Thalba campsite to end of walk – 12km + 3km to accommodation in Mapleton
“Makes it! And room in the tank for more!”
Woke up refreshed and ready for the day. It’s sprinkling, but doesn’t seem too bad. I wonder what time it is? I unzip the tent and peer outside….nothing but darkness. Might just be because it’s overcast? Gonna have to turn on the phone and have a look. Phone turns on. 2.15am. Bloody hell! Phone off. Back to restless sleep.
When I wake again I can tell it’s early morning. The kookaburras are cackling. And the magpies are singing. The tent is lovely and dry. Until I spill my morning coffee inside it. Then it becomes quite wet.
It’s stopped raining! And I emerge from the tent to dripping trees and wispy clouds.
I don’t hang around. Pack up and push off. It’s wet. And it’s town day. The morning’s walking is mixed. Some areas of tremendous weeds…the downside of being just below a road I suppose. And some areas of absolute beauty. Grasstrees and wattles bursting with yellow. Easy walking, contouring around the mountain.
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I came to a lookout and watched the mists rolling in the valley. Soon, this walk will be over. I reflect that it’s such a great introduction – short distances, great signage, stunning scenery, challenges. It’s got it all, in a small neat bundle. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself.
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Too soon, I reach Delicia Rd and from here I have around 7.3km of road walking to get into the township of Mapleton and reach my accommodation. The roadwalking is quite do-able. Steep at times, but with lovely rainforest off to the side. It takes just over an hour to get into town.
I arrive at my accommodation by 11am. They are not quite ready for me. I drop my bags and head back into town for a cooked brekky of eggs on toast, pineapple juice and a coffee. By the time I get back they are done.
The afternooon is spent relaxing, figuring out what to do about my power bank (I have a plan!) and showering! Ah, the after walk shower. You just can’t beat it.
I write this from the Mapleton pub where I’m having dinner. It’s a nice old place. People are sitting apart because of Covid 19. No band here tonight. The dinner was great, and after a couple of wines I feel sleepy. Time for an actual bed!