You can check in any time you like…But you can never leave.

A Heysen Trail story

Well. I’m not sure what to say. It’s Thursday the 22nd. And I’ve been in lockdown since Tuesday.

I skipped in to SA though the airport. My approval had come through whilst I was in the air, and it was all smooth sailing. Things were on the up! A sense of profound exhilaration came over me. “This is happening!” I couldn’t help but simultaneously giggle out loud and sigh in relief. The stress had been palpable. Victorious messages were sent to my supporters, and as I fell asleep, thoughts of the trail drifted through my head.

Monday started like any other. I wandered into town and shopped for a few supplies. Gas cylinder, lighter, fresh shoes, new bed roll (my last one got a small puncture that I simply could not find). Food to last a few days. I was set. The bus wouldn’t leave until Thursday. But I was ready. And now able to relax for a couple of days and enjoy the city before I left. For a moment, things were right where they should be. Things were pretty perfect. Until they weren’t.

News started trickling in that a case of Covid had turned up in SA. Restrictions were announced that evening. The mood was still upbeat. The walk still a go.

By morning, that had changed.

“Well. 7 day lockdown. All of SA”

message to my support crew

I’m not going to lie. I was devastated. When I compare myself to other people, my worries appear trivial. But in that moment, all the angst and excitement and fear and anticipation came crashing home. It felt like failure. And it felt insurmountable.

I’ve picked up a lot since then. Despite moments of tears. I have a clearer picture of what my options might be – and none of them are terrible. At best, I’ll get to start my walk in a week’s time. At worst, I will fly home and isolate in my lovely little house with my gorgeous little dog for two weeks. There are definitely worse things. At the moment, all I can do is wait and see.

I went for a long walk on Tuesday before the lockdown commenced. 20km or so along the Torrens River. It’s amazing the power that walking has to heal my head. That nature has to heal my heart.

I’m hoping that in a week’s time I will have an unlimited supply of both of these things. In the meantime, I’ll make do with my 90 minutes a day in the city. And be thankful that I even have that.