A Heysen Trail story
After my sleeping bag fiasco I slept fitfully until around 6am. It was still dark, but I brewed myself up a mocha and started my pack up.
It’s always the case at the start of a walk, but my stuff just wasn’t going into the bag as neatly as I would have liked. After a “That’ll have to do moment”, I got over my bulging pack, hoisted it on, and set off.
The walk was amazing. Just perfect for the first day. Stunning scenery in every direction, and best of all, relatively flat. Nothing more difficult than some rocky creekbeds.
The ranges soared above the gorge on both sides. A stunning mix of red and green. Down in the creek beds, wash outs of pure, red ochre lined the way. The track on the ridgetop varied from thick green pine forest, to bare, rocky scrub. It was amazing.
I saw a variety of wildlife – roos, some Port Lincoln Ringneck parrots, but the absolute highlight was observing a mother emu with her five baby chicks. Scurrying off together when they saw me. The size of the emu is immense, and to see one in the wild absolutely made my day.
The most spectacular scenery was reserved for right at the end of the walk near the Aroona ruins. Out of this world views. I’m once again looking forward to sunset.
I’ve spent the afternoon trying to rest up my legs. I got here fairly early, around 1pm. I probably should have taken it slower. I’m acutely aware that I’m not as fit as I would like to be moving forward. And tomorrow is a big day – 25km or so to reach my target. I can see a rather large hill climb straight off the bat too. Of course, if I’m struggling I don’t have to go quite as far. It’s just that I’ve booked into the campground at Wilpena Pound on Sunday night. But if I don’t make it till Monday, I don’t make it till Monday. Will just need to really pace myself tomorrow…and not be too stubborn about stopping early if I have to! I have the food, so that’s no worries. It’s my stubbornness that’s the issue!
Track notes, people and other things.
The track is reasonably marked with both signs and flagging tape. I didn’t get lost, so that means there is probably is enough of it to satisfy most people.
12km in is Pigeon Bore – a source of reliable water. There are some nice campsites quite close to bore – even with little bench seats!
I saw no one of the track all day. There are a few people at the camp ground which needs to be booked prior to arriving. There are plenty of toilets (and even paper!) and taps which pump out spring water.
There is a nice little table and chairs, hidden off to the side in the bus parking area, that is great to sit at and rest weary legs. I can vouch for that right now!
Disappointing about your sleeping bag. Send the company a nasty email! Good luck with t g e hills/mountains.
Glad you got started! Keep going! ✅
good luck and enjoy. ps. it was a daddy emu, they look after the young of several females that lay eggs in their “laying spot”