Total Distance – 930.8km
A Heysen Trail Story
The walk this morning is really just a background to my thoughts. I’ve been putting quite a bit of effort into trying to define what my next goals might be, and I keep coming up with three main contenders.
The first of these is around my house, which I bought almost four years ago now. In that time, I have done little to it. In fact the first “major” renovation, a new front door area, has occured whilst I’ve been on the hike! (That’s Norfolk Island for you!)
One of the things I have enjoyed most on this walk is having a look at all the interesting houses you pass on the way. My absolute favourite is the small stone cottages with whimsical gardens consisting of natives and colourful wildflowers surrounding them. It’s been really inspiring to see all the creativity and care put into some homes. So dealing some more love into my house and garden is the first thing on my agenda. This will, no doubt, also involve money. So I may have to curtail my adventures…just a little bit.
Secondly is a bit of an environmental goal surrounding meat consumption. When you come from a tiny, totally isolated place like Norfolk Island, it’s very difficult to describe the absolute culture shock of going into a large grocery store like the one in Bridgewater and viewing the sheer variety of items available for consumption. I was really impressed with the number of plant based alternatives which are available for mainstream foods now. It feels like the right time for me to explore this realm further when I get home.
And thirdly…how am I going to keep this level of fitness up? It’d be really nice…but I’m not sure it’s possible. Definitely something to think about in the next couple of weeks though.
The walk does a fantastic job of sneaking through any green space available. Even right next to busy roads. Before long I arrive in the interesting looking little town of Mylor. I consider pulling in for a bite to eat, but I’m carrying so much food, that it seems like a bit of a crime to do so. So I keep going.
On the outskirts of town I admire a large green space which is actively being regenerated. I reach the end of a bridge and find a lady, on a bike, in a high-vis vest, waiting to talk to me. “I saw you in town, and now that I’ve seen you right here, I just had to wait and have a chat with you. I love talking with adventurous souls” she says.
She points out the field where all the plant guards can be seen. “My son is responsible for all of this” she explains. “He set off on a walking trip across Australia, through the Nullabor, raising money and awareness regarding climate change actions and initiatives”. “Oh wow!” I comment. “What an amazing thing to do!” And I mean it.
The woman’s eyes go teary. Her voice hitches and shakes. She covers her mouth with her hand. Slowly she says, “He was killed on that trip. Last year. Hit by a truck. He was 21”. Her words wobble and drop off. I immediately break down in tears. In shock, loss and empathy for this woman who is gifting me her story. Strangely, she has to comfort me, rather than the other way around! How I wish I had gotten her name.
She tells me she is continuing the work her son started. Says to me “My son told me that when you are alone on one of these journeys, it is the people you meet and the kindnesses that are delivered that absolutely make the trip”. I nod because it’s true. I’ve written about it many times in this blog. We both then say at the same time “That and the scenery!” And we laugh.
She now carries muesli bars and a bit of fruit around with her, so she can offer them to solo adventurers. She offers one to me.
The majority of the afternoon is spent back in the pine forests and reserves before reaching the large Rocky Creek Campground. There is a rather interesting section which travels through a series of old mine shafts. All cordoned off now. But still, I spy three modern day prospectors out with their metal detectors and sieves, trying to reap themselves a fortune.
I set up my tent just as it starts to spit rain. It’s going to be a freezing night!
Gail arrives to pick up her stove and I enjoy chatting to her for a few moments. I just love independent women getting out there and doing something amazing for themselves. It’s really inspiring.
I have a comparatively short day tomorrow to the campsite, which I’m really looking forward to. My body is definitely feeling these 52 days a little bit. Just a little bit longer please body. Just a little way more….
What a sad story about someone just trying to do a bit of good in the world. And good on his mum for trying to keep his efforts going! xxxxxxx
what a shock it must have been to hear the woman’s story about her son! No wonder you had such a reaction, but I bet it was therapeutic for her too, to be able to tell her story to a sympathetic and empathetic person like yourself. So sad.