Day 8 – Hawker to Calabrinda Creek Camp site – 27.29km

Total Distance – 152.5km (on trail)

A Heysen Trail story

I’m going to be honest. I had my first little bit of struggle today. Nothing major, and I still enjoyed myself. But I just wasn’t on the same high as I have been in the previous week. And I’m not really sure why either. The views today were absolutely spectacular – same as they have been every other day. I just wasn’t feeling it the same.

I think it’s maybe a couple of things. Firstly, it was a lot of hard work getting all my gear issues sorted out. Such as they were. It’s a draining way to spend a day of “rest”. I’m really hoping everything will be resolved by the time I reach Quorn. I’m sick of thinking about it.

The second is that right from the start of the walk there has been a thick blanket of grey cloud stretched right across the sky. I’m longing to feel the warmth of the sun, especially in camp. Just for a little bit. The threat of rain has been constant. Come on sun! Just a day! I’ll probably live to regret those words…

Having said all this, it was a great day of walking. Long, for a newly laden pack chock full of food for the next few days.

First things first and I enjoyed a sausage roll and coffee from the Hawker Food Company before setting off. Feeling satisfied, I went about the business of retracing my steps back up to Jervis Hill. Whereas last time I was racing towards town and a bed and a shower and a pub meal, this time I was racing towards a “trucks use low gear” hill. It didn’t have the same appeal.

Still it didn’t take long, and as it turned out it was the only real hill challenge of the day. Next up was following a road and then a fenceline towards a craggy faced ridge. Rocks became more predominate, before turning into a full scree slope. Bright red Fucias provided a blast of colour in an otherwise green environment. Many Acacias were laden with buds. The bush will come alive with yellow in the next few weeks.

The walk continued adjacent to the craggy ridge providing vast vistas on each side. It was impossible not to stop and take photos. Though even as you take them, you realise you can’t capture how incredible it really is.

The afternoon was spent following a long fenceline through occassional groves of yellow sennas. Eventually, the fenceline intersected with white, pebbly road that wound it’s way up and between a small range. In the distance, another mountain range of a deep blue hue provided the greatest view of the afternoon and more reasons to stop and get the camera out.

It’s very cold already in camp now. It’s a bit rough and ready compared to some. Although water, a small shelter and a drop toilet are provided, the body longs for a seat to sit on to stretch the weary legs. Instead I’m perched on these couple of wobbly rocks. Though judging from the cool air, I’ll be huddled in my tent fairly shortly after it gets dark.

I’ve not seen a single soul all day. Not even off in the distance. I’m kind of hoping I might pass somebody tomorrow. Just so I can say hello. It’s going to a relatively short day…with hopefully just a little bit of sun.