Great South West Walk, Day 2 – Cubby’s Camp to Cut Out Camp, 20km (including track detour)

Here I was thinking I’d be all alone for the night, when, just as I’m about to sit down to dinner, stuff all over the table, podcast blaring, in walks Elle.

We were both glad to see each other, and couldn’t help noticing a number of serendipities….Mel / Elle, same tents, both non-ultalite, I’d arrived at 1.30, she had left at 1.30, both from out of state, and, most helpfully, Elle had walked the Scottish National Trail two years ago! It was fantastic to have the opportunity to talk to another solo, female hiker about what to expect.  I’m now more excited than ever!

Once again, the night was a battle with the elements, so it was very nice having another person in the vicinity. Problems arose early for Elle, when, after two years in storage, her tent sprung a leak on the top seam seal.  Luckily she was able to reset under the shelter.  Meanwhile, out in the open, it was challenging.  Although the tent barely shook, this wind felt dangerous.  Racing through the tall treetops, gaining momentum like wave sets in the ocean.Stillness.  Then, the noise gathering, building, until it ripped through camp, blowing until satiated.  Repeat. Falling debris, being hit or having the tent punctured, was heavy on my mind all night long.

As the first light of the day broke, I groggily noticed a silver flash outside my tent.  No sooner had my sleep-addled brain formed the thought “Somebody is taking photos” then the sky unleashed like a vicious, angry beast screaming for a meal, the thunder roaring and roaring and roaring.  Hard to go back to sleep after that.

Contrary to the forecast of rain this morning, it was windy, but fine.  Regretfully, I said goodbye to Elle, who, with limited time is skipping to the next camp. The trail always provides and I think we both enjoyed our first night conversation and companionship whilst the storm surged.

The walk today was a fairly standard one through “Australian Eucalypt Forest”.  On this occasion, the eucalypt in question is the Eucalypt Obliqua, which was once extensively logged in the area. The track was flat, well marked, not particularly boggy despite the rain, and pleasant. 

5km short of the campsite, a road detour is in place, the result of a collapsed bridge.  Road detours are never my favourite, and this one, as well as being somewhat monotonous, added extra kilometres to the day.  Better a detour than being unable to go forward at all though.

Elle is at the camp, just finishing up her lunch when I arrive.  We have a quick debrief and then it’s goodbye again.  True to form, I spend the afternoon listening to podcasts and searching for a suitable site that will enable me to feel reasonably protected from branch fall if the winds persist again tonight.

All in all, a good day.  I suspect it’s going to be the coldest night yet tonight, as my hands are already starting to go numb!  Time to put them back in my jacket pockets!!