Sunshine Coast Great Walk – Day 2

Flaxton Walkers Camp to Ubajee Walkers Camp – 14km

“Wait what?!  I’m here already!”

People who know me know that I have one innate fear…rodents.  (Well that and semi trailers moving without the back attached – thanks Terminator).  I am absolutely shit scared of the busy, scrabbly, gnawy little critters. 

And I saw one.  Last night.  At around 6pm.  That was it – I jumped in my tent and didn’t come out.  That’s a long night of staying alert to any potential activity…ready to hit the torch at a moments notice!  I must have tired myself out with stress, cos I fell asleep about 8.30pm and didn’t wake till 5am.  For campers on an air mattress – you’ll know that is one long, uninterupted kip!

So I was off early again.  It was a beautiful walk down to Baxter Falls.  A soft gradient and stunning scenery.  The falls were lovely.  Gushy and rocky.  But a bit too cold and early for a swim. 

Next up, a long climb back uphill.  But how good it was!  So many lovely switchbacks, it really was rather pleasant.  Nothing like the straight up and down horrors of the Great North Walk. 

One of the downsides of being a ranger (and let’s be honest, there are very few) is the ability to spot weeds in what looks like a pristine environment.  Amazing how well they thrive, whatever the circumstances.  There wasn’t heaps – mostly Lantana and William Taylor – but enough to remind me of work!

At the top of the hill, I commenced a short road walk into the Mapleton Falls picnic ground.  Nice footpath.  No dramas.

The area hosts a picnic ground and lookout, with an amazing view off into the distance.  I had been planning to have lunch here, but it was way too early, so after a quick stop, headed off again.

From here to the campsite, the walk was beautiful and flat and beautiful and scenic.  Palm forests that reminded me of home, towering eucalypts, ephemeral creeks.

There was a poignant moment when I came across a memorial garden of sorts.  One stick had been planted for each Australian who has died of Covid 19.  A little card kept tally of the date and the numbers.  It was quite sureal seeing it, out in what seemed like the middle of nowhere, and a stark reminder that things are simply not good with the world.

I made my campsite by 12.30pm.  Again, really nice choice of spots.  I cooked up some cous cous for lunch, blew up my sleeping matt, and lay out on a table for a read and a nap.  I’m reading “The Running Man” at the moment.  My brother and I absolutely loved the movie as youngsters, and I must say that I am really enjoying the book!

The rest of the afternoon consisted of taking half of my possessions to the Ubajee Lookout, soaking in the warmth, and enjoying the sinking of the sun.  Pastels, pinks and oranges were subtle in the sky.  I ate my dinner just as the sun disappeared behind the mountain.

Back at camp, I wrestled with the night noises. Once more, I was the sole occupant of the campsites, and I envisaged an army of rodents making plans to attack my campsite as soon as I let my guard down….

With some words from the head of my support crew, I rallied. I couldn’t go to bed at 6pm again! Distraction! Thats what I needed! I unpacked my headphones, put on the tunes, and belted out the songs like nobody was listening. Which they weren’t. I resolved to conquer my fear by visiting every campsite and dancing on every table. Which I did. Crisis averted! I was in bed by 7.30pm.