25.61km +1684 -1499
Huge storm last night. Just as it was starting a possum came down one of the trees I was hanging from and made angry noises at me. But the hammock weathered both the storm and possum.
My first fuel bottle finally ran out. Considering I’d budgeted three to Hotham and I’m nearly there, that’s pretty good. Ron said he nearly used a whole one before Rumpff. I guess a windshield, low simmer and a pot cozy make a big difference.
A wet and foggy start, but no rain!
I’m aiming for about 25km today and the same tomorrow, but if it means a shorter day tomorrow I’ll see if I can push that a bit.
It’s humid and I am sweaty, and damp from the thighs down from wet foliage.
Filtering water with a split bladder is a pain in the arse, so I’m rolling the dice and trusting the tank water.
It should be noted that I’m not filming most of the rough slogs and difficult sections, being somewhat otherwise occupied.
There’s not much to say about today. Lots of boring fire trail, swearing and determination.
It’s pretty simple really; you put one foot in front of the other, make sure your body has the food, water and rest it needs to keep doing that, and avoid getting lost, falling down a ravine or wiping your arse with gympie-gympie.
You do it through gritted teeth, and look up now and then to admire the astonishing natural beauty, or to look sideways at the weather through snake-sure eyes and fucking dare the weather gods to cross you.
You do it because the alternative is to go home and spend the rest of your life wondering whether you could have made it if you just kept putting one foot in front of the other.
Pretty sure I spooked a deer and heard it thundering off into the bush.
The campsite is a shitty crossroads of 4×4 tracks, with a 700m walk to water. I’m having dinner and considering pressing on by headlamp to the next water tank, or at least the next campsite.
I decided to fetch water and camp here tonight. The walk to water was at least down a nice forested track and the creek was picturesque. Nice, after the last few hours of logging road and decimated hillside. The water bladder sprung a second leak, so now I’m rolling the dice on creek water too. At least if it goes badly I’ll be in town instead of the middle of nowhere.
I’ll let my watch share how I feel:
Tomorrow, all my dreams come true!
