Bibbulmun Track Day 32

Day 32

30 km

Cum 677.2 km

Camped: Gardner , via Northcliffe

Good, dry night to be in the tent, though condensation unfortunately happened.

Was packed up and ready to go by 06h00, so said farewell and see you later to the others and left.

The day was going to be split into two halves, pre Northcliffe and post Northcliffe, which is getting to the hut.

The scenery was a bit changeable, which is good. Passing farmland, spotted a few blue wrens and other pretty birds.

There were some thick, muddy sections but were luckily bypassed along the sides.

Rusty caught up to be just a few hundred meters before Northcliffe, as I was speaking to Callum, the only north bound end to ender that I have seen in like a month! Had lots of questions for him for this next section- Pingerup Plains – as parts are flooded waist deep and its a wet section.

Rusty and I walked into the Visitors Centre to pick up resupply and info. We bumped into Tina, who I had actually met at Blue Wren Cafe in Dwellingup. She had just done the section and suggested a hut skip due to the very poor nature of trail and some hard core people who did 26km in like 10 hours, which is very slow for the trail.

We also exchanged numbers as she will be back home in Albany when I’m there.

After a pub meal, tent drying and resupply I was off at 1pm again, to get to Gardner.

The trail changed up some more , white beach sand , sometimes soft and sometimes firmer. And the orchids are back!!! Yeah!!! Spotted three that I have not seen before- King in his carriage, narrow lipped hammer and forest mantis orchids.

There was also some heath vegetation and a previously bushfire torn area.

The last section had a few hills but I suppose not so bad.

Got into the hut at 16h45 , and was the only one there. Knew Rusty wouldn’t be too far behind.

PS first day that I have worn hat, sunscreen and sunglasses in a very long time!!