Continuing my journey along the Bibbulmun Track with a 3 day section, from Pemberton to Northcliffe
Monday, 28th October 2013 – Day 32
Mikey and I saw Andrew off at the bus stop, and then went for breakfast; he would be missed. The day was relaxed; posted back some clothes and saved 900 grams, collected my food and shopped for extras, did some washing. Mikey had to go to the hospital after his blister began to leak, and they patched him up well, he needs to get the dressing changed when we get to Northcliffe in 3 days time.
Tuesday, 29th October 2013 – Day 33
Away at 6 am, we were taking it easy to ensure Mikey didn’t aggravate his popped blister. Despite this we made good time.
First stop was The Gloucester Tree, just outside Pemberton. This is a fire watchtower you can climb, I didn’t as it looked too much a task for someone with a fear of heights. Besides, we had somewhere to be.
We took a side trip to The Cascades, a series of rocky falls on the Warren River.
The remainder was a succession of small climbs, along the river. Mikey was spooked by a couple of snakes, including one very big Dugite. He also spotted an impressive moth dead on the track.
We were at Warren Campsite at just gone midday. We joined Ann, a 64 year old Australian from Perth who was also End to Ending, and had arrived in Pemberton the day before.
A lazy afternoon spent, with the luxury of a bit of a siesta, it’s not all hard work on the Bibb!
Wednesday, 30th October 2013: Day 34
Slept very soundly in my tent, once I had got used to the kangaroos moving around nearby, and woke at 4:30 am to a sunrise that just told you it was going to be a hot one today. We were on our way by just past six, and it proved to be a tougher day than expected.
Once over River Road Bridge, it was a series of hills in dense foliage along the Warren River. I have to say the river sections are not my favourite; you rarely see the river, or get a view worthy of a photograph, and I always wish they were done with. Today, the first 11 km was just this!
I left Mikey at McAlpine Road, he was out of sorts and wanted a power nap. This gave me the opportunity to speed up. We were away from the river now and the forest opened up. There were still the countless fallen trees to negotiate, but rather that than a vista of nothing.
At Wheatley Coast Road, the track meanders around some private property, and some open paddocks, always a delight to see!
Eventually, the track reaches a small private reservoir, and the Schafer Campsite is situated on its banks. I arrived just after midday.
I met Ann there, just finishing her lunch and about to tackle the next 14 km into Northcliffe. Not for me, though, the 33 degree heat was too much to walk in.The beauty of this campsite is there is a roped off area for swimming in the reservoir. I took the opportunity to cool off.
Mikey arrived an hour or so later, and the rest of the day was quiet as we escaped the heat. Late afternoon, the temperatures triggered an explosion of flying termites. They were everywhere, even covered the surface of the lake and, coupled with the flies, made for an irritating evening meal. Eventually, all I could do was retire to my tent to escape the worst of it.
Thursday, 31st October 2013: Day 35
Up at 5 am, the termite onslaught had abated; it must have been one of those 24 hour things. We saw the remains of them all the way to Northcliffe, 15 km away.
Today was the easiest day of the whole journey, so far. Following the Karri Hill Road, and then passing through Jane National Park.
We then came to some open farmland as the track skirts a few properties, and we had an encounter with some cattle, which took me back to walking in the UK.
The final section was through Northcliffe Forest Park, where there was some evidence of controlled burning.
On the edge of town, we reached a sign that said 335 km to Albany; almost a third of the way left to go now.
We booked into the Bibbulmun Break Motel. The owners, Alan and Glenda, are two of the nicest people you could hope to run accommodation; if you are ever this way, stay here!
We got Mikey’s foot redressed at the local nurse point, checked conditions for the track to Walpole, and then a small matter of finding room in my rucksack for eight days worth of food!