The Great South West Walk
3-7 November 2000
Seven club members, Sally, Gayle, Max, John McK, Tom and trip leaders Hennie and Alan (maiden bush voyage for the Honda) enjoyed 4 days on the 68 km section of the breathtaking section of this walk from Mt Richmond to Portland.
The first nights camp at Mt Richmond with ocean and setting sun views from the tower just above the tree tops was magnificent. (John suggested a lopping program to maintain this view!!) The abundant population of koalas kept up their nocturnal vocals and drowned or were mistaken for some of the tent dwellers nocturnal noises. The two vehicles were driven to Portland Police station the next morning, As well as a safe place to leave cars, the Police Station is officially the start and finish of the walk and they maintain a log of walkers and sign them off on their return (They were not too happy with one walker who parked a van in the prime spot right outside the front door and wanted to know it was one of our party, that driver was in for a rev on s/he's return, it was still there 4 days later)
We were driven back to Mt Richmond by two "Friends of the Walk" just for the cost of their petrol. This is a wonderful service as is the "Friends" interest in walkers coming to the area and their work in maintaining, mowing and improving this great 275 km of track is a credit to them and an example for all of us who enjoy the bush.
Before 9am we were on our way through the full splendor of spring bloom of the numerous native and a few exotic plants. The beauty and tranquillity of the Bridgewater Lakes, our lunch spot was made less tranquil by the arrival, soon after we had taken up our lunch spot, of 3 noisy dogs. The owners of which even made them noisier by repeatedly getting them to retrieve a stick from the lake just beside our eating spot. The owners obviously didn't heed the sign at the entrance to the lakes prohibiting dogs and they even looked less impressed when John went over and reminded them of their civic responsibilities!
By early afternoon we were overlooking the ocean with all its shades ranging from dark blue to light turquoise (promises; I won't mention the ocean colours again but they were magnificent for all of the 4 days!) Overnight at the Springs camp with the luxury of tank water and toilet, common to all camps on this walk. Our alternative water supply here are the Springs from which this camps name is derived The spring water runs out from between the 2 main rock types near the base of the cliffs and was used as a watering spot for cattle during drought conditions last century.
Saturday morning, the only rain we had for the 4 days lasted about 15 minutes through breakfast.
Soon we were on to the higher cliffs through the petrified forest and the blowholes, we moved on to view the colony of about 200 seals from the viewing platform above seal cave and on to the Cape Bridgewater Kiosk for lunch. The 5 km beach walk before going inland over the sand dunes to Trewalla camp, was a chance to get boots off and frolic in the sea for some of the young at heart.
Some more beach walking the next morning and overlooking Murrels Beach for lunch. The promise of great coffee being served from the former stables of Cape Bridgewater Lighthouse had some of our party salivating and reaching "caffeine fix desperation" We were not disappointed and after an enjoyable long break there we plodded the 3 km to our final camp, Mallee. A nice camp with special significance for me as it overlooked the live sheep export feedlot where I spent many "tours of duly" in the 1980's ensuring only fit and healthy sheep made the trip to the Middle East. The familiar sounds on awakening the next morning of hay being fed out to bleating sheep revived vivid memories.
The final day was an enjoyable variety of cliff, heath and rainforest walking and it got hotter as we got closer to the end. Portland Aluminium at Point Danger commands the view from soon after the lighthouse to the end of the walk, but that's progress and we have to accept some eye sores with beautiful landscapes.
Lots of wildlife. including 5 live and 2 dead snakes on the track were features of the walk. Hennie had a close encounter with one and would have to have stepped over it on the path. Her expression on being told by Alan a 100 metres down the track was priceless but camera's are never on hand for such opportunities! A great 4 days enjoyed by all. Thanks to Hennie and Alan for organising it.
Tom
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