Waking to a warm fire, coffee and the imminent arrival of a full eggs, bacon, mushrooms and tomato breakfast was a novel surprise. Thanks to the hospitality of Jim and Cheryl I was spared toughing out another night in the wind, wet and cold. Pilgrims are supposed to gratefully receive what is offered on the trail – not a problem in this case. Thanks to Jim and Cheryl for a great respite stay after a big day over the range.
Jim droppppd me back at Judbury and bemusedly watched me attach my training wheels and head down the road and across the Huon.
I had seen that the next 8 or so kms had a 500m climb so I settled in for a long tough morning. I knew I was not going to try for another 28km day after yesterday so had settled for finding a camping spot about 1/2 way to Geeveston.
The wind and intermittent rain made crossing the high country a bit challenging. Quick pack up from lunch was necessary as a squall came in while I was in a lovely section of old rainforest. Then back to forestry roads and plantations.
I decided to settle and se up for the night about 4.00pm when i found a water supply and some soft ground close to the track. Just as I stopped and set up the tent and tarp, down it came. I threw everything under shelter and crawled in myself. The water supply was two raodside waterholes, I guess used for firefighting. I was camped between them and did do a double check to make sure if one filled and overflowed, the water was not coming my way. Having ensured this was the case (and slightly enlarging the drainage point on the waterhole which was more than full) I settled in for the night.
I had only seen one vehicle all afternoon in this area and it was not on this particular track so I felt OK by being just beside the road – may 5m off slightly obscured but easily visible. During the night twice I heard 4wds roaring away in the distance, but thankfully neither came down the road I was camped near. Even so it was not the best night due to wind, rain, frogs and the rustling of my tarp.
This morning I woke to light drizzle which showed signs of clearing up. Not enough to dry the tarp and tent though so I packed them up wet and made a good coffee while I planned out the day. With a slightly sore knee, that had come on yesterday I figured just getting safely into Geeveston would be a good plan – restock and prepare for the final two days to Dover.
The track to Geeveston was pretty good apart from one very steep downhill section which followed powerlines to connect two roads. My knee was mostly OK but was a little painful at times. I strapped it pretty well and that seemed to help.
Some fascinating conversations on the roadside with 4wd-ers and people just up for a chat. Then into Geeveston by 11.15am. That was celebrated with a coffee and lamb kebab at a great shop on the corner as I arrived. Restock and set up camp just over the river near the Tassie Trail horse paddock.
On this pilgrimage I have been keen to stop and pray for little churches I come across on the way. Just opposite where I turned in to find my camping spot, the community church of Geeveston was open – 160 years anniversary. I stopped in to say hi and was warmly greeted and treated to a hot drink and a chat.
Settled by the river bank in the sun, its a good time to update my blog. Another 28km down, this time over two days. 32km to go to Dover and the official end of the walk. That will be two days at a fairly leisurely pace although as I have come to expect, there is another moderate mountain range to go up and over.
