The Mersey River has been my companion for the last 2 and a half days. I started my walk at its end as it empties into Bass Strait. The trail crosses it high on a suspension bridge half way through the first day and follows it most of the way to Railton. From then I was walking steadily crossing the various rivers and creeks that feed it from under Mount Roland – all of them running much higher than normal. Today, a long downhill run from Beulah to the final crossing of the river at Dynan’s Bridge. This was not strictly on the trail but an alterative route for when the Mersey is in flood. I certainly needed this alternative today as the river was running 1.9m over its base level … well over my head at the usual crossing several kilometers upstream.
The Mersey (tulaminakali) has a special place in our family as we have annually camped next to it for a couple of weeks for well over thirty years. Memories of our time in and around this river abound. Other families have come and gone, camping with us over the years, but we still come back.. to the same spot every year, even though the space itself has been transformed by the river. The owner of the property, I think rather proudly just books us in each year, we are the longest regulars of his camping families.
Below is the track we take to the property on which we camp each summer, I smile as I walk past, how many times have I driven up and down this track?
Through this bush was also a very significant aboriginal route from the coastal regions to the important tulampunga ochre deposits upstream under the Gog range. I am reminded as I walk of the genocide of the first Tasmanians and feel the echoes of that kind of dehumanisation and unrestrained violence still present in our world today. I think too of the ongoing journey of reconciliation desperately needed with our first nations neighbours. Sober thoughts.
After a relaxing morning tea stop at the Weegena commnity hall, it is on the road to Dunorlan and then to the Red Hills turnoff near the Bass Hwy. I listen to more of the gospel of Luke which I had decided would be one of my friends for the journey and also N T Wright’s reflections on Romans 8. This brings back to mind my morning contempation on creation, reconciliation and the evil of genocide. Much to ponder today, yet in true Psalm 8 and Romans 8 terms the beauty of the countryside lifts the spirits and gives joy to the heart. A good day of walking. 24.9kms down by 2.00pm
Garmin logged this as a 25.1km day in just under 6 hours walking. This is the map but figures are somewhat inaccurate as explained above.
