HEYSEN WALKS 2021 Walks Programme - FREE - Heysen Trail
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FREE HEYSEN WALKS 2021 Walks Programme SOUTH COA ST WE E K 2020 R E ALI TY OF SOLO H I K I NG A LONG - DI STANC E TR AIL H I LTABA RE SE RV E : WARRE N BONY THON WALK WALK TH E YORK E I N TH E Y E AR OF COVID FR I E ND S OF THE HEYSE N TR AIL | S OUTH AUSTR ALIA | ISSUE 1 5 9 | AUTUM N 2021
Gary Pearce Solicitor Keep Safe Specialising in wills and estates including: · estate planning · powers of attorney · advance care directives · estate litigation · land transactions 61 Carrington Street Adelaide South Australia 5000 T 08 8237 0572 F 08 8237 0508 E g@garypearce.com.au ALPANA STATION EST. 1878 David and Sally Henery of Alpana Alpana Station offers: TRANSPORT Station Blinman offer a friendly, flexible and accredited transport • Quality self-contained guesthouses: • Alpana shearers quarters (up to SERVICE AND service to the best end of the Heysen Trail: Wilpena, Blinman, Parachilna • 14 guests) & Nungawurtina Hut • bush retreat (up to 6 guests) ACCOMMODATION Gorge Trailhead, for individual walkers • Powered sites with ensuite bathroom or groups. Transfers to the Mawson • facilities for caravans/campers Trail and beyond also available. • Scenic bush camping areas A STA ANEST. 1878 T AL P IO N JUST 5KM FROM BLINMAN BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Contact David and Sally Henery T: 08 8648 4626 E: alpanastation42@gmail.com IN THE FLINDERS RANGES PO Box 11, Blinman SA 5730 WWW.ALPANASTATION.COM
About the Friends AUTUMN 2021 • 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS 2020 PATRON END-TO END WALK His Excellency the COORDINATORS PRESIDENT Melanie Sjoberg Honourable Hieu Van Le AC E2E10 Judy McAdam E2E11 John Babister VICE PRESIDENT HONORARY MEMBERS E2E12 Adam Matthews Greg Boundy Sadie Leupold E2E13 Vicki Barrett SECRETARY Thelma Anderson OAM E2E14 Mark Fletcher Julian Monfries Kath Palyga E2E15 Mark Curtis Richard Schmitz E2E-2 Julian Monfries TREASURER Arthur Smith PUBLISHED BY THE Stephen Salib-Brown Colin Edwards OAM TRAIL DEVELOPMENT FRIENDS OF THE HEYSEN Hugh Greenhill SECTION LEADERS Robert Alcock TRAIL AND OTHER Colin Edwards OAM Barry Finn S1 Albert Schmidke WALKING TRAILS Dom Henschke Dean Killmier S2A Roger Dunn, John Wilson John Wilson Richard Bourne W heysentrail.asn.au David Beaton S2B John Newland Margaret Fletcher facebook.com/HeysenTrail John Babister Jack Marcelis S3&4 Hermann Schmidt twitter.com/HeysenTrail Paul Bond Julian Monfries (Wandergruppe Frances Gasson Bushwalkers) youtube.com/HeysenTrail SUB-COMMITTEE Simon Cameron S5 John Babister pinterest.com/HeysenTrail CHAIRS David Rattray OAM S6 Richard Webb @heysentrailfriends TRAIL DEVELOPMENT Hermann Schmidt S7 Graham Loveday Paul Bond Robert Alcock S8 Ian Harding CITY OFFICE Liz O’Shea (WEA Ramblers) WALKING John Potter S9 Jerry & Michelle Foster Suite 203, Epworth Building Adam Matthews 33 Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000 Kevin Liddiard S10 Wayne Turner, OFFICE Arrienne Wynen Peter Deacon Open Mon – Fri Dom Henschke Peter Wynen S11&12 Dom Henschke, 10:30am – 2:30pm Colin Rozman, Rick Price MARKETING & HONORARY MEMBERS T (08) 8212 6299 S13 Hugh Greenhill MEMBERSHIP (DECEASED) E heysentrail@heysentrail.asn.au (Mid North Branch) Helen Morgante Terry Lavender OAM S14-18 Arrangements MID NORTH BRANCH HONORARY Jim Crinion currently under review T 0428 347 315 MEMBERSHIP Neville Southgate Julian Monfries Doug Leane OFFICE VOLUNTEERS E burra.heysentrail@gmail.com Fred Brooks MONDAYS RECONCILIATION MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Jamie Shephard Graham Loveday COMMITTEE SINGLE $25/year Terry Gasson Neil Nosworthy Anne Kirk Glen Dow Elizabeth Rogers FAMILY $40/year WARREN BONYTHON Neil Page SCHOOLS/ORGANISATIONS HEYSEN TRAIL TRAILWALKER FOUNDATION TUESDAYS $60/year EDITOR Valerie Boundy Membership is valid for CHAIR Josh West Judy McAdam 12 months from the date Neville Haar Chris Porter EDITORIAL of payment. David Rattray OAM SECRETARY SUB-COMMITTEE Neil Nosworthy Barbara Sedgley Robert Alcock Philip Bell WEDNESDAYS MID NORTH BRANCH Robyn Coburn Elayne Sanders PRESIDENT Colin Edwards OAM Vicki Cahalan Garry Fieldhouse Tammy Main Gilbert Downs VICE-PRESIDENT Judy McAdam Jack Marcelis Kate Greenhill Liz Rogers Rosemary Hayward Julie Stapleton THURSDAYS SECRETARY Greg Martin Sally Fieldhouse Erica Gordon WEBSITE EDITOR Julian Monfries PUBLICITY OFFICERS Judy Szekeres Garry Fieldhouse Jeremy Carter David Andrewartha COUNCIL MEETING DATES MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Trish Bowie Wednesday 17 March Judy McAdam FRIDAYS Wednesday 22 April Cathy Bowditch OFFICE MANAGER Erika Guess Wednesday 19 May Dom Henschke Julia McLachlan Peter Clark BOOKKEEPERS Cover: Olga Volodicheva captured this iconic shot of John Wilson Maria Newland walkers, participating in the Tina Behnke South Coast Walk, heading over Margaret Fletcher the hill toward Inman Valley. Trailwalker welcomes photo submissions suitable for the magazine cover. Please email We acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we traverse along the your high-resolution images to Heysen Trail. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to trailwalker@heysentrail.asn.au Country and pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples within the Country we walk.
Contents Trailwalker Articles, reports and other submissions by members and interested parties are welcome and should be emailed to the Trailwalker Editor at 22 trailwalker@heysentrail.asn.au Deadline for the next issue (Winter 2021): Ocean views 30 APRIL 2021 from SA’s Walk The Trailwalker magazine is the Yorke Track available by subscription or online at heysentrail.asn.au/ trailwalker and is published and distributed quarterly: 05 13 22 • Autumn (March) • Winter (June) PRESIDENT’S CAPE JERVIS WALK THE • Spring (September) REPORT ACKNOW- YORKE IN THE • Summer (December) M EL AN IE SJO B E R G LEDGMENT YEAR OF COVID The Trailwalker magazine SI MON CAMERON Re-energising for 2021 – RU T H RIC E has a typical distribution help us grow and develop. The Friends Reconciliation Ruth tackles South of 1500, and an estimated Committee acknowledges Australia's Walk the the Traditional Custodians readership of approximately Yorke trail around the 06 of our land. Yorke Peninsula. twice that number. FRIENDS NEWS Contributors are urged 14 26 to contact the Editor to Keep up-to-date with what’s discuss their article prior to happening on the Trail. ASK A HIKER HILTABA submission. The submission RESERVE: deadline is usually the final What is your favourite WARREN 07 international walking trail? Friday of the month prior to BONYTHON the month of publication. TRAILTHINKER WALK & MORE QUIZ 15 Views expressed in ME L ANIE S JOB E RG contributed articles are VOLUNTEER DANIE L JARDINE those of the authors, and 08 PROFILE Melanie and Daniel not necessarily those of the explore Hiltaba Reserve, Friends of the Heysen Trail. END-TO-END TAI LI M more than 650km north- SEASON WALK Tai shares her involvement west of Adelaide. as a Friends volunteer. PROGRAMME ADVERTISING RATES 2021 (EX. GST) 29 16 1/8 PAGE $55 per issue A GREAT OCEAN 10 SOUTH COAST WALK 1/4 PAGE $80 per issue 1/2 PAGE $135 per issue FRIENDS WEEK 2020 JU L IE S IGNORIE L LO FULL PAGE $200 per issue SEASON WALK ADAM MATTHEWS FLYER (supplied for insertion) After a year of cautious PROGRAMME Adam reports on the planning and limited $240 per issue 2021 organised group walk along movement, Julie takes a the Trail's south coast. journey on Victoria's Great A commitment for 12 months Ocean Walk. advertising (four issues) 12 would attract 10% saving. 18 NPWSSA'S PARK REALITY OF SOLO 30 Advertising specifications and OF THE MONTH article submission guidelines HIKING A LONG- FAVOURITE are available upon request or Join the Friends and DISTANCE TRAIL SHORT WALK by visiting National Parks and heysentrail.asn.au/trailwalker Wildlife Service South J OSH WEST JON H OL B OOK Australia as we celebrate A loop walk in Josh explains that long- our amazing parks. Mt Crawford Forest. distance hiking changes you.
President’s Report AUTUMN 2021 • 5 Re-energising for 2021 – help us grow and develop MELANIE SJOBERG I 'm feeling energised and In the early days, the Trail had very In its humble beginnings, the Friends excited about walking and little infrastructure beyond marker received support with office space working on the Trail this year. posts and plates. Our Maintenance in Pitt Street generously provided by As we launch into 2021, we Section Leaders were, and still are, the Uniting Communities. The past five notch up 35 years of dedicated primary carers for signage, stiles and years required a shift to a more self- volunteer work keeping the Heysen ensuring the Trail is cleared. sufficient operating model out of Pirie Trail physically alive; promoting its Street. Despite COVID restrictions, By 1995 ten old huts had been restored existence with signage, the Trailwalker in 2020, our office volunteers sorted for walker use thanks to volunteer magazine, website and brochures; and relocated everything into a larger, efforts, Adelaide Central Mission and encouraging people to walk its brighter space next door. Beyond and funding from SA Department of 1,200km. The Friends continues to administration, our office team is Health. Shelters at Eagle Waterhole value and respect all our volunteers' central to promoting the Trail; being (Deep Creek, National Parks) and commitment and energy no matter frontline for phone or email inquiries Scotts (Mt Crawford, Forestry SA) were how big or small the contribution. about walking, distances, water, opened in 2002. transport, accommodation The Heysen Trail probably wouldn't Since that time, the Friends of Heysen and services. exist except for the persistence and Trail has vigorously advocated for and dedication of people like Warren In 2021 the Friends Council and contributed to the construction of Bonython, Friends of Heysen Committees will benefit from additional campsites and facilities. volunteers and staff in the old Trails renewal – it is the lifeblood of an Unit within Recreation and Sport. During the past ten years, our organisation to inject new blood, fresh volunteers have built and installed ideas and energy. Please make this In 1986, a gathering of bushwalkers major improvements including: your year to give back to the Trail and led to the formation of the Friends › 25 Water tanks the Friends. of Heysen Trail with the aim of supporting a handful of staff › 8 Pit toilets employed in the, then, Trails Unit to › 18 Platforms identify and mark the proposed trail. › 1 Cabin with bunks ADVANCE NOTICE Thanks to enthusiasm, extraordinary › 6 Refurbished huts time commitment and solid work Time for a review of FoHT from FoHT volunteers, the Heysen The End-to-End (E2E) Walking Constitution: to amend out Trail was completed in 1992 – 4 years Programme is another significant of date clauses and ensure it earlier than estimated. achievement of the Friends over the is fit for purpose for many past twenty years with End-to-End 10 more years. According to trail negotiator and developer Terry Lavender "… that due to finish in 2021. A southbound A small group will develop should be the Friends of Heysen Trail End-to-End -2 will also commence in recommendations to bring to memorial." (Last Post, Bookend Books 2021. We can now proudly say that Council and a Special General 2001 p54). In his book Terry also our walking groups cover the whole Meeting of members during describes building the remarkable 1200km every year. Among other 2021. If you are interested in sand ladder over the dunes at things, this is a helpful audit contributing please contact Waitpinga: "(being)… completed in for the Trail maintenance teams as two days the cost-saving to the the office. our volunteer Walk Leaders report Department must have been huge." trail issues.
Friends News AUTUMN 2021 • 6 End-to-End Awards Congratulations to the following walkers who received End-to- End awards for completing the Trail up until the end of November 2020. John Armeni Alexander Rebecca Gilbert Register Bazeley Damien Liebelt Marguerite Joshua Vidale Carson Kerri Woodcock for 2021 Photo: Mark Scicluna Eagle Waterhole hike-in hut The Friends 2021 walking closed through season starts soon May-June The popular hut at the Eagle Waterhole Are you looking to start which point we'll have reached the Cudlee Creek area. will be closed throughout May-July in walking the Heysen Year 3 transitions from walking on 2021. The hike-in only shelter in Deep Trail from end-to-end Saturdays into weekends away. This Creek Conservation Park is closed for construction. All walkers following in 2021? change begins at Kapunda on the last the Heysen's route through this area, Every year, a group of walkers two trips of the walking season. These please make alternate plans for commence a six-year journey, which weekend trips continue throughout accommodation and water during includes approximately 63 individual years 4 and 5 until we arrive in Quorn. this period. walk days, and covers the length of the Due to the distances required to Heysen Trail. We have a new adventure complete each section during the final starting soon! See the End-to-End Walk year, two week-long excursions will see Friends COVID Programme on page 8 for more details. us to the finish line. Don't worry, you'll Safe 2021 2021 will see the End-to-End 15 group be fit by then. commence their Trail journey from An optional introductory walk through SA Health COVID Safety requires the Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula Cleland Conservation Park will be Friends of the Heysen Trail to: and finish at Parachilna Gorge in the offered to those who register for End- Flinders Ranges in 2027. Join leaders to-End 15's 'Walk 1'. Come along and › keep a register of members at events; Mark, Audrey, Maria, Andrea, Leanne, get to know your fellow walkers, get › comply with any attendance caps in Philip and Mike; we look forward to some fitness and test your legs on a place; seeing you. walk similar in length and difficulty to › ensure trained COVID Marshalls are There is a slight deviation from past Cape Jervis – Cobbler Hill. a part of walks and activities. End-to-Enders; Year 1, 2 and part 3 you This means members/guests must will now be walking on SATURDAYS. register online in advance for ALL So, you won't have to rush home after Check out www.heysentrail.asn.au/ FoHT walks, activities and events. Our a long day's walk to prepare for the walks for End-to-End 15 walk dates office volunteers will be able to assist if working week (that is for those of us and to registration. Book early, you have any difficulties. You also need not lucky enough to have retired). numbers are limited. to use QR Code check-in or sign-in The first two years include about seven If you have any questions, drop Mark when visiting and attending meetings walks per season (May to October) at an email via HeysenEE15@iinet.net.au in the office. Let's keep everyone safe through 2021.
Friends News AUTUMN 2021 • 7 Trailthinker Notice of Time & Date: Quiz 6.30pm, Friday, 19 March 2021 Friends Location: 1. The founder of Adelaide’s “Vili’s”, Vili Milisits, was AGM 2021 Woodville Bowls Club, 25 Oval Avenue born in which central- European country? Woodville South 5011 Join us for the 34th 2. In which decade did Sir Annual General To meet COVID safe requirements, Hans Heysen die? members must register in advance Meeting of the Friends on the Friends walk/event page: 3. The Great South West of the Heysen Trail. www.heysentrail.asn.au/walks Walk is located in which Australian state? 4. Which Australian walking trail culminates at Lake St. Clair? BLINMAN, SA 5. Which South Australian FLINDERS Join us in 2021 on a trek & BEYOND CAMEL TREKS Walking treks fully catered. Swags coastal town hosts the Tunarama Festival? 6. The city of Adelaide is and transfers included. No roads, no named after a queen that completes the Heysen vehicles, no mobile reception; detach consort to which monarch? Trail’s remote section from hectic everyday life and enjoy ‘Beyond Heysen’. an unforgettable experience that will 7. Which Heysen Trail town create memories to last a life time. is sometimes called ‘Little Explore hidden treasures of the Flinders Ranges with camels carrying Scotland’? FOR MORE INFORMATION your supplies. Trek through gum-lined creek beds, towering gorges, rare T: (08) 8648 3713 8. The Tour du Mont Blanc geological formations and sparkling dry E: info@flindersandbeyondcamels.com.au passes through which lakes. See native flora and fauna in its three countries? natural habitat and enjoy a night sky laser show with astronomer Ryan. 9. In 2015, Adelaide was recognised as a UNESCO City of what? 10. How many Conservation Parks can be found between the Scenic Hotel and the Mt Lofty Summit along the Heysen Trail? DEPARTING JUNE & JULY 2021 - CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION ANSWERS PAGE 14
End-to-End Season Programme 2021 1ST WEEKEND 2ND WEEKEND 3RD WEEKEND 4TH WEEKEND 5TH WEEKEND E2E -2 E2E 11 SAT & SUN, 22-23 MAY Wirrabara Forest - Block E2E -2 9 Rd - Murraytown E2E 12 E2E 14 MAY SAT TO SUN, E2E 12 E2E 15 SAT & SUN, SUN 2 MAY 8-16 MAY 29-30 MAY Myponga - (WEEK AWAY) SAT & SUN, 15-16 MAY SAT 22 MAY Wandallah - Newikie Mt Compass Parachilna - Webb Gap - Burra Cape Jervis – Cobbler Hill Creek - Dares Hill Rd Mount Little Station Road - Worlds End E2E 13 SUN 23 MAY Nuggett Rd - Mt Crawford E2E 10 E2E -2 E2E -2 FRI TO MON, 11-14 JUN (LONG WEEKEND) SAT TO SUN,19-27 E2E 11 E2E 14 JUN (WEEK AWAY) Buckaringa - Leigh SAT & SUN, 26-27 JUN JUN SAT & SUN, 5-6 JUN Creek Rd Mt Little - Eyre Depot Mt Compass - Murraytown - Melrose N/A - Alligator Gorge Rd Kyeema - Dashwood E2E 13 E2E 12 Gully Rd E2E 15 SUN 13 JUN SAT & SUN, 19-20 JUN Mt Crawford - Worlds End - SAT 27 JUN Pewsey Vale Wandallah Cobbler Hill - Tapanappa E2E 10 E2E 10 E2E -2 THU TO SAT, 8-17 JUL SAT TO SUN, 24 JUL – (WEEK AWAY) 1 AUG (WEEK AWAY) Leigh Creek Rd - Eyre Depot - Melrose Parachilna Gorge E2E 14 Trailhead E2E 15 JUL E2E 12 SAT 24 JUL SUN 4 JUL E2E 15 SAT & SUN, 17-18 JUL N/A Dashwood Gully Rd - Balquhidder - Waitpinga Mylor SAT 10 JUL Dares Hill Rd - Hallett Tapanappa - Balquhidder - EE George Rd E2E 11 Quarry SAT & SUN, 24-25 JUL E2E 13 Alligator Gorge Road SUN 11 JUL - Horrocks Pass - Pewsey Vale - Tanunda Broadview E2E -2 E2E 11 E2E 12 SAT & SUN, 28–29 AUG AUG E2E 13 Broadview - Quorn SUNDAY SAT & SUN, 21-22 AUG E2E 14 SUN 8 AUG 15 AUGUST EE George Quarry Tanunda - Kapunda - Spalding Rd - E2E 15 SUN 1 AUG Mylor - Cleland Chlorinator SAT 28 AUG Waitpinga - Tugwell Rd E2E 12 E2E 11 E2E 14 E2E 13 SAT & SUN, 18-19 SEP SAT & SUN, 25–26 SEP SEP Chlorinator - Raeville Quorn - Eyre Depot SUN 5 SEP SAT & SUN, 11-12 SEP N/A Cleland - Montacute Kapunda - Hamilton - E2E 14 E2E 15 Heights Peters Hill SUN 19 SEP SAT 25 SEP Montacute Hts - Cudlee Crk Tugwell Rd - Inman Valley E2E 15 E2E 13 SAT 9 OCT E2E 12 OCT Inman Valley - Myponga SAT TO MON, 2-4 OCT SUNDAY (LONG WEEKEND) E2E 14 SAT & SUN, 16-17 OCT 24 OCTOBER N/A Raeville - Locks Ruin - Peters Hill - SUN 10 OCT Bowman Park Burra Road Cudlee Creek - The Nuggett Rd Version released 7 February 2021 heysentrail.asn.au/walks
End-to-End Season Programme 2021 AUTUMN 2021 • 9 Walking with the Friends Keeping Check the online walk calendar for the latest track of the PARACHILNA End-to-End GORGE TRAILHEAD updates to the programme. For details about each walk, the hot weather policy, what to wear Groups WILPENA POUND and what to bring, and details of walk grades, visit heysentrail.asn.au/walks Walks Registration E2E -2 HAWKER Register for a walk either online at Beginning at heysentrail.asn.au/walks or by phoning the Parachilna office on 8212 6299. Walk registration closing Gorge in 2021 QUORN dates and times are listed on each walk event page, access via the website walk calendar. E2E 10 Walk Cancellations Dutchman’s Stern MELROSE If you need to withdraw from a booked walk, Conservation Park please notify the leader or the office as soon WIRRABARA as possible. The easiest way is to login to your account and withdraw from the walk. CRYSTAL BROOK E2E 11 HALLETT End-to-End walks are not subject to a weather SPALDING forecast temperature limit, however the walk Wirrabara BURRA leader may decide to cancel or amend the event if a weather event is deemed to present a high risk. E2E 12 TrailStarter, TrailWalker and TrailRambler walks will be cancelled if the forecast temperature for Webb Gap MARRABEL Adelaide is equal or higher than 32ºC. Be aware KAPUNDA that walks are automatically cancelled when the forecast weather on the day of the walk is for E2E 13 TANUNDA severe storms with damaging winds as per the The Nuggett 7pm ABC News on the day prior to the walk. Refer Road, beyond to abc.net.au/news/weather or bom.gov.au/sa. Cudlee Creek MT LOFTY Your Walk Leader will send an email to all walkers HAHNDORF to advise of the cancellation. We suggest you MYLOR check your emails before leaving to join the walk. E2E 14 Myponga MOUNT COMPASS Bushfire policy CAPE JERVIS TRAILHEAD VICTOR HARBOR If a Total Fire Ban is declared by the CFS in E2E 15 the Fire Ban District where the walk event is being held, the walk event will be cancelled. Beginning at Cape Jervis in 2021 In such a case walk fees will be refunded.
Friends Season Walk Programme 2021 1ST WEEKEND 2ND WEEKEND 3RD WEEKEND 4TH WEEKEND 5TH WEEKEND SAT 10 APR Willunga Basin Trail SUN 18 APR SAT 24 APR Daniel Jardine Mount Lofty Warren Tower Hike Botanical Gardens Dom Henschke SUN 11 APR Bill Van Riet MON 26 APRIL - Walk Season APR SUN 2 MAY Opening EASTER Walk the Best Walking SA of the Yorke SUN 11 APR SUN 18 APR SAT 24 APR Simon Cameron Cleland – Wine Lavender Trail Willunga Basin Trail Shanty Trail Greg Boundy Daniel Jardine Dom & Marlene Henschke SAT 1 MAY SAT 22 MAY SAT 8 MAY Parra Wirra SAT 29 - SUN 30 MAY Black Hill SUN 16 MAY Lavender Trail Julie Testi Walk the Yorke with 5 Peaks Mount Misery Greg Boundy Peter Clark Mike Joyce Part 1 SUN 23 MAY Peter Clark Onkaparinga MAY SUN 2 MAY SAT 8 MAY Michael Middleton SAT 29 MAY Kuitpo Willunga Basin Trail Willunga Basin Trail Judith Ellis Daniel Jardine SUN 23 MAY Daniel Jardine SUN 16 MAY Lavender Trail Mt Lofty/ Greg Boundy SUN 30 MAY SUN 2 MAY SUN 9 MAY Heysen Loop Mylor/Aldgate Belair Loop Cobblers Creek Dom & Marlene SUN 23 MAY Circuit Bill Van Riet Kevin Liddiard Henschke Mount Misery Part 2 Rosemary Hayward Peter Clark SAT 5 JUN Sea to Summit SAT 26 - SUN 27 JUN Paul Frost SAT 12 - SUN 13 JUN Walk the Yorke Lavender Trail Peter Clark SAT 5 JUN Greg Boundy Montacute CP SAT 26 JUN JUN Peter Deacon SUN 20 JUN Pioneer Women’s Sturt Gorge Trail N/A SUN 6 JUN Noeleen Smith Onkaparinga Julie Testi Judith Ellis SAT 12 JUN Willunga Basin Trail SUN 27 JUN SUN 6 JUN Daniel Jardine Scott Creek/ Stirling/Mt Lofty Eastern Loop Bill Van Riet Rosemary Hayward SAT 3 JUL WED 7 JUL Willunga Basin Trail O’Halloran Hill RP SAT 24 - SUN 25 JUL Daniel Jardine Peter Deacon Walk the Yorke Peter Clark SUN 4 JUL JUL THU 8 JUL SUN 18 JUL Bridgewater/ Crafers Return Onkaparinga Hardys Scrub N/A Judith Ellis Noeleen Smith SUN 25 JUL Bill Van Riet Mt Panorama SUN 4 JUL SAT 10 - SUN 11 JUL Knotts Hill Mt Crawford Lavender Trail Rosemary Hayward Peter Deacon Greg Boundy TRAILWALKER WALKS TRAILSTARTER WALKS SPECIAL EVENTS LAVENDER TRAIL WALK THE YORKE Version released 7 February 2021 heysentrail.asn.au/walks Check the online Walk Walking with the Friends Walks Registration Programme for the latest Check the online walk calendar for Register for a walk either online updates and to register the latest updates to the programme. at heysentrail.asn.au/walks or by For details about each walk, the hot phoning the office on 8212 6299. heysentrail.asn.au/walks weather policy, what to wear and what Walk registration closing dates to bring, and details of walk grades, and times are listed on each walk visit heysentrail.asn.au/walks event page.
Friends Season Walk Programme 2021 AUTUMN 2021 • 11 1ST WEEKEND 2ND WEEKEND 3RD WEEKEND 4TH WEEKEND 5TH WEEKEND SAT 14 - SUN 15 AUG SAT 7 AUG Lavender Trail Beaumont/Cleland Greg Boundy SAT 28 AUG Mike Joyce Cobblers to SAT 14 - SUN 15 AUG Tapanappa Walk the Yorke Mark Fletcher Peter Clark SAT 14 AUG AUG SUN 1 AUG SUN 8 AUG SUN 22 AUG Waitpinga Cape Jervis to Mack Creek South Para Judith Ellis Cobblers Dom Henschke Peter Deacon Mark Fletcher MON 30 AUG - SUN 15 AUG THU 2 SEP Mt Crawford SUN 8 AUG Fleurieu to Mt Lofty Peter Deacon Hahndorf John Babister Settlers Walk SUN 15 AUG Bill Van Riet Warren Tower Loop Rosemary Hayward SAT 11 - SUN 12 SEP Walk the Yorke Peter Clark SUN 26 SEP SEP SUN 5 SEP SUN 12 SEP SUN 19 SEP Lobethal Horsnell Gully Anstey Hill East Gandys Gully Bushland Park N/A Mike Joyce Kevin Liddiard Simon Cameron Dean and Mary Cartland SUN 12 SEP Brownhill Creek Robin Sharland SAT 23 OCT Trail Rambler SUN 10 OCT Orchid Walk Highbury Aqueduct Phil Bell Kevin Liddiard OCT SUN 3 OCT SAT 16 - SUN 17 OCT SUN 24 OCT SUNDAY Stirling/ Mt Lofty Walk the Yorke Sturt Gorge 30 OCTOBER Bill Van Riet Peter Clark Noeleen Smith SUN 10 OCT Mt Hayfield SUN 10 OCT Robin Sharland O’Halloran Hill Simon Cameron TRAILWALKER WALKS TRAILSTARTER WALKS SPECIAL EVENTS LAVENDER TRAIL WALK THE YORKE Version released 7 February 2021 heysentrail.asn.au/walks Accommodation Nunn Road, Myponga along the Heysen Trail 2 self contained cabins with queen bed and single sofa ~ Reverse cycle air-conditioning Complimentary beer and wine upon arrival ~ Provisions for a cooked breakfast BBQ & outdoor setting ~ Mention this ad and get 10% discount New to Heysen’s Rest 4 brand new single rooms on the Heysen’s Trail Rooms include Ensuite, TV, fridge, king single bed, reverse cycle air condtioning and tea and coffee provided
Park of the Month AUTUMN 2021 • 12 MARCH Mt Lofty Precinct (Cleland CP/WP & Mt Lofty Gdns) APRIL Fleurieu Peninsula Parks (Deep Creek, Onkaparinga River, Myponga Reservoir, plus others) SAT 10 APR Willunga Basin Trail Daniel Jardine SAT 24 APR Willunga Basin Trail Daniel Jardine MAY Murraylands Parks (Ngarkat, Kinchina, Brookfield) Celebrate SAT 8 MAY Monarto-Bondleigh Rd Greg Boundy JUNE NPWSSA's Park Mt Remarkable/Southern Flinders Precinct SA/SU, 26-27 JUN M'town - Alligator Gorge Rd E2E 11 of the Month JULY with Friends Northern Eyre Peninsula (Gawler Ranges, Nullarbor & Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary Zone) AUGUST Join the Friends as we Barossa Parks (Para Wirra, Warren, Hale, celebrate our amazing parks Kaiserstuhl, Sandy Creek & Sth Para Reservoir) with the National Parks SUN 1 AUG Mack Creek Dom Henschke and Wildlife Service South SUN 8 AUG Tanunda - Kapunda E2E 13 Australia's Park of the Month. SUN 15 AUG Warren Twr Loop Rosemary Hayward SUN 22 AUG South Para Peter Deacon For the months of April, May, June and SEPTEMBER August in 2021, walks from the Friends Walks Programme coincide with NPWSSA's Park of Glenthorne Precinct (Glenthorne NP, O’Halloran the Month Programme. Come for a stroll and Hill, Hallett Cove, Marino) help us celebrate these wonderful parklands. OCTOBER Register for a walk either online at Ikara-Flinders Ranges NP heysentrail.asn.au/walks or by phoning the NOVEMBER office on 8212 6299. Limestone Coast (Naracoorte Caves, Tantanoola Park of the Month is a great way to gain a Caves, Piccaninnie Ponds) deeper understanding of our special natural DECEMBER places and to find new ways to enjoy them. Each month NPWSSA provide a variety of Eastern Kangaroo Island Parks (Lashmar, Baudin, events for everyone to enjoy. Cape Willoughby)
Cape Jervis Acknowledgement AUTUMN 2021 • 13 Breakout SIMON CAMERON Cape Jervis title for Acknowledgement article AUTHOR NAME Indigenous Photo: Philip Bell custodians The Heysen Trail passes through Country of seven traditional owners: the Simon Cameron from the springs along the way, including Ngarrindjeri, the Kaurna, the Kingston, Myponga and Yankalilla. His Friends Reconciliation journey mapped all of the important Peramangk, the Ngadjuri, Committee acknowledges campsites along the peninsula. the Nukunu, the Banggarla and the Adnyamathana. the traditional In acknowledging both traditional custodians of our land. custodians of the Cape, Heysen walkers Excerpt taken from 'Heysen T should reflect on the historical record, Highlights. Companion Guide as well as the dreaming tales. to the Heysen Trail' by Simon he Heysen Trail is a Cameron. wonderful journey through South Australia's landscape. At Cape “ Smallpox scars were reported in Jervis, the Friends of The Ngarrindjeri Dreaming both Aboriginal groups by the Heysen acknowledges the crossover can be found on the earliest colonists to South Australia, of two Aboriginal language groups storyboards stationed at the presumably transmitted from the – the Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna. Both beginning of the Trail. eastern colonies along the River cultures incorporate the Cape in their Murray. Other contagious diseases Dreaming stories. ” are likely to have followed the same transmission route. The Ngarrindjeri tell a creation story Both groups had already felt the of Ngarrindjeri's search for his two arrival of white man long before There is no way of counting the deaths, wives, carving the length of the Murray 1836. Matthew Flinders' reports but given the high mortality rates of River in his search and finally catching and maps were first made public diseases like smallpox and measles them crossing the then broad valley of in Sydney in 1802. They resulted in in native communities, it begins Backstairs Passage. It was Ngarrindjeri the opportunistic arrival of sealers to explain why the first colonists who was responsible for the inundation and whalers soon after. No detailed estimated that the Kaurna only and stranding of the two women as accounts survived, but tales of numbered three hundred individuals. islands, later named by Matthew abducted aboriginal women make it Even assuming that many of the Flinders as the Pages. The story traces into early colonists' accounts. Kaurna were wisely avoiding contact the rising sea levels after the end of the with the new arrivals, the population The Ngarrindjeri suffered severely, last ice age 10,000 years ago. numbers are still low due to epidemics. judging by their reaction to Captain The Kaurna recount the epic tale of Collett Barker's unwelcome arrival at So, when the Friends head off Tjilbruke, carrying the body of his the Murray Mouth in 1822. "The naked westwards from the Cape Jervis dead nephew from Warriparinga explorer, having swum the River, was Trailhead, we can reflect on the heavy (River Sturt at Bedford Park) to the unceremoniously dispatched, and his toll of colonisation on the traditional Cape Jervis cliffs, creating freshwater body thrown into the surf". custodians of the land.
Friends News AUTUMN 2021 • 14 What is your favourite international walking trail? ASK A HIKER Photo: Joe King The Maltese Cross Walk in The Wicklow Way, Ireland In 2019, I walked the the Cederberg Wilderness (pictured). The local Camino de Santiago Area, South Africa. This company that organised from Saint-Jean on the trail is dominated by many the walk for us were great. French border all the While the Coast to Coast is natural rock formations and I loved the Irish accents, way to Finisterre on the the iconic walk in the UK, sculptures through its hills craic and September's coast. After 2 months of I think the Cotswold Way and valleys. The Maltese blackberry season! predominantly isolated would be my choice. A walk Cross takes about 3 hours walking on the Heysen DOM HENSCHKE along the Cotswold Hills including a break at the rock (some 9 months earlier), from Chipping Camden formation. Allow 4 hours if Office Chair the inviting nature of the to Bath via Cheltenham. you take it slowly (7km). A pilgrims and the generosity Continuous views over beautiful walk, but tiring on of the Spanish townspeople Gloucestershire to the Welsh a hot day. added a communal border, with the finale in perspective to my previous C HRI ST INE PORT ER Bath, Somerset with its solo hiking experiences. Roman baths and the fine Office Volunteer JOSH WEST Georgian architecture. Trail Ambassador JULIA N M ON F R IES Secretary Lycian Way in southern Turkey has 560km of mountains, coast, working villages and a rich history Trailthinker with centuries worth of Quiz Answers resisting occupation from I thoroughly enjoyed the Romans, Persians and 1. Hungary 2. 1960’s Tour Mont Blanc highlights Greeks. We took in 110km (2 July 1968) 3. Victoria tour, climbing up and over over 6 days staying in The Kokoda Track has had 4. The Overland all the passes provided pensiones. The trail featured the biggest impact on me. It Track, Tasmania challenging climbs, with Phaselis – remains of a was indeed challenging, but 5. Port Lincoln amazing vistas of the Alps city from 700BC; Tekirova, it was the region's history, 6. King William IV and the deep settled valleys. lined by grey pebbled beach and the appreciation of the 7. Greenock, Barossa Such different country than and market gardens; and hardships of our troops that Valley 8. Switzerland, we can find in Australia. Olympos, a swampy nesting left a profound and lasting Italy and France ground of loggerhead turtles. impression. 9. Music 10. Three RO B ERT ALCOCK (Giles, Horsnell Honorary Member MELANIE SJO BERG JUDY M CA DA M Gully and Cleland) President Walk Leader
Volunteer Profile AUTUMN 2021 • 15 Volunteer Profile: Tai Lim HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN field days; talking about the Heysen INVOLVED WITH THE FRIENDS? Trail and contributing in the kitchen I've been a member of End-to-End 9 if needed. for six years, having also completed WHAT'S YOUR FONDEST walks with End-to-End 10 and 11. MEMORY ON THE HEYSEN? Having worked hard all my life, joining In 2019, walking with End-to-End 9, we a walking group with the Friends in my came across Mayo Hut, near Black Gap. retirement seemed ideal. It was the perfect remote setting with WHY DID YOU INITIALLY rock formations and the only place in GET INVOLVED WITH a long time that actually had water! A VOLUNTEERING AT THE full Mernmerna Creek was thrilling to FRIENDS? see together with the whole group. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR I wanted to give back, but I wouldn't FAVOURITE WALKS ASIDE WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FROM THE HEYSEN TRAIL? have made a reliable leader with my HEYSEN TRAIL TOWN/REGION? few map reading skills, so I thought I have completed lots of walks around The Melrose Caravan Park and the Australia, but the toughest was Travis helping out in the maintenance shed Quorn Eco Van were both beautiful Sabine in New Zealand's south island – would be a great way to contribute. and clean. on top of completing the Heaphy Track WHAT ARE SOME ACTIVITIES IN over 5-6 days. I have also walked in WHICH YOU'VE VOLUNTEERED IS THERE SOMETHING YOU'D the Snowy Mountains many times, WITH THE FRIENDS? NEVER BE WITHOUT WHEN camping overnight for 5 days at a time. YOU'RE WALKING? I love learning new skills; not to I have completed the Pioneer Women's The most valuable equipment I've Walk and several walks around mention working with the big saw and purchased are my top-quality hiking Broken Hill. I loved Mt Bogong and Mt the welder. In fact, the whole shed poles. Along with my glasses, these Feathertop in Victoria, having scaled celebrated my welding efforts. I would ensure I can chase the walk leader. both with friends. also be open to offering assistance on
South Coast Week 2020 AUTUMN 2021 • 16 Photos: Olga Volodicheva South Coast Week 2020 Main: Adam Matthews helping walkers wade through a river crossing. then return with more cars to ADAM MATTHEWS complete the day's trek. Over the next 2 days, the creek crossings were tricky but do-able, and everyone in the group took them in their After two years of The remaining numbers were made stride. However, a Scout we met at Coolawang Creek wasn't so lucky, up by seasoned Heysen walkers who contemplation and wanted to experience this magnificent having fallen in the swirl and preparation, Adam coastline stretch again. Upon soaking himself from head to toe. Matthews reports on reboarding the bus, hand sanitiser From the scattered debris washed up was deployed, and face masks were around the edge of the creek, it was the organised group fastened before we disappeared back clear that the water was at least 50cm walk along the Heysen through the mist. higher a few days ago; luckily, it fell Trail's south coast. Starting off in dry, but dismal, as quickly as it rose. T conditions, we endured just about I had hoped for a sunny walk from he idea of an organised every weather scenario over the seven Waitpinga to Kings Beach, so walkers week of walking along days. The rain set in around lunchtime new to the Heysen Trail could the coastal stretch of on Day 1 and continued into the night, experience the impressive landscape the Heysen Trail was making for a very damp start. While on in all its glory. Fortunately, the first considered in 2018. Days 2, 3 and 4, the group encountered Walkers who had joined End-to-Enders intermittent showers and strong winds; further north had mentioned this though the sun did make a welcome secluded section had been difficult appearance every now and then. to manage as individual one-off day walks. So, in October 2020, after more pondering, and then planning, the idea “ became a reality. On adventures like these, small moments create As the cars and bus appeared an exceptional experience through the fog at Cobblers Hill, the forecasted gloomy weather was front for us all. of mind. Strong winds, rain and chilly temperatures were not what we had ” expected from spring-time October. The 48mm that fell on Day 1 halted proceedings on Day 2. The gushing Walkers from across the state (and Deep Creek Waterfall was deemed even a couple from over the border) impassable, so our walk came to a joined us on the Fleurieu Peninsula; temporary end at Trigg Campground. unfortunately, due to COVID-19 Walkers enjoyed the few patches of Fortunately, our back up driver was restrictions, several interested sunny weather over the week. able to ferry us back to Tappanappa, walkers were forced to withdraw.
South Coast Week 2020 AUTUMN 2021 • 17 weather obliged; a gentle breeze and blue skies complemented this final stretch of spectacular Welcome New Members coastline before heading inland toward Inman Valley. The President and the Council would like to extend a warm welcome to the following 84 members who have joined the Friends since the From the moment this group came last edition of Trailwalker. together, strong bonds grew. By the end of the week, it was as we'd all Sara Bayha Douglas John Jo Molsher Peter Schwetlik been together for years. On our rest Kathryn Francis Melanie Douglas Shaw day, following our group dinner in Bickerton Peter Frankis Montgomery Jenefer Silcock Victor Harbor, I'm certain it would Douglas Jessica Freund David John Skirrow have been a late booz night if we Bickerton Cobie George Montgomery Tania Slack didn't have to walk the next day. Peter Boyle Chris Green Jo Morley Johanna Libby Brown Nicole Green Katie Morrison Somfleth “ Coral Campbell Cheryl Clonan Tonina Harrison Sandra Hart Perry Mowbray Sandi Mowbray Matthew Stobart Tanya Stul As with all Friends trips, Zoe Clonan Phillip Hill Eric Moyle John Taylor the journey was volunteer- Wayne Clonan Leonie Hill Tina Penna Frances Tolhurst led, and everyone received Jarad Clonan Trevor Tracey Perkins Bernard Victory great enjoyment from Cheryl Croll Hoffmann Sam Perkins Manuela Vida helping out. Louise Cryans Alison James Jack Perkins Kerry Vines Matthew Daniell Ian James Tom Perkins Rosemary Wallis ” Thomas Doman Elise Kamleh Emma Perkins Mary Welch On adventures like these, small Jan Ellis Michael Lane Donna Peters Nadine White moments create an exceptional Clare Ellis Michele Lane Jaime Pooley Pamela Wicks experience for us all. A number Luke Ellis Michele Lucas Cate Price Roger Wicks include: after being prompted by Grace Ellis Paul Lucas Victoria Riggs Leonie Wood Russell, we sang Happy Birthday Hope Ellis Chris Mason Basia Samcewicz Teresa Yeing to Wanda – a beautiful sentiment, Judith Fabry Ray McKinnon Madison Jack Young aside from the fact there wasn't a Kim Filipsons Isabel Michell Sandeman Douglas Young Wanda in the group. Two walkers also had their boots fall apart; only cable ties and gaffer tape held them together for the rest of that day's trek. Another group member became separated by a flock of NG E R T SE S sheep; luckily a brave Tailend RA SINCE PA 1995 N S POR Charlie came to their rescue. And S last but not least, celebrating ST Transport & Removals T I SP E C I AL walkers who overcame health issues to be there with us on the Trail. Judging by the group's enthusiasm Explore the Mawson & Heysen Trails and requests for more of these through the Flinders Ranges, or kinds of walks, this week proved discover the Fleurieu Peninsula to be a huge success. As with all Friends trips, the journey was Regular bus services connecting volunteer-led, and everyone Adelaide and Copley, and the towns received great enjoyment from in-between. Passenger/freight helping out. And, to all the walkers timetables available online. who joined us for the week, thank you for making it a memorable one. I look forward to (hopefully) seeing you for Stage 2 soon. 08 8552 4000 genesis@genesistransport.com.au A big thank you to the coordinator John Babister, fellow leaders Robin www.genesistransport.com.au Sharland and Peter Deacon, and back-up drivers Mark Curtis, and Danny and Karen Reynolds. ON THE MOVE? RING US FOR A REMOVAL QUOTE
The Reality of Solo Hiking a Long-Distance Trail AUTUMN 2021 • 18 Josh making his way through a windy channel in Caroona Creek Conservation Park. Photos: Josh West The Reality of Solo Hiking a Long-Distance Trail JOSH WEST Heysen Trail Ambassador notepad and began flicking through The dynamic journey through its crumpled pages. Before long, that South Australia’s regional bushland, Josh West explains that disregarded question reappeared. After sweeping pastoral land, mountainous long-distance hiking will weeks of contemplation and a mild ranges and pristine coastline threw up change you, whether you bout of Post Trail Depression, I realised challenge after challenge for a first- that I had indeed changed, and in ways time long-distance hiker. However, like it or not. T I could have never imagined. the first week was by far the worst. Constant stress on my hips, legs, butt, I only left civilisation for eight he date was October back and neck, plus the sense I was weeks, but that comparatively short 10, 2018 and I had just ‘venturing into the unknown’, were period triggered the most profound completed my 58th day of all exacerbated by an acute sense of transformation of my life. I developed hiking South Australia’s isolation. Every morning, loud groans more in those eight weeks than the long-distance Heysen and muffled expletives would come previous 800. Trail. With my tent frantically flapping muttering from my tent as my body around me from Cobbler Hill’s fierce LIFE ON A LONG-DISTANCE discovered new aches from the day winds, I decided to spend my final TRAIL IS A PARADOX before. But soon, this distress oddly night scribbling down my thoughts shifted to a type of comfort. from the journey. My initial internal Walking 1,200 kilometres over 59 inquiry read: ‘have I changed?’ days was never meant to be easy, and I grew accustomed to the early the Heysen Trail certainly lived up to mornings, the long distances, the I pondered the gravity of the question. those expectations. While there were heavy pack, the bland meals, the Does anybody truly change? And if they countless moments of heart-swelling regular aches and the mindless do, how can you tell? The sentiment inspiration, much of the journey solitude. Each difficulty was a part of seemed overly presumptuous; I ran a required plonking one foot tiresomely my journey; I carried them as much line through the text and moved on. in front of the other, stretching every as they carried me. They were no A month later, in desperate need aching muscle and eating mush. I longer inconveniences; they were of on-trail nostalgia, I relocated my learned very early on, a solo walker indispensable assets to help me must be built for attrition. achieve my goal.
The Reality of Solo Hiking a Long-Distance Trail AUTUMN 2021 • 19 THE INEVITABLE POST-TRAIL Another kangaroo encounter after STRUGGLE leaving Inman Valley on Day 55. As so often happens to hikers after completing a journey of this magnitude, I retreated into a post- trail-slump once I arrived back to ‘normality’. The ‘reverse culture shock’ I encountered following this perspective-shifting experience left me feeling oddly misplaced in my usual suburban surroundings. The day after completing the Trail, I found myself idling at home, walking back and forth to the fridge, gazing mindlessly at the TV guide and foraging through emails, as if nothing had changed. But, so much THEN THERE WERE THE snot had congealed in my sinuses, had changed — most notably, my view PHYSICAL ADJUSTMENTS and a thumping congestion-induced of the world. A long-distance hike is headache became my new routine. so far removed from society’s norms, The lost sleep that I had yearned to that processing the whole experience, recover, after stepping out the other It would be some weeks before my comparative to ‘everyday life’, is almost side of Cape Jervis on Day 59, was body and mind fully readjusted, impossible; it was as though I’d seen not forthcoming. My body clock and I could process the contrasting too much. Ignorance was indeed bliss rang clamourously loud at six o’clock lifestyles. — but now, the filter was gone. every morning, while my aching legs, which had grown accustomed MANAGING POST TRAIL After spending two months noticing the to walking 20-odd kilometres each DEPRESSION simplicity in nature — morning dew on day, twitched restlessly without the Be aware, if you’re planning to tackle spider webs, features in mountainsides, regular extensive exercise. a long-distance trail, you may feel different bird calls — I recognised out of place when you return. At first, similar, albeit much gloomier, patterns when I returned to civilisation. As “ everything might seem the same, but as you try to settle back into your a result, I questioned humanity’s It would be some weeks place in the world, you may find that place in the natural world. Why are before my body and mind your position has shifted. certain groceries in the supermarket fully readjusted, and I could Gone are the days of eating guiltless wrapped in plastic? Why do people continuously buy bottled water? Why process the contrasting calories, peaceful solitude and does everyone on commercial radio lifestyles. bountiful hours to just think. Instead, shout? How is ‘Love Island’ an actual TV show (that one still confuses me)? ” you’re faced with society’s sedentary lifestyle, countless responsibilities And when did we get to the point Then, my immune system finally and constant noise. You may feel a that society accepts or even applauds packed it in and brought on the worst loss of purpose or interest, a decrease mundanity and waste? I felt helpless head cold of my life. Two months of in motivation or unyielding nostalgia and overwhelmed. What was going on? for the Trail. KENNARDS HIRE MAKES YOUR JOB EASY! Kennards Hire is a family owned company that has grown into one of Australia’s leading hire companies. We have been in the hire industry for over 60 years. We have a wide range of equipment which is reliable and regularly serviced. Drop into one of our hire centres today and let the guys help you choose the right equipment for your next job. 135 135 www.kennards.com.au
The Reality of Solo Hiking a Long-Distance Trail AUTUMN 2021 • 20 Whatever the case, know that you will to remember all of the positive aspects And let’s not underestimate the come back changed, and it won’t be the trail taught you—trust me, there effects of 8-12 hours of daily exercise, easy for your loved ones to understand. will be many. unprecedented amounts of vitamin D and South Australia’s spectacular If you start to feel yourself slipping into a IF LONG-DISTANCE HIKING IS natural backdrop have on your depressive state, seek guidance. It might SUCH A PAIN, WHY DO IT? wellbeing. It’s no surprise my not seem that anybody understands, Notwithstanding the on-trail and post- endorphins were flowing, and my but Post Trail Depression is common trail blues, hiking the Heysen Trail is inspiration was constantly high. amongst long-distance hikers, and professional advice exists. If it’s urgent, the best thing I’ve ever done. Period. EPIPHANIES AND LIFE- call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14. I was asked several times immediately LESSONS WERE ENDLESS following the hike, whether I would Every single day on the Trail, I learned “ ‘do it’ again? At the time, as I suffered through my slump, I dithered in something new about myself and Remember all of the positive response. Would I put myself through the expanded my view of the world. After aspects the trail taught you— pain of a long-distance trail again? Now, all, much of the time, I didn’t have trust me, there will be many anything to do but think. I learned to my answer is an unequivocal ‘yes, when take the positives out of everything, ” are we leaving?‘ stay better in-tuned with my body, not Every day I fought exhaustion, fatigue, sweat the small stuff and appreciate On top of seeking help, there are hunger, isolation and monotony, every little convenience (can I get an several ways to move past Post Trail and every day I won. Every day I was Amen for plumbing?). But, most of all, Depression and begin integrating back challenged in unforeseen ways, and I exchanged my search for enjoyment into society; these include connecting every day I improved myself—that for a desire for fulfilment. with fellow hikers, staying active, perpetual sense of accomplishment continuing to experience the wild and For most of us, life is very accessible, feels euphoric. The hardships of the giving back to the trail that changed and it’s easy to bypass long-lasting journey are a vehicle to this elation. your life. But, most of all, it’s important fulfilment in the search for short-term T FOR AL UN L CO FR DIS 10% IENDS OF RS BE HE YSEN MEM
The Reality of Solo Hiking a Long-Distance Trail AUTUMN 2021 • 21 This merry group of hikers joined Josh for a fundraising walk from the hills of Greenock to Tanunda. satisfaction. This life-lesson was never my belongings stolen, carried an suffering from mental health issues more exposed than on Day 51 when I oafishly heavy bag for 1,200 kilometres and, the piezoresistance, raised an enjoyed a few quick slices of leftover and spent 59 days walking a trail that expectation-shattering $12,000 for the trail angel-delivered pizza for breakfast, could have been driven in one. Black Dog Institute — an incredible instead of diligently preparing my usual achievement for everybody involved. And yet, as I looked deeper, my Heysen bland porridge. As a result, my body Trail experience was unquestionably I achieved more for myself and others felt so depleted throughout the day the most rewarding of my life to date. on this adventure than I ever dreamed that the seemingly short 15-kilometre possible. And while South Australia’s stretch took a gruelling seven hours Over the two-month adventure, astonishing landscapes provided an to complete; my concentration and I’d strengthened my resilience, unforgettable backdrop, it was the momentum were drained. While I may bolstered my physical conditioning, community’s incredible kindness and have been sick to the gills of masticating straightened my white-collar posture, steadfast support that amplified this mush each morning, the energy and captured South Australia’s stunning truly memorable experience. nourishment it provided was the best natural beauty, reconnected with lost thing for me. Lesson learned. mates, organised a community event, created a strong relationship with the MY JOURNEY FELT FAR FROM Friends of the Heysen Trail, opened View the original article online at A SOLO HIKE lines of communication for people www.trekkingwest.com I know my Heysen Trail adventure might have seemed like a ‘solo hike’, but this could not be further from the @aaronharrisonimages truth. Yes, days went by without seeing another soul, but I knew I had hundreds of supporters trumpeting my every step. Throughout the trek, I savoured the encouragement of dear family, close mates and countless new friends who continually reinforced my mission by generously donating to Black Dog Institute. On top of this, there were my beautiful trail angels who contributed delicious meals, snug accommodation Want to and sanity-saving conversations on the become an road. Each and every one of you has Instagram my eternal gratitude. curator? SO, WHAT DID I ACHIEVE? Other than growing a horrifyingly ginger beard, what did I actually Best of Heysen Are you a regular Instragram user? Ever thought about testing your accomplish? Immediately following the hike, it seemed like nothing of any on Instagram eye as a curator? The Friends are calling for volunteers to help run our great consequence. I withered myself Mayo Hut under the Instagram page @heysentrailfriends. thin, drank contaminated water, lost Milk Way captured by Contact the Trailwalker Editor at my rain jacket, ruined a bunch of @aaronharrisonimages trailwalker@heysentrail.asn.au technology, mangled my ankle, had
Article Title AUTUMN 2021 • 22 Dorothea and Fran enjoying being the sole occupants at Berry Bay. Photos: Ruth Rice Walk the Yorke in the Year of COVID RUTH RICE After a year of stifled We have trekked many such trails in we then made a few caravan park the past, and thoroughly enjoy the bookings, reserved one lovely bed and plans, Ruth Rice and zen nature of multi-day walking, but breakfast apartment in Warooka, plus the rest of her 'three we had heard differing reports of an another booking in Dhilba Guuranda- musketeers' tackle uninspired track around the peninsula. Innes National Park, and we were set How incorrect they were! for three weeks. We drove over with South Australia's Walk two cars to shuttle at the start and end the Yorke trail. We will be firmly setting any of each day's walk (carrying only a day W naysayers straight about the Walk; pack was a nice change). it is wonderful, varied, and so close ith holiday plans in to Adelaide. We have completed the We downloaded the Guthook app (the disarray, including entire Heysen Trail more than once, Walk the Yorke trail can be purchased our planned four- and, I'm confident in saying, this separately or included as a part of week adventure walk is right up there with it. the Australia/NZ package). The app on the Bibbulmun helped calculate our daily distances Track, our eyes turned toward a local PREPARATION and showed us where to go whenever long-distance trail; Walk the Yorke on navigation became tricky (which wasn't Preparation for the trail was the Yorke Peninsula. We had known often). We also downloaded paper surprisingly easy to arrange. Into the about the 'Yorke' since it's inception maps from the Yorke Peninsula website cars went the tent and camping gear; but had never considered walking it. www.visityorkepeninsula.com.au.
Walk the Yorke in the Year of COVID AUTUMN 2021 • 23 THE WALK lovely until one of us (too far in the by poor weather), but even those were lead to remonstrate with) decided to of some interest. We swiftly learnt to Being familiar with the peninsula's east take a shortcut across Tiparra Bay at check the wind direction, then decide coast from numerous family holidays, low tide. "We'll save heaps of time…. it whether we would walk south to we decided to explore the track from only looks like there's water out here"; north (later east to west) or vice versa. north to south, in an anticlockwise needless to say, we ended up wading High winds saw us abandon our tent direction, starting in Moonta Bay. We through knee-high water. Then, the (which more closely resembled a hot set up our base at the recently upgraded other of us became stuck in quicksand air balloon at one stage) for a cabin at Port Hughes Caravan Park and walked when they tried to make it back to Port Rickaby. Our thanks go to the off- the first 4km that day, in what was a dry land. There's always an adventure duty Park Managers – we're sorry for foretaste of the delights to come. somewhere. As compensation though, interrupting your evening off. we saw our first white-fronted chat “ soon after. “ We spent hours bird- Access became easier after 'The Gap', Corny Point Caravan Park watching, taking photos, and we averaged approximately was another excellent and examining bountiful 12km a day. Not long distances, but find, one we have already wildflowers, shells and the each day was full. Car shuttles took time (one disadvantage of not recommended to friends. occasional beached jellyfish. ” carrying full packs end-to-end), and we spent hours bird-watching, taking ” photos, and examining bountiful Walking in October/November The next day was projected to be 23km wildflowers, shells and the occasional allowed us to observe a variety of and began with a long car shuttle via beached jellyfish. migratory birds, and a few lovely Tiparra Springs Road, then a walk bush tracks varied our walk allowing across sand dunes to access the trail We were quickly entranced by the Walk us to recognise flowers, and, further on the beach. Beach walking was (aside from a couple of days marred south, orchids. I suggest walking the section north of Port Victoria (from Wardang Rd to Chinamen Wells Rd) at dawn or dusk to see southern hairy-nosed wombats. Their burrows were a highlight in this section. Watch for ticks along the south of Yorke Peninsula; I wasn't careful enough and copped three – starting north of Corny Point, and then again through Innes National Park. Be careful. We documented the best campsites to revisit (or tell family and friends about), the beaches that looked suitable for the grandkids, and our favourite Tips for sections of the trail. future Purchase an official set of walkers maps to help work out trail access, particularly helpful in the somewhat inaccessible Port Hughes to Balgowan section.
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