The boys had two hours before we would be commencing the day’s trek at 8.30am. This would allow time for them to pack up tents and packs, eat breakfast and tidy and check the campground. Breakfast today was a choice of cereal or muesli with hot milk and Milo; my newly discovered, delicious, Australian hot chocolate drink.
The trek today would be around 18km with 2 large steep hills, and some bush bashing, at the end of which we would arrive at our second campsite; Snotty Gobble. Once the navigation team had confirmed a route with Kate and Paddy, they informed the rest of the group of their plans and we set off, only 6 minutes behind schedule.
Australia had once again turned out her best weather for me despite the winter months and the day was sunny and warm; ideal for a day out trekking in the bush. Taking full advantage, I spent the majority of the day walking beside Paddy and Kate, learning about the plants in this area of WA.
After a few hours walking it was time for lunch. Today this was to be the same as yesterday, an array of fillings including vegetables, cheese and salami. This we ate just to the side of the 4x4 track whilst basking in the sunshine.
The bush bashing section of the trek started just after lunch. This involved the navigation group taking us off of the main track and following a compass bearing through the bush. This was great fun, especially as it exposed even more of the wonderful plants and scenery WA has to offer.
After some struggles, moans and, thankfully, encouragements amongst the boys, we arrived at Snotty Gobble Campsite. It was now close to 3.30pm. The boys were given the usual time to set up their tents, unpack and enjoy a Milo or Cup a Soup before dinner preparations commenced at 5pm. Tonight’s dinner was chicken and vegetable curry, followed by, the amazingly delicious treat of cookies and cream – Aussies sure know how to do dessert! This was an ideal combo after a long 18km trek.
Dinner was followed by the usual, necessary camp cleanup which Paddy oversaw whilst Kate built a campfire, around which the boys would write in their journals once the cleanup was complete. During this time, I took the opportunity to admire and absorb the beautiful setting of our camp; full of Jerri ad Marri trees, standing guard as dark silhouettes against the dimming, twilight sky.
Tonight, during journal writing, Paddy asked the boys what they would be challenging themselves with whilst out on camp. Once again this was very insightful, allowing me to hear the boys discussing helping others, improving their packing and even completing the expedition.
After their journal writing, Kate invited the boys to go to bed, or, alternatively, to stay awake for a scary story told by Paddy at the campfire. Only two boys and myself and Kate stayed sitting at the campfire for Paddy’s story. Bedtime followed the story at 8.20pm when, tired from the long day, the staff and remaining boys parted ways and went to each of their tents. Tomorrow would be another early start and our third, and final, day trekking on dry land.
