Hiking the National Trail - Australia: Day 22

Saturday 8th May, 2021 28.4km

535.5 / 4563.4 km

I woke up early but was snug in the spare room so rolled over and ignored the kookaburras. Eventually I heard movement from others so I made the move. 10 degrees outside.  Good walking weather but I was promised a bacon and egg sandwich for breakfast.  

I did have dinner with Vicki and Jeff last night and we sat down, had a chinwag and watched Friday night NRL. Well half of it,  I was fagged so went to bed. Their generosity was overwhelming and Vicki gave me a gift of a neckwipe to cool me down on the hotter afternoon slog. We will parcel up something and send them a gift. Hard to do when they have what they need and want for not much. Simple life but hard work. In their 70s and not planning to stop.

So the morning ended up a half hour later but that put the sun above the trees. The trail continues on this road but drops down to the Burdekin River. 

Company

I had a cow follow me for about a kilometre. They had yarded 300 head last night and I think this one was left behind. I was heading away from the yard and I wasn't heading back.

The road less travelled

The road gets real quiet after Yammanie. I didn't see a car all day. The road gets narrower to a two wheel track as most of the area now is National Park and Conservation Park.  

I'm heading down to an old homestead that is listed under the National Trust. Apparently it has been restored and was up for sale as the National park people didn't want to look after it.  Imagine the hassle owning a listed building that everyone wants to keep authentic.
I was able to take a picture across a pond which was as close as I could get.

Wairuna Reserve

Wairuna Homestead across the lake

An old pioneer grave

Then the big end today was after I crossed the Burdekin. Every one said there were three crossings but didn't agree on whether it was the first or third that was running and no more than a metre deep. 

Well it was 4 crossings and all had water. After I crossed the first one I filled up all water for a camp. To cross I have to take of my boots and tie them to the pack. So after the first crossing my heavy pack gets heavier with 3 litres of water. I put my boots on and walk 100 metres to another dip and have to take them off again. 

Crossing through that one I could see the track just went up and down so I walked bare feet and yep another wet crossing. So across I go and looked up and the track curved but look like it went down. That was 150m bare foot walking. This crossing wasn't as deep as the first but faster flowing. I walked out and found a tent spot and set up. It's getting late. I think it was nearly 30k which took a bit out of me but I'll sleep well tonight.