Day 150 Grasstree

Looking back at my campsite

 NSW Day 8 (150) Wednesday 20th October, 2021 15.8km

2964.5/2134.4km

Had a pleasant night. The wind howled along the ridgetops and I had a few showers pass across.

The morning pack up went well. I'm still not sleeping the best but the short days means I am not exhausted.

The morning view up the valley

Today is only 16 kilometres as I walked a little past the camp spot last night. Rain is predicted this afternoon so I would like to get there early and setup.

It's is road walking following the upper Rocky River Road. There are a lot of areas beside the river that look like camping spots. Initially it looks like privately run areas with no trespassing signs but when you walk into the state forest area there are spots where there are drop toilets but I'm unsure what the system is. I did use one of the toilets. No one about so had a great view with a poo or vice versa.

More views

I then had to walk across a causeway on the river and follow the road up Grasstree Creek. Not far I come to a spot where there is a shed named Grass tree Hut. I get frightened by the dog Dozer a big piece of work. The lady of the hut, Liz, comes out and points out the camping area. She tells me a crew is about 4 kilometres away working on a shed. The camping area has a flushing toilet and water tap. Also a gate goes down to the creek.

The Rocky River Road

As I'm setting up the tent a car pulls up and I get to meet Duncan. Grasstree is their second property and they are down from Mt Mee in Qld. He offers me a couple of beers, Great Northern, and heads back out to the shed. The beers went down real well but made me a bit dozy. I managed to get my camp sorted and have a wash down before a shower come across.

The grassy flats beside the river

It wasn't long before the whole crew turned up as it was raining much heavier at the work site. I went and introduced myself and to dump the empty cans. They were a bunch of friends living in different areas but used to be a shift crew together on a coal mine near Singleton. They fired up a big fire and I was able to join them as they drank beer and talked nonsense. Liz had the job of trying to feed 5 men and 1 bum.

Clear water in the river

A cheese platter came out and whatever the blue cheese was it was yum. I was the only one eating it and I forgot to ask the brand. Next came chicken wings then a chicken stir fry and rice. Now I can't be sure this would happen for every National Trail Trekker but if Liz and Duncan are there then you will be treated well. Providing a spot to camp shows the generosity of people. Their friends provided good conversation and laughs. Don't know how well the shed will finish up.

I went to bed with a full belly for the first time in a week. I did eat my chocolate for sweets.

Toilet with a view

Grasstree campsite

Grasstree hut