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

Day 149 Billyrimba Creek

The track

NSW Day 7 (149) Tuesday 19th October, 2021 21km

2948.7 / 2150.2km

Sun coming up

The snake didn't visit. But when I got up for a toilet break during the night the headtorch was on the brightest setting and a lot of swinging about before I ventured out.

The trail follows Demon Creek. At the moment it is flowing ok. The first obstacle is a house yard which is always a worry as I'm on the lookout for dogs. As I go down through the creek there is a cow carcass and I count 14 wild pigs take off from feeding as I disturb them.

The track now a cattle pad

The track descends into a cattle pad and a grassed track. At some points there are multiple ways to go and I just blunder on keeping the creek in sight. There are many crossings. I stop for breakfast at one crossing and just sit and appreciate the privilege of being able to walk through here. As I go further there are more signs of civilisation and I move past a few different huts and homes. The flies are getting worse as the day wears on. The trail turns into a track then a gravel road as I pop out the other side.

Breakfast at Demon Creek

For the first time I put on the fly net and change into my $10 Kmart shorts. This allows me to shed more heat as I walk. The down side is when I moved off the road for lunch by a creek a brushed against something that stung me behind my knee.

I eventually join Billarimba Rd and I've been told the Billarimba homestead isn't happy with campers at the marked campsite so decide to move on further. The road comes back down to the creek and in this area I find a spot down by the creek that is hidden from the road. I spend the rest of the afternoon washing and drying some clothes and generally having a rest. I have some hard work coming up and getting some recovery into the legs will help. I plan a short day tomorrow as well. Just can't take a day off as my supplies don't allow for that.

The road out

Those rolling hills again

Day 148 Demon Creek

Early morning fog

 NSW Day 6 (148) Tuesday 19th October, 2021 22.4km

2927.7km / 2171.2km

There were are couple of mice annoying me last night. I hung up all my food as mice normally hang around man made structures. Knowing the food was safe didn't help as they scurried around me as I tried to sleep.

Needed smoke out of a chimney

I have to catch up the 6 or so km that I didn't do yesterday. But being out of the thunderstorm was a better option.

It was a short walk up the highway then a walk down McLeod Creek road. This started through farmland then climbs a range to State Forest. I got to the top of Darcy's Hill for breakfast and as I had signal I was able to send some photos to Belinda. Although each upload was 7 to 10 minutes as the signal went from 4g to 3g.

The road through State forest

The track winds across state forest before starting a descend to Sandy Creek. I decided to stop here and rest for a while. The water was clear and cool and the day was warm enough to wash down without freezing.

It's back into farmland and a bugger of a climb back up till I meet Demon Creek Rd. Then it's a plunge back down. From the top there are spectacular views up the Demon Fault. This happened as the earth's crust moved 15 kilometres north and split the range. I'll be following the creeks along the fault and climb out the other end.

A bit of colour

Bit of drama at the designated camp. I wasn't happy with the spot as large dead trees with an undermined bank overhung the spot. I went looking around and came back to find a black snake with a red belly searching through the grass next to my pack. He looked at me walking up and decided to ignore me. I tried rolling some rocks near him but it took a couple of stamps of my boots to get him to move a short distance when he decided not to go any further. It was enough for me to get my pack and move up the track. He just watched me go. Hope I'm far enough away tonight.

Creek for lunch and wash

Looking down the valley I'll be walking

Demon fault

The snake

Day 147 Sandy Hill

The road less upsy downsy

 NSW Day 5 (147) Monday 18th October, 2021 16km

2905.3 / 2193.6km

I had a long sleep last night and decided to shorten my day to 16 kilometres. This gets me to the Bruxner Highway so if something is not right then I can get to Tenterfield.

Watching the clouds

The road yesterday was like a roller coaster with fairly steep climbs out of gullies. Today starts with a climb but the road changes to more gentle roll. The legs are tired but I'm hoping a shortened day and longer rest they won't let me down.

I walked just past Gilgurry homestead and the next property owner stopped for a chat. I knew rain was predicted but he informed me it was due around lunch and was expected to be up to 20mm.

BNT Sign

I had covered 8 kilometres by then so I had a quick breakfast and sent a text to Belinda who confirmed the forecast. I should be OK as it was 9am (6am Perth - Thanks Belinda) I had just over 8 kilometres to go which should take about 2 hours and there is a shed at the campsite.

So I hot footed it which may have not been the best as my right leg is playing up. My hip may be causing the other issues as when I get tired my gait changes and this may be impacting my calves and hamstring.

The creek crossing

But the clouds moved in and I missed a light shower of rain but was at the BNT shed before the thunderstorm hit. I'm glad to be out of the rain and the temperature dropped to about 10 degrees. I've set up my inner tent on the bunk frames in the shed. That will save me from mozzies. I hope I sleep OK. Maybe a big day tomorrow. The rains are a little early I'm told so I hope rivers don't become an issue.

BNT Camp

Inside

The rain came

Set up to keep bugs at bay

Day 146 Boonoo Boonoo River

Harrigan's Lane

NSW Day 4 Sunday 17th October, 2021

Overall Day 146 20.9km

2889.3 km walked / 2209.6km remaining

A near full moon and first light look similar from inside the tent and I fooled myself by starting my morning ritual without looking at my watch. Not a mistake I want to make again as it was only 2.40am and I didn't sleep again after.

These puffballs kept me company for a while

So at real first light I got under way and went back the kilometre to Harrigans Lane. This moves from grazing land to forest areas. I had breakfast at the last high point and still had a bit of phone signal but not enough to send photos.

The lane descends steeply to Boonoo Boonoo River (said Bunoo boonoo or the other way round). I followed the horse trail directions instead of the road. I think it's a much better view even if I had to get my boots wet crossing the river. The path is not quite as per my book and I didn't check for updates but I got back on track.

Bald Rock

Then it's a long climb out. The road is a whitish sandy gravel that reflects the heat and light. My legs weren't playing today and I had a few stops to get up the hill. I wouldn't have thought I had lost conditioning so soon. But as the afternoon wore on there was some steep little climbs out of gullies that knackered me.

Into the forest

I decided to stop and rest. I wasn't feeling that hungry but after a half hour rest and then another few climbs I decided eating maybe a good idea. I had a good hours rest and moved off but I still didn't have the strength. In the end I had to settle on camping about 6 kilometres shorter than where I planned. If I slow down it doesn't look good for my plan to get to the Gwydir Highway, where my bucket is, with the food I have. 10 days food is what I started with and the load was heavy. Whilst I covered 24 kilometres today I wanted the extra 6 to get me past a closed campsite tomorrow.

Before the climb down

The body is not feeling it. Maybe it's the hills but I'm blowing like a steam train. Oh well I will continue on and see how it goes. There are plenty of outs so it's not like I'm heading further into trouble.

Towards the Boonoo Boonoo River

Boonoo Boonoo River

A pool in the river

I felt like this tree after walking up the hill

Rolling hills. Good for poetry and motorised vehicles.
Crap on legs.

Day 155 Newton Boyd

Morning sunrise

 NSW Day 13 (155) Tuesday 16th October, 2021 23.3km

3066.9 / 2032km

Up at the crack of dawn. I want to get to the National Park at least today. The day is mostly road pounding so I can zone out again.

I am trying to get as much done in the cool hours of the morning. Then I can pick and choose after lunch how far I want to go in the warmer parts of the day. I have to be ready for bed just after sundown as the nights are getting shorter and I need to give myself a chance at a good sleep.

I was going to find the name of the range. Forgot.

The morning walk through rural properties provides a good backdrop . I get to a telephone exchange and get just enough signal to receive a text message. So still can't upload photos. Looks like i won't get signal now till I climb back out of the Guy Fawkes National Park.

I pass an old war memorial. The book says the building was a hall but now it looks like it's been converted to a house and the people have a little hobby farm.

Down to Henry River

A few more hours walk bring me 1 kilometre from the Newton Boyd rodeo grounds, the official campsite. I turn off down the track to the National Park. I want to do a couple of river crossings today. The level of water at those will determine how wet I'm going to get further up. As long as it doesn't rain of course.

As I'm wandering down the track I get an urge for chocolate cake and milk. Not just a piece but a whole cake or maybe I can eat half the batter before baking. Some of Belinda's cakes have looked a little sad when she's taken her eye off the mix before she gets it into the oven. Surprising how much one finger can lift out. The other thing is a deep drink of Pepsi Max. You know the guzzle that burns your throat and makes your eyes water. Followed by the guttural belch that clears the pipes. Or a cold cherry ripe. Not fussy really.

War memorial

I finally get to the first river crossing. At this point it's the Boyd River. I take off my boots and it's about mid shin deep. I walk the couple of hundred metres in my Adidas slip ons. That depth is a little deeper just below the knee. I pass some shacks above the river crossing, lots of mess and old cars. They have a beautiful spot but mar it with human ugliness.

Road turns to gravel

Countryside

About another kilometre I'm through the gates into the National Park. My intention is to get to some grassy flats beside the river and camp. As I'm walking down the hill there are those piles of horse poo that show a lot of horses are in here. When I get to the flats I disturb about 10 or 12 Brumby's. They take off as they see me but in the middle of the night there was a lot of stamping of hooves and snorting keeping me awake. I got my head torch out and shone it at them and they galloped off and left me alone for the rest of the night.

The track leaves the road through a property.

I thought I would hear the water bubbling away but the wind blew and the swish it makes as it goes through the sheoaks was all I got to hear. It rained a little.

First of many river crossings

Beautiful outlook. Pity it was messy.

The track becomes harder to follow

Postcard perfect. Just me and the Brumbys.