Belinda Towart

Day 7 - Hamelin Bay to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Augusta

Sunday 4th Oct We had hoped to arrive in time to see the stingrays at Hamelin Bay but it wasn't to be. With our decorated tutus (each themed to our roles - the Navigator/ Medic, Entertainer and Wildlife Warrior) for the final stretch that had tested our craft skills, we got underway on the walk which started with plenty of sand to cross. From sand to navigating plenty of rocks and hills, we knew the final day walking 25kms wasn't going to be easy. One of the committee members had foregone the stretching and instead went with the wine regime the night before and so with the addition of a sore head, declared that wasn't for her. We enjoyed morning tea at the mini lighthouse and I added to Jo's costume with the flag I made from a bandanna I stumbled across in the bush. After continuing on to walk more sand (did I mention the SAND), we persevered and I even decided (maybe not so wisely) that I would also run a km of the beach stretch. In total we walked around 10kms of sand and so it was a hard slog but we rewarded ourselves with some lunch at our natural loungeroom (I even had a rock armchair to top it off). The final stretch felt like walking on hot coals and there were many moments that it felt near impossible, especially with it being quite warm but we rallied to keep walking. Thankfully the last stretch took us through some cooler pathways and with our goal to make it to the gift shop at the lighthouse before closing, we had to pick up the pace to make it in time.....which we did! We are all so proud of ourselves and each other to have made it to the finish line! We are immensely tired and sore but after walking 125kms of rugged and challenging terrain it is to be expected.  Share

Day 6 - Contos to Hamelin Bay

Saturday 3rd Oct As we approached the last two days of the hike we were optimistic about nearing the finish line although we also knew that this involved some of the more challenging days of the hike. If the sore and tired feet (thankfully the medic had stepped up to help patch up my sore feet) and bodies wasn't already enough to make it tough to get up and going, Mel and I also had the addition of some stomach discomfort. Despite all the challenges, we persisted and set off on the 21+km walk. The weather was glorious and as we made our way from Contos, we got to enjoy the stunning Boranup forest with some inspirational signs along the way and some chats to other fellow hikers, before making our way to the beach to start the 6+kms of beach walking (definitely not Mel's favourite sections). We made the most of the stunning weather with lunch at the beach before continuing on to Hamelin Bay. We enjoyed some tunes and the stunning scenary as we walked although I was provided the feedback that my fun factor was at an all time low (the challenging circumstances might have contributed). I was still able to remind us all about many of lifes lessons in terms of overcoming challenges, persistence, gratitude and the importance of setting goals to 'achieve'. We regrouped over dinner though and will be back better then ever tomorrow for the FINAL day of the walk.  Share

Day 5 - Prevally to Contos

Thursday 1st Oct We started the day with a few hiccups including a return journey back to base camp to pick up all of the items we had forgotten and one of the Titty Committee (won't mention which one) forgetting the Australian road rules. With the Choir Leader joining the trek, we found some renewed energy after feeling a bit defeated yesterday when we realised we had only walked 61kms and still had 64kms to go......  Share

Day 4 - Gracetown to Prevally

Wednesday 30th Sep We were escorted to the start line by a roo and were lucky to have some extra company today for our 'rest day'. It was a shorter and slightly easier walk, with us walking about 19kms through another beautiful part of our state. We lunched at Ellensbrook homestead before a few of the crew departed and we continued on to Prevally with the three boys. I was thankful to be wearing gaiters when one of our slithery friends wanted to let me know it wasn't thrilled that I nearly stepped on it. My watch died five or so kms from the finish line but my legs and feet are telling me they still did plenty of steps today. With some slightly soggy shoes from the river crossing we finished in good time and feeling okay....ready for Day 5 when one of the Titty Committee will be joining us at the start line for the next three days💙🥾🐍  Share

Day 3 - Injidup to Gracetown

Tuesday 29th Sep 24+ kms of walking with a very unwelcome addition of about 1.5kms on the beach sand before we reached the start line...thanks to road works. Despite this wonderful suprise we persevered and enjoyed some more amazing scenery and wildlife. We are lucky that the whales are putting on quite a show for us, the weather has been kind and the walk has brought us to some spots that we have never visited although some of the most beautiful stretches along the coast. We have blisters and soreness and walking like we are nearing 95 years of age but we will be back tomorrow with a few more to keep us company too🥾🐋🐚 Share

Day 2 - Sugarloaf Rock to Injidup

Monday 28th Sep We came, we saw, we conquered.....the trek from Sugar Loaf Rock to Injidup. We were spoilt with some amazing scenery and the weather wasn't too bad....until it wasn't so great. Our bodies are telling us it was a big day of walking....after Kms of walking on beach sand, too many close wildlife encounters (yes....there appears to be some slithery friends around), climbing stairs and more stairs, we have blisters, soreness and glad to be chilling ready for Day 3.  Share

Day 1 - Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock

Monday 28th Sep We got the cape to cape trek underway with a small taster. It was a beautiful 3.5km walk with glorious weather. Looking forward to a more challenging day of walking tomorrow👣 Share