It started out much the same as any of the previous couple of days-getting up before sunrise, hobbling out of the van in the ridiculous cold and laughing at each other looking so painful.
We were all stoked to avoid the Hume for the day and started out with a brisk walk through the fog (and 0.8 degree scorcher of a morning). Ben was pretty bummed lat night about his manky-foot-itis and decided the best way to tackle the problem today was to spend as little time on his feet as possible…so he floored it. Joel and I continued along with our relaxed pace while Ben hoofed it. Beautiful farmlands and paddocks surrounded us as we trekked along long, straight dirt roads for most of the day.
Mark, aka “the Edge” walked and rode beside us for most of the way until lunchtime when we re-taped and got back on the road for a slow afternoon. We still had seen Ben for hours but had heard he was atleast 4kms in front.
Around the 30km mark all of my injuries decided to play up simultaneously. It was agony in both legs, one knee and the arch of both feet, which had been monstered by the tape I was using. I was expecting today to be another “tortoise/recovery” day so I would be sweet for tomorrow but it wasn’t to be…I was at the lowest of the lows I’d had so far. Although Joel could have traveled faster, he hung back with me for the day which really helped me get through the day.
After another fixing of the tape we found a horse and gave him a pat. It was magical. My spirits were boosted and we powered on to the small antique town of Chiltern.
Barnawartha was the destination for the night, so I asked a local how far it was-“Oh, about 30 minutes on foot” was the reply. We were stoked.
“Really? What about driving?” I checked.
“Oh about 15 minutes drive.”
Either this chick was a very fast walker or a very slow driver, but either way she was wrong on both accounts.
Spirits were high, but all of a sudden got even higher. Ruby pulled up, and out jumped Sam (Joel’s girlfriend). We knew she was coming down sometime today but seeing a fresh face was very welcome, especially for Joel. Then before I had time to get jealous out jumped Jacki too (my girlfriend, yeah sorry ladies). I was expecting her to come down on the 12th but she came down early to surprise me for my birthday tomorrow. Was so awesome to see her and boost my morale through the roof. Was tight up there with patting that horse.
The four of us walked the remaining distance past Barnawartha until the sun went down around 5.30pm. Ben had finished around 4.30pm.
Free accommodation back in Chiltern at Lake Anderson caravan park was extremely appreciated-a big thank to Laurie and Anne for that!
After a good recovery mode, we’re all feeling better than we were last night, and with seven of us now around for the next few days Ruby is packed to the brim!
Another big day ahead of us tomorrow but looking forward to enjoying a beer afterwards for my birthday and the end of week 1.
Cheers
Nick
Thought we would put two perspectives up tonight for the blog. Today was a pretty good day for all the boys, not only did we have our 2nd biggest day but Nick and I also got to pat a horse… absolutely sensational.
The best part of the day however for me was when Samantha (my girlfriend) turned up.. At the end of the day when the joints were sore and I was completely over life she really lifted me. It was also priceless to see Nicks confusion and surprise when Jacki got out of Ruby. . Some days here are pretty tough and with Nicks birthday tomorrow, I think Jacki will be a massive boost for him. It would be a pretty hard birthday slogging out 46kms without Jacki or any family. here.
In other news we just checked the weather and its not really good news:
Sunday – Heavy rain!
We haven’t had any rain yet but im sure this will test us…
Im actually really tired so I think ill hit the sack. Ill write more another time when im feeling more humorous.
Joel
Gorillas in the mist-this was at 8 0'clock!
Pleasant scenery but horrid company
A horse trying to talk business to Nick and Joel. But we were in no mood for talking business.
A special moment captured without Joel or Nick's knowledge
Seeing the gf's. Probably the best thing all day (except for the horse)
The tiring life of a support crew member. "I wish they'd hurry up!"
Laurie from Lake Anderson Caravan Park in Chiltern. Doing actual business, finally after all the talk
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