For the third year in a row I walked the Six Foot Track with Honor and Serena. This time Michele and my niece Kate (8) came along (second time for both) and Alison with her daughter Jane (8), and Anne with her two James (13) and Annalise (8).
We caught the train up on Saturday morning and after a leisurely start set off from the Explorers Tree at 1pm. It was a warm day and for the first time I think the first timers realised what they were in for.
We arrived at Cox's River at about 6pm and found the campsite deserted. So we had a peaceful night with yummy sausages on bread for dinner.
Next morning we set off for the Black range Camping ground at 10am via the Mini Mini saddle and the Pluviometer. These are big hills and everyone had their moments of despair making it to the top. One low point was when we thought we would have to ration water because Allum creek was bone dry. Fortunately the main creek running through the valley was flowing so we were saved.
I met a few runners training for the Six Foot along the way including Blue Dog and Sarge whose names I was familiar with from the Coolrunnings site. It was great to exchange notes with them and I hope I can get down to their training runs with SWEAT at Centennial Park.
It was a relief to see everyone at the Pluviometer summit safely but we still had 10kms to walk before the Black Range camping ground.
We arrived there about 6.30 and boiled up a big feed of pasta. Again the campsite was empty. We thought we would have to economise on cooking but then another walker called Ullrich turned up with a full bottle of Metho which he happily gave us. What a guy. So we enjoyed many cups of tea, coffee and noodles thanks to him.
Next day we set off at 9am for the 10kms to Jenolan. Miraculously we were able to get a last minute message to Alison's sister Susan to meet us at the road crossing to take our packs. She did and had frozen juice and cold sliced fruit for us. What a girl! So we enjoyed a pleasant walk for the final 8kms to Jenolan with the kids singing and dancing all the way.
We then caught the bus back at 3pm and after a last minute dinner in Katoomba caught the train at 6.30pm to arrive at Central at 8.30pm No injuries and happy kids.
Special mentions to:
- Anne for her never ending bag of goodies,
- Alison for constant smile and enthusiasm,
- Michele for improved fitness over last year and buying us the Trangia stove,
- Honor for being so good with the kids and always cheerful,
- Serena for being one of the first up the Pluviometer and carrying her pack all the way,
- Kate for being the first up the Pluviometer (she even ran!),
- Jane for never complaining and always keeping us entertained with her straight talking,
- James for giving me another male to complain to and running with me, and
- Annalise who never gave up or complained.
I think we all benefit on these walks, not just the exercise, but by spending time away from TV, cars, electric lights and all the comforts. Having to carry your world on your back, cooking on a fire, and sleeping under the stars is definitely a reality check.
