walk #2

Well, despite my best intentions and though I swear I was not late, I was firmly put in place by being the very last to arrive at the meeting place for our walk. Next time!

It was a grand day, fine, still and lots of blue sky that held much promise. We all met at the Mylor Oval and then organised two cars to take us to Rocky Creek Hut in the Kuitpo Forest where we were to commence the walk. There were some concerned faces as we put some distance between us and Mylor, travelling by car over hills and gravel roads, and I could see some asking though not many verbalising "how far are we walking?". Everyone was being far too polite.

We arrived at Rocky Creek Hut to be greeted by a large group of walkers who were taking a break. They had started out from Dashwood Gully, some 4 kms south and were part of the 'End to End Walk' group (one of three!!) lead by The Friends of the Heysen Trail. So, rather than investigate the area first to get our bearings, we high-tailed it out of there to try to get some distance between us, only to run into another group on the trail (two of three!!). It was like Rundle Street in the High Country! Obviously lots of people are doing the 'End to End' walks with The Friends which is great to see.

The walk for the first four kilometres is along the perimeter of the forest reserve and there are some undulating sections before the trail meets Pocock Road. It is there that we nearly lost them! We detoured onto Pocock Road as planned to avoid a logged section of the forest which, on a prior visit, had proved rather uninspiring. The first photo of the group, minus Ken who has the camera, is taken at the point where we re-enter the forestry area. The trail eventually meets up with the Heysen Trail about a kilometre further on. As we approached the Jupiter Creek area, the vegetation changes to native bushland. We found a nice quiet spot in the sun, away from the Indians, to enjoy our lunch. And once we left there, that was it, we never saw them again. No explanation, they just seemed to vanish!

With the Indians out of sight, we journeyed on through some very picturesque farmland, over fields and board-walks, down gravel and bitumen roads. Were we 'nearly there yet'? "Nearly, just a bit further to go!" We all arrived safely having put 14+ kms behind us. It was a good effort and the coffee was great.



Many thanks to Ken for all the photos. You can view the larger images by clicking on the following link - http://picasaweb.google.com/Sticks2u

The next walk on Sunday, 19th August will be on the South Coast between Waitpinga and Kings Head Beach. Expect fantastic vistas.

walk #2 notes

This walk starts at Rocky Creek Hut which is just off Razor Back Road on the Heysen Trail. Follow the trail markers across Razor Back Road and along the boundary of the pine forest. After about 4 kms you will meet a gravel road on the other side of the forestry fence. This is Pocock Road. When the opportunity arises cross the fence and follow Pocock Road as it heads north. About a kilometre further on you will see a parking area and gate on your left leading back into the pine forest. The track is bounded by farmland on the northern side. Follow this track until it picks up the Heysen Trail again where it will veer right for a short distance before leaving the forestry reserve.

From this point on, follow the Heysen Trail into Mylor, passing through Jupiter Creek where old 19th century gold mine sites are dotted throughout the area. After passing through more farmland, the trail follows Glen Bold Road along a series of gravel and rough tracks.

Eventually the trail markers along the Mylor-Echunga Road will lead us into the township of Mylor. Our destination is the local cafe. I can smell the coffee from here!

planning walk #2

I promised everyone a walk on fairly flat terrain, so 'flat' I need to deliver!

A walk between Kuipto Forest and Mylor would fit the criteria but I needed to work out a good starting point because when I estimated the distance on the map it seemed quite long.

To get a gauge of the distance involved and the time it would take, I organised myself to do a bit of a scout around on Sunday, 1 July measuring a road section of the walk and then tackling a section through Jupiter Creek and the forest where I could take Maggie. In her usual style, Maggie alerted me to this little fellow in the trees, completely unperturbed by the fuss being made below!

We ventured on an soon discovered that part of the walk was through a logged area of the forest which is pretty unforgettable! I think I've devised a detour that will shorten the overall distance and add a bit more variety. It will be a good walk, long but good.

I nearly have it all sorted, just a couple of other small things to check, so I'll send out an email to everyone early next week - Rocky Creek Hut to Mylor. Has a certain ring to it!