Day 6: Moralana Scenic Drive to Mayo Gorge

Saturday 25th August 2012

A big day ahead - about 32km.  We had an early start, getting up about 5.20am so we could be on the trail by 7.00am.

Dean Mortimer's theme for his banner was a roadside marker showing the distance to go - so at first the banner simply said:  32km.

The last Morris Minus award of this trip was given to Elizabeth Pratt, who now has the added responsibility of ensuring MM is with us when we next walk at the end of September.

The long shadows can be seen as we set off early.

Every stop during the day, Dean Mortimer amended his banner to show the remaining distance to walk.  At first, the kilometres seemed to go quickly and by morning tea we had completed 8km and Dean's banner showed 24km to go.

The scenery was fantastic again with many picture perfect views.

John Fox takes the trail sign literally.

Another morning tea in a creek bed.

Cathy & Greg Kelly shared their lunch with the local wildlife.

Dallas Clark snaps the old thunderbox.

John Pratt carries Morris Minus for Elizabeth.

The trail takes a detour in Arkaba Station to maintain a discreet distance from their luxury bush accommodation.

Re-route on Arkaba Station.

Re-route on Arkaba Station.

Re-route on Arkaba Station.

 The actual distance on the trail to Mayo Gorge was about 29km, with about a 2km walk out to Mt Little Station, so we walked about 31km for the day.

Elongated rock formations in Mayo Gorge.

Robert Alcock sits and thinks in Mayo Gorge.

Water in Mayo Gorge.

We finished at Mt Little Station for a drink around the campfire, thoughtfully prepared for us by Gavin Rufus.

End of the day - enjoying a drink by the campfire at Mt Little Station.

Day 5: Wilpena to Moralana Scenic Drive

Friday 24th August 2012

At the morning briefing, Dean Mortimer unfurled a novel flag bearing the English pound symbol (£).  Had Dean run out of ideas for the 'Reverse" theme or was it simply the most appropriate banner as we were about to walk through Wilpena Pound?

Bill Pick gave the Morris Minus award to Ingrid Hausmann, who accepted with grace and dignity and wore MM with great style all day.  

Gavin Rufus was given the newest award, which remains un-named as yet.  Several monikers for the Fluffy Emu have been rejected by reason that they are in poor taste.  "Splat" was my personal favourite amongst these, but it is not to be.

Mary Cartland gives Gavin the newest award.

Gavin poses with the nameless Fluffy Emu.

The scenery was beautiful yet again at the start of the walk.  We were also joined by two first-timers, Christine Cowan and Elizabeth Pratt.

The two newbies - Christine Cowan and Elizabeth Pratt

Water in Wilpena Pound

 We had morning tea at the old homestead in Wilpena Pound, under the watchful eye of a large crow that seemed determined to wait us out and get some scraps.

The old homestead.

The crow perched right above our heads.

After morning tea, the scenery was not as interesting as the landscape flattened out in Wilpena Pound, but we had more sensational views from Bridle Gap, where we stopped for lunch.

Flat country in the Pound.

Approaching Bridle Gap.

Edge of the park at Bridle Gap.

My view from my lunchtime nook at Bridle Gap.

My lunchtime nook, sheltering from the wind on the rocky ledge.

Panorama view from Bridle Gap

Others in our group enjoying lunch at Bridle Gap

After lunch, it was a steep climb down from Bridle Gap, then long stretches of track and creek beds until we met the bus on Moralana Scenic Drive.  We walked about 15 km for the day.

Morris Minus takes in the scenery.

Day 4: Bunyeroo Valley to Wilpena Chalet

Thursday 23rd August 2012

Early morning photographs taken by me at Rawnsley Park.

Early morning at the Rawnsley Park cabins.

Our view of Rawnsley Bluff in the morning light

After the rest day on Wednesday, Dean Mortimer resumed the 'Reverse' theme by introducing the  official FOHT badge for the North-to-South End to End walks.

John Vugts chose Bill Pick as the recipient of the Morris Minus award.  Bill was the first recipient for meritorious action, setting a great example by helping younger walkers through difficult terrain in a rocky creek bed.  Well done Bill.

Day 4 - Bunyeroo VAlley

The Day 4 walk was about 21.5 km and included more beautiful scenery, but we also had to be aware of the danger that had claimed a victim on End-to End 3.  Enter Jane Haar, Safety Officer.

Jane Haar spies a planking black spot - and alerts us to the danger........

.... then demonstrates the proper technique for safe planking.

It looks a long way off, but St Mary Peak is near our destination at Wilpena Chalet

Not the most comfortable setting for a break.

Regroup to discuss which way to go.

Still not sure which way to go - Hilary Dickman looks devastated at the news.

David Meredith shows steely resolve as he finds a way out.

PS - we weren't really lost at all.  I just made that silly stuff up when I spotted the look on Hilary's face.