Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Day 2: Aroona Hut to Trezona Campground

Monday 20th August 2012

Dean Mortimer revealed another flag at the walk briefing and asked for nominations for the Morris Minus award - nominations were for notorious, meritorious or hilarious behaviour.


Walk briefing - Day 2

Another symbol of the 'Reverse' theme.

Carol listens to the nominations for the Morris Minus award

Carol Clark considered the Morris Minus nominations and handed the mascot to Robert Alcock, for losing his walking pole the previous day.  Robert is notorious for losing things, so others kindly made sure he had enough spare poles for the day.




Surely Robert could not lose all these poles!

Robert with Morris Minus and extra poles.

Early in the day, the group split into two, with one group heading up to Red Hill lookout and the others continuing on the trail.  Our bus driver, Gavin Rufus, joined the Red Hill lookout group.

The inexperienced Gavin listens attentively as David Meredith explains the basics of walking.

Red Hill lookout is straight ahead, the trail forks to the right


The walk on the trail was about 14 km (plus 3 km for those who did the Red Hill lookout walk).  We enjoyed magnificent scenery all day and then explored the geological site at Trezona, including the Golden Spike.





A flashback to the Larapinta Trail and memories of sore feet.

The sign on Brachina viewpoint.

My view at morning tea - from the Brachina viewpoint.

Windmill near Monela Hut ruins

St Mary Peak in the distance

A lucky emu


The Golden Spike

Other drill holes at the Trezona geological site


The first walkers to finish relax at the bus.








Day 1: End-to-End minus 1 gets underway. Parachilna to Aroona Hut.



Sunday 19th August 2012

All Dean Mortimer's planning became reality when the history-making 'End-to-End minus 1' walk commenced at the Parachilna trailhead of the Heysen Trail and headed south.  The theme for the walk was 'Reverse' and the walk group named our mascot 'Morris Minus'. 

Thirty-two walkers commenced Day 1, including fellow Heysen Friends Neil and Peter Rivett who then continued their journey south to Hawker on their own.  Also notable in the group were John Mills from the UK and Ingrid Hausmann from Whyalla.  Morris Minus quickly became a highly popular member of the group and featured in many photographs with his outrageous behaviour.

The group stayed at various places in Blinman before setting out on the walk.  We walked about 17 km on Day 1 from Parachilna trailhead to Aroona Hut.



Camp fire at Blinman
An air of anticipation at breakfast


Parachilna trailhead


End-to End minus 1 group photo - contributed by Robert Alcock


Walk leader Dean Mortimer is ready to OG.

I am also ready to OG.
Nifty needlework by Mary Cartland



Checking the water at Pigeon Bore
Morris Minus takes a rest

Scenery - Day 1

Aroona Hut