After a pretty chilly night we woke up nice and early determined to make an earlier start than yesterday. We did a little body check and other than a few little blisters we were doing okay. Yesterday’s hike was tougher than I expected and I came into camp with pretty sore feet so was glad that the feet were not too bad when I woke up.
We headed off at about 8.30am and had a pleasant few kilometres before we had a climb up to Hill Top. The scenery straight from the start when we left the campsite was absolutely stunning with all kinds of flowers and views of Mt Sonder in all her glory. At the top of Hill Top we had 360 degree views and set up with our chairs to have a cuppa and our breakfast. The view may have had something to do with it but it could also be the condensed milk we have been putting in but the cups of tea have been sooo good! Unfortunately our breakfasts not so much. We decided on dehydrated packs from Radix due to the fact that they are high in calories and protein and I thought they were going to be delicious but unfortunately they are just flavoured mush. On the plus side they definitely have been giving us the energy we need for hiking all day.
After a decent stop we headed back down Hill Top and onto the valley where we had a pleasant 10km walk with a beautiful range to our right. Today’s hike although longer and higher in elevation than the previous day seemed to be easier for some reason. Maybe we are getting our hiking legs back!
We had our first water crossing which was fun. Out of nowhere in the dry and dusty walk we came across a little river/billabong. Off came our hiking shoes and the crocs came on and we wadded across. We ran into a couple swimming who had zoomed past us previously on the track , though we soon found out why as they had 9 days to complete the hike! They laughed/ looked at us with envy when we got out our chairs to put our shoes back on. 😂
Tea towels wetted we set off again refreshed and ready for the last few kms. We have been getting lots of comments about our tea towels and they have been the best addition. We were looking to buy hiking caps with a neck flap but then decided that our $2 tea towels would be better as we can remove them if needed and or wet them as well. We were calling ourselves the towel heads but definitely thought that was a little on the racist side so are currently floating around Team Tea Towelers. Seems to be a hit.
We then arrived at a little swampy section which we had to ford once and then wade through another time and to then finally came across the beautiful Finke river. After a tough walk along the soft sand away from a group of school kids and a few others we set up camp along the river. We managed a dip/wash off in the river and sat back in our chairs enjoying the view and sunset. So grateful to be able to experience this wonderful part of the country. We treated ourselves with dessert which was dehydrated chocolate brownies. Not too bad at all. S
