Day 1: 23 November 2018
Well, what a great day! The beginning of our Tasmanian traverse has been very special indeed, with a wonderful group of friends and family sending us off. We began on the edge of Bass Strait, outside the house where our children were born. We walked past the East Devonport Medical Centre where I (Merran) worked for 8 years. It was quite moving to revisit places and memories and to share the first part of the walk with Tim’s father and our dear friend Jessie. Time at Bells Parade for a coffee with friends before parting ways.
Our initial plan had been to walk from Latrobe through the Warrawee Reserve before wading across rapids on the Mersey River south of Railton. However, after several days of rain, the river level had risen, so at the last minute, we changed our route to cross the Mersey at the Latrobe Bridge. Seeing the river today we realised we had made the right call. We walked up the train line towards Dulverton before taking forestry tracks through the Badgers.
There were 3 quite distinct stages to our walking today – the initial stage shared with friends, the roads and railway tracks in behind Railton, then the last section heading west under power lines to our parked car at Nook. This last track was a literal roller coaster. As we went up and over each hill, the track became ever rougher and muddier, until finally, we were bush-bashing through what may have been a track 10 years ago. Tim at times was crawling under shrubs and branches, and we found ourselves laughing with glee at the ridiculous route we had taken.
Finally, we were on top of the hill, and rewarded with mountain vistas in all directions, including Cradle Mountain to the South, and a lone wedge-tailed eagle circling above us.
Thank you to all who shared in our first day, in spirit and in person. We feel really encouraged at your interest in our journey (as one friend wrote – the sane way is to follow our progress rather than to do it!) and look forward to offering you some armchair travel opportunities over the next few weeks.
My overwhelming sense today is of joy and delight. We walked well together and we both felt fit and energetic. We are now regrouping at home (we will be staying here for the first 2 nights) and appreciating a barbeque dinner. With the first 26 km behind us, we have about 500 to go. Bring it on!!