Ah Ralph, sorry to hear of your disaster.
However, I suspect a simple phone call to the CALM would have advised you of
the circumstances there.
Suffice to say, IMHO you could not have picked a WORSE walking trail then
that.
As a matter of fact, I wouldn't even call it a walking trail.
The first and LAST time I walked this trail, we did it as an evening walk IN
THE DARK, sure it had'nt been burnt out then, but that did not make it any
easier.
We started on the Western side of the railway line, approx 3/4 Kilometre in
and it was hard going thru the sand right from the beginning, worse it was
in November which ensured nice hot weather as well, needless to say, we
didn't reach the hut until after midnight and we were well and truely
buggered, and the ticks were having a party.
Were woken up at the crack of dawn, and advised we going to take an early
start due to the hot weather, then also advised seeings as there's only 40
litres of water available,(two 20 litres plastic containers left by the
Rangers) we were not allowed to partake of coffee or tea heart starters, and
only allowed to replenish ONE litre of water for the day.
Considering there were 18 in the party, beginners math tells me we required
36 litres for us all for the day.
There were many grumbles ect, ect, mine included, and off we went, then a
lady walker sprained her ankle and had difficulty walking, it was decided to
call for assistance to take her out, and I was suffering from an almighty
headache,(later found out it was caused by dehydration) which I couldn't get
rid of, as I was the only one in the party familiar with the area I arranged
transport for the injured lady and when it turned up, decided to call it a
day myself.
The remainder of the party continued on to Yanchep where it was anticipated
to spend the evening.
Was luxuriating in the bath when I received a phone call from the walk
leader advising me that the remaining group had rebeled and called the walk
off half an hour after I had left.
There was a get together that evening in lue of the camp at Yanchep, and a
good old bitch session was conducted of the events, turned out I was not the
only participant that was very displeased with this walk.
Too bad you didn't advise of your intentions, much frustration could've been
avoided.
Regards,
Eddy.