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I slept quite well and didn't get up until 7am mainly because it
was cold and very dewy outside, not to mention the sun wasn't up.
When I did get up, it took me forever to get going and I didn't hit
the trail til after 9am. Not too bothered, though, it always takes a
few days to get camp-efficient. For the first half of the day the
trail wound its way across the Baw Baw plateau through snow gum
forests with views of small snow plains to the side and occasional
distant views.
The going varied from easy to very tough through chest-high
gnarly scrub, but was undulating at worst. I was quite tired and the
pack seemed heavy and by lunch at 1pm I was behind schedule. My tent
was wet from dew and I unpacked it to dry in the very light breeze
and occasion sun. After working out I had better get a move on if I
wanted to reach my target, I continued through the snow gums
gradually descending from the plateau. The vegetation became more
dense and temperate and I finally reached Thomson Valley Rd leaving
Baw Baw National Park.
Then there was some little-used and difficult trail that passed
through a fern gully and climbed a spur. Finally I reached a nice
firetrail and picked up speed. It was gradually descending at first
and was pleasant walking in the late afternoon sun. But then it
began descending steeply towards the Thomson River far below. At 5pm
I met a Canadian, Beau, heading the other way. I had expected to
meet him at some point, aware that he was trying to set a speed
record for a supported trip along the AAWT. He had a crew meeting
him at various points. He was in good spirits, expecting to finish
tomorrow night. He warned me of a big tiger snake just ahead, but I
didn't see it.
After a long arduous descent, during which I lost my footing
several times (no fun with a big pack), I reached the river and
followed it downstream to a precarious log crossing and a place to
camp. The mosquitoes were murder as I set up camp in the dusk. I
arrived at 7 and was in bed by 9 after a hard day. And I know I have
two very tough days coming up.
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