The walkers reached North Bannister on Friday 5th September after leaving Dwellingup on Tuesday 2nd September.
The first part of the Track out of Dwellingup follows the old rail line which is now only partially in use. The Hotham Valley Tourist Rail runs a steam train part of the year to Etmilyn siding - a remnant of days gone by.
The rail line beyond Etmilyn through to Boddington has been degraded over the years - you certainly wouldn't want to be on this train!
On the second night out, Mt Wells became our home - this is the view from the existing fire watch tower looking down on the tents below. This is the only hut on the Bibbulmun Track (all the rest are 3-sided shelters) which used to be the fire watchmans quarters.
Outside the old hut, the walkers relaxed in the sunny surrounds after a fairly easy day from Chadoora Campsite. A game of chess was even had!
The tower platform provides views to the south, west and north toward White Horse Hills - a good vista of the next day's walk. Here we have Elsie, Mary and Ros enjoying the afternoon halfway up the tower on the purpose built viewing platform.
As expected, the wildflowers were at their best on the domes of the White Horse Hills.
Once at the top, most of the walkers stopped and relaxed in the sun.... at least until the clouds started to gather.... and then the rain came! Thanks to Trish for keeping such a clean camp!
Our first spider orchid was sighted on the northern side of White Horse Hills campsite. Elsie and I in particular, had been waiting for the first of these - it was well worth the wait!
The colours continued as we walked toward Boonering Hill and the Albany highway - now there was another milestone - the highway leading to the start of our journey so many days ago!
The red leschenaultia was a partuclar surprise. We had only seen this once before on our journey so far.
Boonering Hill affords 360 degree views and there is a short side track off the main track which takes walkers to the summit. Views north beyond Mt Solus and Mt Cooke, west to the scarp, south to Mt Saddleback and east as far as the eye can see can be had.
The area to the north of the White Horse Hills is full of beautful Wandoo eucalypts. This is a very open woodland and it gives walkers distant views into the forest.
Our next food drop was at Wearne Rd just before Gringer Creek Campsite. We also said good bye to our sectional walkers from Dwellingup. Thanks to Gwen for delivering this drop and to Stuart and Mary for yet another great afternoon tea!
Pseudo Solo Steve
Read about the next section
Go back to the previous section
Go to progress overview page