Day 2 hiking the Australian Alps Walking Track solo

Australian Alps Walking Trail, Hiking, Trail Journal

Seven hours, 23km, rivers, boulders and kangaroo-filled valleys — the track tests my body, gear and mind on the way to Cotter Flats.

Honeysuckle Creek Camp to Cotter Hut (7 hrs, 23.7km) | Total - 39.3km

I woke just after 6am, and could hear Noah packing up camp.

I had a bit of a restless sleep getting used to my new quilt and worrying about kangaroos eating by food which I had hanging from a nearby tree. They were out in numbers and clearly not intimidated by humans.

I woke up slowly, enjoying a coffee and porridge, and set off not long after 7.30am, following a brief chat with an interested camper who I offloaded a little bag of rubbish to.

I felt pretty fresh this morning and was in a better head space, perhaps as a result of leaving the crowds behind and delving further into the track and fine tuning my pack set up.

The scenery today was spectacular, particularly surrounding Orroral River, where kangaroos relaxed in the cool breeze in the dozens. I have never seen so many ‘roos in one location.

I replenished my water supply in beautiful little running creeks along the way, and enjoyed lunch atop a big boulder with a spectacular view of the valley below.

After passing a few good campsites located on Cotter Flat and successfully crossing Cotter River, balancing on rocks across a thinner part of the waterway, I arrived at Cotter Hut.

Cotter Hut is a locked ranger station and camping in its surrounds is not permitted. But with weary legs and realising I’d have to back track to flat ground, I opted to stay nearby (and beg for forgiveness later).

After setting up in the late afternoon and having a brief chat with two weekend hikers, I enjoyed an episode of ‘Take 5 With Zan Rowe’ featuring Bernard Fanning and enjoyed Me Goreng noodles – a comfort meal from home.

I put on the Oddesy Number 5 Powder Finger album, and the first song, ‘Waitng for the Sun’, reminded me of Jane and made me teary. It’s a beautiful song.

Shortly after I heard a few more hikers, and popped out of my tent to say g’day.

The three guys were doing a weekend hike, and mentioned they’d crossed paths with two older men completing the Alps trail over 60 days, so it’s likely I’ll see them along the way. Noah on the other hand was said to be a day ahead of me.

Last night, I slept with my beanie, socks, thermals and fleece on, but my legs were a little chilly, so I am layering up and wearing my rain pants tonight too, which feel lovely and warm.

I successfully tried out my new solar panel today, which charged my phone in just over three hours. Winning!

My body felt pretty good today, other than a blister which developed and burst, and my heart felt a little lighter and my head more in the zone.

Tonight there were a few tears, missing my beautiful wife who I get to see in four sleeps. The countdown is on.