Eight intrepid members, ably supported by two wonderful drivers completed the 55 kilometre Surf Coast walk from Point Impossible, near Torquay to Fairhaven over four days. The group based themselves in Torquay for two nights and Anglesea for three nights.
After a BBQ on Sunday evening we started out bright and early from Point Impossible on Monday walking to Bells Beach - it took about 15 minutes for the plaintive cry of “are we there yet” to be first heard. All our planning was based on concerns of whether it would be too hot to walk comfortably, however the temperature never exceeded the low ‘20s and it rained for large parts of Monday and Tuesday. Whilst most members opted for traditional hiking wet weather gear, one of the group carried an umbrella and wore green (it was St Patrick’s Day) pickleball shoes on a track that resembled pictures of the Kokoda Track at the height of the wet season! There was a lot of slipping and sliding, but miraculously no one fell over!
After a long, wet, very muddy Tuesday finishing at Anglesea via Point Addis and other picturesque spots, most walkers thought that their level of fitness what not quite where they wanted it to be, but an enjoyable pub meal (T-bone steak daily special $27!) soon fixed that.
Up again and off again, this time along the beach and through the bush to the Aireys inlet Lighthouse. Another BBQ that evening followed by an enthusiastic game of cards for a few who were able to stay awake after 9 p.m. (strangely, there was no wild partying on any of the evenings!).
The final day was a little easier with a walk into Fairhaven and then a drive to Moggs Creek picnic ground to do the Ocean View loop walk. The Ocean View walk, was looking like it should have been names the Ocean glimpses walk, but then we found a magnificent viewing platform to see the ocean and the coast for many kilometres in both directions. That evening was another very enjoyable pub meal (Siverside daily special $27!) and lots of conversation about making the walk a regular annual activity.
All in all, it was a memorable and challenging experience with many outstanding views of the coast, interesting countryside, great companionship and plenty of fun!
Are we there yet????
Thanks to the organisers Judy S and Pam G and also our generous drivers, Colleen H and Kerry F (also Jan S) for making such an adventure possible.