Southern Ranges: Day Seven

Feel soft bumps against guy lines throughout the night, imagine inquisitive pademelon.

Wade the thigh deep lagoon for eight kilometres toward Prion Beach. A sharp wind sends miniature swells to shore. Three sleepy swans float by. A large eagle stalks above, spread wings ragged wide and still.

Progress steadily to the dark waters of a forked creek too deep to wade. Head upstream to a likely log. The smart move in the rain is to shimmy across – instead, trust in upright balance and stride forth like a fool.

Slip from the wet trunk and bounce chest–first off the steep bank into a semi-submerged log. Strike various solid things underwater. Let out an awful winded walrus groan.

Struggle to breathe armpit deep in tannin–stained blackwater.

Avoid concussion and haul out across a second creek a little more carefully.

At Prion Crossing, encounter a guided group of friendly walkers heading for Osmiridian. Resolve to push on ahead for the solitude of Surprise Bay. In four hours time, mildly exhausted, fall into a fast–flowing rivulet on the far side of the beach and laugh.

Approximate walking time and distance: 8 hours, 19km