Wow what a challenging day....we left Nauro at 6 am and arrived to our camp for tonight at 5 pm. Over 10 hours of walk time with only a couple of short breaks along the way. We have experienced another very slippery day on the down hills in particular, but also on the up hills as we have had a lot more climbing. Greg prepared us for many declines and inclines with the biggest incline of them all into Brigade Hill to our camp later in the day. 3 hours of up, up and more up!
Following heavy rain during the night, our day started at 4.30 am so that we had a bit of extra time for a few of us to help Donna get ready. Her wrist is not very good at all and she is in a lot of pain. Everyone has been so lovely helping her whether it be to get ready, as she can't use her right arm at all....it is too painful, to helping carry some of her belongings to make her pack lighter. Seriously that woman deserves a medal....every time any of us felt the day was too much all we had to do was look at Donna with one arm in a sling and the other being help by her Porter John as he helped her up and down the challenging terrain with no walking pole.
Our Sheriff for the day was Troy and he set us all a challenge to immerse ourselves into Brown River before we had to cross it. After heading through the swamps for the 30 mins before that, where every step was the difference between the bottom half of your boot filling with mud or mud up to your butt, the dunk into the river was perfect, even though it was freezing! Nice idea Troy Boy!
As we continued to walk for the next 3 hours leading into lunch, the slippery slope of yesterday continued. There wasn't as many falls today, yesterday must have taught us a lesson or two about what to do and what not to do about feet positioning.
Many of us were feeling flat as we headed into Menari for lunch as we had already been going for over 6 hours. The beautiful village of Menari with happy kids excited to see us brightened us up. Jo, Em and I gave the little ones some gifts and they were excited. The lunch of the sweetest pineapple ever also gave us the natural sugar hit we were after.
We knew the afternoon wasn't going to be easy as we had Brigade Hill to conquer. Over 800 m in elevation to climb to our next camp.....and it went on and on and on. Special mention to the courageous climbing spirits of Jo and Lou who stuck together to support each other and had their biggest day of trekking ever.
As we finally saw a clearing at the top of the hill, that grassy noel has never looked so good. Brigade Hill has breathtaking views across the valley and the fog constantly rolls in and out. It is a very special location as during WW2 we lost 52 lives and they have created a special memorial at the top of the hill to signify the loss with 52 timber posts with a poppy on top.
During our highs and lows session for the evening it just goes to show what a positive bunch of people we have here, as despite the tough day of trekking, everyone talked so favourably about the positive experiences they'd had for the day.
Lou and Ben shared their life stories. What beautiful caring people they both are. Lou is a beautiful soul and Bennie an awesome son who clearly loves his family dearly.
As we settle into bed at the latest time in 4 days of 8 pm, the rain is coming down again so we will be in for another muddy, slippery day tomorrow....not to mention 10 hours of walking again!
It looks like you will be stuck with me writing the blog as Donna's hand is not getting any better!
Ali x
