GOW day 6

The last day, a long one too.

Wreck Beach to the 12 Apostles.

We took our start of the day group shot at the finish, the 12 Apostles, when we dropped a car there early in the morning. We figured we would be too tired to take an end of the trek photo and there would be so many tourists we wouldn't have a chance. So here is Carla's iPhone on its little stand taking a group shot for the last time.

Thankfully there was less up and down today. As usual the track alternated between bushy paths and cliff top paths, board walks, stone steps and sandy tracks.

There was a loo with a view

A river with a bridge

And a cafe a short detour away

Colin and I ate our lunch by the river, I wasn't keen for any more walking than strictly necessary

The end is in sight

The last few kilometres were hard, hot work: sandy sheltered paths. We fantasised about our celebratory afternoon tea on the way home. Pat decided on waffles with quadruple ice-cream. Alas the cafe was out of ice-cream, he had to settle for a donut instead. Jo opted for a hot dog! (it was the best one he's ever eaten). After 100km he deserved every delicious mouthful.

100km, six days of walking, spectacular views, varied terrain, wildlife, aches and pains and best of all sharing the experience with family. The kids were real troopers doing a fantastic job. Gregg was official doctor, consultant, advisor and masseuse. But the hero was my sister who's organisational skills are off the scale. Her determination and can do attitude are amazing. I had to deal with a bit of pain for a few days, she has to deal with pain most days. Despite her MS and because of her MS she has embarked on a journey where hiking is foundational. It was a privilege to be part of this adventure - she is such an inspiration.

GOW day 5

Well my day 5 was not the one I imagined.

It was a difficult decision to take a rest day, the desire to hike with the group and complete the whole track was so strong. In the end I made the sensible (and right) decision not to risk my knee - in approximately two weeks we will be hiking the 3 Capes in Tassie. If it wasn't for this upcoming hike I would have just pushed through and dealt with the consequences. Considering I am hobbling to the toilet block 200 meters away and the downhill return to the caravan is causing problems, it is probably a good thing I was 'forced' to make a sensible decision. So today is about ice, anti inflammatory's, stretching and rest. The final section of the track is flatter, so tomorrow should be ok!

Here's what the others got up to today. (photos from Colin and Carla's iPhones)

Ryans Den to Wreck Beach

Start of the day group shot

Apparently the track was similar to yesterday, an awful lot of going up and coming down (encouraging graffiti on the stair rails)

These kind of views are becoming common place!

The bush bits

By passing a farm

admiring the view and resting after another ascent

Snack time

Heading home time

GOW day 4

Johanna Beach to Ryan's Den - the most challenging day so far, lots of up and down and not much in between. Pat rejoined the trek today. Carla, Ella and myself all struggled with injuries (Ella's were ballet related, Carla's and mine age related!) I can't ever remember being relieved about going uphill, but today it was the only time my right knee wasn't sore. Gregg gave me a quick appraisal and some pointers on correct walking style (he happens to be a doctor and a marathon runner so he knows his stuff!). Who ever thought there was so much to a simple thing like hiking. It made a surprising difference and helped me grind out quite a few more kilometres with discomfort only. Eventually distance won over style and I resorted to another lot of nurofen.

Start of the day group shot. It was really cold, those smiles are really grimaces.

First we went up, as usual the views were spectacular

Something a little different today, rolling green hills

Then back to the bush

The bush track became a dirt road for a bit, dotted with some houses. Outside one house was some 'trail magic'.

Back to the track

It wouldn't be the Great Ocean Walk without a river crossing (we got up and left early to arrive at this point before a high tide)

And some beach walking of course, but not very much today

Whenever you come down you have to go back up. (thanks Dr Best for the consultation earlier)

When your legs are tired from walking up again and your stomach says feed me, you stop, even if it is right on the track (thanks Pat for scrambling up the bank to get this shot)

More going up and down

So green

The beginning of the last kilometre back to the car (up hill of course)

GOW day 3

Aire River to Johanna Beach. A shorter hike today (only 13km) but much appreciated as a few of the oldies are "feeling it" in their calves and shins and knees and shoulders and other places too. Unfortunately Pat had to take a day of rest to deal with some tendonitis (not sure if he thinks a day of rest is so unfortunate!).

Start of the day selfie - minus 1

Walking on a carpet of tiny petals

More stunning cliff top views

You go up and you go down, a lot

Ella and Jo found the best morning tea spot

Into the unknown

Looking back at where we have come from (and why our bodies ache)

Snakes of a different kind, the yummy kind

Selfie time

there's a track winding back...

Today we walked among the grass trees

The end is down there

But first is a beach walk, soft sand, our favourite!

Jo and I were smart (or perhaps lazy) and walked in the footsteps of the person in front of us, so much easier.

Thanks Mumma Bear

Just gotta cross this and we are almost done. Some of us got wet shoes dodging the incoming tide, some of us took their shoes off and waded instead.