1900 to Eora Creek

Day 8

Day started very early again.  Out of the tent by 6 and walking by 7am.  This I not a problem cause all you want to do it walk.  It feels good getting up and it feels great to be on the track. I had a great sleep, I think it must have been the location that helped.

Allan had a rough night with lots of waking up and had fevers all night.  He continued to have them all day, but stayed tough and kept going.  He is looking forward to an early night and hopefully recovery. Peter is also getting sick and his voice is getting pretty crocky. He assures me he is fine and is not complaining about it at all, not that I ever thought he would.  I have woken up with my right index finger about twice the size it should be.  I have no idea why or how, but it is.  It is not too sore, but I cannot make a fist.  It is going to be hard to hold the walking pole with that hand.

The boys sung their song again this morning, I was able to catch it on camera.  They must also be getting excited to making it to the end.  They then get to see their families. They are all great blokes and go out of their way to make sure everything is going well and that everyone is ok.

We headed off for the day and it turns out to be a massive day or walking.  The legs are feeling it now.  It is hard on the up and the down hills.  They are tired but they are not going to stop.  Today it was pretty muddy and very slippery on the down hills.  I must have almost slipped over about 50 times.  This also makes me think about the guys who are not only carrying all their gear, but it is raining all the time and they have the threat of battle at any time.


We then went a little off track to go see a supply dump.  There was a massive amount of ammo including mortars, grenades and rifle ammunition.  There was even a helmet from a Japanese solider.

We reached The Gap which is a height of 2186, then headed down to Templetons Crossing where we had lunch.  This was the site of a massive battle and one that I will always remember from now on.

About 2 more hours after lunch where we reached camp for the night.  A quick wash in the freezing water and we were all ready for some rest.

During the afternoon we had a walk around the place, at leasure and found an amazing bridge.  From a construction point of view, it is amazing, from and appearance  point of view, it is spectacular and from a me crossing it point of view...........I will hold that opinion until I am across it.

Allan went to bed about 7 to try and get better, but we all only made it till 7:45 anyway.  We have been told that tomorrow might only be a 5 hour day so we should be done just after lunch.  I am hoping we pass some more of the little shops so I can buy a few things for home.

Got another message from Nicole and the kids.  So amazing how good it makes me feel know that they are thinking about me like I am thinking about them.  This time next week I will be able to give everyone the biggest hug ever!