Great South West Walk 2025

 Bit of a lie in, no rush really to leave. Funny story… as our arrival back to Victoria House was unplanned, the hosts of the accommodation, Mandy and John had planned to be away for the weekend. Cut a long story short, Mandy let us know where the extra supplies were tea bags, biccy’s, milk etc so we could replenish. She set the fire ready for us and we essentially had the old house to ourselves. Very nice. Anyhoo, that’s why there was no rush to leave as long as we lock up behind us. First stop of course, twelvefold for coffee and a toastie today. Heading out of Portland towards a seal colony just past the Bridgewater cafe and yep, everything we are seeing to day is also on the GSWW. Walking along the cliffs was always going to be a highlight, something about untamed ocean smashing on cliffs and what forms can be created  always fascinates me. These formations are called the Petrified Forest and are truly stunning, of course nothing to do with trees as it is limestone. As we ...

Nice to wake up warm and dry this morning, still feeling a little flat that the much anticipated adventure didn’t quite go to plan. We both enjoy another shower before heading to our favourite Portland spot, Twelvefold for breakfast and some proper coffee.  Today will be a good day as we are going to visit some places that are on the walking trail coming in Portland and we have the opportunity to drive to them so not missing out entirely, just a different experience. We first visit the Information centre and let them know that we have returned, again very special people. We are disappointed that we haven't completed what we have started and they treat us like rock stars for giving it a crack….. They also let us know that if we’re interested there is an elephant seal hanging out on Custard Beach and has been there for a couple of weeks. We are heading out that way to Battery Point and the Gannet Colony so we will pop in. From here we drove out to the Lighthouse at Cape Nelson, agai...

 Such an awful night we had. It rained pretty much all night, which was unexpected and was quite cold.  Woke with condensation dripping from the roof, which was also unexpected.  So the tent was out in the open rather than under the shelter. It sounds like such a downer but to be honest I’d rather just stay inside for a bit longer. I also will have to make a call on whether my boot can go on comfortably, which I am doubting.  I do not want to bail on this walk, we have been too excited about it. But my fear is that if I suck it up and start walking only to find kilometres in that I can’t do it. Then how do we get out…. We talk about what this all means and Stuart agrees, toenails aside it has been a very tough slog that doesn’t look like getting any better anytime soon. The weather gods have really not been on our side. So the decision is made to tap out.  There is another GWSS volunteer/ angel named Gary, who’s number we all get just in case.. There is phone re...

 Woke sore and sorry after a very restless night and a little bit cold too, which is unexpected in our cozy wee tent. Late start again, still a bit disorganised but sure that will improve.  Very pleasant walking this morning, a bit cool and once we were getting warmed up, I think we were making good progress. Still having lots of  issues with my foot but elected to go back to double socks today to provide a bit more protection for my toes. Good idea or bad, who knows…. We walked along lots of duck boards again today, still lots of wet and muddy areas. We met a chap called Simon, who is a GSWW volunteer and just out for a short walk checking on damage from storm. Nice chap. Like all the volunteers, very passionate about this trail. It makes it feel very special. We continued on and the landscape continues to change. Quite undulating and sandy underfoot. Passing a tour group, I can’t help but jealously notice their small daypacks. They’re headed in the opposite direction bu...