Friday 17 June 2022
Jay Creek to Mulga Camp – Section 2 Part 1
Distance 10.19km
Moving time 2:22
Track time 3:14
Temp 2′- about 25
Up 170m Down 202m

“Section 2  is an undulating walk which passes through acacia woodland found around Simpsons Gap. The walk traverses areas away from public roads giving it a more remote and challenging feel. The various gaps along the way make for good rest stops. Grade: 4 – moderate to difficult. Long distance with some steep ascents. Walk through the home of the few brushtail possum colonies in Central Australia. Explore a landscape of rock outcrops over 2 billion years old. Allow 2 days to complete this 26.2km section”

The stars last night were magnificent. The mice a little annoying as they scurried around our tent throughout the night. It is the first time I have seen them near the tent.
Well my words of wisdom for today is “Never trust the weather man”. Our forecast of between 7-25′ for the next 5 days was WRONG! After such a balmy night at Standley Chasm we were treated to a very cold night of 2′. I wasn’t prepared, I left my polar fleece in my back pack hanging in the shelter and left the door open to the tent. I had a lovely sleep until midnight and then was cold until I noticed David’s puffer jacket lying in the tent at about 4pm. I draped it over me and put mine on and managed a couple more hours sleep. I won’t fall for the weather forecast again.
We set off at about 10am on the 10km trail for today. We are grateful for the rest day today. The terrain was quite straight forward most of the way just a single flat  trail with a few rocky sections, a couple of creek crossings but minimal impact on our tired bodies. Yesterday’s hike was a tough grind with great rewards but the 500+ downhill had a big impact on your legs.
We enjoyed a break at Spring Gap Waterhole and then had lunch at Mulga Camp. An early stop for us but we have 3 more days of 15+ km so an easy afternoon it is. We joined Liza at Mulga Camp and Jim came in a bit later. Penny and Eric moved on further as they fly out on 20th. We only passed 4 people heading west and were passed by a man heading east. So it has been a quiet day on the trail. We were thinking it might be hectic tomorrow night as we stop at the trail head between Section 1 and 2, it is Saturday and we think there will be lots of people starting their hike from Alice on a Saturday and do section 1 in one hit out. Anyway only time will tell. As we walked today we passed a few small hills and lots of different shrubs and trees. It was pretty much the same most of the way. We saw a few birds – zebra finches, spinifex pigeons and a few cow pads. There was a little shade and a nice breeze which made for very comfortable walking on a relatively easy terrain. Although David would have liked to walk a few more kms today we enjoyed a quiet hour or two just lying in our tent and resting. It was very nice to just down tools and rest.
We met a young girl heading west and 2 young guys heading east at camp tonight along with Jim and Liza. We had a civilised dinner at one of the few picnic table and benches on the trail. It is always nice to sit properly on these rare occasions. Eek we are definitely on the count down now. Only 3 more days of hiking to go!