Day Six - Bert Nichols to Lake St Clair

Imagine the joy, when, after just finally drifting off into proper sleep for the night around 4am, our alarm (a near silent buzz buzz from Dylan's watch, we're not animals) went off. 5am. My favourite time to get up.

In all fairness, this was the only morning of the trip that getting out of 'bed' was hard. All other mornings we've happily sprung up for a trip to the loo as soon as even a hint of daylight made it through the window. I think it was the distinct lack of any light at all that made this one a bit grating. Still, we had business to attend to.

With levels of efficiency that would've got us hired by a Grand Prix pit crew, we readied ourselves for the day ahead and stowed away our gear. Off we went into the dark, guided by head torches and the ever-nearing promise of a burger.

The walk today was dull. No views, STILL no wombats (I'd like to have a word to someone about this), and the mud/tree roots had far overstayed their welcome at this point. I had enjoyed neither breakfast NOR coffee, and, crucially, had no lollies left to munch on from my hip pocket. Morale was low. The Stumbles, Mumbles, and Grumbles we'd been warned about started to appear, as, according to our watch distance, we should be there by now - where the F is this hut???

Spirits were boosted (mine, anyway) at the arrival of the suspension bridge. As loved ones will know, anything I can venture out onto and bounce around on above thin air is a great time for me. Also, we knew from this point that Narcissus was not far away.

We got there, quickly got very cold, and sat around for a torturous snack-less half hour before it was time for the ferry. The ferry ride ended up being markedly beautiful, clear skies, sparkling water, and grand mountains surrounding us on every side. My mind was firmly, single-mindedly, resolutely, fixed on a shower and a burger at this point though, and so these regal vistas barely registered. Sorry mountains.

We arrived, and after some stern words to the man at the lodge desk who claimed I had not paid for the ferry booking and now, in fact, needed to (please sir kindly check through your receipt book and CLEARLY FIND MINE), we made a frenzied beeline to the showers.

I simply cannot say enough about this shower. Did I see God, yes, yes I did. Did it change my life, undoubtedly. Did I literally laugh out loud in joy for its entire 5 minute duration, I think I did, yes. What a fucking blessing hot water can be. I emerged truly euphoric, wrapped up in clean cozy clothes that we had left ourselves in the car.

Sitting in the lodge eating area, I stumbled my way through the onslaught of notifications phone reception had afforded me, and manically drained an excellent strong flat white. Then, it was time. The prophecy unfolded before us. Heavens gates swung open. The burgers had arrived.

The euphoria awakened earlier by the shower was back with gusto, I could barely chew and swallow through the drooling, dazed smile that was plastered on my face. It was absolutely incredible.

After the haze lifted enough for me to gain control of my motor functions, we strolled down to the lake's edge. We sat in the sun, we got pictures at the sign, we got our passes stamped at the visitor centre like children, we treated ourselves to dessert, and we met up with The Girls, who had been on the next ferry after us, and all bid each other friendly goodbyes.

Finally, we got in the car. A journey come to an end. How strange it felt. How bizarre to suddenly be ripping kilometres away at, seemingly, the speed of light. After a long journey home, we arrived, unpacked our bags, and, as any sane person would do, ordered pizza and coke.En savoir plus