Day 8, walking from Woodford to Glenbrook via the Oaks Fire Trail, was the day so many of us had been looking forward to. Liz's beautiful children Stephanie, Gerard and Hugh drove from Sydney to see her, with Gerard staying on to walk the full 30 km of the Oaks Fire Trail. A bunch of Katrina's friends from Ravenswood plus a great many other supporters made up extra numbers for the walk.
Paul Nelson drove all the way from the Central Coast to be a support driver for the day, along with Amara who donated an amazing five days of volunteer help. With her background in Qantas stewarding we know we are in capable hands. Man, does she know how to pack luggage into a small space.
Approximately 40 walkers turned up promptly at 7.45am, equipped with raincoats, backpacks and hot weather gear. No-one could tell exactly what the weather would do so we had to carry it all. By the end of the first four hills, the group was spread over almost a kilometer, which kept the CB radios working overtime. Graham was the trusty back gunner, bringing up the rear with patience and efficiency, and calling in help at the 17km mark when the hills got the better of some of our walkers.
Even though the walk was tough, we were surrounded at all times by the beauty of spring bushflowers. Egg and bacon was flowering everywhere as was tea tree, hardenbergia and beronia. It was hard to keep your eyes focused on the path ahead when there were fragrant bushes of pinks, yellows and purples on either side of the path but it was useful to be aware of the surroundings as the bikers would come through , some at breakneck speed.
At lunchtime we regrouped and thoroughly appreciated the skills of our support drivers who brought water and food into the bush for us. Another few km through a single file bush track and we were out on the bitumen again, crossing a causeway, then charging up the final incredibly steep hill that sapped all of our remaining energy.
Did I say all? Not quite. Waiting at the top of the hill, at Glenbrook Park was a guitar duo who played such catchy, relevant dance songs as “I would walk 500 miles" and "Glory Days.” To the delight of the audience gathered in the park, and despite our blisters and strained Achilles tendons, we danced like crazy people – entertaining the crowd and even doing some successful fundraising with our ubiquitous bucket.
Aching everywhere, we farewelled those walkers who were leaving for Sydney. The support crew ferried people around to their cars and then we drove on to NepeanNepean river. This generous sponsor had donated several cabins for the evening – all with BATHS!! A soak in Epsom salts, take-away Thai food, an early night and we were ready for another 30km the following day.
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