luckily it was not as cold as the previous morning, I had slept well, Ambles had some trouble finding sleep. But his toes stayed warm! We were up 5.45am getting our breakfast & getting all packed up. I was ready by 7.30am but it takes Ambles longer, we didn’t leave until 8am. Walking out of camp pass Gijs & Kirsty whom were still in their tent. We had an initial climb up the hill which was helpful in getting me warmed up. My right knee was still hurting, if not one thing, it’s another! At least my right ankle felt fine now. The climb over the hill was lovely passing big boulders & granite tops. I love the uniqueness of ‘balancing rock’ but left my sunglasses there. Lucky I had gone only 50 metres along before realising & rushing back to retrieve them.

The descent down was an easy gradual pathway not the kind with jumbled rocks & boulders in your way. The walk today was 14.3kms most of it along flat ground passing different kinds of ground lands. We gobbled up the last of our delicious banana bread cake. Today felt warmer as the sun made me feel oh so good! My knee had stopped hurting. At one point, I made sure Ambles saw me take a left turn. I waited for him 15 odd minutes by an old unused water tank & crumbling old shed. He had missed the left turn & continued another 200 metres before thinking this don’t look right! He says he was distracted by his power banks & mobile, checking the solar panel was charging them. I felt annoyed & gave him some grief, walked ahead, cooled off then we were back on speaking terms again. There is litter unfortunately discarded around by thoughtless lazy people. Empty water bottles, cans & packaging just thrown into the bushes, spoiling the beauty.

 

 

 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The last 1.5kms is a steep uphill walk to Mt Wells going up 150 metres. It was tough, there was a lot of heavy laboured breathing going on with many rest stops. Ambles had agreed to have lunch at the shelter. He got in 1.30, 20 minutes after me. God did my boots & socks reek when I got them off! 😖 A severe washing is needed in 2 days time! Bodies & clothes! Mt Wells is such a nice spot. An old fireman’s hut with an old fireman watch tower to admire the views as you are right on top of the hill. The winged insects are also friendly here. We set ourselves up in the main room that sleeps 4 people. There is a tiny off room for 1 or 2 people to cosy on up in if need be. Gijs & Kirsty rocked up an hour later, they were going to set up in the tiny room but Kirsty didn’t like it in there so up went the tent. Some people think Mt Wells is haunted. Not compared to Ellensbrook Campsite it aren’t!

 

 

 

 

So Babs (Veronique) from France has double hutted from Gringer Creek arriving at 4.20pm here. Emu told us she was coming but she was surprised when I alerted Ambles that Bab had arrived! Am I a stalker?! No I was expecting her arrival following her on the Facebook Bibbulmun hikers group. She is 70 years old & doing an end to end. She did the PCT when she turned 60. An incredible woman! She was hoping to get into Dwellingup tomorrow but found out there is no accommodation available as a couple of big events are on. She saw a snake on the trail that didn’t want to move. They are coming out now 😳Babs took the small room in the end. She said Daisyfish says hi to us as they were at Gringer Creek last night. 😊 Tristan stopped writing in the trail log book & Simone doesn’t register herself at all which she is suppose to. So maybe they are in Dwellingup now? Ambles rang & booked us a room at the Dwellingup Motel Sunday & Monday night as he was so stressed about arriving & there not being any accommodation available. His solar panel was playing up stopped charging our important gadgets. Seems alright now hopefully but he is ordering a backup one.

 

 

 

 

And as I blog away in the fire watch tower, my man makes & delivers me a cuppa tea! He’s a keeper! And now he is smoking out our room with getting the indoor fireplace going. Should be nice n warm tonight!