The first of 3 days walking over the long weekend, all based at Hawker.
Dean Mortimer's theme for the weekend was "Work" and immediately the hi-vis jackets and hardhats were in evidence. Dean carried a miniature replica cross-arm from his days as a lineman. Mary Cartland gets a special mention for her re-worked backpack - E2E-1 working in reverse.
Greg Kelly was a very worthy recipient of the Morris Minus award for his efforts in treating the many ailments suffered by various walkers over the first 6 days. On that score alone, Greg deserves to get the award at least 5 times over the journey.
The infamous lost luggage affair:
This is not a new fashion amongst walkers. This sad pair of legs belongs to Dallas Clark, who had to improvise his walking gear due to his luggage being lost. Dallas was "Not happy, Jan". More on this later.
The Mount Elm School site is nothing more than a bronze plaque these days.
The daily routine on the End to End Minus 1 walks now involves checking shelters and the levels in the rainwater tanks on the Trail. The Mount Elm School site shelter needed maintenance and the tank was less than a quarter full.
Todays walk covered about 24 km over some harsh stony ground, across desolate areas, and some long stretches of dirt road or following fence lines.
But, however long the road, the distant views along the Heysen Trail are always interesting.
A quick check of Calabrinda Creek shelter - the tank was less than half full.
At dinner that evening, the "work" theme continued. Ingrid Hausmann was at her flamboyant best promoting the Red Hat Society.
More on the infamous lost luggage affair:
Dallas Clark brought a complete work outfit for the dinner, but due to his luggage being lost, he had to make do with a borrowed hospital gown. More on this tomorrow.
