After a pretty comfortable night in the van, we woke to a stunning, calm and sunny morning. We both slept well until early this morning when it got a little cooler, and we needed an extra layer. The mattress in the roof is quite firm, and we have popped a couple of foam mats underneath to try and soften it slightly. Not sure if it has made much difference but it is certainly more comfortable than an inflatable tent mattress. We sleep in the pop top of the van as it means we don't have to make up the bed each day.
After brekky, we loaded our packs and headed up the Cobb Valley track. There are several options for tramping up this Valley including a route that takes you up on to the tops through to Anatoki. That's a bit rugged for us so we did an in and out to Chaffeys Hut, a hut built in 1953 and renovated approximately 10 years ago. It has 3 bunks, a fireplace and a cooking bench. Pretty rustic but would be great as an overnighter with kids. It was just under 7km from the campsite to the hut so a leisurely morning walk through beautiful native bush with birdsong and flowing creeks was had. So nice to be back in the bush again.
We had lunch at the hut before returning back down the valley. Our new boots and shoes did well and while we were both a little tired on return, overall a great start for us getting used to tramping again. I have nicked mum's walking poles for Gordon and I think they made a huge difference. He shuffles a lot with his right leg when walking and his right arm does not swing due to his Parkinsons. The walking poles improved his shuffle no end and forced him to swing his arm. He did really well.
We've had a quiet afternoon at camp, enjoying the peace and quiet. There are surprisingly few people here so it is very pleasant. We broke out the BBQ for dinner and managed to mostly avoid the sandflies. They have become more voracious as the evening has worn on, so we are now hiding in the van. We have a large insect screen across the sliding door so can have that up and have the door open which is nice.
Tomorrow we will hike up onto the tops and see how we get on with that.
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