Yesterday we completed the "Cape to Cape" trek, a 135km coastal hike from Cape Naturaliste (near Dunsborough) to Cape Leeuwin (Augusta, Western Australia).
It was a magnificent trek. We hike sand trails/dunes and beach, forest and cliffs overlooking the grand Indian ocean. WOW!
It wasn't "West Coast Trail" (B.C.), but it wasn't a gravy train hike either. We found new muscles, ripped up our quads a bit more (in case all the cycling wasn't enough) and pounded our feet well. "No one ever died from UNCOMFORTABLE!" eh Scotty?! :)
Let's back up a bit in our timeline ...
We cycled into Margaret River and spent a few days there with our new friends: John & Julie Prins.
We are now COMPLETELY convinced that Australians go OVER the top in welcoming strangers. The day we met John & Julie they took us out crayfish (lobster) snorkelling/fishing/diving (John dives for them with snorkel and catches them...way down deep) and found ourselves in their guest room for a couple nights. We loved it. Thank you guys!! We hope to see you on our way back up.
From Margaret River we cycled to Augusta (first stopping at Hamlin Bay to see the huge rays...see pictures below), where we were again met by unmatched Australian hospitality.
The lighthouse in Augusta is on the most south west tip of Australia, where the Indian and Southern (antarctic) oceans collide. Pretty amazing place.
On our first day in Augusta we met the lighthouse keeper, Paul, who "happened" to be a fellow cyclist (of course), our common bond. Paul gave us a free, privately guided lighthouse tour and then ...offered us to stay the night in the closest house next to the lighthouse. Aw SHUX! We said...SURE! :) The locals are even wow'd and jealous. It was amazing (see pictures below).
The next day in Augusta, we met Amber, a WWOOFer (willing workers on organic farms) host. We worked for Amber 1 day before she borrowed us a couple backpacks, drove & dropped us off at the trailhead of the Cape to Cape Trek... the hike Wayne has been dreaming about. Without backpacks or a place to store our bike and gear, we could never have explored the coast of SW Australia like we just did. THANK YOU AMBER !!
It was an exhilerating week. We hiked in runners (Kami) and Chaco sandals (Wayne) :). On day 2 & 3 we met a storm from the south which washed away a good chunk of beach which gave us a bit of a challenge. 7 meter swells, a full moon & high tide led to... us getting soaked to the waist by a huge wave within the first 10 minutes of hiking one morning. At least it was warm!
We met a fantastic couple from eastern Australia, Alex & Karen, on the trek. We were travelling in the same direction, all of us intending to complete the full hike, and we ended up hiking together the last few days. We loved getting to know this great couple, sharing laughs, groans :) and km's together. It was refreshing to have comraudery (sp?!) as well as meet interesting people with interesting lives & stories. They have hiked all over the world, even bringing Karen's 80yr old mom hiking the first 4-5 days of Everest! How neat is THAT?! Alex & Karen, thanks for the fun and for the life-saving chocolate when we ran out!! :) We will never forget our adventure together.
...and so our journey goes...
We are back in Augusta for awhile. We need to tweak a few things on our faithful tandem before making our way to Nannup...Albany...and beyond (or heading back).
We keep reminding each other, 'Hey, we are living the dream!' Yeah! We are IN it! And are so very thankful, totally blessed, fully in awe of all God has showered us with and the beauty He has made for us to enjoy & explore. ALL the thanks is His!
-W&K
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