| The Walk |
| Day 22 |
| NEWCASTLE TO SWANSEA (Blacksmith’s Beach) Nana Torpedo We bade farewell to Newcastle and headed south. I missed out on the “big hill” by shear luck. Paul and Kate Spencer (nephew and great niece joined us in Newcastle albeit it a little late. Good to see Elvis come “back” and join the walk, welcome on board. After the big hill the gang decided that they needed their usual “latte” so we rested at Maca’s and low and behold NBN News arrived to do interview and capture us all walking down the highway. Poor Grant (photographer had to run to get in front, well done Grant). We carried on down the road and got a bit wet with a short shower. No great dramas. We got a call on the coms that the walkers had picked up a couple of “hitch hikers”, Karen and Melinda (Mum and daughter). We finally arrived at Blacksmiths and sorted out the accommodation and had lunch at the local hotel. That’s all for now, see you tomorrow. Craig ‘Feathers’ Fothergill Pete Sellars, please note…..Although I have no photographic evidence, take it from one who witnessed ‘Engines’ getting the Ensign hung up three times on low slung branches along the way. Hugs and kisses all around as a girl from Maccas posed with Richard and Jock. Elvis..alias…Aaron Fitch (pictured in full regalia) has joined us until Hornsby and also Paul Spencer (also pictured) has come onboard for a walk…see Nana’s notes. As I’m typing this have just found out that Dick Smith, yes that one, has donated $500 to the cause. Missed 2 perfect photos today. A Tingira Road at the top of a hill and Slug and Smudge sitting under a sign saying ‘No Animals Allowed’ Barry ‘Engines’ and Cathy Davis We are blessed with the weather. New walkers joined today & were a very welcome sight. We are all pleased to have them onboard. Possum has had his “seniors” moments again with confusion over follow on vehicle positioning but it all turned out OK. Craig is still detouring for every blonde he sees but it’s like the old fishermen’s stories ”the ones that got away”. Richard (Slug) was annoyed with some slow walking so turned on his mean turn of speed to get the blood flowing. Somehow everyone then kept up the pace very well. As for Craig’s comment re the Ensign “there are lies, lies and damned lies”. Adrian (Pete) Sellars & Barbara We leave the walkers today as they head south to Swansea. It has been a very rewarding experience being part of Tugs dream, and sharing the daily trials and tribulations with the other walkers. A real top group. If anyone is contemplating joining the walk it is something you will always remember. For those who cannot spare the time just providing local knowledge (ie; clubs, state of the road etc;) is an invaluable contribution and much appreciated. All going well we hope to rejoin the group between Sydney and Canberra. Many thanks to Kim, Graeme and all others behind the scenes who work so hard to co-ordinate all aspects of the mammoth effort of W4KWC. Possum and Dale Possum has lost his walking stick and more importantly his original set of dolphins. Damn this aging brain of mine. Starting to succumb to another disease, confusion. Had a good farewell for Barb & Pete Sellars at TS Tobruk presenting them with a card and bottle of Champers as they left today.. A quick trip through Newcastle and waited on the outskirts for the walkers. A steady 5 hour trek to our next destination at Blacksmith and a well earned coffee and rest. Jock Copeland Left Newcastle and said our goodbyes to Pete and Barb. We will miss them even though it’s only 6 days till they return. Cold morning and the local walkers warned us about the BIG HILL. We must be getting used to it. What Big Hill? Les Handicott dropped in for a chat at Blacksmiths and donated $100 to the cause. Thanks Les, Goodonya. Richard (Slug) Lewin Great to have spent the last few days with John Smithies. Thank you T.S. Tobruk for their hospitality. Sad to say farewell to Pete and Barb Sellars but glad to say we pick them up later on. While walking down the highway after Charlestown was shocked to hear my name being called from across the highway, only to discover Steven McIntyre at his son’s soccer game. I have known Steven since he was born. Thanks mate for your donation. Love to Di and my family. |
