Denmark to Albany

More spectacular coastal walking on this last section. Breezy, cool and a sprinkle of rain but a lovely easy contoured track led to very pleasant walking all the way to West Cape Howe shelter, which we had to ourselves.

West Cape Howe shelter

Next day was going to be a nice short day to Torbay - superb cliff-top walking with views in every direction. But on arrival at the shelter the 2 somewhat elderly chaps ensconced, although friendly, seemed unwilling to share the space and encouraged us to push on! So after lunch and because the tide was right for the next beach section, we headed off for another 13 kms. The weather instantly started to deteriorate and became wild along the beach. We battled bravely on with rain from the Antarctic hitting us side-on. We managed to negotiate a rocky headland halfway without being swept off by the waves pounding in. We felt like crazy early explorers out in the wilds, and were glad to reach the relative shelter of the dunes.

It was only another hour to Muttonbird shelter but the weather worsened and by the time we reached it all our gear was dripping wet. But then the storm really hit and we were lucky to be under a roof. These crazy 3 sided shelters are a tad deficient in these conditions and the rain blew in and soaked half the sleeping platform. Lucky we were the only ones there and we snuggled into the only dry corner, wearing all our spare clothes and huddled inside our sleeping bags. We ate dinner in our bags and only dashed outside when the need was urgent!

We survived the exciting night and I awoke to my birthday with the storm abating.

Wild Southern 

We enjoyed our last day, passing very close to giant wind turbines and stopping at Sandpatch shelter for lunch.

Albany

Pelicans

We reached Albany mid afternoon and suddenly it was all over - there was the southern terminus. And what a wonderful journey it has been.

The end.