Day 39: Boarding House to Beavis
We acknowledge the Nyoongar People as the traditional custodians of the land and waters along the Bibbulmun Track
Rest assured, botanists and plant enthusiasts: you will not be bored even in this “green” section of track.
Overview map. Use the Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5: Pemberton
Another long day: 21.1 kilometres with 650 metres elevation gain including a very steep climb just over halfway into the day makes this one of the ten top days for difficulty according to Geoff’s algorithm combining distance and elevation gain/loss.
Our previous short days have been partly in anticipation for this infamous “Rollercoaster” section of the Bibbulmun: you only need look at the elevation profile to see the reason for the moniker. However, it was not as tough as I thought it would be, perhaps because everyone had amped it up so much that I was expecting worse! And walking through beautiful Greater Beedleup National Park the entire day eases the journey!
Still plenty of colour in the bush, and not too steep here.
But then there’s a long steep downhill to this quaint bridge: the track builders have simply taken advantage of a log over the creek. Because the timber is hardwood, it lasts for a very long time.
Still a few fungi like this Agaricus species to see in this wetter environment.
Switchbacks! What a treat! On the whole, the Bibbulmun does not do switchbacks: overseas hikers are in for a bit of a shock!
Fallen marri flowers (Corymbia calophylla) - the first I’ve seen as they are all far too high up. May Gibb’s gumnut babies spring instantly to mind.
A happy short section of contouring track.
More Pterostylis. The species are too difficult for me to differentiate without a book.
The country has been incredibly steep but here there is a good place to stop for lunch or morning tea at the Lease Road bridge.
Donnelly River
The terrain has been steep and we are climbing again. A pretty spot beside the bridge next to the river has obviously been used for (illegal) car camping. Pat and Helen have stopped for a (perfectly legal) lunch.
It’s wonderful. And So Not Green!
More rustic bridges
Not quite a party of Pterostylis, this trio of adults looks as if they’re having a hushed conversation while junior is distracted.
Orchid enthusiasts will spot these giant leek orchid (Prasophyllum) leaves. Most of them are fire-responsive, blooming only in the spring after a hot summer fire.
The country remains steep but, if you need to stop, you’ll find flatter spots near the top of knolls where old tracks branch off.
Suddenly we’re into different soil, a white gritty gravel with new plants. It’s only a short section of track, but enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled.
Beavis Hut is beautifully situated with a small dam nearby for a dip. Again, there’s a woodbox stocked with jarrah and an axe.
This is one of the few huts where the campsites looked prone to flooding in heavy rain. Apologies for the image quality: I had a few glitches.
Close to the hut had better drainage and our friends have chosen here rather than the tent pitches. Most of the huts have areas close to them that can be used in this way.
Two more sleeps till Pemberton and Big Plates of Hot Food!
