Day 46 Warren to Schafer
We acknowledge the Nyoongar People as the traditional custodians of the land and waters along the Bibbulmun Track
Rustic bridges, tall trees and beaut rivers.
Overview Map
Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 5: Pemberton
Warren to Schafer is another challenge, particularly after yesterday’s hike from Pemberton. It’s in Geoff’s top ten difficulty-wise for the entire Bibbulmun.
Although higher temperatures and lots of climbing make today demanding, it is delightful country. Unbelievably, the trees are still getting bigger, with beautiful bridges and rivers to cross, so there is plenty to enjoy, not least is waking to yet another amazing dawn chorus.
In warm weather, we older folk often need to drink before we feel thirsty because that “thirst switch” gets a bit worn as we age. If you find that you become exhausted hiking in even mild heat, try drinking more frequently: dehydration saps energy.
Just look at those trees! Marvellous.
Bright orange jelly fungus, possibly Tremella sp.
Although we eat a lot of dehydrated dips, soups and cheese with Geoff’s sourdough crackers, the first day or two out of town offers a welcome respite - indeed, a more welcome respite with every week that passes! - with cured meats and fresh hard cheeses.
Chorilaena quercifolia
Hmmm, flying ants are swarming. They often herald wet weather… I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
When you’re in places like the Tassie or Iceland high country, it’s essential to keep a keen eye on forecasts (the Inreach Mini allows us to get weather updates), but it’s less important in a more benign climate. The only real danger here is storms accompanied by strong winds bringing trees down on top of you, or flooding rivers in winter.
Very droll. I’m so tired, I don’t even notice it until Geoff bursts out laughing! If there was a bus at this stop, you can bet I would be on it!
However, as always, there are new orchid discoveries to put a spring in my step. Orchid enthusiasts should take a wander in the cleared area when you cross under the powerlines. You’ll see many Thelymitras here; most are closed by now, later in the day, but Thelymitra vulgaris is still open.
And a new spider orchid: Caladenia attigens ssp attigens (Forest Mantis)
Well, Karri Hill Cottages know hiker priorities, that’s for sure! If we’d been aware of this lodge on the other side of the dam, we’d be there! Instead, as we’re walking along the water’s edge to the hut, we have more exciting discoveries:
Thelymitra cornicina (Lilac Sun)
… and a new bird orchid, Pterostylis turfosa
A few moments later, we arrive at Schafer, beautifully situated on the edge of the dam with views across the water. It’s busy with track vollies (thanks, guys!) and hikers travelling north.
Isn’t that just lovely? Dinner with a perfect view!
You can swim in the lake and one hiker does, but it’s too cold for us. Instead, we usually take our halved car sponge and tip warmed water over it for a pits and bits cleanse behind a nearby log or tree. A halved car sponge is great because it’s light, compresses small, and holds a lot of water, perfect for a bush wash.
Campsites surrounded by flowers… but tonight we’re in the hut. Tomorrow, Northcliffe, known for its orchids!
