Walkers: Leader – Mabel, with
followers Linda, Helen, Lothar & Irene.
Photos:
Report:
1st leg of The Great South West Calender Year Challenge (GSWCYC) Portland to Blackwood Road – near Cubby Camp: Sunday March 1st.
I think we all know Sorrel Wilby the acclaimed adventurer, filmmaker, author, photographer and artist. Her career to date includes a long list of achievements including: the world's first complete traverse of the Himalaya, a 17,000km solo bike ride throughout Asia and other extreme feats. Sorrel has published numerous books recounting her journeys, such as the highly regarded: Tibet - A Woman's Lone Trek Across a Mysterious Land. I write this hoping that some of you have read Sorrel’s book (Tibet - A Woman's Lone Trek Across a Mysterious Land) so that you will understand this report.
'Om Mani Padme Hum' (translation: 'Hail the jewel in the lotus') is a six syllable invocation (mantra) of Avlokitesvara, one who is invoked as the Protector from danger. It is claimed that one who recites this mantra will be saved from all dangers and will be protected. Sorrel recited this mantra as she trekked alone across Tibet. It’s an easy mantra to recite while you are walking as it fits nicely into your steps and keeps you going.
This walk started out well with the obligatory lattés, then off to the start at the Portland information centre and we than headed east.
“Mabel the sign is over here!!!!”
We wound our way through Portland’s suburbs – “Mabel the sign is over here!!” eventually getting to Dutton’s Way. “What do you mean we have ONLY gone THREE kilometres.............................”
'Om Mani Padme Hum' 'Om Mani Padme Hum' 'Om Mani Padme Hum'
At last we found some bush and headed into it very enthusiastically. This didn’t last very long and we were all trekking along road again, 'Om Mani Padme Hum', 'Om Mani Padme Hum', 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. It wasn’t working I was not being protected or saved from the dangers of the bitumen.
As I was walking along many thoughts were passing through my head, apart from 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. Taking up most of the time was thinking about the trip we had just completed in South West Tassie and how different this walking on dusty tracks and bitumen was to last week being ankle deep in mud and getting a few leeches attached to various parts of my anatomy. These thoughts bought me back to the reality of how very dry our environment is at the moment and how very careful we have to be.
Into and out of the bush again but this time we found the railway line. Not the most comfortable of places for the bottom whilst eating lunch. Once the end of the track was in sight the other members of this party took off like horses bolting for home. I think they had that cafe in Portland on their minds.
Thanks Mabel, and the others, for an entertaining Sunday, and a special thanks to Sorrel for helping me get through this walk. It is good to have completed the 1st leg of the GSWW but I don’t think I’ll be rushing to do it again.
Irene
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