Posted by It was so good to wake up to sounds of the Jorden River instead if rain. A dry camp – yay.
Straight into the morning I had a 3km climb to contend with, up Victor Spur. Although the height profile of the climb on my mapping app looked horrific I found the climb to be really pleasant. Nice unobstructed single track that picked its was along the ridge crest. The initial push up to gain the ridge was steep but then just a gradual climb out.
The rest of the day was pretty much on roads with not much to say. I missed a grand view out across the Thompson Dam due to fog.
I was deep into the Mt Selma Road, head down and plodding up a small hill as a 4WD descended towards me. As it got closer I see a hand out the window indicating to stop which I do and as it pulls alongside me I see that it is friends from Marlo, Cliff, Sonia and little Jarrah out for a family holiday. I had to laugh. Surprised, a huge smile crossed my face. Me: “No way. What are the chances?” Them: “We were just talking about you saying that you were on the AAWT somewhere”.
That is awesome. They jumped out for a quick chat offering me everything under the sun, water, chocolate, snacks… I couldn’t say no to some strawberries and a mandarin, so rare to have fresh fruit when hiking even though its still early on in this trip. We had to take a selfie or no one would believe this random encounter. That had my spirits up for the rest of the day, until I encountered Champion Spur Track.
The original AAWT takes a route down Black River Spur and is meant to follow the Black River for several kilometres but is virtually nonexistent along the river now. While that is the official route, even John Chapmans guidebook steers hikers away from this option, preferring an alternative along Champion Spur.
Oh my god Champion Spur was a killer. Multiple kilometres down the most horrific 4WD track you can imagine. I have no idea how it is driveable or why you would want to drive it. A four wheel drivers dream. Very steep grade with huge rock bars and deep wheel ruts the entire way. This was my route to Black River and I was not liking it one bit. There was only one pace to go and that was super slow. Baby steps and walking poles out way in front to stop slipping over. The spur had many a trophy to show scattered along its side: broken winch gear, abandoned D shackles, mud flaps, tyre lead and the odd scattered piece of camping equipment obviously thrown out the back of utes as they clamber their way up and not willing to stop the momentum to retrieve. It was rough down and an absolute knee killer. I took much longer than expected and I was glade to have made it down safety. Hats off to those who can drive it.
I eventually arrive at the bottom of the hill exhausted to the small camp site at Black River. Enough sunlight left to leisurely setup camp and cook dinner.
Mick Beckers 