Last trek post, I promise! It busied up a bit at the Section 7/8 stage, these sections being the most popular with day hikers/section hikers and larger tour groups with their own campsites. Prior to this Id walk for many hours without seeing anyone. It was also at this stage youd see the same faces on the trail and at camp each night. A diverse lot, all sorts, all ages; from a family of 4 with probably an 8 and 10 year old (machines) through to a 78 year old Scotsman with 2 new hips and previous back surgery and veteran of the Appalachian Trail and many others (the most tenacious person that Ive ever met I think). By then I had met 3 like minded souls- another girl soloing and a couple on pretty much the same schedule as me. We crossed paths mostly at the end of the day. Id generally leave first (after rustling around in the dark boiling water and packing up trying not to disturb- sorry guys) and get into camp first. Over the next couple of nights wed camp
to each other but cook and eat separately. As news of a COVID lockdown in Alice Springs and the emergence of an outbreak with border closures in NSW we formed our own little COVID family bubble, still mostly walking separately but sleeping and eating as a unit- sharing coffee, Whittakers chocolate bars, etc. Survivor Larapinta! Got to say, it was an unexpected thing for me as I generally seek solitude, but they were such energetic, fun and and really, really value added to my experience. (Thanks Lisa, Annie and Nic (kitchen builder extrordinnaire)- legends!)
The hiking remained outstanding. Lots of ascents and descents, lots of rocky and assorted terrains, lots of stellar views. No more falls. Ormiston Gorge was with dead fish (dead as part of their usual cycle apparently)and a freezing cold water crossing. Still no dingoes or wallabies but 1 cheeky little desert mouse. Had some amazing experiences over that next week- slept under the stars in 2 hilltop locations with just the four of us. Enjoyed those 2 chilly, windy nights so much and the sunsets, hundereds of satellites, stars and sunrises from the sleeping bag were something else. As the hiking
progressed I just felt better and better. Love that feeling of hard work but huge rewards in terms of natural beauty. For the last few days Mt Sonder came into view and remained a constant- it was so cool progressing towards it knowing that it is the ultimate climb.
Camped in the Redbank creek bed for the last night, getting up at 0300 to do the 8km climb up Mt Sonder for sunrise. A good, steady climb reaching the western peak as the sky was changing was sooooo awesome. Ate breakfast and drank coffee up the top with maybe 30 other hikers feeling really exhilarated watching the sunrise. So amazing. It was a fast paced return to pack up the tent and be ready for the 1100 pickup to get back into Alice Springs (masks on please!).
Overall- 10/10 trek, diverse, challenging (at times), incredibly scenic with a strong connection to country. So highly recommended.
