After a few weeks devoid of any kind of serious bushwalking due to some health issues, we decided it was time to rectify our lack of activity. After looking for a walk that was reasonably close by and not too challenging or long, we decided on the 10 km Christmas Hill Forest Reserve loop walk in the Kuitpo Forest. The ‘All Trails’ App reviews were all very positive, but none mentioned a fundamental flaw in the route described, which we only discovered towards the end of the trail.
It was a toss up between Monday or Wednesday, with the forecast being equally poor for both days. However, Monday was agreed upon. The morning was looking ominously grey and gloomy, tempting us to stay in the warmth at home. With neither of us willing to be the first to suggest not going, preparations were well underway. Lunch rolls were made, backpacks packed, rain jackets found and hiking boots resurrected from the back of the closet. We were ready to leave on the 40 minute drive to the start of the trail with everything packed in the car, or so I thought!
Arriving at the car park, it started to rain! So, the only thing we could do was sit tight, watch the rain run down the windscreen and enjoy a welcome cup of coffee before setting off. As the rain eased, we had put off the inevitable too long. First off was to don our rain jackets and then change into our hiking boots.
It was only then that I realised that I had stupidly taken my thick socks out of the boot bag, I still don’t know why. Not a problem, I always carry a spare pair in my backpack. A couple of unsuccessful searches left me frustrated with myself. I had no option to walk in what I was already wearing – thin socks and trainers, which I found to my cost were not waterproof.
On occasion, the pines gave way to native forest and hardwood plantation, offered some relief from the ram rod straight vegetation that stretched upwards to the clearing sky, giving us glimpses of warming blue that heralded a sunny afternoon. Where the pines had been harvested the landscape was dotted with the stumps of long departed food for the sawmills interspersed with the next generation of saplings.
The forest features a number of trails and tracks. It has sections of the Heysen and Kidman Trails which were included in our route and the circular Tinjella Trail. To varying degrees, these catered for hikers, horse riders and mountain bikers, not all the tracks being suitable for mixed use. For example, and from bitter experience, it is not a happy outcome when hikers meet mountain bikers.
At one point we heard an unmistakable screeching in the distance. As it became louder, we were blessed with sighting and watching a large flock of yellow tailed black cockatoos. Their antics high above our heads revolved around eating parts of large pine cones and discarding their bulky remains to fall with increasing momentum before landing on the ground with a soft thud. Not a good result for anyone getting in the way.
At around 7 km into the walk, a quick look at my watch confirmed what my stomach was telling me – lunchtime. Coincidentally we came across what every bushwalker needs at this time – a handy log to sit on and rest weary legs. Fifteen minutes later, having enjoyed our home made rolls and cake we set off to cover the last section of the route illustrated on All Trails. After one missed turn and having to back track, we found ourselves on a narrow track that turned out to be for the sole use of mountain bikes. Imagine my surprise at being directed down a potentially risky path. Once off this track, I managed to navigate back to the car without further possible confrontations with angry bikers speeding towards or behind us.
Safely back at the car, a hot cup of tea managed to relax us before heading home after a very enjoyable walk. On returning, I had two most important jobs to do – pack a spare pair of socks and review the trail.
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