Overnight Hike at The Basin, West Head
Last weekend, despite ominous weather forecasts, our hiking group met fresh and early at the start of The Basin hike, West Head. The purpose of an overnight trip is to build endurance from our hiker’s legs, as well as figure out how much food and gear that we will need in Nepal.
We started with 5; myself, Deb, Di, Jade, and Dave, and headed off to complete a couple of hikes on the Western side of West Head Rd first. We did two hikes, the uneventful Challengers hike, and the more eventful and challenging Steel and Flint Beach hike. Both were short sojourns, but the latter was a steep, rocky, and spectacular walk. During this walk, apparently only 600 metres, we climbed over waist high rocks, stairs, squeezed between boulders, and ultimately broke Debs.
The day was hot and humid, making the trip along the tarmac back to the cars quite exhausting. It was in this state that we loaded up with about 15kg each, and walked a further 3km in the Basin to make camp.
We had plans to do some extra hiking once in the Basin, but everyone was too exhausted.
Jen and Barbara joined us later that afternoon. We explored the Basin campsite, and did a stretch together, before cooking an early dinner.
Barbara brought a tarp, which we used as a picnic blanket, and we shared Di’s port, tea, and (dark) chocolate before hitting the sack around 8pm.
Our neighbours were not particularly considerate, singing and drinking until 2am, so noone slept like a baby! However we were all up and at ’em by 630am in the morning. We may have “accidentally” dropped a couple of pans near our neighbours tents….
On our second day we dropped our gear off at the cars, then meandered along the coastline to finish in time for lunch at the peak of West Head. This we completed on weary legs, energised by the views and gorgeous surrounds. We had lunch on a rocky ledge, overlooking Pittwater. From here we followed a bush track part way home, the trudged along the road for the remainder. Whilst quick, it was boring and tiresome for our sore legs and feet.
Once we were in sight of the cars, noone could stop Deb’s from running, though! She was tucked up in her car and out of there before the last of us stumbled in!
We were fortunate to only have a small amount of rain overnight. Both days were pleasant and dry. The days were made better by the good company!
You can see our adventure on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z_EBdVExd1I
See you next year, team!
Clare
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