Denmark trips 2009
We had 3 trips based at Denmark this year. The first one, an Albany to Denmark, in mid October, comprised mostly people from the east coast. And they were treated to some very unusual Denmark weather. It was hot! I had 3 swims that week,one of which was at Mutton Bird Island beach, something I have never done before! The “easterners” were of cousre very impressed by the wildflowers and I do believe, some of the local wine! And hats off to Patrick, Liz, Brendan and Kaye who joined us for the weekly dance class!
The second Albany to Denmark trip was huge- 16 walkers. Included were the girls referred to as “the farmers”, though I’ve never known farmers to be so addicted to coffee shops! However, their 6am yoga sessions were very impressive, so the coffee must do something! And what about the headstand on the coast? Also on this coast was Patrick’s friend Kate, who was enjoying her first ever trip to Australia from Austria. We had a lovely mix of “newies and “oldies” on this trip and Bob managed to keep them all in line. This week we walked into Mutton Bird Island road, totally drenched- was this really the same location where the week before I’d cooled off in the ocean?
The final trip was Walpole to Denmark. Gisela guided this one and again we had a mix of old and new. Erin, the farmer, brought along a collection of her friends. We were a little concerned to discover that one was a ‘celestial transportation expert”- was he touting for business?? The mix of the Tingle Forest with the coast makes this a great walk, but the culmination is always the last day- the hike over Mt Halliwell. The group had a perfect day for this, and the views were spectacular. Almost as impressive as Rod, who did the entire walk with a broken collarbone and never missed a beat, nor tripped once! (Disclaimer: he arrived with the bone already broken!).
For photos click here
Thanks to everyone who made the 2009 season a great success, especially my team of Alf, Di, Gisela, Bob and Steve.
Cape to Cape October 2009
Day 1
We were a group of 10 happy hikers and one enthusiastic guide, as we embarked on our 135 kilometre journey in good spirits and under sunny skies. After sharing the fascinating history of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, where I also work as a tour guide, we gradually watched it fade away in the distance as we made our way past Sugarloaf and along the limestone ridges to Yallingup. Everyone was keen to get to know each other on our first day and thus there were lots of interesting conversations took place as we hiked along. We soon discovered a shared interest in orchids and whales, which were spotted numerous times on this day.
Nearing Yallingup, which I call home with my husband, Simon, the group was interested to see the stone cottages where we lived, so after a section along the beach, we took a short detour to have a look at my home and the stain glass windows. Alf was happily waiting for us and we headed back to Augusta to hot showers at Sheoak Chalets. Di provided us with a warm welcome and never ending feasts of delicious and healthy meals each night, along with treats for on the track as well, so we were well looked after for the entire trek. [Read more]
Cape to Cape Diary-Neal Bennet
Neal walked the Cape to Cape with Inspiration Outdoors in October 2006. He came back in 2008 and walked both Albany to Denmark and Walpole to Denmark. And in February 2009 he’s joining us in New Zealand. He’s sent me his diary for the Cape to Cape, it’s a great record and anyone contemplating the walk should have a read. Thanks Neal.
Neal Bennet’s Cape to Cape Diary
Cape to Cape October 1-8 2008
Thanks to Dawn Green, the trip leader, for the following blog:
It was a day of firsts: the first day of October, the first day of the Cape to Cape track and the first time meeting our fellow hikers for the amazing journey we would share together. We were all eager to touch the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse which marked the commencement of the 135 kilometres of cliffs, beaches and forests that awaited us over the next seven days. A whale was spotted far off the coast within the first hour after leaving Cape Naturaliste as we hiked to Yallingup, which lifted our spirits and we would continually stop along the way, gazing out to sea in the hopes of spotting another in amongst the waves. Alas, it would not be until the very last day, at the end of our journey, where we would once again see whales frolicking in the ocean waters but that was not for lack of trying! More than once we tried to tell each other we had seen a whale, only to discover it was a cleverly disguised rock! Alf met us for lunch one day and also told tales of the whale watching he had done before we had arrived. It was a whale of a tale, I reckon. [Read more]
Walpole to Denmark 2010
This part of the track takes in both the majestic tingle forest as well as long deserted beaches, magnificent bays, and spectacular coastal cliffs. More challenging than Albany to Denmark, this 125km stretch includes some stiff climbs, undulating dunes and sandy beaches. You’ll also experience the wonderful Frankland River, Rame Head and Boat Harbour. Worth the effort! A 9 day trip with 7 days walking.
Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin 2010
Destined to become one of the great walks of the world, the Cape to Cape track meanders from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. Enjoy spectacular cliff top hiking, deserted beaches and magnificent karri trees. This is a challenging walk, made very achievable by carrying only a day pack and returning to comfortable accommodation and great meals every evening.
In spring the wildflowers will astound you, with the hillsides ablaze with purple scaevola and pink pimelia. The sandy patches will reveal an amazing variety of orchids. There is also a chance of seeing whales at this time of year. Dolphins are often sighted surfing the waves, along with the board riders. This is an 8 day trip, with 7 days of walking. Each night walkers return to the same chalet accommodation on the outskirts of Augusta., where you’ll enjoy hot showers, a comfortable bed and great food. The total distance is 135km, or approx 
20km/day. There is a lot of sand and beach walking and a good level of fitness is required, with preparation recommended.
Dates:
2nd-9th October 2010
Pricing: AUD$2200 per person
Includes:
Includes all accommodation, transport, meals and guiding. Transport to and from Perth is available at no additional cost.
