Day 1

Everything was already packed neatly. All that was left was to boil a few eggs, make some sandwiches, tuck in some snacks, and I would be ready to go. Before leaving, I sent Anthony all my details – my itinerary, my car plate number, my emergency contact back home, even a photo of my full face. These were small precautions, but they made him feel better. He asked for it because he wants to look out for me and make sure I’m okay out in the woods by myself, and I truly appreciate that.

I’ve been waiting for this trip for a long time. Study, field placement, and work have taken up so much of my time and energy these past few months, not to mention all the other pressures of life.

My original plan was to park at Binna Burra, hike all the way to O’Reilly’s, and camp there for two nights before returning. But I had to change the plan when I realised I’d forgotten my phone charger. The only way to charge my phone was from my car. And I wasn’t entirely sure about my new boots either. This would be the first time wearing them, and testing them on a multi-day hike didn’t feel wise.

So I decided to camp at Binna Burra and explore the area instead.

I arrived around noon, after stopping at a few places to pick up last-minute things. The day was warm and bright. After checking in, I set up my tent, filled my water bladder, and headed onto the trail. Today I would hike the Daves Creek Circuit – only about 12 km, but enough to stretch my legs and clear my mind. It felt good, almost sacred, to be back with the mountains after so long…

For a Wednesday, the trail was surprisingly busy, especially along the Border Track bit. I followed the signs and made my way up the trail. The new boots fit perfectly. I’ve never tried trail runners before; people always recommend them. Maybe I should invest in a pair, especially since I do want to run on trails eventually.

A gentle breeze brushed against my skin. Birds were singing. The dry leaves crunched under my steps. The trail itself was fairly dry, the air was warm… which means less chance of leeches and more chance of snakes. I encountered 2 snakes today, one was a python bathing in the sun on the footbath near Binna Burra Lodge, the other was probably a red belly black one on the trail – he hid away as soon as I came closer.

The views on Daves Creek were incredible, especially as I reached higher ground. It might just make it onto my list of favourite hikes in Queensland. Some trails were still closed due to the last cyclone. I stopped at a lookout for a simple lunch before making my way back. The hike took longer than planned. That’s often the case when nature slows me down. Plus, I’m never a fast walker or hiker. I’m not interested in rushing to the summit or finishing the trail as quickly as possible. I enjoy my hikes – my solitude, the views, the creatures I meet along the way. I walk at my own pace, and perhaps that’s why I love hiking alone. It gives me a sense of freedom and peace that I can’t find anywhere else.

It had been a long time since my last proper hike, and today I wanted to absorb everything. I hugged trees. I touched moss. I talked to flowers and insects. I sang my favorite songs to the mountains. I savoured the scent of freshness and the earthiness of green forests around me. At one point, a couple walked past while I was mid-conversation with the universe. They smiled. Perhaps they thought I was a little strange. I smiled back. Out here, I didn’t mind being exactly that.

(To be continued)