great ocean walk

Contributed by Alan Dow
who guided the Great Ocean Walk trip in September 2007

AN ODE TO THE BUSHWALKERS WHO TACKLED
THE GREAT OCEAN WALK WITH AUSWALK

Queenslander Ken is rather a regular participant with AUSWALK.
He is so knowledgeable, a very interesting guy of which to talk.
I’m sure he has taken a photo of every square metre of coast.
Through his lens, he will probably claim to have seen the most.

Joyce is taking a break from ‘caring’ duties and her home town Adelaide
I think she is having a ball.
At 70 plus she’s done a lot of the walk;
A tremendous inspiration to us all.
We’ve learnt that rivers don’t phase her
No whinging, no wet feet’ blues.
Crossing the Johanna River she was the only one that kept on her walking shoes.

Now Adelaide Pat loves her birds, sometimes she tells us to hush.
As she tries to match the call with its owner, treecreepers, rosellas or shrike thrush.
She led the walk for a moment, within 20 metres she was heading the wrong way
And I forgot to mention she had left her backpack on the seat overlooking Johanna Bay.

Robert has walked the mountains of Nepal meeting again the lovely Wendy when he got back.
Now we see them both right here-down south-on this Great Ocean Track.
However, things haven’t gone fully to plan; sometimes that’s how it goes. Poor Wendy has suffered with sickness and Robert with those constantly aching toes.
Now Wendy can be the life of the party, probably leading Robert astray. As he’s so far away from his finches, somewhere between Nowra and Jervis Bay.

So Dr. Lorraine came over here for a conference, the timing of this eco-tour was amazingly good.
Her cycling in France was still far off, after considering this walking holiday - she said “maybe I should.”
I think she has marvelled at every vista around each and every new bend
With the experience of the ups and downs of her NZ home - she didn’t have trouble reaching the end.

Val and Stella have been long time friends, from Sydney they have comeTo join us all on the bushwalk, they needed to be steady as not to fall on their bum.
Stella left her husband back at home to venture down south where it’s much colder.
She would obviously done better if it wasn’t for her sore shoulder.
Val also fell apart - - - that of her walking boots I mean
And the resulting blister is certainly the biggest I have ever seen.

Jim was a forensic chemist, now retired from looking for ‘clues’.
But what fitness and stamina at 70, I give the man his dues.
Soon back to Sydney, a daughter to welcome you home
And with this iconic walk now under your belt how much longer before you next set off to roam.

Robyn from Maryborough, Queensland, a gardening enthusiast I know
But certainly the Great Ocean Walk is too harsh an environment for tulips to grow.
Now this hike has been a challenge, not all you were able to do. However, you’re love of walking will continue and many more places you will certainly get to.

Now Bev hails from Atherton and works with a technical support team. Already done the Great Ocean Road long ago; Twelve Apostles she’s already seen.
Soon this experience will be over, having seen many a grand sight.
And next she’s off with her son, destination this time is Bright.

Now Helena has had a few recent life changes, for her this trip was so much in need.
You could see she excelled in the elements, New Zealanders are certainly a hardy breed
This walk you have conquered, but a little perplexed at the end
As there was no congratulatory sign, no fanfare or certificate for a finale you’ll just have to pretend!!!

Roy and Betty from Cootamundra, as nice a couple to meet.
No more electronics, computers and bookkeeping - retirement you just can’t beat.
As a duo they’re inspirational, for them I think the Great Ocean Walk was just a ‘walk
If it wasn’t for the great accommodation and fine food in the park
They would keep walking into the dark.

Now Phil, tour operator and eco guide extraordinaire
With Auswalk's attention to detail I think that you should take a bow if you dare.
Cos you’re brought this group together, moulding it with your special touch.
With the experiences we’ve gained from this journey, we all want to thank you ever so much.

And as for me who has come from local pioneering stock
Gladly showing you my backyard of Forrest and bays.
I think you’re picked up on my passion -yes I do love my Otways!!!
With Monica out of action, I really had big shoes to fill.
As my first guiding with Auswalk, I was ably instructed by Phil. 
 

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