great ocean walk
Contributed by Millie Salatenna & Anna Blasius
who guided the Great Ocean Walk trip in April 2009
We flew from the west of this big country wide to Victoria, the Garden state, on the other side Melbourne was there with markets and shops
But we wanted to see more on our hops
We hopped along down the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay, where we stayed in Angela's house
The next morning we walked and we walked and we walked
The Great Ocean Walk was where we walked and talked
Inland we trudged and admired the view
Blanket Bay was our object we told our friend Sue
There we were met by a nice fellow Shane, who took us to stay in his home down the lane
He shared this with Lizzie but she went away
And so we helped Shane with his chores of the day
We fed the Koalas whose mothers had died in the fires that ravaged the Victoria countryside
There was Hunter the brave and babies so cute
We fed them with goats milk - it was a hoot
Then Shane took us back, we continued our tour to Cape Otway Lighthouse which stood on the shore
Tall and commanding a view of the sea but that wasn't all we were amazed to see
We walked on the trail, our eyes trained up high to find what we never could see at home, why?
In Western Australia there are no Koala's in the wild, except those that live in the reserves
Here in Victoria we found fluffy bums, where they sit high in the tall waving gums
Echidna's were promised but of them we saw none
Snakes threatened lying out in the sun, but we walked seven days along the long trail
Not one was in sight to make us turn pale
So if you go to the Otways, the Apostles and all, Auswalk will guide you and show you it all, the falls, the beaches, the gorges and shipwrecks of old
They'll book all the beds and keep you out of the cold and send you home happy
We flew back to the West of holidays this was one of the best
Contributed by Alan Dow
who guided the Great Ocean Walk trip in April 2009
Rolling Poem
Hi they said,
I’m Al, he’s Greg.
We’re your guides so jump on board
Away we went.
Towards the coast
Soon came Lorne.
Refreshment for most
Nothing like a holiday with local boys.
Filled with options and many joys
We set off from Apollo Bay.
Greg & Alan led the way
Along secluded beaches
Through native coast
It’s hard to say what we enjoyed most
Not another sand-hill, not another beach
Bloody oath that lunch spot
Looks far out of reach
On the Ocean Walk there’s plenty of talk
Of life and conservation
But by far the best in any test
Was Greg & Alan’s conversation.
We have all enjoyed Great Ocean Walk
Especially with Greg & Alan’s walk & talk
Sometimes there was more talking than there was walking
To sop up our sweaty brows
Alan gave up milking cows,
Thank you for your company on the Great Ocean Walk
To give us your waterfall and fungi talk.
And to Greg for introducing us to the Denny Lair
Now known to us as Glenaire
Whether driving buses or cooking pancetta eggs
We are very grateful for our now well muscled legs.
Contributed by Alan Dow
who guided the Great Ocean Walk trip in April 2009
A great group of people came together to do the Great Ocean Walk and to have a good time.
So the best way I thought to highlight the individuals was to put it into rhyme.
From Tasmania, Peter and Mary are the only couple in our midst,
Peter’s an accountant, good with numbers for when he needs to tally up the grandkids.
But it was golfing that took them for the first week of their hols away from their home,
Then it was off for the lure of the track beside the Southern Ocean that they wanted to roam.
At Port Campbell several of us had a great swim; the water so clear you could see the sands.
As Mary is a swimming instructor, I felt we were certainly in good hands.
Kate is part Aussie, part English rolled into one,
Having you as our avid bird watcher has really been so much fun.
Although starting late, she has many walks around the world to her name;
Leaving your walking ‘family’ to visit your real family will not be the same.
Liz and Sue have known each other for a half a century or more,
For the past seven years they have shared a house in Sydney it’s for sure.
Now Liz has a few dietary problems – no gluten, no dairy and no red meat,
I hope we have provided for your needs adequately as well as combined with the odd little treat.
And Sue C was somewhat limited relating to the state of her back,
She rested when she had to, however, other times she was found on the Great Ocean Track.
More than fifty years in Australia, Bob’s accent is still rather strong;
Playing soccer and being a builder’s laborer, his working life was very long.
As the group’s ‘senior’ walker, you often set the pace;
You were nick-named the ‘Flying Scotsman’ – lucky it wasn't a race!
Di was up for a challenge coming all the way from the west,
Since retiring from nursing, taking up walking and cycling she has been truly blessed.
Now at 70 – a real inspiration – I don’t think anything could hold her back,
Together, with the Overland and Biblimum – she now can tick off as done;
- the Great Ocean Walking track.
Sue K and Jacqui both with medical backgrounds are really good friends;
Moving out from Sydney and living on the NSW central coast seems to be the trend.
To celebrate her half century milestone, Jacqui wanted to do something great;
Leaving hubby, kids and the dog to fend for themselves may have been testing fate.
Jacqui was an early casualty, falling over and scraping her knee;
But she has really enjoyed the walking; also shopping and the odd
Now the youngest in our midst would be Sue.
With recent back problems she wasn’t sure what she could do.
Options were given so she could see much of the coast without her running out of puff,
But her friends back home want her to come with them to do far more adventurous stuff.
Oliver over from New Zealand; the farmer extraordinaire;
We watched you take your photos of which the images you were so happy to share.
You were another who tackled the walk with no apparent fuss,
Helped out when he could, a pleasure to have you with us.
Now it was Margaret who was looking on the net,
A walking holiday for all her South Aussie golfing friends she wanted to get.
What a job you must have had to prise them from the ‘greens’, o'what you’ve seen.
Hopefully, you have had a great time going home telling the ones that missed out È
Margaret, this is just another ‘journey’ as you have travelled a bit in your time,
I just want to know with all your activities – when do you reach your prime?
Judi has her twenty acres with alpacas and sheep in the Adelaide hills,
I hope this coastal walk experience has given you plenty of thrills.
Good luck to the Crows as I know regarding the footy you’re so keen;
And maybe you may return to the Great Ocean Road cruising along in your MG machine.
Now Sue T enjoys her hols as it gets her out of the lab for a while,
The dog still needs looking after; so hubby just can’t come; that’s a convenient lifestyle.
You’ve been a consistent performer out on that long walking track,
The weather was just about perfect; and your enthusiasm it did not lack.
Anne also has had many adventures, even done the Kokoda Track when she was fit,
Now she has found herself doing the Great Ocean Walk; her preparation was lacking a bit.
Soon this experience will be over, then back at the Gym and playing golf that’s for sure,
Waiting for the next opportunity to arise... I can see you’ll be going back for more.
Anne and Lynne have something in common; sharing the same birthday – but ten years apart.
Now they share this adventure and of course golf – all this exercise is great for the heart.
Lynne is a great photographer; often seen her snapping away,
There will be lots of memories on this walk, special moments every day.
You didn’t want to brave the wind; London Bridge you did not see,
I believe you’re already over penguins for all of eternity.
Cindy from Mornington wanted the overall experience, realising her limits all along;
Her husband of forty four years; certainly was proudly encouraging her to go on.
One day she did some reading, another day a short stroll,
When she was with the group she was happy to travel at her pace at the back, that was her goal.
Lyndon and Janelle we have seen you a few times everyday;
But now we’ll welcome you onto our bus to take you down Melbourne way.
Sometimes you walked together, sometimes far apart where you couldn’t even talk,
We hope you have had a great time doing the Great Ocean Walk.
Until three weeks ago Greg you were an Auswalk virgin,
Now you have got two Guided Walks under your belt – the company has had a big win!
Both born and bred in the Otways – Greg on the lower coastal land, myself far above;
It has been our privilege to show you ‘our backyard’ that we really passionately love.
Contributed by Alan Dow
who guided the Great Ocean Walk trip in April 2009
Now Loris and Kris’ relationship extends,
Back to their school day – that makes them long term friends.
Over the years they have teamed up to do some fabulous stuff,
For example walks in New Zealand, Bay of Fires – I bet the Overland Track was tough.
Loris, from Melbourne, the only Victorian in our midst,
A regular walker can now claim the Great Ocean Walk she dids.
Now Chris had a bad morning, about her being late that started a fuss,
On the very next day guess who was by the far the very first one onto the bus?
An agricultural analyst, David is a public servant living with the Pollies, o' jollies.
Already done the Tropical Auswalk, he wanted to come down South for his bushwalking È
David enjoys the walking up the mountain near his home to keep fit,
Tennis is also a great past-time – quite competitive he would admit.
Now his shoes would be unroadworthy if they were tyres on a car, o' by far!
And how they were immortalized on camera in front of that Apostle,…one of the best shots È
For a fear of heights on top of the Lighthouse for David there was much apprehension; But the fact that he went outside his comfort zone and completed a circuit outside was reallyÊ
o' worth a mention.
Now Wendy was early setting a good pace;
But on a couple of occasions she came unstuck by tripping over her lace.
She’d done the Great Ocean Road before, but this time wanted to hike,
Recently refused the offer to travel the coast as pillion on her son’s motor bike.
Working at a Law Firm, she is contemplating retiring;
With Bungle Bungles, Wall of China already been done, I can’t see her ever tiring.
Dorothy, from Queensland, a regular walker in her club up that way,
With some health problems, she thinks she may have to give away walking, shame- she’s doing ok.
She battled along the Great Ocean Walk - a good effort I give her that.
Dorothy knew her limits, so she did what she could; and for that I take off my hat!
She recalled an embarrassing incident that made her lament,
That of the wayward leach that was causing havoc in her undergarment.
The youngest in the group, ‘Cyclone’ Tracy was her name,
After doing all the beaches on the Great Ocean Walk, Bondi will now seem quite tame.
Arthur, of Greek descent, loves his seafood you can see;
And as he overtook the leading ladies on the “Rollercoaster”, was he overheard saying Ê
o'Just try to catch me?”
From doing a stint in South Africa, Tracy and Arthur are back in Sydney for good it appears,
It has been great to see them enjoying the walk as a couple; having been together for eight years.
For Greg & I, it is a labour of love; this job is really special,
We both wish you all the very best and a safe trip home ….
… From Mr Heckle and Mr Jeckle.
Contributed by Alan Dow
who guided the Great Ocean Walk trip in April 2009
REFLECTIONS
In Melbourne you were all welcomed onto the AUSWALK Bus;
Heading for the Great Ocean Road, you chatted away without any fuss.
Finally making it to the lovely seaside town of Apollo Bay;
A two hour walk followed and then with fine dining it was a nice way to finish off the day.
It was warned distance-wise that it would be the longest distance today;
Walking entirely in the bush, we finally made it out to lunch at Blanket Bay.
Parker Inlet was idyllic; the coast walking was really grouse;
However, it was certainly a welcoming sight finally making it to the Cape Otway Lighthouse
There were many highlights on Day number three;
Rainbow Falls, Station Beach and the Aire River Estuary.
After lunch we waved as away Greg drove;
As all the walkers headed off along the Great Ocean Walk to Castle Cove.
Day Four started with a lovely walk in the bush siding ‘Denny’s Domain’;
Then through grass trees and along the Johanna Beach of surfing fame.
Up the Old Coach Road – the views of the valley were really great;
After passing by the scarecrow and free water and finishing at the Milinesia Fortress Gate.
Next day it was straight down to Milinesia where stone hut and remote beach, we did see;
Then we ascended to the saddle at Bowker Point – great view for morning tea.
The summit at Ryans Den was a lunch spot we all enjoyed,
And the ‘Roller Coaster’ certainly sorted out the Women and Men from the girls and boys.
Reaching Moonlight Heads, several struggled while others proved very able;
What a great effort to make it to the carpark of the ‘Gable’.
Day six started with the Gable’s Lookout – we were on the home straight;
Wreck Beach with its anchors and rock pools was just really great!
Travelling the Old Coach Road to lunch at Princetown was a bit of frustration;
At this stage we all were singly focused – the 12 Apostles was our destination.
With just short of 100 km, we needed to mark this occasion;
Out comes the soft drink and ice-creams – let’s have a little celebration.
The final cliff-top walk was nice, the lookouts at the 12 Apostles you did reach;
And for the final treat it was back to Gipson’s Steps to then stroll along that beach.
As far as the wildlife goes we saw Hooded Plovers, an owl, Sooty Terns, Black-swamp Wallabies and koalas galore;
A wayward witchety-grub, spiders, skinks, snakes and even more.
Mosquitoes, a leech, grasshoppers and the Gang Gang Cockatoos that seemed rather tame;
Then finishing off with ‘Edna’ the echidna and that Magpie who wanted his little bit of fame.
At 7.30 breakfast was rather early as there was always a big day ahead;
No-one could complain that we were not adequately fed.
Every evening we gathered to enjoy great food and fine wine;
With lively conversation – the company was just divine!!
Now we have reached the final day of your adventurous trip;
What an amazing place around Loch Ard Gorge and what about that Loch Ard ship?
The chocolates were G.O.R.G.E.ous – we tell you no lies!
Combined with the Apostle Whey Cheese –this is what we wanted to give you all as a surprise.
I hope you’ve enjoyed your lunch in this quaint Birregurra town;
Now full steam ahead via the new Geelong Ring Road; Melbourne bound.
For you all to have had a great experience, as guides it makes us really glad;
With faded memories, you will occasionally think back to the great week that you had.
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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