22 April: Mount Hallowell and Denmark

 I had a weird night - I was attacked by so many mozzies that I gave up at just after 7pm, turned off all the lights including my eReader and pulled my sleeping bag liner over my head. By 1am, I was completely awake (the rats rustling around didn’t help either). My legs were itchy and i was actually pretty hot and just couldn’t go back to sleep, so I ended up finishing my book and then went back to sleep eventually. I still got plenty of sleep- and I find waking up and being awake in the middle of the night not as troubling as I would at home. And speaking to other hikers, most people seem to experience the same - sleep for 4 or 5 hours (from 7pm), then awake for an hour or two in the middle of the night, then back to sleep until 5am. 

When I woke up, I realised that I actually had a rash on my legs which would explain the itchiness. I’ll get some antihistamines from the pharmacy in Denmark. It looks like I?m allergic to something.  It’s weird though as I?ve been wearing gators the whole time. Maybe it’s the fact that I haven’t shaved my legs in a month ?? 😂

The day started a little grey and overcast, but no more rain. I walked along some beaches and coast line and eventually started making my way up the Sheila Hill Memorial walk up Mt Hallowell. I stopped at Monkey Rock and then had a snack at the top. The rock formations are very impressive and the views around were awesome. 

I got a little lost on the overgrown path on the way down and something caught on my pack. I later discovered that I lost one of my thongs  that were in the outside pocket of my pack - probably happened then. 

Oh, and I came across these bones (foot for comparison) - I am sure this animal fell victim to the spiders I have been talking about! 

Back down from Mt Hallowell, I had another 7km into town. From past experience I thought it might be a lot of road walking, but it was actually quite pleasant along the inlet and on walking trails- if I hadn’t been soooooo hungry...

 I got into Denmark just after 1pm (so way after lunchtime if you started your day at 5am!) and found the Blue Wren Hostel I had booked a room at. As there was no one around and reception closed, I just dumped my backpack and went back out in search of lunch. Ben who I met 2 days ago at Parry beach had recommended the local bakery over the touristy one - which was a great choice as they had not only meat pies but also Ban Mih! 

I then went on in search of new thongs - as I really need something apart from my hiking shoes to give my feet a break and some fresh air when I?m not on the trail and one thong is just not enough ;-) The local “department store” had only fancy ones with glitter on them in the $40 range - not exactly what I was after. So I ended up buying a men’s model that is about twice as wide as my feet, but was only $11 and a lot lighter than the glittery ones with a heel! 

Back at the hostel, there was still no one in sight, so I called the number provided and the owner explained which room was mine - given all the doors were open, I just checked myself in and showered (and shaved my legs!!!) (the rash didn?t go away though - so not allergic to long hair!) and did my laundry. I met 2 other hikers, Rosie and Greg from Mt Martha in Victoria who told me that they were chest deep in the water when crossing Torbay inlet 2 days ago (and this was Greg who was over 6ft!) (Rosie just floated...). Ooops. 

Which got me to my next logistical challenge - there are a number of ways to continue from Denmark:

 1. the official track includes an inlet crossing via boat. But the boat is no longer running (different people gave different reasons - tge guy running the boat retired, the inlet is too shallow, it's currently out of season...). 

2. walk the 7km back out of town and then cross a channel on foot (preferably at low tide). This option is described as "very overgrown and very snakey" and low tide wont be until tomorrow afternoon. 

 3. Walk along the road for 20+km. 

4. Find a taxi or a shuttle service to take you to where the track meets the road again. I'm not sure how many taxis there are in Denmark and the owner of the hostel who usually offers shuttle services was out of town. 

After considering both option 2 and 3, it turned out that the Chinese backpacker looking after the hostel  had a car and was willing to take me for $50. 

Solution found. 

I spent the evening chatting to Rosie and Greg over take away fish & chips from the local shop that batters whatever was caught that day which was cod. Hot and greasy and delicious with a cider that i bought at the local bottle shop as my fish was frying.