Day 6 - April 6th, 2010 - Neels Gap to Low Gap - 10.7 miles

'Miss Janet' cooked breakfast for all the hikers staying at the hostel. Scrambled egg and 'biscuit' with sausage gravy or if preferred, berry gravy. For any Aussies reading this journal, translate 'biscuit' to scone. And for future reference, Americans call biscuits 'cookies'. We learn to crumble the 'biscuit' and then ladle gravy on to it. After trying this, I decide that the biscuit is better eaten without the gravy.

Biscuit on the tray - Miss Janet preparing breakfast

We spend some time on the computer sending emails to Ro and Kieran, our farm managers, trying to help them chase down a water leak in the main line at home. We also send an email to Mike and Theresa letting them know when we expect to arrive in the next town for being able to arrange a new mobile phone to us.

It is a late start and a very long day. We seem to be finding our rhythym on the long climbs. And there are no blisters and no sore muscles today. We find ourselves walking with 'Turtle', a tall willowy hiker who is very fast. She keeps taking rests and waiting for us to catch up - she must feel sorry for us.

We descend to Low Gap - such a long descent and we know we have to climb back up, which is a buggar. There are already a large number of hikers camped here, so we choose a clearing set back up the hill from the main group. We share our campsite with 'Turtle', 'Girl in Sky' and Earl, a retired policeman. 'Girl in Sky' is able to make a mobile connection to the boyfriend who has promised to meet her at Damascus, which is still a month away, but it buoys her spirits and she is very excited. Her trail name comes from sleeping in a hammock. This is a much lighter solution than carrying a tent, and ideal for a tiny single female travelling independently.