Author Archives: John Ball

Start:  Bemm River Cutoff Finish:  Cann River Distance: 25 Total:  288 Today’s walk was longer than average, and it has warmed up into the 80’s, but I was only carrying water and lunch in my pack so it wasn’t too bad. I’m also still nursing along my gimpy right foot problem.  I started the day … Continue reading »

Start:  Orbost Finish:  Bemm River Cutoff Distance: 24 Total:  263 Today’s walk took some extra planning and a lot of hustle.  The day started with a 4:15 AM wake-up. This was all necessary because today’s destination was a bus stop 24 miles from my starting place and the only bus for the day got to … Continue reading »

Start:  Nowa Nowa General Store Finish:  Orbost Distance:  23 Total:  239 Today was a straightforward trek with a light pack. It was complicated somewhat because I’ve developed a pain in the ball of my right foot. I think it’s only a blister, though I can’t really see a blister. Either that or it’s bruised from … Continue reading »

Start:  Lakes Entrance Finish:  Nowa Nowa Distance:  14 Total:  216 Today got off to a surprising start. Last night when I went to bed, the forecast was no chance of rain.  At 6:00 this morning I was awoken by big claps of thunder. I looked at the radar and a huge thunderstorm was about to … Continue reading »

Start:  Lakes Entrance Finish:  Lakes Entrance Distance:  0 Total:  202 Today I enjoyed my first day off since leaving Melbourne on New Year’s Eve. Like most day’s off, there are still things to get done.  I slept in until 8:00 which means I’m finally acclimated to being halfway around the world. I had a list … Continue reading »

Start:  Bairnsdale Finish:  Lakes Entrance Distance:  23 Total:  202 Today was a real grind for some reason. Some days your feet and legs just don’t have it and this was one of those. Lucky for me, after 12 days without a break, it’s my first day off tomorrow.  I got out the door at 7:30 … Continue reading »

Start:  Lindenow Cutoff Bus Stop Finish:  Bairnsdale Distance:  12 Total:  179 Today was an easy 12 mile stroll straight down Prince’s Highway into Bairnsdale. The weather was good and I had no issues.  The day got started with motel owner Danielle’s friend Jess picking me up as planned in front of my motel at 7:50. … Continue reading »

Start:  Stratford Finish:  Lindenow Cutoff Bus Stop Distance:  20 Total:  167 Today went just as planned; except not exactly. I’ll explain.  I woke up about 6:00 and as I always do first thing, I got on my phone and checked the weather. It said 10% chance of rain and cloudy all day. Perfect!  I laid … Continue reading »

Start:  Sale Finish:  Stratford Distance:  11 Total:  147 Today was a short 11 mile walk straight along Prince’s Highway as planned. And it’s a good thing it was only 11 miles because as forecast, it rained most of the way and the man-eating flies were out in full force.  I got away from The Matador … Continue reading »

Start:  Rosedale Finish:  Sale Distance:  17 Total:  136 After a decent nights rest at the Coach Lamp Motel in Rosedale, I woke up about 6:00 and glanced at the weather forecast for today’s route. Unlike last night when it said no chance of rain, now it said a 90% chance of rain at my destination … Continue reading »