We walk seven kilometres through the Enchanted Forest to Cape Nelson Lighthouse, visiting Mallee Camp along the way. Eyebrows are raised at the austere campsite. A small shelter, a drop toilet, a water tank, several flat sandy pads for tents and not much else adorns the campsite. We’re not camping on the Great South West Walk and my new walking companions are pleased. Their reactions and mine were distinctly different, signals of walking styles. I’m probably the only pack walker who would carry a tent. It’s our first day on the Aussie Camino, walking with Raw Travel. So much in one day. Most of us started in the dark to meet outside the National Gallery of Victoria, the NGV. Two friends flew in from Canberra. A couple came from northern NSW. We stopped near Geelong where another couple of friends joined the bus, then again at Port Fairy a couple from Gippsland joined us. Our first walk was an opportunity to stretch our legs after the bus ride and to meet each other, but I wondered that our guide and leader is taking the opportunity to check us out too. Our clothing tells a little of our walking experience. Our friendly bus driver meets us at the lighthouse, ready to whisk us away to the luxury of a hotel in Portland.
