Much variety in vegetation today. Low swampy areas that require wading through add to the challenge. Bite the bullet and plough through boots and all is my advice. Lake Maringup campsite is situated amongst the karri trees overlooking Lake Maringup of course. The lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the south west. The main landmark today is the crossing of Chesapeake Road at the approximate half way mark.

Oooh, how I love large puddles to wade through. The blessed foot-washing sacrament lives on, brothers.

Left Gardner early at 7 am, arriving in Lake Maringup at 11am. Nice walk in spite of drizzle. I like swampy bushy sections and felt like a "Harry Butler in the Wild" [Editor's note - 70s Aussie TV documentary with bushman character].

Arriving so early, I would have considered pressing on, if not for the sensational lake and wonderful companions Hermon and Anneke. We have shared huts since Donnelly River, which was 10 days ago. I call them Ma and Pa as 10 days in the bush seems like a lifetime. Hermon found a large dead spider which I will use (its legs) for bait. Still chasing that elusive first fish. Big day tomorrow, 24.5 kilometres, but feels like today was a rest day. Burnt holes in my socks drying them over the fire. Down to 1 pair. 5 days of swampy walking until Walpole and the rain is, yet again, hissing down.

Have now survived 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness.