Peter King walking for First Steps Count Child and Community Centre
Update
15 Feb 2023
DAY 7
Up early and left The Entrance North caravan park heading south about 6.00am. After crossing the bridge I found it tough to get moving but soon got into the rhythm of pain.
Through the Entrance (not much of a town) then Bateau Bay (just a region) and then up a long slope with no walkways. My Hoka soft shoes began to slip in the edges of the road tarmac as I tired. I resolve next time I’ll take boots with a hard sole.
After about 3 hours and 19560 steps I arrived at our breakfast rendezvous at Wamberal near the Pacific Ocean. Wamberal is another of the extraordinary waterways along this part of the coast. Water water everywhere!
Breakfast a la John by the VW was 3 slices of toast with lashings of honey or marmalade and tea.
Then I began walking towards Terrigal which was a fun walk past well stocked shops and exotic houses and up a very steep roadway to George’s Fruit Barn. I arrived at George’s Fruit Barn at the top of Terrigal in under an hour although sweating. I had expected it to take 2 hours. I then headed for Kincumber with more hill climbs.
None of the roads I was on had pathways for walkers. My right sole began to feel sore for the first time on the trip because I was leaning away from the road surface. Then in chasing the safest pathways I was nearly run over for a second time.
We met up for lunch well past Kincumber which was a sandwich and tea. I decided to delay the assault on Umina until 4pm in the cool of the day the rain having disappeared and had a rest falling asleep.
Then I began walking into Umina but I took a wrong turn over a bridge and ended up in the middle of St Huberts Island somewhere in faraway Brisbane Water. I rang John to save me. Luckily he had not unloaded at Umina so came and saved me from myself and took me into the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. Space 307. By the Ettalong creek with heaps of mossies. We had a welcoming beer. All in all a top days walking if difficult at times. I had a long shower and a shave for the first one in 5 days.
I also spoke to Phoebe about communications and the reception at Bondi Icebergs - with Aldy helping. Archie called in to say the on line comments were going really well and that he would walk the last leg with me. John cooked some chicken breast on the camp bbq then a lot of chatter and off to bed about 9pm.
I will now arrive at Watsons Bay on Friday 17 February at about noon and be leaving the Park outside the famous Hotel at 1.15pm to walk the last leg to Bondi Beach.
If you are available, please join me at the Park on Friday for 1.00pm ready to walk the last leg together.
Then, arriving at 3.00pm at the Icebergs Club at Bondi Beach, please join us for a finish line reception! We have set aside a pleasant room for us to celebrate getting to the finish line and successfully - thanks to you - supporting First Steps Count of Taree and disadvantaged youth in the Manning Valley.
I hope you can join me for one or both of these occasions and once again sincerely thank you for your support.
Photos and updates can be found at my Twitter @PEK_1952
With best wishes,
Peter
Update
15 Feb 2023
Day 6
Up just before the alarm at 5am and check my gear for the day. I remembered John said as I got into bed your clothes are off. They sure stank. They needed a wash. I then got my cleanest dirty Patagonia shirt out my best walkers and two pairs of special walking socks. Then woke John for weat bix and tea, loaded up the waist belt with shades, a few stale jelly beans and two bottles one each of water and Gatorade. John gingerly cut off with small scissors old bandages, cotton wool and plaster that had come loose or torn away from blisters on each foot. Then on with two layers of socks and boots and off. I get up steadied myself, tried to walk but I could not ; my body would not move. Finally after urging myself forward I hobbled very unsteadily like a drunk for about 5 minutes then started to walk more evenly. I was under way starting the first 3 hour stint. But I had not anticipated rain - and did not put the rain jacket on.
Out of the caravan park I walked then onto the pacific highway and I crossed from Blacksmiths into Swansea across the bar of Lake Macquarie and began to climb. I had thought the whole area was flat. No way. Initially I was in some pleasant woods of paperbark gums called Swansea Woods. I could even hear bell birds between the early roar of tyres and engines against the road. I thought of Adam Lindsay Gordon’s poem the Bellbirds. How different! Same birds very different setting. Then I climbed my first hill. No fun as the rain began to fall lightly. However one hill came and went then there was another. I ran into a Coles driver a huge man at the top of the next and asked him why he had stopped. Big hill he said , I’m checking the vehicle; then he said what are you doing? I’m walking to Bondi. Good luck he said and then You go first! He plainly thought I was a bit unusual and looked at me again he then drove off.
That was the fourth hill. Then another. I counted 16 in all. I would climb one hill thinking now we’re going to go down to the coast, and then I had to climb another. No pathway, just me competing with the traffic that was beginning to get thick in the rain. Not good.
There was also a complication. I had been rung the night before and had agreed to do a radio Interview on the road for the ABC with James Valentine who starts at 5.00am - at any time during his show but probably 7.00am. I kept the phone handy but nothing happened then or later. So much for that. I had prepared for the interview so was pieced - local conservation and heritage issues at home in Sydney’s east about Strickland House.
I kept plugging away until I finally reached a place called Murray beach. However I was in the mountains. John had stopped for breakfast at the next arranged meeting location called Granamy Bay near Munmorah Lake - I then arrived to John’s special he announced which he had never cooked - scrambled eggs on toast, tea and marmalade. A real breakfast at last. I changed out of my wet clothes into another challenging outfit from the fabulous outfitters Patagonia.
After 2 hours I got up, but again could not move. I sat down, got up then struggled out of the camp moving slowly towards Toukley and eventually Norah Head. We planned to stop for lunch near the famous landmark and lighthouse. Off again. This time with the parker on. Then it began to rain and I felt wet and miserable. It soon began to rain heavily as I approach the route towards Toukley along the meagre Elizabeth bay trail - but soon the trail was waterlogged and impassable.
I double back hurriedly into a nearby caravan park but I was locked in. I could jump the fence to get out; or I could have gone back up the trail. No way. So I scramble over the locked gate in my wet gear nearly strangling myself losing everything and walk to the nearest Main Street Elizabeth bay drive. That takes me through lake Munmorah almost to the sea. Exhausted I stop in at Matt’s Diner for my first coffee of the whole tour. So I tell myself! I settle in - Matt’s Diner is Classic Aussie - Lolly Bar, ice cream parlour, kitchen making huge Aussie burgers and a Juke box playing the Everly Bros and Elvis non stop. Chips and gravy seems the local special.
Time to go. I head off for the luncheon liaison at Norah Head in light rain until I arrive where John gets the ice out for the feet and back to my one sandwich on brown bread. It’s rations again. I open my messages on the phone my constant companion and read my brother in law Virija’s poem he sends me to keep my spirits up - over lunch to John. Terrible he said. I loved it. Several members of the family send encouraging posts. I suspect they think I’m about to give up. I should, but no. A cuppa and a rest and it’s time to go.
Next stop The Entrance North and the Two Shores Holiday Village. Our space is No 75. John gets our access codes for bathrooms, showers, and the pool. John produces his grand bite of the day local fish (hake) and chips, very soggy. We consume greedily the fish, leave the chips and after a chat about the science of happy feet and what footballers like Angus and soldiers like Sam know on the topic and get ready for an early bed.
The finish line is in sight!!
More pictures and updates at my Twitter @PEK_1952
Peter
Update
15 Feb 2023
Day 5
Up early miss the first Stockton ferry at 5.40am but catch the second at 6.10am. To do so I had to jump a high fence as the gateway out was locked! Survived just, then rush to the ferry.
Arrived in Newcastle a great Aussie city with a long history. Amazingly I discover that in 1824 just 36 years after the settling Sydney was founded, the SACoy built a bridge across the Hunter River along the path my ferry went today. The City has old and new. Sleek trams that buzz and fabulous old cathedrals of yesteryear.
The aroma of coffee from the smart cafes near the wharf draws me in and I stop and sniff longingly outside a very busy Greek style cafe; the temptation to stop is almost overwhelming but I fear if I do I may end the trip, and resist and press on. My feet however so far are happier today and the going is smooth at least at the start.
Back on pacific highway and the roar of tyres and engines and rush of wind I begin to feel like Ned Brockmann who has done a great YouTube describing his PTSD from the passing B Doubles- except in his case it was road trains with 4 or 5 trailers crashing past him on remote roads.
After climbing hills for an hour and a half alongside the Pacific Highway I get to Adamstown. The highway builders made no provision for bicycles or walkers. Surely we can do better at least in city areas.
Then it is our first stop: at the home of my niece Lucy Novak at Adamstown Heights. Nick works as a supervisor in a big business in town and John and I find Lucy and her baby Audrey at home. Their house is on the verge of a State forest and is friendly and beautiful. Lucy provides us a welcome tea with biscuits the first of our trip. A real luxury. We catch up on all the family news - at Walcha and Sydney and then make way again.
I walk through Charlestown, very unlike Charleston USA, then into Belmont. The leg seems to go on forever. Eventually I find John who is a harder taskmaster than Al! Not too many rests mate. Drink your water mate. Carry enough!
It started to rain and I took shelter in a muffler service centre. After the rain finished we had lunch on the side of the road in the VW near Belmont; I am almost run over in full view of John by a vehicle turning into the side road who then gave me a loud hoot on the horn. I jumped for dear life. After changing out of the wet clothes I had my first protein lunch of ham and tomato on fresh bread was very welcome almost a revolution for my body given the last week.
Getting started after lunch was a monumental effort. I count to 3 about 10 times! On the last count I heaved myself on to my sore feet and hobbled off. Don’t watch! I shouted. After a while things settle down and I get going. It’s about 3pm.
Schools out at Belmont - the next Aussie generation on show. They impressed me - great kids/ top parents.
The walk to Swansea was challenging mainly because I could not find my determination or inspiration to keep going. It was just down to one foot in front of the other, then the next! I got annoyed that between Newcastle and Swansea there are only a few kms towards Anna bay and at south Belmont where there is a path for walkers or any sort of walkway. Then I run out of puff / I want to stop and I’m almost there!
I can see the end at Blacksmiths the suburb on this side of the Lake where our camping ground is located, but it seemed to be getting no nearer for hours. I thought of the Bob Dylan line: I feel like I’m moving but I’m standing still. The monotony of the effort meant this was so far the hardest day to finish - and it was only 27 kms or 38080 steps.
I finally arrive at Lake Macquarie Holiday Park, go for a swim and settle down for a beer with John. I fell into bed early at 8pm.
Hope you’re all keeping well and enjoying the updates. More pictures at my Twitter @PEK_1952
Still walking…
Peter
Update
13 Feb 2023
Day 4 - Sunday 12 February
Its Sunday and the Nelson’s Bay ferry does not leave Tea Gardens on the northern side of Port Stephen’s until 10.00am. I sleep in. 10 hours sleep is just what the body ordered. At 8 I get up check my messages and begin to study carefully Sam Whitfield’s SMS about my blisters. I sent him 3 views of the vicious looking big toe. His verdict. Do not open or prick the blister. Let it be. But tape it with special flexible tape, which luckily I had with me. I called Sam. He said you are using wool? I said Aldy recommended wool and friars balsam as the SAS warrior cure for blisters. Never heard of it said Sam. Righto, says Al, we’ll tape it like Sam says in his photos.
Said goodbye to Al my old mate for his fabulous assistance and help.
Terrific ferry ride across port Stephen’s to Nelson’s Bay arriving just after 11. I stretch out - feeling sore. Not sure I am up to this today. A steep hill to start out of the township does not help. However I find the pathway along Stockton street to Anna Bay which is suddenly lovely and wide and passes through green bushland. The pathway soon runs out and I’m back to competing with the traffic for enough room to walk. Well not competing because I move off the road each time. The sides are often rough and make walking harder. At least on my feet!
I finally arrive at Jessie’s Corner past Anna Bay at 1.30pm and Al has not arrived. I call him and he soon finds the spot. Another sultana sandwich plus a cuppa for lunch. Strangely I did not want more.
John was due to arrive for the changeover at 3pm but was running a little late from his morning golf game in sydney.
I left Al again with many thanks and then walked to the Easement trail. This was a shocker. Hot. Sandy. Rocky. One climb was up a steep hill of sand. Arrived at the end exhausted. Called John. Then fell sound asleep in the grass until John woke me.
After a break and the pain of getting moving the last part into Stockton was a breeze. The magnificent Stockton bridge high enough for large bulk carriers and tankers and more than 2kms long. Then along the sea wall to the Stockton caravan park. On Sunday evening a couple of local bands were playing at the bowls and a pub. Good head banging stuff. Just what I needed.
Arrived to find John my dear friend at the entrance and we quickly got to our spot (no. 178) and after using the facility (no. 1487) settled down for a very welcome beer.
After a shower and takeaway pizza I collapsed into the bunk about 9pm ready for a good nights sleep ahead of Day 5.
Update
11 Feb 2023
Day 3
I woke early at 4.50am and dress my feet with cotton wool and friars balsam and put on a second pair of socks underneath my walking socks. Now I feel the folk at First Steps Count in Taree knew something when they wrote on the big farewell cake ‘Pete’s happy feet’. Not happy today.
I wake Al. We have a breakfast first today - of we weet-bix and then drive just outside Seal Rocks to the start of the day’s walk— 20 kms of walking trail described on Google maps as ‘Seal Rocks Hawks Nest Road’ however it is more a trail than a road and sometimes not even that. And when the sun rose I saw a large black snake and then a huge goanna on the pathway. I got a big stick and started beating the roadway rocks to frighten away the snakes. Several darted off from the path into the bush. I made a mental note to stay on the beaten track next time although I acknowledged John’s care in prepping the route. And driving it before we set off.
I did not stop for a break after the big black snake incident, but kept walking for 5 hours. By 11am the heat was intense . What has happened to the the weatherman’s prediction of overcast rainy days?! I arrived at the end of this adventure to see Al and the VW on Mungo Brush Drive adjacent to Myall Lake. Exhausted I collapsed into the van.
My feet were far from happy. We drive to the nearest camping ground to revive and the final assault on the day along the tarred but thankfully smooth road to Hawks Nest.
In Hawks Nest we first check the ferry times for Sunday then go for a swim in the Ocean ( not as much fun as Seal Rocks - too choppy ) and then head - thankfully / to Al’s holiday home in Hawks Nest for a meal. Al barbecues chicken corn and an onion; a few well earned beers then a real bed.
Update
10 Feb 2023
Day 2
Well we were up early at 4.50am for a 5.00am start, with the plan being to walk 3 hours and then have breakfast.
A long trek out of the fishing town of Forster relieved only by an interview with Anthony Zanos 2RE disc jockey at Taree asking me about the launch of the First Steps Count Child and Community Centre yesterday.
Then after 2.5 hours I had my first blister attack - on the side of each little toe I think caused by me moving to the side of the road to avoid vehicles. Pain shot through the foot - so I applied the SAS solution Aldy’s friend Sam Whitfeld taught me - wrap the developing wound in wool and apply friars balsam! However for broken blisters I needed bandages which I had.
Al and I eat breakfast (Weet-bix) and with an hours break then back on the road. Instead of walking on down Lakes Way, Al suggested I walked 7 mile beach to the end for another break.
On John Clayton’s map the next route was over Bootie Bootie Hill to Elizabeth Beach, however the hill looked like a mountain and a thought my feet could not do. Instead a National Parks ranger recommended I walk the Lake Trail back to the main road. A bit rocky and more blisters!
We then had lunch near Blueys Beach. Lunch was a sultana sandwich on brown bread. Then back on the road to Bungwahl an old dairy farming village just west of Seal Rocks.
At Bungwahl by the old dairy farms I felt the gums and wattles whistle in the wind.
The birds in support with beautiful calls were everywhere, the sound broken only by another very fast car rushing past. I got into a Lawsonesque mood, until in the heat I felt dizzy, and had to stop. Eventually I caught up to Al and followed him to Seal Rocks. We had a swim on the beach and I rested my tawdry feet. Then a barbecue of chops and rest, ready for Day 3!
Thank you again for the well wishes and messages of support.
Peter
Update
09 Feb 2023
We’re up early at Mulberry Farm to prepare and we’re full of anticipation. We check our provisions and gear and head to the First Steps Child and Community Centre.
Bianca from Channel 7 pops a few questions; How many days will you be on the road? I say 7 or 8 and if I need a recovery day 9 days! How much do you want to raise for First Steps Count? $1 cent for every 500000 steps or $5000; but we have already raised $20,000 so I am very grateful to the community for its fabulous support. It’s really such a great cause. I encourage the community to continue donating as they can.
Jeremy the new president of FSC says a few words and launches the walkathon.
Finally I cut the cake with two local kids Murray and Matilda and then took the first step of the journey with these great kids. We walk to the corner of Myall Avenue and we are on our way. At last.
Through Taree over the Manning River on to the highway and the sun is hot. I’m sweating profusely. I’ve lost Al. He has lost me. Our phones are not working. I need my luminous jacket for safety. Soon a car stops to see if I am safe or need a lift to Forster. Too right but no thanks I’m walking!
The rush of cars behind me
The roar of trucks that speed
The road beneath my feet
The madness that men need
We leave the mad expressway and walk towards Forster. I’ve walked 19 kms in 3 hours. Al finds me. Except without tucker being the sandwiches Fiona left behind. I lie down and immediately sleep. Al buys another sandwich, we eat and I get walking again.
It’s a hard slog to Forster now 20kms but I eventually arrive. The road is narrow and there is a lot of traffic. I trip in the grassy verge. I right myself and keep going.
Fiona and Ian then catch us up and deliver the provisions we left behind. After fish and chips on Lake Wallis we settle in at the Forster caravan park, and get ready for another day.
I'd be grateful if you could share my fundraising page with your family and friends, as any donation big or small will really help First Steps Count.
https://www.mycause.com.au/page/294582/peter-king-walking-for-first-steps-count
Photos and updates can be found via my Twitter @PEK_1952
Peter.
Update
08 Feb 2023
Day - 1
The tension is building as I say goodbye to home and family - to Uber across to Alistair‘s place in Hunters Hill.
Al Lee the very reliable driver, engineer and retired businessman- is well prepared with bags ready to go. We say farewell to his wife Helen and we’re on our way. As we near Taree the air of expectation means Sydney is a dream away. Off to Coles to stock up (weatbix, bread, spreads and dried fruits) then to Volkswagen on Victoria Street.
As we drive in we catch sight of the wonderful Nick Brooks who runs the business in partnership with the masterful Andrew Miedecke. Andrew and Nick have given fabulous support to our cause of helping First Steps Count and successfully lobbied VW Australia to support our walkathon with the latest Kampervan. Top rural VW dealer in Australia why not! Nick has arranged delivery of the magnificent new VW Kampervan waiting for us as we drove into the main yard.
The VW is exciting, spacious and has every facility. We’re thrilled. Nick says whilst in our yard we could have sold it 10 times over, but it’s for you. Nick hands over the keys and Al drives it from the yard. The Covid enforced delay from December meant he got an advantage over 100 other VW dealers throughout Australia - he had one on display for possible future customers who ‘loved it’ he said, even at $180,000.
50 metres up the main road the VW stops in the middle of the busy road and the team run out to assist - the traffic builds up and I’m thinking is this where it ends? Al embarrassed had the hand break on; released and off we go!
Dinner with Ian and Rosie at Mulberry Farm on Dumaresq Island just outside Taree. Rosie is the inspiration for our whole cause. She has inspired the idea and implemented First Steps Count to help disadvantaged children in the Manning Valley where there are many underprivileged amongst the rural communities. Ian at 94 is ever present and a wonderful support. Andrew my brother in law has arrived to support Rosie on the big day tomorrow launching the FSC community centre Rosie inspired and made a reality.
After a big day we are ready to sleep and begin tomorrow. Fresh fields and pastures new!
Pete
DONATIONS65
Fiona Donnelly
Fri, 17 Feb 2023
$ 250
WOW!!….amazing achievement Peter!! Hope you’ve got those sore feet in an ice bath!
WOW!!….amazing achievement Peter!! Hope you’ve got those sore feet in an ice bath!
$ 250
Manning Valley Automotive/Taree Volkswagen
Fri, 17 Feb 2023
$ 1000
Congratulations. Fantastic effort!!!
Congratulations. Fantastic effort!!!
$ 1000
Jane Sinclair
Fri, 17 Feb 2023
$ 500
Congratulations Pete for your « steps » to support First Steps count
Congratulations Pete for your « steps » to support First Steps count
$ 500
Anonymous
Thu, 16 Feb 2023
$ 100
$ 100
Kimberley Ashbee
Wed, 8 Feb 2023
$ 50
Way to go Peter!
Promote your shoe brand on Twitter :)
Way to go Peter!
Promote your shoe brand on Twitter :)
$ 50
