What a great way for Perth hiker Hugh Scott to usher in his 34th birthday – with a 22km hike along the Cape to Cape Track with his partner Sophie.
The pair recently spent seven days hiking the entire 135km Track in the Margaret River region from Yallingup to Augusta, through one off the world’s official biodiversity hotspots.
And Hugh’s birthday fell on the mid point of the hike. That’s when they were completing a 22km walk along rugged cliffs and through stunning coastal scenery between Gracetown and Prevelly.
No pain, no gain
Not even a blister on his little toe could stop the birthday boy. But it did slow him down a little.
“I had to stop and do a bit of field surgery at one point,” Hugh said. “You know what they say: no pain no gain!”
Fine and sunny on the Cape to Cape Track
Despite hiking in winter, the Scotts said they scored magic walking weather. And they loved the self-guided seven day hike, letting Cape To Cape Explorer Tours sort out their logistics, pick ups and drop offs, and accommodation.
“It’s only rained a tiny bit. It’s been lovely,” said Sophie.
“I think it’s a great time of year to see the Cape to Cape Track because the ocean is so raw and often there is no-one else around.”
River crossing made easy
The pair didn’t even get wet feet crossing the Margaret River, thanks to our star guide Meg Pardoe. She paddled the couple across using our canoe. After all, there’s nothing worse than getting wet feet mid hike!
In winter and early spring, when the Margaret River has burst through the dunes and rushes into the Indian Ocean at River Mouth Beach, we make sure we meet hikers at the river crossing with a canoe to help them safely across.
Cape to Cape Track
To cap off a fantastic day one the Track, the couple enjoyed a birthday dinner that night at acclaimed Yarri Restaurant and Bar in Dunsborough. Happy birthday Hugh!