Thunder, lightening and rain all night. They’re the kind of words that normally cruel a camping trek, but not this time. The YC-walk team (sans TMc) were all happily tucked away nice and snug in the communal hall at the Fitzroy Falls Conference Centre, who so graciously gave us each a bed and dry surrounds to enjoy each others company.  So what did we do? We downloaded our tour video footage and shared a few laughs at the footage that now seemed as though it was shot months ago, as opposed to just days back when our journey began.

Our prayers (when in Rome) from the night before were answered, as Tuesday 25^th March started with a glorious pink sunrise despite the early start.  We were a lot more organised than in previous days due to our more salubrious quarters. Jamie and Rod had the enviable task of heading into Allan Reekie Ford in Bowral to get our camper back on the road.

We all packed the camper with our gear, not knowing which of the two we had on-site would eventually come back to us. The bets were favouring the new one, but we all held our own hopes that we would once again see our old favourite return later in the day.

We left at 7.30am and headed back to the Sydney 115km kilometre marker (just remember that starting point) and we were pushing out 10min km’s for the first few hours.  Today’s crew consisted of David, Andy, Shannon, Troy and Matt (Andy’s brother) who stepped up to walk a few kms with us despite some recent poor form on a trail bike (just check out his left leg).

Andy was back at work charming the local airwaves of 2GN and 2ST, whilst also trying to negotiate on-air with Jason Morrison from 2GB when he would be joining us. He was supposed to walk to day but Morrison had earlier offered up the excuse that he had to fill in for the Australia’s No.1 breaky host (Alan Jones) so had to reschedule for Thurs.  The YC-walk team all hope that Alan gets better soon.

Soon after, Andy was back on-air with ABC 666 Canberra, which obviously worked a treat because within minutes we were joined by Bob Medley, with a truckload of 4 calves, who pulled over and yes…gave us a donation.  Can you start to see the pattern?

Moments later, Jacqui a journo from the Southern Highlands Post stopped and interviewed us. We reluctantly posed for photos and spoke to her while others re-adjusted their tights (skins) - video to come.

Meanwhile 50 kilometres away the issue with our KEA Campervan was still unresolved.  Rod and Jamie trekked into Bowral to meet with the service staff at Allan Reekie Ford, who could not do enough for us. They started work straight away, even putting other client work aside and after over 4 hours of work delivered the news that we expected but didn’t want to hear…Ole faithful had to have a major overhaul.  The old girl would eventually see her way back to the roads, but we will be finished our journey by the time she would roll out of the workshop again.

The boys left in the new van, and set themselves the task of having to decamp at Fitzroy Falls pack everything and set up camp (yet again) at our new campsite at the Nepean Dam Picnic Area.

Meanwhile back on the highway, the walkers had pumped out 23.6km’s at the Bargo turnoff and decided that was as good a place as any to sample the local fare. After a quick 40 minutes spent repairing our feet (re-applying blisters packs and retaping etc) and scoffing down chicken burgers we were back on the road. Although we were discouraged... luckily none of us can read.

Soon after rejoining the Hume we were stopped by Fiona followed by Elizabeth Franklin only a further kilometre or so up the road – both of whom had heard us on the radio and were only too happy to hand over some coin.

Jeff Cameron tag-teamed with Shannon earlier in the day and as a result had done most of the day on the bitumen with us.  Now this will not be a surprise for any of our regular readers, except today Shannon decided to wear his black and fluoro yellow SKINS (straight from the 80’s).  In the interests of building suspense we won’t post a picture in tonight’s blog, but stay tuned for another update soon.

The day finished soon after the Picton Rd turnoff which for any one who knows the Hume, will recognise that as the Sydney 75km mile marker.  At the top of this blog, you will recall that we started at the 115km marker, so unless my numbers are out, that makes it 40km’s for the day – our biggest yet.

It seems the longer we go the stronger we become, not just physically, but also mentally.  The pain which was felt on Day 1, is probably the same level as it is on Day 7, but the way in which we manage it is better and no doubt our physical conditioning has improved.

We jumped back in the Tarago and headed to camp where we were soon joined by Ja'mie and Rod.  With our camp now established and SOC en-route we knew that we are in good hands and look forward to our late start of 9:30am tomorrow morning, at which time we will be joined by head of the NRL, David Gallop.  That’s my team!

Tonight, the sexman was interviewed on 2UE's Sports Today with Gibbsy and Brandy. He rocked - as he does!

Here is the artistic shot of the day...