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‘I’ll tell you what happened when we start walking today. In the meantime, I’d better grab something to eat, because Andrew has got our packs over at the trail already. Are you packed up? I’m all set to go.’

‘I am.’ She nodded.

Breakfast was a quiet and quick meal. It appeared that everyone was focused on the big climb ahead today, and it wasn’t long before Andrew appeared and asked them to put their kit bags out ready for Jodie to load in the truck, and to make use of the facilities and then head over to the trail head.

As the sky began to lighten before sunrise, with that apricot and pink tinge to the sky in the east, Clive and Jenny and Maggie were the last ones to make their way to the trail head where Andrew was going through the trek for the day ahead.

‘Take note of the trail markers, and follow as close as you can behind P.D. I know that in conditions like this, you’ll all have a different pace, but please don’t leave the trail today.’ Andrew’s glance towards Paul and Cecily seemed to push their buttons and they both returned a sullen look.

‘Any questions?’

‘What is the name of the place we’re stopping at tonight? I’ve forgotten,’ Maggie asked.

‘Jodie will meet us at Birthday Waterhole,’ Andrew replied. ‘Morning tea at Reveal Saddle after the opportunity to go to the Bridle Path lookout. Then we have a two and a half hour climb to Brinkley’s Bluff where we’ll have lunch and a long rest before a short afternoon leg down to Birthday Waterhole.’

‘Thank you,’ Maggie said.

The older woman looked tired this morning and Sandra made her way over to Maggie. Miska must have had the same idea.

‘Are you feeling all right, Maggie?’ Miska asked before Sandra could speak.

‘Just a bit down. Had a few texts from Alan last night. Sometimes he manages to upset me.’

Sandra put her arm on Maggie’s arm. ‘I’m sure he didn’t mean to.’

‘Oh, he did. He always does. Told me I was too old and overweight to do this leg today—he’s been looking at the itinerary—and I’m determined to do it, even though I didn’t sleep well. Then again, maybe I should just get in the truck and go with Jodie.’

‘Oh Maggie, you can’t miss Brinkley Bluff. It’s one of the highlights along with the sunrise at Mt Sonder. Walk with Zed and I. We’ll help you.’

‘Maggie, if I can do it, you can do it. We’ll give you a hand too.’ Sandra was sure that Graysen would agree.

Maggie bit her lip as she looked back at Miska and then to Sandra. ‘I will. I can do it. If that’s all I do, at least I’ll get to see the view.’

‘Great. Zed has some spare walking poles in his bag. You’re quite welcome to use them.’

‘Thank you. You’re a lovely group of people.’

Miska hugged Maggie. ‘And you’re a sweetheart too, and we don’t want you to miss out, do we, Sandy?’

‘No, you’ll be fine.’ Sandra made her way back to the spot where she’d left Graysen with her small backpack. He’d moved to the edge of the campground and he and Paul were in an intense conversation.

As he watched, Paul raised both hands in a sort of shrug and shook his head.

Graysen strode back over to the trail head. ‘Let’s get started,’ he said abruptly. He’d tell her what the problem was in his own good time, if he wanted her to know.

She slipped her pack onto her shoulders and waited until P.D. set off, followed by Zed and Miska and Maggie, and then Paul and Cecily. Graysen and Sandra began to climb the flat rock stairs they’d seen last night, and Andrew brought up the rear with Clive and Jenny.

The air was tight with tension, and Sandra wondered how the lovely night they’d all shared last night could have changed so quickly. For the first time in a few days, she felt a little homesick. She should have tried harder last night to call the girls again. Graysen was quiet and she was finding it hard to keep up with the pace he was setting.

It was a long slow climb up to the Bridle Path lookout and at the end of the two-hour climb, Sandra wondered what the hell she was doing here. Graysen had slowed down to her pace, but she’d been in no state or mood to have a conversation as they climbed.

Each time she looked up, the ominous cliffs seemed to be higher; it was the most sustained and steepest climb on the Larapinta Trail so far, and she wondered how Maggie was going ahead of them, but there was no sign of the three.

They reached the Bridle Path lookout just after nine and the sun was climbing the morning sky, the heat bearing down on them relentlessly.

‘Friggin’ hell, how good was that!’ Zed greeted them with a wide smile. ‘This is more like it.’

Sandra simply shook her head and looked around for Maggie. She was sitting in the shade with Miska and smiling.