On Sunday 19 July 2015 at approximately 14.30, 20 days and fifteen minutes after departing East bore, North of Old Andado Station I walked into Poeppel corner, the border junction of Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory, tired, sore and a few kilos lighter, there ending my walk across the Simpson Desert. As expected progress was slow in the first week, on day ten I had to abandon my intended plan of traversing the geocentre and on to Birdsville in fear of running short of water and having to initiate a rescue plan. Therefore the decision was made to follow the Colson track South, cut across country to the French Line and continue East to Poepells Corner. On July 15 I hit the French Line where I had my first contact with people in 16 days. There ended the "unassisted" section of my walk as I eagerly scoffed down celery sticks, carrots and apples given to me by a passing 4x4 group. Over the coming days I put my head down and dragged my cart over the the hundreds of dunes that led me to my finish point of Poeppel corner, not my expected journey or crossing of the Simpson Desert, however, nonetheless this still constitutes a crossing. I have walked the Simpson!
Has this experience changed me? Yes, the struggles, pain, joy and beauty I encountered on a daily basis has made me a richer man... The solitude has given me a greater appreciation of the people in my life and confirmed my passion for always being open to meeting new people and forging new friendships. In being immersed in the desert in such a way, I will never forget it's raw beauty and how It made me feel so alive. If the opportunity ever presents to visit this wonderful part of Australia then grab it in the first instance, see it for yourself, you will never be the same again.