An Early Start at Kapooka
By around 6:00 am, people were up and moving. By 6:30 am, the team had gathered in the cafeteria and office mess for breakfast, instructions, and preparation for the day ahead.
There was the usual sorting of food, water, gear, and small last-minute details before the group moved up to the Soldier’s Chapel.
A Blessing Before the Walk
At the Soldier’s Chapel, Chaplain Akil gave the team parting words and a blessing before the walk began.
It was a quiet and important moment. Before the kilometres, before the road, and before the day unfolded, the team paused to reflect on the purpose of the pilgrimage.
After the blessing, the group gathered outside for photos before walking down to the front gate at Blamey Barracks.
Walking from Kapooka into Wagga
From Blamey Barracks, the team began the walk from Kapooka into Wagga.
Zeth described the route as about 15 kilometres, starting at Kapooka Army Base and walking into Wagga Wagga, including time at the war memorial.
The weather was good, the sun was out, and the mood among the group was positive.
As Zeth put it, there were “plenty of good vibes” and, for the most part, it was a cruisy day.
An Unexpected Detour
One of the more memorable moments came when the team noticed smoke ahead on the route.
A local RFS fire crew was conducting a burn-off, and the walkers had missed the warning signs.
Zeth recalled the moment with humour. The team was several kilometres into the walk when they noticed it was getting smoky. Ahead were flashing lights, and then someone from the fire crew appeared and asked what they were doing there.
It became the unexpected event of the day.
The team had to stop, rethink, and adjust. It was a small reminder that a pilgrimage does not always move in a straight line.
Meeting the People on the Walk
One of the strengths of the day was the chance to meet and talk with others on the pilgrimage.
Zeth reflected on the variety of people involved. While many had some kind of Army or Defence background, there was also a broad mix of experience: engineering, parish work, different career paths, and people from across Australia.
That mix is part of what makes The ANZAC Way more than a walk.
It is a place for connection, conversation, shared stories, and seeing that there is more than one way to move through life.
Meaningful Moments
When asked about the most meaningful moment of the day, Zeth pointed back to the chapel service in the morning.
He said it had been a while since he had been to church and connected with that side of himself. Returning to that space, and beginning the walk with a moment of faith and reflection, was meaningful for him.
That is a significant part of this pilgrimage.
The ANZAC Way is not just about distance. It is about remembrance, connection, spiritual health, and holistic wellbeing.
For some, the walk opens up conversations. For others, it gives space to reflect. For others again, it is a way of reconnecting with faith, mateship, service, and hope.
Light for the Path Ahead
The theme Zeth remembered from the morning devotion was about God shining a light on the path.
Not necessarily showing the whole road ahead, but giving enough light to keep moving.
That thought seemed to fit the day well.
There was the planned route. There was the unexpected smoke and detour. There were moments of conversation, reflection, humour, and uncertainty. And through it all, the group kept moving.
Sometimes the path is not one straight line. Sometimes you stop, rethink, turn around, or adjust.
But the walk continues.
Closing the Day
At the end of the day, the team gathered for a debrief session.
People had the opportunity to listen to a devotion from Chaplain Wendy before breaking up for the evening and heading to bed.
There were already a few aches and pains after the first day of walking, even though the distance was relatively short.
Tomorrow, the team will walk from Victory Memorial Gardens in Wagga to RAAF Base Wagga.
The journey has begun.
