Archive for March 2016

Today was Mt Ossa day - the day to scale the highest peak in Tasmania at 1617m high. It was going to be a challenge, as it was the most vertical metres and the longest day of our tramp so far. We made good time to Pelion Gap, then dumped our packs for the side trip up to Mount Ossa.

Ready for the challenge ahead!

Mount Ossa involved walking up to the base of the mountain and then a long slog/scramble to the top. There was some steep bits, which required all four limbs but we reached the top after about two hours.

It was definitely worth the effort. We were lucky to have fantastic weather and got awesome views all around, including back to Cradle Mountain.

Dave stoked to be the highest person in Tassie

It was then downhill all the way to Kia Ora Hut (with a casual tiger snake sighting on the way) where we set up our tents for evening. We were all pretty exhausted, so Dave and I decided it was the night to reveal the packet of Tim Tams we had been carrying. The only challenge was how to divide nine biscuits evenly between five people.

The team excited to discover the Kiwis had carried in packet of Tim Tams

Dave decided we should have a game of Scumbag to decide who only got one biscuit. This backfired on him when he found himself in the losing position!

The next day we awoke early, as we were combining two days on the track into one. We had been kindly informed by a friendly guide the night before two very important pieces of information. The first - there was up to 40mm of rain predicted for the the next day and night. The second - the Hungry Wombat, the best place to get burgers at the end of the tramp. We set off with a new focus and even managed to fit in a side trip to some sweet waterfalls.

It was a long way, and after the challenging day before we all entered a bit of a trance as we slogged our way down the hill. One foot in front of the other, our thoughts our own, admiring the beauty of the landscape.

Mmmmmmmmm Hungry Wombat.

We arrived at Narcissus Hut, grateful to find there were bunks left and we wouldn't have to brave the rain in our tents. We enjoyed our last night in the wilderness, full of great company and great conversation. The main topics were who wanted/needed a shower the most and what transformation would be required to make us presentable enough to attend a wedding in two days time.

The forecast was correct and we awoke to hear the sound of rain on the tin roof. We started our "lakeside meander" (as per the guidebook), otherwise known as 17.5km of undulating Australian bush, wet feet and accumulating leeches. Leeches are gross, the worst bit being you don't feel them attach themselves, so you are constantly checking your skin to see if one of the little bastards is hanging on for the ride.

LEECH!

We arrived at Lake Saint Clair wet, tired, and a little bit leechy but mostly happy to be heading to Hobart for a shower and proud of our achievement. Our friends Mark, Stephie and Alistair had introduced themselves to the world of tramping with a five night, six day adventure and had come out of it making plans for their next hike. We had lots of laughs together, no tears (ok- I may have had one or two slip out on the last uphill) and have some great memories with this awesome group of people. I would recommend the Overland Track for anyone looking for a multi day hike, that's not too strenuous and in a pretty sweet part of the world.

The guy who took this photo had no shirt on!

P.S. The Hungry Wombat burger was pretty damn good!

- Sarah

After living in North Queensland for a couple of years I know that Australia has some pretty stunning coastal scenery. And sure, there is something special about the big skies and endless nothingness of the Outback. But coming from New Zealand's South Island I missed the alpine views and mountains found all down the country; and concluded that Australia couldn't really offer much to match it. To be honest, I still sort of think this is true for most of the country, but then there's the Overland Track in Tasmania.

The team on day 1 with Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff behind

As we were visiting Tasmania for Hilary and Damian's wedding we decided we'd make the most of the visit by spending some time with my aunty Sue in Burnie and by walking the Overland with some Aussie friends. Mark, Stephie and Alistair are friends from our time living in Townsville where they were fellow interns with Sarah. At approximately 80km (if you walk out instead of ~~cheating~~ getting the ferry out) it's a 6-7 day outing through the western part of the Central Highlands.

Boardwalk near the track's start at Ronny Creek

Cradle Mountain from Marion's Lookout

Day 1 is considered the most difficult with some steep climbing up to Marion's Lookout. Our group of 5 made good time but due to a late start didn't get the time to make the 3 hour side trip up the famous Cradle Mountain. We camped at Waterfall Valley was nice albeit a little damp with a few leeches around.

Early morning at Waterfall Valley

Sarah

Day 2 was short; allowing us time for a side trip to Lake Wills:

Mark & Stephie. Selfie or it didn't happen.

We arrived early enough at the Lake Windermere camp to head down to the water for a swim & wash in the cold & tannin filled water.

Alastair went for a (very) cold swim

Mark doing the laundry

We had a peaceful night camping again. Alistair woke up to find out what happens if you leave food beside the wall of your tent:

Hey possum: you left a bit of Alistair's chocolate behind!

Day 3 was also straightforward - more kilometres than the other days but easy terrain and stunning mountain views to distract us. Arriving at the spacious New Pelion Hut we decided to spend a night inside.

New Pelion Hut's deck was a pretty nice spot to watch the sun go down

View from the deck towards the spires of Mt Oakleigh

Walking through Buttongrass plains towards Pelion. Mt Ossa, highest point in Tasmania, is the peak in the cloud while the closer peak is Pelion West

After a surprisingly good night's sleep in New Pelion Hut we had an early start to head off over Pelion Gap to Kia Ora Hut, with a sidetrip up Tasmania's highest peak - Part 2 coming soon!

- David

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