The Overland Track is easily Tasmania's, if not Australia's most famous hike… touted by many magazines, guidebooks, etc you hear about the Overland Track as if it's the only track in Australia. And we hadn't heard a single bad thing about it. So off we went... and from the pre-trip stages, this was quite a different hike compared to anything Kim and I had ever done in the past.
First… it was expensive… 150$ a person… then another 26$/person for the national park pass… then the transport (60$ one way from Launceston)… Even with the US$ being stronger than the AU$, this seemed quite outrageous to us, who are used to backpacking being a free activity.
Second… the track was very regulated… lots of rules. You have to carry a tent; you have to hike North to South, etc…
But as we hiked, although the cost and regulations could be modified, we understood and agreed with the National Park Service in their enforcement… and there are a few reasons for this. Compared to the Sierras (where I'm used to hiking) the Tasmanian backcountry is fragile. The grass can't be stepped on, the trails are muddy here (lot's of rain… 7 of 10 days on ave), and there are nice huts. Because of the fragile ecosystem, a large portion of the 86+ km track and side tracks are boardwalks, which was very easy to walk or hike on. Furthermore, as I've mentioned above, it's basically the only track you hear of oversees. It's as if New Zealand only had the Milford Track, or California only had the John Muir Trail. We've been told there are many more beautiful places to go, other than the overland track in Tassie by all the rangers and locals btw… But with such notoriety, everyone does the Overland, while many other track are neglected. Thus regulation is required to keep the numbers down, keep it safe, and to protect the ecosystem. Also, there are many huts on the trail, and most are really nice… sleeping up to 34? Because of the constant rain, snow, and otherwise terrible weather that is expected on the Overland (it snowed on the peaks on the last day) these huts are necessary, considering there are so many first timers and beginner backpackers on the trail (afterall… where could they have gone backpacking before?) In any case, the huts are nice, and the cost to maintain, or build new ones cost a lot of money as materials have to be helicoptored in.
OK, enough talk… let's get to some pics egh?
In Lonnie, while shopping for camping food, we met a bloke who led us to a health food store with good indian food packets... weehaw.
After the 3 hour shuttle (where I promptly got car sick), we arrived! Beautiful day...
Kim on the first section, up to Marion's Lookout with Dove Lake behind.
At Marion's Lookout looking out towards Cradle Mtn.
And back towards the trailhead.
Pandemelon? or a Wallaby near the Waterfall Valley Hut. They're used to people here... saw a few more cute ones.
Bunks at the Waterfall Valley Hut... typical bunk house... comes with at least one snorer on each level. Good thing we brought ear plugs.
There is drinking water at every hut... we didn't have to treat any water the entire trip... collected as rain water, safe, and tastes great.
Hanging out at the Heli Pad... all the huts have heli pads, used for emergencies and resupplies.
The overland track is a peak tagger's dream… when the weather is good. And it was good for the first 4 days… And on each of the 4 days, I got to run up at least one mountain… sometimes 2. It's always fun trying to get up a peak that says it takes 5-7 hours in under 2.
Top of Cradle Mtn...
Top of Barn Bluff... most dramatic summit in my opinion and had great weather.
View of it earlier that morning.
Miles and miles of boardwalk to protect the fragile Tassie environment.
Got back to the hut, and what was Kimbo doing? Drinking coffee ofcourse...
Went on a refreshing swim at a lake that we passed... no fishies... but the water was just as cold as the lakes in the sierras.
Second hut, bigger, and had great weather.
Other hikers taking in Vit. D at the Heli Pad.
A typical "composting" outhouse... the tanks are helicoptored out every once in a while...
Kimbo taking a capful of spirits we brought on the trip.
Lots of cute Pandemelon's at the hut... this one was still nursing.
Kim ready to go in her Humpy Smurf outfit.
...before we go to part 2...
Some wildflowers
P.S. I'm on a biography kick now… listened to "Fantastic: the life of Arnold" and started "The man called Cash" on my iPod… mostly while running. Fantastic is entertaining… The man called Cash can get a bit dull… oh and picked up Obama's book at a Target in Hobart. Will be starting that as soon as I finish Two Caravans...
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