I'm writing this at 6:40am because the hut is getting loud with folks starting their day. My back is tight as I lay in bed.
Yesterday's trek was to be the most difficult. And I'm sure glad to hear that because the word "brutal" kept circling in my head. Our bus from Lanceston picked us around 8 yesterday morning. After a few stops, we arrived at the Cradle Mtn Visitors Center to collect our permits. There was no water there so we shuttled to Dove Lake an filled up our water reserves and signed into the logbook. It was just around then that the weather changed. The overcast day turned into sideways rain and powerful wind. We climbed upwards all day on either man made wooden boardwalk stairs or up rocks. Once even having to pull ourselves up with a chain- which Im so thankful was there. The wind blew so hard that if it stopped- I'd fly off in the wrong direction because of overcompensating as I pushed against the wind. We were soaked and I was soon muddy as my right leg sank into a muddy bog. What's unfortunate is that at rare points we couLd see just how beautiful it was around us- and then the low rain clouds would sweep in again. We were the last ones to arrive at the hut- which is still confusing since no one passed us. The only thing I can think is that we took a side trail to pass Wombat Lake. We must have been passed then. The rain and blustery winds continued through the night. It sounds like the rain stopped but the wind is still howling. We built in extra days for this trek so we're not rushed. Knowing ahead that yesterday was a steep climb- we planned on only going a few hours today to the next hut. I can't wait to drink tea, read and settle in. And get out of that wind!!!
Day 2-
Made it to Windmere Hut around 3. It was a beautiful day- a bit rainy and cold at times but otherwise gorgeous blue skies. I knew that today would make up for yesterday's pain- when a full rainbow graced us just beyond the hut. Today was a 3 hour hike and we did an hour side trip to see Lake Will. Thankfully, we could leave our bags behind with hopes that the the Karawong crow wouldn't get into our packs and eat our food. Apparently, they are quite good with zippers. Tomorrow is a 7 hour hike. Not as tough as the first day but apparently with quite a few steep climbs.
Some others at the hut are still feeling the pain from yesterday's hike. While most of me feels fine - my back feels like it could spasm at any moment. If a chiropractor didn't cost a life savings here- along with everything else- I would certainly go. We are trying to eat our heavy foods first but I'm not sure it will make our packs noticeably lighter.
Looking forward to a nice meal and lots of sleep before tomorrow's trek. Even considering a clean set of clothes for it ;)
Day 3- 10 miles/6.5 hours from Windmere Hut to Pelion Hut
Made it to Pelion Hut. It was our longest day- and while not as strategic as our first day- it did require a lot if attention to maneuver past long, deep bogs and a maze of roots. My feet are almost unusable at this point. So unbelievably sore that I can hardly walk on them. Nate's limping around too. I hope we recover by tomorrow- which is a steep ascent up a mountain and then down the other side. But, it is still a much shorter day.
What was incredible about today was that we left the plains that we were in yesterday an entered a rainforest. Lots of ferns and even a tree that looks at the trunk like a redwood.
We're pretty beat but being at the hut is great. Today was amazing- at times I couldn't even believe how beautiful the countryside was. I see now why the couple that is going the same speed as us- comes back every year. It's without a doubt, the most beautiful place that I've ever been.
Day 4- 4 hours from Pelion Hut to Kia Ora Hut
Today was a rather short day to get up and over Pelion Gap. It was a pretty steady climb up to the Gap but then a relaxed decline through valleys and forest. We are now halfway through the Overland Track. The hard parts are all behind us and I feel really good!
We're at Kia Ora Hut now. A much smaller hut by a long shot than Pelion Hut which was first class (picture below). This one is much more like the hut we stayed at our first night which is fine but I got spoiled by the space we had at the last one. The flies got in- these aren't the flies that Americans know. These are big and annoyingly loud. They look like a bee on steroids and they are always in your face. They make it impossible to take a break while hiking. As soon as you stop- they find you and try to land on your face. Enough people are coming in and out- that there's no way to avoid having them come in. Nate is doing his best to trap them in between the window and the screen. He's already got three.
Tomorrow, we make our way to the Windy Ridge Hut. It's about 4.5 hours but there's also two side treks to waterfalls that we want to do- which will add 2 hours. Since today was a short day, I slept in and we didn't leave till 10. Tomorrow, we'll have to get up with the masses.
We've decided to add an extra day and instead of taking the ferry (which is a rediculous cost of $40 each!)- that we'll walk instead. Our shuttle doesn't come until 8 so we'll walk further on Thursday to make sure that we have plenty of time on Friday to make it back to the Lake St. Clair visitors center to confirm our hostel reservation in Hobart and maybe even grab a pint.
Day 5- I had to look which day it is. I am starting to lose track! Now at Windy Ridge/Burt Nichols Hut.
All the uphill is over! Although, I swear I thought that yesterday as well. Today wasn't as much as a climb as yesterday but the days on the track are starting to take a toll on my knees and ankles. Getting on top of Du Cane Gap (1070 m) felt great. We had worked our way through a fairy tale rain forest on the climb which helped ease the ascent. Thick mosses, ferns, fungi and more King Billy Pines (the ones that look like redwoods). The couple that have done this climb more than 30 times said that the descent was the driest and safest that they've ever seen it. I can't imagine scrambling down all those root wads, mud, and big drops if it was wet. They said it's extremely dangerous- and I would have said that even when it was dry. But are ankles are intact, although worked.
We also saw some truly spectacular water falls today. They were side trips off the track but so worth it. I have photos on my camera but didn't take any with my phone which I'm using to write this.
Tonight will be our last night with some of our companions. They'll be catching the ferry tomorrow to the visitors center and we'll continue to the next hut. We booked to leave on Saturday because it had the least number of passes reserved (11). The maximum number of passes for this trail is 24. We've become rather close with the group. It'd be hard not to. We all share a small kitchen each day as well as sleep in the same room (except for a few of the huts that have separate dorm rooms). There's a guy about our age from Sydney- Michael. Another guy and only other American here from Philly- Jason. The older couple that are local- Fred and Lynn. There are three young guys from Germany who have an unending supply of energy. And a very nice French-Polynesian couple. They all have really shaped this trip. Maybe tonight I'll see if anyone is interested in a group photo.
Day 6- camped at the beach on Lake St. Clair next to Echo Point Hut.
The hut is TINY- it only sleeps 8 (four beds) and seems to have no limit to how many mosquitos can stay there. So, we set up our tent next to the lake. We haven't used it yet on this hike and have carried it all this way. There also is no rain water collection tank here which was surprising. Luckily, we had enough fuel for yet another couscous meal (we alternate rice noodles with couscous and are sick of them both). All we can talk about is the pizza and beer we're going to get. It completely reminds me of when Tami and I were nearing the end of our Nepali Coast hike in Kauai three years ago. We couldn't wait for beer and pizza- even going in straight off the trail- realizing soon after how smelly we were.
The trail today was hardly easy. This is a section of the trail that is not used often. Most folks are already out of their hot shower after having taken the ferry from the Narcissus Hut. Instead, we decided to keep going and had to get past broken bridges, washed out track and a number of wash-outs with downed trees. I had a breaking point where I almost suggested turning around and taking the ferry but we had come too far. Today was around 10 miles I think. Tomorrow will be closer to 6. We'll get there around noon and catch our bus at 8. I'm hoping that there is a laundry facility and a place to shower- but priority #1 is pizza and a beer.
There's quite a few people here who all are catching the same bus and going to try and stay at our hostel- Michael from Sydney who did the track with us and an American and a Canadian girl who have been walking together. Everyone is tired but in good spirits as we are so close to being done. Jason who also was hiking from our group looks faded. He walked right by us with a pained expression on his face... I'm thinking now it's because I told him that it was going to be easy today. Oops - I thought it would be with no steep ascents but the trail was in such bad shape. We're all just wiped out. I feel good (in spirit)- I'm really, really glad that we did it. Unlike the US- there is no road that cuts into the park so that visitors can come in and see the main attractions. The only way to see this area is to trek in as we've done. Or have almost done - 3 more hours...
Day 7- Lake St. Clair Visitors Center
We made it! It took almost exactly three hours and we are now sitting amongst very clean, good smelling visitors as we drink our pints and order over priced food- but it's worth it! We just saw Jason and Michael come off the trail. And saw Bijorn (one of the fit Germans) as we arrived. It was nice to see a friend to welcome us in. It's pretty funny to now be sitting in a chair and listening to cheesy music while drinking a beer. My sore legs and feet are now the only thing to remind me that the last 6 days really did happen.
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