Bushwalks

Mount Bridges

2012-02-10T17:14:00.001+11:00

26 January 2012

At times there was a little bit of drizzle and it was mostly cloudy, but plenty of fine weather including a few patches of sun. From near Johnson Tarn we headed out to Mount Bridges, with the view down to the saddle between looking quite nice studded with Pencil Pines and pools.
At the saddle on the northern side is a fabulous healthy looking snow gum forest, with trees reasonably close together and having substantial crowns; just lovely. It is a very gentle climb then a short bit up some rocks before arriving at the bushy summit plateau. Here the snow gums are not so numerous but are big trunked and contorted. We wandered over the plateau visited the to high points, one with low King Billy Pines and views down to Lake Seal. Our return was past the cleft on the southern side but did not go down into it. This geological feature is quite distinct and striking when looking over at Mount Bridges from the Mawson Plateau side.

Click image to view photo album

Mount Bridges Jan 2012

Greystone Bluff via Cinder Hill

2011-12-24T17:56:00.001+11:00

16-23 November 1996

Problems with the minibus meant we had to make last minute arrangements for Sue and Sandra to drive us to Scotts Peak. Pat’s son Neville took us over by boat to the foot of Mt.Giblin.
Showers were falling around the mountains so it wasn’t a very auspicious start. I was the last to start walking and just followed up where Alan had disappeared in a band of scrub. I thought voices were coming from somewhere well to my right and when we emerged into the open the first boat load was still below us on a different ridge; they had managed to strike thick scrub and a gully.
Conditions improved and once on the crest of the mountain we only had one or two brief snow storms blowing into us. The two peaks of Giblin were visited. One short but scrubby climb through a dip caused Dave T some anguish as a twig poked him in the eye. He had some discomfort from its effect for the next few days and Robyn washed his eye with salty water each day until it was sufficiently improved.
Camp was made near Jones Pass where we had to scout about in thick scrub for water. Next morning was mild as the remainder of the Giblin ridge was traversed to a low point overlooking the Frankland River. On the last section Pat, Dave T and myself opted to skirt a wooded knoll whilst the others went through. Our route proved easy enough, but the rest came upon a barrier of bauera and were forced to drop to the valley floor early. As a consequence we did not meet up again until lunch time beside the river. The remainder of the day was spent reaching Richardson Creek with many swampy flats to be crossed.

Greystone Bluff from Little Cinder Hill Nov 1996

Dave T persuaded us to start at 7am and it was as well we did, for the scrub protecting Cinder Hill made it a long hard day before a suitable camp site was reached. From the descent off Little Cinder Hill until the very top of cinder Hill the scrub was unrelenting and we took 5 minute turns leading. The section took 5 1/2 hours and covered a mere 1.5 kilometres. Water was very scarce and a few snow remnants near the summit were the only source for the day; other than that carried. A camping site was spotted down the south west ridge and at 5:50 we trudged towards it (arriving at 7:15), but I would have preferred to have just been able to rest.

Mount Giblin from Greystone Bluff

Water remained a scarce commodity until Pine Creek was reached for lunch the next day. Mostly the descent was fairly reasonable except for a short bit of very thick and high bauera. Drizzle commenced during lunch and became rain as we made our way up the clear ridge to a small perched plateau part way up Greystone Bluff. The rain ceased before we even set up tents and sun found its way through.

Cinder Hill in late afternoon.

By mid morning we were under the cliffs of the quartzite summit block and looking onto a delightful flat bowl, just beckoning as a tent site. Whilst making for the high point of the mountain the clouds parted and conditions remained fine until mid afternoon when snow showers commenced. During the afternoon I wondered around the maze like walls of quartzite that formed the perimeter of this exquisite area perched high in the wilderness.

Campsite bowl on Greystone Bluff

Snow continued falling during the night, which was punctuated by a period of thunder and lightning, including one stupendous flash that I could see so very clearly even though my eyes were shut. Morning revealed a vista of white and we were thankful for Chris and his navigation to get us off and down the ridges to Badger Creek depression with all it’s Huon pines. Just as we finished putting up the tents heavy rain began to fall.

Snow at campsite in the morning.

Huon Pines in Badger Creek depression.

Fortunately the rain ceased during the night, although its affect was noticeable from the impressive waterfall dropping off Greystone Bluff. We worked our way down to the Davey River valley and onto a long distinct hill where views of the Crossing River were obtained. Thick scrub was encountered for a period after leaving the hill, whilst heading north to a campsite overlooking the Crossing Plains.

View down to Crossing River

Inspection and tentative sampling of the Crossing River revealed that it would be dangerous to negotiate, so we walked up the plains to the Dodds River then on the Crossing River campsite. The next day it was out to the road.

Crossing the Dodds River

Walled Gould Circuit

2011-10-26T20:20:00.001+11:00

17-20 October 2011

Back in 1991 Dave Tucker took a 3 day walk from the Gould Plateau, over the top of Mount Gould and to The Guardians and out via The Labyrinth. I thought I would like to do this walk again and that was the plan when we set off from Hobart on 17^th October. The previous day had been pretty cold and wet in Hobart, but as predicted by the bureau all was fine on the Monday; however the site of Mount Wellington covered quite low down in snow that morning was somewhat disconcerting. This was further added to with the view of the snow clad peaks and hills of Mount Field then the site of snow beside the road on the approach to Derwent Bridge. Plan B was hatched when Mounts Olympus and Rufus came into view.

Walled Mountain

We were on the only ferry for the day, soon after 1PM, and walked into Pine Valley to a campsite about 20 minutes upstream from the hut. During the walk from Narcissus we thought the warm sun would melt a lot of snow fairly quickly and there was some evidence of this happening. Nevertheless the walk next morning to The Labyrinth was through plenty of snow and it was nice to be the first to people to make our impression on it and not be following others footsteps. The two of us, Greg Kidd and me, turned off from the track at the bottom of the descent from The Parthenon, crossed the Cyane Lake outlet creek, climbed the hill above and trudged over to set up camp near Lake Eurynome. We cleared the snow away, put the tent up, had lunch and then climbed Walled Mountain where a very impressive and dangerous looking cornice shed the odd bit of snow every now and then down a huge drop. We were easily able to retrace our footsteps back down, but as we moved out to the sunnier areas the snow had diminished considerably. On arrival at camp the snow had nearly all melted, leaving the tent surrounded by pools of water.

Mount Gould

Day three was delightful, again with a cloudless sky and hardly any breeze. The face of Mount Gould that we could see was now free of any white patches and we were soon at the base of The Minotaur. There was a pad all the way up this rather steep mountain side; I knew it was steep just from looking as well as my recollection, but I had no memory of a pad being there in 91. Once on top, Gould looked just as steep as did from The Labyrinth, which was enough to convince us to take the easier way around the side slopes. This was free of rocks and on arriving at a little perched plateau lunch was had followed by a very steep climb to the top of Mount Gould. It is not a peak for the fainthearted but once back to the packs was when the first serious impediments arose.

My memory was lots of scrub, particularly scoparia low down and some notes suggested sidling. However at what level to sidle? It was a bit of a climb to reach the cliff line so I made the decision to proceed at the level we were at. This entailed a bit of scrub, but then some lines of Fagus forced a more circuitous route until we dropped down lower to see if the going was better there. It wasn’t . So a way had had to be forced through a bit of pointy scrub until the open part of Gould Plateau was reached. The day finished well though, with camp at a scenic spot on the plateau.

Mount Gould

An early start saw as the bottom in nice old forest, although a muddy section in the middle of the descent had to be negotiated. Now the area doesn’t seem to get as many visitors as in days of yore and on exiting the forest a pad was followed that continued over a floodplain. Then it ended at a barrier of Teatree and bottlebrush. After a bit of searching including on the close by river bank, we gave up looking and went back to the forest where a red arrow, that had not been noticed, pointed sharply right. Close on half an hour was lost by all this and when we eventually walked along the near the river my GPS indicated that we had got to within about 30 metres of the track, if only we had known.

Once I could walk the lakeside track beside Lake St Clair in something less than the signed hours, but nowadays I need the whole 5 hours to get to the visitor centre. It has always seemed a tiring walk and this was no exception; no wonder I am usually happy to catch the ferry.

The bureau forecast fine weather for 3 ½ days and they were spot on. Just before reaching Cynthia Bay the increasing high cloud let out a few spots and soon after starting the drive home close to 5 PM it began to rain.

Photos from the walk

click image for album

Budawangs–Morton NP in NSW

2011-10-15T21:06:00.001+11:00

Foster, Styles Creek, Hidden Valley, Quiltys Circuit
20-23 September 2011
The original intention for this walk was to follow a long used track starting at the Endrick River entrance on the western side of the Budawangs area of Morton National Park. However, this entailed crossing private property and the owner has recently blocked access. So an alternative from the same starting spot was taken, via the Alum Track. It is written up in a guidebook and although part was marked on the map as a route; I assumed that plenty of walkers would have gone this way and a reasonably easy to follow pad, possibly with markers would be there. No sign of a pad existed when we reached the Flat Top Mountain area, so we followed the notes to the top where the view down to Running Creek was enough to cause serious doubts about heading to an area of several creek crossing with unknown scrub. The guide book did mention open sections, but they have either overgrown or we could not locate them; except for a very short wet one. The scrub at the creeks was thick and slowed our progress down even more. Several heathy sections were easy enough to negotiate by weaving through the most open bits. Fortunately when we reached the Square Top Track it was not long before we reached an upper tributary of Running Creek that was living up to the name. A nice clearing was close by too, so we were able to set up camp and cook before dark set in.
It was over 2.5 k to the junction with main track near the Foster Mountain turnoff. We climbed Foster, where we got the first views of the cliffs of the mountains of the Budawangs. The previous day was mostly fine, except when a period of showers arrived during the afternoon, but today and the next two were delightfully sunny and mild. Back on the track it became narrow and at times there was a bit of scrub ducking and weaving, plus a couple of scrubby creek crossing. For most of the afternoon we were out on plains with a number of tree belts and the views were superb. The cliffs of Mount Hoddle were impressive with huge cave like chunks within them, whist Quiltys and Sturgiss Mountains were equally dramatic.

Photo album Part 1

Budawangs Part 1 Fosters to Styles Creek

The campsites at Styles Creek were described as a bit degraded, but perhaps they now get less use, for they seemed in good order. Perhaps this and time may have healed things. The track from there north was better than what we had been on the previous day, until we encountered lots of fallen trees. Hidden Valley was the first diversion for the day and this was a track that wound a way through a gap in Sturgiss Mountain to a small valley surrounded by cliffs. Our notes indicated that a track should continue through to a clearing, but we found it took a while to find the last bit of pad and were unable to locate any clearing amongst the scrubby interior. On the other hand the pad to the aboriginal Bora ground on Quiltys Mountain was quite obvious and easy to follow. From here we also had views down the valley of the Kilpatrick Creek to Pigeon House Mountain and the huge buttresses of the mountains in that direction.
A wide track through forest was followed through The Vines region to meet the first crossing of the Endrick River after which a suitable campsite was found. The final day was a three hour walk with an ever widening valley and plenty of flowers to the second crossing of the Endrick and then a short walk to the car.

Photo album Part 2

Budawangs Part 2 Styles Creek to Endrick River

The Hump Freycinet Peninsula

2011-08-28T21:52:00.001+10:00

21-23 August 2011

After such a lot of wet easterlies, Freycinet had at last several days of fine weather, which made delaying the walk for a couple of weeks well worthwhile. With so much rain in the area over winter we didn't even bother to see if the preferred route beside the lagoons between Hazards and Wineglass was doable. Instead the conventional slog along the beach was used, then came the pleasure of the bush track from the end of Hazards Beach through masses of flowering plants, especially the Thryptomene which was very thick and spectacular.

Given the time it takes to get to the campsite on the spine we had to keep moving and still ended up cooking in the dim of evening. This was the first time trying out our new light weight tent and, as reported by others, one has to erect it with the crossover of the poles given attention; not as simple as some tents. It is a Macpac Macrolight, a bit like a bigger version of the Microlight, and proved to be suitable for a walk to this type of location.

Slaughterhouse Bay from The Hump

On the middle day we headed out to the objective of the walk, The Hump, and arrived without any hassles, helped along by the GPS. Lunch out in the open overlooking Slaughterhouse Bay was decidedly warm as it can often be on the peninsula even at this time of year. On heading back we discovered that others sometimes visit here, when a pair of spectacles was spotted lying on the ground; someone would have been cursing when they realised they were missing. An attempt to see if there was a better way back to camp confirmed the outward route was the best, and what proved to be a detour added 30 minutes of swamp avoidance to the return walk. Still we arrived with more than enough sunlight left to enjoy a pleasant early tea.

The final day was again still, sunny and balmy with the flowers no less delightful. By the time we reached the junction with the Isthmus track we were not keen on more beach walking, so opted for the final leg on the track. A brief diversion left us in no doubt that circumnavigating the very full lagoons would have been slow, wet and arduous . In fact throughout the park every creek was flowing vigorously, something that we had not seen for many long years.

Rock formation The Hump

Masses of Thryptomene

Pea flowers

Bluff River Gorge

2011-08-25T22:07:00.000+10:00

17 August 2011
All did not go according to plan. More often than not the weather improves as you move away from Hobart towards the East coast, but this time it was very much the reverse. We left sunny town and drove into increasingly duller conditions culminating in heavy rain at Buckland. But things got better soon after we turned off on the way to Bluff River Gorge.
We arrived to see three walkers heading there too. Soon we too were walking along the 4wd track following their boot marks and along with my trusty GPS meant we were assured of an easy path to the start of the walk. Whilst all in our party queried why I didn't turn off where they thought we should go, I responded by saying the GPS says this way and any way that is where the three fellows boots were headed too. Some 800 metres on I started to have doubts and took a close look at the map on the GPS and the paper map. Heck, we had gone too far. Yes the track was where every one said it was and lesson number one is to remember that once you pass one waypoint the GPS just points to the next and says where to go for that one. I should also have noticed that the waypoint name had changed.
Parts of the walking track in the gorge have become a bit overgrown. Ouch, those stinging nettles hurt. It seemed that lunch would be in the sun, but then rain spoiled the party and we were fortunate to have a nice overhang to avoid it. Lunch over and the rain stopped, but as we got close to the river doubts arose as to getting over. Anyway we next ended in a bit more overgrown track, but by now it was wet and not very enticing to push through.
Next came a voice from above and we met up with one of the aforementioned three walkers. He was trying to find his companions who were doing some work on the track where it crossed the Bluff River. They had walked directly to that end, which explains those boots marks I assumed were heading to the start of the gorge track. You won't get over they said and we didn't.
The rain then started up again and so we arrived back at the cars a bit wet.
Well I have plans to return soon and this time am determined to get it right.

Note the waterfall where usually there normally may be the odd drip

Risdon Brook Hills

2011-07-30T20:04:00.001+10:00

Sunday 24 July 2011

The old vehicle track was followed from the western end of the dam to a junction where the right hand branch was taken leading into an ever narrowing gully. Part way along we branched off on a faint track which did eventually run out but it wasn't a lot of climbing left by then. On the top of the hill a track was met and walked along until it reached the top end of Catchpole Gully. From here we crossed a fence and followed a track along the dry and quite pleasant country, part of which we have discovered is private property. Eventually a fence was reached and fortunately a small tree was over it (looked like it might have been put there rather than fallen) and so we were back in the reserve for the final walk back down to the dam.

A map of the route can be viewed

Panorama Luckman Circuit

2011-06-17T21:21:00.001+10:00

Monday 13 June 11

A pleasant walk in calm and sunny conditions. The Luckmans track to the hut was somewhat overgrown and indistinct in parts. This was made harder by snow cover in many spots. The Luckmans Hut was in good condition and after a break we set the GPS for the Wellington Ki Hut ruin where we hoped to locate a geocache and from there crossed the Pinnacle Road on the GPS track again to locate the remains of the Skate Rink, which also has a geocache. From there it was up the road to the top of the Panorama Track to complete a circuit down to the start of the track.

The history of these three manmade structures is included.

Luckmans Hut

This hut does not seem to get many visors although it is clear that some people are using it regularly and also providing some maintenance as some of the timbers don’t seem that old. It has suffered vandalism in the past doesn’t seem to have in the last few years.

The Hobart walking Club built this hut 1938 as a winter activity (skiing) shelter. The hut was built as a stone hut with a corrugated iron roof. It is said that prominent club members at the time, Jack Thwaites and Leo Luckman lobbied the HCC for permission to build the hut. The stone construction was supervised by Leo Luckman a well-known local stonemason with reports suggesting the women's job was to carry rocks. It is believed the roofing iron, the door and windows were from a nearby but abandoned Pinnacle Road workers bunk house.

It was severely damaged by fires in the 1967 fire, but the stone walls remained and it was rebuilt by the club about 1969 and Roy Davies from the HWC was prominent in further repair including rebuilding the roof in 1977. But reports suggest it subjected to serious vandalism and in 1979 the HCC took control of the hut, naming it Luckmans Hut.

Further restoration work including a rebuilt fireplace, repaired door, added internal bench, repaired window was undertaken by a Green Corps group in 2000.

Wellington ski Club Hut

All that remains of the Wellington Ski Club hut is the base platform and some small cement slabs. It was built between 1939 and 1940 the Hobart Walking Club Hut near Big Bend. Evidently the Hobart City Council supported its development. It is not certain when the hut was destroyed; it may have been by the large 1967 fire as that did badly damage the nearby Luckmans Hut.

Skate Rink

The Skate Rink is a surprising site on the top of Mount Wellington. It was built in late 1930s or early 1940s and some of the finance came from the Hobart City Council. It is not a large area and is a cement base with a small perimeter cement wall. It was very successful at holding ice particularly and suffered from a wind sculpted surface. The intention would have been to get water in and let it freeze there, but snow drifts often

Details on the route

Hartz Peak

2011-05-01T22:21:00.001+10:00

Thursday 28 April 2011

With a run of very pleasant autumn weather we had a couple of days free for a walk. Initially the thought was to go the Mount Field for the Fagus, but the thought of a horde of people there taking advantage of the public holidays we waited until later in the week and then decided to head in the other direction anyway. Thus it was to Hartz Peak that we went on; the last time there the rock work was only completed on the early part of the climb to the peak, but it was now finished and was a terrific job of work.

On the day Lake Esperance was calm and lovely and the views in all direction from the slopes of the peak were stunning and clear.

Mawson Plateau Traverse

2011-03-09T19:58:00.001+11:00

Monday 7th March 2011

The track to Lake Belcher was followed to the saddle below Mawson Plateau, then the short climb to the plateau followed by a pleasant walk over the top. We went to the western side for views over Lakes Belton and Belcher befpre crossing to the opposite side overlooking Lake Dobson. The descent route was via the ski area and the final descent was via the old and partly overgrowing Golden Stairs. From Lake Dobson we had no choice but to walk up the road to the Wombat Moor car park.

View over plateau to Florentine Peak

Pool on plateau

Grass mound

Pinestone Valley

2011-02-02T16:21:00.000+11:00

26 – 29 January 2011

We went in from the end of the Maggs spur road, after lunch, and soon after crossing the first creek I realised that we shouldn't be going uphill so much. I had thought the track to Lake McCoy left at the end of a logging track, but I was mistaken and on retracing my steps discovered that if I had been more observant I would have seen a marker for the track to Pelion going straight ahead. So that wasted 30 minutes or so before reaching the creek flowing out of the nice valley leading to the foot of Mt Pillinger and our campsite for the night at Wurragarra Creek.

Cloud built up over night and it remained that way for the remainder of the day until a light shower started as we got close to the Pinestone valley campsite. It did not last long and this enabled us to cook and have tea in the open, but a much heavier shower caught us out just as we were finishing our cup of tea. This was all in accord with the weather forecast, as was the next morning when we looked out to be greeted by the predicted fine day.

Wandering about the beautiful area of marsupial lawns, pines, pools and just simply stunning scenery occupied the morning. The afternoon was spent moving camp to the plateau on the eastern end of Doris where there are great views, and it was most pleasant in the calm and sunny conditions where we were able to cook and have tea sitting on the edge of the scarp. We managed to get a fairly early start next morning and walked out in a fine and somewhat warmer day.

We arrived at Mole Creek and stopped at the newly opened Café Bozzey, which had good coffee and cake at very reasonable prices. It put us in mind of the service and quality of the Possum Shed at Westerway near Mt Field and we certainly hope to stop there again on future trips. Our other stop was for tea at Campbell Town where we discovered Café 100, which had good food on offer. When driving up first day we also stopped at Campbell Town at Red Bridge Café, so as well as a bushwalk to a lovely area, there was also nice refreshment places along the way.

Mt Ossa from Pinestone Valley

Cathedral Mt from Mt Doris

Click the slide show below to view the photo album

Newdegate Pass

2011-01-15T18:18:00.001+11:00

Sunday 9 January 2011

With a fine forecast we set off from Lake Dobson, took the Urquhart Track and then endured the Jeep 4WD road to the ski huts. From here it became pleasant walking again and we decided to head to Newdegate via Tarn Shelf, joined the new boardwalk from Lake Newdegate and spent an enjoyable lunch break amongst the white flowering Cushion Plants, Epacris and colourful Scoparia. Return was via K Col and the climb over the rocks to the Rodway Range. For a change we located the old Golden Stairs to see what that track now looked like. Parts were a bit overgrown but nonetheless it was not difficult to follow until the very bottom.

Quite a number of people did the Newdegate Pass circuit that day and most chose to go the opposite way to us; over the Rodways first. Sue did mention that I was the oldest person out on the track and that gave me an uneasy feeling; it is always nice to know that someone else is the oldest and not you.

Cushion Plant Newdegate Pass

Scoparia at Newdegate Pass

Click here for the photo album from walk

Newdegate Pass at EveryTrail
Bushwalks Blog

Monash Valley

2011-01-07T14:43:00.001+11:00

Mount Field National Park

Tuesday 28 December 2010

Originally planned for mid December, but conditions on the day meant that the walk waited until more favourable weather. Even so at the time of arrival for the start at Wombat Moor it was quite cool and the peaks were all under cloud. We turned off the track before reaching the Woodland Mosaic and gently ascended over the wet moor, avoiding where pineapple grass wherever possible as it makes for uncomfortable walking. A wooded ridge edge was reached after 20 minutes and this was skirted until an easier descent point could be found and then it was through the woodland, over a small creek and finally into the narrow northern end of Monash Valley (an unofficial name, but seemsappropriate as it sits at the foot of the summit plateau of Mount Monash).

It was soon after this that the scoparia started to become noticeable with many waist high bushes in a very healthy state flowing in many colours. There were bushes of a variety of shades of pink, various reds from dark through to rusty, then there were the whites and creams. Quite some time was spent just wondering through this area, but it was not just the Richea as so many other plants were in flower as well; such as Orites, Boronia, Waratah and Epacris.

Lunch was at the southern end of the valley before turning west and finally north over the Boronia strewn upper plateau on the way back to the car.

Click the image below to view the photo album

Monash Valley Mount Field

To view a map of the site click here.

Monash Valley at EveryTrail

Pelion Circuit

2010-11-13T17:09:00.001+11:00

18 – 22 October 2010

I last did the Pelion Circuit in glorious weather in 1993. With this latest walk we waited until there was a good forecast, which by good fortune meant only one day delay. On the first day the predicted showers looked a bit ominous as we drove through heavy rain from Mole Creek, but the worst had passed by the time we pulled up to start the walk.

The initial track was one slightly further south than the conventional Arm River Track. It was from an offshoot of Maggs Rd and although no quicker it avoided the steepness of the normal route. It was obviously used frequently and several sizeable logs had been chainsawn through the ease the way. Much of the upper section follows a narrow valley with numerous pencil pines and is most attractive.

In the days prior to the walk there had been snow and rain about and this left plenty of water with the creeks well up, including Douglas Creek at Pelion which would have been very difficult to cross if it was not for the bridge. We all favoured staying at Pelion hut instead of continuing on to Frog Flats. Morning revealed a light snow cover but it didn't take long for it to melt and it has disappeared by the time we reached the Pelion West turnoff. Just before the first small cliff line of the mountain we debated whether to take a direct route for the big cliffs on the southern side of Pelion West or continue up a bit before doing so. The direct route was chosen, but in hindsight the longer way would have been easier. It took us 2 hours skirt under these massive cliffs with considerable amounts of snow on the slopes under them. Even though this route avoids the summit boulders, there was still a short 80 metre section of large rocks that needed great care to negotiate. Camp was on the high ridge on the western side where a group of small pines provided shelter from the cool breeze. Nigel and James climbed Pelion West.

Under cliffs of Pelion West

Pelion West

Although the following morning was cloudy it did not take all that long for it to break up as the day got progressively better and better. The packs were left on the upper slope of Achilles as we journeyed out to Perrins Bluff; a trip that took us a little over 2 hours with scrub, rock and snow and much the same for the return. Whilst Nigel and James ascended Achilles, I decided to go down to Leonards Tarn. I was aware that it was best to keep to the far right of the grassy descent gully, but progressed down to the first of the Fagus and realised that I should have turned right earlier.Thinking this would only be a narrow band at this point, I chanced pushing through to where I should have been. However it wasn't easy and would have been better and quicker to have backtracked and gone round. It is deceivingly longer to get down to Leonards than it looks, but after finding a nice campsite it was delightfully pleasant wandering about and taking photos at this beautiful location.

Heel of Achilles

Pelion West from Leonards Tarn

Morning brought another fine day and more time strolling about this delightful spot before embarking on the long and unrelenting 2 hour climb up the boulders to the Thetis summit. Getting off was harder than it ought to have been because we missed a cairn and went over a lot a large boulders that were not easy with a pack on. Camp that night was in a pleasant bit of snow gum woodland with the final morning was taken leisurely over the moorland before dropping back to the Overland Track. It was almost 6 pm when we arrived back at the cars as the first drops of the predicted late rain fell.

Thetis and Paddys Nut

There is a photo album on the web.

Pelion Circuit

Hidden Falls

2010-07-30T20:50:00.005+10:00

Wednesday 21 July 2010

How my memory of this as a relatively flat walk is amazing, because it was anything but. We started off with an attempt at taking the direct route over the farmland, but the Tea Tree Rivulet was full of water and rather than risk wet feet we opted for the extra 600 metres by circling round on the vehicle track. Once into the bush we discovered the route went steeply uphill by 250 metres. It was a fairly gentle down from there until we reached the point for descending to Griffiths Rivulet, where we found it quite steep with plenty of loose soil. Decent size pools could be seen in the rivulet and mistakenly we assumed these would be above the falls, however after a bit of downstream scrambling we soon realised that Hidden Falls was back upstream.

Although it had been delightfully sunny thus far, it was different in the shade at the falls and we were pleased to get back into it for the return journey. On reaching a junction a wrong turn was taken and even the local dog from the farm, that had joined us for the trip, didn't warn us. Nevertheless it made little difference as the GPS brought us back to the top of the hill where the track was again picked up. A welcome coffee was had at Buckland.

Click on the image for a larger view of the route we took

There are also photos as this link

Grasstree Hill

2010-06-27T13:48:00.001+10:00

Saturday 26 June 2010

The route to Grasstree Hill commenced from agate soon after the bay at Catchpole Gully and followed a track over three hills before the final off track rocky ascent to Grasstree. Whilst having morning tea on one of the hills a chap turned up to set up an orienteering course to be held the next day.
After the ascent of Grasstree we followed a vehicle track for a short distance before heading over the hill top and then picked up another track circling round the top of Bourbon Creek gully where we found a warm sunny spot for lunch. From there it was a matter of walking down the broad flanks to join with the track at Quoin Gully. Along here the first grasstrees were spotted.
On the final leg, on the track on the hill above the dam we met at about 3:20 a couple who had been informed that they could walk on a track from there up under Grasstree Hill and back to Risdon Brook; we did enlighten them and wished them luck. I think the reality of the task would have set in soon after for them. For us it was another 45 minutes to the cars, arriving there at touch after 4:00.

There was universal agreement that we had a good day capped off with pleasant weather.

Grasstrees

Mother Browns Bonnet

2010-06-25T15:54:00.002+10:00

24 June 2010

Photo on summit plateau

The weather was fine and sunny with very little wind. We wandered along the old vehicle track and did note that there were no signs of the joining tracks marked on maps; they appear to have overgrown. Following morning tea at the turnoff point for the ascent of Mother Browns Bonnet we took the right hand leading old but faint vehicle track and ascended over mostly open country to the large summit area for lunch.
On return the tapes of the marked route were followed for a while, but it was not as clear going this way. On reaching the turning point where the vehicle track back should be, we must have walked right over it and had to do a little searching to locate it.
On return we collected our car from Sorell where we left it to have a puncture repaired and ended the day with coffee at a local bakery.

Track notes are are available

Three Thumbs

2010-06-12T22:18:00.001+10:00

Saturday 12 June 2010

This bushwalk included an extension to the western most of the Three Thumbs and a return by the alternative forest loop track..
The weather was sunny to start but from time to time cloud blocked off the sun and the cold wind became more noticeable. A coffee stop was made at Orford on the way home.

View of the main Three thumbs summit from the western peak

Old Coach Road

2010-06-04T10:55:00.001+10:00

Thursday 3rd June 2010

With a fine forecast we headed up the foggy east coast to Orford, which fortunately was free of it. Morning tea in a clearing was made pleasant by the warmth of the sun and the multitude of birds present. A pad was followed to the top of the hill before descending to meet the old coach road on the dry northern slope. From here we went down to end up on the colder slopes above the river and decided to turn back when some scrub was met. The old track was followed for further on the way back before veering off the meet the inward pad. Late lunch with a coffee was enjoyed at one of the cafes in Orford.

More Photos here

Lower South Wellington

2010-05-26T17:36:00.002+10:00

A bushwalk from the Ice House to Wellington Falls Tracks, via Devils Gulch
Monday 24th May 2010

From the Springs we could see just a fleck of snow and the wet and shady spots on the track were a little icy, however neither caused us any problem. It was a fine but cool morning and we stopped for an early morning tea just before reaching the top of the Ice House Track to avoid the colder breeze expected on top.

The pad past Devils gulch was easy to follow and all was fairly straightforward with the only spot needing a bit of extra care being a couple of descents over boulders part way down to the slope. The bushes on this south sloping face were still wet so with nota lot of sun getting to us below the tress we opted to lunch on the scree just above the Wellington Falls Track. A quick check on the homeward leg revealed Disappearing Tarn empty.

To view a map of the walk plus photos click here

Devils Throne

2010-05-17T20:36:00.001+10:00

Monday 17 May 2010

This was just a delightful day on the summit area of Wellington Park. It was cold and foggy in the valleys below and a touch of frost present in the shadows along the way, but being so still the made us feel quite warm ans we walked along beside Thark Ridge to cross the high saddle and descent to Devils throne. The track was very wet and we had to dodge the frequent pools of water but the views were splendid and it was ever so peaceful in the bush. The return was via Roaring Creek and Thark Ridge.

Cathedral Rock

Mt Marian

2010-05-11T21:55:00.001+10:00

Monday 10 May 2010

A few days prior to this walk the weather forecast was for rain and winds, but fortunately it was amended to a fine day. It was although quite windy and cold on top. Two others from Bushwalk Tasmania joined the walk as we headed up the Myrtle Forest track to arrive at the fire trails in sunny conditions. On arrival at the summit of Mt Marian we found it a bit windy and cool so walked aver the summit plateau to a sheltered sit for an early lunch.

The BWT duo then started off on the 2k cross country journey to Mt Charles, whilst we headed back to the fire trail through the bush. This proved to be much slower than using the formed pad and it took us over an hour as against 40 minutes for the ascent. On arrival at the fire trail two pairs of footprints were noticed and we realised that the other two must have made impressive progress getting over to Mt Charles and back.

It was subsequently learnt that they reached a high point on the far end of Marian plateau and thought that was Charles, before descending to the fire trail.

Pineapple field beside Trestle Mt

Tarn Shelf

2010-05-04T20:59:00.002+10:00

Saturday 1 May 2010
Once on the Tarn Shelf we followed the track down to near James Tarn and from there wandered over parts of the shelf and rejoined the track just beyond the gully at Backhouse Tarn. From there it was over a hill and down to a tarn then north to meet the track again at Twisted Tarn. We decided to return via Twilight Tarn and Lake Webster to make a circuit walk.
Some of the Fagus had fallen off the bushes but there was still plenty left and the colour was very good in the beautiful weather. The section off track was a great delight as we meandered past the many Pencil Pines and pools.

Tarn Shelf May 2010

East Cradle

2010-04-18T18:08:00.002+10:00

13-16 April 2010
It was a little windy and cloudy so we elected to walk in via Lake Hanson. During the night the wind got up quite strongly and buffeted the tent considerably, so it was fortunate that we picked the sheltered side of the pines and bushes to camp.
It was cloudy next morning but we were far enough away from Cradle and low enough to get the breaking cloud and eventually sunshine. Cradle remained under cloud for much of the day however. We ventured out as to the far eastern peak on the plateau and in the afternoon ascended a peak closer to Cradle. All quite pleasant meandering about in very enjoyable weather.
On the final morning it was misty and the cloud ceiling did not lift during the walk back to Dove Lake.

East Cradle

Mt Aldebaran – Western Arthur Range

2010-03-09T10:54:00.001+11:00

5-8 February 2010

Friday lunch time start with a camp at Two Mile Creek. Then followed a hard day, initially along the track before turning off to cross the Arthur Plains to the base of Kappa Moraine. It was quite a stiff climb up the steep side to the track then a steady ascent to the Vesta junction where we set up tents, scoured the area for water and then set out to climb Carina Peak via Promontory lake.
It took almost 1:30 from Mckays track to the base and the same again to reach the junction.

It was quite a pleasant walk to Carina Peak with only a very short part of it having a scramble up a scrubby slope. The views on the whole walk were quite superb and Promontory Lake glistened calmly in the still conditions.

The next day was the remainder of the climb up Kappa, an ascent of Mt Scorpio then over the simply lovely alpine plateau leading to Lake Sirona. A clamber up to a high ridge followed. then the skirting of the rocky tors on the steep eastern side before emerging at Haven saddle.

With such fine weather it was quite a simple task to get to the top of Mt Aldebaran, unlike the previous visit a year ago when mist and finally rain drove us back.

On return to the tents, we decided to descend to and camp on the Arthur Plains to reduce the length of the final day. The inward route was retraced and camp was made at a spot among the regrowth beside Seven Mile Creek. The benefits of descent were felt next day as the weather heated up quite a bit and it was handy to have a reduced distance to walk.

Mt Alebaran

Click the image above for a photo album

Long Tarns

2010-03-05T21:00:00.004+11:00

25-28 February 2010
Conditions were quite pleasant for walking as we ventured past Rina Dina Falls and up the valley to Long Tarns to camp. I noticed that someone in fairly recent times had lit a fire at one of the camping spots. On the second day the route taken was south easterly past the remainder of Long Tarns to Lake Butters where a change of direction was made to the south west then north west to camp by a small tarn at the edge of the wide valley leading to Zion Gate. We could clearly see the end of lake Fanny from the campsite.
Although cloud had rolled in from the south by morning it did not take long to clear and we were again in bright and pleasantly warm sunshine cooled by a light breeze. The route was via the delightful old pine forest at Lake Tyre before dropping into Zion Vale, visiting Lake Sidon with it's many islands and then on to Tiger Lake for lunch. Up to until the latter turn off the track seemed to be much less used than once and a few small sections were not now as obvious to follow. However the pad to Tiger Lake seemed to have had quite a bit of use with many footmarks. The log book in the hut, which is half way down the eastern side of the lake, indicated that quite a few people had made a visit. Evidently the track is written up in one of the guide books.
The hut is Solitary Hut at Tiger Lake, the builder being known as the solitary man hence the name of the hut. He spent time on the central plateau with his grandfather. He was called up national service but the troops were pulled out of Vietnam before he had to go. He had a liking for bushwalking and wanted a place with lake and mountain views   He lived in a tent while building the hut and then continued living there for 18 months Jan 84 to July 85 but with frequent visits back to the city for provisions and so on. He doesn't visit it much nowadays.
From here we headed in a fairly direct line to the Pencil pine forest clothing the side of the plateau between Mersey Crag and Clumner Bluff, but I made the mistake of walking up the slope at a point too early and as a consequence we had more scrambling to do than should have been the case. On top of that we arrived on the plateau a bit far west and had to continue over it to a delightful campsite beside a tarn surrounded on one side by a pine forest and views of the Mersey valley cliffs on the other.
A short period of rain fell overnight but it stopped well before morning and soon the clouds cleared away.   We took to the scrubby ridge down off the plateau, eventually entering old Myrtle forest as we followed the creek past several small waterfalls before arriving back at Rina Dina Falls and soon after back to the car.

Day 1 Little Fisher River to Long Tarns 7K
Day 2 Long Tarns via Lake Butters    7.7k
Day 3 Valley to Mersey Crag plateau tarn 11.6
Day 4 To Little Fisher R    5.8k

Walls North

Davis Lookout

2010-01-24T15:25:00.000+11:00

Sunday 24 January 2010

The weather was very good for walking as it was sunny but never got too hot.
As the summit could not be seen from our approach route, we ascended the first rocky top only to glimpse another peak ahead. On reaching that one it became obvious that the real top was still ahead. However lunch called and this being close enough we decided to call a halt. So the Lookout was not actually reached . Although we had been there before.
Walking over the Windy Moor sections on return became quite tiring due to uneven and soft nature of the ground cover. There was also no water, although we were carrying some, and with time running out we did not have much in the way of stops.
The contrast to the situation on the summit of Mt Wellington 3 days earlier was remarkable. At Mt Field the steams and pools were dry, whereas on Mt Wellington they were all quite full and the little feeder streams were flowing and everywhere.

Track Notes

Click image below for photo album

Davis Lookout

South Wellington Plateau from Big bend

2010-01-21T15:39:00.000+11:00

Thursday 21 January 2010

The weather was a delight.. We left Big Bend and skirted the plain, crossed to Dead Island and then scrambled up to South Wellington plateau. Several vantage points were visited before crossing the middle of the plateau, past numerous pools and then walked over the summit plateau and descended back to the cars.

It was most noticeable that the top of the mountain had heaps of water, with pools all full and streams running; this in mid summer.

For a map of route

Glen Dhu Rivulet

2010-01-14T21:02:00.003+11:00

Thursday 14 January 2010
For the second time in about two weeks we found ourselves ascending the Myrtle Forest track, but this time it was to go to Glen Dhu Rivulet.
The initial part of the walk follows the creek up where the Myrtles are quite prolific. Once on the old Glen Dhu track the bushland was quite delightful, initially with Myrtles, correas and numerous waratah bushes, then on the somewhat drier slope the cheeseberries and lower down the Ozathamnus was out in flower and quite striking. However the delightful masses of trigger plants were the highlight, which are at a peak in January.
The old fire trail is steadily getting more plants established on it and parts are now reasonably covered to the extent that you have to weave about between the bushes to walk along it. Some trees also down but are no hindrance to walking.
The turn off to Glen Dhu is becoming less clear and after a 200 metres the narrow pad is at time indistinct. In the lower section some yellow tapes indicate the way, but even so we had to be alert, with many saplings and fallen branches leaning over the pad.
As a side issue we checked old Gorse sites and found no seedlings or re-shooting, although a bush that had been overlooked previously was found a bit further down the track. Several seedlings of Spanish heath were found and removed from known locations. Before venturing down to the rivulet check was made as far as the park boundary for Elishas tears, where one broken off branch was found to have rooted.

Glen Dhu Rivulet

To view route

Haywoods Mt Wellington

2010-01-11T16:11:00.001+11:00

Sunday 10 January 2010

We left the Chalet on Mt Wellington and walked along the Organ pipes track to the point where it is usual to cross the boulders somewhere in the vicinity of the old New Town Red Paint track. Misty cloud was gradually lifting from the summit area and this made walking conditions very pleasant. After a stop at a delightful small wooded spot we then did the final ascent to the pinnacle before going down the Zig Zag and finally back along the Organ Pipes track.

Misty conditions during morning

Brachycome near summit

Olearia

Boulder scree near old Haywoods and New Town Red Paint tracks

More information

Mt Crooke

2009-12-27T21:21:00.002+11:00

Most of this walk was off track and included negotiating a bit of scrub, including Scoparia, and a fair bit of uneven terrain underfoot.
Initially the track to Mt Field East was followed and I was able to point out the work done by the Friends of Mt Field on hardening the track . On the highest part of the saddle at the top of the climb and before windy Moor we turned northwest and walked through a lovely area of bushes with open space between them that made walking easy. A gentle climb brought us to an unnamed rocky knoll that was actually higher than nearby named features including Mt Crooke, our walk destination. The descent brought the first unavoidable scrub, including some Scoparia in flower. Beyond this we entered the valley holding the headwaters of the Davis River and then began the 45 minute and 900 metre walk through the scrub for an ascent of a mere 100 metres to the summit of Mt Crooke.
A slightly different return path was used, but we still encountered some Scoparia; just enough to make us look closely to find the thinnest patches through. Once back in the valley of the Davis we walked up the watershed and then descended to the Lake Fenton to Webster track.
The day was sunny and mild with a gentle cooling breeze, the wildflowers were good and we obtained unique views to Lakes Webster and Seal and had the vista across the valley of the distinct line of the Tarn Shelf. It took 2:25 of walking to get to Mt Crooke and 2:15 to get back.
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Mt Crooke 11

Dolomieu Point

2009-11-19T16:42:00.000+11:00

Walk along the quite scenic Fortescue beach and on to the headland where numerous penguins reside passing Canoe Bay before the climb over a hill to Bivouac Bay. From here it is a gentle climb to Dolomieu Point

The day was quite warm but the shade from the trees helped keep the direct sun off us most of the time and once at Dolomieu Point and beyond there was a cool breeze.

Click the image below for photos

Dolomieu Point

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Arthurs Peak

2009-11-18T17:04:00.002+11:00

18 November 2009

Delightfully sunny but mild conditions made for a very enjoyable walk, made even better by the massive display of wildflowers for the whole distance of the walk. The track was easily followed and mostly quite dry and the views from Arthurs Peak along towards Tasman Island and over to Crescent Bay were great.

Arthurs Peak

Alpha Pinnacle Reserve

2009-11-10T19:55:00.001+11:00

9th November 2009

The day was quite hot, exceeding 30 degrees, which made the walk somewhat harder. Initially we followed the track through Chauncy Vale then onto Flat Rock where the first real decision on what route to take had to be made. The left track was taken, partly because it had blue markers, and at the next junction we headed right to eventually pick up and old overgrowing track then through the bush to meet a logging road. The country ahead of hill looked dreadful and came as surprise, because instead of nice bushland it had all been logged and replanted with a Eucalypt plantation right up to the very boundary of the Alpha Pinnacle Reserve . This looked new and the gums were small and even Google Earth still showed the land as forest.

Other minor annoyance from the numerous spider webs all had been going fine until here. Things began to go less than hoped for from here. The first omen was Nigel tripping over an old bit of fencing wire and nose diving over some rocks; fortunately only a very minor injury resulted. The plantation and roading for it had also made the map outdated. There was no option but to walk through this unsightly area, with the only redeeming feature being some patches of Stackhousia (Forest Candles) that were larger than anything we had seen before. Eventually one of the original tracks was located and followed to a lagoon that looked like it had once been a bush retreat of an earlier owner. Beyond this the Alpha Pinnacle Reserve was reached.

Our return followed the reserve boundary, passing an intriguing hollow filled with plants, including strong smelling Bedfordia and Pomaderris heavily in flower. Part way down we made a successful short cut through the bush to meet a logging road, but on reaching the Flat Rock reserve boundary it did a sharp uphill turn and headed back roughly in the direction we had come from. This prompted us to opt for a branch track heading south, but this eventually petered out and left us with an uphill climb to a plateau where we had to walk north anyway to avoid a deep gully. On coming upon another track we followed it for a short distance as it seemed to head towards our goal, but alas it then dropped towards a gully, so after backtracking and following it in the other direction we eventually arrived at where the aforementioned logging road would have taken us. But our route added close to an extra hour to the journey.

A track was spotted that we hoped may allow us to avoid repeating the morning scrub bashing but again it soon changed direction so it was back to our morning tea stop and a push through the bush until we met the track again. Only about 15 minutes added to our day by this little diversion. We were now on a straight forward path so we arrived back at the cars without further complications, although all were feeling quire tired by the long day and heat.

Whilst this won't get marked down as a favourite walk, it was nevertheless a bit of an adventure and also gave us a reminder of the terrible destruction being wreaked on our country, and the plant biodiversity that is being lost from forestry. The contrast between the reserved land of Alpha Pinnacle and that bordering it is stark and dramatic.

Alpha Pinnacle

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Green Head

2009-06-20T21:07:00.002+10:00

20 June 2009

In delightful sunny and at times quite warm weather we walked the circuit from Lime Bay to Green Head and on to Lagoon Beach to return via Sloping Lagoon.

More photos are on the web

South Cape Rivulet

2009-06-06T21:39:00.001+10:00

22-23 April 2009

Our plan to spend four days in the Walls was replaced with two days to South Cape Rivulet, simply because the north west was expecting rain for the last days. The weather was absolutely ideal with clear skies and quite calm wind on both days. Late in the afternoon a group of about 12 from a Cygnet school arrived, but as we had the small campsite a little distant from the main one, our peace wasn't disturbed much at all.

Whilst most of the walk was very pleasant there is one aspect that is very much below par. And that is the deplorable state of the track that bypasses Lion Rock. I have been along this track over a number of years and have observed the gradual deterioration. Stretches that had once been heavily shaded but relatively dry, became soft and muddy over the years, but are now quite boggy and causing braiding as people walk wide to avoid the mud. The lengths of deteriorating sections have now increased as well. After having walked the South Coast Track on four occasions over my 40 years of walking throughout Tasmania, I feel that this part of the track is in many ways an indicator of the likely state of similar parts of the South Coast Track.

The track is being promoted by the Tasmanian Government, through Parks and Wildlife and the Tourism authority. This is evidenced by PWS web site and the PWS South Coast map and the Tasmanian Walking Tracks Strategy and Marketing Plan 1997 as well as wilderness tourism advertising. There is no doubt that part of the reason for promotion is to bring bushwalkers to Tasmania to help boost the economy. It is therefore an obligation of the Government and other promoters to ensure that the track is maintained to a reasonable standard. If it wasn't promoted then there would have been less people using it over the years and the track would therefore not be as bad as it is currently.

A photo album can be viewed on the web

Prosser Sugarloaf via Twamley

2009-05-30T20:54:00.001+10:00

Saturday 30 May 2009

Easterly conditions with a large high pressure approaching Tasmania gave us a bit of drizzle at the start, but this was short-lived. Two dogs from the farm accompanied us for , with one turning back at morning tea time whilst the other stayed for the full trip. We walked on an old vehicle track that became rougher after passing beyond the Eucalypt forest plantations. The final ascent was from a distinct ridge but the return took a more direct route to rejoin the track.

Click for a map of the route

Montagu Thumbs

2009-05-27T20:38:00.001+10:00

This was a multipurpose bushwalk in that the track was to be assessed for maintenance needs and the weed status at the start of the track was to be checked.

The day remained overcast throughout with a stiff breeze but for most of the time the bush kept it at bay. We noted two or three short sections of track that needed stabilising and also that more Erica had established near the start. It had previously been cleared on two previous occasions, but is such a persistent weed that more was fully expected.

The walk went as far as the Norris hut under Montagu thumbs

Western Arthur Range

2009-03-07T21:41:00.003+11:00

Monday 16 - Sunday 22 February 09

It is 20 years since I did the full traverse of the Western Arthur Range, although I have made trips to parts of it and across to the Norolds since. It came as no surprise that it would now take longer for the journey now than then, nevertheless it still made me wonder how we could have done some of the sections in the times recorded back then. Just goes to show how you slow down as time passes or maybe we now spend more time looking and enjoying this wonderful and rugged wilderness.

And rugged is a very apt description of the Western Arthur Range walk. I suspect that in some ways it has become a little harder too, because although the alpine moors are now hardened with superb rockwork, many sections have suffered significant erosion in the intervening years and have rock faces are left where the earth covering has been lost. In fact I would now recommend taking a short rope to allow for lowering of packs over some of these spots.

A projected easterly weather pattern gave encouragement and our first day was in fine and pleasant weather. The track to Junction was not as bad as it often is, although the couple of notorious bogs still required us the gingerly creep around the edges. Between Junction and the base of Moraine A was quite good and the campsites there were quite dry and reasonable for camping. I had been hoping that we might reach Cygnus on the first day, but overnighting here allowed an early start of the ascent when freshest and in cool of morning. It is an unrelenting and hard climb which felt nice to have over and although we arrived eat Cygnus early in the day, even after allowing for strolling about Mt Hesperus and Capella Crags; I felt that I had done enough.

I had never walked between Cygnus and Lake Oberon in really nice weather but this time the cool, calm and sunny conditions were ideal; as good as it can get. The moorland below the summit of Mt Hayes was superb and after climbs to the top and to Procyon Peak, Sirius and Orion we could enjoy the superb views of Oberon during the descent to the shores, followed by an evening from viewing the light as the day faded to an end.

The only impediment that I could remember, to getting up Mt Pegasus was a tight squeeze through a hole in the rocks, so the tough little cliffy bit early on came as a surprise. The delightful views the other side of Lake Uranus and Mt Capricorn were fondly recalled and, in the lovely weather prevailing, did not disappoint. Some small concern was felt about the likely state of descent off Capricorn after the last 20 years of use, but we did not experience much trouble , although a few of the previous dirt steps have gone leaving just the underlying rock face to negotiate. From the bottom remaining distance to High Moor was much less tortuous even with a side trip to Dorado Peak. After tea I walked back to Mt Columba where panoramic views could be gained, coloured brilliantly by the setting sun.

Just before it was time to arise next morning, rain suddenly started and I thought that this was going to either delay us for a day or make for a pretty unpleasant time getting through the Beggary Bumps. But just as suddenly as it started did it end and we were away not that much later than usual. The two chasms took a bit of time to get through and involved some pack hauling, and the path on the extremely steep faces looked to head off into space. After finishing the main sections one can't help but look back at The Dragon and beyond and wonder wherever did the route go; it looks so amazingly rugged and invincible. Not that the ups and downs ended there and it still took a time to reach the summit of Mt Taurus, where a grandstand view of the backbone of the range could be appreciated. The walk on to Haven Lake still presented a couple of challenges, all of which I had completely forgotten existed.

Although the next morning was fine, a mist rolled in and drizzle soon after and we made the decision to leave the range via Moraine K. A shortcut was taken to Mckays track on the Arthur Plains and during the crossing of a couple of burnt out creek areas I was struck by the amazing volume of seedlings; literally a carpet of Melaleucas and banksias of vivid greens. The weather cleared and the following day was fairly cloud free and quite warm by the time we reached the cars.

Click her for photos

Pelion Circuit

2009-02-08T20:55:00.001+11:00

With the recent hot weather i have postponed some intended walks until conditions a more pleasant. However after reading about the Pelions (Achilles and Perrins) in Bushwalk-Tasmania, I scanned my slides from a 1993 trip there.

The photos are in an album

My notes from the walk were:

Great trip with dreamy weather.
Friday 9 April Good weather fine and sunny for walk in, crossing new bridge at Wurragarra Creek, to camp at Frog Flats. Fine cold night.
10 April Glorious day with morning mist in valleys
11 April Fine sunny day but clouded towards evening
12 April Monday Cloudy early but beautiful afternoon.
13 April Rain started about 4-5 am but was fine and sunny by mid morning.

This was a lovely walk, we went along under Pelion West on the southern slope which was a very nice way and avoids going over the big boulders with a full pack. Once around you are on a lovely ridge with a tarn and a good camp with the Pelion West summit close at hand and an easier ascent than from the eastern front. The next day we went to Perrins and also to the top of Achilles before setting up camp at Leonards Tarn. It was nice camping there actually and I don't think we had to hunt about for a spot. .
Ascent of Thetis was easier than it looked but from the summit there is a good way and a not so good way to leave (avoid dropping into the little valley too early). Bit of a scramble down to the Paddys Nut saddle then just gorgeous from there to the overland track. We found a superb camp spot on the way at a spot on the big plateau. In fact we had time to get to Pelion easily but opted to stay in this spot for the night. I have been back there many a time since.

See also my Picasa albums

Mt Monash

2008-12-30T21:07:00.002+11:00

Although the scoparia and other flowers were quite good near Lake St Clair in early December they were not nearly as advanced at Mt Field, however the walk over the moors , into the valley near Mt Monash and on to the summit was quite pleasant. Early cloud gradually dissipated to give some sunshine and this was even more so at the picnic area at the park entrance where we enjoyed a BBQ lunch.

Mt. Hugel

2008-12-23T22:42:00.002+11:00

Monday 15 December 08 to Friday 12 December 08

A 3 day walk to Mt Hugel, camping near at a tarn on an alpine plateau.

We waited a couple of days until the weather forecast was good and had the great advantage of getting the first break of three days of fine conditions for quite a few weeks. On arriving at the Lake St Clair visitor centre one of the first things we noticed was the removal of the two gums that had been just outside the cafe. They used to have decking around them and we thought looked much better than the now bare look of the area. A note was also on the door about not eating outside due to animal problems; so it appears the currawongs have probably been getting handouts from visitors and now become a nuisance. It is back to old days when you had to be very wary of them outside the kiosk. Parks told us that an arbourist had checked the trees and condemned them but our guess is that this is a way of justifying the removal.

The walk however was just fabulous as we climbed gently to Shadow Lake and onto Forgotten, with lots of bird song and flowers aplenty. Just before the scree part of the Little Hugel ascent we dived off into the scrub and worked a way up to the crest of the plateau and thus avoided the scree altogether. However this did entail a little bit of pulling oneself up a few short slopes. Just before the top two little tarns were noticed on a shelf that usually would not be seen from most other routes up.

After setting up the tent in a spot with a simply awesome view there was plenty of time for a cup of tea and a wonder about the plateau in what was very pleasant conditions even though we needed our thermals to ward off the cool air. The evening light was good and kept the camera busy as did the next morning. Initially we wondered over to an attractive natural garden east of the main tarn and then decided that it would be just as easy to head directly uphill to the upper plateau rather than work a way around the scrubby slope. This proved to be a bad decision because when finally arriving on what was
thought to be the top we were presented with a drop down into a scrub filled cleft. However after a bit of scouting about a route along the crest was negotiated bringing us to the regular way up. And just as well we did do that because from that vantage point another decent gully beyond the first one. During the climb up the summit area of Mt Hugel the clamour of Crescent Honeyeaters could be heard from the slopes on all sides and at the top the noise from waterfalls on the Franklin River 400 metres below could readily be heard.

That afternoon and early evening were warm so no thermal was needed this time, but again it got cold enough for light frost on the tent. We were both up early and headed off at 7:30 for the return journey and a thoroughly enjoyable one it was. In calm and pleasant walking conditions a pad not far from our
inward route was discovered and this enabled an easy descent to Forgotten Lake. It was lovely in the forest and lakes were enchanting and reflecting their surrounds beautifully. Numerous birds were calling and a lot were seen as well. All in all it was about as agreeable as the bush can be.

Photos can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/PeterJFranklin/MtHugel

or at Jalbum

Budawangs and Blue Mts

2008-12-06T20:10:00.005+11:00

We spent much of September walking whilst holidaying in New South wales, visiting the Blue Mountains and later The Budawangs in Morton NP.

On the way a couple of days were spent in The Warby Ranges (near Glenrowan and a known haunt of Ned Kelly) and Weddin Mt NP a dry area in central NSW with gullies and on return called in to do a walk in the Cathedral Range SP in Victoria.

The Blue Mountains offer many walking opportunities and on this our secoind visit we were able to walk on different tracks without repeating any from the previous time. Spectacular cliff country.

We did a 5 day walk from the Wog Wog entrance to the Budawangs via Corang Perak and Arch then through the valleys to climb Mt Tarn and a spectailar day into the Monolith Valley. Some aspects of the country reminded us of South West Tasmania, with buttongrass, plains and scrub.

Photos are on the web at the Picasa site and also at Jalbum (which has quite nice presentaion software).

South Freycinet

2008-11-09T21:13:00.002+11:00

Sunday 9 November 08 Friday 7 November 08

After travelling via the lagoons between Hazards and wineglass last year we decided that would be the route to take on this walk. It was quite different however, because all the lagoons were completely dry, whereas there was plenty of water in all but the furthest west one last time. It did mean that we could walk in a fairly direct line to join the end of Hazards Beach. The flowers on the stretch between there and Cooks were quite good, especially the Thryptomene and Kunzia which were starting to put on a good display.

The continued erosion of the backing dunes and heathland behind Cooks was most noticeable and the same was observed at Bryans and to a lesser extent at Passage beaches the following day. The hut at Cooks was looking much better than of old after restoration work and now had a veranda reinstalled. There was ample water in the one tank connected. The main drawback from camping virtually anywhere on Freycinet was the pesky mosquitoes.

Our middle day was spent walking to Passage Beach and ascending a ridge for spectacular views of the southern end of Freycinet and over to Schouten Island. On return the sky to the west looked ominously dark and the rain arrived soon after we commenced the walk between Bryans and Cooks. The water tank at Cooks was overflowing and two wombats were enjoying drinking from the puddles as we sheltered under the veranda. It is also worth mentioning that at the north western end of Bryans a large sea eagle was perched on a tree limb checking out the country.

On out first night at Cooks we were the only residents but this time there were 5 other parties camped there; quite a contrast. The Friday forecast was for rain developing in the northwest and spreading during the day, but the morning was clear blue skies which enable a pleasant walk out. Again we decided to go via the lagoons, but this time along the western flank and then along the final stretch of Hazards Beach and along the coastal track. Although cloud gathered more and more during the day we were out before any rain started. In fact it did not arrive until we were past Swansea.

Click here for photos

Freycinet Peninsula 2008

South Wellington to North West Bay River

2008-10-18T19:55:00.001+11:00

Saturday 18 October 08

Left at 9am and returned about 4:30 7-8 hours 12.5k circuit

When Dave collected me at 8AM it was lightly raining but by the time we reached Robyn's house it had just about stopped and things were brightening up as we commenced the walk from the Springs. The Ice House track had been cleared of scrub and some track improvements had taken place since last there; including a few small switchbacks on the early section and and some hardening on the upper area. Morning tea was at Smiths Monument and from there it was off-track along the pleasant woodland of the lower South Wellington plateau and onto the North West Bay River. The only resisting scrub was found just prior to reaching the river.

The river was followed upstream for 900 metres and then a scrubby section was crossed to pick up the Thark Ridge track, along this to near Big Bend, then a bit on the road before ducking down the Zig Zag to the car.

Photos can be viewed by clicking here

The route can be viewed by clicking here

Salters Point

2008-10-17T21:46:00.002+11:00

Saturday 11 October 08

This is the most direct way to Salters Point, a narrow neck of land jutting into the western side of Tasman Peninsula. From the point there are quite spectacular views of the coastal cliffs near Tunnel Bay, Shipstern Bluff and Cape Raoul.

We were fortunate to have a calm and sunny day and the bush was a delight especially along the high section from Moonlight Hill to the lookdown onto Salters. The highlight being the Tetratheca and many other wildflowers, which were quite spectacular.

We followed a vehicle track through pine plantations until reaching a small pile of rocks that marked a walking track that ascended through bush to meet a sign indicating Salters to left and Curio Bay the other. From here we went through a fairly level area with the dominant Eucalypts giving way to a lower heathland before the views down onto the coastline appear. After an early lunch we began the sharpish descent and a circle around a creek before coming to Salters Point. The continuing very light winds made it easy to sit out here and enjoy the spectacular views.

Photos at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/PeterJFranklin/

Salters Point

Crescent Bay & Mount Brown

2008-08-06T15:22:00.002+10:00

Friday 1 August 08

A certain degree of luck was present for this walk, because the cloud and rainfall picture showed the only part of Tasmania free of both was the south eastern portion. Hence the predictions of rain did not eventuate and we enjoyed a sunny and calm day walking along this lovely section of coast.

Prior to reaching Crescent Bay we ascended Mt Brown then returned via the lookout over the Dauntless Point. After lunch we walked to the Point Puer end of the beach, climbed to join the old track and went along this to visit the site planned for a resort by Dick Smith. The spot was covered in a vast swathe of Spanish Heath. A hoped for short cut over the heathland of Mansfield Plain meant we were off track for some distance and Alan who went along the coastal reserve to Safety Cove was back well before we arrived.

Coffee was enjoyed at "Eucalypt" a fairly new establishment at Port Arthu

Click image below for photos

Crescent Bay

Prosser Sugarloaf

2008-07-28T13:33:00.003+10:00

Saturday 26 July 08

This is the Dave T and Peter F version of the walk and everything that went wrong was the fault of Dave H.

When the Buckland valley came into view it was filled with fog and we left Twamley in the thick of it.

However, as height was gained we walked out of it and enjoyed morning tea in the sun. Apart from a minor and soon corrected diversion, all went well until arriving at a junction marked left to Tram track and right to Golden Gully. Our mistake here was not to get out the map. Ahead in the direction the Golden Gully track went was a prominent rocky eminence, and being the highest thing we could see, just assumed it was Prosser Sugarloaf.

After descending into Golden Gully and then climbing to the ridge saddle we simply turned right off the track and headed uphill, only to find it all levelled out and a look behind revealed a much higher hill. Time to check the GPS, and on consulting the map discovered we were on Blue Gum Spur, and thus about 2 kilometres east of Prosser Sugarloaf. Attempts to divert the blame to Dave H were made, but it was pointed out by the others that between the two of us we had 80 years bushwalking experience, two GPS units and two maps. Still we now know the way to go next time.

Photo of Golden Gully

Buckland Gorge

2008-06-27T22:30:00.002+10:00

Friday 27 June 08

Off road NW of Buckland

For the first time in about two months Hobart had decent rainfall and some showers were still about on the Friday that this walk was due to go. Thoughts of slippery rock and wet scrub were cause for some concern, and at the first rocks encountered the difficulty of walking on them was all too apparent as Philip slid into a pool and Wendy and Sue had trouble crossing over a slab. When the Bluff River was reached all agreed that keeping to the high ground above the gorge was the best option and we were able to enjoy the bush up there with glimpses of the gorge country from time to time. By good fortune we managed the second crossing of the Bluff River at an easy location and proceeded around some steep hills before crossing the old sand mining area and eventually pickling up a taped route past cliffs and caves to meet the exit point for the walk.

See photos are at
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/PeterJFranklin/BucklandGorge

Plunkett Point to Lime Bay

2008-06-23T10:31:00.003+10:00

Friday 20 June 08

The whole day was delightfully fine and calm, with initial patches of morning fog about. On arrival at the Coalmines site near Saltwater River the fog was just starting to lift and after leaving cars at Lime Bay we started off via Plunkett Point though the tea tree dominated scrub to Ironstone Bay. It seemed that the fog had lifted but as soon as we crossed the headland to Monk Bay it was met again. When I arrived at the western end of the beach Dave was already there and had started lunch and soon after the fog cleared away. The remainder of the walk was in bright sun, it got quite warm and jumpers were put away in the packs and probably the only thing to complain about was the glare reflected off the calm water.

David invited us to view his house at White Beach and we were all quite impressed; not really expecting to see either such a large place or the amount of work that gone into the garden. Soon after an equally impressive sunset we headed off to The Mussel Boys for a delightfully cooked meal. Between us we chose pork fillets, beef, lamb fillets and venison and everyone's plate was cleaned off fully, so it looked like all found the meals edible.

Unfortunately I forgot to bring my boots, socks, gaiters and hat along on the walk, but as the ground was dry and the track fairly good I got by OK. I'll have to pay more attention to that check list in future.

Click here for photos of the walk

Grasstree Hill

2008-06-19T16:28:00.003+10:00

Friday 13 June 08

Walk in the Meehan Range

On this walk we left the main Risdon Brook circuit track after the prominent bay and where a offshoot track leads to a gate. Once over the gate it was just a matter of following the mostly distinct old vehicle track to a junction with a higher grade track. Earlier we had heard trail bikes in the distance but were quite surprised when two bikes appeared along the way we had come, they headed off downhill in the opposite direction to us.

From the junction we turned east then on arrival at a fence followed a rougher vehicle track steeply uphill
where it ended at the top of the hill and from then on it was a matter of picking the easiest route to the over to a fence line and eventually up to the Grasstree summit. A vehicle track headed north then west and on leaving this track we headed south over the hilltops to reach another rough vehicle track but it would appear if we had continued for another 80-100 metres we would have got onto a better track that would take us out. However the one we took was fine and eventually lead to the north western end of Risdon Brook Dam.

View from slopes above Risdon Brook

Grasstree but over a kilometre from Grasstree Hill

Mount Tyndall

2008-04-27T13:49:00.005+10:00

Wednesday 23 April 08 to Friday 25 April 08

This part of the West Coast Range is of conglomerate and is around 1000m. It is steeply sloped on the west and large cliffs on the east. Along the southern portion are many lakes and tarns and low alpine meadows. At the northern end is Mt Tyndall at 1179 metres and on the southern end Mt Geike at 1193 metres

We had commitments for Tuesday, so could not take advantage of the best weather window and had to include the last day with a forecast of showers. Although it was a nice morning in Hobart this only really lasted until Derwent Bridge and a grey sky greeted us from then on, including a very light drizzle at times. However by the time the cars were parked below the Tyndall Range things had lightened up somewhat and we headed off towards a cloud topped mountain at 12:30. The walking track was reached 15 minutes later and after a short muddy bit of button grass the climb through scrub began then the moderately steep ascent up the side of the range until a levelling off and with the cloud now higher gave us views of surrounding plateau and lakes, although the peaks were still under cover. The Fagus started to become quite a feature and more and more came into view as we went down into a valley to set up camp.

Morning cloud persisted around the peaks but it was fairly good light at the camp level and it was pleasant walking through the delightful valley with pines, Fagus and streams cutting through the flat valley floor. Sunshine was on the land not far from where we were, so the day was looking promising as we ascended the slopes to view the very spectacular Lake Huntley lying well over 300 metres below and surrounded on two sides by huge grey cliffs. The Fagus really stood out here.

As luck would have it the mist cleared completely away for the final climb to Mt Tyndall, although the wind was brisk on top. The descent back to camp included some pleasant little valleys and in warming conditions tops had to be shed. Following lunch back at camp we strolled in an arc through delightful country to Lake Tyndall, with the only thing marring the day being prominent smoke from forestry operations.

The original forecast was for rain or showers to develop overnight but at one stage it looked like we would miss out, however at about 4am the first shower fell but by morning there was none. That is until we started to pack and from then on showers came frequently and for the first time in many years we had to walk in the rain.

Interestingly enough the times both in and out were not that much different from my last visit 15 years ago.

Click here to view photos from the walk

Tyndall Range

Yellow Cliffs

2008-04-08T21:19:00.003+10:00

Saturday 5 April 08

Parks have improved the area at the Myrtle Forest picnic area by renovating the vandalised hut and installing a toilet. The initial section of track has been further upgraded and a wooden viewing platform placed at the first waterfall. It all looks good and it is hoped does not get ruined by louts.

The approach to Yellow Cliffs was from Myrtle Forest using the Collins Cap track then downhill on the old Glen Dhu fire trail, which is even more overgrowing in the lower section than last year. The walking pad down to Glen Dhu Rivulet has been fairly recently marked with yellow tapes, but does not appear to be overly used. After crossing the Glen Dhu Rivulet we split and some went around the cliffs to the right whilst Sue and I went left. We rejoined again further up the slope without either finding any more cliffs. A steep ascent followed and even though we veered to the right we did not meet any more cliffs until close to the top. All agreed that the return route would be via the old and initially quite overgrown old logging track on the plateau above and fortunately it was not too hard to find and got clearer the closer Ringwood Fire Trail got. It was a straight forward walk back to the cars.

Motor bike tracks were most noticeable on the East West Fire Trail and were seen from when we reached the junction with Ringwood and continued past the walking track turnoff to Myrtle Forest on the Collins Cap Fire Trail. Although signs ban vehicles the bikes did use the short cut from the bend near Trestle Mt and caused some breaking up of the track.

The larger cliff area was not reached during the walk so it would be good to return. The access to this main section of cliffs looks feasible via Glen Dhu Road although a mere 100 metres is through private land but this appears to be bush and may not be fenced. From there it would be about 500 metres to the base of the cliffs. See map

Click for more photos

Mt Anne Walk

2008-03-29T20:56:00.005+11:00

Saturday 22 March 08 to Monday 24 March 08

The first section of plain has been burnt, probably from JM-S management burn, and there are plenty of dead sticks to push through and the boggy middle bit . Once through the first forest band it was back to unburnt scrub, although it is getting taller, followed by the ascent through the forest. Here we had several delays in locating the route and areas with Horizontal and other scrub to find a way through, plus a number of branches to clamber under or over.

We were well behind on my original times which brought home to me how much age slows you down; for example the quickest of our crossings of the first part of the plains crossing took 50 minutes as against the old one of 40 minutes. More dramatic was the extra hour to both way between Sandfly Creek and the ridge, partly due to the greater difficulty in finding the track.

Camp was reached later than anticipated and cloud had enveloped the mountain peaks, but as we started cooking the sky gradually became clearer and clearer and it looked like a cold night was in store. The next morning was glorious with valley mist way below us and we thoroughly enjoyed wandering the shelf to admire the scenery before setting off to climb Mt Anne. Once on the north east face it was easy going on the ledges until just below the summit, where quite a bit of time was spent trying to work out the best way up the final haul. One spot was looked at on several occasions, but I told Mike it looked much harder that way than my memory told me. Eventually we tried a small ledge and scrambled up to the summit, but on return varied this by using a creviced nook with a bush or two at the top and rock hand hold part way down; this proved to easier than first imagined. However I suspect that once it had more hand holds that have possibly fallen out.

Our final day was again pleasant and encouraged more photo taking. On the way back to the car we made a visit to the Anne-A-Kananda cave but the morning sun hadn't penetrated the access way and the rock was slippery, so we didn't risk descending to the underground entrance.

The track to the ridge seems to be getting much less use and it was most noticeable along the ridge and about the area we camped that the impact from walkers had lessened and was now in better condition than on my first visit. The most impact left was the pad running along a wet area immediately below the main ridgeline. On checking an old issue of Australian geographic I read that this track was the one used by cavers to reach their campsite during a 1987 expedition. That party was there for three and half weeks and had close on two dozen members, so one would imagine the track must have a terrible bog by the time they left. After 20 years this bit is still badly damaged, but even here the recovery is noticeable.

An Picasa album can be viewed or smaller selection but fancier presentation

Anne

Circuit of Cradle Mt and Barn Bluff

2008-03-09T17:46:00.009+11:00

Friday 29 February 08 to Monday 3 March 08

This was a trip that benefited greatly from being able to choose days when the weather was most favourable. We delayed a day or two until the forecast was for 4 good, mild days and after travelling to Cradle spent the remainder of the day climbing to a delightful campsite that we have used on a number
of occasions. It is a beautiful spot and we never tire of staying there. The last of the day, after a relatively early tea, was spent wondering about the pine studded area and enjoying the views of tarns, lakes, cliffs and steep valleys.

Thinking that there would be heaps of time to fit in the second day agenda meant that we did not rush away and enjoyed the calm sunny morning. Eventually the Face Track was reached and followed to the junction with the ascent of Cradle. Now it is about 20 years since last climbing this peak and my notes suggested allowing 2 hours for the return walk; but we soon discovered that the climb was harder and there are lot more big rocks to get over than our memories, and the 2 hours didn't take into account time spent enjoying the summit. Our planned camp for the night was on the western ridge of Barn Bluff and a calculation of arrival time was now 7PM, so when we did arrive there wasn't as much soaking up the scene time as hoped for, plus there was water to locate. Nevertheless the atmosphere was great and the morning was also superb.

A fabulous little knoll with birds, snow gums and low bushes encouraged us to try a more direct route to Lake Will, however eventually the Scoparia caught up with us. Beyond Innes falls we started to come upon other walkers, including several seen the previous day, as we headed for Waterfall Valley and after that down to a sheltered little campsite in Little Valley near Lake Rodway. It was here next morning that we heard a dog barking (see blog entry).

Misty clouds surrounded the Cradle peaks, giving them quite an atmosphere as they drifted away, and the reflections in Lake Rodway were a delight.

Click image below to view photos from walk or for a flashier version click here

Cradle Barn

Mt Connection

2008-02-22T12:27:00.004+11:00

Thursday 21 February 08

High cloud and no breeze made for pleasant walking and we noted some bags of rocks ready to do more track work through the wet areas on the plain on the approach to Connection. Pentachondra was in flower on the side of the mountain and once on top we strolled about the summit area between The Lectern and Pulpit Rock before returning to the track and retracing our steps to the old fire trail below Thark Ridge.

To make a change we made our way up on to Thark, mostly missing the worst of the screes and passing a few really delightful areas of snow gum that looked so inviting to sit and enjoy the scenery and environment. Once on the top we sidled to join the Big Bend FT at Mt Arthur. This enjoyable diversion took about 1:45 which is about double the time on the track.

View of Mt Connection from Thark Ridge and distant Collins Bonnet

More photos

South Wellington

2008-02-12T20:55:00.000+11:00

View from Ice House Track

With a fine day forecast we headed up the Ice House Track on Mt Wellington. The bush looked great, despite the dry summer, and there were numerous birds about, especially Yellow-throated Honeyeaters and quite a few Green Rosella. The day remained calm all the time we were in the bush and the temperature hovered in the low twenties, and only the odd march fly bothered us during breaks. So an ideal day for a walk.

Mt Rogoona

2008-01-26T11:03:00.001+11:00

Monday 21 January 08 to Thursday 24 January 08 4

We managed to have four days of pleasant weather with the temperature not rising above the low 20s during the day and the nights cool. The Jackson Creek track was used and proved to be a good way into Lake Myrtle. It climbs steadily at first then crosses an area of fire damaged rainforest where ferns and grasses are the main vegetation then a steepish climb on to the escarpment where a nice open valley leads to Lake Myrtle. We didn't spot the track at the end of the valley so just headed through the bush until finding the track again near the shores of Lake Myrtle.

The walk through to Meston was pleasant as usual, although fairly dry with little water running. Lake Meston campsite was empty and allowed us to pick the most desirable spot for the tent. There was frost overnight and the morning was still and beautiful with delightful views over the lake. From here we backtracked to the climb Mt Rogoona and greatly enjoyed the day, initially strolling through the snowgum country before the climbing over the ridges to the summit. On the top of the first high ridge we noticed rocks piled around as if to make a shelter and wondered about the history of it. The views from the top were really good and the breeze was cool and gentle, making for ideal conditions.

On the day three we spent the morning in a short walk to Lake Charles and returned to camp, packed and went to Lake Myrtle for the evening in order to reduce the walking time for the final day. By the time we got the Myrtle conditions had warmed somewhat and the March Flies were unpleasant. Up until then they hadn't been a bother and for the whole trip Mosquitoes were not a problem. The walk out on the last morning was enjoyable in the coolness of the morning.

View of Mt Rogoona from Jackson Track

Click here for more photos

Mt Marian

2008-01-04T14:30:00.001+11:00

Thursday 3 January 08

I had forgotten how steep the start of the climb up the fire trail was, even though it was only about 6 months since last being there. It was quite a warm day but the flat Gumtop ridge had some shade from the trees. We continued through to the junction with the East West Fire Trail and shortly thereafter began the climb to Mt Marian via the marked track. The track was in good condition and appears not to be heavily used.

On the climb to Marian there was a large black snake draped over bushes across the track and only a step or two ahead of me. It had flattened the body and did not seem willing to move. When it eventually did it snarled with a cough like sound. Needless to say we all kept a wide berth as we continued on to the summit.

Our return route was by the north western facing slope, which initially had a lot of loose soil before reaching the thicker scrub. It took longer than expected to reach the track again and this was mostly due to our course being a bit west of the most direct way.

Party Dave & Christine Peter & Sue Click for more photos

Trestle Mt

2008-01-02T14:58:00.000+11:00

Wednesday 2 January 08

One of the aims of the walk was to check out the volume of Broom seedlings at the Bushcare site and quite a number of small seedlings were found. We continued on the summit of Trestle, noting damage to the Mountain River track sign and that the Trestle walking track sign had been completely burnt.

One highlight was seeing 3 Wedge Tail eagles flying with two of them going over not far above our heads while we were having lunch on the top of Trestle.

Quite a warm day

Party Sue & Peter

Mt Field Walk

2007-12-15T16:51:00.001+11:00

Newdegate Pass

Thursday 13 December 07

Flowers were out in great numbers, especially the Epacris in the higher regions. At Newdegate Pass the many of the Cushion Plants were flowering.

Click here for more photos

An Attempt on Mt Jukes

2007-11-18T21:12:00.001+11:00

Wednesday 14 November 2007

We located an old bulldozer track uphill from the lookout and eventually came onto a cut track with plastic markers and occasional wooden posts. The track contoured the slope crossing small gullies, but at 828309 it ceased and we could not locate an extension anywhere.

We both wondered why the cut track should be heading in the direction it did as we thought it more logical to ascend more directly to Proprietary Peak. Although conditional were quite cloudy when we started by the time we reached the end of the cut track it was quite drizzly and visibility poor with the peaks now completely blanketed, so we decided it best to retreat and return when conditions were better

Hard Time in the Bush

2007-10-27T16:34:00.002+11:00

Click for photos

After I could finally think beyond the immediate urgency of my horrible accident, it was to wonder how I could have possibly coped without Alan and Nigel. They stopped the blood flow, cleaned and patched me, set up the tent, put me in it, and brought food when I had recovered sufficiently to drink and eat.

Earlier that day we had walked past profusely flowering bushes, where the big fire had gone through a couple of years ago. By the time we left Lunchtime Creek showers had developed but the bush held back the wind until we came to the notoriously exposed area above Perdition Ponds. In the buffeting here I had trouble making forward progress and whilst trying to get my feet onto an even surface a particularly strong gust hit. I felt myself losing balance and was literally blown into a dive onto rocks. I realised what was happening but was unable to prevent it. The instance before impact I probably yelled in horror because my tooth got chipped without damage to the mouth.

Blood was streaming and I felt for my nose and knew this was serious. After yelling for help I realised that Alan and Nigel were out of hearing, so managed to get up and stumble on towards Perdition Ponds. Eventually Alan and Nigel saw me and came to the rescue. They thought it may be best to call for an evacuation by helicopter, but I reckoned I didn't need it. They had me in the tent by about 4 pm and I spent a long night at the ponds. Fortunately I was able to walk out the next day without too much discomfort.

A visit to a hospital accident clinic revealed deep gashes to the forehead and a cut to the bone on the nose, where the bridge of my glasses had slammed in. A CT scan revealed a fractured nose but no other bone damage.

One of the outcomes of the drama has been the realisation that, had I been walking solo, coping with the immediate aftermath would have been very difficult and it left me extremely grateful to Alan and Nigel and strengthened my feeling of friendship for them. Once back on home soil the marvellous comfort and caring from Sue, Janine and Evan was truly humbling and eternally appreciated.

Click for photos

Flat Rock from Chauncy Vale

2007-10-11T13:42:00.001+11:00

Flat Rock walk Wednesday 10 October 07

Dave was sick and he looked as bad as he sounded too, so Nigel and I went searching for Flat rock and Alpha Pinnacle via map and GPS. We went via Guvys Lagoon to Devils Elbow and then followed old logging tracks onto Flat Rock where there was lots of Tetratheca in flower and soon this will be joined by the plentiful bushes of Golden Rosemary. The forest in this area was very nice despite being once logged and there were lots of snig tracks, but recovery has been good and in time will not be very visible. Old stumps were noticeable but not enough to spoil the scene, expect in a few spots where more recent woodhooking had taken place.

We were aware that there was insufficient time to get to Alpha Pinnacle Reserve, but after getting through the maze of old tracks we found ourselves at the foot of a very old and overgrown track leading up the valley to the reserve. However our belief now is that the best approach would be to stay higher and use a hill to the west. It would also be quicker to avoid the Guvys track and stay on the old vehicle track going past the devils elbow.

A notable incident occurred on the return in a large black snake frantically trying to avoid me stepping on it. It attempted to climb a rock between Nigel and myself, causing us to give it a bit of space.

Old Cape Pillar Track

2007-10-04T14:20:00.001+10:00

Massive Clearfell at doorstep of Three Capes Eco-tourist venture

Over a period of more than 30 years I have regularly walked to the spectacular Cape Pillar in what is now Tasman National Park, but not so long ago the start of the track was altered. It is now so very sad to see the terrible wound that has been inflicted on the original track, in the form of massive clearfelling of the forest. Clearly the forest industry has no heart and soul.

It seems ironic that Lennon and Wriedt have been in the area espousing the marvels of the place and how they intend to invest an estimated $15 million to create a Three Capes walk to attract eco-tourists. While all this has been going on, the Government has been responsible for the wholesale destruction of the land bordering the proposal.

Why is it that politicians can not see that this is equivalent to shooting yourself in the foot? The mass destruction of forests is not something that rates highly as an attraction to tourists.

Forestry sign advising of new track start location