Thanks to an invitation to Sarah to lead a special interest walk on behalf of the Tasmanian Walking Company we had the opportunity and privilege to walk the Overland Track on the land of the Larmairremener clan (part of Big River nation) - this time, in summer!!
We began, as before, at Waldheim Hut (in the northern edge of Cradle Mountain National Park), with a briefing from our guides (Bert and Georgia), a poem from our spiritual guide (St Sarah of Bruce!) and a selfie of the crew (thanks Mark).
L to R: Mark, Charine, Jyan, Liz, Kate, Sarah, Neil, Lisa and Georgia... Bert where are you?
It was misty and damp to begin but mild, unlike last time when it was windy and sleeting.
From the hut, the track winds across a button grass plain and up through a rainforest to Cradle Lake.
From the lake we continued on a steep climb to the highest point on the main track.
Pausing to reflect at Marion’s Lookout.
Onwards to Kitchen Hut, where last time it was freezing and surrounded by snow.
From here, the track traverses the western side of Cradle Mountain,
with Barn Bluff ever watchful (if a bit bashful) on the other side.
From this high plateau we plunged back into the forest and down to Barn Bluff hut, our lodgings for the night. We shared a hearty meal cooked by our guides who had carried in all of the fresh food.
Next morning we gathered on the helipad ready to go. No snow this time, just mist and light rain.
Off we go again - into the mist.
The milder conditions meant we could do some side trips, including this one to Lake Will - wow!
On the morning of day three we set out from the hut in silence, and again in mist.
The button grass plain with Mt Oakley in the distance looked beautiful in this mystical morning light.
As did the forest through which we ascended and descended,
emerging eventually at Frog Flats, the lowest point on the track.
From there it was up and down again, and out onto the grassy Pelion Plains.
We lunched at Old Pelion Hut.
Shortly after lunch we met this gorgeous little fella busying himself by (and in) the river.
On day four the sun shone.
The morning walk down the ‘driveway’ of our hut to the main track was stunning,
with droplets of fresh dew glistening on leaves and webs - very invigorating.
Our first stop, at a gentle waterfall, inspired a moment of Zen!!
On we walked, past ever watchful native Pandanis palms.
And everywhere, wildflowers blooming.
In the valley, we walked through another stunning old growth rainforest
stopping at a thousand year old King Billy pine,
before ascending the aptly named 'Stairway to Heaven'.
Eventually, we emerged into the sunlight at Pelion Gap.
Another side trip took us on towards Mt Ossa.
We paused for lunch on the side of nearby Mt Doris.
Following lunch, five of us climbed Mt Ossa
and five headed for the next hut and a swim in the river.
After much hauling, huffing and puffing the climbers made it to the summit!
It was a clear still day and the view from Ossa was majestic.
Range after range stretching out in every direction -
one third of Tasmania is visible from this vantage point.
But, what goes up...
Down and down we scrambled, eventually reaching Kia Ora hut,
set in bushland in the shadow of Cathedral Mountain.
Next morning the track wound back into more beautiful old growth rain forest.
The leatherwoods were in flower, as were many other trees and bushes.
We took a side trip for lunch and a swim in the Mersey River - chilly!
Then on up to Ducane gap and down through a forest of massively tall trees to Pine Ridge hut.
Nearing the end of the track on day six we paused at the Windy Ridge sign.
On again through a stunning grove of eucalypts
and across the Narcissus River.
From the bridge it was a short stroll to Lake St Clair
where we managed a quick swim before the boat arrived to ferry us to Derwent Bridge.
The happy crew at the end of the way.
No casualties this time, just weary bodies, warm smiles, and much gratitude.
'You'll sleep in the bus on the way back', the driver said. And we did.