Senior : Outdoor Education : Overland Track - June 08
Expedition: Overland Track, Tasmania
Updates:
Friday 4 July, 11.11am
Great day in Tassie, clear skies and sunny. They begin the journey home with a ferry pick up in 30 minutes time. They are all excited. The preparation and planning made for a great and safe trip. The group was able to meet the challenges as they arose. Well done!
(The following two reports were received Thursday 3 July, 11.39am)
Thursday 3 July
Mark Trollope called in at 3.20pm. He reported he had had quite a day. They pushed on through the weather and were now at Narcissus Hut. He claimed to have climbed mountains and forged valleys. While tired and sore there was a great sense of achievement amongst the group. They were starting to settle down for the evening. Tomorrow they board the ferry.
The hut at Windy Ridge has been closed. The leaders did not want to camp out in this area, so today the plan is to walk the entire day from Kia Ore to Narcissus. It is hoped to cover this journey in 7 hours with a number of small stops. The first group set off at 7.30am with the second leaving at 8.00am. The snow and rain continue to fall.
Wednesday 2 July
The group set off at 8.00am on the 3km trip from Pelion to Kia Ora hut. They walked through sleet, show and rain but did not receive the forecasted hail. While their outer bags and gear were wet, they were able to keep their inner packs dry. This section went very well and the group arrived at Kia Ora in great spirits. A few minor aches and pains but all remain in high spirits. Mr Trollope reported that the boys were building a snow man when he called in at 6.00pm. The weather conditions did not allow them to do the side trip to Mt Ossa, so they made the 9km journey in good time.
(The following two reports were submitted Wednesday 2 July, 11.00am)
Wednesday 2 July
The group set off at 8.00am on the 3km trip from Pelion to Kia Ora.
Tuesday 1 July
The group encountered snow, sleet and rain for most of the day. They made very good time and rang in to report they were already safe in the hut at 4.00pm. This section was undulating across button grass moorlands and a climb to the Forth Valley’s lookout. This 16km section is the longest on their journey and contains a number of climbs. The 6.00pm report and 8.00am Wednesday reports were again positive. Mr Trollope praised the group on their day's work. He commented that their preparation, food and equipment was contributing to the success of the difficult journey.
(The following four reports were submitted Tuesday 1 July, 1.45pm)
Tuesday 1 July, 12.00pm
The weather forecast promised snow and cool temperatures. This was a hard day’s push over 16km from Windermere to Pelion.
Monday 30 June
Today the rain picked up and the walk was either sleet or rain. It was a 7.7km walk to Windermere Hut. Here our well prepared group met up with two groups, one of four and one of five. All settled into the Windermere Hut and listened to the overnight rain. They report to all be warm and well nourished.
Sunday 29 June
The group set off from Ronny Creek at 8.15am. They travelled the 10km to Waterfall Valley hut. From Ronny Creek car park across Open Button to temperate rainforest and rise to Crater falls. Continue ascending to Crater Lake, then up to Marion’s Lookout (1223m). The track traverses around the western shoulder of Cradle Mountain, then across windswept alpine herb fields around Cradle Cirque. Steadily descended to Waterfall Valley overnight site. They reported in to all being well fed and happy with the day.
Saturday 28 June
The group assembled at Sydney airport to fly to Launceston. All went well except they were not able to take their fuel bottles, a minor set back. A good sleep and ready for the early start on Sunday.
Saturday 28 June, 9.11pm
Arrived in Launceston safe and well after the flight was delayed by 1 hour. In the afternoon, we went through the boys’ equipment and food to be sure they were ready to go.
The weather looks good, it is a great opportunity to get up and over Cradle Mountain. It’s quite cool here with a bit of rain, but that’s OK. Everyone is in great form.
Dates: 28 June - 5 July 2008
Cost: $690.00 - Including transport, travel, training and accomodation
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