After a spectacular day exploring Cradle Mountain and the surrounding scenery, we woke up today ready to commence the Overland Track and disappear into the Tasmanian Wilderness for the next 6 days. As the sun began to rise the adults woke up, packed up, said goodbye to their Waldheim Cabin and for the final time tackled the large boulder steps up to Scout Hut to enjoy a delicious breakfast before commencing the Overland Track.
Our Waldheim Cabin (right hand side)
After once again conquering the boulder step track to Scout Hut, it was very obvious that the adults were hungry and with Wombat & Numbat devouring everything they could before heading into the Wilderness and diet of Backcountry Meals ...
With everything packed and Scout Hut cleaned it was time to depart and commence the Overland Track. Ahead was a six-day five-night expedition that would challenge us to extend our comfort zones and truly immerse ourselves in all the beauty and wonder that the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park has to offer. Today is what we had prepared for, dreamed about and focused on for two years. As we locked the door and said goodbye to Scout Hut we stepped out with fully loaded packs and initiated our Overland Track Expedition.
Challenge Number 1:- Retracing our steps to Kitchen Hut.
As we sat inside Kitchen Hut for a break and snack, we reflected on our summit day yesterday and how we were fortunate to have had perfect weather conditions for our summit day. While today the weather was suitable for walking it was cool, cloudy, Cradle Mountain was predominately hidden and we could see on the horizon that we may get wet later in the day.
However, we didn't let the weather conditions dampen our spirits as we continued along the Overland Track enjoying the scenery and discovering the variety of track options we would encounter throughout the expedition ...
boardwalks of varying lengths, width and strength,
solid & soft tracks,
rocks of varying sizes,
slippery tree roots of varying sizes,
and ... Mud.
As we enjoyed the views along the way, Barn Bluff became a navigational beacon as it dominated the skyline and the track headed directly towards it. An impressive and towering rock peak it was fascinating to admire it from a variety of different angles, until it disappeared, hidden by a veil of thick cloud rolling towards us that not only reduced our visibility but while enjoying lunch within the vicinity of an Emergency Shelter, also brought with it misty rain.
Overland Track Emergency Shelter
As we descended along the open and exposed plateau in the misty rain and returned to the protection of the forest, Barn Bluff was invisible and while our visibility through the trees was restricted, the track was easy to follow. Knowing that the descent would lead us into tonight's campsite, we happily continued our journey along the track enjoying glimpses of the National Park through moving clouds.
As we arrived at Waterfall Valley Hut in the misty clouds, we were amazed by what we saw, a large and impressive modern hut sheltered by forest and rolling hills. It was huge. Walking past the hut we arrived at the old Waterfall Valley Hut before climbing the stairs into the Group Campsite where we set up camp for the night on timber decks in a stunning location surrounded by trees and a waterfall. It was the perfect location to end our first day on the Overland Track.
With our campsite set up it was time to explore our surrounds, discover the new & old Waterfall Valley Huts, exercise on the helipad, appreciate the environment and say hello to the local wildlife.
Waterfall Valley Hut Campsite
Campsite Environment
Local Wildlife
Today I enjoyed the incredible views, even through the clouds & wildlife that we have seen since arriving at our campsite.
The large rocks on the track as we entered the open plateau and headed towards the emergency shelter.
The facilities are amazing and I loved the air-conditioned toilet which I now expect on every hike.
