Waking up this morning we knew that it was going to be our longest day's hike on the Overland Track ... it was also going to be our wettest. The overnight rain continued into the day and as we prepared to depart Windermere Hut, we prepared ourselves for a day of walking in the rain. Breaking up into groups with a minimum of 3, everyone was ready walk to Pelion Hut and enjoy the environment as best they can through the rain and cloud.
Forth Valley Lookout
Forth Valley Lookout
However, while it was a wet day, it wasn't really that bad and the walking conditions were pleasant. With minimal wind throughout the day, visibility was good when in the open plains and we could see a variety of ranges throughout the National Park as we moved along the Track. Then as we entered the forested areas, it was like walking through Enchanted Forests with the vibrant green moss, a variety of fungi, streams, rocks, roots and wetlands. It was uniquely stunning, and each forested area provided shelter, warmth and a fascinating insight into the varying ecosystems within the National Park.
Each group continued along the Overland Track at their own pace, making their own fun and enjoying the beauty of the National Park in their own way, with everyone arriving safely at Pelion Hut where we were able to get away from the rain and enjoy the warmth of the hut while watching the skies clear in the late afternoon. While the distance was a challenge, it was a very enjoyable day of bushwalking.
Pelion Hut
The magnificent view from the deck of Pelion Hut.
Social Time Inside Pelion Hut
Sisters who hike together ...
flake out together at the end of a long day's hike!!!
"Trust me ... it's delicious!!!"
Our Pelion Hut Campsite
Today's Cradle Mountain & Lake St Clair National Park Views
Cradle Mountain & Lake St Clair National Park Fungi
While researching the Overland Track and occasionally meeting people who had completed the walk, it was assumed that a large majority of the Overland Track was boardwalks. Arriving at Ronny Creek we started on boardwalk and headed into the National Park. As we continued to walk deeper into the park, it became very obvious that while there was a considerable variety of board walks covering a large number of kilometres, the track was still challenging and exposed as we had to negotiate wet rocks, roots, boards and mud everyday throughout the journey. While we were able to continue to enjoy the experience along the Overland Track, the impact these exposed areas had on the surrounding environment was obvious as people actively attempted to avoid the mud and slippery obstacles.
Overland Track Conditions
Today's Wildlife
Everyone made it to the end of today's hike, views were good even in the rain & it was great to see the wallaby.
A negative attitude towards hiking. 16km day. I didn’t want to do it, I had a negative mindset towards it, but did it.
The number of kilometres may sound long, but it isn’t that bad.
