Leaving Cairns at 11am we planned to head towards Cowley Beach, hoping that the wind would drop and we could enjoy some boating around the Barnard Group of Islands.  On the way we dropped in at Josephine Falls for a looksy and also for a slide down the rocks.  By the time we got to the Falls the weather was bright and sunny and we enjoyed the refreshing swim in the cool mountain waters.  In all we spent a couple of hours at Josephine Falls sliding to the rocks into the pool below.   Bushman Bud and the kids had a ball sliding down in multiple combinations with the waterproof camera in hand.  We had an awesome time enjoying the adventure of a beautiful place.  Josephine Creek is fed from the towering Mt BArtle Frere, QLD’s highest peak at 1,622m and by the time the cascading waters reach the bottom they are icy cool and as fresh as water can taste…beautiful!

I mention Bartle Frere because it was here just over a year ago that Joey Jess and Bushman Bud climbed the peak, twice.  Once up the Western Route, which starts at Josephine Falls and once from the Eastern side.  Therefore Joey Jess was pretty excited about her return visit and walked some of teh path reminicing about her past achievements…good on you Joey Jess, a spectacular achievement at just seven years of age.

From Josephine Falls we travelled to Innisfail for lunch at the skate park where the kids had fun on their scooters.  I ate the last of my Red Claw BBQed in garlic and butter.  Leaving Innisfail we eventually arrived at a rather windy Cowley Beach, the caravan park deserted.  The interesting thing was that the lovely beach had been decimated by drift wood, obviously the carnage of the rampaging cyclone Yarsi this time last year…what a shame that this previously unspoilt beach and gateway to the Barnard Islands was damaged in such a way.  With the wind up and the beach a mess we reviewed the maps and headed towards Bingil Bay and Mission Beach.  I am glad we did because the drive into this place is spectacular and when you get there teh drive along the beach is very special.  We missed this coastline last year and alsmost again this year so it was good to have a visit, if not a fleeting visit, to investigate a place for a holiday in the future.  We ended up staying in the Council Park right on the beach front overlooking Dunk Island.  The scenery in this place just magnificent.  Unfortunately the wind was still blowing, meaning the boat stayed on the car roof, but on its day, the boating would be sensational around these parts.

In the evening I made a Halloween pumpkin for the kids and they enjoyed an hour of more “Trick & Treating.”  They did amazingly well given the tourist season is well and truly at an end in these parts.

We will continue down the coast today and see where we get to.  We are heading to JD’s farm for the 5 November in Bundaberg and then onto Fraser Island with “Bessy” on the 7,8 &9th November.  We then head to Brisbane for teh 11 November for our course “Design Your Destiny” with Christopher Howard, a person who has been responsible for massive changes in my life and one of the reasons I am fortunate to share these experiences with you.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

With very threatening rain across the gulf we had to make the sad decision to avoid the gravel roads along the Savanah Way and bottom of the Gulf.  This decison has since proved very wise with some areas through the Gulf receiving significant rainfall…getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere is not fun!

So, we left the very hot Elliot last night and travelled through to a rest area just North of Tennant Creek.  Rising in the morning we fueled up at Three Ways and crossed the NT/QLD border early afternoon.  We have had significant problems with water in the fuel ever since leaving Darwin and have had to continually clean the fuel filter.

It is probably best to note that we had planned to fish King Ash Bay around Borroloola and Bing Bong…simply we just ran out of time, needing to be back in Brisbane by 12 November for some personal development courses.

Moving on we hit Mount Isa late afternoon and fueled up and ate dinner in town.  We left Mt Isa on dusk heading for Cloncurry and then onto Kurumba where we were hoping to get some fishing in.

We finally got to 100klm South of Normanton and stayed in a rest area overnight.  Waking the net morning we passed through Normanton and then onto Kurumba where we spent less than 2 hours.  It was very windy and was to remain that way for the next few days, combined with rain also on the way we decided that it was not the place to bunk down for a few days…boredom would have set in big time.  So, saying goodbye to the windy and hot Kurumba we headed off towards Lake Tinaroo, one of our favourite haunts.  Luckily we still had the best part of the afternoon still to travel so off we went heading firstly for Normanton and then turning left onto the Gulf Developmental Road we fueled up in Croydon and headed to Georgetown arriving there at dusk for dinner.  We were sick of the car and wanted to get as close to Lake Tinaroo as possible so the following day was only a short one in the car.  We finally pulled over into a rest area just West of Ravenshoe (nice rest area) and crashed for the night.  Next day we headed into Atherton, through Tolga and into Lake Tinaroo…finally we had arrived, 3,500 klms later.  You beauty, time to relax, swim, scurf, fish and catch Red Claw…awesome!!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

With the sun rising, Amy and I headed to El Questro Gorge whilst Lynda stayed behind with Jess.  Amy and I planned to conquer the big boulder at the half way point and carry on to Mic Micking Pool at the end of the gorge.

Half the fun is the 4WD track in.  Whilst not challenging it contains a deep water crossing and winds its way through the Kimberley’s distinct vegetation to the beginning of the gorge.  Starting the walk from the carpark it is a rocky scramble along the river bed to the halfway pool.  The gorge on this section narrows as it closes in on the halfway pool with sheer cliff faces rising up from beneath you.  It is a beautiful gorge to travel through which get prettier the further you travel into it.

Safely at the halfway pool we sat and pondered how to get past the big boulder blocking our track…it is true that many people fail the challenge of scaling the big boulder due to having to wade through waist deep water to access the boulder.  What this means is that when you reach the boulder you begin climbing it with wet feet…which is exactly what you don’t want on a smooth slippery steep surface.

Well with shoes off and back pack held high we headed out to the big boulder.  Then the challenge of how firstly to get out of the water onto the BB and then how to climb it!  I pushed Amy out of the water to a safe perching point, handed her the back pack and balanced the hiking boots precariously on the BB.  After a few attempts I was out of the water perched on the boulder with a handhold and very small foot hold for one foot, Amy just above me holding on…what next.  I somehow managed to get one boot on my foot to give me a bit of traction and then at full stretch, with a lot of good faith in my rather bleak foot hold pushed myself up and across to another landing.  A slight slip and I was gone!  Yes…made it, hold onto Amy with one hand so she could collect the boots and then I dragged her to my ledge.  From there we both put our boots on and made the rest of the climb easily.

Back on the trail we quickly covered the remaining 2klm of the trip despite warning and notes on how difficult the track was.  Sure, it was challenging in parts but mostly just a whole lot of good fun as you tackled the big boulder and then the big series of boulder strewn across the gorge, the climb up the side of the waterfall and then finally the climb up and into Mic Micking Pool.

At the pool you are in awe of nature’s beauty.  The pool is small but enclosed by narrow sheer cliffs above you and the waterfall at the far end of the crystal pool is amazing as it freefalls onto rocks below.  We quickly undressed and took a surprisingly warmish swim (in comparison to other pools in gorges) swimming out to the waterfall and sitting underneath it on natures well crafter lounge chair.  We swam and played for half and hour enjoying ourselves and having some great fun together.  Several photos followed before heading back.

We descended the gorge quickly back to the big boulder (BB) and again pondered on a plan of attack.  I decided on throwing the walking boots 20m to dry ground.  Three out of four boots landed safely with one of my boots taking a bad bounce and a slight dip in the pool…minor casualty.  We then slid down the BB to the pool below, Amy taking an involuntary slide towards the bottom of the BB and an uncontrolled splash into the pool below.  I managed to stay in control and therefore kept the back pack dry.  A quick swim followed and then we walked out the remaining part of the gorge back to the car.

In the end the 3 to 5 hour return (without a swim) turned out to be about 4 hours with 1 hour of sightseeing and swimming.  In fact the walk out took less than an hour with a swim.

Heading back to camp we spotted J & T who had walked some of the Amelia Gorge and we talked about tackling Moonshine Gorge in the afternoon.

That is what we did, I did the loop walk trail and everyone else bugged out at the last minute and walked in the reverse direction just to the swimming hole.

My walk took me up over the range with fabulous scenery down onto the gorge and surrounding range.  Once up on top you descended down to the halfway pool where you could take a swim.  I decided not to and finally bumped into the rest of the group coming the other way some 500m past the waterhole.  We all retraced our steps so that those who wished could take a swim.  We lounged around at the water hole for some time before heading back to the cars around 4:30pm.  Halfway back to the car park I noticed that Jeff was struggling with Banjo on his back so I relieved him of Banjo and carried him back to camp for Jeff.

What was interesting about this walk and gorge were the layered rock formations which were balanced on a 45 degree angle and towered above you.  The gorge was wide and open and the walking difficult but the rock formations were the highlight.  The water hole I could give a miss and I really believe walking only 1 klm into this gorge will place you in the most interesting section of the gorge.

The other interesting part of the gorge is the long 4WD track to the car park at the start of the gorge.  The track follows the El Questro Gorge track until after the deep water crossing.  It then branches right and continues for several klms as it weaves its way to Moonshine Gorge.  You travel through a few rocky sections and a couple of creek crossings before arriving at the carpark.

Back at camp after nightfall it was time for a shower and for me an early night.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

On the road early this morning and a trip to Port Douglas and Mossman Gorge.

We arrived in Port Douglas around 9:00am and took sometime just walking the streets and browsing through a few shops.  It was great fun with the kids and yes…Bushman Bud ended up buying the kids some rather expensive bathers and Lovely Lynda some Lorna Jane active gear…why did I agree to go to Port Douglas…huh!

With the ladies happy and some funtimes had we topped off the visit with a nice icecream before heading towards Mossman Gorge.  Port Douglas for us was very much a tourist town with a beautiful holiday feel.  The main drag is littered with all kinds of shops and eateries and would have a great atmosphere at night times.  Whilst we appreciated the town for what it was, it is just simply not what we go on holiday for.  It is however worth a visit and if you have time…and are inclined that way…get down to the beaches and have some fun.

Leaving Port Douglas we headed back to Mossman and onto the famous Mossman Gorge.  Repairs and upgrades to walking tracks in the Gorge meant that the road into the Gorge was closed.  This meant cueing up for a shuttle bus…yes I said that right, cueing up!!! there are som many tourists that go to see this gorge which, quite frankly spoils the beauty of this special place.  After a very hot 15 min wait and uncomfortable bus ride we were dropped off at the gorge.  The walks at the gorge follow the cascading river for 700m with various platforms designed to give you a better look at the river.  Arriving at the top end of the walkway there is a swing bridge that will take you to a further 2.5klm loop walk but this does not give you any better view of the gorge, so save your energy for other walks along your travels.

The Mossman Gorge is a beautiful place but one trafficked by many people.  The river cascading over oval shaped smooth boulder is awesome to witness and you could only imagine how much better the sight would be in the wet.  It is a place to visit but be prepared to share it with the masses.

For me taking the track less travelled and making the effort to get out and about takes you into places just as scenic or more so.  These places are enhanced because many times you have the place to yourself…sorry but you just can’t beat getting off the beaten track and stumbling on a place of breath taking beauty.

Well, been there and done that…I think the saying goes.  Happy for the experience, but not likely to go back.

Another wait for the shuttle bus and finally back at the car.  We drove the 20 odd klms back to Wonga Beach and finished the day with another refreshing swim.

The Crebb Track beckons tommorrow.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

The day finally arrived to tackle Queensland’s highest peak, Mt Bartle Frere at a respectable 1,622m. 

Bartle Frere is in cloud 8 out of every 10 days so to get a day with bright sunny skies takes some doing.  Today was the day.

The initial idea was to scout the track so that Joey Jess could give the summit an attempt.  Jess has been asking me to climb the mountain ever since we hit the surrounds around Cairns.  So Hamish and myself (Bushman Bud) arrived at the start of the Western climb at 10:40am.  We knew this was late in the day to start the climb but were pretty confident that we could get up and back if we backed ourselves.  We set a cut off point of 2:00pm for the summit and set off on the track.

The first 2klm or so leads slightly downhill to Bobbin Bobbin Falls, a very picturesque water fall with amazingly fresh water to drink…you have to check out the falls when climbing Bartle Frere.  The falls are about 30-40m high and cascade down through the small gorge.  We left the falls for the return trip so as not to use up valuable time on the way up.

It is at Bobbin Bobbin Falls that the track starts to climb and this continues steadily right up to the Western Peak at 1,450m.  The trail is mostly through rain forest with some scrambling over, around or through large boulders along the way.

We moved steadily with little to no rest arriving at the Western Peak at 1:00pm.  Here we climbed up onto the granite boulders where you are greeted with amazing 360 degree views of the surrounding coastline and Atherton Tablelands.  It is also here that you can get a glimpse of the BArtle Frere peak for the first time…that is if you can work out which peak it is!  The surrounding country is full of small peaks which look like any could be the summit!.

Leaving the Western Peak we had one hour to get to the summit, this was going to be tough going.  We set off with new enthusiasm thinking that the summit was not that far away.  However this section of the track crosses a few saddles so you drop down about 200m before climbing 100m, dropping another 100m and climbing the remaining few hundred metres to the summit.  This makes the last 2klm quite a challenge and energy sapping.  Made worse is the condition of the track which has not been cleared for two years due to lack of funding.  Many times we had to stop to find the track and it is amazing that more people have not got lost on this section of track.  There were times when we were pushing through head height grass hoping to come out the other side and find a track marker…be very careful on this section. 

The last section of the summit is steep with some sections exposed to the sun until you finally arrive at a tree topped summit.  Therefore there is very little view of the surrounding country side other than one rock platform which leads you to spectacular views of the coastline.  These views are simply breath taking and although minimal are well worth the climb.

We arrived at the summit bang on 2:00pm after a torturous hour of hard climbing.  The torture was our own doing simply because we hadn’t left ourselves much time.  A more leisurely climb would not have been so sapping.

A quick lunch, photo and we were back on the track heading down.  Once again we had to retrace our steps several times to pick up the track…QLD parks really need to address this issue.  Put into perspective, this walk is to an iconic QLD location (being its highest peak) and the track was in diabolical condition…this in my mind was simply not good enough.

You always make up time on the way down but on this mountain it is probably not as noticeable due to many exposed tree roots which make the track unsteadyand uneven under foot and therefore at times slow going.

We did make good progress though and were back down at Bobbin Bobbin Falls at 4:45pm.  We wondered down the track about 100m which is steep and probably the last thing you want to do after pushing yourself realy hard for 6 hours.  The legs were a bit wobbly on the way down, but this was made up for easily with the fresh cool water.

Back up to the main track after 20 mins at the falls we were back at the car around 5:30pm.  What a day full of hard climbing and pushing the body really hard.  Got to say I love to trash the body in this way and it always feels good food for the soul.

So all in all, we probably spent 10 mins at the Western Peak, 15 minutes at the summit and 20 mins looking at Bobbin Bobbin Falls.  Soooo, setting off at 10:45 and arriving back at 5:30pm, (less the above) the climb took us 6 hours to complete.

My closing thoughts, certainly not the toughest or steepest climb…that belongs to Mt Bogong (Victoria’s highest peak), so where would I rate the challenge…probably the same as Cradle Mountain.  The downsides, the leaches and the condition of the track, the upsides the amazing (although) limited view from the summit.  Make sure you pick the right day and you will enjoy QLD’s highest peak.

What else can I say…I’am at the top…and you’re not…get out and give it a go!!!!!!!!!!

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

After the Southern Forests trip with the Land Rover Club we have been camped at Hobart Show Grounds due to a wearing clutch on the Patrol.  We have ordered a replacement which gets fitted tommorrow and then off we go again.

Our time here hasn’t been wasted though, we have spent a few days exploring the city, purchased some much needed thermals, checked out the popular Salamanca Markets and caught up on some schooling.

Once we get the Patrol back on the road it will be a night run on the Jefferies Track with the Trekka 4WD Club, a trip along the East – West Track near Mt Wellington (perhaps in snow now), then out to Port Arthur, perhaps a trip onto Bruny Island and some more exploration of the Southern Forests near and around Huonville.

After that over to the West Coast and Strahan.  There will be plenty to see and do here and hopefully we can catch up with a 4WD Club heading in that direction to show us around.  In the background is a mud run near Burnie with the Ulverstone 4WD Club, a chance to catch up with the No Limits 4WD Club, a catchup and presentation for the Braddon 4WD Club and much, much more of Tassie to explore.

Keep tracking along with us as we hit the road again in search of 4WD tracks, great 4×4 action and remote, secluded free camping spots.  We will also be following some offroad tracks with the tough offroad Kedron caravan…so…stay tuned.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB-UCoXC6g (Must See, Bushman Bud reflects on epic trip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1lLxSE-Dl4 (Vista 360 degrees at Mt Ossa)

Rising from a restless night sleep at 5:00am I grabbed my back pack of basic supplies and headed for the Arm River Track.  The information on this track suggests a 40 klm return to be completed over 3 days.  I had found this track as an alternative from the Overland Track which would have been an 80 klm round trip.

Driving to the start of the track was an interesting experience.  My mind was playing tricks on me and doubt had set it.  I lost count of the number of times my head was saying turnaround, this is silly, its too far for one day, etc, but desire and determination kicked in. 

Starting out at 6:45am along the track I did the first klm or so in the dark.  The first major incline was done in the near dark and it was freezing!  To the top of the initial steep climb can not be further than 2klm and the doubt started again due to the length of time it took.  I kept telling myself how much do you want this…keep going…move faster.  The track after this point became a little easier and very picturesque following mountain ranges and beautiful inland lakes and what I called the “Enchanted Forest,” which was an ancient rain forest along the track.

I pushed myself towards the end of the Arm River Track andthe intersection of the Overland Track signified by the Pellion Hut.  Time seemed to pass so quickly and I was surprised when the hut popped into view a lot sooner than I had imagined.  I arrived at the hut at 9:45am and for the first time new I could make the return trip.  Pellion Hut is about 1/3 of the way along the 40 klm round trip.  After making this in 3 hours I figured I was a fair bet.

Pellion Hut is huge with lots of space to hold many travellers and is sectioned into rooms of four bunks.  There is a heater and toilets so for the weary hiker a welcome spot to hang the boots and spend the night.  The hut eased my mind as it was a good fail safe if I needed rest later in the day.

Leaving Pellion Hut you join the overland track and follow a creek for some time before commencing an upward steady incline from 900m to 1,200m where you meet up with the Mt Ossa Track.  The walk is through beautiful forest where there are many birds and other animals to spot.  I was still feeling really good when I arrived at the Mt Ossa track (other than a near disaster avoided when a fellow hiker informed me that my backpack was undone…I was just about to lose my food…ouch).

The Mt Ossa Track is a 5 klm return track to the summit.  To get from Pellion Hut to Mt Ossa intersection is around 4.5 klm, making the Pellion Hut to Mt Ossa summit return about 14 klms.

The track to the summit of Tasmania’s highest peak was realtively easy.  The best comparison would be the climb to Cradle Mountain with a little bit of rock scrambimg towards the top.  Saying that… the rock scramble would not be as difficult nor as lengthy as the Cradle Mountain summit.  The scariest part about the Mt Ossa climb is the lack of markers.  I headed off in the wrong direction a few times on the way up and one on the way down which took me very close to a rather large drop off.  Be warned and really look for the track carefully…if the boulders are not rubbed by peoples steps then it is a good chance that you have gotten off track.

One steep step up gets you on top of Mt Ossa at 1,617m.  The disapointment for me was the lack of a cairn stone to mark Tasmania’s highest point, however the view was spectacular and awe inspiring.  From up above the Lake St Clair, Cradle Mtn National Park is awesome and Mt Ossa is very close to the middle of this beautiful spot on Earth.  It is a must do! 

I must admit getting to the top of Mt Ossa was not only awe inspiring because of the vista but also because this had been a goal of mine for some time and part of my bigger goal to climb the highest mountain peak is each state.  There was some raised arms and a large yell when I got to the top much to the surprise of some people already enjoying the tranquility of being at the top.  For me there were some mixed emotions and a whole lot of joy.  I had exorcised some demons getting to the top of the mountain and still had another 20 klm to travel to get home…the job was only half done but at least every step from now on would be closer to home.

What can I say “I’am at the top, and your not.”  “Get off your butt and give it a go!”

I completed the Mt Ossa summit in 5 1/4 hours from the start of the Arm River Track arriving at the summit at 2 mins before midday…well on track to complete the day circuit.

It was freezing on top with the wind blowing its box off.  As a result my muscles had tightened a little and it was a gingerly climb down the mountain until I loosened up again.  Arriving back at the Overland Track intersection I had a quick feed, grabbed my back pack (which I had left here whilst I had done the summit track) and headed back towards the Pellion Hut.  Along the way I had someone comment on the size of my backpack (being rather small), I teased…I like to travel light…little did they know I was on a 40klm day trip mission.  Watching some of the people struggle with massive packs was interesting and an insight into how much they would struggle to complete the same distance.

I arrived back at Pellion Hut at 2:36pm, making the Pellion Hut, Mt Ossa, Pellion Hut trip almost 5 hours, including about 40 mins of breaks.  Still on track I left the safety of the hut and headed for the Arm River Track.  I was still feeling great and it was not until about 3 klms to go that my feet and legs started hurting.  By then I was too close to my goal that the pain really didn’t matter. 

I arrived back at my car at 5:17pm making it a 2hr 40 min trip from Pellion Hut to the carpark at the start of the Arm River Track.  To my amazement I had actually travelled quicker of the way home.  10 1/2 hours in total and if you take off half an hour at the summit of Mt Ossa, I had completed the 40 klm trip in 10 hours at an average of 4klm/hour…WOW!!!

Getting back I was over the moon, I had killed off some demons, learnt that I was fitter than I thought and left myself with the feeling that anything was possible.  It is amazing what desire and determination in life can bring you.  I never thought this possible at one stage and then thought it would take me to the boundaries of my endurance.  To be honest even though I was drained and tired my determination and the unrelented pursuit of a goal had got me this far, to where I needed to be and I could have gone further…a lot further if the question had been asked.

I have now completed one more part of the highest peak challenge and feel alive and reenergised from completion of a goal.  That is why it is so important in life to set goals because it is amazing what you can achieve…goals push you to new boundaries that you never believed you could cross, they teach you about yourself and give you confidence to operate at an even greater level…as Zig Ziglar drummed into me early in life, “You gotta have goals!!!”

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia 

With a short break in the weather and winter closing in; tommorrow is my chance to claim Tasmania’s highest peak Mt Ossa.  I am all packed and ready for a 5am start, sunrise at 7:15am so I should get a good start on a 36 klm return hike that I plan to do in one day.  This will be a tough challenge and I will be blogging all the way and bring you updates on “SPOT” for those who have subscribed.  My subscribers will know instantly the time I hit the summit and bag the Mt Ossa Peak.  I am excited, nervous and eager with anticipation.  Skies are clear, conditions mild not cold and I am as fit as what I have been in a while, so hear goes…

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

Well we all made it up Cradle Mountain this time around.  Joey Jess (7) on her second run and Orangatang Amy (5) on her first attempt.  We followed the track from Dove Lake to the interection of the Overland Track and Dove Lake Track (about 300m from the carpark).  We turned left towards Dove Lake and followed the lake for 500m before turning right onto the Marion’s Lookout track (a steep track ascending the mountain almost directly up).  From the beautiful vista of Marions Lookout we joined up with the Overland Track and onto Kitcheners Hut and the intersection of the Overland Track, Face Track and Cradle Mtn summit track.  Onwards and upwards to the summit from there, including some great video blogs of the rock scramble showing some of the more difficult and steeper parts. 

After leaving the carpark about 11:45am we reached the summit of Cradle Mtn at 4:00pm.  The view was amazing with clear skies in every direction.  Unfortnately the metal disc at the summit showing all the other mountain peaks in the park was missing.  Was it stolen?  That would be my bet because it hardly needs maintenance!  It looked as though it had been souveniered similar to the Cape York sign at the northern tip of Australia.  What is happening to this great country of ours when these simple icons cannot be left alone to be enjoyed by all.

Anyhow, descending Cradle mountain we headed back to Marions Lookout and this time decided to follow the Overland Track back to Dove Lake car park.  This track is just as steep (if not steeper) leading down/or up from Marions (depending on which way you are going) so don’t be fooled that it may be the easier if the two tracks to Marion’s.  In fact my assessment is that it was the harder of the two tracks. 

The Overland Track is at least a couple of klms longer but does have the advantage of passing past a couple of beautiful inland lakes including the very quaint Wombat Pool.  We arrived at Wombat pool about 7:00pm and with the setting sun and Cradle Mtn and Marions Lookout in the back drop it was a very dreamy place indeed.

Back at the carpark about 7:40pm made for a long day.  The kids would have benefited taking the steep and shorter track back down from Marion’s Lookout, but hey, thats what happens walking in this great land of ours.

Cradle Mountain is an exciting climb and well worth the effort.  It is one of the places I relate to as a “place of breath taking beauty,” so get to Tassie and give it a go.  Apparently on a clear day the best views are early in the morning…so there is a parting hint.

Video blogs to follow.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

The weather has cleared and it is time to get the fitness level up to tackle Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak.  I have found a track into Mt Ossa away from the Overland Track which is a 36 klm round trip.  Far better than the trip up the Overland Track which is approx a 8o klm round trip.  I am planning to do the Mt Ossa trip in one day…so I need to be fit.

With all that said we are climbing Marions Peak and Cradle Mountain tommorrow.  Firstly because Lovely Lynda and Orangatang Amy didn’t make the climb the first time around due to sickness and secondly it will be a good fitness test for Bushman Bud and his Mt Ossa challenge.

The weather should be nice and clear up top with a sunny day forecast.  We will take off early and expect to make the climb within 7 hours.  Cradle Mtn is about 75 klms from camp, roughly about an hours drive from Mole Creek, so it will be a long day.

I must say though I am looking forward to getting up close and personal with Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain again…this part of Tasmania is spectacular.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia