I thought I would list all the mountain peaks that we climb during our trip around Australia and rate them based on difficulty of the climb.

List of mountain peaks climbed in date order (most recent first), including height and state.

16/09/2010 Mt Bartle Frere, QLD (1,622m)Highest peak in Queensland***(also 5/10/2010 with Joey Jess)

26/3/2010 – Mt Ossa, TAS  (1,617m) Highest Peak in Tasmania *****

8/2/2010 – Cradle Mountain, TAS (1,545m) ** (also 16/3/2010)

5/2/2010 – Black Bluff, TAS (1,338m) ***

16/02/2010 – Mt Bogong, VIC (1,986m) Highest Peak in Victoria *****

14/01/2010 – Mt Koscuiszko, NSW (2,228m) Highest Peak in Australia *

29/12/2009 – Mt Warning, NSW (1,156) ***

Bluff Knoll, WA (1,095m)**

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 

Back in Tassie again after a very successful trip to plan further developments to the Bushman Bud website and blog.

Today it was off to Tasmazia near Roland in Tassie’s central north.  No 4WD or 4×4 ing but plenty of mind blowing confusion and adventure in the mazes.

We started out with a walk through Little Crackpot which is a minature village and great for the children.  There are also many little phrases posted on buildings for the adults to enjoy.  Into the mazes and Hampton Court that provided the initial challenge and probably the biggest challenge.  It was followed by Confusion Maze, Hexagonal Maze, Balance Maze and then the big Giant Maze.  When all said and done, we found the mazes rather simple and not very challenging and it was disappointing that the Giant Maze solution could be very easily solved.  I was a little disappointed with the park and the kids also had mixed feeling about the mazes, their highlight being cubby town which is quite neat.  For $55 not bad value but if you are tossing up between this and something else and on a budget I would probably go elsewhere. 

We also stopped in next door at Pancake Parlour which was full of tasty pancake treats.  I found the pancakes tasty but a little expensive.  The Trippleberry special was nice but not spectacular as you may think with a price tag of $18.95.  Kids pancakes where $8.95 for a pancake, maple syrup and a scoop of icecream – also expensive.  The milkshakes were great value though at $4.50, big and very tasty.

Leaving Tasmazia we went onto have a look at Lake Barrington which is only two klm’s from Tazmazia.  We had a quick look around because there was a rowing meet on their.  It looked like a nice place and there was plenty of camping space near the lake on the northern side of the road.  Certainly a good overnight stop.

Heading out of Lake Barrington, turning right we headed south and then turned right passing the sheer rock faces of Mt Claude, Mt Roland and Mt Van Dyke.  There are plenty of walking and riding trails through this area and summit tracks to all three peaks.  We have penciled a summit walk of Mt Roland into the calender to walk off the pancakes.

Get out and have look…

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

So I left Mole Creek at 1:30pm arriving at Dove Lake at 2:45pm.  Most would see that as a little late to start the climb but for me this was to be a speedy, push it all the way climb, drop dead…well almost…kind of climb.  Off I went following Dove Lake to the steep section to Marions Lookout.  To the sign post at Marions Lookout I made it in 27 mins and 45 seconds (that’s right, Dove Lake to Marions Lookout).  From there it was the Overland Track to Kitcheners Hut at the start of the Cradle Mtn summit track – for this section of track 19 mins and 15 seconds.  Finally the summit climb…Kitcheners Hut to the Cairn Stone at the summit of Cradle Mountain…29 mins and 35 seconds.  So from Dove Lake via Marions Lookout to the summit of Cradle Mountain it took a total of 1 hour 16 minutes and 25 seconds…I surprised myself…wow. 

On the way down it was easier and I moved somewhat faster.  I really wanted to beat the one hour mark so I was prepared to jog where necessary to get under the hour.  Soooo, going down Cradle Summit to Kitcheners Hut 21 mins and 15 seconds, Kitcheners Hut to Marions Lookout 16 mins and 20 seconds and Marions Lookout to Dove Lake car park 20 mins and 20 seconds.  Total time down was 57 mins and 55 seconds…under one hour…yeah I did it…awesome.

Yes, I am a nut, a little crazy and find enjoyment in doing these things others would call silly.  I just like pushing my body to its limit and seeing how far I can really push myself.  Getting out of your comfort zone and pushing through boundaries is what it is all about.  The same stays true no matter what you take on in life.  Unless you are operating outside your comfort zone do you really learn anything or move forward…for me no…get out there and give it a crack and see what you can achieve…the results will amaze you.  Lets face it, just over 11 weeks ago I was 10+ kgs heavier and a whole lot more unfit and to achieve what I did today proves you can do anything you put your mind to.

So that was what Bushman Bud does when he is not 4WDing, camping or looking for adventure somewhere.

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

Dove Lake & Cradle Mtn

G’day all, this was one sensational adventure. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJMmfSBbw-Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adZAqCL7d4A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52yvzWKpcmo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poAO1_JE6_8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHqN39DD-04

We arrived at the Cradle Mtn-Lake St Clair National Park about 10:30am and it took half an hour to work out, firstly where we could drive in the park (for anyone who doesn’t know, you can’t just drive up to the car park, there are boom gates in the way to monitor traffic.  If the traffic is too heavy in the park, you need to get bus tickets to take you where you are going??  The trick is to drive up to the boom gates, if they open, great you are in! If not take a bus!) and secondly you would think you could find an information board which says “Cradle Mtn – that way!”  I suppose that’s why they encourage you to buy a map for $8.50 plus your National Pass – that is tourism for you, hey.

What you need to figure out is that there are several ways to get to Cradle Mtn summit.  Overland Track to Marions Lookout to Summit Track or Dove Lake Track to Face Track to Summit Track or Dove Lake Track to Marions Track to Overland Track to Summit Track.  That is just to get there!

We took the latter track and set off around Dove Lake which is just beautiful.  About 500m doen this track we turned on to Marions Lookout Track and started the steep ascent to about 1,000m.  This track is so steep that you need chains to assist you. 

At the top of Marions Lookout the vista is spectacular and you really have to just sit there for a while (how long that is, I don’t know – you make your mind up – it is just one of those delightful spots you just contemplate life for a while (or for those who know me – just Buddha).

Leaving Marions Lookout we headed up the Overland Track for another 2 klm before coming to the emergency weather hut – Kitcheners Hut.  The walk to Kitcheners Hut meanders up and down over gentle undulations with a great view over the National Park (NP) and you find yourself arriving at the summit track fairly quickly.

Up, up and then very, very steeply up the summit track you go.  There is nothing gentle about this track.  You start on a goat track, which quickly turns to small boulders which just as quickly turns into giant boulders and a real rock climb to the summit.  Once you hit the big boulders you really need your wits about you…place a foot or hand in the wrong place and the fall could be disasterous.  There are a couple of places up the climb and worse still on the way down that are very tricky to negotiate and really require care.  If you don’t like heights and the nervous pumping of the heart don’t do this one, you will be a bucket of nerves!!  You go straight up rock face of Cradle Mtn, down a small valley and then directly up again to the summit.  When on the climb…and it is a climb…you realise just how steep the climb is.  Breath taking in parts, sometimes because of the scenery and other times because you are scared stiff – especially with your 7 year old daughter in tow.  Just got to say how remarkable Joey Jess was to firstly give the climb a go and secondly to reach the summit – she’s a machine…that’s my girl!!

Climbing up Cradle Mtn you really get to appreciate the beauty of this monalith.  It has raw jagged edges and really looks as though someone got a giant bucket of great big boulders and dropped them out.  It is an awesome sight and one I will treasure for years to come.  A place of breath taking beauty is one way of describing it!

On the climb you get to appreciate the beauty of the NP as a whole from up above.  It is one of the prettiest and awe inspiring places I have visited and I am certainly looking forward to getting back there and doing more walks.  Everything about the park is amazing, a must see and do for any trip to Tassie. 

Making the summit was a challenge made all the more worth while by the awe inspiring vista.  There was some cloud around half of the surrounding countryside but the other half was blazing in clear blue skies.  At the summit there is also a bronze disc which marks the many other mountain peaks in the NP.  On the disc was Mt Ossa (Tasmania’s highest peak), some 30 klm off in the distance.  I look forward to meeting that mountain peak someday soon.

The descent is every bit as tricky as going up.  Real, and I mean real care needs to be taken here, it is very steep!!!!!!

Back at the bottom we turned right along the Face Track which follows Cradle Mtn in its hinterland.  You are still way up high and the vista is still very amazing.  This track is a little up and down, steep in places and really rough.  Watch out for falling rocks off Cradle Mtn here and soak up the great monalith and views doen to Dove Lake.  Once at the end of Cradle Mtn you can continue around the far side of Dove Lake up and over some lower mtn peaks or head straight down (literally) following the Face Track to Dove Lake.  We went down, again using chains due to the steepness and roughness of the track.  On the way down to Dove Lake we passed another lake (countless many of them) which was a pretty back drop with Cradle Mtn looming in the near distance.  You also pass a mtn creek flowing down from this lake to Dove Lake below.  Finally hitting Dove Lake we were happy to be walking on flat ground once more and some nice board walks.  I don’t remember too much of the walk around Dove Lake other than I kept thinking that I must come back and do the walk around the Lake again to appreciate it beauty.  Joey Jess and I were just too tired.

Half an hour later we were back at the car park.  Joey Jess had been telling me that she wanted to swim in the lake all day long.  Ok Jess off you go!  Somehow she managed to trick me into having a swim whilst only dangling her feet in the water – good on ya Jess, I guess you got me, huh.  The water was FREEZING, I kid you not, however I must say, extremely refreshing after a long days walk.  Enjoy the whole experience and brave the cold for a swim, it is refreshing and inspiring when you look back across the lake at Cradle Mtn and revisit your days achievement.

Awesome day, awesome climb, get into it.  We will visit the NP again and bring you more of the things to do and places to see.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

I have been wanting to have a crack at this mountain for ages and can’t wait to view the rest of the ranges from up above.  From what I hear the vista is spectacular.  It will also give me a chance to size up Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest peak.  That one will be a challenge…it is right in the middle of the Overland Track which is 80klm in length.  That means a 40 klm walk before you even start the climb.  That walk is plan B.  I have checked out my new maps and can see another track that comes in from the East.  I reckon the track to the summit of Mt Ossa is 18klm, making it a 36 klm return trip.  That is one long days walk!!  Anyhow I have been set a challenge and one way or another I will get up Mt Ossa.  At the moment Plan A seems like the go, early morning start, no kids, run and jog my way there…we will see, huh!

Catch tommorrows post on our Cradle Mountain expedition.

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivDR5tfTsuo

Black Bluff is 1,336m and is accessed via Taylors Flat on the Lagoona Road (approx 8-9 klms) West of Leven Canyon.  Taylors Flat is sign posted and once you get there you can see signs for the Black Bluff walk.

Half Way Up - I Hope!

Leaving Taylors Flat you walk along the Leven River for about 1.5 klms before heading towards the peak.  The first part of the walk is flat and then a a slight gradient starts as you leave the river.  This continues 1/3 of the way to the peak before you hit a mountain stream.  When wet, water cascades down here so you are walking in water and clambering over slippery rocks.  We had rain the previous 2 days which made the next 1/3 of the climb difficult and time consuming.  Almost immediately after coming out of the mountain stream you come to a plateau and after a few hundred metres you come across the amazing and spectacular view of Paddy’s Lake. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdhJaKJ4YpQ (Bushman Bud)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLUZHYm0sE0 (Girl Power at Paddy’s Lake)

Paddy's Lake - Later In Day

Paddy’s Lake is just over 1,000m above sea level and when you combine the lake and the mountainous Black Bluff in the near distance is makes for fantastic vista.  The track continues around Paddy’s Lake and before it continues upward there is a small clearing and a rock with a great view of the lake.  This is a great spot for lunch or at least a breather.  There is also a bigger clearing further around the lake just off the main track where there is a campsite beside the lake.  This has to be one of the prettiest campsites going around so if you are doing an overnighter enjoy it to yourself.

The last 1/3 of the climb, whilst not as difficult as the mountain stream is rugged and steep.  By this time (once Paddy’s Lake is reached) you are above the tree line so the view is spectacular.  Several hundred metres past Paddy’s lake is the intersection of the Penguin Cradle Mountain Track and the Black Buff Track.  

The last part of the climb circles behind the Bluff with the final 15 to 20m to the peak being a rock scramble.  You are of course met with unbelievable 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges.  At the peak you can gaze over the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park and ranges picking out the famous Cradle Mountain and along side it Tasmania’s highest peak, Mt Ossa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJwXwDdnJ74 (Bushman Bud)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0-BmhIf8eE (Girl Power Hits Top)

The climb took us 4 1/2 hours to reach the summit, stopping for regular breaks.  The mountain creek section with the kids was slow going and tiresome.  Saying that we all got to the top, Bushman Bud, Joey Jess(7), Orangatang Amy (5) and Lovely Lynda (age a secret!)  The kids getting to the top under their own steam – what more would you expect after doing Mt Bogong only a few weeks earlier.  The kids really are machines!  Awesome effort girls!

Going down was an easy stroll other than the mountain creek section which took some time to negotiate.  This part of the track is made worse because it is quite overgrown in areas.  The creek had dried up a little on the way down so the rocks scramble was not so slippery.  One problem with the track being overgrown is you can’t see where you are placing your feet.

Getting to the rain forest on the lower part of the track is a welcome relief knowing you are not far from the finish.  You then can hear the Leven River ambling by letting you know you have about 1.5 klms of easy walking.

It was a tough climb in sections but the rewards of Paddy’s Lake and the view from above make the experience all the more worth the effort.

The sign from the car park suggests a six hour return, this is wishful thinking for the average person.  We took 3 hours coming down making it 7 1/2 hours in total.  I would leave yourself at least 7 to 8 hours to be on the safe side.

Well I’ve been to the top and back and thoroughly enjoyed it, get out and give it a go, its part of enjoying the great outdoors.  When you are travelling around it is an awesome backyard to have at your doorstep.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9IISnJb2tY

 

 

 

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia

Mt Bogong is 1986m and situated 11klm East of Tawonga near Mt Beauty in the Victorian Alpine Region.  1986m of hard slog or 12klm whichever way you look at it.  Photos below are from start to finish.

The climb was attempted by Bushman Bud, Joey Jess, Orangatang Amy and Lovely Lynda.  Three of us got to the summit

Anyway onward and upward, backpacks on and off we go.  The sign at the bottom of the ”Staircase” suggested at return journey of 12 klm but after doing the climb I think the 16 klm return I had read about seemed more likely.

Starting out the climb is steep for the first 1klm, plateaus and then steep again.  This rythm seems to continue until you reach the emergency hut at about 4klm.  The next 2klm (or is it 4klm) is gruelling.  From the hut you start to realise where the name the “Staircase” came from, it is steep and basically a rock climb along a goat track.  With 1klm to go you come out above the treeline and straight up the spur (or ridgeline) for another 700m.  Finally some relief with the final 300m a gentle stroll to the cairn stone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K89B96mAKlQ

WOW, what a climb.  I read that it is one of the hardest climbs in Australia.  I am not sure about that but the climb is surely demanding.

The view from the top, amazing!!!  We were blessed with relatively clear blue skies with some haze.  A few photos at the top and down again.  Its when you are travelling down that you realise how steep and how far you have come.

I am a fan of ”trotting” down any climb.  Just seems easier on the thighs.

Well Joey Jess (7) and Orangatang Amy (5) made the climb.  Awesome, I must say I am both amazed and proud of the efforts.  In the words of another climber we passed on the way – “your kids are machines.”  Given the way I feel now – that kind of sums it up!  They are champions.

On another note this climb was part of the Highest Peak Challenge.  Mt Koscuiszko 2 days ago and now Mt Bogong.  2 down, 6 to go.

It was an awesome day, very challenging but certainly doable with a bit of determination and persistance.  Not for the llight hearted or unfit though.  If you rate in this category – enjoy the photos!

We arrived at the bottom at 6:00pm making it a trip of about 8 hours.  Not bad with two kids in tow.  We “Spotted” the top at the Cairn Stone for all of our subscription followers.  Email me and get on the list.

Anyway, awesome day, great challenge and a goal completed.  Get out there and give it a go. 

Spot info below:

Latitude:-36.73227  Longitude:147.30576

 GPS location Date/Time:01/16/2010 15:34:29  

 Click the link below to see where I am located.

 http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=-36.73227,147.30576&ll=-36.73227,147.30576&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

 Message: At the top of Victoria.  Mt Bogong Summit

Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia