Narcissus - Acropolis or Labyrinth, October 09

[Clownfish]

Well, if fate had not intervened in the form of an unexpected hospital visit a couple of weeks ago, I would be somewhere around Marion's Lookout right now, heading off on the Overland with my two boys, instead of sitting in my office in front of a computer. I've recovered remarkably well, and feeling as fit as I'm ever likely to, but I've still decided to err on the side of caution and figure that six days out bush is probably not the best idea.

That said, I've figured that it might be some small recompense if we could get away for a few days next weekend (October 10/11). I was thinking of heading up to Pine Valley for a night, and from there, either the Acropolis or the Labyrinth. I'd be treating it as a "suck it and see" walk: head up to Pine Valley, and assess the conditions from there.

Any advice or opinions?

For background, our experience level is reasonably high: oodles of day walks, including the harder ones like Dry's Bluff, and a couple of extended walks like the WOJ, Cradle Mountain Circuit, etc.

Lake St. Clair visitors centre reports that the boat to Narcissus is operating and the jetty is (mostly) above water again, but that snow levels are probably still fairly high around the Acropolis.

[Son of a Beach]

That sounds sensible. The walk in to Pine Valley is fairly flat most of the way, so a good easy way to start to assess the situation from there.

The Labyrinth is not terribly difficult (just be careful not to get lost once you're there), but does have some hill climbs to get up. The Acropolis is somewhat longer, with substantial hill climbs, and some very steep bits near the end. Fantastic views if you get a good day though.

[jaco]

No advice, no opinions, but I am going to be there on the 16th, cant wait!

[Nuts]

Yeah, what Nik said.

Labyrinth is deceptive, keep a close eye on the map, otherwise, yer, its an amazing daywalk from the hut.

[Fin]

I was on Little Hugel yesterday (Sat) and there was some snow on all the higher peaks in sight (Olympus, Byron, Cuvier, etc) so I'd imagine there'll be modest - moderate snow around Acropolis/Labyrinth. I've climbed Acropolis in the snow before and it was just the usual sinking tiring plod that snow can be. I'd expect that with the rain forecast for the coming week whatever snow is still there will probably have some holes underneath.
I think you're right about the 'suck it and see' approach, you can always spend the night in Pine Valley Hut if the snow's too much, perhaps explore Mt Gould from Narcissus as a day walk. Labyrinth seems to cloud in quite easily (perhaps because of Geryon & Acopolis), so while the misty look gives some good photos, navigation is 'important', especially in snow and when there are not likely to be many, if any, others around.

[dee_legg]

Looks like i'll be heading up to Pine Valley this weekend also, very excited to get out there although i probably shouldn't considering how much work i have due next week for uni! Oh well... assuming the snow that fell on Mt Wellington yesterday wasn't localised i'd say we'll be pushing through snow up the Acropolis!! bags not walking first.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Settled down to 500 mtrs near Mountain River!!

Have fun Dee!! Take lots of pics for us!

[Clownfish]

Looks like i'll be heading up to Pine Valley this weekend also

Maybe we'll see you there!