Bookings for Three Capes Track now open

[PeterJ]

That's an odd thing for hut wardens to be saying.

I can't think of any reason that it was odd for them to say this. I thought staff are supposed to be friendly and helpful. I hope you are not doubting my word.

If you want the context of the discussion it came about during a 10 minute very friendly chat with two hut wardens when we passed on the track, and one asked where I camped. My reply was a hedged bit and that brought the response "oh dont worry you can camp anywhere as long it isn't with 500 metres of the huts".

I hope that satisfies your somewhat skeptical post.

[north-north-west]

That's an odd thing for hut wardens to be saying.

I can't think of any reason that it was odd for them to say this. I thought staff are supposed to be friendly and helpful. I hope you are not doubting my word.

If you want the context of the discussion it came about during a 10 minute very friendly chat with two hut wardens when we passed on the track, and one asked where I camped. My reply was a hedged bit and that brought the response "oh dont worry you can camp anywhere as long it isn't with 500 metres of the huts".

While you can get the odd rigid type, most rangers are generally reasonable and understanding provided people give the impression of also being reasonable.

[eggs]

Are the hut wardens NPWS? or are they private operators?

[PeterJ]

Are the hut wardens NPWS? or are they private operators?

Employed by Parks & WildlifeS Service and wear PWS uniforms. There are no private huts there yet, but two are planned it seems.

[bumpingbill]

That's an odd thing for hut wardens to be saying.

I hope you are not doubting my word. I hope that satisfies your somewhat skeptical post.

I don't think it was questioning your word, I assume the skeptical nature of the post was in regards to what the wardens were saying.

It is - after all - at odds with many of the official statements released until that point, including from the DPIPWE. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21270

The assumption has been that yes, camping is permitted "in designated sites". Other statements from PWS appear to back that up: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-23/t ... te/6796624

"The entire Three Capes Track will be designated 'no camping' except where camping is specifically provided for and managed by PWS.

"The Three Capes experience is a cabin-based experience only, this has been designed to minimise impacts on the environment.

"There will be one campsite with capacity for about six tents."

I think this article sums the issue of camping quite well: http://tastrails.com/free-capes-track/

[Nuts]

I came on to attend to some messages about some sales Peter, had a quick read and thought that was an odd thing for hut wardens to be saying. I know you give some positive support for 3C but didn't cross my mind to doubt you, at all.

I should explain why i find that an odd thing for them to say, as i find 'non-support' a valid form of help, but would be concerned such a discussion could only contribute to making things harder for staff managing random visitor impacts elsewhere, places I do support. Some concession there to friendliness I suppose

As far as i'm aware, not that it matters a great deal and fine to be corrected, the staff are indeed salaried track rangers (not that this makes it that much less odd either, even in just relating to the public info for the track bumpingbill mentions).

[Overlandman]

From the Mercury
Three Capes at Half Price
Regards OLM

http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasma ... 61aed7ec1d

[stepbystep]

I met two hut wardens when I was there in April and they said you can camp where you choose as long as not within 500m of the huts.

This is absolutely the case, they'd also prefer free campers don't camp right under the Blade but there are heaps of options out that way. The hysteria of some re "lock outs" has been amusing, and tiresome. It's probably best looking at places you are actually locked out of and fighting that fight. 2 Capes is done and the best compromise has been reached...whatever ppl think of the concept as a whole.

Comment not directed at peter or any person in particular.

[Nuts]

That's an odd post to post.

[Tortoise]

This is absolutely the case, they'd also prefer free campers don't camp right under the Blade but there are heaps of options out that way.

My concern is the potential spread of phytophera that I gather is known to be in the area - can anyone confirm or refute its presence? If it's there, what have people done to effectively ensure they don't spread it when they get back to the track? I LOVE being off the beaten/urbanified track, but I worry about this.

[stepbystep]

Hey Tortoise

You can simply use the wash down stations at Denmans Cove and at the track into Cape Pillar. Can't miss them. I'd encourage people to walk in the advised direction and to clean boots and tent pegs etc

[Tortoise]

Hey SBS. Good to know there's one at the track to Cape Pillar. I'm pretty skeptical about them though, as the vast majority of the time I find no antiseptic at wash down stations - hopefully it'll be different on the TCT with the rangers being on the spot as it were. And I find it hard enough to get boots squeaky clean at home with convenient water and brushes. I probably should start another thread about cleaning stuff, as I find a number of practicalities challenging, at least in my head.

[stepbystep]

Yep I've had the same experience with those things, seem to break easy too...best to start the walk clean I reckon. I soften up the mud with warm water, spray and scrub, when I'm organised!!

[north-north-west]

This is absolutely the case, they'd also prefer free campers don't camp right under the Blade but there are heaps of options out that way. The hysteria of some re "lock outs" has been amusing, and tiresome. It's probably best looking at places you are actually locked out of and fighting that fight. 2 Capes is done and the best compromise has been reached...whatever ppl think of the concept as a whole.

Pity this hasn't been publicised. The official line pushed to the general public is that camping for free walkers is only permitted at Wughalee.

Well, at least I have somewhere close to walk again. If it ever stops raining long enough . . .

[DanShell]

Pity this hasn't been publicised. The official line pushed to the general public is that camping for free walkers is only permitted at Wughalee.

And still is. If you phone them and ask this is the line you will get.

Good on the rangers for telling people they can camp wherever they like providing its not within 500 metres of the huts, that will work well for independent walkers rather than being forced down at Wughalee. Id still suggest stealth camping as best as possible though, I don't think the paying people want to see the likes of us camped anywhere that they can see.

[PeterJ]

My concern is the potential spread of phytophera that I gather is known to be in the area - can anyone confirm or refute its presence?

Rather than insert my view here, have a look at
See viewtopic.php?t=22178

[Nuts]

Rather rude Peter, explanation not good enough for you?

[That_Asian_Bloke]

Taken from "http://www.threecapestrack.com.au": Help us celebrate the centenary of parks in Tasmania! Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is offering a promotional fare of $250 for all departures from 15 July 2016 to 31 August 2016.

Booked our walk for my wife's bday. Will be nice not to have to carry a tent, mat and excess water.

[Nuts]

I'd carry a shelter of some sort in July /Aug.