Bushwalk Australia

So I went for a walk with my grandfather today to Marriot falls.

Remember the three things I discovered about myself on the disappearing tarn (http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2364#p23611)? Those things still apply.

I got lost to begin with. The information I had led me to a bridge that had been long since washed away. Turned around and dit some web surfing when I got back into 3G coverage again. This time found the place, and started off along the trail. The first 30 mins walking was fine, with a well formed track thanks to some youth learning group 15 years ago. Crossed a paddock along which was the wahed away bridge then proceeded up into the gully towards the falls following the red triangle markers. Paddock was a little boggy from recent rain.

bout 750m from the falls is where the rainforest started and track quality started going downhill. My information was "a relatively level walk thats as easy to get to as the russell falls and more spectacular. well formed track". The last 300m to the falls I could only describe as "Kokoda" Ankle deep, slippy mud track, fallen trees over track, complete washaways and generally a miserable experience. that last 300m took some 30 minutes to traverse.

However it was all worth it when the falls unveiled themselves to us. A guestimate of a 30m drop, with lots of water running. Given that I had naievely not packed food/water ("The sign said only 90 mins return"), I didnt hang around long enough to set up a full camera shoot. Just snapped off what I could, and headed back with my grandfather to get food. it took us 2 hours to get back (Pa was slowing down in his old age), so food was some 3 hours after we started off.

Would I do it again? You betcha. Would I go with the track in the condition it currently is in? no chance.

You're a crack-up Ben.
Couple of things, you might find things it a bit easier with some good shoes, not sure what you're wearing, are they waterproof?
& some gaiters will keep your trousers dry I usually walk with good boots, gaiters and shorts with some waterproof overpants in my pack if there is too much moisture about, a light waterproof jacket that can handle some scratching against scrub and you will be like a pig in ...
If you do go to Marriots again, take a picnic, you'll enjoy it more.
The track is always a little muddy towards the end, but with all the rain....

If you're interested their is a side track to the top of the falls where there is another small drop and great views, need to watch your step up there though
Sorry for crappy pic quality, photography isn't my strong point

heya stepbystep.

Yep I'm one of these real professional bushwalkers whos goes out with a pair of sneakers and whatever I happen to be wearing

I'm going to check out the camping/bushwalking shop precinct of Hobart today for Gaiters and some "proper" boots. Something waterproof would be nice given I found a pothole full of mud at one point and ended up with a drenched foot. I think

I really need to rethink some of what I do when I go out of the way. With 5 kg of camera gear on my back, I think I will get bushwalking partner to carry a backpack with food, water, waterproofs. When I go alone, I am going to have start making decisions on the gear I take to lighten the load.

Not being the lightest chap (140kg is not fit I assure you), I am a lot more prone to slipping on slopes. I think these will be the following items on my initial purchase:

[*] Proper, Waterproof boots (recommendations anyone? Scarpas?)
[*] Walking Sticks of some description (very useful to stop falling forward when going downhill)
[*] Gaiters

I will have to do it again, but someone really needs to clear the last 500m with a chainsaw - a lot of trees have recently come down of the track, making it nearly impassable. a couple of tonne of gravel wouldnt go astray, but thats just a nice to have you could definitely stay there longer during summer - but yesterday most of the area under the falls was underwater - you could only mone around on the logs fallen over the river.

bcshort wrote:[*] Proper, Waterproof boots (recommendations anyone? Scarpas?)
[*] Walking Sticks of some description (very useful to stop falling forward when going downhill)
[*] Gaiters

Boots seem to be an area of massive conjecture and contradiction. My suggestion to someone such as yourself is to go middle of the price range and make sure they feel nice and comfy, with Goretex lining & not too stiff, I hear Scarpas take quite a bit of wearing in and if you aren't walking that much they may take too long to get comfy and they are pretty $$$.
I wear Garmont's which were comfy from day 1, no blisters and have done a lot of miles, there is however a thread on how terrible Garmont's are (Don't know how to link to the thread )
Initially I bought a cheap pair of Mountain Design shoes that fell apart within 6 mths. so I would steer clear of them.
Walking sticks are probably a good idea for a big lad such as yourself. I don't use them, but some people swear by them.
With your gaiters just make sure they fit well, if you have chunky calves you might have some issues, so try them on in store.

Goog luck