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Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Mon 10 Mar, 2008 7:40 pm
Well, happy birthday to us! Bushwalk Tasmania turned 1 at the beginning of this month, and a few of us walked in to Lees Paddocks this long weekend to celebrate.
The weather was ideal, apart from about 5 drops of rain before first light this morning, and the paddocks are always a great place to visit.
I met Corvus at the car park and we walked in together, arriving at our chosen camp site at about 12:30pm, which was a relief, because I'd packed a heavy load, including 10 fresh apples, and a bottle of wine.
It was a good choice of site (thanks to those who recommended it to us!). After lunch, we wandered up to Lees Hut to pay our respect to the owners and their friends who were there, and to say g'day to Gorby who was among them. Then back to the camp site where I sat by the river and read a few chapters of a book.
The river flows over rocks at this point into a very deep pool (maybe 3 or 4 metres deep? It's hard to tell), and it's particularly beautiful when there's no wind and the sun lights up the rocks below the clear, deep water.
Taswaterfalls arrived a little before dinner time, so there was only the three of us for the Saturday night, which is probably just as well, because we might have run out of drinks, otherwise.
Sunday was another day of perfect weather, but we had a late start, which ruled out walking to Kia Ora. Instead, Corvus and I had a leisurely stroll up the river as far as Wadley's Hut (while Taswaterfalls had to walk back out, unfortunately). We stopped at Ladder Falls on the way, which had a small trickle of water flowing over the cascades, which are very beautiful, even with the small amount of water. We saw several fish in the Mersey while walking through the last forest stretch, and met several other walkers during the day, on our way to Wadley's and Back.
Just before getting back to the camp site we ran into FlyFisher, who accompanied us back to the camp site where he set up his tent. I then had a quick swim in the deep pool in the river next to the camp site. Quick being the operative word. It was COLD.
I love walking with any size group, and sometimes a smaller group is better, but at this point, I must admit that I was hoping that more people had turned up, and I was a little disappointed that it was only going to be three of us again on the second night. But then along comes TasTrekker to save the day, as well as Mrs TasTrekker, and the 3 little TasTrekker tackers. Having the five of them join the group made for a good sized party, and the kids were fantastic. It was great to see them having so much fun.
This morning (Monday), the TasTrekker group had to head out straight after brekky, as they had other commitments this afternoon. The remaining three of us, had no urgent commitments, and decided it would be worth waiting for our tents to dry in the sun (after heavy dew, and few drops of overnight rain), and we eventually started walking at 11:15am.
All in all, it was a leisurely walk, and I really enjoyed spending time with several people from the forums out in the bush. Each of them was completely different to what I expected, and yet come to think of it, I really don't know what I expected. They were all easy to get along with, and I enjoyed walking with them.
I know there were others here who wanted to come, but were not able make it. I'm sorry that you guys/girls missed out, and I hope to meet more of you in the future. Maybe next year. In any case, there's plenty of other walking to be done before then!
Some of you may think it's heresy, but I didn't even carry a camera, so I have no photos of the event that I can post. I hope some of the other guys will post their photos in the Gallery forum (and please chime in here with more about the weekend if I've missed anything out).
The weather was ideal, apart from about 5 drops of rain before first light this morning, and the paddocks are always a great place to visit.
I met Corvus at the car park and we walked in together, arriving at our chosen camp site at about 12:30pm, which was a relief, because I'd packed a heavy load, including 10 fresh apples, and a bottle of wine.
It was a good choice of site (thanks to those who recommended it to us!). After lunch, we wandered up to Lees Hut to pay our respect to the owners and their friends who were there, and to say g'day to Gorby who was among them. Then back to the camp site where I sat by the river and read a few chapters of a book.
The river flows over rocks at this point into a very deep pool (maybe 3 or 4 metres deep? It's hard to tell), and it's particularly beautiful when there's no wind and the sun lights up the rocks below the clear, deep water.
Taswaterfalls arrived a little before dinner time, so there was only the three of us for the Saturday night, which is probably just as well, because we might have run out of drinks, otherwise.
Sunday was another day of perfect weather, but we had a late start, which ruled out walking to Kia Ora. Instead, Corvus and I had a leisurely stroll up the river as far as Wadley's Hut (while Taswaterfalls had to walk back out, unfortunately). We stopped at Ladder Falls on the way, which had a small trickle of water flowing over the cascades, which are very beautiful, even with the small amount of water. We saw several fish in the Mersey while walking through the last forest stretch, and met several other walkers during the day, on our way to Wadley's and Back.
Just before getting back to the camp site we ran into FlyFisher, who accompanied us back to the camp site where he set up his tent. I then had a quick swim in the deep pool in the river next to the camp site. Quick being the operative word. It was COLD.
I love walking with any size group, and sometimes a smaller group is better, but at this point, I must admit that I was hoping that more people had turned up, and I was a little disappointed that it was only going to be three of us again on the second night. But then along comes TasTrekker to save the day, as well as Mrs TasTrekker, and the 3 little TasTrekker tackers. Having the five of them join the group made for a good sized party, and the kids were fantastic. It was great to see them having so much fun.
This morning (Monday), the TasTrekker group had to head out straight after brekky, as they had other commitments this afternoon. The remaining three of us, had no urgent commitments, and decided it would be worth waiting for our tents to dry in the sun (after heavy dew, and few drops of overnight rain), and we eventually started walking at 11:15am.
All in all, it was a leisurely walk, and I really enjoyed spending time with several people from the forums out in the bush. Each of them was completely different to what I expected, and yet come to think of it, I really don't know what I expected. They were all easy to get along with, and I enjoyed walking with them.
I know there were others here who wanted to come, but were not able make it. I'm sorry that you guys/girls missed out, and I hope to meet more of you in the future. Maybe next year. In any case, there's plenty of other walking to be done before then!
Some of you may think it's heresy, but I didn't even carry a camera, so I have no photos of the event that I can post. I hope some of the other guys will post their photos in the Gallery forum (and please chime in here with more about the weekend if I've missed anything out).
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk
Mon 10 Mar, 2008 9:15 pm
I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Great company, excellent wine (much to corvus' apparent shock...he didn't seem to expect much of my cleanskin...but it did have him singing and remarking about the abundance of tussocks...) and superb weather. My stupid @#$*ing ankle did put a downer on the last part of the experience (5 hours from paddocks to car...2 leeches and one rather chastised 7th day adventist.) for myself but Im still happy I went. I will be back to the paddocks many times in future. Its perfect walk to do with reluctant walkers...flat, has a hut or two and pretty as hell even in dry weather.
Luckily I met up with all the BWT folk on way out stopping to have a good chat with flyfisher and his aspiring photographing friend...just in case you have forgotten this (as I have your name...i feel shocking..all i remember is boots and all) the filter we talked about was a neutral density. Falls shooters best mate
Good to meet mr Trekker and co on way out too...we have been swapping emails and forum posts for a few years now on and off so nice to put face to a name.
Once again congrats nik on 1st year of forums....heres to a few more
And regarding the wine bottle...I got to top of hill near where we were camped. Took one last look over shoulder on way out and spotted it. It had taken me about 5 mins to get up the hill...I apologize profusely for my laziness but given circumstances I hope the poor sod who had to carry it out understands.
Cheers!
Luckily I met up with all the BWT folk on way out stopping to have a good chat with flyfisher and his aspiring photographing friend...just in case you have forgotten this (as I have your name...i feel shocking..all i remember is boots and all) the filter we talked about was a neutral density. Falls shooters best mate
Good to meet mr Trekker and co on way out too...we have been swapping emails and forum posts for a few years now on and off so nice to put face to a name.
Once again congrats nik on 1st year of forums....heres to a few more
And regarding the wine bottle...I got to top of hill near where we were camped. Took one last look over shoulder on way out and spotted it. It had taken me about 5 mins to get up the hill...I apologize profusely for my laziness but given circumstances I hope the poor sod who had to carry it out understands.
Cheers!
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk
Tue 11 Mar, 2008 6:48 am
Jealous, glad you all had a great time....maybe next year 
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk
Tue 11 Mar, 2008 7:10 am
taswaterfalls.com wrote:My stupid @#$*ing ankle
Yeah, that was a bugger. I know it's not my fault as such, but I do feel guilty that I should have been sharing the torch light around a bit better when we went for that wee walk in the dark.
Once again congrats nik on 1st year of forums....heres to a few more
Thanks, mate! And thanks to you and all the others for your contributions, which is really what makes the forums so useful for everybody.
And regarding the wine bottle...I got to top of hill near where we were camped. Took one last look over shoulder on way out and spotted it. It had taken me about 5 mins to get up the hill...I apologize profusely for my laziness but given circumstances I hope the poor sod who had to carry it out understands.
No problem. I was several kg lighter on the way out anyhow, so I had no problems carrying the extra empty bottle.
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 11 Mar, 2008 12:55 pm
Glad to hear you guys had a great time. Look forward to seeing some pics.
Congrats on being a year old. Hopefully we can catch up with some of you on some walks some time.
Congrats on being a year old. Hopefully we can catch up with some of you on some walks some time.
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 11 Mar, 2008 8:32 pm
Green with envy.
Like many others I would have loved to be there but used up my "away with the hikers" brownie points by going off for a week just one week before. Weather looked good and I just bummed around at home on a good long weekend.
Please do not be disheartened but a small but enthusiastic attendance. I am sure that more happy walkers will come along in future.
Have to get my head around carrying wine. I am into overproof spirits (if I have any left) - more bang for you carrying bucks.
Cheers
Like many others I would have loved to be there but used up my "away with the hikers" brownie points by going off for a week just one week before. Weather looked good and I just bummed around at home on a good long weekend.
Please do not be disheartened but a small but enthusiastic attendance. I am sure that more happy walkers will come along in future.
Have to get my head around carrying wine. I am into overproof spirits (if I have any left) - more bang for you carrying bucks.
Cheers
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk
Tue 11 Mar, 2008 9:55 pm
And regarding the wine bottle...I got to top of hill near where we were camped. Took one last look over shoulder on way out and spotted it. It had taken me about 5 mins to get up the hill...I apologize profusely for my laziness but given circumstances I hope the poor sod who had to carry it out understands.
G'day TW the bottle thing was a generic comment not a shot at any individual and I hope your ankle is better and even full or empty we would have carried it out ,lets face it a Wilmot Hills Shiraz was really nice on the night
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Fri 14 Mar, 2008 1:30 pm
Penguin wrote:Have to get my head around carrying wine. I am into overproof spirits (if I have any left) - more bang for you carrying bucks.
Cheers
Please note that the posts regarding stills, etc, have been moved to a new Still topic in the Tucker forum.
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Sat 15 Mar, 2008 7:58 pm
Hi Folks,
I've finally found a chance to add my report.
TasTrekker, Mrs TasTrekker and 3 junior TasTrekkers (9, 6 and 3 years old) left the Mersey Forest Road at 11:30 Sunday morning. Pushbikes helped our older 2 children make a speedy descent to the Mersey River and up to the end of the vehicular track that crosses Pine Hut Plain. Here we stashed the bikes safely behind a man fern and continued on foot. TasTrekker junior number 3 spent most of the time on his mother's back but occasionally hopped down to do his own small share of the walking.
At 12:15 we detoured to visit Lewis Falls and soon after 1pm, we arrived at the dry slabs of rock above Oxley Falls for a gloriously lazy lunch in idyllic surrounds.
Between Oxley Falls and Big Creek we had the pleasure of meeting TasWaterfalls on his way out. We also met 2 of the Lees descendents on horseback accompanied by their dogs. They reported that of the 40 cattle that should be present, only 27 were spotted. They planned to return at a later date to try and reunite the herd.
We estimated that Big Creek was the half way point of our walk and this encouraged the children who were starting to wonder what they were in for.
When the children arrived at the Survey Creek gate, they were over the moon and announced that they had arrived. They didn't care when I said it was a bit further to where we would camp. Their sense of accomplishment was tremendous.
From here, our group seemed to change up a gear and it was no time before we strode out onto the glorious grassy plains with Pelion East, Mount Massif and Dean Bluff all standing sentinel over this most beautiful of valleys. We arrived at camp to join Son of a Beach, Corvus and FlyFisher at 4:15pm. We were immensely proud of our achievement.
I was stoked when a couple of Hobart walkers we passed said "Your missus is doing a great job carrying the young bloke." High praise indeed. When you add 15kgs of boy to the weight of the Macpac Possum and the various drink bottles, snacks and jumpers that ended up on her back, it was a fine achievement.
After a pleasant meal in the company of fellow forum members, we retreated to the downstairs bedroom (the lower river flat) to give some separation in case our junior walkers were noisy during the night.
The next morning dawned cool and clear with a tiny hint of mist shrouding Dean Bluff. Breakfast, packing up and farewells were dispensed with by 8:30am when we hit the track. The promise of fishing from Grandad’s boat at Moina later in the day was the commitment that kept us from staying longer. In any case, the chorus of "I want to go HOME" from our youngest walker suggested we were on borrowed time.
The walk out was impressive. We made excellent time and there was not even the slightest hint of, "Are we there yet?" from anyone. The only concern was that middle TasTrekker junior wondered whether her bike would still be there.
Indeed the bikes were still there and we had to chase the speedy cyclists over Pine Hut Plain before recrossing the Mersey. The last climb up to the cars extracted its fair share of sweat from us in the midday heat but our speed barely eased off. Junior number 1 proudly announced that we arrived 3 hours and 33 minutes after leaving the campsite.
By 1:30pm, we had joined the in-laws for an afternoon of boating, fishing and barbecue fun on their bush block at Moina, beside Lake Gairdner in the shadow of Stormont and Mt Jacob. Junior number 2 was most proud to land the only trout of the day.
I've finally found a chance to add my report.
TasTrekker, Mrs TasTrekker and 3 junior TasTrekkers (9, 6 and 3 years old) left the Mersey Forest Road at 11:30 Sunday morning. Pushbikes helped our older 2 children make a speedy descent to the Mersey River and up to the end of the vehicular track that crosses Pine Hut Plain. Here we stashed the bikes safely behind a man fern and continued on foot. TasTrekker junior number 3 spent most of the time on his mother's back but occasionally hopped down to do his own small share of the walking.
At 12:15 we detoured to visit Lewis Falls and soon after 1pm, we arrived at the dry slabs of rock above Oxley Falls for a gloriously lazy lunch in idyllic surrounds.
Between Oxley Falls and Big Creek we had the pleasure of meeting TasWaterfalls on his way out. We also met 2 of the Lees descendents on horseback accompanied by their dogs. They reported that of the 40 cattle that should be present, only 27 were spotted. They planned to return at a later date to try and reunite the herd.
We estimated that Big Creek was the half way point of our walk and this encouraged the children who were starting to wonder what they were in for.
When the children arrived at the Survey Creek gate, they were over the moon and announced that they had arrived. They didn't care when I said it was a bit further to where we would camp. Their sense of accomplishment was tremendous.
From here, our group seemed to change up a gear and it was no time before we strode out onto the glorious grassy plains with Pelion East, Mount Massif and Dean Bluff all standing sentinel over this most beautiful of valleys. We arrived at camp to join Son of a Beach, Corvus and FlyFisher at 4:15pm. We were immensely proud of our achievement.
I was stoked when a couple of Hobart walkers we passed said "Your missus is doing a great job carrying the young bloke." High praise indeed. When you add 15kgs of boy to the weight of the Macpac Possum and the various drink bottles, snacks and jumpers that ended up on her back, it was a fine achievement.
After a pleasant meal in the company of fellow forum members, we retreated to the downstairs bedroom (the lower river flat) to give some separation in case our junior walkers were noisy during the night.
The next morning dawned cool and clear with a tiny hint of mist shrouding Dean Bluff. Breakfast, packing up and farewells were dispensed with by 8:30am when we hit the track. The promise of fishing from Grandad’s boat at Moina later in the day was the commitment that kept us from staying longer. In any case, the chorus of "I want to go HOME" from our youngest walker suggested we were on borrowed time.
The walk out was impressive. We made excellent time and there was not even the slightest hint of, "Are we there yet?" from anyone. The only concern was that middle TasTrekker junior wondered whether her bike would still be there.
Indeed the bikes were still there and we had to chase the speedy cyclists over Pine Hut Plain before recrossing the Mersey. The last climb up to the cars extracted its fair share of sweat from us in the midday heat but our speed barely eased off. Junior number 1 proudly announced that we arrived 3 hours and 33 minutes after leaving the campsite.
By 1:30pm, we had joined the in-laws for an afternoon of boating, fishing and barbecue fun on their bush block at Moina, beside Lake Gairdner in the shadow of Stormont and Mt Jacob. Junior number 2 was most proud to land the only trout of the day.
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 18 Mar, 2008 9:11 am
mmm.... I've got left over jerky for morning tea at work today. Good stuff.
The jerky-off was very informal, and as much as it pains me to admit it, I think Corvus might have won. I still prefer my own, but one of his varieties did get more votes than either of mine (2 to 1, I think - although again, the voting was not actual voting as such, but more just mumbled noises of appreciation between mouthfuls).
The jerky-off was very informal, and as much as it pains me to admit it, I think Corvus might have won. I still prefer my own, but one of his varieties did get more votes than either of mine (2 to 1, I think - although again, the voting was not actual voting as such, but more just mumbled noises of appreciation between mouthfuls).
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 18 Mar, 2008 9:46 am
the corned beef was by far my fav...really keen to do some of my own now
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 08 Apr, 2008 8:45 pm
I've now added my trip report complete with pictures on my blog.
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Mon 04 Oct, 2010 7:23 pm
Joe wrote:the corned beef was by far my fav...really keen to do some of my own now
After over 2 years....I have finally got around to this! Thought it was worth a bit of thread necrophiling to point out that even though I take a while I am a man of my word!
Pics:
http://yfrog.com/n2lyowj
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 05 Oct, 2010 7:10 pm
2 years ah! How long would it have taken you if you weren't so keen? 
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 05 Oct, 2010 8:48 pm
He mistook his name for "foe" and could not get any reply to or from himself till just recently
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 05 Oct, 2010 9:18 pm
Joe wrote:Joe wrote:the corned beef was by far my fav...really keen to do some of my own now
After over 2 years....I have finally got around to this! Thought it was worth a bit of thread necrophiling to point out that even though I take a while I am a man of my word!
Pics:
http://yfrog.com/n2lyowj
I followed the link, all I get is beef jerky and a familiar looking weight bench. And a ducted vacuum system that looks about 6 years old lol
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 05 Oct, 2010 9:33 pm
Did someone say something?
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 05 Oct, 2010 9:35 pm
tasadam wrote:Joe wrote:Joe wrote:the corned beef was by far my fav...really keen to do some of my own now
After over 2 years....I have finally got around to this! Thought it was worth a bit of thread necrophiling to point out that even though I take a while I am a man of my word!
Pics:
http://yfrog.com/n2lyowj
I followed the link, all I get is beef jerky and a familiar looking weight bench. And a ducted vacuum system that looks about 6 years old lol
Haha photos from my twitter stream. Those who don't tweet wont have seen them!
That batch of jerky is completely gone. Man it was good. Going to WW tomorrow to get some corned beef to try. I will use less salt in the rub next time...was a touch salty...but GOOD!
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 05 Oct, 2010 9:42 pm
Get the low salt one it is so much better.
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Tue 05 Oct, 2010 9:51 pm
Yeah was going to. I'm pretty well hooked. Since starting Gym 3 times a week need extra protein diet. Jerky is a winner here!
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Thu 07 Oct, 2010 10:40 am
you can buy powdered & cartons of egg white too for protein btw
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Thu 07 Oct, 2010 1:13 pm
Liamy77 wrote:you can buy powdered & cartons of egg white too for protein btw
Or you can dry your own eggs, which is quite easy (as I've just recently learned). I haven't tried it yet myself, but plan to do it soon.
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Thu 07 Oct, 2010 3:42 pm
Nik which method do you intend using I have a couple but will be interested in how you do it .
c
c
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Thu 07 Oct, 2010 4:05 pm
I can't remember exactly off the top of my head. I read it in Frank's "Food to Go" book and thought it looked easy.
From what I think I can remember, you separate the eggs, beat the whites, stir the yokes just a little and dry them separately. Something like that.
I'm looking forward to trying it out some time soon. Should be good for scrambled eggs, omelette, etc.
From what I think I can remember, you separate the eggs, beat the whites, stir the yokes just a little and dry them separately. Something like that.
I'm looking forward to trying it out some time soon. Should be good for scrambled eggs, omelette, etc.
Re: Bushwalk Tasmania 1st Anniversary Walk to Lees Paddocks
Thu 07 Oct, 2010 7:07 pm
I've been lazy lately I guess.... but let us know how u go?
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