I had been eying this hike off for years and was determined to complete it this year. And what a way to start the New Year.
Initially when planning trips I put the feelers out for friends who may be interested and in this case there wasn't much joy initially. No-one could get the time off work or people had other plans. But I never let this put me off and was looking forward to going solo. As luck would have it a crew of 4 was put together at the last minute - a teacher, a forester, an engineer and I (a fire fighter). I'm no stranger to the SW and knew what we were in for. I wasn't sure that the rest of crew quite understood the hike ahead and I resolved to have a pre-trip planning lunch. I did what I could to enliven the group’s thoughts with the legends of the SW - long days, knee deep mud, creek swims, bush bashing, no tracks etc... "And that's just the first day". To no avail - none were dissuaded from tackling the SW Cape. And so we were off.
Looking at the forecast, we made the easy decision to keep the wind on our backs as often as possible and decided to complete the circuit anti clock wise.
Day 1: Hobart - Melaleuca - Pasco Creek Ridge
I knew we wouldn't get away from Melaleuca until around 10:00-10:30 and it would be a very late day indeed if we aimed to get to Noyhener Beach on the first day - a feat that most do in walking in the usual, clockwise direction. 17km and 11 Chapman hours was going to take us a wee bit longer. It would be more than a test for the teacher and the forester. The engineer was an unknown and untested quantity. So the plan for the day was to get the Horseshoe Bay swims out the way and see how far along the ridge adjacent to the Pasco Creek we would get.
It was a pleasant flight into Melaleuca although a bit rough for some. I took the teacher many hours to get over the nausea. Lucky we were spared any mid-flight meals in reverse. We were treated with clear views over Federation Peak, the Western Arthurs, Precipitous Bluff and much of the south coast. Setting down at little after 10am, we were greeted by a clear sunny day and light winds. Grabbing fuel from the pilot we were off north up the airstrip and onto the Port Davey track. The track was as dry as I had even seen it with very little mud to speak of. We each took turns setting the pace and settling into the hike, allowing the back and shoulders and get used to carrying a pack again. A quick lunch stop near Woureddy Creek. The teacher makes first repairs on forming blisters. Heading North West on the PD track it was great to come around the low hills and have the ridge line and hill 374 come into view. The way ahead was clear to see. Soon we arrive at the point to turn off the PD track and enter the untracked country to head into Horseshoe bay.
A short bash through some thick teas tree and sword grass and we on the water’s edge. Tide out and easy walking around the edge of the bay. The first creek crossing. I talked this up and everyone was prepared to bag their packs, strip down and swim. The channel too deep to wade straight across but we found we could walk 40m or so into the Bay where the river channel was only waist deep. Somewhat of a relief but myth one of the SW busted. Creek crossings 2 and 3 were much the same - wading out into the Bay it was easy to find a shallow enough crossing.
The wade. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734626559/in/photostream
The day was getting on and the crew, new to the SW, found the going tougher than expected. A reality check for the teacher and the forester. No problems for the engineer. "Welcome to the South West guys." No stopping though. We still had ground the cover. We pushed onto the ridge adjacent to the Pasco Creek to see how far we would get for the day. Not far. Stumps were pulled up around 6pm opposite hill 44.
Pack off and time to set up the tents. Imagine my surprise when the tent I was to share for the remainder of the trip came out. Not that price is an issue but quality certainly is, particularly for this neck of the woods. Now don't get me wrong I'm sure the classic $45 Wildcountry Escape from Rays Outdoors is a perfectly fine tent for its intended purpose but I don't believe the manufacturer had the South West when selecting materials or design. Oh, the horror. And particularly after a pre-trip planning session. Me: "Are you sure you have a tent that will be suitable for the conditions down there? It can get wild at any time. I can take my bomb shelter if you don't." The forester: "Yeah its fine. We'll take my tent". No turning back now - we were stuck with it. I considered sleeping under my tarp for a minute or squeezing into the tent that the teacher and engineer are sharing. Water. Dinner. Bed. First day down. Awesome. Spirits high.
Camp 1 on the Pasco Creek ridge. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734628005/in/photostream/
Day 2: Pasco Creek Ridge - Pasco Range - South West Cape Range - Noyhener Beach
3am and we are woken by thunder, lightning and big old fat rain. Sure enough the Escape doesn't quite cut the mustard. The NW winds rip into the sides and force the poles down on top of us. The forester is on the weather side, I have the vestibule size. The forester tries to hold the poles and tent up with outstretched arms and legs. A comical sight. Nothing else to do but turn his back into the weather and try sleeping. Yeah right. Staying dry is impossible. Soon enough it’s raining inside the tent as the fly is pressed against the inner.
With lightening cracking the other guys decide to make a move off the ridge. I count. 1,2, 3...13, 14, 15. It's far enough for my liking and I hunker down into my bag waiting for sunlight. It doesn't come quick enough. With no letup in the rain the decision is an easy one. We aren't going to get any drier and it's time to get up. "Welcome to the South West guys! Did I mention heavy rain?"
A quick breaky. We pack up as the rain eases. Time to get moving in the hope that an early arrival at the next sheltered camp site will provide some opportunity to dry our gear out. We make good time in the easy low veg following the main ridge line. Staying on the high ground the route ahead is clear enough despite the threatening clouds. Rain is intermittent as we follow the rough foot pad up to hill 216. Quick photo stops as the views back across the flats to Horseshoe Bay are fantastic. Heading west we begin the climb to the top of hill 374. I was expecting much of this circuit to be off track in the proper sense but myth 2 is shattered as there seems to be a well-defined foot pad the entire way. I try to encourage the crew to spread out as we climb the hill, but humans being humans we like the easier path where others have passed before. Still the climb is steep and not easy. The rain comes down hard again. The first signs of mutiny appear as the true reality of walking in the SW hits home for those new to the area.
At the top of hill 376 we are hit face on with hard rain, followed by hail and then sleet driven in sideways by a fierce wind. We back off the immediate top and wait for a break. Incredibly enough it comes literally a minute or two later and the sky clears for the remainder of the day. I'm still impressed by how rapidly this place changes. Reaching the western side of hill 376 the route ahead is obvious with the foot pad standing out clear as day following the spur line past Hannant Creek and up on to the South West Cape Range beyond. Lunch at Hannant Creek.
We ascend slowly but surely with the sun out. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734629607/in/photostream/
Frequent breaks are required to take it all in. A foot pad comes and goes across the high ground. We fan out. At the top of hill 256 the first signs of the ocean are spied. Excitedly we set out across the open ground. The foot pad becomes obvious again down the spur line and following the edge of a large of patch of veg. It’s a steep spur but easily navigated. I encounter the first snake at the bottom of the spur - a tiger and my heart skips a beat. Initially it refuses to move but responds to the vibrations of my stamping feet. It darts off into the scrub.
I'm re-joined by the crew and take up a position at the rear. The next couple of km's follow across the undulating ground towards Noyhener Beach. Easy walking over fairly open ground. The odd thicker patch of bush along creek lines need to be crossed.
We reach the final high ground and see the sand blow out and knob 34 indicating the way to the beach and camp. The ridge line is followed around to the south (left). We lose the foot pad but are eager to reach camp and punch through the thick tea-tree to the sand beyond. It doesn't take long to reach the beach. Huge surf pounds down and the ocean is covered by white caps. Winds are high but it’s sunny. We wade Murgab Creek, climb the ladder and locate camp. A sheltered spot in amongst the trees. Very comfortable with the beach furniture.
Views to the beach. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734631377/in/photostream/
The winds are perfect for drying tents and other gear. Plenty of time of play about and explore the beach. A swim in the ocean was also in order and incredibly pleasant, not cold at all. Who would have though given the start to the day. Plenty of flotsam from fishing vessels had strewn the beach. Lots of photos.
Murgab Creek http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734633105/in/photostream/
An impressive dinner of spicy panner and cus cus for mains and stewed fruit and custard for desert, washed but by the obligatory cup of tawny. The sun is not setting until past 9pm and we milk the light for all it’s worth.
Day 3: Noyhener Beach - Window Pane Bay
A late start. Faffing around quite a bit. The tide is coming in. There are heaps of blue bottles washed up on the beach. No sign of these yesterday and a good thing given the swim the previous afternoon.
Blue bottles. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734636483/in/photostream/
I'm led to believe that the route initially follows the rocks along the coast, past the dense veg to a rocky inlet where it then heads inland. I'm sure it does and we give it a crack but hit a small cove that is slightly over hanging and difficult to negotiate with packs and an incoming tide. No-one wants wet feet just yet. There is nothing for it. We climb steeply up the rock and scramble over low heaths into the tea-tree above.
Rocky coast. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734635041/in/photostream/
We pick a route through the dense tea tree heading SW, weaving in and out, sometimes crawling for short distances but it doesn't take long to pick up a faint route. No foot pad as such but plenty of fishing debris markers that have been hung in the trees indicating people had gone this way before. Mixed feelings about this. The marked trail makes for easier navigation but takes away from the feeling that you’re exploring new ground.
Staked track. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734638073/in/photostream%20/
Soon we are out of the tea tree and onto the open ground again. A foot pad becomes obvious and the odd stake starts to appear marking the route. The white rock of the foot pad stands out against the veg and it’s easily seen. Fairly easy walking although the track climbs steeply in and out of a few gullies before climbing up and sideling to the west side of hill 274.
Gully descent. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734640681/in/photostream/
And up again. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734642815/in/photostream/
Getting hungry we search for a suitable spot out of the wind for lunch. We all suffer a case of just over the next ridge. We top out on the high ground south of Hill 274 and can see Window Pane Bay. We jump off the ridge out of the wind and enjoy lunch with a view. The South West Cape towers above the coast and it dawns on the crew that “yes we are going to descend to the beach and climb up and over that range tomorrow.”
South West Cap Range and Window Pane Bay. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734661879/in/photostream/
Descending to Window Pane Bay is initially easy to Island Bay but soon gets into the thicker tea tree and scrub on the descent to the beach. The 500m or so through the forest seems to take forever. Roughly 100m to the beach the teacher encounters snake 2, a suspected tiger. We get to the beach and find another pleasant camp site opposite Window Pane Creek. Another sheltered spot.
Window Pane campsite http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734667113/in/photostream/
We spend the afternoon wandering the beach, swimming and taking photos. The range above is covered in cloud and scattered rain. A sign of things to come?
South West Camp Range. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734665195/in/photostream/
The hikes namesake – SW Cape. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734663433/in/photostream/
As we prepare dinner a tied group of 3 wander into camp. A big day for these guys indeed. Compass navigation in the clouds along the range, intermittent rain and strong winds from the NW (straight into their faces). Tomorrow will be a big day and I gee the crew up. Early start will be required. Fuel up, hydrate and prepare feet for a massive effort. Not much water on the range. The forester prepares Kangaroo curry for dinner. I teach the crew to play 500. Early to bed.
Day 4: Window Pane Bay to Wilson Bay via South West Cape Range.
An early start is called for if we are going to make it across the range. At 15km and 8 Chapman hours, I predict it will take us 11 to 12 at the rate we have been going. The route through the forest is open, enjoyable and easy enough however soon climbs steeply out into the open and back up to the South West Cape. I walk behind to push everyone when required.
Stopping for a short break we see two small yachts on the water and take this a sign that the weather will hold out for us.
Pushing on we continue to climb. “Once we’re on the high ground it will be much easier going.” I hear the teachers muffled cries on the steepest sections as the knee screams out to stop but there is no turning around now. The teacher does well to push through to the top of hill 374. We stop for a well-earned rest. Still a long ways to go. We can now see ocean on two fronts.
Hill 374. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734668947/in/photostream/
We lose the foot pad but stick to the high ground and zig zag up the steepest pinch to hill 504. The views back north are fantastic. So far we have lucked out with the weather. There is a light wind that cools the sweat and the visibility is awesome with views back across to Stephens Bay and beyond.
The view back. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734670583/in/photostream/
I keep promising great views at the top of the next hill but the false summits keep coming. We find the foot pad easily enough and stick to the high ground. We tick the hills off 504, 588, 639 and 687. The weather holds out. The view just kept getting better. We could see the SW Cape and the route ahead. The SW Cape Range seems to go on forever.
No-one anticipates the steepness of the descent off hill 687. We all grin and bear it. It is taking its toll on the teachers knee but she troops on. I'm not a fan of descents (unless it’s on a mountain bike) and remedy the situation by charging down, the theory being it’s over quicker. It's important we get a move on along the range while the weather is good and the walking OK. I knuckle down aiming to reach 601 by 1pm for lunch. I don't look back for a long time and find myself 20mins out in front of everyone else when I reach Hill 509. We are going slow but there is nothing that can be about it. I find a rock slab and have a nap waiting for the crew to catch up.
A quick lunch. We ascend 601 and the urgency is put back in to everyone’s step as the route ahead stands out and the reality of how far we are walking today sinks in. I discuss with the forester that it’s quite normal for groups to be clouded in up here, hit with severe weather, forced to navigate in the white out, bunker down or retreat altogether. We rightly agree that it is not an option to get stuck up here in the Wildcountry Escape. We march up.
The views are spectacular and heaps of photos are taken. Up to about 350 already. I cannot believe our luck with the weather. It was a blessing to find a tarn up high as I'm nearly out of water. A refill is in order and we start to rehydrate tonight's dinner.
Tarn. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734673049/in/photostream/
Hill 554 is reached and we can see the way to Mt Karamu and the ridge down to Wilson Bight. Still a long way to go! It’s about close to 4pm.
The view to Mt Karamuhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734675549/in/photostream/
We pick a route and head west aiming just below hill 370. Various footpads come and go. We fan out. Regrouping we head towards Mt Karamu. The engineer and forester charge off. We climb up Mt Karamu for the view. The wind bites cold just the sky is clear and the ocean calm. We look sou-south-west towards the SW Cape itself. It is so close but we don’t have the time or inclination to push further down the cape for better views. Wilson Bight is in clear view and beckoning us down to the shore to bath in the cool waters and ease the tired legs. The spur line down looks very steep!
The last spur down to Wilson Bight. [/url] http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N ... otostream/ [/url]
And it is incredibly steep. My usual tactic is employed and I explode down the hill, planting my walking poles down and acting as additional legs. The track gets tight and in several sections requires the nimble skills of a gymnast to get over, under and around the fallen trees. Soon enough I’m down but well in front of the crew, a relief to be over the range and on the way to camp. I wait for the others on the rocky shore, tired and spread eagled on the ground. The surf pounds in.
The very tired crew. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734679095/in/photostream/
I know there are two camp sites at Wilson Bight but I’m not entirely sure of their location. Like any good camp site I’m assuming they will be close to the beach, close to decent water and will have a good view. We cross over the first small headland separating the rocky beach from the sand and cross a small creek. Not the best for drinking so we move on. We come to a second creek that is not much better but has an amazing camp site close by. Spacious, protected and a great view. Recent high tides have washed away half of the steps built to reach the camp.
We are all tired and want to rest but decide that the water source is not that good and make the hard decision to continue to the next beach. Descending down to the bight previously I spied 2 people playing on the far beach and I convince the guys that that must be a better camp site that we should push onto. A poor decision in hindsight.
Approaching the rocky head land I spy a small waterfall that is clearly fresh and will be OK to drink from but being closer to the headland than the first camp I continue on. The forester tries to shout out that we should go back to the first camp but the surf and wind drown him out.
The tide is coming in but I’m determined to get around the rocks to the next beach. I rock hop as much as possible but hit a point where it is impossible to climb over or to keep feet dry. It seems quicker and easier to wade through the water. Reaching the other side there is a wide clear fresh water stream running into the bight. I’m relieved to find good water. Now just to locate a camp. We are not going any further today that is for sure. The crew is a ways off and I push to the eastern side of the beach where the track meets the beach.
I find the camp site alright but find that it the smallest camp site imaginable and that is already occupied by 4 blocks in 3 tents. There is no room at the inn. I find the tiniest space 20m up the track that may just accommodate our two tents but with a fair side slope. What else to do? We are not going any further today. I dump my pack and back track down the beach to meet the crew and break the news of our camp site for the night.
First the forester rounds the rocks, dry feet mind you, and take the news surprisingly well. “Wait until you see it.” Next the engineer – “that’ll be fine.” I find that they have climbed over the rocks. Good job. But the long day has clearly taken its toll on the teacher and she lingers behind the rocks. “Keep going. I’ll need to pee. I’ll catch up.” She later confesses to managing to do the deed half way up the rocks and while standing and with back pack on – too tired to take it off!
I’m impressed. The teacher is completely spent and wouldn’t care if we camped on the beach. I offer to take her pack but she refusing and soldiers on into camp like an Amazonian warrior. We’re there. It’s around 7:30 and has taken spot on 12 hours for all of us to get into camp. I congratulate everyone for just having completed the hardest sections of one of Australia’s toughest hikes and promise the going only gets easier from here on in.
A little gardening is required to fit the tents but they go in OK. The slope is horrendous. A well-earned hot meal and it’s time for bed. We are knackered and hoping that this will counteract the side slope. Not to be. A terrible night’s sleep it is going to be. I have to flatten out the ground by placing my pack under one side of the sleeping mat. Latter we were to find there was also a down slope and that slippery sleeping bag material doesn’t have a lot of traction.
Our bush camp. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734681763/in/photostream/
Day 5: Wilson Bight to Ketchem Bay
A sleep in is called for. We are in no hurry now. Pancakes for breakfast – yum. Everyone is impressed. Little do they know I have a better surprise for them later in the day. We only have a couple hours walking toady and take our time. Soak in the sun, swim, eat, dry cloths and basically gather some strength back. We get away at 12pm.
Initially the track is properly benched out, has small bridges over gullies and stone step work. It makes for easy going. But it does move back into thick over grown narrow tunnels that we have become use to. That’s all good. An uneventful hike over the Amy Range.
We reached the beach and find that our friends from the previous night have made home at the first camp site on the western side of Ketchem Bay. I know there is another camp on the western side of Ketchem Creek further along and we head for it.
The camp is roughly 100m back from the beach on edge of Ketchem Creek. A sheltered spot with great views out towards Ketchem Island and the dark tannin stained waters of the creek. The only drawback ,plagued by mozzies but manageable – what do you expect near the water.
Ketchem Creek Camp. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734685765/in/photostream/
I follow the creek north to collect water. Snake encounter number three. This one is the biggest, fattest, well fed black snakes I have ever seen. It slinks off leisurely .
We lounge about at camp and I set about providing a well-earned treat for everyone – fresh cooked chocolate muffins. No-one has seen this done on the trail before and everyone is enthralled to see how it’s done. A crowd pleaser for sure, What better way to spend a lazy day than with a cuppa and a muffin. A swim is in order and the forester tries his luck at find abalone. No joy.
There is virtually no wind and the tannin stained creek water takes on a mirror like quality, reflecting back perfect images.
Reflections. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734683399/in/photostream/
Day 6: Ketchem Bay – Hidden Bay – New Harbour
Another easy days walking. There are no regrets in doing the circuit anti-clockwise. All the hard stuff is out of the way and we are able to cruise back to Melaleuca. We find the track at the eastern end of Ketchem Bay and follow the exposed white rock of the track up onto the ridge line.
Once on top we find the old track that heads NE straight across the Middle Bluff Ridge line is closed for rehab. Fair enough. We have no shortage of time and I’m sure everyone appreciates the easier grade of the new track. I have mixed feelings at the we continue NW, NE and turn back S. The track sticks out like dogs bits and has obviously been well constructed. Great for a sustainable track that drains, great for ease of access for a large number of people but to me it is just not the same as the off track or small foot pad walking that we have been doing. The winds are incredibly strong up high and a massive contrast to the beach at Hidden Bay.
We reach Hidden Bay early in the day and are hit with the calmest, clearest, turquoise waters seen thus far. With the sun out, white sand gleaming the large rocks hovering out in the Bay one would be forgiven for mistaking this place for the a tropical beach. The only prop missing were the palm trees. At times it is eerie with the water so calm there is virtually no sound of the breaking waters.
Breaking waves. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734687467/in/photostream/
The mid-morning swim and lollop on the beach extends into morning tea and then lunch. We linger for a long as possible but eventually move up the beach and out the back of the sand dunes continuing on to New Harbour.
We follow the low ridge between Hill 33 and 43 without much fuss but find the climb up through the forest steep. The cool gullies capture our attention as we meander through. The infinite small details and patterns of the mosses, fungi and ferns are amazing. We come ut of the forest and into the open country again and my thoughts are elsewhere. Dark clouds threaten from behind and the wind picks up again. I can’t decide between shell jacket on or off. The well-formed track sidles around the back (N side) of the hills and makes for fast going. Which is a good thing as the rain starts down again. A penny for the thoughts of the Dutch fella we pass walking in the opposite direction on the track, walking straight into the weather.
We reach the beach locate the large camp in the open forest in the Middle of New Harbour and set about making camp while keeping dry. The tarp goes up and becomes the communal hub for cooking, eating and some card playing.
Not impressed with the water quality near camp the Engineer and I follow the creek to find a clean undisturbed section with a bit of flow and without a smell. We go about 300m but the creek remains on the flat ground and doesn’t seem to flow any faster. There are many holes where we can fill up but all are flat water and none look that inviting with lots of growth in them. Nearing the end of the hike and with plenty of fuel we decide to boil what we collect. We walk back with water but we needn’t have bothered as the rain buckets down. Sticking pots under the run off from the tarp they quickly fill and we have a clean source of water.
The rain doesn’t ease. We sit and wait. Cooking food and drinking tea. Who knew that deep fried mountain bread would actually taste pretty darn good. Not to mention with the hikers version of bruschetta dip. And Banana pudding cooking in a double boiler – oh yeah.
New Harbour http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734690705/in/photostream/
The rain comes and goes and we fill the day wondering the beach, taking photos and making beach sculptures. We initiate a 5th member into our clan – Grug.
Grug. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734692835/in/photostream/
On dusk. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6734689313/in/photostream/
Day 7: New Harbour – Melaleuca
An unexciting walk given that it’s our last day in the SW and we have to face work again in a day or two. We need to reach Melaleuca by 4pm to meet the plane and have plenty of time to cover the ground but something inside says that, that is not going to happen. A large low pressure trough moved over area last night and doesn’t look to be moving off any time soon. The winds are picking up.
The track becomes typical SW track with easily drained water running down the track and filling any holes on its way down. Soon we comes across the true muddy sections. This is what I was expecting from day 1. There is nothing for it but to plough straight in and stick to the track. Besides it’s our last day here right? Hot shower, fresh cloths and a warm bed tonight yeah? Um… no
We make good time to the South Coast Track intersection and stop for a breather. Looking West, the skies are black with low clouds, rain not far and it’s heading for us. By the time we hit the duck boards we are getting smashed by heavy rain and strong winds. The trudge up the duck boards was just that. Everyone just wants to get to Melaleuca now and walks quickly along the duck boards.
We reach Melaleuca in gale force winds and are met by the Parks Volunteers who tell us that all planes have been grounded since yesterday. We are stuck at Melaleuca for the night. Damn, no fresh socks tonight. But wait… didn’t we eat all our left over food yesterday to fill the day in. Holy crap. And what if the weather doesn’t improve tomorrow or the next? And our plane connections back home? Can’t do anything about any of that now. Time to get settled into the walkers huts. At least we will have a dry night.
Resting up. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6735049035/in/photostream/
Our afternoon of cards was broken by thoughts of what we would do for dinner and then breakfast. Then a knock on the hut door. The incredible volunteers had cooked up a fresh batch of hot damper and presented it to us with jam and butter. Wow!!! How could we every repay for that. Just by enjoying it was the answer as fresh cooked felafel’s were then put in front of us. OMG. How incredibly kind. Thank you so much.
The greatest people on earth – the park volunteers. [url] http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N ... otostream/
We watch for planes and for the a break in the weather. It never comes.
Searching the skies. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6735047349/in/photostream/
We were joined by a fellow walker who had enough of the weather and had left his party at Ketchem Bay to seek the comfort of the huts for a couple of days and to collect a food drop. The same groups of guys from Launceston we had been sharing the back end of the hike with. He joined us for cards and promptly offered up a bottle of tawny port from the contents of the food parcel. Wow. The kindness of strangers. So cards, nipping on port and reading the entertaining hut log it was for the afternoon.
Packet soup, 2 squares of mountain bread and vegemite and a cup of tea for dinner. Breakfast was not looking much better. Early night. Hail on the roof and gale force winds.
Day 8: Melaleuca to Hobart
A very unexciting breakfast of mountain bread, vegemite and a cup of tea. Would we get out? I’m down to a tin of smoked muscles, a packet soup and an energy gel. The winds aren’t letting up. The clouds are still low and very dark. The rain keeps coming intermittently.
I pack my pack early in the anticipation of a flight getting in. Those stinky wet socks and shoes are put on one last time. Waiting, waiting, waiting. At 10am I move my pack down to the registration hut and am joined by everyone else shortly. Nothing to do but wait some more. Snooze. There is no letup in the weather. Every time it clears and the cloud lifts it comes back in just as rapidly as it would go.
Wind sock. http://www.flickr.com/photos/43818052@N00/6735050427/in/photostream/
I start to hear things. Is that a plane? No, it’s just a fly whizzing by my ear. Is that a plane? No, it’s a boat engine.
At 12pm there is movement at the station. The Parks Volunteers and two photographers we also met yesterday are heading towards us with packs on and gear in a wheel barrow. The volunteers have heard via the UHF that there is a 1 hour window of opportunity around 1-2pm that the Par Avion will have a crack at flying in. We all wait nervously.
Spot on at 1 pm the wind completely drops off. For the first time in days I can heard frogs and birds and noises other than wind. The clouds clears and the sun comes out. It stays like that for a while. 2pm comes and goes. Still no plane. The weather starts in again. Light rain and cloud. Was that it? Was that the window? Had they missed it? Am I having smoked muscles for dinner tonight?
Out of the cloud the low hum of a twin engine breaks through the wind and we spy the first plane. They had made it and we are out of here. It lands and is followed by a second, a single engine and a third, another single engine. The incoming hikers and Park Volunteers disembark and the rain begins to smash down. We shelter under the plane’s wings as the incoming hikers retrieve their packs. “Welcome to the SW!” We climb aboard, buckle in and fly out along the coastal route. No… I will be eating steak tonight.
