paidal_chalne_vala wrote:I had not run out of water. The friendly local was being hospitable. I still had 2 litres remaining in my bladder. I was mechanically filtering all of my water on that trip too.
paidal_chalne_vala wrote:Yes turning up at the private property was certainly telling me I was off route. Yes you are right about that Explora sahib. I knew I was in Glen Valley near Big River and once I found Kangaroo Creek track I was essentially re orientated but still off course. Why I did not back track to correct my error is still a mystery to me. That is what should have happened.
paidal_chalne_vala wrote:I can say that Paton's track is real and is subject to rudimentary signage on Kangaroo Ck. track , but it is not on my SV and Footprints maps. It is on my GPS map.
paidal_chalne_vala wrote:I prefer to use the compass with a real map. I am happier navigating that way. I should have checked the map at the junction where I now know I should have turned south instead of continuing east and crossing the Ford of Big River on Paton's track. I tend to become geographically embarrassed just before lunch time usually . It is then when the brain is depleted and I have usually been hiking all morning. Anyway no harm was done, I definitely learned things about navigating and I had an enjoyable trip. I am admittedly a happier hiker/ XC skier when I KNOW I am going the right way .I was aware that I was not where I planned to be however fortunately my adventure was not badly marred by this error. Moreover I had 4 days of food, 2 litres of water and all my camping gear plus a mob. ph. and a PLB.
However Xplora sahib is right when he has observed that a short back track to the junction where I should have gone South would have corrected that matter. At least on the Thorn range coming off Red Rock Saddle I knew we had taken a wrong turn, stopped , ate , consulted the map and the terrain in front of our eyes and we quickly corrected that and re located the correct route. I would say that the afternoon heat may have addled my brain which is why I try to start moving very early in the day in summer for bushwalking. I shall be more careful in future and yes back tracking when I know I am on the wrong route is to be kept as a priority in future.
bigkev wrote:Thanks for the report PVC. I haven't been down there since I dropped down off Mt Wills South many decades ago, I'm just about recovered from that trauma I'm finding that I'm going a little more remote since the lockdown too, although that's probably due to me being fairly anti social. Maybe my memory is playing tricks with me however it looks like the Parks Vic people have been doing some work on that side of the park (judging by your photos).
paidal_chalne_vala wrote: Errant fallen logs on Track 107 have been recently cut
paidal_chalne_vala wrote:and new laminated signs have indeed been placed in the Kelly track area Kelly hut and Fitzgerald hut. Those signs may not withstand a full white season. We shall see. They are not high enough to be seen if there is one metre or more of snow. If I get to XC ski out to Fitzgerald hut this white season , starting at Windy corner , I might go and see if I can find them in the snow.
paidal_chalne_vala wrote:
This area is becoming more accessible for many navigationally challenged people during bushwalking season. It will probably become more popular in winter also with a similar type.
There is a sly left handed reference to someone who could be me, in your estimation ;-P .
paidal_chalne_vala wrote:
This area is becoming more accessible for many navigationally challenged people during bushwalking season. It will probably become more popular in winter also with a similar type.
There is a sly left handed reference to someone who could be me, in your estimation ;-P .
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