SOLO WESTERN ARTHURS TOMMOROW

[juju]

Thanks ILUVSWTAS (only just realised what your name is - thought you were from Germany). To echo lexharris - I applaud James' honesty 'To admit in a public forum that you found the trip difficult is courageous in itself.' We're all scared sometimes.

[juju]

Love the pics on previous pages and the comment about granny's curtains still makes me giggle.
Although this topic seems to have gone quiet - (perhaps my childbirth comparison put people off), I'll still throw in the following...
http://www.retiredaussies.com
The site above is looooaded with photos and has a 'fantastic' detailed description of the traverse - not that I don't believe their diary, but I think they only hint of the difficulties they might have encountered. But then we all like to smile for photographs (I do have one of me scowling on a walk...) and maybe it really was a walk in the park for them or because they are a couple it made everything seem easier.
I'm glad to have had the benefit of all the opinions put forth here, especially James' honest account of the pitfalls which tempers the one at the site above. It's been interesting to ask myself such things like, what makes the WA's so beautiful? What is our intention to undertake such walks? Or to walk at all?
I'm sure it is just as much a part of human nature to look for difficulties and overcome them as it is to want a happy ending.
When we are on our own our confidence (not bravado) is much more precarious, sometimes anyway - just knowing no-one's there to help can make you fall. The fear makes you fall. But I can see the attraction in doing a walk solo, there are no distractions, you're really there, really in it.

[Simon99]

Hi ...might I ask under10kg for details of what you carry eg to hike the Western Arthurs.
I need to reduce my (and my wife's) packs. Even my pack itself seems heavier each year.
I can't seem to get under 18kg to 20kg (including 2l water, the 2 person tent, fuel etc) and food enough for 4-6 days.
"She" my wife carries 35kg........ I'm jushing ..... approx 16kg. Any technical items, brands etc are appreciated.

I've read the posts re Solo Western Arthurs and sense that some of the comments that got "retorts" were intended as a caution only. It's difficult sometime to get the nuances..... might I add that as a couple who "like children" (eager and without too much thought) at 51 bought new gear and walked the Overland as a first track....carrying the tent etc and not powdered mild but 2ltr of long life milk...... Yes... that was a few years and about 10 tracks ago and we're gradually better at planning etc etc. None of these tracks have been what I'd consider difficult yet for us they were wonderful experiences.

Now to James, I hope your next 10 tracks and experiences as just as wonderful. Maybe find a partner .....it's safer and from my experience adds to the experience oh and maybe carry an Eperb. It is so easy to trip.... become injured even on the simplest of walks....and having said this I admit to not carrying an Eperb till recently.

To the Western Arthurs: I'm scared of heights, especially walking on edge of vertical drops ....and so in contemplating walking the W Arthurs I'm getting the uneasy feeling that it might not be for me .... any comments accepted. ps looking for a treck over Xmas so any ideas.

[Liamy77]

I would suggest if you have doubts now then you need to be wary of the walk - might be better to hook up and go with someone who has walked the WAs before?....

[davids]

Hi Simon 99
I (experienced in Tas on tracks) walked the WA with my experienced 20 year old daughter and her novice but fit boyfriend last year. I wouldn't recommend cutting weight for safety gear, ample, good food and a liitle very good quality whisky. The walk up Moraine A is the physically hardest bit - if your pack is heavy, just get up earlier in the morning and go slower. I'd recommend 7 days, and if you are quicker have a really big feed the last night.
But I would hesitate about the trip if you are nervous with heights. I've done a lot of rockclimbing and was anxious at many points. We used a rope and belayed once (probably wasn't really 'needed' but you don't know that until in retrospect) and we pack hauled frequently - again more frequently than 'necessary' in retrospect. And that was in pretty good weather. My philosophy as a walker is that in remote locations I should be very cautious, and should only be relying on EPERBs etc as an absolute last resort for unexpected and unforeseeable accidents - not 'should be OK, if something goes wrong I'll get someone to bail me out'.
As recommended by Liamy77, try and go with a group.
David

[SWTAS4ME]

Hi Simon99,

I would echo much of what David posted (except for the whisky! ). We did the WA's about six years ago and didn't pack haul anywhere but I understand the track has deteriorated in places due to increased use. I too have a lot of rock climbing experience and found this very useful on the rocky sections. For me, the exposed vertical dirt sections where the scariest but there are many places on the rocky sections that are very exposed. With a pronounced fear of heights it could be difficult to remain calm and relaxed over these sections and consequently increase the risk of serious injury or death. Getting up on the range is a straightforward grind but the two hardest days between lake Oberon and Haven lake are a full body workout for both body and mind with very little opportunity to camp between the main campsites.

Although people have done it solo, IMO the WA's is not a place to go alone - in particular if it's the first time.

regards
Mark

[north-north-west]

The walk up Moraine A is the physically hardest bit -

No way. Getting through the boulder choke on Pegasus was the worst. And then the descent of Capricorn. And then the scrub down the side of Lucifer Ridge. Moraine A was a doddle, I don't know why people knock it, it's a lovely little climb.

[Swifty]

I thought the hardest bit was the lovers leap section of the beggary bumps. I understand there has been some track changes so you don't jump anymore? I sidled around the right side and it was the scariest part of the traverse for me. (That was 1982 - clearly made a memorable impression!) Descending past Mt Hayes and then to Oberon were also a bit of a shock when I first encountered them.
Capricorn descent those days was easy as the soil was still fairly pristine, like a steep staircase with big reliable steps. Perhaps it has become more eroded now...
...and don't go down Moraine E if you can avoid it! Bauera, tea tree and cutting grass nightmare! I understand this is a "closed" route now...
but what a walk, eh? hard to beat

[north-north-west]

I thought the hardest bit was the lovers leap section of the beggary bumps.

that's *&%$#! hard work, true. You don't get one single moment when you can just relax, you have to watch every single step.

but what a walk, eh? hard to beat

Impossible. I want to go back. NOW!