Frenchmans Cap: Many Years Later

[whynotwalk]

I was amazed - and a little shocked - when I worked out that I last walked the Frenchmans Cap Track 31 years ago. I'm just back from trip #2 ... and lots has changed in the world, on the track .. and in me too

The new section of track, which is around 5km long, almost completely by-passes "the Sodden Loddons". It has a generally gentle incline to it, sidling around slopes rather than plunging up and down. Not all surfaces are complete yet, but it's getting there. It saves maybe an hour in time, and an AWFUL lot of pain once associated with traversing the Loddon Plains. They've named the new part "Laughtons Lead", and it also largely replaces Philps Lead. However you do join the old track at the steep end of what I always took to be Philps Lead (the section that goes up through rainforest to the buttongrass plain just before Lake Vera).

I've written up the first part of the walk on my blog. More to come. http://www.naturescribe.com/2014/03/frenchmans-cap-1-echoes-of-past.html

A new section of track on "Laughtons Lead"

cheers

Peter

[whynotwalk]

I've now put up part 2 of my recent Frenchmans Cap walk. Two words: "pretty", "hard" - both words in both senses!

http://www.naturescribe.com/2014/03/frenchmans-cap-2-fires-on-mountain.html

cheers

Peter

Log ladder near Lake Vera

[icefest]

Did you take any photos when you were there the first time? If yes, did you repeat any from similar locations this time?

[naturelover]

Loved both parts of your report, thanks. A great read.

[whynotwalk]

Did you take any photos when you were there the first time? If yes, did you repeat any from similar locations this time?

I've only found a few old slides from 1983 icefest, and none of the Sodden Loddons (no surprise there ... I wouldn't have had the energy or the inclination!) Of course in hindsight it would have been great.

I will post a few 1983 shots both here & on the blog in the next few days - one is a bit mysterious,

cheers

Peter

[whynotwalk]

Loved both parts of your report, thanks. A great read.

Thanks Louise very kind ... Part 3 should be done this weekend,

cheers

Peter

[icefest]

I'm looking forward to them

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

I see from reading your blog that there may be a new hut in the pipeline for Tahune.

Where did you hear this?

I bet lots of folk at Bushwalk.com would love to be involved with design ideas.

[whynotwalk]

Hi SAH - I heard about the new hut idea from an engineer who works at Parks. At this stage he tells me it's very preliminary, and not even funded yet. But I'll let him know that there will be a lot of interest here. I've already given him my ideas

cheers

Peter

[whynotwalk]

Hi again - I've now posted part 3 of the Frenchmans Cap trip on my blog. We got a bit silly (as usual) on our way to the top. And even though the cloud persisted, we did get some wonderful glimpses of Clytemnestra and friends from the great Frenchmans Cap. http://www.naturescribe.com/2014/04/frenchmans-cap-3-from-ridiculous-to.html

cheers

Peter

Glimpses

Steepish

Avoiding the Void!

Summit: Usual Frenchmans Weather

[whynotwalk]

G'day all - here's the final piece of my Frenchmans Cap report. The story takes me full circle in many ways. Ray Spedding, one of the people who inspired my early walking in Tassie, was there on the summit of Frenchmans 31 years ago. Back then he was older than I am now. But he kept climbing mountains - including Federation Pk - well into his 70s.

While Ray's no longer with us, some things haven't changed. Like the cloud around the Cap, for instance. And the fact that a long day is always a hard day. But overall I'm so glad I'm now better friends with this walk. It deserves its growing reputation.

The fuller report is here http://www.naturescribe.com/2014/04/frenchmans-cap-4-horses-headed-for-home.html

cheers

Peter

On top of Frenchmans Cap, January 1983

Between Artichoke Valley and Barron Pass

NOW it fines up!

[Flyboy]

Love it - great report.

The scenery between Vera and Barron Pass is simply the most stunning I've ever seen. It's easy to forget that because it's such a challenge.