Baeng72 wrote:Hi,
I've done a bit of a search before posting, but haven't quite found what I'm looking for, so apologies if this post is redundant.
I'm going to walk the Overland in early November with my 9 year old son.
He's pretty fit, about 1.5m tall, and I'm just wondering how hard side trips up Cradle Mountain, Mt. Ossa, Mt. Oakleigh or Pelion East would be for a kid and his ahem, 'well proportioned' dad.
If the weather's crap, I won't even try going off the track and up a steep hill, but we might luck out while there.
I guess my main concern is exposure and how difficult the boulder scrambling is.
Thanks,
Brian.
Petew wrote:It's all about the weather on the OT. Have fun!
pazzar wrote:Don't forget Barn Bluff. Cairned route up through the boulders, no real exposure until the near the summit. IMO Oakleigh is the best side trip. Many groups would have a rest day at Pelion Hut and go up at some stage that day.
Also, I recommend visiting the waterfalls between Kia Ora and Windy Ridge. Worth the effort.
Depending on how long you plan on staying on the track for, pick 2 or 3 side trips and give them a crack (I'd pick Cradle or Barn, Oakleigh, and Ossa or Pelion East). There is no shame in turning around if it gets too hard. The views from halfway up the mountains are still pretty good!
matagi wrote:I reckon Ronnie Creek to Windemere is your best option because you're joining two short days. Skipping Kia-Ora means you will not have time to view the waterfalls and it also takes going up Mt Ossa out of the equation. You also have Pelion Gap and Du Cane Gap to negotiate in one day which might prove challenging for your 9 year old.
MrWalker wrote:matagi wrote:I reckon Ronnie Creek to Windemere is your best option because you're joining two short days. Skipping Kia-Ora means you will not have time to view the waterfalls and it also takes going up Mt Ossa out of the equation. You also have Pelion Gap and Du Cane Gap to negotiate in one day which might prove challenging for your 9 year old.
It's surprising how many people don't start their walk until about 2pm and still make it to Waterfall Valley before dark. If you can get going in the morning then continuing to Windemere should be possible, since that is a relatively easy section. This gives you the extra day for waterfalls, etc
If there is really bad weather and you get held up, you won't necessarily miss the ferry. It is possible to walk from Windy Ridge to the ferry in about 3 hours if you don't dawdle, so you could do it on the last day if necessary, by getting started soon after sunrise.
Baeng72 wrote:... I'm not sure about 'charging' down from Windy Ridge last day...
Mark F wrote:From Pelion continue to Du Cane Hut rather than stop at Kia Ora for a wonderfully tranquil night often without any other walkers around, This is likely to be the only time on your walk you may experience a bit of solitude. This adds an hour over stopping at Kia Ora and beneficially gains you an hour for the waterfalls etc.
Lizzy wrote:I wouldn’t get too carried away planning big side trips or skipping huts with a 9 year old. The first day packs will be heavy and legs probably not that used to it. If the weather is a bit crap it can make it a bit more mentally difficult. Resilience & endurance I find can be a bit limiting regarding big plans. In saying that if all is going well go for it, but you don’t want to make it a forced march when everyone is worn out. I would have multiple plans but not expect too much. Have fun
Lizzy wrote:Glad you got through safe & sound. Hope the young fella enjoyed &you have some great memories
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