Pelion Hut and Windy Ridge, Overland Track
The weather held clear! Today's walk was primarily through rainforest with a stop at Frog Flats, the headwaters to the Forth River. It seemed like such a short distance when we looked at the track map - only about 10km's, but took more than four hours. Once we reached Pelion Hut, the next day would be a rest day or, if we didn't want to rest, a climb of Mt. Ossa, Tasmania's highest mountain, was possible.
The terrain was very unusual. Mosses, lichens, Eucalyptus trees, Pines, Pandani, lots and lots of native flowers...View image..., waterfalls, very weird looking tussock grasses. When we weren't concentrating on the mud, the track was beautiful.
The Park had also built stretches of boardwalk to save the track from deterioration, and all walkers were asked to stick to the middle of the trail (mud) if there was no boardwalk to avoid trampling the fragile eco-system. It was a pleasure hiking and moseying along on the boardwalk, enjoying the scenery.
It was always a pleasure coming across some hut signs showing our progress, and it was rare that we ever came across a Freedom Walker throughout the entire Overland Track.
Pelion Hut was located on the Pelion Plains, ...View image...and after the routine of settling in, there was always time for ex-Marine and Chris to play some cards.
You'll notice that we always had on multiple layers of clothing trying to keep warm. The potbelly stove gave off minimal heat because Ian was sparing with the firewood. As I stated before, all supplies had to last Cradle Huts through the entire trekking season.
A well-deserved rest day with a minor hike up Mt. Ossa, only about a 3-1/2 hour round trip. The next day to Windy Ridge Hut was going to be a long one, approximately 18km's and eight very long hours.
Spend US$40 at the Lonely Planet Shop and receive free delivery and a free gift
