Overland track Feed

Geology: Jurassic Dolerite

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:38:33 +0000

Tasmania has the largest exposure of dolerite in the world of 30000 km2 and a volume of 15000 km3. In Tasmania the rock is characteristic of many mountains with its columnar joining and dark blue grey colour.

A giant intrusion of magma happened in the Jurassic forming diabase, or dolerite which gives many of the Tasmanian mountains their characteristic appearance. Tasmania has the world's largest areas of dolerite.

Diabase (pronounced /ˈdaɪ.əbeɪs/) or dolerite is a mafic, holocrystalline, subvolcanic rock equivalent to volcanic basalt or plutonic gabbro. Diabase dikes and sills are typically shallow intrusive bodies and often exhibit fine grained to aphanitic chilled margins which may contain tachylite (dark mafic glass).

Flora: Pandani

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Richea pandanifolia (Pandani or Giant Grass Tree) is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, endemic to Tasmania.

It is somewhat palm-like in appearance, usually growing as a single stem or occasionally branched, and is between 2 and 12 metres in height. It has densely crowded leaves which taper to a point. The flowers appear in panicles, up to 25 centimetres long and are white to deep pink.

Mt Ossa - Tasmania's highest mountain

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:18:26 +0000

Literally the high point of the trip Mt Ossa will be attempted if the weather is good. View the Flickr slide show (http://www.flickr.com/search/show/?q=mt+ossa+tasmania&m=&s=) or read the wikipedia article below.

Mount Ossa is the highest mountain in Tasmania, at 1,614 metres (5,295 ft). It lies in the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The entire mountain is composed of Jurassic dolerite and the peak is named after Mount Ossa in Greece, which features in Greek mythology. Many other peaks in Tasmania have names derived from the legends and tales of ancient Greece.

Ascending

The peak is fairly remote from the nearest road, with more than a day's walk for most parties but the ascent involves no rock climbing and there is a well-marked track to the summit. Conditions can be very severe in winter, with powerful winds and freezing temperatures.

The lower slopes are bushy but towards the summit the rocks are mostly bare. The walk to the summit from Pelion Gap during summer usually features an array of beautiful wild flowers common in the area.

Flora: Button Grass

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Tasmania is well known for it's button grass as it provide a unique atmosphere.

Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus, commonly known as button grass, is a species of tussock-forming grass from southeastern Australia. It forms part of a unique habitat in Tasmania.

It was originally described as Chaetospora sphaerocephala by Scottish botanist Robert Brown in his 1810 work Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen, before being given its current binomial name in 1858 by Joseph Dalton Hooker.

Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus is a perennial grass species which forms a clump or tussock. The leaf blades reach 50 cm (20 in) in length, and 0.1–0.25 cm in width. The round flowerheads arise out of the tussock, on culms which are up to a metre (3 ft) high. They are around 1.5–2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) in diameter and made up of flattened spikelets 0.5 cm (0.2 in) long. Its root system is a mass of fleshy carbohydrate-rich rhizomes, which are edible.

In New South Wales it is found from Gibraltar Range (and Myall Lakes on the coast) south to Robertson. It is much more abundant and widespread in Tasmania, where it is common in the western part of the state.

Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus grows in damp nutrient-poor soils, and in Tasmania forms a low grassland or moor in which it is the dominant shrub. Associated primitive plants include club mosses such as Lycopodium laterale, and Selaginella uliginosa and the ferns Gleichenia dicarpa and G. alpina. despite the wet climate, buttongrass is relatively flammable and the ecological community is adapted to regular burning. The leaves of Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus have the lowest recorded phosphorus content of any plant species. The soil it grows in is a peat which is acidic, with a pH of 3.5 to 4.5.
Button grass may form a symbiotic relationship with a species of burrowing crayfish Parastacoides tasmanicus, which aerates the soil with its burrows and in turn feeds on the rhizomes.

It is also a food item of the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot, which breeds in buttongrass moorlands of southwestern Tasmania over the summer.

Source: Wilipedia

Barn Bluff

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I have fond memories of climbing Barn Bluff on my first visit to the overland track. An amazing peak away from the day tripping crowds. See the wikipedia article below or a Flicker slideshow (http://www.flickr.com/search/show/?q=barn+bluff+tasmania=)

Barn Bluff is a mountain located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in the Central Highlands of Tasmania at the junction of the eastern most points of the Murchison River and Mackintosh River river catchments.

At 1559 metres it is the fourth highest mountain in Tasmania, exceeding the height of the more famous Cradle Mountain by 14 metres.
It is frequently snow covered, sometimes even in summer. This mountain is a major feature of the national park because it is visible from most areas and stands on its own, well away from other peaks. It is a popular venue for bushwalkers and mountain climbers.

Cradle Mountain

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 19:54:59 +0000

On Day 1 we will pass by Cradle Mountain and if the weather and time permits we will attempt to climb it. See the Wikipedia article below for more information.

Cradle Mountain is a mountain in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia. Rising to 1,545 metres above sea level it is one of the principal tourist sites in Tasmania, owing to its natural beauty. The mountain is composed of dolerite columns, similar to many of the other mountains in the area.

Access

The area around the mountain has a large number of day walks, as well as being one terminus of the Overland Track. The mountain is frequently climbed by tourists, virtually year round. It is a strenuous (recommended allotted time: 6.5 hours) return hike from the Dove Lake car park. The climb up the rocky part of the mountain involves scrambling over large boulders for several hundred metres. The entire climb is exposed to any bad weather that may arrive quickly and at any time. From the summit, (where there was a trig point tower) there are spectacular 360° views, encompassing Dove Lake, Barn Bluff and Mount Ossa.

Features

Cradle Mountain seen from the south, from neighbouring mountain Barn Bluff
The mountain rises above the glacially formed Dove Lake (934m), Lake Wilks, and Crater Lake.
The mountain has four named summits. In order of height they are Cradle Mountain (1,545 m (5,069 ft)), Smithies Peak (1,545 m (5,069 ft)), Weindorfers Tower (1,459 metres (4,787 ft)) and Little Horn (1,355 m (4,446 ft))
The mountain itself is named after its resemblance to a gold mining cradle.

Flora

The area is covered in a wide variety of alpine and sub-alpine vegetation, most notably including the colourful deciduous Nothofagus gunnii (Deciduous Beech), itself an anomaly given that most Australian native flora is evergreen, and the Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus (Button Grass) which dominates the alpine wet sedgelands. Some plants that grow on the mountain include the mountain buzzy, the heart berry, the alpine strawberry, the waratah, the King Billy pine and the pencil pine.

Overland Track Itinerary

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:44:11 +0000

Our itinerary will need to be flexible due to talking a child on the walk plus the changing nature of weather in Tasmania. So this itinerary will almost definitely be changed. Of note is that we are talking twice as long as most parties and hope to talk our time and do lots of side trips and exploring.

11th Fly Sydney - Launceston. Drive to Cradle Mountain. Stay at Cradle Mountain Chateau.
12th Ronny Creek - Waterfall Valley (sidetrip Cradle Mountain)
13th Waterfall Valley - Barn Bluff - Lake Will
14th Lake Will - Windemere
15th Windemere - Frog Flats (or before near Mt Pelion West)
16th Frog Flats - Pelion Gap (possible Mt Oakleigh)
17th Pelion Gap - Mt Ossa - Pelion Gap
18th Pelion Gap - Kia Ora
19th Kia Ora - Bert Nichols (via falls)
20th Bert Nichols - Pine Valley
21st WEATHER CONTINGENCY/DAY EXPLORE
22nd WEATHER CONTINGENCY/DAY EXPLORE
23rd Pine Valley - Labyrinth - Pine Valley
24th Pine Valley - Narcissus
25th Narcissus hut - Ferry to Cynthia Bay. Drive to Launceston. Stay at Launceston
26th Fly Launceston - Sydney

Overland Track

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:05:47 +0000

Flickr Slideshow

The Overland Track is one of Australia's most famous Backpacking (wilderness)s, situated in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. More than 8000 walkers each year complete the track. Officially, the track runs for 65 km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, Tasmania. However, many choose to add the hike along Lake St Clair as a natural extension, bringing the length to 82 km. The track winds through terrain ranging from sheer mountains, temperate rainforest, wild rivers and alpine plains all in the Tasmanian Wilderness World heritage site.

Aside from the main track there are also several alternative side tracks, including to the summits of Cradle Mountain and Mount Ossa (Tasmania), the tallest mountain in Tasmania. Also within reach are a group of tarns called The Labyrinth and Lake St Clair (the deepest lake in Australia). World-renowned for its pristine environment and beauty, the walk has been compared to New Zealand's Milford Track.

Walkers complete the trail in 5–6 days. This is normally done from north to south, which is the mandatory direction between November 1 and April 30. The record time is 7 hours and 25 minutes, achieved by Andy Kromar during the Cradle Mountain Run.

Wikipedia

Dan on a training hike

geoffmallo — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:04:14 +0000

geoffmallo posted a photo:

Risk assessment for overland track with children

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:06:55 +0000

Before our walk I've thought through a few of the problems that we may encounter in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of something bad happening and also to have a plan when something does go wrong. While in no means is this an exhaustive list it was a helpful exercise for me. I've been working through the concepts with Daniel so he knows what to do in certain situations. I'm hoping that this won't just help keep us safe on this hike on the overland track but also to enable him to think about risks and learn to plan to minimise risks naturally.

As the old saying goes:

Plan for the worst, hope for the best.

Hazard: Significant bad weather change

While out of the track in potentially exposed situation there could be sudden changes in weather including potential snow, strong winds and heavy rain

Risk mitigation

Keep an eye on the weather to avoid being caught out. Forecasts, barometer, clouds.
Carry clothing and gear at all times suitable for protection in these conditions.
Waterproof jacket and pants.
Warm top eg. Fleece.
Beanie.
Be prepared to stop and camp at any location.
Be prepared to stop a side trip early.
Slowly warm up child (emergency space bag, in sleeping with adult etc)

Hazard: Physical or mental exhaustion

This is when the child just becoming over it, too tired to walk or carry their pack and just want to give up. They may also become emotionally stressed.

Risk mitigation

Plan long breaks for lunch when the child can play.
Be mindful of their food intake. Adults can push through being hungry better than a skinny kid.
Use games, songs and rewards when necessary to keep them moving.
Be prepared to camp early.
Plan for rest and play days.
Use base camps for shorter and lighter exploring days.
Make the most of good weather.
Make the most of early mornings when they feel best and camp early.

Hazard: Separation from party

When the child becomes separate from the party and lost. This could happen if they wander off, drop behind when walking, during the night when they get up etc.

Risk mitigation.
Always stay together.
Dan only walks in position 1 or 2 so there is someone behind him.
Wears bright coloured top.
Never left alone. If party needs to separate then one adult will always stay with Dan. Eg side trip or other emergency.
Always play/explore/toilet in eye sight of adult.
One Adult responsible for watching him with handover when this changes so there's no chance both adults think the other is watching him. Geoff to be default.

Separation procedure

Sit down and stay still.
Blow whistle (always around his neck).
Start stopwatch.
We will search for him.
Continue to blow whistle.
Get help from others if they are around.
Prepare to stay the night out if it's getting late (get sleeping bag out). Stay warm and eat/drink.

Hazard: Catastrophic gear failure

This is where a critical piece of gear fails such as a tent, a wet sleeping bag, the stove, etc.

Tent failure

Take basic repair kit (sail repair tape, needle and thread etc).
Plan route through huts.
Share the remaining tent.

Wet sleeping bag

Childs sleeping bag is synthetic so will still be warm when wet.
All packs to have seam sealed waterproof liners (or doubled plastic liners).
Space blanket for every person in the party (preferably the type that is a bag).
Use techniques such as sharing body warmth etc.

Failed stove

All food is pre-cooked and dehydrated so can be rehydrated over a longer period of time and eaten cold.

Failed GPS (low batteries, water logged)

Use map and compass.
Avoid traveling off track in thick fog when necessary.

Failed footwear such as sole coming off or extreme blisters

Most members will carry a pair of camp shoes which could be worn.
Bare feet.

Loss if pack or significant amount of gear (eg pack rolls down off a cliff or flash flood takes tent and contents away)

Make an attempt to retrieve gear if safe to do so
Plan for closest exit point
Seek help from others
One member could walk/run out and get help leaving remain gear with those staying

Hazard: Serious injury

I am classifying a serious injury as something that prevents self rescue and requires external help.

Note the preference is always to be self reliant and perform self rescue if at all possible. External help should be sought only when in "grave and immanent danger".

Risk mitigation

Stay one body length away from edges of cliffs.
Don't take unnecessary risks when climbing etc.
Only use stove in vestibule when necessary and ensure maximum ventilation when doing so. Monitor for carbon monoxide poisoning.
If one adult is by themselves (eg side trip) they should have necessary gear including PLB or SPOT to notify someone incase they are immobilised.

SEE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE BELOW

Hazard: Minor injury

A minor injury is defined as something that requires self rescue. It is not life threatening and the injured person can still function enough to 'limp out'. An example may be a broken finger.

Risk mitigation

Stay one body length away from edges of cliffs.

Don't take unnecessary risks when climbing etc.

Monitor and manage blisters.
If one adult is by themselves (eg side trip) they should have necessary gear including PLB or SPOT to notify someone incase they are immobilised.
Select water sources carefully (upstream of camp sites, running water, etc).

SEE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE BELOW

Hazard: progress too slow, overdue

We may be slow getting out and delayed. Next of kin will have the schedule and be aware of our delay.

Use SPOT to communicate with NOK (OK check ins).
If needed send a message to NOK/parks by another walker.
Ration supplies.

Emergency procedure

Keep calm, stop and think through things clearly.
Establish the nature of the emergency.
Is it life threatening? If YES then plan evacuation.
Can it be stabilised or will time help? YES camp and plan for self rescue.

Evacuation

Attempt to contact outside.
Mobile phone (if in range).
Ranger or other party/guide may be able to contact help easily.
Are we close enough to an exit to send someone for help?
Activate PLB if no other communications work (or secondly SPOT) - SEE IMPORTANT NOTES BELOW
Prepare for rescue
Remaining same location
Helicopter signalling (V, something bright to wave etc)
Monitor and document the injured (while continuing first aid)
Make camp (it may take 24 hours or more for rescuers to arrive)

Self rescue

Determine quickest and best place to exit.
Enable the injured person (eg take most or all of their weight, make crutches etc).
Contact outside if possible (phone, ranger etc. NOT PLB) and make preparations. Use SPOT to make a 'not ok check in' (but not an SOS).
Make way out.
Notify parks and next of kin when out of change to plan.
Seek help needed.

PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) Procedure

A PLB (also often referred to as an EPIRB) is way of notifying SARSAT via satellites. The PLB we will be carrying will be GPS equipped which means our location will be transmitted in the distress signal to an accuracy of less than 100m. This is a digital 406mHz beacon meaning that the search and rescue coordination centre in Canberra will know who's PLB has been set off. They will then call the numbers listed in my profile to make sure it's not an accidental activation. My NOK will have the details of us including our itinerary and medical issues and be able to provide helpful information to validate our distress call. Read more about PLBs at Bushwalker Wilderness Rescue Squad.

THE PLB WILL ONLY SET OFF WHEN IN A SITUATION OF GRAVE AND IMMANENT DANGER

The PLB is to be used as a last option when all other methods of communication have been exhausted. As will we be carrying a SPOT as well (primarily so others can track our progress) we will use this after the PLB has been activated and it's batteries have run flat. I consider the SPOT a distant second in this life threatening situation.

Exploring at a child's pace

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:55:31 +0000

Tonight I dug out the maps and to my surprise my old route was marked on the map. Something I usually don't do. Memories of my last trip came up as I saw where I walked, the extra trips I took and the places I camped. They were all good memories of a great trip.

I hope that Daniel will have similar fond memories of this walk. Some who've been taken on such adventures young love it, while it can turn others off for life. I want to make sure he loves it and remembers the good times. I know it'll be tough for him. He'll miss his mum. He'll also struggle when being pushed. The first day will be the hardest at about 12 km including climbing Cradle Mountain. But I want him to enjoy it and have a positive experience.

In the end we're there for an adventure. To explore. So I'm planning on being relaxed. Long lunch breaks. Exploring lakes, mountains and waterfalls and taking it slowly. While I'd like to do it fast so I can see as much as possible, Daniel needs it to be fun and not too full on. So maybe we won't make as many side trips as I'd like. We'll aim for a few including Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff (I loved my climb up there last time), Mt Ossa, some falls and Pine Valley, after all we do have nearly 2 weeks.

Why I'm taking my 7 year old on the overland track

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:19:25 +0000

The overland track makes it way about 70km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair in Tasmania. Probably Australia's most famous walk it attracts many visitors each year. So I've decided not just to do the walk for my second time, but this time to take along my 7 year old son along with his grandfather. This post begins a series of posts as we prepare ourselves for the walk mid February. You'll also be able to track our progress as we attempt the walk. Along the way we'll be making a documentary of our experiences so be sure to come back.

Why would I take a seven year old into such a wild place?

I've been asked more than a few times if Daniel is up to this walk. While I can't really know for sure yet there are some ideas that are encouraging me to take him.

1. I want to encourage a spirit of adventure and exploration.

We enjoy exploring nature the world we live in. He will learn more about his world by visiting and experiencing it. He will also learn more about himself and our relationship will grow. I hope to help develop a sense of awe at our world and a desire to explore it.

2. Children are positively influenced by nature

I heard an interview with Richard Louv author of last child in the woods and subsequently I read his book. Many things resonated with me, especially getting children to use all their five senses. We've found as a family that being outside has always had a positive influence on us.

3. The overland track isn't as hard as some may believe

For those not into bushwalking (or overnight hiking) the reputation of the overland track is that it's a hard and wild walk. However to experienced walkers it is on the easier end of the scale, but still a remarkable walk to do at 7. Navigation is easy, there are huts alone the route, a lot of the track is boardwalked, there aren't any very long days or technical difficult sections. Apart from some of the side tracks the hardest part of this walk will be sharing it with inexperienced walkers!

4. Previous experience

He's done a few multiple days hikes before. While I'm sure the extended duration will be both mentally and physically challenging for him he has an aptitude for adventure.