In 1983, I set out to hike the length of the relatively new Alpine Track that traversed the Victorian Alps. I didn't make it the whole way, mainly because of sore feet, and hitch-hiked home from Mt Hotham. The Alpine Track was later extended into New South Wales and became known as the Australian Alps Walking Track. In retrospect, I learnt lessons from this hike about planning, tolerance of discomfort, and focus that benefited me in all of my subsequent adventures.

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Australian Alps Walking Track - Black River to Mt McKinty

Day:  004
Date:  Friday, 9 December 1983
Start:  Black River
Finish:  Mt McKinty
Daily Kilometres:  25.2
Total Kilometres:  99.0

Journal:
Woke up at 5:45am, but slow to get underway because of repacking scroggin.  Retraced steps for 0.5km and took the right track down to Black River.  Finally crossed for last (fifth) time at 9:00am after one hour of following faint track along and in the river (1.2km).  Ever watchful for snakes.  Fell over once.  After final crossing, stripped off, had dip, and washed socks and undies – freezing cold, leeches.  Then set off up faint track to Mt Shillinglaw – tough climb.  Then to Mt Skene Lookout – another tough climb.  Pleasant sunny warm day.  Then descent to Mt Sunday Track.  More ups and downs.  Treated more blisters at lunch.  Feet very very sore.  Shoulders better since using waist strap.  Saw echidna.  Filled water bottles at trickle stream.  Camped at top of Mt McKinty at 8:10pm just as clouds rolled in.  Legs very tired - climbed altogether 2200m (7000ft) today.

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