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.

Pages

Australian Alps Walking Track - Mt McKinty to Cone

Day:  005
Date:  Saturday, 10 December 1983
Start:  Mt McKinty
Finish:  Cone
Daily Kilometres:  23.8
Total Kilometres:  122.8

Journal:
Woke up at 5:30am and on road by 7:00am, determined to make good time.  First 7km to Low Saddle OK, then stuffed around getting water from stagnant pool and losing track.  Very slow ascent up Mt McDonald because of rocky terrain and thick scrub.  Lunch at the top then stopped on the way down and detoured to get more water – lost again and cost 50 minutes.  Trouble with feet and crutch chafe. Fog closed in at Knobs around 6:00pm, then met three guys camped.  Five minute chat.  On way again, but lost track in fog near Cone.  Stuffed around trying to locate myself.  Fog thicker.  Decided to play safe and camp at 8:00pm.  Eerie with complete silence in fog while having dinner.  Magic.

By

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)