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 - Near Mt Selwyn South Saddle to Near The Twins

Day:  008
Date:  Tuesday, 13 December 1983
Start:  Near Mt Selwyn South Saddle
Finish:  Near The Twins
Daily Kilometres:  24.8
Total Kilometres:  203.6

Journal:
After bad night (woke with feet aching) got up at 6:30am and set off at 7:50am.  After a couple of kilometres reached Mt Selwyn South Saddle and found water with great difficulty at least a kilometre down a scrubby gully.  Had a wash and picked up several leeches, some of which not discovered in shoes until an hour later. Whole effort took two hours and set off again at 10:50am.  Feet both extremely tender (more blisters) especially on outside of both heels – worried about infection.  Carried on through Barrys on pleasant fire-trails wooded with good views.  More water at Murray Hut – another kilometre there and one kilometre back, but nice little valley.  Carried on up towards The Twins on crest of ridge – alpine meadows with flowers and fantastic views.  Suddenly cloud closed in, wind rose and no views from The Twins.  Bad descent in fog with extremely sore feet.  Will hike to Hotham tomorrow and then head for home.

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