Walkers: John L (Leader), Liz, Michael, Dianne, Karen and Marg and joined by Coralie, Mabel and Janice for the Labyrinth.
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The "Ida Clair" skimmed across the deep waters of Lake St Clair delivering us to the jetty at Narcissus. On the walking track, we stopped frequently to "adjust" our laden packs, discard jackets, drink and apply sunscreen. We soon found our rhythm.Wednesday
We followed the Overland Track to the turn-off to Pine Valley to reach the hut. As John had predicted, the hut was overflowing and many tent sites were already claimed. We found room to set up our tents for two nights.
Thursday Day walk to the Acropolis (1471m)
On the low slopes, we walked through a garden of flowering scoparia - cream, orange, pink and red and "families" of pandani stood tall to tiny. When the going got tough and we faced huge boulders, some of us decided to be content to remain at that height and to take in the magnificent view from that vantage point. It was a great lunch spot whilst Karen and Michael deftly climbed on. Later, they called from the summit, way up there among the dolerite columns.
On our return to the tents late in the afternoon - Janice, Mabel and Coralie walked in to join us. It was a happy reunion! They had been trekking for three days via Junction Lake and the DuCane Gap where they met the Overland Track.
Friday As usual, we were up at 7 AM. We packed up to move our camp to the Labyrinth (1150m). The steep climb was tackled with care. The reward was a landscape of beautiful tarns and wildflowers among the low vegetation on a plateau surrounded by distinctive peaks. Our way was directed by cairns artistically arranged.
On reaching Lake Elysia, we spread out choosing our tent sites- which we shared with hundreds and thousands of biting mosquitoes and ants. (Repellent with DEET was on our list of essential items.)
We circumnavigated the extensive lake just as drizzle came in and grey clouds lowered. Then we cooked tea in light rain.
Saturday Day walk to Walled Mountain (1431m)
The track was overgrown and muddy in places. The assent was easier but we took care to avoid treading on delicate cushion plants. At the high point, there was a surprise feature - the cliff face was interrupted by a huge sharp chasm where rocks had plunged down to the gully. There should be some great photos of us perched and posed on rocky outcrops (those who dared!)
We explored the plateau, pretty with scoparia, cushion plants and tarns reflecting the blue sky.
Returning to camp, the girls met two lasses who had shared the drop-off bus four days ago. Keen to compare track notes, they walked back to our camp with us for coffee and cake. It was Liz's birthday. Karen had an iced Christmas cake baked by her Mum for us to share. What a treat!
The day ended on a glorious note. The last of the sun's rays lit up the majestic peaks of Mt Geryon and the Acropolis and their changing colours reflected in the still waters of Lake Elysia
Sunday Day walk onto the DuCane Range.
Another wonderful long day walk and climb. The route took us past the Pool of Memories at the foot of Mt Geryon. We would not get lost easily. Looking back, we could see Lake Elysia and on the bank, an orange beacon - Dianne's orange tent, just the size of a pinhead but still visible from the range.
Janice spread out her map that indicated the peaks of the region which included Barn Bluff and Mt Ossa to the North, the Eldon Range (SW), Falling Mountain on the opposite side of the Overland Track and Frenchman's Cap, though part shrouded in cloud was recognised on the southern horizon. The generally clear conditions gave us an amazing vista of this wilderness wonderland.
Monday As planned, we awoke at 5 AM. A crescent moon and a few stars lit a pale pink sky just before sunrise. We were ready to leave two hours later for the quite difficult descent. Second breakfast and a good break at the Pine Valley Hut then the delightful walk through the ancient forest before meeting the familiar Overland Track. It was a hot day and we relieved our feet by bathing them in the creek at the lunch stop and again on reaching Narcissus Hut.
We were in good time to catch the 3.30 PM ferry to Cynthia Bay marking the end of a marvellous walk exploring this region of Tasmania.
It was a privilege to be on this trip. Thank you John for your careful leadership and to everybody for the friendship and fun of it.
Marg
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