Day One – Part One Overland

Hello!!
The day before we started our hike, the lovely Margie drove in tandem with us down to Lake St Clair so we could drop our car off at the finish point.
Then drove us all the way back to Cradle Mt and left us to start on our adventure!
It was a great idea staying at the Waldheim Cabins the night before. They are situated practically at the start of the track!

The cabin we had was a practical one room affair – four bunks and a kitchenette.
Showers and loos weren’t far away.
Along with mattresses and a heater – it was going to be a comfy nights start.

The local Currawong was waiting at the front door to see if I had heard the rule about not feeding birds and animals!

The views out the window were great and we had a relaxing night since we had been on the road since 8am. Its not only a long drive down that way, but slow too – mostly due to being stuck behind people who are confused about what the accelerator pedal is for and can’t think to pull aside for those of us not wanting to travel at 40km/hr!!

I’d packed a picnic lunch that stretched to dinner that night and lunch the following day! Not bad!

It was so nice and easy to wake up ‘on site’ have some brekkie, pack up and head straight out onto the track!

Amazingly it wasn’t raining!! It certainly wasn’t hot and dusty, but it was perfect hiking weather.
We headed down the hill which soon intersected with the Overland Track.

We said good morning to a wallaby (Squint and you might see it at the base of the tree):

Then started making Jeff pose for photos (“Its for your Mum – Smile!”)(You’re welcome Judy 😀 )

Before long we were heading up.
Firstly through the tangled greenery by the stream

And out towards Crater Lake (I think that blue pack ahead is ‘Manchester Guy’) (Everyone seems to get a label until names are exchanged. Its happened every trip. Last time Fiona and I were ‘The Cousins’ This time I was ‘Photography Lady’ :D)(Day 5 I finally got Manchester Guys real name – Brett)

It certainly wasn’t hot enough for a dip at Crater Lake but it was nice to put the packs down and take a breather.

The water was low so got to check out inside the boatshed too

Packs back on, we start the slog up to Marions lookout.

Oh those stairs!

Despite not being as prepared fitness wise this time, I didn’t feel too bad about the whole climb up! Not that I did it skipping or anything – just not as tough as it can be!
It did get pretty windy!
Oh… and for the first time I had the camera out for this tricky little bit:

Good fun hauling yourself and pack up here!

Actually the chain really helps!

The views get better, the wind gets stronger and the climb isn’t done yet.

First peek of Cradle!

Its always a nice bonus to get the good views when you reach the top

We were way too early to sit and eat lunch so we were happy to get some snaps and push on.

I love the path along towards Kitchen Hut and the base of Cradle. The world just stretches out ahead of you.

Jeff was very happy to have poles this time around. He is a bit of a classic at twisting ankles and the poles really kept him steady this trip.

Is it me or does that pincushion plant look like a smiling person?
Anyway, we still have half a days hiking ahead – but will share that with you another evening!
We have a friend arriving tomorrow so most of my day was sadly taken up with housework and not gardening or photo processing! 🙂

Hope you are having a lovely weekend!
Cheers