‘Are you going wherever thrilling?’ The out of doors gear store assistant requested as I paid for some mountain climbing socks and gaiters. With my journey solely days away, this was one of many final issues left to do.
‘The Overland Observe in Tassie,’ I replied.
He smiled knowingly. ‘Are you emotionally prepared for it?’
‘As prepared as I’ll ever be!’ I laughed, hoping the butterflies of nerves and pleasure wouldn’t fly out of my mouth. I didn’t know what he meant by emotional readiness – I used to be too busy worrying about whether or not I used to be bodily prepared for a six–day trek.
I’ve been on loads of day hikes, however the one multi-day trek I’ve carried out is Mt Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia. We walked about 36 kilometres in three days – the summit stands at 3726 metres and the path could be very steep as a result of fast elevation acquire. It’s fairly robust on the legs, particularly on the ultimate strategy to the summit, the place the sandy terrain makes you slide backwards after every step.
We additionally had three native guides and porters with us who carried our tents, cooking tools and meals provides, so all I needed to convey was a day pack with a change of garments.
The Cradle Mountain Overland Observe wouldn’t be like that. For starters, there aren’t any porters, so I’d be lugging my very own rucksack and provides.
The Overland Observe spans 65 kilometres by means of the guts of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair Nationwide Park within the Central Highlands of Tasmania.
To prep for this journey, I did some analysis to suss others’ experiences and gauge what sort of mountain climbing gear to convey. After trawling by means of a number of feedback, it was clear that this trek is a severe endeavor, and that it’s not for the unprepared. I felt reassured figuring out I’d be with two Intrepid leaders, however I used to be nonetheless nervous as a result of I didn’t have a lot trekking expertise.
The Overland Observe is a grade 4 hike – usually tougher and suited to individuals with expertise – spanning 65 kilometres by means of the guts of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair Nationwide Park within the Central Highlands of Tasmania. Trekkers spend a mean of six days (some take longer including further routes) strolling by means of an ever-changing panorama of sprawling moorlands, glacial valleys, mossy forests and alpine meadows. For many of that point you’re lower off from the skin world with no cellphone sign or creature comforts – we arrange tents each night time and slept beneath the celebrities.
Right here’s the lowdown on what you possibly can count on on the Overland Observe with Intrepid. Relaxation assured you’ll be taken care of, novice trekkers.
1. Prepare for the trek with cardio and energy coaching
I had a great baseline health, however for the months main as much as the journey I upped my cardio, did additional energy coaching and went on extra day hikes. Carrying a pack was undoubtedly the hardest a part of the trek for me, and in hindsight, I ought to have carried out a couple of hikes sporting a pack with the identical weight I supposed to hold. I do know for subsequent time.
The start of the path is predominantly a boardwalk, however as you go deeper into the park, you’ll cowl loads of muddy sections, steep hills and rocky steps. Prep your limbs for the Overland Observe’s various terrain by strolling on the seaside, up and down hills, by means of woodlands or wherever else that’ll get your muscle tissue used to uneven floor.
A number of individuals in my group introduced mountain climbing poles. Whereas my knees have been very jealous of them when teetering over slippery tree roots, it’s possible you’ll not need to trouble should you’re pretty regular in your ft.
2. Use the gear record supplied to convey the proper stuff
Intrepid offers a complete record of stuff you will need to pack. They gained’t allow you to hike when you have lacking or unsuitable objects. Don’t fear, although. On the welcome assembly, earlier than setting off, leaders be sure to have all the right gear. In case something is lacking, you possibly can all the time choose it up on the Macpac retailer in Launceston.
Until you go trekking commonly, you is likely to be higher off renting gear. That approach, you’ll have top-quality tools. Intrepid equipped light-weight trekking tents, however I rented a sleeping bag and liner which saved me tremendous toasty at night time. You must request these with Intrepid earlier than the journey, so be sure to’re organised.
Lucy and Josh, our trekking leaders, additionally helped us pack our rucksacks to optimise house and guarantee we had quick access to our thermals and waterproofs in case the climate turned. Little suggestions like this made me so grateful that I used to be with the specialists.
3. Carrying a pack generally is a problem
Make peace with the pack, make peace with the pack, make peace with the pack. I had a couple of mantras for varied factors within the day, however this one was for after we mounted our rucksacks on our backs every morning.
I knew carrying a 15-kilo rucksack can be exhausting, however I didn’t realise the total extent of the problem till I discovered myself trudging uphill beneath the noon solar.
I imply it once I say each gram counts. Don’t fear about re-wearing the identical garments and think about whether or not you actually want a ebook. I didn’t learn a single web page as I used to be too busy gushing over the night time skies and attempting to befriend the native wombats and pademelons.
My shoulders have been tender for the primary couple of days, however I quickly bought into the swing of issues. In my expertise, the extra you resist, the larger the wrestle. Make peace with the pack.
4. Put together for all sorts of climate
A big chunk of the Overland Observe is above 1000 metres and the climate can change drastically. Overlook 4 seasons in a day. It’s extra like 4 seasons in an hour. The official trekking season is from late spring to early autumn (November to April) when the climate is often warmest, the times are lengthy and flora is in full bloom.
Trekking exterior this era is barely advisable for superior hikers on account of chilly temperatures and heavy snowfall. That mentioned, it might probably snow even in summer season, so it’s vital to pack appropriately.
We have been extraordinarily fortunate with the climate. Our journey started on 1 December (the primary day of summer season in Australia) and we had clear skies and sunshine with solely a bit of sunshine drizzle in direction of the top. Our guides mentioned it was a few of the finest climate they’ve skilled. If it wasn’t for the tiny snowman we encountered at Marion’s Lookout, it will’ve been exhausting to imagine that the path had been blanketed in snow only a week in the past.
5. Be prepared to return to fundamentals
Say goodbye to flushable bogs and showers. There are long-drop loos on the campgrounds, but when you have to go (like, go go) en route you’ll must acquaint your self with a trowel. Simply don’t do what I did and discover someplace so hidden that you just virtually get misplaced.
There are many lakes and creeks to take a dip in should you’re courageous sufficient. I recoil on the slightest splash of chilly water once I flip the bathe on, so I used to be happy with myself for taking a dip in Lake Windemere – however how might I not when the backdrop was that beautiful?
Going again to fundamentals was humbling. It’s good to be reminded of the easy pleasure of taking your boots off, slipping right into a heat sleeping bag or soaking your swollen ft in an ice-cold river.
6. Meals will likely be taken care of for you
I didn’t assume an excessive amount of about what we’d eat as all our meals have been prepped and cooked by our wonderful leaders. If something, I pictured immediate noodles, muesli bars or something beige that comes from a packet. However this wasn’t the case. Lucy and Josh whipped up all kinds of gourmand tenting creations from chilli con carne to pasta and tuna salad wraps. Who knew cucumber and lettuce might be the spotlight of a lunch?
After arriving at a brand new camp every night, it wouldn’t be too lengthy earlier than the scent of sizzling chocolate wafted by means of the air, adopted by the rustling sound of a packet of Tim-Tams. This easy ritual of sharing a cuppa with the group made our campsites really feel like dwelling. I prefer to assume it’s as a result of it was an opportunity to sit down and share our highlights of the day, however perhaps it’s additionally as a result of I’m British.
I’d’ve had no concept the place to start out if I needed to plan my meals. All we needed to fear about was snacks – I had a stash of oat bars, nuts and M&Ms to dip into for an power enhance. Don’t go too mad with the snacks, as we additionally needed to carry a portion of the group’s meals which was distributed equally in dry luggage. No less than it will get lighter every day.
7. Convey loads of hand sanitiser
Gastro is surprisingly widespread on the Overland Observe, with the principle perpetrator being faucets and bathroom door handles. Whereas gastro isn’t enjoyable, there are few worse locations to return down with it than on a six-day trek. Use sanitiser earlier than consuming and after touching something on the huts and campsite.
8. Take the prospect to disconnect
It’s exhausting to disconnect these days, however there was no different possibility on this trek as a result of there aren’t any WhatsApp messages, information notifications or electronic mail alerts due to the shortage of cellphone sign. Apart from the chirps and rattles of birds, water trickling down a creek and tree leaves rustling within the breeze, the Overland Observe is totally undisturbed from the noise.
Our group loved many chats alongside the path, however we’d usually stroll in silence, with no sense of awkwardness or must fill it with small discuss. As every day handed, I eased into the rhythms of nature, taking time to admire the shapes of the mountains, run my fingers over button grass and really feel the coolness of the forest air on my pores and skin.
As we scrambled up rocks on Mt Ossa (Tassie’s tallest mountain), I felt my cellphone vibrate in my pocket. I used to be initially fairly excited because it had been 4 days since I final spoke with my boyfriend, so I despatched him a fast ‘Hiya, I’m alive!’ message whereas I had the prospect. However then I put it again in my pocket. It felt misplaced. There I used to be, perched on a rocky ledge above the clouds with peaks peppering the horizon in each course. I wished to savour the moments I’d quickly be craving once more again at my desk in Melbourne.
9. Join together with your fellow trekkers
I really like how the dynamic of an Intrepid group evolves as the times tick alongside. We have been all a bit reserved at first, however we quickly got here out of our shells and the banter was flowing. I don’t know if it was from tiredness, getting extra comfy with one another or the enhance in creativeness that comes from not having to think about to-do lists, however our conversations appeared to get sillier and sillier in direction of the top of the journey. The camaraderie had a beautiful means to propel my ft ahead once I felt like I couldn’t.
10. Benefit from the sense of accomplishment
Morale was excessive on our closing day, partly as a result of we knew a sizzling bathe was just some hours away and since the path was principally downhill. We strolled by means of a dense eucalypt forest the place the morning gentle danced by means of the bushes and birdsong crammed the air earlier than arriving on the well-known suspension bridge over the Narcissus River.
We continued to stroll – placing one foot in entrance of the opposite as we had carried out for the previous six days – lastly reaching the ferry that may take us to the official finish of the Overland Observe. Even with the icy wind whipping my face as we dashed throughout Lake St Clair, I couldn’t assist however smile on the fuzzy feeling of accomplishment radiating by means of my physique.
I now perceive why the store assistant requested me if I used to be emotionally prepared for this journey. It was bodily and mentally demanding, nevertheless it was additionally extremely grounding to only stroll and never have wherever else to be. It was a reset for my nervous system.
Would it not have been as a lot of a reset if I’d not been with Intrepid? Most likely not. Being a part of a gaggle meant I might expertise the joys of trekking, however with out the stress of reserving permits (which frequently promote out months prematurely), organising transport, cooking meals and preserving tabs on the climate.