— Lanna
Taking the challenge of the Overland Track
Is something that motivates me from the map
On Christmas Eve, how brave we wandered
Into the wilderness we pondered
It was a misty day to start
Couldn’t see the top of Mt Cradle hiding in the dark
Heavy bag behind our backs
Crawling up to Marion lookout along a steep steep track
Panting, resting, we hoped the rest of the journey was not like that!
Along the track we continued; greeted by grey wallabies and wombats
At last, we arrived at the first hut
Barn Bluff in sight to our hearts delight
We passed through forests and moors, King Billy pines centuries old
Walking, tramping till our feet get sore, blisters growing around our toes
We rested at the Pine Forest Moor Hut enjoying meals kindly prepared for us.
Waking up to the sounds of singing birds
Ready for another day’s journey onto Pelion Plains overlooking Mt Oakleigh.
Admiring the mountain’s dolerite spires, passing Frog Flats near Forth River,
It’s the lowest point in the Overland Track that’s for sure.
Sunny weather prevailed, next came the most challenging trail
Climbing Tasmania’s highest peak – up to Mt Ossa summit
Scrambling, crawling, stumbling, pausing
Up the rocks with all our strengths
We reached the top, breathtaking views on a flat plateau
A few more meters, towards the highest crest we go
360 degrees around we saw, three quarters of Tassie with seas ashore
Getting down was a lot more difficult, with knees trembling, to keep ourselves stable.
A hard-earned journey, satisfying rewards, a good night sleep, was all we need.
Suddenly the weather changed with howling winds and downpouring rain
Our raingears not wasted but paths more treacherous
Rainforests again, with rooty paths and muddy trails
Crisscrossing, concentrating, making sure our stance didn’t fail
The final leg from Windy Ridge to Lake St Claire
Lovely warm sun melted away our natural fears
Through sclerophyll forests and open fields, saw the “big tree” in a spectacular view
Trodding, walking, we reached the Lake at Narcissus
Six days continuous walking was sure enough
Back to the city, our eyes drooping on the shuttle bus
A journey full of wonders, beautiful sceneries and unforgettable
memories
The joyfulness of walking the Overland Track.