Day One - Ronny Creek to Waterfall Hut

Day one is generally referred to as the hardest day. It's said to be a bit over 10km, but Mr Garmin, whose word is gospel, puts it at a bit over 12km, still, not a huge distance. The hard part comes from the fact that, a) your pack is at its heaviest and, b) you have to climb up and over Marion's Lookout.

Being moderately fit little shits, this didn't particularly worry us, and we set out bright eyed and bushy tailed. Tails were soon to be soggied, however, as misty foggy rain set in the second we set foot on the track. Hm. Back into the registration shed we went, and promptly donned all the wet weather gear we had. Bundled up like a pair of walking bin-liners, we marched back out and got on with it.

In all the careful preparation of exactly how many lolly snakes I could carry and how much sunshine I could optimistically expect, one thing that I had completely overlooked was that we would be venturing out in perfect timing for the turning of the fagus, Tasmania's only native deciduous plant!! As seen in the photos, we truly got a magical display, and politely did much oohing and aahing.

The rain was persistent, and the wind decided not to let her get all the attention, giggling away to herself I'm sure as she almost succeeded in sending me tumbling down rocks, squawking like a cross hen. Dylan and I are staunch believers, however, in something called Type 2 Fun. That is, activities which, undeniably, have a whiff of misery about them, yet, with hindsight, or merely the right ratio of ego-backed confidence and sense of fun, can actually be extremely enjoyable. Could we see a fucking thing at Marion's so-called Lookout? No, pick a better spot Marion you gumnut. Did we have to climb a vertical section of rock with only a wet slippery chain to keep us attached? Yes. Better luck next time WIND you interfering bitch. Were we wet and cold and falling over rocks the whole time? That's a pretty apt description yes, but I am fueled by spite and a lack of self-preservation so did it dampen my spirit? NO IT DID NOT.

In all seriousness, we had a whale of a time and felt very adventurous and cool. Between friends, I do feel like this benefitted greatly from occuring on the first day, when energy and excitement were at peak levels. Nevertheless, day one got a big fat happy tick. Czytaj więcej