Tuesday 15 March 2011

Day 3 : Lake Windermere to Pelion Hut (14.2 kms)

Mt Pelion West
This was probably the longest day of the trip with also quite a large descent and ascent.  Today was another day of spectacular mountain peaks in the alpine areas, before we dropped down to the lowest point of the entire walk.  Then climbing back up to camp at the base of Mt Oakleigh.

Looking back to Barn Bluff and Cradle Mountain
There were some really nice vegetation changes again today and really great views of the mountains.  I think I'm just going to let the photos speak for themselves.

At Pelion Hut that night we decided to stay in the hut, this is the biggest hut of the lot, sleeps 60, and we were able to get separate bunks.  Seeing as how it was starting to rain and there were a million mosquitoes around we thought it was the best bet.  It started out fine, I had my earplugs in and there was still a faint light in the sky.

Mt Pelion West
Where did these trees come from?
But then the sun went down completely and the place was absolutely pitch black.  You couldn't even see your hand in front of your face.  Combine the total lack of light with the ear plugs and we are talking some serious sensory deprivation.  Really unpleasant.  The problem was I couldn't really take the ear plugs out as quite late in the night a big group had turned up along with their chainsaws.

Mt Oakleigh in the evening
I managed to get some sleep though, and it was probably better than being out in the wet and the mosquitoes, but it certainly made me appreciate the tent.

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