Two very long days…first the way to Windy Ridge Hut, past Cathedral Mountain with beautiful views everywhere. Today, we actually ran into a few Freedom Walkers who were very impressed that we were staying in the lap of luxury (a cabin), while they roughed it in the adequate, but occasionally rat-infested, huts (all part of the experience, so they said). Each Freedom hut had long sleeping platforms, communal benches and tables. No food, cooking utensils, cooking stoves, mattresses or bedding were provided. Also, sleeping spaces were not allocated in the huts. There was always room for one more walker to squish in but the Forest Service strongly recommended that everyone carry a tent for safety and “just in case”…. Of course, there was a huge difference in the price we paid for the luxury of a privately guided trip and what it cost them. Their fee was about $100 per person compared to the $$$$ we paid. But give me a toilet, bunk bed with mattress and Ian cooking up hot meals and scones any day!!

You do have to book with the Forest Service in advance as they only allow a limited amount of people on the trail each day.

this way to Windy Ridge Hut, Overland Track, Tasmania

The eight hours flew by thanks to …Fergusson and Hartnett Waterfalls…the Mersey River and Myrtle Forests.

 

All that was left to complete the Overland Track was one last easy day through the Eucalyptus forests, all on boardwalk to Lake St. Clair.

Sheila on the boardwalk to Lake St. Clair, Tasmania 

Chris, ex-Marine, Ian in the mud of Overland Track, Tasmania
The last day was the sunniest and hottest day of the entire Overland Track and I was a nervous wreck. Remember all those highly deadly, aggressive mating snakes on the posters? I knew that if any were in the vicinity, the sun and heat would bring them out onto the boardwalk for a little sunbath. There was only one obsessive though in my mind…hike those 10km’s as fast as my short legs could carry me, constantly scanning the boardwalk and terrain for snakes. We reached Lake St. Clair in record time, and ex-Marine said, “Gosh, Sheila…you almost ran the entire distance. Why were you moving so fast?” (I told you…the man is oblivious…and that is when I shared the “Killer snake secret” with him……)

Not a snake in sight, we were intact and Ian phoned for the boat to take us across Lake St. Clair for the transfer back to Launceston. Ian presented us with little certificates stating we had successfully completed Tasmania’s 65km Overland Track and put us on a Red Line bus heading to Hobart.

We did it!!!!