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| Australia 4 |
| Christmas in the Grampians We expected Xmas to be hot and sunny so we could make everybody in cold en wet Holland jealous with sunny pictures with BBQ on Christmas day, but it was to be different... It turned out to be one of the coldest Xmasses ever and we were high up in the mountains, even colder. On X-mas eve we did have a BBQ (for die-hards), but on X-mas day we crawled shivering to our tent in our warm sleeping bags at 8:30 PM Brrrrr... However the mountains were fantastic, and during the day we did a lot of walking and climbing to practice for the 6 day track we are going to do in Tasmania. On Xmas day we climbed mount Stapylton in the north. The last part we had to climb on hand and feet and be careful not to be blown off the rocks by the heavy winds. The next day, after the rain had ceased, we set out for the tourist tracks in Wonderland to the Pinnacles. Great views but many people on the track. The third day we climbed mount Abrupt in the southern Grampians and were rewarded with a fantastic view ...of the inside of the clouds. Time to move to warmer destinations (we thought..) Great ocean road One of the main attractions of Victoria, a long scenic drive near the shores. Large rocks sculpted by the sea are an attraction for many. Unfortunately for us the weather was again not co-operative and the views were obscured by a drizzle. Melbourne This was the first Australian city that we actually liked, maybe because it had a more European atmosphere. Historic buildings, great architecture and the sunny weather made the city look beautiful. We ended up in a raunchy, but cheap hotel in St. Kilda where we awaited the arrival of Wilma and Wim. After a puzzle drive to the airport (Melbourne has a strange road system) we were happy to see two familiar faces in the crowd. Next day we explored Melbourne together and did some shopping for the Overland track (woolen hats, gloves and thermal underwear, because of the weather forecast). Wilma found many places to sleep in shops and on the street (jet lag???). |
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| Great Ocean Road: Twelve apostles |
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| Tasmania and the Overland Track (click for fotos) On the 31st of December at 7 PM we departed from Melbourne with the 'Spirit of Tasmania'. New Years Eve we spent together with Wilma and Wim on a rocking ship rocking on Elvis 'the King' Presley (Yes he is alive!). On New years day we were picked up and transfered to Cradle Mountain, the start of the Overland Track. 6 Days of 80 km solid walking in the wilderness lay ahead of us, never mind the hangover. On the first day we had to tackle the Cradle mountain with full backpacks (food for 6 days and 4 liters of wine...). A tough climb and on top it started snowing, the views were great but the mountaintops were hidden in the clouds. After 4 hours we reached, exhausted, the first hut where we could shelter and stay overnight. We could even dry our socks and shoes on the heater. This was of no use, because the next day was even more wet and our shoes were soaked right away. It was a long day, we walked 2 hours to the next hut, had a warm lunch and went on to Pelion hut, an extra 5 hour walk. The weather was deteriorating fast and the track turned into a slippery mudpool. Luckily you cannot smell the socks~~~~ Most of the track was through rainforest, where the colourful mosses were abundantly present (thanks to the heavy rainfall). See the foto special. On the third day we took it easy with a short climb. On top of the gap we had a short spell of dry weather and could enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and the snowgum trees (see pictures). In another hut, Kia Ora, we could warm ourselves and eat, eat, eat. In a hut 24 or more people are packed together on a few bunks and enjoying each others presence (especially the snorers at night). It's fun to meet other hikers there and talk about the experiences underway. On the fourth day the weather started to change for the better (less rain) and we continued on to Windy Ridge hut, again walking through rainforest and taking some sidetracks to waterfalls. Our first dry lunch was a fact! (Tuna and tomato on wraps). We were enjoying it so much we started singing songs... Day 5: It's dry! And our backpacks were finally becoming lighter (wine was finished). So we had a great walk to Lake St. Clair, Narcissus Hut and continued on to Echo Point. After 5 days we started fantasizing about the treats that were waiting for us at the end of the track (Friet met Mayonaise, hamburgers, steaks, flushing toilets, showers). At Echo Point we set up our tent for the first time, while Wilma and Wim stayed in the hut, hoping for privacy. Unlucky... at the last moment 2 girls joined (lucky Wim). The last day started with the sun, that strange yellow thing in the sky which at first we could not identify... We warmed ourselves during breakfast (anything that was left in our backpacks) and started the last part of our journey singing 'Friet met Mayonaise'. This was exactly what we had for lunch when we arrived at the visitors centre, the end of the Track. We made it! But sadly, Anita's shoes didn't and had to be buried in the trashbin. Our deepest respect for Wilma and Wim, who walked this track untrained! In the hotel later that day (6 Jan.) we had our first shower of the year 2002. For more aussie stories go to the next page |
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