196804
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196804 [2016/12/30 20:12] – [Annual general Meeting] paul_barton | 196804 [2016/12/30 20:46] – [A close look at Federation Peak] paul_barton | ||
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by Frank Rigby | by Frank Rigby | ||
- | I suppose that, nowadays, the real walking into Federation Peak starts at Cracroft Crossing, at the end of the jeep track, leading from. the Arve Road. From Cracroft Crossing to the Peak, as the crow flies, is a morp eight miles and yet to cover the distance takes an average party two fairly solid dais of imlkingand | + | I suppose that, nowadays, the real walking into Federation Peak starts at Cracroft Crossing, at the end of the jeep track, leading from the Arve Road. From Cracroft Crossing to the Peak, as the crow flies, is a mere eight miles and yet to cover the distance takes an average party two fairly solid days of walking and scrambling. This will give you some idea of the terrain. Because many hundreds of bushwaikers have now used this spectacular, |
- | Then there is the weather, which in this part of Tasmania is notorious. Probably fewer than 50% of parties which sot out for the peak actually climb it; some parties | + | Then there is the weather, which in this part of Tasmania is notorious. Probably fewer than 50% of parties which set out for the peak actually climb it; some parties |
as I hoisted my pack at Cracroft and set out across the soggy button grass. | as I hoisted my pack at Cracroft and set out across the soggy button grass. | ||
- | Admittedly, at that moment, prospects seemed pretty bright for our party of nine from the National Parks Association of New South ' | + | Admittedly, at that moment, prospects seemed pretty bright for our party of nine from the National Parks Association of New South Wales (including three S.B.W.'s - Frank Taeker, Joan and myself). |
- | The route took us up into low hills and at a saddle we stopped, spellbound. In-that few minutes, when we saw our quarry for the first time, I understood | + | The route took us up into low hills and at a saddle we stopped, spellbound. In that few minutes, when we saw our quarry for the first time, I understood |
- | Only the top half, still nearly eight miles away, was visible, but it was enough. | + | Only the top half, still nearly eight miles away, was visible, but it was enough. |
- | That morning we met two separate parties, both on their way out neither had climbed the Peak. The Brisbane | + | That morning we met two separate parties, both on their way out neither had climbed the Peak. The Brisbane |
- | The ascent to the crest of the Eastern Arthurs begins at Luckman' | + | The ascent to the crest of the Eastern Arthurs begins at Luckman' |
- | Stuart Saddle (named for John Stuart who died of exposure here in 1956) can,provide some impressive scenery if the weather is clear. Federation, hidden for so long, suddenly comes into view as one breasts the saddle. But now the Peak is closer and for the first time the whole of the tremendous north face of the Federation massif, plunging down into the shadowy depths of the Northern Lakes, can be seen. It is all rather awe-inspiring and to be a little scared at this stage might not even be uncommon. Goon Moor, our intended campsite, was, according to the map, about a mile away and in fact we could sec one corner of it quite clearly. But the Route Guide, compiled by the Hobart | + | Stuart Saddle (named for John Stuart who died of exposure here in 1956) can provide some impressive scenery if the weather is clear. Federation, hidden for so long, suddenly comes into view as one breasts the saddle. But now the Peak is closer and for the first time the whole of the tremendous north face of the Federation massif, plunging down into the shadowy depths of the Northern Lakes, can be seen. It is all rather awe-inspiring and to be a little scared at this stage might not even be uncommon. Goon Moor, our intended campsite, was according to the map, about a mile away and in fact we could see one corner of it quite clearly. But the Route Guide, compiled by the Hobart |
- | for a Party of nine. 77e sCouted | + | for a Party of nine. We scouted |
- | The route now took us up among the crests of the Needles, | + | The route now took us up among the crests of the Needles, with fabulous views of the Lake Leo, East Portal, |
- | that we knew surrounded us, had in a few minutes ceased to exist, as if wiped from the face of the earth. It was then a case of groping our waytbwards | + | |
- | The campsite at Hanging Lake is unique. Level tent platforms have been built up with rocks, timber, hessian bags and straw on the sloping shelf near the outlet of the lake. Protected from the nasty westerlies by higher ground, the site overlooks the 1,500 feet drop down into Lake Geeves, while in front the jagged profiles of the lesser bluffs hiding Federation Peak campsite , an extraordinary picture. The Route Guide describes Hanging Lake (and it does hang) as "a campsite with an unrivalled setting. Tent poles and wood are scarce" | + | The campsite at Hanging Lake is unique. Level tent platforms have been built up with rocks, timber, hessian bags and straw on the sloping shelf near the outlet of the lake. Protected from the nasty westerlies by higher ground, the site overlooks the 1,500 feet drop down into Lake Geeves, while in front the jagged profiles of the lesser bluffs hiding Federation Peak campsite, an extraordinary picture. The Route Guide describes Hanging Lake (and it does hang) as "a campsite with an unrivalled setting. Tent poles and wood are scarce" |
- | That evening, though it was difficult for us to appreciate the setting of our camp. Visibility was down to one hundred yards. or less, there were tents to be pitched, (my tent was larger than the platform so there was a minor cliff line inside) wood to be found, a supper to be cooked and the food drop to be gathered and sorted. Before heading for our sleeping bags, we talked about the morrow. Our schedule was pretty tight, only one day had been allotted for the stay at Hanging Lake and looking out at the murk we felt that our chances of climbing Federation Peak had probably sunk to zero. | + | That evening, though it was difficult for us to appreciate the setting of our camp. Visibility was down to one hundred yards or less, there were tents to be pitched, (my tent was larger than the platform so there was a minor cliff line inside) wood to be found, a supper to be cooked and the food drop to be gathered and sorted. Before heading for our sleeping bags, we talked about the morrow. Our schedule was pretty tight, only one day had been allotted for the stay at Hanging Lake and looking out at the murk we felt that our chances of climbing Federation Peak had probably sunk to zero. |
- | I woke up with the daylight and hopefully parted the tent flaps. But there was nothing outside except whiteness and a misty rain. I was sure that we had a rest day on our hands so I wont back to sleep. | + | I woke up with the daylight and hopefully parted the tent flaps. But there was nothing outside except whiteness and a misty rain. I was sure that we had a rest day on our hands so I went back to sleep. |
- | About eleven o' | + | About eleven o' |
- | we reckoned must be the start of the " | + | we reckoned must be the start of the " |
- | and of course we were all strangers to the mountain. However, there were cairns | + | and of course we were all strangers to the mountain. However, there were cairns here and there and John and George did some fine leading. I can definitely confirm the exposure business; on one pitch I made the mistake of looking down, and there between my knees were the dark blue depths of Lake Geeves, 2,000 feet below. I have no idea how this climb would be rated but I do know that it came close to my own limits. I suppose the actual climbing took about 30 - 45 minutes before |
To stand on the very top, to actually achieve the goal, was superb. | To stand on the very top, to actually achieve the goal, was superb. | ||
I though about the long haul in from Cracroft Crossing, the heavy packs, the uncertainty of the weather and the tensions of the final climb, but the reward was worth every bit of it. To describe one's feelings adequately at such a time is impossible and I will not attempt to do so. I can only say that to have become a bushwalker must have been just about the best thing I've over done. | I though about the long haul in from Cracroft Crossing, the heavy packs, the uncertainty of the weather and the tensions of the final climb, but the reward was worth every bit of it. To describe one's feelings adequately at such a time is impossible and I will not attempt to do so. I can only say that to have become a bushwalker must have been just about the best thing I've over done. | ||
- | (PTY z John lurray, Henry Farlie-Cunninghame, | + | (Party: |
**The nature of tranquility** | **The nature of tranquility** | ||
Line 185: | Line 184: | ||
Patience Strong. | Patience Strong. | ||
- | There' | + | There' |
- | There' | + | There' |
**Coming attraction** | **Coming attraction** | ||
Line 192: | Line 191: | ||
10th, 11th, 12th May. | 10th, 11th, 12th May. | ||
- | Kanangra - Wallara vrest - Barrallier Crown - Wallara Ridge- West Christys | + | Kanangra - Wallara vrest - Barrallier Crown - Wallara Ridge- West Christys |
- | This list of names is enough to strike terror into the heart of any fit bushwalker. Long lists, such as this, serve no useful | + | This list of names is enough to strike terror into the heart of any fit bushwalker. Long lists, such as this, serve no useful |
- | are where the party will be once the leader is totally lost. Any questions regarding mapping directed to the leader in these circumstances, | + | |
- | fit beds should attempt this walk, otherwise they might be spending Monday in the bush with the rest of the mob.\\ | + | |
Contact Margaret Dogterom, 635.9526 for details. | Contact Margaret Dogterom, 635.9526 for details. | ||
196804.txt · Last modified: 2016/12/30 22:04 by paul_barton