Day 6 - Cradle Mountain

Day 6 marks our Half way point and as usual there is no sleeping in.

At least we didn't have to pack our bags before we headed off for Breakfast today as we are staying an extra night.

The weather hadn't improved and all were thankful that we were not on the road today.

However....  It did make for some very soggy sightseeing.

Cradle Mountain National Park exists today due to the Vision of Gustaf and Kate Weindorfer. 

Having climbed Cradle Mountain in 1910 and seeing the Valley below Gustaf stated...

"This must be a National Park, for the People for all time.  It is magnificent, and People must know it and enjoy it." 

They, along with friends purchased some 1200 acres to prevent it from being logged.

This morning we visited Waldheim Chalet, built as a Home and Guest Chalet from local King Billy Pine.  

It stands as a faithful replica* and memorial to these wonderful Pioneers.

This afternoon, with the weather clearing and a 'Picnic Lunch' in our Backpacks, a few of us and our tour guide, set off to see how much of the Dove Lake Circuit we could manage.

I had Google Mapped this Hike before we left Melbourne and so I knew there were some 'challenging' sections.  

I also knew there was a couple of points where we could turn around if things got tough, but so far so good.

And then it started to rain. 

We had long passed the turn back point but were still to hit the 'difficult' section and...

I started quoting Tolkien

feeling much like I was trudging on to Mount Doom!

The rain turned Mountain sides into Waterfalls and our Path into Streams.

We were glad of our hiking poles and I took time to survey each section before I set a foot forward.

It really was the safest way.

Others had either turned back or were way ahead of us, leaving DH, Myself and our Tour Guide - who was thoroughly enjoying herself. 

I am sure she must have photographed every drop of rain!

And then, you turn a corner and see the 'Home Stretch'

The path not so scary - and lets face it we had long since abandoned any idea of keeping our shoes - or any other parts of us dry!

Last photos of The Dove Lake Circuit - the Iconic Picture Postcard (well... maybe not today) shot of the Boathouse.

Today I learned a new saying ...

"There is no such thing as bad Weather - Just Inappropriate Clothing".

We were beyond wet - 

The only thing left to do was to squelch back to our cabin, wring out our clothing and the contents of our backpacks (including that Picnic Lunch) And be very grateful for the Fireplace in the Room.

It was an awesome day - Would we do Dove Lake again?  Definitely!

We did go for another walk once the sun actually came out, to the Enchanted Forest while the rest of the group went to the Wine & Cheese tasting. 

And today I got a new Fitbit Badge!

Granted when I found out I just had 6 Floors to go I found a deserted staircase - just incase that trip back to our cabin wasn't FIVE floors !!! 

* * * * 

Further Reading & Research (This is why my Posts take FOREVER to write!)

"On 16 May 1922, the land extending from Cradle Mountain south to Lake St. Clair (some 161,000 hectares) was proclaimed a National Park. The park came into being largely as a result of the considerable efforts made by Gustav, Kate and friends – they had campaigned over many years to have the government recognise the unique nature of the region and to preserve it for all to enjoy." *

* Reference: https://www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/about/history/

**Replica rebuilt after a fire see   parks.tas.gov.au 

Reference for more Information   Gustav and Kate Weindorfer

The Road goes ever on and on

Out from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone.

Let others follow, if they can!

Let them a journey new begin.

But I at last with weary feet

Will turn towards the lighted inn,

My evening-rest and sleep to meet.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

tags: life, poem