March 20th
Somewhere among button grass-Hobart
Mileage: 6.2mi/10km
Fortunately, temps did not drop as low as yesterday morning, so there was some condensation in the tents, but the brush did not have frost on it, so it was much dryer. There was a thick fog all morning as we hiked the 2.5hrs back to the car.
We both enjoyed it a ton more than yesterday for some reason. It was still damp and brushy, but it was warm enough to not make my feet hurt, and the time in the brush somehow felt shorter and much less frustrating than we remember. Funny how perspectives can be different even in the same stuff from one day to the next.
We made it to the car about 10:15am and drove about 3hrs to Hobart. Along the way, we of course stopped at Subway. I seriously need to find a way for them to sponsor me. There is a great chocolate milk here I’ve found that I didn’t see when I was first in Australia called Pura Classic. It makes me oh so happy…
We checked into a nice hostel called the Montecute, returned the car, resupplied, and did our regular chores. When we got to the hostel, I grabbed Griggs pack to take it in while he returned the car. We laughed because there are tons of tourists that carry two packs with a small backpack in the front and that I look like them. I’m so not a thru-hiker anymore, ha!
By the time all that was done, we had dinner and I was surprised to be wiped out. Riding in a car is tough work apparently. I fortunately got a second wind and stayed up late watching the first two episodes of the new Survivor season. Having watched every season of Survivor the last 17yrs, I have to say, I’m loving this season with all the game changers returning! And while we are on the topic of pop culture. I’m kinda secretly hoping for some big rain storm after the South Coast Track so I have a reason to go see Beauty and the Beast in the theater (I don’t even know if it’s showing here yet). I also just found out that the guy that plays Matthew in Downton Abbey is the beast in Beauty and the Beast. If I don’t see that movie out here, it will be one of the first things I do when I get home. B&TB is my favorite Disney movie.
Ok, back to Tassie. Tomorrow morning, we take a bush plane to Melaleuca to start the South Coast Track, which should take a handful of days. It will be a nice change of pace to do this highly destined coastal track. I’m not sure how good phone signal is there, but I’ll get the posts up once I’m back if there isn’t much. That’s about it for today. I’m ready for a good night of sleep!
I’m wondering if combining the Port Davey Track and the South Coast Track is an option to avoid the plane flight.
Yes, it is doable. It is around 3 days and we’ve heard not enjoyable, but doable. For us, saving the days of hiking and avoiding more days in mud made the flight more appealing.
You two look like you are fresh off the trail in Subway. Those are the best meals. Just sitting down and refueling feels so good.
Love those “perfectly” mystical Aussie/fog pics at the top. My wife yesterday mentioned that B&TB was going to be a required Spring Break activity next week. ?
I figured I better get that post perfect if it was that short! That movie would be gee-at for spring break!
What’s a “gee-at” ?? Or would that be “gre-at” Maybe that’s how they say it in Australia?? ?
Oh no, dang!
Ha yes, it’s that old truisim: not knowing how long the rough stuff was going to last made the outbound hike seem worse and longer than the return. Anyway, great that the hike back to the car was more enjoyable.
Thanks always for your amazing blog, and for introducing me to Tassie.
You need a chocolate milk sponsor. You make me crave it.
Oh you’re right!