Assistant Governor, Johanna Johns is our District ShelterBox Representative. Recently, Johanna went on the Tassie Trek over Cradle Mountain. Here is her blog about the event.
DAY ONE
First the very necessary group photo in the lobby of the Chancellor Hotel Launceston before we set off. Three of us from NSW current President of Rotary Club of Concord. My self IPP Rotary Club of Beecroft and AG Zone Beaches and representing ShelterBox and Kelsey our Representative from Inspired Adventures.
Three women from QLD, Rotarian Wife’s passionate about fundraising for ShelterBox. Two Rotarians from QLD Ian and Ralf both very experienced trekkers. The very fit and experienced trekker and Rotarian Lindy from Perth WA. This is her second trek with ShelterBox.
Our Trek Leader Andrew from Victoria was a hands on leader and great cook and knowledgeable on anything about trees, the planet and its history, aboriginal history of Tasmania, I learned so much during this trek!
We are off starting with a scenic drive to our destination and accommodation Cradle Mountain National Park.
Then our first only 4 hour hike along the boardwalks, few stairs here and there but very doable for our first day
DAY TWO
ShelterBox Tassie Trek Cradle Mountain.
Early start heading towards Dove Lake. Cold, wet and extremely windy!
The sort of weather which reminds you that you are alive!!! Exhilarating!!
These stunning views are amazing.
After lunch the afternoon hiking through the enchanted rains forest. Our trek leader taught us a few things or 3 about the history of the rainforest.
A special trip to view a 1300 year old cypress pine tree still standing. The beauty of that will stay in my mind forever
Today about 7 hours of trekking, first time using my stocks and new boots, all good
DAY THREE
ShelterBox Tassie Trek Cradle Mountain
Up bright and early 6.30 am today, enjoyed making scrambled eggs for everyone as our bungalow is the dining room for everyone. We set off to the replica of the Waldheim hut before we made our way towards the Marion Peak at 1223 metres.
There were a few of us that weren’t sure about the last 75 metres or so because the steep incline rock climb to the top!!
We were offered an alternative but getting to the place of decisions time we all decided to keep going and tough it through.
This was one of the best decisions I have made because getting to the top of Marion Peak
was worth all the pain and the fear!
So we worked hard for all the money we raised today
It was Wombat day on the way back awesome
DAY FOUR
ShelterBox Tassie Trek Cradle Mountain
Early start heading out to mountain Hanson Peak today at 1175 m.
Caught a bus to Dove lake and commenced our trek.
Lots of rock climbing involved and difficult muddy and rain filled tracks some struggling over tree rout tracks!
All worth it having our lunch at lake Hanson, loved every moment of it even as tough as it was at times.
Our first night out for a special dinner at the Cradle Mountain Hotel. Also celebrating Ralph birthday lovely night had by all!
Out final half day trek tomorrow.
DAY FIVE
ShelterBox Tassie Trek Cradle Mountain
This morning after breakfast we needed to be packed for our journey back to Launceston prior to our final Bush Walk.
This was such a beautiful walk through a rain forest named Mole Creek. The most amazing trees and four hundred plus years old Ferny trees on the way to a waterfall at the end where we stopped and had our lunch.
Then we returned the same walk back to our Van and on the road back to hotel in Launceston.
Arrived in Launceston at about 3.30pm checked into our Hotel the Grand Chancellor, a hot bath and a short rest before gathering back at the lobby for our meet and greet with some of the Rotarians from Launceston Rotary Club.
DAY FIVE (NIGHT)
Our completed ShelterBox Trek celebration photos and congratulations all around for mission accomplished!
Special thanks went to the QLD team for an awesome job in fundraising. A big thanks to Robyn, Marie, Karen, Ralph and Ian. Also a great big thank you to the wonderful Kelsey for her leadership and representing Inspired Adventures, we love the young team at Inspired Adventures.
This was followed by a short update of where we are and how we are progressing as a non for profit .org!
What we accomplished in 2020 during a COVID World Pandemic.
Reiterating the need for more volunteers (not necessarily Rotarians) and Ambassadors.
We were also joined by members of the Rotary Club of Launceston and the ShelterBox Ambassador Bill Dobson.
Some of us then enjoyed our final meal together with more inspiration and motivation to go around, well done everyone.
