Planning for the AAWT top to bottom this Christmas

[jjoz58]

I think with poles the earlier you start the less wear you are going to put on you lower joints.

[Eljimberino]

I'm only asking about the poles in relation to this particular walk. Dont normally use them, so will have to invest. Ones I've had before I've lost or broken. AAWT is very up and down so poles seem handy.

On the bibb track where I normally walk, black boy spears do the job as they're easily replaceable. Many black boys on AAWT?

[Travis22]

Just pulled the trigger today on a pair of BD Alpine carbon cork poles.

Completely agree Eljimberino, I think they will be of great use/ support when hiking in the high country but I will certainly try them in flatter areas also in the future.

Travis.

[Strider]

Flatter areas are where poles really excel IMO. Can really pick up the pace with them! On undulating terrain they are actually fun to use and you can find yourself building up good momentum to just flow along the track almost without even noticing the bumps. I find two poles to be a pain for technical tracks, with the exception of steep steep uphills, and often stow one instead. In snow, two poles are invaluable and especially so on slippery boardwalk! Unfortunately I still seem to fall over with alarming regularity

[Eljimberino]

Let us know how your BD alpine walk poles work out Travis? Did you buy them on Amazon?

[Travis22]

Will do Eljimberino.

I spent an afternoon in the Melb CBD looking at all of the different brands of hiking poles and IMO the BD poles were a real stand out above the rest. The Trail Pro's were my favourite on the day but I still wanted to think about it some more before buying any so I went home empty handed.

I've bought them from a shop 15min from me (as opposed to the city being 45+ min away). I was a little put off carbon given issues people mention regarding it wearing where the clasps/ clamps are on adjustable poles and it gumming up the locking mechanisms (more of an issue with twist locks etc I think) so I believe it shouldn't be an issue with BD's new and IMO superior clamps. The cork handle was the final selling point for me. (I paid 150 something).

It was almost flip a coin between carbon/ aluminium. I am borderline OCD (ok I am OCD) about looking after my gear so hopefully these will last me a long time, and should the inevitable happen I sure hope they break under circumstances in which aluminium poles would have done the exact same thing. (I've had carbon fibre handle bars on my XC race bike for about 10years and they haven't broken so I do believe these will be fine too and one would think walking pole failure wouldn't be anywhere near as horrific as handle bar failure on ya pushie!). I was pretty nervous racing on them bars the first few times back then lol.

[Eljimberino]

Thanks. Having two carbon fibre road bikes I think I would trust the CF over aluminium.

Thanks for letting me know why you chose the Alpines.

[Mutley]

A couple of questions regarding food drops.

At Rumph saddle, there is a track from the Jameson Licola rd which runs east west and another longer track from the same road running north south. Are either of these tracks navigable in a small awd SUV, or do I need to walk into Rumph saddle from the main road ?

Following a previous suggestion, I am caching at a point on the track closest to Mt Sellwyn, rather than at Kiandra, as I am concerned about the lack of bush for covering my food drop, at Kiandra. From satellite images, there seems to be a foot track running south east from Mt Selwyn car park, down to the AAWT. Does anyone know of this track and is it an easy walk, or should I just drop at Kiandra ?

Thanks for the help.

[Mark F]

The track in from Mt Selwyn is fine. I think it is marked as a cross country ski trail. If you choose to drop at Kiandra then walk up the Table Top Trail past the locked barrier as you climb a few 100 metres you will be able to hide your drop off the down hill side with a bit of care.

Rumpff Saddle - I believe the lower, longer track is normally navigable but the shorter one (I think called the Barkly River Jeep Track) is definitely not, but I don't have up to date information on road conditions.

[north-north-west]

Barkly River Jeep Track (which is the official AAWT route, btw) is heavy duty 4WD - I wouldn't even think about taking the Hilux down it. Very steep, very rough, lot of very tight zig-zags and large loose rocks. You have the options of stashing your cache by the Jamieson-Licola Rd, or driving along Middle Ridge Rd to Rumpff: Middle Ridge is narrow but a reasonable surface - only issue is possible blockages by fallen trees. There is a through road from there to Licola which is 2WDable for an experienced driver in dry conditions, but it's safer to avoid it if you're at all unsure.

[Mutley]

Thanks Mark and nnw. I might just cache at the intersection of Barkley jeep track and jam Licola rd. I will be coming in from Jamieson, on cup weekend. Looks like a reasonable road for a small awd ??

[Travis22]

You'll be fine coming from Jamieson (or Licola). It's a wide gravel road but it does get pretty rough in places. I'd advise you reduce your tire pressures and re inflate when you get back onto a sealed road (no air compressor at Licola but there is one at the Jamieson service station (if you don't have your own).

Also take lots of care on cup weekend as there will be lots and lots of others out driving around and sadly I guarantee some will be driving like idiots (speeding, convoys where vehicles travel too close together and in each other's dust - you might think it's 1 vehicle then another appears in the dust unaware of your presence and traveling on the wrong side of the road etc).

Travis.

[Mutley]

Thanks Travis.

[GBW]

Going out on a limb but I think using hiking poles to a degree would have a strong relationship to the age of the walker(s).

I've hit 30 and I'm out shopping for hiking sticks

I wouldn't consider doing it now without them, 5 years ago I'd never consider buying them.

Travis.

I think it has more to do with your anatomy. I'm 52, had 2 knee operations (not walking related) and haven't needed them yet.

[Bushwalker99]

Very interesting all this talk of drops. What containers or packaging do you use - any comments on pros and negatives?

I'm using 20lt metal drums as well. Taking three days to place out caches and then back to Canberra. I have a mate who will then drive me to Mt Hotham and pick me up at Tharwa at the end. Then a couple of days to pick up caches and rubbish and back to Brisbane.

Leaving Mt Hotham on the 16th Nov so may run into you along the way.

By coincidence we are also leaving Hotham on 16th Nov on our way thru from Walhalla en route to Tharwa. We have a rest day at Hotham then head for Cope Hut or Ryders Yards. Might see you on the track

[jjoz58]

By coincidence we are also leaving Hotham on 16th Nov on our way thru from Walhalla en route to Tharwa. We have a rest day at Hotham then head for Cope Hut or Ryders Yards. Might see you on the track

Hi Bushwalker

How big of a group will you be? First 3 days Cope Hut or Ryders Yards, Ropers Hut and Clive Cole Hut (to Mt Bogong and back as well). Probably sounds familiar I will probably see you on the track.

[madmacca]

Is everyone using walking poles on the AAWT?

One thing to consider is that on a extended trek like AAWT with lots of steep descents, your legs are going to take a continual batterring day-in, day-out. Poles can definitely help take the weight off the knees on a descent, and also with some of jarring from missed footing.

Poles also make river crossings much easier - it makes keeping your feet dry by rockhopping much safer, and also wading on slippery submerged rocks.

For much of the fire-trail sections, poles are more hassle than they are worth (especially in terms of arm fatigue), and I fold them away for these sections.

[jjoz58]

One thing to consider is that on a extended trek like AAWT with lots of steep descents, your legs are going to take a continual battering day-in, day-out. Poles can definitely help take the weight off the knees on a descent, and also with some of jarring from missed footing.

Poles also make river crossings much easier - it makes keeping your feet dry by rockhopping much safer, and also wading on slippery submerged rocks.

For much of the fire-trail sections, poles are more hassle than they are worth (especially in terms of arm fatigue), and I fold them away for these sections.

I agree with most of what you say, but on the fire-trails and tracks I find them good for keeping a good rhythm going. I do a lot of training on an elliptical cross trainer so I'm used to having the arms working with the legs and can keep it going all day. Used properly I find that they help on ascents as well with helping to take some of the load off the legs and keep the pace going. The key is to plant the pole in a position to help propel yourself forward. Watching other people I find that most place them too far out in front or to the side to get much benefit out of them.

The other thing I find for long walks is that the use of poles is just about the only workout your upper body is getting. I find it good for maintaining arm, back and shoulder strength.

I stow one in thick bush or where the track is too narrow but otherwise it's 2 all the time.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[north-north-west]

The other thing I find for long walks is that the use of poles is just about the only workout your upper body is getting.

That's what scrub and scrambling are for. Get off the tracks, you'll get a full body workout (not to mention a bruise/scratch or twenty).

[Mutley]

Back onto topic.

Preparations are going well. Just returned from an 1800 km food drop drive. What a massive weekend. Saw some amazing scenery including brumbies, snow, more bmw gs motorbikes than i could count, and lots of dirt road.

I leave in 2 weeks, from Tharwa and need a Canberra local's advice.....

Where can i buy a gas canister ( suit msr pocket rocket) in Canberra, somewhere between the airport and Tharwa. Do i need to go into the cbd to Paddy Palin or somewhere similar, or is there a reliable vendor en route ?

Cheers.

[Eljimberino]

Excellent Mutley. How many days are you giving yourself?


Ride On

[Mutley]

Excellent Mutley. How many days are you giving yourself?


Ride On

34 days plus 2 rest (carb load) days at Falls and Thredbo.

[Mark F]

What is the date you are arriving. I may be able to help with the gas cylinder.

[Mutley]

What is the date you are arriving. I may be able to help with the gas cylinder.

Its midweek. Wed 19th at about 10 am. I have found a Mont store in Fyshwyck, which is on the way. What do you think ?

[The Perambulator]

How are getting from the airport to Tharwa? I think a taxi cost $70 - $100. The shortest route to Tharwa is most probably down the Monaro Highway -which runs past Fyshwick. I have seen MSR gas canisters in Mont, maybe give them a call and reserve one or more. Also,other then the dam on Bushfolds Flat, I don't think there is a water source between Mt Tenant and Honeysuckle campground - I would not drink water from the dam on Bushfolds Flat regardless of how it was treated or how long it was boiled.

[north-north-west]

Also, other than the dam on Bushfolds Flat, I don't think there is a water source between Mt Tenant and Honeysuckle campground ...

Not sure, but isn't there a tank at the Booroomba carpark?

[Mutley]

The taxi may be $80 plus, but it's fast, point to point and is a one off cost. I'm happy to pay this. Still cheaper than many trailhead transfers ( try getting to Mt Sonder for the Larapinta Trail for under 400 bucks). I cn swing past Mont at Fyshwyck for the gas. Called them today and they hold plenty of stock.

Thanks for the water advice. It's 15 Kms to my first camp at Honeysuckle, so I will carry enough water for the full distance.

[Gnarvin]

Hey Guys

First post on here. But have some information that may be useful for you planning a hike in the Nov/December time period. I am heading off on the AAWT Tharwa-Walhalla starting the 16th of Nov with a side cycle-touring trip down Falls Creek to Eldorado for a festival (FRL). Just finished putting out drops (N-S) at Kiandra, Whites River Hut (Rode MTB in), Benambra-Corryong Road, P.O Mt Beauty, Sunnyside (Omeo Highway), Mt Selwyn (Twins Track), Jamieson-Licola/Lazarina Spur Track Junction, H20 Drop at Fiddlers Green.

Still a few drifts of snow about the alps (got caught in a snow storm out the back of Licola), enough to keep the creeks flowing for a few more weeks, not enough to impede a whole heap.

Recently major clearing of fallen trees across the twins track out to Selwyn track Junction along the Twins, met a fella involved with the clearing just a day previous to putting drops out (lucky), he also told me all the water tanks along the dry barries were full.

Omeo Highway to Sunnyside sealed , with Sunnyside being a beautiful secluded campsite suitable for family/friends to visit due to ease of access.
Benambra-corryong Rd gravel but excellent condition

Hope this helps and is in the right forum

Gavo

[Eljimberino]

Thanks Gavo, top info.



Ride On

[Eljimberino]

Around Xmas to end of Feb, what are worse, (march) flies or mozzies on the AAWT?

Trying to decide on my shelter. At the moment I'll be taking a tarp. I'd like a tarp to set up if it's hot during the middle of the day. What I haven't determined is what goes with the tarp. I'll be taking a head net with every option. I'm more worried about versatility than weight, though to carry one less thing would be good. Either:

A) tarp, groundsheet, bug net, bivy (the bivy has a bathtub and netting over the face)
B) tarp, bivy, bug net
C) tarp, bivy
D) tarp, bivy, groundsheet

At the moment I am thinking option D. The headnet and clothing should cover most annoying bug situations, but will I regret not having a bug free area I can sit up in? I've read the march flies can be bad. Having been caught in a swarm, a large net would be handy to throw over yourself, especially for lunch time. But this wont effect sleeping.

Input appreciated.