Planning for the AAWT top to bottom this Christmas

[Eljimberino]

Ha! Since you asked. Cut a long story short: I found the guidebook maps for the Champion Spur-Black River section confusing. When I got to the intersection of Champion Spur, I was saying, no, I want the Black River track which is next. Kept walking. Walked too far and having not seen markers should have turned back. At South Rd intersection ran into a small red car. They said they had just seen the Black River Track. You beauty, I thought. Took the Black River track down and attempted to correspond the maps with where I was. Climbed for 1km after crossing small stream. Track did not turn North. Returned to stream and followed river/ravine for 3hrs until I hit the n-15. Thankfully.

Turns out I walked about 4km down that ravine. There was about 50 massive piles of tree clumps to climb/crawl under.

I've since looked at other maps to see where I went wrong.

In my opinion, the guidebook should not self-assign a name to a track when there is an official sign posted track (with the exact same name) nearby.

Secondly, the way the guidebook map is labelled on that page suggests the Champion Spur terminates at what it calls the Black River track, when in fact it goes all the way to the track that connects to Fiddlers Green.

Anyway, it was an afternoon I'll never forget.

Was rewarded with a lyre bird coming right into the camp later that arvo.


Ride On

[north-north-west]

In my opinion, the guidebook should not self-assign a name to a track when there is an official sign posted track (with the exact same name) nearby.

Secondly, the way the guidebook map is labelled on that page suggests the Champion Spur terminates at what it calls the Black River track, when in fact it goes all the way to the track that connects to Fiddlers Green.

Yeah, I got utterly confused reading the guidebook (the updated version had only just been released) as I'd already been in the area a few times and the given track names and details didn't match what I knew. I took a Rooftop map with me as well and by comparing the two and tossing a coin occasionally managed to find the best route.

[GBW]

I agree the guidebook is nqr at the Black Rv Tk turnoff. The vehicle track does continue straight on. I still hadn't decided which route I was going to take and left that decision until I got there so I was on the lookout for the turnoff which in the end was pretty clearly marked where it took off NE into the scrub.

[Eljimberino]

It's a beast of a valley. Think I counted about a dozen jack daniels cans on the way down.


Ride On

[Eljimberino]

Yes I wished I'd confirmed the track alignment with you while we were hanging out in camp GBW.


Ride On

[Mutley]

Well, as they say in the round ball game....GOOOOAALLLLLL

After completing my solo North South walk of the AAWT before Christmas, I have just reached my fundraising goal of $20,000, for invaluable Cancer research at the Peter McCallum cancer hospital.

I still think about my trip. Probably one of the most worthwhile things I have done and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a challenge. In fact I would walk the AAWT again in a heartbeat, but probably South North this time.

I have tidied up my blog of the trip, should anyone care to have a read. It's now in date order and the site a link to my favourite pictures.

www.thealpstrackforpetermac.com

I'm happy to help with planning or general advice for anyone who needs it.

And thanks to all, for the invaluable assistance the people on this site have given me.

Cheers,

Mutley.

[Suz]

I might well be taking you up on that advice offer!

[raider]

Fantastic effort on the fundraising Mutley.