One of the best days of my life was late afternoon, early spring. A perfectly calm and clear day (rare at Cradle), enjoyed an absolutely fabulous helicopter fight over Cradle and Waterfall Valley. Loved it and it inspired me to do more and try other experiences in my life.
Having walked the OT a few times can't say that I enjoy the buzz of helicopters either. They used to be a novelty - a reminder that civilization wasn't all that far away - but this year they did appear seemingly frequent throughout the day, just in the first two - three days.
I have never walked the track in March before and wouldn't again. It's not the helicopters that spoil the ambience, just the sheer number of people!
Having said that, the camaraderie and consideration of other walkers is great, the improved track work appears to be having a very positive effect on the environment and the facilities seemed to cope.
Even though It is still a long way to walk, packs are still heavy and the weather is still unpredictable, the OT did feel to me to be 'less remote'. But even that is more than many would be able to cope with!