Camping on Mt Ossa

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Camping on Mt Ossa

Postby nothingwmn » Tue 29 May, 2018 9:21 pm

Hi Everyone.

I am doing the overland track next week. A thought popped into my mind this afternoon. How can I make it a little more exciting?? I have heard of people camping on Mt ossa. Has anyone on here done this before? any advice? is it an outright dumb idea? I have a -18 degree C Nemo sleeping bag, really good gear. good quality down jacket, thermal layers, rope to pull the bag up the few tricky bits. I have gone up Ossa in the past, so i know hat i am up for as far as the climb. I am doing the walk on my own and will be attempting this on my own. obviously this is weather permitting. if it is snowing or raining, i will have to give this a miss, but i was hoping to see if there was anyone who has done this.

Cheers,

Dane
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Re: Camping on Mt Ossa

Postby philm » Wed 30 May, 2018 8:07 am

Given the sensitivity of the area although not prohibited it is discouraged. The area is pristine and having people camp there will have an impact. Yes others have done this but I would not out of respect for the environment. There are plenty of camping spots around there which you could use if you want to steer clear of the huts.
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Re: Camping on Mt Ossa

Postby Nuts » Wed 30 May, 2018 9:19 am

You hear of people doing all sorts of things.
Camping is not particularly dumb from a safety pov.. obviously frowned on environmentally as doing so is an accepted gesture in support of protection.
I guess, in 'frowning for the environment', one could feel a little bit 'dumb' discussing camping up there on an open forum.
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Re: Camping on Mt Ossa

Postby JohnR » Wed 30 May, 2018 12:00 pm

Out of respect for the fragile pristine nature of the Ossa summit, I think most on this forum would not camp there and would also prefer that you refrain from doing so.

As philm has highlighted, plenty of more minimal impact camping spots nearby.
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Re: Camping on Mt Ossa

Postby pazzar » Wed 30 May, 2018 12:21 pm

I'm reluctant to drink water that doesn't have a decent flow in it too, especially around high visitation area, so I'd be reluctant to drink the water out of the Pool of Icarus. It is only very shallow, so wouldn't take much to contaminate.
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Re: Camping on Mt Ossa

Postby Singe » Fri 01 Jun, 2018 6:13 am

I've camped on the Pelion Gap decking; very low impact and a bit warmer than up the hill.

Will still tick the "exciting" box if it's a windy night...

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