Pelion to Windy Ridge Express

[Iluvtheoutdawz]

Noticed an interesting phenomena on our recent walk on the Overland - the number of groups who were leaving Pelion Hut and electing to push through to the new Bert Nichols (Windy Ridge) Hut in one day. We spoke to five diffent parties who had done this, all of them had been concerned about the walker numbers at Pelion Hut and worried they wouldn't secure a spot at Kia Ora. The disappointing thing was that with one exception they had all by passed Mount Ossa and the Southern Waterfalls in their drive to make it to Windy Ridge! I'm sure Parks & Wildlife had not planned for this, but it seems a bit tragic that so many people appear to be hot footing it through such a spectacular section of the Park purely to ensure a spot at the new hut. For anyone considering the Overland for the first time, if the weather is right an ascent of Mount Ossa and a visit to the waterfalls would be considered one of the trip highlights. Interested if anyone else has made similar observations - have to admit our 'sample' was pretty limited .

[freshairfreak]

I agree, i just did walk and tried to get to top of Ossa but had to turn back at the base of the peak due to blizzard conditions, but i was glad to get as far a I did, it is beautiful up there, and the snow just made it more breathtaking.
We also visited the 3 waterfalls, i even jumped under the first water fall on the lower level to get a much wanted photo.
We then had a bit of a dip in the water above harnetts falls..... very cold but so worth it. It ws last Thursday we went to falls which was the only sunny day we had all week, so mother nature was kind. It is a shame that anyone would miss out on both these side trips. I did find everyone seemed to be racing to the huts because of the weather.

[norts]

I like camping at Kiaora, it is a nice spot to camp. The platforms are nicely spread out amongst the trees and with the creek right by you it is one of the nicer spots.
Also the late afternoon sun on Cathedral can be spectacular.

I have always thought the Windy Ridge site uninviting, although the new platforms are nicecly spaced out.

Roger

[frank_in_oz]

Just arrived back after heading in via the Walls , across the Never Never and north to Cradle and out. Ran into several parties who were skipping Kia Ora and heading south pretty quickly.

There seems a mindset to beat the land speed record of "doing the track" without enjoying all it has to offer.

Many stories to come about the trip..........

[Iluvtheoutdawz]

Frank

I'm wondering whether the two 'Taj Mahals' at Pelion and Windy Ridge
are having an unfortunate effect in tunneling walkers past Kia Ora,
driving that 'gotta get there today' attitude, a real shame.

Looking forward to hearing about your latest walk, particularly interested
in your route finding through the Never Never. Did your assumptions re the
Convent Hill route result in dryer feet and less bush bashing?