AAWT advice

A forum for discussing the Australian Alps Walking Track. This is a 655 km long track from Walhalla (Vic) to Tharwa (ACT)

Re: AAWT advice

Postby paidal_chalne_vala » Thu 18 Dec, 2014 7:27 pm

"The big risks of the AAWT (in no particular order) are snakes, trips and falls, heat exposure/dehydration, hypothermia, and bushfire"
Yes that is quite right. You need to keep a safe body temperature. This can be harder than you imagine in extreme heat and/or extreme cold and wet.
I swear by Oral rehydration solution for when you are really slogging it up or down a 1000 M + ridge or mountain spur. Avoid cotton clothing , period.
Falling over and cutting yourself or breaking a bone is not that hard to do out on the trail. Rocks by streams are slippery, steep descents can cause you to slip and fall quite easily. Creepy crawlies are ever present. Even just swarms of March flies are a real test !
Being caught in a flood at Wilson's Prom was very scary but a bushfire would be twice as bad, and one could imagine that might be curtains :-0
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Mark F » Fri 19 Dec, 2014 7:50 am

While reasonable fitness at the start is important, you will quickly build up fitness once you start walking - just take it easy over the first few days. One secret to finishing these long walks is not to push yourself too hard on any day and certainly not for a few days in a row. Push too hard for 2 or 3 days and you won't finish.

To me your main task would be to get as many weekends out walking and camping as possible so you can develop a good camp routine and really dial in your gear aiming for as little weight as possible. It should be possible to get your pack down to a base weight (all gear excluding food, water and fuel) under 7kg. This becomes about 14kg with 7 days food and water.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby GBW » Wed 04 Feb, 2015 8:17 pm

For anyone interested, I have a truckload of photos (over 1000) from the Baw Baw to Mt Howitt section which I did with my partner last month over 17 days. Now I'll warn you...there's no award winners here... plenty of duplicates, a crap camera and even worse photography skills...but hopefully of some benefit to anyone contemplating the AAWT, like me.

1 Baw Baw village to Whitelaw Hut https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 35bbb561de

2 Whitelaw Hut to Stronachs Camp https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 160fefa3cd

3 Stronachs Camp to Thomson River https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 8dc3b067b8

4 Thomson River to Blue Jacket https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 2f03a869ee

5 Blue Jacket to Fiddlers Green https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 87d884d7ac

6 Rest day at Fiddlers Green https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 736a5e32a5

7 Fiddlers Green to Black River https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 29f59dd8f4

8 Black River to Mt Skene https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 63f3e2543c

9 Mt Skene to Rumpff Saddle https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... ca3185346c

10 Rumpff Saddle to Mt Sunday https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... f65f6b9fc7

11 Mt Sunday to Mt MacDonald https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 362a60c830

12 Mt MacDonald to Barkly River East https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 7585853fa7

13 Barkly River East to Mt Clear https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 6bd0e35b59

14 Mt Clear to Mt Magdala https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 9972d436cb

15 Mt Magdala to Macalister Springs https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... ed82c626e5

16 Macalister Springs to Mt Buggery https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 8a2071bfe0

17 Macalister Springs to Mt Howitt carpark https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... 0bc2003613
Last edited by GBW on Fri 06 Feb, 2015 8:42 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby walkon » Wed 04 Feb, 2015 9:11 pm

Oh thanks gbw
You could have bored me with all those picks when I was over the other day :).
I'm still not getting fb though so they will have to wait. I guess I will see the real thing soon enough
Cheers Walkon

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Re: AAWT advice

Postby jjoz58 » Wed 04 Feb, 2015 9:30 pm

I suppose I should post about the walk I started on 11 Nov 2014, Mt Hotham to Tharwa.

Started on a bad day with high winds and heavy rain on the open ridges. Had a bit of a cold and the people in front of me had left the fire going in Derrick Hut and it was like an oven when I walked in. Meet 5 members of a Sydney club, 2 victorians with huge packs (8 - 10 days rations apparently) and 2 Russians walking from Bright to Mt Hotham at Dibbins Hut on the first day. I never saw another person until the NSW/Vic border but more about that later.

The going in and out of hot huts and into rain and wind worsened my cold so I ended up taking 3 days to get to Ropers hut including one day of 6 kms because I felt like s%$t. After Ropers it was all go and even though I had an extra day up my sleeve, I started to push it to make up some time.

Crossed the Mitta Mitta near Kennedy's Hut and I may have passed the NSW people then as there were some walkers near the bridge in the picnic area. Up to Johnnies Top where there is a new mobile tower and telstra has full bars.

Along Buenba Creek was alive with snakes and I saw 7 over the 5 odd Kms. 2 tigers as thick as my forearm, 4 brown coloured snakes and one snake that struck at my pole. I didn't know what sort it was as it had a black back, cream belly and an orange/red stripe down the side. My wife identified it when I spoke to her as a copperhead.

The area from Buenba creek to Wombat Flat Track, in Chapmans book is supposed to be poorly defined, but I found the track well marked. One of the Rangers in Omeo, Debbie, had said they had done a lot of work in this area and I found that true. I put in some big days across here to make up that day and I was actually got back on schedule. Coming up the steep spur to Cowombat Flat Track which I did early in the morning, I again hit lots of snakes on the rocky ledges. These were all black with cream bellies and are apparently another type of copperhead. Some of them didn't want to move either.

I reached the NSW/Vic border at lunch time on the 19th or about 300 metres short where the track comes up and there is a big rock fire place on the left. Had lunch then went over to take some photo's of the plane wreck. I was here in 1987 and there has been a lot of people taking souvenirs over the years as there is not much left.

Then Murphy raised his ugly head. I was bending over packing my pack and reached behind and down for the stove and when I straightened got a pain in my lower back that had me on the ground in spasms. In spite of 6-8 panadeine forts after one hour I pushed the button as I was going no where. I was still lying there 4 hours later when the local Omeo cop turned up with a paramedic. The 80 odd km trip back to Omeo Hospital was only accomplished with the generous application of morphine and muscle relaxers. At least I now know the inreach works.

I started worried about my hips that had both been replaced about 3 years ago and ended up injuring something I have never had trouble with. Turns out it was probably a pinched nerve as the specialist couldn't find anything except a bit of narrowing of the hole in the bottom disc. Just bad luck and I keep thinking I may have gone too hard to make up a day I didn't need to.

Still a very beautiful walk and I will be back, but probably with a group next time as a heap of people have asked if they can come along.

When I came back just before xmas to pick up the caches and rubbish, someone had knocked the one off (cache) at the blue water holes. I had them all marked with an expected arrival date so someone may have thought since I was over they could have it.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Bushwalker99 » Thu 05 Feb, 2015 4:58 pm

I walked the AAWT IlastNovember and December. We were a group of 5 and finished in 44 days with 38 walking days and the others were rest days usually in accommodation in places like Mt Hotham, Thredbo, Talbingo. Our average age was 66. Two big issues for you will be placement of food drops (we had drops every 6 or 7 days) and the quantity and quality of food for the walk. Really important to get enough calories or you will lose a lot of weight and strength. You will need lots of protein and carbohydrate and vitamin supplements are a good idea. My research suggested about 800gms of dry weight ( ie dehydrated) food per day. We all carried close to this but on average lost about 6 kg per person despite the odd beer and steak when we were in accommodation.
The walk is fantastic and I wish you well
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby wildlight » Thu 05 Feb, 2015 5:10 pm

Hey Bushwalker99

Thanks for that inspiring post! Gosh what a lot of info in just a few lines. If you feel so inclined- could you enlighten us on
    age of oldest walker
    age of youngest walker
    where you placed food drops
    what you would do differently if doing it again
    location of trip report / photos etc (if any)
thanks again
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Bushwalker99 » Thu 05 Feb, 2015 7:24 pm

Hi Wildlight,
Our oldest walker was 72 and the youngest 60.Our food drops were at Mt Skene, Mt Hotham, Taylors Crossing, Thredbo, and Kiandra. At a couple of these places we had friends come in with the food and they were able to drive us to nearby accommodation when needed. This was a great help and very nice to enjoy the rest stop with friends. If doing the walk again I would get in more training before the walk. 3 of us had leg wear and tear issues and this was partly an age thing (bugger) and partly a belief that we would walk our way in to fitness - wrong! I reckon you need to start really fit! ie OK to carry 16 km a day up 1000m climbs day after day. Especially in Victoria.
I will send some photos later when I am better organised. I can suggest some accom places along the way if you wish. They are generally happy to hold food drops for walkers.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby walkon » Thu 05 Feb, 2015 8:17 pm

Gee I'm a spring chicken compared to that mob, hat's off to you and your mates bushwalker I can't wait to get started. New tent arrived today so I might have to take off for a bit and get used to it
Cheers Walkon

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Re: AAWT advice

Postby wildlight » Thu 05 Feb, 2015 8:20 pm

Hey Bushwalker99:

PM sent- so as not to derail this thread. Essentially- I am astounded by what you guys have done.

Walkon:

The AAWT would certainly get you very familiar with your new tent by the time you emerge at the other end!

Cheers

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Re: AAWT advice

Postby oyster_07 » Thu 05 Feb, 2015 8:55 pm

Bushwalker99, you Sir, are the sort of person I want to be at your age.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby GBW » Thu 05 Feb, 2015 9:11 pm

Yer, great stuff Bushwalker99, hats off to you guys. Love to see some pics.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby askew116 » Fri 06 Feb, 2015 2:13 am

I've just completed the first draft of my itinerary, if anyone could take a look at it and offer advice, I'd really appreciate it.

I've based this itinerary on John Chapman's track notes. I'm looking for an easy-ish hike most days (if that's not an oxymoron to describe the AAWT!), and have included a few rest days and side trips.

Although I've included the actual dates, these are not necessarily going to be the dates, but is included for my own reference mainly.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby walkon » Fri 06 Feb, 2015 7:57 am

Got to love a good spread sheet :)).
AS NNW says I'm doing this the wrong way around which is the opposite way to you. So I liked looking at all your climbs. Looks good from here.
Cheers Walkon

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Re: AAWT advice

Postby GBW » Fri 06 Feb, 2015 9:41 am

Gidday askew116, I can only comment on the section I've done but the food drop at Rumpff Saddle, we put food/water up near Jamieson Licola rd on Barkley River Jeep tk which is above Rumpff. There's a nice camp there and if you're going to have a rest day the views are much better up top near Mt Skene and closer to the road. Also Chesters Yard and Macalister Springs are nice campsites.

walkon...I should have tied you down and made you sit through 3 hours of torture like a scene out of A Clockwork Orange.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Bushwalker99 » Fri 06 Feb, 2015 5:52 pm

Hi jjoz58,
Sorry to hear that you couldn't complete your walk. We were the group of 5 who met you at Dibbins Hut and we often wondered how you went. We had a rest day at Taylors Crossing on the MItta Mitta river so it was probably us that you saw in camp when you came through. The water tank at Mt Wills was empty when we arrived so hope you found some. Based on your dates we arrived at Cowombat Flat the day after you.
Cheers,
Bushwalker 99


[/quote]
jjoz58 wrote:I suppose I should post about the walk I started on 11 Nov 2014, Mt Hotham to Tharwa.

Started on a bad day with high winds and heavy rain on the open ridges. Had a bit of a cold and the people in front of me had left the fire going in Derrick Hut and it was like an oven when I walked in. Meet 5 members of a Sydney club, 2 victorians with huge packs (8 - 10 days rations apparently) and 2 Russians walking from Bright to Mt Hotham at Dibbins Hut on the first day. I never saw another person until the NSW/Vic border but more about that later.

The going in and out of hot huts and into rain and wind worsened my cold so I ended up taking 3 days to get to Ropers hut including one day of 6 kms because I felt like s%$t. After Ropers it was all go and even though I had an extra day up my sleeve, I started to push it to make up some time.

Crossed the Mitta Mitta near Kennedy's Hut and I may have passed the NSW people then as there were some walkers near the bridge in the picnic area. Up to Johnnies Top where there is a new mobile tower and telstra has full bars.

Along Buenba Creek was alive with snakes and I saw 7 over the 5 odd Kms. 2 tigers as thick as my forearm, 4 brown coloured snakes and one snake that struck at my pole. I didn't know what sort it was as it had a black back, cream belly and an orange/red stripe down the side. My wife identified it when I spoke to her as a copperhead.

The area from Buenba creek to Wombat Flat Track, in Chapmans book is supposed to be poorly defined, but I found the track well marked. One of the Rangers in Omeo, Debbie, had said they had done a lot of work in this area and I found that true. I put in some big days across here to make up that day and I was actually got back on schedule. Coming up the steep spur to Cowombat Flat Track which I did early in the morning, I again hit lots of snakes on the rocky ledges. These were all black with cream bellies and are apparently another type of copperhead. Some of them didn't want to move either.

I reached the NSW/Vic border at lunch time on the 19th or about 300 metres short where the track comes up and there is a big rock fire place on the left. Had lunch then went over to take some photo's of the plane wreck. I was here in 1987 and there has been a lot of people taking souvenirs over the years as there is not much left.

Then Murphy raised his ugly head. I was bending over packing my pack and reached behind and down for the stove and when I straightened got a pain in my lower back that had me on the ground in spasms. In spite of 6-8 panadeine forts after one hour I pushed the button as I was going no where. I was still lying there 4 hours later when the local Omeo cop turned up with a paramedic. The 80 odd km trip back to Omeo Hospital was only accomplished with the generous application of morphine and muscle relaxers. At least I now know the inreach works.

I started worried about my hips that had both been replaced about 3 years ago and ended up injuring something I have never had trouble with. Turns out it was probably a pinched nerve as the specialist couldn't find anything except a bit of narrowing of the hole in the bottom disc. Just bad luck and I keep thinking I may have gone too hard to make up a day I didn't need to.

Still a very beautiful walk and I will be back, but probably with a group next time as a heap of people have asked if they can come along.

When I came back just before xmas to pick up the caches and rubbish, someone had knocked the one off (cache) at the blue water holes. I had them all marked with an expected arrival date so someone may have thought since I was over they could have it.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Bushwalker99 » Fri 06 Feb, 2015 7:24 pm

GBW wrote:Yer, great stuff Bushwalker99, hats off to you guys. Love to see some pics.


Hi GBW,
Thanks for your kind comments,
For some photos you can go to our club website http://www.bushclub.org.au Go to the photo gallery and then look for the AAWT photos. The site is open to the public. We were 3 guys and 2 girls plus some other walkers for some of the stages. It was tough going but we did it!!!!
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby jjoz58 » Fri 06 Feb, 2015 9:29 pm

Bushwalker99 wrote:Hi jjoz58,
Sorry to hear that you couldn't complete your walk. We were the group of 5 who met you at Dibbins Hut and we often wondered how you went. We had a rest day at Taylors Crossing on the MItta Mitta river so it was probably us that you saw in camp when you came through. The water tank at Mt Wills was empty when we arrived so hope you found some. Based on your dates we arrived at Cowombat Flat the day after you.
Cheers,
Bushwalker 99


Glad you all made it Bushwalker

I was very peeved at the time but had a lovely stay at the Omeo hospital, probably because I was the only patient. I'm glad we have free ambulance cover in Qld as the bill for the paramedic out to me and back was a bit steep. I must admit though they were great, the paramedic and cop. Gavin and Steve.

I filled up on the way up to Mt Wills and I had water at a cache on the Omeo Hwy. I checked with the ranger at Omeo when I was putting out the caches and Mt Wills was one of the tanks they thought was low. Sorry I should have mentioned it. For those that are doing the AAWT the rangers at Omeo look after the trail from Mt Hotham to the border.

Did you see the 2 Victorian walkers again?

I'm planning a trip back there in 2016, same time of year, but I'll be bring some members of my club with me and do it with a support vehicle.

Cheers
JJ
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Bushwalker99 » Sat 07 Feb, 2015 7:14 am

Yes we saw the Victorians several times and they completed the whole walk the day before us. A good effort with their huge packs. We met Gavin the Omeo policeman and he is a good guy
Cheers
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby madmacca » Mon 09 Feb, 2015 8:30 pm

askew116 wrote:I've just completed the first draft of my itinerary, if anyone could take a look at it and offer advice, I'd really appreciate it.

I've based this itinerary on John Chapman's track notes. I'm looking for an easy-ish hike most days (if that's not an oxymoron to describe the AAWT!), and have included a few rest days and side trips.

Although I've included the actual dates, these are not necessarily going to be the dates, but is included for my own reference mainly.


You may have difficulty placing the first food drop at Rumpff Saddle at that date. That road is closed over winter, and re-opening will depend on weather and road conditions. High country roads should be open by Thu 29 Oct 2015.

Personally, I'd prefer to take a rest day somewhere on the Mt Magdala-Macalister Springs-Mt Speculation section over Mt Skene/Rumpff Saddle, but I can understand wanting to take a break after your first week.

You may want to reconsider your Barry Saddle to Mt Hotham plans. Day 16 is one of your longest days (and the biggest elevation gain), followed by a pretty short day. And Mt St Bernard isn't really a good place to camp. Camping somewhere around Murrays Hut might split this into two more even days. There are a number of new water tanks in that section which may alter your planning - check Chapman's
website updates for details. http://www.john.chapman.name/aawt-upd.html

Your approach to Thredbo has a similar pattern - perhaps Cascade Hut might be an alternative over Thredbo river?

Also, Taylor's Crossing is a very popular campsite with car campers and fly fishers, and very open and grassy - I'd be concerned about the security of a food dump there. The Benambra-Corryong Rd (Vollmer's Yards) is probably a more secure option.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Eljimberino » Sat 14 Feb, 2015 8:22 pm

I finished end to end south to north today if anyone has any questions.


Ride On
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby north-north-west » Sun 15 Feb, 2015 8:17 am

No questions, just congratulations.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Bubbalouie » Sun 15 Feb, 2015 9:45 am

Eljimberino wrote:I finished end to end south to north today if anyone has any questions.


Ride On

Congratulations.

I will have many questions in a few weeks, still putting together a plan for the Thredbo to Hotham section for late October.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby walkon » Sun 15 Feb, 2015 8:55 pm

Eljimberino wrote:I finished end to end south to north today if anyone has any questions.


Ride On


Congrats well done.

Will certainly have a few, I'm heading off in the not too distant future. So current info always good.
Cheers Walkon

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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Eljimberino » Mon 16 Feb, 2015 7:08 am

Thanks. Looking at Stuart Island plus south Island Te Araroa now.


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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Lophophaps » Mon 16 Feb, 2015 9:28 am

Does anyone know if there is an accurate record of how many people have done the AAWT, or even an estimate? Also, is there a breakdown by year and direction?
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby Eljimberino » Mon 16 Feb, 2015 9:56 am

The helpful lady at Namadgi visitors centre estimated about 40 people per year walk end to end.


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Re: AAWT advice

Postby madmacca » Mon 16 Feb, 2015 5:20 pm

Lophophaps wrote:Does anyone know if there is an accurate record of how many people have done the AAWT, or even an estimate? Also, is there a breakdown by year and direction?


Namadgi would only have a record of nobo finishers, not sobo.

There are a number of bushwalking clubs that have a regular calendar of walking a section each year, so that you would walk the entire trail over 5 or 6 years.
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby north-north-west » Mon 16 Feb, 2015 5:35 pm

madmacca wrote:There are a number of bushwalking clubs that have a regular calendar of walking a section each year, so that you would walk the entire trail over 5 or 6 years.

From the time I did my first walk on it until I filled in the last section was 31 years and a few months. I wonder if that's some sort of record?

Almost all of it has had more than one visit, and most has been done at least four times. I think the most repeats would go to the Main Range section, with at least 30 visits. I'm not even sure that when I first did the Main Range that it was even part of the official track. When did it get officially extended north of the Victorian border?
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Re: AAWT advice

Postby north-north-west » Mon 16 Feb, 2015 5:42 pm

Answering my own question. Chapman/Siseman seem to be the best source for the historical AAWT:

Acceptance by other government departments followed and grants were obtained to finance track marking. Work on the track started in 1970 and by 1976, the Alpine Walking Track was completed. The route was marked with distinctive yellow diamond markers, some of which still exist today. Much of the track linked together existing tracks thus reducing costs.

For 20 years, the Alpine Walking Track ended at the New South Wales border. The managers of the Kosciuszko National Park were not interested. In the early 1990's, a major change occurred when the governments of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT recognised the Australian Alps as a single entity. The resulting cooperation has seen the track extended through to Canberra as originally proposed - it has thus become a symbol of the common link between all the parks. The eastern end of the track in Victoria was re-aligned to cross the state border in a more suitable location for continuing onto Canberra.
"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."
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