Richea Creek
Posted inBushwalking

Richea Creek

With three days off in early July Kylie and I set our sights on Lake Rhona.  It had been a record dry June in many places so, despite being winter, we thought we had a chance at crossing the Gordon River.  We had heard mixed reports about whether the crossing log was usable so we decided seeing is believing.…
Back Yard Rain & Snow
Posted inTrail Running

Back Yard Rain & Snow

Up and down tracks of my Pearl Izumis(...and the 4WD tracks of a techo working on the TV towers) A couple of runs to report in the past week.  Last Sunday some rain had switched on the New Town Rivulet at the Clapper Bridge.  This was a pleasant contrast from last week when we found the stream unseasonably dry.…
Mount Field Snow
Posted inBushwalking

Mount Field Snow

Time for a break from Western Arthurs... Pandani Grove, Lake Dobson Looking ahead to the first week of school holidays two days stood out from the forecast.  With 12 year old Henry keen for an overnight hike it was easy to pick the best time.  As for location, options abounded.  We selected Mount Field which did not disappoint. Lake…
Back Yard Loop – Bridges
Posted inTrail Running

Back Yard Loop – Bridges

Yesterday was a relaxing home day - perfect for getting back into running with a gentle back yard loop. Mini troll's bridge I mentioned the loop in my first bog post (Inspiration).  There are many facets to our loop which I could describe in more detail.  No prize for guessing what trail features caught my attention on this particular…
Western and Eastern Arthurs Traverse – Part 2
Posted inBushwalking

Western and Eastern Arthurs Traverse – Part 2

A 12-day traverse of the Western and Eastern Arthur Ranges in Southwest Tasmania by Kylie and Clinton Garratt.  Part Two bags a pair of Abels, takes us past the famous Lake Oberon, introduces us to John Chapman's "difficulties*" and leads us on to High Moor. Day 3 - Square Lake to Lake Oberon After the balmy night at the foot of…
Windermere to Pelion
Posted inTrail Running

Windermere to Pelion

Heading south to Pine Forest Moor just before sunrise.  Mt Oakleigh brooding in the distance. Snowy walk, saturated run, even snowier walk.  What a way to spend a few days on Tasmania's iconic Overland Track!  This was my first time combining trail running with an overnight bushwalk.  On day one Kylie and I enjoyed a snowy wander from Dove…
Crescent Bay
Posted inTrail Running

Crescent Bay

Crescent Bay Yesterday guiding work took me to the Tasman Peninsula where I get to enjoy a lunch break lasting over 2 hours. Perfect for a run. Starting at Safety Cove I  followed single track from the end of the beach, through the Tasman National Park around Briggs Point, past Dog Bark, over Stand Up Point to the blowholes…
Inspiration
Posted inTrail Running

Inspiration

My trail running inspiration comes from many sources. I could mention my childhood home, family, faith, role models and many others. Perhaps living in Hobart, Tasmania on the slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington is inspiration enough. Setting out on the half-marathon Roller Coaster Run Recent inspiration springs from meeting my delightful, trail-running, South Australian wife, Kylie, in 2013.…
Western & Eastern Arthur Traverse – Part 1
Posted inBushwalking

Western & Eastern Arthur Traverse – Part 1

A 12-day traverse of the Western and Eastern Arthur Ranges in Southwest Tasmania by Kylie and Clinton Garratt.  Part 1 gets us onto the range and bags our first peaks for the trip. Day 0 - Farmhouse Creek We dropped our car at Farmhouse Creek hoping it would be there and willing to fire up on command in 12…
Western Arthur Winter Amble – Part 2
Posted inBushwalking

Western Arthur Winter Amble – Part 2

Day 3 - Mt Hesperus and Lake Cygnus After a night listening to the blizzard howl above our heads I set out for a day walk to Lake Cygnus and back.  Once back on the flat top of the range, some of the walking was easy in places where the wind driven snow had formed an icy surface which…