Australia,  Tasmanian Trail

I’m About to Hike the Tasmanian Trail

Fitting day or weekend hiking trips around uni has been fun, what with trips to Freycinet, Mt Arthur, Quamby Bluff, Ralph falls etc. However, I feel like I need a bit more of a challenge. Seeing as the COVID-19 situation in Australia isn’t exactly ideal, I don’t want to leave Tasmania for fear of not being able to return home. So, I found an adventure closer to home – the Tasmanian Trail.

The Tasmanian Trail is a 470km long-distance trail running from Devonport in Tasmania’s north, to Dover in the south. You can bikepack it, ride a horse or, as I’m planning, hike it.

Image courtesy of Gayle and Kim, Longrides.bike

I’ve only let my plans become public over the past week. Beforehand I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it or not. I love watching people’s reactions when I tell them what I’m planning. Astonishment, disbelief, thinking I’m joking, think I’m gonna get myself killed, impressed. Or with some of my more adventurous friends, just a laid-back ‘That’s nice, have fun’. The downside of letting my plans become public knowledge is that now I can’t back out. Actually, that may be a benefit.

I’ve done a little research and can’t find any fastest known time for female, self-supported. I’ve asked around but I’m hoping I may be able to set a record! I might also be able to set the youngest solo hiker record.

I already feel like I’ve prepared more than I did for the Te Araroa two years ago. Not that that’s saying much! I probably haven’t trained enough wearing a pack but I’ve been running a lot, doing day hikes and spending a bit of time bouldering. Hopefully that counts for something?

My pack is also going to be a lot lighter. I’ve changed my gear somewhat and cut out the unnecessary stuff. I could go lighter if I replaced more gear but I’m tight and would rather lug my old stuff around! However, I have purchased a down sleeping bag and a personal locator beacon. A friend who’s done the PCT and the AT looked at my stuff. Apparently I’m on the right track!

I’ve booked a bus ticket to Devonport ($1.80!) and my first night’s accommodation. The next step is calculating how many days food for the first stage…

Anyway, that’s it for now, I have three exams to study for but you’ll hear from me again soon!

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