The relentless restrictions continue OLT

[Nuts]

It would have been good to have the OLT usage policy topic kept open. Not in order to (just) find fault but to continue the process of clarification and local consultation. No doubt given the constraints of time, money, experience those working on such projects can't be expected to have a view much broader than their job description.

I'm thinking that signs/ clarification of the rules is a good thing, much better than just control by frowning or making things up to suit. Rules to be bent or worked around has been mentioned. I'd prefer nothing left to interps (or alternatively a 'rule' hasn't passed the test).

So.. usage policy, combined with this particular sign (at PV turn off):

Those doing the Ducane Circuit can't go up via Ducane Gap... Unless.. they can make it up there and off track in a day, not using Windy Ridge Hut. Is this too far for a 'short' day walk? Is the Ducane Circuit more dangerous given that the more difficult section will be a few days away (weatherwise)? I haven't seen the other signage yet, these are just a couple of quick ponderings that came immediately to mind..

[norts]

There is one of those at the Old Pelion Hut as well. The Thetis / Achilles/Peron Bluff/ Pelion West circuit should only be done as a short day walk otherwise you are breaking the law!

Roger

[Nuts]

Not sure norts. Your safe with a night at Pelion (if you want to stay at the.. node..) you can then call the walk to Thetis turnoff a short day walk (Overland Track wise). If you come back on to the (OL) track at P-west you'll need to be back to (or past) Pelion Hut? i guess you could again stay there somewhere that night (?)) I'd think that was a separate day walk?

Going up to Pelion West first, is that a short day walk from Pelion. If you came across a track ranger (say) at Frog Flats, you carrying a large pack, will he be expected to turn you back (i know a few of them, good people and i doubt they wouldn't listen to your plans but..)

[Nuts]

The booking season has been extended. I'm not sure whether the reasoning for this has been stated publicly? Even if not it seems a logical conclusion (from the discussions here) that too many people were traveling in that 'shoulder' season to avoid paying fees?

Anyhow, from what iv'e seen these people aren't defined by being more experienced and able to handle the conditions. I guess all they have in common is a lack of funds (for one reason or other). As follows, this can flow on to equipment carried.

I hope it works, i hope these same people wont just plan for June-September.. perhaps not.

[norts]

I had no issue when I was talking to the track ranger and when I told him my plans ie 2 nights up on the Pelion Circuit , he didn't say I couldnt, was quite encouraging actually. Just if you got someone who was sticking to the letter of the law and not using a bit of CDF you could be fined for disobeying a law sign/direction by PWS.

Roger

[Nuts]

Having done that job for a while, the 'CDF' needs to be applied back at the office. No evidence they aren't doing this, my comments (however they come across) are in the spirit of helping out rather than paying out. Some obvious tweaks are needed but generally the track (the 'nodes' at least) are cleaner and a nicer experience. It is also good to see (helpful) staff actually out in the bush at all.

Personally, and I very much doubt (given the experience of the current crew ( those I've met)) there will be many dramas, I would continue my walk regardless. The rules designed to control fee dodgers wouldn't apply no matter how interpreted..

Generally I think it is a shame to have a fee structure that requires any policing in the wilderness but I doubt (even if unviable) we'll get to start from a clean slate again.

[MrWalker]

The sign claims that the reason you can't go past that point is to avoid overnight overcrowding. But this ignores those who want to do day-walks past that point.
I've done a day-walk to Hartnett Falls (from accomodation at Lake St LClair) and spoke to the staff at Lake St Clair before and afterwards and they didn't mind. So it would be easy to get to Du Cane Gap or similar places without needing to stop overnight. They should just make it a fee for camping (or using huts) anywhere on the track.

[Ent]

Fee for hut, the NZ model makes sense.

[Flyboy]

The majority of the rangers I think do employ common sense, but that doesn't mean they all will - and you run the risk of a "fine" if you run into a jerk, or some brand new ranger who thinks he owns the place.

I ran in to such a ranger earlier this year - late January in fact, who was the live in ranger at Windy Ridge. While he was a rude to my group, the contempt which he displayed when berating some others was beyond belief. He had two lovely middle age ladies almost on tears because they were thinking of catching the ferry but hadn''t made a booking... WT *$&#?

He was lucky he didn't get have to get a medical chopper to retrieve him... A few times I thought he was going to need it after abusing some walkers who had run out of patience with him.

Run in to a muppet like him - and common sense won't be applied.

[zorro]

I don't mind paying the fee and walking in one direction,[the thought of walking back thru a multitude of dills telling me I'm walking the wrong way would send me round the twist] ,but I do object to the attitude of some of commercial operators. The fact that these people can make so much noise and it goes largely ignored by rangers amazed me." If you wanted peace and quite you should have gone somewhere else", [yeah you know who you are] small comfort. Now they have lengthened the season and upped the rate I will definately contemplate the options.

[JamesMc]

It could be so simple. Book your stay each night in the hut you want to use, otherwise camp out and don't use facilities. Works fine in NZ. How hard can it be?


JamesMc

[zorro]

Actually is that ranger still at Windy Ridge? I will never stay there again.

[Nuts]

It could be so simple. Book your stay each night in the hut you want to use, otherwise camp out and don't use facilities. Works fine in NZ. How hard can it be?


JamesMc

(Flyboy/Zorro)

The fees could only go up, there is no 'resident ranger' there are 2/3 in the park at any given time, someone would need to be at each hut...

There is a private hut (tour) group and several tent based companies moving through the park, when they aren't on the group platforms it could be anyone...

From many observations of the park staff they are mostly conscientious though not overbearing. From what iv'e seen of the other tour companies they are equally (mostly..) considerate of others.

It makes no sense to generalise about dramas on the track without also giving dates, details etc. I see the reason in bringing it up here as it encourages others to have a say, that and there are also some park staff that visit the forum. On their own generalised complaints don't show much respect for those trying to do a good job.. (ie, some of the other forum members : ))

The best idea is also passing this on directly to the park service. In this case the OLT manager email is direct access in this topic: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=10864

[wayno]

the NZ model varies. on the great walks during the peak season, over the warmer months you book a bunk.
a few of the more popular huts outside the great walks also have a bunk booking system, most huts you buy hut tickets but you arent booking a bunk, its first in first serve, plenty of huts are over loaded in summer, if youre not a fast walker you'll be sleeping on the floor or under the hut a lot...theres only a limited amount of logic applied to which huts have to have bunks booked, there are lots of huts that have been over loaded in summer for decades and no booking system applied.. doc is decentralised and different regions apply the rules as they see fit.