Bushwalk Australia

Is it necessary to sterilize water on the OT? Have never done so elsewhere in Tassie and never had trouble, but never been where there are so many people! And, are there tanks at the huts? And, if you tent, how do you attach the tent to the platforms if it's not free standing?

Ive only ever used water sterilsation once in Tas and that was for stagnant water on the southern ranges. I perosnally wouldnt bother sterilisng water on the OT, i think a hand sanitiser is far more benefitial. and yes they have rain water tanks at each hut.

There are things you can tie into on the platforms. Don't camp on platforms if you can get away with it I guess. Would pay to take some extra cord for fastening the tent though.

I've never sterilised in Tas - when I get sick I might start.

There are wire cables on the platforms which you attach your tent to. The first time you try to use the cables it can be a bit fiddly but once you have used them once it is alot easier. As has been said in other threads, take some spare cord, also cup hooks can make it alot easier.
As to water, I have never treated water on the OLT, but use common sense about where you take water from when using creeks. There are alot of dirty people out there. Someone had done a done a number 2 right on the beach at Echo the other day, hadn't even bothered to cover it properly.

Roger

Arrgh, people do all sorts of nasty things out there!

Yes tank water is fine, the hand sanitiser is a good idea after touching Anything public. The creeks are probably a bit better, if anything, with reduced camping, but yes have a Good look around first, i'm sure you have a good idea.

Cup hooks for the platforms, ask the new track ranger to find a previous cup hook hole if he is concerned about damage..

PS Beware Fury Gorge, first 'good' water source after lunch, a bit of walking to get things moving. Good spot for a break, no toilet and presto- poo poo central! the obvious spot being above the track among the bushes- in the catchment..

Do the tank taps still have the cute little sign written by a lawyer saying in a bunch of polite words "drink the water at your own risk"?

I cannot remember the exact wording now but do remember thinking what a waste of resources that could have been spent on something else at the time. Kinda like putting "exit" signs in single room huts with a single door.

wander wrote:Do the tank taps still have the cute little sign written by a lawyer saying in a bunch of polite words "drink the water at your own risk"?

The newish OT ones say something like: "Treating water: The quality of this untreated water cannot be guaranteed. To be sure, boil water for three minutes or use purifiers or filters."

wander wrote:I cannot remember the exact wording now but do remember thinking what a waste of resources that could have been spent on something else at the time. Kinda like putting "exit" signs in single room huts with a single door.

The phrase "legal requirement" springs to mind. Coroner's reports on fires in buildings tend to put the wind up responsible owners/managers

cheers

Peter

Iv'e drank tank water up there all through the times of straining the possum poop and mossie larvae through one's teeth. It's never been better. Finally, when the trees have been cleared from around huts, problems with snow load fixed and new hut roofs with proper gutters and maintenance- we get signs.

Thanks people. I'm thinking about heading down the track next week. Bushwalked all over Tassie but have never done the OT, and I'm a wimp so don't really want to do it in winter however much I object to the fee.

you'll love it, TR. The danger of getting sick is really from the huts themselves - door handles, tables, benches - more than from the water. The rangers do a good job at trying to keep the huts clean (as do a small proportion of the visitors), but I still reckon the hut surfaces is the most likely place to pick up a gastro bug.

I am taking aquatabs just in case. I do have steripen, but I am trying to keep my weight down below 18kg, so I won't take it. It's good to know that I shouldn't need to worry much.

I am leaving on Tuesday so I might see you on the track?

I'm a bit excited at the moment. 21 years ago I was going to do it, but didn't.

Have Fun I'd agree with SoB huts, toilets, handles, taps. I don't touch anything around them, use sleeves, paper, whatever, then sanitiser as soon as i'm done. Camping probably helps, always seems to be someone sick around the huts.

Iv'e had the trots once and a debilitating day of cold sweats where i could only manage to drag out to the helipad and woke up when the dew settled that evening. That said we never treat water (but I can understand the worry). I haven't used puritabs in a long time, it would be a shame to taint water iir.

Drinking from creeks (go upstream if in doubt) & larger tarns along the way is fine, the ones to worry about are around any possible campsites or popular stops.

You'll have a great time Rachel .. you too greenie. A few minor precautions (hand sanitiser before cooking/eating, and after toileting; care with water collection) and then forget all about that stuff and get absorbed in the natural and social wonders that the OT represents

cheers

Peter

Greenie wrote:I'm a bit excited at the moment. 21 years ago I was going to do it, but didn't.

... and remember Greenie. You'll be in a Tasmanian National Park, not a NSW one. So need to pack the fluoro flack-jacket

cheers

Peter

Thanks people, now I've just got to manage to get away - too much to organise before leaving here for a week. That's going to be the hardest part of the walk. Greenie, whether I see you depends on how slowly you walk, I don't intend to do two days in one, unless I get to Waterfall Valley with plenty of time and energy. Thinking about doing Emmett on the way but I can do that as a day walk from home so may not bother.

Hmmm, packing clothes to go, beanie, woolie gloves, thermals, puffer jacket, forecast temperatures? The lowest maximum temperature for the next week is 24 degrees! The highest is 28. and it's going to be wet and cloudy most of the time. Did not expect this sort of weather forecast ... more likely to get heat stroke than hypothermia

Taurë-rana wrote: Thinking about doing Emmett on the way but I can do that as a day walk from home so may not bother.

Don't bother!! Definitely not worth a day of the OT, from all I've heard - maybe we can do a 'marathon' one day. What about Pelion West if you have time / energy? Or have you been there? Can't remember your list...

norts wrote:There are wire cables on the platforms which you attach your tent to. The first time you try to use the cables it can be a bit fiddly but once you have used them once it is alot easier. As has been said in other threads, take some spare cord, also cup hooks can make it alot easier.

Unfortunately I didn't have success witht the Akto on a platform, tho others manage ok.
Have used them before with free standing tent without too much drama.

Have fun! Damp but not cold...could be a lot worse?

Cheers,
K

Tortoise wrote:

Taurë-rana wrote: Thinking about doing Emmett on the way but I can do that as a day walk from home so may not bother.

Don't bother!! Definitely not worth a day of the OT, from all I've heard - maybe we can do a 'marathon' one day. What about Pelion West if you have time / energy? Or have you been there? Can't remember your list...

Emmett doesn't take all that long, just a massive heap of boulders to climb over. I think it took me 3 hours from Scott Kilvert. I know I move pretty quick, but if you aren't climbing Cradle, then you could squeeze it in to day 1. I'd climb Cradle over Emmett though....