Cradle Mountain

The three of us set out around 9am towards Cradle Mountain. It’s a perfect day for it: a cloudless 18C with a gentle breeze. We’re headed towards Marian’s Lookout and the higher we go, the more that breeze is a godsend. It’s not far, distance wise, but it’s steep. Karina and I both stop often to catch our breath, the burning in my legs easing briefly before we tackle the next set of stairs. It’s the first part of the Overland Track, incredible views over Dove Lake and the Wombat Pool, reaching the top by clambering over rocks and climbing stairs with a chain we cling onto for stability. It’s worth it from the top. We sit on rocks eating our sandwiches, overlooking deep

blue water and rich green forest. Beautiful, as it so often is from this vantage point.

We take a different route back via Ronny Creek. It’s more shaded and goes via another waterfall, of course. This is Tasmania; the land of waterfalls and rainbows. The land beyond the creek is much flatter, covered with button grass with smaller waterways winding between the tufts. Up ahead there’s a group of people stopped on the path. We instinctively go quiet - there’s a little echidna burying his nose into the ground. He doesn’t seem too fazed by our presence, but the burrowing is a giveaway that he's not keen on all the humans trying to get a good photo. I confess to being one of those humans. Ben and Karina wait ahead in the shade while I admire his pale spikes and little rolling walk as he goes back into the bushes.

Just before the bus stop which takes us back to the carpark, Ben spots a wombat at the top of the hill. He moves fast, coming down the hill and within clear sight just as the bus arrives. It’s been a big day, we’re tired. A stop at the local pub for some potato wedges and giggle at the man we assume is a buck, wearing an odd dress and dragging a ball and chain on his right foot. Home, to dairy-free Magnum ice cream and an early night.