Training Log Archive: TheInvisibleLog

PITTWATER DUNES
I need say no more. This is one intense map, and I finally managed a run on it. It was exhilarating! Observations and conclusions in no order.
1. I ran carefully and slowly, apprehensive of all the stories of massive blow-outs. In the end, less than 4 minutes of errors was pretty good. It probably would have been more if I had run harder, but with all the exercise over the past few days, I was very tired in the legs.
2. I will be coming down more often for this map. In fact, it wasn't just the Barrs who turned up from Melbourne. Warwick Williams flew down as well. The Tasmanians were a little surprised.
3. The SI program they use down here is pretty neat. It stores details of the runners. As long as you have been registered at some stage, all you do is drop your stick in at the finish and it grabs your details from its database and works out what course you were trying to run. Given the potential for massive errors on Pittwater, it seemed to have no problems. This method of operation means no one is needed to make all the entries for the day. All that is needed is one person to add the occasional new entrant and to report to runners whether they have missed a control. Pity OE doesn't work this way.
4. There is a notice board with a series of instructional leaflets for novices and learners. It is displayed very prominently nest to the results.
5. Speaking of results, its fully self service. Again, reduces manpower requirements.
I ran with the GPS logging my track, so when Bendigo Route Gadget is up and running, I might upload just to prove I had a good run.

C • Pittwater 5

Tarn Shelf circuit on Mt Field. Very pretty, and reasonably sheltered from the strong west wind. WE seem to have fitted our holiday exactly into a period of pretty rotten weather in the south west. This was the only feasible day for a walk, and much of the walk was with head gear, gloves and parkas on. I'll put up a picture or two in a day or so.

An easy warm up along the Pipeline Track on Mt Wellington.

Up to the Organ Pipes to view the climbing area, to Chalet, back to and up the zig zag track to the top of Mt Wellington, along the plateau to Wellington South, back to the Pinnacle.

Run from top of Mt Wellington back to Fern Tree. Felt more than a little tired by the end. My day was the easy option. I piked on a trip out to the Cathedral with the ladies. Very beautiful area.

Used the 1999 model map for Pittwater. If Bruce can log Catching features time, I can log this.

Walk out from Hazards Beach campsite. Not used to pack carrying, so was a bit sore. Then wandered from Sleepy Bay across to the start of the Hazards Seal Level Traverse and dreamed of one day. For the uninitiated, this is a relatively easy rock climb for a couple of kilometres above the waves on the steep side of Mt Parsons. Today was not the day to be out there. Its been a while since I heard a hurricane force wind warning outside the tropics. As I type, Scotts peak weather station is recording an average wind speed of 80k, with gusts off the scale. The strong wind is predicted later tonight with the cold change. I'm glad I'm holed up in Hobart and not on Anne or the Arthurs as we originally were planning.
I did send a postcard to a past climbing partner to remind him of our joint desire to do the traverse. Another trip.
Addendum. I thing Cape Tourville must be one of the most scenic wheelchair tracks in the world.
Two items on the agenda tomorrow. A reccy of Hobart suburbs and a wander on the Pittwater map. Evan has advised we need to do that or we will be totally befuddled come Sunday. The suburb reccy has been guided by a consideration of the ABS social atlas. Like all towns, Hobart is clearly class stratified. Anyone would think we were considering a move here.

The Apsley Gorge Circuit. In short, must be one of the best short walks in Australia. Would be even better on a hot day when once could take a whole day and swim in every waterhole. And would be awesome after heavy rain.

Walk to Hazards Beach campsite via Wineglass Bay. At Wineglass there was a great game of beach cricket in progress. Stunning location. Had the Hazards campsite all to ourselves, which was a relief after the very crowded state of the track to Wineglass Bay.