Thursday, July 1, 2010

Trekking Taz: Day 1; The Woes and Thrills of Getting There

Words and pictures don’t do any of this justice


So Many things can go wrong here. Murphy’s law galore


The young American man woke up early for his adventure. He had everything he thought he’d need; clothing, food, Teffilin and siddur, and other knick-knacks. After weeks of anticipation, he was finally setting out into the brisk early morning to catch a flight to Tasmania, To Tasmania where he’d spend the next four days.

Things are never simple for the young American man as many of you know. He expected this. Two major things bothered the young man; the size of his bag and whether he’d be allowed to bring canned fish into Tasmania. If he weren’t allowed to bring in his canned tuna, then he would have to be very careful w/ his food during this epic trip.

Of course, the bags wound up being an issue- with all three young men in fact. With only one 15kg bag they could check in and only one 10kg carry on each, they shuffled their things around to see if it would work. The young man simply had to give up a canister of oatmeal and some rice to make his bag weigh exactly 10kg. The others still had to pay an overweight fee.


Though the size of the bag could still ruin the whole trip


Lo-and-behold even as the young man approached the very gate he was stopped because his bag was too bulky. He had to move to the side of the line and stuff his siddur, gloves, beanie, hat, and both teffilins into his sweater and jacket pockets. When he re-approached the gate he was poofed up in the oddest fashion, but his bag sure as heck made it through.

He walked right out onto the tarmac. The planes around him had their engines revving and the smell of petrol snuck into the young man’s nose. He was finally on his way!


Flight was an hour long

He slept most of the way


When he landed he descended the steps onto the tarmac again. The cool morning air felt nice against his cheeks and the Tasmanian sun was crystal clear. Into the small airport he went.


Into quarantine

Test # two

Will he be able to bring in his tuna?


One by one they bring their bags past the dog

Now his

Sniff sniff sniff

Pass!


They waited by the luggage carousel for their bag. A sniffer dog hopped right on the carousel to sniff all the bags. He’d sniff it, and walk right over to the next. When there weren’t any bags the dog would prop his front legs on the side and simply keep up w/ the carousel only with his hind-legs. If a bag was no good, he’d just sit down briefly and get awarded a treat as the bag was removed.


Quick taxi ride to Hobart

Wow Hobart!


Hobart is a city that wraps around an enormous lake. Driving in, a newcomer is baffled by the beauty of the city; the way it seems sleepily centered on the lake and extends upwards in the hills creating a bowl made of houses, half-filled w/ water. A huge bridge connects the two sides of the city and as one crosses over they can see Mt Wellington towering in the background. Along with all the ships and sailboats in the water, Hobart is quite a scene.


Get to the bus stop

Shaacharis and explore!


The young man left the bus stop. The place seemed more like a small town than a city. People were walking the streets bundled up in scarves because of the chilly air. He made turned the corner and discovered a farmer’s market. The young man decided he’d see what goods he could buy for his trip. He walked down. It was still morning and the sun shown low and right into this little area filled w/ honey, fruits, vegetables, and even nuts. He looked all around the booths until he found bags of carrots for $3 a bag. The young man picked up the bag and fiddled around for some coins. A little Asian girl, perhaps ten years old, came up to him, “Excuse me sir how can I help you?” The young man looked down and smiled at the charm in her polite voice, “I would like a bag of carrots.” “That’ll be three dollars. Would you like a bag?” “Yes please.” The young man gave her one two dollar coin and one one dollar coin. “Have a nice day!” she said as he left the market with his good bag of carrots.


The bus arrived

A large 21 passenger van type thing

With a compartment in tow luggage


They loaded their stuff and were off!

That is until the bus broke down right around the corner


No time to fix it

So they called another bus

A coach bus

A whole coach bus for six people

Riding in comfort


They rode and rode through the Tasmanian land. They trio was dropped off by a crossroad where a 21 passenger picked them up for the second leg of the journey; to the national park visitor center. The whole way the driver told them facts about the place and how now the whales are migrating. Maybe they would see one.


“Whales” the young man thought,

“Seeing that would make my whole trip.”


They left what they didn’t need at the center

Packed their backpacks

And headed the 4 kilometers to the trail


Walking down the road was exciting. They could officially call themselves backpackers now, carrying their entire week comfortably on themselves. But walking on the road is still boring. It was the hike they wanted to be doing! One of the young man’s contemporaries decided to stick out his thumb at a passing pick-up truck. The young man passively protested the gesture, “Come on, they’re not gonna—“


The truck eased on its brakes

It stopped for them!


The young man couldn’t believe it. The woman inside asked where they were headed. They asked if she could take them to the car-park down the road. “I can take ya as far as the bend.” She said.


They hopped into the back

The truck drove

This only happens in the movies!


She made it to the bend and turned to the side of the road. The three hopped off and thanked her for the ride. She responded w/ ‘no worries’ and ‘take care now’ and turned around. They marched on.


They made it to the car park

Filled up on water

Last filtered water they’d have for a while


Thanks to the bus breaking down they were tight on time. They needed to make to Hazards Beach before nightfall. The young man took the lead and marched and a set pace. It was a bit fast for one, but decided that when they needed to get somewhere, the young man would be in the lead. And so they went trying to beat the sun to the beach.


They lost

Nothing but torches to light the way


As they trekked to the beach they could hear the sound of the waves drawing closer. They finally reached a clearing and the young man’s face was hit with mist and the smell of the sea. Amidst the darkness and roar of the waves they decided to pitch tent right on the beach for lack of a better option.


A full moon was making its way over the mountains


They got the tent set up. The young man changed his undershirt to sleep in something fresh and dry. It was entirely to dim to see anything and he remained ignorant of the beach’s surroundings.


Time to eat


The young man popped open a can of tuna, some Pringles, and a boiled egg. He also threw in a carrot for some vitamin A and to feel fuller. His companions also took out whatever foodstuffs they had brought and dined in the darkness. His older contemporary had brought ethanol, some metal cups and holders and made a little stove to boil water. He boiled potatoes, radishes and carrots as well and made himself soup! It was certainly bland, but out there everything seems scrumptious. He also brought candles to read which proved excellent illumination for the tent. The young man was impressed by his friend’s forward thinking.


Time to sleep


Seven o’clock and dark. There is not much to do other than sleep, especially in anticipation for an early and long day to follow. The young man wasn’t able to secure a sleeping bag fit for the elements, but he brought along a sheet and blanket along with the bag he did get and hoped for the best.


He fell asleep to the sound of the waves quite warm

Until he awoke later

Because it was quite cold


Finally dawn came

The true start of their adventure

And the scene he beheld when he emerged from that tent…



Trekking Taz: Day 2; Up

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