The clouds descended last night and this morning we are shrouded in mist: very tempting to light the log fire. Today the plan was to walk the circular path around Dove Lake if weather permitted but as it was permission was withdrawn at the last minute.
From the visitor centre, we took the shuttle to Dove Lake and saw the Cradle Mountain through the mist that was bearing down steadily. A walk to glacier rock and as the rain began to set in our will weakened and we decided that a taster would do for today. The terrain is spectacular and whilst we did not travel through it very far it had a profound impression. This area has the northern start point for the Overland Track at Ronny creek: it is so popular that you have to book and pay to join a select few who can trek the 65 kilometres south to Lake St Clair. Pristine is a term used a great deal to describe this beautiful world of amazing places, animals and flora. It certainly feels that way.
Making our way back to the car park, bedraggled and cold we huddled in the bus stop with a crowd of kids and parents and were grateful when two buses arrived at once. Had an illuminating chat with a German girl who had camped on the mountain and walked several tracks around the lakes. She had noticed how friendly and cheerful Australians were in general and contrasted that with the way she found her fellow Germans. As we had been listening to the traditional moaning from some of those notoriously ‘whingeing Poms’ over breakfast, we knew exactly what she meant. She had noticed how positive everyone here was about life and was hoping to take that back with her: “ It does not weigh very much! she said.
Now eating apple crumble and ice cream by an enormous log fire and drying off very nicely. Valentine dinner tonight.