Sunday 18 February: Cradle Mountain circuit

A somewhat disturbed night due to the loudness of the rain reverberating onto the van outside and the sound of snoring reverberating within. By the morning the day seems a little brighter although too much cloud cover to allow views of the summit of Cradle Mountain. We initially retrace our steps of yesterday but in the opposite direction, passing a number of heavily laden hikers starting the Overland Track up to Crater Lake and then to Marion's Lookout which is clear with good views of Dove Lake and the base of Cradle Mountain beyond. Up into the mist for while,mat least we are not tempted to attempt the summit today. The path continues through the button grass on raised boardwalks which makes for easy passage. We the leave the Overland Track trail to curl around the horseshoe below the face of Cradle Mountain and eat our picnic in the shelter of a climbers hut. The path is quite steep in places and involves holding onto chains which challenges my mountaineering capability somewhat. The weather is much drier than yesterday and the clouds occasionally clear from the side summit of Cradle Mountain, Weindorfers Tower with its impressive cliffs, however sadly the iconic view of Tasmania will have to remain an image from the guidebooks only. The path meanders through scrubland and rainforest and eventually joins the Lake Dove circuit path together with crowds of Asian tourists. Shuttle bus back to the Vistors Centre for a coffee before hot showers and a well overdue laundry session back at base. It does feel warmer than when we arrived although certainly cool. Off to the west coast tomorrow which we hope may be a little warmer.