Rees-Dart Track 2010

Today I did the Glasgow Rd track in the Mt Dandenongs with Jo P and Joan. This is probably the hardest walking I have ever done, the track is rocky and straight up the side of the mountain with bouldery sections.

Glasgow Rd, Dandenongs Victoria.

Half way up.

I don't even mind going up so much, I concentrate so much on my footing that I don't realise how hard I am working. I hate the descent more than anything, every step is precarious and this afternoon I have sore wrists from holding on to my walking poles so tightly. Normally my heart rate is around 150-160 on the way down, just from fear, but today it was in the 130's most of the way which means I am gaining confidence. A round trip takes me around 3 hours, I need to do this track as much as possible but finding people to walk with during the week is hard, it is not safe to walk it on your own (too rocky).

The view from the top.


Jo J told me about the Paddy Pallin outlet store in Ringwood, so I decided to stop in with the hope that the pack I tried on yesterday would be available in last years colours. Sure enough it was and I saved $130!

So now I have a pack, I am going to load it up and start walking around Albert Pack in the mornings with it. I know it is really flat, but the more kms I can do the better prepared I will be for the NZ trip.

As today is Boxing Day, I thought it would be a great time to start purchasing some gear for the trek. I plan to hire as much as I can, however I do need to buy some big ticket items such as a pack, shoes etc as I need to train in them as much as possible.

I started the day in the City at Paddy Pallin; after trying on several packs the sales person recommended a mens size 60 litre Aether Opsprey pack for $349. As my budget is around $300, and there was no Boxing Day discount, I thought I would go home and do some research on the net and try and find another retailer of Osprey packs to track down a cheaper price.