2020 Australian Alps Walking Track
kosciuszko-back-country-closures-map-sept-2020
Its now 52 days until I am supposed t0 start my journey on the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). Note the use of the words ‘supposed to’. By now most of my planning decisions would have been made, my gear selection sorted, and I usually would have started my serious pack training two months out. This year however has is very different and will no doubt be something we talk about years into the future, and not just because of COVID.
The issue I am dealing with is, in most cases, common to most but not all.
Issue 1: Injury: A couple of week ago I sustained a shoulder injury. I wouldn’t have minded so much except I was just walking up the stairs at home, stumbled and in the process I managed to tear a shoulder muscle. This injury is an ongoing problem for me and one that ripples down the entire length of my body. I know how to deal with it but it’s just plain annoying and has changed my pre-hike preparation plan.
Issue 2: COVID! I can get into Victoria now but need the restrictions on movement to be relaxed to be able to move freely and cross back into NSW. Things are looking up in Victoria as I write this post and pending any relapses, it’s looking like the border closures and crossings will be resolved allowing walkers to complete the journey. We are still 6.5 weeks off but we are getting there.
Issue 3: Fires. This is the big issue for this track and is likely to be what stops me and everyone else doing the walk prior to Christmas.
- The first decision point is in NSW and the wintertime park closures are due to cease on 12 October. It’s at that point I can see any remaining impacts from last summers fires. The northern end of Kosciuszko National Park is the issue at the moment. The current option is to road walk through Adaminaby and Cooma which isn’t something I would really want to do.
- In Victoria the issues are potentially worse. I contacted Parks Victoria this week and there are a number of areas across a several parks that are effected – it’s looking like these areas may not be opened until December-January.
The closures in Victoria will remain an unknown until early November which is less than two weeks out from the start. As a ‘just in case’ I am arranging alternative hikes and boy is it difficult to find long distance hikes that aren’t effected by fires. It’s lucky I love to plan!
Its now 52 days until I am supposed t0 start my journey on the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). Note the use of the words ‘supposed to’. By now most of my planning decisions would have been made, my gear selection sorted, and I usually would have started my serious pack training two months out. […]