Mt Oakleigh sunrise
I’ve just completed my second trip on the Overland Track in Tassie with the first one being 20 years ago as a teenager. The weather last time was bad, didn’t see Cradle Mountain as I walked past, nor Tassie’s highest peak Mt Ossa. The weather this time was worse with constant sleet and then snow and didn’t see either mountain again, however the sky cleared one morning for 10 minutes before snowing again. Whilst the track is a lot easier than 20 years ago with some boardwalks it is still very much a challenge and the mountain atmosphere is a powerful force not too be underestimated, even in summer. Didn’t get many images but after fresh snow this place is just pure magic.
The Veil
This shot to me represents Cradle Mountain how it is for most of the year. Only 50 days are clear but they are the ones shown on the postcards. The beautiful still lake and lovely reflections on a bright sunny day……been there a few times and never seen it like that. I was happy enough that at sunset I got this small glimpse as the moody snow clouds rolled in for another dump
The Cradle
This little glimpse was the best in 4 attempts at a sunset but that is the nature of Cradle Mountain. I’ve hiked right past it and not seen a thing on other occasions as it was a blizzard in the middle of summer so I have nothing but respect for the place in it’s wildness. The same can’t be said for the amount of tourists that head up there, so many now that you have to catch a bus into the place in the peak and they have converted an old airfield into a car park at the terminal, I reckon enough space for 1000+ cars! All the more reason to go in the cooler months as you almost have the place to yourself and can go in and out as you please, although decent light opportunities are fleeting and getting to the locations is a trudge through snow.
Lush
Taken during our recent trip to Tassie after nearly a foot of rain for the month. Got sick of trying to get a glimpse of Cradle mountain with crap light so headed into the forest using the umbrella to keep the drizzle, sleet and snow off the lens. I guess that this is when the forest is at it’s best – wet.
Andrew Brown Photography - A.B Scenes 