Ice House - Zig Zag Tracks 9 Apr 2024

The walk today was to be a return walk to Smiths Monument via the Ice House Track on Mount Wellington but as a result of the Zig Zag Track being re-opened a couple of weeks before the group decided that a round trip from the Springs Car Park up the Ice House Track and then across to top of Mount Wellington  to the Zig Zag Track and back to the car park was a better option.

The weather for the day was forecast to be cold, windy and cloud covering the top of the Mountain.

Setting of from the Car Park.

 

Our first view down the Channel from the Milles Track.

Then the climb up the Ice House Track commences.

A suitable sunny spot for morning tea.

Sally and Chris's concentration produces results.

Chris getting excited when the top first comes into view.

A view through the trees of the entrance to the Derwent River.

Awaiting the leader to make a decision at a track intersection.

So we inspected the remains of one of the original Ice Houses.

A bit of history about the Ice Houses.

(Taken from the Notes on Wellington Park Map - provided by Sally C.)

The Derwent and beyond from near the Ice House.

 

Next layers as we arrive on the top of the mountain.

A panorama taking in the views back to the river.

Some of the stunning dolerite boulders on this part of the mountain.

More dolerite boulders as a backdrop.

The low cloud did not eventuate and we had clear skies and interesting cloud formations while crossing the top of the mountain.

The start of the descent of the Zig Zag Track.

The track is amazingly well constructed and the views on the way down were stunning today. 

However there were a few complaints about "jelly knees" when we reached the track back to the car park.

Whilst the walk was relatively hard everyone enjoyed the experience of the re-developed Zig Zag track.

We had 17 walkers today who covered 7.4 kms and climbed and descended 500 meters in 5 hours.

Thanks to Ingrid for her photos.