You can sort of see the mountain in the background-- it looks like the dip of a hammock!

Karl and me outside of the hut where we ate lunch

Our bodies have been through a ridiculous variety of weather this past month. From tropics and sea breezes to summery mountains to mild city weather to chilly mornings and warm days, we can finally count seeing snow in our list!

I felt like quite the climber today as I trekked in a misty fog toward the summit of the famous bushwalk in Tassie-- Cradle Mountain. It lies at the beginning of the six-day Overland Trek in mid-western Tasmania.

Stepping up huge ledges that my weak legs could hardly handle and carefully stepping through slushy, slippery snow and risking falling knee deep into it at any moment, we made our way across the Plateau from Marion's lookout. I was hungry, cold and wet and couldn't wait for lunch when we stopped at the hut. Can't imagine that for six days!! My knee got quite a test, that's for sure.

The beautiful thing is, I wouldn't trade the experience for the world! Still, I was glad to change into dry clothes and grab a beer at the pub upon return to the carpark.

Sally insisted on feeding us before lettig us leave-- and we even made off with some homemade pecan pie that she got from a patient/friend just before we headed off! Adele would not say bye to us- apparently she often asked for us the whole day at home. Jack was funny- most of his mannerisms reminded me of Karl when he was little, especially the goofy, mischevious grin.

The family invited me back particularly to experience Tassie's summer. As John said, "Remember that when it gets too hot in Sydney, it's just right in Tassie." I think I will try to get back-- I'd love to see them again!

We headed back to Central City Backpackers in Hobart for the night, as we had to elave at 6:45 the next morning. Thankfully, we crashed early and getting up was no problem!