If you do not know what murals are don't worry, you are not the only person, not on this side of globe at least. But hey, here comes auntie Wiki: check the Mural. Basically it is a painting (art work as nicely described) applied directly on the wall. Recently graffiti and street art are taking over the space reserved by murals nevertheless murals are still alive and each year there are many events popularizing this type of art. Just by chance I learned about murals, thanks to a walking encyclopedia - the bus driver transporting me and 5 other happy travellers to the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre.
The story behind Sheffield is quite interesting. The town has approximately 1,400 population but over 120,000 - 200,000 visitors wanting to see its famous wall paintings annually.
Inspired by a small Canadian town on Vancouver Island, Chemainus, that was rescued from vanishing through mural art, Sheffield managed to follow them and revive the town. Early murals were inspired with district’s pioneering history on their walls. I liked the town for the fact it was truly "organic", if you could say that about any town. Very small but well preserved so you could feel the pioneers walking the same streets as you, drinking the same coffee (as if!!). ;) The only "disappointment" was the local ice cream shop - well advertised with a colorful banner for home made delicious flavours - the shop was closed. Funny enough, all the 4 ladies from our bus took this as their agenda point and we all were dismissed with the doors shut.
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| One of the murals in Sheffiled, Tasmania. Each year the village is hosting a Mural Festival popularizing this form of art. |
The whole day was not about Sheffield, not at all. It started with a big bus delay and me nervously checking my watch in order to make calculations whether I will have enough time to walk the first day of the Overland Track.
Coming back to the bus driver, he really was a true walking enciclopedia. There was nothing he would not know aboutif you asked. From Tasmanian history, plants, animals, local events etc. etc. Including all the latin names of animal species, and a lot of funny anegdotes to share.
He also took us few pictures of us that he promised to post to all the participants. I completely forgot about that promise up until one day a postman came knocking at my door with a strange delivery from Tasmania - the pictures from the little journey. I copied some of them for you below.
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| My last coffee and a scone at Highlanders Restaurant in Sheffield. It will have to do for at least next 7-8 days! I had a wonderful company - Fiona & Colin, and Anne. |
In the restaurant, warm and cosy with home made cakes and nice coffee. Yummy! I love the scones and I have not eaten a decent scone since leaving Ireland some months before. What a treat!
The excitement and adrenaline were getting to us slowly. Coming closer to our destination meant only one thing - there would be no coming back after getting out of that bus! Fiona and Colin seemed to be very sure of their planning and preparations. Well, maybe Fiona was showing some signs of anxiety but not Colin!!
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| The three of us in the parking of the Cradle Mountain Transit Centre, about to courageously commence the famous 'Overland Track'. It was the last time together for the entire track time. We met by chance at the Visitors Centre on the other end. That was one of a surprising meeting!!! |
A steep and steady 2 hrs climb on narrow road from Sheffield led us finally up to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. What is this noise about again? The Overland Track? Ever heard of it before?
I have never heard of it up until back at home when planning the trip and looking for an inspiration for a trek. I started looking for some challenges around Australia and Tasmania. This trek was described as the most famous bush walk and a quite demanding undertake. It was really getting my attention and rising my adrenaline level when I was reading about it, all the bloggers and other backpackers recommending it.. how could I resist?
Want some flavour before we get going? Here it is.
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| The Pelion Range from Mt Oakleigh |
The weather is unstable and unpredictable, it is a common knowledge the 2 out of 3 days on the track you can expect to be raining. Snow can fall at anytime, which is common in the winter. The number of visitors on the track is controlled by the 'Overland Pass' system. You are obliged to walk it from north to south between November through April. There is a hut system along the trail however the sleeping spaces are not bookable therefore you are obliged to carry a tent in case there is no room for you in the hut.
The scenery is known for sheer mountains, rainforest, waterfalls, wild rivers and alpine plains. Amongst most common animals are the famous Tasmanian.. leeches.
Most common hazards are hypothermia and snake bites.
And I was going to see it all and experience most of it. On my own!
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