SOLE TO BARE

THERE seemed to be a hex on arrangements for our hike along Tasmania’s South Coast Track. It began with my walking partner Tom being dubious about the seals attaching the soles of my boots. In an outdoor shop in Adelaide the attendant, younger than my boots, declared them fit for purpose. “You’ll get another ten years out of these!” rings in my memory.

We bought tickets to Hobart and a flight on the only airline into Melaleuca. About that time, one of the operator’s twin-engine planes crashed near the Western Arthur Range, killing the pilot. After a brief suspension, flights resumed. The third unscheduled event was a series of lightning strikes which triggered bushfires across heritage wilderness areas. The South Coast Track was closed.

It re-opened five days before our flight to the start of the track but poor weather had led