What do you want to do? What are you willing to do? Are you brave enough to venture to the mysterious and fearsome shores on the other side of the world to bring Jack back?
——Pirates of the Caribbean
Tasmania, referred to in Pirates of the Caribbean as the "end of the world." In 1982, the Tasmanian Wilderness, as one of only three remaining temperate wilderness areas in the Southern Hemisphere, was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Because it is not connected to mainland Australia, its development has been relatively slow, thus preserving an exceptionally pristine and natural landscape. Towering peaks, deep glacial valleys, vast and desolate marshes, ancient sea cliffs, dense rainforests, and the best-preserved and most extensive temperate rainforests... It is here that Hayao Miyazaki built the fantastical fairy-tale worlds in his works. It is also here that one of the "best hiking trails in the world," the Overland Track, lies hidden — a route I have long dreamed of exploring.
In September 2014, my wife Amy and I, as the championship team in the hiking category of the 8th "Endless Experience – The Gore-Tex Outdoor Dream Realization Activity," and also the most unique "couple team" in this category to date, embarked on a six-day, 80-kilometer trek across the full length of the Overland Track.
First Sight – "The Trail of Doom"
On September 28, with the plane jolting violently upon landing, I opened my drowsy eyes and glanced out the window — a scene of desolation. And it was this very desolation that told me: after more than half a year of preparation, we had finally arrived at the mysterious realm of my dreams — Tasmania. After a brief rest in Launceston, we headed to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and stepped onto the Overland Track, renowned as the best hiking trail in the world.
The "best hiking trail" gave us the "bleakest sight" right from the start. Looking around the wooden path, all we saw were boundless wilderness, withered tree trunks, and low, sprawling grasslands. With the gloomy weather and overcast skies, everything looked even more desolate and eerie, like the bleakness before the end of the world. Though I had seen many photos of the national parks on overcast days before our trip, being immersed in it for the first time still left me awestruck and somewhat overwhelmed by the endless barrenness. As the path climbed uphill, it became steeper, and the wind grew stronger. In Amy’s words, a gust of wind nearly knocked her over. We had to put away our fleece jackets and switch to the Gore-Tex brand jackets provided for us to shield against the fierce chill.
The road to Lake Windermere was an endless expanse of desolation
After what felt like hours, the light began to fade, and we spotted a sign — two hours to Waterfall Valley Hut. I checked my watch; it was almost 6 p.m. At this pace, we’d definitely be hiking in the dark, so we dared not rest. Under such pressing circumstances, the trail continued to test us: large, jagged rocks littered the middle of the path, and we tiptoed across them cautiously, afraid our hiking boots or trekking poles might get stuck in a crevice... After leaping from ridge to ridge and sprinting for over an hour, when it was almost completely dark, we finally caught a glimpse of the camp’s faint lights ahead. Pushing open the cabin door, a few early hikers sat scattered inside, and the warm orange glow enveloped us. Like Little Red Riding Hood lost in the deep forest, Amy and I had finally returned to grandmother’s warm embrace.
Arriving at Windermere Hut, Amy looked like a weary Little Red Riding Hood
Revisited – "Rainbow Paradise"
A good night’s sleep. Before dawn, the hut began to stir with activity as hikers from around the world got up, and we quickly packed our sleeping bags and mats. It was still raining outside, the raindrops pattering loudly against the roof, casting an air of mystery over the day’s journey. Initially, the rain wasn’t too heavy, and we could occasionally pause to take a few photos in the downpour. But after passing through a stretch of forest, the rain intensified. Watching the rain cover on my camera bag getting soaked, I wisely stowed the camera inside my Gore-Tex jacket to keep it dry. Along the way, several beautiful lakes appeared, appearing like heavenly pools in the pouring rain and misty haze — uniquely stunning, washing away the remnants of the "trail of doom" in our hearts. Then, a heavy snowfall in the afternoon turned the endless wilderness into a glistening silver wonderland, as breathtaking as a sacred scene.
Amy, fully equipped in Gore-Tex gear, happily takes photos in the snowy pine forest wilderness
After crossing a gully, we entered a primeval forest. This forest, nestled in the valley, was much larger than the previous ones. There was no strong wind or snowfall, just towering leatherwood and eucalyptus trees surrounding us, with streams murmuring and the air filled with the fragrance of plants. According to the guidebook, this must be the place known by the wonderful name: Lemon Thyme Valley. Just when I thought it couldn't get any more beautiful, the primeval forest near Duken Hut that we came to next left us speechless with its breathtaking beauty. It is one of the rare temperate rainforests preserved since the Ice Age — incredibly precious. Walking through it doesn’t feel stuffy or oppressive, nor does it have the humid heat or strange animals typical of tropical rainforests. Here, there are only tall trees, exotic flowers, wild fruits, mosses, and mushrooms. Amy and I unconsciously slowed our pace, chatting as we walked, as if wandering through a rainbow paradise...
In Lemon Thyme Valley, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale world
Farewell – "Dreamlike Lake St Clair"
Crossing endless mud bogs, swamps, streams, and wetlands, traversing boundless wilderness, encountering serene and beautiful lakes, passing by spectacular rugged mountains, and journeying through primeval forests untouched for millennia... On October 3, we finally arrived at Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake. The deep blue sky hung solemnly and peacefully; the ferryboat’s oars cut through the lake’s surface, creating tiny ripples. Blue sky, white clouds, green mountains, and crystal-clear water created a magical, fairy-tale-like scene. That night, we stayed by the lake. At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight broke through the horizon, I knew it was almost time to say goodbye. Alone once more, I returned to the lakeside and quietly sat on the dock, waiting for the sunrise and perhaps a platypus — but mostly, I gazed at the distant mountains, the path we had traveled. The gentle lapping of the lake against the shore acted like a metronome, while thick clouds in the sky occasionally let shafts of golden light pierce through. There I sat, motionless, for the whole morning in the strong wind.
Morning at Lake St Clair
Back at the campsite, we finished off the last of our sweets, dried fruits, and cereals. Then, reluctantly, we returned to the lakeshore for some crazy selfies, drawing the attention of many tourists who stopped to take pictures of us. In this way, we left the footprints of love from these two "crazy" Chinese visitors on the mysterious and stunning land of Tasmania.
Two crazy Chinese "crazies" taking wild selfies
Though it was time to say goodbye, Amy’s radiant smile will forever remain on the docks of Lake St Clair
For a full six days, hiking over 80 kilometers along the entire Overland Track, Amy and I, armed with long-lost courage and determination, reached the mysterious and fearsome shores on the other side of the world, "crossed the end of the world," and finally reunited with our dreams.
Tips: In 2007, Gore launched the "Endless Experience – The Gore-Tex Outdoor Dream Realization" campaign, providing Chinese outdoor enthusiasts with a standardized and expansive platform to engage in outdoor activities. The event solicited outstanding travel plans online, with Gore and its partners offering travel funding and equipment support to the annual champions. The 8th edition of the "Gore-Tex Outdoor Dream Realization" campaign in 2014 officially began in August. The Gore-Tex brand provided travel funding for the champion team, while its partners — The North Face®, KOLON SPORT, NORTHLAND, Subaru, BLACK YAK®, and OZARK GEAR — sponsored the team. The 9th edition of the "Gore-Tex Outdoor Dream Realization" campaign is set to launch next March.