Kosciuszko Ten Peaks Hiking - The Diamond Way!

The DITRA Code ensures everyone gets the most out of their adventures.

By Michele Michel

Here at Diamonds, we have developed a ‘Code’ that we like to share when on a Diamond Day or Dream…our latest trip in late February to Kosciuszko National Park to attempt to summit Australia’s 10 highest peaks provided a perfect example of the code in practice.

I had the pleasure of doing this trip with Karen B, Karen M, Berni B, Megan W, Therese H and Denise M…we managed 8 of those peaks and it was an inspiration seeing how everyone took the code on board.

D- DILIGENCE. Being a 4-day full pack trip meant the hard yards had to be done to get ourselves physically ready. This team fronted up to training sessions with their fully laden packs and got their bodies strong. They all came along to the extra meet-up training hike – with all the right gear. They listened to the advice on what to take and what NOT to take. They were ready!!!

I- IN THE MOMENT. It can be easy when away to miss some of home’s comforts- but not once did this team lament about what was missing – but embraced all the special moments that were to be experienced being outdoors. Empowered by hiking in adverse conditions, invigorated swimming in the crystal-clear river, delighted in achieving another summit, amazed at the stunning wildflowers, listened to the sounds of the rain and wind on their tents at night, shared ideas and opinions on different dehydrated food options, laughed at the prospect of buying an ’avocado’ (see below).

T- TEAM. This T did stand for tolerance, however- I think that TEAM is more appropriate and fitting. Being part of a team- means you are tolerant of each other. It means you support each other with the day’s ups and downs. Sticking together when you hike- not labelling others into categories, helping each other set up or pack up, lending a hand on a rock scramble, keeping an eye on others’ moods and demeanour.

Due to a medical condition of one of our team- we had to change plans and get her off the mountain, the weather was atrocious so what should the rest of us do? Individual opinions were listened to- but once a majority consensus was decided, the whole team supported the final decision. For us, we all decided that missing that day’s two summits, leaving our tents in the mountains for the night, and going down with her and spending the night back in Jindy was best...and it wasn’t just the prospect of having pizza for dinner! It also meant that we had to divide her camp belongings between us to carry out the next day- not one complaint, not one hesitation- it’s just what you do!

R- RESPECT. This means- respecting each other, the guides, local customs, the environment. On this trip, we were faced with the prospect of respecting the environment big time- having to carry your own waste out (delicately termed our avocadoes)- was confronting- but everyone rose to the challenge and arrived with their kits ready to do what was necessary.

In every group there are different hiking speeds, different ways of doing certain things- we can’t all be the same (boring)- so respecting those individual traits is a key for harmony.

A- ACCEPT THE UNEXPECTED. All sorts of things can go awry on a trip- the weather, your gear, anyone’s health, track closures…really an endless list. We were met with all the above. Setting off in the pouring rain- not getting the expected views at first- spending a wet night isolated in our tents, losing one of the team due to ill health. We were given very short notice that the Main Range track was going to be closed- this meant one day having to be diverted off track down the steep slope to Lake Albina…and back up again- hard work with our very full packs.

Poles broke, a tent was lost. But despite a few of these setbacks- the skies did clear, we did get some amazing views, we got to sit at our campsite and dine together, celebrated with a nip of Baileys AND we got a Distinction with 80% of the ten highest peaks in Australia, done!