Pictures Day 8 or the Trip Home
Funny about that sleep thing, another poor night, fitful sleep and woke too early when I did get to sleep.
Finally emerged at 5.30AM, dressed and staggered up to the kitchen Hilary was there already so an earlier than planned start looked good.
The promised snow from 3.00Am hadn't materialised, however the rain had.
Breakfast done, the cars packed we headed off down the hill.
Slow trip in the rain and with all the bends, to Mount Beauty.
After that quicker though my in car navigation really had the irrits today.
You'd think it would take you back the way you came, but no, we appeared to hoot all around the countryside, passing through places that I'd never heard of much less visit.
It finally settled on the Murray Valley Highway, until it speared off the highway taking what turned out to be the hypotenuse of the triangle.
It was not until I got to Ouyen that I really felt confident we were really heading to Adelaide.
It was a long trip, with stops in Swan Hill for coffee (ordinary and too hot) and a variety of wee stops, the last at Loomaroo.
I should mention we fuelled up at Ouyen and I had the dubious pleasure of a famous Ouyen Vanilla Slice. It was pretty good though the pink icing had glued itself to the Gladwrap making delicate eating impossible, especially driving!
Finally it was down the freeway and back to civilisation as we know it.
Peak hour. Bugger.
Thanks to ARPA, the walk leaders and Chris Bushell in particualr for a great week of walking.
As some once said "I'll be back!"
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 7 Mount Jim
Pictures Day 7 Mount Jim
Better nights sleep except woke early and the clock had gone out so couldn't see how much longer i had in the sack. By the time I found my glasses and looked at my watch, I was awake and there was to be more sleep.
Once again beaten to the kitchen by just about everyone.
Warmer according to the thermometre, but the wind blowing 40% chance of rain today, so we took the 60% chance of no rain option.
Today Mount Jim and Youngs Hut out the back of Falls Creek.
Short drive to the start at the Pretty Valley Pondage, that feeds the Mount McKay power house.
It's then a steady climb up the Fainter Fire Track towards Mount Niggerhead. We go past a cairn for Ben Cooper, a stockman who worked the Bogong High Plains for 56 years.
We then bus bash until we reach the Bogong-Hotham Pole Line. It's then on to the open Bogong High Plain again, with views of Mount Cope and Mount Jim, just, through the low cloud.
It's blowing from the west and freezing. I am wearing a long sleeve icebreaker, a short sleeve icebreaker and a vest and I'm still cold.
Thankfully it's not raining.
Mount Jim is just off the AAWT, and we need to bush bash to the summit. It's even colder up there and we are just under the low cloud. Morning tea is in a little nook, out of the wind, and quite pleasant.
We then descent off Jim back onto the AAWT, then leave it as it heads off to Mount Hotham and we continue on down Young's Spur towards Young's Hut.
The plain is undulating and we come across a herd of brumbies that eye us suspiciously.
we also meet a group of young backpackers, who also eye us suspiciously.
It's then into the tree line of snow gums, and we descend in search of Young's Hut. After some time Ian, our leader, feels we have gone too far, and it's time to stop, so we do and lunch.
We return the way we came, back up the spur, back onto the AAWT and so on.
By this time the cloud has lifted, and the views increased immeasurably, the wind did not abate and it remained cold.
Funny just how much your nose runs when there's a cold wind.
The final descent down to the cars was welcome. I was done with the cold wind and the nose thing.
As we walked past the end of the dam illustrated how cold it could be as the wind rushed over the water surface.
This called for a coffee, which we duly had on our return to Falls Creek at the Alta Coffee house, however whilst flavoursome, NOT hot enough.
Back up the hill to the Schuss and we have new arrivals, Di and Ron Capel who are here for the next group of walkers.
There is much discussion of future walks, best way to go, which way to do the hills etc.
It's also time to get some packing done for an early departure in the morning.
All the dirty stuff packed into one bag, the clean stuff in another, the wet boots from today on their own, the towel is of course wet from the shower. Hope that's dry by the morning.
Hilary, Cliff and Eve's stuff starts rolling up to the front door, for loading in the car.
We are back to the BBQ tonight to finish up the left over meat. Most of the pantry is now depleted.
Dinner has a certain vitality, which has not been terribly present previous evenings.
I think it's because most of us manage to eat together, at the one table.
The plot of the walk plus more pictures, click on the link below
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1413362&code=4da672f757bdb5daf703b57c0f558348
Better nights sleep except woke early and the clock had gone out so couldn't see how much longer i had in the sack. By the time I found my glasses and looked at my watch, I was awake and there was to be more sleep.
 |
| Ben Cooper's Cairn |
Warmer according to the thermometre, but the wind blowing 40% chance of rain today, so we took the 60% chance of no rain option.
Today Mount Jim and Youngs Hut out the back of Falls Creek.
Short drive to the start at the Pretty Valley Pondage, that feeds the Mount McKay power house.
It's then a steady climb up the Fainter Fire Track towards Mount Niggerhead. We go past a cairn for Ben Cooper, a stockman who worked the Bogong High Plains for 56 years.
We then bus bash until we reach the Bogong-Hotham Pole Line. It's then on to the open Bogong High Plain again, with views of Mount Cope and Mount Jim, just, through the low cloud.
It's blowing from the west and freezing. I am wearing a long sleeve icebreaker, a short sleeve icebreaker and a vest and I'm still cold.
Thankfully it's not raining.
Mount Jim is just off the AAWT, and we need to bush bash to the summit. It's even colder up there and we are just under the low cloud. Morning tea is in a little nook, out of the wind, and quite pleasant.
We then descent off Jim back onto the AAWT, then leave it as it heads off to Mount Hotham and we continue on down Young's Spur towards Young's Hut.
 |
| Lunch on Young's Spur |
we also meet a group of young backpackers, who also eye us suspiciously.
It's then into the tree line of snow gums, and we descend in search of Young's Hut. After some time Ian, our leader, feels we have gone too far, and it's time to stop, so we do and lunch.
We return the way we came, back up the spur, back onto the AAWT and so on.
By this time the cloud has lifted, and the views increased immeasurably, the wind did not abate and it remained cold.
Funny just how much your nose runs when there's a cold wind.
The final descent down to the cars was welcome. I was done with the cold wind and the nose thing.
As we walked past the end of the dam illustrated how cold it could be as the wind rushed over the water surface.
 |
| Mt McKay again, with no cloud |
Back up the hill to the Schuss and we have new arrivals, Di and Ron Capel who are here for the next group of walkers.
There is much discussion of future walks, best way to go, which way to do the hills etc.
It's also time to get some packing done for an early departure in the morning.
All the dirty stuff packed into one bag, the clean stuff in another, the wet boots from today on their own, the towel is of course wet from the shower. Hope that's dry by the morning.
Hilary, Cliff and Eve's stuff starts rolling up to the front door, for loading in the car.
We are back to the BBQ tonight to finish up the left over meat. Most of the pantry is now depleted.
Dinner has a certain vitality, which has not been terribly present previous evenings.
I think it's because most of us manage to eat together, at the one table.
The plot of the walk plus more pictures, click on the link below
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1413362&code=4da672f757bdb5daf703b57c0f558348
Monday, January 9, 2012
Day 6 Mount Nelse and couple of huts
Pictures Day 6 Mount Nelse
Slept poorly again, unable to go off to sleep, and when i did woke frequently, the iPhone clock glaring at me malevolently when I opened my eyes.
At 6.40AM, I gave up and had a shower and got ready for the day.
Most walkers up and bustling about, as usual. The day looked pretty good, certainly no rain clouds to be seen, though the outside temperature was at a daunting 3.1C and outside the wind was COLD.
We got away at the regulation 8.00AM and our start point was quite close, just near the dam wall of the Rocky Valley Storage.
Out of the cars and it was brisk, to say the least, of bloody cold to say a bit more.
It was up the Heathy Spur Track which is a steady pull until reaching the flatter Bogong Plains. After about an hour we hit the Australian Alpine Walking Trail, the AAWT.
Our objective, Mount Nelse is to the north, the AAWT looping around its side. A short way along the AAWT the turn off to Edmondson's Hut takes us west and after a short walk we enter a very pretty copse of trees, that houses the hut. Like most of the Alpine Huts, it is small, spartan and looking just a little unloved. Above the fireplace is a sign "Save Edmondsons". Like many of the huts it also sports someones wacky sense of humour, sporting an electric light with a pull cord.
Morning tea is in the hut and out of the wind.
Refueling over, it's back a long the track a short way, then bash our way up the hill to rejoin the AAWT for the final assault on Mount Nelse. The turn-off is soon reached and it's an easy stroll to the trig and cairn.
It's at this point Cliff realises he has misplaced his mobile phone. A quick call to Chris, who was just reaching the hut with the B walkers, as we left, to look for the phone, to no avail. No where to be seen.
Consequently, Cliff headed off alone, back along the way he came to see if he could locate it.
We headed off Mount Nelse, to get to Johnston's Hut some short walk away.
Johnston's Hut looked pretty neat and had a great outlook, to the dunny. The dunny mind you, had stable doors, so you could sit and gaze out.
It was then a short hard hill back to the AAWT where we came across a grinning Cliff. He had returned to the hut, was unable to find his phone so had a cup of tea, a couple of smokes and retraced the steps he had taken from the hut. Two paces into the aforementioned bush bash, right beside his foot was the phone. What luck?
The walk then continued south along the AAWT, where we had lunch under a huge old snowgum. Great place, however the wind made a long stay unlikely and after a relatively brief lunch we moved off.
This bought us down the hill through a very attractive area of old snowgum forest, eventually spitting us out at a covered bridge crossing the Langford East Aqueduct, which then contoured us back to our cars at Langford Gap.
An early finish meant a bit of sitting around. More Harry Potter and some preparation for tea.
Spag boll again, very good and some nice Annies Lane Shiraz complimented a good meal.
Click on the link below for the route of todays walk.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1412227&code=019f272149564aa4960d532743ea3b6a
Slept poorly again, unable to go off to sleep, and when i did woke frequently, the iPhone clock glaring at me malevolently when I opened my eyes.
At 6.40AM, I gave up and had a shower and got ready for the day.
 |
| Heading up the Heathy Spur Track |
We got away at the regulation 8.00AM and our start point was quite close, just near the dam wall of the Rocky Valley Storage.
Out of the cars and it was brisk, to say the least, of bloody cold to say a bit more.
It was up the Heathy Spur Track which is a steady pull until reaching the flatter Bogong Plains. After about an hour we hit the Australian Alpine Walking Trail, the AAWT.
 |
| Edmondson's Hut |
Morning tea is in the hut and out of the wind.
Refueling over, it's back a long the track a short way, then bash our way up the hill to rejoin the AAWT for the final assault on Mount Nelse. The turn-off is soon reached and it's an easy stroll to the trig and cairn.
It's at this point Cliff realises he has misplaced his mobile phone. A quick call to Chris, who was just reaching the hut with the B walkers, as we left, to look for the phone, to no avail. No where to be seen.
Consequently, Cliff headed off alone, back along the way he came to see if he could locate it.
We headed off Mount Nelse, to get to Johnston's Hut some short walk away.
Johnston's Hut looked pretty neat and had a great outlook, to the dunny. The dunny mind you, had stable doors, so you could sit and gaze out.
 |
| Lunch Tree |
The walk then continued south along the AAWT, where we had lunch under a huge old snowgum. Great place, however the wind made a long stay unlikely and after a relatively brief lunch we moved off.
This bought us down the hill through a very attractive area of old snowgum forest, eventually spitting us out at a covered bridge crossing the Langford East Aqueduct, which then contoured us back to our cars at Langford Gap.
An early finish meant a bit of sitting around. More Harry Potter and some preparation for tea.
Spag boll again, very good and some nice Annies Lane Shiraz complimented a good meal.
Click on the link below for the route of todays walk.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1412227&code=019f272149564aa4960d532743ea3b6a
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day 5 Rest Day
Pictures Day 5 Rest Day
I awake to the sound of gently falling rain, however my room, down in the dungeon of the lodge, masks POURING rain, when I reach the heady heights of the day room and kitchen.
We're up later as it is the rest day, and various bodies appear at various time, not the usual frenetic rush we usually have on walks days.
Our plans to head off to Mount Beauty are thwarted by the rain and the accompanying heavy mist.
The rain falls and falls and falls all morning.
We all settle back into coma mode, most reading, some resorting to jig-saws and I pick up the ARPA history "Talking Walking". The morning stretches out and finally at 11.30AM we decide the rain has eased enough to face a trip to the coffee shop and do some needed shopping.
It's a mad race to the car, and then down the hill to the village, where if anything the rain and mist is heavier.
It's another mad race to the coffee shop and the decision is made to make that out lunch stop as well. The coffee could be hotter, though I did ask for a latte so I guess that's what I had. The steak sandwich however was better and there were chips.
It was then another mad dash to the shops to find it closed!!
Back up the hill, to the other shop, which thankfully is open. I should add, that this was all in the car! No walking involved.
It seems most of the village thought the rain had eased too, as there are about eight people at the checkout, and a rather dithery man at the till.
Thankfully he calls for help. The man in front of me has things that are all marked down so won't scan. Ain't that typical.
Back up to the lodge, still raining and back to "Talking Walking" which I finish. It's well done and covers 25 years of ARPA Bushwalking. Lots of work.
I think we are the only ones to have left the lodge all day. All other plans to visit wineries etc out the window with the rain.
"Talking Walking" finished I resort to Harry Potter The Prisoner of Azkaban. Hell I must be bored. Well no, I am actually enjoying the series have just recently read the first two. Good escapist yarns.
Dinner was green Thai curry with red bits. Quite good tho the chef did accept the vegetables were slightly over cooked.
By 7.30 just about everyone has left the common room. Not sure where they go, though I can hear the TV on in the background.
I think the rain has stopped and the forecast for tomorrow looks hopeful. Tuesday OK too, though snow for Wednesday is interesting.
Today's walk for those who are interested click the link below
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1410585&code=72e5e12c92b5db1c3c70fd09bca5b77d
I awake to the sound of gently falling rain, however my room, down in the dungeon of the lodge, masks POURING rain, when I reach the heady heights of the day room and kitchen.
 |
| It's raining |
Our plans to head off to Mount Beauty are thwarted by the rain and the accompanying heavy mist.
The rain falls and falls and falls all morning.
We all settle back into coma mode, most reading, some resorting to jig-saws and I pick up the ARPA history "Talking Walking". The morning stretches out and finally at 11.30AM we decide the rain has eased enough to face a trip to the coffee shop and do some needed shopping.
It's a mad race to the car, and then down the hill to the village, where if anything the rain and mist is heavier.
It's another mad race to the coffee shop and the decision is made to make that out lunch stop as well. The coffee could be hotter, though I did ask for a latte so I guess that's what I had. The steak sandwich however was better and there were chips.
It was then another mad dash to the shops to find it closed!!
Back up the hill, to the other shop, which thankfully is open. I should add, that this was all in the car! No walking involved.
 |
| Did I mention rain? |
Thankfully he calls for help. The man in front of me has things that are all marked down so won't scan. Ain't that typical.
Back up to the lodge, still raining and back to "Talking Walking" which I finish. It's well done and covers 25 years of ARPA Bushwalking. Lots of work.
I think we are the only ones to have left the lodge all day. All other plans to visit wineries etc out the window with the rain.
"Talking Walking" finished I resort to Harry Potter The Prisoner of Azkaban. Hell I must be bored. Well no, I am actually enjoying the series have just recently read the first two. Good escapist yarns.
Dinner was green Thai curry with red bits. Quite good tho the chef did accept the vegetables were slightly over cooked.
By 7.30 just about everyone has left the common room. Not sure where they go, though I can hear the TV on in the background.
I think the rain has stopped and the forecast for tomorrow looks hopeful. Tuesday OK too, though snow for Wednesday is interesting.
Today's walk for those who are interested click the link below
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1410585&code=72e5e12c92b5db1c3c70fd09bca5b77d
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Day 4 Wallaces Hut/ Mount Cope/ Pretty Valley Hut
Pictures Day 4 Mount Cope etc.
Good night with odd dreams about being on a cruise ship in rough weather and looking for a massage!! Funny thing is, I wasn't seasick.
Again about last to breakfast, with the usual morning pandemonium. Thank goodness the coffee was good and the Weetbix nice and fresh. Ran out of milk tho!!
The walk today is flat, we are assured.
There's lots of Lycra at last, on the way out to the walk. We past a hoard of bike riders with Lycra that shrieks. It's the group we helped the other day, and I stop to catch up on Ariel, the injured rider. It appears he HAD some broken ribs and an injured A-C joint (joint between the collar bone and shoulder blade).
The cars are parked at Wallace Gap, near Wallaces Hut and it truly is quite flat. Wallaces Hut is supposed to be the most photographed hut on the Bogong High Plains. Of course we added to that supposition..
It's then a short walk off the track to Wilkinson's Lodge that burnt down in extraordinary circumstances. It survived the terrible fires that devastated the region, only to burn down about 5 days after the fires were put out. It caught fire on the night the local police and firefighters were celebrating the end to the wild fires, and none were sober enough to drive the fire trucks, so the hut burnt down. The dunny survives.
We then join the Langford West Aqueduct that takes water off the Mitta Watershed into the local Rocky Valley storage dam. It's flat, well very slightly up as we are walking in a direction opposite to the flow. There are trout in the aqueduct which we can see occasionally. At this point we also join the Australian Alpine Walking Trail or AAWT. We also come across a snake lying quietly on the path, that most of the walkers passed. It is about 10" long and happy for us to photo it.
The walk circuits past the Rover Lodge set up by the Scouts. The information board tells of their effort to get a cast iron stove to the hut, resorting to dragging it on greased poles from the nearest road.
We leave the aqueduct at the Bogong High Plains Road, walk up the road, past the site of the cyclist's fall, then along a indistinct path to Mount Cope.
Mount Cope sits on the Bogong High Plains and gives expansive view all around. We can see Mount Hotham Village, Feathertop, Mt Jim, Mt McKay and Mt Niggerhead. Great.
It's then a bushbash off the mountain to Cope Saddle and the SEC Hut which is pretty ordinary. Its at the confluence of two aqueducts that feed water into Pretty Valley Pondage which collects water for something.
the plains are quite boggy, rather like what we experienced on the Coast to Coast, though not quite as wet.
The walk finishes at Pretty Valley Hut, and nice hut in a very picturesque setting.
We have walked about 17 km and finish about 2.00PM.
Today is washing day, so all the dirty stuff is out for the washer. Typically, I find I have left about 3 items out and it's to late. Bugger.
Tonight we have the briefing for Monday's walk? This is so people on the rest day, tomorrow, don't feel they have to be back at 5.30PM for the briefing, so can stay out late.
Anyway more of that when it all occurs.
Dinner tonight is spag boll. and it's great. Most of the crew eat well before us, so it's Eve and Cliff, Hilary, Malcolm (whom we have adopted as we have too much spag.) and I left. Saturday night and everyone heads off for bed about 8.30PM. I am left alone doing my blog. No I am wrong, Kelly (wife of Patrick) is still doing the crosswords and Malcolm is up, doing I am not sure what. They are perched on the mezzanine, above me and very quiet.
That's ARPA for you
For those interested in the walk and other photos
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1409064&code=a576027d28f48b274c992236440c1f40
Good night with odd dreams about being on a cruise ship in rough weather and looking for a massage!! Funny thing is, I wasn't seasick.
Again about last to breakfast, with the usual morning pandemonium. Thank goodness the coffee was good and the Weetbix nice and fresh. Ran out of milk tho!!
The walk today is flat, we are assured.
There's lots of Lycra at last, on the way out to the walk. We past a hoard of bike riders with Lycra that shrieks. It's the group we helped the other day, and I stop to catch up on Ariel, the injured rider. It appears he HAD some broken ribs and an injured A-C joint (joint between the collar bone and shoulder blade).
 |
| Wallaces Hut |
It's then a short walk off the track to Wilkinson's Lodge that burnt down in extraordinary circumstances. It survived the terrible fires that devastated the region, only to burn down about 5 days after the fires were put out. It caught fire on the night the local police and firefighters were celebrating the end to the wild fires, and none were sober enough to drive the fire trucks, so the hut burnt down. The dunny survives.
We then join the Langford West Aqueduct that takes water off the Mitta Watershed into the local Rocky Valley storage dam. It's flat, well very slightly up as we are walking in a direction opposite to the flow. There are trout in the aqueduct which we can see occasionally. At this point we also join the Australian Alpine Walking Trail or AAWT. We also come across a snake lying quietly on the path, that most of the walkers passed. It is about 10" long and happy for us to photo it.
The walk circuits past the Rover Lodge set up by the Scouts. The information board tells of their effort to get a cast iron stove to the hut, resorting to dragging it on greased poles from the nearest road.
We leave the aqueduct at the Bogong High Plains Road, walk up the road, past the site of the cyclist's fall, then along a indistinct path to Mount Cope.
 |
| Mount Cope, looking to Hotham |
It's then a bushbash off the mountain to Cope Saddle and the SEC Hut which is pretty ordinary. Its at the confluence of two aqueducts that feed water into Pretty Valley Pondage which collects water for something.
the plains are quite boggy, rather like what we experienced on the Coast to Coast, though not quite as wet.
The walk finishes at Pretty Valley Hut, and nice hut in a very picturesque setting.
We have walked about 17 km and finish about 2.00PM.
Today is washing day, so all the dirty stuff is out for the washer. Typically, I find I have left about 3 items out and it's to late. Bugger.
Tonight we have the briefing for Monday's walk? This is so people on the rest day, tomorrow, don't feel they have to be back at 5.30PM for the briefing, so can stay out late.
Anyway more of that when it all occurs.
Dinner tonight is spag boll. and it's great. Most of the crew eat well before us, so it's Eve and Cliff, Hilary, Malcolm (whom we have adopted as we have too much spag.) and I left. Saturday night and everyone heads off for bed about 8.30PM. I am left alone doing my blog. No I am wrong, Kelly (wife of Patrick) is still doing the crosswords and Malcolm is up, doing I am not sure what. They are perched on the mezzanine, above me and very quiet.
That's ARPA for you
For those interested in the walk and other photos
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1409064&code=a576027d28f48b274c992236440c1f40
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 3 Mount Arthur Fire Track
Pictures Day 3 Mount Arthur Fire Track
Woke early as usual, though had a good nights sleep with only a few disturbances (to the loo of course). Came up to breakfast and as usual, one of the last, and again no pyjamas or Lycra.
Dear reader, those that have read my previous blogs will have noted by now I have made no mention of the coffee or the showers. The coffee gets no mention as it's been particularly good-especially as I have been making it myself! The shower, as they have been hot and plenty of water.
Breakfast over, it is off to traverse the Junction Spur Track, down into the Rocky Creek and then the Mount Arthur Fire Track around the side of Mount Arthur, ending back at the Bogon Power Station.
The outside temperature is 2.5 C, so it's bloody chilly There is some discussion about appropriate covering for the walk. It is fine however, so the prospect is good for a warm day-eventually.
We head off for Howman's Gap, again, and the A walkers head of UP the Junction Spur Fire Track, that is to take us DOWN to Rocky Creek. The burnt snow gums drum against each other in the wind. Occasionally they rub together and make noises like cats cats calling.
The up goes for some way, about 1 kilometre and then it is down about 500 metres to the Rocky Creek. The creek is more like a river and there is a choice of wading or rock scrambling. Ian our leader wades, as do the girls. Three of us decide to keep dry feet, which we do, though it is a bit hairy.
It's then a long steady ascent of about 1500 metres over the next 7 km. Every corner leads to another rise, though generally fairly gentle. The weather warms so we start to sweat a bit and obviously it suits the snakes, as we start to see quite a few-well four in fact.
They are all pretty placid and one, the one in the photo below just won't get off the track, so we
circuit quietly around it.
The vegetation is quite lush with the valleys filled with tree ferns being overlooked by tall mountain ash. They appear to survive the bush fires better than the snow gums.
Finally, we reach the top of our climb and truly contour around the summit of Mount Arthur.
We then get to the descent down to the Rocky Creek and Bogong village.
It is truly vicious on the knees and is 600 metres over just 1.5 kilometres.
This time the Rocky Creek is crossed with a bridge, and then it's a short stroll back to the cars near Lake Guy.
The group has done 23 kilometres in 6 hours 30 minutes with 2223 metres of descent-hard on the knees. My quads will complain tomorrow.
I drive Malcolm's Pajero back with 5 others. It's an automatic and gutless. Give me my diesel.
Then follows the afternoon routine of shower, change, then catch up the emails and start the blog.
Dinner tonight another BBQ, with Hilary and Eve competing for the best salad.
There is no winner.
The weather starts to change tomorrow so we have an easier walk, then our rest day, then I gather the weather will improve.
For the interested ones, our track click the link
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1408161&code=1b800fe24d24b53f4231eaa0a4be56c7
Woke early as usual, though had a good nights sleep with only a few disturbances (to the loo of course). Came up to breakfast and as usual, one of the last, and again no pyjamas or Lycra.
Dear reader, those that have read my previous blogs will have noted by now I have made no mention of the coffee or the showers. The coffee gets no mention as it's been particularly good-especially as I have been making it myself! The shower, as they have been hot and plenty of water.
Breakfast over, it is off to traverse the Junction Spur Track, down into the Rocky Creek and then the Mount Arthur Fire Track around the side of Mount Arthur, ending back at the Bogon Power Station.
The outside temperature is 2.5 C, so it's bloody chilly There is some discussion about appropriate covering for the walk. It is fine however, so the prospect is good for a warm day-eventually.
 |
| Waders and scramblers at Rocky Creek |
The up goes for some way, about 1 kilometre and then it is down about 500 metres to the Rocky Creek. The creek is more like a river and there is a choice of wading or rock scrambling. Ian our leader wades, as do the girls. Three of us decide to keep dry feet, which we do, though it is a bit hairy.
It's then a long steady ascent of about 1500 metres over the next 7 km. Every corner leads to another rise, though generally fairly gentle. The weather warms so we start to sweat a bit and obviously it suits the snakes, as we start to see quite a few-well four in fact.
They are all pretty placid and one, the one in the photo below just won't get off the track, so we
 |
| Black snake resting. |
The vegetation is quite lush with the valleys filled with tree ferns being overlooked by tall mountain ash. They appear to survive the bush fires better than the snow gums.
Finally, we reach the top of our climb and truly contour around the summit of Mount Arthur.
We then get to the descent down to the Rocky Creek and Bogong village.
It is truly vicious on the knees and is 600 metres over just 1.5 kilometres.
This time the Rocky Creek is crossed with a bridge, and then it's a short stroll back to the cars near Lake Guy.
The group has done 23 kilometres in 6 hours 30 minutes with 2223 metres of descent-hard on the knees. My quads will complain tomorrow.
I drive Malcolm's Pajero back with 5 others. It's an automatic and gutless. Give me my diesel.
Then follows the afternoon routine of shower, change, then catch up the emails and start the blog.
Dinner tonight another BBQ, with Hilary and Eve competing for the best salad.
There is no winner.
The weather starts to change tomorrow so we have an easier walk, then our rest day, then I gather the weather will improve.
For the interested ones, our track click the link
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1408161&code=1b800fe24d24b53f4231eaa0a4be56c7
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 2 Kelly Hut Track
Pictures Day 2 Kelly Hut Track
I slept much better, however woke at 6.00AM and failed to get back to sleep. No rain, thank goodness.
As the previous day, most walkers were up, and dressed and no pyjamas or Lyra once again, just the flurry of breakfast and lunch preparation, for the day's walk.
Today we are walking the Kelly Hut track that starts about 40km away and ends about 6 km away.
It's a long drive for the A walkers, who have the climb, going out, and a long drive home for the B walkers, who have the descent.
The A walkers have a long hard climb, that's why it's the A walk, but more of that later.
I am taking my car today, and Chris will bring it back. So we head off and about 20km into the drive we come across two cyclists bending over a third cyclist who has come off his bike. He is shivering and looking quite distressed. His complexion is sallow and he complains of a sore left shoulder where he hit the ground, and a sore chest. He also has multiple abrasions and scrapes.
A quick examination reveals very little in the way of any obvious breaks, however my concern is his pain on breathing. They have no support vehicle immediately available, so we bundle him into the car and I take him back to Falls Creek's medical centre-it's not open! He is training for the Falls Creek Triathlon and I think his Triathlon is over, I suspect he may have fractured some ribs.
We transfer him to the coach's vehicle, and I guess he's taken down to Mount Beauty for better assessment there.
I then return to the others who are waiting where the biker fell and we continue on to the start point of the walk at Shannonvale. We are by this time about an hour behind time.
The Kelly Hut Track climbs from about 825 metres to about 1800 metres, so it's all up, and up, and up for the next two hours.
We almost complete our climb and are met by the B walkers who, untrammelled by cyclists are about an hour further on than us, of course coming the other way.
Once the track flattens out, it is a spur trail to Kelly's Hut, a rather dilapidated old hut, with paradoxically a electric light switch. There is no power of course, as it's miles from anywhere. Eve had a fruity as the hut was quite a way off our course, and involved a climb out. "It's just another f...ing hut".
We then back-track to get to our lunch spot, Fitzgeralds Hut. By this time it's about 1.15PM so we're ready for it.
Fitzgeralds Hut is quite new, 1991, as it had to be replaced after a school group inadvertently set fire to the old hut! It's a pretty good hut, built out of old railway sleepers, with a nice stone fireplace and bunks. It is however only an emergency shelter.
From there it's a slight climb out onto a plain from which we can see the Bogon High Plains. We then tramp for about 5 km, crossing the Australian Alpine Walking Track and back to the cars. My feet are ready for a stop at this stage, they hurt.
It's been quite a warm day and I find I have consumed about 2.5 litres of my 3 litre Camelback.
Back at base, it's the usual shower and change. I decide to go and see if I can find how the cyclist got on. There was no-one at their lodgings so I don't know. Perhaps tomorrow.
At the evening briefing we learn about tomorrow's walk, which is a circuit and doesn't sound too demanding. It's the Mount Arthur circuit, that doesn't, by the look of the map.
It doesn't look like it circuits the mountain, just passes to one side. What's in a name?
The weather is supposed to be good until Sunday, our rest day, when all hell breaks loose, rain and thunder and lightening. Mount Bogong doesn't look an option.
Dinner is risotto with salad by Hilary. I thought she was cooking Rice-a-riso!!
For those that want to check out today's walk click the link below.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1407317&code=28fddb24cad1a14a3b4c127ea3df51be
I slept much better, however woke at 6.00AM and failed to get back to sleep. No rain, thank goodness.
As the previous day, most walkers were up, and dressed and no pyjamas or Lyra once again, just the flurry of breakfast and lunch preparation, for the day's walk.
 |
| Kelly Hut |
It's a long drive for the A walkers, who have the climb, going out, and a long drive home for the B walkers, who have the descent.
The A walkers have a long hard climb, that's why it's the A walk, but more of that later.
I am taking my car today, and Chris will bring it back. So we head off and about 20km into the drive we come across two cyclists bending over a third cyclist who has come off his bike. He is shivering and looking quite distressed. His complexion is sallow and he complains of a sore left shoulder where he hit the ground, and a sore chest. He also has multiple abrasions and scrapes.
A quick examination reveals very little in the way of any obvious breaks, however my concern is his pain on breathing. They have no support vehicle immediately available, so we bundle him into the car and I take him back to Falls Creek's medical centre-it's not open! He is training for the Falls Creek Triathlon and I think his Triathlon is over, I suspect he may have fractured some ribs.
We transfer him to the coach's vehicle, and I guess he's taken down to Mount Beauty for better assessment there.
I then return to the others who are waiting where the biker fell and we continue on to the start point of the walk at Shannonvale. We are by this time about an hour behind time.
The Kelly Hut Track climbs from about 825 metres to about 1800 metres, so it's all up, and up, and up for the next two hours.
We almost complete our climb and are met by the B walkers who, untrammelled by cyclists are about an hour further on than us, of course coming the other way.
Once the track flattens out, it is a spur trail to Kelly's Hut, a rather dilapidated old hut, with paradoxically a electric light switch. There is no power of course, as it's miles from anywhere. Eve had a fruity as the hut was quite a way off our course, and involved a climb out. "It's just another f...ing hut".
 |
| Fitzgeralds Hut |
Fitzgeralds Hut is quite new, 1991, as it had to be replaced after a school group inadvertently set fire to the old hut! It's a pretty good hut, built out of old railway sleepers, with a nice stone fireplace and bunks. It is however only an emergency shelter.
From there it's a slight climb out onto a plain from which we can see the Bogon High Plains. We then tramp for about 5 km, crossing the Australian Alpine Walking Track and back to the cars. My feet are ready for a stop at this stage, they hurt.
It's been quite a warm day and I find I have consumed about 2.5 litres of my 3 litre Camelback.
Back at base, it's the usual shower and change. I decide to go and see if I can find how the cyclist got on. There was no-one at their lodgings so I don't know. Perhaps tomorrow.
At the evening briefing we learn about tomorrow's walk, which is a circuit and doesn't sound too demanding. It's the Mount Arthur circuit, that doesn't, by the look of the map.
It doesn't look like it circuits the mountain, just passes to one side. What's in a name?
The weather is supposed to be good until Sunday, our rest day, when all hell breaks loose, rain and thunder and lightening. Mount Bogong doesn't look an option.
Dinner is risotto with salad by Hilary. I thought she was cooking Rice-a-riso!!
For those that want to check out today's walk click the link below.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1407317&code=28fddb24cad1a14a3b4c127ea3df51be
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Day 1 Mount McKay
Pictures Day 1 Mount McKay
I didn't sleep all that well, in spite of the long journey yesterday. Took ages to get off to sleep, then woke at 6.00AM, an hour too early and couldn't get back to sleep.
Not sure what woke me, however it was raining, which did not appeal at all.
By the time I emerged into the kitchen, 6 flights of stairs up from the basement, most of the group were there.
I should add, there were NO pyjamas and I was only only one in anything resembling Lycra, my Skins.
Departure time was 8.00AM, not 7.59 Am and certainly not 8.01AM. This is ARPA.
Loaded into the cars and down back towards Mount Beauty, to Howman's Gap, where we left the cars at the Falls Creek Alpine Resort entrance.
We then picked up a fire track that truly contoured around Frying Pan Spur up towards the McKay Creek Penstock line.
We walked through burnt out Snow Gums, that I was told don't regenerate like other gums, hence the rather odd appearance, with the trunks pointing skyward like skeletons.
In spite of the early rain, it was quite warm and sunny, with the resultant sweating as we climbed almost continuously for 2 hours, albeit at a rather gently.
At our turn-off for Mount McKay, the weather turned nasty and rain and wind came in from the west.
It got worse and worse, pack covers on, rain jackets on, heads down. Of course I had been sweating, so was wet, and now cold and wet.
We struggled up to Mt McKay, height 1849m, to be blown off our feet. Luckily, there was a skiers shelter, which we hurriedly occupied and had morning tea, rather late as it was about 11.10AM. The wind blew and shook the hut, however we were warm and snug inside. Finally, of course we had to leave and it was very windy, and very cold.
Once the decision to move off had been made, and once we were in the lee of the mountain, the weather improved. The rain eased, the wind dropped and it looked much better.
There was some navigational disagreement and we ended up at another hut, Lorna Dunkley Hut, at the top of the ski runs, in heavy mist. So we were geographically embarrassed, had rather poor maps (the ink was running in the rain) and couldn't see any features, at all!!
A quick call to Chris, and we had things sorted, sort of. Anyway the mist still plagued us and so we decided to have second lunch in the hut, and whilst we sat and ate, the mist cleared and we could see our route.
Then it was up to Frying Pan Spur, past more ski runs and the Melbourne University Hut, and onto our first single file track, along the spur.
Of course by this time the mist had gone, the rain had gone and we were all stripping off rain jackets, vests etc.
Now bright and sunny, however soaked boots and still wet gear.
So boots packed with the Sunday Mail and placed on the furnace. Coats and gaiters out on the verandah to sun dry which they did pretty quickly.
Shower, change for happy hour, catch up on emails and briefing for tomorrow.
Dinner was quite delightful and I might add, I was responsible. I had brought curry take-away from Adelaide and it survived the trip in great condition.
Tomorrow Shannonvale, with a 40km drive to the start, and a swapping of keys as the two groups cross over.
And if you're very keen you can see the walk on EveryTrail.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1406407&code=9723e5bc461ecaac69a1080873c3b3e7
I didn't sleep all that well, in spite of the long journey yesterday. Took ages to get off to sleep, then woke at 6.00AM, an hour too early and couldn't get back to sleep.
Not sure what woke me, however it was raining, which did not appeal at all.
By the time I emerged into the kitchen, 6 flights of stairs up from the basement, most of the group were there.
I should add, there were NO pyjamas and I was only only one in anything resembling Lycra, my Skins.
Departure time was 8.00AM, not 7.59 Am and certainly not 8.01AM. This is ARPA.
Loaded into the cars and down back towards Mount Beauty, to Howman's Gap, where we left the cars at the Falls Creek Alpine Resort entrance.
We then picked up a fire track that truly contoured around Frying Pan Spur up towards the McKay Creek Penstock line.
 |
| Burnt out Snow Gums |
In spite of the early rain, it was quite warm and sunny, with the resultant sweating as we climbed almost continuously for 2 hours, albeit at a rather gently.
At our turn-off for Mount McKay, the weather turned nasty and rain and wind came in from the west.
It got worse and worse, pack covers on, rain jackets on, heads down. Of course I had been sweating, so was wet, and now cold and wet.
We struggled up to Mt McKay, height 1849m, to be blown off our feet. Luckily, there was a skiers shelter, which we hurriedly occupied and had morning tea, rather late as it was about 11.10AM. The wind blew and shook the hut, however we were warm and snug inside. Finally, of course we had to leave and it was very windy, and very cold.
Once the decision to move off had been made, and once we were in the lee of the mountain, the weather improved. The rain eased, the wind dropped and it looked much better.
There was some navigational disagreement and we ended up at another hut, Lorna Dunkley Hut, at the top of the ski runs, in heavy mist. So we were geographically embarrassed, had rather poor maps (the ink was running in the rain) and couldn't see any features, at all!!
A quick call to Chris, and we had things sorted, sort of. Anyway the mist still plagued us and so we decided to have second lunch in the hut, and whilst we sat and ate, the mist cleared and we could see our route.
Then it was up to Frying Pan Spur, past more ski runs and the Melbourne University Hut, and onto our first single file track, along the spur.
Of course by this time the mist had gone, the rain had gone and we were all stripping off rain jackets, vests etc.
 |
| Mount McKay |
The Spur track was open with great views east and west and at the end of the spur up the Kiewa Valley to the north.
We than had a steep descent back down to the cars at Howman's Gap.Now bright and sunny, however soaked boots and still wet gear.
So boots packed with the Sunday Mail and placed on the furnace. Coats and gaiters out on the verandah to sun dry which they did pretty quickly.
Shower, change for happy hour, catch up on emails and briefing for tomorrow.
Dinner was quite delightful and I might add, I was responsible. I had brought curry take-away from Adelaide and it survived the trip in great condition.
Tomorrow Shannonvale, with a 40km drive to the start, and a swapping of keys as the two groups cross over.
And if you're very keen you can see the walk on EveryTrail.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1406407&code=9723e5bc461ecaac69a1080873c3b3e7
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The Trip Over
The Trip Over pictures
The trip started on a rather hot morning following the two HOT days in Adelaide. I think it was over 30 when I set off and that set the tone of the day.
It got hotter and hotter as I hit the Mallee, peaking at about 41 somewhere near Deniliquin.
I didn't actually go the way i had planned, following the Tom Tom slavishly, then realising I it was taking me one of the alternative routes.
First stop was Lameroo, where the Loomeroo got a watering down.
It was then off with a stop at Pinaroo for a snack and coffee.
Hot out of the car, great to get back into the cool of the A/C.
So hot was it that the heat through the window caused the iPhone to shut down-TOO hot.
Held in front of the A/C outlet sorted that out.
All the major centres the Tom Tom took a dislike too, so all the signs to Albury were avoided, ditto with Wodonga etc until I hit Yackandanda.
By this time I am running out of fuel, and onto the reserve tank-I have done over 900 km.
Mount Beauty is the last fuel so I head in and get about 90 litres.
Then comes the slowest part of the trip, the 26 km to Falls Creek, on a very twisty turning road that requires 2nd and 3rd gear most the time.
The Tom Tom gets lost in Mount Beauty, however I finally find Parallel Road and then the Schuss. I manage to squeeze the car into a tiny space right in front.
I am the last to arrive and the only one to drive across in one day it seems, tho Malcolm may have done.
I am in a room on my own, down three flights of stairs.
The Schuss is very well equipped. The wine is open and the BBQ started.
The trip started on a rather hot morning following the two HOT days in Adelaide. I think it was over 30 when I set off and that set the tone of the day.
It got hotter and hotter as I hit the Mallee, peaking at about 41 somewhere near Deniliquin.
I didn't actually go the way i had planned, following the Tom Tom slavishly, then realising I it was taking me one of the alternative routes.
First stop was Lameroo, where the Loomeroo got a watering down.
 |
| The loo at Loomeroo. |
Hot out of the car, great to get back into the cool of the A/C.
So hot was it that the heat through the window caused the iPhone to shut down-TOO hot.
Held in front of the A/C outlet sorted that out.
All the major centres the Tom Tom took a dislike too, so all the signs to Albury were avoided, ditto with Wodonga etc until I hit Yackandanda.
By this time I am running out of fuel, and onto the reserve tank-I have done over 900 km.
Mount Beauty is the last fuel so I head in and get about 90 litres.
Then comes the slowest part of the trip, the 26 km to Falls Creek, on a very twisty turning road that requires 2nd and 3rd gear most the time.
The Tom Tom gets lost in Mount Beauty, however I finally find Parallel Road and then the Schuss. I manage to squeeze the car into a tiny space right in front.
I am the last to arrive and the only one to drive across in one day it seems, tho Malcolm may have done.
I am in a room on my own, down three flights of stairs.
The Schuss is very well equipped. The wine is open and the BBQ started.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Two days out
It's now New Years Day and time to get most of my clothes ready for the trip. Tomorrow will be pretty busy as we are having lunch at Trevor and Pamela Lee's place at Balhannah, and I really want most things done today.
<--I think I have done pretty well, though what you can't see is the box of food and the esky, yet to be filled from the freezer in the shed.
Why so many shoes? Well the walking boots are "prohibited in the lodge" so I need Crocs or similar. If we go out for a meal, I don't want to wear my walking boots or Crocs, hence the sneakers.
The weather at Falls Creek is in the upper teens at the moment, a sharp contrast to Adelaide's current 43.5, so I've packed some warmer stuff too. My experience eg UK is that I won't be needing it, however looking at the min/max temperature ranges for Falls Creek on Weatherzone contradicts that hypothesis. We'll see!!
I replaced the spare as it was down to its uppers. Going to change from Bridgestones to Coopers as I've had a bad run with the B's. The car just needs to be topped up with fuel and it's ready to roll.
Must admit I'm not looking forward to nearly 1000 km driving on my own. I do have a new talking book for my iPhone about "The Somme" which hopefully will keep me alert and awake.
 |
| Why so many shoes? |
Why so many shoes? Well the walking boots are "prohibited in the lodge" so I need Crocs or similar. If we go out for a meal, I don't want to wear my walking boots or Crocs, hence the sneakers.
The weather at Falls Creek is in the upper teens at the moment, a sharp contrast to Adelaide's current 43.5, so I've packed some warmer stuff too. My experience eg UK is that I won't be needing it, however looking at the min/max temperature ranges for Falls Creek on Weatherzone contradicts that hypothesis. We'll see!!
I replaced the spare as it was down to its uppers. Going to change from Bridgestones to Coopers as I've had a bad run with the B's. The car just needs to be topped up with fuel and it's ready to roll.
Must admit I'm not looking forward to nearly 1000 km driving on my own. I do have a new talking book for my iPhone about "The Somme" which hopefully will keep me alert and awake.
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