194904
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===== Impressions Of A Trip To The Bogong High Plains. ===== | ===== Impressions Of A Trip To The Bogong High Plains. ===== | ||
- | PART 1\\ | + | ==== Part I. ==== |
by E. Garrad. | by E. Garrad. | ||
- | After sitting up all night in the Melbourne express and motoring all morning, we were rather weary on arrival at Diamantina Hut. There were, however, two things immediately to cheer us. The first was the view of Mount Buffalo. The distinctive silhouette of this mountain with the Hump, The Cathedral and Mount. Anderson standing clear against the sky, haunted us all through the trip, end for the two days at Diamantina we found ourselves racing out to gaze across the valleys in the sunrise and again at sunset. The effect light and colour among the intervening ridges, with black and blue shadows, the brilliant sky and Mount Buffalo, were glorious. The second item of cheer was to find service type mattresses to put on the bunks. We hardly needed them to ensure sound sleep, but they were an unexpected comfort. | + | After sitting up all night in the Melbourne express and motoring all morning, we were rather weary on arrival at Diamantina Hut. There were, however, two things immediately to cheer us. The first was the view of Mount Buffalo. The distinctive silhouette of this mountain with the Hump, The Cathedral and Mount Anderson standing clear against the sky, haunted us all through the trip, and for the two days at Diamantina we found ourselves racing out to gaze across the valleys in the sunrise and again at sunset. The effect light and colour among the intervening ridges, with black and blue shadows, the brilliant sky and Mount Buffalo, were glorious. The second item of cheer was to find service type mattresses to put on the bunks. We hardly needed them to ensure sound sleep, but they were an unexpected comfort. |
- | M. Hotham was disappointing. It is very bleak and the ridges covered with dead trees (from the 1939 fires) are somewhat depressing. You do get extensive views from the trig and a good idea of the layout of the area. In some lights even the dead trees have a peculiar scenic beauty, but more generally they are just a sad sight. | + | Mt. Hotham was disappointing. It is very bleak and the ridges covered with dead trees (from the 1939 fires) are somewhat depressing. You do get extensive views from the trig and a good idea of the layout of the area. In some lights even the dead trees have a peculiar scenic beauty, but more generally they are just a sad sight. |
- | The weather was glorious and an each of the ten or eleven points we visited - all over 6,000 feet - we | + | The weather was glorious and on each of the ten or eleven points we visited - all over 6,000 feet - we were rewarded with fine views. |
- | were rewarded with fine views. | + | |
- | On Mt. Mackay we found a fire watcher, in his little cabin surrounded by glass windows. The Victorian State Electricity Commission employs him. We were very interested in a map just completed by the Commission - on which by the way a correct survey has proved most of the peaks higher | + | On Mt. Mackay we found a fire watcher, in his little cabin surrounded by glass windows. The Victorian State Electricity Commission employs him. We were very interested in a map just completed by the Commission - on which by the way a correct survey has proved most of the peaks higher |
- | For the benefit of those who do not know the area at all, these " | + | For the benefit of those who do not know the area at all, these " |
- | Views are extensive - away to Kosciusko and the Cobberas, Mount Wellington | + | Views are extensive - away to Kosciusko and the Cobberas, Mount Wellington |
One of our most delightful camps was at Tawonga Hut. We pitched our tents in front of the hut, among snow gums on a grassy bank, with a lovely stream racing by. We were encircled by grassy hills on which the cattle grazed. | One of our most delightful camps was at Tawonga Hut. We pitched our tents in front of the hut, among snow gums on a grassy bank, with a lovely stream racing by. We were encircled by grassy hills on which the cattle grazed. | ||
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We were rather interested in the activities of the ski clubs in regard to their huts. Obviously, they have a more sympathetic Government Department in Victoria and are able to obtain the necessary materials - the club members supplying the labour. A group of University boys were building a hut at Hotham - the lower half of local stone. Near Cope Hut the Victorian Ski club have taken over the disused S.E.C. cottage and with renovations now in progress it will be an excellent ski hut. Provision for about ten bunks, kitchen with fuel stove, bathroom with bath and inside lavatory, common room with lovely stone fireplace and a tank inserted to provide a hot water service. On Mount Bogong we found Skippy and Tony Beveridge (other Bushwalkers have met this cheery pair) who with the aid of Mr. Beveridge Senior were re-erecting the Summit Hut which had been demolished by the snow last year. It looked quite a job and they were working hard. Johnston' | We were rather interested in the activities of the ski clubs in regard to their huts. Obviously, they have a more sympathetic Government Department in Victoria and are able to obtain the necessary materials - the club members supplying the labour. A group of University boys were building a hut at Hotham - the lower half of local stone. Near Cope Hut the Victorian Ski club have taken over the disused S.E.C. cottage and with renovations now in progress it will be an excellent ski hut. Provision for about ten bunks, kitchen with fuel stove, bathroom with bath and inside lavatory, common room with lovely stone fireplace and a tank inserted to provide a hot water service. On Mount Bogong we found Skippy and Tony Beveridge (other Bushwalkers have met this cheery pair) who with the aid of Mr. Beveridge Senior were re-erecting the Summit Hut which had been demolished by the snow last year. It looked quite a job and they were working hard. Johnston' | ||
- | In conclusion I would strongly recommend parties to follow our itinerary in taking a car to Hotham, rather than climbing up from Harrietville to Feathertop, as so many parties do, carrying heavy, packs and starting your holiday so weary that most of the savour goes out of your first week. Also our leader (Harry Ellis) organised so that we collected food at Rocky Valley for the second week. A good thing. | + | In conclusion I would strongly recommend parties to follow our itinerary in taking a car to Hotham, rather than climbing up from Harrietville to Feathertop, as so many parties do, carrying heavy packs and starting your holiday so weary that most of the savour goes out of your first week. Also our leader (Harry Ellis) organised so that we collected food at Rocky Valley for the second week. A good thing. |
- | PART II. | + | ==== Part II. ==== |
By Dorothy Hasluck. | By Dorothy Hasluck. | ||
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The warmest day of the trip dawned as I rose at 5.30 and, stepping over the prone bodies of two University boys who had joined us the night before, proceeded to make the morning tea. The said boys having refused my tent, thinking it would be too cold, had spent a miserable night on the earth floor and were not feeling the best for the three or four hours climb before us. However after some tea and breakfast life assumed a less doleful aspect and Bob, who was a bright type, became his own chirpy self. | The warmest day of the trip dawned as I rose at 5.30 and, stepping over the prone bodies of two University boys who had joined us the night before, proceeded to make the morning tea. The said boys having refused my tent, thinking it would be too cold, had spent a miserable night on the earth floor and were not feeling the best for the three or four hours climb before us. However after some tea and breakfast life assumed a less doleful aspect and Bob, who was a bright type, became his own chirpy self. | ||
- | It was a lovely morning and the change that had been predicted by some stockman seemed most unlikely as we set off down the ridge to the Big River. The track was well graded making it an enjoyable descent, through some lovely timber. In view of the long hot climb Edna and I decided to have a dip. Then the photographers decided they wanted some snaps first, so after much arranging and altering of positions, we getting colder and colder, our plunge was achieved and we were well and truly cooled down when we emerged from the icy water' | + | It was a lovely morning and the change that had been predicted by some stockman seemed most unlikely as we set off down the ridge to the Big River. The track was well graded making it an enjoyable descent, through some lovely timber. In view of the long hot climb Edna and I decided to have a dip. Then the photographers decided they wanted some snaps first, so after much arranging and altering of positions, we getting colder and colder, our plunge was achieved and we were well and truly cooled down when we emerged from the icy waters. Passing an old campsite we started up the " |
- | + | ||
- | Finding the hut was already occupied the four of us decided to camp out, and just as well, as two men arrived at night and another two in the middle of the night, making 13 in all, although, according to records in the visitors' | + | |
Next morning we woke, alas, to the dismal sound of rain. This was most unpropitious as we were looking forward to glorious views from High Bogong (6,500 feet). I thought the weather Gods had behaved rather capriciously. It should have come on one of the rest days. A thick mist finally developed, blotting out everything, so we went by the snow poles and decided to cut out West Peak, having been warned of the danger in a mist. Still, when we reached the cairn the Gods relented a trifle, and lifting the veil for a few minutes, flung their scarves of grey over deep ravine and narrow cleft, revealing enchanting views of the valley thousands of feet below. One seemed to be in a high remote land enclosed from the rest of the world. | Next morning we woke, alas, to the dismal sound of rain. This was most unpropitious as we were looking forward to glorious views from High Bogong (6,500 feet). I thought the weather Gods had behaved rather capriciously. It should have come on one of the rest days. A thick mist finally developed, blotting out everything, so we went by the snow poles and decided to cut out West Peak, having been warned of the danger in a mist. Still, when we reached the cairn the Gods relented a trifle, and lifting the veil for a few minutes, flung their scarves of grey over deep ravine and narrow cleft, revealing enchanting views of the valley thousands of feet below. One seemed to be in a high remote land enclosed from the rest of the world. | ||
- | The staircase - our, way of descent - was a steep bare rocky ridge to Bivouac hut - but from then on it was timbered with some magnificent trees. The scent of the blue gums rose like incense carrying such an essence of healing and health that I felt I would like to go on being bathed in it for over. I couldn' | + | The staircase - our way of descent - was a steep bare rocky ridge to Bivouac hut, but from then on it was timbered with some magnificent trees. The scent of the blue gums rose like incense carrying such an essence of healing and health that I felt I would like to go on being bathed in it for over. I couldn' |
- | the accompaniment of a few tit-bits read out of " | + | |
- | Now we were on the way to Roper' | + | Now we were on the way to Roper' |
- | now we had walked out of the rain. We arrived at the end of the ridge where we thought the hut should be but there was no sign of it. However, Harry, with true intuition, turned off the road and crossed a creek and there in the distance was our refuge, and refuge it proved to be, for a perfect deluge descended in the night. But, in spite of a few discrepancies in the walls, we were quite dry and snug. The boys had gone on, having bade us goodbye for the third, or was it the fourth time. Morning dawned very watery and the creek had risen considerably so I thought I would cross on a narrow slippery log by straddling it; not so easy I found - what with my pack swaying and overbalancing me, a nasty spike to manouvre over, and some interfering thorn branches to negotiate I nearly had an unwanted cold bath. However between spasms of laughter and with encouraging words from Ed and Marion I managed to make the grade and we wended our way to Twonga. After a dinner at the hotel - I wouldn' | + | |
Whilst walking round viewing Bogong whom should we see but Bob once more. I was really beginning to feel he belonged to us, this being our fifth farewell. I was very loath to leave this sylvan spot, especially with a night journey in the train before us, but I suppose contrast gives spice to life. | Whilst walking round viewing Bogong whom should we see but Bob once more. I was really beginning to feel he belonged to us, this being our fifth farewell. I was very loath to leave this sylvan spot, especially with a night journey in the train before us, but I suppose contrast gives spice to life. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
===== Sloshing Through Cradle Mountain Reserve. ===== | ===== Sloshing Through Cradle Mountain Reserve. ===== | ||
- | By Leon Blumer | + | By Leon Blumer. |
- | It was on a bleak morning in the middle of December that Don Sherlock and I said goodbye to Devonport and boarded a timber truck en route to the Cradle Mountain Reserve. To us it seemed as though a new world was opening up after our easy travelling of the week before. The road winds around steeply wooded hillsides beside full streams and vivid green slopes, quite different from the heat and dryness of the 'mainland'. A bitterly cold wind was blowing, and we were glad to drop off at a timber camp and have breakfast sheltering in the bole of a burnt-out tree. | + | It was on a bleak morning in the middle of December that Don Sherlock and I said goodbye to Devonport and boarded a timber truck en route to the Cradle Mountain Reserve. To us it seemed as though a new world was opening up after our easy travelling of the week before. The road winds around steeply wooded hillsides beside full streams and vivid green slopes, quite different from the heat and dryness of the "mainland". A bitterly cold wind was blowing, and we were glad to drop off at a timber camp and have breakfast sheltering in the bole of a burnt-out tree. |
- | Except for the biting wind the morning' | + | Except for the biting wind the morning' |
- | It was a shame to leave the cheery comfort of good meals of the Chalet, but the following morning found us wandering up a very wet muddy track to the higher regions. Now and then there were beautiful views of the lakes and surrounding steep cliffs and slopes. It being our first experience with snow, we spent a lot of time gambolling around on some large snow fields. We had lunch in the half-ruined hut at Devil' | + | It was a shame to leave the cheery comfort of good meals of the Chalet, but the following morning found us wandering up a very wet muddy track to the higher regions. Now and then there were beautiful views of the lakes and surrounding steep cliffs and slopes. It being our first experience with snow, we spent a lot of time gambolling around on some large snow fields. We had lunch in the half-ruined hut at Devil' |
Time was pressing on, so we ran down the scree slopes, grabbed our heavy packs, and kept on slogging through the damnable button grass. Progress is made by wading through soggy mud or by jumping from tussock to tussock. It is a source of wonder to me why the Tasmanians don't develop webbed feet. After leaving the Cradle the track winds over a very exposed glacial circque to the left of the precipitous Barn Bluff and the cold wind and rain at this spot were almost unbearable. Every now and then we would pass snow drifts in the lee of the ridge right where a chap would feel like sheltering from the wind. The length of the Tasmanian mile came in for some stringent criticism. | Time was pressing on, so we ran down the scree slopes, grabbed our heavy packs, and kept on slogging through the damnable button grass. Progress is made by wading through soggy mud or by jumping from tussock to tussock. It is a source of wonder to me why the Tasmanians don't develop webbed feet. After leaving the Cradle the track winds over a very exposed glacial circque to the left of the precipitous Barn Bluff and the cold wind and rain at this spot were almost unbearable. Every now and then we would pass snow drifts in the lee of the ridge right where a chap would feel like sheltering from the wind. The length of the Tasmanian mile came in for some stringent criticism. | ||
- | It was a pleasant feeling to reach the Windermere Hut just before dark and wearily pull off our wet clothes and boots. A four course meal soon put matters right and we were able to sit back in comfort and read the humorous doings of other poor unfortunates. Yes we read the whole lot, moans, groans and outpourings of tho soul. Now I know what " | + | It was a pleasant feeling to reach the Windermere Hut just before dark and wearily pull off our wet clothes and boots. A four course meal soon put matters right and we were able to sit back in comfort and read the humorous doings of other poor unfortunates. Yes we read the whole lot, moans, groans and outpourings of the soul. Now I know what " |
The next morning threw hail, rain, sleet and snow at the hut, the most annoying part being the cooking of breakfast. While you are frying a beautiful big steak icy cold water drips down your neck from the top of the fireplace opening. The only remedy is to cook INSIDE the fireplace - from one extreme to the other. | The next morning threw hail, rain, sleet and snow at the hut, the most annoying part being the cooking of breakfast. While you are frying a beautiful big steak icy cold water drips down your neck from the top of the fireplace opening. The only remedy is to cook INSIDE the fireplace - from one extreme to the other. | ||
- | After clearing the hut of a dead possum and a few other odds and ends, leeches included, we were surprised during lunch by the arrival of three Caloola Club, chaps we had met on the " | ||
- | After about an hour's travelling from the hut, and in a very exposed position, we were struck | + | After clearing |
- | We waited till the storm blew over then kept on going mainly on a track through the myrtle forest. Frog Flat, which is passed on the way, is aptly named - a long stretch of wet sloppy mud and green turf. The rain kept pouring down, sometimes turning into snow and sleet, but the rain forest gave good shelter from the previous icy blasts. Every now and then we would walk on firm ground, which is quite an exception. The mud goes over a foot deep in parts and the Tassie mile comes into its own. l' | + | After about an hour's travelling from the hut, and in a very exposed position, we were struck by a severe snow storm. The ferocity of the storm quite surprised us. At this stage shorts were still being worn and the horizontal sleet and hail did a great deal of damage to our legs. The ground |
- | The Pelion | + | We waited till the storm blew over then kept on going mainly on a track through the myrtle forest. Frog Flat, which is passed on the way, is aptly named - a long stretch of wet sloppy mud and green turf. The rain kept pouring down, sometimes turning into snow and sleet, but the rain forest gave good shelter from the previous icy blasts. Every now and then we would walk on firm ground, which is quite an exception. The mud goes over a foot deep in parts and the Tassie mile comes into its own. We were very glad to reach the Pelion |
+ | |||
+ | The Pelion Hut looks over the button grass plains towards Mt. Oakleigh (sometimes visible through the black, rolling clouds) with grand glimpses of its snow plastered cliffs and gullies. It was now really alpine in character, so it was decided to stop at the hut for a day in the hope of climbing it. However the weather did not let up, so we shivered, slept, washed, ate, slept, ate all day long. | ||
The following morning the clouds and mist rolled back, the sun shone, and from then on the Reserve took on an entirely different character. We reached the Pelion Gap about lunch time and came upon a panorama of snow plastered peaks, deep blue skies, fleecy clouds and snow covered plain. It was one of the most beautiful sights we had ever seen. Everything was so clean and pure, in direct contrast to the mud and slush of the first four days. | The following morning the clouds and mist rolled back, the sun shone, and from then on the Reserve took on an entirely different character. We reached the Pelion Gap about lunch time and came upon a panorama of snow plastered peaks, deep blue skies, fleecy clouds and snow covered plain. It was one of the most beautiful sights we had ever seen. Everything was so clean and pure, in direct contrast to the mud and slush of the first four days. | ||
- | We had lunch away from the icy wind in the shelter of some big rocks, then set-off for Mt. Ossa. It was pretty heavy going as the snow covered the heath and rocks and we would sometimes sink up to our knees. The snow glasses were very useful as the glare was quite blinding. I left Don at Mt Moris and went on alone to about 50 feet below the summit of Ossa. There, were snow covered peaks on every side and plenty of space to admire them - Barn Huff, The Cradle, Mts. Pelion East and West, the Cathedral Range, and the exciting Du Canes - a New Zealand scene in miniature. | + | We had lunch away from the icy wind in the shelter of some big rocks, then set off for Mt. Ossa. It was pretty heavy going as the snow covered the heath and rocks and we would sometimes sink up to our knees. The snow glasses were very useful as the glare was quite blinding. I left Don at Mt. Moris and went on alone to about 50 feet below the summit of Ossa. There were snow covered peaks on every side and plenty of space to admire them - Barn Bluff, The Cradle, Mts. Pelion East and West, the Cathedral Range, and the exciting Du Canes - a New Zealand scene in miniature. |
- | Afternoon shadows gradually crept along the steep snow slopes, so with reluctance I turned back and rejoined Don. The next two hours we had views of the surrounding peaks from the middle of the valley. The Du Cane hut was at last reached and to our surprise we met Bill Pall, Ruby Payne-Scott, | + | Afternoon shadows gradually crept along the steep snow slopes, so with reluctance I turned back and rejoined Don. The next two hours we had views of the surrounding peaks from the middle of the valley. The Du Cane hut was at last reached and to our surprise we met Bill Hall, Ruby Payne-Scott, |
- | We reached the hut about 4 o' | + | We reached the hut about 4 o' |
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Photographic Exhibition. === | ||
+ | The Photographic Exhibition Committee have invited Mr. Arthur Eadie, a successful exhibitor from the Photographic Society, to be critic and judge at our annual photographic exhibition in June. | ||
- | **PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION.** The Photographic Exhibition Committee havd invited Mr Arthur Eadie, a successful exhibitor from the Photographic Society, to be critic and judge at our annual photographic exhibition in June. | + | ---- |
===== Safety First In The Bush. ===== | ===== Safety First In The Bush. ===== |
194904.txt · Last modified: 2018/05/29 13:37 by tyreless