Snowy Mountains - November 11-13
FRIDAY (Remembrance Day)
Early start for the six Bruddas setting off in two carriers - one was JohnOs recently acquired diesel Forester, and the other was JDs German "Tiger" X5. Paul, JohnO and Phil headed out on the M2 / M7 combo with a disappointing coffee at McCafe near Marulan. JD, Yarro and Greg took an M5 path with a stop in Bowral.
[where were you at 11/11/11 11:11? - JohnO, Paul and I were just near Gundagai passing the "Dog on the Tucker Box"]
We all united at an awesome cafe in Jugiong called the "Long Trail Pantry" http://www.longtrackpantry.com.au/ . Great food, great coffee, well worth the stop on any trip along the Hume.
The next section up through Tumut, past Yarrangobilly Caves, brumbies running free, kangaroos and views was a time to remember past epics. Little did we realize, in the comfort of the carriers, that by day 3 another epic was to unfold.
By 1:30, pretty much to schedule, we landed at the old favourite "Round Mountain". By 2:00 we hit the Round Mountain Trail and all was well, gear in order, bikes running smooth, weather perfect ... spectacular in fact.
In just three hours we'd passed Dershkos Hut near Mount Jagungal, crossed a few streams and reached the bottom of the track up to Grey Mare Hut - home for the next two nights.
With a fire on in the hut, water from the local stream (pipe) boiling in the billies, and dinner being prepared it was a chance to take in the sunset and fresh, fresh air. Paul, under clan instructions, was set up in a tent outside - he's a loud "sawer". Greg planned to sleep under the stars. JD, testing techniques, went minimalist this trip had no ground mat and no sleeping bag. Needless to say as the temperatures dropped to around zero some felt to cold more than others.
SATURDAY
A glorious sunrise. Paul excelled (again) with bacon and pre-boiled eggs for breakfast. Greg, being his buddy for the first time, hadn't appreciated how good it can be out with this crew.
A 9am casual start in perfect weather with a goal of Valentines Hut only eight k's away and the stretch goal of Schlink Pass Road another eight. Looked like a pretty relaxing Saturday ahead and it was. The pictures say it all.
On Grey Mare Trail on way to climb up and onto Valentines in the distance.
Getting close to Valentines Hut with Watsons Crag, still in snow, in the far distance.
Numerous stream, creek, RIVER, crossings.
Puncture and a bath (very, very cold) at the end.
Sunset over Mt Jagungal to the left of frame and the valley below Grey Mare Hut centre and right. No words for this one.
Love the profile on the right - mirror image at the 13k marker, and the big up at 2.1 becomes big down at just before 24.