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-SNOWY SOLO.	by Gordon Lee.
+===== Snowy Solo. =====
+by Gordon Lee.
+This is the fourth year in succession that I have programmed my "Snowy Classic". The first year I had 17 bodies, the second, 14, third, 2 and this year - one! Perhaps there's a lesson to be learned here.	Certainly the wrong dating in the programme didn't help. This walk has always started on Boxing Day not Xmas Day. It was a 2 x 4 day walk, not 7 days straight and Guthega Power Station comes in only at the beginning and end.
+This year there was to be two others with whom I made arrangements. Unfortunately they mistook the meeting place. So after waiting from 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm I decided to go it alone.
+An hour and threequarters later I had walked up the Aqueduct track to White's River Hut. There I sorted out my gear, left half my food in the ratproof cupboard and planted the  1/2 doz cans for my New Year's Eve party up the creek.
+A rather battered party arrived to share the hut for the night - they had come from Kiandra and were on their way to Kosciusko.
+In the morning I left with them and accompanied them as far as Consett Stephen Pass. There I stopped on the eastern ridge and made for the Pondage. After lunch, just past the Pondage on Farm Creek, I headed up the track to Illawong Lodge. Here I came across two Queenslanders who didn't know a great deal about the country so I shepherded them to a previously used campsite just off Spenser'c Creek near the road. There I left them and moved up the road to Charlotte's Pass.
+It had been showering on and off all day, but now it decided to get at it in earnest. I pitched my tent just off the road near the gate and after eating my next day's lunch for tea, bedded down.
+I woke a couple of times during the night. Everything was calm, no rain; things augured well for the morning so I addressed myself to sleep confident of a dry start up the main range.
+What the hell was happening? Waking with the dawn I found the wind had got up, changed direction 180° and rain was pouring through the blown tent flaps, which I hadn't secured. So there I was, looking down at 18" of wet sleeping bag and gazing out at thick, low Snowy Mountains cloud. What to do? Close flaps, bed down again for the next couple of hours.
+Still raining. Get up, pack up and head for that haven, Khandahar, eight km down the road at Perisher.
+There I learned to quaff large measures of spirituous liquor; to play "500"; that my voice was more melodious to my ears than those of others and that closeknit community living is not quite my thing. However I enjoyed the stay - the discussions, especially on women's rights - the food and drink and the daywalk on the Main Range. There to witness the miraculous skiing off the Townsend cornice of David Rostron, who would, I'm sure ski the frost of his freezer if it were possible.
+Mine host Bill Burke very kindly dropped me at Charlotte's Pass at 8.30 am on the 29th (remember I had started on the 26th), and from there I went up past Blue Lake and on to Twynam. I had never walked the route before which I will call Tate SW Ridge. How on earth Tate East was ever called such has always been a mystery to me for it is almost due south of Tate. From Twynam you pass those lumps of rock marked Anton, Anderson and Main Bluff, then Tate.
+Although from almost any high point on the Main Range Tate stands out as a dark prominence, when standing on the grassy verge on the eastern side it is not in the least impressive and you have to look to find the trig.
+In all the time I have spend in the Park in summer since 1968 I have never seen it looking so attractive. In most areas the grass was lush, the wild flowers already in profusion (I still think the best time for them is mid-January on) and the snow fantastic.
+After I paused on the Railing Ground for a short lunch break (what a glorious day) I pushed on towards Whites. These days the Snowy in summer is almost like George Street in Sydney. Each year the traffic increases exponentially. The NPWS-generated enthusiasm around Charlotte's Pass, Blue Lake and Kosci has spread like some devastating contagion which I find almost abhorrent. I don't want to seem "dog-in-the-mangerish" and I don't have any answers, but can't see how this is going to be of benefit in the long term, for they have increased the usage but haven't the manpower either to police or maintain the area.
+At 3.15 pm I was back at Whites. I couldn't resist the temptation. I slipped up the creek and got myself a beer. It was delicious. After resting in the shade savouring my beer, gathering wood, welcoming more guests and sorting myself out I decided to do some of my washing to save me the chore the following day.
+I must confess that I have changed my mind in regard to huts in the Park. Whites River Hut which would have the highest usage of any in the Kosciusko National Park was in the best condition for many years, that is, the hut surounds; actually it was comparable to the first time I saw it in 1968. Naturally firewood is scarce in the area and the hut is 14 years older and 14 years more neglected and vandalised. I fear the Kosciusko Huts Association has not been entirely successful. As I have observed, little has been done tp maintain this hut in the last four years.
+Whites River Lurgy. Maybe I have a cast iron stomach but since 1968 I have spent approximately 396 hours (16 1/2 days) in or near Whites and must have drunk dozens of litres of Whites River water during that time. At no time have I or anyone associated with me ever suffered from the dreaded Lurgy. The rumour has even got as far as Victoria, so please don't spread this disgusting story.
+Since the snow season was the best since 1964, the snow drifts still remaining were the largest and most numerous that I have ever encountered. From Tate to Consett Stephen there was an almost continuous drift. And as I have previously noted the good condition of the Park is perhaps due in no small measure to the quality of the Snow Season.
+Back to the walk. It was so designed that after walking for four days there is a rest day and a New Year's Eve party. Those who wished could go home for New Year or if desired join only for the last four days.
+I must recall what happened on the first of these walks in '78-'79. At about 8.00 pm it was realised by some of the male members of the party that the following day (31st) was New Year's Eve and they were grogless. I forget who said, "Do you mind if we slip into Jindabyne for some grog for tomorrow?" My reply, "If you think you can get to J. before 10, go your hardest." Four bodies raced off down the road to Guthega Power Station. At 1.00 am the same four bodies staggered into the hut bearing their offerings. One doz cans, 4 litres of wine, one bottle of Scotch, potato chips and a tape recorder. They had run down to the Power Station in 45 mins and got to J. by 9.50, had a couple of quick ones, bought the loot and returned. Two of those who participated were Ray Turton and Bill Capon. I've forgotten the others.
+Needless to say, the party was a huge success. What with the three-quarter Xmas cake left by someone, Margaret Bentley's popcorn, Ray's excellent pastry cooking and all the other goodies, the table was loaded. One of the best New Year's parties I've been to.
-This is the fourth year in succession that I have programmed my "Snowy Classic".	The first year I had 17 bodies, the second, 14, third, 2 and
-this year - one: Perhaps there's a lesson to be learned here.	Certainly' the wrong dating in the programme didn't help. This walk has always started On Boxing Day not Xmas Day. It was a 2 x 4 day walk, not 7 days straight and Guthega Power Station comes in only at the beginning and end.
-This year there was to be two others with whom I made arrangements.
-Unfortunately they mistook the meeting place. So after waiting from 1.00 pm
-to 2.30 pm I decided to go it alone.
-An hour and threequarters later I had walked up the Aqueduct track to
-White's River Hut. There I sorted out my gear, left half my food in the
-ratproof cupboard and planted the tdoz cans for my New Year's Eve party up
-the creek.
-.	-
-A rather battered party arrived to share the hut for the night - they
-had come from Kiandra and were on their way to Kosciusko.
-In the morning I left with them and accompanied them as far as Consett Stephen Pass. There I stopped on the eastern ridge and made for the Pondage. After lunch, just past the Pondage on Farm Creek; I headed up the track to Illawong Lodge. Here I came across two Qqeenslanders who didn't know a great
-deal about the country so .I shepherded them to a previously used campsite just
-off Spenser'c Creek near the road. There I left them and moved up the road to Charlotte's Pass.
-. It had been showering on and off all day, but now it decided to get at it in earnest. I pitched my tent just off the road near the gate and after eating my next day's lunch for tea, bedded down.
-I woke a couple of times during the night. Everything was calm, no rain; things augured well for the morning so I addressed myself to sleep confident. of a dry start up the main range.
-That the hell was happening? Waking with the damn I found the wind had got up, changed direction 180 and rain was pouring through the blown . tent flaps, which I hadn't secured. So there I was, looking down at 18" of wet sleePing bag and gazing out at thick, low SnOwy Mountains cloud. That to do? Close flaps, bed doi6 again for the next couple of hours.
-Still raining.. Get up, pack up and head for that haven,.Khandahar, eight km down the road at Perisher.
-There I learned to quaff largc measures of spirituous liquor; to play "500"; that my voice was more melodious to my ears than those of others and that closeknit community living is not quite my thing. However I enjoyed the stay - the discussions, especially on women's rights - the food and drink and the daywalk on the Main Range. There to witness the miraculous skiing, off the Townsend cornice of David Rostron, who would, I'm sure ski the frost of his freezer if it were possible.
-Mine host Bill Burke very kindly dropped me at Charlotte's Pass at 8.30 am
-on the 29th (remember I had started on the 26th), and from there I went Up.' past Blue Lake and, on to Twynam. I had never walked the route before which
-.
-Page	THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER	October, 1982.
-I will call Tate SW Ridge. How on earth Tate East was ever called such has always been a mystery to me for it is almost due south of Tate. From
-, vvynam you pass those lumps of rock masked Anton, Anderson and Main Bluff, *en Tate.
-Although from almost any high point on the Main Range Tate stands out
-as a dark prominence, when standing on the grassy verge on the eastern side it is not in the least impressive and you have to look to find the trig.
-In all the time I have spend in the Park in summer since 1968 I.have never seen it looking so attractive. In most areas the grass was lush, the wild flowers already in profusion (I still think the best time for them iS mid-January on) and the snow fantastic.
-After I paused on the Railing Ground for a short lunch break (what a glorious day) I pushed on towards Whites. These days the Snowy in summer is almost like George Street in Sydney. Each year the traffic increases . exponentially. The NPWS-generated enthusiasm around Charlotte's Pass, Blue Lake and Kosci has spread like some devastating contagion which I find almost abhorrent. I don't want to seem "dog-in-the-mangerish" and I don't have
-ry answers, but can't see how this is going to be of benefit in the long
-term, for they have increased the usage but haven't the manpower either to bolice or maintain the area.
-At 3.15 pm I was back at Whites. I couldn't resist the temptation. I slipped up the creek and got myself a beer. It was delicious. After resting in the shade savouring my beer, gathering wood, welcoming more guests
-and 'sorting myself out I decided to do some of my washing to save me the chore
-the following day.
-I must confess that I have changed my mind in regard to huts in the Park. Mutes River Hut which would have the highest usage of any in the Kosciusko National Park was in the best condition for many years, that is, the hut Owrounds; actually it was comparable to the first time I saw it in 1968.
-Naturally firewood is scarce in the area and the hut is 14 years older and
-years more neglected and vandalised. I fear the Kosciusko Huts Association has not been entirely successful. As I have observed, little has been done tp maintain this hut in the last four years.
-Whites River Lurgy. Maybe I have a cast iron stomach but since 1968 I have spent approximately 396 hours (16-i days) in or near Whites and must have drunk dozens of litres of Whites River water during that time. At no time have I or anyone associated with me ever suffered from the dreaded la.irgy. The rumour has even got as far as Victoria, so please don't spread this - disgusting story.
-, Since the snow season was the best since 1964, the snow drifts still remaining were the largest and most numerous that I have ever encountered. From Tate to Consett Stephen there *as an almost continuous drift. And as I have previously noted the good condition of the Park is perhaps due in no small measure to the quality of the Snow Season.
-Back to the galk. It was so designed that after walking for four
-days there is a rest day and a New Year's Five party. Those who wished could - go home for New Year or if desired join only, for the last four days.
-Page 6	THE SYDNEY BUMMER
-I must recall what happened on the first of these walks in '78-'79. At about 8.00 pm it was realised by some of the male members of the party
-that the following day (31st) was New Year's Eve and they were grogless.
-forget who said, "Do you mind if we slip into Jindabyne for some grog for
-tomorrow?" My reply, "If you think you can get to J. before 10, go your hardest." Four bodies raced off down the road to Guthega Power Station.
-t 1.00 am the same four bodies staggered into the hut bearing their offerings. Pne.doz cans, 4 litres of wine, one bottle of Scotch, potato chips and a'tape recorder. They had run down to the Power Station in 45 mins and got to.q. by 9.50, had a couple of quick ones, bought the loot and returned. Two of those who participated were Ray Turton and Bill Capon. I've forgotten the others.
-Needless to say, the party was a huge success. What with the three- quarter Xmas cake left by someone, Margaret Bentley's popcorn, Ray's excellent pastry cooking and all the other goodies, the table was loaded. One of the best New Year's parties I've been to.
 This year things were a little different. I had to invite a couple of guests to share a beer, some popcorn and my steamed pudding and custard.
-The following day it rained again and I decided not to venture forth. T was joined by some South Australians of similar mind and under patient . tutelage I learned to play some simple bridge.
-On the 2nd the wind had gone into the west so I expected good weather for the next four days. At 8.00 am I left for all stations north. Up over Gungarten and on up the Kerries heading for Mawson's and the Big Bend. As always Gungarten was windy. I've never been there yet and found calm conditions. However, wind or no wind the view is worth the suffering. Tn the tin I didn't find a logbook but there was a slip of cardboard recording Richard Fox and Gordon Lee's visit of 1981. The only difference being I was one day later this year.
+The following day it rained again and I decided not to venture forth. I was joined by some South Australians of similar mind and under patient tutelage I learned to play some simple bridge.
-I had lunch at Mawson's and was joined by a large party of C.M.Ws. who Seemed surprised when I told them I intended getting to Jagungal and an tO Rocky Bogang that afternoon.
+On the 2nd the wind had gone into the west so I expected good weather for the next four days. At 8.00 am I left for all stations north. Up over Gungarten and on up the Kerries heading for Mawson's and the Big Bend. As always Gungarten was windy. I've never been there yet and found calm conditions. However, wind or no wind the view is worth the suffering. In the tin I didn't find a logbook but there was a slip of cardboard recording Richard Fox and Gordon Lee's visit of 1981. The only difference being I was one day later this year.
+I had lunch at Mawson's and was joined by a large party of C.M.Ws. who Seemed surprised when I told them I intended getting to Jagungal and an to Rocky Bogang that afternoon.
 No matter from which direction you approach the Big Bongong it dominates the landscape for kilometres. A majestic lump of rock, the delightful green apron on its southern approach always a satisfying sight.
-.I didn't stay long on Jagungal because 'of the wind, and dropped off the southwest spur to the road near the head of the Tumut River. Followed the road to the edge of the Bogong Swamp, crossed the Tooma to the foothills on
-the west side and followed the old, almost obliterated road on that side,
-round:to and across the Tooma once more. Then up the hill to camp below RoOkyBogong. This meant that I had covered nearly 30 km in 10 hours, for by this time it was just after 6.00 pm. So much for that day.
-Ice was on everything in the morning. The condensation inside the tent was ice. The cup of water I left out overnight had a	of ice on it. So I slept in. By the time I had breakfasted and got going it was 10.30 am. I almost decided not to go onto Rocky Bogong, but since I would or could
-be on road at Valentine's before dark, I went.
-Page 7	THE SYDNEY FUSHWALKER	October, 1982.
-To "do" the Strumbo is always a nice walk and worth the effort. That useless sheet the Kosciusko 1/100,000 leaves a lot to be desired. It misses a,lot of trigs and one of these is the south end'. of Strumbo.- The definitely marked road SE to Grey Mare Hut isn't there unless you look very carefully
-was there once, when Grey Mare Mine was in operation. 'However, taking a-punt on the position of the trig I "compassed" to the hut and came in on
-the Mine Creek right at the Hut.
+I didn't stay long on Jagungal because of the wind, and dropped off the southwest spur to the road near the head of the Tumut River. Followed the road to the edge of the Bogong Swamp, crossed the Tooma to the foothills on the west side and followed the old, almost obliterated road on that side, round to and across the Tooma once more. Then up the hill to camp below Rocky Bogong. This meant that I had covered nearly 30 km in 10 hours, for by this time it was just after 6.00 pm. So much for that day.
-Leaving Grey Mare I headed down Back Flat Creek, over the hill to the Geehi, then up and over to the Valentine - the short cut. It's a very nasty short cut if you miss the track. You have about 600' of steep, extremely dense scrub to claw your way through if you miss the track. This time I . managed a fairly clear passage.
+Ice was on everything in the morning. The condensation inside the tent was ice. The cup of water I left out overnight had a	1/4" of ice on it. So I slept in. By the time I had breakfasted and got going it was 10.30 am. I almost decided not to go onto Rocky Bogong, but since I would or could be on road at Valentine's before dark, I went.
+To "do" the Strumbo is always a nice walk and worth the effort. That useless sheet the Kosciusko 1/100,000 leaves a lot to be desired. It misses a lot of trigs and one of these is the south end of Strumbo. The definitely marked road SE to Grey Mare Hut isn't there unless you look very carefully - it was there once, when Grey Mare Mine was in operation. However, taking a punt on the position of the trig I "compassed" to the hut and came in on the Mine Creek right at the Hut.
+Leaving Grey Mare I headed down Back Flat Creek, over the hill to the Geehi, then up and over to the Valentine - the short cut. It's a very nasty short cut if you miss the track. You have about 600' of steep, extremely dense scrub to claw your way through if you miss the track. This time I managed a fairly clear passage.
+Met some people at Valentine's and had some lunch with them. Then it was on up Duck Creek (not the road) and eventually to the road and so on to White's. Got there at 6.15 pm. I had left one last beer in the creek - boy! did I enjoy it, for I had been walking continuously since 10.30 am, about 19 km, so I reckoned I'd earned a beer and a rest.
+Since I had completed most of a scheduled 4-day walk in 2 days, after starting a day late I had a day up my sleeve. It wasn't difficult to put the day in, cleaning up the hut, doing a few minor repairs, talking to visitors and hating eyery minute that ticked by.
+After having been in the mountains for so long you are apt to forget that up here at 6,000' the humidity is very low and it's an awful shock to the system when you get to Jindabyne and the more "normal" 80% plus. How many times have I wished I could turn round and go straight back up to the pleasant climate of the Snowys in summer. It's'a unique part of Australia, so if you haven't savoured it either winter or summer then do so.
+With the right approach it is not difficult country. Precautions have to be taken. Weather changes can and do occur almost without warning. Even in high summer it can snow, hail, sleet or rain severely, so it is necessary to carry light blizzard gear. Do NOT plan a trip with the intention of using a hut each night, rather be prepared to camp: it will change the direction of your thinking.
+Also bear in mind that the Main Range offers little or no shelter, so wind can be an important factor. Above the tree line there is no fuel so if the intention is to spend some time on the Main Range then a burner may have to be carried.
+Lastly, the sun can exact harsh penalties, so if you are not used to lots of sun, don't tempt fate. Use sunburn prevention - blockout lotion/cream, wear a hat, long sleeves, maybe even light cloth overtrousers for the high country.
+Don't be persuaded by what I have written that I am a solo walker by choice. A gregarian like me could never be a successful loner. Still I believe it does one good to walk alone occasionally.
+----
+=== Eastwood Camping Centre. ===
+__Bushwalkers__.
+Lightweight Tents - Sleeping Bags - Rucksacks - Climbing & Caving Gear - Maps - Clothing - Boots - Food.
+__Camping equipment__.
+Large Tents - Stoves - Lamps - Folding Furniture.
+__Distributors of__:
+Paddymade - Karrimor - Berghaus - Hallmark - Bergans - Caribee - Fairydown - Silva - Primus - Companion - and all leading brands.
+Proprietors: Jack & Nancy Fox. Sales Manager: David Fox.
+Eastwood Canvas Good & Camping Supplies.
+Trelawney St., Eastwood, NSW, 2122. Phone 858 2775.
+----
-Met some people was on up Duck Creek White's.	Got there
-boy! did I enjoy it, 19 km, so I reckoned
-at Valentine's and had some lunch with them. Then it
-(not the road) and eventually tb the road and so on to at 6.15 pm. I had left one last beer in the creek =
-for I had been walking 'continuously since 10.30 am, about I'd earned a beer and a rest.
-Sincel, had completed most of a scheduled 4-daY :walk in 2 days, after starting a day late I had a day up my keeve. It wasn't difficult to put the day in, cleaning up the hut, doing a few minor repairs, talking to visitors and hating eyery,minute that .ticked by.
-After having been in the-mountains'for so long you are apt to forget that up here at 6,000' the humidity is very low and it's an awful shock to the systemwhen you get to Jindabyne and the more "normal". 80% plus. How
-many times have I wished I could turn round and 'go straight back up to the
-pleasant climate of the Snowys_in	summer. It's'a unique part of Australia, so if you haven't savoured it eitherwinter'or'summer then do so.
-With the, ri t approach it is not-difficult' country. Precautions have
-to be taken. Weather changes can and do occur almost without warning. Even in high summer it can snow, hail, sleet or rain severely, so it is necessary to carry light blizzard gear. Do NOT plan a trip with the intention of using a hut each night, rather be prepared to camp: it will change the direction of your thinking.
-Also bear in mind that the Main Range offers little or no shelter, so wind can be an Important factor. Above the treelinethera is no fuel so if the intention is to spend some time on the Main Range then a burner may have to be carried.
-Lastly, the-sun can exact harsh penalties, so if you are not used to lots of sun, don't tempt fate. Use sunburn prevention - blockout lotion/cream, wear a hat., long sleeves, maybe even light cloth overtrousers for the high country.
-Don't-.be persuaded by what I have written that I am a Solo walker by
-choice. A, gregarianlike. me'coUlknever.be a successful lOner. Still I believe it:::does one good to walk alone occasionally.
-*-,"4 *	*	* * * 4
-eastwood
-camping
-ce
-ICAMPING EQUIPMENT Large Tents  Stoves  Lamps-  Folding Furniture.
-DISTRIBUTORS OF:
-Paddymade  Karrimor  Berghaus  Hallmark  Bergans  Caribee  Fairydown  Silva  Primus  Companion  and all leading brands.
-BUS HWALKERS
-Lightweight Tents  Sleeping Bags  Rucksacks* Climbing Et Caving Gear  Maps  Clothing  Boots  Food.
-Proprietors: Jack Et Nancy Fox Sales Manager: David Fox
-EASTWOOD CANVAS GOODS & CAMPING SUPPLIES 3 Trelawney St Eastwood NSW 2122 Phone: 858 2775
-Rutledge Street
-Rowe Street
-Page 9	THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER	October, 1982.
-.111
 THE "WALK THAT VERY NEARLY WASN'T.
 by Bill Gamble.