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-VICTORIAN ALPS - 1987+===== Victorian Alps - 1987. ===== 
 by David Rostron by David Rostron
 +
 Why were we there in the worst bushwalking conditions I have encountered? This was the roof of Victoria, the summit ridge of its "Queen", Mount Bogong. The temperature was zero, white-out conditions prevailed and there was horizontal snow and hail with 50 knot winds. It's no wonder this mountain has a reputation for adverse weather resulting in a number of fatalities over the years. It was obvious that any problem with route-finding or an injury could result in hypothermia and possibly death. We were more than grateful for that line of numbered snow poles across the summit ridge leading to the haven of Cleve Cole Hut. Why were we there in the worst bushwalking conditions I have encountered? This was the roof of Victoria, the summit ridge of its "Queen", Mount Bogong. The temperature was zero, white-out conditions prevailed and there was horizontal snow and hail with 50 knot winds. It's no wonder this mountain has a reputation for adverse weather resulting in a number of fatalities over the years. It was obvious that any problem with route-finding or an injury could result in hypothermia and possibly death. We were more than grateful for that line of numbered snow poles across the summit ridge leading to the haven of Cleve Cole Hut.
-This was Saturday 21 November, the first day of our 8-day "tourist trek" of Victoria's Alps. Our party of eight included Wendy Lippiatt, Fusee and Ray Dargan, Jeff and Bob Niven, Bill CasIcey, Judith and I. The route was Mount Bogong via the Staircase Spur, Big River, Bogong High Plains, West Kiewa River, Diamantina Spur, Mount Feathertop and then a descent to Harrietville.+ 
 +This was Saturday 21 November, the first day of our 8-day "tourist trek" of Victoria's Alps. Our party of eight included Wendy Lippiatt, Fusae and Ray Dargan, Jeff and Bob Niven, Bill Caskey, Judith and I. The route was Mount Bogong via the Staircase Spur, Big River, Bogong High Plains, West Kiewa River, Diamantina Spur, Mount Feathertop and then a descent to Harrietville. 
 Plane and bus transport found us at the foot (700 m) of Mount Bogong at 9.15 am for the 1350 m ascent. The track up Staircase Spur involves a gradual climb through the entire range of alpine flora. Alpine Ash dominates the lower slopes and we entered the snow gum forest at about 1300 m. A slow steady plod caused by heavy packs and the need to "pace ourselves" over the climb, resulted in an early lunch at Bivouac Hut at 1430 m. The day's early promise of fine weather had faded and the top of the mountain (1980 m) was periodically in cloud. We were anxious to have a panoramic view from the summit and contemplated a stop at Bivouac Hut for the night. However the cloud level elevated and we continued the upward trek. Plane and bus transport found us at the foot (700 m) of Mount Bogong at 9.15 am for the 1350 m ascent. The track up Staircase Spur involves a gradual climb through the entire range of alpine flora. Alpine Ash dominates the lower slopes and we entered the snow gum forest at about 1300 m. A slow steady plod caused by heavy packs and the need to "pace ourselves" over the climb, resulted in an early lunch at Bivouac Hut at 1430 m. The day's early promise of fine weather had faded and the top of the mountain (1980 m) was periodically in cloud. We were anxious to have a panoramic view from the summit and contemplated a stop at Bivouac Hut for the night. However the cloud level elevated and we continued the upward trek.
 +
 We cleared the treeline only to see the band of rain clouds to the west. Our pace quickened and some reached the summit ridge before white-out and then precipitation enveloped us. Forty-five minutes and 4 kilometres followed in atrocious conditions across the roof of Victoria. Fortunately the wind was either behind or on our right. Progress into the weather would have been unbearable. We cleared the treeline only to see the band of rain clouds to the west. Our pace quickened and some reached the summit ridge before white-out and then precipitation enveloped us. Forty-five minutes and 4 kilometres followed in atrocious conditions across the roof of Victoria. Fortunately the wind was either behind or on our right. Progress into the weather would have been unbearable.
-Cleve Cale Hut had one occupant and it can accommodate 12 in comfort. Built of local stone, in memory of Cleve Cole who perished on the mountain in 1936, it was a delightful refuge. The weather cleared overnight and we retraced our steps for about 2 kilometres to appreciate the vast panorama. The peaks of the NSW Alps - Kosciusko, Townsend and Jagungal stood out clearly on the horizon. + 
-We continued south on Victoria's.Alpine Track, visiting Howman's Falls and then descended about 900 m to Big River for lunch. The ascent of about 800 m to Roper's Hut took us to the edge of the treeline of the Bogong High Plains. We camped about 500 m away in a delightful alpine environment - snow grass, trees and some flowers.+Cleve Cole Hut had one occupant and it can accommodate 12 in comfort. Built of local stone, in memory of Cleve Cole who perished on the mountain in 1936, it was a delightful refuge. The weather cleared overnight and we retraced our steps for about 2 kilometres to appreciate the vast panorama. The peaks of the NSW Alps - Kosciusko, Townsend and Jagungal stood out clearly on the horizon. 
 + 
 +We continued south on Victoria's Alpine Track, visiting Howman's Falls and then descended about 900 m to Big River for lunch. The ascent of about 800 m to Roper's Hut took us to the edge of the treeline of the Bogong High Plains. We camped about 500 m away in a delightful alpine environment - snow grass, trees and some flowers. 
 The following day dawned fine but wind increased and by midday another north-west front was almost upon us. Our route lay south along a hydro system road (of which there are many in the area). We ascended the two high peaks of these open plains, Mount Nelse North and Mount Nelse. Then followed the start of our hut crawl - Edmondsons,lunch at Johnstons, a visit to Fitzgeralds and then a descent to Kellys where we intended to camp in the vicinity. The following day dawned fine but wind increased and by midday another north-west front was almost upon us. Our route lay south along a hydro system road (of which there are many in the area). We ascended the two high peaks of these open plains, Mount Nelse North and Mount Nelse. Then followed the start of our hut crawl - Edmondsons,lunch at Johnstons, a visit to Fitzgeralds and then a descent to Kellys where we intended to camp in the vicinity.
-All these huts had different characters - Edmondsonswas a compact austere hut which would accommodate about 10 comfortably. Johnstons is a modern ski tourers hut, privately owned and of which only a small section is available for public use. Fitzgeralds - a rustic cattlemen's hut built in the 1890's - provides only basic shelter for 3-4, whereas Kellys is a more modern cattlemen's hut falling into disrepair. However when the rains came it gave us reasonably comfortable shelter with mattresses for 7 out of 8.+ 
 +All these huts had different characters - Edmondsons was a compact austere hut which would accommodate about 10 comfortably. Johnstons is a modern ski tourers hut, privately owned and of which only a small section is available for public use. Fitzgeralds - a rustic cattlemen's hut built in the 1890's - provides only basic shelter for 3-4, whereas Kellys is a more modern cattlemen's hut falling into disrepair. However when the rains came it gave us reasonably comfortable shelter with mattresses for 7 out of 8. 
 The fireplace smoked and we spent some time adjusting windows to achieve the right balance. After some had retired there was a very strong gust of wind and the sash window on the lee side fell in, hitting Ray and Fusee across the legs. If they had been lying the other way their beautiful (?) faces could have been reshaped! Fortunately the glass didn't break and their injuries were only minor. And did it rain that afternoon-evening! Despite our distaste for huts in summer we were very pleased to be there. The fireplace smoked and we spent some time adjusting windows to achieve the right balance. After some had retired there was a very strong gust of wind and the sash window on the lee side fell in, hitting Ray and Fusee across the legs. If they had been lying the other way their beautiful (?) faces could have been reshaped! Fortunately the glass didn't break and their injuries were only minor. And did it rain that afternoon-evening! Despite our distaste for huts in summer we were very pleased to be there.
-April, 1988 The Sydney Bushwalker Page 3+
 By morning the rain had eased but there were still strong winds and low cloud. We retraced our steps, heading west. There were no illusions about this being a "wilderness escape" and we had decided to check out Falls Creek Ski Village. This involved a road trudge for 9-10 km past Rocky Valley Storage. By morning the rain had eased but there were still strong winds and low cloud. We retraced our steps, heading west. There were no illusions about this being a "wilderness escape" and we had decided to check out Falls Creek Ski Village. This involved a road trudge for 9-10 km past Rocky Valley Storage.
 +
 The Village is a compact one - like a small Thredbo. There was no snow and everything looked green and pristine. We managed a scrub up in the amenities block, with hot water and air dryers and then ascended under the main chairlift to the top of the ridge. (The lifts run to the north and south of the ridge above the Village.) The Village is a compact one - like a small Thredbo. There was no snow and everything looked green and pristine. We managed a scrub up in the amenities block, with hot water and air dryers and then ascended under the main chairlift to the top of the ridge. (The lifts run to the north and south of the ridge above the Village.)
-The weather was improving with many sunny breaks as we completed a half circuit of the lake and then headed south, passing the very rustic Wallace's Hut. Wilkinson's Hut (owned by the Melbourne BUshwalkers) was the next inspected. This is a modern private (locked) lodge. We then searched for a 5-star alpine campsite, sheltered from the strong westerly wind. The location chosen was superb but water was about 100 m distant - giving it 4-star rating. The wind increased and we were subjected to many snow showers, followed by sunny breaks. The cool evening meant retirement at dusk - about 8.30 pm - for a long comfortable night. + 
-Next morning the hut crawl continued with the large Rover LOdge (locked) being the first visited. This also had comfortable emergency shelter for 3-4 people. There was a ski tow adjacent, for those who tired of cimbing, to practice their telemarks.+The weather was improving with many sunny breaks as we completed a half circuit of the lake and then headed south, passing the very rustic Wallace's Hut. Wilkinson's Hut (owned by the Melbourne Bushwalkers) was the next inspected. This is a modern private (locked) lodge. We then searched for a 5-star alpine campsite, sheltered from the strong westerly wind. The location chosen was superb but water was about 100 m distant - giving it 4-star rating. The wind increased and we were subjected to many snow showers, followed by sunny breaks. The cool evening meant retirement at dusk - about 8.30 pm - for a long comfortable night. 
 + 
 +Next morning the hut crawl continued with the large Rover Lodge (locked) being the first visited. This also had comfortable emergency shelter for 3-4 people. There was a ski tow adjacent, for those who tired of climbing, to practice their telemarks. 
 A further 2 km found us at Cope Hut for morning tea as we were engulfed by another snow shower. We then learned Wendy had sprained an ankle jumping across an aquaduct earlier in the day. She had doubts about continuing. With almost constant snow showers we had a great excuse for a lengthy stop. A further 2 km found us at Cope Hut for morning tea as we were engulfed by another snow shower. We then learned Wendy had sprained an ankle jumping across an aquaduct earlier in the day. She had doubts about continuing. With almost constant snow showers we had a great excuse for a lengthy stop.
-Cope Hut, built in the late 19201s, is a comfortable basic hut with piped water and sleeping accommodation for 16. However little heat emanates from the fireplace. It is also at the edge of the tree-line and there is little wood in the area. The hut is only + 
-500 m from the Omeo/Falls Creek Road and obviously has considerable use in winter and summer. AaHwithalmost all huts visited it was clean and well maintained.+Cope Hut, built in the late 1920's, is a comfortable basic hut with piped water and sleeping accommodation for 16. However little heat emanates from the fireplace. It is also at the edge of the tree-line and there is little wood in the area. The hut is only 500 m from the Omeo/Falls Creek Road and obviously has considerable use in winter and summer. As with almost all huts visited it was clean and well maintained. 
 After morning tea Wendy thought she could continue or at least give her ankle a trial. We set off into the weather, heading for Tawonga Huts on the Fainter Range - 13 km away. After a kilometre Wendy had doubts about her ability to continue so it was back to Cope Hut. After morning tea Wendy thought she could continue or at least give her ankle a trial. We set off into the weather, heading for Tawonga Huts on the Fainter Range - 13 km away. After a kilometre Wendy had doubts about her ability to continue so it was back to Cope Hut.
 +
 At this stage of the trip we could afford to wait a day and we needed little encouragement in view of the weather. It did improve slightly in the afternoon and four of us trekked the 5 km to Mt. Cope - the high peak of that part of the Plains. At this stage of the trip we could afford to wait a day and we needed little encouragement in view of the weather. It did improve slightly in the afternoon and four of us trekked the 5 km to Mt. Cope - the high peak of that part of the Plains.
-Wendy had decided to hitchhike to Falls Creek if she couldn't continue in the morning. + 
-On awakening she made the solemn pronouncement of abandoning the trip. Typical woman though, an hour later she changed her mind, and this turned out to be the right decision. It was mainly sunny but the coal westerly continued. The temperature was just above 0 C causing +Wendy had decided to hitchhike to Falls Creek if she couldn't continue in the morning. On awakening she made the solemn pronouncement of abandoning the trip. Typical woman though, an hour later she changed her mind, and this turned out to be the right decision. It was mainly sunny but the coal westerly continued. The temperature was just above 0° C causing us to sprint across the plain, checking out the view from Mt. Jim en route. Mt. Feathertop's cloud mantle dissipated and the vision established its reputation as the mainland's true alpine peak. 
-us to sprint across the plain, checking out the view from Mt. JIm en route. Mt. Feathertop's cloud mantle dissipated and the vision established its reputation as the mainland's true alpine peak. + 
-We descended past Westons Hut (rustic) to the West Kiewa River (drop of about 900 m), Blairs Hut - of large horizontal log construction was inspected and we continued down river to a comfortably grassy lunch spot. +We descended past Westons Hut (rustic) to the West Kiewa River (drop of about 900 m). Blairs Hut - of large horizontal log construction - was inspected and we continued down river to a comfortably grassy lunch spot. 
-It was necessary to produce the whip to get the troops moving again for the 1,000 metres climb up the narrow Diamantina Spur that afternoon. We experienced a vast temperature + 
-change - from the humidity of the valley to the almost freezing showers on the Razorback ridge top. We were again in white-out conditions at times and were most thankful to enter the austere Federation Hut. This is an unlined aluminium hut of recent construction with sleeping platforms for about 12. Desperate occupants had broken away sections of these platforms and used them as fuel. Wood in the area was quite scarce and it Was necessary to trek 200 - 300 m for a reasonable supply. There is a most efficient pot belly stove and this soon had the hut at a pleasant temperature and dinner was cooked in no time. +It was necessary to produce the whip to get the troops moving again for the 1,000 metres climb up the narrow Diamantina Spur that afternoon. We experienced a vast temperature change - from the humidity of the valley to the almost freezing showers on the Razorback ridge top. We were again in white-out conditions at times and were most thankful to enter the austere Federation Hut. This is an unlined aluminium hut of recent construction with sleeping platforms for about 12. Desperate occupants had broken away sections of these platforms and used them as fuel. Wood in the area was quite scarce and it was necessary to trek 200 - 300 m for a reasonable supply. There is a most efficient pot belly stove and this soon had the hut at a pleasant temperature and dinner was cooked in no time. 
-Page 4 The Sydney Bushwalker April, 1988 + 
-We were astounded to wake to a perfect morning and Feathertop was climbed without packs. We strolled and lounged around the summit absorbing the 3600 panorama. Valleys up to 1600 m below highlighted the magnificence and isolation of this alpine peak.+We were astounded to wake to a perfect morning and Feathertop was climbed without packs. We strolled and lounged around the summit absorbing the 360° panorama. Valleys up to 1600 m below highlighted the magnificence and isolation of this alpine peak. 
 We then descended the north-west spur for about 300 m to the M.U.M.C. hut. This is a geodesic dome constructed in the early 1960's. A comfortable 3-level hut with panoramic views from its position on a knoll at the edge of the treeline. We then descended the north-west spur for about 300 m to the M.U.M.C. hut. This is a geodesic dome constructed in the early 1960's. A comfortable 3-level hut with panoramic views from its position on a knoll at the edge of the treeline.
 +
 Time was of no consequence as we meandered back to Little Feathertop and lunched below the main peak. Another relaxed stroll down Bungalow Spur took us to the last grassy campsite  where the original Feathertop Hut was located. We enjoyed an extended Happy Hour as all those food items preserved for the "rainy day" were produced and devoured. A long evening followed - arising from the desire to prolong our companionable escape from suburbia. Time was of no consequence as we meandered back to Little Feathertop and lunched below the main peak. Another relaxed stroll down Bungalow Spur took us to the last grassy campsite  where the original Feathertop Hut was located. We enjoyed an extended Happy Hour as all those food items preserved for the "rainy day" were produced and devoured. A long evening followed - arising from the desire to prolong our companionable escape from suburbia.
 +
 It was a perfect morning for the descent of 1200 m down Bungalow Spur to Harrietville and transport home. Feathertop is obviously a popular weekend mecca for Victorians as we met 50-60 walkers heading up the track. It was a perfect morning for the descent of 1200 m down Bungalow Spur to Harrietville and transport home. Feathertop is obviously a popular weekend mecca for Victorians as we met 50-60 walkers heading up the track.
 +
 P.S. Every hut had a relatively clean toilet with the result that there was no paper littering the landscape. It's time NSW followed suit. P.S. Every hut had a relatively clean toilet with the result that there was no paper littering the landscape. It's time NSW followed suit.
-* * * * * * * * * * * * + 
-BELVEDERE TAXIS BLACKHEATH +---- 
-10 SEATER MINI BUS TAXI + 
-047-87 8366 +=== Belvedere Taxis Blackheath. === 
- KANANGRA BOYD + 
- UPPER BLUE MOUNTAINS +10 seater mini bus taxi. 047-87 8366. 
- SIX FOOT TRACK + 
-PICK UP ANYWHERE FOR START OR FINISH OF YOUR WALK - BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT +Kanangra Boyd. Upper Blue Mountains. Six Foot Track. 
-Share the Fare Competitive Rates + 
-April, 1988 The Sydney Bushwalker Page 5+Pick up anywhere for start or finish of your walk - by prior arrangement. 
 + 
 +Share the fare - competitive rates. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 MANAGEMENT OF  BLUE MOUNTAINS AND WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARKS  MANAGEMENT OF  BLUE MOUNTAINS AND WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARKS 
 by Alex Colley by Alex Colley
198804.txt · Last modified: 2019/04/01 12:53 by tyreless
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