Our Mt Hotham adventure was a reboot of an event originally scheduled for 2020 but was cancelled due to COVID restrictions
We were to be a band of 25, but the cycling demons cosnpired to interupt Don Creeds arrival. Much to his chargrin, he instead spent time in hospital nursing multiple injuries - better now, we wish him a speedy recovery
Staying at the fabulous Bembooka Lodge, on our arrival we were greeted by our hosts, the very excellent and hospitable, Les and Heather Cruickshank
Mt Hotham offers a range of truly iconic alpine tracks and trails which we were to explore over the course of the week The area provides access to some of Australia's best views, unique flora and the high country's rich history.
We had a wonderful time with some exacting walks, breahtaking views, great company, an enthralling video essay from Shane Donkin of his and Marina's African biking adventure, some entertaining poetry from the 'Little Master' ...and much more. And all due to the care, time and thought of Les and Heather - we thank them for a wondeful time and thanks also to Don (in absentia) for the use of the Bembooka Lodge.
Following are some reflections of the days activities:
Enjoying the wonders of the outdoors together
Mt. Hotham 2021 is a story about friendship and bonding , testing fitness limits and achieving greatness* sharing and discovering quirky features about one another.
Greatness - is subjective. I am not talking about Olympic level achievement, I am talking about pushing oneself far outside their personal comfort zone to achieve something great.
The walk from Razorback to Feathertop summit and return was the first push. Being "walk ready" by 7.45 am was my first challenge! I do not need to write about the walk here because that has been covered - just to say 9.5 hours and 22 km later it was all over.
A challenge, indeed. Testing my fitness levels, absolutely. The friendship of the group was also tested when I begged to be "wrapped in my coat and survival blanket and left on the mountain"! Thankfully that was never going to happen? The encouragement and lollies got me to the end.
The sharing part of our week was immeasurable. We shared clothes, equipment, thoughts, encouragement, songs, jokes, food, experiences, our trials, achievements and joys.
Bembooka Lodge was like school camp (for old people) with gourmet food! Sharing of food and meals and the chatter whilst looking out the large windows at breathtaking views will be a treasured memory for me.
The quirky features? Whilst "what happens on camp stays on camp" this is something that simply must be shared - however no REAL names shall be mentioned!
It started with a new drink bottle - Lets call it Laken. Laken was the new property of lets call him Graham. Laken disappeared so many times that Graham suspected foul play and called for a police investigation. Luckily there was a policeperson in our midst - although not CSI trained, offered to take on the case. Many witnesses were called and the investigation had many twists and turns until finally Laken was found - in the bag it arrived in!
The Mystery on the Mountain was solved!
It does interest me what will happen when a group of people with diverse backgrounds spend a week together. How will this work out?
Well ... there were goals achieved, friendships made and cemented amongst the laughter and comradeship of a club. A group of people who are mindlike and "enjoyed the wonder of the outdoors together"
Bev Piper
Day 1: Razorback to Feathertop and return
Perhaps my prayers were answered, because we woke to a beautiful day with marshmallow type clouds sitting gracefully below our lodge and a reddening sky as the sun rose. We couldn't have asked for a better day.
By 7.45am our group of 15 were on our way led by Les. We were urged to walk at a good pace while we were fresh, though it was hard not to stop to take photos of the clouds sweeping over the mountain range like a waterfall.
As we settled into our walking pace and chatted with our walking companions,we constantly commented on the beauty of the mountain ranges and the hues of blues and greens in the distance against the blue skies...how lucky are we!
After a couple of short breaks to reconvene our group, as we all walk at different speeds, we stopped atop a hill incline with 360 degree views for a morning tea break. The track although relatively flat is rocky most of the way so can be testing, but we made good time and arrived at the meadow near Federation Hut. Relieving ourselves of backpacks we started on the steady 1.5km ascent of Feathertop – a challenge, but such a worthwhile one when you arrive at the top with a sense of satisfaction and, if it can be said, 'even better views'. Photos were taken to record our achievement and snacks consumed.
All too soon it was time to tackle the descent (not much easier than the climb up) and a well earned lunch break. Whilst up on Feathertop I had stopped and chatted with some young guys who were waiting with their equipment for some thermals so they could go paragliding. As we were finishing our lunch they took off – a wonderful sight particularly as I had enjoyed Tandem Paragliding in the High Country a few years ago.
Walking back the same route is always a mental challenge, particularly as our feet became more tired, the adrenaline of our climb wore off, and the thought of a shower and a beer or glass of wine beckoned. Fortunately a bag of snakes were brought out at our last rest stop which was the sugar fix I needed and consumed 3!
91/2 hours and 22 kms after our start we walked back up the road to our cars – a fantastic walk and my 3rd ascent to Feathertop – could I be tempted again ???
Many thanks to Les and his excellent leadership on this, at times, difficult walk. Les's patience and encouragement was noted as he regularly checked on everyone and how they were travelling.
Sue Mayer
Day 2:
1. Hotham to Dinner Plains – an easy “downhill” walk of about 11kms.
Well, that was what we were told on the Tuesday evening after a lot of us had just completed the 23km Razorback/Feathertop walk. Then also to entice us there was a restaurant opening just for us with yummy food and coffee right at the end point, so how could some of us resist.
About 12 of us started out at 9.30, Val was our leader for the day. I did hear some people say this might be a fast walk with Val leading, because we know how fit and quick she walks but to her credit it was a very relaxing, nicely paced walk. The group did spread out quite a bit, but with this walk it was not a problem as you really couldn’t get lost.
We had perfect weather and it took us about 3 hours to complete. At the café there were other members of the group who had chosen to do other walks that morning and Shane on his bike turned up as well. The owner of the café was a happy, young lady. She gave us a plate of cake for free to have while she took and served our orders. There’s nothing better than a friendly environment to sit in the sunshine and enjoy each other’s company.
After lunch we all dispersed in different directions. Shane continued on his bike ride this time to check out the Brandy Creek Mine. Les did inform him that it was down a steep hill and coming back might be a problem. Shane probably not listening properly (a wife can say that) or thinking he was fitter than he was, actually had to walk the bike back up. Don’t think he was impressed with that bit. Others continued on to different walks and the rest of us, myself included just wanted to go back and chill on the very inviting couches of Bembooka Lodge.
Marina Donkin
2. Room with a View
We approached this walk with some anticipation. After all, the name conjured images of the Tuscan hillside so romantically described in E.M Forster’s novel with the same title....and we were not disappointed.
This gentle 3km walk from Dinner Plain was the loveliest of all the short walks we embarked on. It followed a slightly undulating trail circling around a deep waterhole before gently heading down through grassy meadows and snow gums to a small clearing overlooking the Cobungra River Valley and Mt Feathertop in the far distance. A rewarding and uninhibited view.
The landscape was dotted with dead trees, a result of the 2003 fires which ravaged the area, but there were also signs of recovery and we stopped to observe some beautiful coloured bark on trees highlighted along the way. Small wildflowers were evident and for the keen observer, there was insect life – katydids showing of their red and aqua torso’s and funnel web holes dotted the track.
And we even encountered a little romance....(no names but we do have photographic proof).
Susan Pryde
3. Dargo Lookout Walk
Across from the end of the Big Spur Trail our trusty leader, Les took us on a leisurely walk through snow gums to Dargo Lookout. Once more with soft meadowland underfoot, surrounded by snow gums and alpine flora and crisp, pure mountain air filling our lungs we proceeded. A very short distance on, in a sunny sheltered glade, we encountered the delightful setting of the Alpine Nature Experience site. Centre stage and raised on a wooden platform was an impressive, large teepee, clearly the communal glamping tent. But most beguiling of all ( especially for those of us desperate for a really good barista made coffee) was a small roofed wooden structure was a bar in the bush serving, cappuccinos, lattes and alcohol no less!
Unfortunately elation turned to disappointment when the sign proclaimed that opening hours were from 3 pm and at this stage it was only 11.30! According to the notice board the proprietor JF could be contacted by the mobile number listed. Though we were very tempted to call and see if he could pop over and whip up a few drinks we decided not to avail ourselves of this potentially great service as lunch and coffee awaited us at nearby Dinner Plain.
Overall the Alpine Glamping experience seemed very civilised and welcoming with comfortable, snug accommodation, a nifty bar and a large fire pit to sit around, eat, drink and yarn after a day’s adventuring in the Alps.
Continuing on the view from the Lookout was quite magical- rolling blue ranges as far as the eye could see unfolding before us and capping off a glorious morning. Finally hungry tummies propelled us scampering back to our vehicles and on to Dinner Plain where yummy wraps were the main order of the day, expertly organised by Les and Heather. Well done!
Annie Moorehouse
Day 3 Mt Hotham 'Huts' walk
Mt.Loch carpark, cloud, a chilly breeze, roar of rotors as a helicopter flies into the valley below. Appropriately, a large machine parks to impede our access to the “Loch Ridge – Machinery Spur Track”. A photo op at an oversized chair. Fleeces and coats on as we head to Mt.Loch track junction for a short break. Alpine grasses, paper daisies, heathland and regrowth snowgums as we head to Derricks Hut. Roar of rotors as a helicopter flies into the valley below.
A skier’s hut named for Charles Derrick who died. Mt.Bogong to Hotham – a bloody hard ski when a blizzard blows in. Marina calls for morning tea; Flame Robin lands in a nearby tree. Group photo op on the steps of the hut. Retrace our steps to a snow pole line; follow it south to pole MTH018; an interesting tale about its fate. Rounded and smooth low down, square at the top end, on a lean. Seems feral deer do this, or maybe not; could be alpine koalas - from snowgums they drop. Rotors roar as a helicopter flies into the valley below.
Halfway down the spur, Bill and Cecil’s place; a prospector’s hut. They would be amazed to say the least. A portaloo and huge stack of scaffolding dominate the view; all flown in to restore their hut of bush timber and tin. “White heritage” it seems must be preserved whatever the cost. The Gunai-Kurnai travelled here for thousands of years to feast on the Bogong moth. They’ve left not a trace; which one is the superior race?
Steep zig-zag descent until at last we arrive at Swindlers Creek. Leisurely and peaceful lunch by a crystal clear creek. Tumbling over rocks it drowns out the helicopter roar as it flies overhead.
Warm-up stretches, a group photo op, and then a steep climb to Cobungra Ditch Track. Some respite as we contour this aqueduct to Edelweiss Track. Another short break, a discordant song; where is the roar of rotors when it’s needed most. A final steep and zig-zagging climb to the Alpine Road and in minutes we’re back in Bembooka Lodge.
Thanks Les for great planning and patience, and Ian for all those group photo ops.
Steve Horton