After some late withdrawals there were only three of us up for this trip. Maybe the others knew something we did not?
Nevertheless, the weather forecast was for wind and some chance of precipitation and cooler weather overnight. But we figured it is mid-summer so how cold would it be?
As we headed off from Charlotte’s Pass it became apparent that wind proof clothing was called for, as it was quite windy and cool. This did not seem to deter many others who were still in shorts and light jackets. And with small day packs too. We wondered how they would actually cope. Maybe in our youth we would have too.
With our full packs we made steady rather than quick progress enjoying a short break at the Snowy River crossing before also stopping briefly at Seamen’s Hut. Our route then diverged off the main road as we went north west directly towards Mueller’s Pass. From the lunch spot out of the wind beside the river it was possible to make out where Rawsons Hut would have been. Will have to check it on some older maps to be sure.
Soon afterwards we made our way to Mueller’s Pass and crossed over the main track to join the foot pad to Mt Townsend. This took another hour or so till we reached a relatively calm spot near the edge of the summit boulder field. On the way we speculated as to suitable locations for our camp, and elected to stay high and dry rather than down in the valley of Wilkinsons Creek.
Leaving our packs here it was easy enough to make the top among the crows even though this is the second highest peak in Australia. Views were patchy due to the cloud blowing across, but it was pleasant enough. On returning to our packs we then explored further north among other rocky peaks for a sheltered site. We did find a promising one with good easterly aspect and views of Albina Lake, but took the easy option and chose the site where we left the packs after all. So, we set up tents, and then went for another explore to the west overlooking the Geehi Valley. We marvelled at the quite rugged terrain and bush that the lost hiker Hadi Nazari would have traversed in his 13 days lost.
And at the clouds coming in which brought sago snow – icy drops rather than wet sleet. Back to the tents and inside to make our early meals in splendid solitude. And then the wind picked up and led to a long noisy night. Evidently the wind had shifted to the South making our site more exposed after all. I got up a few times to peg the tent down more tightly to reduce the flapping. Each time I got up there was snow drifting around the tents, and even getting under the fly sheet.
We woke up to a bleak looking morning with snow and frost. And several mm of ice on the creek from which I collected some water. So according to my reckoning it was at least minus three. Back inside for breakfast before packing up. By the time we had put our tents away we all suffered with very cold hands.
A short pause among the rocks out of the wind before we headed off. It was the first time I had walked with almost all available clothing on for quite a long time. Glad I had put a warm hat and gloves in the pack at the last minute.
Again, the clouds were rolling through and up the valleys making the scenery quite spectacular. It was not till we rejoined the lakes walk track and passed Lake Albina that it began to clear. We found a cozy spot off the track just west of Mt Carruthers for lunch. This was great as it overlooked the Sentinel and Watsons Crags with Jagungal in the distance. A great spot for a hot cup of tea.
Then it was a leisurely stroll back down the track past Blue Lake and the Snowy River crossing to Charlotte’s Pass. All in all, a wild and cool weekend trip but enjoyable all the same. No March flies or mosquitos and my hands felt better after a couple of days, so I look forward to the next camping trip in this part of the world.