Walk to Bimberi Peak – ACT border. 9th -11th December
A smaller than usual but typically keen Geehi group met in the Carpark next to the Bunkhouse at 3:30 pm to be farewelled by the original leader of the walk, Brian (who just happened to pull up as we were organising carpooling).
A quick break at Adaminaby and left the two cars at the gate on the Pockets Saddle road. We had driven 28 km off the Snowy mountains highway past the Snowy 2.0 construction camp at Tantangara and loaded up our packs for a “gruelling” 3.5km amble into Oldfields hut. The first bit was very pleasant, shady and flattish. The climb up the ridge was manageable at old peoples pace and the steep section down to the hut was not too challenging.
Oldfields is a well maintained 3 roomed hut, complete with a water tank and a toilet with a very pleasant view.
Our group consisting of Neroli, Graeme, Frank, John and Sonja did not take long to put up tents and get the billy on well before dark. We had the company of a couple who were ambitiously attempting a significant section of the Alpine walking Track. The girl was very excited as she had just lit her first fire ever !
We wished them the best of luck as they left in the morning and we really meant it.
Our ascent of Bimberi was up to Murray’s gap along a very well designated fire trail and then we climbed the remaining 400m to the peak (1913m) following a foot pad, assisted by the occasional rock cairn and some recently placed pink tape. Although we deliberately took our time it was still a bit of an effort and took about 4 hours from camp. But it was definitely worth it. The views were spectacular, the trees up on top were stunted snow gums and extraordinary in their shapes and colours and some wild flowers were blooming. We could not have had a better day.
Descending the same way was significantly easier, although we had to be watchful as it was easy to lose the footpad travelling faster downhill. Back in camp by 5pm made it a very manageable day trip from Oldfields.
We met two young guys who had walked /run up from Orroral carpark, a total of 42 km. They were using super light gear and a cold food only option. They were very happy to accept some of our hot leftovers and the shelter of the hut as it rained during the night. Very impressive effort, no matter what luxuries they might have gained from us. They left at 7:00 am to return the 42 km. We left at 9:00 to return to the cars via the Goodradigbee aqueduct trail, a distance of about 5 km and worth every extra step. The gorge alongside the aqueduct was steep and the water was thundering down the waterfalls.
A leisurely drive back to Cooma and all done by 3pm. A great little trip and well recommended.
Handy maps are Rendezevous Creek 1:2500. (8626-1S) and roof tops 1:50000 tourist type of map with lots of little notes. It is called Kosciuszko Northern Activities Map. Kiandra – Tumut
Thanks to Brian for originally suggesting and planning to lead this trip in October, with wet weather causing the postponement until 9th December.
John Sim