Next activity: The Black Range Murder Mystery - 6th April - see program
24th - 28th March
Mount Hotham, Victoria provided a very comfortable and scenic base for three wonderful days of walking (some even squeezed in some cycling). A choice of walking options meant all abilities and preferences were catered for.
The biggest challenge was on the first walking day; a 23km walk up Mount Feathertop. Some made it to the top (and back) while others chose to turn around sooner. Regardless of the turn around point, the walkers were rewarded with breathtaking views and tested by demanding terrain. For those that did reach the peak, cloud cover obscured the view - this cloud cover seemed to clear almost as soon as the group started descending.
Day two, the Huts Walk, was a shorter at around 12km. This walk visited two historical huts, Derrick Hut and Spargo's Hut. It was hoped to also visit the Silver Brumby Hut on this walk but unfortunately is was closed. A detour up to the top of Mount Loch was also on offer. Although being shorter this walk still included several steep ascending and descending sections. While the full walk returned walkers back to the lodge, those not wishing to walk as far, were again able to choose a shorter out-and-back route.
The plan to to do the Cobungra Ditch Walk on the third walking day had to be abandoned as the area was closed due to deer culling. However, those that had done the full Huts Walk were able to experience some of the ditch - an abandoned water race from old gold mining works. Three short walks were on offer instead: an out-and-back to Brandy Creek Gold Mine site, another out-and-back to Carmichael Falls at Dinner Plain and a loop walk taking in the Dargo Lookout. All three were worth well worth the effort to further expand knowledge and enjoyment of the area.
The accomodation at the Burrumbeep Lodge enabled the group to relax and socialise when not out on the trails. A large southward facing window allowed the magnificent setting to be fully enjoyed. Meals for three of the evenings were jointly catered, with each party being well organised to supply one element of a meal on one of the evenings. Thus, three course gourmet dining (with a different theme each evening - Curry, Italian and Mexican), catering for different dietary needs, were created. On the last evening everyone had the night off and enjoyed a meal at the local pub. On one of the evenings, Peter entertained the group with wonderful music, poetry and story telling; excerpts from an upcoming performance at the Tathra Hotel (5th and 6th April, 4pm to 7pm).
All-in-all a fabulous, varied, well organised few days were greatly enjoyed.
Thanks to the leaders, Ann and Dianne.