A Time For High Alpine Life

A week after New Year and with school holidays in full swing, there are quite a few people in and around the village. The walk to Mt Kosciuszko seems to be the most popular. With pleasant breezes to minimise the fly invasion and warm temperatures the walking is enjoyable. The evenings being a little cooler make al fresco dining a treat and sleeping easy.

I was cajoled into a ‘longer’ walk by enthusiastic friends which, although starting and ending on the Kosciuszko track, kept us away form the crowds for about 50% of our trek. The first thing I noticed out amongst the high plains was that there was no longer the sound of frogs but we did see tadpoles in some pools. The other noticeable thing, one I had not seen before, were schools of fish right up in the headwaters of the Snowy River. I can only assume they were baby brown trout about 10cms long. Many will probably perish as the streams dry up over the summer months.

There are still some patches of snow to be found and one close behind Eagles Nest is very popular for some snow-play. Meanwhile the wild flowers below Rawson’s Pass (out near Mt Kosciuszko) are quite spectacular.

Looking down towards Tower 10

The 'Patch' behind Eagles Nest

Last snow on Signature Hill

The remains of the Kosi Cornice

Fish in the upper reaches of the Snowy River

Gentle pools of the Snowy and a beach at the top of Australia

Small alpine lake (name unkown) under a so blue sky

Fields of flowers above Seaman’s Hut

Lake Cootapatamba

Runners approaching the end of the climb to Eagles Nest

This week is “runners week” and I cringed watching the runners tackle the direct route up to Eagles Nest on Saturday. Best times were reportedly around 20 minutes. I like to take well over an hour to do the climb.

The Blues Festival is on next weekend - there is still limited accommodation available.