The Man In Snowy River

Unlike the famous ballad of similar name, our trip last Monday was a little less epic but fun and exhausting all the same. We drove to Charlottes Pass and after a late start we trekked down the steep path to the Snowy River and crossed the two forks with relative ease. No, it wasn’t that easy, we did get wet. My wet suit boots were a god send (thanks Annie). From here we climbed and climbed and eventually Rosco decided that he wanted to do Club Lake Chutes, whilst I decided that my foot wasn’t up to that and I’d stay closer to the river and ski with Marion.

We synchronised our cameras - both in non Daylight Saving Time and agreed to meet back at the river crossing at 2pm - whatever time that really was. Marion and I enjoyed a north facing run and several east-facing runs. We snacked up high but never even got as far as Blue Lake as there was so much vegetation and so little snow cover. A few more runs and we made our way back to the river just as Rosco appeared in the distance. He had one run, albeit a lot longer and more exciting than ours but upon seeing how tired Rosco was, I was glad I had decided not to attempt his chosen fate/feat/feet.

The river had risen at least 10cms during our short sojourn - no doubt the river rises with the melt during the day and falls later in the cool of night. I found the walk across the two forks pleasant in my booties with the only part of my body getting cold being just below the knees. Marion’s previously dry boots filled with water due to the increased depth, while Rosco in his bare feet sought refuge upon each rock above the waterline to thaw and to ask “Can you get ice-cream head from the feet up?”

The climb back up the car was as always hard but still easier than the morning walk down. The flies were getting bad and it was a relatively hot day - around 20C. The next day we were all feeling the effects of our outing. Surprising in that Rosco always appears to be super-fit and never tired.

Not knowing where the official readings are taken, my unofficial snow depth of Spencers Creek is 0cm. Certainly no snow at all at 1730m but at 1830m where the official readings come from I doubt there was any either.

A trek out from the top of Snowgums to Summer Drift will be a whole lot easier than attempting to reach any patch on the main range from Charlottes, if I were to go for another ski.

The main range where the rivers meet - Kosi is somewhat left of picture

Main range looking out towards Club Lake Chutes

There were some great trax left of Club Lake

Rosco’s view down into Club Lake (looking south)

A strange looking Club Lake - photo by Rosco

Tracks by Rosco and others

Marion dropping down towards the Snowy River to the north and then to the east
No snow near Spencers Creek at 1730

Some of our play closer to the river while Rosco toiled

The return crossing, Rosco thawing his feet whilst Marion filled her boots

The view of the range upon summiting back at the car

So many photos taken and just the 10 slots to put them, c'est la vie. Please, no comments about the great sun tanned legs - it's just bad camera work ;-)

It’s hot today and has been for the last couple of days. This only encourages the flies and other insects. Rosco has now departed the village and is headed south to even warmer climes.

The Grump: Telstra sent me a cheque for my credit. I rushed to the bank yesterday to cash it - just in case ... I also got another separate 2 page letter to say I no longer had a credit. Such a waste of paper and postage. Glad I don’t have Telstra shares.