Got back Sunday after 9 great days away. Hardly anyone around and the weather was great. Just thought I'd pass on some info for those of you who are heading there after Xmas.
We went in from
Mansfield and the
bakery there is still brilliant! Came out at
Bright and the
bakery there is just as good! Gee
Bright is a nice town!
We moved
camp each day - camped at Pineapple Flat,
Bindaree Hut, Wonangatta River,
Talbotville, Crooked River, Buckland Valley, then in
the Pyrenees on the way
home.
Some track notes:
Weston Track to Pineapple Flat was a different way in for me - a little rough and steep, but a good drive.
Mt Stirling Track and
Craigs Hut - was a bit rougher than usual until we met the
grader - should be in top condition by now!
King Billy etc - good nick.
Bluff Hut is rebuilt; framework is up for Lovicks
Hut,
Zeka Spur - no different - a bit rough in
places, but a good drive.
Wombat Range Track - steep both ends - a good challenging drive.
Wonongatta River at
Eaglevale - water was low - axle deep only.
Bulltown Spur track and Crooked River crossings - always a good drive, but the crossings were shallow.
Blue Rag Range track - its been burnt out since the last time I did it - eerie scenery - but we were lucky enough to climb it when there was cloud and fog, and then it all lifted when we were at the helipad - a great drive. The approaches to the helipad were more challenging than last time I did them.
Twin Jeeps Track - a bit windy and slow, but got us into the Buckland Valley.
So many areas have been burnt out in 2003, 2006 and 2009. Some are regenerating, but many have suffered with vast areas of dead snow gums etc. But its good to see nature at work.
Many trees across the tracks - a lot of moving and a bit of chain sawing required.
All the rivers were crystal clear and all our camps were great - in most we were the only campers.
We had two hot windy days where fire bans were in force across most of the state - listen to 774 AM ABC radio for the info. We went to the
Dargo pub for tea rather than
cook.
And thanks to the other EO members who came with us - Amy G,
John R and Craig D and partners - great company, and very good driving.
Cheers
Phil