The A/B group were luckier than the B/C Group the week before – their weather was uncomfortably hot but ours hovered in the high teens/low 20’s and resulted in some very enjoyable walks.

Also news at the Schuss Lodge (our accommodation) was that our long-term-manager and walk adviser, Chris, had finally found a willing new manager to take over these responsibilities. Andrew did a sterling job of both running the lodge, planning walk options for all and car shuttles.

We had some very strong A Walkers, of which four did a 2-day overnight self-sufficient camping trip starting and finishing with the regular A’s daily walk plans. They did not have it easy with a day of bush-bashing through thick undergrowth from slow regrowth of the 2003 bushfires.

However, our first couple of days were common trails from Thredbo. A’s did the Ramshead Ridge and B’s did the delightful River Track upstream and on to Dead Horse Gap Track to the top of the chairlift. It was very muggy by the river and on top it was exceptionally windy but not cold. Next day everyone tackled the easy walk to Mt. Kosciuszko or further afield to Mt Townsend. Above the tree line were surprisingly large lovely patches of wild flowers and many holes of departed Bongong moths.

Our interests then moved to the southern side of Dead Horse Pass to do an easy bushwhack to locate the trail of the Cascade Hut. A return loop here was enough for most but the backpackers and 3 others continued to the popular little hut for a full day’s walk (or mountain bike adventure). Here the backpacking A’s set up their first overnight camp while the 3 others returned. We had seen lots of brumbies (and their droppings) and a few emus plus the odd snake to keep things interesting.

Day 4 was our rest day and many drove down to Jindabyne to restock groceries, browse the shops and enjoy the town and lake.

A trek to Chimney Rocks was for the A’s and meeting up with the backpackers in the swamps before some strenuous bushbashing to reach the summit. On the return trip we collected their camping gear and walked out. B’s had travelled further afield to walk the Rennix trail on the Perisher side.

Then it was a big day for both A and B to walk Charlotte’s Pass to Thredbo, or the route in reverse, with a section of cross country via Seaman’s Hut and the pole trail. A perfect day for the 19kms and fantastic views.

Our final day was a relatively easy bush trail, again on the Perisher side, this time in trees. The Waterfall Loop started at Sawpit Creek and we added the Pallaibo Gorge down to the picnic spot at Thredbo River. A fitting end to a lovely 6 days of walking in the High Country.

Next year: Falls Creek!!!