Farewell to the High Country

And so ends another wonderful and highly successful 

Summer Camp in the Victorian High Country!

We walked across the high plains, up hills and along aqueducts. We enjoyed sitting under towering snow gums and visiting historic huts. We photographed Alpine vistas, flora and tiny insects. We marveled as we watched at the abundant bird life. And we painted the hues and tones that uniquely belong to the High Country.

We ate and drank to much, chatted and made new friends.

And most of all we enjoyed each others company and look forward to doing it all again! 

And of course there is one more hill to climb!

Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.

A0019863A

Langfords Gap - Fitzgerald Hut - The Big Snow Gums - Kellys Hut - Marm Point

Today an adventurous four Walkabouters set off to visit Fitzgeralds  and Kelly Hut.

We certainly made it to our destinations but it was the journey and what we saw along the way that made today's walk special.

But you will just have to wait to find out just what made our walk so special!

Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.

A0019863A

Pretty Valley - Tawonga Huts - Mount Jaithmathang

Today six Walkabouters drove out to Pretty Valley and set to Tawonga Huts.

We took our time walking up the meandering slope 

and enjoyed the ever changing scenery.

View toward Mount McKay

Cairn and Mount Jaithmatung in the distance

A parade of horses joined the track coming down from Pole 333.

The horse party were intending to camp at Tawonga Huts before heading down to 

Mount Beauty in the low country.

We toured the huts and took artistic photos inside and out of the stark furnishings.

Grassy plain outside the huts

We then walked a short distance away from the horses and enjoyed morning tea looking over a rocky valley listening to the flowing water in the shade of the snow gums.

Two of our party then headed to the summit of Mount Jaithmathang.

After about an hour of steady walking through the sometime over grown vegetation

we reached the Summit!

Cairn Art!

We worked out how to use the self-timers on our cameras!

View to Feathertop

Feathertop and the Razorback

Clouds in the sky.

It felt too soon before it was time to leave the views of Feathertop behind and head back to Tawonga Huts and Pretty Valley.

A murder of ravens

Another great day's walk!

Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.

A0019863A

Lay Day

Today was designated as a lay day but there was certainly now laying about for the Walkabouters!

Here are a few photos of where we went and what we saw.

Following the road to Omeo, our first stop was near Cope Hut.

View toward Cope Hut

A small rocky outcrop provided a view across the plains.

Near Cope Hut are Maisie's Plots. It was a short walk across the road for a good view of these plots that assisted in the establishment of the Alpine National Park.

Then it was on to Buckety Plain and Faithfulls Hut. It was a steep and rocky path that lead down to the hut but it was well worth the visit.

The track back up Buckety Plain

We enjoyed lunch on the Buckety Plain

and photographing the abundant flora.

After a short drive further drive down the road, we ventured onto a 4WD track that lead to McNamara's Hut.

After visiting all the accessible huts for the day, it was time to visit the Ruined Castle.

The Queen in her Castle

The final stop for the day was Mount McKay. Here are some views from the top.

Mount Feathertop in the distance

Pretty Valley Dam

And then it was time to visit the coffee shop.

A good lay day to whet the appetite for more walking tomorrow.

Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.

A0019863A