A VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

Rick crosses the at the base of the Eaglevale Track

Malcolm & Cherise negotiate some rock steps on the steep and rough Monument Track

Myrtleford to Tom Groggin – the long way February 5-16

Participants whether it was in fact possible to have a “group of one”. On reflection we all hoped no one else was listening to this gibberish on the radio. John & Jenny Malcolm – 100 Series TD (Trip Leaders) The trip along the Abbeyard-Lake Cobbler Track presented a number Barry & Dot Slattery – 100 Series TD of opportunities to take in the spectacular views that are so common Allan & Helen Kidd – 105 Series in the High Country. At one point, these views included two waterfalls cascading down a cliff face – this was the creek discharging from Lake Malcolm Chaseling & Cherise Huntley – 200 Series TD Cobbler. The trip was almost without incident apart from Malcolm Rick Hall – 79 Series TD making an early bid for the “Rusty Knut” award when the dash of the 200 lit up like a Christmas tree with warning lights everywhere. Evan Smith – Troopy Thankfully they cleared and all appeared well and they did not appear again during the trip. The “Rusty Knut “ award is an award going to February 5 – Myrtleford to Lake Cobbler anyone who has a problem with their vehicle, so the trick is if you have John & Jenny Malcolm a minor problem you try to fix it very discretely. After a week or two of watching the weather reports in the High We arrived at Lake Cobbler at 4:15 pm, set up camp, and then enjoyed Country and checking for track closures, the trip finally began at dinner around the campfire – finishing just in time before the rain Myrtleford. Most of the group had travelled as far as Barwidgee Rest started. Area, north of Myrtleford, to camp the night before so as to have a February 6 – Lake Cobbler to Bindaree Hut leisurely start on the Sunday morning. Barry and Dot had stayed the Allan and Helen Kidd night with Barry’s father in Wangaratta. Did John say 9:00 am or “somewhere around 9:00 am”? We left Lake Everyone enjoyed coffee and lunch in Myrtleford before setting off. Cobbler a little late after waking up to a clear blue sky and bright Barry happily accepted the role of Sergeant at Arms and sharpened sunshine; in sharp contrast to the intermittent rain and strong winds his pencil immediately. We set off at 1:00 pm along the Buffalo of the evening before. Rick was the TEC for the day. Overnight, the River Road with Allan and Helen as Tail End Charlie (TEC). This took temperature dropped to a minimum of 4.2°C. us south along the river and past Lake Buffalo before reaching the The Lake Cobbler Track and Speculation Road were both quite rocky dirt of Abbeyard Road, along this stretch of road we passed several with a number of quite tight hairpin bends. This made travel in the nice camping and picnic spots on the Buffalo River. Upon reaching first hour quite slow. We eventually turned onto the Basin Road and Abbeyard Camping area we aired down to commence the climb up stopped at King Hut for morning tea. This is an area with large flat the Abbeyard-Lake Cobbler Track. This track was significantly eroded grassed sections suitable for camping beside the . There from the recent heavy rainfall in the area. Some of the climbs were were a number of cowpats providing evidence of the encroachment quite steep, rutted, loose, and rocky in places but did not present any of cattle back into the High Country, however it was still a very nice problems for the group. camping spot. After leaving King Hut we crossed the King River seven Along with the steep climbs, there were a number of steep, loose, and times with crossings of various widths and depths, however none rocky descents. At one point a comment was made over the radio were difficult. Travel was still quite slow and in the two hours since about a “downhill descent”, we all wondered how that contrasted leaving Lake Cobbler we had travelled only 22 km. with a normal descent or in fact an uphill descent. This discussion John had to remove several small fallen trees from the track and Allan was similar to an earlier exchange where Allan was questioned as to was disappointed that it wasn’t a chain saw job. The last crossing of 34 TLCC NEWS JUNE 2012 MAKIN' TRACKS

Approaching the narrow saddle just below Billy Goat Bluff Some muscle power clears a fallen tree at the top of the Billy goat Bluff Track

Rick crosses the saddle below Billy Goat Bluff

John & Jenny cross the saddle below Billy Goat Bluff John & Jenny take off on one of the steep and rough inclines on the Wombat Spur Track the river took us to Pineapple Flat camping area. It is a nice area but The track up to this point was fairly easy. maybe not quite as good as the King Hut area. We crossed the river We continued along the 16 Mile Jeep Track and the inclines became again and continued to the Black Landing Track that took us up to quite steep and the track deeply rutted, this made for an interesting the Circuit Road and ultimately to the Clear Hills Track and Craig’s Hut. trip to the top of the escarpment with many comments about how Black Landing Track was steep and rutted in places with evidence of difficult that section would be in the wet. After reaching the top, we the incredible spread of Blackberries everywhere. followed the track for a short distance before turning onto the Bluff We reached Craig’s Hut in time for lunch. The original hut was built in Road arriving at the Bluff Hut at around 9:50 am. Many photos were 1981 for the movie “The Man from ”. Through subsequent taken of the hut and the spectacular views. bushfires and rebuilds, the hut that stands today was built in 2007/2008 We then continued along the Bluff Track past Mt Lovicks (1684 m) after the 2006 fires. The views from this spot are magnificent, and it is and on to Lovicks Hut for smoko at around 10:40 am. After leaving easy to understand why this location was chosen for filming. Before Lovicks Hut, we continued along the rocky Bluff Track to the King we left, John took some group photos in front of the hut. The camera Billy Track. Along the King Billy Track we caught up with a very slow and tripod were set up on one of the hardstands that were put in convoy of nine vehicles from Brisbane heading in the same direction. place for cameras during the filming of the movie. Due to the limited passing opportunities, we followed this group to On leaving the hut we travelled towards Mt Stirling then turned the end of the King Billy Track where we travelled the short distance down the Monument Track. This track was very rocky with some down the Howitt Road to Howitt’s Hut for lunch. The King Billy Track steep sections with discreet rock steps that required careful wheel had a number of tight switchbacks and one enormous rock slide that looked spectacular. placement. Travel on the Monument Track was very slow. Soon we reached Bindaree Road and travel was much smoother and easier. We left Howitt’s Hut at around 1:45 pm to backtrack to the Zeka About halfway down Bindaree Road, we reached Bindaree Falls where Spur for the descent into Wonnangatta. Just after we started the a short walk takes you right in behind the falls for a very nice view. descent down the Zeka Spur, we caught up with the convoy from There were many photos taken at this spot. Brisbane again and they were travelling very slowly, they showed After leaving the falls it was only a short distance to the bottom of the valley where the track follows the to the Bindaree Hut camping area, this is another very nice camping spot beside the river with large flat grassy areas for camping, we arrived at about 3:15 pm. Several of the braver guys took a dip in the cold waters of the Howqua River. February 7 – Bindaree Hut to Wonnangatta Valley Rick Hall We awoke to another magnificent morning. Everyone was packed and ready to leave right on 9:00 am, possibly due to the various digs at the late starters the previous day. Barry and Dot were TEC for the day. We followed the 16 Mile Jeep Track along the Howqua River to Pikes Flat Camping Area, this also looked like a great camping spot. TLCC NEWS JUNE 2012 35 The group gathered around the campfire at Talbotville

great courtesy and consideration in pulling over where they could and letting us move through their group. The Zeka Spur Track was very rocky and we arrived at the site of the Wonnangatta Station homestead at about 3:40 pm. A suitable campsite away from other campers was chosen and we set up camp. In the course of our evening socialisation, we celebrated Barry and Dot’s wedding anniversary with some champagne. February 8 – Wonnangatta to Talbotville via Dargo Barry and Dot Slattery We left the campsite at 9:00 am for the 110 km trip to Talbotville via Dargo and Grant. Evan was TEC for the day. On the way out we stopped Rick crosses the for a look around the site of the station homestead. The station was

36 TLCC NEWS JUNE 2012 MAKIN' TRACKS

established in 1860 by Oliver Smith, and then the Bryce family built We left Dargo at about 2:15 pm and headed up the Dargo High Plains the homestead in 1872 and lived there for 40 years where they raised Road to Grant Junction where we turned left onto Grant Road. At this seven children. Unfortunately the homestead was lost to fire. point our altitude was about 1250 metres and the visibility was down The day was overcast but the rain stayed away as we made our way to about 20 metres due to low cloud. This made travel very slow and along the Wonnangatta Track following the river. The track was good cautious. We continued along Grant Road and onto McMillans Road and the driving was easy. We then crossed the river and turned onto and down to the Talbotville town site. McMillans Road had just been the Humffray River Track. We crossed the Humffray River a number refurbished and was in fairly good condition if you could ignore the of times before commencing some serious ascents up the Wombat steep drop offs on one side. We selected a campsite and set up camp Range Track and onto the Cynthia Range Track. A couple of the ascents with cattle wandering around close to the tents. It was a good day were challenging with rock step after rock step interspersed with with a variety of different driving conditions and some typical High loose and uneven rocky surfaces. These ascents were challenging but Country scenery. everyone made it up without incident. February 9 – Talbotville to We decided to switch to CH18 on the UHF as there was so much The Pinnacles via Billy Goat Bluff radio traffic from different groups in the area we couldn’t get a word Evan Smith in, although we still had one radio on CH10 to pick up anyone in our The day began at 8:00 am as we headed along the Track immediate vicinity. We stopped for smoko along the Cynthia Range with Malcolm at the tail. This track follows the river closely and is at Track in one of the few spots where six vehicles could stop without almost the same level as the river. The track was very dusty and cattle completely blocking the track. At this point, a GPS check showed were in abundance but were not a problem. We passed some old that we had climbed from 450 metres to 1150 metres in a fairly short mining equipment from years gone by. We crossed the Crooked and distance. During smoko, one member of the group who has a fear of Wongungarra Rivers six times before crossing Kingswell Bridge and heights was heard to question the sanity of the trip leader; the trip onto the Wonnangatta Road. After a few kilometres we turned onto leader simply smiled knowing what was ahead in the days to come. the Billy Goat Bluff Track. We continued along the Cynthia Range track, which is a pleasant This was our main objective for the day; the long, and in parts, very drive, to the intersection with the Eaglevale Track. This long steep steep climb up to Billy Goat Bluff then on to The Pinnacles. John did descent tested the low range capabilities of our vehicles and took us warn us that it was steep. I selected all my lowest gears and looked back down to the Wonnangatta River then to a picturesque crossing for one more – unfortunately there were no more and the Troopy did that led us to the Wonnangatta Road. We followed the Wonnangatta a hiccup! The vehicles were prancing from rock to rock with the tyres Road along the river, passing herds of cattle, to Kingswell Bridge then clawing away for traction in the loose stuff. We almost reached the top onto the Crooked River Road, the Dargo Road, and in to Dargo for when a short distance of track across a ridge appeared just below Billy lunch, fuel, and a top up of supplies at the General Store. Goat Bluff. With two metres on one side and one metre on the other

TLCC NEWS JUNE 2012 37 being the only haven from a sheer drop on either side. This was scary February 10 – Talbotville to Grant and return stuff for some of us, however we all made it to the top unscathed. Our Malcolm Chaseling fearless trip leader, with his serious face on, then said that we would Regular as clockwork, the birdlife has us awake at 6:00 am. However, need to go to low range for the next bit. We regrouped and headed off what do the happy campers do? Roll over and go back to sleep as it with the plan to have smoko at the East Pinnacle car park, however a is a late start today at 10:30 am. The day turned on brilliant sunshine small tree across the track halted us and we had smoko while the tree in contrast with the overnight rain and the late start allowed us to was removed. do some cleaning up and minor repairs. Allan managed to reattach About 7 km on we reached the east pinnacle car park where we left his rear number plate which had not been on for a few days after the the cars and took the 500-metre walk up to the top where there is a bracket had developed a crack. manned fire tower. The view was fantastic and I am sure I caught a The battle plan for the day was to visit the Grant area then travel down glimpse of the Pearly Gates. the Bulltown Spur and follow the Crooked River back past Hogtown The return trip just retraced our steps. We paused for photos of the and the other abandoned sites along the river. However due to the vehicles crossing the narrow ridge below Billy Goat Bluff then it was persistent overnight rain and reports that the Bulltown Spur can be off down the track. On the way down we met three vehicles on their a little dangerous when wet, we decided to just visit the Grant area. way up, which made for some tricky passing manoeuvres. Things got We headed up McMillans Road and stopped at a lookout that provided a little delicate in the lead car when it failed to pick up fuel out of one spectacular views, a number of photos were taken before heading off tank and the engine stalled – no engine braking, no power steering, again for Grant. We reached the town site at around 11:00 am which and no vacuum assistance for the brakes – not ideal on a track like this. is only 10.5 km from Talbotville. After reading all the information and Jenny did a good job stopping the car and changed over to the other exploring the town site, we then headed off to the Grant cemetery a tank but the fuel filter needed to be bled before the engine would little further up the road. Sadly, much of the cemetery is becoming start, again a tricky task on such a slope with such a loose surface. overgrown with only a few gravesites marked; obviously the ravages After John and Jenny were under way again, we all made it down of the many bushfires contributed to this. safely and paused for a while before heading back to camp at We left the cemetery to travel back past the town site to the Talbotville. A total of only 79 km was covered, but with the high levels Jewellers Shop Mine, given that Barry and Dot had just celebrated of concentration needed on these tracks everyone was a little weary. It their wedding anniversary it was suggested that Barry might look was a more physically demanding drive than others of a similar length. for something suitable for Dot in the “Jewellers Shop”. We found The Troopy performed well but I will get the injectors redone. the mine, but access was not possible as it was water logged and

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no one was prepared to get wet and muddy to explore the mine. head home for work commitments. After setting up camp, showering, We left the mine and returned to the campsite for lunch. All up we and just relaxing, we headed back into Dargo to the pub for dinner only travelled about 25 km. On returning we noticed the build- where we met Rick again. We enjoyed dinner, a few relaxing drinks, up of storm clouds all around us, our hopes of the storm passing and celebrated Dot’s birthday. The meals in the pub were large and by were dashed, and at about 1:30 pm we were hit with a massive delicious and the general environment in the pub was very enjoyable. storm, thunder, lightning, hail, and heavy rain. The run off from the While enjoying dinner we noticed that the heavens had opened up rain created a virtual river through our campsite and Cherise and and the rain was torrential. I had to move our tent to higher ground. Everyone pitched in and After dinner and drinks, we said our goodbyes to Rick and headed this was completed fairly quickly with little damage. By 4:00 pm back to camp. There was quite a bit of rain that fell overnight. the storm had passed but light rain persisted. Rick had placed a marker in the river and it was interesting to see how quickly the river To be continued … level rose, all up it rose about 500 mm in a couple of hours. All up it was a relaxing day and the storm did little to dampen everyone’s enthusiasm. February 11 – Talbotville to Italian Flat Allan and Helen Kidd The heavy rain the day before and the persistent rain overnight necessitated a change of plan. Instead of going to Blue Rag then on to Italian Flat, we were heading straight to Italian Flat after topping up supplies in Dargo. This decision was made on the basis that we had no knowledge of the condition of the tracks from Talbotville up to Blue Rag after all the rain. Thankfully the rain held off while we packed up and we had a trouble free run to Dargo, with McMillans Road having been damaged by yesterday’s storms. In Dargo we took on necessary supplies and fuel and then continued out to Italian Flat to set up camp. We left Rick at the motel in Dargo as he was leaving early the next morning to The group hangs out at Craigs Hut

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TLCC NEWS JUNE 2012 39 A VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY EXPERIENCE Myrtleford to Tom Groggin – the long way Continuing on . . .

February 5-16 The Italian Flat camping area on the Participants February 11 – Talbotville to Italian Flat Allan and Helen Kidd John & Jenny Malcolm – 100 Series TD (Trip Leaders) The heavy rain the day before and the persistent rain overnight Barry & Dot Slattery – 100 Series TD necessitated a change of plan. Instead of going to Blue Rag then on Allan & Helen Kidd – 105 Series to Italian Flat, we were heading straight to Italian Flat after topping up supplies in Dargo. This decision was made on the basis that we Malcolm Chaseling & Cherise Huntley – 200 Series TD had no knowledge of the condition of the tracks from Talbotville up Rick Hall – 79 Series TD to Blue Rag after all the rain. Evan Smith – Troopy Thankfully, the rain held off while we packed up and we had a trouble free run to Dargo, with McMillans Road having been damaged by yesterday’s storms. In Dargo we took on necessary supplies and fuel then continued out to Italian Flat to set up camp. We left Rick in the motel at Dargo as he was leaving early the next morning to head home for work commitments. After setting up camp, showering, and just relaxing, we headed back into Dargo to the pub for dinner where we met Rick again. We enjoyed dinner, a few relaxing drinks, and celebrated Dot’s birthday. The meals in the pub were large and delicious and the general environment in the pub was very enjoyable. While enjoying dinner we noticed that the heavens had opened up and the rain was torrential. After dinner and drinks, we said our goodbyes to Rick and headed Allan & Helen appear out of the mist as they approach the Blue Rag Trig Point back to camp. Quite a bit more rain fell overnight. February 12 – Italian Flat to Blue Rag then Harrisons Cut and return Allan and Helen Kidd Though the camp was drenched, no rain fell as we prepared to leave. It must be said that this was the first time on this trip we used our gas stove as the firewood was just too wet to even attempt to light a fire. So off we went up the Dargo High Plains Road, through the clouds and mist, on our way to Blue Rag with Barry and Dot as Tail End Charlie (TEC). After the long continuous climb, we stopped for morning tea at the Gows Hotel ruins. After getting under way again, we heard another group on the UHF saying “why are we The Snow Gums look ghost like in the mist on the Blue Rag Track doing this, you can’t see anything” – there was no reply, maybe there was no logical answer. At last we are at the start of the Blue Rag Track. Earlier, John had allayed my fears and assured me that this was easier than the Billy Goat Bluff Track. We aired down and commenced the climb up to the 1740 metre trig point. The track was a combination of slippery mud, sheer drops on the side of the track (thankfully obscured by the mist), rocks, more rocks, steep rough rocky ascents, and saddles with sheer drops on both sides (yes I have a fear of heights, what am I doing here!). We eventually made it to the top and were rewarded with a view of mist and low cloud on all sides; John had hoped that we would be high enough to be on top of the mist. With heart racing, I walked around the summit trying not to think of the descent; as usual, it Barry and Dot make the last climb up to the Blue Rag Trig Point is not quite so scary descending as long as engine braking works. 46 TLCC NEWS AUGUST 2012 MAKIN' TRACKS

A couple of the vehicles parked near Harrisons Cut on the Dargo River

Not much of a view on the top of Blue Rag – it was a whiteout!

Finally down, we find a spot We headed back to the for lunch and to air-up and Upper Dargo Road then onto get the heart rate down. After Jones Road at “The Farm” travelling back down the Dargo and ultimately onto Birregun High Plains Road and onto the Road. After driving through Upper Dargo Road, we headed intermittent mist and light rain for Harrisons Cut. The trip along we stopped for lunch at The the Dargo River is beautiful, the Dogs Grave. The Dogs Grave scenery is lush, and there are is a monument to Boney, a many nice campsites. Harrisons legendary dog in the high Cut is a diversion of the river put country. It makes you wonder in place by miners to slow the what the owner’s grave is like. river flow to aid in gold panning. We left at around 1:00 pm and Allan was the winner in the rock skimming The chainsaw made light work of some competition at Harrisons Cut After more photos, some of us shortly after were stopped by fallen trees on the Birregun Road took up the challenge of rock two fallen trees across the road. skimming, while Malcolm and John claimed they could see some John’s chainsaw made short work of these and we were under way specks of gold in the river – perhaps a future trip with the emphasis after only a short delay. Just before turning onto Cassilis Road, on gold panning! Barry and Dot stopped to investigate a scraping noise under their We then headed back to Italian Flat, and as per previous nights, it car. After letting the car roll backwards a short distance the noise rained while we were having dinner! disappeared. We figured it must have been a small stone lodged in February 13 – Italian Flat to Swifts Creek via The Dogs Grave one of the brake callipers. Once into the Cassilis Historical Mining Malcolm and Cherise area we looked for the King Cassilis Mine. We did drive around in circles a bit before finding it then we spent a little time wandering We were up late for a planned 9:30 am departure; there was more around the mine site looking at abandoned equipment while the light rain and cloudy skies. At 9:30 we headed off into Dargo for a ladies in the group lamented the fact that there was no craft shop decent coffee and a photo shoot in front of the Dargo Pub. Allan for them to look at. copped some ribbing from the Canon users in the group when his Nikon (that he had just finished praising) failed to operate. John After leaving the mine, we headed straight into Swifts Creek and came to the rescue with the ever-reliable Canon and completed the arrived right on 3:00 pm. We headed straight for the bakery for shoot. coffee (yes, more coffee) and cakes. After leaving the bakery it was off to the supermarket then onto the campground to set up and dry some camping gear. The skies had cleared and the sun was out. The campground was very pleasant and has nice grassed sites beside L to R - Evan, Allan & Helen, John & Jenny, Barry & Dot and Malcolm & Cherise with the vehicles at the Dargo Pub. the . Hot showers are available, all for $9 a night. Rick had left earlier for work commitments

TLCC NEWS AUGUST 2012 47 MAKIN' TRACKS

Evan takes evasive action to avoid a logging truck on Flinns Rd near Bently Plain Negotiating the heavily overgrown Mt Tom Track on the way to Bently Plain

February 14 – Swifts Creek to Bentley Plain Hut via The Haunted taking over in these areas so the general appearance changes Stream significantly. On reaching the Stirling Track, we headed down this John and Jenny Malcolm track to see if could make it through to the Stirling City site on the Today was to be an easy drive to Bentley Plain via the Angora Range Haunted Stream. Last year we attempted this but we were blocked Road, Haunted Stream, and Ensay. We departed just before 9:30 am by very large trees across the track. After some distance on a very after last minute shopping for freshly baked bread and early coffees rough, narrow and often steep descent, we reached the Haunted at the bakery. Evan was TEC for the day and we left Malcolm and Stream with no sign of Stirling City – the bush has completely Cherise at the campsite as they were leaving us and heading to regained control. If you plan to travel down the Stirling Track be Melbourne for family commitments. The trip out to the Angora prepared to get some pin striping on your car. As it was around Range Road was easy and uneventful although we did have to 10:50 am, we made this a relaxing morning tea stop. negotiate our way past a couple of logging trucks travelling at high During morning tea I made a decision that we would continue to speed. Dot was impressed by the fact that we travelled up through follow the Haunted Stream Track in an easterly direction along the Dorothy Cutting just before turning onto the Angora Range Road. stream towards Tambo Crossing rather than retracing our steps We passed through areas that have been very heavily logged and back up the Stirling Track. This turned out to be a good move as it is a shame to see all this timber disappear. The undergrowth is the track was much better than the Stirling Track, and it was in

TLCC NEWS AUGUST 2012 49 MAKIN' TRACKS

A lunch stop at the Limestone Creek camping area on the way to the Davies Plain Hut

February 15 – Bentley Plain to Davies Plain Hut Evan Smith We left camp right on time after a relaxing night and headed for Flynns Road to get around the road closure. At the intersection, we were greeted by two Wallabies (being from NZ, Evan was disappointed not to see two All Blacks – JM). Soon, the call came over the UHF “log truck oncoming!” We were on a working road for log trucks and encountered a number of them, however being true 4WDers we took it in our stride. The call “log truck” would come over the radio and four cruisers would hit the scrub and wait for the “all clear” before heading off again. This happened several times and Evan heads off on a steep descent on the Limestone I had the misfortune to encounter one of these monsters coming Creek Track while Barry captures the moment out of the mist right on a corner. I headed for the scrub and finished with the left front wheel in a bog. fact a pleasant drive to the just north of Tambo Crossing. We then headed north to Ensay for lunch arriving at about We were now on the Nunniong Road and turned south towards the 12:30 pm. Bentley Plain Road to head for the “Washington”. Soon we reached the site of this huge steam powered winch that was used to haul At around 1:15 pm we left Ensay and soon found ourselves on the logs up the escarpment from the 30’s through to the early 60’s when Watts Creek Track climbing up into the ranges. It was a relatively it was retired. We headed off again, backtracking to Nunniong Road easy and very pleasant drive up into the forest. We eventually then heading north again. We did not encounter anymore logging reached Wong Road and travelled along this road for a short trucks and it was apparent that they were all travelling in the same distance crossing the FDA Track onto Mt Tom Track. The Mt Tom direction – probably planned that way so they do not have to pass Track is very heavily overgrown, much more so than last year. At one another on the narrow tracks. times all you see is two faint wheel tracks through the scrub. We had to negotiate a couple of immovable obstacles as we virtually “bush All the tracks we did today were great, nothing too severe but bashed” our way up to the Camp Oven Gap Road. Turning left onto interesting in their own way. Brumby Hill, obvious from the brumby the Camp Oven Gap Road, we only had a short distance to travel deposits, and the descent down the Limestone Creek Track were before reaching the Bentley Plain Road with only a short drive then not one for wet weather, were two examples. We had lunch at to the Bentley Plain Hut and camping area. the Limestone Creek camping area then continued on to meet McCarthy’s Track. From here we took a deviation down to the After setting up camp, a few of us took the short walk to the Moscow Poplars Camping Area on the . At this location, the Villa only to notice a “ROAD CLOSED” sign. Out came the maps to Murray is a beautiful clear stream sparkling in the sun – it’s not quite find a way around this closure – all was well as it was an easy fix. the same down at Echuca. The campsite was quiet as people relaxed and read while Allan and I After collecting firewood for the next camp, we headed up discussed and compared the relative merits of our Canon and Nikon McCarthy’s Track towards the Davies Plain Track. In places, this was a cameras. Cruising around Australia or around the block...... enjoy it more with a Black Widow Storage System on board. With Black Widow’s PREMIUM storage systems fitted, you just roll out the drawer and trouble free access to all your gear is a breeze. No more moving everything to get at something down the bottom and drawer dividers are standard to keep things separate. Your next trip will be more enjoyable knowing your expensive equipment, valuables and camping gear are safely out of sight under lock and key. 1800 634 614 for your nearest dealer – www.bwidow.com.au TLCC NEWS AUGUST 2012 51 MAKIN' TRACKS

A pleasant campsite at the Davies Plain hut – if you ignore the blowflies

fairly steep climb. Once on the Davies Plain Track we passed Charlies Creek Camping Area then climbed to our highest altitude on the trip at 1742 m. We made camp at the Davies Plain Hut camping area at 4:00 pm with most of us feeling a little weary. We enjoyed a communal happy hour then dinner before the inevitable evening thunderstorm and shower of rain. February 16 – Davies Plain Hut to Tom Groggin Barry and Dot Slattery We awoke to a glorious morning in the Davies Plain Hut camping area with light dew on our tents. Some of us enjoyed a cooked breakfast, and again had the company of countless annoying “Blowflies”. The presence of Brumbies in the area no doubt contributes to the enormous Blowfly population. We packed up our tents and left Davies Plain Hut promptly at 9:00 am with the ultimate destination being Jindabyne, the final leg of our trip. We progressed along the Davies Plain Track in low range as the terrain and track condition warranted it, heading for our descent A shallow creek crossing just after leaving Davies Plain Hut to the Murray River, a distance of approximately 20 km from the Davies Plain Hut. The descent of the Davies Plain Track from 1420 metres was steep, rutted in parts with intermittent puddles, but overall a dry Hire a Tvan reasonable track for this time of the year. The Buckwong Creek

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52 TLCC NEWS AUGUST 2012 MAKIN' TRACKS

Barry makes an unintended high speed entry into Buckwong Creek – it was spectacular! Evan crosses the Murray River at Tom Groggin crossing however was deeper than we expected. It was a very pretty We then proceeded a little way up the road and pulled into a drive with the sun streaming through the trees, complemented by clearing to air up and have morning tea, at which time we bid a the lush, fresh, green undergrowth. fond farewell to Allan & Helen Kidd who left the group to head We arrived at the bottom of the Davies Plain Track, 526 metres directly back to Sydney and other commitments. above sea level, at the Murray River crossing at 10:24 am. At 11:30 am it was back on the “tar” and the group was down to Both John and Barry walked the Murray River crossing, assessing three vehicles; John & Jenny Malcolm, Evan Smith, and Barry & Dot the depth of the water and stability of the riverbed whilst the rest of Slattery as Tail End Charlie for the day. We headed to Jindabyne for us, who were “chanting at the bit”, remained on dry land. We were lunch, 58 km away, and the conclusion of our 4WD Victorian High given the “thumbs up” to drive the vehicles across to the other side. Country experience. As a precaution, blinds were fitted to all vehicles as the river was From all of us a big thank you must go to our fearless leader and his fast flowing and an incident free crossing was made, with the water lovely co-pilot, John & Jenny Malcolm, for making it a thoroughly levels reaching just above the “running boards”. enjoyable, memorable, and well-planned trip!

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