PORT MACQUARIE 4WD CLUB 2015/16 VICTORIAN HIGH COUNTRY TRIP REPORT ATTENDEES; Gavin, Janet, Jacinta & Hugh Sharp – Toyota Landcruiser (Trip leader) Peter, Jacinda, Amelia, Ella & Piper Wilson – Toyota Landcruiser James, Christine, Lachlan & Kyah Griffin – Nissan Patrol Luke Clout – Landrover Defender Martin & Chez Hovey – Jeep Phil & Mandy O’Brien – Isuzu D-Max Graham & Marj Lehay – Nissan Patrol Mark & Sue Nitschke – Toyota Hilux Steve & Trudy Carlin – Toyota Landcruiser Deb, Samantha & Natasha Bordin – Subaru Forester Darren & Kylie van der Ley – Ford Ranger WEEK 2 Long Plain Hut to Tom Groggin Day 8 – Monday 28th December 2015 – Day Drive to Yarrangbilly Caves and Tantangara Reservoir – Distance travelled 69kms A very cool night last night, but the morning is bright and clear. Forecast is for warmer temps over the next few days, but still with cold nights. After breakfast we head out for Tantangara Reservoir on the Murrambidgee River. This is a large man- made Upper headwaters of Murrambidgee River reservoir that seems to cater for campers and fishermen alike. After a few photos we kept pushing west to the old historic Currango homestead. On-route, there Tantangara Reservoir were plenty of wild brumbies to be seen, and several wild dogs were even spotted by some. Once at the homestead we breaked for morning tea and a bit of an explore. The grounds are very interesting, with many outbuildings and several large houses that are rented out to paying guests. There is even a grass tennis court! From here we backtracked to Long Plain Road, then out to the Snowy Mountains Hwy and into the Yarrangbilly Caves where we have lunch. The group breaks up here, with several makfgggggfving the steep walk down to the Currango Homestead thermal pools for a swim, whilst others take the self- guided tour of one of the Thermal pool caves. Several of Yarrangbilly Caves us elect to take the 1.5 hour guided tour of one of the caves and this turns out to be a very interesting caving experience, with many jaw dropping formations to be seen. Sometimes mother nature just beats anything mankind can dream up. Back to camp by 5:30 and open air showers before dinner around the roaring fire again. All to bed before 10. Day 9 – Tuesday 29th December 2015 – Day drive to Lobs Hole Ravine 4WD Track and Cabramurra – Distance travelled 120kms Freezing night last night (literally) with a decent frost evident this morning. A beautiful low-lying mist is everywhere with the waning gibbous moon still hanging in the cloudless sky. Breakfast is taken and the group departs camp at 8am. We head north west on the Snowy Mountains Hwy, through the Icy BBQ locality of Yarrangobilly before turning left onto Lobs Hole Ravine road. This is an excellent drive that follows the 330kV powerline up and over several valleys. Drive is at times steep, but the track is in Powerlines excellent condition and we make good progress. We explore some old ruins and get our first experience of low range driving, albeit only briefly, as we take the steep pinch down to the shores of Talbingo Reservoir where we pause for morning tea. After crossing Wallaces Creek we spy the ruins of a dilapidated rammed earth building. As there is no descriptive signage, we discuss possible history of the building over the radio. Fortunately, we are overheard by some knowledgeable locals who advise the building used to be a pub and guesthouse servicing the gold and copper mines that were in operation in the area. We later Smoko at Talingo reservoir learn that there were over 300 people living in the area during the early 1900’s. Amazing for such rugged countryside. We eventually emerge back onto the bitumen and head southeast towards Cabramurra. We take a brief detour to visit Talingo Reservoir the lookout over the Tumut 2 power station. This is part of the amazing Snowy- Hydro scheme that will feature strongly in our travels over the coming weeks. We then call into Cabramurra for our lunch break. Some take the opportunity to feast on hot chips and hamburgers from the local shops. We take our lunch at the lookout overlooking Australia’s highest town at an altitude of 1470 Wallace Creek crossing with bemused fisherman in background (being photographed by Mandy) meters and pose for the obligatory Tumut 2 power station lookout group photo. Start heading back to camp, via the Selwyn snowfields. All deserted now, but obviously a hive of activity during the winter months. Then it’s back onto the Snowy Mountain Hwy Cabramurra for the short drive back to camp. Arrive back at camp around 1:30 where we all enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Graham & Marj arrive this afternoon, bringing us up to our full compliment of 28 people spread amongst 12 vehicles. As this is our final night at camp, we stoke up the fire to use up our remaining wood and even enjoy a sing-a-long. Will be a shame to leave this wonderful campsite. Highly recommended to anyone considering coming to the area. Day 10 – Wednesday 30th December 2015 – Long Plain Hut to Old Adaminaby – Distance travelled 60kms Lake Eucumbene We break camp this morning and head out at 9:30 am for the short drive up the bitumen to Old Adaminaby where we are booked into the local caravan park on the shores of Lake Eucumbene. Arriving at camp at around 11, we are directed to our group camping area overlooking the lake and surrounding countryside. A very pleasant spot. Whilst a bit tight, we all fit in Snowy Scheme Museum and are soon exploring the area. We all drive to Adaminaby for lunch and the local bakery does a roaring trade with their delicious pies and numerous sweet treats. Following lunch, we venture over to the Snowy Scheme museum, which is chock-a-block full Adaminaby Big Trout of memorabilia from 60 years ago. Luke nearly has kittens when he discovers two Series 1 Landover’s in mint condition. We all settle in to watch one of the documentary movies, and as it such a hot day, there a many nodding heads as the dark room and weariness overcome us. Time to wake up!! Come 3:30 and the first of our fishing charters are due to commence. Darren, Steve, Trudy, Luke and Graham head out with high hopes. Four hours later they return with 3 nice trout. These are put in ice in readiness for tomorrow nights NYE celebrations. We had gathered some firewood earlier in the day, and quickly settled in around the fire. A very hot day today was finished off with a fantastic sunset over the lake. Day 11 – Thursday 31st December 2015 – Old Adaminaby – NEW YEARS EVE! An early start for Mark, Susan, Jacinta, Hugh and Gavin as they are on the next fishing charter at 6am. We gather at the boat ramp and board our intrepid vessel pre-sunrise. A quick blast across the lake and then in with the lures. The fishing here is trolling, and can be fairly boring if not catching fish. After about half an hour our first fish hits the lure. Gavin grabs the rod and we soon have a large brown trout on board. A quick tap to the head, then into the icebox. 15 minutes later and we have our second fish. This time Mmmmmm Fresh Brown Trout caught by Mark. Then the boredom sets in. Not a nibble for the next two hours. Then the fish come back on the chew, and we land another three good fish within 30 minutes. Susan gracefully decides to let her fish go, whilst the others join their friends in the icebox. We return to camp with 4 nice brown trout. As it’s very hot, the remainder of the day is spent swimming in the lake and generally lounging about. Some drive back into Adaminaby for more excellent pies. Then it’s time to start getting ready for NYE. First we dress in our Op- Shop finery (or something to do with electricity) as it was a multi-themed fancy dress night tonight. Then we head to the communal area where we begin by preparing the freshly caught fish by simply stuffing them with lemon, salt & Hostess with the mostest! pepper, then wrapping in foil. Onto the hot BBQ for 30 minutes then serve to the hungry hoards. Fish was delicious and all 7 were quickly devoured. Following entrée, the Black Duck vodka made its debut. This was mixed with soda water and lime. As it was another hot day, it was greatly received by all. Next, and its onto the steak sandwiches. We had pre-ordered 30 scotch fillet steaks and spoken with the local baker who made us special NYE Celebrations sourdough rolls. Add Mandy’s caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and Uncle Hugh’s secret steak sauce and we had a meal fit for a king. Following dinner we retired to the open fire and were entertained by the locals letting of fireworks during the lead up to midnight. Amid much cheering, hand-shaking and kissing we wished everyone best wishes for the new year before drifting of to bed around 1am. A very satisfying way to see in the New Year. Friday 1st January 2016 – Old Adaminaby – NEW YEARS DAY Everyone slow to rise this morning, with a few dusty people climbing out of bed. Nothing a big serve of bacon & eggs won’t fix though. A fairly quite morning, and at around 10am some of us set out on a day drive to the Yaouk Valley area.