MAKIN' TRACKS High Country Peter crossing the Murray River Andrew crossing the Murray River Adventurers Phil and Cheryl Meade (80 series) – trip leaders Andrew Boyd and Rob Alexander (Troopie) Jeff and Sandy Cameron (GU Nissan) Steve and Diana Entwistle (100 Series) John and Norma Ferguson (100 Series) George Lewis (80 Series) Peter and Mary Murphy (80 Series) Bob and Liz Rosevear (79 Series) The High Country — December 27, 2009 to January 8, 2010 — Bob tackling a large tree on Buena Gap Track Sunday, December 27 – Jindabyne to Buenba Flat (Cheryl and Phil) Jindabyne was the starting point for what would be a thirteen day, 1100kms trip between Jindabyne and Bright. Would there be snow (as we saw in the previous year) or would there be rain (which would result in having to adopt a “plan B”), or would there be some other unforeseen circumstance affecting the trip? After a run-around the shops in Jindabyne by all (Rob forgot his underwear and Liz her walking shoes), the first part of the day was a scenic transport section along the Alpine Way, past Thredbo (all black-top), crossing the Murray River at Tom Groggin. A quick stop permitted deflation of tyres (essential) and it was then onwards and upwards to Mt Pinnibar. Torrential rain in this area, on the previous year’s trip, meant we were unable to use the Mt Pinnibar Track on that occasion. This year, however, although the Mt Pinnibar Track was again wet in places, it was negotiable although muddy and Rob and Bob slippery in several spots. The views from Mt Pinnibar were fleeting, with clouds rolling past the trig point, which at 1,772m is one of the highest in Northern Victoria. Mt Pinnibar to Buenba Flat was an easy 2 hours plus run along little- used trails. At the afternoon’s campsite Bob Rosevear discovered he had left his tent at home. However, luckily, Rob Alexander was planning to sleep in his swag and had brought a small $29 tent as well, in case it rained (which it would later in the trip!). We had a relaxing evening, around a campfire with a light drizzle, getting to know everyone. 30 TLCC NEWS APRIL 2010 THE HIGH COUNTRY Philip driving through Washington Winch Snatch block belonging to Washington Winch Monday, December 28 – Buenba Flat to The adrenalin rush for the day was on Carroll’s Lane, which has Bentleys Plain (John and Norma) deteriorated considerably over the last few years. Bob misjudged the track and found himself on a 45 degree angle, his right front side Much of the morning was spent clearing the scenic Buenba Gap disappearing into a metre deep wheel rut. George was the second driver Track. Three chain saws were used to cut through three track- to require a recovery but great teamwork and guidance ensured that no blocking logs, the largest having a diameter of about 750mm. damage was done to either vehicle. Another adrenalin rush was on the We continued through Benambra and Omeo. Some interesting Powers Gully Track, very steep, very rutted and very slippery compared tracks, south of Benambra, were driven in the afternoon before to Mt Delusion Road which was wide and well graded. arriving at the Washington Winch on Nunniong Road. This is The remains of the 2006/2007 fires were still evident, with some areas historically and scientifically significant as it is the only intact similar to a moonscape in appearance, with tall blackened trunks high lead/skyline logging system in Victoria and possibly in standing alone and delicate wild flowers scattered below. Regrowth is Australia (it was last used in 1961). Next was the night’s camp evident but ever so slow. spot at Bentley Plains Hut – a great camp for up to 10 vehicles. On arrival we were welcomed (as prearranged) by Tony and The afternoon was easy driving, to Camm’s Top Place where we had Penny Scott and Mark Willock and children, their camps already a pretty campsite set amongst tall trees. Andrew had a mishap when established and enjoying the peaceful location. opening a petrol can, resulting in his eyes being sprayed with fuel. How he managed to create a great cake for supper I’ll never know! Tuesday, December 29 – Bentleys Plain to Camm’s Top Place (Bob and Liz) Wednesday, December 30 – Camm’s Top Place to Horseyard Flat (George Lewis) Moscow Villa was our first stop; it is quite a ‘classy’ hut compared to others in the High Country and was built by a local bushman, Day 4 was to be another day of spectacular ascents and descents. But first Bill Ah Chow. The name of the hut comes from the acronym ‘My we took an early morning bush walk to look at the nearby deteriorating Own Summer Cottage Officially Welcomes Visitors Inside Light Camm’s Top Place Hut (it has seen much better days!). It was used by Lunch Available’. cattlemen moving their stock along by the side of the river. The ruins of the outside kitchen still remain as a reminder of the need to protect the Phil explored a new track (for him) called the South Escarpment hut’s main living area from man-made fires. Track, which had not been used for quite some time. At one point, cars literally disappeared into the bushes only 15 metres But, no time to linger – it was on and up to Mt Birregun, which provided in front of you. None of us came out of the track unscratched; extensive views and mobile phone access for those of us who wanted to this was the trip’s introduction to “pin-striping”. It was worth the ring home. Reaching the Birregun Crossing proved that we were adept effort, however, as the track widened and provided spectacular at steep descents and deserved a shady morning tea break there and views of the ranges above and valleys below. then! The diversion to Harrison’s Cut took us to where, over 100 years ago, goldminers had diverted the Dargo River to enable alluvial gold Another unfamiliar track, the McKenzie Track, was a very steep, mining, which despite their back-breaking work, was unsuccessful. first gear low range descent, in an area dominated by enormous turpentines and mountain ash. Scattered throughout the At Kingswell Bridge, Tony and Penny Scott and family joined us. It was undergrowth were age-old grass trees while Hammond Break then on and up to the helipad on Billy Goat Bluff Track; and up and up was a photographer’s delight. and up again to East Pinnacle for 180 degree views from the fire tower TLCC NEWS APRIL 2010 31 SUBSCRIBE TO THE WILD SIDE Experience Know How Adventure Adrenaline Subscribe Support 4WD PRODUCTS 39 Years 4WDTips Large Range Monthly Latest Reviews Experience of Parts Promotions News Product 4WD Clubs Expert Demonstration Trusted Newsletter SupportTeam Recovery Gear Forum Connection to Australia’s Repairers Adventure Experience Adrenaline terraintamer.com offers all the knowledge you need before setting off to tackle this great land. So for expert advice, new product releases, product demonstrations and more, Subscribe to the Wild Side. 32 TLCC NEWS APRIL 2010 THE HIGH COUNTRY Macalister River – New Year's Day . relief from the heat at 1,445m. Phil was invited into the map room so the fire watcher (a relative newcomer to the position) could use Phil’s maps to name the distant peaks in his watch! Then down and down again to our camping site at Horseyard Flat for the customary Happy Hour, hot shower, dinner, and camp fire chat. Lesson 333 to be learned there was: never to back an 80 Series Landcruiser into a tree! Thursday, December 31 – Horseyard Flat to Macalister River (Andrew and Rob) We departed Horseyard Flat (leaving Tony and Mark) at 8.05am and, as George was running short of fuel, we headed for Licola. After a quick refuel we headed to Dingo Hill Track. From Dingo Hill Track (very steep with very tight hair-pin bends that require full concentration to negotiate) we connected to the Butcher Country Track (also steep and, in places, washed-out), which led us to the Macalister River to camp for New Year’s Eve. It mustn’t have been George’s day as he had another flat tyre, having also had one the previous day. Norma & John also staked and destroyed a tyre on the same track. We celebrated New Year’s Eve with our meal being of Indian Flavour; all sorts of delicious dishes were presented and shared – with Tony, Penny and Mark again joining us. As the night wore on our party number became less and less as we approached midnight, only the brave few die-hards brought in the New Year. Peter crossing Macalister River Friday, January 1 – Macalister River (Diana and Steve) Skeleton Snow Gums Thunder, lightning, wind and rain welcomed in the New Year and left the tracks wet enough for a slippery start to the day’s proposed trek along Butcher Country Track. Stopping at a lookout 3km along the track, we discussed the severe local thunderstorm warnings for the day which we had just heard on ABC radio and decided to abandon the day’s trek as the tracks were already proving to be a challenge. Returning to camp various housekeeping chores kept us busy for the rest of the morning; the remainder of the day was rest and recreation. As the heat of the sun waned we all made our way down to the Macalister River to cool down. The water temperature was just right and the smooth river rocks provided us with comfortable holes to sit and chat.