Cold mountain hike proves great pre-exam warm-up
A cold night in a tent, brightened up by...
...a gorgeous snow landscape that appeared overnight
Three Year 3B students at East Gippsland Regional Clinical School decided on an unusual preparation for their exams – a trip to the mountains and the snow.
Kane Treble, Lizzie Duffett and Meri Salmon Krone took it upon themselves to conquer the might of the Alpine National Park, with intentions to head up to Mt Howitt (1742m) and show it who was boss. This is their story of their trip, the snow and their sunburn!
Unfortunately, only a few kilometres up Howitt Road our efforts to come, see and conquer were almost thwarted by a rather sturdy looking padlock in the middle of the road. While this usually wouldn’t be an issue, the large (some would say sturdier) gate that it secured was.
Unperturbed by lock or looming clouds, we decided to hike in to Bryce’s Gorge, camping in a small clearing off the road with a fresh water waterfall nearby providing delicious drinking water.
We came prepared for snow, and snow we got – with a decent snowfall overnight smothering what had been green landscape only the day before, transforming it into an amazing winter wonderland.
With spirits high and temperature low, we set out to complete our journey to Bryce’s Gorge, on the way discovering the CFA landing strip, the Dimmick’s Lookout and of course the incredible views that come with the Alpine region.
Finally reaching Bryce’s Gorge, we conquered the tree-fallen paths to Pieman and Conglomerate Falls and across the open plains to Guy’s Hut. Must have been a lonely man, that Guy – and looking at the walls of the place, most likely also a cold one.
Hiking back to the previously set up camp, assuring ourselves that at least it was all downhill and the campsite was only around that next corner (nobody was fooled), we were greeted to large cups of hot tea, another dish of lentils and of course the customary stranger with a rifle who had come to see what we were up to (a lovely chap across from Tasmania looking for deer).
A two and a half day adventure across 42 odd kilometres filled with snow, sun (our poor, sunburnt bodies!) and incredible views. Of course it’s now time to head back to the books – exams are just around the corner – and fortunately, it’s all downhill!