Saturday 18 May 2019

MAY 2019 : SNOWY MOUNTAINS, NSW : Charlotte’s Pass - Mt Kosciuszko (2225m) and return : 18 kms - 6 hours


Mist over Lake Eucumbene


Sheep property near Eucumbene 


Beautiful Lake Jindabyne - full capacity


Entering the National Park


Our mission on this stunning day was to walk from Charlotte’s Pass to Australia’s highest peak, Mt Koscuiszko, 2225m. It is not a difficult or treacherous walk as it is all on a straight track. Although today we were warned there had been significant snowfalls recently.



The small resort town of Charlotte’s Pass


Charlotte’s Pass lookout. Mt Koscuiszko to the left.


Off we set on the well- made track at 10am


Amazing colours in the alpine gums


Small alpine plants


Melting icicles 


  Views across the valleys


Small snow drifts begin to appear


The Snowy River



Walking towards Seaman’s Hut - carefully!


A snack at Seaman’s Hut




The alpine plants change




Rawson’s Hut, where the tracks from Thredbo and Charlotte’s Pass meet. A short climb to the peak.


Snow piled up outside Rawson’s Hut




The trail to the top


Stunning views to the west


Such a clear day with no wind



The summit



Lunch


We head down


As the snow began to melt there were fascinating effects with the sun’s reflection 


The track back much easier with much of the snow melting


Attractive views as the afternoon light fades



Reaching Charlotte’s Pass at 4pm


Sunset


A full moon guides us home




M&M

PS In January 1990 (nearly 30 years ago) we stayed in Thredbo for a few nights, caught the chairlift up the mountain and then walked to the summit of Mt Koscuiszko. Here are our remaining snaps with mid-Summer wildflowers in full bloom. Nick was 10, Ashley was 8 and Mark and I were considerably younger as well.



M&M

No comments: