A weekend with our brother and sister-in-law’s walking group staying at one of the original 1960s lodges on Lake Jindabyne in the NSW Snowy Mountains.
After much discussion the group decided to walk to The Sentinal, an impressive peak on a knife edge ridge, a walk departing from Charlotte’s Pass. An expected 14 km round trip.
We assembled at Charlotte’s Pass. We headed off done the steep path and crossing the Snowy River over stepping stones, less precarious today as the river was not as high as in September.
It didn’t take long - maybe an hour - until we reached the fabulous Blue Lake.
Then the mist blew in and the temperature dropped considerably. Fleeces and windproof gear were at the ready.(An sober reminder about how important it is to be prepared for every weather contingency, as conditions can change so rapidly). This turned our plans upside down. No point walking to The Sentinel with no possibility of the impressive views expected. The group decision was to continue on the Great Range Walk via Mt Carruthers and Mt Kosciusko and return to Charlotte’s Pass, completing the loop.
Fascinating wildflower display along the way
Suddenly the mist parted, we entered the Lake Albina Valley on a flat walkway with spectacular views west. We enjoyed lunch by the lake.
We skirted around the Kosciusko turnoff - very popular today - and continued on the path, past Seaman’s Hut and crossing another section of the Snowy River over a cement bridge. Unlike on a previous walk in May 2018, when there was still a lot of snowy sections to navigate, today it was dry and dusty.
The long winding track back to Charlotte’s Pass. A tedious 9 kms - although the accompanying views of the valley and the changing vegetation were a distraction from our increasingly weary feet.
A relaxed evening with delicious food, wine and music on a perfect evening.
M&M
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