We had another window of opportunity for another walk in the Snowy Mountains before the ski season begins in a few weeks time. We stayed again with our friend, Julie, on Lake Eucumbene and decided to do a walk out of Thredbo Village.
Again, we were lucky with our choice of day, fine weather forecast.
We left Julie’s lodge about 9am. A clear day with no wind.
Not wanting to tempt fate with the weather and arthritic knees, we decided to do the Thredbo to Bullock’s Flat river walk - 16 kms.
When we arrived in Thredbo we discovered the walk was under maintenance. We walked about a 1 km along the path to the Thredbo River crossing, hoping we could avoid the sections under renovation, but came to a grinding halt at the end of the bridge. It will be a relaxed walk to do on a later date.
We walked back to the village, deciding to investigate another trail.
We decided on the Dead Horse Gap trail which is one of the most popular walks in the area.
Only one chairlift, Snowgums, was in operation. We took it to the beginning of the Mt Koscuiszko Summit Track. $25 a ticket for seniors.
We walked 400 m up the track until we found a sign for the Dead Horse Gap Hike (altitude : 2019m) at about 12.30pm.
We appreciated all the warm gear we carried - just in case - as it was 2o with a biting wind at the top.
Stunning, stunning views on the Ramshead Range
We were surprised at the amount of snow and increasingly, the perilous icy track.
Lunch out of the wind on a sunny branch
Resilient plants shooting through the snow
After slowly making our way down, avoiding the slippery ice where possible, we came to a flat grassy section, hoping that this was the end of the ice and mud. Our walking poles were invaluable.
Unfortunately the shaded winding path of the last section was the worst of all, proving quite a challenge and with some minor falls.
We reached the trail’s end and the Thredbo River Track at 4pm.
Glimmering icicles by the riverbank
Even along the flat Thredbo River Walk ice had set in long sections, making the path impassable. Mark suggested we climb to the road, as it was getting late, and walk on a safer surface to Thredbo. We walked into the township about 6pm, with a full moon, guiding our way.
M&M
A few glimpses of animals and birds, mainly around Lake Eucumbene - parrots, a lyrebird and young deer. Many deer crossing the road in the dark as we drove along the highway.
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