MAY 2019 : SNOWY MOUNTAINS, NSW : Investigating Crackenback Lodge and Wild Brumby Distillery

Another glorious day so we decided to investigate the Crackenback Resort near Thredbo and the Wild Brumby Gin Distillery and Cafe.

The Eastern Rosellas were in the garden to greet us again this morning

Lake Eucumbene

Another Eucumbene sheep property 

Lake Crackenback Resort. We had a walk around the lake and we were impressed with the quality of the properties, grounds and facilities.

Lots of walks from the resort and near to the villages of Jindabyne and Thredbo.

Water fowl with huge feet!

Fabulous bronze sculptures throughout the resort

Several friends have recommended that we visit the Wild Brumby Gin and Schnapps Distillery near Jindabyne. 

I tried 3 gins ...very tasty..

But we opted to buy coffee and strudel and cake

A fabulous few days. We look forward to return for more walking...and gin. The month of May is an excellent time for exploring.

The road home

Back in Canberra and the last weeks of Autumn

M&M

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