A Memorable New Years Eve

New Years Eve dawned with a hint of smoke in the air. Our tentative plans of a short hike up to Illawong suspension bridge was looking dubious as the smoke began to roll in during the morning. Despite being nothing what we had experienced earlier in the week in Canberra, it was more than we expected and wasn't great for walking in. We discussed a variety of options and the favoured choice was to drive to Wild Brumby distillery for a look, lunch and play on the lawns. Everyone decided to go except Andy, so we left him at the lodge to entertain himself.

Car swapping was in full force, so to accompany me on the short half hour drive down the mountain was Kelly, Katy, Jessica and Ashley. We were all in high spirits until we arrived at the Thredbo River where we noticed a road block on the other side of the road. Curious to see what was going on, I slowed to a stop to chat the to the guy manning the post.

It was quickly established that the road into Perisher / Guthega was now closed to all traffic and we weren't allowed back in despite Andy being up there with no car along with all our worldly possessions. Emergency services had closed the road due to the predictions that the Corryong bushfire was going to travel the 51kms and hit the Thredbo / Perisher area within 4 hours!

With no option we all continued on to the distillery. Our thoughts were whirling and chaotic all the while keeping up a calm facade for the kids. As luck had it we knew that separate friends (Nadine, Sean and Lily) were also at Guthega, hadn't yet left the village and would have room in their car for Andy.

As it was, they had walked up to Illawong and having received an evacuation order were quickly making their way back to their lodge. When we contacted Andy, he had gone for a run (thankfully taking his phone with him) and was most of the way up Guthega Trig!!

Back at the distillery, it was hot before a short burst of heavy rain sent us cowering undercover. With no tables free and an hour wait for food, we left and headed into Jindabyne ending up at the Parc cafe where we ordered lunch.

Our conversations focussed on potential plans based on information at hand which continued to be snippets from phone calls between Andy, Nadine and Cath!! We considered sending 2 cars back to Canberra while I remained to be reunited with Andy and hopefully all our stuff.  I should mention here that Andy had begun the cleaning up process of the lodge between visits from neighbouring lodge members and the ranger.

Then we received the news we'd all been waiting for - that fire had slowed considerably and Guthega Village was open to those with accomodation. We would be able to travel through the road block and return to the lodge. Sighs of relief reverberated around the room. Those precious stuffed toys could all be reunited with their worried owners (Ashley and Katy) while Christmas camera and phone would be retrieved too (Ella).

Despite reassurances from the National Parks personnel that we could stay overnight, it was an easy and unanimous decision that we would return to pack up our stuff and the lodge as quickly as possible before driving back to Canberra. The kids were already anxious enough and no-one really wanted to face the potential midnight evacuation if the fire flared. Andy had done a fantastic job back at the lodge. We were packed up and on the road again within the hour.

Looking towards Guthega Trig

Taken on 29/12 and on 31/12

 

Looking up the Snowy River

Taken on 29/12 and 31/12

 

Thinking the worst was over, we were surprised to be plunged into the gloomy, sepia, thick smoky conditions between Berridale and Cooma. Visibility plummeted and we were beginning to wonder if we would ever see the sun and blue sky again! North of Cooma, we drove through thunderstorms and a patch of rain. As the news of the devastation and destruction of the many coastal fires emerged, we were so grateful to arrive home by 7pm, together and all safe. No-one in our household made it til midnight but it certainly was a New Years that we will remember for many years to come.

Blue Lake

Andy and Gareth were up at the crack of dawn. Their intended long run the Tate Horseshoe as christened by Gareth, was abandoned. Instead they were to run to Charlottes Pass, via Illawong, Mt Twynam and the main range trail. The rest of the gang had a more sedate morning having breakfast and packing hiking stuff before driving around to Charlottes Pass to meet up with the boys.

 

Once changed and slightly recovered, we began the hike to Blue Lake unsure whether we would all make it or not. Under blue skies, the wind was blustery cooling us from the sun's intense rays. The first km is a steep descent to the Snowy River. The low water mark made the stepping stone crossing a dawdle. Spirits were high as the kids chatted along happily. From the river, the trail climbed for the next 3 kms.

 

Predictably, the higher we ascended, the kids energy levels and resilience descended at the same rate. From experience we knew it was time for a break.



We keep them moving with the promise of snow and after a few more rises, the snow drift appeared. Snowball fights quickly begin and their tiredness ebbs away.

Oops - Ella's self timer perhaps needed a little more time in setting up? She also didn't realise that it was on manual setting for the exposure.

I was very keen to make it to Blue Lake today as it was my third attempt to get to there...

First was in November 2008 when Adrian and Heather were visiting. The walk began in overcast conditions but deteriorated rather quickly....we made it to the snow drift before turning around!

Then a month later we were up at Guthega for family Christmas. This time we got to the saddle before turning around. We could see Blue Lake but it wasn't very blue....



Then there was a lull of 10 years before I cam close again. In 2018, Cath and I ran in the Australian Alpine Ascent, a 25km trail run taking in the Main Range Trail Loop. The course came through the saddle to Blue Lake so I caught a glimpse when running past!

Therefore today in beautiful conditions I was very desperate to get there. From the snow drift, there was one more rise to conquer and before we knew it we'd made it to the saddle and junction with Blue Lake glittering below us.

It was still a decent descent to the shores of Blue Lake. Others before us had the right idea - bringing bathers and towels to cool off in the chilly waters. How we were all longing to give ourselves a dunking but instead resorted to paddling before enjoying a picnic lunch.

Trudging back up to the saddle straight after lunch was the hardest part (except for the last 1km). A discovery of a creek of tadpoles broke up the climb.

From there, the walk back as per usual seemed so much easier. Perhaps it was the downhill slope or the thoughts of getting back to the lodge. Regardless of the reason it was a breeze with no complaining from the kids. Lewys was a champion walker and loved to hold Nathan and Ella's hands. We briefly stopped at the Snowy River once again cooling off our tired feet although both Gareth and Kelly somehow ended up swimming! 

It was awesome to finally see Blue Lake in all its glory and share this experience with a wonderful group of friends!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing. As we were competing for the best sunset photos thanks to a small amount of smoke haze on the horizon, little did we know what New Years Eve would have in store for us....

Guthega

It was suppose to be a holiday down on the south coast, however the airbnb place that we'd booked in the middle of 2019 was sold in September and subsequently cancelled our booking as it was no longer an airbnb!! A few frantic days were spent trying to find a suitable place that 1. could house 13 people, 2. wasn't too expensive 3. was on the coast and 4. was available! Mission impossible so we suggested to retreat to the lodge at Guthega to spend a few days in the mountains!! Our misfortune was actually a blessing as bushfires ravaged the south coast (and most of the south east corner of Australia) for 10 days over the Christmas / New Year period.

We were glad to leave smoky hot Canberra for the clear cool mountain air on the 29th December. After giving our guests a guided tour of the lodge, we ventured out on a short walk to the Flying Fox where the kids could play in the chilly waters of Farm creek. Ella took her new camera to test out.