Sunday, December 27, 2020

Blue Cow Trig

Our aim today for our run was nothing too steep or bushy. As a result we headed out the front door of the lodge before looping around the back on the Norwegian Trail up to the Blue Calf saddle. From here we trudged up the ski slope known as Bloody Mary and it was bloody steep! At the top we negotiated the ankle breaking boulder field then continued running along the small footpad before making the decision to head upwards off the track.

We carefully picked our way up, rock hoping as we went and trying to avoid the thickest parts. It wasn't too long before we reached the trig on the top of Mt Blue Cow. It's great to see this part of the resort without snow. The terrain looks so different with so many beautiful, big boulders that are usually hidden. 




On the far side, we ran down another grassy ski slope - Zalis to the Terminal Quad which surprisingly was not running! 


From there it took a few attempts to locate the foot pad back to Bloody Mary. We found it eventually but not before having to trudge through an extensive section of what Andy called spiky Pineapple Grass (obviously not its botanical name). It was a nice track to finish our adventure on as it mostly contoured before emerging about a third of the way up Bloody Mary. From there it was a steep short section to the base of the ski run then onto Norwegian trail back to the lodge.

2nd Excursion!

We'd promised the girls - Katy, Ari, Nika and Mia a walk up Guthega trig to actually find the trig. After recovering from the morning's excursion and eating lunch, we packed some goodies and a few water bottles and left.

It was rather warm walking up the steep slope so a few stops were necessary. Eventually we reached near the summit and began our search. Our aim was to locate the trig that we knew was no longer on top of the rocks but had tumbled over the edge some time ago. With the help of google maps we left the small track and scrambled up the first rocky outcrop thinking it looked the highest!


From here, Mia spotted the upside down trig on the next rocky outcrop!! Interestingly we realised when enjoying the views that Susie, Katy and I had been on the rocky outcrop below on Christmas Day - so close!





After a snack and drink of water, we were a little cold and over the blustery conditions. The girls off loaded their back packs and decided to run back down! Us oldies just meandered down bumping into Marina and Fedor at the bottom. They had planned to walk with us but the mountain bike ride they'd undertaken took much longer then expected!


Saturday, December 26, 2020

First Time!

We've been going to Guthega ever since I met Andy, over 30 years ago. In all of these trips, I've never managed to explore any further than the top of Guthega Trig or past the suspension bridge at Illawong. Andy on the other hand, would routinely include a long run or ski up to Mt Tate, or Mt Twynam or along East Tate Ridge. Boxing Day presented us with the opportunity to rectify this!

On a romantic run with just the two of us (the others opting for a mountain bike ride instead), we left the lodge early. We headed out across Guthega dam and up Guthega River. Our shoes were already soaked as we crossed the small bridge to begin the ascent. It was thick, wet and slippery clambering upwards to our destination Gills Knobs! The 250m climb in 1 km took us nearly 30mins. Close to the top, the thick heath cleared as did the mist.




 





We paused at the top to soak in the views and catch our breath! Running along the top was wonderful but not long enough. Our route took us down the spur to Pounds Creek which we rock hopped across. Up and over a small hill, we picked our way slowly at times to the suspension bridge that crosses the Snowy River. From here it was single track, 3km back to the lodge. A lovely outing that I can't wait to do on skis!

Friday, December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas

Christmas morning at Guthega was crisp with low cloud hugging the mountain tops. A group of 7 - Andy, Katy and I along with Susie, Patrick, Josh and Mia decided on a Guthega trig run up. Cathy and Dave followed us in the walking party while Ella, Sandra and Rohan remained at the lodge.


The run wasn't particularly fast and turned into more of a walk towards the top. The faster group of Andy, Patrick, Josh and Mia slowly pulled away and were soon out of sight. Katy, Susie and I followed deciding to veer off the path thinking we were close to the trig. We climbed a rocky outcrop or two and had no luck on finding either the trig or the other runners. A quick call and we located the others who were slightly higher up on a different rocky outcrop. They too hadn't found the trig either!



Meanwhile back at the lodge, Ella was busy decorating the table for Christmas lunch - red, gold and eucalyptus green colours with a couple of ferreo rocher Christmas trees, fairy lights, snow gum branches and handmade place cards adorned the table.




Showers, lunch food prep was in order before we all sat down to exchange presents!




As you can see oodies were popular! Post present everyone helped out to co-ordinate so that the roast lamb, ham and duck along with the garlic bread and roast veggies were ready at the same time! A feat in itself! By 2pm we all sat down to enjoy a delicious lunch!


Of course the rest of the afternoon was spent recovering on the couch, playing games and reading new Christmas books!

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Made it to the Mountains

The lead up to Christmas was busy and stressful. My work has been extremely busy and our practice was open until 1pm on Christmas Eve. This meant I needed to be packed and ready prior to leaving for work so that Andy and Ella (Katy was already at Guthega having joined Nana and Grandpa the previous day) could pick me up in the afternoon and we'd head straight for the mountains! Roles were reversed so while I was at work, Andy was doing the last minute organising, packing and dog dropping off! 

Anyhow we made it to Guthega by late afternoon and joined the rest of the family who were already there - Nana, Grandpa, Susie, Patrick, Josh and Mia, Cathy and Rohan. We unpacked and sorted our stuff out while dinner was being cooked for us. Then it was time to relax and let the stress of a busy life melt away! Guthega would be home for the next few days.



Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Friends Hanging Out

The three budgies - Monty, Pepper and Karri all get to hang out together at our place over Christmas while everyone is away!



Christmas Colours

Even the garden is getting into Christmas!



Too Loud

As you can see Indi is not a fan of loud noises! She hides in our wardrobe when the vacuum comes out and I don't think she is too happy about Ella deciding to change from food tech / dance to band for her electives in Year 8 thus switching back to alto sax from flute!


Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Pre Christmas Activities

 Whole family BBQ dinner...

Last event in the orienteering sprint series which included a map flip and two laps in the Christmas Tree maze superbly organised and set by the Dent Family.


First of the BB matches at Manuka- a lovely evening spent watching Thunder vs Scorchers! Ella was happy to see Thunder come out on top.