Mira's Belated B'day Hike - Day 3

The clouds and misty rain were still hanging around when we woke up so we decided to pack up everything but the fly and cook breakfast under there! Warm porridge was much appreciated. 

Valentines Hut emptied out pretty quickly and we were one of the last groups to leave. We passed the Murray River Ladies within the first 2km. They had a relatively short 9km day heading to White River Hut while our route was double that with our walk finishing at the Guthega Power Station.

Today's walk was somewhat easier, flatter with a downhill finish. Again the low cloud made our original route over the rolling ground to Guthega Trig and finishing at the lodge not viable. Instead we once again kept to the main track, calling in Al's dad to meet us at the Guthega power station.

Our moods were also boosted today as we knew we were going to bump into the dad's (Andy and Rob) at some stage on their bikes!

The rain and wind returned stronger than yesterday just as we were heading up to Schlink Pass. It was here that we bumped into Andy and Rob! It was a quick chat and exchange of info as everyone was too cold to hang around for too long. Thankfully once over the pass and into the next valley, we dropped out of the howling wind. The rain however still continued. It was along this track that Mira spotted a yabbie - out on the hard gravel, not in a puddle or stream of running water! We marvelled about where it had come from and where it was going and left it to be.

A few km's later, White's River hut came into view. We had planned to stop here for lunch. As we approached the hut, there was a group getting organised to leave. Perfect timing as they hadn't yet put out the fire! We were so happy to have this little bit of luxury inside! Hot lunch was great again as we dried out a little.

We set off the for the final leg - 8km mostly downhill. Our two biking friends flew past us on this section. Otherwise it was just us, the rain and the glistening snow gums! The last two km's were pretty painful - I was nursing some bad blisters and Al was struggling with her knee. Both Mira and Katy were in the distance, walking at their own pace keen to finish. It was fantastic to see Grandpa Bill with the car already waiting for us!

Back to the lodge for warm showers and fresh clothes before driving back to Canberra!

All up we covered 56km in less than ideal conditions but these are what make for fantastic memories! Til the next one..

Post notę - My feet (blisters and nails) took a several weeks to recover. Meanwhile Katy had her Aunty stumped as she developed a pressure point on her heel which was only sore when she had enclosed shoes on! It turned out to be a type of superficial bursitis diagnosed by the podiatrist!

Mira's Belated B'day Hike - Day 2

We woke to the noise of pitter patter of rain on our tent which was not unexpected. Thankfully we left all our gear inside Derschko's Hut so it remained dry for the moment! It was really good to be able to cook breakfast inside the hut and prepare for the day's walk. Much to our surprise a fellow walker who was drenched appeared at the door of the hut. He was doing the Round Mountain / Mt Jagungal Loop, usually a three day loop but due to the low cloud and wet weather, he opted to start walking at 4am, skip the climb up Jagungal and walk straight out! Crazy we thought!

Our route today was originally to climb Mt Jagungal then head cross country over the area known as the strawberry fields before joining the track heading into Valentine's Hut. However the inclement weather made us revise that route and instead taking the safe and slightly longer track option.

The rain had set in for the morning. It was grey and wet not much fun for walking but we had no choice really. We stopped at Grey Mare Hut for lunch. We dried out somewhat and warmed up too. Hot lunch was good. We noticed in the hut logbook, there were a group of ladies, The Murray River group, who were on the same route as us but taking a few more days to cover the distance. Their itinerary suggested that we might catch them up at Valentine's Hut.

From Grey Mare Hut there were a few steeper climbs and descents although we were kept distracted when  one of the girls pointed out a massive bug in the grass. Then we couldn't stop seeing them and both girls were freaked out a little. Katy also noticed a blue coloured worm! We encountered too many deep river crossing in this section. In order to keep our feet a little dry, we took off our shoes and socks for several of these crossing. Poor Katy though was walking in sneakers and her socks were soaked through. 

Eventually the rain dried up but the clouds remained. The km's clicked by slowly and eventually we crested a hill glad to see the little red dot of Valentine's Hut in the valley below! On the way down, we chatted to a couple on their bikes. They were leaving the 'two crowded' Valentines Hut for Grey Mare Hut! that's interesting we thought...

On our arrival at Valentines Hut we were finally met the Murray River ladies group (some of whom were in their 70's!) plus a Canberra walking group who had come in from Guthega. There were a total of 19 people camped around! It took us a bit of scouting to find a flattish spot in amongst the heath and out of the wind.

Dinner was a quick affair to catch the last of the daylight and to beat the wind that was whipping the clouds along bringing in fine misty rain. We were all rather tired and cold so it was straight into our warm sleeping bags after that for a well deserved rest. It was a 19km day.

Mira's Belated B'day Hike - Day 1

Mira turned 15 in December and we were suppose to go for an overnight hike post christmas but then sickness hit, weekend were already booked, school started and finally we pencilled in a date! The hike plan involved Andy and Rob driving to Guthega to be involved in a lodge work party while we did a loop on the main range. The forecast was against us so it was decided to stay off the main range and do a walk through hike in the Jagungal wilderness with a car swap involving the boys riding in the opposite direction.

It was a relatively long drive to the start of the hike at the Round Mountain trailhead. We left the car just before midday to set out for 14km leg to Derschokos Hut. Patches of blue sky and t-shirt weather was appreciated. Mt Jagungal looked spectacular in the distance.

  

Wedding Anniversary #24

We found time to have a fancy Sunday lunch at Brindabella Winery. A great spot with views over the Brindabellas that has expanded since we were last there. It was very busy with several large group celebrations.

 

Parents v's Children

ACT relay saw Andy and I take on the girls in a two person orienteering relay. We slowly edged ahead and managed to keep there. Fun times!

Packed Weekend

First was a quick overnight trip to Sydney to attend a day conference on endometriosis. Well worth the effort! Even caught up with a few old work colleagues!

Then back in time to help out at the ACT Sprint Champs which I'd originally offered to organise before I realised the clash with the conference. I handed over the organiser duties to Andy who executed it wonderfully. The Sprint Champs were held at the Botanical Gardens - a nice place to run around and hopefully we will be able to run there again!

Long Weekend in Perth

Ella and I headed over to Perth for a long weekend of orienteering! Four races in two days! On Saturday in the morning was the middle distance at Malmalling, followed by a sprint race at ECU Joondalup in the afternoon. Sunday was two sprint races - the morning race was at ECU Mt Lawley (my old uni!) and then a sprint relay at Murdoch Uni.

It was a warm weekend of racing. The events were well organised and good courses. Ella ran consistently. Grandad came to the last sprint race relay to watch Ella who was teamed up with Aoife. He caught up with a few old orienteering friends too!

With such a busy orienteering schedule there was not much time spent with the Grandies. We did go out for dinner the night before flying out with Nana and Grandad at a Thai place in Marmion. A nice way to conclude our long weekend.