High Country Adventure

For several years, Andy had been dreaming of running a loop up Guthega trig to Consett Stephens Pass overlooking the Rolling Grounds climbing to the top of Mt Tate negotiating Pound Creek before descending down to Illawong and back to the lodge. Luckily Boxing Day dawned with perfect weather  and his ongoing back issues seem to subside, so Andy and Patrick headed off fairly early only to return just over 3 hours later with 18km under their belts! Luckily for us they took some photos on the way including this one taken at the summit of Mt Tate looking back to the lodge.

 Left - Consett Stephens Pass;  Right - Halfway up Mt Tate

 Left - A patch of snow near the top of Mt Tate; Right - Patrick at the summit of Mt Tate

Meanwhile it was a relaxed morning for the rest of us. We had a rough plan of walking the children to Illawong Suspension Bridge approximately 5km return. Eventually we made it out of the door. However within the first 700m Makhaya, who'd injured his foot on Christmas day, decided he couldn't walk any further so Nana who has not been quiet herself lately either chose to return back to the lodge with him.

The rest of us trudged along negotiating the little track across Farm Creek before steeply climbing a ridge on the other side. Then it was a gentle downhill through some lovely snow gums before emerging into the open where at times the heath was above Katy's head! Grandpa pointed out interesting things to Ella - bogs and moss! The march flies were out in force thus providing the incentive to keep going!

We took turns to cross the 40m suspension bridge and found an idyllic spot on the bank of the Snowy River to have a well deserved break. The kids didn't sit down for long though, the river was just too inviting so several of them stripped off and paddled.

Andy and Patrick rejoined us after recovering from their epic run. We stayed by the river waiting for one of the children to fall in..but surprisingly no one did! After collecting rocks, skimming stones and rock hopping, it was time to get warm and head home.