2nd Attempt

The second attempt at the CFP retreat saw us, together with 16 of Andy's work colleagues descend on the lodge at Guthega for the weekend. It was a little stressful having to work on the Friday, get away on time to ensure we were the first at the lodge to open up for every one. I therefore appreciated this glass of wine as the sun was setting once all was sorted!

Plans for Saturday's activities revolved around the weather and trying to include everyone. With rain forecast in the afternoon, it was decided to head out early. There were several groups - Andy and 4 others ran via Illawong to the top of Twynham and then onto Blue Lake. The remaining cohort made their way in separate cars at varying times to Charlottes Pass and began the walk to Blue Lake. Ella, Katy and I were the last car to leave the lodge so we had to play catch up.

Unfortunately Ella walked ahead after Katy decided to change into warmer clothes. By the time we wandered up to the start of the track, Ella was nowhere to be seen. Katy and I assumed she was in front of us and so continued down the steep slope. Halfway down we got cold feet as we couldn't see her on the path ahead. A phone call was useless as her phone was out of range. After a little bit of a debate we returned to the top to double check she hadn't ducked off to the toilet or was waiting. No sign of Ella so we resigned ourselves to the fact that she was somewhere on the trail ahead. At the bottom of the steep slope after crossing the Snowy River, we bumped into a group coming the other way and enquired if they had seen a young blonde girl ahead. They confirmed that Ella was some 500m ahead. Katy and I relaxed and settled into a slow pace climbing up the other side.

As the 'nearly at Blue Lake' snow patch came into view we realised that a large group were gathered there. Our group of 14 had converged once again! We had a short rest before spotting Andy and the runners cresting the hill above the Blue Lake junction. Our group still had a short climb up to this junction.

We all ambled together down to the shores of Blue Lake which was looking rather grey to enjoy a picnic lunch. After eating some of us sat around and chatted while other explored or paddled in the water. Then it was time to make tracks back to the car. The group splintered as some walked faster than others. Luckily we all made it back to the cars and then to the lodge before the heavens opened!