Day 19 - a big descent and climb. We left Edmonsons and headed up over Mt Nelse, an exposed windy section completely above the snowline. We loved the morning as we both revel in challenging windy, icy conditions. The sun was trying to poke through which created some beautiful effects however it wasn’t having any real success. The snow was very firm with windpack and some ice which was actually great for us as it made for fast travelling. We left the main Hotham-Mt Bogong pole line and instead headed out to Timms Spur so that we could ascend Mt Bogong via Quartz Ridge - a much better way for those on skis than to descend T-Spur and Duane Spur. Visibility was pretty poor however we did see a huge cornice out at Timms Lookout which was pretty cool. We had morning tea near there thoroughly enjoying muffins that our friend, Bernie, bought for us yesterday.
The 600m descent was tedious as the snow was quite slow below the treeline. By the time we got down to Big River it was sleeting rather than snowing making for a chilly lunch and river crossing. Big River turns into the Mitta Mitta River further downstream.
Fortunately the snow was better on the 600m ascent up Quartz Ridge and we managed to get to our intended camp spot at the edge of the treeline in enough time to dig a large shelf into the slope and get the mid up (just) before dark.
No views at all of either Mt Bogong or the Main Range in NSW which was a real shame as the views on a clear day are insane. We were really hoping for some views the next day for our traverse across Mt Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak.
19 авг 2019
