Candle Heath (Richea continentis)
Thriving in the sub-alpine bogs around the Guthega Pondage, the prickly candle heath was in full flower when we walked there late December.
It is supposed to be a nice summer walk to Mount Tate from Guthega Dam on the Snowy River in Australia’s High Country.
I wouldn’t know.
Three times I’ve driven over the bumpy dirt roads to Guthega, on the back side of Blue Cow Mountain, in search of the unmarked circuit through Consett Stephen Pass and across the Tate East Ridge. I have a book on Snowy Mountain Walks, published by the Geehi Bushwalking Club, and a husband who used to be and Eagle Scout, so finding a well-walked track should be easy.
But, no.
I can get lost in a car park, and my husband – in spite of his protestations – is not much better. I like to spend the change-of-year in the mountains (Alpine Bookends 2014) – after all, it is summertime in Australia. However, our attempt to make the Mount Tate circuit one of our last walks of December 2014, found us on a better-marked track, proceeding in pretty-much the opposite direction. We hiked south-east, from the closed and lonely-looking Guthega ski lodges, over the fens and bogs, to the privately owned (and also closed) Illawong Lodge.
Fortunately for us – while it wasn’t the walk we were aiming for – it is a delightful way to spend the afternoon.
Illawong Lodge Trail Head
The first clue that were we on the “wrong” path should have been the fact that it was so clearly marked!
Illawong Lodge Trail
The track leads southwest along the banks of the Snowy River, …
Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera Cuneata)
… through sweet-smelling alpine mint, …
Candle Heath (Richea continentis)
… and prickly clumps of candle heath.
Metal Bridge
Metal grids take us over boggy creeks.
Bridge over Blue Cow Creek
Built in 2010, the proper metal bridge eliminates the need for the old flying fox …
Flying Fox over Blue Cow Creek
… which was used in the past to provide a safer option for crossing the rocks when the creek rose.
Flying Fox
Erected by the Illawong Ski Tourers in 1961 and decommissioned in 2011, the old fox is now National-Trust listed.
Over the Snowy River
Looking back over the Snowy River and Guthega Dam – part of the extensive Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme.
Snowy River Valley
There’s not much water in the river – but you can be sure it’s cold!
Bog and Heath
The sub-alpine ground is wet like a saturated sponge, complete with small “lakes” and puddles. Walkers do well to stay on the paths.
Steps
Wooden steps divert water and protect the vegetation from run-off during the spring snow-melt.
Illawong Lodge
The small hut on the hill has long been used as a winter base for ski clubs.
Illawong Lodge
In 1956, the then-dilapidated hut was transformed into the present lodge. It is maintained by the Illawong Ski Tourers club. Although the National Trust lodge is for private use, there is emergency shelter at the back, underneath the main building.
Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe
Even without access to the inside, it is a lovely spot for a picnic in the grass and clover.
Alpine Hillside
To return to Guthega car park, we retrace our steps through the fragrant scrub.
Buttercups
It might be the same path, but we notice different things as we work our way across the hillsides.
Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora)
Snow gums are nothing if not adaptable; this one stretches at ninety-degrees from the side of the hill, over the Snowy River below.
Snowy River
The cold white water rushes over the rocks in the river bed.
Australian raven (Corvus coronoides)
A raven welcomes us back to the patch of green below the car park.
That’s the beauty of walks in the Australian High Country –
No matter which one you are on, it’s a great way to finish up a wonderful year.
Here’s to a Happy New Year, 2015!
Pictures: 14December2014
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