Seaman’s Hut
A mountain hut built in memory of W. Laurie Seaman and Evan Hayes, who died in a blizzard in 1928.
Summit Walk, Etheridge Range, 30 December 2012.
There can be no better place to recharge one’s batteries and to make plans for the future, than the mountains.
Of course, it is fair to say that Australian mountains are more like hills by world standards, with Mt Kosciuskzo, the highest, standing at only 2,228 meters. Even so, whenever I’m in the Snowy Mountains I revel in the crisp, clean ‘mountain’ air, and feel like the world is full of possibilities.
Silver Snow Daisy
Celmisia asteliifolia on the summer slopes of Mt Hotham, 14 December 2012 (iPhone S4).
Wetlands
Boggy ground and mountain views along Rennix Walk, 11 November 2012.
Mount Townsend
Grass and snow patches viewed from the Summit Walk, 10 November 2012.
In the past few months, we’ve crossed through the high country passes a few times, and stayed near Kosciuszko National Park several more. Each time, the clean air and open skies have caused me to stop – to revel in those timeless moments when everything shimmers and feels endless.
Our most recent trip into Australia’s alpine regions was almost symbolic: as we approached Jindabyne, gateway to Kosciuszko, the summer sun started setting, casting a red and orange light over the land. At the same time, as if to signal the end of a hectic year, the full moon rose over the foothills.
Sunset ~ Moonrise
Full moon rising: The Snowy River Way, 28 December 2012 (iPhone S4).
Full-Moon Magic
The last full moon of the year through the gum trees, Jindabyne, 28 December 2012.
After arriving at our destination, we sat outside. Everything was quiet as we watched the last full moon of the year rise through the gum trees opposite our patio. What a perfect way to wind down after a busy festive season with family!
Of course, I don’t sit still for very long; in a few days we were out cycling and walking across some of Kosciuszko National Park’s vast and varied alpine landscape.
The Main Range
Patches of Mountain Celery are scattered across the Main Range, Kosciuszko National Park.
Mountain Celery
Aciphylla glacialis against the open sky, 30 December 2012 (iPhone S4).
Eyebright
Clumps of euphrasia collina dot the hillside beside the Summit Walk, 30 December 2012.
Australian Raven
The distinctive long throat feathers (hackles) accompany the raucous cries of one of the many corvus coronoides along our track, 30 December 2012.
It’s a wild and rugged landscape.
Silver Snow Daisies don’t bloom long, but are my favourite.
Their beautiful silver-blue foliage colours the alpine hollows.
Grasslands
It’s a nice, easy walk from Thredbo Diggings campsite to Bullock’s Hut, 01 January 2013.
Fallen log along Bullock’s Track.
Sun bounces off the grasses.
Purple Wildflowers
The wild and delicate forest floor, 01 January 2013.
Gum Forest
Gum trees – fallen and standing – line Bullock’s Track.
Confluence
The meeting point of Thredbo River and Little Thredbo River at Bullock’s Flat, 01 January 2013.
Clear Waters
The Thredbo River runs cold and clear, Bullock’s Flat, 01 January 2013.
Company
March flies can be an ever-present pest during the summer months. Bullock’s Flat, 01 January 2013.
A Riot of Colour
Delicate yellow pea flowers in rich green grass, Bullock’s Flat, 01 January 2013.
Memorial to fires past.
Bullock’s Track.
Grasses in the Wind
Life is tough in the Snowy Mountains: tufts of grass get a hold on granite rock.
White Flowers
With every step, the textures, colours and scents of the forest change.
Family Day Out
Families spend their New Year’s day cooling off in the Thredbo River, 01 January 2013.
It is always delightful exploring Kosciuszko National Park’s tracks and trails, and it was a great place to welcome the New Year, with all it’s fresh potential.
Wishing you all the best of the New Year ~ where ever you are and whatever your plans.
Pictures: 10 and 11 November 2012; 14 and 30 December 2012; 1 January 2013.
I really don’t get up to the mountains often enough. What a lovely virtual visit to this amazing place, thanks for the share 🙂
Thanks for coming along for the virtual tour, Signe; you are welcome on the real one any time! 🙂
[…] I, personally, have been incredibly lucky this past year – with new babies and new adventures – but the events of the world around me have had an impact. I often feel weighted down by the disasters and acts of insanity that I see in the nightly news and feel the need to withdraw: to wrap myself in healing nature and refresh my spirit. There can be no better place to recharge one’s batteries and to make plans for the future, than t… […]
[…] Rennix Walk; Kosciuszko Lookout; Porcupine Rocks; Mount Kosciuszko Summit; Mount Stillwell; Seaman’s Hut; Waterfall Track; Rainbow Lake; Illawong Lodge; The Old Geehi Huts; etc.), but […]