Adventurer’s break the drought – Cup weekend Nov. 2007

A group of 8 vehicles left Melbourne on Saturday to the gentle patter of rain. Little did we know that we would be subjected to constant rain for the next 4 days. The group met at Gumbuya Park and travelled to Bairnsdale where we stopped for a short break to refuel bodies and vehicles. The rain did not abate as the vehicles traversed the river and entered Deptford camping ground. Chris and Henry went along Nicholson Tk to see whether there were other camp sites available. It was decided to stay put, in between the downpours tents were erected and Dean provided shelter by means of a tarp strung over a table where a communal area was set up.

Some adventurous people made their way across the river to investigate the ruins along the opposite bank. A tunnel was found carved out of the rock and by means of stretching and manoeuvring some of the group made its was to the other side.

After tea Bryce tried his hand at damper and although “a tad overcooked” was enjoyed by all, then we headed to bed early.

The rain was constant during the night and after a hasty breakfast camp was packed up in the rain and the group started out along Deptford Rd. After trying to go along several tracks, all showing closed signs, Henry decided to take Macdonald Tk to the hut for morning tea. We continued along the track and took Pheasant Tk to Wild Horse Tk and a lunch stop at Wentworth Falls which weren’t quite visible.

As all the tracks into Haunted Stream still had locked gates and the weather was foul it was decided to find dry lodgings at Swifts Creek. The “caravan park” had no on site vans, the hotel had no vacancies. However the proprietor was kind enough to ring around and found a school camp that could accommodate us. We arrived at Tongio Camp and found accommodation in huts with 5 rooms per unit. A communal area was available for cooking and the HOT showers were great. A camp fire was also set up for us and a trailer load of wood.

On Sunday morning Alex left for home. The rain persisted but the group undeterred made its was up Old Bindi Rd to TVGC track looking for the lookout. After walking through the undergrowth the idea was abandoned and the convoy minus Dennis who was having overheating problems continued to Mt Stawell Tk. Sarah tried her hand at driving up the hill and went well. Greg gave assistance with GPS tracking and driver education. WC1 Tk was overgrown and Henry mowed down the shrubs as he made his way along. Back on Nunninong Rd we stopped and viewed Washington Winch.

Then we proceeded to the Moscow Villa Hut. A pleasant surprise awaited us there in the form of a lovely hut with polished floorboards, mezzanine floor and a wonderful fireplace. The story goes that the gentleman who built the hut was told during the war that he had to change the name of his hut as it was not patriotic. His quick thinking revealed that it stood for My Own Summer Cottage Officially Welcomes Visitors Inside Light Lunches Available. He was allowed to keep the name. Toilet facilities were available too.

Henry led the convoy toward Telegraph Tk but the way he took, although a beautiful newly graded track became a dead end, the grading was incomplete. The right track was too muddy and slippery. After a couple of attempts the track was abandoned and another one found. We made our way to the fire tower. From here it was difficult to navigate to the correct track but with Walter’s expert help using mapping available to him, the journey continued along to McKenzies Tk back to WC1 entrance. At this stage Bryce was in the lead so he was given the choice of which track he would like to take. He took WC1 so we crushed the shrubs the other way and made our way to Cummins Tk and then to the road back to camp.

We were able to sit around the campfire with the assistance of the camp market umbrellas and enjoyed a delicious damper that Bryce made. Tuesday morning most of the group headed home in 2 convoys. Chris took the lead of the third group, comprising Dean and Henry. We entered Wattle Creek Rd proceeded to Mt Wong Tk, Dinner Creek Tk and down Cutts Creek Link Tk – another Chris short cut!!! We cleared trees along the way and enjoyed varied scenery as well as ever changing weather and atmosphere.

The road towards McClean Tk was taken and once on the track a creek was found. A bridge needed to be constructed to cross. Once this was done we were able to continue to Mt Elizabeth Tk. As was stated on the day, we were able to practice all our club skills – snatching, winching, shovelling, chain sawing, using the axe and putting to use all the recovery gear we carry.

At the river the convey came to a halt as the water too deep and flowing too fast. Lunch was eaten in what at some stage would have been the river bed. Then we went back and up to Mt Elizabeth Jeep Tck and around till we came to Collins Rd. Once out tyres were pumped up and the group made its way back to Bairnsdale and then home.

Theresa Smith.

Pictures from the trip can be viewed on Page 2

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