Up
at 6am and it is only 11.4 degrees so put the heater on. Got up at 6.30 when
the temp got to 14.6 and checked outside and it was only 6.2 degrees!!
Beautiful clear sky.
Had
packed our backpack and bum bag last night so just had to make the wraps for
lunch. Headed off in the truck past all the fresh piles of Brumby dung. They
apparently like to do it on their old piles hence then get bigger and bigger or
like this one, near to it.
To
the Walk carpark and took a selfie at 8am – don’t we look refreshed and ready
to hike 26 or so kilometres!!
The
first part of the walk was reasonably flat, about a kilometre to the next gate
and a creek crossing. All these flow into the Murray River.
Lovely
wildflowers and trees along the way.
Past
another creek but these go through culverts so no jumping over creeks here.
A
nice fresh pile of dung – well the flies love it. Steve got us a small branch
off a fallen eucalypt to swish the flies with – works well.
Then
we found hoof prints so we are on the Brumby’s trail!!
Up
and down the mountains. We started at 1350m then dropped down to 1200 before
climbing right up to 1450m. We had the VMS with us so we were able to check
heights – no wonder we are labouring up the hills!! Onto a ridge with a lovely
view.
Across
another creek.
Down
and up again onto another ridge edge. Doesn’t look it in the photo but it was
pretty well straight down in front of us.
We
are doing alright and feel we are keeping a good speed though the up mountain
bits require a lot of breathers!! Tried to get the flowers but they are a bit
blurry.
After
3 hours with a 10 minute break for an apple and museli bar we arrived at Pilot
Creek.
Just
around the corner we came out onto Cowombat Flat. Yeah we have arrived.
Found
the wreckage of a RAAF Dakota plane which crashed here in 1954. Only three bits
left – we think other bits are in pubs nearby!! Not sure what happened to the
pilot etc – there is no plaque – I got the info off another hiker’s blog who
went to the source in 1988.
The
flat is covered in these little flowers.
Looking
up towards the source of the Murray.
Spotted
some brumbies so walked towards them hiding behind trees to get close enough
for some photos. They noticed us but didn’t move till we tried to get closer.
More
‘brumby exclusion’ zones.
They
started to move with one doing a lot of whinnying.
Moved
further up but into the clearing so I could get better photos. There was even a
little foal.
As
we moved closer the older ones moved around to protect the foal.
Lucky
my zoom works well as they are just dots in the distance.
So cute.
They
look in very good nick – so cute – made me think of the movie, Man from Snowy
River.
Walked
over to the fenced area – very wet and boggy.
Down
to the Murray River crossing at 1250m elevation. No sign on the Victorian side
but there is a Kosciusko one and signs for the two tracks heading off from
here. Thought there would have been one ‘Murray River’ at least. Quite hot here
in the sun but the breeze is nice.
‘We
made it’ selfie.
Steve
made it across to NSW!! I stayed in Victoria.
Looking
downstream where the Mighty Murray will wind its way down to Tom Groggin and
beyond. Steve enjoying a nice cold drink.
Now
for a hike upstream to see how close we can get to the actual source. It looks
about 3km upstream.
The
water is clear and cold.
To
start it was easy enough then we were going over the many fallen trees and
swapping from Vic to NSW trying to find the easiest path. The horses have made
a bit of a track for us.
Steve
even found a little fish – maybe a trout.
Kept
on trudging – getting boggy too.
Someone
had left a water bag behind, only recently, as it is in good nick.
It
is now midday so we decided we had gone far enough as it was getting thicker
with fallen trees and boggy and we didn’t want to run out of time getting back
– knowing it will take us longer going back as we will be worn out and not
looking forward to all the big mountains we came down as we know we have to go
back up!! Selfie time at ‘our’ source. I’m in Victoria and Steve is in NSW.
Should have stood with one foot in each State!!
A
drink of fresh Murray River water – well we hope the brumbies haven’t piddled
upstream!
I
took a photo upstream as far as I could.
Looking
upstream then downstream from our spot.
Headed
back downstream then cut across to the top of the open flats where the brumbies
had been. They were further up towards the trees now.
Walked
back to the crossing and found a log to rest our weary bones on while we had
lunch. We certainly have had the most spectacular day with the bluest of skies
and a lovely breeze though we have gotten quite sweaty trudging along.
We
had picked up a stone out of ‘our’ source and got some water so we can tip them
into the mouth when we get there in a couple of months.
Back
on our feet again – trying not to think about the mountains ahead. Around the
fenced area is all marshy and wet and it forms its own little stream coming
down to join the Murray.
Looking
back up to where we had followed the Murray upstream.
Left
at 1pm. Up over the flats and across Pilot Creek to tackle the first hill – the
photo doesn’t do the angle justice. We had lots of stops as we climbed to enjoy
the scenery while trying to get a breath!!
Along
the way I spotted the top of Mt Cobberas No. 2 at an elevation of 1720m.
Along
the ridge again where it just drops away below us but has a lovely view.
A
little Tommy Head lizard stood his ground.
Stopped
for a drink and big rest half way up a big mountain climb – lovely flowers
beside our log seat.
We
couldn’t have made it without our walking sticks (ex Tassie) and our fly swish.
We
have passed our 3hour mark. Next peak was Moscow Peak at 1647m.
At
last back across the creek – getting closer – I am just putting one foot in
front of the other now so the walking pace has slowed considerably.
Then
we saw the gate and our truck – we made it at 4.45pm. Too buggered to even take
a selfie!! Steve had just enough energy to drive us home!!
Just
as we drove into camp we spotted a rabbit – got a photo before he dashed off.
It
was a special walk and even better that we got to see some Brumbies. We are
glad we have done it but boy my toes didn’t like it. I must have had my boots
not tight enough as I have blisters on my heels and toes – trying to grip as we
climbed and descended I suppose. Steve’s knees didn’t like it either but he is
glad we did it too.
Fell
into our chairs after putting the hot water and kettle on. Had a cuppa telling
the guys about the journey. Jenny and Warren had left – will have to send them
a text. Had a nice shower and Steve collapsed on the bed. I took our sweaty
clothes down to Buchan River and gave them a rinse whilst soaking my feet in
the freezing water. It was wonderful. Watched a little trout jump for a bug
then the swallows started swooping down on to the water and grabbing bugs. It
was so tranquil and just what I needed after that hike. We have now decided we
don’t need to do the 17km hike to the most southerly point of mainland
Australia, as we did the one to the southerly point of Australia and I don’t
think I could do 34km in one day!! 26km in one day up and down mountains was
more than enough!!
Showed
the boys our photos while we had a drink with them. Had leftovers for dinner
then collapsed into bed, glad of our achievement.
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