Hi hikers.

The leaders had a Zoom meeting recently to adjust some of the details for our trip. The major things (dates, route plan) are unchanged but we have tweaked some others. This was necessary because of changes in the makeup of the group and new information of which we became aware.

Following is a summary of our planned trip.

  • Depart 5.00pm Friday April 16. Travel for 3-4 hours, camp at Walpeup, about 15 minutes from Ouyen (budget camp accommodation in tents, toilets/showers etc).
  • Continue travel on Saturday to Kiandra. Hopefully arrive late afternoon. Leave vehicles at Kiandra, travel via charter bus (TBA) to Thredbo, approximately a further 2 hours driving. Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Thredbo (TBA).
  • Up early on Sunday, ready to catch chairlift as soon as it opens (8.30 or 9.00am – to be confirmed). Ride chailift to summit and begin the hike!
  • Hike proceeds from Sunday 18th to late Friday 23rd following the route as planned.
  • Pack up, load vehicles and drive to suitable venue for meal/accommodation (depending on how late we leave).
  • Continue journey home Saturday 24th, arrive late.

Some implications …

  • Possibly need cash for camp fee at Walpeup. We believe it is an honesty system – put your money in the box on arrival. BG will keep us informed.
  • The charter bus will cost approximately $100 per person. This will be confirmed when we book and get a firm quote. We believe the cost is worthwhile given that it will save our vehicle expenses and greatly reduce the time invested in moving cars to either end of the route both before and after the hike. MG is arranging this.
  • We will have to board the bus bringing only what we intend to take on the hike for the next six days. All other belongings will need to be left in the vehicles. The reason for finishing the hike at Kiandra is that we can avoid the fairly significant National Park fee which would apply if we left them in Thredbo. MO is looking at options for number/type of vehicles we will require.
  • We will stay flexible in regard to meal/accommodation on the Friday night coming home. There are several towns which would provide options, depending on our timeframe.
  • We will need to make arrangements to be picked up from the home of whoever is driving (or at some point along the way). It is not expected that drivers will have to add significant time to their journey taking people to their home addresses.

A couple of other things …

  • We decided that it would be prudent to hire and take a satellite phone given that mobile phone coverage is likely to be unreliable in places. The cost of this is approximately $180 – about $20 per person. This would give us peace of mind that we are able to make contact with relevant people in the event of an emergency. MG is looking into this.
  • It seems we will require a permit to enter Victoria. This is apparently a fairly simple online process. Details to follow.

We are mindful of keeping expenses to a minimum and believe this plan represents the best way forward for us.

Craig

30/1/21