Hot and windy day in the high country

This morning we decided to keep cool by Lake Jindabyne, so hired a paddle board for a few hours. Only problem was that we have never used one before, you have to actually balance standing up, paddle at the same time and (in our case) battle with the wind gusts! Despite all this, we had a ball and I actually only fell off (or was blown off) once. James of course was a natural and Alex cautious! We headed up to our favourite mountain cafe just beyond Perisher for lunch, then walked to Mt Stillwell in a gale....ha ha! This walk goes from the top of Charlotte's Pass and is a great walk with fantastic 360 degree views.

Smoked trout pasta

Great little seafood shop behind Nuggets Crossing in Jindabyne sold cooked smoked salmon. (appears you can't buy fresh salmon in Jindabyne...despite salmon hatchery) Also given a great seafood pasta recipe upon purchase. Fry onion and garlic in olive oil, add a dash of white wine, then cherry tomatoes. Stir in salmon and baby spinach and add cooked pasta. Serve with cracked pepper, sea salt and a squeeze of lemon. YUM!!! Especially on a balmy night out on the deck.

Porcupine Trail

Today was another great day. We drove up to the Perisher reservoir and took the Porcupine Trail up to Porcupine Rocks. The view was absolutely amazing. You looked towards Lake Jindabyne, Lake Crackenback Resort, Thredbo River and beyond. Went to a wonderful outdoor cafe just north of Perisher for lunch, with every other walker on the mountain! Fabulous view with great food and coffee. Back home for a paddle, swim and seafood dinner.

A beautiful morning!

Day 6 and just perfect. We are going on a 7 km walk called Porcupine which is reached along the road towards Charlotte's Pass. Apparently there are amazing views...no surprises there!

Merrits Nature Trail & Meadows Walk

From the top of Thredbo we took the Merritts Nature Track down the mountain through tall gums, waterfalls and summer flowers. You have to enjoy steps!!! From half way down the mountain we took the Meadows Nature Track which was just as it sounds. Another day of perfect hiking weather. Tonight we headed up to Thredbo for dinner at the River Inn which was "all you can eat" for $15.00!!!! Bargain..we had pizza, pizza, more pizza, chips, banana cake and icecream. Now TRUE value!!!

Walk to the top of Mt Koscuisko

Today we caught the chairlift from Thredbo to Eagles Nest, then walked to the top of Kosciusko. It took 1 hr 40 minutes up and 1 hr and 1/2 back. The weather conditions were absolutely brilliant and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. We had clear skies, warm temperatures and a light breeze. A really great walk!

Geehi River campground

Camping by the Geehi River about 30kms from Khancoban beyond Thredbo is just beautiful. Mind you...we didn't actually camp there...as you have to be happy with no running water (except the river), and therefore no showers, no power (except maybe solar?) nor anything else! But.....it is stunning :) .....as long as it is a lovely sunny and warm day!

Walk to Bullock's Hut along Thredbo River

Today we walked along Thredbo River to Bullock's Hut and looped back to The Diggings campsite on the Thredbo Road. It was the prettiest walk and very stress free! Alex and James are at Bullock's Hut which surprisingly was open and it appears you can actually still stay there in an emergency!

At Charlotte's Pass in 9 degrees!

With temperatures dropping after our walk we went to Charlotte's Pass for hot drinks and a quick walk to the lookout along the boardwalk. Stunning view, even on a day like this.

Along the walk from Sawpit Creek

Waterfall walk from Sawpit Creek

This morning we drove up the Perisher Road to Sawpit Creek and walked the waterfall loop. This took us 1 hour 40 minutes taking an easy pace. We walked through heathland and tall alpine ash on the way to the waterfall and massive granite boulders on our return trip.

Another Snowy Mountains adventure in January 2013

We are back in the high country staying at Jindabyne overlooking the lake. Our first day we had the most beautiful sunset, ending a very hot day! Perfect for a quick swim in the lake and enjoying a BBQ on a balmy summer night.