A Marathon For A Mind Reset
I needed a quick reset from work and general city-life ramblings.
Having prepared and packed the day before, I jumped in the car at 1am last Friday; ex Bondi to Guthega Power Station. I pulled into the carpark at around 8:30am. Drive-time included 2 15 minute power naps and 2 rest breaks.
I broke Munyang Trail at 9:15am.
The meandering Snowy Hydro service road leads to White River Hut and beyond, via Horse Camp Hut. The weather was warm which attracted quite a number of hikers and school groups, although the latter were on their way out given it was a Friday.
I took the high road along the White River aqueduct, which is seemingly more scenic and closer to a trail than the service road that is typically recommended.
I managed to get to White River Hut by around 1pm, which proved to be the hottest part of the day until the high-level cloud formed above.
Not long after I was joined by 6 walkers from the Newcastle Ramblers (Bush Walking Club) - humble mob who were in bed by 7:30pm.
I set up my camp and continued up the ridge line towards The Granite Peaks of the Rolling Grounds to take some photos. The clouds were steadily building but the wind had backed off. The impacts of the 2003 fires are still ever-present with each aspect revealing clusters of dead snow gums. The regenerating saplings still only just breaking head height.
I stumbled back to camp (behind White River Hut) for some dinner and jumped into bed by around 9pm. A big day considering it started at 1am, drove 500km, then walked 12km and hit the hay so late - it’s all about the price you’re willing to pay for some fitness and alone-time in nature.
The breathless dawn cracked around 5:45am. The sky was clear which made for a lack-luster sunrise.
I packed the backpack and continued onto Schlink Hut, some 3km to my North. Schlink is not a hut I’ve ever visited before so I dropped in for 20-30mins, took some photos and returned to White River to pack up my tent and return to my car. It was another hot day, with temps cracking 24C @ 1600m ASL.
I managed to stroll back into the car park around 4pm, ahead of the arduous drive back to Sydney.
This weekend was proof that a quick overnight in the Snowys is enough to recharge the batteries, even if it’s a marathon there and back.
