Sickness, babies, and bad weather reduced George's party to only six - George, Lynn A, Chris R, Roger B, Alan D, and Allan M - smallest George group that I can recall. When we arrived at the Gurrangorambla Creek roadhead, there was quite a bit of snow evident on both Morgan and Bimberi, and George even half-heartedly attempted (with a bit of assistance from me) to white ant his own trip and skip Bimberi. Lynn and Roger insisted on going to Bimberi, so off we went. From Oldfields Hut, we could see some snow had already melted. Lunched at Dunns Flat, in the trees sheltered from the freezing wind.
The weather was perfect for the 600 metre climb - cool but sheltered from the wind. Most of the snow had gone, but there was enough for Alan D to throw a snowball at me. We spent about half an hour on the summit - it was cold, but the views were superb. George's excellent navigation led us straight to Bimberi Gap, then Dead Horse Gap - a really nice campsite. We arrived about 5:30 having walked about 12 km and climbed 600 metres, everyone still feeling good but happy to stop. Three of us brought port and a great time was had around the fire until after 9:30.
Chris in a tent, and George and I in closed flies, enjoyed a warm night, but the others in open flies were all cold. Water bottles left at the fire were not frozen solid but had a lot of ice in them next morning. Not bad for a week before summer! It was commented that rather than tents / flies, the ones who slept well were those who consumed the most port!
Sunday was much brighter, and we had a lovely walk down from Dead Horse Gap, across the Rolling Ground Ridge, and steeply down to the Goodradigbee. Views across the river were excellent - George said he had not seen them before as he usually did this bit in the dark. Through Cave Creek - the waterfall had lots of water, and the temperature was high enough for us to think about (but reject) a swim. After lunch, heavy cloud came in and the twelve km fire trail bash across the plain was done in mainly cool conditions. We detoured and spent a pleasant 20 odd minutes at Pockets Hut. Arrived back at the cars at 5:30 having done about 21 km for the day.
Our chosen eating house in Cooma - the Kitsch Café - was closed for renovation, so we ate at the next door Alpine Cafe - OK but not to be raved about.
In summary - great walk, great weather, and
a great bunch of companions.
Thanks George.
Allan Mikkelsen
The camp site at Dead Horse Gap (47K)
At the top of Cave Creek Falls (38K)
Entering Cave Creek Canyon (30K)
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Page last modified on Thursday 26 December 1996
