Leaders were Keith McDougall and Colin Totterdell. Monday 31 January 2006.

To Charlottes Pass. Travelling from Jindabyne 3 raptors were sighted, one Wedge-tailed Eagle and 2 UFO’s. Arriving at Charlottes Pass, the end of the road, we were greeted by a chilling wind which was much appreciated, especially by the Queensland contingent. We met Keith McDougall and Colin Totterdell at Charlotte Pass, elevation 1835 metres.

The walk starts. Progressing down the Main Range Track, Keith explained the different vegetation communities. Tufted grass grows in the more fertile areas. Inverted tree lines indicated the temperature difference which can be as much as 20^oC lower in hollows. Herbaceous mat or short turf grows in the less fertile areas. 280 plant species can be found on the Main Range. After crossing the Snowy River introduced species were noted along the track. To control erosion a grass mix with clovers was sown long before the implications were realized. The ruin of a shepherd’s hut was observed. During the 1902-03 drought many hundreds of thousands of sheep came to the high plains to graze. Sheep came from as far away as Queensland.

A patchwork of species. The white flowered Ovate Phebalium is restricted to Kosciuszko N P. Purple Eyebright, Snow Gentian, Kosciuszko Pineapple Grass, Prostanthera, Silver Ewartia and Carpet Heath were some of the plants identified along the way. Unlike other alpine areas of the world, rich organic soils cover these mountains allowing a patchwork of hardy plants to color our landscape. Soil and water conservation and their importance to hydro-electricity were key motivations for creating Kosciuszko National Park in 1944.

Hedley Tarn. We passed by Hedley Tarn, a shallow lake formed behind a moraine – piles of rocks carried and late dropped by glaciers. We noted the various materials used to form the walking track: paving, large screenings and grout filled polythene lattice. All provided sound footing. ”Speed humps” were at regular intervals to direct the runoff.

Blue Lake Lookout was definitely the smoko stop. It was formed when glaciers carved out a basin in the rock as deep as a 10 story building. This is mainland Australia’s best example of a cirque. Deep sediments on the lake floor contain evidence of past climatic change which is already affecting alpine ecosystems. The vulnerable native fish Galaxias aledius live in the icy waters of Blue Lake. To raise body temperature. Galaxias wriggle onto rock to bask in the sun.

The snow patch on Carruther’s Creek was an amazing area with its waterfalls, bogs and numerous flowering plants not to mention snow dripping like a giant icy pole. The clear white Anemone Buttercup with the Yellow Buttercup in the foreground was a photographers paradise. The White Purslane along with the mosses and sedges only added to the charm of this delightful spot.

Fungus. A Hygrocylee sp of fungi found in a bog had a bright orange cap and yellow gills. An unknown frog species was calling from a bog and tadpoles were also seen. A heavily pregnant skink was photographed only to be observed shortly afterwards giving birth. The March Flies were very numerous, biting the Nats and in turn being eaten by the skinks. A non-photographer took the opportunity to photograph a Snow Gum and was confronted by a snake at her feet. Another UFO (the photographer) has now retired from taking photographs. The snake species is definitely unknown!

Back at Charlotte’s Pass summit between the sub-alpine and treeless alpine zones, the majestic Snow Gum grows. Snow Gums are dramatic, twisted and stunted at these high altitudes. Australia is the only country in the world where a single genus of a tree, the Eucalyptus, occurs from the desert to the mountains and to the sea.

Another full and interesting day, beautiful clouds, threatening rain, strong winds, amazing scenery.

John and Heather Mason, Harold and Beryl Rennick.

Snow Daisies. 1994.