Leaders: Rob and Glenise Moors, John Gregurke. Sunday 29 January 2006

Today was the day when most people hoped to reach the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. Some chose to begin the ascent from the top of the Thredbo chairlift. A small number were ferried to Rawson’s Pass by obliging park rangers. However, many tackled the Summit Walk from Charlotte Pass, a 18km return walk along the old road. The road Mt Kosciuszko has been closed to public vehicles since 1976. The track crosses the Snowy River and then climbs gradually to Seaman’s Hut (2030m) and Rawson’s Pass. From here the steeper track climbs another kilometre to the summit.

Seaman’s Hut was erected as an emergency shelter in memory of Seaman and another skier who perished nearby in 1928.

It was a clear, sunny day with occasional refreshing breezes. The views of the Main Range and Snowy River valley were breathtaking. An alpine flower garden bordered the track extending down the slopes to meet the grasses, shrubs, mosses and sedges. To my mind Grass Trigger-plant, a common alpine perennial, was perhaps the most visually striking.

Richard’s Pipits followed our progress, hopping on to our pathway or perching on rocks. Little Ravens wheeled overhead and could be seen harassing a Kestrel near the summit. Small butterflies and grasshoppers completed the scene.

Mt Kosciuszko (2228m) is Australia’s highest mountain. Only the Little Ravens were higher. The hillsides were strewn with cleaved slabs of granite. Several snow patches could be seen from the summit. Cameras clicked and mobile phones rang as the mighty views were recorded and family were acquainted with the news of a successful ascent. The long return journey began with billowing clouds and the sound of thunder hastening our pace.

To many this was the highlight of the trip.

Congratulations to all who achieved their goal in one way or another.

Ernie Potts

Mt Kosciuszko summit. Jan 1994.	Victoria. Looking south from Mt Kosciuszko summit over the Murray River Valley. 1980.