President's Report - October 2008

Not much to report in presidential mode, as I have been too busy skiing this winter to worry too much about other matters. We have had, indeed still have, the best snow season in years so I hope all members have made as good use of it as I have.

I started with a day at Lake Mountain early July, miserable weather, but good snow, very cold and kept snowing, so a good day's skiing was had along with 3 other ancients.

Then later in July came the week in NZ in the Two Thumb Range with Gottlieb Braun-Elwert - a great place for ski-touring. Gottlieb seemed fit and well and a very capable skier. Sadly he dropped dead a week or so later whilst taking the Prime Minister skiing from the same hut. We have extended our condolences to his widow and family.

Then followed in August the traditional 5 days at Howmans with 9 other Winter Groupers - a great trip, albeit with mixed weather.

September provided the opportunity for a week ski-touring/snowcamping in the Northern Snowy with 5 others - Ian & Michael, Charles, John and Tom. We went in from Round Mountain and skied 17 km to our first campsite in the head of Pugilistic Creek. Weather and ski conditions were excellent. Next day was for sightseeing - skiing to the highest and very prominent peak in the north - Mt Jagungal - with great views all around, the main range to the south being very clear. That evening we had a few snow flurries while we cooked dinner - the only precipitation for the whole trip, as it turned out.

Next day we packed and headed south to establish our next camp at the head of Back Flat Creek near Smith's Lookout. The day's excitement came with an unexpected need to cross a mere side creek without a snow bridge - I was moved to remove my boots for the first time ever for a river crossing, which proved deeper and rougher footing as I wobbled across with my boots and skis in hand. Thinking I was quite likely to overbalance with my big pack on, I decided to keep my clothes dry at least so I removed them also before recrossing to collect my pack. I did not quite go for a swim, but did take the chance to have a good wash, the day being warm and sunny. The others crossed further downstream after some delay but it seemed without as much drama. Then we elected to ignore the skidoo track, and had an interesting climb through the bush to reach the saddle to get out of the Tooma valley.

Next day more sightseeing followed - to Rocky Bogong with great views to the High Plains and Mt Bogong with great masses of snow, then along the ridge and an exhilarating ski down into the creek and back up to camp. Next day sightseeing to the east to Strawberry Hill and back via Strumbo Hill amidst a vigorous argument about the route-finding - use of map and observation of country proved correct, confirmed at the summit by an exposition on the GPS. On the way down I sighted a deer bounding through the snow, then we came across a ranger patrolling on a skidoo just before getting back to camp after another fine day.

Next day we had to pack and start heading back north, choosing a more sensible route which led us to a river crossing ford we could skip across with almost dry boots. The time saved allowed us to ski way past our first campsite to be in position for an easy last day back to Round Mountain and pickup mid afternoon by the redoubtable Wilky, who produced beers all around to go with his famous mock-duck sandwiches.

This was the only trip I can remember when I spent a week in the mountains in snow without ever putting on my parka. I should and maybe will call it quits for the season, but I have heard murmurs of a trip to Mt Bogong as a finale. Who knows, but snow is still there. Any takers?

See you on snow or at a pub night or at a summer activity.

Cheers Loch