2. 2014

Falls Creek in December

In December I visited my great uncle Noel (turning 104) and great aunt Audrey in Mt Beauty, in Australia's snowy mountains. One evening I took a side trip to the winter ski resort of Falls Creek, 1/2 an hour by beautiful winding mountain roads. I planned to go for a little jog - which became an awesome unplanned half marathon around the rooftop of Australia. When I rechecked the map after eventually staggering in, I realised that my route was more like 20 km than 10 km. I guess perhaps I should learn to count...
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  • Arriving at Falls Creek in midsummer, near the top of the treeline

    Arriving at Falls Creek in midsummer, near the top of the treeline

  • I would basically start at Langford's gap, follow the yellow route to the top of the map, then back along the blue 'Heathy Spur' then around the lake.

    I would basically start at Langford's gap, follow the yellow route to the top of the map, then back along the blue 'Heathy Spur' then around the lake.

  • But sweat + bouncing disintegrates maps and it was borrowed from a friend, so I drew myself a copy. He also leant me his personal locator beacon in case I got really lost or injured. I figured I'd only be out 60-90 mins so didn't bother with a compass or (in honour of my friend Sally, who wins races and never seems to drink) any water...

    But sweat + bouncing disintegrates maps and it was borrowed from a friend, so I drew myself a copy. He also leant me his personal locator beacon in case I got really lost or injured. I figured I'd only be out 60-90 mins so didn't bother with a compass or (in honour of my friend Sally, who wins races and never seems to drink) any water...

  • Driving to the trailhead I passed these guys training in what must be one of the most beautiful settings anywhere...

    Driving to the trailhead I passed these guys training in what must be one of the most beautiful settings anywhere...

  • Start of the trail, along an edge with beautiful views for miles

    Start of the trail, along an edge with beautiful views for miles

  • These strange dead trees were everywhere, perhaps turned white by bushfire

    These strange dead trees were everywhere, perhaps turned white by bushfire

  • About 1 hour out, above the treeline, heading for the summit of Mt Else. Note the ski poles. In winter this area is under deep snow.

    About 1 hour out, above the treeline, heading for the summit of Mt Else. Note the ski poles. In winter this area is under deep snow.

  • On the summit, at 1382 m. It was freezing, and behind 7-10 mountain ranges (depending on the direction) stretched to the horizon. Other than the rock cairn there was no sign of humanity in any direction.

    On the summit, at 1382 m. It was freezing, and behind 7-10 mountain ranges (depending on the direction) stretched to the horizon. Other than the rock cairn there was no sign of humanity in any direction.

  • The way back to the lake, in the 3rd valley. I was alone on the roof of Australia. For miles and miles there seemed not to be a soul. Once in 2.5 hrs I thought I heard distant voices but wasn't sure. The isolation was stunning and the mountain trails beautiful to run. In fact I had no choice because of the cold...

    The way back to the lake, in the 3rd valley. I was alone on the roof of Australia. For miles and miles there seemed not to be a soul. Once in 2.5 hrs I thought I heard distant voices but wasn't sure. The isolation was stunning and the mountain trails beautiful to run. In fact I had no choice because of the cold...

  • As dusk falls I complete my long run toward the lake

    As dusk falls I complete my long run toward the lake

  • Rewarded with beautiful sunset views, which compensated somewhat for my hungry, thirsty, painful (I had not trained) state. But it was brilliant fun :)

    Rewarded with beautiful sunset views, which compensated somewhat for my hungry, thirsty, painful (I had not trained) state. But it was brilliant fun :)

  • Finally I made the lake and ran around it for miles back to my starting point

    Finally I made the lake and ran around it for miles back to my starting point

  • This mysterious viking ship on the top of an Australian mountain (?!) eventually revealed itself to be the top of a giant overflow pipe!

    This mysterious viking ship on the top of an Australian mountain (?!) eventually revealed itself to be the top of a giant overflow pipe!

  • sunset 3

    sunset 3

  • As the sunbeams fled they turned the snowy trees to fire

    As the sunbeams fled they turned the snowy trees to fire

  • sunset 2

    sunset 2

  • sunset 4

    sunset 4

  • Finally I made the car! Where I really savoured the water, and glorious vegan honeycomb chocolate donated by a well-wisher :) It had been a stunning run!

    Finally I made the car! Where I really savoured the water, and glorious vegan honeycomb chocolate donated by a well-wisher :) It had been a stunning run!

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    sunset 2.jpg
    sunset 4.jpg
    Finally I made the car! Where I really savoured the water, and glorious vegan honeycomb chocolate donated by a well-wisher :) It had been a stunning run!