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View Full Version here: : Australia Day Expedition, Mount Kosciuszko 2013


bloodhound31
26-01-2013, 09:06 PM
G'day folks! Just sharing my traditional hike/bike/camp that has now been going for five years running!

This year I had 19 people from Canberra as well as one person from Victoria who drove the distance to join us.

From Charlotte Pass, some folks walked while others rode push-bikes to the summit of Mount Koskiuszko. We arrived just in time for a downpour of rain, but were lucky enough to get our tents up just in time for the downpour. It lasted for around half an hour, followed by a magnificent rainbow and sunset.

We retired around 10pm for a good night's sleep, broken only by another light rain around 4:30am. At five I stomped all over the camp between the tents, bellowing at all to get out of bed and gather on the summit to greet the dawn.

There were still ominous clouds above - complimented by pure white clouds below us, pouring like waterfalls over the surrounding ridges.

As a beautiful golden sun broke the horizon, we flew the national flag, had a prayer to the Lord for our country and then we all sang the national anthem. It was actually quite tuneful to my surprise! After that it was back to camp to put the billy on and have some breakfast with a hot cup of tea and coffee. The rest of the day was our own to explore, marvel at the landscape and wander back down the mountain.

We live in an amazing country, where we can do this kind of thing knowing we are safe and free to roam our great southern land. Come and join us next year!

Link to the story on my website. (http://www.barryarmsteadphotography.com/expeditionjournal.htm)

1. One of the last to leave. Just waiting for a straggler before heading off.

2. Pouring on arrival, but good rainbow to enjoy while soaking. Driving rain straight at the lens. :(

3. Sunset after the rain.

4. Taking up vigil over the camp under the moonlight.

5. Greeting sunrise on Australia day.

6. The gang! GOOOOOOD MORNINNNNNGGG AUSTRALIAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

7. Last to leave, taking up position on a peak for some landscape and thunderstorm opportunity while I wait for the last walkers. The peak we walked to and from is the one in the centre on the horizon.

DavidTrap
26-01-2013, 10:21 PM
A fine tradition Barry.

Love the low cloud - I've seen some cracking timelapse sequences of such cloud.

DT

Kunama
27-01-2013, 09:13 AM
Great photos Barry, I bet you're glad you weren't here last night. We had a good storm come through yesterday arvo.
It sure is a spectacular place!

Our Australia Day started only a few kilometres away from you on Kangaroo Ridge followed by a walk to Mount Stillwell.
Here a pic I took along the way, it shows a view across to the Main Range with Mt Townsend and Alice Rawson in the distance.

multiweb
27-01-2013, 09:18 AM
Very cool shots. I like the illuminated tents colors in the dark. :thumbsup:

LewisM
27-01-2013, 09:52 AM
What, Iron Man didn't go for the trip? That would have been an epic picture :)

Omaroo
27-01-2013, 10:10 AM
Great series Barry. :thumbsup: It's one of my favourite places on Earth.

dj gravelrash
27-01-2013, 11:09 AM
Doesnt get much better than that--awesome.;)

Ric
27-01-2013, 03:58 PM
Great views and a great way to start Australia day.

Well done Baz

bloodhound31
27-01-2013, 04:46 PM
Glad you enjoyed it folks. We'd love to have you come and join us next year!

Baz.