Three Melbourne Bushwalking Clubs Howman's Gap 2013: Day two 4 walks

Sunday December 29, 2013

Leaders Arthur Koo and Richard Wilson Koonung

walk to Mount Jaithmathangs from Pretty Valley Pondage via Tawonga Hut

Arthur and Richard from Koonung lead this 13km walk. The description of the walk the night before was not for the faint hearted so there were only nine of us for the expedition. Rocky valley dam was the start point and it was 4kms to the Tawonga Huts for morning tea then a steady up to the top but hey luckily for these intrepid walkers Parks Vic had slashed the track so we were not bush bashing afterall which made for a much easier climb. Views were amazing of all the mountains, snow gums and wild flowers. Then we really did bush bash thro nearly bush as high as us briefly before coming out on a grassy plateau then back down to the track back to the cars. We then went to Mt McKay to see in the distance the massive walk we had just completed.

Kerry Killeen, Diamond Valley

Leader Darylene Bell Diamond Valley

4 huts walk from Lawsons Hut to Cope Hut and return

31 walkers finally were sorted in to cars and drove up to the parking area at the start of the Wallace Hut Track. Mike had his walkie talkie units, so Darylene had one, at the front of the group, Mike at the end, and Dianne leading in the middle of the group. The day was perfect, a short walk took us to Wallace Hut, a short detour off the track, to look at the site of McKinnon Hut, along the aqueduct to Rovers Hut. While we enjoyed morning tea Darylene told the group how the original stove, installed in the late fifties, was hauled overland, using only man power, by six young men, including a Koonung member. It still bakes and provides heating and hot water, for the hut. With cross country runners and mountain bike riders passing us, we climbed up to Craig Hut, then the last few kms back to Wallace Hut, for lunch. Arriving back in Falls Creek some went for coffee and cake, while nine elected to walk back to Howman's Gap , down Packhorse Track. Thank you Darylene for a great day.

Marie Anson Diamond Valley

Leader Roger Palmer Diamond Valley

Rocky Dam Wall via Frying Pan Spur down to Howmans Gap 10Km. Medium
12 walkers started walking from Rocky Dam car park at 10:00, crossed Nordic Bowl, via Duct to Home Away Trail, morning tea at just below the top of chairlift, good view of the village bowl and wild flowers. Lunch at top of the summit, fantastic view of Mt Buffalo, Feathertop and the Valley. Returned via Frying Pan Spur Track back to Howman's Gap at 14:45.
Ching Wong Diamond Valley