SMA0318 at 1980m on The Paralyser
Thursday 9 August: Another snowshoe trip. Starting from Guthega. Leader: Mike B.
Further Information
On a roll with beautiful weather, as last week.
Summary
Distance: 10.0km | Climb: 400m | Time: 9.15am – 3.00pm (5hrs 45mins), including 60 mins of breaks | Grading: M/M; M(10)
Photographs
Photographs are available, where you can start a large sized slideshow.
Videos
Waypoint and Track Files
Download the gpx file for this trip (if your browser does not automatically download the file, it will open the gpx file in a new window and you can then save it). To use in Google Earth, do File, Open… and select Gps or All files as the File Type.
Track Notes
Another 6.15am meet in Calwell and drive via Cooma, Berridale, Jindabyne to Guthega. Plenty more snow than last week, running into it on the road lower down.
2018 08 09 Driving the Guthega Road – more snow than last week
Walking by 9.15am, so 3 hrs drive + gear up.
We headed along the road under the lodges and onto the track leading to the Illawong Walk.
Not today
Down to cross the bridge over Blue Cow Creek.
The bridge over Blue Cow Creek
Then the long haul up the spur leading to The Paralyser.
Climbing the bottom of the spur to The Paralyser
More tiring than last week, as the snow was softer and our shoes sank in a bit.
Climbing the spur to The Paralyser
But magnificent views!
The way ahead at 1770m
At last we gained the SMA0318 trig and morning tea.
Approaching SMA0318 at 1980m
Ran into a pair of cross coutnry skiers out from Perisher.
SMA0318
Again, huge views.
The view SW from SMA0318
We headed south and a veer to the west, to cross a broad saddle. The going was easier as the snow was harder – perhaps more windswept.
Heading down to the broad saddle south of SMA0318
Brian wanted to visit a rocky knoll.
Climbing to a high point on The Paralyser
It also provided huge views.
Mt Kosciuszko from The Paralyser
From this southern extent, we turned down to the NW and found lunch. The snow was too soft for me to slide on my pack liner.
Million dollar lunch views
A descent of 250vm towards Spencer Creek through soft snow. A lovely experience going down hill.
Descending through the snow gums on soft snow
We then turned NE to Illawong Hut.
Illawong Hut
Met 4 cross country skiers heading for the hut as we trended NE to Gutherga.
Guthega Pondage
Back over the bridge and a climb up to civilization.
What a fabulous day! Huge thanks Mike. Very experienced snow bunnies in Brian and Peter too.
Do check out the photos and both videos for a vicarious trip.
Track Map
Track
Party
4 walkers – Peter A-S, Mike B (leader), Brian S, me.