Drive from Canberra to Snowy River Mountains, Thurs. December 12, 2013

THURSDAY - DECEMBER 12, 2013

BOTTOM LINE:

Drive from the capitol of Australia, Canberra up into the Snowy Mountains

BACK STORY:

We were both ready for a change of scenery and looked forward to getting into some mountain country.  Both of us had watched the movie “A Man From Snowy River” years ago and antic1pated cooler weather, breathtaking mountain views, and the smell of pine forests.

 

 As we climbed and reached our destination, it became clear that the mountains were “hills” by our definition. The forests were not pine but instead eucalyptus. There were three varieties of eucalyptus, the “gum” variety being the one that can withstand snow conditions and has the ability of healing itself after injury.  The weather was pleasantly cooler, but very windy.

 

 

Looking towards Kosciuszko Peak, highest point in Australia

"Gum Eucalyptus" with healing characteristics

After arriving we headed out immediately to explore the “Australian Alps.”  On the outskirts of Jindabyne, the closest town to Kosciuszko National Park, we found a Schnapps Distillery.  We stopped since they would be closed by the time we returned. I inquired about the process of making it and had a sampling of three flavors.  The distillery had a beautiful copper custom made machine from Germany and after heating ripened fruit to the appropriate temperature, the clear liquid is allowed to sit and age for thirty days.  The result is amazing fruity liquor.  I tried the pear, peach and apple all of which were delicious and like sipping fresh fruit with a 12% alcohol content…yum!

Copper Schnapps Distillery

Wildbrumby Schnapp flavors

We drove into the National Park and up to the Charlotte lookout.  There was a boardwalk that led to the top with markers pointing out various facts about the area.  The blustery view of the 4,000 ft. top of Mt. Kosciuszko was nothing spectacular.  The mountains in the region have rolling tops, grassy slopes spotted with round granite boulders and a few areas of snow.  It was the highest point in the country of Australia.  All the trees up to the alpine height were eucalyptus.

  

Snowy Mountain Pass

One of the things that freaked me out today happened in a bathroom.  As I went to unroll some toilet paper a huge brown thing came out of the roller with the paper!  I screamed which, Bruce heard and came running.  It turned out to be a very large moth that was laying on the paper with wings fully spread.  Later on an information plaque I identified the brown insect:

Bruce had made reservations at Habitat Chalet.  During “season” it acts as a ski lodge/hostel.  We had the place to ourselves.  The hosts said that we were the first guests in two weeks.  The lodge sat on a bluff and had little cabin/chalets spaced throughout the property.  The lodge had three fireplaces, a large living area with comfortable couches, books, games and Internet connection.  There was a welcoming dining hall where breakfast is served along with a prix fix dinner for those who made reservations.

 

 

Habitat Chalets in Snowy Mountains

Our little chalet

Before heading inside Bruce and I decided to take a walk down a dirt road at dusk to see if we could find any wildlife.  We got to a ridge where transmission power lines ran. The land below the lines had been cleared and proved to be a perfect place to watch.  One by one kangaroos hopped from one side of the clearing to the other, taking shelter under the brush.  I counted ten of varying sizes, all of which were too fast for me to capture on my camera.  Next I saw rabbits, black cockatoo and then a deer. Bruce said that deer did not inhabit the area. Suddenly another one ran out and he was able to see that it was indeed a deer. We later found out that there was a deer farm that went out of business so the owner just let all of his deer loose.

Shy black cockatoo

Our chalet was cozy inside.  The roof line was unique with exposed glass dormers, which allowed us to see the night sky.  Before turning in, I opened the door and stepped out into the cool night air to look up at the stars. Everything was so crisp and clear. I feel so very close to God in those situations. I am so very thankful for this experience.

chalet ceiling