Family week away for my 70th birthday

Wednesday 17 April

Jen picked us up at 9.30 and after managing to fit in all our luggage and food, we were off. We had a pretty easy run down. A stop In Goulburn for an early lunch then another two hour run into Cooma, where we stopped for a few more supplies.

The weather is fine and sunny. Looks like we are in for warm days and crisp, cold nights. That’s to be expected in this part of the world at any time of year. This week is going to be wonderful.

View from our balcony

Thursday 18 April

Another beautiful day dawned. The sun rising over the hills bathed the lake in early morning light.

After a lovely lazy morning we walked into town and had a little more of a look around. We didn’t get much further than the Tourist Information Office/National Parks Building. We found some lovely souvenirs. Wandering back into Nuggets Crossing where there are a couple of cafes in a courtyard setting, we settled in and Jen came and joined us. I did not think it would be a good idea to hike back up the steep hill back to our accommodation.

After a relaxed lunch on the balcony overlooking the lake, we all chilled for a couple of hours. Mid afternoon I walked down to the town again to meet with a friend from many years ago and we had a lovely catch up. It’s lovely to feel so relaxed with someone you haven’t seen in so long.

After drinks on the balcony and later, dinner, Nick arrived bringing more provisions for our family weekend.

Friday 19 April

At risk of being boring we woke to another beautiful day. Some mist around the lake and hills the point of difference. The lake was like glass very early, but as the sun came up a zephyr of a breeze ruffled the surface. Still it was looking perfect for a paddle. Jen and Nick had brought their paddle boards down with them so they drove down to the waterside to set things up while Ian and I walked down through the back of town and along into the shoreline park.

Bacon and egg for breakfast

Autumn colours setting in

Ian has a go

We spent a pleasant morning sitting watching the passing traffic of other water sport enthusiasts – boats, canoes, kayaks, more paddling boards; a jet ski turned up from the other side of the lake, an unwelcome noise in our otherwise peaceful sojourn.

In the afternoon, after Neil and Rachel had arrived, Ian and I walked into town again to take a look at the quilt and art exhibition which is put on in conjunction with the Lake Light Sculpture weekend. So many very talented people both with the needle and brush.

Primary school entry

High school entry

As Neil and Rachel and most likely Nick, were only able to stay until Monday night, Jen re-booked our Mexican dinner for tonight. Although we were rugged up, and outdoor heaters were available (not to mention blankets provided by the restaurant), it was actually quite mild as we sat outside for our meal. Eating early, we thought it would be less crowded to walk through the Sculptures on the lake shore. The full moon was shining brightly and it was fun checking out this different exhibition.

Of course Sculptures by the Sea is the premier event each year, but there were some artists from that exhibition who exhibit here. Some pieces were better than others, but it is a really great community event with the schools and local businesses all very much involved.

George the sun fish was a favourite

An exhibit by primary school children entitled "No more straws"

My personal favourite - "Wild Brumby"

Saturday 20 April

Today was a mystery day. Jen had let us know pretty much how the weekend was planned, but there was no information being talked about for today. After an easy morning with no real rush and hurry to get to go anywhere, I headed off for my shower. It was then I was told what I should consider appropriate attire for the day. A mystery.

Soon after I was ready and given the tick of approval, there was curiosity about what sounded like a V8 revving up outside. On going to investigate, Jen came too and there was a Harley Davidson trike further up the driveway. When Jen hailed the rider, all was revealed, this was my birthday present from Ian. Something I have often hinted I would enjoy, but never expected to do it up here in this beautiful part of the world. A trike ride up to Charlotte Pass!

All rugged up we headed off, but it was really mild. It was pretty busy on the road with loads of cyclists also heading our way. Parking was at a premium up at Charlotte Pass with cars parked along the road for a couple of kilometres to the top. A long trek if you are not expecting it, but necessary if you are heading up to Mt Kosciuszko summit. We were dropped off at the turning loop and we walked up the path to the lookout. It was pretty busy up at the summit already.

The Chalet at Charlotte Pass

Mt K proudly rising above ...... well not exactly!

That's the summit

Beautiful colours of the snow gums

Summit of Mt Kosciuszko

Sponars Chalet still going strong

Overlooking Lake Jindabyne

Our ride ended at Wild Brumby Distillery where everyone else met us for my birthday lunch. Sitting outside with good food, drinks and company, it was a truly lovely day.

Some schnapps tasting

Sunday 21 April

Early start today. Having completed our purchases of lift tickets online overnight, we left early and headed straight for the Valley Terminal to get our Thredbo Cards. All done we wandered through the Village shops and had coffee before heading back to Friday Flat for the big Easter Egg Hunt. An annual event to raise money for the Children’s Hospital, there were hundreds of adults and children all hoping to get amongst the major prizes. No luck for us but it was a bit of fun. We shot through fairly quickly and caught the shuttle bus back to the village to get on with the more serious activity of the day – a main range walk. 

Expectant crowds gathering

They're off!

I farewelled everyone as I agreed to participate in a survey regarding shoe cleaning in national parks. Everyone else was doing the longer more rugged Dead Horse Gap walk. I spent the time heading off on the Mt Kosciuszko summit walk with no intention of going too far. After some time I turned around and walked back to the terminal for the lift down. The weather had started to come in, but as is often the case in the mountains, it cleared a little, but was not as fine and sunny as yesterday.

Dead snow gums which do not recover, except by seed, after bush fires

Young and old take to the mountain on their bikes

Coming in to Top Station

I spent a pleasant early afternoon wandering along the creek looking for elusive sculptures without success. Then finally settled into the comfy couch in the information centre and watched the people come and go until the others came down from their walk.

Thredbo Village from chairlift

Another lovely day.

Monday 22 April

Sadly, Neil, Rachel and Nick had to head off - back to work tomorrow. We focused on another lazy day. Jen decided it was calm enough for another paddle. She hitched a ride down to the lake shore with Neil on their way off. We said we would drive down and take a stroll through the sculptures by day and pick her up later.

The sculptures were quite different seen by the light of day. Some better than others. The point of different that Lake Light Sculpture, Jindabyne has created is, I believe what has made this weekend so successful.

George in another light

Winner of the major prize

Look carefully - a paddle boarder in view!

This won the People's Choice award

What a memorable weekend it was. I had thrown this suggestion out a couple of years ago with an enthusiastic response. So it was really wonderful I could be there in this beautiful part of the world for this special occasion with all my family. Thank you all for joining me. Thank you Jen for organising the accommodation and plans. It was amazing.