Report by Marion Plum - HMO Snowy
The gathering was held at the beautiful campground at Long Plain hut overlooking Long Plain with a delightful stream nearby which runs down into the Murrumbidgee river. The hut itself sits above the campground in the day use area.
The final number of KHA members in attendance was 30, with several unable to come at the last minute due to a variety of circumstances, and a few “no shows”.
Ranger Thom called in briefly on Saturday, but he was unable to camp with us as initially intended, due to work commitments. He was very helpful and supportive in organizing this event.
A few of us arrived on Thursday to set up camp and do the final 3D capture of Long Plain hut. Most members arrived on Friday, settling in and then all gathering around the central campfire for the briefing along with nibblies, snacks and drinks. We welcomed Chris Parr, the new HMO for Tantangara. This also enabled us to organize vehicles and their drivers for the activities the following day.
Saturday Isolated storms were forecast for the day, having one just pass us by to the south during breakfast. We all left the campsite at 8.30am, travelling to Gooandra hut, which is 5km from the Snowy Mountains highway on the Gooandra trail. There the members were briefed on some of the NPWS requirements regarding the roles of a caretaker. We also discussed how each hut has a HAS (Heritage Action Statement) or CMP (Conservation Management Plan and that these documents contain a detailed section of “recommended cyclic maintenance”, which details what works can or cannot be done to the hut.
The members were then able to wander around the hut and it`s surrounds and gain an insight into the history of the hut. KHA supplied a lovely morning tea of cakes, muffins and biscuits. Back to camp for a welfare break where we were met by Ranger Thom.
Then off to Miller`s hut car park, only 2km from the campground, where everyone walked to the hut which was 1.1km from the carpark.
Alan took a few less mobile members to the creek where he constructed a small bridge of “maxi trax” to enable a safe crossing of the stream. Pip, our President, and Deb who are caretakers of Millers hut, greeted us there and enlightened us on the hut`s history and how they, the caretaker group, look after the hut. … >Back to camp for lunch. At this stage we were closely monitoring storms on the radar and hoping our luck will last for the visit to Hainsworth hut.
So, at 2pm we all set off again in our nominated vehicles and drivers to the track head of the Mosquito Trail which would lead us to Hainsworth hut, 3.2km
away. But a significant storm was brewing right where we needed to go and initially most members were going to walk to the hut. Due to the risk of a lightning strike we decided to continue on in the vehicles to the hut, and yes, we drove right through a heavy downpour of rain. Once at the hut where we were greeted by Peter the caretaker, the rain stopped and the sun came out.
Peter was able to give us an informative talk on his involvement as the caretaker of many years, including the hut`s history. I then discussed the NPWS list of minor tasks that we can do, and also the list of major works that we can assist the NPWS tradesmen with.
Another storm then approached, so as the rain started, we all returned to camp. Luckily that was the end of the storms for the day. We then congregated around the campfire to eat, drink and be merry, and listen to some poetry from Mike, and Lesley played some delightful music on her chosen instrument.
Overall, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were asking about the next event.
I wish to thank Thom for giving his, and therefore NPWS approval to take vehicles to the huts and for holding such an event in the campground.
I also wish to thank my trusty support team of Al, Chris and Tony.
Marion Plum, HMO
Photos - Giles West