A couple more centimetres overnight at Hotham with the sun now trying to make an appearance. Beautiful morning
https://www.theage.com.au/national/...but-temps-to-climb-again-20200926-p55zi1.html Mt.Buffalo looks XC skiable. 27.9.20 Dingo Dell Cresta Valley Baw Baw looks great for Nordic skiing Mt.Stirling looks well XC skiable Rover Chalet , Bogong High Plains. Plank action seems possible along the Aqueduct . Lake Mtn. would be skiable from the Car Park to The Boundary Hut ruins, I would guess. What a shame it is totally shut to all recreational use.
SDS is reaching chronic levels here in NE Melb. :-0 , but it is good to see Mt. Buffalo with some good snow and they now have two snow cameras working at last. I hope this remains the case in 2021.
Have to make up for the SDS next year. Interesting to see a lot of melt on the dinner plain cams, that extra strength in the sunlight makes a difference.
Trip up to Stanley Bowl on Sat. Snow was surprisingly damp considering it was snowing in Mirimbah. Regardless feels great to be in the snow with so few people around.
Madshus skis. Noice. You lucky barst*rd. I love XC skiing at Mt. Buffalo. The scenery, the vibe, the low cost etc. The snow would have been very fresh and slowish with no base so coming down the Horn road would have not been like " Helter Skelter....! "
Rover Chalet ski tow. Bogong High Plains.28.9.20 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Falls Creek , Sun Valley 41 cms according to the snow report. still looks XC skiable. 28.9.20 Baw Baw looks prime for XC skiing today with sun but softening cover . Reportedly 21 cms. Lake Mtn. still XC ski friendly with 20 cms and sunshine. T shirt skiing ( Imaginary Nordic skiing ) !!!
How fortunate to drive all along the highway and arrive at Smiggin Holes around 10pm Thursday 24 Sept. Friday was splendid. No skiing....just being there and doing stuff. Our mate owns a lodge and it is somewhat a second home to us in ways. When things are good, it is important to appreciate them as they happen. None of this realising how good it was after the event / when it was gone. We helped some children work out some skiing - all first time and for a couple their first snow time. They had a ball. Back at the lodge it was jamming and singing and a friends / family type atmosphere with awesome snowfall. Yes, even when the wind blows, howls, and wails around the well beaten boards of the lodge, when it rattles the window just above your head at night, and when even if the window is closed, in places snow in tiny crystals still seems to find a way inside. Crank up the heat, put another log in the fire, wine, cheese, quince past...platters, chess, jamming music (guitars, drums, percussion), singing along... Late in the season times like last weekend's snowfall come into their own with no actual guests at the lodge, but a mix of friends, family, workers and their family. A walk around Smiggs, a walk along Link Road as a cross country skier heads out on a crisp spring day with sun showers of snow crystals blown here and there and then cast upon the blustery vortex of a wind gust. A stillness too, and a sense of silence so under valued in our modern crazy world. In the elements entirely happy. Squeaking snow deep enough to go to your knees. Tree branches traced with thick lines seemingly at their maximum capacity before having to let go from too much snow. Crows...phark....ark! Bacon and eggs (sorry vegetarians)...try the Stubbs bourbon hickory smoked bbq sauce. Coffee machines drawing sleepy heads nearer after a two am finish. Watching the snow as per the video below as your friend who has recorded / sold music, gently plays a stirring soulful tune on acoustic guitar and with soft voice. Watching this view, such moments stir deep. This slow motion video goes for 2'48" - I was captivated and unfortunately the phone camera and youtube do not do the actual time justice. For those who do enjoy.
Thank you. We saw this unique bus on the way home...an observation...(web sourced pic - I did not take one)