A walk in the woods

Cascade Hut was our destination today - a ten kilometre walk from Dead Horse Gap up and across Bob's Ridge and then down into the Pilot Wilderness. It was another beautiful day in the mountains.

                For a time the trail follows the Thredbo River. And then up, up and up she goes.

After an hour of climbing we crested Bob's Ridge with views across to the Murray River and Victoria.

There is much evidence of the 2003 bush fires here - many dead trees.

                                    We startled a couple of wild Brumby's grazing near the trail.

And then, like them, plunged down the other side, into wooded slopes thick with Snow Gums, Mountain Ash and Stringybark.

The further down we descended the bigger the trees grew. Some of these were over 50 metres tall. There was lots of squeaking and groaning sounds cause by the wind bending the trees.

At the bottom of the hill we forded another mountain stream 

and followed the valley for a couple of kilometres to the hut.

We found a shady spot for lunch and a set.

Guess who had the camera at this point?

After a delicious repast, which may have involved pastries lugged up and over from the Thredbo bakery, we rose for the 10 km hike home.

Back across the river flat

 up the hill to Bob's Ridge - which seemed considerably steeper than it did coming down!!

A pause at the top for a cuppa.

And back along the Thredbo River.

Peering into the water at the little bridge crossing.

We passed a few walkers and bike-riders on our way, and a ranger bringing two volunteers who will work on maintaining the hut in January. But mostly we were on our own and contentedly immersed in the sounds, smells and sights of the bush, a light wind keeping us mostly cool. And now we are home, showered, watered and contemplating happy hour at Bernti's. How's the serenity??