We geared up and made our way along the 4WD track, crossing the river a number of times before reaching the start of the Staircase Spur at about 8.30.
I was promising the girls a well deserved break when got to the hut, the half way mark of the staircase, but it was taking what seemed to be a life time to reach it with Tam and Lynne starting to hurt. 10.30 and Bivouac Hut was in sight, a well needed rest was in order. The weather was still great with some nice views starting to be seen through the trees. The hut was a great place for a break.
After a 30min break we started off again, continuing our way up. I was surprised that the girls wanted to keep going as they were starting to get really sore. The ghostly snow gums were great to walk through as the track gradually rose. We were now heading well a above 1500mt and the teperature dropped dramatically.
Once we cleared the tree line at 1700mt the clouds rolled in and we started to get really cold.. The track started to flatten out and become very rocky and I started to feel confident that we would make it. Before long we couldn't see much at all and I was getting worried the Tam and Lynne would want to continue.
After some convincing we pushed on into the clouds having a short rest at the memorial statue. The girls were done and I was trying to tell them that we didn't have far to go, but I had been saying that for a while so I don't think they believed me. Two hikers were on their way down and insured us that we were 20min from the summit and that it was clear up there so off we went.
Half hour later we done it and arrived at the summit at1pm. We spent 30 min eating some lunch and taking in the great views. It was as if we had risen above the clouds because we had blue sky's and could see for miles.
A group shot was in order and by 1.30 we were ready to start our decent. It always amazes me how much open space there is on top of Bogong and you don't really get the sense of height until you start making your way down.
The clouds weren't as bad as the way up and we were getting some wonderful views to the north and especially the Eskdale Spur. Surprisingly Tam and Lynne were making good pace and it wasn't long before we were at the memorial statue again.
The next hour was the best for the views. We could see Michell Hut in the distance and mountains as far as the eye could see. It wasn't long and we were within the trees again making good time. It was still very cold and our knees started to ache with the down hill walking.
By 2.45 we were back at Bivouac Hut for a 15min break. We were all starting to get a little sore and were looking to reaching the Bottom. After a snack and a drink we were off again for what I believe is the hardest part of the walk.
It took almost 90min to reach the bottom of the Staircase as there were some very sore legs in the group. From here a pleasant 30 min walk back to the car.
Today we traveled the 14km in about 9.5 hours. The weather was amazing, it had a bit of everything from clear skies to heavy cloud and icy wind. It was a perfect day for walking.
I didn't think Tammy and Lynne would make it to the top but I was very proud of them both, There were a few tears, a few laughs, a bit of anger and a lot of joy.
That night as we were curled up in bed the weather turned nasty and we woke to a wet rainy day. I'm Glad we weren't climbing today. That afternoon, 24 hours after being on the summit, the clouds cleared to an amazing view of Mt Bogong. Our timing was perfect.
