High Country Trip 2017 - EOI

[Mike57]

Sorry this has taken so long to post up - Christmas got in the way.

This is a call for Expressions of Interest for this year's high country trip.

I plan to run this over 3 days between 4 and 6 March with the last day (a Monday) being optional for those that need to head back Sunday afternoon. The next option might be 18 to 20 March as the weekend in between is a long weekend and it will be too busy on the narrow tracks. Depending upon how the bush fire season progresses we may need to move it into April but I will make that call closer to the time.

Can those that are interested in attending let me know by responding to this post so that I can get an idea of the numbers before finalising the arrangements.

To attend this trip you will need a reliable vehicle with no overheating problems. This trip will involve very long steep climbs in first low range and possibly in hot weather that will stress any cooling system. You will also need all-terrain tyres as a minimum. Some additional clearance might be handy but not essential. This will be a camping trip so all participants will need to bring camping equipment and supplies for the 2 or 3 days. Fuel is available in Licola and Dargo so it will be necessary for those doing all 3 days to carry an extra 20 litres of fuel. Those doing the 2 days would be wise to also carry and extra 10 litres.

I was intending to set up a base camp near or in Dargo this time but after my weekend in this area in November 2016 I have decided that this is really not a good idea. There really are no good camping areas and it’s not really a good place to use as a base.

I am open to suggestions about the route but here are some options.

Option 1 – Same as last year
Saturday - meet at Licola late morning. Drive into the Wonnangatta valley and set up camp for the night
Sunday – take the Crooked River track to the North of the Wonnangatta and then end up in Talbotville after tackling the South Basalt Knob track and if we get an early start we can also do Blue Rag Range. Those heading home can depart from Talbotville before or after South Basalt Knob track or Blue Rag depending upon time. You can safely get back to the main road from Talbotville or from the top of South Basalt Knob track.
Monday – Head home after going up Billy Goat Bluff track.

Option 2 – Variation on Last year
Saturday - meet at Licola late morning. Drive into the Wonnangatta valley and set up camp for the night
Sunday – take the Crooked River road to the North of the Wonnangatta and then end up in Eaglevale after tackling Billy Goat Bluff Track in both directions (up then down again). Camp at Eaglevale on Saturday night. Those heading back can safely head back to Dargo and then home from the base of Billy Goat Bluff or from the top of Billy Goat Bluff although it would be better to have two cars doing this for safety but the roads are 2WD standard from both the top or bottom of Billy Goat Bluff.
Monday – For those remaining head to Talbotville and do South Basalt Knob and possibly Blue Rag (depending upon time) and then head home via Dargo.

Option 3 – Well I am open to suggestions about Option 3.

So if you are interested please post on the forum and if you have any other route suggestions please post them up as well.

I look forward to hearing from you.

[luigi]

Hi Fellas.
Hi Mike. I am a starter, whatever form this trip takes.
The High Country in Summer or Autumn is a highlight trip of the year.
Regards, Wayne.

[christover1]

Watching with interest, if I get my self together in time

[steve125]

Option 3

Day 1 - Meet at Corryong, camp at Thowgla Creek.
Day 2 - drive over Pinnibar to Tom Groggin, then south to Davies Plain, camp at Limestone creek (this would be a soild Medium rated day)
Day 3 - Benambra, Omeo, Hotham, Dargo, Melbourne

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1817


Option 4

This was a 4 day trip but could be done in 3 if you miss Deddick Trail

Day 1 - meet at Dargo for lunch, camp at Native Dog Flat
Day 2 - drive Cobberas track (4 hours), return to NDF, then south to Bentleys Plain/Moscow Villa area or somewhere further south and camp (haven't driven any of the tracks south of NDF)
Day 3 - return to Melbourne

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1540

[Mike57]

Hi Steve

I will check these out. Does this imply you might be in this trip?

Mike

[colnniko]

hi mike at the moment we"re in no matter what version.Just done dargo,grant ,talbotville,wonnagatta,last week but loved it differant tracks be be great Colin