Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

High Plains, cross Big River and finally climb on to Bogong. From my welcome lunch
spot on top of T-Spur, it’s only a short walk through lush snow meadows to the
Cleve Cole Memorial Hut, although I take a detour via the picturesque Howman
Falls.
© Bjorn Svensson | Alamy
here be wild brumbies
Nestled in a beautiful, sheltered bowl on the mountain’s southeastern flank, the
hut commemorates a local skier caught in a blizzard. Made from stone, with bunks,
indoor plumbing and solar panels, it’s one that’s popular with walkers, and I
exchange pleasantries, though still opt to sleep in my cosy bomber tent –
orientated, as always, to catch the sunrise.
Early morning sunlight sparkles off the surrounding snow and draws long
shadows from the ubiquitous snow gums as I crunch above the tree line one last
time. While this last day’s walk is short, it’s the most magical of the whole trip. The
sky is deep blue, the earth blindingly white and the air frigid as I follow the pole
line on to Bogong’s wide summit plateau.
The whole of the High Plains lie stretched out along my left, ending in the
distinctive cap of Feathertop, while over to my right, a distant long white wall