Running 5:52:00 [3] 50.0 km (7:02 / km)
Orroral valley to mt bimberi and back with grant and craney.
We finally got round to doing this run after a lot of talking about it. Started a bit later than planned after craney was delayed from a run in with a roo on the way out. As usual the first part went pretty quickly with a lot of talk, made it through to cotter hut in about 1.50 for the first 15k. It was pretty slow going with the alps walking track pretty overgrown.
Filled up with water at the river and took a few photos before heading up the long fire road climb to Murray's gap. Grant wasn't feeling great by the time we got to the gap so he decided to head back while craney and I headed for the top.
We were pretty unsure what this section would be like as there isn't a proper track but we managed to find a faint path marked with cairns that meant we could run a lot of the way to the top. The last part through the snow grass boulders and stunted snow gums was great fun. The log book at the top was ruined from rain unfortunately. Had a pack of chips at the top which had really swollen up with the altitude which seemed to impress craney. Had a few photos and checked out the awesome views then headed back down.
Coming down we lost the path and had to bash through the forest for the last km or so which slowed us down although the forest wasn't too bad.
Once we got back on the fire road the big drop down to the hut seemed to go on forever. Filled up with water for the last time here and then set out on the slog back over cotter gap on the overgrown walking track. Saw the second snake for the day along here. It was a relief to get back out on the fire trail and we put our heads down to knock off the last 5k or so, not too much chat at this stage.
Great to get back to the car and see grant was there ok and have some cold drink. Last hour was a good reminder how tough those ultra races are - was very glad didn't have to do any more distance.
Was a good run anyway and held up pretty well and good to finally make it to top of bimberi.