Training Log Archive: TheInvisibleLog

Day 2 High Camp - Mt Eliza - Mt Eve - Shelf Camp - Mt Lot - Lightning Ridge - Judds Charm.

This was a much longer day than we originally planned. The initial plan was a short day and a leisurely camp at Shelf Camp. But the looming weather and wind direction suggested a night there might provide little sleep. Its not well sheltered from northerly winds. So we skipped Mt Anne and instead tackled Mt Lot. The risge to Mt Lot was an awesome knife arete. But Mt Lot proved to be a test. The rain started as we were uncoiling the rope for the ascent of the notch. No more photos. It was just press on and look after each other. Another roped section was most intimidating as I led it without protection while water streamed down the face. The descent from Mt Lot along Lightning ridge was the toughest walking I had done in a long time with horizontal rain across the ridge and 20 metre visibility. The lack of visibility hid the 500 metre drop on the leeward side. This was followed by the mud chute (track) down through rain forest to the Lonely Tarns. Finally, we searched for 20 minutes in the rain to find a potential tent site that wasn't flooded. The guide claims this location was drier than Lake Picone. That site must have been under water. We found a slightly elevated dry site at the cost of exposure. Cooked dinner while lying in sleeping bags and then spent a couple of hours hoping the guys would hold out. Romantic!

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

The happy couple has decided to race the rain across Mt Lot, foolishly thinking they have enough time.

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

Climbing Mt Eliza through the massive scree boulders.

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

The risde to Mt Lot. The notch is hidden in the dip on the left skyline.

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

Mt Anne from shelf camp.

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

Lightning Ridge the next day. We couldn't see what was around during our descent.

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

Climbing down the Lake Picone mud chute on tree limbs. I lost my glasses here. Expensive slip.

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

Drying out the next morning

Day 1 Condiminium Creek to High Camp on Mt Eliza.

Left the car at 5.15 in the late afternoon for the slog up the ridge. The 24 kilo pack was a tough reintroduction to the south west. We almost matched Mr Chapman's minimum in the suggested time required. It was to be the only time for the trip. After dinner we watched the cloud scenery over "Lake Pedder". The lenticular formations were impressive and ominous. I hope you are suitably impressed Blair.

From Mt Anne Circuit 2011

An excellent run in all senses. I think this is the basis of my new summer long run route. Start at Crusoe. Up the inside of the fence to the west of the reservoir, up the single track to the top of the range, out to Marne, in this case following a large mob of grey kangaroos, back along the ridge, down the gas pipeline track, across High Level Res dam wall, down to No 7, around No 7, Puddler track, to Crusoe, round Crusoe, finish at the swimming platform and jump in. A serious hill, some short sharp climbs, the best scenery around Bendigo, water views, wildlife, no cars or traffic light and a swim at the end. All these benefits probably help explain why I felt so good once i warmed up. The final circuit around Crusoe was fast and enjoyable. Think I was down to 4.30 a k at the end.

C • no bogans? 2

Weight seems less than random... sadly

Ten ascents of Honeysuckle St lower hill in the afternoon. Too hot.