| Group | Leader | Mentor | Tailender |
| Standards | Chris H | Glenys | Brent |
| Alternates | Jan Bw | Ali | Kate |
Distance: Alternates approx 14km, elevation 388m. Standards 14.54km, max elevation 1364m, ascent/descent of 1083m.
Our 0800 hrs departure saw 37 trampers boarding the bus at Bishopdale (driver Alan). The total swelled to 40 after three more joined along the way. A frequent question during the drive was “Are you going up the hill?”
The descriptor “challenging”, along with fresh snowfall, was a deterrent for a few trampers who changed their mind about climbing Mt Oxford, preferring to go with the Alternates for the out and back walk to Ryde Falls. 22 Alternates confidently set forth from Coopers Creek, while 18 Standards huddled around their leader to receive instructions for the push to the summit.
The weather was good. The track into Ryde Falls, alas, was not so good. 140 boggy bits were counted, and that was on the way in. Mud prevailed, there were nine fallen trees to clamber under, plus six river crossings, all the while enjoying the bush on either side of track. It was well-nigh impossible to return home with clean boots, socks, or legs. One tramper, however, managed a brief dip ahead of the lunch stop via a topple during the river crossing. Rapid assessment showed that they were OK – as too their cell phone. Shorts were temporarily removed for drying, a pair of shapely legs were displayed, while a decently long shirt covered any possible indiscretion. (By comparison, the grapevine informed that one of the Standards had walked with their shirt on inside out.)
On arrival at the Ryde Falls Creek/Cooper’s Creek west branch confluence lunch stop, packs were dropped and most people headed the short distance to view the falls. In many decades of visits to these falls, this was by far the greatest cascade of water that I’ve personally seen. Some intrepid adventurers even clambered down to the base of pools.
The day was not greatly disturbed by wasps, nor even sandflies, at least not until the return to the bus where the Standards were already waiting. Apart from one gouged arm, and a few dings from close encounters with fallen trees (avoid sending texts while walking…) there were no major incidents for the Alternates. A bonus to be welcomed back to the bus by my daughter and baby granddaughter who live nearby in Oxford.
Quotes for the day:
“Some of those who reached the summit were first timers, some were last timers, and some had a boot in each camp.” (A Standard)
“I see you on the days you move mountains. I see you on the days you don’t get out of bed. Whichever day it is today, you are beautiful, strong and brave” (Stephanie Bennett-Henry) – Painted on a small rock left near Ryde Falls.
Altogether, an eminently satisfactory day out, “strong and brave” – great descriptors for both the day and the walkers.
Marie-Therese (Alternates)
Mt Oxford (A Standard POV)
The preceding account captures much of the Standards’ walk. We were blessed in having less mud, no river crossings and far fewer fallen trees to navigate than the Alternates. The snow was soft and melting. The sound of it was tranquil and almost babbling as we trudged. Blessed also in our leader’s pace and timely reminders of where we needed to be to get to the top and the bottom too. Lunch was efficient and several of us had mouths full and were clutching sandwiches when the summit photo was taken by a passing acquaintance here for twelve months from France – an opportunity to exchange French pleasantries. Our mentor – very experienced with this tramp – and our Tailender kept us on track and on task. Done!
Jen
