25/11/22 - Distance: 31 km
Out of camp at 6am into very dense fog. The route here follows a ridge line to the west above sheepstation creek down to Joe Davis creek junction, then down to the snowy river The traditional route, well... there were probably many alternatives, but most likely followed along sheepstation creek, back when it would have been open and grassy, now unfortunatley its fowled up by feral weeds, burrs, animals and erosion. So, nowadays, its best to follow the higher ridge lines (out of the briars). Navigation was a big problem this morning as I could not see much more than several meters in front of me at times. It would have been much easier if i could see and read the terrain as I traveled down the ridge but this was not possible even the slightest due to the fog. Soo, given the twist and turns of the ridge, to and from mountenous high points, all of which had multiple ridgelines going off them in all directions, often with one of a similar bearing to the one i need to follow, it was back to basics. Pace counting and following a magnetic bearing. I knew my pace beads would come in handy. Lots of horses and rabbits. As I descended toward Joe davis creek the vegetation cleared to open forest again and the walking became pleasant and occasionally followed brumby trails. Once the fog cleared, it was a lovely open ridge with light to tall wooded forest, the ridge was long but a steady descent, about 600m over 9km down to joe davis creek, now the trick is to look for a very sharp bend in the creek which almost changes direction on itself from north to south. From here a very visible track leads up to the Sandy Creek Fire trail, but thus track could be easily mistaken as a horse trail when approacing from the creek. I arrive on the Sandy Creek trail at 1045am, dump my pack and head for the hills. An aggressive 400m of up over 1.5km to the lovely Sandy creek hut. My Favourite hut of the trip. A semi remote, somewhat clean, in a tranquil semi hidden spot. It had a water tank with water in it and a running stream nearby (though certainly not permenant). After visiting the hut I make my way back down towards my pack and onto the snowy river and what ever surprises it brings. The views on the way down show the extremes in elevation ahead and the length of distance through ruggered terrain behind. I arrive back at the bag and head on down to the snowy river and arrive at the Sandy Ck Crossing around 3pm. This has been a much anticipted part of my trip, reaching the snowy river, also a cause for lots of anxiety as I fear the water may be to high to cross safely. I dump my bag and investigate flows and the crossing. The water is far to high and flowing way to fast to cross here, it would be over waist height (normally less than knee height). I proceed to plan B (of C,D, E and F). I track the river up stream fighting through briars, fallen branches, steep slopes and prickly blackberry bush to an area I thought may be suitable to cross, I attempt to build a raft to test its floatability and moveability in the water. I built a dodgey raft out of drift wood and venitian vine cord taken from my tent which I use to fasten it in high winds. After scavenging around for an hour or so I find enough wood to make the raft. I position the raft on the bank ready for a test launch, I ready it in the water and it floats nicely, until I jump on it, then it barley stays above water, but its still floating. I gently push off shore and suddenly im in the current and im off, little to no control and im moving fast. I decide this is not the place to cross, but I now have a feel for the flow of water with the raft and the limitations of a raft. I need to find a narrower and longer place to cross as im going to need to paddle and steer with my legs to get the raft across. I dismantle tha raft and take my twine with me. I continue up stream. I proceed to a location opposite a campsite where there is a swimming spot beside the river. I planned to get across today but I think im too tired to continue today, I may need all my strength to get across. SO I bail on the river crossing idea for today and setup camp by the river. Its only about 50m to the otherside of the river. I know that It will be much longer than that as I will be fighting a current and wont be following a straight line. But this spot looks like a nice spot, not ideal but doable I think, I hope. Worst case I end up downstream on the raft where I can eventually paddy to the side. The water was actually quite warm, about 18 degrees, if it was any less I may have reconsidered as I know my body doesn’t do well in cold cold water. As I setup camp there are many kangaroos, emus and quails, oh and deer along the banks of the snowy. It is good to see other people driving by down the Barry way on the other side of the river as well as a few campers, I have not seen another soul for a few days now.
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