Getting to the top of Mt Bogong had been a goal of mine for quite sometime. The day had finally arrived. We had prepared for an early start but didn’t find ourselves at the bottom of the “Staircase” until 10:10am. Hardly early considering a forecast of 34 celcius for the day.
Mt Bogong is 1986m and situated 11klm East of Tawonga near Mt Beauty in the Victorian Alpine Region. 1986m of hard slog or 12klm whichever way you look at it. Photos below are from start to finish.
The climb was attempted by Bushman Bud, Joey Jess, Orangatang Amy and Lovely Lynda. Three of us got to the summit
Anyway onward and upward, backpacks on and off we go. The sign at the bottom of the ”Staircase” suggested at return journey of 12 klm but after doing the climb I think the 16 klm return I had read about seemed more likely.
Starting out the climb is steep for the first 1klm, plateaus and then steep again. This rythm seems to continue until you reach the emergency hut at about 4klm. The next 2klm (or is it 4klm) is gruelling. From the hut you start to realise where the name the “Staircase” came from, it is steep and basically a rock climb along a goat track. With 1klm to go you come out above the treeline and straight up the spur (or ridgeline) for another 700m. Finally some relief with the final 300m a gentle stroll to the cairn stone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K89B96mAKlQ
WOW, what a climb. I read that it is one of the hardest climbs in Australia. I am not sure about that but the climb is surely demanding.
The view from the top, amazing!!! We were blessed with relatively clear blue skies with some haze. A few photos at the top and down again. Its when you are travelling down that you realise how steep and how far you have come.
I am a fan of ”trotting” down any climb. Just seems easier on the thighs.
Well Joey Jess (7) and Orangatang Amy (5) made the climb. Awesome, I must say I am both amazed and proud of the efforts. In the words of another climber we passed on the way – “your kids are machines.” Given the way I feel now – that kind of sums it up! They are champions.
On another note this climb was part of the Highest Peak Challenge. Mt Koscuiszko 2 days ago and now Mt Bogong. 2 down, 6 to go.
It was an awesome day, very challenging but certainly doable with a bit of determination and persistance. Not for the llight hearted or unfit though. If you rate in this category – enjoy the photos!
We arrived at the bottom at 6:00pm making it a trip of about 8 hours. Not bad with two kids in tow. We “Spotted” the top at the Cairn Stone for all of our subscription followers. Email me and get on the list.
Anyway, awesome day, great challenge and a goal completed. Get out there and give it a go.
Spot info below:
Latitude:-36.73227 Longitude:147.30576
GPS location Date/Time:01/16/2010 15:34:29
Click the link below to see where I am located.
Message: At the top of Victoria. Mt Bogong Summit
Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia