We had worked out that it had been about 28 months since we had seen my Mum and Dad so it was absolutely amazing when they turned up the driveway and we were able to have some long overdue hugs. It was certainly quite emotional and almost surreal after so long to be actually seeing each other again. The strange thing was though that we had probably talked on the phone more often and so had actually very little amounts of “new news” to share but it was just fantastic to be together again!
We were staying in a huge place for just the four of us and for the first couple of days we just relaxed and enjoyed some short walks around the lake, some cards and allowed Mum and Dad some time to recover from jet lag. It was just so wonderful to see them again and while we didn’t do too much it was brilliant to just be able to spend time together.
The only thing that wasn’t perfect for the first few days was the weather which was pretty rainy and in fact the temperature at night was dipping into single figures. It wasn’t all doom and gloom though and the views around Jindabyne and the lake were spectacular and we took advantage of the poor weather to play canasta and Mum & Dad won the first couple of games. We must be good teachers 😂😂.
Our first main trip out was up to Thredbo which is the ski village and the base from which all the ski lifts go up the mountain. During the summer the lifts enable mountain bike riders and hikers to get up the mountain but we decided to walk up instead and ended up walking through some lovely forests around the pistes where we were able to watch the mountain bikes flying down the tracks. Due to all the rain though the tracks weren’t in the best condition so Sarah and I decided to hold off before we fling ourselves down.
Mt Kosiuszko is Australia’s highest mountain at 2228m and is just next to Thredbo. We had all decided that we wanted to climb/ride up it but we’re waiting for a break in the weather. One morning I noticed a bit of a gap in the weather forecast and suggested we make a go of it and so Mum & Dad set off up to Charlotte’s Pass to begin the 18km return hike up. Sarah and I were to follow shortly after and ride our bikes up the track (a challenge we have been working up to).
The Snowy Mountains are different to a lot of other mountain ranges in that the differences in heights are less accentuated. By this I mean that the overall impression is of rolling hills rather than steep mountains. As we drove up to the start of our hike the views and the scenery was just spectacular we were gobsmaked as to the beauty of the area and were really getting quite excited about our ride/hike up.
While it wasn’t raining to begin with the temperature reading in the car was showing 4 degrees C and I looked down at my shorts and for a moment thought I might have got my weather forecast wrong!!!
There was a glimpse of blue sky in the distance and we set off up the track to chase down Mum & Dad and get to the summit. The views were amazing and the weather improved every half hour and as we ditched our bikes to walk the last 1.5km we were treated to some blue skies and great views over the Snowy Mountains. The weather was so good we all 4 were able to take a break at the top and enjoy lunch together…definitely a sandwich to remember!!!
Our descent was slightly quicker than our ascent and Mum & Dad got back in quick time too and I reckon if I am climbing tallest mountains when I am my parents’ age I will be very happy!! Well done them!!
The next day we all took a well deserved break.
The dry weather for a couple of days meant that the mountain bike tracks had a bit of time to dry out and by the time our last Saturday came the parks announced that the infamous “TVT” (Thredbo Valley Track) was finally open!! This track goes from Thredbo 35km down a valley to Jindabyne and Sarah and I decided to tackle the first 16km and found ourselves at the top both feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
We needn’t have worried. It was truly the most amazing bike ride we have been on with huge flowing tracks taking us down the valley next to the Thredbo River. There were other groups going down and we were all whooping and hollering in excitement it was a definite adrenaline rush. The views were great and while we didn’t manage to get a lot of photos it was a great adventure and we were so glad that we were able to actually do it…we will be back.
Our time in Jindabyne was almost at an end and I have to say our visit to the Snowy Mountains has been amazing. The scenery is breathtaking and quite unlike anything else I have seen in Australia. The weather hasn’t been fantastic but that is often the way at altitude but we have definitely had a great time and will enjoy another visit here sometime. T