The alarm was set for 6.00am, we got up at 7.00am. At 6.00am we figured that we were not going a great distance so the extra hour was worth it. We were on the road at 9.00am with first stop at Adaminaby. With our new goal in life to photograph everything “big” in Australia, we took photograph 1 of who know how many of the “Big Trout”. For our Grandson, “She” took at photo of “He” taking a picture of “it” (number 1 big thing). Next stop was Providence Portal, a tunnel that feeds water from the Murrumbidgee side of the mountain directly into Lake Eucumbene. Unfortunately, Lake Eucumbene did not exist, it was totally dry.
We then entered the Kosciusko National Park where we saw evidence of recent bush fires and a stark landscape the result of the winter snow.
We detoured off the Snowy Mountains Highway to the ski fields at Mt Selwyn (we were early for the ski s season as we were the only car in the car park). From there to Cabrumurra with the intention of a visit to the Tumut 1 Power Station. At the lookout above Cabramurra (Cabramurra is the highest town in Australia), we discovered that Tumut 2 was the power station that provided tours. We set off the Tumut 2 via a VERY narrow and windy road that descended into a valley. By the time we reached the bottom, you could smell the brakes from overuse in stopping 4 tons of motor-home. We drove into the Tumut 2 car park only to find there were no tours. Bugger!
We had a wonderful lunch in the car park before setting off to climb the mountain again.
Next intended stop was Yarrangobilly Cave, an attraction we visited many years ago. After turning off the main road we immediately entered a “one way” road that was gravel. It was OK, we only had 14 kilometres to travel. Once again, the braking system on the motor-home was tested as we descended into another valley. This one was worth it as we did a self guided tour through the “Glory Arch” Cave that took about 45 minutes. Very enjoyable. They charged $3 to park in the car park on top of the $10.50 each for the cave tour!
The exit from the caves was via a dirt road and 15 minutes later we were back on the highway.
We arrived at Tumut at 4.00pm and checked into the caravan park (Riverglade Caravan Park). Tonight we have an ensuite so no troubles with the shower . We figure we will stop at Newcastle to get the shower sorted when we head to Central Australia in May.
Tumut looks nice, only problem is that it is 33 in the shade. Will have to run the airconditioning tonight.
We enjoyed happy hour at 5.00pm and hopefully will have a video hook-up tonight with the family in Sydney.
G’day Porter
Sounds like you both are having a great time while ‘us’ workers are keeping the country running. Keep the posts coming, it’s a great start to the day!
Ciao
Leanne