Jen and I returned to the Wyanbene Caves campground on Friday. It was about 15 degrees C. cooler up in the mountains, compared to Canberra.

From Eggboat

On Saturday morning, we made a very short foray into the Wyanbene Caves. My little torch was just about out of power. Next time, we'll make it a bit further along I hope.

From Eggboat

We launched our boats on the wide, tidal section of the Clyde river. We shared the water with water-ski-ers, and some fisherman. Our trip on the water was much more conservative than that of the week prior.

From Eggboat

Jenny makes it look easy.

From Eggboat

We cooled off at South Durras beach on Saturday afternoon before driving that familiar stretch of the King's Highway.

From Eggboat

Optimistic boating

Following a drawn-out attempt to have me see reason, we settled on launching our vessels from the eastern shore of a bend in the Clyde river just north of the locality of Brooman. Laboriously, we inflated our ($20) boats and were bouyed (excuse me) by the copious depth and breadth of the river at that point.

From Rafting

Princesses appreciate luxury. Here, Glynn tows an esky of beer (hat-tip) in a specially-designed pontoon.

From Rafting

The Clyde, at its lowest in 100 years, was unable to support boats of even our modest draft. Inhospitable terrain forced us ashore after two hours on the water. After a late dinner'n'drinks on Friday I was malfunctioning and retired early to my hootchie. The lads stayed up with the fire and explained again, to the bemused farmers-on-horseback that we had planned to make it to Nelligen for lunch on Sunday, the following day.

From Rafting

Reasoning that we were going to need a week at this rate to complete the intended journed, we trekked back to the car. We took only 12 minutes to arrive at the Focus! Really, at the rate we moved, a month would have been more appropriate!

From Rafting

We made our way back to Nelligen along the River Road, passing over Shallow Crossing. The lower sections of the river are tidal and the current was flowing backwards in the morning. Had we miraculously made it this far, we'd have been frustrated by the current!

The lads and I stopped in at the Braidwood Hotel for a refreshing ale. (No Fanty here, Roberts).

From Rafting

Namadgi New Year 2009

After conducting a vehicle-shuffle, Jenny and I set out on an overnight hiking trip along the Brandy Flat Fire Trail (near the Glendale depot). Brandy Flat Hut was occupied by a family, so Jenny and I made our accommodation a little further north (in a hootchie of course!)

From Namadgi New Year 2009

My hiking companion struck a pose underneath a well-pitched hootchie that was suspended in the manner described by The Outdoor Idiots.

From Namadgi New Year 2009

The evening was a little cool, so I prepared a small campfire. Hell, I'd have built a fire anyway.

From Namadgi New Year 2009

We had this little spot to ourselves: One benefit of back-pack camping. Our only disturbance on New Year's Eve was the howling of dingoes, the song of crickets, and a curious kangaroo that reminded us of midnight arriving.

From Namadgi New Year 2009

The southern section of the trail, that led us back to the Saab, was slightly longer and more rugged than yesterday's stretch. We were both bitten by ants while taking a break and enjoying the view. A blue-tongued lizard, warming himself in the morning sun, was very disinterested in our passing-by.

From Namadgi New Year 2009