Due to a lot of people missing out.. We are rerunning this
Visit Mt Stirling in an overnight trip. Great for beginners We'll bring up some drinks We'll likely stay the night at Bluff Spur Hut. Times will be adjusted when we know who is coming. There is definitely snow up there. It should be assumed we'll be sleeping on Snow :) ..
We will be capping the number of attendees.. Based on how experienced people are
This is an alpine trip. The situation is dynamic, and possibly changing. You MUST have access or share a 4 season tent, use layering and have windproof pants / jacket. If weather conditions are unsuitable, the event may be cancelled or changed. We take safety seriously and I make no apologies for this. I may have spare windproof/weatherproof clothing you can borrow. But, if you show up with nothing, and I don't have any spare, you will NOT be joining.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT / CARPOOLING:
No public transport available, but you may be able to carpool with someone. I have lots of space in my car
INSURANCE:
Everyone is responsible for their own safety. YOU must have ambo insurance (such as: St Johns) and health insurance. Medi Helicopter can cost $20K+ without. If you get injured, I will NOT cover your expenses. I am not a commercial guide and make no claims as such. Medical rescues without Ambulence insurance can
MEETING LOCATION:
Meet at TBJ.. Outside the cafe..
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
I mainly recommend VAST, Bogong (more expensive, but high quality and good advice) or Paddy Pallin to purchase from. (Wilderness Shop is closed down now). These places can provide proper advice too
Do NOT buy your safety gear from Anaconda (unless you know what you're doing), Aussie Disposals, BCF, KMART, jaycar/RTM or Amazon.. Definitely not from Temu either.. Decathalon only if you know what you're doing.. We find that people are always cold when they purchase from these places (even outside of alpine). The ratings tend to be woefully wrong. We suspect at least one of these stores plan to knowingly provide incorrect information regarding PLB's.
(ideally we share resources to reduce weight. Aim for 10-15kg)
- AMBULANCE INSURANCE! RESCUES ARE EXPENSIVE!!!
- You WILL need Snowshoes. You can rent at TBJ (they have 100 pairs)
- At least 2 pairs of additional socks
- Snow gaiters (if you use them)
- Sunscreen.
- Scarf / Buff
- Hat & Sunglasses (your eyes will burn in the snow without it.. Legitimately critical.. )
- 3-4 Season Tent. I use Second Arrow UL. Not sure? Ask Bogong.. You can also rent 4 season tent. The better the tent, the happier you'll be
- Sleeping bag. Most people need at least -5 (by a good brand), but likely more. I use a -7 Exped. Women generally need lower rated bags. DO NOT BUY FROM ANACONDA/BCF. One planet is made in Victoria, and they can apparently add some extra down as required, so might be a good option for many.
- I also recommend a liner, like the Thermolite Reactor. I have the ThermoLite Fleece
- You don't need Ice Axe. But, you will need hiking poles
- Pillow
- Sleeping mat. R4.0-5.0 or better (you can stack them). I use R.5 Exped Ultra from Vast. Buy from Paddy Pallin, Bogong or Vast. DO NOT BUY FROM ANACONDA/BCF or AMAZON UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING
- Phone
- Powerbank
- Fuel & Cooker.. If you don't have one, we can share. 360 Degrees furno from snowys is likely the cheapest.. Liquid gas works better in cold though but are more work, and more expensive. Almost everyone tends to use the 360..
- Head-torch/normal torch
- Hiking Boots
- Socks
- Layered clothing and night wear. If you don't know what that means, ask
- Weatherproof pants and jacket. You don't need goretex, but it should be proper fabrics. I use Patagonia Torrentshell / Rab. Mont is a local brand though which might be a good choice. If you want the best, Rab is probably the best, but is expensive (they make Everest-grade gear too).
- I recommend a down jacket too..
- Cup/Knife/Fork/Spoon/Bowl
- First Aid #
- Toilet Paper
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste #
- 2L Water Minimum. I recommend using Nalgene bottles (you can pour boiling water in them and use them as a hot water bottle). I do NOT recommend water reservoirs. They always leak and its a huge problem if they freeze.
- Water purification tablets or/and Proper Filter
- Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
- Carbs (Lollies/ Trail mix)
- Powerade/Hydrolyte (In car)
- Trekking poles (if you're into that kind of thing)
- GPS Tracker / PLB if you have it. If you want one.. get the GME MT610G (for cheap), or I recommend a ACR Resqlink with RLS if you want something better. You can rent PLB From MacPac.
- You NEED snowchains LEGALLY.. You're going overnight. I have a second set that might fit. But, the roads will likely be cleared of snow. Do NOT show up without Snowchains. I'll tell you to go home..
*** Don't overpack your bag
*** Wear appropriate clothing
Water
The water tanks will likely be frozen.. But, you
MAP:
Our last trip is available on:
https://www.strava.com/activities/14812818398
https://www.strava.com/activities/14812818394
Day 1 will take approx 2.5 hours. Day 2: Probably 2 hours
LATE ARRIVALS:
Due to the type of hike, we will NOT be waiting an excessively long time for late arrivals (unless approved by Andrew).
PHOTOGRAPHY:
As this is a group trip, attendees may take photos during the trip and they may be uploaded
RISK MANAGEMENT:
You should have phone reception for the duration. If you have personal GPS, bring it. If you have avalanche beacon, bring it too. We will have a Satellite messenger + PLB. I am not a professional guide however, so, for your own safety, bring a PLB (I take no responsibility for anyone)
HOW TO FIND US:
Look out for the silver jeep. Or call me, or look for the guy likely wearing the adventure buddies (Green) shirt prepped for hiking.
THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL GUIDED TREK. EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY, AND FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR FRIENDS THEY BRING. BY AGREEING TO JOIN THIS HIKE, YOU AGREE THAT ADVENTURE BUDDIES OR ANY MEMBER WITHIN ADVENTURE BUDDIES WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY MISHAPS OR INCIDENTS WHICH MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURIES OR INJURIES OF ANY GUESTS YOU BRING OR ANY FINANCIAL LIABILITIES. It's a free hike, and you need to do your own research
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