Dumb-bell Lake
Tramping in fine weather is what trampers dream off, but can take its toll by the end of the day with weary bodies pleased to reach the camp site.
Eleven club members lived that dream with a 10am start from Lake Ohau Lodge, up the skifield road then cross country to join the new cycle track at Sawyers Creek.
We had a short chat with some cyclists enjoying the new A to O track before continuing our way to Freehold Creek. The track up the true right was in great order after a lot of windfall had recently been cleared. An hour of steady uphill to the bush line brought on an appetite for lunch and a view of the route ahead to the hanging valley above.
There was plenty of running water enroute for the frequent stops to rehydrate, before the hanging valley was reached with its impressive views of different coloured tarns and surrounding peaks.
After some discussion on alternative routes out we decided to take the notch overlooking Sawyers Creek. Another break was taken on the saddle in fine calm conditions, then it was a rocky sidle to a snow patch crossing with some more sidle to Pinnacle where the Maitland Valley came into view.
Dumb-bell Lake finally appeared as we descended the tussock slope to the lake outlet where a tent city was erected. Pleased to be there after a hot days travel we soon settled in, pots bubbling and the smells of various dinners on the go. The perfect evening beside a sun drenched lake with great company. Before darkness the call to recharge the batteries came and human silence fell over the site. The sound of the outlet stream soon had me in dream world.
With the light of the new day we were all up refuelled and ready to go by 7.15am, some a little more so than others. It was a short walk up valley before crossing the stream, then up to the ridge line leading round to Mt Sutton 2007m. A cold wind on the exposed ridge kept us moving on to the summit which once again gave us splendid views all round.
We retraced our steps before circling around to the ski field, finding a safe point to descend to the ski basin with a view of Maitland Hut. There we had an early lunch break at the ski site. To complete the journey a 10 km walk down the ski field road ended with relief and sore feet for me. To end this wonderful weekend, refreshments were had at the Wrinkly Ram in Omarama, with a debrief and departure for home.
Thanks to, Jane, Bron, Phyllis, Murray, Bill, Neville, John C, Ross F, Tim and Jim; Maurice.
