Mount Porepunkah is just to the north of Bright, and it was overcast and chilly to start with on our way to the start, but the weather held, and there was no rain to spoil the day.
There were 10 participants on the walk, with five walkers travelling from Wangaratta and Beechworth, and meeting up in Myrtleford with the rest of the group. Registration and briefing was completed at this point. A new walker (Jenny) was collected along One Mile Creek Road, from her driveway.
The unsealed access road to Mount Porepunkah has a good surface, and is suitable for 2-wheel drive; the road ascends steadily, but not too steeply, to the summit.
Six participants elected to start at the 3.8km point (One Mile Creek Track) and walk to the summit, with the remaining four walkers continuing up the road to the 5km point, starting at the saddle. The distance for the two walks was 9km and 12km.
It was lovely to have the company of two walkers new to the group, the small number making it easy to get to know one another.
The walkers on the shorter route took a break before taking the right turn up Tower Track taking them to the summit, arriving about 11:30am for an early lunch. Within 20 minutes they were joined by the second party, and a flock of black cockatoos that were passing by. Moments of sunshine broke through the clouds at this time, and there were glimpses of the snow on top of Mount Buffalo.
The first party began their descent soon after this, to avoid the chill of the wind, and made a steady rate back to the car.
Arrangements had been made for both partys to re-group at the Happy Valley Hotel (Eurobin) where an enjoyable afternoon tea finished a successful outing.
[Cecily]