How sodden is the Loddon?

[Trapper]

We're heading off for Frenchmans tomorrow. Has anyone been recently? And how sodden is the Loddon? Knee deep or neck deep?

[Ent]

On the Tuesday it was basically a flat walking track with mud only if you went looking for it. Dry crust in most areas. A total breeze.

Cheers Brett

[songairen]

When I did it Jan 2009 the mud was very deep (above knee) but it was also very wet and rainy. Most of the mud we encountered on the SWC and SCT this Jan, however, was dry or like deep fudge- so hopefully it doesn't rain on you!

[sthughes]

Yep unless there has been a bit of rain since Tuesday it will be fantastic. There's still a bit of mud to avoid but nothing like usual. Most parts are more dusty than muddy!

[sthughes]

Actually here are pics:

[Taurë-rana]

That's amazing, must be time to go.

[Trapper]

Thanks sthughes for the pics. Not the Loddon I have come to know, but I certainly won't complain. Only a few showers forecast for the morning, so it should be fantastic. Now all we need is a clear day Saturday to get the full effect of the view. Keen as mustard.

Trapper

[sthughes]

Good luck, we had great weather and it was very speccy, not just from the summit but for most of the walk. Have fun!

[tasadam]

You guys had it easy with the mud, good on ya, glad it went well.

[corvus]

Upon reflection having done this walk in benign conditions and conferring with my fellow walkers I really believe that the "dramatic pics " of the Loddens were "posed" or at the least look so to me, I went through this and it can be avoided in the main with well used sensible side braids in stead of "ooh look at me I am up to it in the mud" when there is no need in the main to do it.
Roll on the trackwork being done in this area as there can be no pleasure in normal folk (by choice) walking up to the groin in ooze
corvus

[ILUVSWTAS]

Maybe Dick needs to walk the South coast track. Then he'll see what real muds about!! Do some *&%$#! track work down there!! it's 80k's of mud!!

[Trapper]

Back from Frenchmans, and to prove that the Loddon is not sodden, I have attached a photo of our legs and boots after crossing the Loddon Plains. There were only a few mud patches, and any mud that did stick to your boots soon dried and fell off. So if you have ever wanted to see Frenchmans and not get mud-packed, now is the time. Great weather, great walk, and the views worth every aching muscle.

Neil

[Dave Bremers]

Actually here are pics:

Good to see your going through rather than that track-widener on the side! Certainly looks a lot better than when the girlfriend and I did it.

[north-north-west]

Good Grief!!!
Please, don't let it rain until I can get down there!

Now, how soon can I get a week off work . . .

[weetbix456]

I'm going up this weekend from the 6th - the 8th if anyone is interested

[Jai Maluga]

I really dont mind the mud all that much.

[Lagaro]

Obviously the trip went well and you have seen the Loddon for yourself!
Just for reference people should know it can get alot worse!

Here is a youtube clip of the worst bits of the Loddon from a rainy trip in 2009...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL0z0nZrZHU

[stepbystep]

Hi there,

I'm chasing some historic vision or photographs of the Sodden Loddons as they were at their sodden-y worst. It's for a video piece I'm putting together.
If anyone has an image or footage they are happy to share please contact me. PM's will work well.

Best, Dan

[Son of a Beach]

The Loddons was legendary. Here's a snap from my first time through there. Scanned from a print. Feel free to use it if it suits your plan.

Edit: Oops... meant to PM it instead of post it to the topic. Never mind.

[stepbystep]

Thanks Nik, classic! I'll let you know if I use it.

[Paul]

Hi SBS,

Photo for you - crossing the Sodden Lodden in November 2011.

Paul

[Paul]

And another - of the scrub.

[stepbystep]

Nice one Paul, thanks, shall let you know how I go. Keep 'em coming folks