We had a rough idea of where the hut was located. Using old and current maps, and the memories of people who had visited it before it was destroyed, we were able to narrow down the area to half a grid square on current topos. Naturally, all the maps had the hut in different locations …
From what I understand the hut was loved by both skiers and walkers for its simplicity and beautiful setting. Being a while away from the main thoroughfares of the area, I imagine it drew in a crowd looking for quiet and solitude, and those seeking a great base for some cross-country ski excursions.
A little background from KHA.
22 December 2018With purpose, I started early and set off from Canberra for Munyang power station. I arrived in good time and headed straight for the non-existent bridge over the Munyang River and the start of the Disappointment Spur Track (not marked on current maps). Despite the rain we had the previous days it was an easy rock hop across the river. I reached the last gauge just before Disappointment Hut from where I bush bashed up and sometimes through the rocky creek until reaching clear ground around 1850 metres. I followed Disappointment Ridge for a while, passing some beautiful and intact snow gums while slowing descending the ridge on its eastern side.
I dropped down slowly with the massive Finns swamp coming in to view in the distance. It was dense and steep country. Equally rugged and beautiful. This is what Klaus Hueneke told Robert and I about the area.
That 7x7 km area between Disappointment Spur, the Burrungubuggee, Tin Hut to the north and the Snowy R to the south is one of the least visited and most isolated, often snow covered, parts of the mountains. One could camp in there and never see anyone else for years. Perhaps, for ever.
After a few slips and slides, and repeatedly checking the compass, I broke out of the scrub right in front of the impressive Finns River. After quite a bit of searching, I found a suitable crossing point and made the final
push to the area where I thought the hut site was. Using a photo I was sent of the hut, I was confident I had found the site at 630450 5981263 (WGS84 datum), or in simpler terms, 304812.
There wasn’t much left in the area. I found small bits of tin, a bottle, cans, tree branches that were cut with saws and a large pile of rocks placed under some snow gums. The rocks were most likely from the hut fireplace. I could see why the Bolton family decided to put a hut here. Beautiful spot.
After spending a bit of time in the area, I left in a hailstorm and headed up Finns River. This was beautiful walking. I crossed at Finns Swamp and headed up, up, up to the top of Gungartan where I encountered some snow flurries and more rain. I then followed Disappointment Ridge all the way to the 1900 metre mark and camped the night. I headed down to the Disappointment Spur Track the next morning feeling content and happy with the findings.
See the photos of the site and the map of the route.
So … Time to get this thing rebuilt I think. Thoughts?
Thanks to Robert Green, Roger Caffin, David Scott, Klaus Hueneke, Graham Scully and Andrew A. All your help made for a very memorable adventure.
Bushwalk
