Day 23 hiking the Australian Alps Walking Track solo

Australian Alps Walking Trail, Hiking, Trail Journal

Steep foggy climb to Hotham, icy winds, chai latte and a hot shower, then solo lodge comfort and video chats with my wife.

Dibbins Hut to Hotham Ski Village (9km) | TOTAL – 480.8km

With spirits high after an unexpectedly social night on trail, I began a steep climb out of the valley.

At the top, a misty fog began to fill the air, but fine views of the sprawling valley below were still afforded.

The higher I climbed, the views all but vanished into the now thick fog and bird calls became faint.

The footrack was well formed, so made for easy walking, with the track levelling out at around 1780m elevation.

The trail was surrounded by golden wheat-like grass and gangly snow gums with moss clinging to their limbs.

I popped into Derrick Hut, where a crew of guys were packing up, then ascended further with visibility reducing to around 10 metres at over 1800m elevation.

I followed a 4WD track past giant ski lifts, which appeared out of nowhere, due to a thick fog surrounding me and engulfing views at every angle.

The wind picked up as I continued to ascend and my hands felt bitterly cold.

When I arrived at the chairlift carpark, the road down to Hotham was barely visible and so I hitched a ride with a couple in their 60s.

They dropped me at The General hotel (come general store) where I ordered a large chai latte and gave Jane a call, before wandering 300 metres down the road to my accommodation.

I let myself into an otherwise vacant Marouka Lodge, settled into one of the dorm style rooms, had a long hot shower, washed my clothes and got to work sorting through my food drop that Jane had delivered three days prior.

I headed back to The General late that afternoon for a beer and hot chips, Jane joining me by video call.

That evening, I relished the warmth of the lodge, which I had entirely to myself, and made pasta for dinner and enjoyed long video chats with my wife.