We were grateful that Max had discovered that the Erica Rd was closed and had sent instructions to travel via Noojee. Some camped at Stronachs camp on Friday night and the remainder came on Saturday morning.

After a car shuffle to Mt St Gwinear car park we began walking from Stronachs camp (1200m) along the Australian Alps Walking Track. It was fairly easy going in very green surroundings as we passed by stands of beautiful Beech Myrtle trees, mossy rocks and many unseen lyre birds singing just in off the track.

After about 6km and lunch a gentle climb of 100m brought us to a rocky outcrop with nice views. Most of the track was to be around the 1500m elevation and the tall snow gums were very impressive. Although the weather was fine there were rain clouds about so this, along with the information that there were no views from the top, decided us to give the side trip to close by Mt Whitelaw a miss.

We arrived at the Hut Ruins camp site about 3-30. There is only a chimney remaining. There were plenty of nice spots for tents and the nearby creek had good water. It was good to have fine weather as we had dinner. We had some steady rain and occasional strong winds above us during the night.

It was fine again on Sunday morning as we continued with a variety of flowers to be seen. The track was more over grown today and the work party scheduled for April 2011 is an opportunity to put something back into this beautiful area. We soon had views to Mt Baw Baw. The track went over Mt St Phillac which at 1565m is similar to Mt Baw Baw’s 1566m. Next was Mt St Gwinear 1514m and from here we could see the upper reaches of the Thomson dam. The recent rains may have made this possible. We had a late lunch at the cars and were all able to travel in them back to Stronachs camp.

It was good to complete the walk this time, as the walk was rained out in December 2008 and in March 1999 snow fall and strong winds caused trees to fall across the roads and a return to the cars on Sunday.

A stop at the Red Parrot café in Noojee included some beautiful friendly King parrots and the host was a bit of a character. Fortunately we were happy with the service and the Noojee attitude adjuster in the form of a short vicious waddy was not required to be used.

We had the company of, Clare, Del, Faye, Merilyn, Wendy, Bill, Jerry, Rod, Mick, Richard, Jack and welcome to his young son Tom for his first walk with the club, and myself Bob. Thanks to Max for organising another great weekend for us.