Razorback
Today I completed the aptly named Razorback walk from Mount Hotham to Mount Feathertop. I started at 8.30am and avoided the weekend rush.
It was my first time on this track and I was a little apprehensive. All the guide books say to allow four hours each way for the 22km return journey and hikers are advised to carry suitable clothing for cold and wet weather.
I set off in long sleeves and shorts, but quickly switched to a singlet and splashed on the sunscreen. Regarding the weather, commonsense should prevail. Sure it could change quickly, but if the forecast is for a dry and clear day you should dress accordingly at this time of year.
I didn’t find any part of the walk hard in terms of gradient, except the final approach to Mount Feathertop. The track is rocky in most places, which makes it challenging and requires full concentration.
The views are spectacular. The ridge narrows to just a few metres in some places, plunging rapidly into distant valleys on both sides.
I enjoyed the relative cool morning conditions. The wind was brisk in exposed areas, but not cold. I wore a cap instead of the broad-rimmed hat to save it blowing away. There were patches of snow, including in a few places across the track.
Mount Feathertop is Victoria’s second-highest mountain at 1922 metres. I think it’s probably the highest altitude I’ve ever climbed. I’ve been to the Thredbo and Perisher villages, but I don’t think they’re that high. I visited a ski resort in Switzerland once, but can’t recall its elevation.
Feathertop is regarded as being more like a typical European or North American mountain. Its summit has no trees and little vegetation. The panorama extends 360 degrees.
The weather warmed up considerably in the afternoon and made progress slower. I reached Feathertop in two hours and 45 minutes, but took three hours to return.
There is no water along the route, so I rationed the two litres I carried with me.
I’ll do this walk again one day and possibly head down the Bungalow Spur to Harrietville. I don’t fancy walking up the spur. I suppose it would give a sense of achievement, but walks should be enjoyed, rather than endured.
I'm a 41-year-old father of four working as a newspaper editor at Mount Gambier in South Australia.
