24th September 2011

We hiked from Bell to Wollangambe crater (return.) While we were being soaked in rain at sub-zero temperatures, unable to feel our fingers (or make them work), it was snowing in Bathurst! BoM reports that it reached -0.1C in Bathurst at 2pm, and -1.2C at 1pm at Mt Boyce (nr Victoria Pass).

We measured air temperature of 4C at Bell at 2pm, and (with wind chill on the plateau) we almost certainly experienced sub-zero conditions an hour earlier as we hiked the last half of the journey.

That's kind of exciting. Who'd have expected that in late September? Coldest, wettest hike we've ever done.

All the Scouts (Kyle, Sam, Nick, Rohan) were well prepared with thermals, fleecies and rain gear, all were excellent hikers, cheerful, capable and determined, and the whole thing went very well indeed. I hope they understand what a great job they did.

We also set a troop record on both inward and outward legs of the journey.