The weather was fine the next day, so the families left early (without Bill and me) to hike to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. It is the highest point in Australia named after a national hero of Poland by the polish explorer Strzelecki, who climbed the mountain in 1840.
The following photos were taken by Bernie and Sonya.
Today you can drive to Thredbo and ride the chairlift then walk 6k to the summit.
Off they go. As they set off Bernie had a $5 wager with Carol that there wouldn't be any snow because it was a hot day down at Jindabyne. However, it was cooler on the mountain and he lost his $5.
The boys could make a tiny snowball.
Finally they reached the summit. Sonya was proud of the boys 6 and 8 years old for walking all the way there and back in the wind without complaining or needing help.
Banjo and Fox and the Hoary Sunray Daisy. (Leucochrysum albicans) is a pretty but endangered native alpine daisy.
Our wonderful family on the top of Australia. Its great to have them all back 'down under' after Carol and David lived in the UK for 7 years and Sonya, Bernie and the boys lived in US for 5 years. Australia Rules.
Our lovely daughters who looked after me so well.
While they were having fun in the wind on the mountain I was resting my ankle with ice and red medicine. I was worried about the swelling and bruising getting worse. When the family returned from the hike I asked Carol to take me to the Snowy Mountain Medical Centre in Jindabyne. I felt bad because I knew she was tired, hungry and had a headache from the high altitude hike. The doctor guessed the ankle was broken and checked with his x-ray machine and then sold me a moonboot. He told me to buy crutches next door at the Pharmacy and don't walk on it for ten days, and I was on my way within half an hour. Better service than in the city.
Now how to get back to Brisbane?
Magnificent mountain scenery. You are very lucky indeed to have all your family back in Aus with you. Look after your foot properly or it will take even longer to heal. I know I am going to really date myself with this - but when we went to the top of the mountain we drove there in the car! I will admit though that there were lots fewer tourists back then!!!
ReplyDeleteThe road closed in 1976.
DeleteAhha!! and we went up there a decade before that!!
DeleteYou were lucky to get such good medical service, I guess they are used to getting broken ankles in those parts. Even though our country town has 3 doctors we are currently running 2 weeks notice to get a booking! There is the option of waiting at the surgery on the day but are promised a long wait, I can't imagine how long because even with a booking I have waited nearly 2 hours.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to show us the summit even though you were unable to make it.
What a lovely family and indeed great that the children did so well climbing the mountain and building wonderful memories. I hope you leg is getting better but I guess it takes time
ReplyDeleteThose boys will always remember that day. Keep on with the red medicine - but don't overdose!
ReplyDeleteThat was not the right moment to break an ankle ! But how nice to make holidays with the whole family ! Unfortunately that would never happen to me because Mr. G. doesn't travel anymore ! The pictures are so nice ! The boys almost have the same size ! Toby measures now 1.45 m ! 20 cm more and he will have the same size as his mother with his 8 years !
ReplyDeleteA Moonboot I don't know, no plaster cast? I suppose you had no intention to make a mooonwalk :)
ReplyDeleteHello, that looks like a great hike, beautiful views. Sorry you could not go too. Wonderful family photo, the boys are really growing fast. I hope your ankle is healing, sending you well wishes for a quick recovery! Enjoy your day and have a happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter's are gorgeous Diane, so much like their mum. Must have been wonderful to be all together like this, so much fun.. except for the broken ankle 😉 Hope it's healing well.
ReplyDeleteyour gransons are born to be hikers... what an adventure, sorry you missed that hike..
ReplyDeleteLovely to have the whole family together, what a pity you couldn't join them.
ReplyDeleteYou seemed to have had good medical treatment, get well soon.
Oh no! I hope it’s not broken! Looks like the younger ones had a fun time hiking
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for red medicine. I keep a supply in my cabinet just in case. Can't believe you went days without an official diagnosis! Love the mountaintop pics!
ReplyDeleteThe glass of red looks like a sensible medical substitute for not being able to walk to the summit.
ReplyDeleteColin
Had to look to see how high the mountain was. There a few mountains around here is in that range.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
Happy to hear you got your ankle taken care of. Family photos are lovely, sounded like an amazing hike. So glad your family came back home. You must have been over the moon when you found out.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to get such prompt medical help while you were on vacation. It looks as if your entire family (except possibly Bernie since he lost the bet) had a wonderful time on their hike. I truly hope you will be able to make that hike in the future.
ReplyDeleteOh my, that was some "hike". Glad you could take some "red" medicine...
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely family and beautiful Grands.
I do hope your ankle heals quickly.
I was afraid you were going to find it was broken. Ten days to heal seems awfully quick but i hope that doctor is right. Your beautiful daughters look so much like you at their ages. Isn’t it neat to think our faces live on generations after us?!!
ReplyDelete10 days on one foot and crutches but six and a half weeks in the boot.
DeleteYou were very fortunate to get such good medical service :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing your photographs here, what a lovely family you have.
All the best Jan
I’m sorry you missed the climb, but at least the family brought back great pictures. Your daughters did take good care of you. And you deserved it!
ReplyDeleteI know you were disappointed to miss that climb with your family, Diane. It was nice that your family took photos for you to share with us.
ReplyDelete