He Hails From Snowy River

We were loaded up and ready to hit the road by 8:30. The road from Talbingo to the Selwyn Skifields begins with a sudden, steep and winding climb ascending rapidly from 400 to 1000 metres above sea level in just a few kilometres. The next 500 metres in altitude are gained in a far more leisurely 30 kilometres or so through open expanses of scrubby landscape. We begin to see patches of snow by the side of the road gradually increasing to full cover the higher we climb.

The roadside signs warn not only of kangaroos, emus and wombats, but of horses as well. Of course, the Snowy Mountains brumbies are legendary and there has been debate in recent years over their future. Some environmentalists are concerned about the impact these much loved animals are having on fragile eco-systems. Others have a more sentimental view of their presence, seeing them as inextricably linked to our colonial heritage. Of course, we weren't expecting to see any. Our experience has always been that we never see the wildlife indicated by the warning signs. And then there they were! Dots in the distance. First one. Then three more. By the time we pulled over to the side of the road we could see two small herds about 200 metres away. A truly memorable start to the day.

Wild Brumbies along the Snowy Mountains Highway

Next stop the skifields!