Plan for leg 1 of our adventure – pick up the caravan and take it with us towards the VIC high country; leave it in Wangaratta while we ski for the week in Mt Hotham. Then head out to QLD via regional NSW. Head to Cape York then across to NT.

Well scrap that…… our van is in Lara which classifies as regional VIC… that mattered only for a few days though as VIC lockdown yoyos continue. We had to leave it behind as only received it on Friday so no chance of packing and setting it up in time. Furthermore we had a problem with the brand new hitch. Took 4 blokes to hook the van on and we reckon no chance of us taking it off so need to replace the hitch. As a result van connected to the Cruiser stayed in storage. Lucky we didn’t sell the Hilux yet so could use it to go to the snow.

  • In front of the lodge
  • Morning ski
  • Bus stop 8
  • Mt Feathertop

4 days after arrival at Mt Hotham VIC metro went into lockdown so we decided to stay longer. As a result of various lockdowns in metro and then regional VIC we ended up staying on the mountain for 25 days, our longest stay there to date. We enjoyed awesome weather which had everything from spring skiing to blizzard conditions and powder dumps. When lifts stopped we explored on snow shoes, played in front of the lodge or made our way exploring on the skis. We also enjoyed awesome time in the lodge with friends where Seb celebrated his 11th birthday.

  • Cocktails with other lodge members
  • Can I have 2?
  • Dinner with the Tans
  • Happy 11th bday Seb!
  • Wax on pros
  • Wall of Death stack
  • Shredding Falls Creek
  • What’s your favourite bus number?

While Patrick tried some skiing near the lodge I think he much preferred “bogganing” and his absolute favourite was catching buses each day to get the lollie pops. Seb’s skiing hit new heights especially after he was able to join the Hotham Free Ski Club. Its first year where dad conceded that his son has him covered and is better and a more technically developed skier. I will not be trying the tricks or the jumps!!!

Another past time worth mentioning was the daily Covid19 numbers bingo guessing game and continuous discussions about how to get out of VIC and to make something out of our lap still.

  • First day of Free Ski Club
  • No lift up Little Higgie
  • Seb, Paige, Pacio & Leah
  • Big D in lockdown
  • When I’m big like Seb
  • First time in Extreme Zone