|
winter snow conditions. The large flat surfaces caught the wind and even a light snowfall would build up on the roof, stressing both materials and occupants. That the Melbourne Bushwalkers' enthusiasm for ski touring started shortly after acquiring Wilkinson Lodge indicates the significance of reliable accommodation. Better equipment and increased affluence and leisure time also contributed to a steady increase in the popularity of ski touring during the sixties. With the introduction of quality plastic-based, then waxless skis in the seventies and eighties, anyone could go touring for a day with minimal preparation. Wilky was purchased from the Ski Club of Victoria in 1961 (see `Wilkinson Lodge', page 65). As far as can be determined, our first tourer to visit Wilky was Alan Bennett. Alan was the first Lodge Manager and every winter from about 1961 to 1966 he would ski into Wilky from Falls Creek for a week's stay. All winter visitors to Wilky up until about 1967 made the journey in and out on alpine touring gear. It was a demanding exercise and no doubt the sight of Wilky during that last but steep descent soon after passing Wallaces Hut helped wash away just a little of the accumulated fatigue. Touring with alpine gear may have contributed to Sue Taylor (now Forrester) breaking her leg near Marum Point in 1965. Sue was with a party staying at Wilky from 28 August - 4 September; they had skied in on alpine touring skis, taking 5½ hours to do so. This journey time might seem long in comparison with the 1½ - 3 hours on today's cross-country equipment, but it indicates the extra effort required by the older skis. On the Tuesday the group made a trip out toward Mt Nelse. Around Marum Point there was a descent that required locking down |
Page 77 |
|
|
