KOSCIUSZKO 2007 - DAY 3

In the morning the weather is beautiful. As we start preparing for a drive to Melbourne, I suddenly realize that I will not have another opportunity to climb Mount Kosciuszko. Although the mountain is no longer officially considered as one of the seven summits ( it has been replaced by Puncak Jaya located in Papua New Guinea), I always assumed that I will add it to my collection. The hell with the schedule - we are going to try a supper quick run to the summit.

The wind continues howling but the sun is shining and the visibility is almost unlimited. Shortly after crossing the bridge we can see in the distance a characteristic shape of Mount Kosciuszko. To me it does not resemble the Kosciuszko Mound in Krakow at all, but not too many hikers have seen the original so the illusion persists. Despite the almost unpronounceable name, the Australians are used to it and have no intentions to change it. We cross a humble beginning of the mighty Snowy River, which gently tumbles down towards the Pacific some 352 km (219 mi) later. After numerous twists and turns we walk by the Cootapatamba Lake, which is the highest lake in Australia.

At the Rawson's Pass our trail joins with a trail from the Charlotte's Pass. True to the advertising in the tourist guides there is (will be) a public toilet at the pass. In order not to spoil the view, the building will be almost totally hidden underground.

Two hours from the beginning of the Kosciuszko Walkway we arrive on the summit. The sun is shinning and the view is breathtaking.

We are the second party on the top, but our peace is short and in less than half an hour there is at least 50 people on the summit. I just manage to get panorama pictures of the west and east side of the mountain before a large group of young bikers takes over the mountain.