roof of australia - snowy mountains

A poem, contributed by Tom Dobinson from Terranora NSW,
who did the Roof of Australia walking holiday with
a group of friends in February 2008

Roof of Australia walking, hiking and perambulation.

Tackling the highest point of our proud and growing nation.

The storm clouds of worldly troubles that, for us, were far away.

The heart-felt relief and jubilation of the long-awaited Sorry Day.

The strident squawking of the yellow-tail black cockatoos feeding.

Two rangers revitalising the land, gathering grasses for seeding.

The glacial Blue Lake that was a wind-shimmering green.

A bare mountain saddle from which the Southern world was seen.

The hills are bare, sparse, eroded yet majestic, not drab.

Our Snowy riders’ perilous descent was made in an Alpine cab.

Everlasting daisies, alpine orchids, mountain celery, pincushions and variegated heath.

Brushing away the flies, smelling the mountain air, scanning the bracken for what was underneath.

Heart-starting scrambles, testing rocky paths, teetering on river stepping stones.

Breathless thirst, sunburnt noses, chapped toes and jarred aging bones.

A battalion of crows, sentries on a grey rock parapet.

A motley troop of others, who came, and saw and were met.

We had our lovers with us, so we knew who was our Valentine.

At the end of a day’s walking we relaxed with a glass of wine.

Azure skies, warm air, convivial companions, nature’s constant challenges, splendid happy days.

Some shared exertions, hints of our past lives, spiritually bonded, we go on our separate ways.

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