New Year's Celebration in the MUMC Memorial Hut (Leader Needed)

EDIT: Trip cancelled due to unavailability of trip leaders. Lige has contacted all those signed up, speak to him for further details. 

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified trip leader so I am hoping that a trip leader can miraculously join us on this New Year’s Eve (I am still trying to contact one). If one cannot be found, this trip will be completely separate from the club, and I will contact people who are still happy to join me.

Day 1: The plan is to drive to Harrietville on the morning of this New Year’s Eve (Friday Dec. 31st), and start climbing Mount Feathertop via Bungalow Spur after lunch. The MUMC Hut is located on the northwest shoulder of the mountain at around 400 meters below the summit, so we will not tackle the summit on the first day. Instead, we walk directly to the hut following a short traverse below the summit. This classic hiking trail should be well maintained. We will gradually ascend 1350 meters in around 10km distance, and then traverse and descend 300 meters to the hut. Prepare to hike uphill for around 5 to 7 hours with a 10kg backpack. After reaching the hut, we will start to prepare and share meals for our New Year’s Eve dinner. Hope to see the sunset if the weather is good! Afterwards, we can play some board games or stargaze until the arrival of the new year. Please also feel free to sleep early after a very demanding day :)

Day 2: In the morning, we will traverse back and climb the Mount Feathertop summit if weather permits, and descend to the car park in 4 to 5 hours. The afternoon plan is pretty flexible. We first need to drive to the Smoke Camping Area (or another free campsite) to set up our tents and maybe claim a fire pit. Then, we can drive to the nearby Mount Buffalo National Park to see some waterfalls and another stunning summit view (only minimal walking required). In the evening, I will bring some firewood so we might set up a fire and roast sausages and marshmallows (subject to fire ban and fire pit availability).

Day 3: We drive back in the morning to resume our city life.

My car can fit two other people and both nights’ accommodation are free, so I can guarantee this is the plan (of course unless I catched covid before our departure). More drivers are welcomed if more than two people are interested in this trip. There are only four prerequisites: 1. Bring and prepare a meal to share in the hut. 2. Have at least one previous overnight hiking experience so you know what to expect on the trip. 3. Have team spirit. Although this could be a non-club trip and I will not be your trip leader, we still travel as a team so I don’t expect anyone to act alone in the wilderness. 4. You must be fully vaccinated and show no symptoms during the trip. Face masks are preferred when carpooling. Enjoy the holidays :)