Fed Hut via Bungalow Spur

[Baeng72]

Bit of a successful failure this hike.
We were intending to reach Feathertop via Bungalow spur, and energy permitting explore a bit of the Razorback.
Let's just say reality kicked my COVID-fat but quite hard.
If the walk up Bungalow spur is moderate, well, I salute those who can just fly up (and down - my legs turned to Jelly on the way down).
There was lot's of deadfall on track, made it feel like an obstacle course at times.

Anyway, we made Fed Hut, weren't feeling good, so up with tent, and lots of rehydration.
We felt like a crack at Feathertop a bit late, as it was getting dark as we got near, so turned back to leave it until the morning.
Morning came, and the young fella was feeling sick, so packed up the gear and back down to Harrietville.

Good: It's gorgeous up there. Got to see Feathertop up close, the Knobs? and Champion Spur looking along the Razorback from near Fed. Hut.
Mt. Buffalo looked great and I think I spotted Mt Loch, Diamantina Spur, Hotham, and Bogong High Plains.
Bad: my fitness.

Will have to have a go another time, maybe I'll just go across Razorback so I have the legs to climb Feathertop.

Promising start

Up we go

Fed. Hut

Razorback toward Hotham

[bigkev]

Thanks for the report and photos Baeng.

It's a fairly well graded climb up Bungalow however that doesn't change the fact that it's a big climb. Chilling out on the grass outside the hut would of been pretty good I'm guessing.

Cheers

[Baeng72]

Thanks BigKev, from reading your exploits on your blog, I'm sure you could do it with a 50kg pack and not break a sweat.

When I got to the top, I thought it was much harder grade after Tobias Gap than before, but on the way down I realized that wasn't the case.
There was deadfall to negotiate and some rougher bits from just before the 2 hut ruins to Fed. Hut, but it was pretty much the same grade.
Just lack of fitness and a bit of dehydration made it seem worse.

Chilling out on the grass outside the hut would of been pretty good I'm guessing.

Yep,I set up the Tent so my son could have a nap, then just sat on the grass looking toward the Razorback for an hour or two rehydrating. Nice.

If anybody was looking for water, there was this little spring with a 'font' about a meter above ground, right beside the track, that could easily allow water collection, then it ran across the track, so look for the puddles.
I'd say this was about a Km before the Hut ruins on the way up.
Might not be viable in Summer though, and there's water near Old Feathertop Hut anyway.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

The first time I went up the Bungalow spur it did tax me. Subsequent trips have become easier esp.. when you compare it with other routes up from the Ovens and Kiewa river valleys. The last 2 kms up to Fed. hut in deep snow with a heavy winter gear pack is character building !! :-0 .I have done that solo a couple of times. I found stopping was not an option. Reaching the hut and warming up was essential. Going back via the NW spur is murder on your knees. Returning via Champion spur is quite an adventure!. Smashing it out in summer with a day pack could be easier but what is the hurry ?.
If you can get up the Stoney Tops 4 WD track then the Northern Razorback to the Mt. FT summit is great on a clear day. That is THE most scenic route IMHO.