Konted's Make My Day: There Is Snow In Lake Mountain

Way to Lake Mountain via Marysville

There Is Snow In Lake Mountain

June, July and August are winter months in Australia. And when it is winter, one expects to see snow or snowflakes, most specially when the temperature dips drastically. But one does not see snow in the lowlands in the state of Victoria and in other parts of Australia. To experience the falling of snow, it is necessary to travel to the highlands or to the mountains. And in Victoria, one of the most popular ski resorts is Lake Mountain.

It was Sunday when our group traveled to the Great Dividing Range where Lake Mountain is situated. We left very early in the morning and took the Maroondah Highway for our 2-hour drive from Melbourne, passing through the towns of Lilydale and Healesville near the Yarra Valley. Healesville is the halfway mark to Lake Mountain.

At Healesville, we diverted to a road called Black Spur which is the connecting road to the next town, Marysville. The driver said it was a good 1/2 hour ride. Here we began ascending. And the ascent was a thrilling experience itself as we drove past tall tree ferns and some dangerous cliffs. We started to smell the fine scent of the Australian Bush.

Reaching Marysville without any hitch, we made a stopover to make inquiries as to entrance fees and other incidental dues. And shoes used for snow. We could see burnt trees and torn down houses as Marysville was almost wiped out by a recent bushfire. Popular among honeymooners for its serene surroundings, Marysville was still experiencing the aftermath of that devastating bushfire. Gone were the cottages and inns which were usually booked all year round.

It took us only about twenty minutes to reach Lake Mountain. We were the early birds. I started putting on two layers of pants, a sweatshirt and a jacket with a hood and a pair of shoes good for snow. In about an hour, more visitors arrived and activities in the toboggan run near the Visitors Center increased. Everyone was preoccupied with whatever activity he chose for the day.

Now, as I roamed around Lake Mountain, taking shots, I saw more burnt trees. How distressing the bushfire effects were, so I thought. Black in contrast to white was evident. And I moved eastward of the toboggan run. I saw an old man on his way back to the Visitors Center and I asked where I could find the lake. This was the old man's reply:"What lake? No lake here. This place was named after a person- George Lake." So there. Was that a stupid question? Was I being naive? I don't think so.

- Konted