To ensure I walk as much of the AAWT as possible it was decided this morning to use New Years Eve as an active rest day. We would daywalk to Cope Hut (our original choice for New Years) with the arrival of Sal's family and my brother imminent! So we set out to scope Cope! The walk was nice and gentle, especially with no pack and we walked the 2.5kms very quickly. Cope Hut was built in 1929 specifically to service the increasing number of ski-tourers on the High Plains. It is still in excellent condition today. We did decide, despite this, that the hut was not as suitable for camping and celebrating the new year as the Wallace Hut site. We began the stroll back. On the way, stopping to read the interperative sign at the Rover's Chalet (mentioned yesterday) a voice called out; 'would you like a tour?'. We of course could not refuse the offer and were very impressed at how civilised and well maintained the rather out-of-the-way chalet was. I will return as the chalet also boasts a nearby rope-tow for skiing and boarding the hills of the area!
Upon our return to Wallaces we relaxed and enjoyed the very mild weather waiting for our guests to arrive. The Ahern (Sal's) party arrived first with a typical whirlwind of energy, provided in the main by my three year old nephew Jack! There was much exploring to be done and the assembled adults took it in turns to facilitate the exploring. When Sime (brother) arrived we had ammased a serious amount of camping gear, brought to the site on removalist trolley from the carpark 750metres away. I mused on the way that while the downhill was nice bringing the gear in the opposite would very much be the case on the return to the vehicles! Dinner was whipped up on the barby and gas stove and we all sat down to our King Island Eye Filet Mignon with Mash, Beans and a salad of Rocket, Pear, Parmesan, Prosciutto and Pine Nuts! Tasty fare indeed!
We just made it to midnight and counted down the new year as the only people camping at Wallace's Hut. It was Jack's first night in a tent and you can only imagine the excitement of the day, which included an impromptu 'second Christmas' as we caught up with the family that had not joined us a week earlier. Gifts were exchanged and the night was suitably festive as a result! A great way to share a place I love, with people I love!