Day 2-Winter in Bright

We were up at 7 am, after a quick shower we grabbed half a coffee from the filter machine after JP fused the powerpoint by accident. Nevertheless, it was a quick trip to the local coffee shop for a cheeky coffee and slice of cake, before heading up to Mt Hotham to begin our day of hiking around Dinner Plain.

As we were singing along to ‘danger zone’ and chatting about the upcoming release of Top Gun 2 a car overtook us. It’s nothing new really, but seeing as JP is a veteran when it comes to driving through winding mountain roads we made a cheeky bet that we would catch them going up the mountain.

It turns out that they didn't make it past the gate, no chains, and no pass. We were speaking to the lady who was ensuring we had chains about our little bet, she thought it was hilarious too.

Jean-Pierre, imagewriter photography photography winter landscapes in Bright, Vic

Who is JP?

JP or Jean-Pierre Ronco is a good friend and local landscape photographer and sports photographer. We met JP when we were starting in events and cycling photography, he offered advice, guidance and wisdom that helped us get to where we are today.

I would highly recommend checking out his website and dropping past his store in Bright when you go and visit.

Website: https://www.imagewriter.com.au

But let’s get back to the story of fitting chains

This journey required chains, and JP was giving us the rundown about cheap chains vs more expensive chains and why it’s not a good idea to drive quickly with chains on, plus he gave us a little run down of installing them.

Installing chains on Mt Hotham in winter, Bright, Victoria

It was a bit of a task, JP made a clear point that he needed others to know that he could put chains on his car which we found pretty funny, so decided to make his dream come true.

It was something that we had never done before. We learned about the noises to listen out for and that tightening the chains after driving a few meters is important to stop that horrid slapping noise as the chains tear apart the underside of your car.

Snow dusted Carmichael Falls, Mt Hotham, Victoria

Our first stop was our first photography experience of a winter waterfall rushing off the side of a snow-covered cliff. Unlike, other times of the year where the falls have less water. On our arrival, she was going strong. In this same spot, there is also another less well-known spot with a special two-tiered dual waterfall. (That was a mouthful). When you visit, you will need to climb through a bush and cross the creek to get to this spot but it is pretty unique.

On the way down to the creek ensure that you don’t slip over and fall into a muddy puddle like we did, mid-conversation. As was good, we were just a bit wet, thankfully it was pretty funny.

Heavy rains filling small, green and mossy waterfalls in Dinner Plain, Victoria

After returning to the car and warming up with a sausage roll and a chai latte, we were off in search of snow, colour and interesting patterns.

Snow Gum in winter on Mt Hotham with its fiery orange bark shinny through, 2021

Winter alpine Victoria trees

On our final hike of the day, we reached a lookout that usually offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, delivering amazing photographs of the Victorian Alps mountain ranges.

When we arrived, we were greeted with snow and ice shards backed by a strong wind which covered our backpack in seconds. It was a short-lived sight of pure white (when we had our eyes squinting open).

Nevertheless, we liked being pummeled by snow and ice. It more ‘hard’ and adventurous….. well we thought so. Just think back to that time you were at the beach and the wind picks up the sand before blasting it into your legs. That’s the feeling.

Snow covered backpack Mt Hotham, winter in July

Red winter jacket, standing on a cliff in a winter blizzard on Mt Hotham

Winter snow gum tree’s, igniting colour to a cold and neutral scene

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