Tucked away between Mt Ida and Mt Olympus on Glenthorne Station, there’s a valley of sugarloaf-shaped hills that make for an interesting view for those with a tent to pitch on the tops.

After gaining permission from the station owners, I walked past Lake Catherine and along a farm track until reaching The Redoubt and the hill marked Pt1126 was at my right. Hopping over the fence, a simple but steep climb up the tussock and scree slopes was rewarded with fantastic views across the Harper and Avoca rivers, all the way over to Mt Oakden.

Once I made camp, I watched Mt Fitzwilliam, just a few kilometres to the north, cast its shadow like the dial of a giant clock across the vast river valleys. The astonishing panorama on this calm night offered ample opportunities for photography and simply kicking back and enjoying the show.

What a treat celebrating the last night of winter and the first morning of spring in the backcountry.

– Dennis Radermacher