SOTA VK2/SM-053 Unnamed peak near Jindabyne

With some time off work decided to do a few SOTA peaks in the Snowy Mountains (SM) region. The weather at altitude is cooler and more suited for summer walking. Drove from Canberra to Jindabyne, which was to be my base for a few days. My first summit was VK2/SM-053, an unnamed peak. After Jindabyne took the Alpine Way, a few Km out of town took Wollondibby Road on the left. There are signs for the Wild Brumby Schnapps Distilllery so easy to spot...

Drove past the distillery, very popular with lots of cars parked outside. The road is unsealed, and does have a few potholes to look out for but would be okay for 2WD vehicles in the dry.

Got to the top of the ridge. One road continues down, a rough road straight ahead to the peak and another to the right. As only 600 m from the peak parked here and walked up the rough road ahead.

It didn't look like it gets much use...

Found it actually joined the road that went to the right...Anyway enjoyed the walk.

Reached the top, really just a high point on the ridge. Summit on the right off the track, although a large activation zone so plenty of places to operate.

Set up the squid pole on a stump just off the road. This was a pleasant spot, in the shade and the breeze which had been strong all day was not too bad here.

Set up the SOTA shack on a large rock. I initially used the blue tarp on the rock, but found it attracted March flies like a magnet! So left it on the ground nearby for the March flies to do whatever they do with blue tarps and leave me alone...

Got on 40 m. Found Peter VK3PF portable in Chiltern-Pilot NP with a good signal. Also called Julie VK3FOWL portable in Alfred NP. She kindly let me continue on the frequency. Proceeded to work several of the regular chasers from VK2, VK3 and VK5. Briefly tried 20 m but no replies to my calls.
Saw one spot for VK3ANL Nick on a SOTA peak, I could hear his chasers but not him, so no luck with an S2S today.

Packed up and drove back to Jindabyne for the evening.

Track log of walk