CATCHING a glimpse of the Hunter’s first snows of the year only cost Quirindi’s Rob Balint a night’s sleep.
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The keen four-wheel driver and administrator of the online Barrington Tops Snow Chaser group hit the road at 11.30pm on Tuesday night despite the Bureau of Meteorology indicating snow was unlikely.
He left the family at home due to indications snow was unlikely but his efforts paid off when he found himself in a snow-dusted field, all alone.
Mr Balint, an experienced four-wheel driver and snow chaser, said the roads on the dingo gate side were difficult to traverse.
“We predicted the best time to get up there was between midnight and 2am and our timing was spot on,” Mr Balint said on Wednesday, photographs of the overnight snow secured.
“It was cold up there and just before the dingo gate it was a white out probably could only see 10 metres in front of the car, it was very slippery. ”
Muswellbrook’s Brad Lawman also made it up to altitude, snaring a handful of photos of the slight snowfall.
Mr Lawman said he got to Polblue about 9.30pm and the first signs of snow began about half an hour later.
He said anyone considering a trip up there needed to be prepared for a slow, tough drive even in a four-wheel drive.
“The majority of the snow fell about 1am, causing whiteout conditions due to snow and fog,” he said.
“Travel in a group if possible, bring extra clothing and blankets, water and food just in case something goes wrong.
“Bring a four wheel drive with good tread, some recovery gear, and commonsense.”