4 : USH WALKING C/ANE/![/A fri L.a 73 N S L. T

VOLUME 27 JANUARY 1990 NUMBER 1

COMING ACTIVITIES

JANUARY BARBECUE

In lieu of a monthly general meeting a Barbeque will be held at the picnic area at Uriarra Crossing on Wednesday JanUary 17.

Bring your own food and drinks. People normafly arrive from about 6pm, although there are always a few who arrive earlier than this.

Follow the Uriarra Road north west, past Mt Stromlo plantation and turn left into a car park. BEFORE the road crosses the Murrumbidgee River. We hope to have CBC frogs showing the way, like last month.

NA11ONAL CLEAN UP DAY - Sunday 21 January 1990

THE NA110NAL FOCUS

On 8 January 1989, 40,000 people took part in a Clean Up of Sydney Harbour. Over 5,000 tonnes of rubbish was collected on the day. Other successful Clean Up events have since occurred in major cities around Australia. A Clean Up Australia committee was subsequently formed. On 21 January 1990, the first ever community-driven national clean up of Australia will take place. It is an opportune time for Australians to join together and effectively improve their environment.

The media is very interested in assisting in the promotion. As well as radio and newspaper promotions, there will be a national television commercial promoting the day. FM1O4.7 and 2CN will publicise the day on the radio.

THE CANBERRA REGION

In Canberra, there will be a major Clean Up focussing on the Lakes, and the Murrumbidgee River. There is a possibility that this clean-up can be extended to some of the major creeks and rivers that flow into the Murrumbidgee including Ginninderra Creek and Molonglo River.

The Murrumbidgee River is an important natural resource adjacent to Canberra. The River provides recreation opportunities for bushwalkers, swimmers, rockclimbers, picnickers, canoeists and field naturalists. Unfortunately, the area has been devalued by the massive amount of rubbish, including plastic, tin cans, bottles and aerosol cans. This is due to recent flooding where rubbish has been carried down in the flood waters. The main source is from the Tuggeranong stormwater drains and from picnic areas along the river.

The ACT Government (including the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Urban Services and the Environment Protebtion Authority) in coordination with community groups, including member groups of the Conservation Council of Canberra and the South East Region, are working together to undertake a large scale clean up of the ACT including the Murrumbidgee River. The Canberra Bushwalking Club will play a significant role in coordinating the Murrumbidgee River clean up.

Other than cleaning up the River, it is anticipated that the event will encourage Canberra residents to value their environment. This will hopefully also encourage residents not to pollute their picnic areas, open space areas and stormwater drains.

WHY GET INVOLVED?

The National Clean Up day will be the largest community-driven environment event in Australia. There will be 171 Clean Ups around Australia. The media, all levels of Government and various businesses have assured their support for the day. The impact the day will have on cleaning up the environment and also equally important, educating the general public about the environment will be tremendous. Australians can feel good doing something themselves to effectively help their environment.

PLANNING FOR THE DAY

People can assist in the planning, leading up to the day. On the actual day, site supervisors, and leaders are required to organise volunteers for the Clean Up. There will be a meeting prior to the clean up for all interested site supervisors and leaders to explain the logistics for the day.

CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB INVOLVEMENT

There will be fifteen key sites to be cleaned up in the ACT. The Conservation Council including this Club will coordinate the cleanup of parts of the Murrumbidgee River, including Uriarra Crossing, Cotter River, Kambah Pool, Pine Island and Point Hut Crossing. Volunteers will clean up around these picnic areas, including scuba diving for underwater rubbish.

The Club will also have two leaders to take groups between Kambah Pool and Pine Island through Red Rocks Gorge. People can help to clean up this beautiful area as well as swim and bushwalk.

If you would like to assist in the planning and become a site supervisor or would like more information, please contact Sandy Lolicato for details. Telephone 515441(h) 725228(w).

PRESIDENTS PRA1TLE

On Tuesday night, 19 December 1989, the Club finished off 1989 and the 1990's when over 80 of us and our friends met at Yarralumla Nursery for our annual Christmas Barbeque. For the first time in three years, the rain held off and we all had a great night in most pleasant surroundings.

The Great Alpine Trek which was used to herald the opening of Victoria's National Alpine Park, and in which I had the pleasure of representing the ACT, was a great success. Carried out with the cooperation of the relevant Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales departments, the exercise generated heaps of publicity for the new park. As a Canberra 'bushie', I was proud of the support that the Club gave to the exercise, both at the Orroral campground and along the trek, but more of that next month.

So with the 1980's over, may this, the first year of the 1990's, be one of health, joy and good bushwalking! 3 PORTRAIT OF A CLIMBER (continued)

[Last month's instalment left Osmar dangling at the end of a rope on the Three Sisters; as the "stat' of a film being made by Movietone News.]

Eric missed the Australian release of the film but some years later, whilst he and Eleanor were in America (1937) looking at medical procedures, they happened to visit a theatre and saw the antics in a film captioned 'Unusual Sports'.

Osmar called to mind memorable climbs such as the traverse of the Three Sisters massif from the valley floor, the ascent of the first Sister up the western face from the valley, Boars Head from the valley, the ascent of Arethusa Falls and Minnehahah Gorge from the Grose Valley, the skyline traverse of Kedumba Point, a number of routes from Megalong to Narrow Neck, and two or three routes up onto the western cliffs to Kings Tableland.

They only had one fall. Eric Lowe was standing on a boulder near Nellies Glen when suddenly it came away from the wall. He fell about twelve metres and by sheer good luck landed on the narrow ledge where Dark and Osmar were holding a secondary belay. Fortunately he escaped with only a bruised thigh. . 40"

The Blue Mountaineers incorporated bushwalking as well as rockclimbing, going as far afield as Barrington Tops. They walked or climbed on most fine weekends in summer and autumn. Occasionally they were called upon to assist the Katoomba police in search and rescue work.

At the beginning of the climbing season both Dark and White needed a little time to adjust their sense of balance - Osmar would sit on a cliff and dangle his legs over the edge whilst reading a book. He remembered Eric as "a stylish, strong rock man with gymnastic ability and impressive rhythm". Eric was strongly averse to using ironmongery, and preached the Mummery doctrine that a rope should never be used as an aid to climbing - but solely as a precaution against misjudgment or the accident of rotten rock. The challenge was to pit the physical and mental capacity of the climber against the difficufties of the pitch. "The art was to judge physical ability accurately" (White).

The Blue Mountaineers used 32mm yacht manila or heavy sashcord on rock belays. They also had an 'unethical instrument' to place belays in the galleries on Castle Point and on one pitch on the First Sister. This was like a two metre long ice-axe with a deeply curved pick and a notch to hold the rope where the shaft entered the head. They also experimented with a couple of heavy pitons made by the local blacksmith but these were more trouble than they were worth.

Eric got his inspiration to visit the Warrumbungles as a young boy of twelve when copies of the Town and Country journal were stuck to the walls of the Mittagong Railway Station. Interestingly, these photos by Judge Docker also caught the attention of another youth - Myles Dunphy who went on to have the area declared a national park.

Eventually in the 30s (recorded variously as 1932, 1933 or 1934) the Darks, Eric Lowe and Osmar White travelled to the Warrumbungles. Dark and Osmar succeeded in making the first successful ascent of Belougerie Spire via the West Face.

The last hundred and fifty metres were the hardest - vertical exposed climbing with one pitch involving a hundred metre traverse across the face of the mountain along a ledge 30-90cm wide with a sheer rock wall above and a drop of 300 metres below. "On the actual first climb this margin [of safety] was possibly overstepped" (B rant).

They also climbed the Tonduron Spire via the South Arete. The crux involved a narrow chimney which both Erics were able to scale. Osmar could not fit through the final section and had to make the ascent from the outside! Osmar recalled Eleanor became jammed "and was unable to move either up or down under her own steam, Dark, Lowe and I heaved mightily on the rope and pulled the distinguished novelist out of her pants. She was not amused'.

In October 1935 Dark and Brant returned to investigate the then unclimbed Split Rock (now Crater Bluff). Though they were unsuccessful in their attempt, a number of possible routes were eliminated. They also reconnoitred the Green Glacier route but didn't reach the summit. Eric returned to the Warrumbungles with a party from Sydney Bushwalkers which included Marie Byles and Dot Butler (nee English). Dot recalls that "Marie Byles was a friend of Dr Eric Dark and in 1936 they organised a trip to the Warrumbungles and invited me along. This was my first introduction to technical climbing. Accustomed to rushing up and over rock faces barefoot and unroped, jumping for likely-looking holds, swinging about on scant bits of vegetation growing out of cliffs, it was a new (and somewhat painful) experience to be tied on to a restraining rope, hooked over impeding belays, obliged to 'stop and make sure two holds are secure before relinquishing the third'.

"I got very restive under all this restraint ... by the time I had spent ten days climbing in the Warrumbungles with that superb and exacting teacher, Eric Dark, I was quite reconciled to using a rope, and even thought it rather fun". (Eric Dark was impressed and considered Dot to be the most natural climber he had ever seen. Dot was named Australian Geographic Society's Adventurer of the Year for 1988).

"At that time Crater Bluff was unclimbed. It was considered a very difficult climb because we didn't have the techniques now used with safety ropes. We were on narrow ledges, as wide as a window sill, hundreds of feet up, trees looking like tiny rnatchsticks down beloW'.

By climbing tree ferns, the climbers eventually reached [via the now Tourist Route] the summit where they lit a fire to show the others in their party below they had made it. Whilst they were building a cairn to mark their visit, the fire spread and soon the whole summit was ablaze. Dot, as usual in bare feet, perched upon the cairn awaiting for the ashes and sparks to cool and declined Dr Dark's offer of a piggy back.

Dark and Lowe also tried the North Face (via the Diagonal Route) on Crater Bluff but were halted sixty metres below the summit as they were unable to find a continuation. Despite this success the Blue Mountaineers had started to disintegrate as the younger members found jobs that took them away from the mountains. Whilst he was making a descent on this trip Eric was afflicted with a cramp in his right forearm and he took this as a warning that his climbing days were over.

Marie Byles submitted an account of the holiday to a newspaper "which came up with the paragraph that Miss Byles was amazed at the skill and agility shown by one Dot English, and now that she had proved herself on this first-grade climb she was going to form a Rock Climbing Section of the Sydney Bushwalkers."

So like a phoenix the SBW 'Tigers' coterie started to learn their rock work but were halted by the Second World War. (There were another two wayes of climbers under the ambience of SBW before the Sydney Rock Climbers were strong enough to exist as an entity).

As General Medical Officer for the small country town Dr Dark became profoundly influenced by what he saw. "I was brought up as a perfectly good tory and remained that way until the Depression began". -

He initially had little interest in politics, but after treating a 16 year old boy who teachers considered to have a brilliant future in science, medicine or law - a genius - but had to resort to labouring as

his parents were unemployed and had a large family to support, "I thought ... Australia was losing the benefit of its brilliant intellect because of a rotten economic system that condemns them to penury. And that was what turned me into a socialist".

To advance his knowledge Eric joined the Left Book Club whilst Eleanor, deciding to balance things in the household, joined the Right Book Club!!

Eric joined the local branch of the Labor Party around 1929 and eventually became its vice-President. This brought him into contact with Dr H V Evatt and Ben Chifley (the member for Bathurst, later wartime treasurer and post-war Prime Minister).

His ideas brought him in conflict with the right wing of the Labor Party and particularly the Catholic Action Group ('The Movement'). "They hated me".

He was subjected to smear campaigns and threats against his life. He also had a security file opened on him. His medical practice suffered and there were times when he was called upon to make an after-hours visit with the possibility that it was a set-up. Eleanor always insisted that she accompany him on these visits. In Osmar's opinion 'the little man showed equivalent courage [to that shown on the battle field] in making strong political statements irrespective of their affect on his professional careet'.

Eric also wrote 'Diathermy in General Practice' (the production of heat in body tissues by high currents for therapeutic purposes) which was published in 1929. In 1981 he was elected the first Honorary Life member of the Doctors' Reform Society for this work.

During the Second World War, Eric joined the local branch of the Volunteer Defence Corps which had the responsibility of finding suitable sites for guerrilla bases from which an expected Japanese occupation could be harassed. He was given the nominal rank of captain but when only six men volunteered their services, Eric was 'demoted' to sergeant.

In 1944 his work was criticised by a local anti-communist fanatic and he was accused of being part of a Red plot to cache arms and an illicit radio transmitter for an eventual communist takeover. Much has been made of this secret camping cave in the Blue Mountains used only as a retreat for the peace and quiet - Eleanor called it 'Jerrikellimi' (the retreat of the dark people).

Eric was also accused of discouraging prospedtive volunteers, during their medical test, from enlisting in the AIF. This charge was not proveii' as his rejection rate was no different to other doctors performing the same examinations.

In April 1946 Bert Evatt approached Eric to take up the position of Minister to Moscow (or ambassador) to show the Russians that there were cultured people in Australia. (The incumbent was creating problems between the two countries).

He did not get the appointment. Weeks earlier Eric had created a row over a newspaper article whereby he criticised those who opposed communist union officials leading a strike. (Though never a communist, Eric preferred to be called a democratic socialist). His branch organisation had also embarrassed Prime Minister Chifley, "and of course I was persona very much not grata to the right wing of the Labor Party."

In later years he decided to specialise and became Repatriation Medical Officer for most of the Blue Mountains. He learnt that the Repatriation Department had been instructed (during the Menzies era) not to recruit any socialist or leftist medicos, and was then to discharge its obligations to any controversial ones. flealising that this would destroy his medical practice Eric sold out.

Both he and Eleanor decided to move to southern Queensland round 1951 to join their son (Michae where they harvested macadamia trees. One of their neighbours happened to be Eric Lowe. The Darks remained for five or so years and Eleanor based her last novel 'Lantana Lane' upon her experiences there. Eric then managed to secure a job back in Katoomba as School Medical Officer (without being judged upon his political beliefs) from which he was forced to retire when he was in his mid SOs.

Eric did not restrict himself solely to climbing. He was probably introduced to tennis by Eleanor and was still playing a hard hitting game of tennis till well into his seventies. He was also a good contract bridge player. Both Eric and Eleanor were keen gardeners. In 1950, Eric's listing in 'Who's Who' showed his recreations as mountain climbing, bushwalking, tennis and reading whilst Eleanor's entry listed bushwalking, reading and gardening.

However his past could not escape him. His security file noted a 1960s Central Australian holiday which caused alarm when it was learnt the Darks intended to visit Woomera Rocket Range.

In later years the Sydney Rock Climbers made it a practice to invite Dr Dark to their annual dinners - an event he seemed to enjoy greatly.

Eric Dark died on July 28, 1987 at the age of 98.

Their family home 'Varuna', designed by Eleanor in 1939 and which had her, own separate study away from the main building, is now to be converted into a writers' retreat. aiD ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Blue Mountains City Library, Dot Butler, (The Sydney Bushwalker - various), the late Eric Dark, John Dark, Michael Dark, Lindsay Irvine, Fred Pollock, Walkabout Magazine April 1936 (L. Brant), the Brenda White Collection, Osmar White, Warwick Williams. [si 1:1 ::u ;Jfl

Here are some quotable quotes from the national press on the perambulations of our peregrinaceous president during the Great Alpine Trek:

A dappled hill, a view of the water, a perfect place to eat lunch and inspect the lattice of scratches now glowing red on bare legs and elbows. Five-and-a-half kilometres to go to camp, a similar distance already traversed, most of it up unending slopes ilke "Cardiac Arrest Hilt'. But you wouldn't be dead for quids, would you? Just look at the view. . . . The 46 year-old president of the Canberra Bushwalking Club, David Campbell. . rates the stretch "S/M" - shoWmoderate.

Mr Campbell and David Jones, the recreation officer who worked out the intricacies of the route, were both knocked flat by a bout of flu but as soon as the main fever passed Mr Campbell was skipping up 60-degree inclunes, whistllng and singing as he went. The Age, 30 November 1989

MEMBERSHIP MAT1'ERS Prospecte Members

Kerry Gollan, 30 Paterson St, Ainslie ACT 2602, 479771 (h),772706(w) Coral & Murray Dow, 67 Tyson St, Ainslie ACT 2602, 574371 (h),495028(w-M) 772576(w-C) Geoff Painton, 9 Piguenit Close, Lyneham ACT 2602, 470722(h), 633070(w)

New Members

A warm welcome is extended to: Chris Chastain, David Eastman, Linda MacFarlane, Wade Stevens and lina Trappes-Lomax.

BUSHWALKERS AND COMPUTERS

The club has been making increasing use of computers since at least the mid-i 970s, to the extent that it would probably now be impracticable to carry out club administative business without them.

I have no objections (I am one of the main offenders, after aID. However, it is becoming apparent that, with the widespread distribution of home and personal business computers, a number of members are keeping records of various items of Club and bushwalking data for purposes of interest to them. The result is probably much duplication of effort and reduced usefulness of the information - the opposite to the probable intention of the originator.

I suggest that anyone involved in such record keeping could contact me with details of their records so that we can try to rationalise collections, hopefully to standardise on methods, reduce duplication of eftort, and increase usefulness of everyone's work. I promise that this is NOT: an attempt to introduce "big brother' detailed records of members; an attempt to stop people keeping records (thats impossible anyway); or an attempt to centralise records under common control. Alan Vidler

DEUA-WADBILLIGA VISITOR SURVEY

A summary of results of the recent Deua-Wadbilliga visitor survey has been held over due to lack of space. It is available from the editors for perusal it required.

LEtTER TO THE EDITOR

A Letter to the Editors complaining of a Bureaucratic plot to avoid publishing Letters to the Editor has been held over until next month due to lack of space. Activtty Programme

Transport costs are presently 20 cents per kilometre per car divided equally among ALL participants. This amount is a guide only and can be varied at the discretion of the leader depending on the condition of the roads, the number of passengers per car, and other factors. The figures given for individual trips are approximate costs based on four people per car - the cost may rise if cars are only partly filled.

Wednesday January 10 - Ainslie & Maiura by Moonlight - M/E This will be a gentle stroll by moonlight, starting about 8pm in Watson, finishing about 10:30 near the War Memorial. Optional coffee afterwards at a volunteers house nearby - if a volunteer surfaces. Bookings close at IT Collation! Leader: Alan Vidler 545373(h), 435315(w).

January (12)13/14 - Wollangambe Lilo Trip - MIE/W This is a classic trip through spectacular canyons, often only wide enough to pass a lilo. No abseiling or tricky climbing required. Darm you Z2T - it dasfies ac my trip - A%7 Map: Wollangambe Leader: Keith Thomas 487816(h). Transport about $30-35 Limit 3 cars.

January 13114 - 10th Annual Bumberry Creek, Tuross Gorge - L/R Heaven for dedicated rock hoppers, absolute hell for others. Several short descents with the aid of a rope (not abseiling), numerous compulsory swims, and many hours of constant rock hopping/boulder scrambling. I will be selective of starters (ring early if I don't know you) and will reject myself unless I'm a lot fitter by then (David Carmichael to take trip in that case). Maps: Belowra,Yowrie 1:25000 Leader: Alan Vidler 545373(h),4353I5(w).TranspOrt about $15.

January 14 - 6th Annual Tuross Cascades Bludge - S/E Walk about 3km down a fire track to a great swim/ bludge spot. There is an optional S/M side trip (about 1-2 hours return) to spectacular Tuross Falls if someone will lead it (there is normally someone!). See the BumberrylTuross survivors stagger back. Map: Belowra 1:25000, Leader: Vance Brown 51 3997(h), Cost about $15. Normal 16 limit does NOT apply but the normal closing time (5pm Thursday) DOES!

January 14 - Quittv's Mountain, from Bangor - M/M Quilty's Mountain is the largest (in area) in the northern Budawangs. It features spectacular views, an aboriginal bora ground, and fairly easy walking. Map: CMW Budawangs. Leader: David Truman. 546700(h), 724632(w). Transport cost about $15.

Wednesday January 17 - Monthly Meeting BBQ at Uriarra Crossing - see Social Notes for details.

Saturday January 20 - Half Day Gourmet Walk along river at Uriarra - S/E An afternoon and evening walk along the river from Uriarra Crossing, with a gourmet picnic/ BBQ beside the river. Bring torch. Leaders: Ailsa Fleming 921 675(h),952677(w)/AllanMikkelSen

Saturday January 20 - Abseiling, Blue Mts - Training Training by Blue Mountains Climbing School. Full details were given in a preview in November IT. Contact John Thwaite 543193(h), 935315(w), as soon as possible - the week before will probably be too late.

January (19)20-21 Canvoning In Blue Moutains - M/R Contact Nick to influence where to go. Participants must be able to abseil - and presumably have equipment. Leader: Nick 6ende1i884570(h). (If uncontactable, ring Alan Vidler 435315(w), 545373(h)).

January 20/21 - Cave Creek and Mt Jackson - L/R/W We shall begin from Peppercorn Hut and warm up by walking crosscountry to the Blue Waterholes and on through the sheer limestone gorges of Cave creek to that renowned campsite on the Goodradigbee. Sunday will be up the limestone section of the Goodradigbee River, then up to lunch and views from the summit of Mt Jackson. Return to cars by an investigative walk up Peppercorn Creek. Map: Tantangara 1:100,000. Leader: Chris Leslie 5161 23(h),51 3400(w). Transport cost about $12. Sunday January 21 - National Cleanup Day - See details elsewhere in IT. The Club will be helping organise the Murrumbidgee river clean up, and to provide working parties for the area Kambah Pool to Pine Island. Volunteers are needed - the more the better. Contact Sandy Lolicato 515441(h), 725228(w) ASAP.

Sunday ,Januarv 21 - Micalong Swamp and Mt Nimbo - LIE Drive via Picadilly Circus to Micalong Creek. Walk south along the Hume And Hovell track along the creek, through montane forests, Micalong Swamp Flora Reserve, snow gums etc to the top of Mt Nimbo (1400m, with good views), then return. Maps: Bobby's Plain 1:25000, Brindabella & Tumut 1:100 000. Leader: David Truman 546700(h), 724632(w). Transport about $15.

Tuesday January 23 - Walks Planning at the Vidlers',56 Woolner Circ, HAWKER 545373(h) Help plan the Autumn Campaign (our busiest time as summer is too hot, winter too cold), as the programme is thin after February. EVERYONE is welcome, particularly the 70 or so who have expressed a willingness to lead walks but haven't done so yet - the 25 or so who have led walks this Club year will be there to help you, Fm sure. Maps etc provided. Refreshments to supplement those provided are optional but gratefully received. Start 8pm.

Wednesday January 24- Committee Meeting - Michael Gauci's, 13 Twelvetrees Cr, Florey. 581464(h) BBQ 6pm, meeting 8pm. Sausages provided, bring salad etc. To find BBQ, from Michael's house go to end of Edman Close, follow cycle path under Coulter Drive until "1" intersection with cycle path around Lake Ginninderra - BBQ about SOm to your left.

Thursday January 25 - IT Closing At Keith Thomas's house, 26 Allport St Downer.

January 26-28 - Nadgee - StE (+ Options) This is always a popular bludge. Book early as the limit, set by the nature reserve rangers, is not flexible, and the trip is always booked out. Swimming in the surf and lagoons, optional inland mountains, good fishing (and eating)... Map: Nadgee 1:25000. Leader: Bill Brown 489948(h), 764984(w). Transport about $30(?) Limit 12.

January (25)26-28 Kowmung Cascading - M/R Participants must be able to abseil - and presumably have equipment. Leader: Nick Bendeli 884570(h). [if uncontactable, ring Alan Vidler 435315(w), 545373(h)).

January 26-28 - Deua (Moruva) River Canoe Trip - M/ETW Enjoy a canoe trip along this easy, not quite flatwater, river. If the water level is too low the trip will be transferred to the Murrumbidgee River between Childowlah and Gundagai. See the preview in December IT. Maps: Araluen, Batemans Bay 1:100000 Leader: John kyat? 382517(h.

January (25)26-28 Kowmung Cascading - M/R Participants must be able to abseil - and presumably have equipment. Leader: Nick Bendell 884570(h). [If uncontactable, ring Alan Vidler 435315(w), 5453 73 (h)J

February 314 - Lilo Trip, Big Horseshoe Bend to Mt Ayre - M/M1'1N This is an ever popular lilo trip. After a substantial car shuffle we will start liloing late in the morning, to proceed via a mixture of longish paddles and interesting rapids to camp just above Blockup Gorge. Next day will be more of the same, including the Blockup, ending with the (optionaD Lilo Eating Bend and the (compulsory) climb up Mt Ayre. Leader: Alan Vidler 545373(h),435315(w).Trarisport about $12.

February (204 - Lilo Trip, Dumbano Canyon - LJRIW A classic Blue Mts. canyon trip. Abseiling ability essential. Contact Henry for further details. Leader: Henry Bunnestey 470193(h) ,71 9412(w). Transport about $30. Limit 8.

February 314 - Car Camp & Day Walks on the Corang Come on either of the day walks below or book on both and share a car camp in the Corang area with the trip leaders. 9.

Saturday February 3 - CorancilShoalhaven Rivers - S/M-W An interesting stretch of river with good swimming holes, intermittent cliff faces, with short compulsory swims along river lengths. Old gold mines and water races in area. Distance about 10km, much of it on tracks, but 2km along the river. Map: Endrick 1:25000. Leader: Rod Dalgleish 813614(h+w). Transport about $15.

Sunday February 4 - Corang LagoorilCorang Peak - M-L/E-M Walk on a rough track to Corang Lagoon where there will be time for swimming. If the weather is right we will return over Corang Peak for superb views of Pigeonhouse and the Budawangs. Map: CMW Budawangs, or Corang 1:25000. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 540764(h), 643472(w). Transport about $15.

February 4 - Micalong Creek - M/E This trip starts at the same place as David Truman's (21 Jan), but goes north along the track, through beautiful forests, past river rapids, and tree ferns to Micalong Creek Campsite then return. Maps: See David's walk. Leader: Richard Bain 653536(w).

Saturday February 10 - 300dradigbee Lilo Trip - S/RPM Start from the bridge in Brindabella Valley. Progress downstream towards Flea Creek with exciting liloing. When finished, walk back 3-4 km (the river meanders, the track doesn'i) along a track to the cars. Warning (from W.Sec): This trip is NOT for those who think liloing is a gentle occupation. Bring patching equipment etc. Map: Brindabella Leader: Bill Brown 489948(h),495883(w). Transport about $9.

February (9)10/11 - Wollangambe Lilo Trip - M/EM A repeat of Keith Thomas's 13/14 Jan trip. Norm can't go then and wishes to cater for those who can't fit on Keith's trip. Leader: Norm Becker 316061(h), 723086(w).

February 10-11 - Tuross River/Myrtle Creek - M/MIW The second time this walk has been offered, except we shall leave out Jillicambra Mountain this time, thus leaving more time for swimming in the Tuross. A 400 metre climb to get to Myrtle Creek is still required however. This is a small price to pay for a beautiful campsite and some lovely strolling amongst moss and fern. Map: Belowra 1:25000. Leader: David Campbell 541 511(h), 469156(w). Cost about $17.

Sunday February 11 - Shoalhaven River, Rainbow Ridge - L/M-R An easy river walk from Badgery's combined with a steep and spectacular climb up Mt Pollock and along Rainbow Ridge. Map: Caoura 1:25000. Leader: George Caner 512130(h), 633549(w)

Sunday February 11 - Paddy's River, Bullen Range, Murrumbidciee River - M/E-M We will walk upstream on Paddy's River from the Cotter/Murrumbidgee junction, cross the Bullen Range, and return along the banks of the Murrumbidgee. There will be opportunities for swimming and perhaps blackberrying. Leaders: Ailsa Fleming 921 675(h),952677(w)/Allan Mikkelsen

Tuesday February 13 - IT Collation, Kate Moore's, 24 Hirschfeld Cr, Macgregor. BBQ at 6pm, BYO. IT Collation from 8pm. All welcome!

Saturday February 17 - Afternoon walk Kambah to Pine Island with BBQ on way - S/E Leader: Vance Brown, but bookings to Allan Mikkelsen 540764(h), 643472(w).

Februarv(16)17-18 Carrvoning - Salty Camp Crk, Dayies Canyon - M/R Participants must be able to abseil - and presumably have equipment. Leader: Nick Bendel, 884570(h). (If uncontactable, ring Alan Vidler 435315(w), 5453 73'h)j

February 17/18 - Mt Jagungal from Round Mountain - M/L This trip will proceed mainly on tracks to spectacular Mt Jagungal, the heart of the wilderness area in Kosciusko National Park. Essential walking for those new to the area - or for the old hands who love the place. Map: Kosciusko 1:50000. Leader: Richard Bain 653536(w). Cost about $25. 10

N, February 17118 - Ettrema Classic - M/R Walk down Transportation Spur, take a side trip up Jones Creek. Return will be with Alan Vidler's party up Rock Slabs Creek [7 a2ntht tacether Sc pky wLt2Tget you fie(p Maps: Nerriga,Touga 1:25000 Leader: ken Cameron 515204(h). Cost about $17

Sunday February 18 - 6th(?) Annual Ettrema Day Trip - SIR This walk is quite short but rough - steep loose slopes and some boulder scrambling. Magnificent views and lots of time for swimming in the famous crystal pools of Ettrema. See why weekend walkers love the area. Map: Nerriga 1:25000 Leader: Alan Vidler 545373(h), 435315(w). Cost about $16.

Wednesday Februa 21 - Monthly Meeting, 8pm Dickson Library

February 24125 - Beginner's Weekend Walk to Corang Lagoon, Many Rock Ribs - StE - This is an easy track walk for a couple of hours to a pleasant campsite near a great swimming spot. [Allan's 4 Feb trip covers the route in 1 day). The afternoon will be spent in

navigation practice, discussions on bushcraft etc [1 hope - tie Welt ulUte-ant'd fast year]. Sunday will be crosscountry for an hour or so to another great pool then a track back to the cars. Please book early. There will be an optional "gear and basics" night early in the week. Map: Corarrg 1:25000. Leader: Alan Vidler(-i-) 545373(h) 435315(w). Cost about $15

February 24/25 - Upper Bombala RiVer - M/M Where the New Line Road crosses Bombala River, just west of Tantawangalo State Forest, we will walk upstream until we find a pleasant camp site. We will then explore further upstream on Back Creek to Packer's Swamp. Opportunities for swimming, fishing and viewing platypus. Map: Glen Allen 1:25000. Leader: Mike Morriss 957823(h),8931 03(w). Transport about $18.

Sunday February 25 - Bundanoon - S-M/M "For the slothful and sinful." Morton National Park at Bundanoon - visit an abandoned coal mine at lovely Coal Mine Falls. Bush bash and track to Bundanoon Creek to visit Vance's secret swimming hole. Return via Fairy Bower Falls and Nicholas Pass. Hot showers at picnic grounds, and tea in P0 Cafe. Map: Bundanoon 1:25000. Leader: Jan Armour 478242(h), 474711 (w - messages). Transport about $12-15 (good roads).

March 3-4 - Pretty Plain Valley - M/M This is a beautiful and rarely visited part of the Park. The walk is mainly on fire trails and open sub-alpine grasses. There will be opportunities for fishing and bracing swimming. This trip is suitable for those with limited experience (ring leader to discuss). This is a repeat of the December walk which had sufficient numbers but no transport! Maps: Khancobari 1:50000 or kosciusko i :100,000 Leader: Richard Bain 653536(w). Transport about $27.

See Next Month for more information on: [t stilt mom ta4 from the 23 aswanj WaiI TSuzfr evei'thtg]

March 3-4 - Brogo River, Yankee's Creek - S/M, George Carter March 4 - Angle Crossing to Tharwa - S/M, Vance Brown March 17-19 - Budawangs - Tarn, Bibbenluke - Jeff Bennetts 515899(h) March 17-19 - Upper Murray Lilo Trip - LJM-RiW, Ken Cameron March 24-25 - Far Bald Mountain via Jagungal - L/M, George Carter March 31 - Tidbinbilla from Bendora Dam - LJR, Chris Leslie April 1 - Bungonia Gorge - M/M, Vance Brown April - 1 Day canoe trip. Tumid to Brungle Bridge - Rita Jelfs. April 9-10 - Upper Brogo/Galloon Creek - L/R, Ken Cameron April 21/22 - Sentry Box Hill and Mt Scabby - M/M, Chris Leslie Easter - Kapota National Park - Alan Davey Long Weekend - Errinunda Plateau (Victoria) - Eric Pickering May 19/20 - Mt McKeahnie from Orroral - M/R, Chris Leslie May - Navigation and Leader's Training Day/Weekend - S/E, Alan Vidler (+) 11 INFORMATION

Note: The Walk Secretary, Alan Vidler is pleased to accept walks from leaders at any time. Please contact him to put your walk on the program.

Bookings: For trips should be made by telephoning the leader no later than 5pm on Thursday. There is a Club limit of 16 on most walks.

Walkers: are reminded that there can be dangers associated with bushwalking and that they participate entirely at their own risk.

Equipment: for Club walks can be hired from Michael Gauci.

Library: The Club Library is held at the home of Keith Thomas, 26 Allport Street, Downer 487816(h) at 6 - 7.45pm on the night of Club meetings.

Grading of walks

S) Short - under 12km/day (E) Easy - firetrails, tracks, beaches etc. (M) Medium - 12-20km/day (M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub (L) Long - over 20km/day (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles (W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings

NOTE: In calculating distance 1 km is added for every 100 metres climbed.

NOTICE TO ALL WALKERS: The leader should check that

Each applicant is capable of completing the proposed trip. This is done by observation on previous walks or by contacting them personally and asking where, when and with whom they have walked previously. Everyone is aware of what the trip entails and of any special equipment or skills needed.

LEADERS MAY REJECT ANY APPLICANT THEY THINK IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THE TRIP.

SEARCH & RESCUE ORGANISA11ON

S&R Contacts are: Dave Drohan 662728(w) 413566(h), Anton Cook 851711(w) 474142(h), David Campbell 469156(w) 541511(h).

Area Coordinators: Belconnen: Frank & Meg McKone 541311(w) 545902(h) Pat Miethke 493085(w) 412798(h), Inner Canberra: Jim Dick 702638(w) 473158(h), Keith Thomas 819469(w) 487816(h), Woden: Doug Wright 814148(h), David King 490205(w) 883090(h). .

PRESIDENT: David Campbell 541511(h) 469156(w) VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER: Mike Morriss 957823(h) 893103(w) SOCIAL SECRETARY: Debi Williams 581645(h) CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY: John Thwaite 543193(h) 935315(w) WALK SECRETARY: Alan Vidler 545373(h) 435315(w) ASSISTANT WALK SECRETARY: Allan Mikkelsen 540764(h) 643472(w) MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Michael Gauci 581464(h) MINUTE SECRETARY: Ailsa Fleming 921675(h) 952677(w) EDITORS: Keith Thomas 487816(h) 819469(w) Sue Vidler 545373(h) 954385(w) PUBLISHER: Greg Buckley 864742(h) 483618(w) CONSERVATION OFFICER: Henry Burmester 470193(h) 719412(w)

Dave Drohan 413566(h) 662728(w) is the Search and Rescue Officer and Allan Mikkelsen 540764(h) is the Check-in Officer. Margaret Cole 886947(h) and Sandy Lolicato 515441(h) are the conservation representatives. Vance Brown is the public officer. Alan Vidler 545373(h) is the Club record keeper.

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It not delivered within 7 days. please return to P.C. Box 160. Canberra Cay ACT. 2601

Paid CANBERRA CANBERRA BUSH WALKING CLUB ACT. 260' INC. AUSTRALIA

'feet VALLAK -. 5 Fu 1 1 CC)d St. WES'roN ACT 2b 1 1

Registered by Australia Post. Publication No. UGH 1850