CANBERRA BUSH WALKING CLUB INC. NEWSLETTER Box 160, Canberra, LeT. 2601

Registered by Post: Publication number NBH 1859

VOLUME 28 JANUARY 1992 NUMBER 1

JANUARY BARBEQUE

WHERE? Uriarra Crossing

WHEN? Wednesday 15 January 1992, 6.00pm onwards

WHAT? This barbeque will be in lieu of the usual monthly meeting

Join members and friends in the coolness and shade of Uriarra. There are wood barbeques so don't forget your matches.

Bring your own food, drinks, utensils and anything else you need for a summer barbeque. People usually arrive from about 6.00pm, although there are always a few dedicated souls who arrive soonerl

Drive along the Uriarra Road until your come to the yellow ribbon or corroboree frog marking the surprise turn-off on the left to a car park. If you cross the then you have gone about 1km too far.

PRESIDENT'S PRATTLE

I write this on the morning of the Club Christmas Party I Barbecue which will be my fifth since joining the club. If my memory is correct, it looks like being the fourth time that the weather has been unkind. Maybe we should hire ourselves out as drought breakers. I expect though, that as ever, the hardy souls who attend will enjoy themselves. The weather is often better in January so we can recover at Uriarra on January 15.

1992 will see some changes in some of our regular walking areas. At last it appears that something will be done about the derelict tracking stations at Orroral and Honeysuckle Creek. It is intended that they be demolished to "slabTM level by the end of 1992. A preliminary assessment of this proposal has been released by ACT Parks and Conservation and comment is invited by 17 January 1992. I have obtained a copy of the assessment (it is free from the ACT Government shopfronts) and will read it in detail over Christmas. Any member who feels the club should comment on this matter can contact the Conservation Officer, Mike Morriss, or myself.

I ldlCforward to some new walking experiences in 1992, including visits to places in the Canberra region that I have not made it to before. Many of us will also range further afield. Whatever your interests, I wish everyone a happy walking (and skiing, canoeing, cycling, canyoning etc.) year.

Allan Mikkelsen 2

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Prospective Members Neil Campbell 1/99 Scrivener St O'Connor ACT 2601 2490780(w) Kevin Gill 3 Hodgeman St Mawson ACT 2607 2861 946(h) 2937864(w) Costa Lynga 42 Bungonia St Narrabundah ACT 2604 2396307(h)

New Members The Club welcomes the following new members: Paul Banks, Joe Sedman, Kerry Cassidy, Helen Douglas.

WALK SECRETARY'S WAFFLE

There will be be another walks planning evening on 12 February 1992 at 7.30pm. The venue will be my house at 36 Castlereagh Street, Macquarie. It is best if you have your walks in mind before coming, so that final plans can be worked out on the night. I will have the Club map collection available for you, to assist your ideas. Remember that this planning will be for the autumn period and a wide range of walk locations are suitable, from the cool air on mountain tops to the still warm water in creeks and .

WALK REPORTS Mount Bimberi In recent years TW and myself had separately planned day trips from Orroral Tracking Station to the summit of the ACT's highest mountain, Mount Bimberi. Due to logistical difficulties neither of our trips had come to fruition.

At the August IT collation I met TW for the first time. To bring a smile to the face of the then Walks Secretary we decided to co-lead a day trip to our objective. We were prepared to go it alone if we could raise no further interest. On the due date however, we had a group of seven people.

GW, the other transport driver and I, drove our passengers out to Orroral Valley where we greeted CL who was patiently awaiting our arrival. CL had slept the night at Orroral having participated in a walk around Nursery Creek on Saturday.

As the sun slowly rose above the horizon, not that it was visible because of the clouds, we started the 14 kilometre march to the base of Mount Bimberi. The highlight of the walk was the sighting of two canines trotting along the trail, one tan and one white. The considered opinion of some of the party was that they were dingos.

The cold crystal-clear waters of the Cotter were refreshing as we crossed it bare-footed. Putting our footwear back on gave us an excuse for a short stop and a morning snack.

Following an easterly ridge our group scrambled up the 900 metres through the scrub to the trig on the top of Mount Bimberi. A (the) male chauvinist(s) amonst us had earlier in the day wondered if RI', our only female member could handle the pace. In ascending the ridge she proved her fitness, quickly striding past most of the group. CR and MP were first to arrive at the summit at 11 .30am. the rest of us arrived shortly afterwards.

From the trig we had a magnificent vista of the surrounding mountains of the Namadgi National Park as well as the snow-capped peaks of the Main Range and Mt Jagungal.

TW unfurled his Union Jack from one of the supports of the trig station and proudly posed for a photograph. The stiff breeze fully extended the flag and it flapped around in the wind.

We descended via a different ridge and linked up with the Leura Gap Trail. Back at the bottom of Bimberi some discussion was entertained regarding the route back. Decided since we had plenty of spare time we would return via the longer route, ie. the Cotter Road fire trail.

Arrived back at the vehicles at dusk just as it started to rain. We had walked 42 kilometres (without adding on a kilometre for each of the 100 metres of the 1300 metres of 'up', as per Club grading system) in 11.5 hours between dawn and dusk. Roger Edwards (A photo was provided for this article. If it can be reproduced, it should be later in this IT) , Martins Creek Canyon - 23-24 November 1991 I had never visited the Nattai area but had heard lots of stories of previous George Carter walks there so I pencilled this trip as a must in my walking diary. George described it as a slack tea drinking trip so this was also something to look forward to. Our party of seven left Canberra early on Saturday for the long drive to Mittagong, Hilltop, and the starting point on the edge of the Nattai Gorge. It is a fair distance to travel but the Hume allows good time to be made. It would be difficult though to find more contrast in road access. Beyond Hilltop Rod had little trouble in his 4WD Lada but George's Commodore kept running aground and we passengers became quite adept at leaping out to allow it to clear obstacles. A vehicle with good ground clearance is certainly required for this trip.

We descended a fire trail to the Nattai and wandered downstream to the junction with the Allum River where we expected to get good water (the Nattai is polluted from Mittagong's effluent) but found only a bare, sandy, very dry river bed. This gave us an excuse for a long lunch stop and much well-boiled tea. After lunch it was hot enough for us to swim in the first decent pool we found, despite the river being rather dirty. The Water Board has now removed the signs threatening large fines for entry to the area and we even found a new large sign pointing out the track to Belloon Pass - obviously erected just for bushwalkers.

We reached Martins Creek at about 5.00pm, enjoed the crisp clear water, and walked upstream a couple of kilometres and found an acceptable campsite. I was in heaven - it had been slack tea drinking day and I thought I was at last on a George trip that was not undergradedl I was woken early on Sunday by the birds. The preview said the morning chorus was magnificent and once again George had got it right. In comparison, Namadgi seems to be devoid of birds. We broke camp at about 800am and started up Martins Creek. This reminded me in many ways of Ettrema - very clear water with lots of very swimmable pools and interesting small waterfalls.

Perhaps we lingered too long at the pools but eventually we had to leave and climb out back to the plateau. After a bit of scrub-bashing and lots of huffing and puffing we reached the fire trail above Martins Creek. We now decided to split the party with four of us going cross-country to retrieve the cars and the others following the fire trail to the main road where we would collect them later. The cross-country part involved another descent to Martins Creek further upstream and a climb out the other side. Instead of the crystal clear creek we had enjoyed earlier, the creek here was a swampy bog where I feared losing my volleys in the shin-deep mud. The scrub (and hill) were worse than expected and it was just on dark when we finally got to the cars. A trip along the goat track road in the dark where George managed to strand his car again eventually led us back to the others waiting in the cold for an hour and a half beside the road. I still recall the image of Doug wrapped in his sleeping bag.

For a bit of variety we stopped for a meal at the Service Station. It was now about 9.00pm and the staff acted as if they had been on duty since morning and the food tasted as if it had been prepared and waiting since morning. I am once again a devout fan of Goulburn's Paragon Cafe and will eschew these modern fast food joints. The walk for me ended with arrival home at about 11 .30pm and once again George had lived up to-his reputation! Martins Creek is a delightful spot and I will make sure I revisit it before too long. I recommend it to anyone who has not been there and thanks George for showing me a "new" area of interest. Allan Mikkelsen

Shoalhaven/Endrick Junction to Endrick Falls - 7-8 December 1991 I was a little worried with hordes (9) of people coming on a quite solid rock-hopping trip. I knew we had plenty of time last year, but that was with a small, known, fast party of four, and big parties are always a lot slower. I thus decided to play it safe...

We met at at 6:15am, and had an uneventful drive to the via Tarago and Oallen Ford. This route has been sealed further and in my opinion, is a far superior route to that via Braidwood, provided the Shoalhaven is not in flood. At the giant new yet-to-be completed bridge across the Endrick by 7:30am, we waited in light rain and some trepidation for Warwick, who made a well-judged dash from Sydney to arrive about 7:55am for our arranged Sam meeting. -

After leaving Warwick's car at the planned end point, we drove to the locked gate a few km from Douglass Paddock and were walking in dry and clearing conditions by 8:30am. I had previously contacted the non-resident property owner, who was happy to have us cross his property once he realised we were walking, so did not find the locked gate a problem. The walk across Douglass Paddock was enlivened by an attack from a herd of horses, who abandoned their efforts when they were not offered any goodies to eat. We descended the steep ridge near Creek, with glimpses of spectacular waterfalls. The creek is worth a diversion. We didn't but should have.

On the Endrick by 1 Cam, we left our packs with a couple of guards (there are a lot of goats on the Endrick unfortunately, and they are now in evidence right up to the falls) while the rest of us zipped the 1.5 km downstream to the Shoalhaven, for a look-around, a swim by some, then a return for an early lunch. Rene and Warwick had the billy boiling by the time we got there. Still worried about large party slowness, I had everyone on the move by 12:20pm.

The afternoon was great if you like rock-hopping - and everyone seemed to, despite numerous denials. We had several stops for swims, including a compulsory one, but few rest or regroup stops as I was still nervous about time. However, we did not have any markedly slow people, with the result that by 4:30pm we were at the campsite we'd used the previous year, a couple of hundred metres past Titringo Creek. It was a bit crowded with 9, but we all fitted. We only saw a couple of fireflies, unlike last year when there were vast numbers of them.

Mad leader was still at it, with the result that we were walking by 7:05am. The trip to Endrick Falls was quite fast, with last year's compulsory swim merely a wade, general progress sped up by lower water levels, and no one doing much optional swimming. As a result we were at the falls by 9:30am, and by the time Vance's party arrived around 11:15am we'd had numerous swims and many litres of tea between us.

Unable to persuade anyone in the other party to try out the joys of carrying a weekend pack back to the cars, we left about 2pm via the steep ridge just downstream of the falls and were back at Warwick's car by 3pm. I understand Vance's group left soon afterwards but went further downstream to return via a less precipitous route - and other swimming spots.

Despite the speed of transit we managed, the trip remains a solid rock-hopping trip not suited to those who do not like this form of exercise. It is worth another visit, but next time I hope to explore Coolumburra Creek, spend more time in the many swimming pools, and more time in bed.

Alan Vidler Motion lost The motion to define the minimum number of participants on a Club trip as four was lost at the November General Meeting. I - Activity Programme

Transport costs are presently 25 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 rough estimates only, based on four people per car - the cost may rise if cars are only partly filled. Park entry permits are likely additional costs.

Check-in I Contact Officer for the club is Roger Edwards 288 7863(h). He (NOT the Police or other bodies) should be the first point of contact for worried relatives if you are late returning from a trip. Leaders must also report the safe return OR cancellation of their trip to the check-in officer.

January 11-12 - Naas River - S-M/M From Mt Clear campsite we shall walk downstream on the Naas River, with plenty of time for swimming. Camp will be made at some suitable location along the river. We shall return via the fire trail to the east. Note, due to summer fire restrictions, fuel stoves may need to be carried. Map: Co/inton 1:25000 Leader: Richard Ba/n 2574816(h). Transport about $10.

January 11-12 - base car camp - SIE.. Enjoy a lazy, indulgent car camp weekend, fishing, reading, liloing, playing pictionary, talking with fellow club members and gourmandising (wot, more caviar!!) by a most attractive riverside camp, about 2km past campsite. It's about 2 and 1/2 hours' drive from Canberra, depending on your speed down the spectacular Jacobs Ladder road, along the from Jindabyne. Optional drive down on Friday Jan 10. Map: Jacobs River 1:100000, NRMA South Coast & Snowy Mts Leader: Janet Duncan 2881398(h). Transport cost about $30.

January 11,12,13 - Nadgee Nature Reserve This is a very popular South Coast area and a slothful long weekend is expected. Book early to avoid missing out as the Nature Reserve has limits. Leader: Doug Wright 281 41 48(h). Transport cost about $40 (?).

Sunday 12 January - 8th Annual Tuross Falls and Cascades bludge - VS/E Walk about 50m to a great swim/bludge spot. Tuross Cascades is a series of rock pools, one of which has a natural waterslide. There is an optional side trip (S/M) to the spectacular Tuross Falls if someone can lead it. We won't meet up with any Bumberry/Tuross survivors this year (They've all expired!). Map: Be/owra 1:25000 Leader: Vance Brown 251 3997(h). Transport cost about $20.

Monday 13 January - Molonglo Gorge evening walk - SIE This is an after-work walk through Molonglo Gorge and Kowen Pine Forest. We will have an evening meal beside the river and, if it is warm, a swim or two. The return is after dark so bring a torch. Map: ACT 1:100000. leader: Allan Mikkelsen 254 0764(h) 264 3472(w). Bookings by 8.00pm Sunday please.

Wednesday 15 January - Uriarra Crossing, BYO everything! 6.00pm. See notice on page 1.

January 18-19 - Shoalhaven - Badgery's to Canoe Flat - S-M/E-M Walk down Badgery's Spur to the Shoalhaven, then downstream to a campsite at Canoe Flat. We cross the river and it may be necessary to swim. Laze at camp or take optional side trips up Billy Bulloos Canyon and down the river before returning up the spur on Sunday. Map: Caoura 1:25000 Leader: Richard Ba/n 2574816(h). Transport about $15.

January 18-19 - Dicky Cooper Bogong & Gungartan - M/M From Guthega Pondage we will be walking up the ridge to Consett Stephen Pass and on to the granite tors of Dicky Cooper Bogong. Walking will be across extensive alpine herbfields covered in wildflowers. Sunday we will ascend Gungartan and take in commanding views of the Snowy River Valley and the surrounding Grey Mare and Main Range. Map:.Kosciusko 1:50000 Leader: Rosemarie Pretty 2886768(h). Transport cost about $26. Sunday 19 January - Rendezvous Creek Aboriginal site - M/E A short walk up an open highland valley to a rock shelter which contains some interesting Aboriginal paintings. If the day is hot there will be a dip in the Murrumbidgee to cool off on the way home. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 Leader: Mike Morriss 2886947(h) 289 3422(w). Transport cost about $8.

Sunday 19 January - Queens Pound River day trip - SIR This is a remote, picturesque river that flows over pink granite and through pockets of rainforest in the . The trip will involve fast rockhopping upstream to find the best pool for lunch, then returning the same way. Map: Yowrie 1:25000 Leader: George Carter 251 2130(h) 263 3549(w). Transport cost about $21.

Wednesday 22 January - Committee Meeting & IT Closing, Sybille Winberg's, Hughes.

January 25-27 - The Pilot and Little Pilot (note change in no. of days advertised in December IT) This trip involves a long but leisurely stroll along a fire trail to the Pilot. The views of Mt Kosciusko, the Cobberas and the Victorian Alps are excellent as the Pilot is 400 metres higher than the surrounding terrain. Map: Jacobs River 1:100000 Leader: Rosemarie Pretty 288 6768(h). Transport cost about $26.

January (24)25-27 - Nadgee Nature Reserve - LIE This is a regular annual trip to a great coastal spot. Great beaches and swimming, fishing. Book early, limit of 12 people. An optional day walk to Cape Howe with spectacular sand dunes. (Might bump into Norm). Leader: Bill Brown 2489948(h) 2764984(w). Transport cost about $40.

January (24)25-27 - Croajingalong National Park - MIR Lake Barracoota is a fresh water lake behind the sand dunes on the 'coast north of Mallacoota and has one of the great campsites on its northern shore. After Akirting the lake, a couple of swamps and crashing through lots of thick scrub, we will finailV hit the beach. the rest of the trip is basically beach walking to Cape Howe and back, with a few diversions thrown in for interest. Leader: Norm Becker 2316061(h) 2506951w). Transport cost about $40.

Sunday 26 January - from Wyanbene Caves - MIM We take the track down to the Deua River for early lunch and a swim. Return via Curmulee Creek as far as possible, then a ridge to the tops. Map: Krawaree 1:25000 Leader: Chris Leslie 251 6123(h) 251 3400(w). Transport cost about $15.

Saturday 1 February - Murrumbidgee - Kambah Pool to Pine Island - SIM A leisurely walk along the in the afternoon. Optional dips in the pools below Red Rocks Gorge and finishing at Pine Island with a BBQ. Map: A CT 1:100000 Leader: Vance Brown 251 3997(h).

Saturday 1 February - Durras North to Depot Beach - SIEIW From Durras North, walk past spectacular cliffs at Pt Upright and on to Depot Beach. Spend part of the day swimming and surfing. Map: Durras 1:25000 Leader: Janet Duncan 288 1398(h). Transport cost about $20.

February 1-2 - Round Mountain - MIE This circuit will follow trails in Kosciusko National Park from Round Mountain to Derschkos Hut. The return will be via Tongue Bend and Taplong Plain at Tooma Reservoir. Much pleasant high.country plains, valleys and rivers. Map: Khancoban 1:50000 Leader: Sue Vidler 254 5373(h). Transport cost about $26.

February 1-2 - Ettrema Gorge, in via Tullyangela, out via Transportation Spur - MIRIW This is a classic CBC walk in a wild and ruggedly beautiful gorge. There will be some compulsory swims, rainforests, sandy beaches, huge cliffs and numerous deep swimming holes. Map: Touga 1:25000 Leader: Chris Leslie 2516123(h) 2513400(w). Transport cost about $25. February 1-2 - Murrumarang National Park - base camp For those who wish to go on one or more of the coast walks below. This campsite is sheltered and near Dark Beach. You need to bring water. Also please bring plenty of gourmet refreshments for a feast on Saturday evening or see leader for a 'group-cook' (ie. cooking one course for 3-4 people). Map: Durras 1:25000 Leader: Janet Duncan 288 1398(h). Transport cost about $20.

Sunday 2 February - Dark Beach to Flat Rock Island - S/EM From our base camp, walk south to Dark Beach and swim/snorkel out to the nearby isalnd. It is possible to snorkel around the island so bring appropriate gear. If it is too cold we will walk along the attractive coast and view interesting rock formations. Map: Durras 1:25000 Leader: Janet Duncan 288 1398(h). Transport cost about $20.

February 8-9 - Mt Ginini - Leura Gap - L/M From Mt Ginini we shall traverse the ACT/NSW border southwards to Leura Gap. Camp will be made on one of the many peaks of the traverse. The return will be via the Mt Franklin Road. Some ups and downs on the ridge but the road walk is virtually all flat. Expect superb views of Namadgi and Kosciusko National Parks. Map: Cot/n Dam, Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 Leader: Richard Ba/n 257 4816(h). Transport cost about $11.

Saturday 8 February - Gudgenby River Gorge - Murrumbidgee Gigerline Rocks - M/M Walk from Smiths Road past Tharwa to a very attractive small gorge on the Gudgenby River, then over to the Murrumbidgee in the afternoon for a quick dip. Map: Willamsdale Leader: Chris Leslie 251 61 23(h) 251 3400(w). Transport cost about $5.

Sunday 9 February - Blue Gum Creek - M/R Starting from Booroomba Rocks, we drop down to a rugged section of Blue Gum Creek. There are many picturesque cascades as the water flows past boulders and a very good but little known waterfall. Map: Cot/n Dam 1:25000 Leader: Roger Edwards 2887863(h) 295 4598(w). Transport cost about $8.

Sunday 9 February - Blue Lake Circuit - L/E One of the classic day walks in Kosciusko National Park. Start from Charlottes Pass, out to Blue Lake, over Carruther's Peak and down to lunch at . Return to cars via Kosciusko summit. Map: Mount Kosciusko 1:50000 Leader: Gerald Dodgson 2549452(h) 263 2111(w). Transport cost about $25.

Tuesday 11 February - IT Collation at Rene Lays', 57 Shannon Circuit Kaleen. 6.00pm for BBQ, 8.00pm for Collation.

Thursday 13 February - Mt Taylor evening walk Meet by 5.30pm. Climb the steep SW slope of Mt Taylor, enjoy a meal at the top, admiring the Canberra metropolis below. Descend by circumnavigating the mountain. If it's very hot we will saunter up the mountain on the track, descend quickly and have tea. leader: Janet Duncan 288 1398(h) 286 2788(w). -

February (14)15-16 - Castle by moonlight. Holland Gorge. Talaterang - L/R Leave Canberra early Friday night (say 5:30pm), climb Castle from Yadboro by moonlight, and camp. Saturday, an early start, breakfast near Monolith Valley. Over Shrouded Gods, then Holland Gorge. Up the ridge near Dummal Creek to Talaterang, and camp. Round the middle level of Talaterang to Pigeon House Gorge. In deference to my advancing years we will probably omit the 1974 inclusion of Pigeon House. Map: CMW Budawangs Leader: Alan Vid/er 254 5373(h). Transport cost about $25.

February 15-16 - Orroral Valley - Smokers Gap - M/M From Orroral Valley car park, follow the trail up the valley and thence to Smokers Gap. Return via Emu Flat and Legoland. Lots of granite boulders, all shapes and sizes, with alluring passages. Map: Corin Darn, Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 Leader: Richard Ba/n 257 4816(h). Transport cost about $7. Sunday 16 February - Shoalhaven Blockup - optional lilo trip - S/M A short but steep descent to the to the Blockup Gorge. A float through the Blockup is a magical experience on very stilt waters. Best if you bring a lilo or any kind or floaties. Map: Caoura 1:25000 Leader: Vance Brown 2513997(h). Transport about $15.

Wednesday 19 February - Monthly Meeting, Dickson Library 8.00pm. Dinner at 6.00pm, at Cafe Pronto, Lonsdale St. Braddon, opp. Paddy Pallin's. Italian food, medium price - $9, BYO

February 22-23 - River and rainforests of the Budawangs - M/M-R On Saturday we will walk in through the Monolith Valley and the famous 'Green Room', follow upper Angel Creek rainforest (the best in the Budawangs) to the top of Crooked Falls, then descend into Hollands Gorge to camp. Sunday will mainly involve sampling numerous pools and beaches as we follow Holtands Creek through pockets of rainforests to join the Clyde River and return to Yadboro (we might beat last years' effort of 8 swims in 8km! GC) Map: CMWBudawangs, Corang 1:25000 Leader: George Carter 2512130(h) 2633549(w). Transport cost about $22.

Sunday 23 February - Umpteenth Annual Ettrema day trip - SIR A short walk to the cliff line for spectacular views then a short steep descent to Ettrema for several hours of lolling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Ettrema before a short steep climb up Rock Slabs Creek. A chance to see why weekend walkers like Ettrema. Map: Touga, Nerriga 1:25000 Leader: Alan Vidler 254573(h). Transport cost about $22.

Wednesday 26 February - Committee Meeting & IT Closing.

See coming issues of IT for more information (and Corrections) on future activities, including:

Feb 29-Mar 1 - Tuross Gorge - Allan Mikkelsen Mar 10 - IT Collation Mar 14,15,16 - Jagungal from Eucumbene - Sue Vidler Mar 14,15,16 - Hume and Hovel! Track, Buddong Falls - Jack Wise Mar 18 - Monthly Meeting, Dickson Library, 8.00pm. Mar 19 - Red Rocks Gorge - Janet Duncan Mar 22 - Rendezvous Creek GA 740483 - Roger Edwards Mar 21-22 - ShoalhavenlCorang Junction - Allan Mikkelsen Mar 25 - Committee Meeting & IT Closing Mar 28-29 - Mt Jagungal from Round Moutain - Jack Wise Lat March - Monolith Valley work weekend - David Campbell Apr 5 - Brindabella Ramble - Jack Wise Apr 7 - IT Collation Apr 11-12 - Get yourself to GR 706466 - Alan Vidler

Any additions or corrections to Chris Leslie please!

AN ADDITIONAL BIT Tuesday Nights in February Drive to Murray's Corner and pick blackberries, followed by a candlelit BBQ under the screeching cockatoos. Murray's Corner is 6km past the Cotter Dam pub, going towards Tidbinbilla. Contact Doug Wright for further information on 28141 48(h).

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations and Best Wishes are in order for Eddie De Wilde and Maribelle who were quietly married in October!

The RTA Great NSW Bike Ride On Tuesday 31 March 1992 the cyclists on the RTA Great NSW Bike Ride will have a rest day in Canberra. It is proposed that a couple of bushwalks be organised. These walks would vary from hard to easy, and cater for large numbers, so using fire trails would be most appropriate. If anyone is interested in organising a walk or assisting on a walk, would they please contact Jan Rowland on phone number 2396362(h). Alternatively you may be interested in participating in the ride! INFORMATION

Note: The Walk Secretary, Chris Leslie 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 2pm on Thursday. There is a Club limit of 16 on most walks.

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

Equipment: for Club walks can be hired from Roger Edwards 2954598(w) 2887863(h).

Library: The Club Library is held at the home of Keith Thomas, 26 Allport Street, Downer 248781 6(h) at 6- 7.45pm on the night of Club meetings.

Constitution and By-Laws: The Club's Constitution and By-Laws are published annually in IT. For access at other times, please contact the Record Keepe!.

Grading of walks:

(5) 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 ORGANISATION

S&R Contacts are: David Campbell 2469156(w) 2541511(h), Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h), 2643472(w).

Area Coordinators: Belconnen - Frank & Meg McKone 2541311(w) 2545902(h), Pat Miethke 2493085(w) 2412798(h), Inner Canberra - Keith Thomas 2819488(w) 2487816(h), Woden - Doug Wright 281 4148(h).

OTHER CLUB OFFICERS Roger Edwards 2887863(h) is the Check-in Officer, Rod Dalgleish 2813614(h), Norm Becker 2316061(h) and John Thwaite 2543193(h) are the conservation representatives, Vance Brown is the public officer, Alan Vidler 2545373(h) is the Club record keeper and Doug Wright is the Club archivist. Roger Edwards 2954598(w) 2887863(h) is the Equipment Officer.

TO ALL INTENDING CONTRIBUTORS TO IT!

Please hand your copy to the Editor by the advertised closing date!

If you want to put a walk on the program you MUST contact the Walk Secretary first so the program can be prepared by the closing date. CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB - MINIMAL IMPACT BUSH WALKING CODE (Last Changed - August 1990)

The need for long tracts of duckboard in the popular walking areas of Kosciusko and elsewhere to control erosion and damage to plant species, discarded drink cans and ugly campfire rings piled with tins and bottles, all testify to the impact recreationists have had on the environment.

Two decades ago care for the environment did not seem to matter much. We threw our cans on the fire or buried them. Now it is different. There are so many more people using wilderness areas. The code below, compiled from several sources, gives positive steps that we can take to minimise our impact on the resource that provides us with so much pleasure.

CAMPSITES

1.1 Use an existing campsite rather than make a new one in the same area. Setting up camp will be easier and additional ground cover will not be damaged. Leaders should limit the size of their party, especially in sensitive areas. 1.2 Bring your own tent poles or use dead timber. Never cut live trees for poles. 1.3 Use of sensitive areas requires special care. Do not camp in the catchment of glacial lakes.

CAMPFIRES

2.1 Fires should not be lit in sensitive areas, such as sub-alpine regions. Stoves must be used in high- use areas (note: in some areas, for example Tasmania, legislation prescribes "stove only" areas). 2.2 Use established firesites wherever possible. Distribute ashes and unused firewood. Spread leaf litter or soil over the firesite. In sandy soil bury ashes. 2.3 Use only fallen, dead wood for fires. 2.4 Don't make fires near trunks of trees, on roots, on peaty soil, or where the fire could spread. 2.5 Quench the fire completely. Keep water handy to control the fire should it spread. 2.6 Don't even think of lighting a fire or stove during a total fire ban! 2.7 Don't dispose of aluminium foil, plastics or cans by burning (note: some containers appear to be made of carboard but can be lined with foil). When in doubt carry it out! Don't dispose of other material unless the fire is very hot and you are sure that it will be reduced to ash. 2.8 Exercise care with stoves. Do not allow excess pressure which may cause safety valve ignition.

SANITATION

3.1 Bury human wastes. Take a trowel and dig a small hole well away from any open water. 3.2 If in snow burn toilet paper after use, (or use snow!). 3.3 Disposal of human waste at heavily-used campsites requires more effort. Go much farther away! 3.4 Wash well away from streams and ensure that soap, detergents and food refuse do not enter watercourses. When cleaning utensils use gritty sand rather than soap.

RUBBISH

4.1 Apply the "carry in, carry out" rule. This applies to orange peel, fruit cores, sanitary items, seeds and egg shells. Remember to take some plastic bags. 4.2 Before leaving a lunch spot or campsite check that no rubbish is left.

TRACKS AND ROUTES

5.1 Go in small parties and tread carefully to avoid damaging vegetation. Use stepping stones in eroded areas if available. 5.2 Limit walking in areas that have been over-used. 5.3 Minimise walking on loose ground, scree slopes, dunes, marshes and bogs. 5.4 Keep to marked or formed tracks. Do not take short cuts on zig-zag tracks.

FLORA AND FAUNA

6.1 Native flora and fauna should be left undisturbed. Do not kill snakes. 6.2 Do not take domestic animals on walks. 6.3 Report sightings of feral animals, illegal forest grazing or illegal use of protected areas (eg. wood cutting or removal of rocks) to park or forest authorities as appropriate.

NOISE

7.1 Radios and cassette players should be left at home.

IN SUMMARY - BE PREPARED AND BE INFORMED! Registered Publication No. NBH 1859 It undeliverable retuS, to P0 Box ISO, Canberya City ACT 2801 Post.9. SURFACE Paid CA NBERRA CANBERRA MAIL ACT 2601 BUSHWALK/NG AUSTRALIA J I CLUB INC.

Rest VALLAK '4 5 Fuliwocid St WESTON ACT 2611

COMMITTEE 1991 - 92

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