I CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB INC.

N EV\ISLETTER P.O. Box 160, Canberre City, A.C.T. 2601

Thi. 12 . .. SEF24BER 1'976 No.

Registered for posting as a periodical Category B Price 20o.

SEFTHVmER MEEP DIG: Annual Genera]. Meeting Wednesday 15th September at the Land. Use Research Meetings Room, CSLRO, Black Mountain- at 7.45p.m.

BUSINESS: . General Meeting and Annual Genera]. Meeting. Kiection of new Committee Deteznination of mebership fee; for 1976-77 Presentation of audited .Anrival Account;

FEATURE: 'Sbciaflzing- .:. .. ..

LEC2ION OF A NEW COHMINTEE

At last •, election of a new•--cmitteeZ We now have the opportunity to replace the deadwood1' with the energetic and jceen members. Some of us may not want to be on the new committee but we probably have, a few ideas on vtho...y;e would like to see fill particular positions. Encourage

them to help the Club in the coming year. ... . ...... . If you have been approached to take on a particular position, remember that no posiflon is nut solely by the indivith2al. There are many people waiting±o assist you. So anyway, before the A. G.M., think about who you would 1iie:to see on the new committee. Duties of the various positions are summarized b below. For further info please contact any member of. the present OOflUBitteQ.

PRESIflEZ1T: Co-ordinate individual sections of activity and give direction where necessary. Chair meetings and look after problem areas. Page 2 TB Septembel' 1976

VICE PRESIDENT: Arrange General Meetings, take on duties of the President when he is absent. Attend varrious sub-committees. Take bn any promotional activities of the Club.

SECRETARY; Attend to all inward and outward correspondence and follow up items requiring further attention.

MTh1}TES SECRETARY: Attend and take minutes at general meetings, committee meetings and, if necessary, any sub-committee meetings.

TREASURER: Maintain all books of accounts, regularly reconcile accounts with bank statements, make recommendations relating to financial matters to the committee and general meetings, give regular statethents on CIubfinances-r------

WAlKS SECRETARY: Provide a walks prdgraiñthe each month. Providé enthusiasm £ó±P nè*thdthb ato -lead vralks--d-trganise -walks jlanningj. evenings.

MTh!BERSHIP SECRETARY: Maintain club records of members, reply to enquiries from prospective members. -

SOCIAL SECRETiRY: Arrange the Clubt 5 social activities e.g. dltb dInner, - - Christmas dinner, Franklin weekend and general meetings.

CONSERVAIOg 0TICER: ---Co.-oMinate: ôonservation. issues. - Provide reports - to Club members. ------

MThIBER: ' - Take on the dutieC- of eny Comittee member if that member is absent.

EDTBORS: Publish the monthly magazine, encourage -thewriting of articles, arrange typing, duplicating, the collation and dispatch of ------r------thernagazine - -

iTote: Please use thenominattan:forms.atthe back of this issue - for.the election of office bearers of your choice. -

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* -- - - - AZfl3AL CLITh DBER * -- - - - - -. 29th SEPTTh!BER (viEuEsp

- - -- - - i-: * . tornithiight at the Canberra Yacht Club, Lotus Bay - "Canberra tpa- - 1i- ;-- -- Street- Map" Ref. W24 -

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-- Once again, the dinner will start at 6p.m. on Wednesday, 29th September, one week after the A.G.M. and will carry on to midmit. The three course dinner is a bargain for $5.50. Carafe wine is additional. Vegetarian food is also supplied. Sepbethbor 1976 IT Page 3

Persons wishing to come should either send their cheque through the post or, as a last resort, present their cash to me at the A.G.M. As a very last request from the outgoing Social Sec. - a plea - could you please purchase ycur tickets no later than the A.G.M. as bookings for the Yacht Club are required the day after the A.G.N?

Rene Lays Social Secretary xxx x g Xxx xx 3tWx-****4(-)E-*x4*)f*

THE BORDER RANGES NATIONAL PARK

The tern "Border Ranges National Park" applies to the central portion of the McPherson Range and a southern spur - the .

The McPherson Range itself is a spur of the . Along its crest runs the border between NSW and . From its watershed the Tweed River flows east, the Richmond and Clarence Rivers south, the Condanjine (source of the Darling) to the west, and tributaries of the Brisbane Rivers and the Logan and Albert Rivers flow north.

Unlike the Great Dividing Range, which is a broad dissected plateau, part of the McPherson Range consists of a chain of volcanic peaks, rising to heights of more than 1,200 metres,

The Tweed Range was formed in the tertiaryLperiod by a great flow of lava from the central vent of . It rises abruptly from the Tweed Valley, forming a continuous rock-rimmed escarpment, about 1 1 000 metres above the lowlands.

Moisture-laden winds from the Pacific Ocean are f.orced up over the Tweed Range escarpment, where some 3,750mm (about 150 inches) of rainfall is 'celieved to he prociitateñ annually. Rainfall is considerably less to the west. The combination of high rainfall and rich volcanic soil, on a range 700 kms. from the tropics, has resulted in a luxuriant growth of sub-tropical rain-forest on the wet uplands and in the gullies. On Lever' s plateau are found some of the largest remaining specimens of a wide variety of rainforest trees. The areas which the ACF, the Colong Committee, the National Parks Association of NSW, the Border Ranges Preservation Society, the Bru Bay Flora and Fauna Association and many other conservation groups seek to preserve is south of the border.

It consists mainly of Wiangarie State Forest, on the Tweed Range, and Roseberry State Forest to the west (which includes Lever's Plateau), and some adjacent lands. Linked with existing and proposed Queensland reserves, the proposed park would complete a chain of reserves, extending from the Great Dividing Range to the coast. The creation of the parks would mean the preservation of some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Commonwealth.

John Lever described the area

"The ertaordinary natural beauty of the McPherson Range, with its glorious mountain scenery, its unique rainforests, the enchanting scenery of the nitnerous creeks and waterfalls, the wild but beautiful gorges, delightful lookouts over the surrounding country ...... U

"The original 1,800,000 acres of rainforest in NSW, most of which was in the lowlands adjoining the Border Ranges, has been reduced to 200,000 acres. Most of the remaining 200,000 acres have been logged, Page 4 IT September 197 6

leaving a mixed growth of scrub and weeds. The only substantial unspoilt area remaining is the Border Ranges."

"In 1972, the Lull scale exploitation of the rainforest in the Border Ranges commenced.

"The destruction is continuing. At the time of y,riting,the articles for Habitat, the Forestry Commission was due to commence construction of a lgging road to Levers Plateau (July).

The above are extracts from the A.C.F. publication "Habitat" (Vol. 4 no. 3, August 197 6 ). In 24 pages (including photographs), the following topics are coversdt

Case for the Border Ranges National Park. Value of the rainforest. .3. The economics of logging. A society to fight fire with fire. Cempaigu alter canpaign. Forest - NSW North Coast style. The man who put trees before logs. Floods, erosion and weeds. The decisions of politicians. More does the A.C.F. stand on the issue.

A. C.F Membership plus subciptions for Habitat (6 copies per year) $i6.00 OR Subscription for Habitat $6.O0 OR Visit the Club's library and read the Club's copy of the article.

WE NEED VANGARIE ..... LEVERS PLATEAU

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PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

The results, as usual, were not pleasing to everybody but even so the 150 slides and 40 black and tite photos were very pleasing to most eyes. Results were as follows Slides Black and tite photos Category 1 Bushwalking Category 1 Bushwalking 1st Ken May 1st Peter Van der Duys 2nd Bob Harrison 2nd Rene Lays

Category 2 Ski-touring Category 2 Ski-touring, Overseas 1st Mike Paterson and others 2nd Mike Hinchey 1st Dorothy Brown 2nd Harry Black Category 3 Overseas and Others 1st Ken May Category 3 Character and Humorous 2nd Dorothy Brown 1st Dorothy Brown 2nd Reet Vallak Category 4 Character and Humorous 1st Ken May 2nd Feter Van der Duys

A judge's prize was added to the aboveand presented to Robin Miller f or hi photograph of Aspens in Category 2 of the black and whites. The $opteiber 1976 IT Page 5 judges felt that this plus the two prizewinners in that section were all of a similar standard.

So. far the feedback I have had seems to indicate that although it was rather nice to have internal unknown judges (although most know at least two of the judges) and it was a rather sociable evening whore participants didn't flinch from the professional photographer's comnents, it was felt that a cross between an internal judge and a professional comment was needed - so, a possible thouxt for next year. Another possible addition for next year is the inclusion of colour photographs0

Many thanks to the hard worked judges and also for their comments.

Rene Lays Social Secretary

THE CBC SOLAR ECLIPSE E)G'EDITION 1976 Next month a strange darkness will steal across the southern fringe of . Striking the African continent at dawn, a dark shadow will sweep eastward at more than 1600ian an hour, crossing the Indian Ocean and traversing southern Australia in the late afternoon, to .peter out at sunset in the Pacific north of New Zealand,

The eerie darkness will blanket the land in its path for up to three minutes in the striking spectacle of a total eclipse of the sun. Birds will crow and animals in the fields head for their sleeping places.

The 'un,ra' or full shadow cone of darkness will shade a path of about 160x:m wic running from the south east coast of South Australia through Victoria and across southern NSW. Large regions on each side of this path of totality will see a partial eclipse (the 'penumbra' shadow cone) with the moon covering only part of the sun's disc.

Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide will experience about a 90 per cent eclipse. A much smaller eclipse will be visible to millions in Africa, southern India, Indonesia, P, Fiji, New Zealand and even Antarctica. But a partial eclipse bears no comparison with the drwua of a total eclipse. As day turns to night and back to day again in the space cf.a few minutes, viewers in the zone of totality will he spectators of one of nature's most awesome phenomena0

As the sun blacks cut, 5 mall shining crescents dot the ground and rippling lines of light illuminate the landscape. Bright jewels along the edge of the obscured sun shine like a diamond ring. Long filaments of the beautiful solar corona stream into space and solar energy in the fern of incandescent gas bursts from the solar surface.

The hiding of the sun' s face has held a special fascination for man from his earliest days and the audden darkness of an eclipse struck terror into superstitious hearts. Believing that a great dragon was swallowing the sun, the people of India tried to frighten the monster away by beating gongs and sheeting arrows. Ancient Peruvians thrashed their dog3 so that the howling would scare away the evil spirits. Only a few centuries ago Europeans hid in their cellars. Pm eclipse once influenced history during a long war between the Modes and the Lydians in 585 BC. After years. of internittent conflict the warring armies, terrified by the onset of a full Page 6 IT September 1976 solar eclipse, called off their battle and made peace.

Our sun, an immense ball of glowing gas, lies about 150 million Ian from earth. With a diameter of about 1,205,000 Ici - twice the diameter of the moon's orbit around the earth - the sun's mass is 320,000 times greater than planet earth. Solar energy flows from a continuous thermonuclear reaction inside the sun at temperatures as high as 13 million degrees centigrade. The shining solar surface (the 'photosphere') we see in the sky 9 has a temperature of 6,000 C. Convection currents constantly churn the surface layer. Where the magnetic fields impede the rise of super hot material, cooler areas form. Less bright than their surroundings, we know then as sunspots. The moon is a large ball of rock orbiting the earth. With a diameter of 3,456 Ian, about one auarter that of the earth, it lies about 382,000 Ian distant. Minuscule by comparison with the enormous bulk of the sun, its location 400 trees closer makes it appear about the same size.

A solar eclipse takes place when the moon comes between the earth and the sun. The sun, earth and moon can only line up when the moon is in the same plane, that is the 'ecliptic', of the earth's orbital plane around the sun. But the neon' s orbital plane differs from the earth's by about five degrees and the moon only intersects the ecliptic plane twice in each lunar orbit. This intersection is called a lunar node. A solar eclipse therefore can only occur when a lanar node is at or near the new moon for this is the only time when the earth, moon and sun are in alignment.

Because the solar atmosphere (called the 'chremosphere') and the solar corona beyond it are half a million times less bright- than the sun's visible disc, they are normally hidden. They only become visible if the sun's light can be out off before it produces diffusion in the earth's atmosphere. This is precisely what happens during a total eclipse.

In a total solar eclipse, four 'contacts' take place. The first occurs when the moon's edge nicks the sun's disc. Because of the direction of t the lunar orbit we always see this contact on the western side of the sun. As the moon eats its way across the sun's face, the orb is reduced to a crescent. As the crescent becomes narrower, small crescent-shaped lights, shining miniatures of the sun, spangle the ground. The crescents are projected through natural apertures between leaves and branches of trees, on the seine principle as the old pinhole camera. A sunset glow now strikes the clouds and the sky darkens as at an approaching storm.

When only a thin crescent on the western rim of the sun remains, the entire landscape can be bathed in trembling, rippling lines of light called shadow bands. Striations of light and shade a few centimetres wide, they weave across the ground in waves up to 15cm apart. Shadowbands are the refraction of light from the disappearing solar disc caused by particles in the earh's atmosphere. About an hour after the first contact, second contact occurs at the onset of totality and the climax of the eclipse.

At the precise moment when the sun is fully eclipsed, bright points of light shine like a diamond ring along one side of a darkened sun. Produced by the last rays shining through valleys on the circumference of the eclipsing moon, they are called 'Baily beads' after the eighteeenth century astronomer, Francis Baily. At the beginning and a few minutes later at the end of totality, when the moon obliterates the last trace of visible light, a ring of rosy light, the chromospherew surrounds the blacck disc of the eclipsed sun.

The pearly white halo of the sun' s corona, one of the most beautiful of all natural phenomena, new shines like finely etched white frost against

ci September 1976 IT Page 7 the deep blue of the eclipse-darkened sky. Long tongues of the corona stream into space as far as several solar diameters from the sun' s surface. Sudden bursts of coloured light will flare behind the lunar disc if solar 'prominences' - rose-coloured patches of incandescent gas extending hundreds of thousands of kilometres into space - are presot. Not bright enough to light the sky, however, they leave the land engulfed in shadow. Tctality can last up to seven minutes or so depending upon the mechanics of the particular eclipse and the observer' s location on the path. In the coming eclipse, mcimum totality in Australia will be a little over three minutes.

Totality ends with the third contact when the solar brescent emerges once more. Baily beads appear on the opposite side of the sun and shadow bands dance on the ground again as darirness withdraws its cloak from the sky. The eclipse ends with the fourth contact an hour later when the moon-leaves the sun's eastern edge. In the October eclipse the period between first and fourth contacts will take a little over two hours,

The value of an eclipse, to science is that the moon screens the sun, allowing scientists to observe the sun's chromosphere directly. In particular, studies of the flash spectra provide solar physicists with a great deal of information on the solar :envi.ronment. Studying the chromosphere last century, a British astronomer identified an unknown chemical element which he called 'helium' (from 'helios', the Greek word for sun) and this gas was later identified on earth.

The 1976 eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for most of us. The closer we go to the centre of the path, the longer will be the time for observing the spectacle of totality. In NSW, Bombala, Bega and Merimbula all fall near the centre line. For these centres the onset of totality will be about 4.42pm on Saturday, October 23; the duration will be about two and three quarter minutes.

Scientists from Australia and overseas will set up observing points along the path. CSIRO and several universities are involved. Hundreds of Victorian schoolchildren will act as observers of anLnal reactions to the eclipse, a project organised by Monash university. This, the first full eclipse in Victoria since European settlement, will be the last on the continent until next century.

Hopeful viewers of an eclipse, however are sometimes frustrated by cloud as happened in Western Australia two years ago. Because of the sharp drop in temperature inside the shadow zone, cloud tends to form more readily than usual. The weather along the path of the coming eclipse is often changeable, with the sky on average more than half covered by cloud on October afternoons, So observers will depend in some measure upon lady luck. If the sky remains clear, however, those vieweres who go to the trouble to visit the zone of totality will experience a phenomenon that few will ever forget.

Warning: However a warning note must be sounded - safety precautions must be taken. Locking directly at the sun, even during the partial phaae of the eclipse, can damage the retina of the eye and cause blindness. Because the retina is insensible to pain, it is impossible to tell when daa.ge is taking place.

For safety, use a pinhole devico and view the image rather than the sun itself. This simple device can be made with two pieces of white cardboard. Punch a hole in one piece with a pin of pencil point, hold it above the second piece with the hole ainod at the sun so that an image of the eclipsed sun forms on the lower piece of Page 8 IT September 197 6

cardboa.rd This dovica is best made up in the form of a long open box3 the longer the box the larger the sun's image. Never look directly at the sun through the pinhole. It is only sale to view the eclipse directly during the brief time the sun is obscured completely and the corona visible. Telescopes or binoculars without special filters are particularly dangerous because they concentrate the harmful 5016r radiation.

Some may want to photograph the eclipse. Again..great care is needed. A firm tripod support is essential and a long focus lens needed if an image of good size is to be obtained. The light of the visible sun can destroy camera components so small apertures and neutral density filters are essential for all but the total phase. The lens should be shaded from the sun between exposures.

Don't view the eclipse through photographic filters; they transmit infra-red energy which can burn the eyes. Never look at the sun directly through a camera viewfinder. A safe viewing filter can be made from two thicimesses of ordinary black and white (not colour) film completely exposed to daylight and fully developed to maximum density. To align the camera on the eclipse, place this 'viewing filter' in front of the viewfinder, or, in the case of a single lens reflex camera, in front of the camera lens. Having lined up the camera, replace the viewing filter with the photographic filter but don't look through the view finder again.

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Let's orgsniso a 030 solar eclipse expedition to the zone of totality0 The eclipse occurs in the late afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 23rd and the weekend 23-24th Oct. has been reserved on the Club programmei We could choose any of a number of vantage points. A coastal base gives less chance of cloud and greater opportunity for additional activities over the weekend. We would have to chance our luck for a clear sky but the spectacle of a total eclipse is so rare and sc beautiful that the possibility of failure is worth risking. In any case, we can enjoy a great weekend at the coast, walking, fishing, swimming, singing and feasting. It could be one of the Club's most memorable trips ever. We might even run a photo competition for the eclipse. Hope you can come. Book early to help us organiso transport. -

Harry Black

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THE ADVERT ISNVIHcT SECT 1011

S2DSH0ES2LE SA1IDSHOESALE SJ]1DSH0ESALE SANDSHOESALE SANDSHOESALE SANDSHOE

The Club is able to obtain sandshces at wholesale prices if sufficient quantities are ordered. The prices are -

Dunlop 00's 35.95 Dunlop Internationals $5.15 Dunlop Hi-leaps $9.00 (approx,) Please place orders with Gary Modaris (H) 411579, (w) 496011 x332 or Noel Short 972811 after 2pm. September 197 6 IT Page 9

TASMANIA

Mdari' s annual pilgrimage to the Great Southern Land is on during late February or March 1977-

The trip will be of 2-3 weeks duration in the King illiam- Diamond Peak (optionai)-Spires, Dennison's area.

If interested in going please contact eithor, -

Gary Medaris 496011 x332 (w) 411579 (h) Bob Harrison 527911 (w)

FOR SALE

Snow chains for 13" wheels: Best Offer. Craig Allen

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TI-tEl .kLTEIINAT DIE BOOKSHOP

A bookshop with a difference... Visit the Alternative Bookshop, a few doors up from Paddys. Specialising in counter-culture, alternative life styles, radical social and political science, liberation literature and non-sexist childre' s books. Special orders taken - see Sandra Morton.

Phone 474459

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TIT BITS

"Since the time of Christ about one hundred kinds of mammals and about the same number of birds have become extinct. About 68% of these irreparable losses occured during the past century and 38% within the pact 50 years." World Wildlife Fund Report

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STOP PRESS

On the afternoon of the 7th August, a party of Club members constructed an igloo on the side of Bald Hill overlooking Lake Eucumbene (map ref. 551m'R407039). During that night an unidentified ape-like figure was se seen nearby, running in an easterly direction. Although bright moonlight it was difficult to estimate size as it adopted a shambling gait. However it is thought to be between 5 or 6 feet tall and of stocky build. As the beast was a silvery-white, it is thought that it is either naked or covered generally by smooth, short, pale hair. Next morning tracks were visible, but no clear imprint could be found as it had snowed lightly overnight. Page 10 H September 1976

The President of the Canberra Bushwalking Club who was still shivering from fright some hours later, after this experience, is considering leading an expedition to the area to locate this monster. To date there have been no volunteers0 Some conservationists oppose the idea. There has been some conjecture that it may be

a South Australian bunyip which has found its way upstream along the Murray, through the S.IVI.A. tunnels and into Lake Eucurabene.

a young Yeti brought back by some wanderer in Nepal,

a relative of the North American Bigfoot remaining in the little explored, steep and densely wooded country on the borders of Australia's High Country.

In any event, its nightly ramblings at the full moon bode some evil purpose although some claim it may have been searching for a mate. The public is requested to report any further sightings.

WALKS RJ10RTS

MYSTERY WALK - 15th AUGUST

A mystery walk is often as much of a mystery to the leader as it is to the led. In this case a -trip advertised as S4'I in "It" turned into S/H, for those who went back to the cars after about 6Iun, or 1VR, for those who walked a further 5km,

Twenty-three people set off from Gibralter Falls on this sunny morning, in the usual direction for the Club's walks - up. A steady climb through mainly open forest brought us to the top of the hill, at about 1300 metres. From this rocky outcrop we looked across to the Tidbinbillaa, still with some snow on them, and the more heavily covered peaks of Bimberi and Gingera. There were a few patches of snow on our own hill. We rested here for a while, had something to eat or drink, argued over the species of an animal skull someone fol?nd on the way up, and had discussions on how to use a map and compass.

After a while it was time to set off again, and we headed south towards another high point, about 600 metres away. Then we followed a ridge to the south-west, with views of White Horse Flat far below, and descended a steep and scrubby hillside to a spot near one of Gibraltar Cmek's tributaries, vthere we had lunch.

After lunch we had another scrub bash along the creek, in spite of the tempting presence of a fire-trail near the lunch spot, and Alan Vidler's efforts to win his own "White ant of the year" award. Once we had crossed Gibraltar Creek the party split. Those who had had enough went back to the cars, while the eleven who wanted more crossed the Corin Dam road and set off towards the dreaded Pyramid.

However, the southern face of the Pyramid proved somewhat disappointing. While as steep as the northern side, it was much rockier and easier to climb and the top was only about 100 metres above the saddle. We stopped for a September 1976 IT Page 11 brief period on top 9 then descended the nero formidable northern side. Tony Rent and those who prefer to run down steep hills had to wait at the bottom9 while the slower membors of the party descended more carefully.

We took a fire trail to the Corin Dam road near Woods Reserve. From here we followed Gibraltar Creek upstream along an overgrown track through some very thick scrub. After the track petered out we started rock- hopping along the creek through an attractive gorge, having only a few miner soakings. in the falling light. As we approached the Falls, the rock-hopping turned into rock-climbing, but those of us who preferred not to climb Gibraltar Falls found a path leading to the top and the cars.

It was an enjoyable day, although more energetic than expected.

Jeff Bennetts

SCABBY-GTJENBY - 7-8th AUGUST

A cool and windy day greeted our party of five as we stepped from Gaiys car at Gudgenhy Pine Forest equipperwith a slighly different assortment of gear than for a normal bushwalk in the middle of winter. All members had snowshoes; three pairs were made from synthetic fibre- glass and two pairs were home-made from steam-bent cone and twine. Keith said Terry J. had a new two-layered nylon ultimate snow tent while the rest of us carried only one fly, five groundsheets and assorted bits of cord between us. However, what we lacked in sheltering gear we made up for in warm clothes and ingenuity.

Our walking route led us through the ss.ddle soubh of Gudgenby, down to Nass Creek, along the fire trail to Sam's Creek and lunch, then up the ridge towards Scabby. This latter part of the trek entailei breaking a trailthrough the snow; a chore at which our leader Gary excelled himself.

Upon reaching the lower valley below Scabby we decided to camp rather than proceed to the upper valley because there was considerably more shelter from the cold westerly which was blowing. Bob and I set about building a snow shelter using logs, snow, two ground sheets and the one tent fly while Gary scavenged for wood and water beneath the snow. A discussion on whether to scrape all the snow out of the shelter or whether to use it to level the floor resulted in a semi-level (?) but cold floor. Disparaging remarks from Gary proved unworthy of our efforts as the shelter survived the night and proved to be a cosy abode. Keith and Terry J. also found their exotic tent quite serviceable and comfortable as was apparent when they overslept in the morning.

Sunday dawned, clear and bright without a cloud in the sky and hardly a breath of wind. Snowshoes were used to get to the top of Scabby where views of the surrounding nearby mountains of Kelly, Gudgenby, Murray, Bimbeni, etc. as well as the farther distant Tinderrys end Round Mountain could be seen and enjoyed. Morning tea at the night's campsite preceded the snow-shoe trek back to Sam's Creek by all but Gary who had mangled his snow-shoes beyond repair. "The price of leadership", we all said,

From Sam's Creek, Keith and Terry J. returned to the pine forest and the car on the four miles of road along the Nass while Bob, Gary and myself decided to climb up through the rocks to the top of Gudgenby. 17hat with Page 12 IT September 1976

the deep snow cover, this proved to be an intercsting experience. "Lot's try to the right" was followed by "perhaps the left is netter" or "Gary, yu 1 re crazy, that s verticaji" A route was finally negotiated to the somewhat windy top where a fire was built and lunch consumed under a rock overhang0 The clinb to the trig via the tree was followed by the traditional descent down the 300 foot sloping granite slab on the east aids of Gudenby. This sloping rock slab was reminiscent of stories of Ayers Rock but had been made slightly more treacherous by patches of ice and snow. With much slithering, sliding, falling and fumbling, we finally made it safely to below the snow-line where the route and method of descent once again returned to the normEl methods.

Back at the car, a fire and tea were made while we awaited the return of the road walkors Discussions held around the fire soon made it clear that this weekend already held a special place in the hearts of all and would be remembered as having been one of the more exhilarating, exciting and interesting. It was suggested that this could be made into a memorial snow-shoe and snow-shelter trip so that others migtt enjoy the experience in the future.

Lyle A. Burgess

BUSH SONGS

The next bush songs evening is on Wednesday, 6th October at Peter Van der Buys' abode, 9 Soc Plaoe, Outin. All welcome, bring a musical instrument if you are that way inclined.

****X X X X XX September 1976 IT Page c, WALKS PREVIEWS Bungonia Gorge (M/M) Saturday, 11th September (Caoura 1:31680) A walk no one should miss. We'll descend from the plateau via the Ef flux Track, pass through the deepest limestone gorge in Australia, and come up again via Mt Ayre. Optional extensions of the walk may be made along Bungonia Creek, upstream to the feet of Jerrara and Bungonia Falls, and downstream to the Junction with the Shoalhaven River. Bungonia Caves (S/M) Sunday, 12th September An introduction to caving. No specialised equipment is needed, but ring the leader to find out what you should bring. The caves we .will visit are: Grill Cave. An old tourist cave. Very extensive. Chalk Cave. Have not seen this one, but it's supposed to be quite, interesting. Holland's Hole. (Optional) - people can go through it, but more suited to emaciated snakes. Not hard, just tight. Jeff Bennets Tidbinbilla Ridge - Sunday 12th September David is blind and wants to go bushwalking. This trip will leave from the carpark and go up the firetrail to the top of the ridge and maybe along to the end of the ridge - Canberra can be seen from the top. Those with sight may follow the ridge westwards to the peak. Members who know others who have not much sight and may wish to stretch their legs are encouraged to bring them along. Wendy Davidson Mt Walman - Bluegum Creek -Booroojtha Rocks, 18-19 September A medium/easy stroll arriving at Booroomba Rocks on Sunday morning - just in time to meet John Street for his abseiling. NOTE: if you want to participate in abseiling activities you must add your name to the 'Beginners Abseiling Trip list. Introduction to Abseiling and Belaying Techniques - Booroomba Rocks, 19 September Starting from the track near Honeysuckle Creek tracking station, a short walk to Booroomba Rocks, where instruction in belaying and abseiling will be under- taken. Numbers may be limited, depending on the availability of ropes and instructors. I will allocate groups to anyone who would kindly volunteer to instruct in the art. I will take no responsibility for anyone's instruction apart from my own. Participants should wear sandshoes or climbing boots and neither too loose clothing (which catches in karabiners) nor too tight (or you won't be able to bend). Leather gardening gloves and a thick shirt (to avoid rope burns on the shoulder) are advisable. Distance 45k. John Street Goobragandra - M/M - 25/26 September A long descent on a broken cart to scrubby halls where Dubbo Falls. A very base base camp will be reached by an early lunch (i.e. at least 2nd morning tea). Strenuous side trips will be available' for those inclined. Others however may sit by the river and see sights.

25/26 September .- Iglooing in Wilkinsons Valley or on the Abbots Requirements: igloobuilding tools such as snow shovel or pruning saw. Pair of rubber gloves or spare gloves for the construction work. Insulated sleeping mat, not lilo. October Long Weekend - - M/M - (1)2, 3, 4 October: The Bungles are actually not as far away as people think. The distance is about 550 km., but it is virtually bitumen road all the way, good 100 km/hr September 1976 IT Page

type bitumen. In other words the Bungles are only 6 hours away (with decent cars possibly closer) which is about the same distance as Nadgee. This walk is guaranteed different: scenery is spectacular, walking is generally open and easy, and there is peak-bagging for the peakbaggers We will try to avoid the tourists who should (unfortunately) about, by going in via Paddy Gale's bore: (blimbing the, rare Topduren Spire, and camping at Middle Spirey, creek and Mag Mell). . One possibility to flake the trip more comfortable is to leave midday on

Friday Any takers 7 T.A.J.

Rogers Hill, CinchCreek, Ettrema, Jones Creek. (6)9, 10 October [List will be collected 1.30 p.m., Thursday] The.road'being what it is, cars will be left 2km beyond the gate and we will ; walk about. 10 km on Friday night '[full moon]. . The descent into Ettrema is via Manning Saddle, Perryman's Falls and the big boulders of CincbCreek. Then we shall walk upstream along the pleasant banks to Jones Creek. 1. 'Once above the spectacular falls, the return to the cars can be either by the Wombat Parade or, if time permits, by rock-hopping up the creek. Swimming should not be compulsory.

Saturday, 9 October - Ski Tour Day trip from Thredbo to Guthega via Kosciusko, Townsend, Carruthers, Twynam - weather permitting. Needs some car shuffling with afew cars being taken to Guthega.on Friday night. Possibly spend Saturday night in YMCA Ski Club Lodge in Guthega. It is a long way, requiring an early start and skiing experience.

Bendora Road - Cotter River S/B October 17th A 6 km walk, mainly along fire trails, near the Cotter River downstream of Bendora Dam. There is some altitude variation along the route, but this sqalk would not be suitable for experienced bushwalkers. .

Marble Arch - M/E 24 October Marble Arch is on a tributary of Moodong Creek. The walk starts by wading across the Shoalhaven River and is mainly on a fire trail from then on. It is also intended to .make a short detour to the Big Hole. 7'bout 12 km. Ian Pollard

Cloudmaker - Tiwilla : N/N - 30/31 October Leaving Friday evening, camping in caves at Kanangra Walls, Walking from Kanangra walls around Crafts walls, Gabes Gap, High & Mighty, Stormbreaker, Rip, Roil, Roar, Rumble to Cloudmaker & Hundred Man Cave on Tiwilla. The 'trip may extend to the Kowmung if the Witchdoctor puts pressure on the leader. Bring along your broomsticks and witches hats.

Wombeyan Caves S/B, November (1920-21 A bludge weekend with car camping. The programme I have in mind is as follows, but it could be varied slightly:, Friday p.m. Camp near Mittagong Saturday a.m. Drive to Woitibeyan Caves along a very scenic road. Cave inspection. . . Saturday p.m. Walk. Campfire Follies. Sunday a.m. ' ' Walk, Sunday p.m.. Cave inspection.. Drive back to.Canberra via Taralga. Jeff'Bennets September 1976 IT Page

CHANGE OF ADDRESS ANDREW THOMPSON c/o Commonwealth Bank, 8 Old Jewry, London, E. C.2 U.K. HENRY BURMESTER, Jeffersonian Apartments #38, 2401 Arlington Blvd., Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.A. 22903 SIMON GITTINS, e-11 Student Residences, C.C.A.E., Belconnen, A.C.T. 2616 GEOFF WOOD, 2 Laseron P1., Mawson, A.C.T. 2607 Y.H.A. ASSOCIATION ( Region), do Griffin Centre, Bunda St, Canberra City NEW MEMBERS ACCEPTED

JOAN HAYHURST VERNON DUNNING PETER FRYLINK

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT: Alan Vidler, 56 Woolner Circt., Hawker 2614 (11)545373 (W)525110 PRESIDENT: Adrian Hobbs, 12 Bland Place, Stirling 2611 (W)496011

SECRETARY: Elizabeth Morey, 71 Discovery St., Red Hill 2603 (H)958639 (W)632584 MINUTES SECRETARY: Wendy Davidson, 13/137 Blarney Cres., Campbell 2601 (W)489972

TREASURER: Bob Harrison, 15 Luchrnann St., Page 2614 (W)542518 WALKS Gary Medaris, 35 Cullen St., Watson 2602 (H)411579 (W)496011 SECRETARY: x 332 MEMBERSHIP Barbara Graham, 15 Cosgrove St., Curtin 2605 (H)814537 (W)733555 SECRETARY: SOCIAL SECRETARY: Rene Lays, 28/137 Blarney Cres., Campbell, 2601 (W)488922

CONSERVATIONDan Buchier, 9 Bingara Place, Fisher, 2611 (11)887031 (W)632465 OFFICER: MEMBER: Mark Cox, 64 Dryandra St., O'Connor, 2601 (11)498568 (W)832222 EDITOR: Russ Bauer, 105 Stornaway Rd., Queanbeyan, NSW 2620 (W)980237

OTHER OFFICERS ARCHIVIST: Thea Exley AUDITOR: John Hogan EQUIPMENT John Holtzaptfel, 32 Daglish St Curtin 2605 (11)815817 (W)818245 OFFICER: FEDERATION Warwick Blayden REP: LIBRARIAN; Terry Jordan, 64 Dryandra Street, O'Connor 2601 KEEPER OF Rene Lays LABELS: S & R OFFICER: Bob Galloway

TYPISTS: Sandy Mary Carter

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REGISTERED FOR POSTING AS A PERIODICAL CATEGORY B Price 20 September 1976 IT Page

CANBERFA BUSHWALICING CLUB SEPTEMBER 1976 Election of Office Bearers, 1976/77

I would like to nominate ...... , a Club

member, for the position of ...... for 1976/77

Nominator (Block Letters)

Signatureof Nominator ......

Seconder (Block Letters)

Nominee (Block Letters)

Signature of Nominee -

TO BE HANDED TO THE RETURNING OFFICERS: ROBIN MILLER JOHN HOGAN

CANBERRA BDSslAi a CLUB SEPTEMBER 1976 Election of Office Bearers, 1976/77

a Club I would like to nominate ......

for 1976/77 member, for the position of ......

NOMINATOR (Block Letters) ......

Signature of Nominator

SECONDER (Block Letters)

Signature of Seconder

NOMINEE (Block Letters)

Signature of Nominee

TO BE HANDED TO THE RETURNING OFFICERS: ROBIN MILLER JOHN HOGAN IT September 1976 ACIIVITiES PIUGRAME Appendix Page 1

Date Activity Grade Leader

September 11-12 Big Badja - Woila Cloaring - Eurumbene Mt M/R Gary Medaris Cobargo (W)49 6011 .1:100,000 • Sat. 11 Bungonia Gorge (2 day trips &/or weekend) M/M Jeff Bennetts Caoura • Sun. 12 Grill Cave, Chalk Cave, Hollands Hole S/M (N) .47 0022 1:25,000 • Sun. 12 Tidbinhilla Ridge S/E Wendy Davidson Brindabelia (w) 489972 L:100,000 Sun.. .12 South Black Range (walk No.8 CBC Walks near Canb) Leader Required Araluen 1:100,000 Wed. 15 GENERAL & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Election night, CSIRO Tally Room * 18-19 Mt WaIman - Blue Gum Creek - Booroomba Rks M/E Alan Jid1er Tantangara (W) 52 5110 1:100,000 * Sun. 19 Beginners Abseiling Trip - Booroomba Rocks John Street (H)47 3497 Sun. 19 CR1 TOUR - Guthega-Chalet via Spencer's Creek H/F Ma::y irter (H)47 5813 * (snow permitting) 25-26 c.00bragandra M/M Ann G. Jordan Brindabella (w) 48 0066x267 1:100,000 * 25-26 .. SKI,TOUR iglooing Wilkinson's Valley H/M Reet Vãllak Kosciusko or the Abbotts (W) 88 1111 1:100,000 Sun. 26 No±th Tinderry from east (from Big Tinderry H/M Leader Required Michelago farmhouse) ... 1:100,000 Mon. 27 Committee Meeting -. 56 Woolner Circuit, Hawker Thurs 30 IT closing date. October * (1)2,3,4 wrrumbunq1es Variable.. Terry Jordan Warrumbung Long vi/e (N) .49 3679 les Walking * (8)9-10 Rodgers Hill-Cinch Ck - Ettrema - M/R Joan Rigby Touga/ Jones Creek Nerriga * Sat 9 SKI TOUR Thredbo to Guthega L/M Sun.lO Lit Corce M/M Geoff McVeigh Brindabella (W) 46 2211 1:100,000 Mon.11 IT collation - 17 Hobbs St, O'connor (to be confirmed) (15)16-17 Ithan Yunis-Bcndethera Area M/R Mike tierrony (W) 81 9384

* S':n. 17 vs Toad - Cotter River z/u Jeff Bennets Brindabolla (W) 47 0022 1: 100, 000 Wed. 20 GENERAL MEETING 23 - 24 Harry Black's Weekend - Solar Eclipse 23 - 24 Weddin Mountains M/M Ann & Terry * sun. 24 Marble Arch M/E Ian Pollard Araluen (W) 46 5377 L100,000 (29)30-31 Happy Jacks Road-Doubtful Gap, Jackys L/M Mike Merrony Lookout, Jagungal, Round Mountain (W) 01 9384 * (29) 30-31 Cloudmaker - Tiwilla H/M Ann G.Jordan Gangerang (W) 48 0066x267 November (19)20-21... Wom.beyan Caves . - S/t JeffBnnet . (W) 47 0022 -

* See previews September 1976 IT Appendix Page 2

GRADING OF WALKS:

Distance: Short (S) - under 12 km/day

Medium (M) - 12- 20 km/day

Long (L) - morethan 20 km/day NB: Every 100 m. climbed or dropped rates 1 extra km.

Conditions: Easy (E) - fire trails, good tracks, open forest or beach

Medium (M) - bush tracks, alpine walking, some scrub or rock-hopping

Rough (R) - substantial scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambling, or wading of streams

Wet (W) - compulsory swims (canyon bag essential and will be advised in walks preview), li-loing, or numerous river crossings.

BOOKING FOR WALKS: Must be made on the appropriate sheet at Paddy Pallins shop, Northhourne Avenue Civic, by 5 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the trip. DO NOT TELEPHONE PADDY'S TO BOOK. DO NOT TELEPHONE THE LEADER UNLESS UNAVOIDABLE. The Leader of a scheduled trip will be at the designated starting point of a trip regardless of weather. Pets should not be brought on trips without permission from the leader.

TRANSPORT COSTS: Are offset by a system whereby everybody contributes to the cost of running vehicles. These costs are based on figures of 5.5 cents/km for cars under 1700 cc capacity; 7.0 cents/km for cars over 1700 cc. In practice this works out about 1.8 cents/km/passenger.

EQUIPMENT FOR CLUB WALKS: Can be hired from John Holtzapffel (U) 81 5817 (W) 81 8245

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Registered for Posting as a Periodical Category B Price 20