CA NBERRA BUSH WALKING CLUB INC. NEWSLETTER P.O. Box 160, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601

Registered by Post: Publication number NBH 1859

VOLUME 28 NOVEMBER 1992 NUMBER 11

MONTHLY MEETING

WHERE? Dickson Library Community Room

WHEN? Wednesday 18th November 1992, 8.00pm

WHAT? John Webster will give an illustrated talk on the different kinds of birds one is likely to see when bushwaiklng In the local area.

Before the meeting, Join Club members at 6.00pm for a pleasant soclai dinner at the Vietnam Restaurant (the one on the corner) In the O'Connor Shopping Centre, bring your own wine.

PRESIDENT'S PRATTLE

The Namadgi Pmject is now well under way and by special events such as the auction or slide competition. the time this is published the first work party should If you have enticing slides or any suggestions of topics have put in a lot of labour at Cohn Dam. If you have and/or speakers, please let the Social Secretary or other any suggestions for other efforts we can put into committee member know. Namadgi please speak to the Pmject Coonlinator Mike Morriss or the Conservation Officer Paul Wallace. Allan Mikkelsen

As mentioned in the September IT, all Cub members can get a free membership until April 1993 of the PLANNING AHEAD "Paddy Pallin Cub" which offers discounts and other benefits. To take advantage of this offer (I already Early in the New Year your Bushwalldng Club is going have!), take your current IT with your address label to to run some training workshop sessions for YOUR the Paddy Pallin shop and they will enml you on the benefit, in the following:- spot. PLEASE do not ask the shop assistants to check your membership by phoning the Membership *basie navigation skills Secretary - his job is onerous enough already. Several *packing for a weekend walk other outdoor equipment suppliers in Canberra will also -how and what to pack, including tips on what give a discount to Cub members on proof of sort of gear is good, reliable etc membership - again usually a current IT with your *food ideas name on the label. *seareh and rescue training (more advanced walkers) *first..aid training (St. John weekend certificate course). The Club monthly meetings for the year are usually a mixture of outside speakers on a subject of interest, a Please contact Sybille if you have experience and are Club member showing slides of a stimulating trip, and willing to assist in any of these sessions. CORIN DAM WORK PARTY Post Christmas Walking

A party of 6 joined ranger, Joss Hailbien, at 9-30 am, I originally intended to run a four day walk in the just as the soggy blanket of cloud had lifted. After Brogo area starting on Boxing Day. However, some discussion of the day's ojectives, the tools and there are now (at least) two other suggested Irips - techniques, we started track making on the mountain Paul Wallace's to the Kowmung, and the McKones' loop. By the middle of the afternoon quite a lot of to Ettrema. Both of these are appealing to me and I scrub had been cut and most of the initial track thought to cancel my planned trip. However, each of marking had been completed. Mother larger work these trips requires taking leave on the two Public party on 21st November should see the mountain Service working days between Christmas and New loop completed and work started on the river loop. Year and I am not sure whether I will be able to do this. A word of warning - as in any part of the Australian bush, the Corin Dam site has its share of venomous If there is anyone else interested in a four day walk beasties. We observed one snake mbably a brown), (or slightly shorter) that does not involve leave I will two large black spiders (trapdoor or funnel web) and program such a walk in the December IT. My plenty of bull ants. Luckily no one was bitten, but preferred destinations are either the Brogo or Ettrema future wok parties should take the precaution to as they meet my two essential criteria for a work always with gloves and even long trousers on. post-Christmas trip - plenty of good water and not many other people about. If you are interested in The next work party is 21st November, bring joining me in either of these areas (or have yourself, with gloves, a hat and lunch. All the tools alternative suggestions) please contact me after I required are provided by Namadgi National Park, but return from Nepal on 15 November and before the a couple of mattocks and a pick would be useful. closing date for the December IT (25 November).

Mike Morriss Allan Mikkelsen 254 0764(h) 264 3472(w)

Membership Matters MT KELLY & MT NAMADGI

Prospective Members On Friday night, as I strolled with my mate through Floriade, admiring the tulips, poppies and marigolds Ian and Lucinda Turland, 39/116 Blamey Crescent, etc, I quietly pondered in the warm spring air on how Campbell, ACT 2601; 2475627(h). Michael Body, pleasant it would be tomorrow, wandering through 12 Barton Court, Barton, ACT 2600; 2733527(h), the hills and valleys of Namadgi National Park. 2506826(w). Susan and Roy Daniell, 29 Strong Place, Emu Ridge, NSW 2617. Anne Chikali- In the morning I awoke to observe that the ground Westcott, 7 Coobina Place, Fisher, ACT 2611. was wet Dark foreboding cloud covered the entire sky. As it was not actually raining, and as I have New Members missed out on several walks in the past by calling them off too early, I decided with trepidation, to go The Club welcomes Anne Burke, Michael Davis, Liz for it. There was a group of five of us plus two teddy Cran and Christopher Reid. bears. Using my 1985 Gregorys Street Directory that I had acquired free, I gave the other driver, DJ Prospective member seeks accommodation - ambiguous instructions on the meeting point. Maurice Wicks came on my walk to the Notwithstanding we all arrived at the scheduled time. Tuggeranong Aboriginal Sites on Sunday 18th October. He is originally from New Zealand and has We parked the vehicles at the Boboyan Pine Forest spent some time in Melbourne and Adelaide and is gate and walked along the fire trails to visit Franks now looking to what the ACT and its environs have Hut. Franks Hut is a well preserved hut that could be to offer a keen and experienced bush walker. He is better classified as a house. The main resemblance also looking for accommodation with like-minded to a hut is the thick heavy odour of smoke that people. So if you have a mom to spare at your place permeated throughout the entire building. give Maurice a call at his work place 2807088 and talk it over. - Mike Morriss Continuing, we followed the creek up to the saddle south of Mt Gudgenby before descending the creek 3 on the western side. When the cloud lifted briefly two to wait for us in the middle of the swamp under the summit rocks of Mt Gudgenby emerged. The a tree. rock faces on the western and southern faces of Mt Gudgenby are particularly impressive. From the rocky summit plateau we had extensive views of the surrounding mountains. The boulder Lunch was consumed at a camp site on the Sams covered Mt X to the south of us was particularly Creek trail on the northern side of Sams Creek. The imposing. Within five minutes of reaching the top it creek had lots of water flowing and it was started to rain. We had left our wet weather gear in considerably wider and deeper than normal, our packs below so we had an incentive to quickly necessitating wading across. MK scouted around and descend. Arriving back we found a note advising discovered a log across the creek that provided him that the others had departed, it having being very with a dry passage to the other side. cold, wet and miserable waiting for us.

We continued north up Sams Creek and through In pouring rain and hail the three of us trudged several small swampy sections to the basin south of through Bogong Gap and contoured around Mt X Mt Kelly. Mt Kelly stood out impressive and through thick wet scrub. Progress was slow and foreboding. Several patches of snow were observed difficult. The plan was to contour around till we on the rock slopes. The clouds were swirling around came to the southern ridge of Mt X and hopefully the top occasionally hiding the summit from our find less scrub to combat. When we actually came to sight the ridge we had a 600 metres of clear going before the undergrowth again took over the terrain. MK elected to walk across the saddle and proceed direct to Rotten Swamp. The rest of spent the next About a kilometre from the farm paddocks we hour bashing through the scrub to the top of the stopped for a jelly bean break. It had been too wet to mountain. The final 20 metres of the mountain was stop for a lunch break. Lo and behold DJ and MK now enshrouded in cloud so the hour long slog up emerged from the forest behind us. was rewarded with no views and a cold chilling wind. We departed immediately for Rotten Swamp. We soon emerged from the scrub. Walking across the Dark thick cloud followed us down the mountain and paddocks was sheer bliss after spending the previous it was a race to see if the cloud would beat us to five hours to walk seven kilometres through scrub. camp. We found MK and pitched tents beside the The last obstacle was the swamp near the pine forest. swamp. The swamp was only knee deep but who minds when we had already spent most of the day in the rain. The clouds became blacker and there was an ominous rumbling sound in the distance with flashes We noticed from the walks register that H another of lightning. It started to rain lightly. DJ who had CBC member was out riding his bike on this brought a fly only and MK who had brought an old miserable day along the fire trails to Smiling Rock. nylon tent, combined their resoumes to their mutual advantage. Around 6pm a number of thunderstorms Roger Edwards passed directly overhead. It bucketed down for several hours and the mountains reverberated with the sound of thunder. The swamp was continually lit THAT ELUSIVE BLACK COOLA up by huge flashes of lightning. FIVE DAYS WALKING IN THE First to rise in the morning was SB at 5.30 am. SB BLUE BREAKS disappeared into the swamp with his camera and emerged back at camp at 7am. In contrast to the Black Coola lies on the north-eastern rim of a section previous nights weather the day started out bright of the Broken Rock Range, a plateau remnant which and sunny. An hour later however the clouds started sends fingers spreading north and east towards the to roll in. Mt Namadgi became wrapped in clouds. It stored waters of Warragamba Dam. It is difficult of was decided to forget this mountain and head out to access, partly because of its distance from access the cars. points, partly because of the steep, scrubby slopes and cliffs which surround it and also because of the As we started to cross the swamp the cloud lifted unreliability of the water supply on top. I had tried from the summit of Mt Namadgi so CR, SB and to get there in three, then four days to and from myself decided to walk to the top leaving the other Yerranderie; surely five days would be enough. The 4 thought of dragging a six day pack up and down lunch, basking in the sunshine and admiring the those steep slopes is too exhausting to contemplate! views of the not-so-distant Burragorang Walls, the southern aim of the stored water and Yerranderie Our party of ten (Alan, Grahame, Margaret, Jenny, Peak, to name but a few features. Lunch was Geoff, Nick, Chris, Peter, Frank and myself) left followed by a four hour compass march along the Canberra on the Thursday night before the October crest of a winding ridge to the northern end of Lacys. Long Weekend for the long five hour drive to We stopped a few times to photograph the unusual Yerrandelie, an old, almost deserted silver-mining and spectacular flora, and have a peep over the town in the southern Blue Mountains. Next morning diffline at the Axehead Range, our route back to the we were away before eight, walking down the fire cars on the final day. trail to the , one and a half hours away. Here we received our first intimation that things Lacys Tableland is the only place where I have seen might not go smoothly - as the Tonalli was a mere the woody pear (Xylomelum pyriforme), whose string of pools, what were our chances of finding inedible pear-shaped, pear-sized fruit is covered with water on the plateau top where we planned to camp a rusty velvet which in older seed cases disappears to near Black Coola? leave a hard grey-brown surface. Woody pear plants look very 111th wEatahs, to which they are related, However, the pools were good enough to collect and the seed case develops in the spring. The water for our trek over Lacys Tableland, and we waratahs of Lacys were blooming late this year, but were on top of Tonalli Pass in time for an early we managed to find a few worth photographing.

Two walkers admiring the spectacular scenery of the Blue Mountains

It was four o'clock by the time we reached the end could go wrong now - a dangerous thing to say, of Lacys, giving us a little more than two hours to since we were soon to drop off the western side of fmd the route through the diffline and down the the spur and find ourselves above a low but long and winding spur to Green Wattle Creek before dusk. impassible clififine just as the light began to fail. We found not one, but two ways through the western Visions of a dry night on a forty degree slope were cliff about a quarter kilometre back from the point beginning to form in our minds when we found an and cleverly negotiated all the twists and turns until easy pass, and a steep slide down a loose slope we were a mere hundred metres or so above the brought us to the creek bed. It was dry! Further creek. This caused Grahame to remark that nothing inspection revealed a few small pools and we found 5

enough tent sites on the big bend below Green still in mist, and once again all went well (including Wattle Saddle to set up camp before it became a ten foot slide down an eighty-nine degree mud completely dark. slope) until the last hundred metres. To reach camp, we had to fmd the track through the cliffline which Next day we were happy to be able to sleep in. runs several hundred metres along the creek, but There seemed no point in hauling our packs up the when we reached what should have been the right five hundred metres to the top of Broken Rock spot on the point of the spur, everything looked Range for a two night camp if we had little chance different in the wet and the mist. What was that of finding water up there. Some people found better creek curling back to the north instead of the south? tent sites for the remaining two nights we were to Consulting the map only further confused us, as it camp in this spot, and we spent a few hours in the seemed to put us on a spur we knew we could not afternoon exploring downstream. Having usually possibly be on. By now it was after four and with passed through in a hurry, I was pleased to have time familiar visions of a night out on a cliff, this time in for a good look around, and found that large the wet, we backed up the spur and began traversing, stretches of the creek banks are a haven for trying out the cliff at intervals. Finally, to our Eucalyptus deanel, the beautiful, tall, straight-trunked immense relief, Grahame called out that he had tree of the Blue Gum forest. The bird life was found a way through, and we were soon in Green prolific, and at night we fell asleep to the growling Wattle Creek a few hundred metres below our of possums. campsite. Dinner was interspersed by showers, attempts to dry our wet clothing, and an astonishing On Sunday morning we arose early and left just after discourse on The Phantom, provided by Nick, egged seven for our attempt on Black Coola. We had on by Alan. eleven hours of daylight left. Two hours were spent reaching the southwestern point of the plateau above Next morning we had time to finish drying out Green Wattle Saddle, quite a difficult mute involving before we began the half day trip up Green Wattle some very steep, loose stretches. We thought the Creek to our final campsite at the junction of Bull final diffline might involve some genuine Island Creek. Once again, I appreciated having time rockclimbing too. Grahame and Chris, suffering to have a good look at the scenery and vegelation from climbing withdrawal, managed a creditable around us. This stretch of creek includes a beautiful pitch, but the rest of us were happy to find an easier little caulyon with several turquoise blue pools, large, mute on the other side of the nose. Finally we were full and clear even when the rest of the creek is not standing on top under a grey sky, wondering if it flowing. Some of us took the opportunity to wash might rain, and digesting the fact that Black Coola off some of the sweat and grime from the previous was still seven kilometres away. three days. We camped mid- afternoon on a bank beneath a magnificent blue gum, and had time to We headed north, sidling the cliff edge, along a wander a little further upstream to discover more of nanvwing ridge top. To our left, rain squalls were its fellows. starting to drift in over Kanangra Walls, Cloudmaker, and the valleys of the Coxs and Kowmung . It The mute from Green Wattle Creek over the was a most spectacular view, from the Axeheads in Axeheads is one of my favourite days' walldng. We the south to Mt. Solitary and Katoomba in the north, left before seven on a cloudless morning and were on made more dramatic by the changing greys and blues top in under two hours. The mute over the top as the showers passed across different sections of the offers some fine ridge walking with views from landscape. Underfoot was the most extensive display Kanangra Walls in the west, past Guouogang, of exquisitely perfumed pale pink bomnia that I have Cloudmaker and the Wild Dog Mountains, to the ever seen. Finally, on a peak just past the saddle Broken Rock Range and Lacys Tableland in the east. north of Bmken Rock Mountain, we decided to call Once again, I gazed down on upper Green Wattle it a day and had lunch looking out onto the Coxs Creek and thought how interesting it looked with its River Arm of the stored water and the southern end low cliffs and patches of rainforest, but once again I of Kings Tableland. We could see the full stretch of had decided on the high route. In addition to the the Southern Blue Mountains. wonderful views and spring flowers, the ridge is made more interesting by some rocky scrambles and We returned in the rain, somewhat concerned about narrow ledges over exposed cliff faces. But all good finding our way back to camp in the declining things come to an end, and we finally found visibility. It had stopped raining by the time we ourselves in Byrnes Gap contemplating the seven reached the descent, although the mountain tops were kilometre mad bash back to Yerranderie. So once again, Black Coola has eluded me. Will I but made no move towards the campsite. ever try again? In over the Kowmung and Butchers Creek perhaps? It doesn't really matter. It lies in a I decided then and there to get dressed, pack up wonderful stretch of wilderness, which remains wild quickly and walk back to the highway. I kept one because of its very remoteness. eye on the bears as I gathered up my tent and other gear. I think they were as stunned as I was and they Meg MeKone made no move toward me and eventually slipped away into the bush.

BEARS and BACKWOODS Later that day I recounted my story to the ranger at Yosemite Village. He said he felt the beam had used A Cautionary Tale from North America the old ploy of one standing on the other's shoulders to gain the necessary height. "You mean these bears Continued from the October IT are taking a vacation from the Moscow Circus to hone their skills on hikers like me?" It must have There before me was a scdne out of a "The Far Side" been the Australian accent but I didn't get the cartoon. Two sets of eyes blinked back at me in the slightest reaction to my query. "Don't suppose you torch light - two bears, invisible except for the whites could give me a description of these two bears" he of their eyes which shone back at me from a square said as he started filling out a bear incident fonn. of inky blackness. The torch further revealed a pile of empty and torn food packets and stove; and pieces Shaking my head I went off in search of something of torn foodsacks fluttered in the tree like forlorn to eat and a bear free place to lay my head .....the prayer flags. I was very annoyed! end.

To the bears, this sudden apparition, a vision David Cregan splendid in long johns, raving and waving his arms about, must have seemed very bizarre indeed. Initially they were very reluctant to give up these Equipment Officer unexpected gifts from above. Then fearing the worst they ambled off to seek safety behind a large tree Roger Edwards has been the equipment officer for neathy. some time but now finds he no longer has sufficient space to store all the equipment. So if you have some There I stood barefoot in the frost, there they hid space in your house or garage and would be prepared pretending they were somewhere else. I kept up a to take over this job for the Club, please contact tirade of abuse until suddenly I realised that "this Roger or one of the Committee. It is not very was a very stupid thing to do". These bears were onerous and mainly involves keeping a few tents, capable of being very dangerous when separated packs etc. and making these available for hire to from food. All the best advice was to let them have members or others going on Club trips. it and not to get between them and a meal. However, I realised I was committed now so I let then know my feelings with a few well-lobbed stones from the fireplace. The bears then moved away into the trees.

It was time for some stock taking. There I was robbed of all my food, frightened half to death and at least a day's walk from the nearest mad and probably further to the nearest store. I then discovered amongst the debris left by the bears one Twinings tea bag, a jar of Vegemite and an Australian Airlines refresher towel. At least I could greet the rapidly arriving day with a cup of tea and a clean face.

Gathering all the paper and assorted rubbish and dry timber from the forest floor, I quickly lit a fire on which J made tea and disposed of all that remained of my supplies. The bears kept watch from a distance 7 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 wads, the number 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 1Lse if cars are only partly filled. Park entry peimits are likely additional costs.

Check-in/Contact Officer for the Club is Roger Beddis 2303348(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.

Saturday 14th November - Corang Lagoon and Corang Peak - L/M Longish, but fairly fiat and mostly on tracks. We'll whiz along the Wog Wog track to the loll around the pools at Many Rocks Ribs for lunch, then bound up the conglomerate slope and admire the splendid views from Corang Peak, and then trudge back to the cars. Map: CMW Budawangs. Leader: Pat Miethke 2412798(h) 2493085(w). Transport cost about $15.

Sunday 15th November - Nursery Swamp - StE An easy walk in a sub-alpine valley, including a visit to a rock shelter with Aboriginal paintings and a stone axe quarry. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000. Leader: Mi/Ce Morriss 2886947(h) 2893258(w). Transport cost about $7.

November 14-15th - Mt Morgan and Half Moon Peak - M/M This is a superb alpine mountain at 1874m, somewhat akin to Mt Jagungal in extent, located just outside the ACT border in KNP. Approach via Oldfields Hut Wildflowers should be emerging. Map: Tantangara 1:100000. Leader: Richard Bain 25748 16(h). Transport cost about $20. -

Wednesday November 18th - Monthly Meeting 8pm at the Dickson Library, dinner 6pm at the Vietnamese Restaurant at the O'Connor Shops, the one on the corner BYOG.

Saturday 21st November - McKeahnie Falls by bike - M/M I propose to pedal bicycles from the Orroral tracking station to a spot about 2km short of Cotter Flats. From there we will dismount our bikes and follow McKeahnie Creek up to a little known and picturesque waterfall. A mountain bike and puncture repair kit are desirable as the road is rough and there are steep inclines. Map: ACT 1:100000. Leader: Roger Edwards 2887863(h) 2954598(w). Transport cost about $7.

Saturday 21st November - Corin Dam Track Project Work Party - M/E We will continue wok on the walking track under the supervision of the ranger Ross Hailben. Participants should bring gardening gloves and long trousers. It would also be useful if a couple of people brought along mattocks. Other tools will be provided Map: Corin Dam 1:25000. Leader: Mike Morriss 2886947(h), Transport Coordinator: Richard Bain 2574816(h) 2664899(w). Transport cost $7. Party at 123 Kalgoolie Crescent, Fisher at 8pm for participants.

November 21-22nd - , Martins Creek Canyon - M,'M A relaxed trip through two scenic gorges just north of Mittagong. Both gorges are flanked by massive 200m sandstone cliffs and Martins Creek Canyon has pockets of rainforest, cascades and some idyllic pools. The morning bird chorus is the best I've heard. Substantially on tracks with some boulder scrambling in Martins Creek. Maps: Hilltop and Nattai 1:25000. Leader: George Carter 2512130(h) 2633549(w). Transport cost about $25.

Sunday 22nd November - Billy Billy Rocks - S/M Starting from the Corin Dam Road at Smoker's Flat we will walk to Billy Billy Rocks, a collection of huge granite boulders which afford good view over the surrounding area. Map: Corin Dam 1:25000. Leader: Sybille Winberg 2824325(h), 2643908(w). Transport cost $6.

Wednesday 25th November - Committee Meeting 8pm at Roger Beddis's, Guraguma, RMB 1701, Ginninderra Road, Sutton.

Saturday 28th November - Mt McKeahnie - MIlL A 600 metre climb from the Corin road to Mt McKeahnie to survey eucalyptus perrinania (spiry gum) recently discovered at the summit. Anyone with some botanical experience would be welcome. Map: Corin Dam 1:25000. Leader: Murray Dow 2574371(h) 2495028(w)

November (27)28th-December 1(2)nd - The Annual "Wonderlux" Bushwalk - Lake Tarli Karng, Victoria - S/E Tarli Karng is a naturally dammed lake, occurring as a result of a rock slide on the Wellington River in the Dreamtime. "Wonderlux" bushwalks are an annual event, held in early summer in Victoria. Each year we attempt to cover as little distance as possible to maxiinise our appreciation of every centimetre covered (and because a gourmet pack weighs a tonne!). Maps: Ask Leader. Leader: John Kyat: 2382517(h) 275 1028(w). Transport cost approximately $80+.

November 28-29th - Tabletop Mountain - M/E-M From Kiandra set out along the Tabletop Mm fire trail, camp on Broken Dam Creek and return via Four Mile Hill fire trail and Eucumbene River. We shall make short side trips to Four Mile Hut and old gold mine diggings. Maps: Cabramurra and Denison 1:25000. Leader: Richard Bain 2574816(h). Transport cost about $25.

November 28-29th - Shoalhaven - Dynamite Pass - Tryers Creek - M/R/W A highly scenic circuit from Badgerys Crossing, into Billy Bulloo's Canyon, out via Dynamite Pass then over the tops to Tryers Creek. Sunday will involve a long rock hop back to the Shoathaven. Map: Caoura 1:25000. Leader: Chris Leslie 2516123(h). Transport cost about $15.

Sunday 29th November - Camel's Hump - M/E-M Whilst steep in parts, this is a moderate walk on the fire trial to the Camel Back ridge, for outstanding views over the Cotter and Tidbinbilla valleys (12.5kms return). Suitable for beginners. Map: Tidhinbilla 1:25000. Leader: DeLIi Williams 2581645(h) 2506200(w). Transport cost about $5.

Saturday December 5th - Brandy Flat Hut - StE An easy walk in Namadgi National Park, all along fire trails, to a picturesque bush hut where we will have lunch. Map: 1:25000. Leader: Sharon McAuhiffe 2851505(h) 2442222(w). Transport cost about $8.

December 5-6th - Mt Murray, Mt Birnberi - M/M A combined CO CINPA walk. Approach via Oldfields Hut as this is the shortest and easiest way to climb the ACT's highest point at Mt Bimbeii, and the sister peak of Mt Murray. I intend to sleep at the summit of Murray. Fuel stoves only. Map: Tantangara 1:100000. Leader: Chris Leslie 2516123(h). Transport cost about $15.

December 5-6th - 3rd Annual Endrick Falls to Shoalhaven Junction - M-L/RJW This year we'll do the trip in reverse, starting at the falls, go downstream to the Shoalhaven, camping on the way. On Sunday we'll return via Douglass Paddock and a car driven in. A solid trip with much • rock hopping and some compulsory swims. Like rock hopping or don't come. Map: Nerriga 1:25000. Leader: Alan Vidler 2545373(h). Transport cost about $17.

Sunday December 6th - Tidbinbilla Mountain to Fishing Gap - M/M Climb 700 metres for good views of the Brindabellas and back to Canberra. Then walk along the Tidbinbilla range to Mt Domain and down to Fishing Gap (short car shuffle). Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25000. Leaders: Chris Reid 2811827(h) and Rob Gray 2921285(h). Transport cost about $5. Tuesday December 8th - IT Collation 8pm at the home of Brian MacLeod, 14 Nepean Place, Macquarie.

Thursday December 10th - Murrumbidgee Evening Walk - S/E We will walk along the Murrumbidgee from Kambah Pool to an isolated area near Red Rocks Gorge, starting at about 6.00pm. We will have an evening meal by the river with an opportunity for swimming. The return will be by track after dark by the light of the (just past) full moon - bring a torch in case of cloud. Map: ACT 1:100000. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h) 2643472(w). Bookings by 5.00pm Wednesday please.

Saturday 12th December - Mt Palerang - SIE Mt Palerang is a nice peak not far from Hoskinstown. It will involve a short slog up the hill in the morning, followed by a return along Mulloon Creek which has a few nice swimming holes. Hoskinstown, incidentally, is the site of a working bee to be held on Sunday the 13th. Basic victuals will be supplied Saturday night, Sunday breakfast and lunch. BYO drinks and gourmet add-oris. Map: Bombay 1:25000. Leader: John Kyan 2382517(h) 2751028(w). Transport cost about $7.

December 12-13th - Canoe flat - - M/M From Badgerys Crossing, downstream on the Shoalhaven river to a pleasant white sandy beach with superb views of sandstone cliffs above. Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning will involve relaxing, swimming, eating reading, drinking tea, and short side trips. Map: Caoura 1:25000. Leader: Richard Bain 2574816(h). Transport cost about $15.

December 12-13th - Rivers and rainforests of the Budawangs - M/M On day 1 we will visit Monolith Valley and the famous "Green Room", follow the magnificent Upper Angel Creek rainforest to the top of Crooked Falls, then descend into Hollands Gorge. Day 2 will feature much swimming and lazing around delightful pools set in rainforests as we follow Hollands Creek and the Clyde River to Yadboro. Map: Corang 1:25000. Leader: George Carter 2512130(h) 2633549(w). Transport cost about $22.

Sunday 13th December - Big Hole and Marble Arch - S/E We will visit the limestone sink formation at the Big Hole and then travel on to Marble Arch with its interesting small river cave formation for a gourmet lunch. Suitable for beginners. Map: Kain 1:25000. Leader: Debi Williams 2581645(h) 2506200(w). Transport cost about $14.

Sunday 13th December - Moonlight Supper and Christmas Carols at Legoland - S/Very Easy Walk from the site of the old Honeysuckle Creek collimation tower to Legoland (10-15mins). Enjoy a gourmet feast as the sun sets over Namadgi, and maybe even send a few Christmas carols echoing down the valley. Bring a torch, food and wine. Meet at Tharwa at 4pm. Map: Corin Dam 1:25000. Leader: Janet Duncan 2881398(h). Transport cost about $8.

Wednesday December 16th - Christmas Barbecue This will be held at the Yarralumla Nursery. The gates will be open from 6pm.

Saturday December 19th - Kambah Pool to Casuarina - M/M We will walk along the track from Kambah Pool to Casuarina Sands, this is longer, more of a challenge and harder to follow than the Kambah Pool to Pine Island section. The sandy area near Jew's Corner which provided a pleasant lunch spot last year when the river was cold and high should be even better with normal river conditions. Map: ACT 1:100000. Leader: Vance Brown 2513997(h). Transport cost about 5$.

Sunday December 20th - Gingera Wildflowers Walk - M/E-M Walk from the Mount Ginini carpark to the summit of Gingera via Stockyard Arboretum for good views of the ACT and Kosciusko National Park. There should be early summer wildflowers in abundance. Map: Corin Dam 1:25000. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h) 2643472(w). Transport cost about $10. 10

Christmas-New Year - South West Cape - Tasmania - MIM We will fly into Melaleuca and do a round trip to South West Cape and back. I plan to stay on to do more wailcing, so you may join me or return to the mainland early January. Leader: Chris Sinkora 2871033(h) 2506902(w)

December 30th - January 2nd - Kanangra Walls, Circuit - M/M A classic summer trip in some of the world's best walking country. Plenty of time for swimming, fishing or just being lazy. Great scenery, gmat campsites. Maps: Kanganra and Yerranderie 1:25000. Leader: Paul Wallace 2592556(h) 2778316(w). Transport cost about $35.

Saturday January 2nd - Charlottes Pass to the Sentinel - M/NI This is a highly scenic walk on the Main Range out across a narrow, exposed (but safe) knife edge ridge, and up to a prominent peak set in the middle of the huge chasm between Townsend Spur and Watsons Crags. It is one of the grandest viewpoints in the Kosciusko region, iSOOm above the Geehi Valley. Some late snow drifts possible. Return via Blue Lake. Map: Koscitisko 1:50000. Leader: Chris Leslie 2516123(h) 2513400(w). Transport cost about $25. -

Wednesday January 6th - Molonglo Gorge Evening Walk - S/E An evening walk starting at about 6.00pm through Molonglo Gorge and Kowen pine forest. We will stop for a meal beside the river and if it is a warm evening there will be plenty of chances to cool off in the river. The return will be after daik by moonlight so bring a toith. Map: ACT 1:100000. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h) 2643472(w). Bookings by 8.00pm Tuesday.

January 9-10th - Blue Lake - S-MIE-M Jindabyne for coffee and pastries, followed by a stroll from Charlottes Pass to Blue Lake. Camp will be made on the eastern side of Mt Twynam. Sunday will entail a walk along the Main Range to Mt Kosciusko and back to Charlottes Pass. Fuel stoves only. Map: Kosciusko 1:25000. Leader: Richard Rain 2574816(h). Transport cost about $25.

Tuesday January 12th - IT Collation Venue to be announced.

Sunday 24th January - Bungonia - A float through the Blockup - M/M/W From the Trestle track at Bungonia, we proceed down to the Shoathaven River, and on to a section with 100 metre plus cliffs an no banks, called the Blockup. An optional paddle can be had into this gorge, and back, on deep, still and flat water. There may be optional side trips into Fordham Canyon and Spring Creek, both being spectacular side canyons. Bring illos, surf mats, flippers or anything that you can float on, or assist you to swim. Map: Caoura 1:25000. Leader: Chris Leslie 2516123(h) 2513400(w). Transport cost about $15. : January 23-26th - Jagungal Circuit - MIM Come to the high country and avoid the summer heat. This trip will take in some of the less frequented parts of the Jagungal area as well as Mt Jagungal itself. Map: Khancoban 1:50000. Leader: Paul Wallace 2592556(h) 2778316(w). Transport cost about $25.

Comin2 Walks - See future issues of IT for more details about these walks.

Saturday 6th February - Murrumbidgee - Gigerline Rocks - S/M/W February 6-12th - Canoe Trip - Gleneig River, Victoria/S.A. - LIE (includes leisurely 2 day trip each way, visting Rutherglen wineries on the way back) February 6-7th - The Castle by Moonlight - M/M February 20-21th - Murramarang coast walk - WE March 12-14th - Barrington Tops - MIM Sunday 4th April - The Three Peaks - MIM Sunday 9th May - Mount Palerang and South Black Ridge - M/M 11 INFORMATION

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

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 and that 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 2487816(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 Keeper.

Grading of walks:

(5) Short - under 12km/day (E) Easy - firetrails, tracks, beaches etc. (M) Medium - 12-20knilday (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 2722025(w) 2541511(h), Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h), 2643472(w). Area Coordinators: Belcormen - Pat Miethke 2493085(w) 2412798(h), Inner Canberra - Keith Thomas 2819488(w) 2487816(h). Woden - Doug Wright 2814148(h).

OTHER CLUB OFFICERS

Roger Beddis 2303348(h) is the Check-in Officer, Rod Dalgleish 2813614(h), Alan Vidler 2545373(h) and Elizabeth Maher 2811823(h) are the conservation representatives, Paul Edstein is the public officer and Doug Wright is the Club archivist. Roger Edwards 2954598(w) 2887863(b) is the Equipment Officer.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLYI

In the interests of greater environmental responsibility, the Committee will continue to print IT on 100% recycled paper.

We are still waiting for cost effective unbleached 100% recycled paperl Regtered Publication No. N Bk-i 1859 if undetiverabs return to P0 Box 160, Canberra City ACT 2601 Postage SURFACE Paid CANBERRA CANBERRA MAIL ACT 2601 J 1'r BUSH WALKING AU&RALL

Reet VALLy 5 Fu1,,00 St WESTON ACT 2611

COMMI1TEE 1991 -92

Work Home Fax PRESIDENT: Allan Mlkke4sen 2643472 2540764 VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER: Janet Duncan 2862788 2881396 2862955, SOCIAL SECRETARY: SyblIle Wlnberg 2643908 2824325 CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY: DavId Campbell 2722025 2541511 WALK SECRETARY: Gerald Dodgson 2632850 2549452 2633868 ASSISTANT WALK SECRETARY: Roger Beddls 2303348 MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Roger Edwards 2954598 2887863 MINUTE SECRETARY: Sharon McAul1ffe2442222 2851505 EDITOR: Vance Brown 2464092 2513397 2464000 PUBLISHER: ElIzabeth Maher 2936632 2811823 CONSERVATION OFFICER: Paul Wallace 2778316 2592556

MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES: RING ROGER EDWARDS ON 2887863(h)