THE BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. NEWSLETTER it GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 VOLUME 40 January/February 2004 NUMBERS 1-2

FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 18th Ski Mountaineering in the Yukon Speaker: Nic Bendeli Nic (a past member) will be sharing his slides on his recent ski mountaineering trip to the Yukon Territory (Alaska) to climb Mt Logan. Come and see snow and glaciers, tents and igloos, skis and sleds. For further information check www.netspeed.com.au/bendelin Robertson Room, St. John's Church Constitution Avenue, Reid Make the most of the evening and join other members at 6.00pm for a convivial meal at the Vietnam Restaurant, 8-10 Hobart Place, Canberra City (opposite Canberra House Arcade, next to Aussie Home Loans) Try to be early to ensure there will be ample time to finish and still get to the meeting in good time have cleaned out a lot of blackber- did everything wrong; had to PRESIDENT’S ries and other rubbish so that some borrow a jumper from someone to PRATTLE walks normally difficult due to avoid dying of the cold and ended scrub will be easier for a couple of the day with a badly sprained years. ankle. I shall book now on her Welcome to the New Year, its Dromedary weekend as I have tried challenges and opportunities. I Perhaps the most important group to book on it three times in the past hope you all enjoyed the Christmas in the club are its leaders, without without success and I missed it break. I know that many of you whom there would be no club. again last year because of other did walks during that period. I had Last year four people took the commitments. Christmas on the Overland Track plunge and led their first walks - between Cradle Mt and Lake Bob Vickery, Michael Robbins, Chris Leslie has led about 130 club St Clair in Tasmania, with snow on Lucinda Prickett and Diana Terry. walks but he moved away for a Christmas night. I did the first walks led by both while so new members may not Michael and Lucinda and I was on know him. Now he is back and if I look forward to a good year’s Diana’s second. I will catch up you like off track, Chris is your walking. We should see Namadji with you soon, Bob. man. I met Frank Bergersen soon returning. You can see evidence of after coming to Canberra in 1979. this in Di Thompson’s lovely book, I am also pleased to welcome We were colleagues in those days Ring of Fire, which records Sylvia Flaxman, Chris Leslie and but not bushwalkers. I have done photographically the beginnings of Frank Bergersen back to the several of his recent walks and renewal in Tidbinbilla, Namadgi leaders’ list. Sylvia led my first hope to do more. and Kosciusko. At least the fires club walk in March 1995, where I

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 1 I invite prospective leaders to In addition each team will need a Risks and Obligations form which contact Rob Horsfield. Start with digital camera and GPS. must be signed. something simple and go on from I am also looking for someone to I will move the following motion at there. I led my first walk, Boxvale, co-ordinate catering as we might the club’s February general with some trepidation but two long gather at Orroral Valley for a short meeting: time leaders, Janet Edstein and celebration at the end of the day. Chris Roper, came that day to see ‘That the club endorses the that I didn’t do anything too stupid The main objective will be to updated ‘Guidelines for Partici- and it went well. It wasn’t long check the status of track, and locate pants in Club Activities’ and before I tried a second and a third. and photograph markers and any ‘Guidelines for Leaders’ as It grows on you. Leading is an areas needing attention, eg erosion published in the February 2004 extra responsibility but it is also problems. IT’. extra fun. All information will then be I seek your support for this motion. Come along to the General compiled into a report and a cd of Meeting on Wednesday, 18 all photos will be given to the park Stan Marks February at the Robertson Room, management. President St John’s Church, Reid, for a More information will be provided presentation by Nic Bendeli on his at the February Monthly meeting. Trip Report recent trip to Alaska. Even better, Mount Gingera join us beforehand for a meal with John Thwaite Sunday 14 December 2003 your walking friends at our regular Conservation Officer eatery. And read the stuff on duty A party of 15 led by Stan Marks of care issues elsewhere in it and Membership drove into the Brindabellas through be ready to add your views to the severely burnt trees where the only discussion. And please also read Matters sign of life was at ground level. the article elsewhere in it on the From the carpark at 1,660m on inspection of the Australian Alps Prospective members: Lea and Mount Ginini, we walked along a Walking Track. Contact John and Michael Baltzinger, John Cowper. fire trail, in the shade of snow offer your services for 20th March. gums where fire had burnt scrub Roger Edwards but not the canopy. The forest Stan Marks, President Membership Secretary floor was carpeted with flowers including billy buttons, white and Alpine Walking Track Duty of Care yellow daisies, and orchids that “Mega” Inspection Documentation looked like violets. Prior’s Hut and the adjacent arboretum were Saturday 21 March 2004 untouched by fire. At the May 2001 general meeting, As outlined in the December it we the Club endorsed two documents, Brilliant emerald jewel beetles propose to undertake a complete entitled ‘Guidelines for Participants studded the track up to Mount inspection of the ACT section of in Club Activities’ and ‘Guidelines Gingera. Our hot 200m climb was the Australian Alps Walking Track for Activity Co-ordinators and rewarded by extensive views which starts at the Namadgi Leaders’, which address duty of including the snow clad Main Visitors Centre and ends at care issues. They set out in some Range. Thank you Stan. Murrays Gap on the NSW - ACT detail the things a person needs to border. There is approximately know regarding leading and taking Cynthia Breheny 50ks of track to be inspected and I part in Club walks. Copies were propose that it be divided in to 5 distributed to all leaders and Notice of Motion sections and that we form into 5 members at the time and have been teams of 5 people with the provided to all new leaders and following tasks At the February Meeting it will be members since. moved:- 1 team leader - Although only 2 ½ years old, these That the club authorize the 3 team members documents are now out of date in committee to spend up to $130 per 1 transport person - responsible for many places as a result of changes year for domain registration and transport of the team to the starting within the club and outside it. commercial hosting of a Canberra point and collection at the finishing They have been updated in Bushwalking Club website. point, (several 4x4 or AWD particular to reflect the fact that we now have an Acknowledgment of For explanation, see "The Club vehicles would be useful). Website" on Page 9.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 2 Hills) in 1899 and, about four writings of great thinkers; Dunphy An Alpine Tale kilometres away, the Dunphys to joined a library where he read only Annandale in 1907. works on exploration. Sixty years ago this year the goals Both boys had done well in Having set upon their chosen paths of two men were achieved and an geography at school together with the comparisons in their lives alpine national park came into history (McKell) and descriptive diverged. fruition. Though they lived worlds geometry (Dunphy). Whilst both McKell joined the Labor Party in apart their formative years were not families regularly attended church 1908. In his later years Dunphy snr all that dissimilar. (Mrs McKell was a devout resided in Redfern and joined the Though he had spent most of his Anglican, Mrs Dunphy a devout Labor Party and occasionally did life in the city, William McKell Catholic) neither lad retained an typing for the party. Possibly he had concerns over the problems of interest in adult life. knew the young McKell who, in erosion and poor water supply. (He Both fathers left their respective March 1917, was elected to the seat had practiced soil conservation at families, forcing their eldest child of Redfern. his own small property in the to leave school and assist in McKell, who married early in Goulburn district from 1933). As providing an income, for McKell 1920, became a barrister, Premier Leader of the Opposition McKell this occurred in 1904 when he was of , then announced, in April 1941, his plan thirteen, for Dunphy (15) this was eventually GovernorGeneral of for the re-organising the rural 1907. Australia. Dunphy, who married in industry. McKell came from a sporting late 1925, gave a life's worth to In January 1942 McKell, now family and, in regular contact with conservation. Premier, spent ten days inspecting his father's brothers, had some Dunphy had argued that there was Australia's high country by car and paternal guidance. He played sport no peoples' reserve of useful size horseback. Appalled at the at school and had a lifelong interest between Mark Morton's Bun- devastation McKell instructed his in all aspects of sport. McKell saw danoon-Tallowa Reserve and the officers to review the current the visiting English cricketers Victorian border. McKell's desire grazing practices. (1901-02) and subsequent British for a park was primarily aimed at Myles Dunphy, and his National football and cricket teams thereon. protecting the catchment of various Parks & Primitive Areas Council, The larger Dunphy family had major streams. (From about 1934/5 had been working upon the concept hardly any support. Dunphy doesn't the State had experienced a of a Snowy-Indi [Rivers] Park from really comment upon his sporting succession of very severe droughts about 1931. Having set aside this activities at school - only starting a reaching their maximum intensity work for the duration of the War cricket team with the local in 1938, 1940 and 1944). Dunphy then received word that his Annandale lads as a means of McKell also dreamed of a scheme plan would be favourably received burning off energy. Dunphy had to transfer westwards the waters if submitted by June 1943. Upon only a slight interest in sport. that rushed east from the Great receiving the report McKell McKell was employed as a Dividing Range, and ultimately to announced, in September, that he messenger boy until he turned the establishment of the Snowy would set aside 506,250 hectares, sixteen when he was indentured to Mountains Hydro-Electric an area 160 kilometres long by 35 be a boilermaker - five years to Authority. Dunphy identified and kilometres wide. complete his apprenticeship. prepared the plans for a number of The Department of Lands Dunphy hold various day jobs national parks throughout the State. proceeded to draft the bill which, whilst attending night school in Most, if not all, were eventually despite obstructions, passed both architecture - a nine year course. It adopted. Houses and came into effect in should come as no surprise then Sir William McKell died during mid-1944. that each daily walked to work to 1985. Nineteen days later Myles Both men were born in 1891 - save the tram fare. Dunphy OBE passed away. I am McKell the elder by twenty-four Both fathers were interested in unsure whether either man ever days. Both spent part of their politics. A sympathetic unionist actually met. childhood on the south coast of gave McKell Thorold Roger's Six Sources: Cunneen, C - William NSW: McKell at Pambula, Dunphy Centuries of Work and Wages. John McKell. at Kiama. Both had fathers who, Dunphy snr gave his son The Boy's for various reasons, were unable to Book of Natural History by Rev J Meredith. P - myles and milo hold down permanent jobs. G Wood. Their sons acquired an Clio Both families subsequently moved appetite in reading: McKell to Sydney: the McKells (to Surry purchased cheap books on the

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 3 Tullyangela Creek. The magnifi- approximately half way up the Trip Report cent Hamlets Crown hovered canyon. The fire was set out on a Ettrema - 27 December 2003 – above us for a large part of the day large flat rock above the water 1 January 2004 and generated various stories of giving a panoramic view of the attempts to climb it. With the valley below. Goodies accompa- Party: Allan Mikkelsen, Alan Crown behind us, good progress nied by scotch and muscat Davey, Kim Hello, Margaret was made down stream but the materialised from various Cooper, John Kelly, Noel Ryan, sandy beaches marked on the map rucksacks including a special rice Eddie and Mandy Cheetham were conspicuous in their absence. pudding baked by John Kelly to What an amazing place Ettrema is, Above us, the cliff line gleamed in celebrate our achievements and the the scenery is spectacular with the sun and warranted the breaks to coming of the new year. Resolu- magnificent cliffs and clear water stop and admire their glory. The tions were made. However no-one in the rock pools below. It is regular paddles gave the feet a managed to stay up to see certainly a privilege to have just much needed cool off. Walkers Midnight! Alan Davey’s resolu- spent the last six days in this from the Span Bushwalking Club tion (liberal use of adjectives?) was pristine wilderness. of Sydney overtook us and a black quickly broken when bitten on the Swamp Wallaby rushed past the nose by a mosquito at 12.30am I type this while nursing my war group! One wonders how it while sleeping under the stars. wounds from the trip advertised as managed to get down into the The canyon continued to occupy ‘slack’!!!!. canyon? the party’s energies for the The party arrived in the Morton The fourth day was very hot and following morning. The sun was National Park on Saturday to a we were glad to stay put for the out in all its glory and the chilly start, most wearing water- day. With a swim hole just below temperature rapidly rose to 36 proofs while waiting for the drivers the camp site, the draw of the water degrees, the lunchtime swim and to locate the vehicles near the broke up the reading activities. cool off was most appreciated finish. This cooler weather was a The more energetic (or mad) before the long climb out. It seems blessing for the climb into the undertook a couple of shorter trips wrong to be thankful for a bushfire gorge. The decent was made by a to explore the surroundings, but it made the visibility for the previously unused (by Canberra locating more crystal pools, snakes crossing of the plateau much Bushwalking Club) creek, 300 and a great diving rock while easier, you could maintain contact metres to the right of the day trip others chose to admire the scenery with those in front while bashing route – now to be known as the of this wonderful spot. Several your way through the burnt ‘Allans’ Creek’. The incline members of the group explored the remains. The down side was that steepened sharply as the decent lower reaches of Cinch’s Creek and we were all very black when was made into the upper end of located two alternative campsites eventually hot, thirsty and Sentry Box Canyon. Camp was for future use if need be. completely knackered we arrived at made at the Myall Creek junction the road at 6 pm. where we spoilt the peace of Elinor Dungeon Canyon called on the and Andrew who were enjoying a fifth day and an early start was On the return drive home, we quiet weekend. made. The weather stayed in our stopped to cool off in the Endrick favour and the predicted heat did River under the bridge, however it After a late start the following day, not materialize. The going was was necessary to avoid a dead cow we moved on to the junction with steady in the lower reaches of carcass which was stuck on the Jones Creek where camp was set Tullyangela Creek but as the valley rocks so we entered the river on the up and the billy boiled. Some of narrowed and the climb begun, the other side of the abutment. the party explored Jones Creek and pace dropped. Just about every Thank you Alan and Allan for a the copper mines while others got obstacle that nature could have put memorable trip and the party for into the volumes of reading in place was there and certainly their companionship and assis- material brought for the purposes tested the group in its ability to tance. of whiling away time on this negotiate these features. Packs on ‘slack’ trip. The main mine and off, passed up the line and in Oh, by the way, have you heard of entrance had collapsed, leaving and out of their plastic bags for the the Trades Description Act (as we only a small gap which Kim compulsory swims. After 11.5 covered both itineraries as stated in entered for about 50 metres, the hours of battling, it was established it)? equipment which included a that 4 km had been travelled and wheelbarrow was lost forever. not possible to exit that day Amanda Reynolds Day three saw the party move therefore New Years Eve was spent [Photos from the trip can be seen at downstream to the junction with at a wonderful little campsite www.pcug.org.au/~amikkels/ amidst a coachwood forest galleries/ettrema/ ]

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 4 ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfield (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), E-mail: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley St Kambah ACT 2902 Please see " INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS IN CBC ACTIVITIES" in the December 2003 It, or on the Club website St intersection. Be there at 6.45pm for a walk in 7-8 February-Queens Pound River - M/R the reserve in the area between Mt Ainslie and Mt This is a beautiful wilderness circuit in the Wad- . No need to book Map: n/a Leader: Stan billiga National Park. We walk up Lake Creek, Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), Email: climb (400m) over a watershed, then return down [email protected] Transport: drive the delightful Queens Pound River to its junction yourself with the Wadbilliga River. There are many idyllic pools and good views on the crossover. Map: Saturday February 21st - Gigerline Gorge - Yowrie 1:25000. Leader: George Carter 6251 S/M 2130 (h), 0419 603 334 (mobile). Transport: A short summer walk along a little rocky gorge on ~$28. the Murrumbidgee River near Tharwa. There is some rock hopping but nothing too difficult. We Wednesday 11 February: Wednesday Walk should be able to sample a number of good swim- The regular mid-week walk series continues, close ming holes as well as natural Jacuzzis (if the river to Canberra with a destination to be decided. is flowing at the right level). We will be able to see Contact the leader before 8pm Tuesday to find out this section of the river post bushfires. Map: ACT destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan 1:100000, Leader Vance Brown 62513997 (h) Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). email [email protected], Transport ~ Thursday evening, 12 February - Pinnacles $6 Nature Park S/E 21-22 February Kanangra Boyd N.P. S / M-R Meet at 6.45pm in the car park at the end of Dun- Kowmung R - Box Ck Falls. This walk is a good gowan St, Hawker. No need to book. Map: n/a introduction to overnight walking for those who Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 enjoy swimming and a bit of rock scrambling. (w), email: [email protected] Transport: Leave early Saturday morning for 3 1/2 hr drive to drive yourself Kanangra Walls area. Drop 300 metres from Saturday 14 February- Kambah Pool- Bullen Gillespies Lookout to the upper Kowmung River Range- Red Rock Gorge- Kambah Pool- M/R and camp at junction with Box Ck. Walk up- This involves a long climb onto the range, along to stream without packs to view Chardon Canyon. Boyle Trig, descent to Red Rock and back along to There is a km of scrub up Box Ck followed by a the pool. The swim at the bottom of the gorge is spectacular scramble up the granite slabs beside optional. Map: Natmap Canberra 1:100,000 the Falls. Plenty of time for relaxation. Map: Leader: Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 Transport: Shooters Hill 1:25 000. Leader: Meg McKone N/A(meet at the pool) 6254 5902. Transport: $38 + NP entry fee. 14- 15 February- Durras Mountain-S/M Limit of 8. A pretty location: day walk Saturday, camp lo- 21-22 February 2004 - Shoalhaven Crossover cally, surf Sunday before the drive home. Map: Walk and Canoe the Shoalhaven in one trip. Durras 1:25,000 Leaders: Leanne Aust, Jenny M/M Horsfield 6231 4535(h) Transport: ~$25. This popular trip from last four years traverses a very picturesque stretch of the Shoalhaven with Wednesday 18 February- Monthly Meeting the opportunity to cool off in some delightful Nic Bendeli pools. It involves a canoe paddle of 15km and a Ski mountaineering trip to the Yukon Territory 14km walk with a decent/ascent of 500m. Half of (Alaska) to climb Mt Logan the party will descend to the Shoalhaven from 8:00PM St Johns Church Hall, Reid. Badgery’s Lookout then walk downstream to camp at Fossickers Flat. The rest of the party will paddle Thursday evening, 19 February - hire-canoes from Tallowa Dam to Fossickers Flat. Ainslie/Majura S/E On the Sunday the walkers and paddlers will swap There is an entrance to the nature park on roles. A car swap is required. Please book early, Mackenzie St, Hackett, just north of the Grayson as canoes need to be organised. Photos:

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 5 http://home.netspeed.com.au/sshaw/CB 2 –7 March 2004 - Croajingalong Coastal Walk C/index.htm Maps: Caoura 1:25000, Burrier M/E 1:25000 Leaders: Steven Shaw, 6161 6767 (H), A 5 day walk from Thurra River to Mallacoota in 0413 606 783 (M), [email protected] Peter Victoria’s East Gippsland. Experience long sandy Henderson 6251 3608 (H), [email protected] beaches, rocky headlands extensive heathlands and Transport and Canoe hire: ~ $60 river crossings. Car shuffle necessary. Maps: Croajingalong National Park (Stuart R Brookes), 22-23 February - Morton NP (M/M) Cann 1:100000 (NATMAP), Mallacoota 1:50000 Corang Lagoon and Beyond. A two hour hike to (VICMAP). Leader: Mark Hopkins 6282 our campsite besides the Corang cascades. Report- 8481(h), [email protected] Trans- edly, 'the best swimming hole in the Buddawangs' port: $55 + transport fee ~$40 (Mallacoota to (A. Davey). Optional walks to some spectacular Thurra R). Limit 6. rock formations or bring a book and enjoy. Sunday - we could get active and visit Corang peak and get Sunday 7 March - Corang Cascades - M/M some stunning views of the escarpment to the sea We start walking from the Wog Wog entrance to or..... Map: Corang 1:25000. Leader: John Kelly the Morton Nat P for about 2 1/2hours on a pleas- - 6241 3814 (h) Transport: ~$22 ant undulating track through stringy-bark woodland to a picturesque site beside the Corang Wednesday 25 February- Committee Meeting River. From here we have lunch and swim/explore and it closing the cascades,and waterfalls .Return the same way. 8:00PM at the home of Gary Trevean, Map: Corang 1:25000 or CMW Budawangs 11 Shann Place, Chifley. Leader: Janet Edstein 6288 1398 Transport: $22 6-7 March- Shoalhaven River, Canoe Flat, Thursday evening, 26 February - Flat Black Mt Billy Bulloos Canyon- M/M S/E The warmest river in our area to finish off the Meet at 6.45pm in car park at the electricity sub- summer. We drop into the Shoalhaven Gorge from station at the end of Frith St for a wander around Badgeries Lookout and follow the river down- the hill to the north of Black Mt itself. No need to stream to a superb campsite and pool at Canoo book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks email: Flat. This part of the gorge is very picturesque, [email protected], 6254 9568 (h), 6274 with magnificent sandstone cliffs running along 7350 (w), Transport: drive yourself the top of the escarpment. There will be plenty of Saturday 28 February- Mt Lincoln- M/R time for a stroll up Billy Bullos Canyon and a Smokers Gap fire-trail, dog-proof fence, Mt Lin- swim. Sunday, we return the way we came in. coln, Blue Gum Creek, Smokers fire-trail. This is a Map: Caoura 1:25000. Leader: George Carter popular round with a good view spot for lunch. 6251 2130 (h), 0419 603 334 (mobile). Trans- Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000 Leader: Jenny Hors- port: About $20. field 6231 4535(h) Transport:~$8. Wednesday 10 March: Wednesday Walk Sunday 29 February - Mt Gingera - M/E The regular mid-week walk series continues, close From the locked gate at Mt Ginini, along the fire to Canberra with a destination to be decided. trail to 1857m Mt Gingera, which has excellent Contact the leader before 8pm Tuesday to find out views to Canberra in one direction and the destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan Snowies in the other. A chance to see how the sub- Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). alpine environment is recovering from the bush- fires. Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000 or ACT or Wednesday 10 March- IT Collation Tantangara 1:100,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 8pm at the home of John and Judith Webster 5899h, 6240 9704w, 0418 662870m (use w or m if 22 Tambo Street, h n/a). Transport: about $15. Sunday 14 March- Moonlight Hollow M/E Thursday evening, 4 March - Bruce Ridge S/E This is a loop walk from Bull's Head off Mt Meet at 6.45pm in the car park adjacent to the bush Franklin Road. It follows good tracks through opposite the Accident and Emergency Centre of eucalypt forest affected by the fires but there are Calvary Hospital for a wander over these ridges substantial parts where the canopy remained intact before they go. No need to book. Map: n/a and only the ground cover burnt. Lunch at Ben- Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 dora Arboretum, which did not burn. See how the (w), email: [email protected] Trans- area is coming back. Nearly 5 hrs actual walking. port: drive yourself Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks email (work): [email protected] 6254 Monthly meeting is now at St. John's Church Hall 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Transport: ~$12 Constitution Avenue, Reid

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 6 13- 15 March- Canberra Day long weekend- carpark. Off-track until the Clear Range fire trail is Grey Mare and Dargal Ranges- L/E gained, then on track for the remainder of the walk A lengthy alpine wander through spectacular Open forest, ridges, views to the Monaro, and sub- country, all on fire-trails as the country was heav- alpine valleys .. as well as that toilet ... Leader: ily burnt in the January 2003 fires. (Subject to Glen Anido 6291 7893 (h), 6289 4633 (w), email: NPWS approval at the time) Map: Natmap, Ko- [email protected] Maps: Colinton and sciusco 1:100,000 Leader: James Ashburner Bredbo 1:25 000. Transport: ~ $12.00 6254 1666(h) Transport:~$40 20-21 March- Rock Shelters of Namadgi - 13-15 March (Canberra Day W/E): Morton N.P. M/M M /M (W) The aim of this trip is to overnight under an appro- Shoalhaven / Lower Ettrema. Visit the Shoal- priate granite rock shelter. For this purpose some haven below Tallowa Dam and the lower Ettrema of the best I have seen can be chosen from the area. We'll be walking in on Saturday and setting south-west side of Mt Mavis facing Mt Namadgi. up a base camp on Ettrema Creek, about a km up A scramble up to the narrow summit boulder of Mt from the junction of the two waterways. Sunday Mavis for the superb 360 degree views of all of the we'll explore this area and its side creeks. We'll main peaks of Namadgi N.P. is envisaged before return Monday via a slightly different route that returning. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 will include a ridge walk, above the river, along an Leader: Chris Leslie 62516123 (h) 62465713 (w) old track. We'll be crossing the river from time to [email protected] Transport: about $10 time, so best to bring appropriate footwear, such as Saturday 27 March - Brindabella NP S-M/R Volleys or gumboots. Map: Burrier 1:25 000. From Top Crossing via Hume Saw Mill we climb Leader: John Kelly - 6241 3814 (h). Transport: up to Sardine Flat, then descend to California ~$30. Limit of 8. Creek and back via Mountain Creek. It is interest- 13- 15 March- Big Badja- Woila Clearing- ing to see how well the bush has survived in this Scout Hat and return- M/R area where the Jan 2003 firestorm came from. The Day 1 to the clearing and a base camp, day 2 on walk is short if we get 4-wheel drives but medium Scout Hat, day 3 return. Spectacular and rugged if we have to park at Dingo Dell Flats. If the wind country! Map: Badja 1:25,000 Leaders: Rob and is strong, the trip will be postponed. Map: Um- Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535(h) Transport: ~$25 burra 1:25 000. Leader: Gösta Lyngå - 6288 7009. [email protected] Transport $8 13- 15 March- Canberra Day long weekend- Ettrema- L/R Sunday 28 March- Fishing Gap- Billy Billy Tullyangela Clearing - Torture Gully - Rack Creek Rocks cross-over- M/R - Pintannie Saddle - Cabbage Tree Creek - Ettrema Appropriate transport arrangements would be Hill - Leyden Creek - Cinch Creek - Broad Arrow necessary and hopefully the two groups would Gully - Tullyandela Clearing. Maps: Touga and lunch together at the Rocks. The scrub understory Yalwal 1:25,000 Leader: Keith Thomas is minimal post-fire and views are terrific. Maps: 6230 1081(h) Transport:~$35 Corin Dam, Tidbinbilla 1:25,000 Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h) Transport:~$8. Wednesday 17 March- Monthly Meeting Di Thompson 27- 28 March- Tantangra Creek- M/E 8:00PM St Johns Church Hall, Reid. Subject to NPWS approval, a post fire look at this beautiful area around the source of the Murrum- Saturday 20 March – Comprehensive Inspec- bidgee. Maps: Tantangra and Yarrongobilly tion of the Australian Alps Walking Track 1:100,000 Leader: James Ashburner 6254 1666(h) within ACT – M/M ( See more details in Transport:~$35 February IT and preview in December IT). 2-4 April- Mt Kelly Spur, Mt Namadgi and The club has agreed to undertake an annual in- Mavis Ridge - M/M spection of the track and report on its status to park This is a classic circuit again made possible by the management. The plan is to divide the track into 4 clearing of scrub by the bushfires. While the or 5 parts and have a team of club members in- vegetation may be damaged, not all the magic has spect each part. We will need lots of volunteers for been lost. The views, the boulders and the inter- this exercise. Leader: John Thwaite (h) 62543193 esting ridges remain. Even the birds are still to be (w) 62075040 email: [email protected] heard. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000. Leader: Sunday 21 March: Mt Clear and Long Flat - George Carter 6251 2130 (h), 0419 603 334 (mo- L/M bile). Transport: ~$9. A solid day's walk in one of the few unburnt areas of Namadgi NP. This is a circuit from Mt Clear

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 7 3- 4 April- Car camp at 'Carlaminda' (private Sat-Sun 17-25 April- Tasmania - Tanglefoot property near Cooma) M/M Special- S-M / M, R ?W Saturday: Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson, aprox The Deciduous Beech (Tanglefoot) is one of 11k, 300m climb. Depart Canberra 8am, drive to Australia's few deciduous plants, and it can put on Carlaminda via Cooma, park cars by Numeralla a striking display of colour. We'll walk its home River, cross river (with old sand shoes) open bush territory in the marvellous scenery near Lake St walk to top of Mountain for lunch and views, ridge Clair, either around the Du Cane-Labyrinth circuit walk and back by circular route. Sunday: Tuross or from the Walls of Jerusalem, depending on river gorge or similar, returning via Numeralla and transport. For a foretaste look up your Peter Dom- Captain's Flat. Maps: Numeralla and Kybeyan brovskis calendar for April, and while we'll avoid 1:25,000 Leader: Lucinda Prickett Phone: work getting too entangled the walk will have some :6239 2220 email: [email protected]. demanding sections, as well. Maximum five. Maps: 1:100,000 Cradle Mtn - L St Clair. Sunday 11 April- Nattai Gorge/Boxvale Leader: Rupert Barnett, 6242 5241, email: Tramway (M/M) - [email protected] Enquires: during the Walk through light forest then traverse the spec- week 6-12 March, I shall NOT be available until tacular and beautiful Nattai Gorge near Mittagong. then. Transport: tba Lunch at Boxvale Creek then back to the cars along the historic tramway alignment. All on track (23), 24&25 April- Bargo River Gorge and but a steep climb out of the gorge. About 4 ½ hrs Blue Gum Creek weekend, M/M (Sat) and S/E actual walking. Map: to be provided Leader: Sunday Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: On Friday night, drive to Mittagong, cabin ac- [email protected] Transport: ~$30 commodation. On Saturday, via a good track to the Mermaid's Pool and then along the top of the (Easter)10- 11 April- Rendezvous Creek from Bargo Gorge before dropping into the gorge, Cotter Gap- M/M which is dramatic. The floor contains some easy Maybe the fires have opened up this route. Talk of walking over flat rock sheets with a few more scrub has deterred me in the past but maybe it is difficult parts. About 5 hrs actual walking, 60% feasible; I plan to find out. We walk up to Cotter on track. On Sunday, walk down the creek which Gap and Split Rock, and then camp over towards is in a sandstone gorge through a beautiful Blue Rendezvous Creek. On Sunday, follow Rendez- Gum forest, lunch at Little River ford. 4 hrs actual vous Creek down awhile and then go over to the walking. Probably a pub meal on Sat night. Map: Nursery Creek carpark. Map: Rendezvous Creek Picton and Nattai 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks (mainly) and Corin Dam. Leader: Steve Galliford email: [email protected] 6254 9568 (h), AH 62865744 or [email protected]. Trans- 6274 7350 (w), Transport: ~$30 port: ~$6. 24,25,26 April Anzac weekend Budawangs Wednesday 14 April: Wednesday Walk walks- Castle Arch S/E, Green Room L/R, and The regular mid-week walk series continues, close Pigeon House M/M to Canberra with a destination to be decided. Enjoy 3 day walks visiting areas the bushwalkers Contact the leader before 8pm Tuesday to find out rave about,car camping by the Yadboro River. destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan Leave Canberra early on Saturday,setting up camp Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). near the Yadboro R. After lunch walk up and 17- 18 April- Northern Brindabellas - Dingo along the spectacular track to the Castle Arch with Dell to Bells Camp - M/M views of Byangee Walls and the coast if clear This circuit through the Brindabellas will cross weather. On Sunday leave early (-7am) for the Mountain Creek and California Creek on the way long day trip to the magnificent Green Room, a to a rocky volcanic outcrop overlooking the Betty small gorge covered with moss,lichens and Brook gorge to the west.. The area is characterized ferns.We walk up the Kaliana Ridge and onto the with mature tall forests clean creeks and numerous saddle ridge of the Castle (600m) then continue rocky outcrops on the hill tops which generally along the track to the Green Room. After lunch provide great views. Much of this area has also return the same way. On Monday pack up camp been spared from fire damage. The walk is about and drive to Pigeon House. This peak is on a half on tracks. Map: Umburra 1:25000 Leader: wellworn track and has metal ladders near the top. Chris Leslie 62516123 (h) 62465713 (w) Map: CMW Budawangs Sketch Map Leader: [email protected] Transport: about $10 Janet Edstein 6288 1398 Transport: TBA

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 8 24-26 April- ANZAC day weekend - Northern Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h) 6274 7350 (w), email: Budawangs- M/R [email protected] Transport: ~$10 From the Nerriga entrance we walk via Hoddles Sunday 16 May Corang Peak and Arch L/M Castle to camp on Mt Haughton. On the Sunday This is a 20+kmtrack walk to Corang peak and we go over Mt Tarn and aim to camp at Burrum- onto the Arch .There are great views of this area beet Brook with various side trips on the way. and from the top of Corang look over to the spec- Monday we go out to Wog Wog over or around tacular Budawangs to see the Castle and other Corang Peak. Car shuffle required. Maps: Endrick mountains. Map: Corang 1:25000 or CMW Bu- and Corang 1:25 000. Leader: Gösta Lyngå - dawangs Leader: Janet Edstein 6288 1398 6288 7009. [email protected] Transport ~ Transport: $22 $24 12- 14 June- Queens Birthday Weekend- Saturday 1 May- River- S/M Boboyan car park- Gudgenby- the ridge- Park on Woolcara Lane near Captains Flat, then Burbidge- Namadgi- Big Creamy Flat- Mavis- walk about 2 ½ km on good track until we meet a Rendezvous Creek- Boboyan car park- L/R tributary of the Qbn River which we follow for A strenuous trip in some of the best of Namadgi. nearly a km, then along the river itself for about Map: Yaouk, Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 three km before going across country about a km Leader: Stephen Thearle 6253 9351(h) Trans- back to the cars. The walk is not hard but will take port:~$8:50. about four hours. Map: Captains Flat Leader:

The Bulletin Board Kayak for Sale TEMPORARY IT Sea Wasp (Estuary Plus) locally EDITOR ‘This page is provided for manufactured fibreglass kayak, members to advertise (at no cost) complete with rudder, deck lines I will be away during the goods for sale, private trips or and neoprene skirt. other personal bushwalking- production cycle for the March it related matters. The Club is not As new $1500 ono and Tom Gosling will be editor for that edition. Please send all involved in, takes no responsi- PH: 6297 4352 after 6pm bility for, and does not endorse, material to Tom at the Club PO the activities or goods advertised Mob: 0418 600 785 Box or by email to here. Hence, if people partici- [email protected] pate in any activities advertised Keith Aubrey here, they do so as private Thanks to Tom and to the other individuals, not as members of CLUB WEBSITE members who volunteered to the Club, and they will not be help. covered by the Club’s insurance For several years the Club Allan Mikkelsen arrangements’. website has been hosted as part of my personal web space. It is Editor Open Invitation- now probably time that the Club Walking in the Bu- obtained its own domain name Anyone for Lunch? dawangs- and moved the site to a place where it can be maintained and Phone and express an interest updated by anyone authorized by and we’ll organize something the committee. suitable. Alan Davey (02) 4845 9127(h) I have researched options for the Club and have found a plan MUMC 60th. which for about $125 per year We have been asked to advertise will handle the club needs and the fact that the Melbourne Uni allow development of a more Mountainering Club is having its attractive and up-to-date website. A red-bellied black makes short 60th anniversary Dinner in I thus seek your support for the work of a rather large rat. March. If this interests you, motion detailed on page 2. Photographed by Steven Shaw in contact is Jim Newlands 03 9802 "Cathedral Cave" on the recent 7702 or Allan Mikkelsen "Rivers and Rainforests of the [email protected] Budawangs" trip.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 2004 page 9 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE

Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Gary Trevean 6285 1135 6266 9737 [email protected] TREASURER/VICE PRES. Michael Sutton 6249 1224 - [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 - [email protected] EDITOR Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 - [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6271 1351 [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER James Ashburner 6254 1666 6252 7934 [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER John Thwaite 6254 3193 6207 5040 [email protected] PUBLISHER Cynthia Breheny 6247 6857 - ASSISTANT WALKS SECRETARY Keith Thomas 6230 1081 - [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Lucinda Prickett 6295 2854 6239 2220 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Ring ROGER EDWARDS on 6288 7863 (h) CHECK IN: Ring KEITH THOMAS on 6230 1081 (h) For Internet users, the Club Home Page is at: http://www.pcug.org.au/~amikkels/cbc/ and the latest activity program is at: ___ http://www.pcug.org.au/~amikkels/cbcprog.html ___

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