CANBERRA

BUSHWALKING CLUB NEWSLETTER it Bushwalking Club Inc. GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume 53 Number 10 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org November 2017

GENERAL MEETING 7.30 pm Wednesday 15 November 2017 New Venue Weston Uniting Church 16 Parkinson Street, Weston A Trip to Antarctica and Patagonia Guest Speaker: Barbara Slotemaker de Bruine

For years I have been fascinated by Shackleton's legendary Antarctic expedition in 1915, where he and his party were attempting to cross the Antarctic by foot - the first explorers to do so. They reached 74 degrees south only to become stuck in the ice and the subsequent journey of survival became legendary in itself. I travelled with Aurora Expeditions in January/February this year and also tacked on a 10 day trip to Patagonia. The trip travelled to Santiago, the Falklands, South Georgia and then on to the Antarctic Peninsula and Cape Horn before linking up with the Patagonia trek. The scenery was spectacular, with penguins, icebergs, wildlife and glaciers. My talk will take you on an armchair ride of this wonderful once in a life time trip.

Contents

All good in the CBC -President Reflections from a New Club Member Trip Report – Mount Annan CBC at Playfest – Walk Secretary CBC Christmas Party –advance notice CBC Committee contacts Membership Tassie Leeches Newsletter Contributions New PLB for CBC Training and Safety Tree Yoga Activity Program Editorial Collecting Percies Bulletin Board Broom Clearing - Conservation Geocaching and Bushwalking The Grand Canyon -Review of Oct meeting

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 1 Committee News

It’s all looking good in the CBC

My first month on the job as President has been an exciting and enjoyable one. The new committee is working cohesively. The walking program is full of variety and adventure. Our it newsletter is packed with rich and interesting stories, superbly curated. Our new website is in final testing. Our monthly Club meetings are well attended and always share informative and inspiring experiences. Our membership continues to grow as people discover the joy of bushwalking.

The spirit of our Club was shown in our recent Worn Boot Bash. This is an annual event and this year took walkers on a route in the southern Namadgi including 30km and a few hills. Walkers ranged in age and all completed the challenging trip tired, but smiling.

Michael de Raadt President

CBC stall at Playfest

The Club was represented at Playfest on 24th October for the first time this year. Organised by the ACT Playgroups association, Playfest is an opportunity for clubs and other organisations to promote their programs to families with young children. An estimated 2000 to 3000 families attend each year. The Playfest venue in a park in Cook was a lively scene with dozens of stalls, colourful games set up for kids, and characters in costumes strolling through the crowds. Our modest table was fortunately located near to the petting zoo and by chatting to people in the queue for the zoo, I signed up 70 people who asked for more information by email. Four of them were among the families who turned up the following day at the Aranda Bushland Toddlers’ Toddle. I’m looking for volunteers who would be willing to lead one Toddlers Toddle a year in 2018, date of your choice – please let me know if you are interested.

Linda Groom Walks Secretary and Family Activities Co-ordinator

Club Membership

The Club would like to welcome the one new member who joined the Club during Membership fees the month of October. Welcome Cheryl Smith. 2017/2018 Roger Edwards $33 per person Membership Secretary

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 2 Committee News

A New Personal Locator Beacon for the CBC

Having given long and worthy service, the Club’s three existing Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are being retired. The batteries in all three have expired, and the Club will not be replacing them.

Instead, the Club has purchased one single new Australian-made KTI PLB. At 140g it is lighter than its predecessors in the Club and the battery is due to last for 10 years. It is easy to activate, and after activation the KTI can pinpoint your location to within three metres.

As Training and Safety Officer, I will be the custodian of the new KTI PLB. It is available for loan to all Club members undertaking Club trips. Simply contact me on 0417 222 154 to arrange to borrow it.

I do encourage all parties to have at least one PLB, if the party is heading beyond mobile phone coverage. With the start of November, and with the arrival of hot weather, it is always a good idea to have PLBs in the party. Heat stroke and dehydration are real risks in our increasingly hot springs and summers. I will present the new PLB at an upcoming meeting and further promote its use.

David Dedenczuk Training and Safety Officer

Some interesting things to read in this newsletter Welcome to the November 2017 edition of it. There is something for everyone in these pages, covering a wide range of interesting articles, a trip report, anecdotes, photos, personal reflections, committee news, upcoming conservation activity, a review of last month’s Club meeting, as well as a loaded Activity Program. In particular this newsletter features a sub-group in our Club who are avid collectors of geocaches and Percies – I have long wondered what makes them tick. Read on and find out from Jonathan Miller and David Lee. A special thank you to all Club members who contributed articles to this month’s edition, including Janet Duncan, Stan Marks, Jenny Horsfield, Matthew Higgins, Ming Ling, Jonathan Miller and David Lee. There are so many interesting things happening in our Club almost on a daily basis, and we are greatly privileged to have so many members willing to share their own experiences through this newsletter. Happy reading Meredith Hatherly Editor

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 3 Committee News

25 Years of Protecting Namadgi from Invaders On 23rd November, the CBC will celebrate 25 years of helping ACT Parks to prevent an aggressive weed – English broom – from taking over the Upper Cotter adjacent to the Cotter Hut in . Since 1993, dozens of Club volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours to controlling the spread of this exotic invader into an important and pristine part of the park.

When the broom control project began, the Cotter Hut area was badly infested with thousands of very large mature broom plants. The seeds of these plants can lay dormant in the soil for more than 20 years, so it was clear that this was going to be a long-term Group from the first year 1993 outside Cotter Hut partnership. Over the years, the CBC has been involved in mapping, removing and reporting on the broom infestation, including early trials of an award-winning ACT Parks app for reporting on the identification and treatment of invasive weeds called ARC Gis Collector. In a typical year, more than 1,000 plants have been detected and removed. These numbers became even bigger after the 2003 fires, which led to a renewed explosion of growth. Now, 25 years on, the number of broom plants in the area has been dramatically reduced, with annual broom clearing days held to contain and control it. Roger Edwards (regular participant from 1st to present The senior weeds broom clearing), John Thwaite (founder and office for ACT Parks coordinator for 20 years) and ACT Parks Ranger Ben Stevenson at the 20th clearing day recently described this as ‘an incredibly successful and important partnership.’ John Thwaite, the founder and coordinator of activities for 20 years, describes the experience as: “A very rewarding conservation project that achieved results through the combined efforts of lots of Club members. Revisiting the site annually and removing as many plants as possible each time has curtailed the spread of this very invasive plant. Without our Group at the 20th anniversary outside Cotter efforts this area would now be Hut completely overrun”. Volunteers will once again make the trek to the Cotter Hut this year, with a special overnight car camp and lunch planned to mark the occasion.

Cynthia Burton Outgoing CBC Conservation Officer

The Conservation Officer position for 2017-18 is still vacant. If you are interested in this position please contact the CBC Committee at [email protected]

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 4 Review of October 2017 CBC Meeting

The Grand Canyon – a talk by Rowan Peck I visited the Grand Canyon in 1977. I remember vividly walking from my hotel to the edge of the Canyon and staring in awe at the spectacle. I decided, being neither old nor fat at that stage, I would walk to the bottom of the Canyon and back up the next day but I didn’t make it. I didn’t get half way. It was with interest that I listened to Rowan Peck on the ‘Where, What, How and Why’ of the Grand Canyon. The where is in the NW quarter of the state of Arizona. Getting there hasn’t changed much from when I was there: the access point is Flagstaff, Arizona and tourists stay on the South Rim at Grand Canyon Village. And, as the US is slightly larger than , it is a long way from anywhere. I presume that this is why there is little access from the north though you can get in that way if you are energetic enough. The Gorge is 277 miles long and between 4-18 miles wide with the Colorado River at the bottom. Luckily, the extraction of water occurs further south so there is actually a lot of water there. The Colorado Plateau is 7,000-9,200ft in this area and the gorge is up to a mile deep though more typically half that. Temperatures vary with depth. At the top, it can snow in winter but can exceed 40C at the bottom. The vegetation changes to match. ‘Awesome’ and ‘magnificent’ are the two words that spring to mind. The National Park attracts around 5m visitors a year, 5/6 of them Americans. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the area in 1903 and it was declared a National Monument in 1908. Livestock numbers were reduced but, in accordance with the mentality of the time, predators like wolves and cougars were eliminated though there are some of the latter in the area today. And, of course, there are the rattlers and six species of them plus other snakes. Rowan had a social event with a rattler. Unlike me, Rowan went right down to the canyon floor and walked along the gorge some distance before camping, emerging the next day. The track up the gorge, although well made, is steep and zig zags up very steep cliffs. Dramatic, yes; easy, no - either way. His total walk was 57km, 27 in and 30 out. He, and most others who do this walk, left from the South Kaibab track head, not far from the tourist facilities. The availability of drinking water was a critical factor in his planning – there is none at all on the South Kaibab trail, and only selected locations on the other trails. It’s best to check with the National Park Service Backcountry Office for the most recent status on water.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 5 Review of October CBC Meeting

It was four hours and 15.5km to the river then a further six hours and 11.5km along the Bright Angel trail to the Cottonwood campground. There are other campgrounds, of course, but you have to use one of them. Coming out, it was four hours back to the river and a further eight hours and 16.5km to the top. To put it in perspective, the elevation change from top to bottom was 1,750m while the change from Geehi to Kosciuszko, the longest ascent in this country, is close to 1,780m.

Going in and out in the same day is not recommended though some people do and Rowan told of a bloke of 75 who he saw who ran both ways. There is even an ultra-marathon over 78 miles and 24 hours. Many people use mules to carry their stuff in and out and I have fond memories of walking out behind flatulent mules perfuming the air as they toiled upward with substantial weights in their saddlebags. Also not recommended is swimming in the river when you get there due to currents. Over the years, there have been 53 deaths from falls, 25 from freak accidents like rock falls and 65 from causes such as dehydration, cardiac arrest etc. If you want to do the walk, you should contact Rowan. He can give you the details of the various web sites you can use which provide comprehensive and detailed information of walking there including the various permits etc. that you will need if you wish to go back country. 13,000 such permits are issued each year but many miss out because the place cannot cope with the number of people who want to go there. It is clear that, partly because of the difficulty of the country and partly because of the number of people wanting to visit, you would need to put serious effort into your planning.

Review: Stan Marks Photos: Rowan Peck

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 6 Reflections from a new Club member – Lau Ming Ling

First and foremost, I must say I am very lucky to have found the CBC and registered as a member in June 2017. Since then my perspective on life has changed and it is for the better.

It is great to be a member of the CBC. I have met and made friends with people from all walks of life, and done new things, like forest bathing and bush walking. There is definitely a benefit for the body, mind and soul. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Evans for his encouragement and support. He is always my mentor.

I learnt a lot from the Navigation Refresher course this year, conducted by CBC trainers Rob and Jenny. The courses are well structured and organized. I now know about reading maps, how to get the grid bearing, true north bearing, magnetic bearing, how to hold the compass, how to trust the compass to lead you to the right destination. I think this is a very basic survival skill which everyone should have.

With the encouragement from CBC walk leaders, I attended the navigation refresher overnight camp. Thanks to CBC for lending me all the necessary items. At the age of half a century years old, it is a breakthrough for me to have done all of the following for the very first time:

 First overnight camp in the bush – in fact, the first camping in my life.  First time sleeping in a tent Ming Ling with Rob and Jenny Horsfield  First time putting up a tent, with help from Rob Photo: Megan Callaway  First time I have led a walk in the bush using the knowledge that we learnt from the Navigation class.

Thank you CBC for giving me such a great opportunity to join your walks. I come from a fast paced skyscraper city with scarce land. I enjoy every minute of my walks with the CBC.

Lau Ming Ling

CBC Christmas Party – coming up!! Sunday 3 December 2017 6.00pm – 9.00pm At the home of Janet Duncan, 19 Gamor Street, Waramanga The Club will provide BBQs. You provide: meat, salads, drinks, fold-up chairs etc. For catering purposes please reply to Terrylea at [email protected] Hope you can make it! Terrylea Reynolds Social Secretary

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 7 Good old Tassie leeches

CBC member Matthew Higgins recently enjoyed a week in . The trip included a bushwalk west of Cradle Mountain with his wife Steph and brother-in-law Tasmanian historian and walker Nic Haygarth. The walk visited old gold workings on Mackintosh Creek, passed through delightful flats featuring ambling wombats, and beautiful and very wet rainforest.

Unknown at the time, Matthew brought back to Ulverstone at day’s end a hitchhiker - a leech that attached itself during the walk. When taking off his boots at home, Matthew felt the back of his left heel was wet. That seemed mighty strange given the walk had ended hours earlier. Matthew discovered his boot, sock and lower leg were awash with blood! The attached photo of the clean-up bucket (not for the faint- hearted) tells the story.

You’ve got to give those Tassie leeches points for determination, as many walkers have discovered over the years. Matthew Higgins Photo: Beth Haygarth

Tree Yoga

Jenny Horsfield and a woody friend putting their yoga training to good use on the AAWT with a Downward Dog!

Photo: Leanne Aust

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 8 The Siren Call of the Percies

Obsessive tendencies. Perhaps that is the problem; some of us just like to take things to their logical - or illogical - conclusion. Whether it is collecting football cards, or accumulating postage stamps from a particular country, the afflicted are driven to tick off the complete set. Mea culpa. I confess that my current obsession is to visit all of the Percies (is there a twelve-step process to cure this addiction?). I was always vulnerable to this bug, simply because I love to reach the summits of hills and mountains. It is not just about the beauty of the views per se, but spectacular panoramas from open summits touch my soul deeply. There is also the satisfaction of the physical achievement. At university in , I ensured I had visited the state’s eleven peaks over 6000 feet, and while living further south, I could never turn down the temptation to climb any of Tasmania’s wonderful peaks. Why wouldn’t a Canberra bushwalker want to reach the tops of the ACT’s highest mountains? Lists of a region’s peaks help to codify and make the peak- bagging challenge more specific. Such lists have a long and wide history. There are numerous lists of hills in the United Kingdom, of which the Munros are perhaps the best known. The 282 Munros are Scottish hills over 3000 feet in height. Then there are the Abels, which comprise the 158 Tasmanian peaks of over 1100 metres with prominences of over 150 metres. Separately, the Hobart Walking Club has published peak-bagging lists in its Tasmanian Tramp magazine. Mt Gingera (2 points) It was CBC’s very own David Dedenczuk who took on the task of developing a similar list for the ACT. He named the inventory after Percy Sheaffe, one of the key figures in the epic survey of the ACT’s border. David identified 68 named peaks in the ACT of over 1000 metres elevation, and assigned each of them 1-4 points, giving a theoretical maximum score of 112. I say theoretical, because most of us mere mortals would consider 10 of the peaks, collectively worth 18 points, unclimbable to their highest points. The Percy list is hosted on John Evans’ website, and includes heights, photos and grid references. David has devised humorous categories for score levels, along the lines of the Hobart Walking Club list; while 0-24 points earns you a rating of ‘downright idle’, 100-112 points merits the title of ‘Capital Peak bagger’. I can understand why some would dismiss the Percies list as an unwelcome simplification of the magnificence of our mountains, but the list has drawn me to a number of wonderful destinations of which I was previously unaware, thereby considerably enhancing my bushwalking, and my knowledge of this beautiful Territory. While some may seek the esteem of others for Nearing Mt Scabby (3 points). Lockspit on right completing a peaks list, there are no prizes or material rewards. There is no verification process for climbing Percies; ultimately it is a pursuit for one’s own personal satisfaction.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 9 The Siren Call of the Percies

The post-2003 fire regrowth has certainly added to the physical and mental challenges of visiting all the Percies, as many peaks are defended by scrub bands of varying penetrability. The lattice of fallen saplings on the lower Mavis ridge heading towards Mt Herlt, for example, slows progress to 400 metres per hour. Some of the Club’s most stalwart walkers have blogged after slow and difficult walking that some of the Percies are ‘oncers’, never to be revisited. But the hardships of the scrub are generally quickly forgotten on attaining the summits of our wonderful mountains. I have decided to visit all of the Percies, even those that ACT's third highest Percy, Mount Murray (2 points) I know will ultimately defeat me due to their final, unscaleable granite tors. I have five peaks left to visit, including the much reviled and uncharismatic High Range. I plan to leave that destination to last, hoping that some poor innocent, brave or foolhardy soul leads a walk there. A scrubby, unclimbable peak with limited views, anyone? So, what to do when I have visited all the Percies; will I need a new obsession? Please, please; no! There are lots of wonderful ACT bushwalks not governed by a list. For the record, I hear there are thousands of geocaches in the ACT, and I will be steering well clear of that assignment.

Jonathan Miller Photos by Jonathan

Percy points for some of ACT’s well-known peaks

Coree 1 Rob Roy 1 Tennent 1 Clear 2 Domain 2 Gibraltar Rocks 2 Gudgenby 3 Namadgi 3 From , our highest Percy, with lots of other Percy points in view Bimberi 4

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 10 Bushwalking and/or Geocaching – my love of both David Lee

Bushwalking and Geocaching - are they compatible with each other? Are they complementary to each other? Or are they opposed or incompatible with each other? And perhaps a final question, are either of them environmentally friendly or environmentally destructive or damaging? Firstly though, let’s look at some definitions: 1. Geocaching: an outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches", at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.

2. Bushwalking: The term "bushwalking" is endemic to Australia, having been adopted by the Sydney Bush Walkers Club in 1927. In New Zealand a long, vigorous walk or hike is called tramping. Sometimes it involves “bushbashing”. The Australian term A cache found on Mount Gudgenby bushwalking refers to both on and off-trail hiking. Photo: Meredith Hatherly Geocaching in the vast majority of cases is simply placing containers with log books in urban or urban fringe areas. The majority of geocachers do not venture out bush too much. Mt Ainslie, yes; Mt Namadgi – very very few. I have found several thousand of these types of easy caches. But my real love is geocaches in the great outdoors, in the Australian bush, in mountains, off trails and the like. Geocaches are always laid by locals. For example, the geocaches in Mt Isa (in Nth ) are all laid by people living there, or occasionally in the neighbouring towns. The locals know their areas and always want to “show off” their local region and its highlights. Many of the places these locals place their geocaches are not on tourist destinations, nor are they in tourism brochures. Occasionally they may be on a local walkers or 4WD or mountain biking website, but generally, they are unknown to most people other than the locals. I have geocached and ridden my mountain bike and hiked (or tramped) in all Australian states & territories, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore and a few more. So what were some of the hidden treasures these locals placed a geocache for me to find? Switzerland: In the middle of the Swiss Alps, my German friend and I rode our mountain bikes, then bushbashed to find a geocache at an old WWII concrete bunker – yes, in Switzerland! There it was, in a hidden steep gully with overgrown vegetation. This massive buried concrete bunker was able to accommodate 50+ people from the nearby village. New Zealand: In the hills above Wellington, in remote hidden locations, there are several places where cannons used to be placed in artillery batteries overlooking the Wellington harbour. They were placed there circa 1890 in the feared anticipation of a Russian invasion!! You won’t find these batteries in any tourism site. Canada: Try retrieving a cache from under 1 metre of snow in the middle of winter – after you have walked several km through snow 2m deep – fortunately with snow shoes on. An historic little spot for that region. In summertime there is no trail; in winter, the snow covers all the “low” vegetation and you just walk on top! NSW: In the middle of a huge pine plantation in the hills above Tumut, is an amazing rock outcrop formation (100m x 100m) totally surrounded and enclosed and hidden from view by the pine forests. These forest roads are closed to vehicles, but walking or riding in is OK.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 11 Bushwalking and / or Geocaching

Mt Isa, QLD: Three completely different geological formations, all stunning, and all known to locals. Two are not in any tourism sites or info and the other one is only in some “extreme” 4WD forums. Bushwalking or mountain biking is the way in for most people. VIC, QLD, NZ (Dunedin) – all have organ pipes and all have local geocachers placing a cache adjacent to them. Walks to them vary from short to pretty steep & long. I just love organ pipes. Each one is different - VIC in a valley, NZ up high, very high. Singapore: At the international airport, there is a butterfly enclosure, quite large, 2 storeys high and around 20m wide. There is a cache in there (with official approval). Had it not been for the cache at this transit stop of about 2 hours, I would never have known of this butterfly enclosure. Some amazing critters in there. Finally back to the ACT: Over 95% of the geocaches in the ACT are located in suburbia and the urban fringes. The remainder are on many of the ACT’s named and (officially) unnamed mountains, as well as several prominent rock formations such as Split Rock, and other locations like border markers, a particular dunny and so on! Having someone place a cache and logbook up one of these mountains is a form of challenge or an encouragement to get up and get out there and climb the mountain. And of course, that’s where bushwalking comes in, a great challenging walk is rewarded by fantastic views, a sense of accomplishment, and the pleasure of using multi-billion dollar satellites to find a plastic lunchbox and sign the log! Now a question: are bushwalking and geocaching environmentally friendly? Good question? For the more accessible geocaches, some bushwalking tracks get degraded over time (eg St Mary Peak), although the tracks do make it easier to get there without fighting the bush and terrain all the time. Some urban fringe caches get environmental damage due to the large number of visits - tracks forming, tramped vegetation etc. But in the more remote areas, there are never enough cache visitors to form a trail of any sort. One cache recently found on Dutchies Peak in the ACT had not been found for 7 years. There are a good dozen ACT caches that have not been found for over 4 years. They are pretty remote and tough to get to and there is no environmental damage. The majority of geocachers are urban dwellers who do very little serious bushwalking. So what does geocaching and bushwalking have for me? It has a great adventure in the outdoors, a challenge, a walk in the bush, “rewards”, and of course, new friends. Geocaching often takes me to unexpected and little known locations, often historic, often spectacular, often quaint, often just wow! And of course there is the challenge: if there is a cache up Mt Beerwah for example, I then just “have” to go and get it; of course the climb and the views up there are Geocachers on Mount Gudgenby: mtbikeroz, RexTrex, TankEngine, SecretSquirrel-BJC fantastic! And I love placing geocaches up mountains Photo: Sol de Lune for people to find. For me, bushwalking and geocaching are quite complementary. Both are generally environmentally neutral, and geocaching allows me to play just a little bit more with technology, though navigating for bushwalking (& SES work) nowadays is certainly GPS heavy! Geocachers! An odd bunch. David Lee

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 12 A trip to the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan

Tuesday 10 October Leader: Janet Duncan Participants: 11 Eleven of us in three cars set off early for the long 210km drive to Mt Annan. The weather was overcast with a little drizzle, but cleared to a pleasant sunny day by the time we arrived at the Mt Annan Café and Visitors Centre. The area near the Visitors Centre is the core of the gardens, with very attractive features. The eastern slope of a steep hillside is terraced by sandstone walls, and there is an artificial mountain stream cascading down its side. A wide variety of rainforest foliage shades a network of paths – ferns, palms and cycads, many of which are rare in their places of natural occurrence. In this season the lower slopes are ablaze with colour from a range of native shrubs and mass plantings of brilliant everlasting daisies, though most of the many wattles had finished blooming. We spent almost two hours wandering and admiring before returning to the cars around noon. The gardens were opened in 1988. Most of the party had visited at an earlier stage of its development and were interested in doing a general overview to assess its progress. Its total area is 416 ha, almost twice the area of the National Arboretum. It is hilly, particularly in the south part around the summit of Mount Annan. The main drainage is to the north via Mount Annan Creek, which has been dammed in a number of places to form scenic lakes and wetlands. There are a variety of habitats including exposed ridges and slopes, sheltered gullies, grassy creek flats and wetlands. A number of places provide spectacular views over vast urban areas to the east and bush covered hills in the other directions. We decided that the best way to take it all in was to drive around the internal road system, stopping at places of special interest where parking areas gave access to walking tracks. The first stop was at the Big Ideas Garden, where we had lunch in a shelter amongst some very large grey gums. Here we were entertained by the melodious songs of grey butcher birds. For the rest of our visit we were in and out of the cars for short walks in special species gardens, such as Wattle Garden, Banksia Garden and Kurrajong Arboretum, where about half the party walked up onto the Mount Annan summit, while the others took a closer look at the varieties of Brachychiton growing there. We had afternoon tea in the Eucalypts, close by the open aqueduct which is part of Sydney’s water supply. Signs warned of massive fines for liloing on its fast flowing water. Just before 4 pm we departed via the Narellan Rd entrance gate into the heavy Sydney traffic, all of us so thankful that we didn’t have to cope with this traffic in Canberra. Our leader, who had driven from the south of Canberra and all around the Gardens, gratefully accepted a quiet, but firm offer from Jenny W to do the driving for the return trip. We walked about 5 km in total, admiring the graceful way that the Gardens have been landscaped to show how attractive Australian vegetation can be. I enjoyed the trip very much and believe that some good future walks can be undertaken using the network of walking and cycling tracks, which link to tracks extending beyond the boundaries of the Gardens. Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 13 A trip to the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan

Thanks to Janet for the idea of this walk and the challenging organisation it required. As one who was happy not to have used my car, or to have done any of the driving, I thank the owners of the cars used and all who did the driving.

Text: Mike Morriss

Photos: Janet Duncan

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 14 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE

President: Michael de Raadt Editor: Meredith Hatherly [email protected] [email protected] 0410 233 090 0413 396 258

Treasurer: Julie Anne Clegg Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas [email protected] [email protected] 0402 118 359 +64 27 535 6176 Walks Secretary: Linda Groom Social Secretary: Terrylea Reynolds [email protected] [email protected] 6281 4917 0408 715 218. General Secretary: Jenny Stewart [email protected] Publisher: David Williams [email protected] Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards [email protected] ————————————————————— 6288 7863 All members of the Committee can be contacted Training and Safety Officer: David Dedenczuk in one email to [email protected] [email protected] 0417 222 154 Conservation Officer: Vacant Check in: [email protected] [email protected] Web site: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Web Manager: Andrew Meers [email protected]

For those who are thinking of contributing to this newsletter  Your contributions are very welcome. To keep the newsletter to a manageable size please limit your articles to a maximum of two pages of text or no more than about 1000 words, plus some accompanying photos if you have them.  When you send a photo, and it is not your own, you must have the owner’s permission to use it. The name of the photographer will be included unless they request otherwise.  Any article you send in must not have been published or submitted for publication elsewhere.  Be aware that your article may be edited to fit, or to correct spelling or other errors, or to better suit the requirements of the Club, unless there is a specific request from the author that the article not be edited.  If you would like to discuss your proposed contribution then contact me - I am more than happy to help.  The closing date for each issue of it is the fourth Wednesday of every month. Send contributions to [email protected]

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 15 ACTIVITY PROGRAM Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Linda Groom (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6281 4917 or 0474 507 259. Email: [email protected]

Information for Participants

Distance and difficulty Transport Costs are 38¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This Distance: amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on (S) Short – under 12 km/day the condition of the roads and other factors. The figures given are (M) Medium – 12–20 km/day for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an (L) Long – over 20 km/day estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping fees are Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres additional costs which leaders should list separately. climbed. Duty of care Terrain: Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she (E) Easy – fire trail, tracks, beaches etc. does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that (M) Medium – bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or damage to (R) Rough – much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles property. Each person is required to sign the Club’s (W) Wet – compulsory swims, many river crossings ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to join trips. (X) Exploratory However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the Club after a

maximum of three trips.

For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Booking Contact the leader early rather than late so the leader has time to Check-in after walks arrange transport. See walk description for booking deadline. Before a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names of Check with the leader about: their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their safe * the need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc. return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Officer, David Dedenczuk * appropriate clothing, footwear [email protected] 0417 222 154 leave * any precautions you might need to take for severe weather message if no answer). In the event that you are late returning, changes. worried relatives should contact the Check-in Officer or the Walks Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to our Secretary (6294 8232 or 0417 436 877) in the first instance, not the Club. Police or other bodies.

Equipment hire Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise stated Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equipment. The Equipment Officer is Rob Horsfield, who can be contacted on 6231 4535(h) or to Wednesday walks borrow the Northside PLB, Lorraine Tomlins, 62480456 or Two walks one Medium/Easy and one Medium/Hard, are 434078496. conducted most Wednesdays. Walks are conducted in turn by leaders from the Canberra Bushwalking Club (CBC), The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are Brindabella Bushwalking Club (BBC – Peter set out below. Hirers are responsible for collecting and returning [email protected] and Kathy [email protected]) the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for and National Parks Association ACT (NPA - Mike S, 0412 179 members who are ‘first time’ weekend walkers. 907). Destination and meeting place details are emailed a

few days before each walk. (BBC and NPA leaders as listed in A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, depending on the condition of the items upon return and whether the activity program). they are returned late. Control your receipt of Wednesday Walk emails via your membership profile. Contact John, co-ordinator of Item w.e./week Wednesday Walks, via Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 [email protected] for general Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 enquiries. If you are not a member of CBC, BBC or NPA you Snow tent $15 / $40 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 must contact the leader before the walk to discuss the level Assorted packs $5 / $15 of difficulty and must be accompanied on the walk by a Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 sponsoring member. Please note that leaders retain the right Snow shoes/poles $10 / $25 to not accept any walker. Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions) GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use)

Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting and returning gear.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 16 Activity Program

Thursday evening 9 November: Uriarra Loop - S/E Meet at 6:30. Turn left off Uriarra Road (1 km before Uriarra Crossing) and drive down to Uriarra East Reserve where our walk begins. This 3.5km walk with sandy river banks and views is mostly flat and easy except for the short steep rocky section along the before the track leaves the river. Families with active children aged around 9 and upwards welcome. Map: http://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/parks-and-reserves/find-a-park/murrumbidgee- river-corridor/swamp-creek/Swamp-Creek,-Uriarra-and-Shepherds-Lookout-Map Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself. No need to book

Thursday-Saturday 9-25 November: The Great South West Walk on foot and by canoe - M-L/E The Great South West Walk is one of Australia’s lesser known long-distance walking tracks. Stretching over 240km, it takes in coastal, forest and river landscapes in south-western Victoria and is serviced by a series of established overnight shelters/campsites. The plan is to do the walk in three stages: starting from Nelson, near the South Australian border, we walk along the wild and isolated shore-line of Discovery Bay for three nights – this is Zen time. The beach morphs into a long series of coastal cliffs for the next three days, passing Capes Bridgewater and Nelson, to reach the town of Portland at the end of day 6 – time for a day off. From Portland, the route takes us inland for the next three days, through the Cobboboonee Forest and Lower Glenelg National Park to reach Moleside Campsite on the Glenelg River. From here the pace changes, as we won’t be walking the last section, but canoeing down the Glenelg River, as it flows through the National Park, for the next four days. There will be time to visit the Margaret Rose Caves on the way before arriving back at Nelson at the mouth of the river. The itinerary can be downloaded at http://www.gang-gang.net/nomad/GSWW-Itinerary.pdf Walking days vary from 15-22km between the campsites: the route does not have a lot of climbing, but there are a few days of beach walking. It is planned to make food drops to lighten the load for the nine days of walking. Maps and information: http://www.greatsouthwestwalk.com/ Leader: David Briese [email protected] Costs: $4-500 per person for campsite fees, accommodation and canoe hire. Travel: You can fly to Portland, but driving is probably the best option – ca 2000km round-trip between Canberra and Nelson, which would be ca. $250 per person return if 3 cars are used (based on 8 people – may vary slightly if less). Limit: 8.

Friday 10th November: Toddlers Toddle Cotter Bend - S/E A 300 metre walk designed for families with children up to around 4 years old. Walk from Cotter Bend along a foot track which follows the to a narrow foot bridge. The track is flat, lined with river stones, and with access to the river in places. Across the bridge is a shaded grassy area with shallow water for wading and throwing stones. Meet at Cotter Bend car park ready to leave at 10am. To get there, drive out along the Cotter Road, and after crossing the bridge over the Murrumbidgee, drive one kilometre. Cotter Bend is a signposted left hand turn off the Cotter Road about 1km after the bridge, and 700m after you pass the Cotter camping area. No need to book. Leader: Meredith Hatherly [email protected] 0413 396 258 Map: . Transport: Drive yourself.

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Activity Program

(Friday 10) Saturday-Sunday 11-12 November: Castle and Budawang Ranges – M/R We will drive the 2.5 hrs from Canberra and car camp at the Yadboro Creek car park on Long Gully road on Friday afternoon, with an early start walk up Kalianna ridge, around the Castle base and up the creek and into the Castle Saddle for another well-earned rest. From there we will walk through Nibelung Pass which will leave the hard climbing behind us and into Monolith Valley, through the Green Room and onto Seven Gods Pinnacles passing the Natural Arch on our left. This area is unforgettable and leads us across flat but heavy overgrown track but is only short. The end is now in sight where we will cave camp at the back of Mount Cole. Time and energy permitting on the return walk we will enter another hidden valley and onto Mount Owen. Good water is on the track but only after we get through Nibelung Pass. The walk involves a climb of 600 meters and 25km in total with rock scrambling and a water crossing. This walk is rated as hard but worth it. Limit: 6 Map: Corang Transport: $40 per person Leader: Wayne Puckett 0449 739 193 [email protected]

(Friday 10) Saturday-Sunday 11-12 November: Dam fine views from Corin Cottage – M-L/M-R A unique opportunity to stay at the ranger cottage above , which is being readied for nature stay housing. We will go out Friday afternoon and enjoy a wine and shared tea whilst looking up the dam to Bimberi Peak. On Saturday, we’ll climb Stockyard Spur to join the Mt Franklin Rd. From there, there are several options to choose from – Mt Ginini, Stockyard Gap, Little Ginini Mountain, Pryors Hut, Mt Gingera, Brumbys Flats, Morass/Cheyenne Flats and the remaining fir trees in the Stockyard arboretum. Around 20km and 1000m climb. Another shared tea on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll again climb to the helipad, then off-track down to the 13-metre waterfall on Stockyard Creek for two geocaches (GC6JBAQ Can’t see the wood for the trees? and GC6JBAV Stockyard Falls). Wander one or two scrubby kilometres up Stockyard Creek, then ascend to the Stockyard Spur vehicle track. Return via track and steps. Around 12km and 750m climb. Alternatively, you can poke about the dam area. More accommodation details to come. Map: Corin Dam Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ~$10. Cost: Accommodation is at no cost; willingness to complete a questionnaire on your experience. Limit: Strictly 6 including one couple for the double bed.

Saturday 11 November: Stockyard Spur, Pryors Hut and Mt Gingera - L/M The walk will start from Corin Dam. We will then climb steeply up Stockyard Spur to Pryors Hut where we'll have a very well-earned morning tea. From there we climb to for lunch and magnificent views. Expect snow gums and alpine meadows and a chance to reacquaint yourself with your quads and hammies as this walk is about 20km and a total climb of 1150m. A good level of fitness is definitely required. Map: Corin Dam Leader: Terrylea Reynolds 0408715218 [email protected] Transport: $10 per person. Book: by 2pm Wednesday 8 November.

Sunday 12 November: London Bridge to Washpen Crossing – S/E This is a walk through the southern section of Googong. We will walk from the London Bridge woolshed to the old homestead then we walk beside to approach the London Bridge arch from the south. We will continue north to the junction of the and Burra Creek, visiting Washpen Crossing. Returning we will get a different view of the London Bridge arch by approaching from the north. We then return to the cars by crossing the arch. Total distance is about 9km (mostly on track). Total climb is about 320 metres. Home in time for lunch. Map: Captains Flat Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096, [email protected] Transport: $2-$3 pp. Booking: Please book by email before 2pm Friday 10 November.

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Activity Program

Monday evening 13 November: Coolamon Ridge – S/E Meet at the car park on Namatjira Drive just on the Kambah side of Fisher near the speed limit sign. Great views along the ridge. No bookings, just turn up at 6.30. Map: Canberra 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 or [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

Tuesday 14 November: Falls – M/R/ part X/W An attempt to find a new route into the beautiful Sandy Creek Falls. From the locked gate on the Meryla Road, about 2 km south then west on Rebeccas View Fire Trail, then off track to find a route through the cliffs into Sandy Creek. If we fail, we will head for the top of the falls by a known route. If we get through the cliffs, we will join Sandy Creek below the falls and head upstream scrambling over giant boulders. The route around the falls is straightforward. The W (Wet) grading is just-in-case but should only involve knee- deep wading. This walk has rainforest, dry forest, heath that drapes the cliff edges in hanging gardens, a sandstone gorge, and cascades as well as the falls. Sections of serious scrub. Prior rock scrambling experience required. 7 to 8km, 300m down and up. A 2hr 10min drive from Northbourne Ave but really worth it! Map: Bundanoon Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259 [email protected] Transport: $120 per car. Limit: 8.

Wednesday 15 November: Wednesday walks Easy/medium and Medium/hard walks. BBC coordinator contact Kathy Handel.

Wednesday 15 November: CBC General Meeting 7.30pm Weston Creek Uniting Church 16 Parkinson St Weston. Guest speaker: Barbara Slotemaker de Bruine – travels in Antarctica and Patagonia.

Thursday 16 November: Nursery Swamp and Nursery Hill - L/R We will make an early start to avoid the heat for the uphill sections. After a long steep climb we will walk to the end of the Nursery Swamp Walking Track. Then further down the side of the swamp until we turn to follow along the side of the creek that runs down from the west. After crossing the creek we head south- west climbing gently to a saddle, where we will turn south-east onto a spur which rises up to Nursery Hill. Some reasonably open going to the saddle. From around the 1400m contour on the spur we will walk through some fine granite tors. After lunch at the top we will retrace our steps to re-join the Nursery Swamp Walking Track and follow it back to our vehicles. A mixture of open going and scrub. Total distance is 16km and total climb is 550 metres. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096, [email protected] Transport: $10 per person. Limit: 8 Booking: Please book by email before 2 pm Monday 13 November.

Saturday-Sunday 18-19 November: Mts Kelly and Burbidge trig bagging and geocaching – M/M-R Walk across the grasslands from Yankee Hat car park and into the mouth of Middle Creek. Climb the bottom of the Burbidge spur, then traverse round to near the south arm of Middle Creek and climb to camp at Bogong Gap. Scramble up Mt Burbidge and explore the tors on the ridge for three geocaches. Climb Mt Kelly to bag it and for another cache. Return the same way. Around 25km and 1000m climb. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Limit: 8 Transport: ~$12 per person.

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Activity Program

Saturday-Sunday 18-19 November: Nursery Hill and Rendezvous Creek - M/R This trip would be suitable for people new to pack walking - a mix of on track and reasonable scrub. Day 1: Car park Nursery Swamp - Nursery Hill as side trip - down to Rendezvous Creek to camp. 10km, 400m climb. Day 2: Rendezvous Creek to Nursery Creek - car park 8.5km, 120m climb. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leaders: Jen and Rob Horsfield, 6231 45353 [email protected] Transport: $32 per vehicle (80km return).

Sunday 19th November: Explorer walk to – S/R A walk designed for families with active kids aged 7 and upwards. We will start from Woods Reserve on the Corin Road and head up Gibraltar Creek, on a narrow track till it runs out. We’ll then scramble across large boulders for about 30 minutes, with a stop at a swimming hole if it’s hot. Lunch at the cascades just below Gibraltar Falls. Then up beside the falls on a very steep footpad to the top of the falls. We’ll return by an easy track, with some valley views. 3km round trip, 150 vertical metres elevation change. A mid- morning start and an early-afternoon finish. Adults need prior experience in rough, off-track walking. Map: Tidbinbilla Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself, a 40 minute drive from Civic, all on sealed road. Bookings essential – please book by 4 pm Saturday 18th November.

Monday 20th November: Toddlers Toddle, Mt Ainslie Nature Reserve – S/M A walk designed to introduce kids 1 to 4 years old to walking on uneven ground; families with patient older kids also welcome. We will walk, with many meanderings, about 350 metres through the open bushland behind Hackett, investigating grassy glades, logs and an interesting gully. The main ‘challenge’ will be negotiating the gully’s steep earth banks - on past experience, some participants insist on doing this several times. No need to book. Meet for a 9.45am start, in the grassy carpark opposite 88 Mackenzie Street, Hackett. Should be finished before noon. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Map: Canberra 1:25,000 Transport: Drive yourself.

Monday evening 20 November: Mt Ainslie - S/E Meet at 6.30pm in the car park atop Mt Ainslie on the airport side then walk to the west, north and east of the mountain. No need to book. Map: Canberra 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, or [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

Tuesday 21 November: Billy Billy Rocks from the East - M/R, part X Follow a well taped and cairned footpad starting near a sharp bend in Corin Road, just south of where Billy Billy Creek crosses the road. I know the pad climbs the spur for at least 1.5km and an October Wednesday Walk followed the entire route. Continue west on the pad to cross Billy Billy Creek and access the Billy Billy Rocks area. The objectives are two geocaches, GC1A7XY William Totally Rocks! (on the east end of the rocks) and GC1PVHC Granite Cascade (100m below the top rocks on the north face). Climb to the top for grand views over TNR and to the Tidbinbilla Range. Around 7km and 500m climb. Map: Corin Dam Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Limit: 8 walkers who don’t mind rock scrambling. Transport: ~$7.

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Activity Program

Wednesday 22 November: Southside Stroll in daylight saving – Theodore knolls and the axe grinding grooves – S/E Meet at the Callister Crescent Theodore car park for a 6.30pm start. We’ll walk NE over two knolls in the Nature Reserve to the aboriginal axe grinding grooves above . Around 5km return and 300m climb. If we want more, a quick visit NW to Tuggeranong Hill adds 2.5km and 150m climb. Map: Tuggeranong Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: Please drive yourself. No need to book.

Wednesday 22 November: Wednesday Walks Mike Morriss CBC easy/medium walk; NPA coordinator, Mike Smith for medium/hard walk.

(22) 23 November: 25th anniversary: broom clearing at Cotter Hut – S/E to S/M 2017 marks the 25th year of this joint activity with ACT Parks and Conservation to monitor and remove broom (invasive weed) in Cotter Hut area. To celebrate, there will be an option to car camp overnight at Cotter Hut (22nd) or to come on the day itself (23rd). Bring gardening gloves and small tools (e.g. loppers, saws, secateurs). A light lunch will be provided. See further details on page 4 of this newsletter. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton [email protected] Map: Rendezvous Creek Transport: ~$45- 46 per vehicle. Trip full: waitlist only.

Saturday 25 November: Mts Major & Minor – M/M This lovely circuit walk in Tallaganda National Park offers not only a variety of terrain and vegetation but some wonderful views. Expect snow gums, rain forest, beautiful granite outcrops and, of course, that wonderful lawyer vine. Whilst there is some fire trail most of this walk is off track. Some rock scrambling and rough scrub will be encountered so scrub gloves and gaiters are recommended. The walk starts on the Jinglemoney Fire Trail, Tallaganda National Park, and then ascends Mt Major before continuing along to the two minor knolls beyond. From there it is downhill via a snig track back to the fire trail and the cars. About 12km and a total climb of approx. 600 metres. Moderate/good level of fitness required. Map: Bombay. Leader: Terrylea (0408 715 218) [email protected] Transport: $10 per person Booking: Please book by email before 2pm. Limit: 12.

Sunday 26 November: Mt Palerang – M/M From a very pleasant little picnic/camping area alongside Mulloon Creek we follow a spur and ridge system which is a great approach and gives lovely views. The access ridges have moderate scrub and a few rocky scrambles. Although trees at the summit limit the view the approaching ridges more than compensate. On a clear day there are extensive views to the Brindabellas in the west and to the Budawangs in the east. We may also see Lake George to the north-west and the water spout on . We will return to our vehicles by a different route. As well as the great views we will experience numerous changes in vegetation and terrain along the way. About 12km and a total climb of 700 metres. Moderate level of fitness required. Map: Bombay Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: $10 per person. Booking: Please book by email before 2pm Friday 24 November. Limit: 12.

Sunday 26 November: Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool - M-E/M We follow the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track along the river from Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool with great views of the river. We'll need a car shuffle. Distance approx. 14km, 450m ascent, 320m descent. Maps: Cotter Dam and Tuggeranong Transport: ~ $15 per car. Leader: Lisa Quilter 0402 928 359, [email protected] Bookings: By email before noon 24 November.

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Activity Program

Monday evening 27 November: Red Hill - S/E Meet at 6.30pm in the car park on Red Hill Map: Canberra 1:25,000 Leader: Lisa Quilter, 0402 928 359. Transport: drive yourself.

Tuesday 28 November: Big Oaky Creek, Monga NP – L/R/X/W A circuit in a rarely-visited part of Monga NP, with rainforest and probably cascades. Starting from Macquarie Road we will descend steeply to Big Oaky Creek: 400 vertical metres in 3km down the partly overgrown Oaky Creek fire trail and then 350 more vertical metres off track down a ridge. We will then rock-hop upstream as far as time permits – ½ to 3km – and exit with a 600 vertical metre climb, probably via a ridge but possibly partly by a rain-forested tributary. The last 3km will be up the Boundary Fire Trail, which has tree-filtered views of the Araluen Valley. Total around 800m descent & ascent, 11 to 14km; some sections of thick scrub expected. Graded ‘W’ just in case, but I am hoping to keep our feet dry. Approx. 1 hour 50 min drive from Queanbeyan; the last 45 mins best done in AWD/4WDs. Map: Araluen Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259 [email protected] Transport: $100 per car. Limit: 8.

Wednesday 29 November: Toddlers Toddle – S/E A walk designed for families with kids in the 1 to 4 years age range, to a spot where the clear and clean Orroral River runs gently past some flattish rocks, in Namadgi National Park. Families with patient older kids also welcome. A 300 metre walk along a track from the car, then 30 metres off-track. A good spot for water play in hot weather. No need to book. Meet at the carpark just across the bridge in Tharwa at 9.45 am, after which it is a 20 minute further drive, all on sealed road. Should be back in Tharwa by noon. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

Wednesday 29 November: Wednesday Walks Robin Cayzer CBC easy/medium walk; NPA coordinator Mike Smith for medium/hard walk.

Thursday evening 30 November: Old Joe - S/E Meet at 6:00pm where the Centenary Trail crosses Horse Park Dr, just west of the National Hwy exit (map: http://bit.ly/CentenaryTrailCrossing). We will loop around the mountain, follow the border to the top of Old Joe and great views, then return more directly (easy off track) to complete an 8.5km walk with 200m climb. Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring a bottle of water. Expect to finish before dark but bring a torch. No need to book, just show up. Map: Hall Leader: Michael de Raadt [email protected] Walk map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1NR846DDCFGnpIgp-xGqtak4lWac&ll=- 35.19945075236696%2C149.1882095336914&z=15

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Activity Program

(Thursday 30 November) Friday 1- Monday 4 December: Caves, Canyons and Craters of the Blue Mountains - M/R/X/W Day 1: Monkey Creek /Kangaroo Corner Creek, Dargan (M/R/X/W 12km & 600m ascent). This is an exploratory trip, searching for a series of caves and monoliths identified on an old sketch map. Expect a lot of scrambling through rough, exposed terrain, mostly off track. Days 2 and 3: Wollangambe River (Wollangambe Zero canyon) BMNP, (M/R/X/W 20km & 1000m ascent). Descending from the eastern most point of the fire trail that’s north of the Wollangambe, we will explore the side creeks, camping overnight at Wollangambe Crater. The next day we will leave our camping gear at the crater for later pickup, and travel downstream through the Wollangambe Zero canyon system by li-lo, walking in shallow water and scrambling over boulders and through regrowth. If there is sufficient time we will visit the lower reaches of Whirlpool and Geronimo canyons, no abseils required. We will exit near the Bell Creek junction, walking up to the Mt Wilson Fire Shed. Note: A number of compulsory swims are required, one up to 30m and participants should be confident in water over their heads. A wetsuit, helmet, cotton covered li-lo and slip resistant shoes are required. Day 4: Center of the Universe and Wollangambe Crater BMNP (S/M 10km & 600m ascent). We will travel on track from Bell to the Center of the Universe, with a side trip to the Crater to pick up the camping gear we left overnight. Leaders: Karen Cody & Bob Salijevic [email protected] Transport: ~$90 per person with 3 per car. Maps: Hartley, Wollangambe, Mount Wilson. Accommodation: Free camping available on private property in Dargan, with hot showers and toilets available. There will be a self-catered BBQ on Saturday night. Limit: 6 Booking: Please book by: the 18th November. Further info on each walk is available at: https://sites.google.com/site/feralkaza/home under Upcoming Trips – Blue Mountains Saturday-Sunday 2-3 December: Bimberi Peak – M/E This is a good introductory trip for day walkers who would like to try out overnight camping. It also provides an opportunity to climb Bimberi Peak (1913 metres), the highest peak in the ACT. We'll depart Canberra at 1:00pm on Saturday and drive via to the locked gate at the northern end of Pockets Saddle Road. With overnight packs we'll walk to Oldfields Hut where we'll camp overnight (3.5 km). The next morning, with day packs only, we'll take the trail to Murrays Gap (4.5 km and 200 metres climb). We'll ascend Bimberi Peak from Murrays Gap following a footpad to the summit (3km and 390 metre climb). Following morning tea with fabulous 360 degree views we'll return along the same route back to Oldfields Hut for lunch and then back to the car. Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Rules Point or Rooftop's Kosciuszko Northern Activities. Leader: Gerald Dodgson 0438119803 [email protected] Transport: Approximately 350km, $140 per car, $35-45 per person. Book: by 2pm Thursday 30 November. Limit: 16.

Saturday 2 December: Hospital Creek Cascades and Hut - S/M Old Boboyan Rd car park and road - Hospital Creek Cascades - hut and return along road. 9.5km, 170m climb. Map: Yaouk Leaders: Jen and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 [email protected] Transport: $44 per vehicle (108 km return). Sunday afternoon 3rd December: Family walk, Swamp Creek Nature Reserve – S/M This nature reserve, near Uriarra Crossing, contains a pleasant creek fringed with casuarinas. The walk is designed for families, and is best suited to kids in the 6 to 12 year age range. Also suitable for agile baby- wearing parents, with the baby on the back. We will take a break where we first cross the creek and again further upstream for a snack on grass under big, shady casuarinas. The walk is entirely off-track, crossing grassland with a few patches of scrub, 3 creek crossings on rocks or balancing on logs, and some rocky sections where you may need to use your hands. Some steepish slopes with loose soil or gravel underfoot. 3 to 4km, total descents and ascents 100 metres. No need to book. Map: Umburra Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Transport: Drive yourself. Meet on the Uriarra Road, 750 metres south of the junction of Fairlight and Uriarra Roads, ready to leave at 1.30pm. Should be finished by 5pm. Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2017 page 23

Activity Program

Sunday evening 3 December: CBC Christmas party 6.00pm – 9.00pm at the home of Janet Duncan, 19 Gamor Street, Waramanga. The Club will provide BBQs. You provide: meat, salads, drinks, fold-up chairs etc. For catering purposes please reply to the Social Secretary Terrylea Reynolds at [email protected] Hope you can make it!

Monday evening 4 December: Gungahlin Hill - S/E Meet at 6.30pm in the car park for this Nature Park. It is accessed off the Barton Highway, 1.5km east of the Gundaroo Drive roundabout. There are interesting and different views. No need to book. Map: Canberra 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 or [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

Wednesday 6 December: Wednesday Walks Jillian Bellamy BBC easy/medium walk; BBC coordinator Peter Wellman for medium/hard walk.

Thursday evening 7 December: Urambi Hills - S/E Meet at 6:30pm at Learmonth Drive (Turn from Athlon Drive into Learmonth Drive, pulling over to the left, about 50 metres from the traffic lights). We will enjoy a pleasant stroll with views. Map: http://www.environment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/390600/cnpmapurambihill.pdf Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself. No need to book.

Friday 8 – Sunday 10 December: In the Footsteps of Strzelecki – L/R/X After Friday night at Doctor Forbes Hut, we will climb 1800m (the largest vertical ascent in Australia) up Hannels Ridge to Kosciuszko, following an old footpad where we can. Overnight Saturday near Wilkinsons Creek, then return to Thredbo (and some of our cars) via the walking trail and the summit of Kosciuszko – or at least as high as any remaining snow permits on its flanks. About 20km and 2000m climbing/1000m descent. Maps: Youngal and Perisher Valley Leader: Rowan Peck 0412 041 957 [email protected] Transport: ~160/car + NPWS park entry if required. Book: contact leader by 4pm Tuesday 5th Dec. Limit: 8

Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 December: Nattai River, Russells Needle - S/R/X We will follow the Slott Way Track from near Starlights Trail to the Nattai River and find a campsite near Rocky Waterholes Creek. We will then walk up the spectacular Russells Needle which has extensive views down the Nattai River before returning to our campsite. On Sunday we will walk up Rocky Waterholes Creek and use a side gully to climb back onto the plateau and then follow a fire trail back to the car. Map: Hilltop Leader: Ian Hickson [email protected] 62516858. Transport $155/car. Limit: 6.

Sunday 10 December: Gorilla Rock - S/R Walking from Honeysuckle Creek Camp Ground we join the AAWT before heading off into the bush to Gorilla Rock for morning tea and then retrace our route back to the cars. Total distance is only about 6 km. Total climb is about 200 metres. We will be home in time for lunch. Half the walk is rated E (easy) as it is on footpad. The other half is rated R (rugged) as it is scrubby. This walk is an opportunity for those new to R rated walks to experience some bush bashing on a short walk. As a reward you will see a very interesting rock feature which is usually only visited as part of a much longer walk. Moderate level of fitness required. Map: Corin Dam Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: $10 per person. Limit: 12

Monday evening 11 December: Black Mt Hat Band - S/E Meet 6.30pm. Park at the end of Frith St near electricity substation. Some distance from the top, there is a track around the mountain with 360 degree views. No need to book. Map: Canberra 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 or [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

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Activity Program

Wednesday 13 December: Wednesday Walks Mark Peirce CBC easy/medium walk; Peter Wellman CBC medium/hard walk.

Thursday 14 December: Orroral Hill – M/R We will make an early start to avoid the heat for the uphill sections. Beginning at the Orroral Tracking Station picnic area, we will follow the Granite Tors walking trail to the Laser Lunar Tower. After morning tea with views we head off track in a south westerly direction to a saddle between Orroral Hill and a knoll to its north west. From the saddle we need to gain about 100m to reach Orroral summit. Half the climb is on a very steep track with the other half steeply off track. It involves a total climb of about 600m and a distance of about 12km. The going will be fairly slow and scrubby in parts with some scrambling. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: $10 Limit 8 Booking: Please book by email before 2 pm Monday 11 December.

Saturday 16 December: Bulls Head Range, Brindabellas – M/E-M This walk is located on the eastern flanks of the Brindabellas, on the lower part of the Bulls Head Range. It is nearly all on management trails, so makes an easy paced introduction to this area. We visit 3 weirs, climb to 1100m and walk on Pago Break. 2 geocaches. Around 14km and 550m climb. Map: Cotter Dam Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ∼$10 per person. Limit: 8.

Sunday 17 December: Honeysuckle Campground to Orroral Campground - M-E/M We will follow fire trails and the Orroral Valley loop track. The walk is about 15km, there is a steep ascent and descent to start with and the rest of the walk is gently undulating. We'll need a car shuffle. Map: Corin Dam Transport: ~ $30 per car. Leader: Lisa Quilter 0402 928 359 [email protected] Bookings: by email before noon 19 December.

Monday evening 18 December: Mulligans Flat East - S/E Meet at 6.30pm in the main Mulligans Flat car park in the suburb of Forde. Go down Horse Park Drive, turn into Francis Forde Boulevard, then left into Amy Ackman St which will take you to the car park. Nice open bush. No need to book. Map: Canberra 1:25 000 Leader: Stan Marks 62549568, or [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

Wednesday 20 December: Wednesday Walks Easy/medium and Medium/hard walks. BBC coordinator contact Kathy Handel.

Sunday 24 December 2017: Mt Tennent via the Scar – M/R A rugged scramble just before the comforts of Christmas. We will walk from the Namadgi Visitor Centre up to Cypress Pine Lookout and then it is off-track from there. Through the scrub and then to the rocky terrain of the Scar itself. We will climb up the Scar, perhaps as far as the summit area. 11km distance, 800m climb. Joint walk with NPA ACT. Map: Williamsdale Leader: David Dedenczuk 0417 222 154 [email protected] Contact leader to indicate wish to participate by Thursday 21 December. Transport: 80km return - $32 per car.

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Activity Program

Monday 25 December: walk and luncheon at the Cotter – S/E Wonder what to do on Christmas Day? Please join me in walking around the attractive area at the Cotter Reserve and then enjoy a Christmas luncheon about 1pm. Please bring food for yourselves and maybe something to share. Meet at Cooleman Court by 9.30am or at the Cotter Bend Picnic area by 10am. From the Cotter I plan to walk along to the Dam area, up the hill to the Lookout then across to the Cotter Dam Viewing Platform. From there walking along near the River to the camping area and then return to our lunch area. Or if you prefer you are most welcome to meet at about 12.30pm at the Cotter Bend Picnic grounds where we plan to have Chrissy Lunch. Bring swimwear as there are plenty of lovely swimming spots. Please let me know if you are intending to come. Map: Cotter Dam Leader: Janet Duncan [email protected] or text please to 0423 213 679 Transport: Drive yourself but let the leader know if you need or can offer a lift.

Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 December: Tabletop - M/E Tabletop is the highest point in the Kiandra region. It has superb views to Mt Jagungal, and in the other direction to the peaks around Mt Bimberi. We will camp both nights near Four Mile Hut, 8km from the Kiandra trackhead, and do the 18km return walk from there to Tabletop on Thursday with day packs. The walk is mainly on undulating fire trail, but there is also a short, very steep climb up Tabletop summit through alpine grassland. Altitude ranges between 1500 and almost 1800 metres so much cooler than Canberra. Maps: Cabramurra, Denison; or Rooftop KNP Forest Activities Map Jindabyne - Khancoban. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 0418 662 870 [email protected] Book by 2pm 24 December. Transport: ~310km ~$120 per car.

Friday 29 December 2017 – Wednesday 3rd January 2018: Gunuma Lodge at Smiggins – various gradings Join our group staying at Gunuma Ski Lodge at Smiggins for a week. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the mountains and do a variety of activities: walks, fishing, coffee at Charlottes Pass or simply enjoy being in the mountains. Walks may include Rainbow Lake, Porcupine Rocks, around Guthega, Smiggins, Mt Twynam via Blue Lake and others. Self-cater for breakfasts and lunches. People are organised into catering groups so you only need to cook for one evening meal, depending on numbers. Previously this has worked out extremely well, is fun and the meals superb! The kitchen is well equipped with storage space for food. There are TVs, lounges and a deck to enjoy life! More information at http://www.gunumalodge.com.au Please email me asap to book, then I will email out info about the lodge and a walks itinerary. Maps: Perisher, Kosciuszko Leader: Janet Duncan [email protected] Accommodation: $34 per night i.e. $204 per person for 6 nights and full payment is needed to book your shared room. Book by 1st December to ensure availability of a room. Transport: 420km return Canberra to Smiggins. There will be an additional charge at CBC rates for each day’s walk. National Park daily vehicle pass is $17 per 24 hours, yearly Pass is $190.

Sunday 31 December 2017: Mt Townsend - L/R A beautiful walk to Australia's second highest mountain. The walk will include a visit to Australia's highest tarn. Depending on the preferences and availability of participants, we might travel down and camp the previous evening. 25km, 600m climb. Joint walk with NPA ACT. Map: Perisher Valley Leader: David Dedenczuk 0417 222 154 [email protected] Booking: Contact leader to indicate wish to participate by Thursday 21 December. Transport: 440km return, $176 per car.

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Activity Program

Monday evening 8 January 2018: Mt Taylor – S/M No need to book. Meet 6.30pm on Sulwood Drive Kambah directly opposite the Mannheim St intersection, away from the crowds ascending the main summit track. We will go up via the cascades, the western cliffs and the herbfields, and descend the zig zag track overlooking Woden. Good views. Rougher than most evening walks, but not fast; you will see parts of the mountain most people are unaware of. Expect to finish before dark but bring a torch just in case. Maps: Canberra, Tuggeranong - not required. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 0418662870 [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

Sunday 14 January 2018: Mt Gingera – M/E Mt Gingera is the flat topped, often snow covered, mountain you see to the south west from Canberra. It offers views back over Canberra, as well as into northern Kosciuszko NP. We will walk there the easier way, from Mt Ginini, but this requires a longer drive on rougher roads than the access via Corin Dam. About 14km with 400m climbing (half that climb for the steep summit ascent, the rest spread over the day). There is a mix of fire trail, track and open alpine walking. Altitude ranges between 1550 and 1850 metres so much cooler than Canberra. Map: Corin Dam Leader: Jeff Bennetts 0418662870 [email protected] Book by 2pm the Thursday before. Transport: ~150km ~$60 per car.

Sunday 14 January 2018: Family walk and swim on a farm - S/E A walk designed for families on the property of a Club member about 10 minutes from Queanbeyan. From the farm homestead we will feed the farm sheep and then walk down a gently sloping, mown path, about 800 metres, to a dam suitable for swimming. No farm animals have access to the dam area so the water is pretty clear. The dam is deep and great for kids who are competent swimmers but not really suitable for toddlers. There is a large shaded area nearby. Return the same route. Meet at the farm, exact time and directions will be given when you book, but probably around 10.30am, finishing by 2pm. Bring lunch. Map: tba. Leaders: Linda Groom and Ros Woodward. Bookings to Linda [email protected] 6281 4917. Transport: Drive yourself, the farm track is fine for 2WDs. Limit: 10 families.

Saturday-Sunday 20-21 January: Upper Cotter River – M/M-R, part X A long drive to Yaouk and the end of Kennedys Road. Walk Yaouk Trail to Yaouk Gap, then off-track along the ACT border. Walk generally south-east to cross Porcupine Creek, then up over a high crest near SH1518 and down to the Cotter River at the upper falls. Follow the river down to the lower falls and on to Rolleys Flats. Turn west and gain Yaouk Trail to return. Around 20km (7km on fire trail) and 700m climb. 3 geocaches. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] . Limit: 8. Transport: ∼$25 per person.

Monday evening 22 January: Mt Mugga Nature Reserve – S/E No need to book. Meet 6.30pm in the car park near the shops in Farr Place, Isaacs. We walk north beneath Isaacs Ridge, then follow a circular route below the Mt Mugga quarry. Expect to finish before dark but bring a torch just in case. Map: Canberra - not required. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 0418662870 [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

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Activity Program

(24) 25-28 January: Caves and Canyons of the Blue Mountains M/M/R/W Day 1: Ikara, Thor and Asgard Heads, BMNP (M/M 13km & 700m ascent). These 3 heads offer breathtaking views of the upper Grose valley. We will also do a side trip to visit Girraween Cave and the remnants of Mackenzie’s Mine and kiln. Day 2: Bell Creek Canyon BMNP (M/R/W 12km & 800m ascent). This is an outstanding, dark and narrow canyon. We will do the lower section of the canyon, entering via DuFaur Creek and Little Bell Canyon, which requires a tricky descent down a log with the aid of a rope. We will exit near the Wollangambee River junction, walking up to the Mt Wilson Fire Shed. A number of long compulsory swims are required, and participants should be confident in water over their heads. A wetsuit, helmet, cotton covered li-lo and slip resistant shoes are required. Day 3: Fortress Canyon and Darks Cave BMNP (S/M/W 10km & 550m ascent). We will travel to the end of the Fortress ridge track, descending off track to the Fortress Canyon exit which has a large waterfall and spectacular views of Govetts valley. We will then walk upstream to visit the lower reaches of the canyon, no abseil required. There are a few compulsory swims and participants should be confident in water over their heads. A helmet, wetsuit and slip resistant shoes are required. On the return, we will do a short side trip to Darks Cave, named after Dr Dark who lived there with his wife Eleanor during WWII. Eleanor wrote the Australian classic “The Timeless Land”. Day 4: Devils Throat & Camp Creek, Newnes Plateau(M/M/R/W 10km off track & 400m ascent) We’ll walk around and under this unique formation which forms the base of Alcatraz Canyon. On return, we’ll do a short detour to capture some unique views of the pagodas along Carne Creek. Maps: Mount Wilson, Wollangambe, Katoomba, Cullen Bullen. Leaders: Karen Cody & Bob Salijevic [email protected] Transport: ~$100 per person with 3 per car. Accommodation: Free camping available on 7 acres of private property in Dargan, with hot showers and toilets available. Feel free to “wag” one of the walks to visit nearby tourist attractions. There will be a self-catered BBQ on Saturday night. Limit: 12. Booking: Please book by 10th January. Further info on each walk is available at: https://sites.google.com/site/feralkaza/home under Upcoming Trips – Blue Mountains

Monday 19 to Thursday 22 February: Depot Beach four day Camp – S/E An opportunity to enjoy 4 days camping at the Depot Beach Campground. Activities include walking around to Pt Upright along a spectacular wave-cut platform, walking along to Pebbly Beach for snorkelling, short walk in the rainforest, a day spent at North Head, as well as gazing at the stars and doing nothing. Campers need to bring own tent or van. Joint activity with BBC. Accommodation: 3 nights. Powered sites $34 per night, unpowered $24 per night for 2 people. Plus National Park pass $8 per car per night. Cabins available. Hot showers $1. Self-cater as there are no shops nearby. Please book your own accommodation: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and- accommodation/campgrounds/depot-beach-campground 02 4478 6582. Book: Please book asap so I can arrange tent sites. Map: tba. Transport: ~$55 each person, including travel to North Beach. Leader: Janet Duncan [email protected]

Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 February: Burrinjuck Bridge to Bridge – L/E Paddling two arms of Burrinjuck Dam covering the Murrumbidgee and Goodradigbee Rivers. We will split into two groups, travelling in opposite directions from Wee Jasper and Taemas Bridge. From Taemas Bridge, we will also explore up the . We will meet to camp together on Narrangullen Island (about half way). On Day 2, continue to the other end of the trip before meeting back in Canberra to return cars to their owners. About 65km paddling (from Wee Jasper direction, 35km + 30km) Maps: Brindabella, Yass 1:100,000 Leaders: Rowan Peck 0412041957 [email protected] and Mike Bremers Transport: ~80/car. Book: contact Rowan by 4pm Tuesday 20th Feb. Limit: 16

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Activity Program

Tuesday 15 – Monday 28 May 2018: Janet’s Final Fourth Flinders Ranges Foray – MM to L/R Enjoy walking and driving in the beautiful Flinders Ranges and Heysen Trail within the Mt Remarkable and the Wilpena National Parks in SA. Tuesday 15th May arrive at Melrose for 6 nights. Day walks include climbing Dutchmans Stern, walking in Alligator Gorge and Hidden Gorge, and climbing Mt Remarkable. On the rest day, explore Melrose and its surrounds or drive to see the Pt Augusta Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. Monday 21st May drive northwards to Rawnsley Park campground for 7 nights. Day walks include climbing steep and rough Rawnsley Bluff for stunning views of the Wilpena Pound, sightseeing and walking in Aroona Valley, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, Blinman Pools, Wilpena Pound lookouts, along Blacks Gap to Wilpena Pound. Plus a rest day, which you will need after climbing a steep rocky track 700m to St Mary Peak! On Monday 28th, return to Canberra, full of the colours of the Flinders Ranges - its gorges, valleys and hills. Although we walk mostly on tracks you will need to be fit, please. There will be an information evening late in March 2018. Please email your expression of interest by 1st November. A joint CBC/BBC activity. Maps: HEMA map, NRMA has a reasonable Flinders Map. Leader: Janet Duncan [email protected] Transport: Roughly 3500 km from Canberra to Melrose /Wilpena Pound and return, plus another ~ 900 km travelling to the walks = approx. $600 each person. Allow two days for travelling to the Flinders and return. Most roads are sealed. Accommodation: cabins, your van or tent at two campgrounds: Melrose at the foot of Mt Remarkable and Rawnsley Bluff 17km south of Wilpena Pound. Melrose cabins 2-3 people sharing approx. $250 per person; powered sites $27 per person per night; tents $12 pp pn. Rawnsley Park cabins approx. $500 per person shared; powered sites RP $38 per person per night for 2; tents $14 pp pn. Self-catering, with several group meals. Booking: accommodation needs to be secured asap. Update: a few places left for people in basic cabins with use of amenities block (clean) or who have their own van or tent. Ensuite cabins are booked out; I have started a waiting list.

The ascent to St Mary Peak, Flinders Ranges

Photo: Meredith Hatherly

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Bulletin Board

The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if people participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance. Notices for the Bulletin Board should be emailed to the Walks Secretary [email protected]

New Zealand – Travers-Sabine Circuit – February 2018 I'm planning to walk the Travers-Sabine Circuit in New Zealand in mid-February 2018. The Travers-Sabine Circuit is a popular walk in Nelson Lakes National Park in the northern part of the South Island. It is planned to walk the circuit as a six day trip staying in huts. The trip is ideal for those new to walking in New Zealand's alpine areas. For further details contact, Gerald Dodgson 0438 119 803 (m) [email protected]

Indian Himalaya – 2018 – request for expressions of interest I am in the process of planning a trekking trip to the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalaya for 2018 (~August). I am in communication about the trip with a trekking company I have used before and would value early expressions of potential interest. The treks would be in the area of the headwaters of the Ganges River, and would likely involve two of the following treks: Kalindi Khal; Dhumdar Khandi; and/or Audens Col. These are all physically demanding treks and include crossing high passes and crevassed glaciers (although mountaineering experience is not specifically required). Some sense of the treks can be gained from the following websites (although the itineraries will not necessarily correlate exactly with the program we would follow): http://www.gio.in/trips/region/uttarakhand-garhwal/audens-col-trek; http://www.gio.in/trips/region/uttarakhand-garhwal/dhumdhar-kandi-bali-pass; http://www.gio.in/trips/region/uttarakhand-garhwal/kalindikhal-trek. Cost would be in the order of AUD2500 ex-Delhi, or AUD4000 ex-Delhi if the trip includes the Kalindi Khal trek. An alternative (or addition) I am considering is trekking in the Ladakh/Zanskar/Spiti region of the Indian Himalaya, also using a local trekking company. This is also a spectacular region; the trekking would be less demanding than the treks referred to above but still require a good degree of fitness. If you might be interested in either or both of the above, contact Ian Turland - email [email protected] mobile 0452 110 212. (Note that I will be travelling until 7 December but expect to have intermittent access to my emails.)

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