THE SCROLL

Newsletter of the Manning Canoe and Bushwalking Club

P.O. Box 511, 2430

Web:- manningcanoebushwalk.wordpress.com email:- [email protected]

Issue: December 2013

Feature Pic

LOOKING ON CHARLOTTES PASS – Mick O’Brien

PHOTOS- Please forward some of your favourite photos of places you have been to be used as a Feature Pic at the start of the Scroll. I will acknowledge place and photographer with the photo. Stuart

Next Meeting: 6:00pm 6th March 2014, Bushcamper Canvas 21 Oxley St Chatham

President: Greg Stewart Treasurer: Dennis Mitchell 6552 3338 Secretary: Mick O’Brien 6551 2531 [email protected] Editor/ Publicity: Stuart Ireland 6552 6574 [email protected] Minutes from General Meeting 5/12/2013

Meeting opened at 6:00pm.

Attendance: Mick O’Brien, Greg Stewart, Dennis Mitchell, Chris Stewart, Jenny Ireland, Stuart Ireland, Pam Finlay, Bob Finlay, Murray Bourke, Geoff Martin, Lenore, Wendy Campbell, Judy Yarrington, Kathy Cooper, Louise Enright, Janusz Haschek , Annelie Johansson-Riley, Christine Dennis. Geoff Songberg, Nina Linder, Greg Lee, Janeece Irving,

Apologies: Linda Walters

Previous Minutes: As per Scroll – no business arising

General Business: President Greg thanked everyone for the work done during the year. Calendar for coming months organised. Motion carried to buy garlic breads for Xmas dinner. Meeting closed at 6:55pm

TRIP REPORTS

MT KILLABAKH - September 22 Eleven walkers participated in this walk and it was pleasing to see quite a few new faces come along for the day. We started off following a 4wd track and soon branched off onto an old logging track. We then diverged off this track after a search around to find the trail that we needed to follow. This section is always overgrown and proves tricky to locate the way. Mick used his cheap import machete to clear the path but the branches proved tougher than his blade which buckled under the impact. Thankfully there were some pink ribbons on trees which made it a little easier. The trail leads up through rainforest and then off track up to a rocky knoll with good views. We stopped and had morning tea before descending into a scrubby little saddle with rainforest. Chris waited here while the others continued to the top.

2 After a short climb through a tea-tree covered ridge and a scramble over rocks we reached the summit of Mt Killabarkh which is the highest point in the Manning Valley. Great views to the south and the west were had from the old trig. Some time was spent reading messages left in bottles in the rock pile and eating a leisurely lunch. Greg undertook some more running repairs with strapping tape on his boots which by now had both lost their soles. We returned to the saddle and met up with Chris again and then skirted around under the rocky knoll on which we had morning tea. Just before we rejoined the 4wd track we came across a Satin Bower Bird’s bower with a great display of blue items, mostly rosella feathers. It was a short walk back to the cars from here. A great walk was had by all and everyone enjoyed the day. Stuart

APSLEY GORGE - OXLEY WILD NP - October 5-6-7

Here I stand once again overlooking the 700 metre deep gorge with a group of 8 unsuspecting walkers. Did they really know what they were in for? I certainly had a dim recollection of pain and exhaustion from an earlier time about 8 years in the past. They say time heals old wounds but time is a harsh mistress and sometimes one remembers only good times and happy memories of those same tough times which can lead to a false sense of confidence. Shall I tell them now to reconsider or allow their overwhelming enthusiasm at the beginning of such an expedition to take control of decision- making.

Ian's story: "I just wanted some fitness training before the Great North Walk trip that I'd planned for the following weekend. I had not planned for a boot camp with the SAS!"

I paused atop the first steep descent and warned all about the perils of the Apsley geology ie; Loose surfaces with many small, sharp rocks plus steep drop-offs which unfortunately become steep jump-ups on the return trip.

3 Ewen's story: "Dad really wanted me to go on this walk - maybe as moral support - I just wish my boots had been up to it. Blisters are so hard to cope with on the final 500 metres."

Sitting atop a rocky knoll having a quick bite, I reassured everyone that the progress so far was good and that we would be at the river's edge for lunch. I did notice a couple of querying eyebrows when I stashed a water bottle for the return journey in a crevice in the rocks.

Scott's story: "I had only been on one walk before with Mick and he seemed to be capable and fit - I did not realise that I would be carrying his pack as well!!!"

The situation started to become awry when we reached the final spur leading down into Rusdens Creek. It was like snow skiing without skis or snow?! VERY steep and I quickly claimed that I thought we may be on the wrong spur. BUT as consolation I reassured that this would get us there quicker!!!

Greg's story: "You know when you're on one of Mick's 'Expeditions'. It's when you begin to swear through clenched teeth...... "

Lunch was had at one of my favourite places - the big horse shoe bend on the Apsley looking up at Paradise Rocks - a vision splendid to say the least and always worth the effort in getting to this particular point on the map. Ian cooked up a feast on his solid fuel vintage cooker whilst the rest of us had a variety of fresh foods and the ubiquitous cup of tea. The descent so far had taken its toll and after crossing the river a suitable place to camp was sought to allow weary muscles and bones to recuperate...... and so ends day 1

I wake and look around at a particularly abstract canvas of hiking tents. Some large, some really small (like mine), some making snoring noises, some stirring and some in obvious use with their occupants getting breakfast ready for another day. I like this time of morning when it is usually calm and cool, with the cacophony of birdcalls to contest against, so you can discuss the plans for the forthcoming day.

Michael’s story: "I like Mick's walks but I'd only been on one before and on that occasion we did not cross paths until the Sunday. This walk was very tough and I might add that lactic acid is not something you just pop a pill in your mouth when you might need it. We had to find energy reserves that even the Chinese don't know about. Very tough!"

Ahh! Paradise! The climb was worth it once again as I summit for the third time and wonder how many people have actually stood on the pinnacle at Paradise Rocks. I'm with two others, Mark and Scott who have done it the hard way. Next out of nowhere appears Ian, then soon everyone is perched on top of a piece of rock no bigger than a lounge room with sheer cliffs most of the way around.

Marks story: "This was my first outing with the Manning Club and the walking was excellent. I was pretty surprised by how enthusiastic some of the members were. They even strapped guitars on their packs just for the heck of it!"

The Apsley River is fantastic in itself for being one of those places relatively untouched by modern civilisation. My muscles are slowly repairing as I sit waist deep in a rapid relishing the medicinal advantages

4 of cold water. It has been a magic day of experiencing true wilderness with like minded individuals...... and so ends day 2

Jen's story: "I've had the privilege of attending most of Mick's more difficult walks. I use the word 'privilege' because I have full knowledge of what I am getting myself into by being a participant. These trips might be a test of strength sometimes, but when you look back at the pic's of a certain place, where you needed strong will to get you through, it's all pretty amazing."

A group decision has been made to follow the easiest spur and ridgeline back to Budds Mare. An early start was in order due to the hot conditions and by 9 o'clock, plus 2 black snakes later, we were making our way up & up & up & up. Wish someone had reminded me about this bit before I started out on Saturday.

Stuart's story: "I've realised now, being a year or two older than Mick, that whilst ever he can keep doing this, then so can I. God help us both if we collapse at the same time or kick up our heels on the same trip.....!"

The final steep pinch is in sight, I'm last and tired. It's 3.30pm but we haven't adjusted our clocks for daylight saving which makes it worse...... and so ends day 3.

What a day! Can the human body really do this? Apparently for at least 9 of us it can do just that. Sensational! Mick

QUEENS LAKE - Sunday October 20

Attendees: Geoff S, Murray, Chris Marriott, Dennis Mitchell, Chris (Chrissy) Mitchell, Wendy Campbell

We set out from the Queens Lake Sailing club beach across the southern side of Queens Lake in calm, almost glassy, conditions heading towards Herons Creek. It was over there somewhere but I wasn’t quite sure exactly, only having been there once before. The paddling was quite leisurely and as we approached the western shore the entrance of the creek made itself visible. It was quite warm and sheltered in the creek with tree lined banks on either side drifting by. An occasional breeze wafted down the across the water to keep things not too hot. Looking for somewhere to pull out for morning tea and a leg stretch proved a little difficult. Most of the banks were heavily vegetated, steep and dropping off into deep water. One likely spot, with a nice ramp and clearing down to the river was occupied by the land owner enhancing the bank so we decided to continue on. Eventually we did find

5 somewhere where it wasn’t too difficult to get out. Seal launching off the low bank proved the more popular return into the water after the break. As we headed back down the creek the elements had a surprise installed for us. During our foray up the creek (with a paddle) the north easterly had sprung up and as we exited the entrance we had to head straight into it. It wasn’t real strong and the waves only small so we braved the elements and headed for the lunch spot. We were heading to the northern shore where I had visited a National Park picnic area. The only problem was again I had only approached it once before from the water. I had been there by road but without a map it still didn’t make it easier to find. I just knew it was over there somewhere, approximately. Chrissy, not being a frequent paddler, soon found the going a little tough. Dennis, being the white knight he is, quickly had her under tow and again making headway. The lunch spot, easily found, turned out to be sheltered and very pleasant, complete with easy access off the water and picnic tables. There was even a NP bush toilet. After lunch turned out to be the more adventurous part of the day. From the lunch spot the conditions out in the lake still looked relatively calm. There appeared to be only a small ripple on the surface. There was not much point in heading around the eastern side of the lake as it was a considerable distance. There was nothing for it but to head out straight across the lake to our starting point. The wind, although slight when we set out, picked up during the crossing and so did the waves. For those without rudders the wind coming in from over your shoulder, as with the waves, made it difficult to keep the boats on a straight course for the finish. Despite the elements tossing everyone about we achieved the crossing without mishap by about 3 o’clock. Overall quite a pleasant and not too taxing day. Geoff

KYLIES BEACH CAMP - 2&3 November Thank you everyone who came along to our come and try weekend at Kylies Beach camp grounds. Welcome to Anne, Chris, Geoff and Glenda who came along for the first time. We ended up with 11 people who shared the weekend. I would describe the weekend as “FLAT”.

Midmorning on Saturday a walking group walked the headland and were “FLAT” out taking incredible photos of this beautiful part of the world. A group of early risers walked the track again on Sunday and the photos of the sun rise were spectacular. Saturday afternoon we all headed off towards Laurieton and started paddling

towards the lake. I made an executive decision to paddle against the tide and with the wind the river was very choppy and Anne told me that she enjoyed surfing the waves. When we turned around the wind had built up so we had to paddle

6 “FLAT” out to get back to the cars. That afternoon Geoff and I headed off for a bike ride. We rode along a mining track through the middle of where the large fire had destroyed so much park land. Green shoots were everywhere. Oh yes and we had to peddle “FLAT” out through the soft sand. Others set off on a late afternoon walk around the headland track. We were rewarded with the sight of whales frolicking and whacking their tails “FLAT” on the water. Glenda walked past a baby brown snake that was laying “FLAT” on the track pretending to be a stick

We spent the evening cooking together and sharing stories, I sang a few songs with the guitar and I’m sure there was the odd “FLAT” note. Thank you Lynda for treating us to your great voice and guitar skills.

Lynda woke to find her car battery “FLAT”. I woke to find my camper tyre “FLAT”. Sunday morning was calm so we headed off for a paddle from boat ramp. We enjoyed paddling on “FLAT” water exploring the shallow waters to the right of the ramp that led into Gogleys Lagoon. A little breeze started up and Lynda and Chris made the best of their sail on the Hobbie Kayak.

While I changed my “FLAT” tyre I missed an opportunity to explore the caves near Diamond Head led by Kathy who was there for a reunion of her Primary School friends from Moorland Public School. So that’s a good enough reason to return and find the caves in the future. Those who walked to the sea caves enjoyed the view from the lookout and followed a track down to the rock platform where we were able to go into two sea caves which can only be reached at dead low tide and the seas are “FLAT”. Thank you for the people who came along for the first time. It is a risky thing to come along and meet new people. I hope you found us friendly and welcoming, I reckon we are a pretty nice bunch. Thanks for a very enjoyable weekend. Greg Stewart

GLOUCESTER WEEKEND - November 16 - 17

Mick, Pam & Greg camped at Gloucester Friday night and enjoyed the beautiful caravan park with a few drinks and guitar of course.

Geoff & Lenore turned up at 8am on Saturday morn for the Morgani walk. The weather looked a bit suspect but when Janusz and Tom (son) arrived we decided to give it a go. Over the next 45 minutes it bucketed down with hail, wind and 45mm of rain. We called off the walk and settled in for an easy day. We all went to the pub for dinner. Sunday found us in ideal weather for walking – cool, a gentle breeze blowing and the ground

7 softened by the rain. The bush was ‘breathing’ with new vigour. Six people showed their confidence in the weather, Geoff, Lenore, Greg, Tom (carrying his son Hamish aged 2) and Janusz left Mograni Creek Road at

9am climbin g the initial 350m in perfect conditions. On reaching the very narrow ridge-top we were treated to superb views across the Gloucester Valley – verdant after the late spring rains. Cloud occasionally washed over the top of the Bucketts and the gleam of water from the many farm dams added sparkle to the view when the sun peaked out occasionally. The ridge consisted of rocky outcrops sporting many very mature Xanthoreas as well as several varieties of orchids, figs and eucalypts. The outcrops were separated by smoother slopes which had a variety of vegetation-from soft shrubs and narrow leaved geebungs to the dreaded lantana thickets, steep rainforest with

bracken and loose rocks, and some pasture. The up and down nature of the ridge eventually led to the ‘only one more hill’ syndrome. (On checking the topographic map when I returned I calculated that the total climb was approximately 650 worthwhile metres.) The party of five stopped regularly to entertain Hamish and re-energise from our well stocked supplies. In the end it took 6 ½ hours to cover 7 map kilometres and all walkers looked suitably scratched and tired. Janusz.

NOTICES

It is imperative that participants in events contact the organiser before attending an advertised club event. The organisers then know how many people are attending and who to contact in case of cancellations, change of venue or dates etc.

When car pooling please consider the cost to the owner of the vehicle in fuel, wear and tear.

The club has a personal locator beacon (PLB) in case of emergencies while in remote areas which is available through Mick O’Brien. You will need to sign it in and out. For non-remote areas mobile phone 000 emergency calls should be used. There is also now a GPS to help you navigate.

Don’t forget there is a kayak and a Canadian also available for use by club members. Jackets and paddles come with the boats

Note: Buoyancy vests are compulsory on the all canoe trips and must be worn at all times while on the water. Helmets must also be worn on white kayaks water trips.

8 Quick Calendar 9/12/2013

Grading of Walks (Bushwalking NSW)

Each walk is graded into one of six grades based on the degree of difficulty of that particular walk.

Grade 1 Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man-made and may have a few steps. Easy Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.

Grade 2 Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not Easy-Medium exceed about 15km. Grade 3 Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of Medium fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20km.

Grade 4 Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively Medium-Hard undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners. Grade 5 Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often indistinct tracks or off track in remote Hard locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners. Grade 6 Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed Very Hard tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.

Note: You must phone the contact person to let them know you are coming as things may change at short notice.

December 2013 Date Activity Details Contact Thurs 5 General 6:00pm at Bush Camper Canvas - 21 Oxley St, Chatham. Mick Meeting Come with ideas for the new year. New members welcome. 6551 2531 Christmas dinner at Taree Aquatic Club. 0400 475 835

Friday 6 Six day Sat -arrive at Charlottes Pass and ride to Mt Kosciuszko, 13km return, Janusz bike ride walking the last 3 km to the summit for lunch. Ride to Jindabyne to 6555 9365 camp 38 km. Sunday - Friday 302km ride to Marlo at the Grade: mouth following the river through the Snowy R National Park. (about Hard 1/3 gravel road) Bush camping on the way. There are no towns between Jindabyne and Orbost (4-5 days) Return during the following weekend.

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9 14-15 Camping, Christmas camp on the shores of at Nerranie. A variety of Steve Sat-Sun canoeing, activities to participate in. 0468 961 walking, 171 bike riding Grade: Easy 16 Paddle Moonlight paddle at Tinonee. BBQ at 6:00pm and paddle to follow. Geoff Monday 6557 0052 0427 569 050 21-22 29-29

January 2014 Date Activity Details Contact 4-10 Bushwalk Pilot Wilderness-Kosciuzko National Pk 6 day pack walk. From Mick Grade:4 Thredbo to Dead Horse Gap, Cascade Ck Hut & Falls, Tin Mine Ck Hut 6551 2531 & Falls, Cowombat Flat. This is a 6 day packwalk to the source of the 0400 475 Murray Rv returning via Jacob & Mowamba valleys inc Teddy’s Hut 835 Meet: Dalgety Sat Night or Thredbo Ski Village carpark 9 am 11-12 Sun 19 Paddle Ghinni Ghinni Creek starting at Coopernook Hotel. Geoff 6557 0052 0427 569 050 25-26-27 Camping Indian Head campground. Walking the headland, paddle on Camden Chris D Haven River,Nth Brother walk. 6557 0052 0427 569 050

February 2014 Date Activity Details Contact Sun 2 Walk to Bennets Head coastal walk. Jenny Grade: 3 65526574 0427526575 8-9 15-16 Camp Camp at Wallingat River campground. Walk on Saturday and paddle Stuart Walk on Sunday. 65526574 Paddle 0427526575 22-23

March 2014 Date Activity Details Contact 1-2 Thurs 6 Meeting General meeting at Taree Bush Camper Canvas at 6:00pm Mick 6551 2531 0400 475 835 8-9 15-16 Paddle paddle. Geoff 6557 0052 0427 569 050 Sun 23 Walk Langley Vale railway walk. Geoff Grade: 3 6557 0052

10 0427 569 050 29-30

April 2014 Date Activity Details Contact 5-6 12-13 19-20 21-25 Walk 5 day Yuragir coastal pack walk. This pack walk begins with a half day Mick Grade: 4 then four full days followed by a half day finish on Sat. 6551 2531 Meet: Woolgoolga for car shuffle 0400 475 835 26-27

FUTURE ACTIVITIES TO BE AWARE OF.

Date Activity Details Contact Packwalk The Myall Coast Walk – A multi day pack walk from Cellito Beach to Mick Grade Big Gibber in Myall Lakes Nat Pk 6551 2531 Moderate Meet: Sandbar Turnoff on the Lakes Way 0400 475 835

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