THETHHE NEWSLETTER OFF CANBERRCANBERRAA BUSHWALKINGBUSU HWALKING CLCLUBU it VolumeVolume 443,3, Number 5 June 220080

CCanberraanberra Bushwalking ClubClub IncIn PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601

GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 18 June

Bushwalkers wilderness rescue squad Presenter: Members of the Bushwalkers wilderness rescue squad

The BWRS is your search and rescue squad. As part of the Confederation of Bushwalking clubs, they draw on the expertise and skills of many member clubs to assist the police in wilderness searches throughout NSW.

Come along for an interesting presentation, including an informative DVD, hearing about the work of the squad and how you can use your current skills to help your community as a volunteer with this vital organisation. You’ll hear about how we have worked with the police and volunteer organisations such as the SES and RFS in some of the past high profi le searches and what it means to join our ranks.

Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall Constitution Avenue, Reid

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 page 1 the club might become involved in On our recent AAWT walk I was President’s rregulareg audits of the condition of the surprised at the number of European ttrackra within the ACT. The club has wasps that we sighted, almost every Prattle alalsos expressed interest in taking part day, along the track. It seems such iinn a foreshadowed scoping study on a short period of time for them, in opoptions for rerouting the track away country, to have spread to such an from the Orroral Link Road. Please extent. At the end of May we were e are now in June and only contact Terence Uren if you want having morning tea on McKeahnie Wthree months of the club year more information on these issues. Trig and we must have been spot- remain. Some club officers will ted by a scout; before long we had step down at the Annual General The club’s duty of care documenta- half a dozen or more fl ying around. Meeting in September, where we tion has been under review for some In the will elect offi cers for the next year. time now. The text of the Guidelines I noticed several insect traps with Like other voluntary organisations, for Leaders and Coordinators and labels relating them to a project on it is not always easy to get people to Guidelines for Participants has been European wasps. So it seems that nominate for the positions necessary revised after input from members someone is looking at the situation. for the running of the club. Please and it is proposed to put both docu- One wonders to what degree they think of offering your services for ments to the July General Meeting need controlling and how it might the next year. Too many chiefs and for adoption. The formal notice of be done. We used petrol on the nest not enough Indians is a problem but motion is on page 7 of this issue. we found in our garden; hardly an so too is the reverse. The documents are available for option in a national park! perusal on the club’s web site. If Members interested in the Austral- you don’t have access to the web, At the May committee meeting ian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) please contact Allan Mikkelsen, the a member’s request to use the will be pleased to learn that the membership secretary, and he will ‘Announce’ option on the club’s AAWT Stakeholder Group has send you one. email system for short-notice adver- been reactivated and that the club tisement of walks, was considered. was represented at the fi rst meeting My thanks to Terence Uren, who has The benefi ts of our email capability of the new group, held at Currango done most of the work on the review were acknowledged and at the Homestead on 27–28 May. and to Jeff Bennetts, who assisted, same time there was a consensus and to all the others who provided that relevant aspects of our current As a result of the meeting, the club input to this process. is preparing a submission for Parks pattern of operation should be Victoria on the need for rainwater Two proposed amendments to maintained. So it was decided that tanks in dry areas of the track that are update the standing resolutions are such a request could be made to the likely to become drier with climate listed for consideration at the June Walks Secretary providing that for change and is discussing with ACT meeting. They were described in the specifi c date concerned all the Parks, Conservation and Lands how the May it. comparable walks on the published program were full or no walk had Stan Marks been scheduled. President Contents In the meantime, good walking! 2 President’s Prattle 2 Walks Waffl e Walks Rob Horsfi eld 2 Membership matters Walks Secretary 3 Trip review: Australian Waffl e Alpine Walking Trail 3 Some observations at Clear RangeRange t has been marvellous weather for Membership 4 AnotherAnother tale of woe: WWalls Iwalking lately: sunny, warm, late- off JerusalemJerusalem autumn days. The rainfall has been 4 AdventureAdventure at SandySandy CrCreeke low, the countryside is showing it matters 6 Review:Review: Walking with yaksya and one has to be thoughtful about 7 TheThe sosourceurce ooff ththee CoCottertte water on overnight trips. 7 MountMount Cloudmaker andand 100 Recently we went up to Snowy Cor- New members: ManMan CaveCave ner, just below Mt Tidbinbilla. The David and Pennie Briese, Benjamin 7 NoticeNotice ooff MMotionotion post-fi re regrowth was phenomenal Chapman, Chris Hatherley and 8 CongratulationsCongratulations to Ted to the point where sections of the Natalie Chan, Marion Jones, Jan Flemingleming route were barely recognisable. Knutson, Daniele Leyder, Wendy 10 ConservationConservation mattersmatters We appreciated the coloured tapes Lohse and Rodney Martin, Carolyn 10 NamadgiNamadgi National ParkPark marking the way from the beginnings McNally and Brian Richards, Lena Fieldildti trip of the overgrown Lyrebird Trail, Ostrovskaya, Bruce Wyatt, Julia upwards. It’s a lovely walk and with Zachara, Phil Gatenby 10 Proposed new fi re trail on continued use, hopefully the track Stockyard Spur will be ‘trodden-in’ lessening the Allan Mikkelsen 11 Activity program need to push through close scrub. Membership Secretary

Page 2 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 The walkers participating in the Trip review various stages were Rupert Bar- nett, Mike Bremers, David Briese, Australian Alpine Anthony Carew, Karen Cody, Jim Davidson, John Hall, David Large, Walking Trail Kathy Saw and Jenny & Rob Hors- field. We were grateful for the March/April 2008 driving assistance of Judy Friend and Helen Hall. Numbers were 3 to 5 on each stage and despite the ince a power-point presentation demanding challenges on occasion Sat a club general meeting is all were a cheerful and cordial planned, this review is brief. lot. People met were always very The AAWT is an epic journey incor- friendly and interested. There was porating the challenges of a long- Kev on the Barry Saddle who distance trip: diffi cult terrain, uncer- thought we looked rather dry and tainties of navigation and in this case, wondered whether we could handle extremes of weather. During the fi rst a VB! And Clint the brumby catcher, few weeks we struggled up hill and north of the Tin-Mines huts, stopped down dale in very hot temperatures Climbing Chinamans Spur for a yarn and produced several and along the main range we had ice-coldies per person. chilling gale-force winds followed by People were well equipped for both In conclusion, it’s a great trip and I snow and limited visibility. hot and cold weather. suppose I’m going to have to do it Transport and resupply were accom- There are many panoramic vistas, again sometime. plished by dividing the trip into six always beautiful and spectacular. stages with vehicular rendezvous. Much of the route bears the scars of Rob Horsfi eld This enabled some people to do a fi re over recent years and the loss of stage or two as well as resupplying some great venues is lamented. Post continuing walkers. The picnic fi re regrowth has been vigorous and lunch on each of these occasions the Alpine parks agencies are to be Some observations was always welcome. All of these commended for their diligence in arrangements worked well. clearing and redefi ning the route at Clear Range Average pack weight including food over a majority of its length. for 6 to 8 days was around 13 kg. In The trip was planned to take 39 days n 25 May, John Kelly’s proposed the early stages water was a problem with none allocated for R&R. By Otrip to Mt Clear was replaced by and at times 3–5 kg had to be carried starting early each morning and a ramble on Clear Range led by Tom for dry camps. A recommendation finishing (mostly) mid-afternoon Gosling. The party of six had a great from the writer to the Alpine parks the spare time was rest enough. On day, enjoying views to the west to the agencies is that additional well- all days we fi nished at or near our Gudgenby Valley and to the east to the placed rain-water tanks would be destination and were able to stay on Murrumbidgee stretching from Angle greatly appreciated by walkers. schedule. Crossing towards Michelago. Karen and Rob on Johnnies Top One party member, a former surveyor and keen birdwatcher, contributed the following observations: ‘The trig station we walked past early in the piece was McCor- mack, in case you want to log it onto a report. Its location on ACT Standard Grid Co-ordinates 206 129.301(East) 569 951.712(North) RL 890.89 (Bottom Vanes a895.2) Beasties noted in various quantity: Merino Sheep; Eastern Grey Kanga- roo; Yellow-tailed Thornbill; Scarlet Robin; White Throated Tree Creeper; Grey Shrike Thrush; Wedge Tailed Eagle; Striated Pardalote. Archaeology: Gully erosion perhaps dating back to 1850; survey marks of 1911 vintage defi ning NSW/ACT border.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 page 3 Geology: rocks of the sedimentary/ on a wooden peg in the toilet. At the when it left my hand. They delved granitic boundary which we followed appropriate time I discovered that around in their gear and came up as we tramped along the top of the the plastic bag was out of reach so with a generous number of toilet scarp forming the western edge of the I needed to stand up to retrieve it. I tissues for which I was extremely Murrumbidgee fault line. About 400 held the toilet roll awkwardly in my grateful. I did not mind the idea of million year vintage stuff. gloved right hand and tore off some using bark, twigs and leaves, but this pieces for use with my left hand. unexpected gift served to placate Vegetation: getting too detailed. This was successful the fi rst time Pat somewhat. The placation was but when trying to tear off additional clinched when just before leaving pieces of paper, the toilet roll shot the girls gave us additional tissues Another tale of upwards out of my gloved and slip- and ‘wet ones’. pery right hand. I tried to catch it but woe: Walls of succeeded only in knocking the roll Moral: ‘Don’t put all your eggs in Jerusalem upwards again. Although I lunged one basket’ has perhaps more uni- forward to try catch it again I missed versal appeal than ‘Don’t put all your Tasmania 2008 completely and the toilet roll liter- toilet paper in one plastic bag’. ally slam dunked itself dead centre Some days after the frostbite episode down the hole in the toilet seat. Eric Pickering’ we went on a four-day walk in the Had I been a much smaller person Walls of Jerusalem National Park in I may well have followed it down Central Tasmania. We decided to and made a slithery but spectacular Adventure at camp at the main camping area at catch requiring a video replay to Wild Dog Creek where wooden determine its authenticity. Sandy Creek camping platforms are provided. I returned to my wife crestfallen Sunday 11 May 2008 There is also a water tap in the carrying the now empty plastic bag. ground, which is a bit of a surprise I said I have a tale of a woe to tell and a composting toilet further up the you. She had already noticed the slope. The toilet is a grand affair— empty plastic bag in my hand and Participants: Jeff Bennetts high above the ground with a stair- said, ‘don’t tell me you’ve lost a (leader), Carol Anderson, Rod case of eight steps to reach its spa- full toilet roll’. Cumberland, Lorna Cuneo, Jane cious deck and interior. A Jerusalemic Deerson, Tom Gosling, George Taj Mahal you might say! Two young women who had been Hill, Cristina Kelvin, Keiran May, camping on a nearby platform were When I visited this elegant structure Elena Ostrovskaya, Jane van packing up prior to returning to their Limbeek, David Williams. I had a problem. I am right-handed cars. I had already discovered they and my right hand was partially were from Sydney and were to fl y Map: Bundanoon 1:25,000 out of action because of the frost- to Adelaide for the music festival. t was one of those memorable days bite, several fi ngers bandaged and I went to them and said I have a encased in a woollen glove. Added Ithat makes belonging to CBC so tale of woe to tell you. They were rewarding. Classifi ed as S/R in the to this, although I am a nimble very sympathetic when I told them left-footer, I am a bumble-footed walks program, Jeff Bennetts’ walk of my valiant effort to save the from Meryla Pass to Sandy Creek left-hander. I hung a plastic bag precious roll, still pristine white containing a full roll of toilet paper Falls looked like it would be a good round trip. The entry read: ‘We walk to Rebecca’s View Lookout and Pat Pickering carrying 15kg up Mt Eliza descend the cliffs at the creek to the south. Thence down to Sandy Creek which we follow upstream through rainforest, past the 30 m waterfall (easy climb around) and return to the cars through the heath’. Having done a couple of easier walks in this area, including the Walking Dog Track and the track along the top of the cliff line, I was keen to try something different and more adventurous – well, it turned out to be quite a bit more adventur- ous and a huge amount more fun that Jeff’s entry promised! Jeff was a bit worried that some misty rain we had encountered on the Hume Highway might be a sign of heavier rain to come, and made sure we all had rain gear – which after a bit of scrabbling around in Page 4 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 the back of cars we did. In view of with Sandy Creek at the possibly slippery rocks we might the bottom of the encounter, he offered us the chance valley. We stopped to do an easier alternative walk – but for lunch at the junc- there was a unanimous show of tion, where there was hands to stick with ‘Plan A’. a nice pool and only a few leeches to And so at around 10 am the 12 of us bother us. set off up the fi re trail to Rebecca’s Lookout. As Jeff had pointed out in Jeff got us going it, this was the reverse direction to again after about the last time he attempted this loop 25 mins and the for ‘a long time ago’ – as we learned, the next three and a over 20 years ago! half hours we were treated to a fantastic The easy stroll to Rebecca’s Lookout rainforest spectacle fi nishes at a cul-de-sac turning area. as we made our way Although mist obscured the view, along Sandy Creek we paused there for a quick morning – at every turn there tea and Jeff advised us to don our were outstandingly wet weather gear because the scrub beautiful vistas of we were going to bash through was pools, cascades, still rain-laden. Before moving mossy rocks, rain- off we spent a couple of minutes forest vines and inspecting the rusted remains of a fungi, with fallen fl ying fox or winch probably used trees occasionally by timber getters in the area many allowing a bit more decades ago. light in. Then came the descent, at first Our group made The falls from the top (photo by David Williams through fairly light scrub, and good time along the creek, then, as we approached the creek, scrambling, slipping, rock Around 4.15 we fi nally saw in front through increasingly dense rainfor- hopping and trekking up and around of us the 30 metre falls. What we est vegetation and up and over all tree trunks when necessary. On a did not find was the ‘easy climb sorts of boulders and obstacles. The couple of occasions it looked as around’ Jeff remembered from the creek carried little water, but its though the going would be easier on early 1980s – there was no way up on surrounds were outstandingly pretty the other side so we made a cross- the right hand side because of steep – moss-covered logs, huge boulders ing. Either by good luck or good cliffs, and the left approach was by covered in gardens of orchids and management these decisions were far the most challenging part of the ferns, cabbage tree palms and all of made just at the right time, because day. At one stage 12 people were to it absolutely pristine. the side we had previously been on be seen on their hands and knees in The descent took us three hours and turned impossibly steep less than the mud, crawling upwards through a around 1 pm we reached the junction 100 metres on. tiny hole in the undergrowth towards a ledge on the cliff side! Descending Rebeccas Creek (photo by Jeff Bennetts) Just before 5 pm, we arrived at the top, pretty well drenched, bedrag- gled and covered in mud. For most of us, we had by then had quite as much adventure as we wanted in one day. After a splash across the creek we headed through heathland back to the cars. Jeff’s compass bearing was spot on and we arrived just as darkness set in around 5.45pm. Did I mention the view from the top of Sandy Creek Falls? Hard to do justice in words – truly spectacular with the last sunlight of the day bathing the sandstone in a pale yellow glow. Thanks Jeff for a great day. I’m ready now to do one of your L/RXs!

Tom Gosling

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 page 5 22–day–day trek along the ridgeline high pilgrims around the temple, and Review: Walking above the Yangtse River through the the crowds fully and repeatedly famofamousu Tiger Leaping Gorge – one prostrating before the entrance to with yaks ooff the wworld’s deepest. Quaint tour- the Jokhang. The Barkhor was the 21 May 2008 iistst cabcabin notices in Chinese English site of the recent demonstrations in rrequiredequir further translation into the capital. English English unming in South West China, a Shangri La giant prayer wheel Kmodern city of over 6 million Returning to Lijiang they then took people and the northern terminus a bus to Zhongdian (aka Shangri of the WW2 Burma Road, seemed La) 3200 m; 105,000 ft. Their as good a place as any for Lois introduction to butter tea and tsampa Padgham, Cate Kennedy, Kim at Ganden Sumtseling Monastery Hello and John Kelly to start the failed to impress although the 600 excitement of their memorable trip resident monks seemed to thrive on to China and Tibet in October 2007. it. They missed sighting any black It is to their credit that they arranged necked storks at Lake Napa, but the whole journey themselves – not did some walking in the vicinity easy when you neither speak the of Meili village and the massive language nor write the same way. Mingyong Glacier In Kunming they savoured the Back to Zhongdian, they then fl ew local cuisine, watched impromptu to Lhasa, approaching the Tibetan park dancing and took a walk high capital from Gonkar Airport via above Lake Dian, but were not over the 3 km tunnel punched through a impressed with the hygiene of some mountain range and then across a of the food preparation. 3 km bridge over the Brahmaputra River (Yalung Tsangpo R). This A short fl ight took them to Lijiang Visits were paid to other monaster- engineering feat has reduced the trip ies and those which survived the nestling near the majestic Jade to the airport by 55 km Dragon Snow Mountain (5600 m; Cultural Revolution or have been 18,360 ft), and some became diso- In Lhasa (3595 m; 11,800 ft) they rebuilt, are becoming once more riented by the ‘you are here’ tourist climbed the steep, cobbled pathway populated by monks – at one of signs (in Chinese) in the quaint to the Potala, only a small part of these they had the good fortune to old city which survived the huge which is accessible to the public, witness some ritualistic monastic earthquake of 1996, when most of and, in any case, the Chinese Gov- debating the ‘new’ town was fl attened. They ernment has expelled almost all the A wonderful 5-day trek, assisted by took a trip up a winding road to have monks. yaks and a Tibetan guide and cook, lunch with a local ethnic group and Visiting the Barkhor, the large took them into wild mountainous to glimpse a bend in the Yangtse country to the NE of Lhasa. The River square in front the Jokhang, which is the most revered religious structure Shug La Pass (5250m; 17,225ft) and From Lijiang they proceeded to in Tibet, they witnessed the endless the Chitu La Pass (5100m; 16,733ft) Qiaotou village for a spectacular clockwise circumambulation of the were crossed (probably not without some effort and shortness of breath) Shangri La Napa Lake as they followed rough, stony foot pads, passed nomad tents, avoided the nomad’s dogs, and even saw reindeer. This is a treeless mountain- ous tableland but the drabness of the scant vegetation was relieved by the sighting of brilliantly coloured wildflowers and a succession of spectacular cloud displays A typical Chinese/Tibetan tractor was their means of transport back to the Brahmaputra River which had to be crossed in a ‘ferry’ before rejoining ‘Highway’ 318 back to Lhasa. After some shorter walks close to Lhasa they boarded the new train and headed off to Chengdu in Sichuan Province. After a month of familiarising themselves with the appearance and use of a huge variety of Asian squat toilets (or no toilets),

Page 6 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 The plan was to view the source wooded spur took us back to cleared of the and follow its land and to Rowley’s Hut. progress downstream for a few kilometres while staying up high Many thanks to John for a great on the ridge. day’s bushwalk. The river has its beginnings in a Have a look at John’s site http:// delightful grassy saddle on the jevans.pcug.org.au for further Scabby Range. Initially it mean- details. ders north down an open valley through areas of sphagnum moss, Jenny Horsfi eld now covered in hessian strips to it was a crowning achievement to aid the recovery of the Corroboree discover one western type toilet on Frog habitat. Following the Scabby the train. Despite all suffering from Range along its rocky tops provides Mount tummy troubles or the effects of many points of interest. There is altitude from time to time, this was a real sense of remoteness in this Cloudmaker and clearly a most successful and truly south-western corner of the ACT. memorable journey. There are wonderful views south to 100 Man Cave After Chengdu, Kim, who had ear- Jagungal and north over the peaks 10–11 May 2008 lier reached Kunming via Vietnam, of Namadgi; and one comes across a proceeded on to visit Xian and to number of the original stone cairns, trek in the adjacent mountains. which were put in place when the here must be great appeal in border was being surveyed around Tthe idea of climbing Mount 1911. A glance at the Yaouk map Cloudmaker; most times I’ve put Ted Fleming will show that while heading north a Cloudmaker trip on the program along the Scabby Range the walker there has been plenty of interest. Is The source of the has NSW on the right hand and the it the name that excites the imagina- ACT on the left! tion, or the more practical thought Cotter that here is a chance to do a highly Border marker at fi rst 1810 m high scenic walk in the Blue Mountains he Tuesday walks initiated and point without the usual 800 odd metres of Torganised by John Evans (and ups and downs? Whatever the rea- led on alternate Tuesdays by Max son, even after several cancellations, Smith) are attracting a growing eight of us (Sandy Berry, Ian Smith, number of walkers. They appreciate Chris Roper, Cynthia Burton, Karen John’s and Max’s enthusiasm for Cody, Ian Turland and myself from challenging and interesting trips in Canberra, and Helen Stevens from the Namadgi area. Coonabarabran) arrived at Kanan- I was one of 8 people who enjoyed gra Walls on Friday night ready to such a trip on a perfect autumn day tackle the mountain that forms such in April. It’s a two-and a quarter a prominent part of the view from hour drive down to Old Yaouk Kanangra Walls. via the Boboyan Road, but at the After the obligatory cold night at moment the road is well graded We lunched at the waterhole known the bushwalkers’ campsite along and it was a smooth trip. Parking at to some CBC members as the the road to the Uni Rover Trail, we Rowley’s Hut we headed steadily Magic Tarn, officially known as woke to a brilliantly fi ne day and set uphill towards the rocky slopes of the Scabby Range Lake, part of a off across Kanangra Tops, pausing Mt Scabby. (Landholders had been wetland that lies on a saddle on the for photos of Kanangra Gorge and contacted to gain their permission divide between the Cotter River and Cloudmaker on the northern side of to cross freehold land to reach Sam’s creek. John tells me that this Kanangra Walls and Mount Colong .) tarn (dry at present) is listed on the and the Blue Breaks on the southern ACT Sites of Signifi cance. It Milling about at the source of the Cotter River is an example of an ‘elevated pond’, which is very rare on ridges in the alpine areas of Notice of Motion mainland . As indicated in the Prattle on From the tarn we turned west, page 2, a motion ‘that the club crossing the Cotter in a thicket endorse the proposed Guidelines of tea-tree and stopping to for Leaders and the proposed enjoy a drink at this pristine Guidelines for Participants stream as it rushed over rocks as proposed by the committee and under fallen branches. A will be put to the July General slow descent along a heavily Meeting of the club.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 page 7 east of Stormbreaker and over 100 metres above it, though the ups and downs of Rip, Rack, Roar and Rumble probably double that height in actual climbing. The ridge here is composed of shattered quartzite rocks which require one’s full attention so as not to turn an ankle, as good a reason as any to stop and take in the view. The dark bulk of Mount Colong on the southern horizon dominated the blue ridges surrounding the Kowmung River, while the cliffs bounding the long, undulating plateau of Vengeance Peninsula glowed orange in the afternoon sun. There were smiles all round as we reached the summit of Cloudmaker and recorded our trip in the visitors’ book. We didn’t linger here too long; there is no view from the summit The route, seen from Gordon Smith Lookout, clockwise from right: Crafts Wall, and the afternoon was wearing on. Mt Berry, Gabes Gap, High and Mighty, Stormbreaker, Cloudmaker, Ti Willa Taking a bearing, we headed down Plateau the ridge which leads to Ti Willa side. At the end of the Walls, despite the trees, though it was diffi cult to Plateau. Although there is now a a maze of overgrown tracks, we relax without pondering that the track for most of the descent, it gets soon found the gully leading to only way out was up. As always, I lost amongst the trees and fallen Gordon Smith Pass. Ian and Sandy wished I had got there a few million timber as it nears the saddle. We had sensibly brought a scramble years earlier, before erosion had stopped for another great view to rope to help negotiate the steep sec- taken out such a hungry bite. After the south from a little knoll near tion where a poorly located boulder Mount High and Mighty, we found which spurs head steeply down tends to push the climber outwards ourselves descending then rising towards some tributaries of Gingra and off balance – not a problem again towards Mount Stormbreaker, Creek. After this point I intended to on the ascent but a little unnerving the pivot where the ridge to Cloud- stick closely to the top of the spur on the descent, especially with a maker swings from north-south to but didn’t bother to take a bearing weekend pack. east-west and a major spur heads off and somehow dropped off to the towards Thunder Bend on Kanangra northern side. Karen, eager to put Soon we were on Kilpatrick Cause- Creek at the foot of Mount Paralyser. into practice the skills learned on way, admiring the views as we I was quite relieved to fi nd the track Rob’s recent trip, headed to the sandstone cliffs of cutting the corner. gave me GPS readings which didn’t Crafts Wall under which we stopped seem to make sense until I realised for morning tea. From a rock plat- Now we were on the fi nal climb form on Mount Berry we had to Cloudmaker, two kilometres wonderful views back to Kanangra Walls and the steep quartzite ridges and gulches that form some of the most awe-inspiring of the Blue Congratulations to CBC member Ted Fleming Mountains canyons. Precipituous Longtime member of CBC, Ted Flem- litter including car parts, tyres and Thurat Spires climbed to Big Misty ing, won the Environment category in builders rubbish from the adjacent on one side of the forbidding slot the presentation of the NRMA Volun- East O’Malley development. He is also of Danae Brook, while on the other teer of the Year awards last month. a trapper of the pest bird, the Indian a tree-clad ridge curved up to the Myna, working with the Canberra Ted has been working for over ten years Indian Myna Action Group. Cliffs of Seraphos and Danae Steeps in the Mugga Mugga Reserve behind – evocative names coined by Miles the suburb of O’Malley, removing Ted is also an active Southern ACT Dunphy and recorded on his 1932 invasive weeds. ACT Parks Conserva- Catchment Group member and is cur- Gangerang map. tion and Lands were able to assist Ted rently serving on the Executive Com- with herbicide and some tools. At this mittee of the Southern ACT Catchment After Mount Berry comes the least stage, Ted started keeping records of Group as Treasurer. appreciated section of the walk – the the hours spent in ‘his’ nature reserve steep 180 metre drop into Gabes Gap and now has over 1500 recorded hours, We are delighted that Ted has received and the similarly steep 240 metre though he believes he could add 500 this award in recognition of his service climb out to The High and Mighty. unrecorded hours. to our local environment. The Gap itself is an attractive grassy Ted’s work includes woody weed saddle with glimpses of the cliffs of control and picking up and removing Jenny Horsfi eld the Axeheads and beyond through

Page 8 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 mendation (they’d been up Pages Pinnacle out of a very overgrown Gingra Creek not so long ago) we walked around the far side of Crafts Wall – further than the normal track, but defi nitely worth a look. Being on the south-east side of the cliffs, the vegetation is wet sclerophyll. There were several caves that had been used for camping (a pity the campers hadn’t bothered to remove their mess of foil from one fi replace) and some spectacular blocks of sandstone covered in red lichen at the end of the long cliffl ine. I real- ised how similar parts of this ridge are to the narrow, rocky ridge of the Axeheads. By mid-afternoon we were back at Gordon Smith Lookout and tracing our route out along the winding ridge to Cloudmaker and Ti Willa A happy party on the summit of Mt Cloudmaker Plateau, quite proud of our achieve- ment. It certainly felt further than I was getting the northings before had had trouble fi nding our way the 13 plus kilometres each way that the eastings. back to the cave. Sandy stayed Karen’s GPS told us we had done. behind to light a fi re for our return. Dinner at the Paragon in Goulburn If I’d had Dunphy’s map with me, I We found some smallish pools brought the weekend to a satisfying would have seen that his route keeps about 40 metres down the creekbed close. There aren’t many walks that to the north-west side of South Ti- directly below the cave, pools which I would happily soon do again, but Willa Mountain (now Ti Willa Top). had been completely dry during the this is one of them. Instead I tried to fi nd a way through long drought. Despite the warm fi re the casuarina nana and banksias at and convivial conversation, we were Meg Mckone the top of the broad ridge leading early to bed after the late Friday onto the plateau. Did I say that night and as soon as my head hit the Gabes Gap was the least appreci- pillow I was out like a light. ated part of the trip? This scrub was undoubtedly worse. We took it in We woke to a somewhat misty morn- turns to battle the overgrown heath ing, and it stayed cloudy most of the and finally reached a rocky top, day. It was just as well we’d taken so Discount offers for club shorts torn and bare thighs ripped many photos the day before, though members and bleeding. Here the promised there were some interesting cloud sight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge effects to capture. Determined not to Outdoor & adventure stores was obscured by haze on the eastern repeat the heathy horrors of Satur- in Canberra who give a horizon – disappointing, but we day afternoon, I carefully followed discount (usually 10%) on didn’t have time to muck about the cairns out of the cave, fi nding most of their stock to CBC with views anyway, as it was getting it quite easy to bypass the heath members are: close to fi ve and would be dark in by keeping to the track and until it •Belconnen Camping World, half an hour. Dropping off to the became lost in the forest. By this Oatley Court, Belconnen west, we fi nally hit a track lined with stage, however, we were clearly on welcome cairns which led us to the the spur leading up to Cloudmaker, •Great Outdoors Centre, base of the deepening cliffl ine and and I felt much more confi dent of 18-24 Townsend Street, along it to our cave. fi nding a scrub-free route to the cave Phillip, or on future trips. Homeworld Centre, Though 100 Man Cave is an exag- Tuggeranong gerated title (and what about the Though we were retracing our Women, as Helen pointed out, who steps, after leaving the summit of •Jurkiewicz Adventure certainly existed in Dunphy’s day), Cloudmaker it was easy to wander Store, 47 Newcastle Street, it consists of a huge overhang, long, off the main ridge onto a side spur, Fyshwick high and deep enough to easily so we had to keep our wits about us •Mountain Designs, shelter two good-sized parties. We as we headed down Rip, Rack, Roar 6 Londsdale Street, Braddon dropped our packs, grabbed our and Rumble. There was no holding waterbags and headed off downhill Karen back – it’s obviously time she •Tuggeranong Camping to collect water. I was determined started leading walks, with a third World, Homeworld Centre, that we would go together, after two walks category of Speed, to include Tuggeranong trips where people, myself included, Fast. On Ian and Sandy’s recom-

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 page 9 • Rehabilitation of sphagnum bogs include one culvert. An 8 metre wide Conservation matters after the January 2003 fi res and corridor will be involved – a 4 metre The Blue Mts Conservation Society their importance to Canberra’s wide road and 2 metres either side (BMCS) is asking for comment on a water quality because of their cleared of low level growth. There proposal to add further areas to the fi ltering capability which releases will be a 30 metre diameter turna- Gardens of Stone and Blue Mts national water all year round and also to round/ helipad at the end. The new parks and a proposal to protect the the Corroboree frog habitat. road will be allowed to grass over Newness Plateau as a conservation in between operations. area. If there is anyone who has any • Feral animal control including knowledge of this area and in particular pigs, dogs and horses. Pig control have noticed any hunting, trail bike rid- for example has been an annual The walking track to Corin dam ing & off road vehicles in the Newness event for the last 18 years and was will also be upgraded and include Plateau area and who would like to performed recently. stone steps in some sections. Five comment please email conservation@ metres each side from the centre of canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au and A proposal that the road from Ginini the track will be cleared of shrubs I will collate comments and send to through to Orroral valley should be and small trees but grass and large BMCS. upgraded to Category 1 status, which trees will be left. Two winch points Quentin Moran would allow articulated vehicles along the route will be cleared to an through was also discussed. area of 10 square metres to allow Conservation Offi cer the lowering of water containers etc A more detailed report on the fi eld and other equipment by winch from trip can be found on the club’s web a helicopter. site – Members Only page. If you have any comments email me at Namadgi conservation@canberrabushwalk- Various impact assessments are ingclub.org.au being undertaken by Browns Con- National Park sulting and they will file a pre- Quentin Moran liminary assessment in late June and Field trip Conservation Offi cer then comments can be submitted by community groups. The CBC 2 May 2008 will consider making a submission. Proposed new I think we should be concerned about the environmental impact fi re trail on of the new road and the amount of CT Parks offi cers and various clearing each side of the walking Acommunity representatives Stockyard Spur track. Then there’s the question of visited a number of locations in whether prescribed burning benefi ts Namadgi NP as part of a fi eld trip. the environment or not. Parks offi cers outlined their current CT Parks are proposing to build efforts in regards to various aspects There is a map available on the club’s of park management as follows: Aa new fi re trail to replace the existing rough vehicle track which web site - Members Only page. For • At Bulls Head co-operation with runs from Mt Franklin road in the further information or comments NSW Parks regarding cross bor- west and follows Stockyard Spur email me at conservation@canber- der issues were discussed includ- above Corin dam. The new road will rabushwalkingclub.org.au ing fi re management strategies. terminate where the walking trail • The new Mt Franklin shelter - from Corin dam meets the existing Quentin Moran designed and built by students vehicle track. Conservation Offi cer from the University of South The purpose of the new road is to Australia. It will be used as a allow tanker access to the area to Existing Stockyard Spur bush track near base in emergencies such as engage in regular prescribed burn- the intersection with Mt Franklin road bushfi res and searches for missing ing to reduce fuel bushwalkers. and to help contain • Pryor’s Hut - managed by NSW a major fi re mainly Parks. It has a cultural importance in order to protect to Namadgi NP. There is a Scots Bendora and Corin Pine plantation nearby and there water catchments. were aboriginal artefacts found in The new road the area between Pryor’s Hut and replaces rather Mt Gingera. than upgrades the existing vehicle • The start of the Stockyard Spur track i.e. it will fi re trail, which it is proposed to mostly take a upgrade to tanker standard to fi ght slightly different fi res to protect water catchments route to make it (see next article). more level and easier to drive on for tankers. It will

Page 10 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 Activity program

Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfi eld (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), Email: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley St Kambah ACT 2902

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY BOOKINGS

S/E = Short/Easy; under 12km/day, on fi re trails, tracks, beaches etc Ring the leader early rather than late. Please M/M = Medium/Medium, 12-20km/day on bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub ring by Thursday 2.00pm for the following L/R = Long/Rough, over 20km/day, much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles weekend (both one-day and two-day walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport. L/W = over 20km/day, compulsory swims, some river crossings 16 is the maximum, unless a smaller X = exploratory number is advertised in the program. TRANSPORT Check with the leader about: R need to carry water, tents/fl y, maps, etc R appropriate clothing, footwear Costs are 36¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This amount R any precautions you might need to take for may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on the condition of severe weather changes. the roads and other factors. The fi gures given for individual trips are esti- Ask about anything you’re unsure of, espe- mates only, based on four people per car and other factors – costs may rise cially if you’re new to our Club. if cars are only partly fi lled. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. CHECK-IN AFTER WALKS

Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she does so The Check-in Offi cer, Jeff Bennetts (6231 voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, 5899), or the President, not the Police or illness or death or to loss of or damage to property. Each person is required other bodies, should be the fi rst point of to sign the club ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning from a trip. Leaders must report the join trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the club after a safe return OR cancellation of their trip to the maximum of three trips. Check-in Offi cer. For further information see www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au

Saturday 14 June: Wild Cattle Flat – S/E-M Note change of date. Climb via fi re trail east of Captains Wednesday 18 June, 8pm Flat to the trig station atop the Bollard Ridge, which has MONTHLY MEETING views to the west. Then follow the ridge as it descends Bushwalkers wilderness rescue squad through open forest until you cross Ballinafad Creek. Presenter: Wilderness rescue squad Lunch on a hill above the creek, then cross wild cattle Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall fl ats and back to the cars through open forest. All on trail Constitution Avenue, Reid or easy off track. About 4 hrs actual walking. Return via the purple eatery. Map: Tinderry 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ Saturday 21 June: Monga Eucryphia Forests infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$20 – M/M The aim of this walk is to seek and explore the moist Sunday 15 June: Canberra Nature Parks – M/E plumwood forests in the Monga/Mongarlowe area. A ramble around some of Canberra’s local nature parks. Bring camera. Some walking will be off-track. Maps: From Pine Island head to the Cotter Road via Red Rocks Monga, Araluen 1:25000 Leader: Chris Leslie, 6251 Gorge, Urambi Hills, McQuoid Hill, Mt Arawang, 6123(h) 6246 5713(w), [email protected] http:// Cooleman Ridge and Narrabundah Hill. A car shuffl e chrisleslie.741.com Transport: ~$20 will be required. Maps: available from http://www. tams.act.gov.au/play/parks_forests_and_reserves/ Saturday 21 June: Navigation refresher #3 – recreation_in_acts_parks_forests_and_bushlands/ M/M canberra_nature_park/canberra_nature_parks_maps A day consolidating route-following and position fi xing Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 7863(h) 6208 5444(w). techniques in the hills and on the river west of Kambah. Transport: ~$2–5 No prerequisites. A brief review before-hand. And it’s a nice day-walk too. Map: Tuggeranong 1:25,000. 14–15 June: Beginners overnight trip, Nursery Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h). Hill – Rendezvous Creek Round – S/R Saturday, climb Nursery Hill via N. Swamp then descend Sunday 22 June: In the shadow of Palerang – to Rendezvous Creek to a picturesque spot among S/E-M Black Sallees. Sunday, out via N. Swamp track. Map: A walk in the Tallaganda National Park. From the Forbes Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000. Leaders: Jenny & Rob Creek track head east of Hoskinstown, follow trails to Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport:~$9. Mulloon Creek, then along the Palerang fi retrail before swinging west off track for about an hour to the creek and

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 page 11 the fi retrail back to the cars. Mostly on track. The forest Wednesday 2 July 7-30pm: Navigation is different from that near Canberra. About 5hrs actual refresher #4 – GPS use walking. Map: Bombay 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks Two levels: introductory (setting up, position fi x and 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@infrastructure. error) or more advanced (review of the above, way-points, gov.au Transport: ~$15 routes, etc negotiable extension depending on group Sunday 22 June: Onion soup – S-M/R expertise and instrument models) No prerequisites. Map: The Onion is the rounded 1500m granite summit (shaped Yaouk 1:25,000 Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld + others like an onion!) next south of Tinderry Peak. It has views 6231 4535(h). to the Snowy Mtns, and could have some snow itself at Saturday 5 July: Harrison’s Peak – M/E this time of year. For lunch bring a small stove and warm A walk through open forest near Captain’s Flat, initially yourself up with some onion soup. Scrub, fallen trees and on a fi re trail to Harrison’s Peak which has views from rocks make this a rough walk. Access from Round Flat. Mt Coree to the Tinderries. We then walk off track along Map: Tinderry 1:25,000 Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 a lovely open ridge, looping round to another ridge with 5899(h). Transport: ~$15. Limit: 12. spectacular views and then back to the cars. About 5 hrs Tuesday 24 June: Something old and something actual walking. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ new in the southern ACT – L/E-M,X infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$15 Look for new and old sites in the southern ACT, includ- ing border markers, geological sites, graves, house and 5–6 July: Beginners overnight trip, Boboyan hut sites and old roads. From the Boboyan Road on the Valley and Grassy Creek area – M/R southern ACT border, a loop generally along Grassy This is to be run in conjunction with the Navigation Creek to Bulls Flat Creek and the Old Boboyan Road Refresher #5. . Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 South. Around 24km and 350m total climb. Fairly 4535(h). Transport: ~$11. demanding walking. Route not fully known to leader. Maps: Shannons Flat and Yaouk. Leader: John Evans 5–6 July: Navigation refresher #5 – A weekend 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Please contact me off-track in the Namadgi – M/R if you would like to co-lead. Transport: ~$15. Further Consolidates use of map, compass and GPS off-track. details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au Limit: 8. No prerequisites. Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h). Transport: ~$11. COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday 8 July: Honeysuckle Swamp and Wednesday 25 June, 8pm Ridge – M/R,X at the home of Stan Marks Explore Honeysuckle Creek Swamp and the ridge to Unit 10, 26 Springvale Drive, Hawker the SE of Honeysuckle Creek space tracking station, including SH1364 and the tanks. Possible European and Saturday 28 June: Faunce Hill – M/E indigenous sites. Then to the south and west to visit some huge rock overhangs beneath the Spinnaker. Return via Faunce Hill is on the eastern side of the Queanbeyan River Orroral Ridge Road. Around 10km and 500m total climb. gorge on the northern end of Googong Dam. The walk Map: Corin Dam. 1:25,000 Leader: John Evans 6288 is part on and part off track, starting at the end of Wanna 7235(h), [email protected] Please contact me if you Wanna Rd (off Captain’s Flat Rd) then through open forest would like to co-lead. Transport: ~$10. Further details to the Hill and south to lunch on an open ridge before at http://jevans.pcug.org.au wandering back to the cars. Plenty of variety and views. A mixture of on and off track. Map: Hoskinstown 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. IT COLLATION [email protected] Transport: $10 or less Wednesday 9 July, 8pm the home of Roger Edwards Sunday 29 June: Namadgi N.P. – Mount Clear 101 McInnes Street, Weston circuit – L/M-R From the Mt Clear carpark we’ll head along the Naas Valley track and visit Horse Gully Hut along the way. Some Saturday 12 July: Bushfold Flats- M/E-M bushbashing and a 400 metre climb to the Mt Clear ridge Follow the Australian Alps walking track from the line. We’ll lunch by the sizeable Mt Clear trig and then head Booroomba Rocks car park to Bushfold Flats, a delightful back along the fi re trail and a bit of bushbashing to shorten area of open forest and grassland, thence north to meet the return journey. Map: Colinton 1:25,000. Leader: John the track from the visitors’ centre to Mt Tennant. Lunch Kelly 6241 3814(h). Transport: ~$16. Limit: 8. on a rocky outcrop with views north, east and west returning on track. 5 hrs actual walking, all on track. 28–29 June: Murramarang to Monga – M/M Map: Williamsdale 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 Two shorter winter walks with a warm bed overnight. On 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected]. Saturday, we will walk through Murramarang NP from au Transport: ~$10 South Durras to Oaky Beach and back, along the coastline in one direction and through spotted gum forest in the Sunday 13 July: Woila Lookout, Big Badja – other. On Sunday, we will walk through Deua NP to the M/M edge of Monga NP, along part of an old bridle trail that From Pikes Saddle we descend a steep fire trail to used to run between Nelligen and Araluen. Saturday night Currumbene Creek (west branch), then follow a gradually in a cottage at South Durras. Maps: Durras and Araluen rising open ridge south to a lookout (GR327115 1966 1:25,000 Leader: Terence Uren 6282 2403 Transport: datum) with views to rugged Mother Woila Mountain. ~$34 Note: Limit: 8. Page 12 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 After lunch return over Big Badja Mountain (views to and tents. Snowshoes can be hired. Map: Mt Kosciuszko Snowies and sea). Mostly fi re trail or open forest but 1:50,000. Leader: John I’Ons 6231 6326. Transport there are some scrubby sections and steep climbs. Maps: and park entry ~$50. Snowball, Badja 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h). Transport: ~$30. Limit: 12. Tuesday 22 July: Gudgenby area Indigenous and European sites – L/E-M,X 12–13 July: Corn Trail with a twist – M/M-R A wander round many of the indigenous and European We take the Corn Trail to Buckenbowra River, then sites in the Rendezvous Creek mouth and Bogong Creek proceed westerly to link up with the River Forest Road. areas. Some you will have seen before and some may Mostly on trails but I propose side trips to casually explore be new. Around 20 km and 200 m total climb. Moderate some of the steep and rain-forested creeks that come fi tness required. Route not fully known to leader. Maps: down from the escarpment near Monga. Camp near a Rendezvous Creek and Yaouk 1:25,000. Leader: John side creek. Should be an early fi nish on Sunday. Leader: Evans 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Please contact Chris Leslie 6251 6123(h) 6246 5713. christopher.leslie@ me if you would like to co-lead. Transport: ~$12. Further csiro.au http://chrisleslie.741.com Maps: Monga, Araluen details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au Limit: 8. 1:25000 Transport: ~$20 COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday 16 July, 8pm Wednesday 23 July, 8pm MONTHLY MEETING Australian Alpine Walking Track Presenter: Karen Cody Saturday 26 July: Gudgenby Valley – M/M A pleasant ramble through the grasslands of the Gudgenby Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall Valley with detours to the lower reaches of Middle Creek, Constitution Avenue, Reid the Yankee Hat Aboriginal rock art site and Gudgenby Homestead’s recently restored Ready Cut Cottage. Maps: Yaouk, Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 Leader: Terence Uren Saturday 19 July: Flanagan’s Hill – M/M/X 6282 2403 Transport ~$13 Limit: 8. Most of the walk is in the eastern section of the Brindabella (25), 26–27 July: Durras/Little Forest Plateau National Park. From the locked gate on Doctor’s Flat Road M/M/part X and S/M/part X just above Dingo Dell, walk north on an ancient track Two rekkies based at the cabins at Depot Beach. Firstly through open forest for lunch on Flanagan’s Hill. Then, at Little Forest Plateau where we will follow the usual a couple of km off track to join up with the track to Pig route from the car park to Gadara Point for lunch then go Summit and back to the road. Short car shuffl e. The after to the Ngaityung Falls and loop back to the cars initially lunch section is new to me. Map: Umburra 1:25,000. off track along the cliff line then via a fi re trail. The ranger Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. told me about the second, from Mt Durras to Clear Point, [email protected] Transport: ~$10 via a direct route involving a basic track and a couple of Sunday 20 July: Gudgenby-Boboyan Trig area water falls. He said it was not too hard and we will need – M/MR to be guided by his advice. I estimate about 5 hrs walking A walk of about 18 kms on trails and in the bush. Start on Saturday, Sunday is probably shortish, we will drive to at the locked gate in Gudgenby on old Boboyan Road. Pebbly Beach, go up Mt Durras via the made trail, drop Trail bash with option of seeing Frank and Jack’s Hut down to Clear Point along the new route, thence back and the nearby sheep dip, then up one of the ridges to to the cars. Maps: Tianjara/Milton/Kialoa 1:25,000. Hospital Hill and Boboyan trig. Great views of Gudgenby, Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Mount Namadgi, etc. Return via Yerribee [email protected] Transport: ~$50, Track, Boboyan Road and a short bushbash back to the Accommodation: ~$50 cars. Map: Yaouk 1:25,000 Leader: Tim Wright, 6295 Saturday 2 August: Bruce Ridge, Aranda 9995(h-evenings), 0409 847 534(m). Book by Wednesday Bushland and Gossan Hill – S/E morning 16 July as leader likely to be out of town Meet at 2 pm in the car park opposite 160 Dryandra St, 16–18 July. Transport:~ $13. O’Connor for a walk across the Ridge, into Black Mt Sunday 20 July: Mt Bullongong – L/M&E Reserve, through the Bushland and through the Gossan A hill in the northern Tinderries. Mainly on Keewong Fire Hill. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), Trail, Michelago. May however diverge off into the forest 6274 7350(w), [email protected] for some of the journey. Map: Tinderry, Captains Flat Transport: drive yourself but tell me when you book if & Michelago 1:25,000. Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 you need a ride. 7863(h) 6208 5444(w) Transport: $16. Limit: 8. Saturday 2 August: – M/E 19–20 July: Mt Twynam, snowshoe plod – M/M A 19 km walk all on fi re trails. See the continued recovery From Guthega, climb up towards Mt Twynam and camp from the 2003 bushfi res. Longish lunch with superb 360 in a slightly sheltered spot below the fi nal slopes. On degree views from the top. Distance of walk may be a Sunday morning ascend the peak by torch-light (hope- little long but being on fi re trails makes it easy. Should fully) and watch the sunrise illuminate the ethereal vista not be more than 5 and a half hours of actual walking. of Watson’s Crags and Sentinel. The more adventurous Map: Cotter Dam 1:25,000 Leader: Tim Wright, contact could try some steeper slopes - for which crampons [email protected] or at home in evening on 6295 might be useful. This trip would be a good introduction to 9995 or on mobile 0409 847 534. Transport ~ $9.50. snowshoeing for fi t walkers and will require winter gear

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 page 13 Sunday 3 August: Wyanbene Caves Sunday 24 August: Granite Tors – S-M/M-R Mountain, Minuma Range – S-M/M From the Orroral Tracking Station site the fi re trail to From the Wyanbene Caves car park we ascend Wyanbene the former lunar laser ranger site passes magnifi cent Caves Mtn (steep) then follow the Minuma Range south- granite outcrops. We will leave the trail to climb over the ward for several kilometres past conglomerate cliffs to outcrops, steadily ascending to a lookout over Orroral a high point. Good views east and west. Mainly on fi re Valley. Then back along the trail before leaving it again trail but we may follow the cliff base for part of the way. to descend to the valley past more outcrops. The distance Map: Krawarree 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 is short (8km) but there is a 400 m altitude gain and 5899(h). Transport: ~$30. Limit 12. much rock scrambling. Map: Rendezvous Ck 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h). Transport: ~$10. Saturday 9 August: Mt Foxlow – M/E-M Limit: 12. From the car park just off Woolcara Lane at the entrance to the Yanununbeyan Conservation Area, we will head (5) 6–7 September: Southern Highlands off track until we meet the Foxlow fi retrail, then about bushwalking bonanza 2 km up Foxlow itself for lunch. Return initially along the This weekend based at the Bundanoon YHA includes two fi retrail then swing off track along a ridge through attrac- contrasting walks. Drive down Friday night. Mt Carrialoo tive light forest to end the day. Short car shuffl e, about (to be led by Barry Keeley on Saturday) is always brilliant 5½ hrs actual walking. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. and if you like spectacular views and a bit of a challenge, Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. you will love it. Sunday’s walk is a mixture of ridges [email protected] Transport: ~$15 with views and a bit along a rain forest creek before we emerge along an ancient logging road back to the cars. 9–11 August: Kiandra–Tabletop Mtn with About 5 hrs walking and a mixture of track and off track camera and hopefully snow – M/M on both days. On Saturday evening, an ‘everybody bring This winter I’d like to get to Tabletop Mtn whatever the something’ meal. The YHA has a delightful ambience. snow’s like! From Kiandra it’s south 6 km to base camp Map: Bundanoon Leaders Stan Marks and Barry Keeley. near Four Mile Hut (and toilet), with options of detours Bookings to Stan 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. to Mt Selwyn or the old gold diggings. For Sunday, [email protected] Transport: ~$30–40 Tabletop Mtn is 12 km return, with some snow (surely?) and unusual views of Jagungal, and Monday I hope to 6–7 September: Budawang Classic, The return via the little used Four Mile Hill Trail. The trip Shrouded Gods – M/R will be suitable for those wishing to try winter/snow Via the Castle track we will make it all the way to the camping; hire snow shoes if we look like using them. top to greet the Gods, refl ect on the ascent, gaze down to Maps: Cabramurra 1:25k (and perhaps West Denison). the Earthly views and to sleep. Return via the Mooryan/ Leader: Rupert Barnett 6242 5241, rupertb@cyberone. Gods route. Map: Corang 1:25000 Leader: Chris Leslie com.au Transport: $45. 6251 6123(h) 6246 5713(w) [email protected] http://chrisleslie.741.com Transport: ~ $30 (15), 16–17 August: Bundanoon gourmet weekend – M/E 20 September–15 October: The Black-Allan Drive to Bundanoon YHA Friday night, our base for Line – L/R/X the weekend. On Saturday, do the Walking Dog track (a This is the Vic/NSW border between the source of the pleasant 5 hrs along the remnants of an 1896 road) which Murray and Conference Point, Cape Howe. The route is runs from Meryla Pass through beautiful rain forest down reputed to be great country and a demanding challenge; to Yeronga Creek with spectacular views back to the cliffs perhaps daunting. It is mostly off-track, cross-grain, and surrounding peaks. Visit the fl at where Mr Yates involves heavy scrub and water is scarce. It is neither for grew some of his fi rst seeds in the 1880s. Sunday will the faint-hearted nor the impetuous. Duration is 26 days be a morning walk from the Boxvale car park to Lake staged as 3 lots of 6 plus an 8 or a 12 and a 14. Members Alexandria in Mittagong via the Sixty Foot Falls and are invited to join the whole trip or one or more stages. Nattai Creek, about 2½ hrs walking, then a nice lunch at Refer to ‘Wild’ no. 69 pp53 to 57 for Peter Langtree’s the Meridian in Marulan. An ‘everybody bring something’ description of his trip in 1998 from Black’s no. V cairn on meal on Saturday evening. The YHA is an early C20 the Snowy River to Allans Peg, near the Dalgetty River. manse of delightful ambience. Map: Bundanoon Leader: Expressions of interest are requested ASAP but before the Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ end of July. Leader: Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h). infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$30, Accommodation: $50 for weekend 4–6 October: Mother Woila, Deua N.P. – L/R Via Currambene Creek. Very spectacular scenery. Day 1 9–17 August: Mts Feathertop and Bogong via fi re trail and Dampier Trig to a ridge leading to Mother snowshoe trips – L/M Woila. Day 2, the climb and then back to near Horseshoe Enjoy snowshoeing through some of Victoria’s best Point (‘65r’). Day 3, explore Horseshoe Point area with alpine country. Drive to Harrietville, then a 3-day trip up sandstone and conglomerate cliffs and overhangs and Feathertop, camping near Federation Hut, followed by a views to the nearby Tabletop Mountain and return. 3–4 day trip on the Bogong massif. Although I plan to Map: Snowball, Badja 1:25000 Leader: Chris Leslie camp near huts, tents and full winter gear will be essential. 6251 6123(h) 6246 5713(w) [email protected] Maps: Mt Feathertop-Hotham 1:30,000 and Bogong http://chrisleslie.741.com Transport: ~$25 Note: change Alpine Area 1:50,000. Leader: John I’Ons 6231 6326. of date from May it. Transport: based on about 1,000 km travel.

Page 14 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 Saturdays in October/November: Mavis can produce thousands of seeds. Our contribution has Ridge – L/R,X involved searching the area to locate infestations, removal Three hard walks on the Mavis Ridge in Spring, as the by digging and detailed mapping. You will have the oppor- days provide more walking hours but before the regrowth tunity to travel to the Upper Cotter by vehicle and spend takes off again. 1. Upper Mavis Ridge from Mt Mavis to the day in a remote part of Namadgi. No special skills Rock Flats; 2. Mt Mavis to Mt Herlt; 3. Mt Namadgi via needed—if you have ever dug up weeds then you know the Mavis Ridge to enjoy a glass of champagne for lunch. what to do! Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000. Leader: All around 20 km and 1200 m total climb. Physically John Thwaite 62543193(h) email: john@johnthwaite. demanding walking for a fit and experienced party. com Transport: $12. Route not fully known to leader. Map: Rendezvous Creek Walks further afi eld 1:25,000. Limit: 8. Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), Are you interested in (a) 5–9 days of day walks with [email protected] Transport: ~$12. Further details at car camping in the Blue Mts, , Victorian http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Alps, or Grampians or (b) a 4 day pack walk along Saturday 8 November 2008: Broom clearing the Hume and Hovell Walking Track (Tumbarumba 16th year @ Cotter Hut region)? Dates, walks negotiable, costs to be determined. The club’s long-term project aimed at removal of this I envisage groups of 4–9 with 2 or 3 cars. Contact Jeff invasive species from the Upper Cotter area will take Bennetts 6231 5899 or [email protected] if you place again this year. Each year club members go to the are interested. area around the Cotter Hut and locate and clear any new broom plants that can be found. The seeds of this species can stay in the soil for well over 20 years and each plant

Bulletin Board The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no includes glaciers and mountains. There are also several cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal excellent track walks nearby, including the Rees Dart bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved and the Routeburn (which needs to be booked). Expres- in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, sions of interest to John I’Ons, 6231 6326 (h) or ajions@ the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if people iimetro.com.au by end November. participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and will Tuesday walks: (minimum M/M) not be covered by the Club’s insurance. Do you have a passion for day-walking? Then turn it into an obsession on occasional Tuesday walks! When Notices for the Bulletin board should be emailed to – irregular Tuesdays. Where – usually in Namadgi, the Walks Secretary: walksec@canberrabushwalking- guaranteed M/M, often L/R,X. Who – if you don’t outpace club.org.au a 59 yo baby boomer and you like to step out, then you’re in. Why – great views, great walking, average Walking In Scotland - tentatively for 4–6 weeks company, minimum mid-week crowds. One wouldn’t in Sept/Oct 08 be dead for quids! How – Keep an eye on it and http:// We’ll take the high road, we’ll take the low road, visit the jevans.pcug.org.au for the details of where we’re off to. isles and catch up with a few folky bands in a few folky Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), [email protected] pubs. Participation will involve organisation. Contact: Contact me by 6 pm the previous Sunday. Would anyone John Kelly 6241 3814(h). else like to lead a Tuesday walk? It would be much ap- preciated and we’d guarantee participants. Limit: 8. Tasmania, East Coast Walks 22–29 September 08 Wednesday walk Victoria, Great Ocean Road Walk 1–4 October 08 The regular mid-week walk series continues, close to Expressions of interest to Kim Hello [email protected] Canberra with a destination to be decided. Contact the or ph: 6262 8832(h) leader before 8pm Tuesday to fi nd out destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). February-March 2009: 5 Passes walk, New This walk is every Wednesday and the clubs, CBC, FBI Zealand and NPA take turns to host it. Details for each Wednes- Largely off-track, the 5 Passes walk starts and fi nishes day are now available by email and interested members near Glenorchy in the New Zealand alps and traverses should contact Allan Mikkelsen. wild, spectacular mountain country. It remains below the permanent snowline but will probably include some ‘Gear for sale’ table snow patches where ice axes, or at least ski poles, would In place of our one-night auction, as in previous years, we be desirable. Tents will be essential. The walk will take shall put out a table at General Meetings, for a while. Hope- about 7 days. Glenorchy is accessible from Queens- fully it will be of benefi t to those wanting to get rid of equip- town by bus, bike or hire car. While in the area, I should ment and those wishing to buy some. Please label gear for also like to tackle a second trip, possibly one that sale with adequate personal details and asking price.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2008 page 15 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE* Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] TREASURER George Carter 0419 603 334 – [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Tom Gosling 6290 2874 [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – [email protected] EDITOR Alison Milton 6254 0578 6289 8245 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 – [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Terence Uren 6282 2403 – [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER Quentin Moran 6288 9840 6243 6601 [email protected] PUBLISHER Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6208 5444 [email protected] ASSISTANT WALKS SEC Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899 – [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Jenny Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – [email protected]

*All 11 members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Allan MIKKELSEN, [email protected] 6278 3164 (h) CHECK IN: Ring Jeff Bennetts on 6231 5899 (d/e), or 0418 662 870 WEB SITE: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

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