CANBERRA

BUSHWALKING CLUB NEWSLETTER it Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc. GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume 53 Number 9 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org October 2017

GENERAL MEETING 7.30 pm Wednesday 18 October 2017

New Venue Weston Uniting Church 16 Parkinson Street, Weston

Walking the Grand Canyon AZ USA with Rowan Peck

Come along and hear from CBC’s Rowan Peck about where, what, how and why to walk the Grand Canyon. One of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet is definitely worth a multi-day visit! Hear about and see the story on walking, permits, camping, risks, and highlights. Maps will be available for viewing at the talk.

Contents

The new CBC Committee New Walks Secretary’s Report Trip Report – West MacDonnell Ranges Conservation Officer position vacant Editorial CBC Committee contacts CBC AGM President’s report Training and Safety Officer report Newsletter Contributions CBC AGM Motions outcomes New Club Website update Activity Program CBC AGM Walk Sec. Report Trip Report: Bemboka Walls CBC Christmas party advance notice New President’s Report A walk with The Bush Club Bulletin Board Membership Secretary Book Review – Murray Darling journeys

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 1 Introducing the new CBC Committee 2017

President: Michael de Raadt. I am a relatively new member of the Club, but a long-term walking enthusiast. Growing up in the Blue Mountains, I have always had a love for the bush, walking with family from a young age. As a member of the Scouting movement through various levels, I experienced many adventures, learning leadership and bushmanship along the way. I have been involved as a leader of a number of youth groups and have held committee and leadership roles in my professional career and through personal interests. I hold a PhD and qualifications in computing and education and used these in a career teaching and researching at universities. After a time in the software industry, I have returned to education as Head of Education Technology at Canberra Grammar School. I am happily married with two children and enjoy walking (of course) and studying theology.

Walks Secretary: Linda Groom. My interest in bushwalking began as a child in the rainforests of Lamington National Park, Queensland. (This may explain why, in bursts of nostalgia, I keep walking into lawyer vine rather than around it.) After moving to Canberra in the 1970s I joined the CBC and discovered the delights of exploratory walking and canyoning. Since my retirement from the National Library, I have taken on a number of Club roles including President and Family Activities Co-ordinator. I am also working on the Club's software project, and have discovered the delights of WordPress, an entirely new kind of terrain. Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas One of the roles of this position is to provide backup for the Walks Secretary should they be unavailable; perhaps because they have gone bushwalking. One of my other functions is to maintain the statistics for the Club activities, which I have been doing since 2003. Any excuse to use a computer and play with lots of data! I am currently living and working in Lower Hutt (13km NE of Wellington) in NZ and have been here for about 18 months, with probably another 12 months to go. The Hutt Valley Tramping Club is allowing me to get my fix of the outdoors with regular tramps and cycles in the local ranges; Tararua, Ruahine, Rimutaka, Aorangi and the hills around the Hutt Valley. And because I was missing CBC Committee meetings so much, I have recently joined the HVTC Committee.

General Secretary: Jenny Stewart I am a former academic who taught and researched public policy analysis at UNSW Canberra. I retired from academic life when I found work was getting in the way of bushwalking, but I keep my hand in by writing regular pieces on public policy for the Canberra Times. I am married to a poet, enjoy gardening and I play music whenever I can. Despite not being particularly well-organised, I am looking forward to ‘doing my bit’ for CBC as general secretary.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 2 Introducing the new CBC Committee 2017

Training and Safety Officer: David Dedenczuk I am from Tasmania, and began my walking life there with the Newtown High School bushwalking club in 1977. The teacher in charge of the group, Mr Williams, took us young people to some wonderful places, such as Precipitous Bluff and Frenchmans Cap. In the 1980s I joined the Hobart Walking Club and took an interest in Tasmanian peak bagging. I moved to the Mainland in 2001 and am now visiting some of the local ‘Percies’ - though I love the bush even when there is no peak involved. I am very interested in natural history, and like to observe the stars, the birds, the plants and rocks while I am walking along.

Social Secretary: Terrylea Reynolds I am a retired public servant who's taken up bushwalking with a passion. After a lifetime working in offices in the private sector as well as in both state/territory and government departments I am now keen to fill my lungs with fresh air. I am a keen traveller and love exploring new terrain both close to home and abroad. Nothing is off limits - from the bush to the beach, as long as I’m meeting new people as part of my travels. I also have a keen interest in birds and often find myself standing quietly in Namadgi trying to identify a bird by its appearance or, more typically, by its call. Those of you who know me may also know I’m a budding navigator and while I may occasionally appear 'lost' it's only very momentary and never for words! In my new role as Social Secretary, I know I have big shoes to fill and am looking forward to the challenge.

Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards As a young scout in the mid 1960s I hated hiking. One day however on a hike in South Gippsland our troop crossed over a saddle into another valley and I thought the scenery was stunning. Since then I have been hooked on the outdoors. In the 1970s I came to Canberra and on my first weekend I struggled up to a peak in the Tinderries. Since then my love for the outdoors has grown and I have walked over 16700 kilometres, paddled 3140 kilometres and cycled 9200 kilometres. My interest has taken me overseas to the Himalayas, Andes and Karakoram ranges. I have visited every 8000 metre peak in the world, except for Shishapangma and Kangchenjunga. (though I did not see Cho Oyu as it was enshrouded in blizzard at the time.) I met my wife, Rosemarie in 1990 on a CBC walk and one of my daughters has continued in the tradition working as an instructor for Outward Bound, as well as for Mountain Designs in Woden. I have enjoyed my time with the Club and believe in putting back some time into assisting the Club that has provided so many opportunities over the years. Hence my serving over 20 years on Club committees.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 3 Introducing the new CBC Committee 2017

Treasurer: Julie Anne Clegg As a child in Melbourne, wild areas were close to where I lived. With my friends, I explored the local creek, and, with my father and family, further afield … target shooting, blackberrying and catching frogs. Girl Guides took me further into the bush and taught me some bushcraft. Living on the Far South Coast brought me closer to the bush and to Canberra, and a greater appreciation of ecology and wilderness. Now, as a retired accountant, I enjoy walking in and around the ACT. I love the variety of native birds in Canberra (but as a gardener the possums not so much). We are very fortunate to have so many parks within easy access of the city, providing great opportunities for walking. As Treasurer I welcome suggestions from members about how we could best employ Club resources

Editor: Meredith Hatherly My childhood was spent rambling through the countryside in Central West NSW, mostly on horseback until I discovered bushwalking after joining the Sydney Uni Bushwalking Club. Bushwalking has figured strongly through all my years of working and raising children. I retired 12 years ago to live in Canberra, which has a rich offering for a retiree. I enjoy a range of interests – I try to bushwalk on a weekly basis, while land care activities, music, community gardening and family are also high on my priority list. I am enjoying being editor of the CBC newsletter – it is an evolving learning project and there are many challenges. I appreciate the generous contributions and encouragement from Club members since I took on the role six months ago.

Web manager: Andrew Meers Bushwalking for me started at high school almost 5 decades ago. I was introduced to it by an amazing teacher who shared his love of Tasmanian wild places with many of his students. I learnt an appreciation for those places which has never faded but the opportunity to experience them is often restricted by other interests and activities. Retirement within the next few years will hopefully remove one major distraction. This is my first committee role with CBC although I’ve been a member for over 10 years. Helping implement the new Club software system, after a lot of hard work by others, will be a major achievement. It's close to being live and once in place will make the process of managing activities and bookings easier for us all. I look forward to using it to book in for some great spring and summer activities.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 4 Introducing the new CBC Committee 2017

Publisher: David Williams My parents met as ‘social bushwalkers’ in the Blue Mountains, so it’s likely that I started bushwalking at the age of -0.7. We lived next to cow pastures in Lane Cove and I often explored along the tadpole creek there. At uni, SUBW took me into abseiling waterfalls, canyoning and how many walkers can fit in a Beetle. My first real job was at Yarrangobilly Caves, where I learnt how to control crowds above & below ground, to shoot pigs, spray blackberries and use dynamite. At ANU, I met some CBC walkers and I recall a wonderful trip in 1970 on the Tassie South Coast Track, with then President John Hogan, Dan Buchler and Barry Mayfield among others. As a plant ecologist, I worked mostly in the ACT, western NSW and on MDB rivers. After four decades of work, I re-joined CBC and have been the Publisher for the last 2 years. Attending general meetings and being on our Committee has enabled me to get to know members who I have never walked with and the great breadth of skills in our Club. Managing the transition from paper to digital newsletter is my present focus and this is being assisted by our new website and all our wiz members involved.

Conservation Officer: Position Vacant. We are searching for someone to fill the role of Conservation Officer. Please consider applying for this worthy position on the CBC Committee. The Conservation Officer position coordinates the Club’s conservation activities, and advises the Club on conservation issues, campaigns and projects. The CO represents the Club at other conservation meetings such as those of the ACT Conservation Council, and prepares submissions on important conservation matters. The previous CO, Cynthia Burton, will continue in the short term to be the CBC focal point for the Alpine Weeds Project with a view to gradually handing over to the new CO. Cynthia has also undertaken to support the new CO to transition into the role this year. If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact the CBC Committee at [email protected]

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 5 Reports from the CBC Annual General Meeting 2017

President’s Report to the 2017 CBC AGM – Lorraine Tomlins I have pleasure in presenting my President’s Report to this, the CBC’s 56th annual general meeting. The CBC – How are we doing? The short answer is we are thriving. Our membership is at 370. This is in line with the last few years but certainly up from 351 in 2013 when annual membership figures were first recorded. Back in 2003 at the start of our current bushwalking statistics series our membership was around 310. Thanks to the efforts of our Walks Secretary John Evans we have expanded our list of walk leaders, and new approaches, ideas and activities have led to a varied and extensive activity program. Here are some examples of the variety – snowshoeing (note shoes purchased by CBC this year), canoeing and family activities and of course geocaching. John’s report will give you more extensive details. The Club is making good use of Facebook to give members and the public a more immediate idea of our activities and the enjoyment they can generate. Many of the images I have used in this presentation were downloaded from the “photos” tab on the Club’s Facebook page. In fact, the majority of prospective members state on their membership application that they found out about the Club from our website. As Smart Phones become more indispensable in daily life, an important aspect of the CBC’s Software Development Project has been for the new website to be easily accessed from them. But project progress has been slower than anticipated. Linda Groom, the Project Manager, has provided me with an update. The Software Project The software project was expected to go live in May this year, shortly after the very popular training sessions. A range of problems caused by moving the new site on to our own server and from http to https (needed to provide better security) set the project back some months. Steady progress is now being made to overcome remaining hurdles, but still much slower than ideal. The CBC has not yet made the final payment to the software developers and will not make it until the system has gone live and has run smoothly for some weeks. Once the go-live date arrives the system will be a wonderful boost for the Club. Other clubs have expressed interest in the system and have had test sites created for them. Our present estimate for the completion date is some time in the next 3 to 4 months. In the meantime, the CBC test site is publicly accessible and you are all welcome to have a look at it: https://canberrabushwalkingclub.org It looks wonderful with its strong use of images. To explore the members’ and leaders’ parts of the system Linda Groom can provide the necessary password. The new site is to be a repository for some historical images and information that is sure to be of interest to many members. For example, the politicians walk of November 1976 which was organised by the CBC and was instrumental in having Namadgi declared a national park. You might recognise some of these members on Mt Kelly snapped in 1980. Also, biographical information and images for the Club’s Honorary Life Members will be kept on the new website. In 2017 two new HLMs were awarded – Meg McKone and Stan Marks.

Conservation It is a major strength and source of pride for the Club. Thanks are due to Cynthia Burton for establishing programs with Greening Australia (GA), NPWS and Parks ACT. She is stepping down from her role as the Club’s Conservation Officer. Thank you as well to the many volunteers who are the backbone of the program. Bushwalking NSW has published an article about our work in its online newsletter.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 6 Reports from the CBC Annual General Meeting 2017

Hunting for hawkweed in Kosciuszko National Park with GA and NPWS through the ‘Alpine Weeds Project’ (which has now ended) has been a major conservation activity. CBC volunteers have been involved in mouse- ear hawk weed survey work every summer since January 2015. During the summer of 2016-17, a total of three weed survey trips were undertaken by nine CBC volunteers. A second significant infestation of mouse- ear hawkweed was discovered on the Main Range of KNP. As well, CBC helped with other weed control activities that were conducted along the Main Range Walking track. A thank you morning tea for the many CBC volunteers (25+) was co-hosted by the CBC and GA in April this year. As well as the Weeds Project, the CBC has had a long involvement with Broom Clearing in Namadgi. In November 2016, annual broom clearing was successfully carried out by 13 CBC volunteers in conjunction with ACT Parks and Conservation in the Cotter hut area. This year will mark the 25th anniversary and some special celebrations are being planned. The CBC prepared a detailed submission, in consultation with the membership, on the Victorian government’s Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing Draft Master Plan in January 2017. It can be viewed on the CBC website.

Joint Activities with Other Clubs Our major joint activity continues to be contributing to Wednesday walks that are a popular collaboration with the Brindabella Bushwalking Club (BBC) and the National Parks Association (NPA) (ACT). The addition of another walk each Wednesday has increased the variety and made trip numbers more manageable. About every 3 months, the heads of BBC, NPA and CBC meet to discuss issues of mutual interest. At other times, we consult via email and, in one instance, this resulted in a joint letter to the ACT Chief Minister seeking assurances about possible local implementation of the Australian Adventure Activity Standard on Bushwalking. Another major event was the visit of over 20 Hobart Walking Club members to Canberra in October last year. The CBC put on a strong program of walks and social events.

Training and Safety The Club has maintained its strong commitment to training and safety this year. We have had an excellent and varied training program with Rob and Jenny’s series of well thought out navigation training exercises being a major focus. They have been very popular. The Club is continuing to encourage members to make use of the CBC subsidy to do first aid training. This year the Club had two incidents, a fall in May and a broken leg in July that triggered the Club’s incident reporting system. These incidents reinforce the desirability for all walkers to have some first aid training.

Other Developments  The last hard copy of it was published in December 2016. Now with a new editor and being only electronic, the monthly newsletter has a fresh look and has more space for members’ articles.  The 7.30 pm starting time for monthly General meetings was implemented after a trial period.  Committee meetings every two months was trialled and proved workable although monthly meetings were held as needed. In addition, the starting time was changed to 7pm.  The venue for the monthly General Meeting is to change to Weston Uniting Church 16 Parkinson Street, Weston.

Thank You John will be conveying, in the Walks Secretary’s Report, the Committee’s thanks to our walk leaders and the many others who contribute to the Club’s activities. I would like to thank my fellow Committee members; it has been a team effort and great to work with such a skilled, enthusiastic, and wise group.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 7 Reports from the CBC Annual General Meeting 2017

There are 4 Committee members (and me) who are retiring tonight. Cynthia Burton - most recently Conservation Officer but has also been a Committee member in past years. Cynthia Coppock - General Secretary and before that Social Secretary John Evans – most recently Walks Secretary but has been Training and Safety Officer and Membership Secretary Jenny Horsfield – Social Secretary but has served the Club in other Committee positions. The Club is very grateful for their contributions and I am especially grateful for their assistance, support and counsel in our Committee work. In conclusion, thank you everyone for contributing to another successful year of walking.

Lorraine Tomlins President 2016-2017

Motions passed at the 2017 CBC AGM Financial statements 2016–2017 That the Club adopt the Financial Statements for 2016 - 2017 as published in it, September 2017. Moved: Lorraine Tomlins Seconded: Janet Duncan Motion carried

Schedule of Receipts and Payments 2017–2018 That the Club adopt the Budgeted Receipts and Payments 2017 - 2018 as published in it, September 2017. Moved: Lorraine Tomlins Seconded: Alan Vidler Motion carried Transport rate That the transport rate be set at 39c per kilometre, from the date of the 2017 Annual General meeting, such rate being the existing transport rate adjusted by the CPI for the year ending June 2017 as shown on the Reserve Bank of Australia website (derived from ABS Cat No 6401.0) Moved: Terrylea Reynolds Seconded: David Williams Motion carried Members’ subscription rate 2017–2018 That the subscription rate for the 2017–2018 year be set at $33 per member. Moved: Jonathan Miller Seconded: Sue Vidler Motion carried Honorary Auditor That David Hatherly be appointed Honorary Auditor in line with Section 6.6 of the CBC Constitution Moved: John Evans Seconded: Jenny Horsfield Motion carried.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 8 Reports from the CBC Annual General Meeting 2017

CBC Walks Secretary Report to the AGM – John Evans It is a pleasure to present the 2017 Walk Secretary’s Report to this AGM, reminding ourselves of another great year of walking. Our Club is multi-faceted and opportunities abound for members to involve themselves in different ways, but bushwalking is the mainstay of the Canberra Bushwalking Club. The activity program has been full and varied each month, providing a range of walks to suit everyone with their different abilities and interests. We continue to build on past years. Thank you, once again, to all walk leaders and walkers.

For another year, our Assistant Walks Secretary, Keith Thomas, has maintained our statistics from overseas. Any well-managed club should have a detailed record of its activities and this CBC certainly has. Drawing from a high-level view, the number of activities completed was 314 (from 389 scheduled) (314 last year); the number of participants 2881 (2489 last year); 3592 participant-days (3213 last year); and 65 different leaders scheduled walks (62 last year). A huge result!

Activities included part-day, day and multi-day trips; back-packing and ‘car camping’ in assorted accommodation styles. We walked, snow-shoed, kayaked, canyoned and rode bikes. We traversed the ACT, nearby NSW and interstate. Several members walked privately overseas.

There is a multitude of reasons why we walk – great destinations and natural scenery, seeing flora and fauna on their terms, friendships, exercise. It may well be different for each of us. For me, it’s the best form of health insurance I can invest in, I love to breathe fresh air and, on a mountain top, I can pretend I am a soaring eagle, rather than the flapping old chook I am.

Not all members may be aware of the full range of walking opportunities the Club and its walk leaders provide, so here’s a quick review. Weekend walks could still be considered the main walking events. There are half-day and full day walks on Saturdays and Sundays, with overnight trips to entice you from your soft bed. Wednesday Walks are very popular, with an easy-medium and medium-hard trip occurring each week, facilitated by leaders from the Brindabella Bushwalking Club, National Parks Association – ACT and Canberra Bushwalking Club. Often 20-30 walkers gather for these. There are walks most Tuesdays, often hard and exploratory to new locations. In fact, any day is a good day for a walk. Not only do we walk in our local Namadgi National Park and Canberra Nature Park, but many nearby areas in NSW. Interstate trips this year have covered all states and territories, except Tasmania.

Family Walks have gained extra momentum this year. There are PRAMbulations, Toddlers’ Toddles and Explores for young walkers with their parents/grandparents. These youngsters are the future of walking. Daylight saving evening walks, often on Mondays and Thursdays, will soon be on the program again. Just turn up at 6.30pm and walk till dark. Perfect for the time-poor or those wanting a long transition between work and home. Sub-24 hour walks have continued, the instigator currently living interstate and assisted by other leaders. From Saturday lunchtime to Sunday lunchtime, you can walk, set up camp, cook, enjoy a night in the bush, walk out and be home with still some of the weekend up your sleeve. Percy-bagging (a list of selected high hills in the ACT named in honour of Percy Sheaffe, one of the ACT border surveyors 1910-1915) continues to amuse some members. The dark art of geocaching lures a few walkers to new destinations. The weather beat us for the Worn Boot Bash last year. This event, scheduled annually since 2002, is a day walk of “… around 30km and a few hills”. It’s on again next month.

We walk with not only the other local clubs previously mentioned. Last October there was a visit from 20 members of the Hobart Walking Club and over 30 walks and 2 social events were scheduled by leaders during their 10-day visit. Last month, 10 members of Sydney’s Bush Club joined us for a walk in the Namadgi and next week Tuesday walkers visit Blowering Cliffs with the Tumut and District Bushwalkers.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 9 Reports from CBC Annual General Meeting 2017

This year is the 15th consecutive year that Rob and Jenny Horsfield have run CBC’s Navigation Refresher course, 7 sessions of theory and much practise of navigation and bushcraft. Congratulations to them for their willingness to pass on their skills and encouragement. 17 budding navigators attended the first session.

The Club’s social media presence is growing, with now over 900 followers of our Facebook page. 500-800 people view each post. I believe it is contributing to attracting a number of younger, new members.

Particular members have helped the Club in important ways and the committee would like to show our appreciation to them.

The 4 members who led their first walks with the club are: Jonathan Miller, Rowan Peck, Lisa Quilter, Derek Synnott.

The leaders who led five or more walks are: Jeff Bennetts, Cynthia Burton, Peter Conroy, John Danaro, David Dedenczuk, Janet Duncan, Roger Edwards, Ian Hickson, Linda Groom, Jenny Horsfield, Rob Horsfield, Diana Kirby, Stan Marks, Meg McKone, Rowan Peck, Linda Stone, Phillip Starr, Michael de Raadt, Lorraine Tomlins, Ian Wright, John Evans.

We also recognise: John Danaro for his great work as the CBC Wednesday Walks coordinator; Linda Groom for her impressive development of Family Walks; Ian Wright as the mainstay of Tuesday Walks; Rob and Jenny Horsfield for the Navigation Refresher course; Rob Horsfield as Equipment Officer; Linda Groom for her new system development lead; Cynthia Burton for organising the 24th Annual Broom Clearing (and other conservation activities). We thank our honorary auditor, Phillip Starr.

The Greg Buckley award was gifted to the Club by the parents of CBC member Greg Buckley, who died in 1990 on a trip in Nepal. It is awarded to a member for their contribution to the Club in terms of their outstanding contribution to the CBC walking program (the quality of walks led, the quantity of walks, regularly leading walks over a number of years) as well as for other activities that have enhanced the club. This year’s awardee is most deserving. They have led 24 walks this year (128 in total), provided 150 person-days of enjoyment for others, walked on 46 days with the club this year, and served on the committee and in other ways. Congratulations to Phillip Starr.

The Canberra Bushwalking Club is a great club, with a fine history and a bright future. It has been a pleasure working with a cohesive committee under Lorraine Tomlins’ leadership. Congratulations to all members for another great year.

Cheers and happy feet. John Evans Walks Secretary 2016-17

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 10 Reports from the new Committee 2017-18

New President’s Report: Michael de Raadt

First, I thank Lorraine, on behalf of the whole Club, for her generous contribution over the last two years. It was great to see a President confidently leading the Club and always with a smile that showed she was enjoying it. Viva el presidente! I thank John for his work as Walks Secretary, setting a standard that will serve the Club well in years to come. Thanks also to all outgoing committee members for their respective contributions. When I was approached to be nominated as President, it didn't take me long to consider. I really enjoy being part of the Club and I was confident that my past experience will allow me to serve the Club and to share that enjoyment. I've since talked to a few past presidents and received some good advice, including a recommendation to read the Club's constitution. I was heartened to see that the objectives of the Club match my own personal walking objectives and are consistent with what I have experienced while being part of this organisation. In brief, they are to: * promote bushwalking and related activities; * foster an appreciation of the bush and its conservation; * support the establishment of national parks and preservation areas; * compile bushwalking info; * cooperate with other clubs and * teach navigation and bushcraft. The current initiatives of the Club, such as the navigation training and website redevelopment, support these objectives and I look forward to reporting our progress in coming months.

After being elected as President, I have received congratulatory messages from leaders far and wide, including an email from Malcolm Turnbull who offered advice on reporting my citizenship and assets, a tweet from @realDonaldTrump stating, "I guarantee you will love it" and a letter from a real Nigerian prince asking for assistance in return for a generous reward that I hope will benefit the Club greatly.

Thanks to everyone for your support. I look forward to seeing you out on a walk sometime soon.

Michael de Raadt President

Membership

During the period 20 August to 24 September the Club welcomed 4 new members

– Kathleen Smith, Philip Bomford, Cathy Kerr, Kerry Blakeley. Membership fees 2016/2017 Roger Edwards $33 per person Membership Secretary

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New Walks Secretary’s Report: Linda Groom

Five reasons not to go bushwalking 1. My job so stressful that I need to spend my weekend analysing the stress, rather than unwinding in beautiful surroundings 2. It might rain part of the day; I would much prefer to go to a shopping mall crowded with other wet people 3. I am not fit enough; I don’t know where those bushwalkers get their fitness from, it’s a mystery 4. I need to spend more time with my family, who cite 1 to 3 as the reasons they can’t come bushwalking with me 5. I am already booked to go kayaking, snow-shoeing or canyoning this weekend – ok, that’s a reason. See you in the bush!

Linda Groom Walks Secretary

Editorial This edition introduces the new committee elected at the recent AGM. The transcripts from the talks given at the AGM by the outgoing President and the outgoing Walks Secretary are included, as well as the first words from our new President Michael, and new Walks Secretary Linda. Thanks to Ian Hickson, Meg McKone and Bush Club member Morrie Donovan for their inspiring trip reports. The Bush Club, incidentally, was co-founded by Marie Byles who we heard about at a Club meeting earlier this year. Meg’s article contains information about the likely locations in which water may be found in remote semi-desert country and the perils of inadequate gear. Jenny Horsfield has reviewed a new book written by long time Club member Mike Bremers and his daughter Angela which will provide hours of interest to every reader. And there is an exciting Activity Program which takes us into the new year. Enjoy your reading.

Meredith Hatherly Editor

CBC Christmas Party – A date for your diary Sunday 3 December 2017 6.00pm – 9.00pm At the home of Terrylea Reynolds, 24 Apperly Close, Kambah. 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

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Training and Safety Spring clothing purchases Spring is a time of increasing temperatures and lengthening days. It is wonderful to have more walking options and to be able to visit the high hills easily again. I do however, recall my brush with hypothermia one year ago at this very time of year. My (rookie) mistake had been to ignore my cold wet arms and legs, and walk on through soggy snow-laden scrub on Greens Peak. At lunch, I took off my wet clothes, put on some warm woollen clothes and ate a couple of jubes. Moreover, our party headed back downhill, back towards the cars.

I now reflect on the factors that worked in my favour that day. It was a mild and still day luckily, for had it been windy, I might have succumbed to more serious exposure. Luckily too, I was wearing a modern synthetic fibre shirt. Cotton is known for absorbing moisture and staying wet, cooling the wearer. Cotton shirts and cotton jeans can be very dangerous items of clothing in cold, wet or windy weather. The prudent Canberra bushwalker should invest in a pair of trousers and shirt made from a synthetic material such as nylon.

Spring, like autumn is a tricky time, as a bushwalkers apparel must allow for all contingencies – from cold to heat. On any day a decision must be made as to whether to pack a beanie or broad-brimmed hat. When in doubt, take both!

While at the spring sales, why not also consider buying a nice sturdy pair of gaiters? With spring upon us, the snakes are stirring. They are hungry and their poison glands are charged up. Good solid gaiters will give a walker protection from the highly unlikely occasion of snakebite, and will give him or her more confidence in walking off-track in the spring bush.

David Dedenczuk Training and Safety Officer

Club website and activity system The new system for managing club activities is in the final stages of testing and is now available for viewing at https://canberrabushwalkingclub.org. It's using test data for now but once all the features are completely tested the latest member data will be loaded and the system will be live for all members to use. Watch out for an email confirming this in November. If you haven’t visited for a while, check out the new website and let us know what you think.

Andrew Meers Web Manager

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 13 Trip Report – Bemboka Walls

Bemboka Walls 11 to 13 March 2017 (Canberra Day Long Weekend) Walkers: Ian Hickson and Peter May We had an early start from Canberra and started walking from the Yankee Gap Trail at 8:00am. We headed east, skirting a farm, and then crossed an unnamed creek which was surrounded by a dense forest of tree ferns After this we walked south near the park border before starting the 600m climb east to the crest of the ridge. The lower part of the ridge was open and we made good progress before halting for morning tea. The crest of the ridge was quite scrubby and we made slow progress southward to the summit of Bemboka Peak. The view from the peak was filtered and although quite grand to the eye was impossible to photograph well because of all the trees. The map indicated a track down from Bemboka Peak but there was no sign of it and we made slow progress through the scrub and loose rocks down to Bemboka Peak Trail for a quick late lunch. After about 1½km we left the trail and headed out onto the ridge towards Bemboka Peter on Bemboka Peak Walls. The ridge was open and there were some nice views back to Bemboka Peak. We followed a perennial stream down to Bemboka Walls and admired the extensive views over the farmland below us. From here we headed north, crossed a low ridge and then descended towards our chosen campsite on Desert Creek. Just before the creek we were stopped by a 20m cliff line which we could not find a way through. We turned upstream and followed the cliff tops looking for a way down. After almost an hour of searching we found a promising break in the cliffs and headed down towards the creek. We scrambled down through some chutes before coming to a small cliff but Peter found a good tree pass which he climbed down. I followed but the partially rotten tree did not hold my weight and collapsed. It was going to be very difficult to reverse back up the cliff if we needed to. From here we scrambled down from shelf to shelf before arriving just above the creek but with one last cliff in the way. It was now almost 7:00 pm and we were keen to get to water and a camp site before dark. Peter said he would lead, left his pack behind and started down. After a sudden and rather undignified descent he was at the bottom so I threw our packs down and followed him. I chose a different route but the result was a similar sudden and undignified descent. Desert Creek had deep pools surrounded by sheer cliffs but close by there was a low cobble bank that we could pitch our tents on. The bank was only about 10cm above the creek level but the forecast was good and there was nothing else in sight so I started to make my tent site a little better with some earthworks while Peter decided that a wash in the creek was more important. The cobble bank was too small for 2 tents and a fire so we sat around our stoves. After dinner and a well-deserved tot of OP rum we walked the 1m to our beds. Cliffs above Desert Creek The next morning we looked downstream and saw that we may have some compulsory swims. We waterproofed our packs and headed off over boulder chokes and through the pools. There was no swimming but the waterproof packs were needed for the chest deep pools.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 14 Trip Report – Bemboka Walls

We turned north up a canyon on a side creek which fortunately did not have any waterfalls in it before it opened out and we were able to climb out onto the Bemboka Peak Trail. From here we wandered along the fire trail system onto No.1 trail and then a steep descent into Double Creek which was delightful. We had time to pitch our tents, have a swim, dry off, explore the area, and get a great campfire going before we cooked our dinner. After dinner it was another well-deserved tot of OP rum and off to bed for a good night’s sleep. The next morning, we climbed out of Nelson Creek in warm and humid conditions but could soon hear approaching thunder. The cold front soon hit us Nelson Creek and the heavy rain soaked us but it wasn’t cold enough to bother with rain gear. We made it to Nelson Creek Trail and turned south with little visibility due the rain. We passed Pigeon Box Mountain and the rain stopped as we went past Indian Head Mountain. By the time we were back at the car we had dried off. We drove into Bemboka for a long stop at the Bemboka Pie Shop where we gorged ourselves on pies and cakes. Desert Creek was a surprisingly interesting area and I am keen to return there if an access can be found through the properties in the Nambugga Creek area which is immediately below Bemboka Walls.

Bemboka Valley from Bemboka Walls

Story and photos: Ian Hickson.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 15 A CBC Walk with The Bush Club – Boboyan Trig

Since I am predominantly a full pack walker in The Bush Club based in Sydney, Hospital Creek Hut had been on my radar for some years.

Whilst searching online for information on Hospital Creek Hut, the websites kept leading me to John Evans.

I subscribed to his Blog and from there we started communicating, with me seeking information on camping, walking conditions, etc. John immediately offered to guide our members on a combined club circuit day walk to Mount Boboyan and return to the hut. As planned John arrived with Meredith, Ming and Peter just in time for us to have thawed out from the -6C morning in camp beside the hut. Two of our members, John and Trisha, elected to stay in camp, while the remaining seven of us joined in with John and the others. I have to say, I read a very early (2009 I

think) report of John's on the planned John on Boboyan Trig walk and it mentioned some bush Photo: Meredith Hatherly bashing through thickets etc., so in my pre-info spiel I mentioned rough off track. Well we certainly got that. John, armed with GPS, bounded up the flanks of Hospital Hill and onto Mount Boboyan proper. We managed to get enough oxygen to keep up. The views from the lunch time platform were superb and the descent down to Snoopy Dog Rock much cleaner and clearer of thickets of bush. In all, it was a privilege to meet John who must be an enormous asset to the CBC. Along with Meredith, Ming and Peter it was a sporty day walk to remember. From the Sydney Bush Club were Kaye Birch, Barbara Mitchell, Graham Lunch on the slabs Condon, Lynne Outhred, Gay Skarratt, Ron Benit and myself. Many thanks Photo: Meredith Hatherly from us all for great company and a wonderful adventure.

And about The Bush Club…a little history. The Bush Club came into existence on 19th September 1939 at the initiative of Marie Byles and Paddy Pallin. Marie Byles was concerned that the rather rigorous tests to obtain entry to bush walking clubs existing at the time excluded genuine lovers of the bush who were unwilling or unable to pack walk and camp out overnight. She believed that the essential qualifications for members should be a genuine love of the bush, a desire to protect it and a willingness to extend the hand of friendship to other bushwalkers. Paddy Pallin had similar motivation in joining with Marie to form the Club. He hoped the Club would comprise walkers of moderate ability who would not be forced to indulge in camping if they had no wish to do so. Paddy was also strongly of the view that if people became bushwalkers they would also become lovers of the bush and would join the ranks of the conservationists seeking its protection. These thoughts remain the main aim of The Bush Club. Today we have 710 full members and 152 prospective members in the Club. Our activities include day walking, full pack walking, bike riding, kayaking, car camping and extended supported overseas walking trips. Morrie Donovan The Bush Club

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 16 Book Review – Murray Darling Journeys

Mike Bremers is a friend to many CBC members who have enjoyed walking with him or accompanying him on kayak or snow shoe trips.

Mike has collaborated with his daughter Angela to produce a fascinating book which is really a story of a little- known aspect of our history: -‘Two hundred years of significant rowing and paddling journeys on the rivers of the Murray Darling Basin’. Mike and Angela (whose MA thesis formed the original base of the book) have done extensive research, in archives, state libraries, local museums and online, to document many of the ‘man-powered’ journeys that have occurred since white settlement along the rivers of the Murray Darling Basin. It is said that historians need ‘a stout pair of boots’ so they can actively research the places that interest them. Well, Mike has ‘a broad pair of shoulders’ that have taken him on many adventurous trips down the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers. His own knowledge of that part of the country comes through very clearly throughout the book. It can be seen in photographs taken by Mike and in references to the hazards posed by fallen trees in the rivers, the dangerous turbulence of rapids that have to be negotiated, and in the peace of a riverside camp in early morning. Mike’s and Angela’s research has uncovered a virtual cross-section of Australian society over the years. We are given details of the early exploratory trips of Charles Sturt and other men, but as well there are cameos of river travel by unknown or little known Australians. In the late nineteenth century, artists and photographers travelled on the rivers, selling their ‘views’ to an interested public. One of these men was Edward Cole, who later opened Coles Book Arcade in Melbourne, at that time ‘the biggest book store in the world’. In the 1860s, men down on their luck on the wintry gold fields of Kiandra returned to South Australia by river in whatever craft they could make, buy or borrow. Then there is the story of the poor woman who rowed a small rowboat down the Murray in 1884, with her baby and the body of her dead husband, a woodcutter, to reach a settlement two days away. There are numerous references to river travel in the Great Depression, when many men took to the rivers as the only source of livelihood open to them, building makeshift boats out of scrap that allowed them to travel and seek work at small settlements but also to live with some degree of dignity and independence by fishing, rabbiting and camping by the river. More modern journeys down the river system offer amazing stories of endurance and skill, including that of solo travellers who have paddled the length of the Murray River to raise money for charity, or who have started from Queensland and paddled the whole length of the Basin from the tributaries of the Darling River down to the mouth of the Murray at Goolwa. Many of these river journeys have been recorded by Frank Tuckwell who lives at Goolwa and who has been inviting travellers since 1954 to record details of their journey in his register, which now forms an invaluable archive. Mike and Angela plan to have another launch of their book at Goolwa later in the year. Copies of the book are available at http://www.vividpublishing.com.au/murraydarlingjourneys/ Jenny Horsfield

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 17 Mishaps, Mysteries and Marvels in the West MacDonnells

PART 1: THE DRY BACK OF RAZORBACK, 26-31 JULY, 2017 Party: Meg McKone, Lynn Atkinson, Margaret Cooper, Lynette Finch, Karen Cody, Ian Armstrong, David Scruse, Ian Turland, Melinda Brouwer.

Returning to Redbank Gorge after a trip to Mt Zeil in August 2016, our party followed Crawford Creek through its two low gorges on the western side of Mount Razorback Along with the better known Mounts Zeil and Sonder, this mountain forms a trio of peaks at the far end of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The intriguing gorges and narrow spurs which creased Razorback’s long western flank, coupled with copious pools and sections of flowing water following 60 mm of rain the previous May, had created a scenario hard to resist. Then, in January 2017, 100 mm of rain seemed to assure a plentiful supply of water, even if there had been little or no rain since. Even if the rock holes were dry, I expected an adequate supply of groundwater welling up in the sandy bed of the creek. Tony, our bus driver from Emu Run Experience, dropped us off for our six day walk at a bend in the road about nine kilometres past the turnoff to Redbank Gorge. I had already contacted the managers of Glen Helen Station for permission to cross their lease to reach the West MacDonnell National Park which covers most of Razorback, then checked again to make sure they wouldn’t be mustering in the area. All we had to do on Day 1 was to walk north for three km until we hit Crawford Creek, then turn northwest and follow it for another four km or so to where a beautiful pool (or even two, I fantasised, one to drink and one to swim in) would be awaiting us at the end of the lower gorge. We might even progress another few km upstream to take our pick of other pools if our packs didn’t feel too heavy. We headed north to a low ridge which hid our view of Razorback and proved to be more complex than it appeared on the map. After some unexpected ups and downs we were on top and gazing over a sweeping expanse of plains to our objective. The walking was easy across hard flats until we reached Crawford Creek, where we had a choice of sandy creek bed or scrubby, rocky banks, both of which slowed our progress. Much later than I’d anticipated, we reached the mouth of the lower gorge and turned a bend to find an extensive hollow in the sandy banks beside a cliff with water marks showing its previous bounty, but now as dry as camels’ bones. Like it or not, we would have to walk further upstream. When the next likely waterhole proved to be dry, I became seriously worried. How about if some of us stayed here and the younger, faster people ran upstream without their packs and with extra water containers to the next set of possible pools? An hour and a half later, our much-appreciated hares were back with loads of water, a bit greenish and flavoursome, but drinkable. Over a three km stretch they’d found three pools – the first green, the second greener and the last one absolutely disgusting. And another little problem – Melinda’s solid-looking boots were losing their soles. With any luck, David’s The first green pool we found in Crawford Creek glue and some tape would stick them back on again. We had a great campsite with lots of room on the sand, a cloudless sunset spotlighting the summit of Razorback, the night sky blazing with stars once the crescent moon had set, and plenty of cups of tea.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 18 Mishaps, Mysteries and Marvels in the West MacDonnells

Refreshed after a good night’s sleep in mild temperatures, we continued upstream and soon set up camp for two nights at the middle, greener pool, well placed at the top end of the upper gorge for exploring Razorback’s gorges and spurs. We spent the rest of the day exploring a side creek and its tributaries which arose high up from near the summit. Despite the cliffs that bordered the gorge rims and gave hope perhaps of a water-filled canyon or two, the narrow stream beds were disappointingly dry, being composed either of sand and broken rocks, or occasionally bedrock with dry waterholes. However, as we climbed over the spurs between the creeks, we were greeted with panoramic views of ranges disappearing into blue distance beyond the western horizon. We now had a full day to devote to our second main objective of the trip, to ascend then descend Razorback by two of the spectacular long spurs on its western side, a climb of 600 metres. The first spur started fairly gently then rose steeply directly to the summit, where an awe- inspiring view awaited us. Though Razorback is lower than The party on the ridge east of Mount Razorback its companion mountains, Zeil and Sonder, at 1274 metres it easily makes the grade of being a McDouall (a Northern Territory peak higher than 1000 metres with a drop of at least 150 metres all around, named after the explorer John McDouall Stuart) and has 360 degree views from its broad summit area. To the north, Mt Zeil, the highest peak in the NT (1531 m), straddled 10 kilometres of horizon, its steep southern cliff face all but hidden in indigo shadows. It would be interesting but difficult due to the heat to see sun on these cliffs, a phenomenon which occurs during the summer months since the Tropic of Capricorn skims the northern slopes of Razorback. As we turned clockwise, a rugged landscape of rounded granite hills interspersed with points of quartzite took us to the east, where the sheer wall of Ormiston Gorge was flanked by rounded “Corner Peak” (the Central Australian Bushwalkers’ name) and the inverted V of Mt Giles. Closer to hand was the sun-bleached western side of Mt Sonder, so different from the mysterious violet shadows of its famous eastern side. Closer still was the slit of Redbank Gorge, then moving out again and further south, row Panorama of the Ormiston area and Mt Sonder from upon row of parallel ranges reaching the horizon, Razorback. broken only by the cliffs of meteor-created Gosses Bluff. To the southwest lay an unnamed plateau with a spur which curled invitingly towards us, then the surprisingly high and rugged ranges of Haast Bluff and Mt Heuglin disappearing over the western horizon and into the desert.

It was time to turn our attention to finding a route off the mountain, whose long curving spine, covered with a skin of rock, spinifex and flowering shrubs, led us to one of the most spectacular spurs. The first 50 metres or so down were extremely steep, but then its crest flattened out as one side dropped away with sheer cliffs to the gorge below. From what we could see from on high of this new gorge system, it was similar to yesterday’s and didn’t hold any canyons.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 19 Mishaps, Mysteries and Marvels in the West MacDonnells

Finally, the spur steepened again as it swung around, landing us about a kilometre above our campsite. We passed the absolutely disgusting pool, a deep khaki colour, on the way back. It was in an open section of creek bed where animals could easily gain access to the water. Meanwhile, my mind had been exercised with the question of water availability for our second trip. We might need to give up the idea of walking around the northern side of the Chewings Range and do the wetter southern side instead. But I needed to know if there were water tanks on the Larapinta Track between Ellery Creek Big Hole and Hugh Gorge. Amazingly, Karen’s rescue device, a cross between a PLB and a satellite phone, could send emails. A brief email to Linda Groom brought an affirmative reply by the next morning. I could (almost) stop worrying. By the time we broke camp, our greener pool was obviously depleted from nine people camping there for two nights, which suggested that it wasn’t Descending the steep spur off being refilled by any underground soaks. As it would have been a very long Razorback day from our present camp round the northern side of Razorback to the “Camel Pool” (a name inspired by finding it filthy with camel dung on a trip to Mt Zeil in 2009), I decided to break the journey in two. However, I didn’t know if we would find water in a creek which drops off the north side of the mountain (“Jims Creek”) where we had found numerous rock pools the previous year. So, loaded up with more than six litres of water each, we set off up Crawford Creek, which was sandy, rocky, scrubby, you name it, but rarely easy going. We did have very fine views, though, of the long western side of Razorback and some lovely stretches of river red gums in the creek bed. We even spotted two camels in the distance, which wasn’t altogether surprising, since we had seen plenty of footprints in open country. Mount Zeil was an ever-changing panorama too, as we rounded the northern side of Razorback. At last we reached the little valley (with insufficient tent sites for all of us to camp in) at the mouth of Jims Creek. Karen, Lynn and I went off to find a larger campsite while some of the others ascended Jims Creek looking for water. Ten minutes away we found a little gorge in a dry creek bed with two sandy sections big enough for all of us. When we returned to the valley to tell the others, there was Ian T holding up a bottle of clear water. For a fleeting moment my id was tempted to crash-tackle him and grab it, but I managed to restrain myself with the thought that I could put up with green water for tonight and get clean water the next morning. Which is what we did. Spurs and gorges on the western side of Razorback But it was very mysterious as to why so many rock holes in the lower reaches were dry while a small hole higher up was full of fresh, clear water. Looking closer at the rock strata, I saw a crack with crystals inside, crystals which looked as if they might have been deposited by water. It was damp inside the crack; then Margaret, investigating further, saw a second crack beneath with water trickling along it. Mystery solved – this rockhole was being slowly but surely filled by a spring leaking out along the angled rock strata. I wondered if some of the numerous waterholes in the north-west creek, where I’ve camped several times, are also kept full by springs leaking out from the bedrock.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 20 Mishaps, Mysteries and Marvels in the West MacDonnells

Meanwhile, although the glued parts were holding, more sections of Melinda’s soles were falling off, and the party was running out of glue. So Karen’s marvellous device was called upon again, this time to order a new pair of boots from the Lone Dingo to be sent out with our bus. But could they be delivered on time? Would the original boots hold up? Walking in the Chewings Range with Teva sandals didn’t bear thinking about. I found Day 5 the most purely pleasurable of this walk. The northeast side of Razorback is relatively easy, being fairly flat on firm ground with little scrub and Mount Sonder peeping through gaps in the surrounding hills. It was a bit tricky finding the right saddle to reach the ridge on the eastern side of Razorback, after which a 40 metre climb to the top revealed spectacular views including the full length of the southeast climbing ridge of Razorback, encircled by coronets of quartzite cliffs. From here we descended a broad spur, negotiating a small cliff on the way, and ending up in the southeast creek, which I could now claim with some confidence to be the most interesting and beautiful creek on Razorback. Below the gorge at the mouth of this creek as it leaves the mountain is the Camel Pool. However, a short way upstream it is joined by a major tributary from the north which seemed a likely place for a good waterhole. Up we went, first climbing up a short rocky gorge which was disappointingly dry, followed by a dispiriting flat stretch of Descending a cliff on the way to sand, rock and scrub. But I could see cliffs closing in upstream, and after the southeast creek of Razorback another climb up a section of bedrock we came upon one of the most marvellous sights of the whole trip – a large, serene jewel of a pool nestled beneath the arc of a garnet cliff. Well, to be totally truthful, the surface of the water was dusty, but that was soon brushed aside to reveal the cold, clear liquid beneath. Back at the junction with a load of clean water, we decided to camp on flat rocks and ledges and continue on to the Camel Pool in the morning. This spot would provide an excellent base camp for anyone wanting to climb Razorback via the scenic southeast ridge and explore the spectacular gorges nearby. From the Camel Pool we had a three hour walk following animal tracks and pushing through scrub back to Woodland Camp near Redbank Gorge where Tony was going to pick us up at 1.00 pm. But we weren’t there yet. After several kilometres along a maze of animal tracks, Melinda realised she had left her camera two km back in a creek bed. Though it would be faster to return and look for it without packs, leaving a pack on an animal track in featureless scrub was Not A Good Idea. So David accompanied her and Ian A stayed with their packs so he could Hakeas on the summit of Razorback call out. It was a relief to feel free to slacken off the pace a bit, and forty minutes after the rest of us reached the campground, the search party returned with the missing camera. With the aid of his GPS, David had unerringly found Ian and the packs again. Soon the bus turned up with our food and clean clothing for the next walk, and we drove off to spend the night at Ellery Creek Big Hole. We had survived the dry conditions around Razorback and were hoping for more abundant water in the Chewings Range. Thanks to Rob Jung for sending me his Grid References and descriptions of the pools we found around Zeil and Razorback on the 2016 trip. Meg McKone 4/9/2017 Photos by Meg

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 21 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]

Contributions for the newsletter

Your contributions are welcome in this newsletter. Send anything that you think might be relevant and of interest to Club members – the more variety we have the more interesting it is for the readers. So keep them coming. To keep the newsletter to a manageable size please limit your articles to a maximum of two pages of text if possible or no more than about 1000 to 1200 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. Please note that any article you send in 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 October 2017 page 22 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 Distance: Costs are 38¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This (S) Short – under 12 km/day amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on (M) Medium – 12–20 km/day the condition of the roads and other factors. The figures given are (L) Long – over 20 km/day for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping fees are climbed. additional costs which leaders should list separately. 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.

Booking For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Contact the leader early rather than late so the leader has time to arrange transport. See walk description for booking deadline. Check-in after walks Check with the leader about: Before a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names of * the need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc. their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their safe * appropriate clothing, footwear return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Officer, David Dedenczuk * any precautions you might need to take for severe weather [email protected] 0417 222 154 leave changes. message if no answer). In the event that you are late returning, Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to our worried relatives should contact the Check-in Officer or the Walks Club. Secretary (6294 8232 or 0417 436 877) in the first instance, not the 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 set out below. Hirers are responsible for collecting and returning Brindabella Bushwalking Club (BBC – Peter the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for [email protected] and Kathy [email protected]) members who are ‘first time’ weekend walkers. and National Parks Association ACT (NPA - Mike S, 0412 179 907). Destination and meeting place details are emailed a A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, few days before each walk. (BBC and NPA leaders as listed in 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 Item w.e./week membership profile. Contact John, co-ordinator of Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 Wednesday Walks, via Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 [email protected] for general Snow tent $15 / $40 enquiries. If you are not a member of CBC, BBC or NPA you 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 October 2017 page 23 Activity Program

Saturday 14 October: 2017 Worn Boot Bash to Mt Clear- L/E-M CBC has a tradition of running a WBB each year since 2002. “… at least a 30km walk and ‘a few hills’”. Let’s walk to Mt Clear! Visit places such as Sam Abouds Dunny, walk through Long Flat and see old drop log fencing, climb onto the Clear Range via Top Flats and Teatree Swamp Flat, see an ACT border blaze tree and summit Mt Clear at 1603m. From SH1528, descend off-track via SH1397 and SH1346 to Demandering Hut. Return along the Naas Valley Fire Trail, fording Naas Creek three times. Whew! Around 30km and 1200m climb. A looong day for robust walkers. Maps: Colinton and Bredbo. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ~$20. Saturday, 14 October: Lees Creek – M/E This walk starts at the locked gate on Warks Road, which comes off the Brindabella Rd near Blue Ridge Rd. It follows along beside Lees Creek for much of its length through marvellous bush. All on track, about four hrs actual walking. Map: Cotter Dam. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 [email protected] Transport: ~$10. Book direct with leader by 4pm Thursday before. Saturday-Sunday 14-15 October: upper Water Race Creek – M/R/X Water Race Creek is a tributary of the Shoalhaven. This trip will approach it from the Tolwong Road (the same road used for access to Ettrema). We’ll park about 600 metres south of The Jumps and head west across the tops, through a mixture of scrub and open flat rocky sections, and descend a tributary of Water Race Creek, aiming to camp near the junction at 353E 222N (AGD66). Then, without packs, downstream to the top of a waterfall where Water Race Creek drops into a spectacular gorge. On Sunday we’ll head up Water Race Creek for a while then exit via a ridge. Scrub, rock scrambling, finding routes through cliff lines. Over the two days a total of about 18km and 300m down and up. Map: Nerriga. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Transport: $100 per car. Sunday 15 – Saturday 28 October: Sundown, Girraween, Bald Rock, Richmond Ranges NPs - M/M Weeks 3 and 4 of October. Approx. two weeks of car camping with day and overnight walking in a selection of these and possibly other NPs in Southern Queensland and Northern NSW. There are two 2-3 day walks in Sundown NP and day walks of different lengths in them all. Spectacular spring flowers in some, rainforest in Richmond Range. Also on the CMW program. Maps: See leader. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902 [email protected] Transport: $$$. Tuesday 17 October: Tidbinbilla Traverse – L/R The clearing of tracks at either end of the Tidbinbilla Range, and the thinning of the regrowth which sprang up post-2003, has made a full Tidbinbilla traverse at least hypothetically possible again, so let's give it a go. Our aim will be to visit each of the major peaks in the range, namely Camel Back, Johns Peak, Tidbinbilla Peak, Tidbinbilla Mountain, and Mt Domain. If two cars are available, we'll do a short shuffle between Mountain Creek and Fishing Gap car parks. This is a walk for those who relish a challenge, but you don't need to be superhuman, or super-fast (I'm not) - you'll just need a willingness to maintain a steady pace through what will be a long day. We certainly won't be home in time for afternoon tea! Distance: 23 km. Ascent and descent, 1200 metres. Map: Tidbinbilla Leader: Trevor Lewis at [email protected] or on 62881495, by Sunday evening 15 October. Transport: around $10 per head."

Wednesday 18 October 7.30 pm CBC General Meeting Walking the Grand Canyon with Rowan Peck NEW VENUE Weston Uniting Church 16 Parkinson Street, Weston

Canberra Bushwalking Club it October 2017 page 24

Activity Program

Wednesday 18 October: Wednesday Walks E-M leader John Ellis (BBC), M-H leader (BBC). Thursday 19 October: Southside Stroll in daylight saving – De Salis cemetery – S/E It is a short (3km return and flat) stroll through an avenue of poplars and elms to this unique site. This cemetery above the surrounding ground level was first used in 1878. We can also access the sandy banks of the Murrumbidgee River. Drive yourself to meet at the Tharwa Reserve car park at 6.30pm, on the left immediately after crossing the bridge. Sunset is at 7.21pm, with civil twilight lasting till 7.47pm, but bring a torch just in case. Map: Williamsdale. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] No need to book.

Friday evening 20 October: Mulligans Flat spring spotlighting walk – S/E A joint outing has been booked exclusively for members of Canberra's three major bushwalking clubs: the National Parks Association of the ACT, Canberra Bushwalking Club and Brindabella Bushwalking Club. This 'twilight tour' of the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is on the evening of Friday 20 October 2017. It will be led by an ACT Parks and Conservation Service ecologist with a good knowledge of the threatened animal species which have been re-introduced to this woodland conservation gem on the northern boundary of the ACT. These species include Eastern Bettong, Eastern Quoll, Bush Stone-curlew, and New Holland Mouse. There is an informative video, A Short History of Mulligans on the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust website at mulligansflat.org.au for those seeking to learn more about the reserve and its species. The cost is $30/person, payable in advance. This covers the cost of employing the ranger and gives us access to the woodland sanctuary which is not otherwise accessible at night. Please email Isobel Crawford on [email protected] or phone 6257 1860 for further information and/or to make a firm booking. We need 20 participants for this to go ahead. To my mind, it's worth it just to hear the beautifully eerie call of the Bush Stone-curlews, at present being regularly reported on the Canberra Birds chatline.

Friday-Saturday 20-21 October: Long time and night walkabout – L/E Walk from Hall to Forde on the Canberra Centenary Trail (including One Tree Hill), leaving around 2pm. Around 20km and 250m climb. Walk back to Hall, leaving around 11pm and arriving around 4am. Stop at the CCT northern campsite for a midnight feast. No moon. Do one or both walks - the lot is 40km and 500m climb. Map: Hall. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ~$10 per person. Book by the prior Wednesday evening, so I can organise logistics.

Saturday 21 October: Pine Island to Kambah Pool – S/E Follow the Centenary Trail section from Pine Island to Kambah Pool and explore various points of interest along the way (Red Rocks Gorge, Drystone Wall, and The Lookout). Cool off with a lunchtime swim at Kambah Pool if desired. 11km and about 4 hrs walking. Map: Tuggeranong, or refer to the ACT Parks guide online “Kambah-Pool-to-Pine-Island-Self-Guided-Walk.pdf” Leader: Rowan Peck 0412041957, [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself to Kambah Pool by 0745. Book: contact leader by 4pm Wednesday before.

Saturday-Sunday 21–22 October: S24C#7 – Hospital Creek Hut – S/E Day 1: Starting at Yankee Hat Picnic Area we will visit Yankee Hat Rock Art, cross Bogong Creek, then a short cross country section through open forest to Old Boboyan Road. Camping by Hospital Creek Hut (Water Tank/Fire Place). Day 2: A morning return by Old Boboyan Road, Gudgenby Reforestation Area and ACT Forest Hut. Ideal bush break for busy people. Suitable as an overnight pack trip for beginners. Map: Yaouk. Leader: Sean Sunley 0433 073959 [email protected] Transport: ≈ $50 per car. Book: preferably by email before 1800 Thu. Limit: 16.

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Activity Program

Wednesday 25 October: Wednesday Walks E-M leader Mark Peirce (CBC), M-H leader (NPA).

Wednesday 25 October: Long Flat and Burnt Hill, Namadgi National Park – M/E From the car park next to the Mt Clear Campground we walk through the foothills of the Clear Range along the Long Flat Fire Trail, initially to the south southwest for 1.7km, and then turning to the southeast near the junction with Burnt Hill Fire Trail. We continue along the Long Flat Fire Trail for another 7km to Long Flat where the trail swings, in a meandering way, roughly towards the southwest soon meeting the Carey Fire Trail which runs along the ACT's southern border with NSW. We turn right at the border, following the undulating path of the Carey Fire Trail westward for 4.8km until we reach Burnt Hill. From there we turn right again, this time into the Burnt Hill Fire Trail for 3.6km, mostly along Grassy Creek, back to the cars. Around 17km and 410m climb. Maps: Bredbo, Colinton and Shannons Flat. Leader: Mark Peirce 0405 357 654 [email protected] Transport: Driving distance 108km return. Pay $13 to drivers.

Wednesday 25th October: Toddlers Toddle – logs and gullies of Aranda Bushland – S/M This circuit of about 400 metres is designed for families with toddlers who are keen to explore the natural world. The circuit includes some flat open grassland, a wide gully with climbable banks, and shady forest with big old logs to walk along. No need to book. Meet, ready to start at 9.45 am; should be finished by 11.30 am. The nearest Google Maps address to the meeting point is ‘Black Mountain Reserve Car Park’; we will meet about 100 metres south west of that, near a stile that leads over the fence into the Aranda Bushland, on the quiet connector road that forms part of a triangle in the Glenloch Interchange. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259 Map: Google maps. Transport: Drive yourself; the starting point is also easily accessible by bike.

Thursday 26 October: Ginninderra Creek PRAMbulation – S/E A circuit with varied scenery, of about 1 hour 20 minutes (5km) beside Ginninderra Creek. This walk is part of a series on paths suitable for prams, for parents and grandparents who want to see some of Canberra’s green areas. No need to book, non-members welcome. Meet at the end of Swift Place, Macgregor, ready for a 10am start. Map: Google maps Leader: Diana Kirby, 0421 851 212 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

. Saturday 28 October: Moonlight Hollow – M/E We will walk from Bulls Head to Bendora Arboretum (lunch) and loop back in the shape of a V via good tracks through lush forest, with running creeks and ferny gullies. Last year there were lots of wildflowers. 13km and about 5 hrs actual walking. Map: Tidbinbilla. Leader: Stan Marks 6254n9568, [email protected] Transport: ~$15. Book direct with leader by 4pm Thursday before

Saturday-Sunday 28-29 October: Coronet Peak – M/M-R This is a re-enactment of the first ever overnight trip I led, on 5-6 Nov 05. Can I make it 12 years later? Walk on the Australian Alps Walking Track from the Orroral Valley. Camp at Pond Creek. Ascend off-track with a short and easy scramble to Coronet Peak for uninterrupted 360° views. 2 or 3 geocaches. Return the same way. Around 30km and 1280m climb over 2 days. Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Limit: 8 Transport: ~$12 per person.

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Activity Program

Sunday 29 October: Rendezvous Creek Cascades – M/M Let’s see how many wildflowers are still in bloom. The track from the nursery swamp carpark is a long steep climb with some steps to the saddle then off track in open country to cross nursery creek. The walk then follows a footpad to another saddle then down to cross Rendezvous Creek. After the second creek crossing the walk runs parallel to the creek and down to the lunch spot beside refreshing cascades. Return the same route. About 13km and a total climb of 500 metres. Map: Rendezvous Creek. Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 2814 096(m) [email protected] Transport: $40 per car, $10–$13 per person. Booking: Please book by email before 2pm Friday 27 October. Limit: 12.

Wednesday 1 November – Saturday 23 December: Australian Alps Walking Track with Mac Kirby – L/R ptX With several companions, I plan to walk the Australian Alps Walking Track in the spring / early summer of 2017. We expect to take about a fortnight for each of the three sections: Walhalla to Hotham, Hotham to Thredbo, Thredbo to Tharwa. We plan to take a couple of days break between sections (i.e.in Hotham and in Thredbo). The group is mostly full but we may be able to accept one or two walkers for some sections. Please contact me if you are interested. Maps: tba. Leader: Mac Kirby 0422 585 519 [email protected]

Thursday 2 November: Micalong Creek - M/M We will follow the Hume and Hovell Track downstream along Micalong Creek. We have lunch at Micalong Creek campsite then return. Along the way we will admire numerous cascades and hopefully some wildflowers. Total distance is about 12 km all on track or footpad. Total climb is about 330 metres. Maps: Bobbys Plains/Couragago Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 2814 096 [email protected] Transport: $20 pp. Booking: Please book by email before 2 pm Tuesday 31 October. Limit: May depend on available transport but a maximum of 8. The distance to the start of the walk is about 80 km along the Brindabella Road which has a long section of rough unsealed road with potholes and corrugations.

Thursday evening 2 November: One Tree Hill S/E An afternoon walk along the northern border. Meeting at 5:30pm at the corner of Hoskins and Hall Sts in Hall, we will walk along the Centenary Trail to the base of One Tree Hill, then climb the steps to the top. At the summit you will sit at 875.948m with grand views over Canberra and rural areas to the north. Covering the 8.4km and 200m ascent, we should return before dark, but bring a torch. Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring a bottle of water. No need to book, just show up. Map:Hall Leader: Michael de Raadt [email protected] Walk map: https://www.google.com.au/maps/@- 35.153515,149.081978,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!6m1!1s1j9nAkr-v8eXsaBcfZ9UM7bXbgf8

Saturday 4 November: Orroral Tor Ridge – L/R From the Orroral Campground we will follow the ridge along the Namadgi boundary to SH1316, then traverse down to the Tor before descending to the track and circuit through the tracking station and homestead, returning via the walking track to the campground. About 15km and 600m climbing. Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam Leader: Rowan Peck 0412041957 [email protected] Transport: ~$30 per car. Book: contact leader by 4pm Wednesday 1st Nov.

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Activity Program

Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 November: Budawangs. Galloping Jims Route, Battleship Rock and Galbraiths Route. S/R/X We will start from Sassafras and head south on the road before turning east, crossing the Endrick River and then following Galloping Jims Route past Battleship Rock and camping at an excellent site on the banks of the Endrick River. On Sunday we will walk west using Galbraiths Route back to Newhaven Gap. This is a very short walk in what may be very interesting country. Maps: Endrick and Tianjara. Leader: Ian Hickson [email protected] 62516858. Transport $115/ Limit: 8 Saturday 4 – Monday 6 November: Bluff Tarn from the Gungarlin Valley, Jagungal Wilderness Area – M/R Tarn Bluff (1870m) is a worthy objective on the divide between the Geehi and Valentine Rivers and looks out over the central Jagungal Wilderness Area, KNP. Although only 12.8km direct from the Gungarlin valley, the bluff and its tiny nearby tarn will require some effort to reach. We plan to leave the cars beside the Snowy Plains Road at about Lat -36.19112 Long 148.55197, head eastwards along a right of way to the KNP, then via Teddys Creek, Little Doubtful Gap, Kidmans Hut, and Cup and Saucer Hill to reach Bluff Tarn (Lat -36.19702 Long 148.41002). Some scrub. Requires warm clothing, warm tents, and warm sleeping bags. Very exposed at 1900m near Cup and Saucer Hill and beyond, we will need good weather to proceed beyond the upper Burrungubuggee River area. Map: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/draw/?bg=tw&z=12&c=-36.203628,148.416166&marker=Tarn Bluff, then pan and zoom around, Lat Long and rule tools are on the lower left. Also see: https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/ and use the x,y tool on the top tool bar. Leader: Peter Conroy [email protected] 6281 4917. Transport: 180km, 2h 30m. Snowy Plains Road requires AWD vehicles. Limit: 8.

Monday evening 6 November: Southside Stroll in daylight saving – MacArthur (Horse) Park is melting in the dark … – S/E A stroll along the flanks of Mt Wanniassa south-east through the grasslands of the Nature Reserve and Rose Cottage horse paddocks. From a prominent knoll, wonderful views to the Mugga Lane tip, the Hume solar farm and Tralee Hills. Return through MacArthur (Horse) Park “… I don’t think that I can take it …” and the edge of suburban MacArthur and Fadden. Around 6km and 240m climb. Map: Tuggeranong. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself to meet at the reservoirs at the corner of Yamba-Erindale Drive and Long Gully Road, for a 6.30pm departure. No need to book

Tuesday 7 November: Punch Bowl Creek and Blue Gum Creek - M/R/X Follow the old track down Punch Bowl Creek, view the falls, then climb up to White Horse Rocks and continue south to the saddle that leads down to Blue Gum Creek. Follow grassy open areas down the creek for a while then head west back to Smokers Trail. About 8.5km long and ~450 m of climbing, probably some quite scrubby areas. Map: Corin Dam. Leader: Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535(h) [email protected] Transport: $8 per person.

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 3.5 km walk with sandy river banks and views is mostly flat and easy except for the short steep rocky section along the Molonglo River before the track leaves the river. 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

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Activity Program

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 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 25 km 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 10th November: Toddlers Toddle Cotter Bend - S/E A 300 metre walk designed for families with children up to 4 years old. Walk from Cotter Bend along a foot track which follows the Cotter River 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: Cotter Dam. Transport: Drive yourself.

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Activity Program

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 Mount Gingera 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 Burra Creek to approach the London Bridge arch from the south. We will continue north to the junction of the Queanbeyan River 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. 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.

Wednesday 15 November CBC General Meeting 7.30pm Weston Uniting Church 16 Parkinson Street, Weston

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. Monday evening, 20 November – Mt Ainslie S/E Meet at 6.30 in 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.

(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. Further details in November It. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton [email protected] Map: Rendezvous Creek. Transport: ~$45-46 per vehicle. Trip full: waitlist only.

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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 Lake Burley Griffin. 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. Monday evening, 27 November - Red Hill S/E Meet at 6.30 in the car park on Red Hill, near the restaurant. We will walk along the ridge to Hindmarsh Drive and back again. No need to book. Map: Canberra 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, or [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

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 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 Adaminaby 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.

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Monday evening, 4 December – Gungahlin Hill S/E Meet at 6.30 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. Thursday evening, 7 December: Urambi Hills - S/E Meet at 6:30 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 0412041957 [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 6.30 park at 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.

Monday evening 18 December – Mulligans Flat East S/E Meet at 6.30 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 6254 9568, or [email protected] Transport: drive yourself.

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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.

Thursday 29 December – Wed 3rd January: 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. Please book by 1st December to ensure availability of a room. Transport: 420 km 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] Contact leader to indicate wish to participate by Thursday 21 December. Transport: 440km return, $176 per car.

Sunday 14th 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 10.30 am, finishing by 2 pm. 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.

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Activity Program

Monday 19th to Thursday 22nd 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 Murrumbidgee River. 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 Tuesday 15th – Monday 28th 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 Marys 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 17kms 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. Accommodation needs to be secured asap.

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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 Himalay, 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.)

Hone your navigation – go rogaining! Rogaining is bushwalking that emphasises navigation and strategy. You can be as competitive or as relaxed as you like. The 2017 ACT rogaining calendar is now out at http://www.act.rogaine.asn.au For further information, contact Jonathan Miller on 6161 5131

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