THETHHE NEWSLETTER OFF CANBERRCANBERRAA BUSHWALKINGBUSU HWALKING CLCLUBU it VolumeVolume 443,3, Number 10 November 220080

CCanberraanberra Bushwalking ClubClub IncIn PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601

GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 19 November 2008

Looking after your feet Presenter: Allan Donnelly Allan will talk about foot mechanics and what your foot does over different terrains, on track, off track walking and how they affect the foot differently. He’ll also cover the fi reside topic of boots versus volleys, foot orthotics; when they are appropriate and when they are not, with lots of pictures from trips over the years. Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall Constitution Avenue, Reid

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 page 1 walk more suited to his/her experi- Charles opened a museum in Mal- President’s ence,en would often be critical. So too, parinka. There was a large turnout thethe way the person feels after his/her of locals, VIPs and journalists for Prattle fi rrst walk. We need to ensure that the occasion. Oddly, Prince Charles newne participants are made to feel wore a ridiculous-looking fox-fur welcomewe and comfortable. hat. People were polite not to draw he return of the warmth gives attention to it but one journalist Trise to opportunities that don’t Plan on being at the Christmas Party quietly asked him about it. Prince exist when it is colder but also to on Sunday, 7 December. See the ad Charles said that he was glad to be issues that leaders and participants on page 5 of this it – it is always a asked about it as he had thought it alike need to keep in mind, viz we great evening. rather strange too. He’d left the Pal- do not want any incidents arising Stan Marks ace in London quite early for a fl ight from hypothermia. All participants President to and as he passed the should wear a hat and take plenty of Queen’s bedroom door he shouted water and leaders should consider that he was off to Malparinka to cancelling walks if the temperature open a museum and she shouted gets around 30 degrees. back, ”Wear the fox hat”. Congratulations to Rob Horsfi eld and Walks Rob Horsfi eld his accomplice, the non-destructible Walks Secretary Karen Cody, for completing another Waffl e epic. This time, it was the Black Allan Line, the straight part of the he year has been passing quickly NSW–Vic border. Starting at the Tand the holiday season is not source of the Murray, they walked as far away. Leaders are requested to EEmergencymergency far east as Mt Victoria, some 8.5 km forward their walks for the Dec/Jan/ from the coast. Also participating Feb period as soon as possible. Re- iinformationnformation in various stages were wife Jenny, member that our December it covers he CClub’slub’s EEmergencymergency Informa- Lois Padgham, Glenn Kramer and the time from mid-December to the Ttion sheethidid provides guidance on Keith Thomas. end of February and that there is no what to do when dealing with an On a recent walk, the conversation January issue. We specifi cally need emergency on a Club trip that cannot turned to how to recruit and retain weekend overnight trips for January be managed within the group and new members. The point was well and February. a decision is made to seek outside made that our first contact with At this time of the year we need to help. It is recommended that you interested people is often critical and recall the safety considerations for carry a copy of the sheet in your assistance from the club member walking in hot weather: participants fi rst aid kit. contacted, in making arrangements suitably fit for the task, first aid Contact telephone numbers on the for the person to participate or in treatment for hyperthermia, trips sheet have recently been updated referring them to a leader running a that involve only easy or moderate and its design modifi ed to allow it exertion, appropriate hat, clothing to be used to record information that and ‘sunscreen’ and plenty of water. may be needed by rescue authorities, Most venues at this time of the year including casualty observations. Contents are chosen near water: a wallow in a river or perhaps some surfi ng. A copy of the sheet can be down- 2 President’s Prattle loaded from the Club’s web site 2 Walks Waffl e In recent months a young ACT at www.canberrabushwalkingclub. woman was lost for three days in the 2 EmerEmergencygency informatinformation org.au/documents/Emergency_ Nursery Swamp area. Fortunately, Information_Aug_2008.pdf 2 MMembershipembership mattersmatters she was found and brought out safe 3 R Review:eview: Drought in the and well. Being a committee mem- Terence Uren ber, I was approached by a local Training and Safety Offi cer WWestest MacMacdonnellsdonnells newspaper for a few general remarks 3 HHakeaakea prickles about the Namadgi bush, maps and 4 D Droughtrought in the West guide-books. Subsequently I was MaMacdonnellscdonnells amazed at the extent to which the journalist mistakenly represented Membership 5 C Christmashristmas party ad what I’d said. It reinforced a healthy 6 BBlack-Allanlack-Allan LiLinene skepticism toward much of what I matters 7 R Returneturn to the AnnaAnnapur-pu read in newsprint. Subsequently I was approached again for similar nnas;as; a place of chanchangeg comment and declined; I’d learnt New members: 8 Obit Obit:: HoHowardward CCrockfordrock my lesson! Peter Bink, Penelope Jenkin, Angela 9 Durras weekend On a recent walk we heard mention Magill, Kathryn Smith. 10 From the Archives of Operation Raleigh in the mid Allan Mikkelsen 11 Activity program 1980s and its patron Prince Charles. It brought to mind a story. Prince Membership Secretary

Page 2 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 Meg didn’t mention that her knowl- RReview:eview: DroughtDrought edge, planning and experience in the area were essential in ensuring iinn tthehe WWestest that both weeks were successful. When we were any distance from MMacdonnellsacdonnells the starting and fi nishing points we 1155 OctoberOctober 22008008 never saw another soul.

eg MKMcKone’s ’ presentation tti Chris Roper Mof this trip brought back a memorable trip for me as I was one This review (above) is of Meg’s talk of the group who joined her in Cen- on her trip to the West Macdon- tral Australia. Meg provided maps nells earlier this year, presented with routes taken and many photos, at the CBC General Meeting on starting off with the low water situ- 15 October. ation at Ormiston Gorge where we Meg has also written an article on commenced the first week. The her trip. Part 1 was published in the drought conditions were the worst October it. Part 2 is included in this Meg had encountered, having led issue on page 4. a number of trips in the area over Setting up camp en route to the Ochre the past couple of decades or more. Pits Editor Her previous trip was only 2 years Meg’s trip report in last month’s earlier when conditions were some- and this issue of the ‘it’ provides what better. Normally there would plenty of detail of the nature of have been numerous fl owers to be the walks but it was the photos of Hakea prickles seen but this was not the case this trip members that are not so easy year, although one photo of a purple to relate, such as someone fi lling a ‘daisy’ on a canyon wall showed bottle with the diminishing putrid Up the spur panting, how plants can cling to life in such water (not actually used) and the holding on to the regrowth, adverse conditions. agility of one member to avoid the A number of the photos demon- icy cold water of a canyon. The twenty nine in line! strated the dramatic variation in the short movie of Giles Yard Springs colours of the rocks from the almost may have seemed to be just ‘another fl uorescent yellow/orange when the water hole and creek’ but in the Stark burnt alpine ash sun fi rst struck the cliffs and moun- context of the drought conditions it at thirteen hundred metres, tains in the mornings to dull purple/ was a unique sight on this trip. desolate and fierce. grey later in the day. Very similar to Meg recalled the fi rst night of the the range many would be familiar second week where we stayed at with of Uluru. Then there was a shot the Ellery Creek Big Hole campsite. of contrasts with a white gum and Very different from our other camp- High on Mount Tennant, dark brown dead trees in front of sites as most campers had driven bright orange cliffs and azure sky. dark grey clouds massing, rain in with various necessities such as falls This unique landscape looks every radios/CD players. There was one bit as ancient as it actually is. modern comfort at the campsite beyond the beyond. that I was happy to make use of – a Party approaching the north side of fl ushing toilet! A change from dig- Chewings Range ging a hole in Wandering high tors, the sun-baked curving granite cuts blue sky,sky desert surface. I eat my sardines.nes. Unfortunately there were no photos of cam- On TidbinbillaTidbiinbbillla hilltop,hillltoop, els or brum- bies. We heard listen toto silence,sis lence,e, them at night, bask in winterwiinnterr sun.suun. particularly the brumbies who came uncom- fortably close, Hakea pricklesickles and one mem- tired legs ass we stumblestumblee ber even seeing a camel but far down Nurseryry Hill.Hill too elusive to photo. Gerry Jacobson

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 page 3 wwindind whichwh overnight had sent cold luxuriated in numerous pools big DDroughtrought iinn tthehe eddeddiesies ddown our necks and carried enough to swim laps in. It was WWestest MacdonnellsMacdonnells ooffff anythingany not weighed down, obvious that Plan D i). was out of now bebecamec our friend, cooling us the question and we would have to 2277 JulyJuly toto 9 AAugustugust 22008008 as we ssweatedw up to the saddle. I had head straight for Portals Canyon decidedecidedd a partial rest and clean-up and its crystal clear rock pools the TRIPTRIP 2:2: ElleryEllery CCreekreek ttoo PoPortalsrtals dadayy wawass in order, so we made our next day. Canyon. way round to the north side of the The route west to Portals Canyon Party: Meg McKone, John and Mar- Big Hole where we washed and dried out, then found ourselves is varied and interesting. After garet Cooper, Pat and Eric Picker- meandering round the big bends of ing, John Thwaite, Cynthia Burton, a comfortable campsite in the creekbed for a lazy afternoon. Next Fish Hole Creek, we turned west at Chris Roper, Dianne Thompson, a tributary whose junction is marked Lorraine Tomlins. day we would be loading up with enough water to last us overnight by an extensive rock platform with a Note: Unoffi cial Names are in single in case Fish Hole, 17 kilometres deep crease down its middle which, inverted commas at fi rst mention. further on, was dry. amazingly, contained a quantity of water. It was badly stained but he bus dropped us at Ellery After a beautiful sunrise on the looked drinkable, and we were TCreek Big Hole with 50 litres ochre cliffs of the Heavitree Range, comforted to know it was there, just of water, clean clothes and our food we set off along the road north at a in case… A few kilometres further for the second week. Di, her cut good pace, heading for the purple on, the valley narrows down to a foot now almost healed, had come hills in the distance. As we reached little gorge where once again there out with the bus, and we also met the broad gorge where Ellery Creek was water – two respectable pools, Lorraine who’d had a hard time per- cuts through the Chewings Range, stained by leaves and enriched with suading her Larapinta Tour Guide to we scanned the riverbed for signs mosquito larvae, but the water tasted leave her at the campground before of water. Numerous healthy river OK and it could be useful on our we arrived. After our week of total red gums attested to the presence of return journey. After a rock climb isolation in the Giles area, it was a copious underground supplies and around the pools, we climbed up a culture shock to stay with numerous there were plenty of feral animal spur to a higher level which gave other campers including one friend- prints (horses, cattle and camels) us great views of the sun baked ly group who happily shared their and some stretches of drying mud, range ahead while behind us we loud music late into the night. but only one tiny, dirty pool which could see Peak Alone and the line Having now experienced at first nevertheless gave me some hope of mountains heading off to the hand the dry conditions in the West of water in the tributary which horizon in the opposite direction. Macdonnells, the big question for contains Fish Hole. After dropping Our route took us along low, rocky our second week was whether we our packs at another attractive sandy ridges and down into creek beds would be able to do the exploratory campsite near the junction of ‘Fish at right angles to the range. The part of the trip, heading east along Hole Creek’ (we were, by this stage, drought had taken its toll and instead the north side of the Chewings creekbed connoisseurs), we walked of the fl owers which had softened Range to ‘Peak Alone’ to check out half an hour upstream to fi nd only this harsh landscape on previous the gorges. This stretch was depend- one small pool, fi lthy with camel trips were bare ground, spinifex and ent on fi nding a waterhole which, dung, where on previous trips I’d brown and dying shrubs. At ‘Red though marked on the map and vis- ible on Google Earth, was in a very The narrow summit ridge of the Chewings Range open location in a creek under Peak Alone. I couldn’t be certain it hadn’t evaporated, and nor could I trust the waterholes in ‘Mulga Creek’ which we would need later in the trip. So we opted for Plan D, which had two possibilities – i). do an exploratory day walk east from Fish Hole before heading west to ‘Portals Canyon’, or ii). simply go straight to Portals where, dare I say it, I was by now 100% sure of water. But fi rst we had to get through the Heavitree Range so that we could cross the Alice Valley to the Chew- ings Range. As the gap at the Big Hole was completely filled with icy cold water and surrounded by precipitous hills, the best route was to follow the Larapinta Trail eastwards for three kilometres then through another gap. The niggling Page 4 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 Wall Gorge’ we took a little detour After a kilometre or more, having without packs down a small gorge reached the impassable waterfall full of callitris and macrozamias, of the fi nal canyon, whose entrance returning along the top edge for at the top end suggested the name more views of the range. “Portals” as we gazed at it from above back in 1999, we climbed up A gaunt bull provided some extra a side gully and out onto a plateau excitement as we headed down a in the middle level of the gorge creek to ‘Prickly Wattle Gorge’. The beneath the top line of cliffs. It was unfortunate animal had been wan- a great place for lunch and we didn’t dering up and down the one small even have to return via the dreaded valley for some time, it seemed, downclimbs and freezing swims of having chomped off every clump of the canyon, but were able to follow grass, but it still had enough life in around the edge and descend a steep it to give us a scare. Prickly Wattle spur back to camp. Creek looked delightful, with good fl at camping under shady trees (if Next day we climbed to the top of you could ignore the dung) and the range, following a necessarily some pools of water set amongst circuitous route to cross the creeks an extensive grove of brightly in the middle level and fi nd a route blooming prickly wattle, but after through the cliffs at the top. Then some exploration and discussion we Cynthia at the end of a compulsory we walked east along a narrowing decided to move on to Portals just swim in Portals Canyon ridge, hoping to descend at Red over the next saddle. We’d made the Wall Gorge. I had been up to the best choice – a great campsite with colder and colder as we ascended. tops and down again through this the water close by and easily acces- This is one of those times when gorge in 2000, but descending a sible. And the bottom pool, where having a little more avoirdupoids just-explored route and finding animals obviously came to drink, is a decided advantage and with the it again eight years later are two could be used for washing. I eased help of my warm hat I was barely different things, and after a look at myself waist deep into the cold shivering when we emerged from the nearly vertical slopes above Red water from a sun-warmed stretch of the fi nal swim. Some of the leaner Wall Gorge, a retreat via the morn- rock and boldly submerged thrice. members of the party, though, were ing’s steep route suddenly seemed a Strangely, this pool was larger than becoming hypothermic before we whole lot more desirable. But fi rst it had been in the wetter year of were through, or thought we were we gave ourselves plenty of time to 2006, which makes me think that through, as we dressed too soon and take in the view. We could see as far the springs must now be disgorging had to strip again for a fi nal dip. east as the mountains at the top end water that fell on the ranges years Following the fi rst swim is a short of Hugh Gorge, while to the south ago. But without replenishment, chimney up water-sculpted rock to the Heavitree Range was punctuated how long would it take these springs climb over a chockstone, and further by the gaps of Serpentine Gorge, the to run dry? up are more climbs which, though Big Hole and the gap we would be uncomfortably exposed, have good traversing in two days’ time. Back At last we could put down our at camp, Di greeted us with cups of heavy packs for three nights and solid holds. But the glowing red rock walls, powdery white ghost tea and told us about the unusual do two day walks or just wander thin, golden tan snake she’d found. around camp. We couldn’t totally gums and spectacular mountain scenery make it all worth while. There was plenty of time to wash relax, however, as we discovered ourselves and our clothes and dry later the fi rst night when the horses out before nightfall. came in to drink. Every night they returned and though they were only metres away, separated from us by some strategically placed logs, we couldn’t see them, only hear the clomp of their hooves and an CHRISTMAS PARTY occasional snort from a stallion. Fortunately their senses seemed Sunday 7 December, 6pm more acute than ours and no one was trampled. We also heard rock wallabies dislodging rocks as they at the home of leaped around. Alison Milton Portals Canyon is the best I’ve seen 20 O’Sullivan Street, Higgins in the West Macdonnells. A short distance from the campsite and just we provide: barbeques beyond several pristine rock pools you provide: food, drinks, and a ferny dell is the start of the plates, utensils, fold-up chairs

slot canyon and the fi rst of three or

four compulsory swims, which got

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 page 5 . It is the Vic/NSW bor- der, some 175.5 km long and many of the survey cairns built by Black or Allan in 1870- 72 still lie on it and are often in good condition. Logistics went well. The trip was organized in four stages: (1) Dead Horse Gap to Willis (), (2) thence to Bunang highway near Delegate (across the Tingaringy), (3) to the Cann River highway (across the Bondi Forest) and (4) to Conference Point on the coast. Rendezvous were set at the end of each stage, enabling people to join part of the trip and also provide a vehicular resupply. Duration was planned at 6, 6, 6 and 8 days for the respective stages including an extra day on each leg as a buffer, if needed. Transport costs were shared John Cooper climbing out of a gorge in Portals Canyon equitably and a person doing the whole trip paid ~$300; where-as We left Portals carrying clean one stage was ~$90. (ex- Canberra). drinking water for the next two BBlack-Allanlack-Allan LineLine AdequateAdequ water was always a days and picked up cooking water seriousserious consideration and the lack for overnight at the mozzie wriggler OOctoberctober 22008008 ofof it ffrequently required carrying pool in the little gorge. I found a oneone oorr two days’ supply as a safety much more level route a bit further Walkers:alkers: Jenny and Rob Horsfi eld, Glenn Kramer, Karen Cody, Lois principle.princip This lack or water com- out from the range and we made bined with thick slow-going scrub, good time, despite our measured Padgham and Keith Thomas. fi nally stopped us about 5 km from pace – a face-plant with a heavy Karen and Rob did the four stages. the coast (or ~7 km from the end of pack into jagged rocks and spinifex the Line). is not a good look! We’d already “Cross-grain, off-track, thick scrub, holed two water bottles when people no water”; yes, there were more I would describe stages (1) and (2) as took their packs off and put them than enough days when it was all great bush and challenging walking. down on sharp rocks. Our fi nal camp of that. Less attractive were some The Tingaringy is notoriously dry; we in Ellery Creek before we left it to of the fi re-trails, climb out to the road was a beautiful commercial spot amongst big old gums but the pine forests and coldest by far. I had a miserable clear felling. At night and awoke (awoke? I’d been times brumby awake all night!) to fi nd the water and old logging in my bottles half frozen. tracks were a great boon. Our Now all that was left was the slog map-spots were along the road, the climb up to the Black or Allan’s saddle and the fi nal stretch along cairns and the the Larapinta Trail to Ellery Creek trip was quickly Big Hole. We beat the bus by half an described as the hour. Oh, the joys of a hot shower, a ultra rogaining delicious meal, half a bottle of red experience. Time and no more bloody pack! Until next and distance time, that is, when the prospect of were speculative starry skies, red rocks, magnifi cent and the activity sunrises and unexplored gorges regarded as very pulls me back again. But I’ll wait exploratory. until it rains. The Line runs P.S. Thanks to John Thwaite and from the source John Cooper who looked after our of the Murray safety by bringing their satellite River, some phone and PLB with in-built GPS 30 km south respectively. Fortunately, we didn’t of Thredbo, need to use them. straight to the Meg McKone coast at Confer- ence Point near Page 6 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 carried water from the Snowy River completing the full circuit which for the worst-case scenario and were RReturneturn ttoo tthehe involves at least 2 more days of lucky and delighted to fi nd a few small challenging walking. pools on T. Creek to ease our situation. AAnnapurnas;nnapurnas; a Stage (3) had incidentals of interest: In fact now they don’t even have some old and convenient fi re-trails, pplacelace ooff cchangehange to walk to Beni as a new road the well-established farm-lands, com- for motorised vehicles has been n February of this year I returned created. For those still wishing to mercial forestry at its best/worst and to one of my favourite places to a most hospitable farmer, John . The I walk to Beni it is likely to be rather walk, the Annapurnas in western unpleasant with vehicles passing pine forests of Bondi were less appeal- Nepal. As far as I’m concerned it ing to the writer. We sought water at a by and creating choking dust. The doesn’t get much better than this road continues north from Tatopani construction camp that reminded me and I’m sure there are CBC mem- of the enigma of the Mary Celeste. and will soon reach the town of bers who share a similar feeling. Jomson, where many choose to fl y This galleon was found adrift in the Magnifi cent mountain scenery and 19th century, not a soul on board, but in and walk the latter part of the friendly Nepalese with a fascinating Annapurna Circuit, which is mostly seemingly recently abandoned. We culture. were able to collect water despite the downhill, or do that in reverse. The aggressive barking of a dog-on-chain My main reason for this visit was walking route will follow much of both in the afternoon and early next not for trekking but to meet up the new road to Jomson but there morning. All appeared in current use with an American man I had met are some stretches where the road but not a soul was sighted. Stage (4) on a previous visit nearly 9 years can be avoided. The road is already was a mix. As we neared the coast the earlier but more about that later. We open from Jomson to Ghasa, which under-story of scrub thickened caus- had met in the village of Tatopani, is just over one days walk for most ing us to seek out suitable fi re-trails well known on the Annapurna trekkers. Anyone who has walked either to maintain schedule or look Circuit for the oranges, lemons and this section will probably be horri- for water. Our ascent of Mt Victoria bananas grown there in a micro fi ed at the thought. The local people was the lesson we needed to show that climate but also because of the hot obviously don’t feel the same. What we would run out of water in the thick springs between the village and the previously involved days of walking scrub had we proceeded towards the nearby river, the Kali Gandaki. In to reach the lower areas, they will coast. It was time to call it quits. fact the name Tatopani means hot now be able to travel by taxi jeep in waters. The village is towards the less than a day. A continuing item of interest was end of the circuit for those going in Terence Uren’s food. He had been So if anyone is thinking of trekking an anti-clockwise direction, which this part of the Annapurnas, be pre- keen to do the trip, became sick, is the most popular. By the time unable to go and made his prepared pared for the changes. Fortunately, trekkers reach there they have been for trekkers, there is much of the food available for some of the others walking for about 2 weeks and the in the party. Comment and apprecia- circuit and all of the Sanctuary that idea of a soak in hot springs is very will remain the same. tion as to what was on the TU menu attractive. It is also the village where for the day was a recurrent topic of the weary, injured or time-restricted As I said at the beginning, I did conversation. can decide to take a ‘short-cut’ and not intend to do much trekking on And of course, one needs a sense fi nish the trek with only one more this occasion, my third visit to the of humour. On a long hot day we day of easy walking to the rapidly Annapurna Conservation Area. were to fi nish on the Wallagaraugh growing town of Beni, instead of My American friend, Doug, is an River, well upstream of the estuary. There’d be no shortage of water, perhaps even a cool swim. At lunch, a casual look at the map showed the river below the 10m contour line for a long way upstream and past our chosen map-spot. “It might be salt water?”—“Nah”, we all re-assured each other, “too far up-stream”. It certainly was rather salty and we had a long hot walk back up a spur then down another to a definite 10m-above-sea-level spot where it was assuredly fresh. It was a lovely camp-site; and all was well that ended so. This review has been intentionally short as Karen is to give a presenta- tion of the journey at a club monthly meeting, early next year. Rob Horsfi eld

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 page 7 my favourite discussing the dramatic changes villages and that had occurred in Nepal during I was able to the intervening years and what the make my third future might hold with the national visit there. I elections due to be held within a few have stayed months. Dhani also offered his and at the same his son’s services as porter/guides lodge on each for any future visits. He also asked of my 3 visits that I pass this offer on to anyone I because it is knew that might be trekking in the so clean and Annapurnas in the future. I feel I can cosy and, on a vouch for his honesty and diligence, clear day, has should anyone be interested, and as such spectacu- a genuine local of the area – unlike lar views. As so many of the guides that offer it was nearly 9 their services or work for operators years since my based in Kathmandu or Pokhara. previous visit Obviously the ‘salary’ of a mountain I was greatly lodge manager does not pay so well surprised that as that of a porter/guide. engineer who has been living in the manager, Dhani Nepali, was still there and So if you’ve ever thought of trek- Japan for over 25 years and runs a king in Nepal, don’t leave it too company whose primary aim is to also remembered me! He was very amused when I presented a photo long – for the ‘times they are a design projects that are environmen- changing’. tally friendly. He has been building of us together taken on my last a development centre just above visit. His English is quite good and the village of Tatopani over several so we spent much of the afternoon Chris Roper years, visiting between December and February most years. He had to abandon the visits for a couple of years while the Maoist confl ict OObit:bit: HHowardoward CCrockfordrockford made his efforts difficult. The centre was Doug’s initiative and is mainly funded by Doug and with the Members will be saddened to learn of the death of Howard Crockford, authorisation of local government. a regular walker with the club since the mid-1990s. Anyone who walked The primary goal of the centre is to with Howard will remember his charming eccentricity and the passion help the local people become more he brought to his commitment for the environment. A stride-out with self-suffi cient in ways that will not Howard along the track would guarantee you a stimulating and robust degrade the local environment. This debate about the state of the world and how to fi x its problems. His includes many projects from grow- conviction that each of us could make a diff erence was refl ected in his ing oil plants on barren hillsides own lifestyle in a way that made many of us feel that we were not really for the production of biodiesel to doing our bit. the installation of small village If you live in North Canberra, you probably encountered Howard cycling hydro-turbines. to or from the gym (twice a day), the shops or the library from time My intention was to help Doug in to time – always helmetless, as a gesture of defi ance and as a way of whatever way I could during nearly enjoying the wind in his hair. If you were actively involved in any local two weeks in Tatopani. Unfortu- environmental campaigns, chances are that you would have come nately just before I fl ew to Nepal I across Howard with a placard or two. He was, for example, prominent learnt that he had to leave early but in the protests against the routing of the Gungahlin Drive Extension I managed to get there just in time through Canberra Nature Park and wore his front-line arrest during this to help him for one day and spend campaign as a badge of honour. Not all of his campaigning was quite so two evenings of catching up with ‘in-your-face’. During the preparation of the his news. After saying ‘goodbye’ I Plan of Management, for instance, he used his expertise as a former had nearly two weeks to ‘use up’. CSIRO soil scientist to gather information on the damage caused to The simple answer was to go trek- the high country by horse riding. king. This is how I saw more of the Howard had a healthy disdain for money and I remember fondly one changes for myself, which gave me trip on which he was able to convince me that he was doing me a great a greater appreciation of the situa- favour by allowing me to look at his collection of Aboriginal art in lieu tion and impact for trekkers. of the few dollars he owed me for driving him to and from the walk. I’m As I mentioned before, there is much not sure anyone else would have been able to do this. that will remain the same and one of He was a good companion on the track and his company will be missed. the more accessible and dramatic sections of the Circuit that will not change is the route that passes Terence Uren through Ghorepani. This is one of

Page 8 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 DDurrasurras weekendweekend

Participants: Stan Marks, Marks Ross Andrews (leaders), Alison Milton, Barbara Turnbull, Linda Stone, Angela Magill, Rosemarie Edwards, Lois Padgham, Quentin Moran, Christina Kelvin, Tom Gosling, Olivia Torma, Lesley Banson, Theresa Barbaro, Barry Keeley, Jill Bell Non walking: Ailsa Brown he 14 km of coastline between TWasp Head and the North Head of Bateman’s Bay is a great blend of rock-hopping, beach trudging and forest strolling, and just gets better The Garden of Unearthly Gums each time you do it. and taking photos of many weird Beach, which is a designated nude It certainly didn’t disappoint on my and wonderful rock formations beach. Some participants who did third visit in October. Like a goldfi sh there while waiting for the drivers the walk last year recognised a nude swimming past the ornaments in his to return from North Head. fi sherman to whom they’d given the bowl, I was delighted to encounter nickname Rodney. some features I had forgotten, or at We saw a large outboard boat with an least only half-remembered. oxygen line on station on the south- Lunch was at the Olympic Pool, a ern side of Wasp Head. It was only feature not really evident at ground Our leader, Ross Andrews, loves this later we realised that the oxygen was level. After lunch we retraced our walk and has given his own names probably for abalone diving. Judging steps a couple of hundred metres and to features such as the ‘Garden of from the hundreds of abalone shells then climbed the cliff. Looking down, Unearthly Gums’ and the ‘Olympic we saw in the bush near our walk’s it came clearly into view – a long Pool’. They are jotted on his map end, there is a fair amount of illegal sandy stretch in the water between in the way Christopher Robin wrote abalone harvesting going on in the two perfectly parallel rock walls. names on the map of Pooh Corner. area. Hard to tell if the boat was legal; they must have been The participants awoke to a fi ne quite brazen if not. day at the Depot Beach cabins on Saturday, and set out at 8 am in a We met up with the convoy of fi ve cars. drivers just south of Wasp Head, and set The party, minus the drivers, were off in earnest. An dropped off at Wasp Head. We hour or so later we entertained ourselves for half an passed by Myrtle hour poking around the rock pools

The area contained exquisite rock formations

On several occasions we couldn’t follow the coastline at sea level and had to climb into the bush above—here we experienced Ross’s ‘Garden of Unearthly Gums’— fantastic stretches of spotted gums with twisted limbs creating a truly beautiful effect. Highlights of the trip were sightings of white-bellied sea eagles and, nearer North Head, a hawk. Back at Depot Beach a small party spot-

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 page 9 From the Archives

Naming the magazine: the saga continues hoosing the best name for Ctheir magazine proved to be a troubled and time-consuming business for CBC members in Pigeon House Mountain with fl owering boronia in foreground 1966. The March ’66 newsletter ted sea slugs and a small octopus is still a great walk, made a bit easier was headed: stranded in a rock pool. and safer these days by the new lad- ders which get you to the top. ‘What is IT to be? Here are some It was around four by the time we more suggestions for you to reached the end of the walk—North Although the ladders were wind- consider or dismiss but we hope Head⎯the tide was low by then, free inside their rock shelter, there they start you thinking: allowing us to clamber across the was a very strong westerly blowing rocks in places where it would have at the lookout. The resident cur- Bushtalker; Blisters; Après been a bit dicey at high tide. The way rawong put on a fantastic show of Bushwalk; The Croak; The Cor- out is not immediately obvious and getting blown away. It grabbed hold roboree Frog; Corroboree’ for a while it looked like we were of a branch, holding on for dear life. By April a decision had not been surrounded with impossible cliffs, Then in an act of sheer abandon it reached even after a ‘lengthy but then we spotted a kind of natural let go, allowing the wind to shoot discussion’ at the club meeting. ramp, which gave a reasonably easy, it skywards, upside down, while at It was reported that ‘we reached if exhilarating, way out. the same being swept violently from absolutely no agreement and prob- west to east, describing a huge arc ably never shall…’ Saturday night passed uneventfully over the top of the characteristic at Depot Beach, although one of our Pigeon House “nipple”. Arriving at The May meeting was the dead- number discovered that it is best the more sheltered eastern side, it line, when members were to vote to have the light on when cleaning dropped down, rested for a while, on the choice of a name (they teeth: Barry Keeley squeezed a tube then came back around the side to could cast a proxy vote). The onto his toothbrush only to discover do it all again. June magazine reported in rather what tinea cream tastes like! a doleful tone, that ‘until someone Having put on such a good show, On Sunday morning Lois was the fi nds a more suitable name to take IT’s it seemed to think it deserved to be place, IT remains, or, as the heading only one to go for a dip, assuring us fed, and assumed a prominent posi- that the water was beautiful. After had it “Nothing but IT remains” tion in front of us as we had lunch, (The literary-minded editor was enjoying the rosellas’ antics over fi xing us with its yellow eyes. It breakfast, we “rattled our dags”⎯a attempting to echo the lines from made short work of any meat scraps, Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias”: New Zealand saying I heard for the but ignored lettuce. fi rst time that morning, apparently ‘Nothing beside remains’) referring to the noise made by the Back at the car park, Stan decided That wasn’t the end of the saga. knotted bits at the rear of a sheep against returning via the Western The September magazine printed when it gets going. We headed north, Distributor, opting to go via the a letter from a CBC member for Pigeon House Mountain, leaving highway and the Bateman’s Bay who was mountain climbing in three of our number behind to make roundabout. It took not much more Czechoslovakia: ‘I received two a more leisurely trip home. than an hour to get to the Western copies of IT recently and enjoyed Distributor turnoff on Clyde Moun- In October, Pigeon House often has reading them. I must say however tain via the sealed roads, which that the title is atrocious and a riot of colour with the boronia means there’s not much time, if any, blossoms along the level part of the there should be a competition for to be saved by belting cars over the selecting a new one. I am even walk, but this time there were only a rough roads. few of the purple fl owers. They may willing to donate a wineskin to be at their best earlier in October or Two wonderful days, thanks Stan, the person who hits on the best it may not have been a good year. thanks Ross. name.’ Also, the sky was a little overcast, so the views were not perfect but it Jenny Horsfi eld Tom Gosling

Page 10 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 Activity program Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfi eld (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), Email: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley St Kambah ACT 2902

Information for participants Distance and diffi culty Transport Distance: Costs are 36¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This (S) Short - under 12km/day amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending (M) Medium - 12-20km/day on the condition of the roads and other factors. The fi gures given (L) Long - over 20km/day for individual trips are estimates only, based on four people per car and other factors – costs may rise if cars are only partly fi lled. Park Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders climbed. should list separately. Terrain: Duty of care (E) Easy - fi retrail, tracks, beaches etc Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that (M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub he/she does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or (W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings damage to property. Each person is required to sign the club’s (X) Exploratory ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to join trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the club Booking after a maximum of three trips. Contact the leader early rather than late. Book by Thursday For further information see: 2.00 pm for the following weekend (both one-day and multi-day www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport. Check with the leader about: Check-in after walks X the need to carry water, tents/fl y, maps, etc The Check-in Offi cer, Jeff Bennetts (6231 5899), or the President X appropriate clothing, footwear (6254 9568), not the Police or other bodies, should be the fi rst point X any precautions you might need to take for severe weather of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning from a trip. changes. Leaders must report the safe return OR cancellation of their trip to Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to the Check-in Offi cer. our Club.

Sunday 16 November: Near Gudgenby – Wednesday 19 November 2008, 8pm M/M&R I intend to check out several knolls between Breakfast MONTHLY MEETING Creek and Naas Creek for granite tors. Half on track and Looking after your feet half through the bush. Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Presenter: Allan Donnelly Yaouk 1:25,000. Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 7863(h) Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall 6208 5444(w) Transport: ~$12. Constitution Avenue, Reid (14)15–16 November: Ben Boyd Light-to- Light – M/E Enjoy a great coastline, abundant wildlife and a fascinating Thursday evening, 20 November: Mt Ainslie history. Car camping at Saltwater Creek, within Ben Boyd – S/E National Park. We’ll go down Fri night and car shuffl e to Meet at 6.30 in car park atop Mt Ainslie on the airport Boyd’s Tower on Sat, and to Green Cape on Sun. Take side then walk to the west, north and east of the mountain. bird–, whale-spotting books and cameras. All on track; No need to book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 day packs only required. Map: Kiah 1:25,000. Leaders: 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Barry Keeley 6252 7469(w); Ross Andrews: 6289 1261(w). Transport: drive yourself. Transport: ~$57. Limit: 12. Fuel stoves only. Sunday 23 November: Mt Nungar, Gulf Plain Monday evening, 17 November: Red Hill – S/E – M/M Meet at 6.30 in the car park on Red Hill, near the restau- A walk just south of Tantangara Dam, in cool sub alpine/ rant. No need to book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks montane valley country all above 1200 m. After a short 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@infrastructure. car shuffl e we climb 1710 m Mt Nungar (steady 400 m gov.au Transport: drive yourself. ascent) to see the views which low cloud has previously denied us twice. Then descend to Schofi elds Hut and walk Tuesday 18 November 6.30pm: Crossing Two north past Circuits Hut and the sinkholes of Gulf Plain. Bridges–Commonwealth and Kings Map: Tantangara 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 Meet near Lennox Gardens, just behind the Hyatt. From 5899(h). Transport: ~300km via Boboyan Road, ~$108 there we walk along the foreshore to and across Kings per car, ~$27–$35 per person. Limit: 12. Bridge. Continue past Regatta Point to Commonwealth Bridge and return to the cars. Leader: Janet Edstein 6288 1398.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 page 11 22–23 November: Morton NP – Corang Circuit 29–30 November: Mt Kelly – M/M-R – M/M A pack walk from the Yankee Hat Track car park through a Saturday: Wog Wog car park to Burrumbeet Brook to saddle south of Mt Gudgenby then up Sams Creek, camp- camp via Corang Peak, Corang Arch, and the ever popular ing below Mt Kelly. Climb Mt Kelly on Sunday morning. Conglomerate Slopes. Time permitting we’ll have a side Return to the car park via Bogong Gap and a tributary of trip to the Yurrunga Lookout for some great views. Sunday Middle Creek. Most of the walk is off track through re- – we’ll return via a rough track (initially) via the Corang growth, or on overgrown track. A total climb of about 900 River. There’ll be swimming options along the way. Map: metres is involved. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 and Corang 1:25,000 Leader: John Kelly 6241 3814(h) 0400 Yaouk 1:25,000. Leader: Philip Gatenby 6254 3094(h) or 581303 (m) Transport ~$25, Limit: 8. [email protected] Transport: ~$12. Note: This walk is also on the NPA (ACT) program. 22–23 November: Monga N.P. – Turtle Creek and Tributaries – M/R/W/X (28) 29–30 November: Kangarutha Track and A weekend of exploratory creek walking in a very lush Bournda Track – M/E environment near the Corn Trail lower end. The pace will Enjoy a place of great beauty and conservation signifi - be relaxed but you have to be comfortable walking in cance, with saltwater and freshwater lakes, a lagoon, a shallow water and over wet rocks at times. Map: and beaches. Car camping at the Hobart Camping 1:25,000. Leader: Chris Leslie 6251 6123(h), 6246 Area located on the southern edge of Wallagoot Lake 5713(w) [email protected] Transport:~ $25 within Bournda National Park. We’ll go down Fri night. On Sat we will traverse the Kangarutha Track taking in Monday evening, 24 November: Black Mt Hat rugged coastline with many small sandy or pebbly beaches Band – S/E and spectacular cliffs (about 15km with side trips). If the Meet 6.30, park at end of Frith St near electricity weather is warm some swims along the way are likely. sub-station. Some distance from the top, there is a track On Sun we will do the Bournda track which takes in the around the mountain with 360 degree views. No need to lagoon, Bournda Island and beaches, returning inland to book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 explore the upper reaches of the Sandy Creek catchment 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: (about 10km). We will pass through small patches of drive yourself. rainforest, eucalypt forest and wetlands on the edge of Tuesday 25 November: Tuesday Walk – the lagoon, beach and headland. Camping and park entry fees apply. Bookings: Austin Kenney: 6262 2358 (h). minimum – M/M Map: Wolumla 1:25,000. Leaders: Austin Kenney, Barry A fortnightly CBC walk for Tuesday toddlers, usually Keeley. Transport: ~$57. Limit: 12. in Namadgi. Destination and transport details via email distribution list, or see http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Contact Monday evening, 1 December: Coppins the leader by 6pm the previous Sunday. Leader: John Ridge – S/E Evans 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Meet 6.30, park at the junction of Coppins Crossing Road Tuesday 25 November, 6.30pm: Wanniassa and Uriarra Road with your car pointing west. We will drive to the start point of the walk in the area between Hills Reserve to Fadden Pines these roads and the Molonglo River. No need to book. Meet by 6.30pm at the corner of Sulwood and Erindale Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 Drive (Map 88 M4 )From there we walk in the Wanniassa 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: Hills Reserve down to the Fadden Pines Plantation. Be drive yourself. a kid and play on the huge playground! Then we return through the reserve to the cars. No need to book. Leader: Tuesday 2 December, 6.30pm: Red Hill Janet Edstein 6288 1398. Woodland Reserve Thursday evening, 27 November: Mulligan’s Meet by 6.30pm at Astley St, just off Flanagan St in Garran (Map 68 K8 ) We walk up the rather steep hill Flat – S/E to the Red Hill restaurant and continue along the ridge, Meet 6.30 in the main Mulligan’s Flat car park. Go down stunning views. Return by a different path. No need to Horse Park Road until you get to Forde and follow the book . Leader: Janet Edstein 6388 1398. signs to the Mulligan’s Flat car park. Nice open bush and interesting views from the hills. No need to book. Map: Thursday evening, 4 December: Aranda Frost n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Hollow – S/E [email protected] Transport: drive Meet at 6.30 in the car park accessed via the lane beside yourself. 57 MacKellar Circuit, Cook and we will walk through the Aranda Bushland, clip the corner of Black Mt Reserve and COMMITTEE MEETING return to the cars via the Aranda frost hollow. No book- Wednesday 26 November 2008, 8pm ings. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 at the home of Rob and Jenny Horsfi eld 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: 11 Studley Street, Kambah drive yourself. (5)6–7 December: Kowmung River – M/M Saturday 29 November: Jews Corner – M/M Drive to Kanangra Walls on Friday night. We will access This is a ramble along the Murrumbidgee River track the Kowmung River via Brumby Ridge and exit via Roots with an optional swim at Jews Corner. Map: ACT Ridge (~. 800 m down and up). Great views and a lovely 1:100,000 Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) stretch of the river, with big pools for swimming. The Transport: N/A ridges have tracks, the walking along the river banks is

Page 12 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 easy but includes a few crossings, the pace will be relaxed Maps: Wingello & Caoura. 1:25,000. Leader: Roger and the trip is suitable for reasonably fi t day walkers Edwards 6288 7863(h) 6208 5444(w) r.edwards@nma. who would like to try some overnight walking. Maps: gov.au Transport: ~$17. Kanangra Walls and Yerranderie 1:25 000. Leader: Meg McKone [email protected] Transport: ~$45 (~ 13–14 December: Gurock National Park– S/M 500 km return) plus Park entry fee. Limit: 8. Escape the pre-Christmas madness and enjoy a mainly off- track walk through the attractive sub-alpine woodlands 5–7 December: Canoe Flat and Beyond – and plains of the Tinderry Range on the headwaters of M–L/R/X the and Rivers. A short diversion to From Badgerys Spur, along the to Coopers Swamp will be included and there may be some Canoe Flat for two nights. On Saturday a circuit walk to scrubby sections. There will be a short car shuffl e. Maps: Fossickers Flat, Rotten Creek and Billy Bulloos Crown. Snowball and Whinstone 1:25,000. Leader: Damien Option to explore Billy Bulloos canyon on Sunday before Walters ph 6453 3372 (h & w) [email protected] returning. River crossings, optional swims, 5* campsite, Transport: ~$30 Rendezvous: 9.30 am at junction of exposed scrambling. Map: Caoura 1:25000. Leader: –Braidwood Road and Slap Up Fire Trail (~2 kms Brian Surin (02) 4358 0209(h) [email protected] south of Pikes Saddle) Limit: 8 Transport: ~$25 Monday evening, 15 December: Mt Ainslie Sunday 7 December 2008, 6 pm Quarry – S/E Meet in the car park at the back of the War memorial, on Annual Christmas party the eastern side. We will do a walk in the Ainslie reserve, 20 O’Sullivan Street, Higgins including a visit to the disused quarry, thence to the top and BYO everything including fold-up chairs. down the easy way to the cars. No bookings, just turn up at See ad on page 5 6.30. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. Monday evening, 8 December: Mt Stromlo – S/E Tuesday 16 December, 6.30pm: Red Rocks Meet 6.30 pm, park at the junction of Coppins Crossing Gorge – S/E Road and Uriarra Road. We will walk on some of the old Park at the Kambah Pool car park by 6.30pm. We will trails on the side of Mt Stromlo with some views. No need walk along the path to the interesting Red Rocks Gorge to book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 and then return. If the weather is hot perhaps swim at the 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: Kambah Pool and enjoy a meal there, so please bring drive yourself. something to eat!. No need to book. Leader: Janet Edstein 6388 1398. Tuesday 9 December, 6.30pm; Farrer Ridge to Wanniassa Hills Reserve – S/E Thursday evening, 18 December: Cooleman Park cars by 6.30pm opposite the corner of Sulwood Drive Ridge – S/E and Sainsbury St in Wanniassa. We’ll walk through open Meet at the car park on Namatjira Drive just on the grassland and have great views along Farrer Ridge while Kambah side of Fisher near the speed limit sign. There are continuing up Mt Wanniassa. Return by a different path great views along the ridge. No bookings, just turn up at in the reserve. No need to book . Leader: Janet Edstein 6.30. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 6388 1398. 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. Tuesday 9 December: Tuesday Walk – minimum M/M Tuesday 23 December: Tuesday Walk – A fortnightly CBC walk for Tuesday trippers, usually minimum – M/M in Namadgi. Destination and transport details via email A fortnightly CBC walk for Tuesday trudgers, usually distribution list, or see http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Contact in Namadgi. Destination and transport details via email the leader by 6 pm the previous Sunday. Leader: John distribution list, or see http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Contact Evans 6288 7235(h), [email protected] the leader by 6pm the previous Sunday. Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Thursday evening, 11 December: Goorooyaroo Nature Park – S/E 26–31 December: Kosciuszko region – Mt Be at the parking area on the northern side of Horse Park Jagungal, , Brassy Mtns, Drive about 1.5km toward Gungahlin from the Federal Guthega Hwy junction (Gungahlin exit) at 6.30 for a walk around Leave Canberra Boxing Day and return before New year. the park, probably Sammy’s Hill. No need to book. Map: Option of a 3–5 day walk with overnight packs through n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), some of the fabulous high country [email protected] Transport: drive including Mt Jagungal. Details to be decided. Maps: yourself. Khancoban 1:50,000, Kosciuszko 1:25,000 Leader: Saturday 13 December: Joe the Marines Folly Lois Padgham 6231 3060 (h), 6207 2206 (w), 0402 962 638(m), [email protected] Transport: ~$50–$55 Creek – M/R/X/W incl park entry. With a name like that it must be worth exploring. Explore the creek plus parts of the upper Tallowa Gorge and return 28–31 December: Genoa River – S-M/R via Running Creek. May be beautiful canyon country A relaxed four day post-Christmas trip on the lovely with pristine rain forest or may be leach infested ditches. Genoa. Minimal climbing, lots of swimming and river

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 page 13 crossings. Map: Nungatta 1:25,000. Leader: Meg distribution list, or see http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Contact McKone 6254 5902(h), [email protected] the leader by 6pm the previous Sunday. Leader: John Transport: ~$40. Evans 6288 7235(h), [email protected] 28–31 December. Monolith Valley, Holland Thursday evening, 22 January: Ainslie/Majura Gorge. M/M-R, W, X – S/E A circuit through some classic Budawang country – up Be at the entrance to the park on Mackenzie St, Hackett, past The Castle and through Monolith Valley, visit Mt just north of the Grayson St intersection. Be there at 6.30 Owen before dropping through the deep forest of Angel for a walk in the area between Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura. Creek past Broken Falls to the swimming holes of No need to book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 Hollands Gorge and the Clyde. Exit past (maybe visit) 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Byangee Mtn and the cool of Cathedral Cave. Much off Transport: drive yourself. track, but rarely rough, and home for New Year’s eve. Maps: Corang 1:25,000, CMW Budawangs. Leader: Wednesday 21 January 2009, 6pm Rupert Barnett, 6242 5241, [email protected] MONTHLY ‘MEETING’ Transport: ~$35. Limit: 6. BYO Barbecue Tuesday 6 January: Tuesday Walk – minimum If barbecues are disabled because of fi re – M/M danger, bring a picnic tea and still enjoy the A fortnightly CBC walk for Tuesday trompers, usually company of friends. in Namadgi. Destination and transport details via email Black Mountain Peninsula distribution list, or see http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Contact (Follow the CBC signs on Garryowen Drive) the leader by 6pm the previous Sunday. Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), [email protected] 24–26 January 2009: Kosciuszko long Thursday evening, 8 January: Campbell Park weekend: various ratings – S/E Leave Canberra mid morning Saturday. That afternoon we Be at the northern end of the airport side of the Campbell will do an off track walk of about 2hrs in the vicinity of Mt Park offi ces car park at 6.30. The walk follows the track Stillwell. On Sunday, we will offer the Blue Lake-Main along the eastern side of the Ainslie reserve toward Mt Range-Kosciuszko circuit (6 hrs walking all on track) Majura then loops back. No need to book. Map: n/a and probably a walk to Mt Townsend, Australia’s second Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. highest peak led by Ross Andrews. On Monday morning, [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. I will offer a walk of about 1¾ hrs at Sawpit Creek on the way home. Two ‘everyone bring something’ meals Monday evening, 12 January: Kowen Forest in the evenings. Map: Perisher Valley 1:25,000 Leader: – S/E Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ Go down Sutton Road about 1½ km from its intersection infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$50–$60 incl park with Pialligo Road and Yass Road to the Kowen Road. Go entry. Accommodation (Southern Alps Ski Club Lodge, down Kowen Road until the junction where the road to Charlottes Pass) ~$50–$60 for weekend Molonglo Gorge goes off to the right. There is a car park on the left. We will walk to the Blue Tiles recreation area 24–27 January 2009: Tin Mine Falls, The Pilot, on the Molonglo and back via a ridge with views. Start at and Purgatory! – M/M-R, part X 6.30pm. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 Down the Cascade Trail for another attempt to visit the 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: hidden heights of Tin Min Falls, a day to visit the tors drive yourself. and twin peaks of The Pilot, and the slog back up the Trail is avoided by exploring past Paradise and Purgatory Thursday evening, 15 January: Mulligan’s (Hills) instead. Maps: Thredbo 1:50,000. Leader: Flat East – S/E Rupert Barnett, 6242 5241, [email protected] Meet 6.30 in the main Mulligan’s Flat car park. Go down Transport ~$50 plus Parks fee. Horse Park Road, then Mulligan’s Flat Road and follow the signs to the car park. Nice open bushland. No need to Thursday evening, 29 January: Cork book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 Plantation and nearby – S/E 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: Meet at 6.30 in the Black Mt Reserve car park which is drive yourself. accessed only from William Hovell Drive. Just follow the signs but, if going west (e.g. from Parkes Way or the Monday evening, 19 January: Goorooyaroo Tuggeranong Parkway), you will need to do the u-turn Nature Park again – S/E west of the interchange but before you get to Bindubi St. Meet at 6.30 in the parking area on the northern side of We will wander through the cork plantation and past the Horse Park Drive about 1.5 km toward Gungahlin from its Himalayan Cedars then west of the arboretum. No need to junction with the Federal Hwy (the Gungahlin exit). Will book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 probably do Old Joe. No need to book. Map: n/a Leader: 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ drive yourself. infrastructure.gov.au Transport: drive yourself. 28 February–5 March 2009: Du Cane Range Tuesday 20 January: Tuesday Walk – and Mt Olympus, Tasmania minimum – M/M A circuit that includes the intricate beauty of The A fortnightly CBC walk for Tuesday traipsers, usually Labyrinth as well as some unusual spots in those mar- in Namadgi. Destination and transport details via email vellous mountains that fl ank Lake St Clair in central

Page 14 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 Tasmania. Mostly off track but okay, and a good tune-up Tom Gosling 6290 2874 (h), 6287 6762 (w), tgosling@ for the traverse of the Western Arthurs Range (dates not bigpond.net.au Accommodation: ~$65–85 for 2 nights yet fi nal). Leader: Rupert Barnett, 6242 5241, rupertb@ Transport: ~$30–60 return depending on how many cyberone.com.au Limit: 6. discount seats can be purchased in advance, plus ferry to and from Cockatoo. N.B. I will be pre-purchasing bus (6) 7–8 February: Something different – seats and accommodation, and will require pre-payment Sydney Harbour – S/E of a $100 deposit by 15 January. This is a somewhat more Catch the Murray’s coach to Sydney Friday night, expensive excursion than the normal ones, so don’t book staying in restored railway carriages at the Railway if you’re broke! Limit: 12. Square Youth Hostel. Saturday do the Federation track walk to South Head (4 hours walking), with a swim at Walks further afi eld Camp Cove. Camp Saturday night on Cockatoo Island, Are you interested in (a) 5–9 days of day walks with Sydney Harbour’s largest island (between Balmain and car camping in the Blue Mts, , Victorian Drummoyne), in your own tent or in comfortable hired Alps, or Grampians or (b) a 4 day pack walk along tents each twin share with two mattresses, fold-up chairs, the Hume and Hovell Walking Track (Tumbarumba gas lights. Cooking on island kitchen. Sunday enjoy the region)? Dates, walks negotiable, costs to be determined. Harbour to Spit Bridge walk (4 and a half hours). Return I envisage groups of 4–9 with 2 or 3 cars. Contact Jeff Canberra on 4 pm Murrays coach arriving back at 7.15 pm Bennetts 6231 5899 or [email protected] if you Sunday evening. Map: brochures, if available. Leader: are interested.

Bulletin Board The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal bushwalking-re- lated matters. The Club is not involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods adver- tised 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]

Drysdale River NP, Kimberley WA Tuesday walks: (minimum M/M) Peter Tedder is currently negotiating with Willis’ Walka- Do you have a passion for day-walking? Then turn it bouts for a two week (+) guided trip to the remote and into an obsession on occasional Tuesday walks! When isolated Drysdale NP in May – June 2009. Apart from the – irregular Tuesdays. Where – usually in Namadgi, gorges and natural scenery, this region is well known for guaranteed M/M, often L/R,X. Who – if you don’t outpace displays of outstanding indigenous art work. Access and a 59 yo baby boomer and you like to step out, then resupply will be by helicopter so expect the cost to be in you’re in. Why – great views, great walking, average the vicinity of $4000 dependent on numbers. All off track company, minimum mid-week crowds. One wouldn’t and seven day packs. Those interested are requested, be dead for quids! How – Keep an eye on it and http:// without fi nal commitment and as soon as possible, to jevans.pcug.org.au for the details of where we’re off to. contact Peter [email protected] or 6282 1711. Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Contact me by 6 pm the previous Sunday. Would anyone February-early March 2009 Tasmania else like to lead a Tuesday walk? It would be much ap- Walls of Jerusalem area, Frenchmans Cap, Cape Pillar preciated and we’d guarantee participants. Limit: 8. and the Western Arthurs, interspersed with a few days touristing at Corinna, Hobart and Port Arthur. The walks Wednesday walk range from 2 to 7 nights. Please let us know if you are The regular mid-week walk series continues, close to interested in joining us for any or all of this. Linda Groom Canberra with a destination to be decided. Contact the and Peter Conroy 6281 4917 (h), [email protected] leader before 8pm Tuesday to fi nd out destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). February–March 2009: 5 Passes walk, New This walk is every Wednesday and the clubs, CBC, FBI Zealand and NPA take turns to host it. Details for each Wednes- Largely off-track, the 5 Passes walk starts and fi nishes day are now available by email and interested members near Glenorchy in the New Zealand alps and traverses should contact Allan Mikkelsen. wild, spectacular mountain country. It remains below the permanent snow line but will probably include some ‘Gear for sale’ table snow patches where ice axes, or at least ski poles, would In place of our one-night auction, as in previous years, we be desirable. Tents will be essential. The walk will take shall put out a table at General Meetings, for a while. Hope- about 7 days. Glenorchy is accessible from Queenstown fully it will be of benefi t to those wanting to get rid of equip- by bus, bike or hire car. While in the area, I should also ment and those wishing to buy some. Please label gear for like to tackle a second trip, possibly one that includes sale with adequate personal details and asking price. glaciers and mountains. There are also several excel- lent track walks nearby, including the Rees Dart and the House Sitting for Bushwalkers Routeburn (which needs to be booked). Expressions of Want to go away walking and not worry about the gar- interest to John I’Ons, 6231 6326 (h) or ajions@iimetro. den? Call Cate on 0407266942 and I will gladly look after com.au by end November. your place, experienced reliable and mature.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2008 page 15 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE* Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] TREASURER George Carter 0419 603 334 – [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Tom Gosling 6290 2874 [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – [email protected] EDITOR Alison Milton 6254 0578 6289 2717 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 – [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Terence Uren 6282 2403 – [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER Quentin Moran 6288 9840 6243 6601 [email protected] PUBLISHER Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6208 5444 [email protected] ASSISTANT WALKS SEC Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899 – [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Jenny Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – [email protected]

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

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

Nov 08