MAKIN' TRACKS

Steep ascent from Dry Creek

Trip Participants Easter trip to the South Coast April 3 - 10 Trip Participants Allan Kidd (group leader) - LC100 Malcolm and Cherese Chaseling - LC200 John and Jenny Malcolm - LC100 Ken Ribbons and Diana Morgan - LC100 Wadbilliga Trail Part 1 – Saturday (Cherese & Malcolm) All the trip attendees met at Cobargo in time for a coffee before driving off into the wilds of the . On the road by 11.05am and along the Wandella Road and then turned off on Brassnocker Road and then to the lookout at Peak The track follows the Wadbilliga River for some time and in places Alone (954 metres). Ken decided to follow the power lines to the tracks along the side of the ridges with a very steep drop down to top of the mountain while the rest went via the dirt road to the the river. top. Consequently ‘the rest’ got lost after speeding past the lookout There was a real chill in the air with Malcolm and Cherese reporting turn, then off back to the turn on the Peak Alone Fire Trail (another that they were getting a reading of only 13oC for the outside wrong turn but an interesting looking road) so consequently Kenny temperature, this was certainly cooler than the temperature at arrived before us. The view was not as good as expected as there the camping area when we left. This wasn’t surprising when you was low cloud and a misty haze so we had lunch. consider that we had climbed from around 240m to the 1000m After lunch we drove back down the Peak Alone Fire Trail collecting mark as we headed through the gap. wood for the camp fire, then on to Yowrie Road, through Yowrie and All through this section Ken was singing the praises of the pie then on to a pleasant bush camp site at Lake Creek which was next shop in Nimmitabel, we think he was attempting to influence Allan to Wadbilliga Creek We arrived at around 3.00pm where we had to make a diversion (quite a lengthy one at that) so we could all a great night around the camp fire being the only campers at the sample the pies. When Allan eventually turned and headed towards camp site. Numeralla you could almost hear the resignation in Ken’s voice – no Wadbilliga Trail Part 2 – Sunday (John & Jenny) pies today! After a very pleasant night at the Lake Creek camping area the plan After passing through Conways Gap we left the National Park and was to depart at 10:00am, however everyone was up early and passed through some private property where there were acres of packed up ready to leave just after 9:00am so we departed early turnip crops. It begged the question of who would eat all those with Malcolm and Cherese at the tail end of the group and headed turnips, surely not that many people like turnips. In the ensuing west along the Wadbilliga Road towards Conways Gap. conversations over the radio it was suggested that they were grown The drive through this area while very easy in 4WD terms was quite as feed for cattle, that made sense as turnips are probably just as spectacular in terms of the scenery. We passed through areas where appetising and appealing as grass! ferns grew very densely and were almost overgrowing the track, After crossing the we headed north and followed the however photo opportunities were limited due to the very dense river for a short while along the Tuross Road before heading into growth in the forest. This part of the Wadbilliga National Park is a Numeralla where we stopped for the obligatory coffee break. If you real delight and the drive is one anyone would enjoy. The track in ever decide to take a break in Numeralla take your own coffee as parts while easy was quite rocky as we climbed up to Conways Gap. there is nothing in the town – no coffee shop, no pie shop (sorry TLCC NEWS JUNE 2010 49 MAKIN' TRACKS

Jenny exiting river The Cascades

Ken), no service station – nothing. The only option would have been on the radio to say it was private property and he skedaddles out a 60km round trip into Cooma so we enjoyed our own coffee and before they can produce any shotguns for trespassers. refreshments alongside the town’s sporting fields. When we return to our marked camp site we drive down the road to After leaving Numeralla we headed for the Cascades camping area the river and notice there is no prepared track across it. After driving on the Tuross River, this was a relatively short and easy trip that on our side for a short time, a small cleared section is found but it is had us reaching the campsite at around 1:00pm. There were other already taken. After speaking to the incumbents we are told that the campers at the site so we spent a few minutes selecting an area crossing has been washed out but there is a way across after driving where we could all camp together near one of the fire places. After down a short steep bank. Allan and Ken wade across and decide setting up camp everyone relaxed and had lunch. the crossing is fine for our 4WD convoy. Notice is taken of a steep Around mid afternoon we decided to take the walk to the Cascades drop off and also a potential tyre staking stump on the track. After and the Tuross Falls, the walk to the falls was signposted as a 2 hour making sure everybody is aware of the line the crossing is finally return walk but it turned out to be much quicker than 2 hours. Both made and a lovely open space is found close to the river. Camp is the Cascades and the Falls were well worth the walk with quite a bit set up, lunch is had and we all settle down to a quite afternoon of of flow in the river treating us to a nice spectacle. They would have chatting and reading till it is time to light the camp fire. been really spectacular back in February when the area experienced Tuross River Run Part 2 – Tuesday (Allan) some really heavy rainfall. On returning to the camp site it was time After a very pleasant night camped beside the sparkling clear for refreshments and to get the fire stoked up for the night. Tuross River we had breakfast and made ready for departure. Ken We settled in for a very relaxing and enjoyable evening around had marked the edge of the river with several sticks the previous what was an excellent campfire. As was the case on most nights night and we could see that the river was now a little lower than on the trip we had more wood than we really needed so keeping when we crossed yesterday. the fire raging was not a problem. Ken assumed the role of the I was a little concerned at getting the group back onto the main keeper of the fire and perched himself on a large rock near the fire. track as the exit from the river was steep, over soft soil with the It was suggested at one stage that Ken was like a guru sitting on added complication of a possible tyre staking from a low tree his rock tending the fire, it was also suggested a little later in the root located in the ideal driving line out of the river. As such I evening that a line from Priscilla Queen of the Desert might also be (surreptitiously) made sure all my recovery gear was easily to hand applicable – some people can be cruel! and ready to use. Since there was essentially two distinct parts to It had turned out to be another very relaxed and enjoyable day. the river crossing we took advantage of a photo opportunity by Tuross River Run Part 1 – Monday (Allan) getting all cars through the first section before tackling the second Another leisurely start sees us packed up and ready to depart at – so far so good. The second part in fact was not an issue as the 10am. Last night was the coolest so far with a minimum of 4.6oC. first three cars easily made it over the bank and then onto the We return from the Cascades track to the Badja Forest Road and track. The fourth car however almost caused heart attacks in the make our way into the Badja State Forest. After turning onto the watching group! Instead of driving straight towards the opposite Woila Creek Fire Trail, again firewood is plentiful so we stock up for bank beside the main river, which necessitated making a sharp left the night and have morning tea. We have in mind several potential turn, it started veering to the right to give a straighter climb out of stops for the night but the preferred one is beside the Tuross River. the river and over the bank – this was a move that almost ended There are a number of steepish descents but nothing very difficult in disaster as here there was a steep drop-off into the river. With for a well prepared 4WD vehicle. Around 12:30 we passed a sign to much yelling from the onshore spectators and with the ‘Cruiser at a Wandella Road where the GPS indicated a camp site – a hasty look side angle in excess of a 30 degree list, the driver suddenly realised (while driving) seems to indicate very little space so we continue. the problem and managed to get back on course. Once back on After driving for about 10 minutes we realise this must have been shore the shaken driver told how the car could be felt sliding into the preferred site as there are no more camp sites identified on the the river. We hypothesised about side air bags being deployed in track – so we got to practice our 3 point turns. On the way back, this situation and wondered what affect they would have had on John exclaims about a lovely camp site in a valley on our right people recovery. (strange – our map does not indicate it). As he is towards the back A pleasant drive along Belowra Road then followed with very little of the convoy he volunteers to investigate. Not long after he comes other traffic. It was obviously a working day as forestry people were 50 TLCC NEWS JUNE 2010 around and quick action was required to get out of the way of a very large, fast log lorry. After turning onto Comans Road in the Dampier Malcolm expecting deep water State Forest we stopped to explore the Comans Mine. A short walk in a beautiful heavily forested environment brought us to the abandoned gold mine. This was worked in the 1880’s and closed in 1889. I wonder how they got such heavy equipment as a 3 metre wide stamping press into such steep, remote terrain in those days. After the exploration we had morning tea. We then proceed to the “ghost” town of Nerrigundah (in spite of what my guide-book says, there are non-ghosts still living there). We spent some time looking at the monument to the policeman killed by the Clark gang in 1866. Ken then took over as leader to take us by a more scenic route than I had planned. After promising us lunch by the water, we went via Cadgee and Tally Hole Flat before lunch at Cobra Mountain. While there was lots of open space caused by tree felling there was not a drop of water in sight! We then proceeded via Manns Hill and Gembrook to Narooma where a well deserved coffee was enjoyed before setting up for the night at Ken and Diana’s place. We went to a local fish restaurant near the Quarterdeck Marina, on the Wagonga inlet for a fabulous meal. During the meal the heavens opened and we were forced inside. The only night where we were rained on we were lucky enough to be accommodated out of the weather – thanks Ken & Diana!!! Hanging Mountain – Wednesday (Cherese & Malcolm) We stayed at Kenny and Diana’s place (Narooma) the previous night and we were all up and ready to leave at around 8.30am but we were unable to find our fearless leader as Kenny had deadlocked Allan in the house “one way of getting rid of the trip leader”. Then it was away to the Bodalla Cheese Factory but alas it was not open so after waiting for 15 minutes we went for coffee instead. Then off into the mountains to Hanging Mountain via Dumbo Road and Sugarloaf Road. We were treated to spectacular views - both north and south along the coast and as far down as Montague Island south of Narooma. Then it was away along the Coondella Fire Trail and the Serpent Track to investigate our first possible bush camp site near the creek for the night. The site proved to be suitable but as it was still early we decided to push on to Dry Creek where we knew it would be more pleasant. Several of the roads to Dry Creek from the southern side were reported as being closed as well as the Araluen Road, so even though it would mean some back tracking the next day we proceeded through Moruya then via Larrys Mountain Road and Knowles Track to the Araluen Road and then to Dry Creek Fire Trail to the . We did have to ignore some cries for coffee going through Moruya but we had planned to return the next day to satisfy the cravings. Since John had the plot for this route easily accessible, he became the leader for this section.

TLCC NEWS JUNE 2010 51 MAKIN' TRACKS

Coman Mine View The Cascades Lake Creek

Having arrived at Dry Creek camping area, the group became At around 10:00am we had reached the junction of the separated. One car went onto the camp ground while one decided Merricumbene and Oulla Creek Fire Trails and it was decided that to look at the crossing. The other two, not having camped here this was a good spot to stop for morning tea especially given that before were driving around looking for the other two. After much our schedule for the day was very relaxed. In the trip up to this calling on the radio and tooting of horns we were again united point some discussion ensued about the fact that we had been very and set up for another bush camp as the only people in the area. organised each morning and managed to depart well before the Another great camp fire and company was enjoyed before retiring designated time, this led to the suggestion that on the last morning for the night. we would be permitted to sleep in until around 10:00am – most Part 1 – Thursday (John & Jenny) were in agreement. Malcolm then went further to suggest that seeing that our last night would be at the Berlang camping area not The ranger collected the fees early in the morning, with the plan far from Braidwood, Allan might like to head into Braidwood early in to back track into Moruya then climb up to the Merricumbene Fire the morning to get the Sunday papers for us to read over breakfast. Trail via the Oulla Creek Fire Trail. This was a modification to Allan’s Now as we have come to learn Allan is a very efficient, well planned, original plan necessitated by the advice he received from the NPWS highly organised and highly competent trip leader but we were not that the Dry Creek river crossing would still be closed as a result of sure how he was going to organise copies of the Sunday papers flood damage caused by the February rain. However having arrived early on the Saturday morning!!! Well done Malcolm! at the camp the previous day we discovered that the crossing was open and the Ranger collecting the camp fees advised us that the The trip across the Merricumbene was the usual delight with some track was open all the way to the Bendethera Fire Trail. So everyone short sharp inclines followed by steep descents, this track was also was enthusiastic about the prospect of climbing the Dry Creek Fire quite rocky and loose in places. In one spot a large tree had fallen Trail and travelling the full length of the Merricumbene. across the track leaving just enough room to navigate around it with a steep drop off on the LHS. There was evidence that a previous Jenny and I had a concern in that in the latter part of the previous traveller had got it wrong with a large scar on a tree about bull bar day we had been hearing a noise when on right lock that sounded height right on the edge of the track. Malcolm and Cherese had to suspiciously like a CV joint in the early stages of surrender. However push the “breathe in” button on the 200 series on this section. quite typically when I jacked the ‘Cruiser up to investigate the noise it disappeared, so we set out with the plan that we could bail out All the way up the Dry Creek trail and across the Merricumbene and double back if the noise reappeared or got worse. there were spectacular views to be had that are typical of the Deua National Park. All the vehicles, and drivers handled the drive with Again a planned 10:00am departure saw us setting out just after ease and it turned out to be one of the more enjoyable sections of 9:00am (very efficient campers we are!) with Ken and Diana at the the trip. We reached the Bendethera Valley at about 12:40pm and tail. The river crossing was very easy and uneventful and the climb selected a nice camp spot from the many available. commenced immediately after the crossing. The Dry Creek Fire Trail is typical of the climbs in this area, quite steep and perhaps just a After setting up camp and enjoying a relaxing afternoon we fired little more prolonged than most others, however if approached in the camp fire up at about 4:00pm and settled down for some pre the right way is relatively easy. Parts of the track were loose and dinner refreshments. Following dinner there was the usual camp fire rocky which is probably a result of the recent very heavy rainfall. A socialising with Ken setting off one of his Chinese Wishing Lanterns. couple of sections necessitated some care in wheel placement to This looked quite spectacular as it rose above the escarpment and avoid the possibility of some under body or side step scraping. drifted off in the breeze. We stopped to regroup where the Dry Creek Fire Trail meets the This day turned out just as all the other days on the trip had – Merricumbene and with our ‘Cruiser showing no signs of problems relaxing and very enjoyable. or no recurrence of CV type noises we decided to push on.

52 TLCC NEWS JUNE 2010 7.3 Guidelines of the volunteer workers policy were 13 – Land Manager’s Report: handed to all committee members, the document KOOLANDILLY will be emailed to all the committee to review and 13.1 September working bee – Work carried out included responses are required by email. erecting a fence and gate near the base of the K2 Moved: R Alexander / Seconded: D Seton track, the fence was damaged overnight, and repaired on the Sunday. The committee discussed the shared 8 – Social Report: access; Rob Alexander is to liaise with the owner of the 8.1 The presents for the children’s Christmas party will be adjoining property. delivered to Andrew Boyd. Rob will contact John Blair about the access issue. 8.2 The Christmas functions will be posted on the forum. The cut off date for bookings will be the November WILLOWGLEN general meeting. 13.2 2 new events have been constructed; all the tracks Big Hole 8.3 Vanessa Keary will stand in for Kim Allsopp at the have been driven on last weekend. October General Meeting. 13.3 The container has been set up for verification. 13.4 Maintenance work on the drainage system for the main 9 – Membership Report: dam has been carried out. 9.1 760 financial memberships. 13.5 The hand rail for the disabled toilet will be left until 9.2 10 new members. after the Challenge is finished, Rob will contact the 9.3 2 possible new members from Canberra council officer to clarify the requirements in this regard 9.4 The membership renewal form will be updated. The prior to submitting for final approval. Tuross Falls president to proof read. 9.5 The show price will run till October 13. 14 – Vice President’s Report: Deua National Park Part 2 – Friday (John, Jenny and Allan) 14.1 There was a Sub Committee meeting for the 40th 10 – Promotions Officer’s Report: We are packed up ready for our 10:00am departure. There is not Anniversary last night, 72 members have paid, 120 are 10.1 There are 30 x A4 flyers left over. much firewood left this morning – unusual for us this trip! After expected. crossing the Deua River twice, the departure from the valley involves 11 – 4WD Activities Coordinator’s Report: 14.2 There is a working bee at Willowglen this weekend. a steep ascent along a narrow trail with a long drop on the driver’s 11.1 No new trips 14.3 The sponsors are in place for the Challenge. side of the car. John, being a caring person, ensures Allan (with his 11.2 The Funkhana event is planned for May 22 & 23, 2010 14.4 There are raffle prizes to the value of $3,500.00 and fear of heights) is made aware of this fact. We rise from around 300 and has been posted on the Forum, with a call for competition prizes to the value of $13,000.00 metres to around 1200 on the Dampier Mountain Fire Trail within a volunteers. 15 – General Business from the Committee: few kilometres of the start. Then onto the Minuma Range Fire Trail 11.3 A New Member’s trip is planned for November 21. and the Middle Mountain Road. After one more river crossing, the 15.1 A letter has been sent to the church in regard to the 12 – Education Coordinator’s Report: Curumbene Creek this time, we stop to air up and have lunch – we audio visual system. 12.1 A request for course presenters has been made. are virtually back in civilisation! Allan and Ken take the opportunity 15.2 Carl asked about the December committee meeting to extend and rewind their electric winches to assist the drying 12.2 Courses – St Johns First Aid to be booked. and the January general meeting. process. Finally Krawaree Road and on to our last night’s stop – Sand driving at end of October, and almost booked 15.3 The secretary will send out the list of annual awards to the Big Hole. There are a few campers around but we manage to out. committee members. annex a suitable area for the group and as the actual camping area 12.3 Feed back forms have come back from the last Driver Meeting closed: 10.55pm is behind low fences we carry our camping equipment in and set up Training. (signed) M. Murphy – President for the night – together with a healthy quantity of firewood. Allan (signed) C. Mawbey – Secretary investigated the walk to the Big Hole, but as it involves getting his feet wet crossing the river decides to relax. Most of the rest of the group, being forewarned about the crossing decide to give it a go. Malcolm asked one of our party what would be the depth of water got the response “perhaps around thigh depth” It should be added that this person had never walked across! Malcolm then decided to Business Directory be prepared so stripped down to his undies – he looked quite funny Tuross Falls walking across in water that barely came up to his ankles! It was a photo opportunity not to miss, Malcolm struggling across the rocky river crossing holding his camera and trousers high in expectation of the “deep section” that never came! The walk to the Big Hole was relatively easy but seemed longer than the 2km suggested at the start, this was possibly because it was uphill all the way. About 100m from the hole there is a sign telling people to approach slowly because of the Big Hole – as if you would be running after walking uphill for 2km!! The hole itself is very interesting, you can see the fault lines in the rocks and all the way down in the bottom what appears to be small fern shrubs are in fact fern trees approximately 2m tall. On the walk back to the camp the scenery out to the west is also very spectacular. On reaching the river crossing again Malcolm

TLCC NEWS DECEMBER 2009 65

TLCC_Text_December09.indd 65 26/11/09 6:38 AM

TLCC NEWS JUNE 2010 53 MAKIN' TRACKS demonstrated that he is a fast learner and merely removed his shoes and rolled his trousers up. Fines – Trip Sergeant-at-Arms, Cherese Chaseling Our camp fire that night was even more memorable Allan (Trip Leader) Malcolm when we compared it to the dismal efforts of our fellow Driving off with novel he had Saying that Diana will need to campers – they obviously did not have the benefits of been reading left on spare wheel. hump Kenny up the ladder of 4WDs and state forests to scavenge from. Missing the turnoff to Peak Alone their rooftop tent tonight. Deua National Park Part 3 – Saturday (Allan) by driving too fast Failing to record the near disaster The day dawned with a dense fog and an overnight Diana of the near drowning of the 200 in minimum temperature of 8.5oC. With only a short Humping (helping) Kenny up the the river. distance to travel to Braidwood, I was comfortably warm ladder to their rooftop tent, when Jenny and snoozing in my swag knowing I could be packed up he had overindulged his ‘Home quickly. Upon rising and seeing that I was one of the first Being organised and perfect for Brew’ up I set to work getting some life back into the camp the whole of the trip fire. With such a heavy mist around, the tents were quite Kenny John damp so we made the most of the time attempting to get Locking trip leader in his house, so Misjudging the turning circle at them dry before the final pack. We still had a reasonable he could be trip leader for the day. Peak Alone Fire Trail. amount of wood left over and it wasn’t long before other Dereliction of duty as ‘Tail-end Failing to photograph the near campers asked if they could take what was left. Most of Charlie’- going off on the trail disaster of the 200 when he our trip has been with very few other campers in sight, following the power lines to Peak recorded the other vehicles so it was a bit of a return-to-civilisation shock to realise Alone. crossing the river. there were 15 cars parked for the overnight camp. Cherese Due to lack of misbehaviour of After a leisurely start, we left for the final leg to Braidwood. Nearly drowning the 200 in a river. the participants and the difficulty Another wonderful coffee (pies for some and pastries in finding reasons to fine said for others) was had at the bakery where final goodbyes Hogging the driving seat for the participants – the fines are set at were said before we each made our own way home. duration of the trip. $2/fine

54 TLCC NEWS JUNE 2010