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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

NEWSLETTER

it Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc. GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume 54 Number 2 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org March 2018

GENERAL MEETING 7.30pm Wednesday 21 March 2018 Weston Uniting Church 16 Parkinson Street, Weston

The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail Guest Speaker: Meg McKone

In March 2017, a group of eleven from the Canberra Bushwalking Club walked the 61 kilometre Wilderness Trail, camping at the four official campsites. Along the way we saw pounding seas, precipitous cliffs, prolific sea life, remarkable rock formations and a wide variety of heath and woodland vegetation, and had a taste of the wild weather that can blow in from the Antarctic. But is it truly wilderness?

A storm approaching from the west across Maupertius Bay. Photo: Meg McKone

Contents River Crossing Training Managing Cramps CBC Committee members Conservation – Warragamba Dam Family Walks Program and Rivers Contributions to the newsletter Editor – Focus on Rivers Hiking in Taiwan and Japan Activity Program Membership Hiking and Paddling the Upper Murray Bulletin Board

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 1 River Safety

On Sunday 18th February, 25 Club members became a little safer – they attended the Club’s river crossing training course. The site was the fast-flowing , just below Corin Dam. The trainers – Lorraine Tomlins, Rowan Peck and myself – did not claim any special qualifications but we had experience in New Zealand, home of some fast and deadly rivers. We were also experienced in sudden and unexpected immersion, which turned out to be just as well … In the first section of the course, participants learnt how to recognize the signs that a river cannot be safely crossed: • Discoloured surging water • Trees and debris being carried along • Hazards downstream of the crossing point – if you are swept over a waterfall or against partly submerged logs, willows, fences or rocks, you may drown • Vibrations that indicate that underwater boulders are being rolled by the current • Standing waves Diagram of a standing wave • Unavoidable aerated water After walking along the river bank, the trainees picked two safer crossing points – a bar of small rocks that angled across the river, and a knee-deep section of calmer water at the downstream end of a pool.

The second section of the course focused on solo crossing techniques. Twenty-five stout eucalyptus sticks magically appeared. The trainers demonstrated how to hold the stick in the recommended way – across the body, with the foot of the stick upstream and pressed into the river bed. Some commented that this was counter-intuitive – why not place the stick downstream, to support yourself against the push of the current? But a downstream stick can easily be swept off the river bed by the current, whereas the current actually helps hold an upstream stick in place. With sticks and shuffling steps, everyone Rowan teaching solo crossing techniques made it across and back comfortably.

In the third section of the course, we practiced team-crossings using the method of grabbing your neighbour’s pack strap, as recommended by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council. This was not a time to insist on personal space. With their arms around each other and pressed hip to hip, the participants found themselves very stable.

Jenny Horsfield raised her hand – what would happen if someone in the team lost their footing? The three trainers, with a co-opted David Poland – decided to demonstrate. I took the upstream position, normally reserved for the strongest in the team, flung my feet downstream and added some unnecessary histrionics.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 2 River Safety

The downstream three remained steady as a rock, while I ‘recovered’ my footing. It looked, for a while, like a perfect demonstration of the effectiveness of the team crossing method. Then, however, Rowan, on the downstream end, decided that it was all going a little too smoothly. Using his considerable strength, he added an unscheduled jerk and leap movement to the demonstration. The rest of us went down like nine- Linda and Rowan with team crossing students pins, suddenly wet to the shoulders. The participants gathered on the bank appreciated the scene enormously. As did Rowan. Laughter weakens the muscles so it took us a minute or two to recover. But I have to say that, when we did recover, we found that we were still clutching each other’s pack straps, and had lost only 20 centimetres or so in the downstream direction. It was a good lesson in dealing with the unexpected. We adjourned for zucchini slice, home-made Anzac biscuits, chocolate and raspberry cupcakes, home-dried strawberries and hot drinks. Time in cool water requires calorie replacement!

In the final section of the course, Rowan demonstrated waterproofing a pack and various ways of swimming with a pack. The last time the Club ran river crossing training, all the trainees preferred to provide encouraging comments from the bank while the trainer entered the water alone. This time, most of the participants leapt in. They tried the following styles: • The kelpie – you strap your pack on your front; this gives you maximum buoyancy and makes you swim with your head out of the water like an excited puppy • The happy splasher – you wear your pack in the normal way, and float on your back, splashing with both hands to propel you backwards; this allows you to chat to other people making the crossing, which is just as well, since you need them to tell you whether you are going in the right direction • The serene stretch – you gently place your pack in the water, with the straps up, and push it forwards with one arm while you side-stroke; this requires calm water, and offers some hope that you will arrive on the far bank with the back and straps of your pack fairly dry.

River crossing skills are not just useful for people undertaking remote and challenging walks. A storm while you are walking the tourist tracks of the Main Range, for instance, may cause a rapid rise at the Snowy River crossing just below Charlotte Pass. Now there are 25 Club members who will have more confidence in judging whether it is safe to cross, and more skills if they do cross. If you missed out on the course, you can see some of the course content on the River Crossings page on the Club web site. Linda Groom Walks Secretary Photos and diagrams supplied by Linda

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 3 Dam Facts

In May 2017, the NSW Government released Resilient Valley, Resilient Communities - the Hawkesbury- Nepean Valley Flood Risk Management Strategy (Flood Strategy), providing a framework to reduce and manage flood risk in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley. To achieve this, Warragamba Dam wall would be raised by 14 metres so that the Dam will hold the equivalent of 2 additional Sydney Harbours, causing 4,700 hectares of world heritage listed national parks and 1,800 hectares of declared wilderness areas to be forever scarred from sedimentation, erosion and invasion of exotic plants. 65km of pristine Blue Mountains wild rivers would be submerged under a raised dam and 48 of ’s threatened and endangered species would drown. Large areas of the Kanangra-Boyd and Nattai Wilderness Areas are under threat from the dam raising. Lower reaches of protected wild rivers including the Kowmung, Coxs, Nattai, Wollondilly and Little River would all be drowned underneath sediment-rich dam water, killing hundreds of native plants and animals living in world heritage valleys. Constructing flood levies, pre-releasing dam water before floods, and not building new housing developments on floodplains are alternative measures that could be implemented at far less cost, while not destroying parts of the most protected natural landscape in Australia. Map taken from Colong Foundation website You can join the campaign to protect Sydney’s water catchment by going to http://www.dontraisethedam.org.au/wilderness-impacts

Cynthia Breheny Conservation Officer

Kowmung River

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 4 Rivers and Us

You might notice that this month’s IT has a river focus. The ACT and surrounds have plentiful rivers and streams of all sizes and we meet them regularly on our bushwalks and negotiate them in a variety of ways. In this issue we present a few ways that people deal with rivers – whether walking and paddling down the largely unexplored and difficult first 150km of the iconic Murray, as Mike Bremers did, or sounding alarms about the impact on the rivers of the Blue Mountains if the proposed expansion of Warragamba Dam goes ahead. Linda Groom describes the invaluable river crossing training delivered to 25 Club members on the Cotter in February. And there is an article about children and Murrumbidgee River, Gigerline NR their explorations in the rivers and creeks around the Photo: Meredith Hatherly ACT during Club family walks. The IT continues to invite contributions. There is a great deal of activity in our Club and all your experiences on walks are of great interest to those who have been to those places, or who may one day go there, or who are simply interested in the observations and experiences of other walkers. Keep your trip reports rolling in, or for that matter, any other item which you think would be interesting for Club members to read. If you as a walks leader are planning to put a trip report on the Club website, the IT would welcome a summary of that report – a taster, perhaps to encourage people to read it on the website. Happy reading.

Meredith Hatherly Editor

New Club Members

The Club would like to welcome the following new members who joined the Club during February 2018:

Sabra Lane; Ben Thompson; Gary Thompson; Phillip Moore; Sandra Dandie; Sally Lamont; Madeline Chmura; Monica Flint.

Roger Edwards Membership Secretary

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 5 Managing Cramps

Cramps on a walk can be terribly disabling. A number of CBC walkers, and walkers all around Australia have experienced cramp over this last hot summer. This brings to mind the questions of ‘what can we do to avoid cramp’, and ‘what do we do, should we experience it’?

The excellent Victorian Government Better Health website explains that “a muscle cramp is an uncontrollable and painful spasm of a muscle.” Any muscle can be affected, but the muscles of the calf and foot are particularly prone. A cramp can last for varying periods of time, but fortunately it generally resolves by itself.

Cramps are usually harmless but may sometimes be symptomatic of an underlying medical disorder, such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). The exact cause of cramp is unknown but risk factors may include tight, inflexible muscles or mineral and electrolyte imbalances. This last risk factor is important because muscle tissue relies, in part, on a range of minerals, electrolytes and other chemicals in order to contract and relax. Some of these important substances include calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.

Suggestions on how to reduce the likelihood of muscle cramp include:

⦁ Incorporate regular stretching into your fitness routine.

⦁ Warm up and cool down thoroughly whenever you bushwalk.

⦁ Drink plenty of water before, during and after your walk.

⦁ Make sure your diet is nutritionally adequate, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

⦁A regular massage may help to reduce muscle tension.

Most muscle cramps resolve after a few seconds or minutes. Should you experience strong or persistent cramp on a walk, some treatment options might include:

⦁ Stretch and massage – lengthen the cramping muscle using a gentle, sustained stretch then lightly massage the area until the cramp subsides.

⦁Drink adequate water and take some electrolytes – I often take some commercial sports drink powder and dissolve it in water.

Of course none of the above is intended as medical advice. Any regular or severe cramping that lasts longer than a few minutes should always be investigated by your doctor. Similarly, if you are unsure how to stretch leg muscles, see your physiotherapist for advice.

David Dedenczuk Safety and Training Officer

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 6 River Kids

Many of our Club Family Walks have been focused on rivers. Almost all of our local rivers and creeks have been explored by intrepid children participating in the Family Walks program over a number of years. We of more advanced age, who attended the river crossing training last month on the Cotter, were pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the methods we learnt to help us negotiate river crossings. It has taken many of us all of our 60+ or so years to learn these elementary lessons. Our Club is now giving children an opportunity to learn from Never too young to learn crossing techniques… an early toddler stage. Apart from the obvious need to learn Toddlers Toddle, Murrumbidgee River water safety, there are very many other learning benefits they can gain from messing about in rivers.

The learning benefits are many - such things as overcoming fear and pushing beyond the comfort zone, assessing and taking risks, exploring new places along the rivers, finding the confidence to wade in, learning independence, negotiating rough river stones and learning to balance, promoting social skills, discharging energy, encouraging interest in outdoor activity….the list could go on and on. It could also apply to any adult. For myself, I think I could have ticked most of those boxes during our river crossing training day on the Cotter.

…or to learn to assess the hazards Toddler’s Toddle, Murrumbidgee River, March 2017 Photo: Meredith Hatherly Our kids are getting a jump start on us and

should become very confident in understanding and dealing with rivers as they grow older. They are also, potentially, our future Club members. All research about child development indicates a direct link of outdoor activities like this to developmental milestones, brain development and learning in children. What could be more important? The CBC is probably one of the few Clubs in Australia which caters for children in its Activity Program. It was an idea developed by Linda ….or to try new things Groom and is coordinated by her. Our Club can Family walk to waterslide on Gibraltar Creek, January 2018 Photo: Linda Groom feel proud to be host to this wonderful program. Meredith Hatherly

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 7 Hiking in Taiwan and Japan

A review of the CBC meeting February 21, 2018 Presented by Jonathan Miller and Stewart Jones.

Jonathan presented us with a history and overview of the small island of Taiwan, which is densely populated with over 23.5 million people, almost the population of Australia, but only about half of the size of Tasmania in area. Notwithstanding, the island still has a diverse geological landscape that lends itself to hiking, mountain climbing and bushwalking, although most of the walking is on main trails.

Taiwan's mountain range runs roughly north-south. The highest mountain, Yushan, at 3952m, is also the highest mountain in North East Asia. Some 50% of Taiwan is covered by forests, with quite a variety of plant species including bamboo, spruce, fir, and cypress at higher elevations.

The four main areas that Jonathan hiked in were the Yangmingshan, Sheipa, Yushan and Taroko National Parks. These two photos from the Sheipa National Park give an insight into the nature and ruggedness of the terrain that can be encountered by walkers. Jonathan mentioned that given the craggy nature of some of the terrain, some tracks went down almost vertical cliff faces, with walkers using ropes (provided as part of the track) to descend.

Stewart followed Jonathan's presentation with his experiences of walking /hiking/climbing in Japan over a number of years, since his work placement in Japan some decades ago.

Japan, like Taiwan, lends itself to adventurous pursuits as it is mostly mountainous, although it has well- established trails developed over the centuries. Many of the trails were developed as key routes between isolated villages and kingdoms. Stewart showed a number of interesting photos of the range of mountains that he has completed (over a number of trips), totalling 75 out of Japan's top 100 mountains, made famous by a Japanese alpinist (Fukada). The geographical spread of these mountains range from the far north, Rishiri, to the far south, Yakushima, although around half are in central Honshu. His presentation highlighted photos from a September 2015 trip that included peaks in Tohoku (Iide san), Central Honshu (Makihata and Naeba), the Togakushi Plateau (Takazuma), the Kii peninsula (Omine san main peak Hakken), the Central Alps (Utsugi, 2864m) and Southern Alps (Hijiri dake, 3,013m).

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 8 Hiking in Taiwan and Japan

One feature of hiking in Japan that Stewart noted is the need for caution around the more active volcano mountains where eruptions can and do occur. Stewart recalled that one of the mountains he completed in 2014, Ontake, had erupted a week subsequent to his trip, with some 63 people dead, while others were stranded in the surrounding ash-buried mountain huts. It is also not uncommon for walking tracks and roads to be damaged, especially due to either seismic activity or the high annual rainfall in most areas, causing mudslides and landslides.

The focus in Japan is more on hiking through established trails rather than going off track, or bush-bashing, as some of the forest is quite dense or is inaccessible and/or steep.

It is also common for walkers, particularly prior to the weekend, to arrive through the night at trail head car parks, and camp or sleep in cars, enabling an early start the following morning.

The strong hiking culture in Japan can be gleaned by the photo below which shows a "tent city" near Karasawa, of walkers camping below the Hotaka massif, in close proximity to the highest peaks and ridge lines in the Northern Alps.

Thanks to Jonathan and Stewart for an interesting and informative talk on Taiwan and Japan, respectively.

Summary by John Danaro Photos provided by Jonathon Miller and Stewart Jones

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 9 The top 150 km - Hiking and Paddling the upper Murray River

In 2013 I hiked from the Murray Source to Bringenbrong Bridge near Corryong, generally following the river to complement my earlier paddling journeys downstream of Bringenbrong Bridge. These hikes have been described in it in July and November 2013. They included an arduous 8 day walk from the Source to Tom Groggin with Karen Cody and Bob Salijevic which was also described in detail in Wild, Issue 146 in 2015. However, during these walks I was often a kilometre or more away from the river and missed seeing how its character changed along the way. Paddling journeys on the Murray River upstream of Tom Groggin are very infrequent. The common theme of the few accounts available is that upon launching at the highest navigable point at The Poplars camping area, about 60km upstream of Tom Groggin, lilos or rafts often had to be dragged through the cold, shallow water and over log jams down the river bordered by near impenetrable scrub for the first couple of days. Downstream of Tom Groggin is the Murray Gates which includes a series of grade 3 and 4 rapids as the river passes between mountains that tower 800m above water level. This section requires a Portage over log jam high level of whitewater paddling skill to negotiate. Of all the accounts available of journeys between the Murray Source and Bringenbrong Bridge, details of some are sketchy, some did not hike closely along the river between the Source and The Poplars and some resorted to motorised craft somewhere downstream of the Murray Gates. In early 2017 tour guide Richard Swain (Swainy) advertised that he was wanting to conduct a recce for a hiking/kayaking trip for the top 150km of the Murray River from the Source to Bringenbrong Bridge and was looking for "fit intrepid adventurers" to join him. Swainy is a very experienced whitewater guide and has been through the Murray Gates countless times over several decades. The trip was set to start on 12 December and expected to take anywhere between 7 and 11 days. The party included guides Swainy and Kristian Cargill (Kribba) and whitewater novices Matty Hunter and myself. For Matty it was the start of his source to sea journey. He is raising money for his charity, the Secret Creek Wildlife Sanctuary near Lithgow and is due to reach the sea in early March 2018. For me it was an opportunity to paddle the Murray River from the highest navigable point at The Poplars camping area down through the Murray Gates to Bringenbrong Bridge to add to the 2400km that I had already paddled over the last 22 years. Swainy and Kribba were going to have a big job getting Matty and I up to speed to handle the Murray Gates. But first of all we needed to hike for two days from the Murray Source to The Poplars following the river closely all the way. Matty and Swainy had organised a helicopter drop off at Cowombat Flat. As we approached the Flat on day 1, in addition to scaring some brumbies, we saw four hikers walking off to the west. After landing, we left our packs at the Flat and headed upstream where we found the pole marking the Murray Source (S36.79704° E148.19676°), signed the notebook and then headed up Forest Hill to Cairn No. 1 (S36.79887° E148.20128°) of the Black-Allan Line (the straight part of the NSW/VIC border). We retraced our steps and followed the trickle that was the Murray River downhill to Cowombat Flat. After lunch we walked for about 3 hours down along the Murray, crossing many times and sometimes walking in the river and made camp at 5:30pm about 9km downstream of the Murray Source.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 10 The top 150 km - Hiking and Paddling the upper Murray River

Day 2 continued much the same as day 1 finished, with much river walking and frequent crossings but at all times we were within a stone’s throw of the river. We had afternoon tea at the Limestone Creek confluence which is a major tributary of the Murray. Another hour or so of river and bank walking had us at The Poplars at 4:30pm where Joe and Justin (Matty's mates and our support crew) were waiting with the inflatable kayaks and supplies. A most enjoyable evening was had by all. The only downside was stiff muscles and joints by us walkers every time we got out of our seats after a tough couple of days of walking 19km down the river. At 10am on day 3 we launched the inflatable kayaks. The water level was quite good after decent rain the previous week and we made steady progress. Occasionally Matty and I got stuck on rocks and sometimes we needed to disembark and pull our kayaks off. Swainy and Kribba didn't seem to have much problem - no doubt due to the ability to "read" the river and their superior control of their kayaks. During the afternoon somewhere before Tin Mine Creek we came across Tin Mine Creek - Day 3 the four hikers who we had seen 2 days earlier at Cowombat Flat. They were about to cross the river when we paddled past. It was quite a coincidence as we would not have been able to see them if they were a few metres back due to the thick bush. They had walked from Dead Horse Gap to Cowombat Flat and were now headed for Tom Groggin along the river. Having done the walk in 2013, I felt sorry for them for the tough conditions they were about to encounter. Later I wondered whether they had read about the walk in the 2015 Wild article. This is the most beautiful part of the river with tree ferns lining the river in parts but the most difficult to access. In 2013 I was quite certain I would never return, but here I was again! We were making much better progress than in those accounts of earlier paddling journeys so we kept going until 6:30pm to make the best of the conditions on a falling river. Campsites were difficult to find so after paddling 30km for the day we made the best of a rocky beach and made some tent sites in the scrub. That night I began to worry about the Murray Gates - I had not felt like I was in good control of the kayak during the day and the rapids were only going to get a lot bigger and more difficult downstream! We again made good progress on day 4 clocking up 37km. After Leatherbarrel Creek we began to encounter some grade 2-3 rapids and practised some drills. Matty and I survived these and our confidence grew. Some of these rapids were fun but my enjoyment was tempered by the thought of the Murray Gates which we would pass through tomorrow. We arrived at our campsite at Grassy Flat at 5pm feeling a bit more confident. Swainy said Matty and I were doing well but the Murray Gates were another level up and we needed everything in our favour i.e. lighter, more responsive craft, so Matt (Matty's mate) arrived early on day 5 to pick up our camping gear and transported it to our planned destination of Bunroy Creek Camping Area 27km downstream. Kribba gave Matty and I a safety briefing including the use of the rope throw bag for rescuing capsized paddlers. You could not have found two more attentive students!

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 11 The top 150 km - Hiking and Paddling the upper Murray River

We launched at 9:30am and I tried kneeling instead of sitting in the kayak. It felt good and the kayak definitely was more responsive with less cargo. The next few hours were a blur but we passed through numerous grade 3 and 4 rapids with names such as "Head Banger", "Sharks Tooth", "Hole in the Head" and "Guides Mistake" (renamed for the day as "Mike's Mistake"). A couple of times we lined the kayaks down a rapid and there were a few scary moments but Matty and I had enough skill to recover from these tricky situations. On arrival at Bunroy Creek camping area we were greeted by Matt and a bit later Scotty (another one of Matty's mates) with lots of cold beers. For the second time in the day the next few hours were a blur but it is safe to say we were all satisfied with ourselves for getting safely through the Murray Gates. After a few kilometres on day 6 we exited Kosciuszko National Park and entered farmland. It was like another world with the sudden degradation of the banks. There were no native trees on the river bank at all, willows hanging low over the river became a navigation hazard and in many places the banks had been trampled by the cattle which often were standing in the water. Eventually we arrived at our destination of Indi Bridge Reserve after about 4 hours and 24km. Matt, Scotty and Alison (Swainy's wife) had more cold beers waiting which were very welcome on a hot afternoon and which is just as well because we no longer felt like drinking the river water untreated. On day 7 it took only two hours to paddle the final 12km to Bringenbrong Bridge. It was a narrow river with sharp bends and overhanging willows until we arrived at the Swampy Plains River confluence. There was a strong flow coming down the Swampy Plains and the Murray became significantly wider. The final few kilometres were covered quickly - easily doing 8km/h. After lunch and packing up we said farewell to Matty as he launched for Towong and eventually the sea 2400km and Bringenbrong Bridge two and a half months away. Overall it was a great feeling to have hiked and paddled the top 150km of the river - a feat rarely accomplished. We had expert guidance in Swainy and Kribba and we had the right equipment for the task. We had good land support and we had luck on our side with the right water levels and no major dramas in the Murray Gates.

Mike Bremers

Photos supplied by Mike

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 12 Who is on the CBC Committee 2017-18?

President: Michael de Raadt Editor: Meredith Hatherly [email protected] [email protected] 0410 233 090 Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas Treasurer: Julie Anne Clegg [email protected] [email protected] +64 27 535 6176 0402 118 359 Social Secretary: Terrylea Reynolds Walks Secretary: Linda Groom [email protected] [email protected] 0408 715 218. 6281 4917 Publisher: David Williams General Secretary: Jenny Stewart [email protected] [email protected] ————————————————————— Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards [email protected] All members of the Committee can be contacted 6288 7863 in one email to: [email protected] Training and Safety Officer: David Dedenczuk [email protected] Check in: [email protected] 0417 222 154 Web site: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Conservation Officer: Cynthia Breheny [email protected]

Web Manager: Andrew Meers [email protected]

For those who are thinking of contributing to this newsletter

 Your contributions are very welcome. Please limit your articles to a maximum of two to three pages of text or about 1000 -1500 words.

 When you send a photo, and it is not your own, make sure you have permission to use it. Include the name of the photographer.

 Be aware that your article may be edited.

 If you would like to discuss your proposed contribution then contact me - I am more than happy to help.

 The closing date for each issue of it is the fourth Wednesday of every month. Send contributions to [email protected]

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 13

ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Information for Participants Distance and difficulty Distance: Transport (S) Short – under 12 km/day Costs are 39¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This (M) Medium – 12–20 km/day amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on (L) Long – over 20 km/day the condition of the roads and other factors. The figures given are Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an climbed. estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. Terrain: Duty of care (E) Easy – fire trail, tracks, beaches etc. Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she (M) Medium – bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or damage to (R) Rough – much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles property. Each person acknowledges risk when they book on line (W) Wet – compulsory swims, many river crossings for walks, and sign the Club’s ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form at (X) Exploratory the start of a walk. Visitors are welcome to join trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the Club after a maximum of three trips. Booking Please book online using the 'Request a booking' button on the page For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org for each walk. Many walks have a booking deadline, and all leaders appreciate Check-in after walks receiving bookings several days ahead of the walk, rather than just a Before a trip, leaders should use the 'Submit Trip List' function day or two ahead. within 'Manage Bookings' to inform the Club's check-in officer of the If the type of walk is new for you, check with the leader about: names of their party. After the walk, leaders should use the 'Check- * the need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc. In' function, also within 'Manage Bookings', by 10 am the day after * appropriate clothing, footwear their trip to report their safe return or any incidents, and also email * any precautions you might need to take for severe weather a scanned copy of the Acknowledgment of Risks form to the Check-

in Officer, David Dedenczuk [email protected] In the event of a late return, worried relatives should contact the Equipment hire Check-in Officer, 0417 222 154,or the Walks Secretary, 6281 4917 or Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for 0474 507 259 in the first instance, not the Police or other bodies hire before lashing out on your own equipment. The Equipment Officer is Rob Horsfield, who can be contacted on 6231 4535(h). To Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise stated borrow the PLB, contact David Dedenczuk, Training and Safety

Officer: [email protected]

The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are Wednesday walks set out below. Hirers are responsible for collecting and returning Two walks one Medium/Easy and one Medium/Hard, are conducted the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for most Wednesdays. Walks are conducted in turn by leaders from the members who are ‘first time’ weekend walkers. Canberra Bushwalking Club (CBC), Brindabella Bushwalking Club (BBC – Peter [email protected] and Kathy A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, [email protected]) and National Parks Association ACT (NPA depending on the condition of the items upon return and whether - Mike S, 0412 179 907). Destination and meeting place details are they are returned late. emailed a few days before each walk. (BBC and NPA leaders as listed in the activity program). Item w.e./week Control your receipt of Wednesday Walk emails via your Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 membership profile. Contact John, co-ordinator of Wednesday Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 Walks, via [email protected] for Snow tent $15 / $40 general enquiries. If you are not a member of CBC, BBC or NPA you 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 must contact the leader before the walk to discuss the level of Assorted packs $5 / $15 difficulty and must be accompanied on the walk by a sponsoring Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 member. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any Snow shoes/poles $10 / $25 walker. Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions) GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use)

Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting and returning gear.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 14 Activity Program

Thu 15 Mar: Gavells Hut and Gang Gang Mountain - L/R/X After an early start and a long drive our walk commences at the locked gate on Boundary Trail just off the Highway. Along Boundary Trail and Gavells Hut Trail to Gavells Hut then the rest of the day off track through unknown vegetation which may be very scrubby for the last few kilometres. Brilliant vistas if the weather permits. At various stages of the walk we may have views to Mt Nungar then across the plain to the ACT mountains, Mt Tantangara, Tabletop, Jagungal, Lake Eucumbene and Adaminaby. For fit and reasonably quick walkers only. → 20+kilometres ↗ Approximately 800 ↘ Approximately 800 Limit: 8 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Mon 12 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 17 Mar: Rocks and ridge above Breakfast Creek - M/R/Part X Yankee Hat carpark - Franks Hut - ascent to the rocks and ridge above Breakfast Creek. Down a wooded spur to the Old Boboyan Rd and back to the carpark → ~14km ↗ ~400m Limit: 12 Leaders: Rob Horsfield, Jenny Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Sat 17 Mar: Toddlers Toddle - Red Hill glades - S/M A 400 metre circuit on gently-sloping grassy ground in Red Hill Nature Reserve, investigating logs, rocks and a tiny gully, designed for families with children up to around 4 years old. The spot is sheltered from most winds. Please be ready to start walking at 10.00am. We should be finished before noon. No need to book; all welcome. To reach the parking area, from the roundabout at the junction of Stonehaven Crescent and Gowrie Drive, Deakin, drive uphill. At the next junction take the right fork following the sign to Federal Golf Club. Continue for 1km and park in the pull-out area on the bend in Gowrie Drive, about 500 metres before you get to the entrance to the Federal Golf Club. See map. → 400 metres, 1.5 hours ↗ 10 metres ↘ 10 metres Leader: Linda Groom. No need to book. See online...

Sat 17 Mar: Naas River Valley and the flanks of the Clear Range - L/M From Caloola Farm, walk the Naas Valley fire trail, crossing the Naas River 16 times on our return journey. We climb 200m onto the flank of the Clear range via The Forest Trail. The walk is all on fire trails, except for short forays into the bush and over the river for geocaches. Around 25km and 700m climb. GC5H751 Six Streams, GC2BZHF Clear to Caloola: GORGEous? GC2J5HD Forgotten Gate, GC2J5HC Forgotten Views → 25 ↗ 700 Leader: John Evans. Book by: Thu 15 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 17 - Sun 18 Mar: - M/E This is a good introductory trip for day walkers who would like to try out overnight camping. It also provides an opportunity to climb Bimberi Peak (1913 metres), the highest peak in the ACT. We’ll depart Canberra at 1:00pm on Saturday and drive via Adaminaby to the locked gate at the northern end of Pockets Saddle Road. With overnight packs we’ll walk to Oldfields Hut where we'll camp overnight (3.5km). The next morning, with day packs only, we’ll take the trail to Murrays Gap (4.5km and 200 metres climb). We will ascend Bimberi Peak from Murrays Gap following a footpad to the summit (3.0km and 390 metres climb). Following morning tea with fabulous 360 degree views we’ll return along the same route back to Oldfields Hut for lunch and then back to the cars. Limit: 16 Leader: Gerald Dodgson. Book by: Thu 15 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

Mon 19 Mar: Toddlers Toddle - Nature Reserve - S/M A woodland circuit of around 500 metres to introduce pre-schoolers to off-track walking. We will explore logs and visit a small secret forest. No need to book. Meet at the top end of Fisher Street (off Duffy Street) Ainslie, ready for a 10am start→ 500 metres, 1.5 hours ↗ Less than 10 metres ↘ Less than 10 metres Leader: Jacqui Rosier. No need to book. See online...

Tue 20 Mar: Tarlo River National Park - L/R A long, mainly off-track walk, through open woodlands, to some interesting conglomerate outcrops. The walk is in the same area as the March 2017 trips, but the route differs. Some scrambling required to explore the rocks. → 19 kilometres ↗ 800 ↘ 800 Limit: 8 Leader: Ian Wright. Book by: Fri 16 Mar, 9:00pm. See online...

Wed 21 Mar: Pre-CBC Monthly Meeting Dinner, at the Canberra Irish Club - -/-/W Enjoy a good meal at the Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson St Weston. This dinner commences at 6pm, just before the CBC monthly meeting which is only two doors down, on the same side of the road. IF YOU INTEND TO COME PLEASE USE 'REQUEST A BOOKING' TO BOOK THIS ACTIVITY. → 90 minutes Limit: 40 Leader: Mark Peirce. Booking required. See online...

Wed 21 Mar: 7.30pm. CBC Monthly Meeting Weston Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson Street, Weston. Guest Speaker: Meg McKone: The Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.

Wed 21 Mar: Wednesday walk E/M - M/E BBC sponsored Leader: Kathy Handel. No need to book. See online...

Wed 21 Mar: Wednesday walk M/H - M/R BBC sponsored Leader: Peter Wellman. No need to book. See online...

Fri 23 - Sat 24 Mar: Naas Valley Fire Trail and Clear Range ride and stride - L/R/Part X On Friday afternoon we’ll drive to the Mt Clear camp ground and ride 9km via Demandering Hut to Horse Gully Hut and camp overnight. On Saturday we’ll ride and push bikes 500 vertical metres up the Left Hand Creek Fire Trail to the crest of the Clear Range. Ride a further 6km north plus 8km of walking to find geocaches. Return down to Horse Gully Hut and ride 4km north for another cache. Then ride back. Around 40km and 1000m climb over a day and a half. Geocaches GC3YZPX Demanding Ride, GC1H4DA Forgotten Summit, GC27GD4 Forgotten Valley, GC2BZH7 Clear to Caloola: The Precipice, GC2BZH5 Clear to Caloola: The Island → Around 40km over a day and a half ↗ Around 1000m climb over a day and a half Leader: John Evans. Book by: Wed 21 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

Mon 26 Mar: Toddlers Toddle - Reserve - S/M A walk designed for kids 18 months to 5 years each accompanied by a parent or grandparent. We will follow a track at the foot of Mt Majura until we reach smooth old fallen trees to climb on. Meet at 10am at the informal carpark at the gate marked, 'Clancy's Track' in Antill Street Watson. (Marked on the map. Google Maps address = Clancy's Walking Track, Antill Street; or see Canberra Street Directory, page 40). To reach the car park drive up a rise, on a gravel road parallel to Antill Street, for approx 100 metres. → 1.5 hours, a few hundred metres ↗ Less than 10 metres ↘ Less than 10 metres Leader: Cynthia Breheny. No need to book. See online... Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 16

Activity Program

Tue 27 Mar: Gourock and Dividing Ranges exploratory - M/R/Part X A mostly exploratory walk in the forest of the Gourock and Dividing Ranges, south of the Lowden Road in Tallaganda State Forest. One viewpoint from above huge granite boulders guaranteed, and we may find others. The forest ranges from the merely pleasant to the beautiful. There will also be one 'surprise feature'. Though this area abounds in tracks, we will try to avoid them. A 50 minute drive from Queanbeyan, the last 15 minutes on 2WD dirt road. → Approx 12 km ↗ 500 metres spread throughout the day ↘ 500 metres spread throughout the day Limit: 8 Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

Wed 28 Mar: Wednesday walk E/M - M/E CBC sponsored Leader: Jenny Horsfield. No need to book. See online...

Wed 28 Mar: Wednesday walk M/H - M/R NPA sponsored Leader: Mike Smith. No need to book. See online...

Fri 30 - Sat 31 Mar: Spur N by N/W of Mt Clear and Shanahans Falls Creek - M/R/Part X This is a reconnaissance for the 2018 Worn Boot Bash. Day 1 - Mt Clear campground - spur - Horse Gully Hut Day 2 - Hut - Shanahans Falls Creek - saddle - Mt Clear campground → Day 1 Distance 9km, climb ~ 300m; Day 2 Distance 9km, climb ~ 250m Leaders: Rob Horsfield, Jenny Horsfield. Book by: Wed 28 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

(Thu 29) Fri 30 Mar - Tue 3 Apr: Mt Colong, Mootik Walls, Kowmung River - M/R Experience the southern Blue Mountains from the basalt cap of Mt Colong to the casuarinas of the Kowmung River, with the sandstone cliffs of Mootik Plateau in between on this 4.25 day walk. Drive to Batsh Camp Thurs night. Day 1: From the junction of the Yerranderie Rd and the Mt Armour Fire Trail, walk to Colong Swamp and climb Mt Colong to camp near the spring. If it's been very dry, we will carry extra water 6kms to leave some at the base of Colong Pt for Day 2, and take some < 400 metres up to the summit for overnight. Day 2: From Tonalli Gap, traverse Mootik Walls and descend to camp near the Tonalli River. Day 3: Follow the FT to Mt Armour, then descend to a camp on the Kowmung River near Broken Point. Day 4: Climb Donnellys Ridge and camp near Colong Swamp. Day 5: Several km mainly flat walking back to the cars before lunch. Spectacular views and lovely campsites. Two crossings of the Kowmung R on Day 3 - wet feet, and possibly higher. Also on the CMW program. → Approx 56kms over 4.25 days ↗ Approx 1400 metres over 4 days ↘ Approx 1400 metres over 4 days Limit: 8 Leader: Meg McKone. Book by: Mon 26 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

Fri 30 Mar - Mon 2 Apr: Jagungal via Bluff Tarn - M/R/Part X A 4-day Easter walk, approaching Mt Jagungal by an unusual and scenic route. Day 1: We'll leave the cars beside the Snowy Plains Road at about Lat -36.19112 Long 148.55197 and head eastwards, though grassy valleys and old-growth forest to Little Doubtful Gap, then past Kidman’s hut to camp below or above the Burrungubuggee gorge. Day 2: Up a scrubby ridge, then across the grassy tops, to the small but beautiful Bluff Tarn, and on to a camp site probably on the banks of the Geehi River. Day 3: With day-packs, up Mt Jagungal (10km return from our camp site), and then with full packs back towards the Burrungubuggee. Day 4: walk out, retracing our steps of Day 1. Requires warm clothing, warm tents, and warm sleeping bags. Map shows Bluff Tarn. → Day 1: 12km. Day 2: 9km. Day 3: 17km. Day 4: 14km ↗ The main ascent is 700 metres from the cars to Jagungal, with some ups and downs en route ↘ main descent 700 metres, with some other ups and downs Limit: 8 Leader: Peter Conroy. Booking required. See online...

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Activity Program

Sat 31 Mar: Bimberi Peak (highest peak in ACT) - L/M Depart early from Canberra and Drive via Snowy Mountains Highway, Tantangara Rd and Pockets Saddle Rd to the gate at Gurrangorambla Creek. We will stop for a coffee and breakfast at Adaminaby. Walk the AAWT via Oldfields Hut to Murrays Gap and ascend Bimberi. Return the same. Around 22km and 800m climb. For fit and reasonably quick walkers only. → 22 Km ↗ 800 ↘ 800 Limit: 8 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Thu 29 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

Tue 3 Apr: Caoura Ridge, Morton National Park - L/R/X The walk starts on the Caoura Road, 21km southeast of Marulan. Most of the day will be off-track, following the cliff-top northeast from Bullan Gap above the Shoalhaven Gorge. We return to the cars through densely forested ridges and rainforest gullies in the catchment of Cumburmurra Creek, and then the Caoura Ridge Firetrail for 2km. The off-track walking requires some scrambling in steep, rocky, and scrubby terrain. → 16 km ↗ 750 ↘ 750 Limit: 8 Leader: Ian Wright. Book by: Fri 30 Mar, 9:00pm. See online...

(Tue 3) Wed 4 - Fri 6 Apr: Budawangs Track Maintenance - M/M Joint CBC/Shoalhaven Bushwalkers activity with NPWS. Helicopter-assisted track maintenance between Bibbenluke, Mt Cole, Styles Creek or Mt Houghton Caves, and The Vines. One night car camp near Little Forest Plateau/two nights camp out. Prior multi-day pack walking experience and reasonable fitness required. Priority given to participants in previous joint track maintenance activities, at NPWS’ request. Details of program, transport costs, maps, etc to be confirmed by NPWS. Limit: 6 Leader: Cynthia Burton. Book by: Fri 9 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

Wed 4 Apr: Wednesday walk BBC sponsored – E/M - M/E E-mail sent out prior to walk Leader: Leigh Hermann. No need to book. See online...

Wed 4 Apr: Wednesday walk, BBC sponsored – M/H - M/R E-mail to be sent prior to walk Leader: Peter Wellman. No need to book. See online...

Wed 4 Apr: Toddlers ascent of MacArthur Hill - S/M On this walk, designed for kids aged 18 months to around 4 years, we will climb a 'mountain' - MacArthur Hill in the Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserve. We'll head up a stony track, with detours to examine granite boulders and a climbing tree. The top of the hill is flattish, with some open sections with great views, and more granite to explore. No need to book. Non-members welcome, but if this your 3rd walk with the Club, please consider showing your support by joining. Park in or near the turning circle at the top of Rawlings Place, Fadden, ready to start walking at 10am. → 350 metres return, about 1.5 hours ↗ 30 metres ↘ 30 metres Leader: Linda Groom. No need to book. See online...

Sat 7 Apr: TNR Skyline Track south - L/R The Tidbinbilla Range crest divides into two walks and today we’ll do the southern section. Walk the Lyrebird Trail from Mountain Creek car park, climb 500vm to the Snowy Corner cairns, then south along the crest to Mt Domain and so down to Fishing Gap and Fishing Gap car park. Awesome views and some thick scrub. A short car shuttle. Around 12km and 950m climb. Participants should not object to route marking using tape (approved by TNR management). TNR open 7.30am-6pm. Sun shining 6.20am-5.50pm. → 12km ↗ 950m Limit: 8 Leaders: John Evans, Rob Horsfield. Book by: Thu 5 Apr, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

Sat 7 - Sun 8 Apr: Rock Flats - M/R/X A circuit to explore some of Namadgi's flats and frost hollows, in particular Rock Flats, a hidden plain beyond the top of Rendezvous Creek, fringed to the NW by a craggy ridge. After setting up a short car shuffle, we will leave the Orroral tracking station, climb about 300 vertical metres on the Granite Tors Track, then head off- track and west towards the frost hollow on an unnamed creek about 1km south of spot height 1466. Then across the top of Rendezvous Creek to Rock Flats; some thick scrub likely in this section. Are the splodges visible on Google Earth tarns or not? Camp on the fringe of the unnamed swamp about 600 metres SW of Rock Flats, at about 1460m altitude. Then SSE to another frost hollow and down to Rendezvous Creek via a pile of huge granite boulders at spot height 1406. Footpad and track back to the Nursery Swamp carpark. Walkers need prior experience in overnight trips and in walking for some hours in moderate to thick scrub. → Day 1: 10km in 8 hours. Day 2: 9km in 7.5 hours ↗ Day 1: 700 metres. Day 2: 200 metres ↘ Day 1: 150 metres Day 2: 650 metres Limit: 8 Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

Sun 8 Apr: Hills of Goorooyarroo - M/M This walk is within the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve to a trig station on the ACT/NSW border. Before Old Joe we will take a short walk to Burnt Stump Hill to enjoy the view. After we reach the Goorooyarroo Track we will follow it in a northerly direction for a couple of kilometres (skirting Old Joe) before turning off track to approach the trig from the north-east. After morning tea on the summit we will head west to re-join the Goorooyarroo Track. After climbing Sammys Hill we will head back to the cars. About one third of this walk is off-track through grasslands and open wooded areas. About 12km and a total climb of 350m. We will be home in time for lunch. → 12km ↗ 350 ↘ 350 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Fri 6 Apr, 2:00pm. See online...

Wed 11 Apr: Wednesday walk M/H - M/R CBC sponsored. E-mail to be sent prior to walk. Leader: Linda Groom. No need to book. See online...

Wed 11 Apr: Wednesday walk, Easy-Medium - M/- CBC sponsored. E-mail to be sent prior to walk Leader: Lorraine Tomlins. No need to book. See online...

Sat 14 Apr: Bundanoon - Buchanans Lookout - Christmas Creek - M/M From Bundanoon we follow partly overgrown tracks to Buchanans Lookout and other rarely visited clifftop viewpoints, before descending into the beautiful, dark and mossy rainforest of Christmas Creek. We may also see some relics of mining days. Return the same way. There are many undulations but no major climbs; the biggest is 80m at the end. → 14km ↗ 500 m (sum of many small climbs) ↘ 500 m (sum of many small descents) Leader: Jeff Bennetts. Book by: Thu 12 Apr, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 14 - Sun 15 Apr: Main Creek - S/R/Part X A circuit to explore the beautiful cliff-base scenery, rain forests and rocky creeklines of Yerriyong State Forest. We will start at the corner of the Rosewood Fire Trail, drop quickly through the cliff line by a known, straightforward route, into magnificent turpentine forest, then head east along the cliff base past isolated sandstone outcrops covered in moss and monkey vines, then drop to a fire trail to take us most of the way down to Main Creek. Day 2 will be up Main Creek, up a scrubby ridge then a bit more cliff base scenery. Short distances, but a strenuous walk, requires previous experience of M/R grade walks. → About 6km per day in 6 hours ↗ Main ascent 300 metres on day 2 ↘ Main descent 300 metres on Day 1 Limit: 8 Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

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Activity Program

Sat 14 - Sun 15 Apr: S24C#2 - Max & Berts Hut - M/M/W An afternoon stroll from Caloola Farm along Naas Valley Fire Trail crossing the Naas River seven times (10km). From the fire trail it is 1.5km footpad to Max & Berts Hut. A morning return by the same route. Ideal bush break for busy people. Suitable as an overnight pack trip for beginners. Leader: Sean Sunley. Book by: Wed 11 Apr, 6:00pm. See online...

(Fri 13) Sat 14 - Sun 15 Apr: Opera House & The Sentinel - L/R/Part X Travel to Jindabyne Friday evening; bunk room accommodation overnight. On Saturday, depart Charlotte Pass to Club Lake, over to Lake Albina, then down Lady Northcote canyon to Opera House Hut where we spend the night. On Sunday, ascend The Sentinel via its main ridge (rough, 900m climb), then via Blue Lake back to the cars. → 16 to 18km ↗ 1500 ↘ 1500 Limit: 8 Leader: Rowan Peck. Book by: Wed 7 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 14 Apr: Toddlers Toddle - Gossan Hill Nature Reserve - S/M A walk of about 400 metres return designed for families with pre-school kids. We'll explore a gully with lots of interesting rocks. No need to book - non-members welcome, though if this is your third walk as a non- member, it's time to join. Meet in the green space between no. 7 and no. 17 Mugglestone Place, Bruce, ready for a 10am departure. Should be finished before noon. Park on the nature strip. → 1.5 hours, 400 metres ↗ About 25 metres ↘ About 25 metres Leader: Lisa Quilter. No need to book. See online...

Wed 18 Apr: Wednesday walk BBC sponsored – E/M - M/E E-mail to be sent prior to walk. Leader: Kathy Handel. No need to book. See online...

Wed 18 Apr: Wednesday walk, BBC sponsored – M/H - M/R E-mail to be sent prior to walk. Leader: Peter Wellman. No need to book. See online...

Wed 18 April: 7.30pm. CBC Monthly Meeting Weston Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson Street, Weston. Guest Speakers: Mac Kirby and Cynthia Burton – Walking the AAWT

Thu 19 Apr: Queanbeyan River & Spring Creek Gorge - M/R/X From the day use area on Woolcara Lane, climb 150 metres through glades and scrub to the trig on Corner Hill, then descend 200m to the large pool on the Queanbeyan River. Then upstream, mostly about 50 metres above the river with views of its pools and rapids, to the junction of Spring Creek. The creek has a small interesting gorge and several cascades. Return to the cars via ridge tops. About 11km and 400m climb, some rock scrambling and loose sloping ground but at a moderate pace, mostly forest with light scrub, and a few patches of thick scrub. The water quality in the river is similar to the Murrumbidgee’s. A one hour drive from Queanbeyan, suitable for larger 2WDs. → 11km ↗ 400m Limit: 8 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Tue 17 Apr, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 21 - Sun 22 Apr: Mt Banks and Mt Solitary (Blue Mountains) - M/R Two wonderful walks to iconic Blue Mountains peaks over two days. We will likely do the shorter easier Mt Banks on the first day and the harder longer Mt Solitary on the Sunday. This will however depend on weather. Mt Solitary is a five hour 14km walk involving clambering over sandstone. 400m ascent. Therefore this is a walk for fit walkers only. → 14km, 5 hours ↗ 400 Leader: David Dedenczuk. Book by: Mon 16 Apr, 2:00pm. See online... Canberra Bushwalking Club it March 2018 page 20

Activity Program

Sat 21 Apr: The Highs and Lows of Booroomba Rocks - M/R The Booroomba Rocks cliff top is a great vantage point, with views over Blue Gum Creek to Blue Gum Hill and further into Canberra. But what lies above and below? We’ll follow the footpad north-east to SH1353 above the northern buttress, then return to the central cliff and enjoy the easy scramble south-west up over granite slabs through SH1372 to SH1396. A great spot for morning tea. We’ll then descend and take another easy pad (with a scramble or two) beneath the southern buttress of Booroomba Rocks. Grand views up the monstrous cliff faces where rock climbers ascend. Returning the way we came, we’ll then descend the Middle Rocks area. This is below the cliff top view point and, although there is a little exposure below, the footpad is indeed wide and easy. It’s quite a thrill to get down under the northern buttress with its massive cliffs. We return the same way, huffing and puffing slowly up across Booroomba’s Middle Rocks. Scene-ed out, we’ll walk back down to the Booroomba Rocks car park on the walking track. → 9km ↗ 600 ↘ 600 Limit: 12 Leader: John Evans. Book by: Thu 19 Apr, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 21 Apr: A walk through history in the Orroral Valley - S/E Meet at the Orroral River campground just inside and walk approx. 4km on a well made track into the Orroral Valley, passing signage that interprets the settlement history of this beautiful valley. After afternoon tea at the homestead with a talk by local historian Jenny Horsfield we return to the cars the same way. A Heritage Festival event in collaboration with MOTH (Minders of Tuggeranong Homestead) → 8km Limit: 25 Leader: Jenny Horsfield. Book by: Thu 19 Apr, 2:00pm. See online...

Sun 22 Apr: Corin Dam to Mt Gingera - L/M We'll walk up Stockyard Spur, follow the trail to Mt Franklin Rd then the footpad up to Mt Gingera, returning the same way. This walk is all on tracks but the climb up Stockyard Spur is long and steep. → 20km ↗ 1200m Limit: 12 Leader: Lisa Quilter. Booking required. See online...

(Sun 22) Mon 23 - Wed 25 Apr: KNP 2100+m Hills - L/R Joint CBC/CWBC trip. Leave Canberra Sunday evening, stay in Jindabyne overnight. On Monday depart from Charlottes Pass and top as many 2100m+ peaks as the group can manage, and weather allows. Camp at Wilkinsons Creek 1st night, and at Cootapatamba Hut 2nd night. ANZAC day dawn breakfast at Cootapatamba Hut. Traverse and Etheridge ranges before returning to cars Wednesday pm for drive home. Route will vary based on weather and group. In 2017, we topped them all - let's see if we can do it again! → 55km ↗ 2100 ↘ 2100 Limit: 8 Leader: Rowan Peck. Booking required. See online...

Wed 25 Apr: Toddlers Toddle - Aranda bushland - S/M This circuit of about 400 metres is designed for families with toddlers who are keen to explore the natural world. The circuit includes some flat open grassland, a wide gully with climbable banks, and shady forest with big old logs to walk along. No need to book. Meet, ready to start at 9.45am; should be finished by 11.30am. The nearest Google Maps address to the meeting point is ‘Black Mountain Reserve Car Park’; we will meet about 100 metres south west of that, near a stile that leads over the fence into the Aranda Bushland, on the quiet connector road that forms part of a triangle in the Glenloch Interchange. Map shows meeting point. If you can't see a sign 'Aranda snow gums' and a stile, you're in the wrong carpark. → 400 metres, 1.5 hours ↗ Less than 10 metres ↘ Less than 10 metres Leader: Diana Kirby. No need to book. See online...

Wed 25 Apr: Wednesday walk, Easy-Medium - M/E E-mail to be sent prior to walk Leader: Robert Dewar. No need to book. See online...

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Activity Program

Wed 25 Apr: Wednesday walk, NPA sponsored. Medium-Hard - M/R E-mail to be sent prior to walk Leader: Mike Smith. No need to book. See online...

(Tue 24) Wed 25 - Sun 29 Apr: Blue Breaks - Blue Mountains National Park - M/R/X We will start from Yerranderie and walk up through Tonalli Pass which has extensive views of the Burragorang Walls, Yerranderie Peak and Mt Colong. From here we will drop into Lacys Creek and walk downstream through the large stands of Blue Gums and then further on some wonderful river flats. We will then climb up onto Tonalli Tableland for splendid views back into the Lacys Creek valley. Then it is across to Burragorang Peak for some close-up views of the Wanganderry Walls and then we will head to Clump Hill Head and Tonalli Peak for more great views before descending to the Tonalli River and returning to Yerranderie. Limit: 6 Leader: Melinda Brouwer. Book by: Fri 20 Apr, 2:00pm. See online...

Fri 27 Apr: Gudgenby Meadows - M/M Looking for a walk in the school holidays? Join us on this circuit in the Gudgenby grasslands, suitable for active families with kids aged 7 and up, and for agile baby-wearing parents. From the Rendezvous Creek car park, south and up 100 vertical metres to a knoll (the main climb of the day), then along a gentle grassy ridge and round to a small hanging swamp where Pheasants Creek enters the grasslands. Mostly off-track short grass or tussock, some grassy track, one gently sloping granite dome and two optional steeper granite outcrops. Map shows our approx lunch spot. In this open country, even a little elevation provides great views of the Gudgenby Valley and its surrounding peaks. Meet at Kambah Shops, in the carpark nearest Marconi Crescent (opposite the petrol station), ready for a prompt 8.30am departure, after which it is a 45 minute drive, all on sealed road. Non-members welcome but if this is your 3rd walk with the Club it's time to show your support by joining. → 11 kilometres, about 4 hours actual walking at the pace of a 7 year-old ↗ 150 metres ↘ 150 metres Leader: Linda Groom. No need to book. See online...

Sat 28 Apr: Billy Billy Rocks Cross Over - M/R Party 1 start at Fishing Gap fire trail, up and around base of Billy Billy Rocks, exit east on track to Corin Dam Road. Climb ~ 600m, distance ~5km. Party 2: Reverse of 1, descent of 600m. Two parties rendezvous at western end of Billy Billy Rocks Leaders: Rob Horsfield, Jenny Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Sat 28 - Sun 29 Apr: Sub 29 hours: pack walk to Max and Berts Hut - M/E/W Overnight walk from Caloola Farm to Max and Berts Hut. 11km mostly on fire trail but last km through the bush. There will be crossings of Naas River so could be a bit wet. Camping outside Max and Berts Hut so bring a tent. Notice this walk is sub 29 hours. Leave from Tuggeranong around 10am. Expected return around 3pm the next day. Walk may have to start earlier and finish later depending on level of Naas River. → around 27 hours ↗ approximately 300 metres ↘ approximately 300 metres Limit: 16 Leader: Tim Wright. Book by: Thu 26 Apr, 8:00pm. See online...

Sun 29 Apr: Settlers Track and beyond - L/M Starting at Brayshaws Hut we’ll walk the first section of the Settlers Track to Waterhole Hut, then leave the track and make our way up Grassy Creek. We will get onto the Bobeyan Divide and see several of Harry Mouat’s border survey marks dating from 1915, then make our way back down the valley to Westermans Homestead, and back to Brayshaws. → 17km ↗ 300 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Fri 27 Apr, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

Fri 4 May: Toddlers Toddle Mulligans Woodland - S/M A circuit in the woodland of Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, designed for kids who have started walking, and pre-schoolers. We will walk about 400 metres through pleasant, mostly-open Eucalypt forest with a leaf-litter floor. This Toddle has more than the usual number of balancing logs to try, and has some shelter if it's a windy day. No need to book. The meeting point is the dirt car park on the north side of Mulligans Flat road, about 140 metres east of the roundabout at the junction of Mulligans Flat Road and Henry Williams Street, on the outskirts of the suburb of Bonner. → 400 metres, 1 to 1.5 hours ↗ Less than 5 metres ↘ Less than 5 metres Leader: Linda Groom. No need to book. See online...

(Fri 4) Sat 5 - Mon 7 May: Cloudmaker, 100 Man and 1000 Man Caves - L/M Drive to Kanangra Friday evening. From Kanangra Walls, we follow the scenic ridgeline to Mt Cloudmaker and on to 100 Man Cave where we will camp for two nights enjoying the ambience of this great spot. On Day 2 we will do a relaxed day walk over Ti Willa Plateau to 1000 Man Cave. On Day 3, we return to Kanangra Walls, enjoying the spectacular views in the opposite direction. You will need to carry at least 2 litres water on Days 1 and 3. Bring a light day pack for Day 2. → Eight-nine hour days on Days 1 and 3. ↗ 800 metres each on Days 1 and 3. ↘ 800 metres each on Days 1 and 3. Limit: 8 Also on the CMW program. Leader: Meg McKone. Book by: Wed 2 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 5 May: Hill above Blue Gum Creek - L/R There are 3 geocaches – GC1VDD3, GC1VDD1 and GC1VDD2 – in the hill 400m above the Georges Creek FT ford of Blue Gum Creek. It will be a very long and tough day, over 20km of walking. Mainly along track but still lots of scrub and rocks on the hill. There are also some awesome granite features on the top. → 20 +km ↗ 650 ↘ 650 Limit: 8 Leader: Roger Edwards. Book by: Thu 3 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Sun 13 May: Padral Road to Mount Coree - L/R Walking on the ACT border straight line off Pabral Road. Hiking up to Pabral Road from Blundells Flat, then SW through the top of Musk Creek towards Mount Coree. This is very rough country with strong regrowth and will involve some scrambling near Mount Coree. Return via roads → Up to 13km ↗ 600m climb. Leader: David Dedenczuk. Book by: Thu 10 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Tue 15 - Mon 28 May: Janet’s Final Fourth Flinders Ranges Foray This trip is now full and there is already a wait list. Thank you for your interest. Enjoy walking and driving in the beautiful Flinders Ranges and Heysen Trail within the Mt Remarkable and the Wilpena National Parks in SA. Tuesday 15th May arrive at Melrose for 6 nights. Day walks include Dutchmans Stern, Alligator Gorge, Hidden Gorge, and Mt Remarkable. On the rest day, explore Melrose or drive to the Pt Augusta Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. Monday 21st May drive north to Rawnsley Park campground for 7 nights. Day walks include climbing steep and rough Rawnsley Bluff for stunning views of the Wilpena Pound, sightseeing and walking in Aroona Valley, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, Blinman Pools, Wilpena Pound lookouts, along Blacks Gap to Wilpena Pound. Plus a rest day, which you will need after climbing a steep rocky track 700m to St Mary Peak! On Monday 28th, return to Canberra, full of the colours of the Flinders Ranges - its gorges, valleys and hills. There will be an information evening late in March 2018. Please email your expression of interest by 1st November. A joint CBC/BBC activity. Grading: M/M to L/R Leader: Janet Duncan. Booking required. See online...

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Activity Program

Sat 26 - Sun 27 May: Max and Berts Hut - M/R Day 1 - Boboyan Road - Dry Creek - Booth Range - hut. Around 400m climb, descend ~400m. Distance ~ 8km Day 2 - return same way → 8km per day Leaders: Rob Horsfield, Jenny Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Wed 13 Jun: M/H Wednesday Walk - Devils Peak - M/R/X Walk along fire trails and through forest to knoll to SE of Devils Peak and to Devils Peak itself. Return through forest and fire trails. Leader: Tim Wright. No need to book. See online...

Sat 30 Jun - Sat 21 Jul: Pyrenees Haute Route - L/M Nineteen days of walking on the famed Pyrenees High Route on the border of France and Spain, from Lescun to Bagneres-de-Luchon. Stunning alpine scenery. Walking on signposted trails from refuge to refuge, carrying light camping gear as a back-up. Mostly buying meals in the refuges, though occasionally we may have to carry 1 or 2 days of food. Maximum altitude: 2983m. Expressions of interest welcome prior to 14th February via 'Send Booking Request'; please describe your experience in multi-day walks. → 19 days of walking, including 4 days for rest or climbing nearby peaks ↗ Up to 1500m per day ↘ Up to 1500m per day Limit: Limit applies Leader: Karen Cody. Book by: Wed 14 Feb, 2:00pm. See online...

(Wed 18) Thu 19 - Sun 29 Jul: West MacDonnells NP: Hugh Gorge area and Mount Razorback area - M/R/Part X These dates are approx. Two off-track walks, 11 days total. 1. Hugh Gorge area (7 days): walk up Hugh Gorge to the "Macrozamia Amphitheatre" and explore the peaks at the NW end of the Gorge; head W along the northern side of the Chewings Range; cross to the southern side at "Pyramid Gorge" (including "Spiral Canyon"); explore other gorges on the way back to Hugh Gorge. 2. Mt Razorback area (4 days): From Redbank Gorge, walk to the SE creek off Razorback and set up a base camp in an attractive gorge with an excellent pool nearby; a day circuit of Razorback summit and the lower ridge to the E; another day trip to explore the full length of the SE gorge and its major tributaries; return to Redbank Gorge. Beautiful gorges and panoramic views. Spinifex, rocky ground, some very steep slopes, rock scrambling, but at a moderate pace with the majority of days being fairly short. For experienced multi-day pack walkers who don't mind a bit of exposure when climbing. Stoves only. Bookings close 4 March. Limit: Eight. Also on the CMW program Leader: Meg McKone. Book by: Sun 4 Mar, 2:00pm. See online...

Wed 5 - Sat 29 Sep: 17 Days Walking Trip in Slovenia and Croatia in Sept 2018 - L/M We are aware that walkers of the Canberra and Brindabella Bushwalking Clubs are a fit bunch and like to plan ahead so Terrylea R and Janet D are planning an overseas walking trip in Slovenia and Croatia next year 2018 for your consideration. We intend staying at the towns of Ribcev Laz, Kransky Gora and then Bled in Slovenia and from these towns do approximately 14 day walks using public transport, where necessary. Walkers can do more walks if weather permits but we've also allowed for 3 rest days. From here we plan to travel to the Plitivice Lakes National Park, Croatia for 3 days of walks, staying in cabins. Interested members should be fit (ie Medium-Hard Wednesday walks fitness level), know basic first aid and willing to possibly lead some of the walks. Further details will be posted out in 2018 including dates and early costings. Please note that numbers will be limited and, if necessary, a wait list will be established. Please use 'Request a booking' to express interest, and add any comments e.g. 'Very interested but depends on ...' in the Comments box. Limit: Numbers will be limited. Leader: Janet Duncan. Book by: Wed 28 Feb, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

(Thu 6) Sat 8 - Fri 21 Sep: Granite Belt National Parks, NSW and Qld - M/M/Part X Car camping with day and optional overnight walks in Sundown, Girraween, and Boonoo Boonoo NPs. I plan to do two 3 day walks, one in Sundown and one in Girraween. Beautiful rivers, big waterfalls, huge granite tors, spring flowers. See article in December 2017 IT for more detail about the country. The three day walk in Sundown NP will be partly exploratory for the leader and may entail some wading in the river. Leader: Meg McKone. Book by: Sun 1 Jul, 2:00pm. See online...

(Fri 12) Sat 13 - Sun 14 Oct: Murrumbidgee Jugiong to Gundagai - L/- Paddling the Murrumbidgee from Jugiong to Gundagai. We will travel to Jugiong on Friday evening and camp there. Early am we will complete a car shuffle to the end point then paddle about 41km on Saturday (8 hours), followed by a shorter 25km day on Sunday. Some grade 1 rapids. → About 65km paddling (from Wee Jasper direction, 35km + 30km) Limit: 16 Leader: Rowan Peck. Booking required. See online...

Main Creek –Yerriyong State Forest. Linda Groom is revisiting this area on 14-15 April.

Photo: Meredith Hatherly

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ActivityBBulletinulletin Program B Boardoard

The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if people participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance. Notices for the Bulletin Board should be emailed to the Walks Secretary [email protected]

Back Copies of WILD Magazine I have about 50 copies of the Australian WILD Magazine dating from 1998 to 2011 when I stopped my subscription. WILD magazine provides great bushwalking articles, track notes, gear reviews and lots of related topics. If anyone in the Club is interested in them I am happy to give them away. John Hall Mobile 0413 590 749 Email: [email protected]

Invitation to 2018 NSW and ACT Ski-Orienteering Championship, Perisher Valley, Nordic Shelter, 12th August 2018, Starting 9.30am This event forms part of XC Ski week (www.perisherxcountry.org ) with the start in front of the beautiful Nordic Shelter at Perisher. Everyone who loves or dreams of trying Skiing or Orienteering, will be able to take an opportunity to combine both skills and to take part. It is the only Ski-O event in Australia and among the only few in the Southern Hemisphere. There will be three types of events: Ski-Orienteering (Individual), Short (about 2.5km), Middle (about 5km) and Long (about 7.5km); Snogaine (teams of 2-3); and Family Treasure-Hunt (adults with kids). Entry fees apply. Please register through Eventor starting April 2018; non-orienteers are welcome to register at Eventor too or to send registration to [email protected]. Inquiries to David Poland [email protected]

Trekking in the Indian Himalaya: Ladakh-Zanskar traverse and mountains, forests and meadows of Garhwal (Note: this trip has been very substantially revised since my last notice.) I am planning an extended trekking trip in the Indian Himalaya in August-September, using a local trekking agency. The trip will comprise two stages; participants can undertake both or either of these stages. The first stage is a three-week trek across a large swathe of Ladakh and Zanskar, crossing several high passes and encompassing some of Ladakh/Zanskar's most spectacular scenery. It finishes at the Leh-Manali Road, and we will then have a number of rest days in the hill stations of Manali and Shimla and in the attractive Sangla Valley in Kinnaur district. The second stage is a 14-day trek in the Garhwal region of Uttarkhand state, linking two walking routes - the very scenic Rupin Pass and Har Ki Dun treks - and ending with a crossing of Bali Pass, down to the holy Hindu site of Yamunotri. The first stage is demanding and requires a high level of fitness; the second stage is an easier trek, though the two days spent crossing Rupin Pass and Bali Pass will be more demanding. If you think you might be interested in either or both parts of this trip, I have prepared a detailed information sheet that I can forward. Ian Turland, email [email protected]; tel 0452-110-212. As I will be travelling during March and the first half of April and may not always have immediate access to my emails, I suggest you also direct emails to [email protected], my brother's email address.

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