THE SCROLL

Newsletter of the Canoe and Bushwalking Club

Web:- manningcanoebushwalk.wordpress.com email:- [email protected]

P.O. Box, 243 Wingham 2429 ISSUE: March 2015

STATION CREEK – Geoff Songberg

Annual General Meeting: 6:00pm 2 July 2015, Ireland’s home -

President: Greg Stewart Treasurer: Dennis Mitchell 6552 3338 Secretary: Mick O’Brien 6551 2531 [email protected] Editor/ Publicity: Stuart Ireland 6552 6574 [email protected]

Minutes from General Meeting 6 /3/2015

Meeting opened at 6:00pm. Attendance: Mick O’Brien, Stuart Ireland, Jenny Ireland, Chris Dennis, Geoff Songberg, Greg Stewart, Pam Finlay, Bob Finlay, Geoff Martin, Apologies: Murray Bourke, Chris Marriott, Annelie Johansson-Riley, Grahame Enright, Louise Enright, Chris Stewart,

General Meeting Business: * Activities calendar complied for the next 3 months. * The next meeting (Annual General Meeting) to be held at Ireland’s home on 2 July. * Discussion of future trips in 2016 and 2017.

TRIP REPORTS

KHAPPINGAT CREEK - December 7 2014

Seven of us set off along Old Soldiers Road to reach Magpie Creek. We paddled down into the Khappinghat Creek which is the upper reaches of Saltwater Lagoon. The entrance to the lagoon was closed so the creek level was very high with the road to the boat ramp being under water. We set off paddling down the roadway. The weather was great which helped to make it a very pleasant day. We travelled down as far as Duckhole Gully and we had a break and a walk around as well as a snack. We then returned up Khappinghat Creek and then paddled up the other direction from where Magpie Creek joins the Khappinghat. We went as far as our canoes and kayaks could reach. The creek closed in and the trees were overhanging the water. This made for a very sheltered and pleasant paddle. Some kingfishers were seen along the way. A great day was spent exploring the waterways.

ALWORTH TO BORAL PADDLE - December 14 2014

Janusz, Greg & Wendy started out from Alworth Village approx. 8.30am paddling upstream on an outward tide ……. yes, way up there is still tide affected! Finding our way through to paddling depth water was a bit of a challenge in a few spots but we managed O.K. The 10a.m wee stop found us at a beautiful lagoon right beside the river with a water level higher than the river! Here-on in meandering through farmlands, not a lot of bird life but an interesting rock wall over-looked by Wendy as “an interestingly even, natural rock bank” until Greg took more interest!! Large stone steps partially hidden by lantana took us to the top where a plaque bore the fact it had been a wharf (nice bit of rock work though!) built in 1831 by ‘The Australian Agricultural Company’. Obviously the river had been deep enough for boat services to the area. Greg & Janusz managed against the tide, up a few rugged rapids, while Wendy stumbled through on foot! A nice paddle in a quiet backwater area bought to a lunch spot just west of the Boral Bridge before paddling back to the starting point & out of the river by approx. 3.30pm. A good day which possibly could have been better on an incoming tide before riding it back out. Wendy

MURRUMBIDGEE KAYAK TRAIL - February 9 - 15, 2015

The original plan was to undertake the paddle in 8 days with two short days of about 15km each. The first short day being after the car shuffle to Wagga as it took until a late lunch to return. With only a few hours left in the day it was not wise to try for the 40 kilometre first stretch in what remained of the day. The river was flowing so fast that it was difficult to slow the paddle rate down. As we reached the end point of day 5 for lunch and with the heat of the day plus the camp site not being all that pleasant we drifted for the afternoon to the next site, thus reducing the paddle by one day. In reality the river was flowing so fast that we could have done the trip in 4 days by camping at convenient places along the bank of which there were many.

2 Day 1: Jugiong to Mick’s mate mate’s place. It was a happy band of seven that sat around at breakfast by the river at Jugiong recreation reserve. The camping ground was pleasant and we had all enjoyed a thoroughly delicious meal at the Jugiong Motor Inn the night before. River levels were a good height with a nice flow of about 8km/h. We had been warned by the owner of the Motor Inn that a lone kayaker had come to grief on the section below Jugiong 2 days earlier, lost his boat and all valuables and had to get a lift into town with the local farmer. However the mood was good and we were keen to get on the river. Mick was still in Gundagai with his long time mate Mick. The boys arranged the car shuffle to Wagga and Vera, Jen, Dennis and I wandered around Jugiong and had a delicious morning coffee at the renowned Long Track Café up the road….highly recommended! The boys came back a little later than anticipated, but

after a quick lunch we were on the river and ready to roll. The water was swift and with all the warnings given to us the previous night I admit I was a little apprehensive whenever the flow went close to the long trailing willow branches on a bend. At one point I was concentrating on my stroke in swirling water when a platypus hunched and dove just near my paddle. It was a wonderful experience and there many more platypus sightings on the trip indicating that the river is relatively healthy. The river was scenic at this higher point in its travels and the need to negotiate flows and choose the route resulted in an interesting and enjoyable paddle. Vera very capably went ahead to choose the route all afternoon and there were no mishaps. The first night was spent at Mick’s mate mate’s place. Chris

Day 2 Mick’s mate mate’s place to Sandy Falls Day two had us with a leisurely start at 9:30am. We moved along at a pretty fast pace as the river was flowing at about 7km per hour. After an hour and a half we stopped for morning tea as the pace was so fast. As the day was warming up we paddled until we came to a nice natural harbour where we stopped for lunch. There was plenty of dead timber washed up. There was good shade to relax under. After lunch the following wide died and we had to work a little harder through hotter longer pools. There were a few interesting small races to make the day more interesting. Some water did come in over the front of the canoe. The river banks had plenty of river red gums and they all seemed to be full of

3 cockatoos and corellas. We paddled under the Adjungbilly Bridge and took a short break to stretch legs and backs. The river split around a small island and we followed the right hand channel keeping an eye out for the reserve as the GPS told us we were getting close. It was a lovely camp spot right next to the river on a gravelly beach with lots of shade from willow trees. Everyone enjoyed swimming and reading before dinner.

Day 3 Sandy Falls to Gundagai. Stuart’s early morning exploration found some fig trees loaded with fruit and untouched by the birds. Vera picked a good supply to take with us for the day. Later that morning we came upon a very large wedgetail sitting in a tree and it was quite undisturbed by us paddling by. We took our first morning tea at the junction of the Tumut and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Very clear water was coming out of the . Stuart had a quick fish and had a cod follow the lure up but it was not interested in getting on the line. At the lunch break three kayakers paddled past on a day trip to Gundagai. We continued on to Mick’s mate’s place where he had mown the grass on the river bank for us. This was agreed by all to be the best campsite that we stayed at on this trip. Most of us lazed around swimming, reading, fishing and drinking cups of tea while Mick and Greg walked into town to visit the local watering hole. They arrived later in a taxi bearing beer for all. It was very nice too! We sat on the bank and watched a platypus frolicking in the water in front of us.

Day 4 Gundagai to Limekilns Sunday the 8th. The Dam Gods were smiling, and they continued to let heaps of water into to river, we had 30 KLM (our longest day so far) ahead of us. We had less tricky bits of the river as it headed into the wide floodplains of the valley. As we paddled under the two old historic bridges at Gundagai we waved to two people having a cuppa in front of their caravan. They looked suitably unimpressed with our massive adventure. With a little scouting we found a spot for first morning tea and another at elevenz,s for Stuart. On our paddle we were greeted with curious cattle and sheep and the occasional farmer working on their pumps. By lunch time the predicted hot day was upon us, some of us paddled along the edge of the river looking for shade. This took more concentration as we had to look out for fallen trees and snags. I grew up on the Peterson River, the sight and smell of the Willows reminded me of many good times from the past. Our camp site had steep banks so it was hard work getting the boats up to higher ground. By this time the temp was in the high 30's, our troop did that age old thing of follow the shade and took numerous dips in the river to cool off. Finally the sun went down and we all went to bed with the chooks. Thanks everyone for a great trip. Greg

Day 5 Limekilns to Green Flat Reserve It was pleasant to be packing up in the shade of the trees after such a hot afternoon the previous day. It was a bit of a scramble getting the boats into the water down a steep bank. We had a very hot day and were sticking close to the shady banks. We had planned to paddle to Wantabadgery which was about a 30km trip. We arrived there at lunch time and ate lunch in the picnic shelter. After checking out the campground we agreed that it was uninspiring so we decided it was cooler on the river and the decision was made to paddle another fifteen km to Green Flat Reserve. This proved to be a good choice as the campground was shaded and grassy with good views over the river.

Day 6 Green Flat Reserve to Oura Beach 4 After the gruelling previous day of 41km the 27km set down for today would be a walk in the park, if we were walking. So as to not go too fast we threatened to tie a rock to Mick’s boat so he would be forced to slow down a little on his previous pace the day before. That way us, lay back, leg stretch each and every hour, paddlers could take in the scenery. Not that the scenery was changing all that much. As the hills which we had been going through early on in the trip had receded across the plains there was mostly steep banks on either side covered in river gums. Occasionally the bank would flatten out and we would stop for that obligatory leg stretch. The day looked like it was to be much the same as the previous day, but slower. After a leisurely breakfast, so as not to start too early, Stuart had another wrestle with his crocodile log just to arrange it to the best advantage in getting in. Although this time he did not end up completely in the water. Thanks Stu for the stepping stone (log) across the muddier section of the bank. So off we set out again amongst the plains in search of a few hills. Although the river seemed as though it had flattened out the current was still pushing us along at about 5km an hour and with the occasional dip of the paddle in the water we still averaged around 7km an hour. At this rate it would be an easy four hours to the next camp, time for a rest stop. After about the first hour it did look like we were heading into some hills but the river did a 180 and we headed away again. Just for a little entertainment, and to lengthen the trip, we did take the long road around an island for a short stretch. The detour lengthened the trip by a whopping 800 metres. So much for the little entertainments. With the river much calmer than the first day there were very few snags and little to worry us from trees overhanging into the current. The whole river was current and easy to drift along. Hope no one drifted off to sleep, but no one ran into the bank so I guess that everyone was just watching the banks drift by. Even with the hourly half hour rest stops the finish line for the day, Oura Beach reserve, appeared around the corner by mid afternoon. The reserve was quite spread out but there was a small flat area overlooking the river where bollards kept vehicles from running us over during the night. After setting up it didn’t take too long for us to become a bit of a side attraction. Did you bring all that gear in the boats? How did you get it to all fit in? You have been on the river for six days? How do you carry enough food and how do you manage to keep it? Green flat the night before sounded so peaceful. We had thought of going on to the next reserve but the site wasn’t all bad.

Day 7 Oura Beach to Wagga Wagga The last day. Somehow to the amazement of some we managed to fit that seemingly mountain of equipment into the boats and were off down the river in good order. The next reserve was checked out for future reference but the lower level was a flood scoured rough sand bar complete with half buried car bodies and the upper level, where grass might have grown, having been chewed up by vehicles. Not very pleasant. So on with the drift paddle rest drift paddle rest procedure for eating up the least amount of kilometres in the longest period of time. However it didn’t seem like that long before the trappings of civilization became very noticeable, the closer we got to Wagga. There was even the odd marker for the fishing competition which we had heard was scheduled for next weekend. It was timely then that we were a day ahead and would be off the river before all the power boats started. With an even shorter distance today than yesterday we had to find excuses not to get there. With the first car bridge of 5 the eastern outskirts of Wagga in view it looked like we were going to get there by lunch. But the distance suggested a leisurely 45 minute paddle so rather than a late lunch yet another stop was carried out for another stretch and lunch. This section of the river bank was obviously well patronised by the locals judging by the amount of rubbish thrown about and deposited behind trees. We did find a reasonable spot in the shade. After yet another leisurely rest stop, extended for the sake of lunch, we headed down the last stretch. As predicted around 45 minutes later the end. But as the river had dropped about half a metre since we had viewed the exit seven days ago there was just enough of a gravel bench on the northern side, away from all the picnickers, to pull in and haul the boats up the steep bank. Other canoeists may have done this before because in this one spot the bank was relatively clear of vegetation. Also as the vehicles were on this side of the river, in the RV campground it was preferable than the main town side. It didn’t take too long to load everything and everyone in the 3 vehicles and head off back to Jugiong. On the trip back it would seem that the shorter trip by one day may have been precipitous as on the way those threatening rain clouds did release a drop or two. It also made for justification to the motel room, a nice hot show, and that cold beer. Yet another successful long paddle. Geoff

Thoughts on the next river paddle, the from Yarrawonga to Echuca-Moama. River distance 275km, fall in river 30 metres (0.1m/km). Paddle time 7 to 10 days. Travel beforehand Taree to Yarrawonga 950km about 10 hrs travel time (Google). Travel afterwards Echuca to Taree 1100km about 12 hrs travel time. Travel Yarrawonga to Echuca for car shuffle, 150km a bit under 2 hours. When? Yet to be determined and subject to river flow, possibly the summer of 2016/2017. If you want more information there is a kayak guide for the whole of the river which can be downloaded, at $20 cost, from http://www.wildexposure.com.au/paddling-the-murray-river/

KOSCIUSZKO Nat. Park - Opera House Hut Walk - February 2015

Names have been changed to protect the innocent and not so innocent. A bucket list can be a very personal thing and maybe it should be just that!!! But sometimes you must not do certain things by yourself or on your own, for safety reasons, and that is why I recruited Grigor Stiwert in my quest for Opera House Hut. Grig is always a walkover when it comes to suggesting a pack walk in the wilderness somewhere, but when the NPWS vehicle stopped for a chat and casually informed us that it was not possible to reach the "Hut" from our present location, I could practically see the hackles rise on the back of his neck. We still had some distance to cover before the actual commitment but I soon realized through conversation that this was a plan that would definitely go ahead. With Three Rocks and the Verandah behind us we made our way up from Watsons to the beckoning call of the Siren and the eventual darkness within. After some trepidation and a quick reconnaissance for tree mounted CTC we entered the Devils Wading Pool (aka Lady 6 Northcote Tunnel) at about 5.45 pm on a Friday in fine sunny weather. Around 5.50 our feet began to feel cold, then 10 mins later our breath started to get misty. Bloody Hell! It's cold in this part of the world which was now close to 800 metres underground. It was after 6.30 pm and still no light at the end of the tunnel when suddenly a left turn then blue sky, trees, breeze we were out. Opera House hut was still some distance away as we trudged our way down and up steep 4x4 trails in wet boots. Our destination was reached within the hour and appeared suddenly around the corner of the Sentinel spur. What an amazing place to be in this isolated gorge in one of the most remote places in .

The accommodation was superb and exquisite at the same time. Bunk beds with springs and foam mattresses, tables and chairs, a slow combustion (Warmbrite) fireplace, all the mod cons. Water was collected, meals cooked and washed down with port then an early night with the ever present hut rodent (getting quite used to them now), finding its way through our gear.

Our agenda for the next day was to explore downstream as far as the falls then head back through the tunnel and camp at Siren Song. Plague proportion blackberry bushes put an end to traversing the banks of the creeks so we pushed on over the boulders in the bed of the creek. It started to rain then reached torrential downpour just as we arrived at the intersection of LNC. The 80 metre falls were spectacular in full flood but the effort to get here had taken its toll so upon returning to the packs it was back to the hut once again for a second night of luxury.

Our return trip seemed less anxious but still took the same amount of time back to Watsons Gorge where we dried socks and boots, made a cuppa and took in the scenery. This side of the main range was relatively new to us both but I think the potential for a few more trips exists in this neck of the woods. We both marvelled at what the workers on the Snowy Mountains Scheme had managed to achieve in such a relatively short time frame. Thanks to Grigor for making it possible and having the intestinal fortitude to not Keep Out!!

Mikor Bushi O Brin

GHINNI GHINNI CREEK PADDLE – March 1 2015

On Sunday afternoon after lunch on the 1st March Greg and Chris, Glenda and Geoff paddling double kayaks as well as Stuart and Jenny in a Canadian set off from the Coopernook Hotel boat ramp to paddle to The Other Side Cafe on Ghinni Ghinni Creek. It was very hot and humid but we had a nice paddle along in the shade of the overhanging mangroves. The paddle took us two hours to reach the coffee stop. Greg and Chris almost had a dog launch itself

7 from the bank into their kayak. It didn’t like us going past his territory. After a very trick disembark across the mangrove spikes and elevating ourselves from canoes up the bank we sat at a very shady outdoor table in the garden and enjoyed scones and treats, coffee and cold water. After another struggle between bank and kayaks we managed to embark without mishap. The paddle back was much more pleasant as the creek was protected from the sun by trees on the western side and it was clouding over as a storm was brewing. The paddle took us two hours each way and we were back at Coopernook at 6:30pm. Everyone was keen to get moving and get home before the storm broke and the canoe and kayaks filled with water on the vehicles.

Quick Calendar 6/3/2015

Note: You must phone the contact person to let them know you are coming as things may change at short notice.

PS. During Summer there will be flat water paddles on Wednesday evening starting at 4:30pm followed by BBQ. The plan is to rotate through a variety of nearby locations. Ph Geoff or Chris 6557 0052 or 0427 569 050 for information

Grading of Walks (Bushwalking NSW)

Each walk is graded into one of six grades based on the degree of difficulty of that particular walk.

Grade 1 Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man-made and may have a few steps. Easy Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.

Grade 2 Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not Easy-Medium exceed about 15km. Grade 3 Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Medium Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20km.

Grade 4 Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively Medium-Hard undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners. Grade 5 Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often indistinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May Hard include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners. Grade 6 Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Very Hard Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners. 8 March 2015 Date Activity Details Contact Sat 7 Sun 8 Sat 14 Day Walk Walk to the top of Khatabundah Mt. start at Geoff’s house. You will Geoff / Chris Grade: 3 need to bring lunch and start at 10:00am 6557 0052 0427 569 050 Sun 15 Sat 21 Sun 22 Sat 28 Sun 29 Day A paddle on flat water starting on and paddling Stuart/ Jenny Paddle down to Watson Taylor lake and then up into the 0427 526 575 River and then return to Stewarts River. This will be a day paddle 6552 6574

and lunch will be needed to be carried.

April 2015 Date Activity Details Contact Sat 4 Sun 5 Wed Sat 11 Sun 12 Day Walk This will be a two part walking day. The first part will be a walk to Stuart/ Jenny Grade: 3 the “Hole in the Wall” above Lansdowne and then lunch and in the 0427 526 575 afternoon a walk to Mystery Falls. 6552 6574

Sat 18 Sun 19 Afternoon This will be a paddle start 2:00pm at Manning Point and paddle Geoff M Paddle down to the Harrington Hotel for coffee and return to Manning 0408 862 292 Point before dark.. Mon 20 Pack Another walk to Selby Alley hut is planned to continue work Mick O Wed 22 Walk needed on the hut. The walk will start at Junction Pools 0400 475 835 Grade: 3 Sat 25 Sun 26

May 2015 Date Activity Details Contact Sun 2 Car Camp An overnight camp at Gloucester Tops. The plan is to bring your Geoff / Chris camp oven and favourite food to prepare and share. Looking 6557 0052 forward to roasts, bread, baked apples, cakes, veggies etc. 0427 569 050 Sun 3 Sat 9 Sun 10 Sat 16 Overnight A flat water paddle starting behind Coolongolook Station paddling Mick O Paddle down the and up to the Wallinghat camp site, 0400 475 835 staying the night, and returning on Sunday. Sun 17 Sat 23 Sun 24 Sat 30 Sun 31

9 June 2015 Date Activity Details Contact Sat 6 Car Camp A fixed car camp at Brushy Mountain which will include bike rides Mick O and day walks. This is in the Werrikimbe Nat Park. 0400 475 835 Sun 7 Sat 13 Sun 14 Sat 20 Sun 21 Day Walk A day walk on Middle Brother Mountain starting down at the Stuart/ Jenny Grade: 3 at 9:30am and walking up to the Bird Tree. 0427 526 575 6552 6574

Sat 27 Sun 28 Sat 28

JULY 2 AGM AGM will be held at Stuart and Jenny’s home on the second of July. Stuart/ Jenny 0427 526 575 6552 6574

PROPOSED FUTURE ACTIVITIES.

Date Activity Details Contact Jan/Feb Pack A pack walk into the Jugungal area of the Kos Nat Park Mick O 2016 Walk 0400 475 835 June/July Pack walk 12 day car-supported walk along the Larapinta Trail in the NT. Have Geoff / Chris 2016 Grade: 4 a look at the web site. larapintatrail.com.au 6557 0052 0427 569 050 2017 Paddle A 270km,10 day paddle on the Murray River from Yarrawonga to Geoff / Chris Eucha 6557 0052 0427 569 050 Feb Pack A pack walk on the 3 Capes Trail in Tasmania in the Cape Solander Geoff M 2017 Walk area 0408 862 292

NOTICES

When car pooling please consider the cost to the owner of the vehicle in fuel, wear and tear.

The club has a personal locator beacon (PLB) in case of emergencies while in remote areas which is available through Mick O’Brien. You will need to sign it in and out. For non-remote areas mobile phone 000 emergency calls should be used. There is also now a GPS to help you navigate.

Don’t forget that there is a kayak and a Canadian also available for use by club members. Jackets and paddles come with the boats.

Note: Buoyancy vests are compulsory on the all canoe trips and must be worn at all times while on the water. Helmets must also be worn on all white-water trips.

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