THE NEWSoFTHE :Js~~~~:l~~ BUSHWALKERS INC. A000133X EDffiON612 FEBRUARY 2002 60 CENTS

INSIDE: • Annual Reports from · Office Bearers for 2001 • Labour Day & Easter Long Weekends Previews • Regent Honeyeater Project • Wilky Winter Bookings Info. • Davies Plain & Beyond

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wed. 27 February 2002 8.00 p.m. TheAnnexe Level 1, Trades Hall Cnr. Lygon & Sts Carlton It's your club, make sure you know what's happening & what's planned. Come along & cast your vote (members). Non-members also welcome to attend but may not vote. New committee to be installed. A Form for the Nomination of Officers & Committee Members Au Revoir John Kittson is on Page 13. John Kittson, Sunday Bus Leader Extraordinaire, in familiar club night attire enjoys a drink at his farewell party on Wed. 23 January 2002. The recently renovated clubrooms were full to overflowing as members including Bob Me Lellan, the club's Sunday Bus driver, gathered to celebrate & farewell a remarkable walk leader. John & his wife, Carol are retiring to the south . coast ofN.S.W. but John plans to walk with the club from time to time as you can read in Jean Woodger's article on page 9. Photo: v Scrivenger

ENQUIRIES: CLUB OPEN: 7- 9 PM WED., HORTICULTURAL HALL, MACKENZIE ST., MELB . . WEBSITE: www.melboumebushwalkers.org.au EMAIL: [email protected] Members ofthe Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc. meet on Wednesday evenings Vale Gra~me Laidlaw between 7.00 & 9.00 pm in the Oubrooms, Victorian Horticultural Society Hall, Older members ofthe club MacKenzie Street, Melbourne. will be saddened to hear Visitors are always welcome. ofthe loss of Graeme Laidlaw, who died last month in Sydney. Graeme was a keen walker with the club General correspondence should be directed to: in the '70s and '80s, The Secretary, serving as Secretary in 1979 - 80. Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc., PO Box 1751Q, Melbourne, Vic., 3001. The News ofthe Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc. is the newsletter of the Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc. WALKS PROGRAM CHANGES & is published monthly. Editor: Vicki Scrivenger. Sun. 3 March - Condons Track- Deb Heruy is the As- sistant Leader. Call Ralph Blake on for info. W ai.k previews & reviews, articles, poems, news items, photographs of club events, repQrts _gf new gear, LabOII!. :Q~ We~kend 8- 11 M~rch Base ..Camp - is book reviews, letters "to the Editor", advertisements, etc. now at Halls Gap (the Grampians). Contact Rob Davies are always welcome. on for more information. The Editor reserves the right to edit contributions where space, clarity or propriety dictate Labour Day Weekend 8-11 March Canoe Trip- on & to maintain editorial consistency. the Glenelg River is a private transport trip not Bus. Con­ tact Doug Pocock for more information on Contributions to The News may be sent to the Editor by: Sunday 31 March Mt. Blackwood - Lerderderg * Emailing to: * Placing diskette or hand written material Gorge - Jill Dawson is the Assistant Leader. Contact Alan in the "Red Box" in the clubrooms Ide for more information on * Posting diskette or hand written material to either: Sunday 19 May- Cape Woolamai- Please note Sybille The Editor, Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc., Holdheide's correct telephone number is PO Box 1751Q, Melbourne, Vic., 3001 or V. Scrivenger, News Editor, DECEMBER '01 WALKS STATS Electronic mail is preferred. Dec. 2001 Trips People Average Dec. '00 Closing date for receipt of material for The News is the last Wednesday ofthe month. Sunday Bus 3 84 28 27 Advertisements in The News Other Day- 1 10 10 16 Only advertisements directly relating to bushwalking Wed.10 will be accepted (e.g. gear, maps, trips, tours, etc.). Members' ads are free. Pack Carry 3 24 8 8 Advertising Rates (Artwork Ready): Base Camp 2 34 17 7 1_ Size: 1 Issue: 3 Issues: 12 Issues CaQ.o~ - -- 6 6 - . ' - .. (1 Year): Cancelled 1 -- 2 Y4 Page $30 $80 $300 Total 12 158 - 160 V:z Page $50 $135 $500 The cancelled trip was the Base Camp challenge of climb­ Full Page $80 $220 $800 ing Victoria's two highest peaks- not enough interest ROD NOVAK WALKS SECRETARY

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE2 MARCH DAY WALKS, ETC. Sunday Bus: Dom Dom Saddle- ~ Historical Walk: Fernshaw & Condons Track IIIII Merri Creek & C.E.R.E.S. DATE Sunday 3 March DATE Labour Day: Monday II March STANDARD Easy/Medium & Medium STANDARD Easy DISTANCE Approx. 13 & 20 km DISTANCE Approx. 9km LEADER(S) Ralph Blake & Deborah Henry LEADER(S) Nigel Holmes - Ph.: TRANSPORT Bus· South Bank Blvd at 9.00 am TRANSPORT Public RETURN TIME Approx. 7.00 pm RETURN TIME Approx. 4 pm at Rushall station AREA Near Healesville AREA North-east inner Melbourne MAP REFERENCE Juliet North & Juliet South MAP REFERENCE Melway p.I7, 29, 30 & 44

Both walks will start at Dom Dom Saddle. The ElM walk Meet "under the clocks" at Flinders St. station for a I 0 am will finish at Fernshaw and the Med. walk will conclude start. We will take a tram to the start of the walk and have at Maroondah Dam. Both walks are through forested areas a choice of tram or train back to the city. All travel is in and are mostly on tracks. Met zone I. The Med. walk will head N-W from Dom Dom & then S­ The number I9 tram will take us to the start of a walk E to ascend Mt Monda. Then we will take Condon's walk­ along Merri creek near the former Pentridge prison site. ing track to the Maroondah Dam, a steep descent to the Lunch will be at C.E.R.E.S. where we can look at low en­ south. The ElM walk will head to Mt Dom Dom & then ergy houses and "alternative technology." We follow the along the track to Carters Gap. From there it's along the Merri creek generally to Rushall station. Rail bridge tech­ Morley track with a gentle descent to Fernshaw. nology, local geology and social history will be amongst the features of this walk. Sunday Bus: Daylesford - Hepburn Springs Sunday Bus: DATE Sunday I 0 March STANDARD Easy & Easy/Medium DATE Sunday I7 March DISTANCE Approx. I4 & I8 km STANDARD Easy/Medium & Medium LEADER(S) William Cone & Peter McGrath LEADER(S) Paul Beers & John Coe TRANSPORT Bus - South Bank Blvd at 9.00 am TRANSPORT Bus - South Bank Blvd at 8.30 am RETURN TIME Approx. 6.30 pm AREA Hepburn Springs & Wombat State Forest Please talk with the leaders in the clubrooms about these walks or phone Paul Beers on MAP REFERENCE Daylesford & Eganstown 1:25 000 N.B. 8.30 am start. We will visit many interesting spots on this pleasant walk. The Easy group will start at the Hepburn mineral springs, and gently climb to Jacksons Lookout tower. The walk then joins the Dry Wednesday Walk: Diggings Track, passing old gold mines and mine workings. This includes the Blowhole - a short tunnel taking a creek Donna Buang - Cement Creek through a rock outcrop. The track passes Fairy Dell Spring and several other mineral springs. At the springs you can d.rink the DATE Wednesday 20 March mineral water. We will meet the bus at the Lake Daylesford ki­ STANDARD Easy/Medium osk. The Easy walk will be on tracks and mostly flat. DISTANCE Approx. II km The ElM group will walk to Hepburn Springs before following LEADER(S) Max easley the same route as the Easy Group. This will include an off-track TRANSPORT Private walk along Argyle Gully. Peter and I saw native orchids and RETURN TIME Approx. 6.00 pm butterflies in this area on our preview. AREA Warburton Be prepared with sun cream, a hat and plenty of water. Mostly MAP REFERENCE Juliet South 1:25,000 the tracks are shaded by trees but there are some open sections. Meet at 10.15 am at Cement Ck. car park about 7 km from War­ burton, near junction of Donna Buang Rd & Acheron Way. Call me on for further transport details. This walk is among huge eucalyptus trees & has views from Mt. Donna Buang. The distance is short but there are some steep climbs. There are also options for shorter walks if you prefer. The plan is to walk up Cement Ck. track to Mt. Donna Buang Lookout Tower. Then a side trip to the Melbourne Walking Club hut. After that we go to Mt. Victoria along a track which may be a bit overgrown, & finish at the Ten Mile Turntable car park.

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE3 Dandenongs Explorer One Tree Hill

DATE Saturday 23 March STANDARD Easy LEADER(S) Warren Baker TRANSPORT Private

Please phone Warren Baker on about this walk. Regent Honeyeater Project Nest Boxes for Endangered Species Sunday Bus: Saturday 13 April Somers to Flinders (Winery) Meet at 10 am at the Natural Resources & Environment offices, Benalla DATE Sunday 24 March STANDARD Easy & Easy/Medium Activities will include: checking nest boxes DISTANCE 13& 15 km to see if the wildlife are at home, LEADER(S) Clare Lonergan & Fay Pratt removing fora/ bees ifnecessary, TRANSPORT Bus- South Bank Blvd at 9.00 am placing new nest boxes in trees, Momington Peninsula AREA ~ stqg-"»:.atching qt dl!sk to see gliders Flinders 1:25,000, Somers 1:25,000 MAP REFERENCE emerging from nest boxes & This is a lovely walk where we meander along interesting spotlighting walk after dark to view and varied coastal tracks and open beach with good views possums and gliders in their element. across to Phillip Island. The Easy/Medium group com­ Self-catering (lunch, etc. on Saturday) mence the walk at Somers and the Easy group at Balnar­ with a B. Y 0. food and drink ring. Both groups will finish at Flinders Pier where we will board the bus and head to Stonier Winery. The win­ at the old Lurg school on Saturday evening ery has recently produced a reserve chardonnay that was andfree camping with hot showers, judged the best white wine in the world at a recent Euro­ kitchen facilities available. pean Wine Show. Wine tasting, cheese platters and coffee/ Please contact Ray Thomas, tea are available. For those not interested in wine tasting Regent Honeyeater Project Co-ordinator the nearby Merricks General Store is a suitable venue for on (03) 57 611 611 (w) that ice cream or cool drink.

Sunday Bus: r------• Lerderderg Gorge I I DATE Easter Sunday: 31 March I STANDARD Easy & Medium .I LEADER(S) Alan Ide & t.b.a. TRANSPORT Bus - South Bank Blvd at 9.00 am MAP REFERENCE Conservation, Forests & Lands Lerderderg Gorge Map 1:25,000

Both walks are through thick Stringybark/Ironbark forest What's it to be- and pass many historic gold digging sites. walking the Kali Gandaki gorge The Medium walk starts from the Razorback 4WD Track. views of Everest from Gokyo Ri or We will walk along to Strachan Hill and down to the beautiful Thyangboche in the Khumbu? Lerderderg River. After lunch we will cross the river and Contact walk up to O'Briens Crossing stopping to look at several Mingmar & Marilynne Sherpa ruined gold diggings. Some of the tracks are fairly rough of Om Trek and you may get wet feet crossing the river. on 03 9781 1280 or [email protected] The Easy walk is a circuit from O'Briens crossing along for more information. Byers Back track to the outskirts of Blackwood and then http://travel.to/kathmandu returning via the Tunnel. If you need to call me: © 5% discount to members of Bushwalking Clubs who book direct with us ©

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FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE4 MARCH WEEKEND & EXTENDED WALKS, ETC.

Li-lo Trip: Pack Carry: River - to be decided Buller - Lt Buller- Bowqua River

DATE Friday 1 - Sunday 3 March DATE Labour Day Wknd: 8 - 11 March STANDARD Medium STANDARD Medium LEADER(S) Merilyn Whimpey· DISTANCE Approx. 40 km TRANSPORT Private LEADER(S) Gina Hopkins RETURN TIME Approx. 9.00 pm Sunday TRANSPORT Private AREA Mt Buller This trip was to be on the Mitchell River, but it looks like MAP REFERENCE Buller - Stirling the Club will be doing the Mitchell in February, so maybe Outdoor Leisure Series 1:50,000 the lower Thompson or Big River - suggestions welcome. This circular 3 day walk will take us over Mt Timbertop The Mitchell is suitable for beginners, the Thompson is a and then up the very scenic west ridge ofMt Buller where bit more difficult. If you haven't liloed before, I'll need to we should find a nice spot to camp. We will have to col­ talk to you about equipment and techniques and what lect water about 1 or 2 km before camp and carry enough great fun you'll have. for overnight and the next day. From the summit ofMt You'll need a box-wailed lila, strong paddle, lila repair kit, Buller- terrific views- we will head south down the Lit­ canoeing or cycling helmet, buoyancy vest, wide-brimmed tle Buller Spur, all the way down to the Howqua River for hat and clothing that covers you completely (there's no the second night's camp. Then a stroll along the River be­ shade in the middle of a river). A wet suit is optional. fore the final climb back to the cars at Timbertop Saddle. There are some steep uphill sections but the hardest part of this walk will be the long and steep 1,250 m descent on Base Camp: Sunday (for those of us with weak knees). There's a Grampians strong chance of a swim, so bring your bathers. DATE Labour Day Wknd: 8 - 11 March STANDARD Easy/Medium Canoe Trip: LEADER(S) Rob Davis TRANSPORT Private Lower Glenelg River RETURN TIME Approx. 7. 00 pm DATE Labour Day Wkrid: 8- 11 March Come & enjoy the natural splendour of the Grampians this STANDARD Easy Labour Day weekend. We will camp at Halls Gap camp­ DISTANCE Approx. 47 km ing ground for the weekend. Halls Gap will put us in easy LEADER(S) Doug Pocock reach of the Wonderland circuit & many other shorter TRANSPORT Private walks in this part of the Grampians. RETURN Approx. 8.00 pm AREA South West Victoria N.B. Change of location to Walks Program. MAP REFERENCE Parknotes, Glenelg River This is the trip we were going to organise using the bus but were Pack Carry: thwarted by the staff at the Nat. Park giving me wrong info. ~ However, the canoe trip is on using cars. ~ Swindlers Spur & Bogong High Plain The I st day will be very short (giving us a chance to do some DATE Labour Day Wknd: 8 - 11 March exploring upstream) starting at Pines Landing & going to Mole­ STANDARD Easy/Medium side. In the afternoon there should be time to have a walk. The be at Deutchers. Both camp spots are out of LEADER(S) RogerWyett 2nd night will speedboat zones so swimming will be pleasant. We will finish TRANSPORT Private the trip at Donovans so we don't have a rush to pack up. MAP REFERENCE Bogong Alpine Area Map I :50,000 Remember to bring light clothes to cover up whilst canoeing and This will be a combination pack carry & base camp with: of course plenty of sunscreen. A hat is a must. There will be tank Day One: 14 km pack carry to Dibbin Hut via Mt Loch, water available along the way but 5 litres of drinking water Red Robbin Gap & Cobungra Gap. Day Two: 16 km cir­ would not go astray. Cost of canoe hire plus Nat. Park fees will cuit day walk from Dibbin Hut via the Basalt Temple and be about $60.00 per person and I will want a $20.00 deposit on booking. Weston's Hut with side trips to Mt Jim and Blair Hut. Day Three: a 9 km climb up Swindler's Spur (460m ascent) via Excellent for beginners. I prefer canoe partners to organize Derrick Hut to finish in time for a late lunch at the Bright themselves but if you don't know who to canoe with then talk to Bakery, ensuring a 6 pm return to Melbourne. me and I may be able to suggest somebody. All interested should call me on not my pre- See me in the club to organize bookings, deposits and carpool­ ing. I will also have some packing info. for those new to canoe­ viously listed no., or email ing & suggestions for camping on Fri. night.

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGES Wilkinson Lodge: Base Camp: Work Party Cobberas (Native Dog Flat)

DATE Friday 15- Sunday 17 March DATE Easter Wknd: 29 March - 1 April STANDARD Easy STANDARD Easy/Medium LEADER(S) Graeme Thornton DISTANCE Approx. 30 km TRANSPORT Private LEADER(S) Mick Mann & Bob Steel MAP REFERENCE Bogong Alpine Nat. Park - TRANSPORT Private Outdoor Leisure Series RETURN TIME Monday Evening AREA Cobberas- North East ofOmeo This is our annual work party to do a bit for the Alpine MAP REFERENCE Suggan Buggan double map 1:50 000 National Park. It's a delightful area at any time of the year and in (almost) any weather. We will work on a project If you missed the great Easter Base Camp last year, now is nominated by the ranger on Sat. & Sun. and use Wilky as your chance. We had such a great time that we thought we our base. I won't know what the actual project is until would go to Native Dog Flat again this year. Beautiful, closer to the time- if then. There's a practical accommo­ grassy campsite among the snow gums beside a clear dation limit of8 people in Wilky. stream. Interesting walks up to The Playground, Rams Bring 4-seasons gear for working - sun protection to bliz­ Hom, Rams Head Range, the peaks of the Cobberas, and zard protection - comfortable working clothes and a possibly Mt Wombargo. change. Wilky has cooking fa~ilities and a shower. It could be quite cold atnight so bring warm clothes-and a Note that the Lodge Manager (our Dougo!) awards many good sleeping bag. Wilky-Brownie-Points for work parties. WBPs are very Please contact the leaders for further info. and directions. valuable so here's a chance to top up or get into the black. ~ Pack Carry: Base Camp: ~ Spion Kopje - Grey Hills - Mt Bogong "Prom in a Day" circuit DATE Easter Wknd: 29 March - 1 April DATE Friday 22 - Sunday 24 March STANDARD Medium STANDARD Hard DISTANCE 24 km (full packs) & 28 km (day packs) DISTANCE Approx. 45 km LEADER(S) Jopie Bodegraven LEADER(S) Pearson Cresswell TRANSPORT Private TRANSPORT Private AREA Bogong & High Plains AREA Wilsons Promontory Nat. Park MAP REFERENCE Bogong Alpine Area Leisure Map It's on again: the classic "Prom in a Day" trip. Starting The highlights of this trip are the bare summit of Spion from Tidal River we walk to Sealers, Refuge & Waterloo, Kopje, some waterfalls in the headwaters of the Big River, then return via Oberon Bay. Now 45 km is a long way, but the Grey Hills which connect The High Plains to the Bo­ it's worth it to see all that country without carrying a pack. gong Massif & an ascent with day packs only of the Big And we swim at every opportunity! That's Saturday. Sun­ Fella from the south, the side with the lesser climb. day is whatever you like. Time on the beach or a bit more walking before we head for home. The "circuit" is strictly Fri. will see us wading the Rocky Valley branch of the for hard walkers, but others are welcome to do their own Kiewa Riv. near Howmans Gap & climbing 750m to the thing at the base camp. summit of Spion Kopje. Camp will be by a lovely hope­ fully creek a bit further on & the total distance with packs is only 6 km. There will be an optional siae trip to the third highest peak in Vic. On Sat. after another side trip to visit some waterfalls we carry our packs the 6 - 7 km along the Grey Hills to our camp for 2 nights at Bogong Creek Saddle. Sun. will be our biggest day, an ascent of Bogong with day packs. We will go up Granny Spur, which doesn't have a formed track but I'm told the scrub is O.K., & down the popular Quartz Ridge. The total climb will be about 1050m & the distance 17 km but keep in mind the light packs! Then on Mon. it's an 11 km walk along a vehicle track out to the car at Clover Dam & a very civilized early return home. It should be a beaut walk in a lovely area. Ring me on if you have any queries.

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHW ALKERS INC. . PAGE6 Pack Carry: WILKINSON LODGE Limestone Creek - Cobberas WINTER '02 BOOKINGS DATE Easter Wknd: 29 March- 1 April Bookings will open on Wednesday 6 March & will follow STANDARD Medium the system used in previous years. DISTANCE Approx. 50 km LEADER(S) Lance Mobbs An experienced member shall nominate to be leader of a TRANSPORT Private chosen week. Preference will be given to a leader who AREA Cobberas will put together a full group, especially favoured will be MAP REFERENCE Suggan Buggan 1:50,000 groups with lots of"brownie points" gained through work parties, committee work etc. It is a leader's responsibility This walk will be a circuit walk, starting & finishing at to collect fees up front- NO PAYMENT, NO BOOK­ Limestone Creek where it crosses Limestone Rd. The ING. Leaders are also responsible for organising the food walk will leave Limestone Rd. following the creek down­ for the party so should consider collecting the food kitty at stream to Round Mt., then Cowombat Flat, The Pilot, The the same time. Any group should have at least two experi­ Cobberas & back to Limestone Ck. There are plenty of enced Wilky users. campsites at Limestone Ck. where we will meet Thurs. For the first two weeks only Club members can book, night/early Fri. morn. This is a golden opportunity to bearing in mind that at least three weeks are put aside for come & visit a beautiful valley & view the start ofthe outside groups. If you want to book please talk to the Murray River. For more info. please see me in the club or leader first. write to me at After those two weeks then members' families & friends can fill vacancies up to a full week of eight. Pack Carry: The weeks run Saturday to Saturday and groups are ex­ Mt. Bogong twice pected to book for the entire week. If groups are not filled, the Manager may offer places to any interested parties. DATE Easter Wknd: 29 March - 1 April STANDARD Medium/Hard Winter fees will be $35 for members and $70 for non LEADER(S) Jerry Grandage members. Note that children under 16 take their parents' TRANSPORT Private status, over 16 they are classed as visitors. Refunds will only be made in exceptional circumstances. Please call Jerry Grandage on about this walk. March 6 is not far off so start thinking now about whether you want to go into Wilky this winter & who you would Canoe Trip: like to ski with. If you have not been into Wilky before then talk to me & I may be able to suggest a group for Torrumbarry Weir to Koondrook you. DATE Easter Wknd: 29 March - 1 April DOUG POCOCK STANDARD Easy WILKINSON LoDGE MANAGER DISTANCE Approx. 100 km LEADER(S) Doug Pocock TRANSPORT Private AREA Murray downstream from Echuca MAP REFERENCE Murray River Charts This is the trip we tried to do a couple of years ago but didn't quite make it. It is taking up from George Zamora's trips where he has led us from Yarrawonga to Torrum­ barry weir over the years. The trip will be through state forests. I don't know if we'll be able to find sandbars to pull in on every night but we should be able to find camp spots on the bank without any trouble. Some extra rope to moor the canoes may be useful. Lots of swimming breaks. As we paddle downstream there will be ample time to en­ joy the magnificent river red gums & the prolific bird life. I have booked some camp spots at Torrumbarry Weir camp ground for Thurs. night. We will launch from here after a car shuffie on Fri. morning. Same instructions as the previous trip regarding gear, booking etc. Suitable for beginners. See me in the club for details or for booking.

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE7 DAVIES PLAIN AND BEYOND 22 DEC. 2001-1 JAN. 2002 After arranging a car shuffie along Limestone Creek road the walk started after lunch on Saturday. The track lasted about a kilometre before Bill led us across country for a couple of kilometres, meeting up with a four wheel drive track that led to Charlie Creek camp­ site. The weather was clear and the temperature in the high teens. Over the next 4 days we would have the tracks and campsites to our­ selves, which added to our enjoyment of this remote area. Next day we followed the four-wheel drive track 16 kilometres to Davies Plain. One thing that we noticed was the number of horses along the track, it was reasonably common to see small groups of2-3 horses. The walking was easy along an undulating track. We made Davies Plain by lunch, setting up camp and taking in the great scenery for the rest of the day. The hut at Davies Plain is in good condition and a few of us used it as a kitchen. Ian searched the attached shed and found a foam mattress, it looked like it was home for things you wouldn't want to sleep with, however next morning Ian claimed he had slept very well on it. On the third day we made our way along the track down to the Murray, camping on the NSW side in the Tom Groggin region. The campsite was about lOOm from the river, most of us took the opportunity to have a swim/wash and to simply relax watching the river flow by. Next day was mostly off-track and uphill. Bill used his excellent navigation skills to guide us up a series of ridges to the Alpine Way. The going was sometimes slow because of the thick vegetation but mostly it was OK because we could use horse tracks or old vehicle tracks. We crossed the road just before lunch. Over the next few hours we continued making good progress up a ridge towards the Rams Head, making I - 2 kilometres per hr. Then the vegetation got a lot thicker and the ridge steeper, we were making about half a kilometre an hr. It was the sort of scrub where you had to concentrate on fittin:gyourfeerbetweeirtlw-tli:'anche!rTot each step, wlule · doing this you would often cop a smack in the face from the branches swinging back from the person in front of you. At about 6 PM we came to a cleared area (well, less vegetation than elsewhere on the ridge) in a small saddle. This was to be the camp­ site. Just as we started clearing our campsites it started raining. We all needed water (however, the rain was not welcome). Bill led us about 1OOm down the slope to a fast running creek where we got what we needed for our meals and the next day. Light rain fell for most of the night and the temperature was around 4-5 degrees. Next morning we continued up the ridge towards the tree line. We had 3-4 kilometres to go and were making about Y2 a kilometre per hr. However, the going got easier and after 4 hours we made the tree line. The weather was cold but clear so we had excellent views over the high country. By late afternoon we were making our way up the final steep 300-metre ascent to the Rams Head. Just as we made the top a snowstorm hit. Bill guided us down into the Rams Head area, after some discussion it was decided we would move down Dead Horse Gap track to the tree line to camp for the night. Bill had previously set the coordinates for the track into his GPS so he had no trouble in guiding us through the storm to the track. The snow continued to fall while we pitched our tents, this was to be my first snow camping and I was worried about how my 3 season tent would cope! Next morning greeted us with bright sunshine and a snow covered landscape (the snow was 12 to 15 em deep). ln such conditions the high country looks spectacular. We made our way down to the Dead Horse Gap car park to the start of the Cascade Trail. The cascade Trail is a designated Wilderness Area, which means only walkers and bikes are allowed in. This ensures pleasant walking along good tracks without the disturbance of vehicles. However, some members of the group felt that bikes should be also banned. By lunch we had arrived at Cascade Hut which was our campsite for the night. This was the last time we would have a campsite to ourselves, but we all felt we had done well getting to this stage of the trip without running into other people. The weather stayed sunny and in the high teens/low twenties for the rest of the trip. Although no other people were at the hut it did not mean a quiet night,- I didn't know horses could make so much noise eating and otherwise hooning around the hut all night! Next day we continued along the track for another 15 kilometres to the Tin Mines hut, arriving about 12 PM. This allowed us time to take in the excellent scenery over the rest of the day. The hut was well set up and even had proper beds, one with a dirty and tom foam mattress. Later in the afternoon a group of mountain bikers arrived, on inspecting the hut they indicated they would sleep in it. As soon as they left to check out the water Ian, saying nothing, sprang to his feet, grabbed the mattress and carried it off round the back of the hut to his tent Next morning Ian said he slept well but we don't know about the mountain biker! On day 7 we made our way to Cowombat Flat, where we would stay for the last two nights. This is also the source of The Murray. A side trip up to The Pilot gave us magnificent views of the whole alpine area. I would rate the views from The Pilot among the best in the high country, a highly recommended destination. On our second last day Bill led us to Moscow Peak and Mt Cobberas No. 2. We again enjoyed superb views although it was a long day, starting at 8 AM and finishing at 5 PM. The last day involved more off-track walking and Bill again did an excellent job leading us down a steep spur to The Murray where a 4 wheel drive track led back to the cars. The walk was made easy because a horse track went the whole way down the spur. Bill saw this as a real benefit of having horses in the national parks and suggested there should be more of them! New Year's Eve was spent in Omeo, however, we were working on bushwalking time and by 10 PM we had left the pub and were in our tents.

ln SUI)llllary, an excellent trip, the whole group thanks Bill Metzenthen for organising the walk and leading-it with excellent skills, espe­ cially his off-track navigation. The party included: Bill Metzenthen, Ian Langford, Celesta Fong, Adrian Bolzan & me. LEO LYNCH

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGES JOHN KITTSON The good news for John Kittson is that he and Carol have bought a house in New South Wales. The bad news for us is that they are going to move there. For twelve years, John's As the full-time driver for Melbourne Busbies I would input as a member of this club has been invaluable. We will miss him. like to write a few words about .------....., John has been an enthusiastic walk leader and legendary car­ my good friend John Kittson. It was by luck that my first tographer, transforming his photocopies of walk routes into I have always found John to be walk with the Melbourne colourful and detailed collectors' items. Many people recall the most thorough & profes­ Bushwalkers was led by John their first club walk with John as leader. He is remembered as Kittson (Gellibrand Hill Park, sional in any of the tasks that August 1996). I remember being considerate and caring, with a cheerful sense of hu- he performed. well how very welcome John mour, always telling jokes, some good, some appalling! He I can safely say that in the ten made me feel as a stranger (or has willingly filled in many times at short notice when the years approximately I have "visitor") to the club. He was original leader has not been able to lead a walk as planned. driven for your club John has so friendly, thoughtful & One particular skill is his ability to befriend land-owners, who been one of my favourite lead­ amusing in the clubrooms & invariably not only allow us to walk on their land, but give ers for I always knew I would on the day of the walk. It was advice as to the best routes! One land-owner's daughter actu­ never have any dramas on that by design & not by luck that of ally joined him on a Sunday walk. particular day as John would my ftrst ten club walks, John supply me with excellent maps was the leader of ftve. John's interest in outdoor group activities started when he & would have done a perfect Best wishes & au revoir John. joined first the Scouts, then the Senior Scouts. When he left preview. school, he worked for the Forestry Commission, surveying Vicki Scrivenger d I . hr gh h Otw E . . Well John, I now wish you & an p anmng access routes t ou t e ays. xpenencmg Carol again all the best for L------' this wonderful area led him to join the YHA Bushwalking your retirement. Club. This was an introduction to extended pack carries and weekend walks. He became involved in Search and Rescue and participated in several searches at Donna Buang and Bob Me Lellan Baw Baw. After several years with the YHA and the Forestry Commission, he had the op- P.S. Don't forget to check your portunity to work for an aerial survey company in England and Scotland. Up in the north of belts! Scotland, there are very few hours of darkness in the summer. After work, he would head '------' off into the mountains or to the Isle of Skye, walking sometimes until eleven o'clock at night, when a heavy twilight would fall. .------.....,On his return to nearly three years later, John met and married Carol. He got a job Sincere thanks for your tre­ with Qantas and worked there for twenty four years. Twelve years ago he thought of joining mendous leadership over many a walking club again. One of his old contacts recommended Melbourne Busbies, who had a years. van and did day walks. He spoke to Peter Bullard who suggested he came in to the club­ Rod Novak room on a Wednesday evening, which he did, to be greeted at the door by a friendly face­ Walks Secretary and the rest, as they say, is history. & Tracey Jamieson John admired Art Terry as a good solid leader, and when Art A good leader can make any Assistant Walks Secretary knew that John had navigation and first aid skills from his tracks look smooth & easy to -Sunday Walks Search and Rescue days, he asked him if he would lead some follow - John certainly did L------' walks. His first walk was with Fred Halls in the Donna Buang that. He had great charm, area, which John already knew from his earlier experiences. In due course, he was asked to warmth & a real gift for hu­ join the committee, and he took charge of track maintenance for two years. man moments (not always the best ones). Fred and Art were John's mentors, • and they encouraged him in his love I wish John all the best for the • • and understanding of the bush. He 1 future . • • can spot a greenhood orchid at Flora Naod - Turner •• twenty paces. His favourite walking areas are Donna Buang, Lake Mountain, Murrindindi, Mt St Leo­ nard, Kinglake - tall mountain ash forests and fern gullies. John and Carol are moving out of Melbourne's northern suburbia, to enjoy the delights ofTura Beach near Merimbula, an area inex­ haustible for walking and bird watching. This is not goodbye but au revoir - John remains a member and hopes to manage a walk with us occasionally. We extend to them both our very best wishes for their new and exciting time ahead.

JEAN WOODGER

. FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE9 PRESIDENT'S REPORT MEMBERSHIP SEC.'S REPORT 2001 2001 The year 2001 was a good year for the Melbourne Bush­ The Membership Secretary's regular duties include: the walkers. Membership is up and the numbers enjoying our maintenance of the register of members' particulars activities has started to increase again after five years in (address, phone, subscription status), the collection of decline. We saw a lot more visitors- probably an effect of subscriptions, giving advice about membership to poten­ our efforts to increase our public visibility through adver­ tial or new members & assisting in the preparation of tising and the website. membership lists and in mailing The News. Numbers on the Sunday buses are static but there has been As at the beginning of February 2002, the membership increased attendance on base camps and canoe trips, com­ of the Club was 470 (February 2001 : 448) including 11 bined with an increase in the number of these trips on the Life and 10 Honorary members. programme. The number of members increased during 2001 with 72 The big story for the year has been the renovation of the (2000: 62) new members joining and 56 (2000: 102) Horticultural Hall and our clubrooms. There were some members relinquishing their membership. difficult times as we moved from room to room, occasion­ ally finding ourselves without essential services or with no PETER IIA VLICEK room at all! One Committee meeting was forced to seek MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY refuge in Trades Hall. _ But it was all worth it. The 'new' room is a big improve­ ment on the old. The Committee is now working on get­ WILKINSON LODGE REPORT ting new furniture and adjusting the layout of the rooms to 2001 serve the many purposes of booking office, resource cen­ Usage ofWilky was down a bit in 2001 to 667 visitor tre, social forum, etc. One concern is that we will be fac­ nights. Of these 331 were non-member nights. Outside. ing higher rents in future years, so we need to find ways to groups represented included VMTC, Maroondah Busbies, get better value from the rooms, for instance by using Melbourne Nordic Ski club and Winter Group. As usual, them for a wider range of functions. the winter usage dominated. Snow conditions were poor Another success story for the year is the new website, in 2001 with some groups walking more than sk'iing. which can be found at www.melbournebushwalkers.org. We had the much appreciated annual National Park work au. This is attracting a lot of interest and we hope that it party where we assisted the rangers in killing pine trees in will become an important means for communication Sun Valley. The annual spring clean was well attended within the club and our window to the outside world. with some members making it an opportunity for their Thanks to Deb Henry for all her work here. first visit to the lodge. However, only two members took Now to the acknowledgements: First to the Committee for the opportunity to visit on the introduction weekend in all their hard work during the year - without them the November. Which raises the question, should we bother Club would not function. Second to all the walk Leaders - with the effort of organizing introduction weekends or just those unsung heroes (and heroines) by whose efforts we leave it so that only club members already "in the know" actually get to put boot on track .Without them the Club can use Wilky? would soon fade away_Thi rdly to Club Contacts, who We continue to follow up the issue of our lease ofWilky. play a vital role in our safety system, and to Margaret Bor­ One of the main problems has been that the wording of den for her role as phone contact. Special thanks to Jan the draft lease indicated that we were leasing the Wilky Palich (Treasurer) who took upon herself the role of liai­ building. However, we were able to show that we owned son with the hall's managers and builders throughout the the building & -we-only s-ome ~forn1 -of o·ccup-ancy renovation period. This involved a lot of work and nego­ wantie licence. A new feature will be an annual inspection of . tiation- and it hasn't finished yet! Well done Jan. Wilky by the National Parks an ongoing monitoring of Which only leaves it for me to wish all of you - members the septic tank. It is very important that we do not over­ & visitors: Happy Walking in 2002! load the septic system .All members please note, if you are organizing a group to Wilky, when the lodge is full PEARSON CRESSWELL any overflow camping outside & using Wilky facilities is PRESIDENT overloading the system. Besides, if people see campers at Wilky they may decide to camp there themselves, lighting fires & using the bushes around the lodge for toilet pur­ poses. DOUG POCOCK WILKINSON LODGE MANAGER

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE10 WALKS SECRETARY'S REPORT WALKS ATTENDANCE TOTALS 2001 1997-2001 Thank you to the Committee members, our Club Emergency Year Total Day Wkd Pack Mem- Visi- No. of Contacts (the Erreys, Kenafackes and Marsdens), the 2 Walks Total Carry bers tors Trips Sub-Committees and all our volunteer and enthusiastic Walk Leaders, Assistant-Leaders, whips and all Busbies for an enjoy­ 2001 2,613 2,011 602 208 1,999 614 137 able year to be 'out there' in the Australian bush. In 2001 we have endeavoured to make an interesting and varied program 2000 2,552 2,047 505 189 2,098 454 134 with 2,613 people enjoying a safe, friendly and healthy bush experience on 137 trips. Having such a wide choice of:- easy 1999 2,734 2,230 499 213 2,208 526 139 historical walks, rambles in the , interesting 1998 2,916 2,411 505 201 2,368 548 138 Wednesday Walks, Sunday Bus trips on both private and public land (and thank you leaders, assistant leaders and whips, for your 1997 3,019 2,488 531 234 2,403 616 135 planning, previewing and leadership of great Sunday bus trips), navigation and leadership training days, search and rescue prac­ tice, as well as the weekend trips (incl. pack carries, li-lo trips, canoe trips, lodge trips, base camps and ecological weekends). In WALKS STATISTICS 200 1 we had a particular focus on training and thank you Brian 2001 Crouch for your inspirational training days with leadership, navi­ gation and first aid skills. Activity No. ofTrips Av. Attendance The Sunday Bus attendances have been up and down in 2001. Of 2001 2000 2001 2000 note, we need 35 people on the bus to 'break-even'. In 2001 we Sunday Bus had an interesting statistic of 23.5 members per trip (and 9.5 49 50 33 33.4 visitors). To encourage better use of this unique service by club Wednesday 12 12 13.2 12.8 members (we are the only club in Victoria to offer a weekly bus trip) the Committee reduced the trip fees for the Spring program. Dand. Exp. 10 7 17 11.7 Also, we are always in need of more members to become trip leaders, especially with the Sunday Bus. Remember no leaders Historical 3 4 6.3 6.8 mean no trips. If you are interested in leading a Sunday Bus trip, Sat. (Med.) 1 (Fed Day) firstly as a assistant leader, then contact Tracey Jamieson who 1 18 8 will help you with a suitable trip to start and to arrange mentor/ Cycle 2 3 8 10.6 training assistance. Being a leader is fun and rewarding espe­ cially when sharing your interest and/or love of the Australian Pack Carry 22 25 9.4 7.6 bush with others. Base Camp 21 17 11.3 10.9 On the Walks Program we have also included more lodge trips and base camps to introduce day walkers to our overnight trips. Canoe 5 1 11 10 A great success in 200 1 has been the ecological workshops with many members attending the Tree Planting weekend at Lurg and Li-Lo 1 2 10 7.5 the Box-Ironbark forest 'discovery' weekend. The 2001 ski sea­ son has been disappointing with poor snow conditions and only Lodge 6 5 9.2 10.4 the ski lodge trips being successful (Rawson and Mt Hotham). Ski-Day - 1 18 Pack carry trips are a great way to learn about and enjoy the - Australian bush. Why not give them a go? Just start with an easy Ski-Wknd - 1 - 3 trip & you can hire most equipment from the club. Ski-Lodge 3 2 18 15.5 Thank you to Tracey Jamieson (Assistant Walks Secretary) for your hard work with the Sunday Bus in 2001. Very much appre­ Training Day 1 3 9 12.3 ciated by myself and all the club members. Tha.'lk you to Max Casley for co-ordinating the Wednesday Walks in 2001, and TrackMaint. - 1 - 15 welcome Sandra Mutimer as the new co-ordinator for these trips Cancelled in 2002; thank you to Nigel Holmes for the historical walks; 22 24 - - thank you to Warren Baker for co-ordinating the Dandenong Explorers; and thank you to Jan Palich for her assistance with all the fmancials with the walks program. And finally, thank you to the 2,613 people who enjoyed a walk in the bush with the Melbourne Busbies in 200 1. ROD NOVAK WALKS SECRETARY

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE 11 HELEN FITZGER..<\LD NEW MEMBERS LYNBARNES

JOHN KITTSON

VIKDUNIS GEORGE SA WENKO

RON HAMPTON ROGER K WYETT

REGINA WONG MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS Life Members II Honorary Members 10 Single Memberships 345 Family Memberships I04(2x52) ALTERED ADDRESS/PHONE Total Membership 470 JASON CAMERON This Time Last Year 448 PETER HAVLICEK MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

e world's most mfortable vvilderness. is a wilderness with a Sleep under the stars. Why put up a tent ce, a wilderness that if you know it's n.ot going to rain? relax and enjoy. Enjoy the campfire. Why corry a stove when firewood is plentiful and people lk for an hour, perhaps less, then are few? ke a break, enjoy the warmth and the sights, scents and sounds of Visitthe Aboriginal art sites and l.eom.the around you. story of the world's oldest living culture. ~':> W.M.f~ lunch, every campsite and most are next to dear, tropical pools, A.k fa, 0" beach"•· ~ "~~ for swimming, pure enough to drink. a ~ .1 ;. =------...._ ~ ·~ ~ ~------J ~~bQ~t~~ il: [email protected] Walkabouts 12 Carrington St Millner NT 081 0

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE12 NOVEMBER 2001 ACCOUNTS CLUBROOMS DUTY ROSTER $ Wednesday 6 February- P/-1 .q- T:f Wednesday 13 February- J)p 9- /(/WJ/ Opening Balance 49,269.04 Wednesday 20 February- 7:(;. "7- /![.: Income 3,088.70 Wednesday 27 February- 1/:S ~ /l Wednesday 6 March- 0)/ 9- VS . Expenditure 4,200.90 Closing Balance 48,156.84 NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING Monday 4 March at 7.00 pm DECEMBER 2001 ACCOUNTS $ Opening Balance 48,156.84 Income 1,273.97 Expenditure 4,077.71 Closinp Balance 45,353.10

JANPALICH TREASURER

~------·I THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. I I NOMINATION OF OFFICERS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS I I Positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Walks Secretary, Assistant Walks Secretary, I Membership Secretary, Social Secretary, Wilkinson Lodge Manager, News Editor or General Committee Nomination

Name ofNominee ...... Position ......

Proposed by ...... Seconded by ...... Acceptance of Nomination

I, ...... agree to stand for this position.

Signature ofNominee ...... Date ...... 1 Enter ;~mes & position as appropriate & return to: ------~~~:_M~bot '"~~u~~:s~.:::,:ro_s:x~~IQ:_Me~~':'~~~------

FEBRUARY 2002 THE NEWS OF THE MELBOURNE BUSHWALKERS INC. PAGE 13 FEBRUARY 2002 1-3 Li- Lo Trip: Thompson River Private M Mark Tischler Sun 3 Ada Tree BUS E!M&M Tracey Jamieson & Ralph Clayton # 8- 10 Pack Carry: Little Cobbler - Cobbler Private MIH Mark Walters Sat 9 Navigation Skills Practice Private Easy Brian Crouch Sun 10 Mt Worth (Warragul) BUS E&E/M Hans Edlinger & David Easton # 15-17 Lodge: Mt Buller Private ElM Dianne McKinley Sun 17 8.30 am start Cumberland River (Lome) BUS E!M&M John Coe & Bill Donald # Wed20 Wednesday Walk: Mornington Peninisula Private ElM Alister Rowe 22 - 24 Pack Carry: Upper Yarra - Baw Baw Private M Gina Hopkins Sat23 Dandenongs Explorer Private Easy Warren Baker Sun 24 Hepburn Springs to Mt Franklin BUS E&E!M Jan Palich & Paul Beers #

The News of the Melbourne Bushwalkers SURFACE POSTAGE Print Post Approved. PP No 338888/00016 PAID If undelivered please return to: MAIL Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc. GPO Box 1751 Q, Melbourne 3001

ALTERATION TO PARTICULARS

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Subscription Ordinary- single membership $35.00 Concession- single membership $24.00 (proof required) Fees: Family/Couple -membership $50.00 Concession- couple $28.00 (proof required) New members joining on/after 1 October 2001 $21.00 less visitor fees The News- $18.00

Make cheques or money orders payable to 'Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc.' and post to: Membership Secretary, GPO B.ox 1751Q, Melbourne, 3001