CANBERRA BUSH WALKING CLUB INC NEWSLE1TER

P0 Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 Registered by Post: Publication number NMB 859

VOLUME 30 OCTOBER 1994 NUMBER 10 OCTOER HONTHLY flEETING Dickson Library Community Room Wednesday 19 October, 8.00 pm onwards Ian Turland will give an illustrated talk on 5es I Hz4 Make the most of the evening and join other members at 600pm for a convMal (BYO) meal at the Vietnamese Restaurant at (YConnor Shops (the one on the corner). Try to be early to ensure there will be ample time to finish and still get to the meeting in comfortable time.

New Committee And Office Holders Other Office Bearers The Club's Annual General Meeting on 21 The Committee has subsequently co-opted the September elected the following Committee for following additional office bearers: 1994-95: Conservation Council Mike Morriss and Janet Edstein President representatives Margaret Cole Nic Bendeli VicePresident/Treasurer Honorary Auditor John Kyatt Ala?! Vidler Walks Secretary Equipment Officer Maurice Wicks Editor David Truman S&R Coordinator and NSW David Campbell Roger Edwards Membership Secretary Confederation Delegate Assistant Walks Secretary Mike Pedvin Namadgi Committee John Thwaite Join: Webster Conservation Officer convenor Social Secretary Maurice Wicks Club Record Keeper Ala;: Vidler Bill Brow,: Publisher Club Archivist Douglas Wright James Ashbun:er Minutes Secretary Check-in Officer Mike PediEn Correspondence Secretary Sylvia Sheffield Public Officer Paul Edstein 56 Woolner Crct HAWKER ACT 2614 11 October 1994 Reet VALLAK 5 Fullwood St WESTON ACT

Dear Reet,

I note from our membership records that you would be prepared to, on occasion, lead walks, but our trip details indicate that you have not done so in the last two years. If you are prepared to lead walks, now is a good time to make a 'comeback, for reasons outlined in the following paragraphs. Your presence at Walks Planning Evenings would be particularly welcome, whether to lead walks yourself or to help beginning leaders to plan trips. I and other experienced leaders would be glad to help organise walks, whether at Walks Planning evenings, by telephone, or otherwise.

The Club is dangerously over-dependent on a small number of long serving 'mega-leaders', so that, as we probably are about to discover, a loss of one or two key people can have a severe impact on the Club's prime activity, bushwalking.

With a greater number of leaders we: • are less dependent on any one individual; - • have more variety and ideas for trips - new people have new ideas; more people give more people more ideas; • have more choice and less crowded trips for walkers; • have more enjoyable trips - more variety means greater likelihood that trips meet more people's needs and fewer problems in coping with a mixture of, for example, very fast and very slow people on a trip; • provide a more stable program, with less gaps; • have a more reliable program with more people confident enough to take over should the trip leader be become unavailable or incapacitated; • have more flexibility on trips - for example there is more likely to be someone confident to lead a side trip to achieve particular objectives.

A good attendance at Walk Planning evenings is a highly efficient way to generate a good walks program as the Club's extensive map collection is available and people can discuss ideas with and make suggestions to other interested people. Discussions and pooling of ideas often result in better trips than an individual would devise on their own.

I look forward to seeing you at Walk Planning evenings if possible (your presence there is particularly valuable - more people generate more ideas), at general and other meetings, or talking to you over the phone.

Regards

Alan Vidler (Walks Sec) Contact via: • snail mail (Aust Post) - see above • phone 254 5373(h) - includes answering machine, regularly checked during thy • FAX at work, but please ring first. • In person - virtually all club meetings/IT Collations, etc • Via other Committee Members, if Committee meeting pending • Floppy Disks very welcome [3.5", 5.25", most word processors, various unix...] • Other transfer by arrangement, through Internet, Compuserve, modem<->modem PRESIDENT'S PRATTLE The Greg Buckley Walks Award The Greg Buckley Walks Award is a perpetual Welcome! annual award, presented to member/s who have given particular service to the dub's bushwalking This the first edition of IT under the 1994/95 program. Committee. My thanks to those members who attended the ACM and especially to those who The award was donated by Mr and Mrs Buckley nominated for the various committee positions. to commemorate their son, Greg, who died of For those who weren't there, a new committee viral pneumonia in 1990, contracted while listing is induded in this issue. walking with other dub members in Nepal.

In this, my first 'Prattle' I would like to focus on In making the award, a broad definition of just three areas of the dubs activities. bushwalking is used. It indudes factors beyond the number of walks led and can take into account Firstly, walking. That's why this dub exists. I service for a period greater than the previous believe there is room for all grades of walks to be twelve months. induded in the walks program. Some of the more seasoned walkers amongst us are quite up to Previous recipients of the award have been: roughing it for days on end and putting in 30km or more in a day. Others, induding those who've Alan Vidler (1991); 'been there done that' and some new corners to Chris Leslie (1992); and the dub may prefer a gentler pace and can even George Carter (1993) find the dreaded 'tiger walk performances daunting. I would like to foster both ends of this At the 1994 ACM, Vance Brown received the spectrum and the area most of us find ourselves in award in recognition of his considerable - in between! contribution to the club's walking program over the years. I can't say that I'll be walking every weekend - hopefully at least once each month.

Secondly, conservation. Many of us are professional people. Our country has given us our education. Isn't it time we gave something back? I envisage an active sub-committee working on conservation projects. Members are encouraged to give their time and effort individually (eg growing seedlings for Greening Australia) and/or in groups (as in the Broom Clearing weekend to be held soon).

Thirdly, social. I believe that a club as large as ours should be able to have more social activities without detracting from the essence of the club. I would encourage anyone who wishes to promote social activites for other club members. I believe that people who know each other are more likely to feel more confident about remaining in the club.

J look forward to walking with you.

Janet Edstein

MEMBERSHIP MATFERS New Members: Rene and Cathy DeKiefte, Westow Kaye Campbell, Pearce. Prospective New Members: FOUND after the September AGM - a Michael Schild, Kaleen; Michael Preskett, mountaineering book. Phone Alan or Sue Higgins; Megan Shirlow, Turner; Judy Kraatz, Vidler on 254 5373. Yarralumla. - CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. THIRTY-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT - 1993-94

Activity Program National Park. John Thwaite has kindly agreed to coordinate the sub-committee. It was a very successful year in terms of the The first project will be in end October and number of walks programmed. There were 228 will involve further Broom bush clearing in walks programmed in 1993-94. This equals the the Upper Cotter area. record of 1990-91 and is an increase of 14 on last • Provision of comments on the Murramarang year's. total. Detailed walk statistics are National Park draft plan of management. presented in the Walks Secretary's report. • A letter to NSW Minister for the Environment During the year Alan Mikkelsen became the concerning proposed wilderness areas. fourth Club member to have programmed 100 • A group of club members were interviewed walks. His total now stands at 111. What makes by a consultant involved in the preparation of it a particularly remarkable achievement is that it a recreation management plan for Kosciusko has been reached in just over six years. Alan's National Park. move to Melbourne later this year will certainly make life a lot harder for future Walks Secretaries. Confederation George Carter is set to become the fifth member of this illustrious group, having programmed 98 The Club has continued its membership of the walks to date. NSW Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs. The principal benefit is the Confederation's insurance scheme which protects the Club, leaders and Membership members against any liability, arising from a Club activity. Club membership declined slightly in 1993-94. The membership as at the time of the Annual General Meeting is as follows (last year's figures in Search and Rescue brackets): It was a busy year for search and rescue. During the year the Club participated in three search and 0. total membership 347 (357) + ordinary members 244 (249) rescue callouts (in contrast, in 1992-93 there were no callouts). From all accounts our teams + household members 96 (102) + life members 7 (6) performed extremely well in each of the callouts. Thanks to all those gave up their valuable time to The ratio of males to females is approximately take part. 60 /40. Its been a concern for a number of years that while the Club's expertise and skills have been Conservation recognised and used in they have not been wanted in the ACT. However, this The Club was involved in a range of conservation year the Club was approached by the Director of activities and issues. These included: the ACT Emergency Service inviting the Club to • The donation of $500 to the Conservation participate in future bush search and rescue Council of the South-East Region and operations in the ACT. This led to Greg James Canberra. (Director of the ACT Emergency Service) and Greg Lovell (Australian Federal Police Response • Donations to the Mount Wilson and Long Group) speaking at the June monthly meeting Beach volunteer bushfire brigades following about bush search and rescue operations in the the devastating bushfires in NSW. ACT. Following further discussions with the ACT Broom bush clearing in the Upper Cotter area. Emergency Service to clarify a number of matters (eg insurance cover for Club members) the • The formation of a Namadgi sub-committee Committee endorsed a motion being put to to coordinate Club projects in Namadgi members seeking their agreement to the Club L

participating with the ACT emergency services in Club Equipment bush search and rescue operations in the ACT. (This motion was passed at the Annual General There were no major equipment purchases this Meetting). year - purchases were limited to the acquisition of two compasses and a number of sleeping bag I would like to thank David Campbell for his work liners. - in this area. David has spent a considerable amount of effort in recent years attempting to Administration improve our relationship with the ACT emergency services and following his return to Members approved a Statement of Standing Canberra from Tasmania, agreed to take on Resolutions to replace the by-laws which existed responsibility for finalising arrangements for the prior to the Club adopting its new constitution. Club's proposed future involvement with the ACT emergency services. Committee and Office Holders

Club Library The elected committee for 1993-94 was: Gerald Dodgson (President), Janet Edstein (Vice Michael Pedvin took over responsibility for President/Treasurer), Sue Vidlei (Social maintaining the Club library from Keith Thomas. Secretary), Paul Edstein (Correspondence A start has been made on cataloguing and Secretary), Maurice Wicks (Walks Secretary), recording the contents of the library. Hopefully Michael Pedvin (Assistant Walk Secretary), Roger this will make the library more accessible in the Edwards (Membership Secretary), Ann Gibbs- future as it continues to be an under-used Jordan (Minute Secretary), Harriette Wilson resource. (Editor), Cate Kennedy (Publisher), and Rene Davies (Conservation Officer). John Webster Social Program kindly agreed to take on the position of Conservation Officer when Rene Davies resigned The monthly meetings saw a wide range of from the position as a result of leaving Australia to speakers and topics. We had a number of outside work in the US. speakers which included talks on sleeping bags by Tom Moschitz from One Planet, Ecotourism by a Other office holders were Margaret Cole and Mike representative from the Department of Tourism, Morriss (Conservation Associates), John Kyatt and search and rescue in the ACT by (Honorary Auditor), Maurice Wicks (Equipment representatives from the ACT Emergency Service Officer), Paul Edstein (Public Officer), David and Australian Federal Police. These were Campbell (S&R Officer and NSW Confederation supplemented by slide presentations and talks by delegate) and Douglas Wright (Archivist). Roger Club members. Edwards acted as S&R Officer while David Campbell was working in Tasmania. In keeping with the practice of recent years the Christmas party was again held at the Yarralumla Nursery. Thanks to John Thwaite for securing Gerald Dodgson this venue. 21 September 1994 A MULTI—FACETED WALKS SECRETARY'S WAFFLE • (Pity) This is my first Waffle this time around (I'm a frequently recycled Walks Sec, as old hands are well aware), and I particularly seek your help / now while I'm getting back into the groove. • (Logic) We are losing at least two of our highly active leaders including Allan Mikkelsen, who just had a slack year by his standards, only leading 22 walks! If you want to walk, you need a walks programme. If you are a regular walker, you should also be at least an occasional leader. Do your sums. The average day trip has about 12 participants, at least half of whom are on theft only, first or second walk This means the other six (or fewer) people, including you, need to split the leading between them. (Conscience) It thus follows that if you are not leading at least one walk in every six you go on then you are not pulling your weight. Do you want to have insufficient walking choice? If not, do something about it. (Co-operative/Informative) Talk to leaders about what and how they lead. Offer to co-lead trips. This is a good way to get started - experienced leaders often find taking bookings and organising transport to be tedious, whereas newcomers usually are nervous about "navigation", which old hands know is not a problem. I'm always eager to accept walks, make suggestions on destinations, help arrange co-leaders and so - on. I will be organising, or programming other people's, instructional sessions for aspiring leaders, but that takes time and the alligators are snapping.... (Self Interest) Besides getting to go where they want to, leaders are figures- of respect and admiration thoughout the Club, with all the social advantages that brings! (Next sentence censored by Editor!) (Patriotism(?)) Your Club needs You: In particular, right now the day walk programme is very thin, and day trips are what most people want. (Threat). I'm much more friendly when I'm approached than when I have to lean on people, and rest assurred that I will lean if necessary! (Bribe) Finally, a tradition has arisen over recent years of awarding goodies (wine/chocolate, etc) at the AGM to the year's first-time leaders, then to mega-leaders. I'm sure the latter group, largely the same people each year, would be very happy if there were so many new leaders that they blew the Walks Sec's entire budget leaving nothing for them.

Alan Vidler

Carry Evening/Lobby Your Leaders! Walks Planning Evening

Tuesday 25 October, 6:30pm Onwards - 19 Gamor St Waramanga 2881398(h) Come along and help determine the Activities Program If you plan to lead trips then please come If you are not, then come and encourage others to lead the trips you want

If you are interested in walking, you should be there. [And if you are NOT interested in walking, why are you in the Club?]

BYO Curry (or..), or come around 8pm for discussions and planning Condiments, maps, ideas etc provided Phone calls happily accepted on the evening or to Walks Sec on 2545373 at other times it began OK but soon became impossible for us because WALK REPORT of the numerous cliff lines and bluffs, not to forget about the tiresome coral ferns again, interlocking fronds of CURROCKBILLY VIA grass trees and mallee. Perhaps if we had been BIMBERAMALA ascending, we might have been able to see passable - 27-28 August 1994 routes. To the right of us, the scene downwards was Map: Brooman 1:25 000. open, clear, very steep and simply irresistible, drawing us Participants: Eileen Munns, down a path of least resistance into the creek headwaters. Barry Munns, Chris Leslie. The slope was generally free of undergrowth but loose and stony, requiring some bum sliding to keep traction and balance. Mount Currockbilly lies east of Mongarlowe near Braidwood, and is a prominent Some short cliffs required diversions, but we finally mountain in the - not to be struck the creek gully at CR305766 in a luxuriant world confused with the tabletop mountains of the popular of dark green rainforest with Budawangs further north. This account of a recent club water seeping down from moist ascent may be of benefit to anyone who aspires to visit it mossy rock crevices. We began from the eastern side. the now compulsory challenge of going down this long and steep Our approach was via the Western Distributor and Fault gully set in paradise. It was Line Roads, leaving our car at CR342746. We then fortunate for us that all the walked up the , up a side creek, and numerous waterfalls were found the start of our climb up to Colley Spur at negotiable, although some CR328754. There is, by the way, a superb and deep rock required very wide bypasses back pool at this point, with a reasonable flow of water here up and down steep slopes. The and in most of the side creeks -despite the recent dry gully terminated with one last period we have been experiencing. But down to exquisite waterfall dropping business. The climb up the ridge begins fairly directly into a tributary of the straightforward and gentle until you reach about the 800 Bimberamala at CR303754. We metre contour, a zone of fallen logs being the only were now in familiar territory nuisance. But above this the going becomes tougher from previous walks, confident of because of a combination of steep slope and densely passage back to the car. matted coral fern. Apart from the Currockbilly Whenever it is possible to see the route up ahead, the summit, the area appears to be prospects appear threatening because of the amount of infrequently visited by people, rock faces to consider. However, upon keeping directly and is a reasonably large to the spine of the ridge, no obstacles at all worth undisturbed region with many mentioning are encountered except the solid and hidden treasures for bushwalkers. unavoidable barriers of coral fern masses and short The main characteristics for banksias. The ridge eventually leads right to the top of a walking are prominent hills with very prominent and conical knoll at CR312776. The 850 scattered cliffs, moist rainforest metre climb up took my party a mere 5 hours, with no gullies, dry ridges with open gum more damage than arms and legs full of scratches, and a forests, open stony but negotiable skinned thumb. creeks and with occasional but exquisite waterfalls. The area may remain pretty much undisturbed because Our campsite was picked at the little saddle immediately of the easier attraction of the nearby popular Yadboro on the other side of the knoll. No water was to be found area of the Budawangs. nearby; however the unobstructed view directly over the very impressive and Tasmanian like Wirritin Basin, with For my money, I'll be back here again, perhaps never to the skyline dominated by the familiar Castle and Owen the same gullies exactly, but somewhere, maybe with lit by the late afternoon light, made this a very inspiring some of you fellow bushwalkers, those who dream of campsite indeed. A strong breeze all night created a real adventure and who are prepared to get up and go totally cloud-free evening and morning, allowing a for it. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time with an memorable wait and witness in the early hours to a element of exploration which so often reveals the magnificent and brilliant sunrise emerging out from the unexpected and remains in the memory as something morning sea haze over the not so distant ocean. worthwhile. My planned route back down was to be via an unnamed Chris Leslie spur directly off the trig point heading southeast. Well, LEVIER TO THE EDITOR from Costa LyngA, a foundation member and orienteer who has rejoined CEC

ANTEDILUVIAN ORIENTEERING IN THE CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB When Canberra Bushwalking Club was formed in November 1961 we were a group of people wanting to try lots of activities that had not been done before in Canberra. There was at that time no rockclimbing club - so we did the rockclimbing; and there was no orienteering club - so we did the orienteering. In Sweden orienteering had been my main sport for many years. So in the summer of 1962 1 arranged an event on the Scarp. There were ten competitors and we used a survey map of scale 1:63 360. Johnny Wanlees, who won, claimed that he did because shortly after the start he sprained an ankle and the excruciating pain made him run very fast. Some more events were held in 1962-63 on the principle that whoever won was allowed to set the course for the next event. In 1963 we held two ACT championships, a night event on 9 March and a day event on 10 March, in what is now known as the Tuggeranong valley. The start of the night course was close to Lanyon. The day event was won by Geoff Mosley, later an ACF director, now living in Melbourne. The night event was won by David Gibson - who claimed he had not won the day event as well because in day time there are so many features visible and they all tended to confuse him. The last event before I went back to Sweden in 1963 was set by Geoff Mosley on the hills west of Lake George. Modesty precludes me from telling you who won that. - I was overseas in 1963-65 but on return I arranged some more events, one of which I have written about in It. This was in 1968, on Black Mountain. It emphasizes the difficulty of the sport that the 6.3 km course was won with a time of two hours and 43 minutes. The two winners were Geoff Mosley and Karl Errett. Our early efforts were different from today's well organized events in that we used the old 1:50 000 or 1:63 360 topographic maps; we used streamers to mark the controls; and people did not run as fast as they do now! However we had as much fun finding our way through the bush as bushwalkers have today. [This letter has been edited down - Editor] hue I3cçjcnçp Funl Fiinrer

The dirtier is to launch. the &ogong Fund recently given tax-deductibility status by the Commonwealth Government, and the new Fnèndc of the Environment Centre and Corcervaticn 0ctnci7mnernberchip schema The &cgcrxg Rind will support the information and education work of the Environnent Centre and the Conservation Councils campaigns to protect the local environment. The Friends scheme allows individuals and non-environment groups who support the Council's and Centre's aims to participate in the local environment movement. as well as receive our newsletter and 10% discount at the Qogong chop. 1i.esclaiy is Cetcier.! 1 rr L)ersicrers' Cit (CI1l(ters Street - IIirry I)rive cr11) ilicicets Sit) (STE ccncessicr) Srcilccr: bids MUCCICY.10 secretary of NW uilders' Labourers Federation in the early 1970c where he helped instigate the famous Green pans: ACF National Councillor. previous Chair of the sydney City Council Planning Committee. The dirtier will be a hot buffet (vegetarians catered for - alcohol available) with live music. Please send bookings and money by WWNEQPAY 12 OCT02EP to The &ogcng Fund Dinner. £nvironrnent Centre. GPO Qox t875. Canberra ACT 2601 or call 247 3064. TRIP PREVIEWS Australia from Rio Gallegos; or to Punta Arenas, and flying to Puerto Montt, and thence CHILE AND overland to either Santiago or ARGENTINA, Hrazd - Bariloche, and flying to Buenos FEBRUARY 1995 Aires and thence back to Australia. I am planning up to a month's walking and touring in South A number of alternatives in Chile America, leaving probably early in further south than Puerto Montt February. I spent 5 weeks in could also be looked at. Argentina and Chile in early 1988 and speak adequate Spanish, so I have made preliminary language should not be a problem. inquiries about fares and expect Following the preview in last to be able to get a return air fare month's It, a number of people have covering already expressed interest and I (1) return Sydney - Buenos flY V Tfl hope to convene a meeting one tures VLUb Saturday evening soon to discuss possibilities. return BA - Puerto Iguazu PLUS Please let me know BY 18 OCTOBER if you are return BA - Bariloche or BA - Bariloche plus interested, so I can make preliminary airline Santiago - BA bookings. for around $1950.

The itinerary could look something like this (though David Truman - tel 254 6700 (h), 272 4632 (w) not necessarily in this order): •: fly Aerolineas Argentinas direct to Buenos Aires return trip to Iguazu Falls, with two days to get WALLS OF JERUSALEM and there and back and explore both the Argentinian (optional) CRADLE MT. — LAKE ST and Brazilian sides (there are numerous walking tracks, with stupendous views) CLAIR (Tasmania) • fly to Bariloche and walk the Nahuel HuapI 24 or 27 Dcember 1994 — 3 January Traverse (sometimes called Cerro Catedral walk) - 1995 or thereabouts 39 km and 4-5 days • bus into Chile's Lake District and choose probably This walk commences two out of the following walks: (1) Puyehue traverse from either Cradle - 74 km and 4-5 days [or perhaps just part of this], Mountain (on (2) Villarrica traverse - 41 km and 4-5 days, (3) Saturday 24 December) Central Huerquehue — either 2 or 4-5 days, and up with me (Richard) as to 32km; (4) Termas de Calláo - 37km and 3 days the leader, or from The Walls of Jerusalem (on • boat from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales in the Tuesday 27 December) far south with David as the • possible day trip by boat to the Balmaceda leader. My trip will Glacier walk from Cradle Mt Torres del Paine National Park - 9 days for the to the Walls to meet up whole circuit (86 1cm) plus side trips to the Torres with David's group and a food resupply. After del Paine Lookout (about 25 km detour from the joining into one group, the party will continue to main circuit), Lago Pingo and the Cuernos del Paine Lake St Clair. • from Puerto Natales, by bus either to Calafate The route in detail starting at Cradle Mountain is: (Argentina) and Fitz Roy, thence returning to Cradle Mt - the Overland Track with side trips - Pelion Hut area - Lees Hut - Mersey River valley - NEW ZEALAND TRACKS , plus the following: March - April 1995

The mute in detail starting at The Walls: Fish Barrie Chapman is River - Walls of Jerusalem - side trips to the intending to walk Temple, Mt Jerusalem and Dixon Kingdom Hut - the Wangapeka Lake Baal - Lake Adelaide - Lake Meston - Lake Track (5 days) and Myrtle - Pelion Hut area - the Overland Track - Heaphy Track (4 Pine Valley - the Labyrinth - Gould Plateau - Lake days) in North St Clair. West Nelson (South Island), and The trip begins with a bus trip from Launceston or the Round Mt Devonport to either Cradle Mt or Fish River (the Egmont Track (4 starting point to the Walls). From Fish River onwards, expect some of the most tranquil country days) and Round Mt Ngauruhoe in the world - that's assuming the weather is fine. Visit and camp at Dixon Kingdom Hut, with its Track (4 days) in magnificent stand of pencil pines; admire the Pool the North Island. of Siloam, and don't forget Temple Hut. After Any walkers interested in some or all of the above leaving the Walls area you can fish for trout in the walks, please contact him. Details are: many lakes or relax by the waters edge. Once back • 4 weeks (3 weeks plus Easter week) on the Overland Track, its over to Pine Valley and up into the Labyrinth with its maze of lakes and • 25 March - 23 April 1995 views. Finally, off to Lake St Clair either via track • Most stable season in New Zealand or by boat down to lake, and bus back to Devonport • Plane fare to Wellington return - $A515 or Launceston. • Cook Strait crossing - $NZ40 one way. Leaders: Richard Bain 257 4816 (Ii), 265 5222 (w) or For more information: David Truman 254 6700 (h), 272 4632 (to). Transport Ban-ic Chapman, 36 Debenham Street, Mawson ACT $70 for bus, plus extras. cost: about $330 for plane, 2607. Tel: 286 4253 (Ii), 297 5822 (to).

PEDDER 2000 CAMPAIGN

The Pedder 2000 Campaign - to drain and restore the jewel of South West Tasmania, Lake Pedder - continues to gain momentum internationally and nationally. A series of feasibility studies have been carried out into aspects of the restoration process, including a geophysical survey; an economic and tourism survey; an engineering study; and a geomorphology review (released 28 September). Coordinators of the campaign are coming to Canberra on 11-13 October to brief politicians on the findings, to meet the Caucus Environment Committee and to hold a public slide show and meeting.

PEDDER SLIDE SHOW AND UPDATE: The Studio Room, Griffin Centre Thursday 13 October at 7.00. pm. Inquin.... Murray Dow 249 5028 (w) or Lucy Horodny 257 5122. In Tasmania: Hilary Edwards (002) 39 1120 or Helen Gee (002) 575155. -

MOTION PASED AT THE SEPTEMBER ACM That the Canberra Bushwalking Club cooperate on a voluntary basis with the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services for the purpose of bush search and rescue within the ACT. (Proposed by David Campbell) ACTIVITY PROGRAM

GRADING OF WALKS:

(5) Short - under 12km/day; (M) Medium - 12-20km/day; Long - over 20km1day. (E) Easy - firetrail, tracks, beaches etc; Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub; (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles (L49 Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings

NOTE: In calculating distance 1 km is added for every 100 metres climbed.

TRANSPORT: Costs are presently 25 cents a kilometre per car, divided equally among ALL participants. This amount is a guide only and can be varied at the discretion of the leader depending on the condition of the roads, the number of passengers per car and other factors. The figures given for individual trips are rough estimates only, based on four people per car, and other factors - costs may rise if cars are only partly filled. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. Members are reminded that bookings normally close at 2 pm on Thursday.

NOTICE TO ALL WALKERS: The leader should check with you that you are capable of completing the proposed trip. He may assess this from observation on previous walks or by asking where, when and with whom you have walked previously. He should also check that you are aware of what the trip entails and of any special equipment or skills needed. LEADERS may reject any applicant they think is not suitable for the trip.

SEARCH & RESCUE ORGANIZATION

S&R Contacts are: David Campbell 2722025(w) 2541511(h), Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h), 2643472(w): Area Coordinators: Belconnen - Pat Miethke 24 93085(w) 2412798(h), Woden - Doug Wright 2814148(h).

Sunday 16 October - Scenic Tour of Orroral Valley - M/EM Quota! Valley is surrounded by picturesque peaks with abundant wildlife, interesting rock formations and panoramic views. Join John in exploring part of this area, and find out why it is probably the Club's most popular starting point for walks. If you already know why, come and visit a part you might not have seen before. Maps: C'orin Dam and Rendezvous creek 1:25 000. Leader: John Webster 241 4646. Transport cost; about $&

(14) 15-16 October Bundundah & Danjera Creek - (14)15-16 October - M/R This is mainly a cut down version of a three day trip led by Ann Gibbs—Jordan earlier this year. After a Friday night start admire the views before descending into Boolijah Creek via an interesting slot through the cliff line. Climb a ridge opposite to a plateau and magnificent views of this rarely visited area. After exploring the spectacular waterfall on Danjera Creek, head for an early camp in the largest and best camping cave I know of anywhere. Next day head down Bundundah Creek, cutting into Danjera Creek to return. Map: Sassafras 1:25000. Leader:Alan Vidler 2545373(h). Transport cost about $25.

15-16 October - Mtjagungal - M/M From Round Mt to Mt Jagungal. Camp on top of Mt Jagungal (near the summit) for a brilliant sunset and sunrise. Be prepared to camp in snow. Map: Kosciusko 1:100000 Leader: Richard Bain 257 4816(h), 265 5222 (w). Transport cost about $25.

Wednesday 19 October - MONTHLY MEETING, 8pm Dickson Library. Details are on page 1 Saturday 22 October - Big Hole, Marble Arch & Hanging Rock M/E Drive to , wade across the Shoalhaven (if there's any water left) and climb up the ridge to the east until we arrive at The Big Hole - a limestone sink formation. From there we continue east to Marble Arch, for lunch. On our return we'll pass by the spectacular Hanging Rock. A pleasant, easy walk. Maps: Kain 1:25000 andAraluen 1:100000. Leaders: Janet & Paul Edstein 288 1398 (h), 2714514 (w). Transport cost: about $14.

22-23 October - Mt Kelly Spur, Mt Namadgi, and Mt Mavis - L/R This will be a wide circuit of Namadgi starting from Orroral Valley. It Includes some great vantage points, an aboriginal ceremonial ground and lots of alpine scenery. As this is the hundredth trip I have led since joining the club and it might be a good excuse to have a drop of port round the camp fire to celebrate. [Congratulations George, but who needs an excuse for port!—A 1'7 Map: Rendezvous Creek 1 :25000. Leader: George Carter 251 2130(h), 263 3549 (w). Transport cost about $8. Limit of 8.

22 —23 October - Henry Angel Flat—Mannus Campsite, Snubba Range & Yellowin Creek - M/E Two day walks in the Tumbarumba/Batlow district. The first is a section of the flume and Hovell Track following south and then Mannus State Forest. NW. Second is the Snubba Walking Track which traverses fine wet native forest with great views over Lake Blowering. Friday night departure, and depending on which way we go we could overnight in Tumut, or camp at Three Mile Dam. Maps: Yarrangobilly and Rosewood 1:100 000 or J'umbaru,nba, Munderoo and Ba/low 1:25 000. Leader: David Truman 254 6700 (h), 2724632(w). Transport about $35.

Sunday 23 October Lake George - SM/M From Cleary's Gap we will follow the lake shore returning via the escarpment. An easy walk and a good opportunity to see the birds that make Lake George their home. Map: ACT 1:100000. Leader: Sylvia Sheffield 2992430 (h). Transport cost about $8.

Sunday 23 October - Weekend Whitewater - Wet Introduction to easy whitewater, on the Murrumbidgee between Cotter and Uriarra Crossing, or further depending on the water levels. Easy Grade 1 or 2 rapids. Hire canoes or B.Y.O. Leader: Chris Bellamy 2497167(h) by previous Wednesday. Transport Cost: about $5.

Tuesday 25 October - CURRY EVENING AND WALKS PLANNING. See separate notice.

Wednesday 26 October - COMMITTEE MEETING and IT CLOSING. 8.00pm at Roger Edwards' home, 2 Hellyer Street, Holder - 288 7863.

29-30 October or Saturday 29 October [for day onIy] - Broom Clearing Upper Coffer Area. This is the second in what will be an annual event, as the seeds from the Broom bush can remain and survive in the soil for between 10 and 20 years. The Parks and Conservation service has been examining similar practices in the States and they believe October could he the most effective time to undertake an eradication program. We will have a base camp at the Cotter Hut and there is some accommodation available for people without tents. Transport will be provided from the Orroral Valley locked gate to the hut and the work will involve digging plants out with mattocks and similar implements. Most of the remaining plants occur along the watercourses so there is an opportunity to have a closer look at this beautiful area. Leader: John Thwaite 2071980 (w), 2543193 (h). Transport Cost: about $8.

(28)29-30 October -Mimosa Rocks National Park - S/E (slack) Leaving Friday night we will camp above Aragannu Beach. Saturday a rock scramble north along the cliffline to Bunga Heads. Sunday, a further chance to explore this magnificent coastline and beach. Fishing is always possible. Please bring water. Leader: I)oug Wright 2814148(h). Transport cost about $30.

29-30 October - Rotten Swamp - M/M From Boboyan Pine Forest heading southwest to Naas Creek., Sams Creek and Rotten Swamp. Time to relax or maybe climb Mt Namadgi and or Mt Kelly. Return via entry route or maybe via Bogong Gap (rough due to thick bush). Map: ACT 1:100000. Leader: Richard Rain 2574816(h), 2655222 (w). Transport cost about $8. 5-6 November Charlottes Pass - Rams Head Range - Smiggins Hole M/M A trip with views and alpine grasslands and maybe wildflowers. We will visit Belts Old Camp, the Porcupine, Prussian Plain, Thompson's Plain and Mt Sunrise. Map: Kosciusko 1:100000. Leader: Richard Bain 2574816(h), 2655222 (w). Transport cost about $25 + park entry fee.

Tuesday 8 November, IT COLLATION 8.00pm at Tony Daukus's home, 11 Sampson Close, Melba, 258 1667.

Wednesday 9 November [evening walk] - Dairy Farmer's Hill - S/E Meet at 5:15pm at the carpark in Baranjoey Drive (off Lady Denman Drive, near Scrivener Dam) for an easy 1 1/2 hr stroll to the Dairy Framer's Hill Lookout, then to the Cork Plantation near Glenloch Interchange, before returning to the carpark. Leader: Janet Edstein (no need to book). Transport cost: Nil.

5-13 November - Murrumbidgee week—long Canoe Trip - Wet €anoe from Darlington Point to Hay over a week. An easy relaxing trip. Enjoy sandy beaches, birdwatching, wildlife, plenty of time to soak up the redgum forest and riverscapes. Canoe—based camping and a need to be self—sustained over a week. Suit tit beginners. Maps: Hay and Carathool 1:50000. Leader: Kevin Frawley - contact by 26 October on 2 712883(h), 2993995 or 2822973 (w). Transport cost to be negotiated.

Saturday 12 November - Orroral Valley/Legoland & beyond -. M/M From the Orroral Valley carpark, cross the Orroral River, then climb up the fire trail to the rocky outcrops known as The Belfry, Cloisters and Legoland for lunch. Continue along the ridge before descending again to Orroral Valley and returning to the cars via the site of Rolly's Hut. Maps: Corin Dam 1:25000, ACT 1:100000. Leaders: Janet & Paul Edstein 288 1398(h), 271 4514(w). Transport cost about $10.

Sunday 13 November - Mt McKeahnie by bike and foot - M/R To save four hours of walking along the Cotter Hut Road I propose to ride bikes to Eighty Acres Flat. A good Mountain Bike Or hybrid is required for this section. We will then climb a ridge which has many granite tors to explore. Map: Tantagara 1:100000 Leaders: Roger & Rosemarie Edwards 2954598(w) 2887863(h). Transport cost about $8.

12-13 November - - Newhaven Gap - M/M In from the Nerriga entrance following the Endrick River to Vines Creek, then over Galbraith Plateau to Newhaven Gap. From Newhaven Gap via the old forestry road to The Vines and out by Styles Creek. Saturday night's camp will be determined en route and thus a tent fly will be required in case there are no caves. Map: C'MWBudawangs. Leader: Richard Ba in 2574816(h), 2655222 (w). Transport cost about $18.

12-13 November - Wineglass Tar and Big Horseshoe Bend - M/MR From Tullyangela Clearing walk to junction of North Oaky & Tims Gully Creeks, where there are the remains of old mine workings. From there, follow a ridge to Wineglass Tor for spectacular views of Big Horseshoe Bend. Camp near the Tims Gully/Shoalhaven Junction is reached, via either a series of ridges, or the Shoalhaven and Little Horseshoe Bend (or both!). Return is via Tims Gully and Sparkes Falls. This popular walk is described in more detail in Fitzroy Falls and Beyond (2988), p178 onward, but was first (?) on the CBC program circa 1977. Map: Touga 1:25000. Leaders:Alan & Sue Vidler 254 5373(h). Transport cost about $25.

Wednesday 16 November: MONTHLY MEETING - 8pm at Dickson Library

Saturday 19 November - Cotter River - SIR - Wet Walk and swim the stretch of the Cotter between Bendora Road and the pipeline road. About 6km in the river (which I haven't done, so its new for me too) plus a 250m climb back along a closed road. Map: Tidhinbilla 1:25000. Leader: Murray Dow 257 4371(h). Transport cost about $10

19-20 November - Headwaters of the Clyde River .L hR The plan is to walk from Newhaven Gap to Folly Point, descend Watson's Pass and follow Hollands Creek to a pleasant campsite where it meets the Clyde. The return is up the Clyde, climbing out near Newhaven Gap. Old trip reports say the Upper Clyde has several waterfalls and pools. Maps: Endrick & Corang 1:25000. Leader: George Carter 251 2130(h), 263 3549(w). Transport about $25. Limit of 8.

19-20 November - Long Point to Badgery's Lookdown - M/M Join in Vance's thirtieth 21st birthday celebration. A popular trip with excellent scenery and opportunities for swimming. Map: Caoura 1:25000. Leader: Vance Brown 251 3997(h), 246 4092 (w). Transport Cost about $15.

Sunday 20 November - Michelago Creek - M/E A late start for a stroll over the hill down to the Murrumbidgce for a swim after watching the platypus, before coming back to the road along Michelago Creek. Learn to play 'Petanque'. Leader: Doug Wright 2814148(h). Transport cost about $10.

Wednesday 23 November: COMMI1TEE MEETING and IT CLOSING.

26-27 November Gingra Creek M/M Friday night departure with a camp at Boyd River. The route will be: Kanangara Walls, Crafts Wall, Crafts Ridge, Gingra Creek, with camp on Gingra Range. Map: Dunphyi Skewh Map Gangerang and Wild Dog Mountains. Leader: Richard Bath 25 74816(h), 2655222 (w). Transport cost about $25

3-4 December - Canoe Flats via Bushranger Pass - MI!? This trip will be to a popular spot from an unusual direction. I've never been there from this direction, but expect spectacular views into Billy Bu]loo's Canyon and the Shoalhaven, before descending to a good campsite complete with a good swimming spot. Down at the campsite we will meet up with Vance's group coming in from Badgery's Lookdowii. Map: Caoura 1:25000. Leader:A/an Vidler. Transport cost about $25.

3-4 December - Canoe Flats from Badgery's Lookdown - M/M A long descent to the Shoalhaven from a popular entry point, with good swimming and a cheery campfire where we can swap anecdotes with Alan Vidler's slightly more energetic troops. Leader: Vance Brown 2513997 (Ii), 246 4092 (w. Transport Cost about $15.

10-11 December - Mt Scabby, Mt Morgan and Oldfield's Hut - LIM A car swap between Yaouk and Tantangara with a common campsite where Bung Harris Creek meets the Yaouk Trail. Day 1: climb Mt Scabby from Old Yaouk Creek. Day 2: climb Mt Morgan and follow Lone Pine Trail down to Oldfield's Hut, thence to the cars at the barrier on the barrier on the road north from Tantangara Dam. Second party will do the reverse. Maps: Yaouk, Rendezvous Creek and Rules Point 1:25 000 or Tantangara 1:100 000. Leader: David Truman 254 6700 (ii), 272 4632(w). Transport cost about $27.

10-11 December - Blue Waterholes I Goodradigbee area Base Camp - M/M and SIE On Saturday, drive to Blue Waterholes via Cooma and Adaminahy. From the camping area, walk through the spectacular Cave Creek gorge and on to the Goodradigbce River (removing the odd trout from these waterways if you're so inclined). On the Sunday, visit the old 19th century Coolamine Homestead, before returning to Canberra. Maps: Peppercorn and Ru/es Point 1:25000. Leaders: Janet & Paul Edstein 288 1398 (ii); 2714514 (w). Transport cost about $25.

10-12 December - Rivers and Rainforests of the Budawangs - M/!? Three days of glorious rélaxatiôn before Christmas in the best of the Budawangs. Map: Corang 1:25000. Leader George Carter 251 2130(h) 263 3549(w). Transport cost about $22.

17-18 December Tabletop Mountain - Broken Dam Hut - M/E From Mt Selwyn to Nine Mile Diggings and Broken Dam Hut. On Sunday a stroll to the top of Tabletop, before returning to Broken Dam hut to catch up on the weekend papers and a cuppa. Lunchtime departure back to Mt Selwyn. Map: Yarrangobilly 1:100,000 Leader: Richard Bain 2574816(h), 2655222 (w). Transport cost about $25. Christmas - New Year 1995 - Tasmania Trip: Walls of Jerusalem - Lake St. Clair- M/M See preview in October It. The route is; Fish River - The Walls - Lake Meston to the Overland Track via Mersey River or the Mountains of Jupiter - The Labyrinth - Lake St. Clair. This trip begins with a bus trip from Launceston or Devonport to Fish River, the starting point to the Walls of Jerusalem. From here on, expect some of the most tranquil country in the world, assuming the weather is fine. On the way, you can fish for trout in the many lakes or relax by the water's edge. After about seven days you will be forced to board the bus at Lake St. Clair for the trip back to Devonport or Launceston. For further details please contact leaders: Richard Bain 257 4816 (h), 265 5222( w) or David Truman 254 6700 (h), 272 4632 (w). Transport cost: about $330 for plane plus $70 for bu.

27 December - 1 January - Yankee's Creek and - S/MW (slack) Leader: Rene Lays 2417862 (h), 266 4368 (w). Details in next It.

21 -22 January - Base Camp - S/E A lazy; leisurely gourmet weekend of fishing, swimming and sketching and, for the really energetic, planning winter walks. The gravel Barry Way tends to be steep, but the views are spectacular. We'll camp near the . Maps: Numbla Vale 1:50000. Leaders: Janet & Paul Edstein 288 1398 (h); 2714514 (w). Transport cost about $30.

January 1995- Upper and Queens Pound River - M/R Three days in the Wadhilliga wilderness area, taking in two of the most picturesque rivers in our area and crossing over via Wadbilliga trig. One night will be spent at a nice little spot halfway up the ridge to the trig (with running water!) and the other will be by a pool in the upper Queens Pound River. Map: Yowrie 1:25000. Leader: George Carter 251 2 130(h), 263 3549(w). Transport cost about $25.

January -Tuross Gorge - M/R Leader: Alan Vidler, if no one else keen to do it.

February 1995 - Chile and Argentina - L/E. See preview in this It About a month, visiting Iguazu Falls, the Argentine and Chilean Lake District, the fiord coast of southern Chile, Torres dcl Paine and perhaps Fitz Roy. Leader: David Truman 254 6700 (h), 272 4632 (w). Transport cost: about $1950 for air fares Sydney - Buenos Aires return and two internal return trips; other internal fares and subsistence costs extra.

Late March 1995- Peppercorn Creek and Hill and Yarrangobilly Caves - M/EM We'll climb Peppercorn Hill (one of the sources of the Murrumbidgee) from the north and continue south then southeast, to cut Peppercorn Creek, visit Peppercorn Hut and then return up Little Peppercorn Creek to a beautiful campsite by the cars. On day two we'll explore the Yarrangobilly Caves and swim in the Thermal Pool before returning via the Adaminaby gourmet centre. Maps: Peppercorn 1:5 000 and Tantangara and Yarrangobilly 1:100 000. Leader: David Truman 254 6700 (h), 272 4632 (w). Transport cost: about $27.

March - April 1995- New Zealand Tracks - L/E See preview in October It. Walk the superb Wangapeka, Heaphy, Round Mt Egmont and Round Mt Ngauruhoe Tracks. Leader: Barrie Chapman 286 4253 (h), 297 5822 (w).

May—June 1995— Kakadu - MJM Leader: Helen Stevens. This trip is tilling fast, so ring now - 286 4334(h). - r\0 X C EQUIPMENT HIRE

Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equipment. The Equipment Officer is Maurice Wicks on 258 8890 (h).

The equipment available and current rates per weekend are as follows. Please note that a refundable deposit of $20 is also required. -p

• Trangia and fuel bottle $5 • Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 • 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 + Long bed compass no charge - just a deposit of $5 + Assorted packs + Olympus two person tent $15 Macpac Microlight one person tent $15

MOTIONS PASSED AT THE SEPTEMBER ACM

From the Treasurer • The proposed expenditure budget for the twelve months ending 30 September 1995 was approved. - The proposed membership subscriptions for 1994-95 were approved ($24 single, $32 family). The proposed allocations of membership funds for the twelve months ending 30 September 1995 were approved. Pestered Pubcation No. PP248831 fY47 Postage If undefivefobie return to SURFACE Paid GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 CANBERRA MAIL ACT 2601 It AUSTRALIA 9/95 Reet VALLAK 5 Fuliwood St WESTON ACT 2611

COMMITrEE 1994-95 Home Work Fax

PRESIDENT Janet Edstein 2881398 2058033 2058026 VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER Nic Bendell 2521541 2070157 2070158 WALKS SECRETARY Alan VidIer 2545373 2723765 EDITOR David Truman 2546700 2724632 2725736 MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roger Edwards 2887863 2954598 CONSERVATION OFFICER John Webster 2414646 PUBLISHER Bill Brown 2489948 2764704 276 4791 ASSISTANT WALKS SECRETARY MichaelPedvin 2885751 2775177 SOCIAL SECRETARY MaurIce Wicks 2588890 2501601 MINUTE SECRETARY James Ashburner 2541666 2527934 2527934 CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY Sylvia Sheffield 2992430

MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: RING ROGER EDWARDS ON 2887863(h)