THETHHE NEWSLETTER OFF CANBERRCANBERRAA BUSHWALKINGBUSU HWALKING CLCLUBU it VolumeVolume 44, Number 4 MaMayy 220090

CCanberraanberra Bushwalking ClubClub IncIn PO Box 160 ACT 2601

GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 20 May 2009

What’s going on in our woodlands? Presenter: David Shorthouse Over the past fi ve years the ANU and the ACT Government have been collaborating in a program of ecological research in the Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo nature reserves. The aim of this work is to improve our understanding of how to our woodlands should be man- aged and to improve their conservation values and perhaps restored to their former glory. Part of the research relates to the construction of a predator-proof fence around much of Mulligans Flat. Dr David Shorthouse, Visiting Fellow at the ANU’s Fenner School for the Environment and Society and formerly Manager of the ACT’s wildlife research programs will explain the background to the research and where it is leading. Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall Constitution Avenue, Reid

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 page 1 The events also highlight the role of should re-read the ‘Guidelines for President’s thethe individual in safety in the bush. Leaders/Participants’ on the club’s OurOu leaders are screened before they website. The wisdom is there and Prattle appearap on the program but safety needs to be kept in focus. inin the bush depends on the action of individuals not just the skills of Navigation skills are very impor- ushwalking has been in the the leader. New walkers especially tant. We run refresher courses and Bmedia for all the wrong reasons need to think about what they are incidental day-trips (see program) to lately as the tragic events which led doing. As they say in many sports, improve members’ abilities where to the death of a teenage bushwalker you need to do the simple things needed. One way, in particular, to are played out in the NSW Coro- well. See Terence’s article on page 4 gain experience is to take an active ner’s Court. of this it. part in navigation on trips: carry map and compass and be directly We do not, of course, know what Meanwhile, who said new leaders involved or an independent check the coroner will find nor do we don’t lead interesting walks? In on the course of progress. GPSs are know how the NSW Government early April, Austin and Beatrice good but ensure that you can still will respond but I think it is a good Kenney took a group to Talbingo, handle a circumstance without one; bet that there will be some action where we rarely walk as a club. you might have to one day. on bushwalking, which is one of the The Saturday included a section of few activities still unregulated. The the Hume and Hovell Track, with Two reminders: the Veteran’s Choice likely result, I suspect, is the earlier several kms paralleling the Buddong led by Alan Vidler is at the end of the than otherwise introduction of the Creek as it dropped about 400 m in month—an opportunity to appreciate Adventure Activity Standards (see a series of cascades and falls. The some of the club’s heritage. Over Terence Uren’s article on page 3 of creek was in fl ood from a storm the the weekend of 23–24 May there’s the December 2008 it). night before, which helped. It was the Corang Plateau work party in association with Rob Perry of The committee is trying to prepare a brilliant day. See Tom Gosling’s article on page 6. the NPWS. It’s a great spot with the club for this eventuality with spectacular vistas. The track needs improved pre-trip documentation Stan Marks attention, our club is a frequent user, being a fi rst step. This now includes President so it’s appropriate that we help with a requirement for leaders to tell the this one. check-in officer before the walk where the cars will be parked and Highlights in the coming snow better details on the planned route. season will be Rupert Barnett’s See the introduction to the Activity Walks and John Ions’s snow-shoe trips. program for details. This type of activity is having a Waffl e come-back in recent seasons. The These events provide the trigger to shoes are cheaply hired, easily think about our own safety proce- used and a marked advantage over dures. Many of the things that hap- here have been some great trips plodding through the snow on foot. pened on that day would not have Tlately and the program in the Some enthusiasts prefer to make happened under our club procedures coming months has plenty to offer. their own. viz a minimum of four people on a Mild temperatures at this time of the walk, groups to stay together, walk- year make for very pleasant walk- In the meantime, good walking. ing on very hot days discouraged, ing. With the coming chilly nights Rob Horsfi eld adequate water should be carried of winter the number of overnight and each participant is encouraged pack trips is likely to decrease but I Walks Secretary to carry map and compass. like to encourage people to meet the challenge. These days there is good equipment to be had for being warm Membership Contents and comfortable in cold weather and of course, being a “bushwalker” matters 2 PrPresident’sesident’s PrattlPrattlee would, I hope, incline one to be 2 WWalksalks WWafaffl e hardy too. 2 Membershi Membershipp mattmatterse Safety issues have been of increas- lease ensure that you keep the Membership Secretary informed 3 R Review:eview: LhaLhasasa to ing concern in recent months. There P have been several cases of people of any changes to your email ad- KathmandKathmandudu in the club becoming lost and other dress. 4 Al Aloneone in ththee busbushh members unable to sustain demand- New members: Jane Aitken, Garry 4 Fir Firstst AidAid fforor asthmaasthm ing conditions. Fortunately, to date, and Margaret Hulme, Eric Glass, 6 A pleasant weekeweekendn at all’s well having in each case ended Tanya King, Tony Marx, Claire well. We have our leaders to thank McLoughlin, Andrew Matthews, TalbinTalbingogo for that. Safe practice is about appre- Amir Mohammadi, Sally Sargeson, 7 ActivitActivityy proprogramgram ciating the potential for a problem Sean Sloan and taking suitable precautions. A 11 From ththee ArchiveArchivess review suggests that a current fi rst Allan Mikkelsen aid certifi cate has value and that one Membership Secretary

Page 2 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 BecBecauseause there had RReview:eview: LhasaLhasa toto been a change in oobtainingbtaining tourist visas KKathmanduathmandu tthehe grougroupp needed to A mmountainountain bbikeike ttourour sstaytay in KKathmandu for 5 ddays at the aacrosscross thethe roofroof ooff tthehe bebeginningginnin of their wworldorld ttrip.rip. ThiThiss meant that eanne Aust veryvery abablyly described tthehe oveoverallr cycling Lherh epici cyclingli jjourney across trip from Lhasa to the roof of the world at the last CBC Kathmandu was meeting. Helping to set the scene going to be far more demanding. There Leanne brought in her mountain up 1,122 kms, ascending over bike, prayer flags and had some were no rest days; acclimatising days were limited to 10,000 m and crossing fi ve passes Tibetan music playing. Her quite with the highest at 5,300 m. heavy bike had dual hydraulic sus- two and the last two days were extra pension and sturdy mountain bike long. While waiting for visas to be Scenic photos showed the vast open tyres. Once the paved road ended issued the group rode around the spaces of the Tibetan Plateau, the she was extremely glad that her bike most attractive foothills of Nepal and different and very demanding road had this dual suspension. visited markets and temples. Those surfaces from beguiling smooth who have visited Nepal know how pavement to deeply rutted and cor- This trip was organised by a United exciting and colourful (and smelly) rugated, the many hairpins they tra- Kingdom company, Red Spokes, a it all is. versed up and down, the road works company that specialises in rather Then they fl ew to Lhasa to begin in progress, road crews setting off adventurous as well as demand- the explosives to rebuild parts of the ing bike tours. Leanne’s photos their epic journey. They saw the impressive Potala Palace, once the road that had experienced landslides, certainly showed all that. Over fi elds where yaks were grazing or 20 days in late September 2008 she headquarters of the Dalai Lama, before he fl ed the country. being used to plough the fi elds, and and another 12 cyclists pedalled the very deep culverts, which, as their often weary way from Lhasa Leanne’s photos were magnifi cent she explained, once made a handy to Kathmandu following the Friend- and her presentation demonstrated toilet stop (until a tourist bus went ship Highway. On the way the group her enjoyment in re-living the whole past!). One of the passes, the Pang needed to cycle up and over fi ve trip. Her talk and explanations La had 50 hairpin bends. Leanne very high passes, including Kamba also clearly showed the endurance noted that sometimes the mountain La Pass at 4,794 m and Karo La Pass necessary for such a ride. For peaks viewed from the road took on at 5,010 m. This trip also visited the example on the fi rst day in Tibet the appearance of icebergs as their Everest Base camp. The group were they cycled 30 km uphill from bases couldn’t be seen from the high supported by one truck that usually 3,600 m to 4,700 m over a pass Tibetan Plateau. stayed about 25 kms in front of the and then 35 kms on to their fi rst cycle group and provided snacks campsite on the Tibetan Plateau. On One of the highlights of this epic and lunches on the way. Another the last day, in which they needed tour for Leanne was visiting and truck tailed the group carrying to cover two days’ riding, they rode being able to view the north face their tents, sleeping bags and other nearly 130 kms of which 35 kms of Mt Everest. On this day the personal gear. were uphill. During the whole temperature in the morning was trip of 20 days the group notched -15°C and the wind was so strong that at times the riders were blown off the track. Leanne sensibly chose to walk the last 200 m to the Everest Base Camp! At the end of the day it was most comforting to return to the Rongbuk Monastery. After 18 days of strenuous riding up and over passes the last few days were most enjoyable. On two of these days the road was a mighty 160 km long, 4,000 m downhill ride from the stark and wild Tibetan Plateau at 4,600m into the lush green hills of Nepal at 600 m and then onto Kathmandu. Thank you Leanne for sharing with us your journeying over the Roof of the World. Janet Edstein

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 page 3 before youyo squat down, tuck away If you get lost or delayed overnight AAlonelone iinn tthehe bbushush inin the bbackac of your brain at least one or longer and then ‘unlose’ yourself, hishis mmonth’sonth’s PrattlPrattlee ddrawsraws attatten-en- piecepiece of information that will help make sure you contact the Club’s Ttion to the tragic case of a young you remember this direction (eg a Check In Offi cer as soon as possible bushwalker who died after distinctive tree or rock, the ground so that any search for you that is becoming separated from his party slope, the position of the sun). underway can be called off. – a case that highlights the need If it all goes pear-shaped for us all to think carefully about Terence Uren bushwalking safety. Let’s say that, despite all these Training and Safety Offi cer precautions, you become separated Finding yourself alone in the bush from the party. What do you do after losing your companions is next? probably the most common ‘inci- FFirstirst AAidid fforor dent’ bushwalkers are likely to The rest of the party is unlikely to confront. Indeed, it has happened to be far away and should begin to aasthmasthma at least two club members this year. search for you once they realise What can you do to avoid being the you are missing. Call out or blow neeo off ththeesurp surprisingrising fi nndingsdings of next? your whistle. Listen for a response. Othe club’s recent fi rst aid survey Repeat. If after several minutes (April it) was that 59% of those Before you hit the track there has been no response, return to surveyed did not feel confi dent that When you pack for a trip, throw in where you were last with the party, they could manage a casualty suf- a map, compass and whistle. Take if you can confi dently do so – this is fering an asthma attack – not good a GPS if you have one. If you will the fi rst place they are likely to look news for members affected by this be carrying a mobile phone, make for you. Sit down, have something condition. sure you have given its number to to eat and think things through. If If you are one of these members, your leader. you have your mobile phone and are this fi nding reinforces the need for in a location with reception, phone At the start of the walk, pay atten- you to be well prepared when you the leader or any other member of go on a club trip: tion when the leader discusses your the party known to have a phone, or intended route. Make a note of if you do not know their numbers • let your leader know of your any collecting features (eg roads, turn your phone on so someone in condition when you book on the watercourses, fence lines) that could the party can phone you. trip help you fi nd your way back to the car if you became separated from, If none of this works and you remain • be aware of the asthma triggers to and were unable to reunite with separated from your party, what to which the walk may expose you your party. If you are carrying a do next depends on your degree (e.g. vigorous exercise; exposure GPS, enter the spot where your car of disorientation, your bush skills, to pollens or campfire smoke; is parked as a waypoint. your fi tness, the equipment you are sudden exposure to cold air) carrying, the terrain and the weather. Along the way It is diffi cult to be prescriptive about • take your regular preventer medi- cation beforehand (if prescribed) Ensure that you can see the person what you should do – you must immediately in front of and behind use your own judgement. Remain • keep your reliever inhaler (puffer) you at all times. If you lose sight of calm. easily accessible at all times and them, shout to those in front of you Determine your location as best make sure the leader (or someone and ask them to wait until the party you can (don’t you wish now you’d else in the group) knows where to regroups. packed your GPS). If you decide to fi nd it. Do not walk ahead of the party sit and wait, choose a prominent but For other members, please read without the consent of the leader and sheltered place. Mark it well with the chart accompanying this article then only if you have an absolutely bright colours contrasting with the and tuck the information it contains clear understanding of where you bush so that you can be seen even if away in the back of your brain. You are heading and where you need to you are asleep. Keep your pack with may need it one day! The fi rst aid wait for the party to catch up. you. If you expect to wait for some treatment described assumes that time, make sure you have ready the fi rst aider will have access to a Tell the leader if you are not com- access to drinking water and, if you reliever inhaler (puffer). This is the fortable with the pace of the trip or if can safely do so, light a fi re. Do not only effective fi rst aid treatment for fatigue, illness or injury affects your wander around aimlessly. asthma. If a reliever is not available, ability to keep up with the party. If you decide to move, head back to you should keep the person calm Perhaps you need to make an your car or to the group’s intended and call for external assistance unscheduled stop? Let the leader campsite, if you are confi dent that immediately. know – don’t just duck off into the you can do this safely, or make for a Terence Uren bush for a quick pee thinking ‘it will suitable landmark such as a road or Training and Safety Offi cer only take a minute and I can catch hill. If possible, keep to the ridges. up’. If you do move away from the Leave prominent messages giving See the accompanying chart for group for a bit of privacy, make sure your plans and the date and time. you note the direction you need to guidance on what to do. travel to return to the group and,

Page 4 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 First Aid for Asthma

What is an asthma attack? People with asthma have extra-sensitive airways. Triggers like dust, pollens, animals, tobacco smoke and exercise may make their airways swell and narrow, causing wheezing, coughing and diffi culty breathing.

Sit the person comfortably upright. Be calm and reassuring.

Give 4 puffs of a blue Reliever inhaler (puffer) – Ventolin, Airomir, Bricanyl, or Asmol. Relievers are best given through a spacer, if available. [In remote areas where a spacer is unlikely to be available, a PET (or similar) drink bottle can be modifi ed for use as a spacer] Use 1 puff at a time and ask the person to take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff. Use the person’s own inhaler if possible. If not, use the First Aid kit inhaler or borrow one from someone else. Wait 4 minutes. If there is no improvement, give another 4 puffs.

If little or no improvement, CALL FOR EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY (DIAL 000 AND STATE THAT THE PERSON IS HAVING AN ASTHMA ATTACK or SET OFF YOUR PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON). Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until external assistance arrives. Children: 4 puffs each time is a safe dose. Adults: up to 6 - 8 puffs every 5 minutes may be given for a severe attack while waiting for external assistance. With Spacer Without Spacer

Shake inhaler and insert mouthpiece into spacer. Shake inhaler.

Place spacer mouthpiece in person’s mouth and fi re Place mouthpiece in the person’s mouth. Fire 1 puff 1 puff. as the person inhales slowly and steadily. Ask the person to breathe in and out normally for about Ask the person to hold that breath for 4 seconds, then 4 breaths. take 4 normal breaths. Repeat in quick succession until 4 puffs have been Repeat until 4 puffs have been given. given. What if it is the fi rst attack of asthma?

If someone collapses and appears to have diffi culty Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the breathing, CALL FOR EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE ambulance arrives. IMMEDIATELY, whether or not the person is known to have asthma. Give four puffs of a Reliever and repeat if no improve- No harm is likely to result from giving a Reliever to ment. someone who does not have asthma.

This chart has been provided by and is reproduced with the permission of the National Asthma Council. Although all care has been taken, the chart is a general guide only which is not intended to be a substitute for individual medical advice/treatment. The National Asthma Council expressly disclaims all responsibility (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 page 5 startingstartin the walk to the A ppleasantleasant BuddongBuddo Falls. wweekendeekend atat The ttrack follows part of tthehe Hume and Hovell TTalbingoalbingo tracktrack and is well marked. Participants:rticipants: Austin Kenney WalkingWalk through open (leader),)B Beatrice KKenney, GGeorge meadows,meado we had views south to the six huge Hill, Lorna Cuneo, Theresa pipes feeding down from Barbaro, Stan Marks, Amanda the Talbingo to the Williams, Tom Gosling Tumut 3 Power Station. Maps: Talbingo, Yarrongabilly, Turning west, we followed Courabyra, Blowering, 1:25,000 the Hume Hovell track albingo is a village with a popu- past herds of cows towards Tlation of 300, on the southern the Buddong Falls. Just as shore of Lake Junama, part of the we left the meadows we . Like came across some glorious Jindabyne and Adaminaby, the gang gang cockatoos, so original village was submerged when the Snowy scheme was built, and a new village built nearby. It’s situated to the west of the ACT, so takes a while to get to—nearly three hours’ drive, via Yass, Gundagai and Tumut. If you prefer you can Buddong Falls - a spectacular just-off- come the other way along the Snowy vertical cascade of at least 60 metres Mountains Highway, via Cooma and Adaminaby—perhaps 20 km longer, in a state of pleasant fatigue rather but much of a muchness. Two male gang gang cockatoos. than exhaustion. We arrived at Talbingo caravan park intent on their feast of blackberries The original intention had been on Friday night, driving through a that they happily consented to being to do an 11 km walk, including spectacular thunderstorm and tor- photographed from quite close a 400 metre climb, to Warogong rential rain that burst on us just as quarters. Sugarloaf, which is to the east of we passed through Tumut. the Snowy Mountains Highway as The track is an easy ascent along you head back to Tumut. It rained most of the night, but a well-maintained trail for most of cleared up by morning and we set the way through magnifi cent forest, Instead, we opted for a 7 km walk out by car at 8 am with the coun- then gets steep as you approach the to Blowering Cliffs, in the same tryside freshly soaked, dust-free falls. The Buddong Falls are quite a area but just a bit south. This was a and exuding lots of nice post-rain sight, cascading for what looked to beautiful walk, initially along a fi re smells. be 60-80 metres. trail but then, after reaching an area of open grassland, along a reason- From Talbingo we doubled around It’s a surprise to see, arriving at a to the western side of the reservoir, ably good track leading to the base lunch spot by the creek above, that of the cliffs. leaving the Snowy Mountains High- the Buddong Creek is not such a way to bump along a few kilometres big deal. It fl ows past so quietly that The cliffs are reminiscent of Mother of four-wheel drive track heavily you wouldn’t suspect it capable of Woila, suggesting possible ways up infested with blackberry, before putting on such a great display only but not having any easily discernable a few metres downstream. route. Three of our party scrambled up a gully and were rewarded with The start of the walk was through cow The walk back was mostly downhill paddocks, fresh from overnight rain. fantastic views over the Blowering along fi re trails but our group Reservoir, but time and lack of ropes started to realise this was a long prevented us from going any further. walk – 20 km at least. Fatigue Another time, perhaps. started to set in before we made iitt back to the cars, with Theresa The return was an easy downhill encountering boot problems lope along the same route. We that made the descent easier lunched at a picnic table near the going backwards! cars, said our goodbyes and were back in Canberra around 4.00 pm. In view of the length of Satur- A pleasant weekend, thanks to Aus- day’s walk, Austin decided on a tin’s cheerfulness, good sense and Plan B for Sunday so that we infl uence with the rain gods. should arrive back in Canberra Tom Gosling Page 6 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 Activity program Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfi eld (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), Email: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley St Kambah ACT 2902

Information for participants

Distance and diffi culty DutyDuty ofof cacarere Distance: Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that (S) Short - under 12km/day he/she does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or (M) Medium - 12-20km/day damage to property. Each person is required to sign the club’s (L) Long - over 20km/day ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to join Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the club climbed. after a maximum of three trips. Terrain: For further information see: (E) Easy - fi retrail, tracks, beaches etc www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au (M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles Check-in after walks (W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings Before a trip leaders are to provide the following information, pref- (X) Exploratory erably by email but by phone if necessary, to the Check in Offi cer: Booking • Names of participants (including contact details for non- members); Contact the leader early rather than late. Book by Thursday 2.00 pm for the following weekend (both one-day and multi-day • Registration number of at least one vehicle being used on the walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport. trip and details of where this vehicle will be parked during the Check with the leader about: trip; X the need to carry water, tents/fl y, maps, etc • Trip Plan (including start/fi nish points and in suffi cient detail X appropriate clothing, footwear to allow route to be determined by a third party from relevant X any precautions you might need to take for severe weather topographic maps); and changes. Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to • Communication Equipment being carried (PLB, mobile phones our Club. (including numbers) etc) Leaders are to report their safe return or trip cancellation to the Transport Check-in Offi cer by 10am the day after their trip. The Check-in Costs are 36¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This Offi cer is Jeff Bennetts ([email protected]. amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending au, phone 6231 5899 leave message if no answer). The Check-in on the condition of the roads and other factors. The fi gures given Offi cer or the President (6254 9568), not the Police or other bod- for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an estimate or range per person . Park admission and camping fees ies, should be the fi rst point of contact for worried relatives if you are additional costs which leaders should list separately. are late in returning.

Saturday 16 May: Black Range – M/E Tuesday 19 May: Border Markers between Mt From the Forbes Creek track head, follow the trail north Gingera and Blackfellows Gap – L/R,ptX through attractive open forest to South Black Range trig Climb Stockyard Spur from , past Pryors Hut point with its enormous rock for morning tea, then along to Mt Gingera. Follow the border south to Blackfellows an open ridge to rejoin the track for a while. Swing east Gap, looking for border markers. Return via the Mt then south off track before returning to the cars. About Franklin fi re trail/road. Around 25km + 1500m climb. 4½ hrs actual walking. Map: Bombay 1:25,000. Leader: Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000. Leader: John Evans 6288 Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ 7235(h), [email protected] Transport:~$40 per car, infrastructure.gov.au Transport: $40 per car, ~$10–$15 ~$10 per person. Further details at http://jevans.pcug. per person. org.au Limit: 8. 16–17 May: Nattai Wilderness – M/R/X An exploration of the Nattai wilderness. We’ll follow Wednesday 20 May 2009, 8pm Starlights Track to McArthurs Flat thence along the Nattai MONTHLY MEETING River to the Wanganderry Creek junction. Depending What’s going on in our woodlands? on conditions, we’ll go up or down stream and attempt Presenter: David Shorthouse an ascent via a side creek to the Wanganderry Tableland Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall area. Thereafter we’ll either descend back to the Nattai for further such explorations downstream, or head to the Constitution Avenue, Reid Allum Creek headwaters. Campsite unknown – either by a creek or atop a ridge, whatever takes our fancy. Lovely Hawkesbury sandstone country with spectacular cliffs (22)23–24 May: Corang Plateau workparty and walls. Maps: Hilltop, Nattai 1:25,000. Leader: Ian A working party to clear vegetation on the Corang Plateau Smith 6282 1226 (h) Transport: tba Limit: 8 Track, organised and assisted by NPWS rangers. This follows on from an enjoyable and productive workparty

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 page 7 at Folly Point last year. Map: Corang 1:25,000. Leader: 30–31 May: Veteran’s choice Bimberi from Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: $108 per car, Tantangara – S-M/E $27–$36 per person. This is yet another repeat of the fi rst trip conducted (22) 23–24 May: Durras weekend – (Sat M/E, after the CBC was formed in November 1961. Start at Gurrangorambla Creek, walk about 7 km and climb about Sun S/M/X) 200 m on fi re trails to camp at a picturesque clearing about Leave Canberra Friday night, stay in comfortable half way between Oldfi elds Hut and Murray Gap. An cabins at Depot Beach Caravan Park. Saturday will optional 8 km round trip on tracks to the top of Bimberi, be the spectacular Little Forest Plateau with views to the ACT’s highest peak, towering 500 m above, can be the Budawangs, Pigeon House and beyond. Lunch at undertaken either in the afternoon or the next morning. Ngaityung Falls. On Sunday, we will start at Pebbly Beach Expect a cold night, clear mild days, great alpine scenery. and climb Durras Mountain via the made trail and then The trip will be conducted at a pace to suit the leader’s drop down to Snake Bay via an open ridge line. Lunch unfi t condition, though more energetic options are also is either Snake Bay or Clear Point depending on timing. available. Maps: Rendezvous Creek & Rules Point Each person is responsible for his/her own meals. About 1:25,000. Leader: Alan Vidler 6290 0490 avidler@pcug. 5½ hrs walking on both Saturday and Sunday. Maps: org.au. Transport: ~$150 per car. Kioloa/Durras/Tianjara/Milton 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ Tuesday 2 June: Wineglass Tor via the infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$160 per car, ~$50 per Shoalhaven River – L/R person. Accommodation: ~$50–60 Features some spectacular views and interesting rock 23–24 May: Booth Range and – M/R formations above the Shoalhaven River. The walk starts Shannahans Mtn, Booth Range, Max’s Hut, Naas River, near the end of Matodoro Ridge Fire Trail and descends Horse Gully Hut, Shannahans Mtn; reasonable going, 400 m via Assay Buttress to the Shoalhaven River. The beautiful country. Maps: Michelago, Colinton 1:25,000 600 m ascent of Backbender Buttress followed by a short Leader: Tim Wright 6295 9995(h), 0409 847 534(m), walk along the edge of the scarp brings us to Wineglass [email protected] Transport: 150 km return, $54 Tor. Return to the car is via a descent to the Tims Gully/ per car, $13–50–$18 per person. Shoalhaven River confl uence followed by an ascent of Monitor Mount. Map: Touga 1:25000 Leader: Keith COMMITTEE MEETING Thomas 6230 1081(h) [email protected] Transport: Wednesday 27 May 2009, 8pm ~$120 per car, $30–$40 per person; 4-wheel drives are at the home of Roger Edwards required. 101 McInnes Street, Weston Saturday 6 June: Ridge east Nursery Swamp – M/R/X Start and fi nish at Orroral camp ground. Map: Rendezvous Saturday 30 May: Buchanans Lookout– Creek 1:25,000. Leader: Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Christmas Creek–Glow Worm Glen – M/E-M Transport: ~48 km each way, $35 per car, ~$9–$12 per After a latish start from Bundanoon we follow old and person. partially overgrown tracks north of the main tourist area to some excellent lookouts over Bundanoon Ck, before Sunday 7 June: Uriarra Forest – M/M descending to the exquisite mossy gully of Christmas About half on fi re trails and half through burnt out pine Ck, reminiscent of the Green Room in Monolith Valley. forest with the possibility of fallen timber to negotiate. Then return to the Glow Worm Glen by dusk for a view Climb up Uriarra Hill, Mt Blundell and Ganges Peak. of the glow worms. Back in Canberra around 8.30 pm. About 600 metres of ascent involved. Map: Cotter Map: Bundanoon 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 1:25,000. Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 7863(h) 6208 6231 5899(h). Transport: ~300km ret, ~$108 per car, 5444(w) [email protected] Transport: ~$30 per ~$27–$36 per person. Limit: 12. car $7–$10 per person. Sunday 31 May: Horseshoe Hill – M/E/X (5)6–8 June: Weddin Mountains National Park Drive to the locked gate at the end of Woolcara Lane – M/R/X and walk, mainly on track, to this grassy peak for lunch Camp at Seatons Farm campground on Friday night. On and spectacular views. About 5½ hrs actual walking. Saturday we ascend Eualdrie Trig after which we head Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 south to Weddin Gap and then east to our fi rst water drop. 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected]. The next morning we climb Weddin Mountain and visit au Transport: ~$40 per car, ~$10–$15 per person. some of the gullies to the south west, hopefully fi nding Black Spring on our travels. This will lead us to our second 30 May–14 June: West Macdonnells NP – water drop. Return to the cars will be via Wentworth M/M-R/X Gully, Black Gin Gully and Seatons Farm. Water will need Take advantage of the summer rains to do two trips of to be carried each day. No campfi res. Maps: Marsden, one week each. The routes will be chosen from Redbank Grenfell and Bendick Murrell 1:50,000. Leader: Keith Gorge to Mt Zeil (highest peak in the NT), an exploration Thomas and Irene Davies 6230 1081(h) kthomas@pcug. of the north side of the Chewing Range east of Ellery org.au Transport: ~$200 per car. Creek, Mt Giles area and Hugh Gorge – Brinkley Bluff – Standley Chasm area, depending on conditions, especially (6) 7–8 June: Royal National Park – L/E any recent rain. Map: Hermannsburg 1:250,000. Leader: Leave Canberra around 9am Saturday, lunch at the Meg McKone 6254 5902(h), [email protected]. Robertson Pie Shop then a 1½ hr walk at Minnamurra au Transport: $lots. Rainforest. On Sunday, will do Otford–North Era Beach

Page 8 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 return (15 km, 5½ hrs actual walking) along the spectacular 1028m) with views to the coast and the Budawangs. Wet coastline of the Royal National Park and associated forest – there may be leeches – and some rocky sections features. On Monday, we will do a short walk through along the way. Map: Monga 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff the rain forest below the cliffs of Macquarie Pass before Bennetts 6231 5899(h). Transport: ~220km ret, ~$80 lunch at the Pig and Whistle, Robertson and home. Nights per car, ~$20–$27 per person. Limit: 12. at Gerringong youth hostel. Shared ‘everyone bring something’ meals both evenings. Map: to be provided. Tuesday evening 23 June: Navigation Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. Refresher #2: Dead Reckoning exercise [email protected] Transport: $180 per car, Review of the use of the compass and distance ~$60 per person, Accommodation: ~$55 measurement for situations with low visibility. Venue: Jenny & Rob’s, 11 Studley St; Kambah, 7.20 pm for 7.30. Tuesday 9 June: Condor Creek and the Six Please book early 6231 4535(h). Fords – S/R,WX Explore Condor Creek upstream from the bridge at COMMITTEE MEETING Thompsons Corner to Shannons Flat. Apparently several Wednesday 24 June 2009 old fords there. Walk described in Beyond the Cotter by Allan J Mortlock and Klaus Hueneke ANU Press Canberra 1979, Condor Creek and the Six Fords. Around 8 km + 150 Saturday 27 June: Faunce Hill – M/E m climb. Map: 1:25,000. Leader: John Evans Faunce Hill is on the eastern side of the 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Transport: ~$40 per River gorge on the northern end of Googong Dam. The car, ~$10 per person. Further details at http://jevans.pcug. walk is a mixture of on and off track, starting at the end of org.au Limit: 8. Wanna Wanna Rd (off Captain’s Flat Rd) thence through Saturday 13 June: Wild Cattle Flat – S/E-M open forest to the Hill and south to lunch on an open Climb via fi re trail east of Captains Flat to the trig station ridge before wandering back to the cars. Plenty of variety atop the Bollard Ridge from which views to the west. and good views including Gingera and Bimberi. About Then follow the ridge as it descends through open forest 5½ hrs walking. Map: Hoskinstown 1:25,000 Leader: until you cross Ballinafad Creek. Lunch on a hill above Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ the creek, then cross wild cattle fl ats and back to the infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$30 per car cars through open forest. All on trail or easy off track. Saturday 27 June: Navigation Refresher #3: About 4 hrs actual walking. Return via the purple eatery. Route following & position fi nding – M/E Map: Tinderry 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 A day’s walking in the hills west of Kambah using map 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected]. and compass. Map: Tuggeranong 1:25,000. Leaders: au Transport: ~$60 per car. Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h). Meet 11 Studley 13–14 June: Kioloa and Benandarah – M/M St; Kambah at 7.50 am for 8.00. With the phasing out of timber harvesting on parts of the Sunday 28 June: Billy Range – M/R/X NSW South Coast, former logging and snig tracks are Start and fi nish from the Boboyan Road over Fitz’s Hill. being reclaimed by the forests. These vanishing (and often Maps: Williamsdale, Michelago 1:25,000 Leader: Rob unmapped) tracks will be used to explore Kioloa’s littoral Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: ~44k each way, ~$32 rainforests on Saturday and Benandarah’s spotted gum and per car, ~$8–$11 per person. stringybark forests on Sunday. Overnight in a cottage at South Durras. Maps: Kioloa, Durras 1:25,000. Leader: Saturday 4 July: Harrison’s Peak – M/E Terence Uren 6282 2403 or [email protected] A walk through open forest near Captain’s Flat, initially Transport: ~$120/car + park entry fees. Limit: 8 on a fi re trail to Harrison’s Peak which has views from Mt Coree to the Tinderries. We then walk off track along Tuesday Wednesdayevening 16 17June: June Navigation 2009, 8pm a lovely open ridge, looping round to another ridge with RefresherMONTHLY #1: An evening MEETING with maps spectacular views and then back to the cars. About 5¼ hrs A review of the basics of maps for bushwalking. Venue: actual walking. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. Leader: JennyMain & meeting Rob’s, 11 room, Studley St. St; John’s Kambah, Church 7.20 pm Hall for 7.30 Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ pm start. PleaseConstitution book early Avenue, 6231 4535(h). Reid infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$45 per car 4–5 July: Navigation Refresher #4: Off- track Saturday 20 June: Molonglo Gorge – S/E in the Namadgi with map and compass – Surprise yourself at the attractiveness of this nearby M/R gorge. Walk on track beside the gorge, returning through A weekend pack-trip route-finding using map and the forest, perfect for a winter afternoon. Be at the track compass. Map: Yaouk 1:25,000 Leaders: Jenny & head (down Kowen Rd which comes off Sutton Road a Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: $58 per car, short distance from the Piallago Rd/Yass Rd/Sutton Rd $14–50–$19 per person. junction near Queanbeyan) at 2pm. About 2½ hrs actual walking. Map: Bungendore Leader: Stan Marks 6254 Saturday 11 July: Bushfold Flats – M/E-M 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected]. Follow the Australian Alps walking track from the au Transport: drive yourself but tell me when you book Booroomba Rocks car park to Bushfold Flats, an area of if you need a lift. open forest and grassland. Transit the fl ats, then follow the track until lunch on a rocky outcrop with views Sun 21 June: Buckenbowra Tops – M/M-R north, east and west. Follow the track to the Mt Tennant A walk along the escarpment in Monga National Park, fi re trail and then drop down, off track, to the Flats and including its highest point (MR 658 541 1966 datum, return to the cars. About 5 hrs actual walking, all on track.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 page 9 Map: Williamsdale 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 Friday night. Mt Carrialoo (to be led by Barry Keeley on 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected]. Saturday) is always brilliant and if you like spectacular au Transport: ~$30 per car views and a bit of a challenge, you will love it. Sunday’s walk is a mixture of ridges with views and a bit along Saturday 18 July: In the shadow of Palerang a rain forest creek before we emerge along an ancient – S/E-M logging road back to the cars. About 5 hrs walking and a A walk in the Tallaganda National Park. From the Forbes mixture of track and off track on both days. On Saturday Creek track head east of Hoskinstown, follow trails to evening, an ‘everybody bring something’ meal. The YHA Mulloon Creek, then along the Palerang fi retrail before is an early C20 structure of delightful ambience. Maps: swinging west off track for about an hour to the creek and Bundanoon and Mittagong. Leaders: Stan Marks and the Mulloon fi retrail back to the cars. Mostly on track. Barry Keeley. Bookings to Stan: 6254 9568(h), 6274 The forest is different from that near Canberra. About 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: 5hrs actual walking. Map: Bombay 1:25,000. Leader: ~$90 per car, Accommodation: ~ $60 per person. Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$45 per car 8–9 August: Beginners’ overnight pack trip – S/R Tuesday evening 21 July: Navigation Nursery Swamp car park–N. Hill–Rendezvous Creek– Refresher #5: Basic GPS rock paintings–N. Swamp car park Map: Rendezvous Basic set-up and use of GPS. Venue: Jenny & Rob’s, 11 Creek 1:25,000 Leader: Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Studley St; Kambah, 7.20 pm for 7.30. Please book early Transport: ~53k each way, ~$38 per car, $9.50–$12.50 6231 4535(h). per person. Saturday 25 July: – Black Mt and Aranda 8–16 August: Victorian Alps snowshoe trip – Bushland – M/E L/M-R Meet at 9.30 am in the car park opposite 160 Dryandra Drive to Harrietville and climb 1200 m up Bungalow St, O’Connor. This walk traverses the Bruce Ridge then Spur to Federation Hut, where we will probably be crosses into the Black Mt Reserve. Traverse the reserve, camping for 3–4 days. Climb Mt Feathertop and explore following the track part way up the mountain, then along Avalanche Gully (could be breathtaking) and other areas the lake to Yarramundi Peninsula for lunch. Home via the according to individual skills and desires. Crampons Aranda Bushland. All on track, about 5rs walking. Map: optional and MSR-type snowshoes desirable. Return n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), to Harrietville and drive to Mt Beauty before setting [email protected] Transport: drive off up Victoria’s highest hill, Mt Bogong, via the easy yourself but tell me when you book if you need a ride. but long Staircase track (1400m). Camp at Steve Cole Tuesday evening 28 July: Navigation Memorial Hut (tents essential) and explore according to Refresher #6: Night exercise with GPS whims and weather. Descend via Eskdale Spur. Maps: A practical activity using waypoints and route functions Mt Feathertop–Hotham and Bogong Alpine Area (or on a GPS. Venue: Jenny & Rob’s, 11 Studley St; Kambah, equivalent). Leader: John I’Ons 6231 6326 ajions@ 7.20 pm for 7.30. Please book early 6231 4535(h). iimetro.com.au Transport: $320 per car. Saturday 1 August: Maginot Line – M/E/X Saturday 22 August: Jerusalem and A walk in the Brindabella National Park. From its junction Purgatory Hills snowshoe walk – S/M with Doctor’s Flat Road west of Dingo Dell, we will From Dead Horse Gap an easy access onto the level follow the Maginot fi re trail until morning tea then head southern extension of the Main Range – and to great off track through open forest for about ½ hr to the Hickory views all round. Suitable for trying your ‘hand’ on snow Ridge with its spectacular views. We will then drop down without the need for skiing skills. Snowshoe hire is about to the Mullion Creek valley fl oor thence back to the cars. $25. Maps: Thredbo 1:50,000. Leader: Rupert Barnett The bush near Doctors Flat Rd in this area is spectacular. 6242 5241, [email protected] Transport: $50 Map: Umburra 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 plus Parks fee. 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected]. 29–30 August: Castle Gourmet Trip – M/R au Transport: ~$30–$40 per car. Climb the Castle from Yadboro via Kaliana Ridge and 1–2 August: Mt Twynam snowshoe trip – Castle Saddle, camp on top, shared gourmet meal in the M/M-R evening at a favourite spot, side trip to the southern tip From Guthega climb 400 m to a semi-sheltered campsite Sunday morning then return. Gentlemen are requested to below the summit of Mt Twynam. Enjoy wandering wear a bow-tie for the evening meal and ladies something around the Twynam/Sentinel/Watsons Crags area with similarly appropriate. Always a popular trip. Maps: its superb alpine views and vertiginous slopes. Crampons Corang, Enderick 1:25,000 Leaders: Jenny and Rob optional for the adventurous. Bring a 4-season tent or Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: ~180k each way, snowcaving gear (provided there’s enough snow). Map: ~$130 per car, $32.50–$43 per person. Mt Kosciusko 1:50,000. Leader: John I’Ons 6231 6326 Saturday 19 September: Worn Boot Bash #8 [email protected] Transport: $144 per car plus – L/R park entry. Boboyan car park– Sams Creek– Mt Kelly– Bogong (7)8–9 August: Southern Highlands Gap– Burbidge Ridge– Middle Creek– car park ~27 Bushwalking bonanza km plus a few hills. Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk This weekend based at the Bundanoon YHA includes 1:25,000 Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) two contrasting southern highlands walks. Drive down Transport: ~64k each way, $46 per car, $11.50–$15 per person. Page 10 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 14–22 February 2010: Tasmania – Wilmot and Frankland Ranges – L/R/X These ranges lie to the west and south of Lake Pedder. This is a rare opportunity to walk off track in Tasmania through From the some excellent alpine country. Some rock scrambling. Maps: Olga, Wedge and Old River 1:100,000 Leader: Ian Hickson 6251 6858 Transport: TBA Limit: 4. Archives

43 years ago ne of our long-standing CBC members, Doug Wright, wrote an article in the JuneO 1966 newsletter. He referred to the club’s Bulletin Board support of a proposal to the Kosciuszko State Park Trust to enlarge the area of the park by a The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no further fifty square miles that would take in Mt cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal Morgan, the Cave Creek and Blue Waterholes bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved area, and the plains north of Tantangara. in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if peo- He wrote, ‘At present three quarters of the ple participate in any activities advertised here, they do countryside [in question] is …grazing coun- so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, try, the other quarter being part of a very and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance. large general recreation area… It is not only bushwalkers who would benefit from a large Notices for the Bulletin board should be emailed to wilderness area close to Canberra. If, as has the Walks Secretary: walksec@canberrabushwalk- been suggested, Canberra’s final population ingclub.org.au reaches three million, where will people be able to go on a weekend to see the unique high Wednesday walk country flora away from hotels, tea houses and The regular mid-week walk series continues, close to petrol stations?’ Canberra with a destination to be decided. Contact the leader before 8 pm Tuesday to fi nd out destination and Well, many of us have been fortunate to be meeting place. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). able to walk those lovely northern plains and This walk is every Wednesday and the clubs, FBI and experience ‘the unique high country flora’. NPA take turns to host it. Details for each Wednesday The Tantangara area, while not gazetted as are now available by email and interested members wilderness, has become part of the Kosciuszko should contact Allan Mikkelsen. National Park. And just over the border lies the Bimberi Wilderness area of Namadgi House Sitting for Bushwalkers National Park, which both the National Parks Want to go away walking and not worry about the gar- Association and Canberra Bushwalking Club den? Call Cate on 0407266942 and I will gladly look were determined to bring into being 40 or more after your place, experienced reliable and mature. years ago. ‘Gear for sale’ table In place of our one-night auction, as in previous years, Jenny Horsfi eld we shall put out a table at General Meetings, for a while. Hopefully it will be of benefi t to those wanting to get rid of A track through the wildfl ower-studded Kosciuzsko equipment and those wishing to buy some. Please label National Park – Photo by Tom Gosling gear for sale with adequate personal details and asking price.

Discount offers for club members Outdoor & adventure stores in Canberra who give a discount (usually 10%) on most of their stock to CBC members are: •Belconnen Camping World, Oatley Court, Belconnen •Tuggeranong Camping World Homeworld Centre, Tuggeranong

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2009 page 11 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE* Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] TREASURER George Carter 0419 603 334 – [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Tom Gosling 6290 2874 6257 2898 [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – [email protected] EDITOR Alison Milton 6254 0578 6289 2717 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 – [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Terence Uren 6282 2403 – [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER Quentin Moran 6288 9840 6243 6601 [email protected] PUBLISHER Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6208 5444 [email protected] ASSISTANT WALKS SEC Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899 – [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Jenny Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – [email protected]

*All 11 members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Allan MIKKELSEN, [email protected] 6278 3164 (h) CHECK IN: Ring Jeff Bennetts on 6231 5899 (d/e), or 0418 662 870 WEBSITE: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

May 09