THE CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. NEWSLETTER it GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 VOLUME 38 October 2002 NUMBER 10

OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 16th SLIDES FROM OUR MEMBERS

Come and view slides of our members' travels and walks. They will range from our stunning National Parks in to the Tongario NP in NZ, Easter Island and beyond. Please phone Janet (6288 1398), as the new social secretary,if you wish to show your slides. Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science Gordon Street, Canberra City Make the most of the evening and join other members at 6.00pm for a convivial meal at the Vietnam Restaurant, 8-10 Hobart Place, Canberra City (opposite Canberra House Arcade, next to Aussie Home Loans) Try to be early to ensure there will be ample time to finish and still get to the meeting in good time the club during the past year, and (EPIRBS) for use by club members PRESIDENT’S we hope they will continue to on trips, and some arguments PRATTLE enjoy their membership and activi- supporting and opposing this move. ties within the club. We hope that a good discussion of the merits and drawbacks of these The President’s Annual Report At last month’s Annual General devices will take place at our printed in this edition outlines the Meeting there were a number of October general meeting, before features of the past year and the changes to committee membership. the club votes on this issue. Come plans we have for the coming year. John Thwaite replaces Dick along, and enjoy catching up with We hope it will be a year where all Johnston as Conservation Officer; people over supper- as well, you club members find active and Cynthia Breheny takes over from will be treated to a range of mem- enjoyable ways to be involved in Ailsa Brown as Publisher; and bers “favourite slides” from past the club program. Janet Edstein replaces Rosanne walks. Walker as Social Secretary. Our Elsewhere in this edition you will Jenny Horsfield thanks to these retiring committee also find a motion proposing the President members for their contributions to purchase of two safety beacons

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 1 taken to organise a Remote Area to John Thwaite for his continued WALKS WAFFLE First Aid course, which will be commitment in organising this funded in part by a grant from ACT event. I hope lots of people will make it to Sport and Recreation. If you are The Ginini Wetlands project, in the Walks Planning BBQ on 19 interested in attending this course which CBC and Namadgi National November (see the Activity Pro- in November, see Dave tonight as Park will work as partners, will gram for details). If you’ve been there may still be a few vacancies. hesitant in the past to lead a trip, continue this year, but has been put on hold for the last few months as here is your opportunity to talk to Insurance other leaders for general tips and the new Bendora ranger settles into information about where to go. 2002 has seen an increased empha- his job. sis in our club on Duty of Care Happy walking in this beautiful (at 2002 has been the year when both issues. The disclaimer “Acknow- time of writing!) Spring weather. the Kosciuszko and Namadgi legement of Risks and Obligations” National Parks have begun to Meg McKone is now a necessary part of our review their plans of management Walks Secretary walks routine, as each walker, with significant community con- whether a visitor or a long-time sultation. Two of our club AGM club member, is required to sign members, Di Thompson and David President’s Report this sheet, and thus acknowledge Campbell, have represented con- their own responsibility in under- servation and bushwalking interests taking what society sees as a risky Welcome to our 41st Annual Gen- respectively, on the National Parks activity. All new leaders receive eral Meeting. Thank you for and Wildlife Service Steering our training document “Guidelines coming along and displaying an Committee, formed to prepare a for Activity Co-ordinators and interest in the running of the club. draft Wild Horse Management Leaders” which provides useful Hopefully you will go away with a plan. This plan will address the and very practical advice on run- fairly positive view of our vexed question of how to eliminate ning a trip in a safe and responsible achievements over the past year, feral horses from the fragile Alpine manner. and be inspired to continue your area. support for CBC by leading Along with every other community Di has also put in many voluntary walks, helping on the committee, and sporting group, we have felt hours as the Conservation rep on introducing a friend to the club, or the impact of new insurance re- the Interim Namadgi Advisory just being an active participant in quirements. Under the insurance Board. Such positions, involving our program. cover we receive, no activities can long meetings and much paper- be undertaken above the snow line, I will outline the features of the work, are often thankless tasks, and and canyoning and rockclimbing club year and also some plans for we appreciate Di’s commitment to have been ruled out. It is very sad the next committee year. the job. We also owe thanks to that this adventurous dimension David for representing the club on has been eliminated from the life of Training, Safety and S&R a working group preparing a our club, and we will hope for a Walking and Camping Strategy for Canberra Bushwalking Club no change of conditions in the future. the Morton Budawang National longer has a search and rescue The new committee will be inves- Park. A sub-committee was ap- component, as the official work of tigating the option of taking out pointed earlier this year to search and rescue is now handled extra insurance to allow above the represent the club’s interests in the by either SES or the Bushwalkers snow line activities to resume next preparation of a new Draft Plan of Wilderness Rescue Squad, a part of winter, as without these, some of Management for Namadgi. This the NSW Confederation of BW the most memorable and significant sub-committee will continue into clubs. Dave Drohan is the club’s walks on the club’s yearly program 2003 and beyond, with John contact for BWRS, and has under- cannot take place. Thwaite as convenor, and we are taken training with them, as all hopeful that a public forum and a members need to have an accred- Conservation series of planning workshops will ited base of skills to be part of this take place shortly. One of the major stated aims of our service. Dave has prepared a constitution is to foster conserva- useful sheet of information for the Social program and meetings tion of our country side and club on emergency procedures, and preservation of national parks. To recommends that this should be We have been fortunate to have this end, our annual broome clear- carried by all club members in their continued access to the Shine ing project continues at the Cotter first aid kit on walks. Dave, as our Dome for our Wednesday meet- River. This year will be the 10th training officer, has also under- ings, and I’d like to thank Rosanne year of its operation- many thanks

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 2 Walker for arranging the venue. night, and I will read his report members of the Namadgi sub- Rosanne will not be standing as later in the meeting. committee; to our equipment social secretary this year, but has officer; Confederation delegates kindly offered to be at each general IYM and Conservation associates; and to meeting to ensure the room is the Auditor and Public Officer. available and locked up after use. In February the club endorsed a Later we will be choosing the new motion to support the United committee, and I hope some of you We have had a number of interest- Nations International year of the will be considering standing for a ing guest speakers on various Mountains. This has involved us in position or nominating someone aspects of conservation and natural some fund-raising, whereby on else to do so. New ideas and new history . Our own club members designated IYM walks members faces are always welcome. slide nights have proved very are invited to contribute a small popular- especially Keith Thomas’s sum which goes into a fund for Jenny Horsfield talk on South Africa, Paul Edstein Community Aid Abroad. This President on South America and Meg organisation works extensively in McKone on Central Queensland. SE Asia, especially in impover- Walks Planning BBQ We are always willing to receive ished mountain communities, so suggestions from club members we saw this as an appropriate At 22 Longworth Place, Holt. about interesting topics or guest group to support. Our funds will Tuesday 19 November, 6.00 pm speakers for these general meet- go into the general aid budget, as onwards. ings. unless we raise $10 000 we do not Come along and help produce a have the right to choose a specific Stan Marks’ gourmet walks are great walking program for Summer project. We hope to raise the very always a popular feature of the and beyond. New and "old" leaders modest sum of $1000 by next social program,as was his mid- all welcome. Bring your own meat, March, but one-off donations are winter dinner in July. salads and liquid refreshments; always welcome. Our auction at the desserts provided. it mid-winter dinner of some of the photos from the 40th anniversary RSVP to Meg on 6254 5902 by The club newsletter continues to exhibition, raised $450 towards the Monday 18 November. provide a monthly program of fund. Meg McKone events and articles for club mem- Walks Secretary bers. Trip reports and reviews Looking to the Future appear, and the occasional article Vale:Geoff Marston of natural history or general inter- It is encouraging to see that new people continue to join the club est. It may be that in the future The sad news has been received each month. Some are introduced most members will choose to that Dr Geoffrey Marston, Fellow to the joys of the outdoors through receive their magazine electroni- of Sussex College Cam- going on a country ramble; some cally rather than through the post, bridge, died peacefully on 29th have their first experience of the and this is an option that the new August. Geoff, a legal expert and bush on an overnight camp. Our committee will no doubt discuss lecturer, was a very enthusiastic club has room for both kinds of sometime during the year. Mem- member in the 1960s of what walkers, and we welcome them all. bers will no longer receive a became the CBC. He was also very I hope that the new committee will January it, as the committee has witty (see his piece in the 40th see one of its main roles this year decided to rationalise the printing Anniversary issue) and members as encouraging new walkers to of the magazine over the summer gained almost as much enjoyment expand their horizons- both liter- holiday. from his trip accounts in IT as they ally and metaphorically- by trying did from his company on the It collations attract a small group of a “beginner’s overnight bushwalk”. walks. He lived a spartan existence helpers each month, and we en- We plan to make these a regular with not much more in his room at courage new members to offer to feature of the walks program in the hostel than he took with him on host one of these modest occasions 2003. as a way of getting to know people walks. Although domiciled in in the club. So there it is- the year in retrospect. England he was keen to take part in I hope it’s been a year of good a walk to commemorate our 1964 Club Finances walks and good memories for you first ascent of Mother Woila. How all. Many thanks to all the volun- unfortunate that if the trip eventu- The club’s financial position con- teers who have contributed in ates he will be there only in our tinues to be very healthy. Our diverse ways to the running of the memories. treasurer Michael Sutton sends his club: to all walks leaders; to each Geoff Mosley apologies for not being here to- of the committee members; to

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 3 due to the summer bushfires and Lorraine Tomlins, Janet Edstein, ANNUAL WALKS eleven due to bad weather. Three Douglas Gillies. trips had to be pulled off the pro- REPORT, 2001/2002 For special mention tonight (and a gram due to the new insurance small token of appreciation) I and regime, and no doubt this will Over the past year, the Canberra the two other members of the Greg continue in the forseeable future to Bushwalking Club has offered its Buckley Award sub-committee affect our offerings. Environment members and visitors a wide vari- have selected members who have ACT closed Namadgi from the ety of trips, ranging from easy to made a special contribution to Christmas fires until the end of hard, from a day or less to over a walking in the club. First, our new February, but relented after heavy month, in places ranging from our leaders: John Kelly (two weekend rain in early February. Members of local national parks to interstate and four multi-day walks), the club met with the Director to and overseas. Lauraine Reynolds (three weekend express our views of the extended walks), Michael Sutton, Michelle During the year, a total of 232 trips closure. was programmed, of which 174 Weston and Felicity Furnass. Now for the human faces behind trips went out. Of 122 pro- Then, from our longer serving these dry statistics. I sincerely grammed day trips 91 went out, of leaders: Stan Marks, who led our thank all the 54 members who have 73 programmed weekend trips 53 greatest number of trips (33 pro- programmed trips over the past went out, and of 37 programmed grammed of which 27 went out – a year; without you our organisation longer trips (ranging from three to total of 35 days on trips); Dave would cease to function as a bush- 36 days) 30 went out. The average Drohan who over the past two walking club. Here are our leaders, number of total programmed trips years has spent many evenings and with the number of their trips that per week was 4.5, the average several weekends training club went out and the number of days number of programmed day trips members in safe rope work and they spent leading: per week was 2.3, the average canyoning techniques; Rob Hors- number of programmed overnight 10 or more trips: Stan Marks 27 field who is noted for his mega- trips per two day weekend was 1.6, trips, 34 days; Terence Uren 13 extended trips: bit by bit he is and the average number of pro- trips, 28 days, Allan Mikkelsen 13 working his way along the Great grammed longer trips per week was trips,13 days; Jenny Horsfield 11 Dividing Range from Victoria to 0.7. The total number of pro- trips, 12 days; Meg McKone 11 the ACT, and last Novem- grammed trips was slightly greater trips, 42 days; Roger Edwards 11 ber/December he spent 36 days at than last year, with a trend for more trips, 12 days. it. long trips. Perhaps this reflects the number of retirees in the club. 5-9 trips: Rob Horsfield 9 trips, 51 Finally, to the winner of the Greg days; John Kelly 6 trips, 18 days; Buckley Award. This prestigious A wide range of bushwalking and Dave Drohan 5 trips, 9 days. award has been donated by the related activities was undertaken, parents of one of our members who 3-4 trips: Gosta Lynga 4 trips, 9 including canoeing, canyoning and sadly died of an illness in Nepal days; George Carter 4 trips, 8 days; rockclimbing. Unfortunately the twelve years ago. It is awarded for Vance Brown 4 trips, 4 days; Keith last two, along with snow activi- services to the club’s bushwalking Thomas 3 trips, 6 days; Lauraine ties, are no longer covered by our program, not necessarily in the Reynolds 3 trips, 6 days; Irene public liability insurance. If legis- current year. Previous winners Davies 3 trips, 5 days; John I’Ons lation in the pipeline at the moment have been Alan Vidler, Chris 3 trips, 3 days. does not improve this situation, it Leslie, George Carter, Vance may be possible to gain snow 1-2 trips: Frank Bergerson, Raylee Brown, Allan Mikkelsen, Richard insurance through other sources. Harvey, Michael Maconachie, John Bain, Terence Uren, Jeff Bennetts, In addition to the trips included in Thwaite, Michael Sutton, Keith & Meg McKone, David Campbell this year’s statistics, a number of Heather Aubrey, Alan Davey, and Janet Edstein. This year the evening walks and paddles was Brian Surin, Mark Hopkins, Steve award goes to a member who in his also run, thanks mainly to Stan Galliford, Eric Pickering, Sandra own quiet way has shown a serious Marks and Terence Uren respec- Berry, Ian Smith, Mike Bremers, commitment to bushwalking in this tively. Chris Roper, Glen Anido, Stephen club over many years, leading trips Thearle, Chris Bellamy, Michael that combine a mix of “old faith- A total of 58 trips was cancelled, Banyard, Jeff Bennetts, Murray fuls” with the exploration of new mostly due to lack of takers. Dow, Rosanne Walker, Doug and interesting areas – Roger However, natural and human Wright, Julie Cronin, Alan Vidler, Edwards. events also conspired to create Richard Bain, Michelle Weston, For the incoming committee I difficulties for our walking pro- Doug Floyd, Barry Keeley, gram. Nine trips were cancelled recommend that they continue to support our existing leaders and

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 4 encourage new ones; that they pores, respiration by oxygen diffu- encourage members to develop sion through moist skin and Notice of Motion their skills and broaden their bush- similarities in internal anatomy. walking experiences; that they The mouth is at the thin end and is 1. I move that, as proposed in the investigate ways of gaining insur- a sucker containing three slits each draft budget for 2002/2003, the ance for all our traditional with serrated jaws. The other end is Canberra Bushwalking Club pur- activities; that they involve the club thickened with a sucker but the chase two EPIRBs for use on club in ensuring both the conservation anal opening is prior to it. Excre- trips; and that of our walking areas and our rea- tion is also via pairs of segmental (a) Their allocation be subject to sonable access to them; and that pores along the body. Movement is approval by the club President our walks statistics be recorded on by looping and they also swim or Walks Secretary, and that a computerised data base. well. It has 10 eyes seen as minute any leader allocated an EPIRB black dots on the dorsal edge of the I wish everyone safe and happy for a club trip be provided with mouth sucker. walking for the coming year. information about its appropri- ate use. Meg McKone Copulation is the same as with Walks Secretary earthworms where, as hermaphro- (b) They be made available to dites, the two align their respective club parties free of charge. The Loathsome Leech. genital pores. The individual leeches subsequently anchor them- (c) Their use be monitored and if selves to a fixed object to oviposit. the purchase of two is deemed There was a time when one of our They form a frothy cocoon around to be insufficient, a motion be members woke with one on his the upper body, deposit into it put to a general meeting to ac- lips. We were woken by the frenzy some 15 fertilized eggs and with- quire more. of violence from his tent. An draw from it as it hardens. This intruder, a King Brown snake at (d) In the instance of a person barrel shaped capsule may be left least, and it was only a leech. He activating their own EPIRB for on or buried in damp earth near said that he had played it cool, all a legitimate purpose on a club water. The incubation period is under control and in the initial trip, the club reimburse the per- some 20 to 30 days. Leeches para- panic had simply levitated. And son for the cost of replacing the sitize aquatic animals such as fish there is the infamous Dingo Gully battery. and crayfish. The young live on on the northern side of Mt Easton, snails, insects, frogs and such but Moved: Meg McKone Vic. It is guaranteed to put more as they mature seem to require the Seconded: Jenny Horsfield leeches than hair on a leg, gaitered, warm blood of a mammal. (soul of trousered or otherwise. It took us 2. I foreshadow a motion to vote a vampire?) There is fluid in its half an hour to get them all off. on each part in motion 1. in seria- pharynx which prevents the blood tum (ie one at a time), after a It is a study into the depraved from coagulating. Our familiar general discussion of all aspects of corner of Man’s psyche to listen to gorged leech might contain half a the motion. all the things that people do to fluid drachm (~1 ¾ ml) of blood leeches: cigarettes, salt, iodine, which would last it for a year. Moved: Meg McKone copper sulphate, pick and flick, Surprisingly leeches are long-lived Seconded: desiccation, immolation, eviscera- animals taking 4 or 5 years to tion and so on, all with elements of mature and having a life span of TO EPIRB OR NOT satisfaction, glee and revenge most some twenty years. [Ed: Not if I TO EPIRB just. There is a case here of course get to them first!] for litigation or perhaps a simple Horse leeches get into the mouth insurance claim—by the leech. At and nasal cavities of the horse and HERE ARE SOME the very least its needs should be lacerate the membranes to feed. In QUESTIONS considered. A little understanding times past in Europe Medical might go a long way/ no way. What is an EPIRB and how does leeches were bred in large numbers it work? It’s a small, lightweight Their family name is Hirudinea in ponds and old horses were used (around 200 g) beacon designed to and some of the species other than to feed them. There’s nothing be used when your safety is in those we meet in the scrub include lovable about a leech. serious jeopardy and you need to Horse and Medical leeches. The Ref: “Practical Zoology”, Mar- be evacuated quickly. When set latter may be 75 to 125mm in shall and Hurst, John Murray, off, it puts out a distress call that length. Fortunately we don’t see 1964. can be picked up by satellites and those. The body structure and aircraft. functions are in some ways like the Rob Horsfield earthworm: with segments, genital

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 5 Will I always be found and how Cloudmaker because there was a It complies with Australian and NZ long will it take for help to ar- person over 70 on the trip, and rang safety standards. rive? All of Australia and New Frank up from the summit just for Should parties pay for borrowing Zealand lie within a 2 hour median fun. However, there are many an EPIRB? I strongly recommend time taken to detect a beacon. places in Australia of interest to us that there be no charge. I think Then S&R operations begin. The as walkers (some of these are quite members should be encouraged to beacon’s position can be initially close to home) where ordinary take this precaution, where appro- calculated to within about 20 km. mobile phones DO NOT priate, and we need to make it as So the companions of the sick or OPERATE. Satellite phones are easy as possible. There are mem- injured person need to attract the very expensive to buy and require a bers of this club who have already closer attention of rescue flights high monthly rental fee. provided this protection totally with fire, bright colours, flashing Members buy their own GPSs, so without charge to other members the reflector on the back of the why not their own EPIRBs? An by taking their own EPIRBs on beacon etc. I personally know EPIRB is no fun. It sits in your club trips. someone who was rescued within pack and you hope like hell you two hours in Tasmania when he If we take a club EPIRB on some will never have to use it. It is very suffered a potentially disabling cut trips but not others, are we more expensive – a minimum of $275. It to his hand. There is no absolute likely, as individuals or as a club, has a use by date of five years, guarantee that the party will always to be sued? I don’t know, and after which time it has to be sent be located, but it is the only rea- neither does anyone else I’ve away for the battery to be replaced sonably priced option for walks in spoken to. But, if this is the case, and sealed in at a cost of over remoter areas and where phones do we would just as likely be sued on $100. If it is used, the battery also not work. other grounds, such as: Some has to be replaced at said cost. members are already taking their Does our club need an EPIRB? There is no guarantee if someone own EPIRBs on CBC trips, so why In recent years, several members of sets off their own EPIRB for an- didn’t you? Other bushwalking our club have suffered quite serious other person’s rescue, that they clubs have an EPIRB for the use of injuries and illnesses on walks. would be reimbursed for this cost. their members (e.g CMW in Syd- Fortunately, it has not taken more It seems highly unreasonable to ney, Family Bushwalkers in than several hours for someone to expect a few members of the club Canberra), so why not CBC? walk out and raise the alarm; or to continue to subsidise the safety EPIRBs have a proven record of someone has had antibiotics to treat of others at a personal cost of saving lives, so why hasn’t the club blood poisoning. (My doctor keeps several hundred dollars for an acquired one? No doubt there are telling me, people die very quickly item whose sole use is to send out other questions a wily lawyer could of blood poisoning). The club is an alarm signal in a grave emer- put to suit the situation, whatever running more extended trips and gency. configuration of EPIRBs the club club members are growing older. But I don’t know where it’s been! may or may not have. If an emergency occurred on some An EPIRB is not like a climbing of these trips and there was no However, EPIRBs are not men- rope. It can be checked literally in EPIRB, the patient could be dead tioned in our insurance policy, and a couple of seconds to make sure and rotting by the time the alarm nor are they mentioned on local that it is functioning properly, with was raised and help arrived. They National Parks noticeboards such safety seal unbroken, antenna could suffer a severe disability as entry to the Budawangs or to undamaged and battery operating. from the delay, or at the very least, Kanangra/Boyd, where advice is days of pain and distress while How many EPIRBs does the club given on what to take on an over- waiting to be rescued. need? If we start with two night walking trip, so I suspect they EPIRBs, one on either side of would not be an insurance issue. My personal view is that if it would town, it would be easier for people Some parks (Kosciuszko, Kakadu) take more than 24 hours to get help to pick one up. If it is found that hire out EPIRBs to the public. The or if there are likely to be extra two are not enough, then more can Victorian Federation of Bush- hazards (such as a snake-infested be purchased, subject to club walking Clubs has information on river trip in summer), then the approval. EPIRBs at http://home.vicnet. party could seriously consider net.au/~vicwalk/epirb/intro.html. taking an EPIRB. What type of EPIRB should the This article makes it clear that for club buy? Of the two models for Why not use a CDMA or satellite any trip where a phone could be sale in Canberra shops, I recom- phone? CDMA phones are great used or people could walk out to mend the GME MT310. It is when they work, and have the fetch help quickly, an EPIRB is far lighter (175 g), cheaper ($275 at advantage of allowing detailed from being the best way of secur- Dick Smith) and a more convenient communication. I took ours over ing a rescue. shape to slip into a pack or pocket.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 6 In conclusion, EPIRBs are neither Motion 1a should be less prescrip- Following comments support necessary nor appropriate for every tive in case both are absent for an Motion 3 and oppose Motion 1b. trip and trip participants will need extended period, or should any of The widely used GME MTE310 to use their judgment (as they are their successors be less qualified cost about $240 last week in ma- already doing) on whether to take for the task. I also believe that the rine stores. This may seem a lot, an EPIRB, a CDMA phone or trip leader must be the final arbiter but an individual overnight bush- nothing at all. However, EPIRBs on whether an EPIRB, from what- walker usually has several items have saved people in the past and ever source, is desirable. The each costing more than that – they could save a club member or leader must have the right to cancel sleeping bag, Gortex jacket, per- visitor from serious suffering, a trip if an EPIRB is not available. haps a tent, boots, pack, GPS. disability or death. Surely this is When should an EPIRB be car- Single extended trips often involve what we should be focussing on. ried? This is not part of the costs higher than that in transport Meg McKone motion, but undoubtedly is a major alone. As a regular (past, and issue, sure to come up in discus- hopefully future) leader my map Notice of Motion sion, and essential background. collection would cost the equiva- lent of about 6 EPIRBs to replace, I think the sole criteria for carrying and has a higher annual mainte- 3. That on CBC trips where the an EPIRB should be something like nance cost. Cost grounds do not leader decides an EPIRB is desir- “On trips where use of an EPIRB seem to be a reason to depart from able and one is taken, the party will may be the fastest way to get help”. the established CBC practice of be levied $5 per trip day. This This situation is of course more hiring club gear, particularly as money is to be paid to the owner of likely on extended trips in remote only one EPIRB per party, at most, the EPIRB, whether the Club or a areas, or Club trips which include is required. person, and shall be collected with any higher risk activities still transport costs. If more than one allowed, but can occur on any trip If EPIRBs were available free, on EPIRB is available, the leader where it could take more than two the basis that individual members determines which owner receives hours for the participants to contact should not have to outlay money to the levy. outside help. For example, a heart enhance party safety, then logically Moved: Alan Vidler attack or possibly serious head the Club should also pay all costs Seconded: Sue Vidler injury requires evacuation as soon for first aid training and kits, also as possible, not just “within xx “hope-we-never-need-them” party Another View of hours” or some other criteria. Party expenses, and these depreciate composition is also relevant. An faster. Where do we stop? Maps, EPIRBs extended trip party is unlikely to compasses and GPSs are also party comprise an experienced leader and safety items. I was invited to provide comment three novices, but this could hap- It seems to me that providing CBC for IT (a ‘No’ case?) on Meg and pen on day trips. EPIRBs free of charge is a positive Jenny’s motions. I am not opposed If every trip were to be equipped discouragement for members to to EPIRBs (I own one) or to their with an EPIRB, then in the long buy them, or to make them avail- purchase by CBC. However, I do term, the majority of activations able if they have them. Why should disagree with some of the man- would occur on a day or weekend someone provide, when the Club agement policies proposed in the trip because there are far more of issues for nothing? It is in the Motions. Accordingly, I also these trips. I am aware of one interests of both individual mem- provide another Notice of Motion. incident during the last two years bers and the Club for others to have Obviously it would lapse if Motion on a CBC weekend trip where an them: more become available for 1b is passed. EPIRB, if available, would have club trips, and people can use their I assume the proponents of Motion been used, and a day trip where it own for private trips. 1 have outlined the purpose of might have been considered. I am As a robust item with minimal EPIRBs in this IT. If not, please unaware of any such incidents wear-and-tear there is no point in refer to my article on our website occurring on CBC extended trips in owning an EPIRB and leaving it in and summarised in March 2001 IT. this period. The sample is small, a cupboard. The nominal 5-year I thus confine myself to aspects of but it is consistent with my prior battery life is overshadowed by the concern to me. experience, and reports of EPIRB fact that the satellites supporting activations generally. Who decides? I have no objection current frequencies, and models, to either of the present occupants Who Pays? Motion 1b proposes are supposed to be deactivated in of the positions proposed in Motion they be available free of charge. I 2009 so it is unlikely that one 1a undertaking the task of allocat- disagree, for a variety of reasons. would just replace a battery in ing CBC EPIRBs, but I think 2007. Ownership costs are entirely

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 7 incurred at purchase, except in the mung was easy via the Gingra A greater problem than the rocky unlikely case of needing to activate Range track and Roots Ridge. A campsites was the nocturnal one. The likelihood of the club low flying helicopter disrupted breathing characteristics of the being pressured to buy more units Henry’s after lunch snooze. What ageing party. After spending is reduced, by pursuing policies of was it doing, flying so low down several hours awake the first night ‘if you have it, make it available’. the valley of the Kowmung? in Butchers Creek listening to Investigating our luncheon fire? (a someone snoring, the next night I The idea of a levy for party gear lunchtime cuppa - what luxury!). took myself off to a solitary spot to has been around in the CBC longer Hunting feral pigs? Taking tourists avoid the vibrations of snorer than I have, for abseiling ropes for on a joy ride? We heard it again number two, only to be caught out example. I see no difference here. later that afternoon in Butchers myself at seven o’clock in the Alan Vidler Creek valley, none the wiser re- morning, gently rumbling away garding its purpose. while Patrick and Warwick were EARTH FAIR at The up lighting the breakfast fire. The walking became more serious XMAS PARTY as we climbed the 500 metres up to Perhaps the highlight of the creek Mount Feld on Scotts Main Range, was the shortcut we took across a At the Xmas party I shall organise which we followed north for about bend where the creek almost de- an EARTH FAIR. As a way of three kilometres before selecting scribed a complete circle. The increasing our funds to $1000 for the (wrong) spur down to Butchers saddle gave us access to a steep the IYM I am asking members to Creek. Never mind; it landed us clamber up a little cliff onto the hill help. Please consider cooking small close to Grog Shop Bend at 5pm on formed by the bend, from which Xmas cakes, biscuits, donating a grassy bank with just enough we had views of the slopes of honey if you have beehives, mak- space amongst the rocks to erect Green Wattle Mountain to the east ing wooden bread boards if you our tents and flies. None of us was and a section of the Vengeance have the wood, wine or other items in a frame of mind or body to Peninsula cliffline to the south. of culinary or bushwalking interest. continue on to look for something But the whole stretch of creek we If you have gear that you would better, and we would have been did provided pleasant walking with like to sell, we ask that you donate sorely disappointed if we had. plenty of interest and we were to IYM cause some of the profit. sorry to have to leave it to return to For the next day and a half we the Kowmung (via a spur of Strin- followed the creek at a leisurely Sunday 15 December gybark Ridge and the road down to pace about 12 kilometres down- the weir) for our third and final From 6 pm at the home of Eddie stream. At first the water supply night out. Maybe one day I’ll Cheetham and Mandy Reynolds was a series of intermittent pools, return to do the lower part of the but despite our fears of it drying 4 Dirrawan Gardens, Reid creek and revisit that five star up, it became stronger as we con- Janet Edstein campsite. tinued. An attractive feature of the Social Secretary creek was the many big old casu- Another small highlight was the arinas flourishing on its banks; in return to colour with the first of the TRIP REPORT most valleys, such as Ettrema and spring flowers – on the ridges the Shoalhaven, these mature trees purple hoveas and dampieras, BUTCHERS CREEK have been toppled by the floods of white pimelias and heaths, a few the past forty years. early wattles; hiding in a shady side creek a patch of shy green- 15-18 AUGUST, 2002 Although there were many grassy hoods. Other forms of vegetation terraces, they were so covered in Butchers Creek is one of those were not so benign. Climbing over rocks that our two camp sites were creeks you usually cross on the a high fallen log, I grabbed an almost the only spots we saw way to somewhere else – the upright tree trunk for balance and where we could have spent a Axeheads, the Kowmung (from the jumped down the other side. reasonably comfortable night. The east), Black Coola. It looks a Warwick was just behind me. pleasant enough little waterway, flat grassy banks where Rene and I but for many years there were more had camped on the Black Coola “Watch it!”, he called suddenly. interesting places to visit. Now trip years before obviously didn’t Thinking he must be falling off the retirement had provided the four start till further on. As we pro- log, I ran forward a few metres. days needed to have a closer look. gressed, we passed a number of “Watch it!”, he repeated. Good high, sheer cliffs and in one spot grief, I thought, how much room We reached it from Kanangra had the alternative of a swim or a does he need, but moved forward Walls, setting out on a fine, cool high sidle. Since it was winter, we again just as the tree trunk I had winter’s day. Access to the Kow- chose the sidle. grabbed, without realising it was

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 8 dead, fell beside me, grazing my of the Prohibited Zone (we hadn’t the club. Is it time to have a loose elbow and foot. Had it landed been in it), and we were pleased to convention that all positions should several centimetres to the right, I hear that the Parks Service now be occupied for a maximum of two might have needed a speedy patrols the car park at Kanangra terms? evacuation. Walls at night. Soon they were If we cannot find another person back in their vehicle and zooming It was a pleasant spur out of Butch- from the over 300 available to fill a off to check out a patch of bush to ers Creek with good views across vacant position, should we bother burn! to Lacys Tableland and the Broken with the position at all? Rock Range, and more dozing in Down on the Kowmung by 4 pm, Allan Mikkelsen the warm sun evident during we set up camp for a warmer night lunchtime. Back on the Scotts as the sky was clouding over. The MEMBERSHIP Main Range Road we were dis- same cloudy sky kept the tem- cussing our proximity to the stored perature way down as we toiled up MATTERS water of Warragamba Dam and the the full length of Gingra Range on exploits and fate of those who our final day. None of us was up Prospective member: invaded the Prohibited Zone, when to brilliant speeds, although I had Jennifer Mahew-Larsen. the sound of a motor was closely the feeling that Rupert, our visitor, followed by the appearance of a would have embarrassed us all if New members: National Parks vehicle, movie-like, he hadn’t been carrying such a Heather MacDonald, Judi Farrell, over a rise in the road. It came to a weight of camera gear. It had been Glen Kraemer. halt next to us and one of the two a worthwhile trip through beautiful rangers inside wound down a country with the good company of Roger Edwards window. old and new friends that swung Membership Secretary between animated conversation and “G’day”, he said. “G’day”, we companionable silences – a typical DISCOUNT OFFERS replied. Then both parties eyed bushwalk, really. each other silently. FOR Party: Meg McKone, Rene Lays, Two doors opened and slowly and CLUB MEMBERS Henry Burmester, Warwick Blay- deliberately the two men extracted den, Patrick McBride, Rupert themselves from either side of the Outdoor & adventure stores in Barnett. vehicle, police fashion. The only Canberra who give a discount thing missing was the holster on Meg McKone (usually 10%) on most of their the hip. “You’ve brought the good stock to CBC members are: weather with you”, was the next Whither CBC Belconnen Camping World, effort at conversation, the softening Oatley Court, Belconnen up before the crunch, or so it CSE, seemed in this slightly surreal Or should that be Wither CBC? 18-24 Townshend Street, Phillip situation. or Then, “Where are you going?” The AGM has come and gone and Homeworld Centre, “The Kowmung.” “Where did you we have seen the Committee Tuggeranong come from?” At our silence the elected unanimously! Of the 11 Jurkiewicz Adventure Sports, younger man added, “This isn’t an positions, eight were filled by the 47 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick interrogation!” same people as previously, and the Kathmandu Outdoor Equipment, three "new blood" members have Everyone in our party looked 20 Allara Street, Canberra City all been on the committee before towards me. “Meg!?” I took a deep Mountain Designs, and between them have over 50 breath and decided that honesty 6 Londsdale Street, Braddon years of involvement with the club. was the best policy. On hearing Snowgum Adventure, that we’d come from Butchers What has happened to our newer 9 Lonsdale Street Braddon Creek, they wanted to know if members? Without new people Tuggeranong Camping World we’d seen any feral horses (no, but willing to contribute the club must Homeworld Centre, there had been some dung and a eventually wither and die. Tuggeranong skull, and also evidence of feral We have a provision in the rules Don’t forget to take your latest pigs) and if the fire road pushed out that a president can serve a maxi- along Stringybark Ridge during the copy of It for proof of mum of two consecutive terms, and membership 1997 fires was still in good condi- a convention that says the immedi- tion (the small section we’d seen ate past president does not Next Month: was very overgrown). No mention participate in the management of Trip Report: Kilimanjaro

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 9 ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Meg McKone (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6254 5902 (h), E-mail: [email protected], Post: 22 Longworth Pl, Holt ACT 2615 Please see " INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS IN CBC ACTIVITIES" in the August 2002 IT, on the Club website, or if this is your first copy of IT, request a copy from the Membership Secretary "white" track along an open ridge with magnificent Wednesday 9 October: Wednesday Walk views of the Shoalhaven in both directions. The regular mid-week walk series continues, close Leader: Vance Brown 62513997(h). Map: to Canberra with a destination to be decided. Caoura 1:25 000. Transport: ~$22 incl. park fee. Contact the leader before or at the It collation. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Sunday 20 October: Namadgi N.P. M / M-R Glendale Circuit. From Glendale Depot CP, over Saturday 12 October: Namadgi N.P. M / M a spur (~100 m gradual climb) to and up Reedy Ck . From the Smokers Gap carpark to a slab of rock in Billy Range for lunch (350 m we follow the Square Rock track for a while before climb, the last ~170 m of which is steep), returning heading east into the bush and then north over the via the valley SW of Half Moon Ck (~280 m steep headwaters of Punchbowl Creek. Eventually we descent, then further minor ups and downs. A head down a rough spur and along Gibraltar Creek mixture of paths, pads, scrub, open forest and to the Falls. Some nice views. About half on track grassland. Map: Michelago 1:25 000. Leader: and half scrub. Map: 1:25 000. Bob Vickery 6251 5428(h), email: bobvick- Leader: Eric Pickering 6286 2128. Transport: [email protected],com.au Transport: ~$9. ~$10. 19-20 October: Senior Level First Aid Course Sunday 13 October: Namadgi N.P. M / E The club will be subsidising part of the course fee. Moonlight Hollow and Bendora Arboretum. A Refer to July it for more information. Minimum walk through enchanted eucalypt forest, enhanced number 12. Location: Deakin. Contact: Dave by creeks and birds. Lunch at Bendora Arbore- Drohan 6266 4465(w), email tum. About 15km, all on good track, 4 1/2 hrs [email protected]. Closing date 1st actual walking. Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000. October. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email (w): [email protected]. Transport: 19-20 October: Namadgi N.P. M / R ~$12. Boboyan Car Park - Middle Creek - Big Creamy Flat and return. This is to check out Sunday 13 October: Namadgi N.P. M / M what the route is like up Middle Creek these days. Boboyan Trig & Hospital Hill. Walk along the An old map has a road on this creek, over Big Boboyan Trig / Nursery Hill Ridge. The walk will Creamy and out via Licking Hole Creek. Creative also take in a small hill to the west of the Old Bo- mapping? Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000. boyan Road. Map: Yaouk 1:25 000. Leader: Leader: Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h). Trans- Roger Edwards 6288 7863(h), 6271 1351(w). port:~$8:50. Transport: ~$12. Limit of 8. 19-20 October: Kosciuszko N.P. S / E with Wednesday 16 October - monthly meeting weekend packs, M / M with day packs Members Slides Oldfields Hut Beginners’ W/E Trip. Leave Can- 8pm Australian Academy of Science berra about lunchtime Saturday and drive to See notice in this it Gurrangorambla Creek carpark beyond Tantangara Saturday 19 October: Shoalhaven. M / M Dam and walk less than 3 km on track to camp be- (with a bit of Rough) side Oldfields Hut. On Sunday we will climb Bungonia Ck, Shoalhaven R. We will descend Mount Murray with day packs for superb views of the downstream "red" track at Bungonia with the southern ACT and northern Kosciuszko Na- views along the gorge and then follow Bungonia tional Park. Then return to the hut, pick up packs, Creek to the junction with the Shoalhaven. A and walk back to the cars. Map: ACT 1:100 000. kilometre or so takes us to a beautiful wide sandy Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Trans- area for lunch. It may even be warm enough for port: ~$30. IYM walk. an early season swim. The 500 m ascent is steep and a little scrubby at first but then follows the

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 10 19-27 October: Canoeing on snowgrass with northerly vistas. Saturday & Echuca to Barham. A 190km paddle down the Sunday daypack options include Mt Tantangara, Murray River from Echuca to Barham. Suitable Witses Hut, Gooandra Hut, and rolling ridge ter- for fit paddlers who can paddle 40 km per day with rain with trees, tall grasses, and early flowers. some current assistance - previous experience Firetrail in & out, lots of horse pads for the other needed. Leader: Mike Bremers (6292 3408(h), walking. Maps: Tantangara, Denison 1:25 000. 6283 2052(w); phone by Sunday 13 October. Leader: James Ashburner 6254 1666(h). Trans- Maps: River Murray Charts, Renmark to Yarra- port: ~$30. wonga. Transport: TBA. Sunday 3 November: Namadgi N.P. S / E Tuesday 22 October- Committee Meeting Brandy Hut. A pleasant 3 hour stroll to a hut. 8pm at the home of Janet Edstein After viewing the hut I’m hoping people will cook, 19 Gamor Street, Waramanga. yes cook their lunch, giving them practice for all the overnight walks that they plan to do in the fu- Saturday 26 October: Morton N.P. S / R ture. So forget boring sandwiches and phone me Shoalhaven River. Drive to Tallong & my prop- for exotic recipes and ideas. Map: ACT erty on Badgerys Pt Road. After a cuppa we will 1:100 000. Leader: Janet Edstein 6288 1398(h). walk through the fence into the Morton Nat Park and down a steep spur (no track) to the Shoalhaven (1)2-3 November: Remote Area First Aid river, with good swimming. It is a 500m descent Course & climb back so not for the unfit. Not suitable for The club will be subsidising part of the course fee. volleys - boots with good tread required. Map: A current senior FA certificate is the prerequisite Caoura 1:25 000. Leader: Murray Dow for this course. Refer to July it for more informa- 6257 4371(h). Transport: ~$22. Limit of 8. tion. Minimum number: 12. Proposed Location: Blue Range Hut. Contact: Dave Drohan Sunday 27 October: Namadgi N.P. M / E 6266 4465(w), email Boboyan Homestead and Grassy Creek. Enjoy [email protected]. Closing date 1st a wander, 4 1/2 hrs actual walking, through the October. forests and open grassland of the ACT. See some of the old homesteads in the area. Map: Yaouk 2-3 November: Tallowa Dam, Kangaroo Val- 1:25 000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), ley Canoeing 6274 7350(w), email: [email protected]. Paddle through the impressive sandstone gorges of Transport: ~$12. the Shoalhaven River arm to camp on a grassy flat where the river enters the dam. Canoe hire avail- (25)26-27 October: Wollemi N.P. M / R / X able in Kangaroo Valley (02 4465 1502). Mt Davis and Mt Coricudgy Creek System. Leisurely return on Sunday. Previous canoeing Camp near Mt Coricudgy Friday night, then enjoy experience desirable. Map: ? Leader: Kevin the tall forests as we walk on track to near Middle Frawley 6282 2973(h), 0412 741 881(mob) email Hill where we wander off track and eventually [email protected] Transport: ? Limit of down the unnamed creek. From here on it’s all 12. new to me to the lower reaches where we will ex- plore a large overhang complete with iron oxide 2-3 November: Budawangs. M / M stalactites. A rugged area - who knows what we Folly Point. From Sassafras carpark walk out to will find? Map: Coricudgy 1:25 000. Leader: Folly Point to camp. Some of the best views of Doug Floyd 4963 4126(h), [email protected]. the Budawangs can be enjoyed from this vantage Transport: ~$50. Limit of 8. point. Map: CMW Budawangs Co-Leaders: Alan Davey and John Kelly 6241 3814(h). (26)27 October: Budawangs. M / R Transport: ~$25. Limit of 8. Mount Nibelung. A rarely visited vantage point in the central Budawangs with breathtaking views Thursday evening, 7 November: McQuoid's of the nearby Castle, Clyde Gorge and Monolith Hill S / E Valley. Drive down Saturday afternoon, camp by This is the first in a series of Thursday evening the Yadboro River and walk with day packs on walks in and around the city planned for much of Sunday. Map: Corang 1:25 00 or CMW Bu- daylight saving, starting at 6.45 and finishing dawangs. Leader: George Carter 6251 2130(h). around sunset. Park at the McQuoid's Hill sign on Transport: ~$28. the western side of Kambah Pool Road. Enjoy views over southern Canberra. No bookings, just 26-27 October: Kosciuszko N.P. M / M turn up. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks Alpine Ck firetrail, Tantangara Ck, Boggy 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email: Plain. Climb from highway through alpine forest [email protected] Transport: drive into Tantangara Ck's broad upper reaches, camp yourself.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 11 Saturday 9 November: Tidbinbilla N.R. L / M-R Wednesday 13 November: Wednesday Walk Mt Domain. A leg stretch up to Tidbinbilla Mtn The regular mid-week walk series continues, close and then back along the ridge to Mt Domain. Re- to Canberra with a destination to be decided. turn via the Fishing Gap firetrail. Involves a car Contact the leader before or at the It collation. shuffle. Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000. Leader: Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Steve Galliford 62865744(h). Transport:~$6 + Thursday evening 14 November: Mt Majura park entry. IYM walk. S / E Sunday 10 November: Namadgi NP M / R Walk on track through bush on the western side of Mount Orroral Rocks. An exploration of the Mt Majura. Park at the gate to the horse paddocks large rock outcrops on the southern slopes of on Antill St between the last house in Hackett and Mount Orroral. Walk up the Nursery Swamp track the old Health Services Complex. No bookings, to the saddle and then climb part of the way up just turn up at 6.45pm. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Mount Orroral to the rock band. We will then Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email: follow the rocks, exploring the passages and other [email protected] Transport: drive features, returning on the Rendezvous Creek track. yourself. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000. Leader: Allan 14-17 November: Blue Mountains N.P. M / M Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Transport: ~ $9. IYM Megalong Valley, Splendour Rock, , walk. Breakfast Creek. A 4 day trip in the scenic heart (8)9-10 November: Dora Creek, Lake Mac- of the Blue Mountains. On tracks and river banks, quarie Canoeing with some easy rockhopping. See the preview in Dora Creek is a beautiful waterway on the western August it. Expressions of interest by 1 Nov. side of Lake Macquarie, 4.5 hours drive from Maps: Jenolan, Kanangra, Jamison (mainly the Canberra. Paddle from a comfortable waterfront first two) 1:25 000. Leader: Meg McKone residence with accommodation either in the down- 6254 5902(h). Transport: $50-60. IYM walk. stairs billiard room or in tents on the back lawn. Saturday 16 November: 10th Anniversary Exploration upstream or downstream to the lake Broom Clearing depending on weather conditions and inclination. This will be a special event. We will travel to Previous experience desirable. Map: UBD No. Cotter Hut and work on the removal of the ex- 292 Lake Macquarie 1:36 230. Leader: Mark tremely invasive plant known as English or Hopkins 6282 8481(h). Transport: tba Spanish Broom. At lunchtime we hope the have (8)9-10 November: Kosciuszko N.P. M / E Minister for Urban Services, Bill Wood visit the Yarrangobilly Gourmet Weekend. We will site so we can brief him on what we have achieved drive down Friday night and stay two nights in a over the past decade and join us in a small cele- large house in Adaminaby. On Saturday, do the bration. All club members are welcome to attend Landers Creek walk, west along the Snowy Mts and especially those who have volunteered their Hwy, about 12km return, all on track. Although I services over the years. Leader: John Thwaite am organising the weekend, Michael Sutton will 62543193h email: [email protected] Map: lead the walk on the day. Spend Sunday in and ACT 1:100 000. Transport: tba. around the caves (do a different walk from last Sunday 17 November: Namadgi N.P. M / E year) and perhaps some of the other walking in the Mt Aggie and Bendora Arboretum. Morning tea area. Map: Yarrangobilly 1:25 000. Leader: on Mt Aggie with views across the Brindabella Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email valley. Then follow fire trails through lovely (w): [email protected] Transport: ~$40 eucalypt forest to Bendora Arboretum and the car- Accomodation: ~$50. park. Short car shuffle. About 15km, 4 ¾ hrs 9-10 November: Nattai N.P. Beginners’ Over- actual walking. Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000. night Trip (others also welcome) E / M Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Starlight's Trail- Macarthurs Flat and return. A email(w): [email protected] Transport: spectacular descent onto the and to a ~$15. IYM walk. great camping spot. Map: Hilltop 1:25 000. 16-17 November: Namadgi N.P. Beginners’ Leader: Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535(h). Trans- Overnight Trip (others also welcome) M / M port:~$30. Mt McKeahnie. Orroral Car Park and Valley - Tuesday 12 November - it Collation Sawpit Creek to camp. Climb Mt McKeahnie as a and it closing medium day trip Sunday. A pleasant introduction 8pm at the home of Rosanne Walker to part of the Namadgi. Maps: Rendezvous Creek, 2/93 Bimberi Cres, Palmerston. Corin Dam 1:25 000. Leader: Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h). Transport:~$8:50.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 12 16-17 November: Kosciuszko N.P. M / M through the spectacular Cave Creek Canyon and Chimneys Ridge, Teddys Hut, Mt Leo. Start and return via Cooleman Plain and Pocket Hut. Map: finish at Dead Horse Gap, on Cascades Firetrail. ACT 1:100 000. Leader: George Carter Wander east to spectacular campsite near Teddys 6251 2130(h). Transport: ~$30. Hut. Off-track with light packs Saturday afternoon Saturday 30 November: Namadgi N.P. Map & Sunday morning. Saturday, explore Chimneys Reading Practice M / M Ridge country and a cascade. Sunday, visit Mt From Honeysuckle Ck carpark, follow the ridges Leo and the Brindle Bull area, before returning to off track through fairly open forest and rock out- strike camp and retrace steps to cars. Really crops. We may find some ground orchids. Bring spectacular views in abundance both days, lots of your own map and compass to practise interpreting alpine daisies too. Maps: Perisher Valley, Chim- contours and taking bearings. Map: Corin Dam neys Ridge 1:25 000. Leader: James Ashburner 1:25 000. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902(h). 6254 1666. Transport: ~ $33. Transport: ~$9. Tuesday 19 November: Walks Planning BBQ Saturday 30 November: Namadgi N.P. M / R From 6pm onwards, at 22 Longworth Place Holt. Honeysuckle Creek Rocks. An exploration of the Come and help plan a great walks program for ridge and rock outcrops to the south east of Hon- Summer. BYO meat, salads and wine; desserts eysuckle Creek campground. We will return by provided. Experienced and new leaders welcome. climbing to the Spinnaker, a large face to the south RSVP to Meg by Monday 18 November. of the campground. Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000. Wednesday 20 November - monthly meeting Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Trans- Roger Farrow port: ~ $9. IYM walk. "A short walk in the Indian Himalayas" Sunday 1 December: Namadgi N.P. M / E 8pm Australian Academy of Science Mt Gingera. Enjoy Gingera with the wildflowers. Thursday evening 21 November: Dairy Farm- Walk on track from Ginini car park to the summit ers Hill and Cork Plantation S / E via Priors Hut. Still a climb of two hundred me- Meet at the car park at the Rani Road/Caswell tres, but enjoy a spectacular view without bush Drive intersection about 200m north of the bashing. About four hours actual walking. Map: junction of Caswell and William Hovell Drives. Corin Dam 1:25 000. Leader: Stan Marks Walk through the Cork Plantation and Stromlo 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email (w): forest for views of the city and the Brindabellas. [email protected] Transport: ~$15. No bookings, just turn up at 6.45pm. Map: n/a IYM walk. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), 30 November-1 December: Ben Boyd N.P. / email: [email protected] Transport: Towamba River (Twofold Bay) Canoeing drive yourself. Paddle up the Towamba River from Kiah to Two- Saturday 23 November: Brindabella N.P. fold Bay, near Eden on Sat. Car based camp S / R overnight in Ben Boyd NP in lovely campsite at California Creek. Parking at Top crossing, we Saltwater Creek. Do nice coast walk on Sunday walk up to Hume Saw mill, then down to AM. Previous paddling experience necessary. California Creek with rapids, rock pools and dense Leaders: Keith / Heather Aubrey 6297 4352 after bush. 4WD desirable, otherwise length will be 6pm. Map:?. Transport:?. medium. Map: Umburra 1:25 000. Leader: 30 November-8 December: Washpool N.P. Gösta Lyngå 6288 7009. Transport: ~$10 L / R Sunday 24 November: Namadgi N.P. S / E Route: Either Gibraltar Range Track (incls. Wil- Square Rock. A walk in the hills just south of the lowie Scrub) or Lionsville Fire Trail (incls. Viper city from Smokers Trail car park (off Corin Dam Scrub) - Washpool Creek - Coombadjha Road. road), through attractive forest to Square Rock. Combination of old forestry roads, rock hopping / Spectacular views over lunch. Return to car park. scrambling, and some steep ridges. Superb wil- All on track, about 3 ½ hrs actual walking. Map: derness area of World Heritage sub-tropical Corin Dam 1:25 000. Leader: Rosanne Walker rainforest. No fires, stoves only. Maps: Tenter- 6242 9106(h). Transport: ~$8. field 1:100 000, Washpool & Coombadjha 1:25 000. Leader: Ian Smith 6282 1226(h), 23-24 November: Kosciuszko N.P. M / M 6242 3248(w). Transport: $lots. Limit of 6. Bimberi, Cave Creek, Cooleman. On Saturday we climb Bimberi from Dunns Flat for views, drop Could YOU host an it collation? into Bimberi Gap and make our way to a nice Contact the publisher for more details camp site at Dead Horse Gap. On Sunday we walk or to make an offer.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 13 Sunday 8 December: Yaouk Bill Range M / M-R Christmas Party NSW. Depending on access to the area I intend to Sunday 15 December explore the pinnacles to the south of Yaouk Bill From 6 pm at the home of Eddie Cheetham and Peak and possibly Black Cow Peak and Jocks Mandy Reynolds Peak. Map:Yaouk 1:25 000. Leader: Roger Ed- 4 Dirrawan Gardens, Reid wards 6288 7863(h), 6271 1351(w). Transport: ~$15. Limit of 8. Saturday 21 December: Tidbinbilla N.R. M / R (6)7-8 December: Pine and Burrowa Mtn N.P. South of Mt Domain. The last Saturday Xmas L / M. Murray River Canoeing. 3 hours shopping opportunity, it is time to head for the downstream and suitable for novices hills!! Join me as we climb an unnamed peak due Bush Walking and Canoeing. Friday Night: south of Mt Domain. Maps: Corin Dam & Tid- Drive to Walwa on the Murray via Gundagai for binbilla 1:25 000. Leader: Roger Edwards dinner, and Tumut. We'll be based in a lodge at the 6288 7863(h), 6271 1633(w). Transport: ~$6 + Upper Murray Resort at Walwa (near Cooryong). park entry. Limit of 8. Plan to leave Canberra if possible around 4pm. Saturday: Day walk to Mt Burrowa, all on track Saturday 21 December - Namadgi NP - M/M and about 18 kms, with a 500m climb. Mostly Umpteenth Annual avoid the Christmas shop- through majestic eucalypt forest, some heathland, ping rush trip. Walk from the summit of Mount spectacular rock outcrops and temperate rainforest Ginini down a nice open ridge, over Little Ginini at the summit. Sunday: Three hour canoe trip on to Pryors Hut, and then up Gingera for the wild- the mighty Murray River from Neales Reserve to flowers. Return on the Mount Franklin Road and Jingelic. Lunch at the historic pub and return to Ginini ski run. Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000. Canberra via Khancoban, Thredbo and Cooma. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Trans- Maps: Corryong 1:100 000, Guys Forest port: ~ $13 1:25 000. Co Leaders: John Kelly (walking) 21-22 December: Narooma Lakes Canoe trip. 6241 3814(h), 6206 4659(w) and Donna Wilson Enjoy the coast before the post Christmas inva- (canoeing). Pls ring John to book in. Transport: sion. Two day trips on the estuarine lakes near ~$45, canoe ~$25, Lodge ~$35 per night per per- Narooma. Overnight at a local caravan park. Me- son in cabin. Limit of 8. dium distance; previous experience necessary. (6)7-8 December: Nadgee N.R. S / M Maps: Narooma, Central Tilba 1:25 000. Merrika Beach. Drive down Friday evening to a Leader: Sandy Berry 6282 1226(h). Transport: camp close to the road before moving on to the TBA. Ranger Station at Nadgee Nature Reserve. Walk 5 27-29 December: Kosciuszko N.P. S/E – M/M kms down an open track to a shady campsite at the Thredbo gourmet weekend. Check grading of mouth of the Merrika R. Enjoy a swim before side each walk with leader. Combine some excellent trips north to Wonboyn Beach or south to Lady walking with Xmas cheer. Do the Dead Horse Jane Beach. Good trip for beginners. Map: Nar- Gap walk on Friday afternoon. Other walks are rabarba 1:25 000. Leader: Mark Hopkins planned for the Saturday and Sunday eg Cascades 6282 8481. Transport: ~$40. walk. Last year we did Mt Tate from Guthega 14-16 December: Rivers and Rainforests of Pond and Dickie Cooper Bogong from Guthega the Budawangs. L / R Power Station. If you want to lead a walk, please Saturday we follow the tourist trail to Mt Donjon, contact me. I have booked a very nice lodge. then drop steeply into Angel Creek to walk Enjoy dinner with your friends each night. Maps: through the magnificent rainforest to the top of Thredbo 1:25 000 plus others if required. Crooked Falls (Camp 1). Sunday we descend into Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 Hollands Gorge and stroll down the creek (stop- (w), email: [email protected]. Trans- ping at five star swimming holes) to the Clyde port:~$50 incl park entry (accommodation extra). River junction (Camp 2). Monday we walk down 27 Dec- 1 Jan: Wadbilliga N.P. M / M the Clyde to have more swims and admire the gi- Six days in the Brogo. A leisurely walk on the ant cliffs that surround the gorge. We exit through Brogo River and Yankees Creek, entering from Castle Gap and the fascinating ‘Cathedral Cave’. Bemboka and Yankees Flat. Good swimming, re- Maps: Corang 1:25 000; CMW Budawangs. laxing beside the river, or exploring some of the Leader: George Carter 6251 2130(h). Transport: side creeks and points of interest. Maps: Puen ~$28. Buen, Yankees Gap 1:25 000. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Transport: ~ $30.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 14 10-13 January: Budawang N.P. M / R there will be two walks. I will lead the Blue Lake- Wirritin Ridge, Yadboro River, Belowra Creek. Kosciuszko circuit (6hrs actual walking) and I am Friday we descend into the upper Yadboro River planning another harder walk as well. On Mon- via an old Aboriginal route from Cockpit Swamp day, do the Porcupine Track (2hrs actual walking) and walk about 3km upstream (Camp 1). Saturday at Perisher then head home. Two 'everyone bring we climb Wirritin Mountain via a fairly gradual something' gourmet meals in the evenings. Map: ridge, follow Wirritin Ridge north east and drop Kosciuszko 1:50 000. Leader: Stan Marks down to a giant pool in Belowra Creek (Camp 2). 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email: Sunday we walk down Belowra Creek, swimming [email protected]. Transport:~$50 incl through a very long ‘sluice box’ with packs to park entry (accommodation extra). lunch at another giant pool at Yadboro junction. 1-2 February: Depot Beach beginners’ trip. We then walk about 6km up the Yadboro River Details TBA. Leader: Janet Edstein (Camp 3). Monday we exit via the spur to Cockpit 6288 1398(h). Swamp. Map: Corang 1:25 000; CMW Bu- dawangs. Leader: George Carter 6251 2130(h). 15-16 February: Wadbilliga N.P. M / R Transport: ~$20. Queens Pound River. A beautiful wilderness cir- cuit. We walk up Lake Creek, climb 400m over a January BBQ watershed, then return down the Queens Pound Wednesday 15 January River to its junction with the Wadbilliga River. There are many idyllic pools and good views on From 6 pm at Black Mountain Peninsula the crossover. Map: Yowrie 1:25 000. Leader: 18-19 January - Lake Eucumbene Canoeing George Carter 6251 2130(h). Transport: ~$28. Launch from Braemar for two days exploration of Limit of 8. Lake Eucumbene's islands, inlets and western 1-2 March: Corang Cascades beginners’ trip. shoreline. Overnight camp on Teal Island. Previ- Details TBA. Leader: Janet Edstein ous experience and good paddle fitness needed. 6288 1398(h). Limit of 8. Map: Eucumbene 1:50 000 or CMA Southern Lakes 1:50 000. Leader: Terence Uren 15-16 March: Shoalhaven River M / M-R 6282 2403 (h). Transport:? Rainbow Ridge. More details next month. Map: Caoura 1:25 000. Leader: George Carter 25-27 January 2003: Kosciuszko weekend. 6251 2130(h). Transport: ~$20. S/E – L/M Check grading of each walk with leader. Leave 12-13 April: Murramarang N.P. M / M Canberra after lunch on Saturday and do the Wa- Durras to Moloneys Beach. More details next terfalls walk (1 ½ hrs actual walking) at Sawpit month. Map: Durras 1:25 000. Leader: George Creek then on to our accommodation at Southern Carter 6251 2130(h). Transport: ~$25. Alps Ski Lodge, Charlottes Pass. On Sunday, Please take 5 seconds to look at your address label. Does it say Renew Soon, Renew Now or Last It? If the answer is YES, please fill in this form, cut it out and post it with the appropriate amount ($27 single / $40 family) to: The Membership Secretary, Canberra Bushwalking Club, PO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601.

Please note the change in membership subscription rates I am aware that, though Canberra Bushwalking Club office bearers and activity leaders take all reasonable care, when joining in any activity of the Club I do so as a volunteer in all respects and, as such, accept responsibility for any personal injury or loss incurred.

Name/s: Address: Post Code: Home Phone: Work Phone: E-Mail: I am willing to lead: Day walks YES  NO  ‘’ Weekend walks YES  NO  Renew early. Renewals received after the monthly Committee meeting may not be processed until the next month.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT October 2002 page 15 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE

Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535 - [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Mark Hopkins 6282 8481 - [email protected] TREASURER/VICE PRES. Michael Sutton 6249 1224 - [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Meg McKone 6254 5902 - [email protected] EDITOR Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 - [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6271 1351 - TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Dave Drohan 6266 4465 [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER John Thwaite 6254 3193 - [email protected] PUBLISHER Cynthia Breheny 6247 6857 - - ASSISTANT WALKS SECRETARY Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Janet Edstein 6288 1398 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Ring ROGER EDWARDS on 6288 7863 (h)

For Internet users, the Club Home Page is at: http://www.pcug.org.au/~amikkels/cbc/ and the latest activity program is at: http://www.pcug.org.au/~amikkels/cbcprog.html

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