:IL I CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. I-' I NEVVSLETTER'P.O.Box 160 Canberra City, ACT 2601

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4. Registered for posting as a PSiodical Category B. Price 20c. Vol. 13. NOVEIVIBER 1977 No. 11.

Coming Events: . - •. . b Wednesday 16th -November MeetIng ' : 1 Land Use Research Building .C.8.I.R.O., .. Black Mountain 71. 45'pnrnvnrds . - was that track not shdwri on the imp" Major McClosky, Army Survey Corps will talk on the making of maps and listen to our complaints about the maps , that I are produced . . Wednesday. 23rd -Walks flariñing Evening and Library Night • . .; ..... Si Bonython Street,.. Downer ..... Come along and Thelp plan the programme, sociaJ.ise or sit. in a 6'0rner with a book from the mafficent Jrdt c•fléotion (no women's weekltes provided) B.Y.O.). Monday 28th - Committee Meetin . .. . . 5 Olympus Way, tArons This is the headquarters for LAG. The meeting is Open to members who would' like to come along.. . . Thursday 1st Dec - 'IT' CLiing Date for December IT a Sat/Sun 10-11 Christmas Party Wdékenid . . .. For details - look carefully in this issue of IT.

t Thesday¶ 13th - IT Cc.11ation.. . 25 Eggleston Cres, Ch1ffIJ. Are you an expert at walking round a table, stapling, fold.i-ng, sticky-taping, post-coding, or supervising - your services. are needed. (for supervising applications in writing to. Editói' please). . . ... . . .

EDTTORIAL "Our aim is that the National Park shalL afford to those who live in .itachnce to make a living in a competitive world,. and to thdse who visit it the solace of tiàtüral beauty,". . M . (Kenneth Dobefl) 4 This Is. one of the many quotes cocntained in a recently- published article J by the Assoctation for Regional Parks and Countryside Commissions. of . A little later in Its article it says "There Is no natural state.. . Dedicated inhabitants need to preserve a.park. Nature is never statio.'

The Association appears to see man and domesticated, animals being essential to the entIre environment there seems to be no place in their world for undisturbed environments. Page Two November 1977 In its article it deplores the urbanisation of rural land. Why does it not take the next step: to a recognition that just as urbanisation is destructive to rural land, so too is ruralisation of Threat and aipine land.

The Association says its aim is education to a public awareness of a need for regional parks and country..side commissions or similar bodies dedicated to preserve the rural countryside having regard to: the prodikction of fresh foods and other horticultural, agricultural and forest products;

the maintenance, preservation and beautification of the ' S countryside for the recreation of the people;

: to preserve aI d6nities with the tMdit'ional

a) ' to ensure that housing areas fit in with scenic and environmental amenities, ...... ' to minimise environmental pollution and deterioration;. to encourage conservation of natural vegetation and . atw'al resources.

All fine and commendable aims, thou "to encourage oonservation of natural resourds" remifids one of the aternent'"in the National interetht: ' t &pljátion of thi aims of the Association", which is likely to be a 'body with à"tiong future ±rtfluence'on :4jjj.'. and forested land, leae grave concern fO;r the status of our remaining 'unmanused' bush and landforms. . . ...... ..,... .....

The .:4l$tralian ,concept,on of National Paris has been based langely on false:ideas of wilderness."

This was not in any way qualified and suggests thAssqciation4s attempting to denigrate the opposition instead of stating 'its own objective and uncoloured views. Possibly members of the Association are afrfid 'of" the oppdsitioti'so.they' feel the need to "str'engthen" their arguments. •. ' . .' .. . . Y

"Australia was like a park and not a wilderness when husbanded by the Aborigines

The Association has a distaste for wilderness (how do they define, it?) but the Aborigines were part of 4t, whether, park or wilderneâs. .: They did not have domesticated stQ6k'tnd were themselves nomadic in their habits.. They moyed with the .envirome,nt.

very large parts of the country environment tich delights and refreshes urban man, the maintenance, the work, the ordered detail, the almost park-like appearance are not provided unassisted. They are the work of the dedicated farmer. Remove him and the land that was the nation's pride and beauty will quickly deteriorate. .

It would seem that the Association cahnot h andle the concept oC an environment ecologicallr'un'changed by man's presence, and the beauty - nature's beauty - that is there. Is beauty derived from exploitation of the environment or from its preservation? Further, is preservation of flora, fauna,' and landform compatible with domesticated stock,' agricultural production or Patural resource explOitation. Why should the latter take precedence over the former when there is so little of a the former remaining.

A park may be grass azidradiata pine trees (or other.sPecies) but - - the evolved eco] ogy originally there - nature's beauty - is lost foreven.

-Pt Novethber .1977 Page Three Man's replacement is impermanent, often unpleasant an4can lead to a desolate environment.

"Establishfrsg t nature reserve is far from being a mere matter of fencing sheep, and possibly people, out' and then letting nature rip."

One feels saddened by the destructiveness of man, when he narrows his world down to what he can gain from what he thinks the world should be like. . He would destroy less and gain a fuller awareness if he observed and listened to what is there.

/Ev'en among bushwalkers there are degrees of awareness. Just as y6 find joy in a 'wildezigss expextence' so too can joy'-be derived from Imowing that some areas are undisturbed while we remain confined to our domesticated urban or rural environment.

A copy of the Association article is held.by the Conservation Officer.

EDITORIAL SUBCONMI= The Editor would greatly appreciated help from a couple of members who would be interested inbeing on the sub-committee. Please enquire to - that's right - the Editor.. .

"The Eye" has been sleeping lately but don't worry - he's stirring - so watch out! Who put that in - Ed.

President&sl Meanderings "In WilderneSs is the preservation of the World" . Henry tbc're :1851...

A few weekends ago I attended the first National Wi&derness Conference, organized by the Australian Conservflion Foundation. Modelled on those organized by the Sierra C1uW'in the U.S.A., the Conference provided an opportunity for people from all over Australia to focus on Wilderness in Australia. We as bushwalkers are prime users of this limited resource - a..resource that is fast disappearing. The Conferece was agreed that there was an:urgent need to identify potential wilderness areas and to impose 1.nteram restrictions on use of such areas while they are fully evaluated. The Helman Study of potential wilderness areas in N.S.W. was seen. as the first of a series of studies that need to be done throughout Australia. Another theme that emerged at the Conference was the difficulty of management of wilderness areas. Studies on recreational use and attitudes towards wilderness indicate that our attitudes to wilderness (varied as they' are) are not shared by other large seentsof the population. This Inevitably affects the way in which the varioUs Park services manage wildeiness areas. With their limited resources, adequate management of wilderness areas by the responsible authc-rities is not possible and this can lead to public reaction agathst the declaration of more areas as wilderness. Page Four November 1977

In our efforts, to have more areas preserved as wilderness we also create a greater awareness of wilderness values and experiences and this leans to increased use of areas. The Conference recognized the need to undertake urgently studies into problems of carrying capacity, physical and psychological, of wilderness areas; work on a code of ethics for wilderness users was also seen as necessary.

We as bushwalkers cannot be complacent. Thought must be given to what'each of us see as important to wilderness conservation. Next time we go into the bush and light a fire, tramp down a track, build a stone cairn, stumble across another group of walkers or trail bikes, remember that wilderness is a valuable resource - not just for our otm selfish recreational uses, but for ecological, scientific and cultural reasons. As bushwalkers, let us be at the forefront of those actively preserving and promoting wilderness. Henry

PHG1'OGRAPHIC COMPETTFION

Once again the Club photographic competition 'has come and gone with its share of troubles and criticisms.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the "non member" judge was unable to attend and this was unfortunate, however let me add a few more criticisms.

This club had 236 members in 1976 who were eligible to enter - 12 did. If one removes the slides I put in to fill out numbers and the slides which were ineligible for one reason or another we had a very small entry.

Criticism was voiced at the beginning about the lack of oral., criticism - that comment was made by someone who did not enter - were they afraid of criticism?? Constructive written criticism was available but only one person enquired, everyone else just grabbed their slides and ran.

I consider that the photographic competion should not be held again for several years and that more benefit would be gained by this year's entrants by their having a private showing of what they consider their best shots of the year - "ThVTTATION BY ENTRY ONLY".

Finally let me congratulate this s winners, Mike Patterson, Reet Vallak, Cynthia Breheny and Philip Burden. Craig Allen

WALKS REPORTS

Plan A was described in IT (Sept, as 'Black Coda'), but not even Terry really thought'it would go. Other walks were full or cancelled so various people wanted to join Terry. Matrimonial harmOny prevailed and he devised Plan B which started: "Friday night (10 pm) Batsh Camp - Acetylene Spur - Kowmung, 10 km

Nine people started at 11 pm awl raached Lannigan's Creek via Acetylene Spur. Soon after, Plan C was formed - rock hopping by moonlight was unpopular so we camped at 2 am.

Next morihing(8.15 dep.), on to the Kowmung, passing quickly through Plan D, Plan E, Plan F and Plan G, all of which coil apsed when no nne, including Terry, would agree to being part of a 'fast party'. Under Plan Ii we continued down the Kowmung, stopping for lunch where it was discovered thatTerry provides 'yuk' tea, butonly drinks Twinings. fatnr in the day the leader disappeareã and was replaced by signs jib 'LIX' November 1977 Page Five

"Terry is making a cuppa 4 km downstream"). John Street converted the stop to our campsite and Ean I (after all, it was 6 pm) by pitching his tent. At 7.30 am we started downstram to molting tea at 11 am at Mares Hole Creek. The morning included (optional) enjnyable finger and toe work and swimming, and a switch to Plan J. then Plan K and back to - Plan J,- depending on whose navigation was in vogue. We then went up to the junction with Quig ('i) Ck, up o ridge, along Scotts Main Range fire trail, down a ridge to the Grog Shop on Butchers Ck, for a late lunch and the unfolding of Plan_M, unanimously accepted by all 8 present. Packing after lunch the 9th person pemarked on the expected lack of water, leading to a reversion to Plan L and the Axehead Range by 5 people. Terry and I and spice remained faithful to Plan M and Butcher's Ck, which had repaId us by becoming narvww, scrubby, and dark. We camwd at the agreed rendegunus at 7.20 pm - dark was 6.20ish.

The absence of the others resulted in Plan N and we headed to the intersection of Butcher's and Yerranderie (7) fire trail 1 kin away, to be guided in by the dulcet tones of John S and Meg McKone - their party got there at 7.30 the previous night and didn't fancy the trip fto the rendezvous. Together again, we evolved Plan 0 (Mt. Tonsil then Plan P (down th Colong Caves and up Acetylene), discarding both in favour of Plan Q, sk climbed up past Kowmung Mt and along to Kowmung Gap, losing Terry to a variant of Plan Q. We followed a completely overgrown fire trail to Squatting R'ck Gap, were rejoinined by Terry, had an early and long lunch, and were disturbed by 2 trail bikes vn their way into the national park. IReturn to the cars Batsh Camp was over Mt. CoJ.ong. We arrived at 5.57 pm, 3 minutes earlier than the time Terry had consistently quoted since Plan H. The drive home was an epic of misbehaving Moke and thirsty new Mazda. Thank you to Meg for Chepherding Terry and Henry's vehicles back to civil- isation, and the gentleman who provided petrol at 8.30 pm.

This L/R tzip (Terry says Mill) was also enjoyed by Ally Street and Philip Burden, but I'm not so sure about the various animals subjected to close attention - numerous frogs, large goannas, frilled lizards, the wombat which exited between Terry's legs, and the possum which climbed a tree via Meg's arm. The kangaroos, black snakes, feral cows etc. managed to keep at viewing distance only. -

Sue told me to say something about the panoramic views and the wildflcwers. Alan Vidler

Excerpt from a Memoir The meeting of the two parties heading west and south which had last seen each other heading on those respective courses was not the most peculiar phenomenon which occurred on this mysterious and haunted weekend*. Forexample there was the case of Meds, the fastest bushwalker on four legs, being easily beaten to Nungatta trip despite 30 minutes start. This çcnzle trill doubtLs3 confuse extra-terrestial topograph- ical phenomeologists for the next two light-years. Then there was the case-of th-missing-bder and the case of the.tiny fruip cake being e easily diiisible into 15 p1cus(tJit1 SLQO"dS foç tho grc4y DnL-s *Tfrtsiphhononbn waE aaiLy e3cplained by a well-known bushwalker-mathe- matician as a 'Moebius strip' local magnetic anomaly (a kind of s-bend in four dimensions) **myself included! Page Six November 1977 Another miracle of loaves and fishes: Perhaps the most amusing however was a further observation of the amazing affinity people have for pitching tents at Terry Jordan* stopping places. At about 3.30 pm the mob came upon Terry innocently standing by the Genoa River. They immediately started to 'bag! tent sites, frantically gather tent poles and, by artful pitching, close off escape routes. The following drama is not a true and accurate recording. Me: Looks like you missed out on the best campsites, Terry. And you were here first. Terry: I didxft say I was áamping here Me: Say Terry, are there any better spots to camp? Terry: I didn't say I was camping anywhere. Me: Well, are there any better spots? Terry: There is a. much better spot 100 metres downstream Peter Conroy (entering): WHAT! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL us! merry:. (sotto voce) I didn"t say I was camping yet. It is only 3.30 Conroy (exits): HEY EVERYBODY PACK UP! THEBE' S A BETTER CAMPS TTE ROUI1D THE cORNER! People (offstage, hysterical): Where is it? Why.ididn"t you tell us? Has it got grassy banks? Has Terry been there? Terry: I didn't say I was going to camp yet. Me: Is there a nice swimming hole, Terry? Terry: Yes (there was) Me: HEY EVERYBODY IT HAS A GOOD SWThIMThIG HOLE! Has it got running water, Terry? TerI'y (whispering): Yes Me: HEY EVERYBODY IT HAS RUNNING WATER: The remainder of the mob tramples past at top speed Happy Ending The campsite is idyllic with three choices. of tent location and three choices of campfire. Mythical Ending Terry: Actually, there is an even better spot 100 metres upstream. Faithlessly recorded by J. Street

MEPERSHIP New Members ..

John Straddotto . Janet P .McCarr Mayo Mansen icym Jervois

Bryan J. Sullivan . . . . Alexander D. Bremmer Jan Carruthers ..

Prospective : Mpmbers Peter Hocking Brassey House, Brisbane Ave, Barton . 733522 x 15 (W) Gerard Anthony Neville 5/7 Inlay St., Eden 2551 0649-61547 (W). Anna Rojicek, .. 56:rmdter- Cres, Narrabundah . 951529 (H)

Lydia Rojicek ) 541239 (w) Gabrielle Passlow, 2 Hawker Gardens, Muaranji St, Hawker 526915 (w) Change of Address Marc Weinstein 478949 (W) 412152 (H) Elizabeth Bell 14/9 Tristania St., Rivett 2611 888948 (H) 726650 (w) Sue Wild 89715 (W) Tith Wright 462543 (w) John Erich 819405 (w) Wolfgaflg Kasper 701392 (W) j*also observed on Black Coda trip November 1977 Page Seven Change of Telephone Mos. (cont.) Stanley Nizon 1453860 (w) Esma Tiernan 971105(w) Peter John Anderson 61355 (w) Vernon Panning 0649-6151 1 (w) Rene lays 12 Canterbury Rd, Toorajc, Vie 3142 Robin Wood .. 11 Ferguson P1,, Flynn, 2615

try Along Rodgers Hill Road

The property cwner of the area (between Ettrema and Btudmidah Creeks) recently had some trouble with his cattle being shot. He would like advance notice of walking parties using the area. . Contact as follows: . Mr. Saeck Ettrema via NRIGA N.S.W. 2622 (no phone - mail from Nerriga on Mondays and Fridays). Walks Lists at Paddy's

The Walks Lists, in.addition to the Bushwalking gear have walked to a new location. Two doors down towards Icndon Circuit.

KAKADU . .. And the Ones Under Ten Pounds You can Throw Back W. L. Blayden This is to recount a trip I did recently to Arnheth Land and which is of importance at the present time. Rather than give a blow by blow description, I shall give a brief guide of the trip with a breakdown of the factors governing the region and a few reflections thrown in, . The trip was proposed for a four week holiday, with the use of food dumps. Fishing reports lead to the title of this piece. The aim - to see as much as possible without a set itinery. The plane cruised at 10,000 metres and approx. 14hr before landing at Darwin, a recpest was m ade to the pilot who banked his plane to the right thus letting us see clearly the great gash of Katherine Gorge plus the deeply dissected outcrops nearby.

We had previously arranged to have a fly past of the escarpment hence our plane was tanked up with fuel. Prior to boarding our little single-engined plane, it was realised that four bodies (plus pilot), five packs (four weeks food), would prevent our fuel-laden plane from leaving the ground. Hence a great deal of unpacking and shifting around of gear, after which we finally took off (with a flickering stall light), leaving apack to follow the next day. Because there were no commercial flights next day near Cooinda, we wasted a day and paid for an extra flight to bring out one pack. To add to our problems the ranger who was to pick us up and to set up the food damp was not there to meet us. He had been called away to Alice Springs unexpectedly. I was beginning to see how flexible our trip was going to be. Topography Upon leaving Darwin we flew eastwards over predominantly flat country. These plains were covered with trees set amid dry red soil. Several rivers were crossed including the South Alligator River as they wound their way to the coast, we had been following the new Anthem Highway from the air and even this far inland, all the / .. rivers were subject to strong tidal influences. An indication of the flatness of the area can be seen by the spot heights of the country near Cooiñda (40 metres aboe Ceal level) a hundred kilometres from H the coast. . . November 1977 Page Eight This plain ended suddenly ahead by an escarpment running N-S for a hundred kilometres and near Jim Jim Falls (to the south) swins to the West. - Whilstheading to this escarpment one prominent yellow faceappeared out of - the plan - a face on Mt. Broolcnan. in the skyline adead (i.e. to the east) were several small humped mountairio in forbidden country. The plane followed the escarpment down to Jim Jim Falls before landing at Cooinda. The pilot made several sharp bends over the falls for the photographers - much to the discomfort of one party member who found consolation in a plastic bag.

Cooinda is the mane of the airstrip servicing Jim Jim Motel (also signposted as Yellow Waterhole). Our plans were somewhat disorganised so that it was decided to head to Deaf Adder Creek by foot to dump our surplus food. We then would prodeed up the valley and onto the escarpment, head south to above Jim Jim Falls. Upon descending past the falls, a long plain walk would return us to the dump. Maps We had the following 1:100,000 maps - Cahill, Howship, Gilruth and Jim Jim which proved quite adequate for the country an@ though only a year old, were already out of date with information. Probably the first thing that grabs one's attention with the maps is the heavy dissection of the :escarpment. One immediately thinks back to that aerial view over -Katherine Gorge and the similarity in the country. Aerial photographs proved handy on occasions. Plains Walking Really this area is a delight to walk in for there is so little to restrict progress. The begetation can change so quickly that one has little time on occasions to appreciate it. I guess the best description of the plains is a savanna woodland. One moment one can be walking in knee high long grass (straw), then on a close cropped lawn. At times one is on sand and others on clay. Probably the image that best sticks in ny mind occurred early in the trip - we had just drossed a road and were in a pat'-h of long grass. Movement ahead, and we say a typical African scene. A pack of dingoes were crowding round a carcass but they quickly disbursed as we blundered by. All that is except one or two who seemed more loathed to leave a meal than tear off in fright. Nearby the remaining herd of pigs had ignored all - a sacrifice had been made and the predators were satisfied only with the dead. Animal life on the plains was limited to pigs and buffaloeS. A few cows were seen with one group of buffaloes but apparently this is not a common occurance. Buffaloes have poor eyesight but a keen sense of smell, one whiff (of us) was enough to send them off. There have been occasions however where buffaloes have charged. Both the pigs and buffaloes affect the environment, creating mud baths, eating and rubbing the available foliage away. There are many pools (billabongs, lagoons) that lie generally along the water courses and are usually linked by pleasant flowing creeks. It is a great place for the buffalo to wallow. Some billabongs however seemed free from these vermin, probably as they had steep banks and no shallows. These were lined with. pandanus and parE rbaHcs and made ideal camping sites. Bird life was, attracted to these pleasont sancturles, and so too was the occasional fish. One problem encountered throughout the trip was gree ants. These little stinging beasties bind leaves on a branch together to form a nest and woe betide anything that disturbs the nest. Fortunately they sting whilst only in contact and no after effects we'e felt. Whilst the country was predominately flat, gradual rises in the lnnd Tsummitt were perceived once was reached and the descent had started 1 The woodland made the sighting of prominent landmarks (which were few anyway) --hard, hence the reliance upon the compass. Indeed the few peaks that ile

November 1977 Page Nine

on this plain rarely reach any great height. Deaf Adder Creek This creek cuts a large course through the escarpment and it its mouth is 2 1cm wide. . :Between the walls here is a large lagoon which makes a pleasant camping spot. By following the creek upstream, the valley opens up to a maximum width of 8 km before closing down to the several tributaries. It is quite a remarkable valley and really quite unexpected. Similar under- growth is encountered to that of the plains outside. Fishing is good and an especially delightful place is Djuwarr lagoon where several • days were spent. Here sea eagles and many whistling kites were seen gliding over the tranquil waters. The aborigines of old liked the place and it is shown in the many drawings and paintings they left on the rocks. The best of these is the Leicbhardt site but this will be dealt with later. Upon reflection Deaf Adder Creek valley is worth esploring itself for there is plenty to see and find. Geology The escarpnent ranges from about 30 to 330 metres height and is formed by the resistant quartz atndstone of the Middle Proterzoio age. Although subject to a lot of heavy rain, the rate of retreat (vertical erosion) is in the order of one metre per 1000 years or one lul per 1,000,000 years. . . .....- To my eye the quartz was made picturesque because of the horizontal banding of the pinks and-purples. The sandstone that we Imow of the Blue Mountains was rarely évident for I doubt if it could be able to resist the onslaught of the wet. One thing that quickly caught my attention in this country is the lack of any surface rock. One could shuffle along without any hinderance. Rarely were thene any rocks that required any partic%lar attention though at one spot in the plain a small outcrop showed some mineralisation. Nearby alluvial tin was found in several lry creek beds to a depth of 7 cm. Small. pebb]es .of ironstone (the size of lead sinkers) were seen by Leichhardt in 1841.. Indeed being short of shot he tried using these pebbles in his firearms and although they were able to hit ducks, the 'Shot' was unable to do any appernt damage. These small pebbles were found throughout the plains. As indicated by the maps, the. escarpment was deeply dissected and fissured. These gullies usually lead to a rainforest environment. This fissuring lead also on occasion to monoliths and caves being formed. One particular.spot had caves, cverhangs, arches, bridges, waterfalls, and had the rock been limestone it would have been an excellent site for caverns. Several of the creeks off the escarpment involved boulder hopping. These creeks also tended to have small polished franents of agate which increased in size higher up the creek. Unfortunately the main outcrop was not located. Jim Jim Falls Jim Jim Creek starts on the escarpment and flows westerly to the edge where it plunges over 200 metres to the plains. Hereqn via a series of interconnecting lagoons, it flows into the South Alligator River. We spent one night campted rear these falls and on dusk were surprised to see fljing foxes flying nearby. These creatares lived on the plains and at night used the updraft over the falls to fly to their feeding grounds. It was mere speculation btit from photocopied reprints of Leichhardt' 5 journal that we had, it was felt that he could not have been too far away from here. "we again found ourselves at the.brink of the beautiful

vallerwhich lay before us like a promised. landtT . to be continued rr€e Ten NovembSr J977 WALKS PREVIEWS -

Sarci and Rescue We ekend 12-13 November Base Camp will be set up at the Gudgenby Forestry Hut, Drive along the Boobyan Rd to the Gudgenhy Homestead Turnoff, and follow signs to camp. Saturday will be a Map and Compass Exercise while Sunday will be spent mock searching on the Booth Rengo. Bring: Maps - and Tsntangara 1:100,000; pencil; water; chuffas

ChristmasWcen.W2J-k December Long Point Come along and hrin tho family. A good track with descent/ascent of 500 in (bcut on hour's walk down). A good campsite and the Sboalhaven for swimming - after all tht hicd work. Games for kids and adults; damper making competition, S:ind the chocalot froi (for the kids), etc. Early registration - indicate the goodies you re going to contribute. Harder walks in will no doubt be arroned by those who feel so moved.

ChrtsLm'cj Bartemte Thursday 15 Dec Murrays Corner, 5.30 pm Come a1cr, to the grer Chrlsthas barbeque. BYO meat and GROG, salads, bread cctko provided. Cost $i per head to be coflected on the night. Lots of activities inoluding tuo of war. Suggested teams: bc-otsvs sandshoes - leaders vs followers ->-- Tasnaniacs vs the rest- Other delights in store: - - Know yot4r contours .- briz' your triangular bandages Ou.ezs the le's Bush hafla :'ecj.tition competion. Free grop to competitors Prize - Aim V il'rsoicicst pair of sandshoes (a priceless relic'!) • (Editecvin draft: NEVER! Mysecond oldest maybe - AV) Orientetring ootpotion, two teams needed - nude walkers vs clothed )*igade perhaps? _For kids .• find iho chocolate frogs

I apologise to Wendy and TT for feeding Wends' statistics which did not include the final week, and fogetting to update them. This explains the difference between Wendy's and my reports (if anyone read both). A V Walkers Wanted Anyone interes bed in a private trip to the Owen Stanleys next May or June please contact Tarry Jordan or Greg Scott soon. We hope to climb Albert Edward (3990 m) and to traverse a fair length of the range, possibly as far as (2.L000 in). This is waiicing country, not climbing country, andthe weather at this time of the year is at its best (not necessarily very good!) Air fares will be about $770 rdturn fm Canberra. Walks_Previews Can leaders of walks pleace send their previews to Ann at 81 Bonytbon St., Downer or the Canberra Times before IT closing date. BIg Hole - H!n Rook - Marble Arch November 19/20 An easy walk yi:ostly on fire trails and tracks with plenty of time to examine the interestng features. For those who feels energetic a scramble up Hanging Roc can be arraned• Alison

I. November 1977 Page Eleven

The Red Hill and Beyond - Nov. 19/20 The Red Hill lies southwest of the (near its junction with the Snowy); Beyond are some good fishing holes along the Ingeegoodbee Craig.

&tU Flats - Mt. Walma - Sunday Nov. 20

•1 Startingalong the Smokers Lap Firetrail and walking towards Blue Gum Ck. Ascending Mt. Walma. and heading south towards Ernu Flats... There will be - navigation instruction so bring a compass and map. - Tony.

BUdderob-. Maynard's ralls - Walsh's Pass - Nov.(25)/26 . .. Friday night start. Walking through Budderoo along a natural fault line to Maynards Falls and Walsh's Pass. .

Yaóük .- Sunday Nov. 27 .A.leaier -is required for this walk. There will be a list in Paddy's. The walk is intended to go up Yaouic Peak then along the Yaouk Bill Range to Mt. Brest. A car shuffle is involved so an early start will be necessary.

Booroomba Rocks - Sunday Nov. 27 - Abseiling Trip My main interestin this trip is to train and get to Imow people coming on Bungonia (see below) and possible future canyoneering trips. So I would

prefer people who do not aim to come on only the one. trip ...... Gear: . 1 recommend- -the use of crash helmets, Other basic gear includes . a 5.4hetrê length of seat belt webbing (in mint - condition) for a swami' belt, a large screw-gate karabiner and leather (belaying) gloves. Bring water. Wear rubber-soled shoes. Bring $1 (charge for the use of my

gear) .: ...... - -. Instruc:tion will include knots, climbing, belayir,-pruz5iking, abseiling. - It may show: you something you don't know but -it will not make you an expert... So don't be overcbnfident! J. -Street -

(25)26-27 November. Auf Wiedersehen. Pick your own options, subject to sufficient demand. For the L/Rbits an early:stat (ex Canberra say-S pm or earlier) is essential, and it is traditional and desirable to carry a very light pack - mine will be under 6 kg. Full moon provided. - 'friday Evei±p' Options: Grade L/VR Owen (direct route). It's possible, for 'suitable' peopla only.- decided-by mutual agreement among themselves. I think I'll give it, a miss. Gary will lead. Grade L/R The Castle. If you weren't around to read about it last year you probably aren't experienced enough - ring me to discuss if you like. Options 1 and 2 meet early on Saturday on Shrouded Gods en route to Holland Ck. Grade M/M Up the Clyde for an hour or two albng a fire trail on Friday night, led by Sue. Meet others 10 am Sat at Holland/Clyde junction, about 4 hours walk from cars. Grade S-M/E Saturday start to follow, group 3and join others Saturday night. Groups 3 and 4 wade the Clyde several times (in daylight) so strictly speaking are R orW grade, but it is sununer and the river is gentle Saturday Options: - Grade L/R Tallaterang (option within option), Warr - e Head, Pidgeonhouse Gorge. Camp on the Clyde.' . . . Grade M/E Down the Clyde with optional swimming and numerous possible side trips, camping with groups 4 and 5. - Page Twelve November 1977

Both options available to groups 1,2 and 3 Sunday Options: Grade S/ITR For those interested and acceptable (see comments for option 2), Byangee Walls. Earlier or latr films, available, including a Castle ascent from Castle Gap (I'll give it a miss), and swimming swimming. Grade M/R Pigeonifouse Mt. via the gorge. (fl Grade T/P (Tannin Poisoning) More river type blwiging . Clyde/Pidgeonhouse/ Yadboro. Return via Clyde R. or Castle Gap. Summary: It is one of ourost bieautiful and spectaco.lar walking areas, even if some of us overdo it. All grades from Bludge to Ridiculous, plus SUSP4SE (will . we meet up where we want to?). Alan and Sue Vidler 525237 (w) (Alan) 545373 (H) - Dec. 3-4 Walking from the Nerriga-Sass:ras Road downstream along the Endrick to the . There are plenty of swimming spots along the way and a goad bash back to the cars. Bill

Shoalhaven River - Dec. '3/4 Anyone interested in starting weekend walking should thing about going, on this walk. The Shoalhaven River has large sandy banks to walk along and very little rock hopping is involved.

Wadbifliga Trig and Queens Pound River - Dec 314 Walking for about 2 lu's along a road on friday night to Wadbifliga Trig. Descending south into the Queens Pound River and following it dotstiéS to its junction with the Wadbifliga River. Returning up a spur and through a cliffline to the ti-ig. Gary

Richmond Meach - North Head Beach - Saturday Dec 3 First of a few summer, swimming, surfing and walking trips. Walking along the cliffs fm m Richmond Reach to North Head Beach to a 1 arge natural reck pool suitable for swimming. Camping at North Head Beach.

Mt. Durras - Sunday Dec 4 Starting from Pebbly Beach walking up to Mt. Durras (about a 2 hr. walk). Good views to Jervis Bay and south to Bermagui from the top of Jervis. Swimming in the afternoon.

Goodradigbee near Brindabella - Sunday Dec 4 Driving to Flea Ck then walking downstream along the Goodradigbee. Bring lilos as it's a good lilo stream. . Bob. The Vidflers' Farewell Champae Breakfast - Thesday Dec. 13 Bring along your muesli and snags, orange juice or bubble to Black Mountain Peninsula around 7.00 am and say you.r final farewells to Sue and Alan. (Edited again - I object to the word 'final' - Alan)

Bungonia Canyon: Abseiling and Swimming Dec 17/18 Saturday: Walk, climb, abseil and swim down the canyon from 'Bungonia Falls. Climb out after the Thokdown. Camp near Jerrara Ck. Sunday: Abseil Jerrara Falls. Climb out via Efflux track. Bungonia involves one abseil and Jerrara at least three. Bring water in cars but no milk. Limit 5 per leader per day. November 1977 ACTIVITIES PROGRANt€ IT Appendix I

November: 12113 SEARCH & IRESCUE WEEKEND - Gudgenby Pine Forest Wed. 16. GENERAL FEEtING - Land Use Research Building csmo Black Mt. 19/20 *Big Hole-Hanging Rock-Marble Arch S/E Alison Currie Araluen 469289 1:100,000 a 19/20 *The Red. Hiltrtd Berond M/R draig. Allen . Jacobs R. 814273 (H) :1:1O0,000 (18)19/20 Thross River ... L/R Democratic Cobargo . 1100,000 . ... • Sn 20 *Emu Flats - Mt.. Walma M/M Tony Herit Tantangara 583650 (H) 1:100,000 Sun 20 Mt. Ainslie - Mt. Majura M/E Glenys West Canberra 1:100,000

Wed 23 WALKS PlANNING & LRABY EVENING - 81 Bonython St., Downer' (25) 26 *Budderoo_Maynard' s Falls-Walsh's Pass L/M Tim Wright Kangaroo Valley Sun 27 *yajIç N/M Leader Tantangara Required 1:100.000 Sun 27 *&oroomba Rocks.. . S/R John Street Tantangara 730415 (W) :100,000 (25 )26/27*Castle_S. Gods-Ta1laterang-Byangee L/R A. Vidler CM or Owen, then as above Harder G. Medaris Budawangs - . or.Clyde,.R., Tallaexang ..ptional) etc M/M S. Vidler UlladuJ.la or Clyde R., Sat, start easy,... 1:100,000 'ti'ee preview to decipher) plus options (25)26 *Orroral Cycle BobMcKay ACT 465769 (w) 1:100,000

Mon 28 COMMTPI'EE MEETING - 5 Olympus Way, Lyons December: * Fjjç hi/N Bill Brown Ulladulla / ,. ,. River 487629 (W) 1:100,000 3/4 *Shoa],haven River-beginners & Family s/E Wendy Davidson Caoura 211 _i mile 3/4 *Richmond Beach-North Head Beach, rock, S/ETim Wright . Batemans pool (Sat) . . Bay 1:100,000 Mt Durras (Sun) Sun 3 *Goodradigbee near Brindabella M/W •. Bob MaKay . . Brindabefla 465769 (W) 1:100,000 (2)3/4 *Wadbiuiga Trig-Queens Pound River M/R Gary Nedaris Cobargo 496011 (W) 1:100,000 Sat 10 Mt. Ayre-Shoalhaven-lilo to tong S/W Caoura Point . .: • 0-1 mile to/it Christmas Party weekend Shoalhaven River L/R Tues 13 Vidlers' Farewell Breakfast - Black Mt Peninsula, 7 am Thurs 15 Christmas Party Murray's Corner 17/18 Gourmet Walk - Cave Creek M/M Democratic Tantangara 1:100,000

17/18 Bujota Absiiing/ãiimththg - - • S/R/W John Street .... Caoura prerequisite abseiling training trip on 0-1 mile Booroomba necessary

Appendix Page Two IT November 1977

December: Sun 18. Kambah Christmas Caper s/w Jeff Bennetts A.C.T. 822027 (H) 1:100,000 Christmas - New Year Ettrema M/M Bill Brown 487629 (H) Colo or Gippsland M/R Terry Jordan 494005 (w) January: - 7/8 Guthega, Nynham, Tate-Gutega Trig M/M Sue Wild Kosciusko 862578 (H) :100,000 Helen Co]itman 490395 (w)) 14/15 - Kangaroo River M/R Terry Jordan Moss Vale 494005 (w) 1:100,000 (13)1 4/15 Brogo go slow - first swimming M/R/W John Street Cogargo hole 487325 (H) 1:100,000 21/22 Bookworms Weekend .- S,/W Robin Blessing; Jacobs H. North from Jacobs ladder 412740 (H) 1:100,000 28-30 Thgbow Komung - Co],ong M/M John Street Burragorang 487325 (H) February: (3)4/5 Snow Daisy Trip M/M Lyle Burgess Kosciusko 816503 (H) 1:100,000

* see previews

GRADING OF WALKS: Didtance: Short (5) - under 12 km/day Medium(M) -12-20km/day. thug (L) - more than 20 km/day NB: Every LOG m climbed or udropped rates 1 extra km

Conditions: Easy (F) • - fire trails, good tracks, open forest or beach Medium (N) - bush tracks, alpine walking, some scrub or rock-hopping Rough (R) substantial scrub, steep climbs, rock-scrambling or wading of streams Wet (W) - compulsory swims (canycm bag essential and will • be advised in preview), liloing, or numerous river crossings. BOOKING FOR WALKS: Must be made on the appropriate sheet at Paddy Pallins shop, Northbourne Ave., Civic, by 5 pm on the Thursday preceding the trip. DO NOT TELEPHONE PADDY'S TO BOOK. DO NOT TELEPHONE THE LEADER UNLESS UNAVOIDABLE. The leader of a scheduled trip will be at the designated start±ng-point of a trip regardless of weather. Pets should not be brought on trips without -permission of the leader. . ... . . . TRANSPCRT COSTS: . . Are offset by a system whereby everyone contributes to the cost of running vehicles. These costs are based on figures on figures of 7.0 cents/km for cars of under 1700 cc capacity; 9.0 cents/km 6or cars over 1700 cc. In practice this works out about 2.3 cents/kmpassenger. - ThQ.UIPMENT FOR CLUB WALKS can be hired from Narg. Roseby 485007 (H)

p1flTqm7rnn pop pflRmThTfl AR A PwnTnnTraT. runwnnv P bw1w November 1977 PaEe Thirteen CLUB CONTACTS:

President Henrpv Thirmester 511887 iw)

Walks Secretary Ann Gibbs-Jordan 4Po066 x 267 Membership Secretary I$rle Burgess 971765 (W)

Editor Giry Medàrls 46oii (w)

Yoth'±e/MUldoon tia Giszien instintivehess 46210t (w)

this issue typed ('i) by Jo Fisher

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Registered for posting asa periodical. ategery B. .. . . ... . ..

CANBERRA C) ri POSTAGE BUSHWALKING CANBERRA CLUB I e7n INC ACT. 2601 AUSTRALIA I '-iY:Wflt.•-

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