It CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB NEWSLETTER
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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB NEWSLETTER it Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc. GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume 53 Number 7 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org August 2017 GENERAL MEETING 7.30 pm Wednesday 16 August 2017 Trekking in the Owen Stanley Ranges, Papua New Guinea Presenter: Zac Zaharias Zac Zaharias is a Canberra mountaineer and adventurer. He has climbed six of the world’s 14 peaks above 8000 metres. He has been climbing, skiing and trekking for over 45 years and now runs his own adventure business. The 2016 and 2017 treks led by Zac up Mount Victoria in the Owen Stanley Ranges in PNG were the first in seven years and only the fourth and fifth treks to complete the full 12 day, 110km traverse. The trek, commencing from Kanga village at 400m elevation climbs steadily through tropical and subtropical rainforest then into montane forest before emerging in grasslands at 3000 metres. The landscape is rugged and pre-historic looking, dotted with many cycads. Highlights include a number of glacial lakes, numerous orchards and rhododendrons and multiple sightings of the McGregor Bird of Paradise. Hughes Baptist Church Hall 32-34 Groom Street, Hughes In this issue President’s Report Walks Secretary‘s report A new Walk Leader’s Story Editorial Review of July CBC meeting CBC Committee CBC Meetings Change of Mulligans Flat Contributions to the Newsletter Venue Membership Trip Report: Whites River Hut Activity Program Training and Safety report Lost and Found in the bush Bulletin Board Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 1 Committee Reports From the President An issue that has been bubbling along in the background is the development of Australian Adventure Activity Standards (AAAS). Their development is being steered by a committee with representatives from governments and peak outdoor bodies from all states. The secretariat is being provided by Outdoors Victoria which is that state’s peak body for all outdoor activities. The Australian Adventure Activity Standards aim to be a single set of national standards. Currently there are separate standards in each of the states except the ACT and the Northern Territory. The Australian AAS is separated into Part I Core Standard and then Part II the various adventure activity standards (e.g. Bushwalking Standard). The activities to be covered are – abseiling, artificial climbing, bushwalking, canoeing & kayaking, challenge ropes, four-wheel driving, horse trail riding, mountain biking, recreational angling, caving, river rafting, rock climbing, snow sports, surfing, trail bike riding, archery, canyoning, sea kayaking, surf kayaking, snorkelling, wildlife swims, and scuba diving. The initial work has been on developing the Part I Core Standard and the Part II for Bushwalking and Camping. Since 2001 when a NSW standard was first suggested, the CBC has been concerned about the effects such standards might have on volunteer clubs like ours. With the current proposed standards, the BBC and the NPA of the ACT shared our concerns. The three Clubs sent a joint letter to the ACT Government and as a result we have received assurances from the Chief Minister in his reply that any Adventure Standards when they are finalised will not be mandatory. The AAS Bushwalking is not finalised yet. The current draft, version 1.4, was released for public consultation until 29 May 2017 and the CBC put in a submission as did the BBC. The CBC submission drew on the comments provided by members to me. One major question is the definition of “dependent participant”. Once the so called “voluntary best-practice” standards have been compiled and they are easily accessible in the one location they could potentially be a useful reference. However, the standards are very one sided in that they concentrate on what is required to develop the leadership aspects of bushwalking. Our Club along with other clubs of enthusiastic volunteers focus on sharing expertise and knowledge widely so that all members develop a wide spectrum of bushwalking skills not just those associated with leadership. Lorraine Tomlins President CBC Club members on Big Monks Photo: Meredith Hatherly Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 2 Committee Reports Editorial Welcome to the August newsletter. Once again it includes a wide range of interesting articles and activities for Club members to enjoy. We have a great article from one of our newest walk leaders – Terrylea Reynolds. Her inspiring story may well motivate others in the Club to consider building their skills to lead walks – the more leaders there are the more varied and interesting is the Activity Program. We have a piece of history from Michael Banyard, found on a recent walk, and a very apt trip report for this season from the snow country, sent in by Rowan Peck. We have a spotlight on Mulligans Flat, scene of some Club activity in the next few months, with Stan Marks sharing with us why this is one of his favourite places. Thank you one and all for your contributions and helping to keep this newsletter alive and relevant for the Club members. Meredith Hatherly Editor Change of venue for Club meetings Our current venue at Hughes Uniting Church will be unavailable to the club after September, as the church is planning renovations. As Social Secretary, I have made a number of enquiries as to other venues in both North and South Canberra, but only two places: a) were free on Wednesday night, and b) provided the facilities we need, including the ability to store our equipment. Chifley Community Centre and Weston Uniting Church have both given us a reasonable quote but the committee has supported my suggestion that we move to Weston Uniting Church as their room is more welcoming and comfortable. We will also inform people at the August meeting and the September AGM of this decision. Jenny Horsfield Social Secretary Membership During the period 27 June to 25 July the Club welcomed 9 new members – Luisa Dal Molin, Emily Fisher , Amanda Spencer, Shirley Graham, Julie Hardy, Bobbie Tkalcevic, Gemma Dodds, Martin Etherington and Janet Pinheiro. Membership fees 2016/2017 Roger Edwards $33 per person Membership Secretary Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 3 Committee Reports Training and Safety Report Stretching after walking As walkers we owe a lot to our bodies, especially our lower limbs. We should understand and care for our hips, legs, knees, ankles, feet and toes. How common is it to have walked all day on a pair of trusty legs, only for them to subsequently become stiff and sore in the hours afterwards? Although we might have spent the day exercising, in one respect we are neglecting the health of our legs and feet, the most vital pieces of bushwalking equipment that we have. Therefore I recommend increasing understanding of one’s own unique legs and feet. Walkers should familiarise themselves with the muscle groups and the tendons contained within. Use the internet to identify the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps and other internal features of the lower limbs. I recommend some gentle stretching, especially after walking, to reduce or eliminate post-walk stiffness or soreness. Personally I like to do some calf stretches and some hip-flexor stretches. In years past I have periodically suffered from Tibialis Anterior Tendonitis – a condition which contributed to pain in the top of the feet and which was aggravated by walking. My physiotherapist recommended certain stretches that I continue to do to this day, and touch wood, the discomfort has not returned. Similarly, I find that for me, strengthening my core through sit-ups helps me to reduce intermittent back pain. My knees are now increasingly becoming a source of fascination for me, and next on the list to discuss with the physiotherapist. All walkers should know their legs, and understand the cause of any niggles, discomfort or pain. Be sure to go to the doctor or physio promptly if you have any such symptoms, have the cause identified and work on a management strategy with your medical practitioner. For many walkers, this might mean stretching either before, during or after a walk. Don’t walk too far, or carry heavy loads if you are experiencing discomfort. We, all of us walkers, want to extend the life of our legs and feet as long as possible. Therefore it makes sense to understand them and to treasure them. David Dedenczuk Training and Safety Officer Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 4 Committee Reports From the Walks Secretary We all contribute to our Club in so many ways. It can be through conservation, committee work, testing the new system, submitting articles for it, or in a host of other ways. But the core of a bushwalking club is walking and it is great to see so many out enjoying the fresh air. Thank you to all walkers and walk leaders. Check out the latest bumper Activity Program. The annual Navigation Refresher course, run by Rob and Jenny Horsfield, begins Tuesday evening 29 August. Hurry and book! Everyone is busy, so do as many sessions as you can fit in. I recently enjoyed a ramble in the northern part of the Rob Roy Nature Reserve with two new young members and their friend. Hopefully Emily, Megan and Rebecca will be the start of an influx of younger members. Emily, Megan and Rebecca on Callaghan Hill Over the last few years several members of our Club have assisted the Heart Foundation in facilitating 8- 8.45am Floriade walks. It’s an opportunity to allow others to view the flowers without crowds and at no cost, for you to experience the same, and to let the public know about the Canberra Bushwalking Club. This year, the period is 16 September – 15 October.