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. You don’t need to know anything about the flowers, just facilitate the walk and enjoy yourself. Training can be provided, or I can answer any questions. If you would like to contribute, please contact the Heart Foundation coordinator, Clariana Rodrigues via [email protected] . Let her know, by 14 August, of the date(s) which would suit you.

Congratulations to Jonathan Miller on leading his first CBC walk. A lovely trip through snow to Booths Hill.

Enjoy your walking and happy feet.

John Evans Walks Secretary

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 5 REVIEW OF JULY 2017 CLUB MEETING The Carnarvon Great Walk and Beyond – presenter Meg McKone

At the Club’s July Meeting Meg McKone shared with us some of the highlights of a trip she led in September 2016 on the Carnarvon Great Walk in the Central Queensland Highlands. The walk links the Carnarvon Gorge and the Mt Moffatt sections of Carnarvon National Park (CNP). This 87 kilometre walk was constructed in 2009 and even though it can be completed in 6 days this is not enough time to include some of the wonderful side-trips which are possible. Nearly 3000 square kilometres is protected within the CNP which is divided into several sections, including Carnarvon Gorge, Mt Moffatt, Ka Ka Mundi and Salvator Rosa, all of which Meg and her party visited on this trip. Starting at the National Park Centre, the party of ten shared the well-constructed track of the first day with the many day walkers who visit the Gorge to marvel at the tall gums, glossy palms and sheer white cliffs of the main gorge. Most walkers choose to visit here in Spring because of the fantastic flower show. The wonders of the Highland Region in Central Queensland are well known to the Aboriginals who have lived in this area for at least 19,500 years previously and whose legacy is still there for all to see today in their beautiful engravings and art work. In fact, this particular area was also used as an Aboriginal burial site but sadly many of the grave sites have been robbed. Ten kilometres later, having walked through an area outstanding for its cliffs of white sandstone, they reached their first campsite at Big Bend with its beautiful water pool and numerous rainbow lorikeets nesting in holes in the rock. Day two saw the group making their way to Boowinda Gorge but not without first having to overcome the steep and unrelenting 600+ metre climb out of the gorge made especially arduous carrying heavy packs. Here they discovered the flora changing and saw native figs once they got up into the basalt - a remnant of the Buckland volcano which erupted 27 million years ago. Also in abundance throughout the grassy woodland area were wattles, cycads and hardenbergia made even more beautiful when contrasted against the silver-leafed ironbarks. The group had lunch on Battleship Spur looking over the Gorge after which they crossed the tops and headed for that night’s destination, Gadd’s Camp. Carnarvon Gorge from Battleship Spur lookout Gadd’s Camp, located near an old stockyard in the Mount Mofatt section of the CNP, proved to be their most comfortable campsite of the entire walk: there was plenty of space to spread out and the grass was shorter than it was when Meg had previously visited in 2014. Like all the campsites on the Carnarvon Great Walk, Gadd’s Camp had a separate shelter with a tin roof to collect rain water which is stored in reservoirs underneath. The water can be pumped up from these reservoirs whenever required avoiding the need to treat water collected in creeks and streams of the Gorge. Meg explained that in Mt Moffatt and The Mansion area of the CNP cattle grazing had occurred for many years; however the rough nature of the country meant that this enterprise turned out not to be very profitable, with the result that the area often changed hands, eventually being absorbed into the CNP itself. From Gadd’s Camp, where they spent two nights, the team made a side-trip on day three to The Mansion which has some quite remarkable pink Hutton sandstone on its northern side. Some of the party were able to very gingerly climb to the top of The Mansion and others even braved it to the top of Mt Moffatt as well. Extraordinary tree root-like erosion patterns are visible here in the sandstone alongside remnants of basalt stone but it is all so fragile that it is likely to be gone in another few thousand years.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 6 The Carnarvon Great Walk and Beyond

Day four and the group followed the Angelina Creek up towards the Great Dividing Range, encountering native violets growing along the road as well as macrozamias, exocarpus shrubs and ironbarks. From the tops they were rewarded with fabulous views of Mt Moffatt and The Mansion before they descended to set up camp for the night at West Branch Walkers Camp. Heavy rain forced the party to cook and eat in their tents and scramble during the evening when one fly was completely blown over resulting in one member having to spend the night in the disabled toilet! It was when they awoke the next morning and saw the damage, with tree branches strewn about, that they realised how heavy the storm had been. Mount Moffatt with The Mansion on its flank, viewed from the Fortunately the weather cleared up for day five, the Great Divide. longest day of the walk, as this entailed 17 kilometres of walking with packs, more climbing (400 metres), crossing a swing bridge and navigating a few creeks which were not normally running. Masses of hardenbergia were a delight on this day as was the mahogany forest above 1000 metres, where silver-topped stringybark trees were still visible despite logging in other areas of the CNP. Finally arriving at the Consuelo Camping Area high up on the Consuelo tableland the party discovered that it wasn’t as luxurious as the previous sites - it didn’t even have a toilet. With memories of the previous night’s storm still fresh in their minds the group were very conscious of trying to avoid pitching their tents too close to the tall eucalypts which seemed to be everywhere. Being so high, they were very cold and fires are banned on the CGW. The next day’s walking (now Day 6) confirmed how much damage had been done in the storm with heavy branches of trees down across the track and entire tree crowns snapped off. Arriving at their final night’s camp site, Cabbage Tree, the party were greeted with views across Jimmy’s Shelf – an area which was used by cattlemen in years past. This is a beautiful area of the CNP with Sydney blue gums, orchids, palm trees, bright acacias and cycads. Day seven saw the party walk from Cabbage Tree Camping Zone to Boolimba Bluff Lookout, which provided spectacular views of the mouth of the Gorge, the Arcadia Valley and Expedition Range in the distance. After a few days’ rest at the Takarakka Tourist Resort near the entrance to Carnarvon Gorge, the group then headed west to Salvator Rosa and Mt Ka Ka Mundi passing brolgas en route to their next camp site at Bunbuncundoo Spring. From a ridge above there were magnificent views to Cave Hill and Mt Mooloolong. Flora in this area included a deep-pink dodonaea (hop bush), fields of dampieras, goodenias and a soft spinifex with large purple seed heads which was also quite aromatic. Buffel grass, an introduced pest, was rampant as it is in Dodonaea at Ka Ka Mundi much of the Northern Territory.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 7 The Carnarvon Great Walk and Beyond

In the rain the party ventured out to explore an Aboriginal cave, children’s hand stencils in some of the smaller caves and the orange sandstone. The area was riven with small gorges and creeks which went off in all directions, narrow sandstone ridges, eroded turrets and other unusual formations. A fine weather day enabled them to ascend to Cave Hill and circumnavigate the unclimbable Mt Mooloolong. Their last day included a trip through the scrub and over the sandstone plateau of Mt Ka Ka Mundi towards an unnamed spire dubbed the Pagoda or Mini Breadknife, depending on the angle it is viewed from. On the way they encountered more bottle trees and prolific phebalium. The group was also surprised to see the amount of cactus present despite the attempts to control it by the introduction of the cactoblastis moth. With time against them the group made the plinth of the Pagoda that day before descending back down through steep terrain and horrible scrub which saw them all speechless by the time they returned, battered and bruised, to their cars. The trip was coming to an end. Even though Meg and her intrepid party had hoped to spend more time at Salvator Rosa the weather had conspired to defeat them. With heavy rains forecast they were advised to leave by a farmer from Cungelella Station who knew more than most how the black soil plains would soon turn to mud The unclimbable Mt Mooloolong, which the and they wouldn’t have been able to make it out. party circumnavigated Well they may just have to return another day.

Written by Terrylea Reynolds (with gratitude to Meg McKone for providing me with access to her article entitled ‘The Carnarvon Great Walk and Ka Ka Mundi’, which was published in its entirety in the Coast and Mountain Walkers of New South Wales magazine, Into the Blue, November 2016). Photos supplied by Meg McKone

Spotlight on Mulligans Flat – a great place to walk

There are two walks in the Activity Program this month in Mulligans Flat. Have a look at the dates for 20 and 21 October – there you will see that Isobel Crawford is organising a Twilight Tour of Mulligans Flat Sanctuary, led by an ACT Parks and Conservation ecologist. You will have a good chance of seeing some of the threatened species which have been introduced there. And if you are up for an extended walk that evening, look at John Evans walk for 20-21 October, which aims to start from Hall and link up with the Twilight Tour, with various options for return home Mulligans Flat is a special place much loved by many people, and in our Club there is one member, Stan Marks, who has a long standing and detailed knowledge of the area possibly unequalled in Canberra. Stan Marks gives his perspective on Mulligans Flat on the following page.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 8 Mulligans Flat – a great place to walk

I first visited Mulligan's Flat Nature Park around 1995 soon after it was declared a nature park. Before that, it was a working farm. In those days, there were no suburbs nearby and it was a very quiet bit of bush. For probably the next ten years or so I went there perhaps twice a month either very early in the morning or around dusk, so I have been there a couple of hundred times. I loved the various effects at different times of day - either the soft colours that arose from the low sun in the late afternoon or the frost in the mornings. There was plenty of wildlife there, kangaroos everywhere, and wattles in the spring. The reserve is bigger than you think - it is 781 hectares of grassland and woodland, much of it red and yellow box and in my very early days as a leader I used to lead day walks of 3 1/2 to 4 hours there. When I started my evening walks, it was an obvious place to include with walks both on and off track. One of the tracks I use is part of the nineteenth century road from Yass to Queanbeyan. I remember commenting on this once, making the observation that A B Paterson had probably been down it, only to discover that I had a relative of Paterson's in the group! Some years ago, National Parks decided to turn the reserve into a sanctuary where predators like cats and foxes would CBC members enjoying arvo tea in the Reserve Photo: John Evans be eliminated and species long extinct in the ACT would be returned. That sounded great but, the way they were going to do it would have finished it as a location for walking. They were going to build a predator proof fence, clearly necessary for the concept, but it was to enclose only 60% of the reserve and there was to be only one gate. This was because gates were seen as points of weakness, vulnerable to entry by predators. The various walks I led involved both parts of the reserve and a fence like that, with only one gate, would have meant an end to serious walking in the reserve as the 60% was just too small. It was clear that many others felt the same because, in time, there was a meeting with National Parks on this issue. I and others indicated where the gates needed to be to provide adequate access between the two parts of the park and that is what is there now. Bettongs were the first native species reintroduced. I could never find one, until once on one of my evening walks, I was off track and, as I put my foot down, something shot out literally from under my foot. It moved with the speed of an artillery shell and must have stayed in position until my foot was almost touching it. I didn’t realise how small they are. The good news is that the reserve is to be extended to take in the Goorooyaroo Nature Park next door. I guess the reserve illustrates what a marvellous place Canberra is. You can amble through this reserve and you could be miles from anywhere, there is very little to indicate you are on the edge of a major city. I love it but won't do a commercial for my next walk there!

Stan Marks

Photo: John Evans

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 9 Trip Report – WhitesTripTrip ReportReport River Hut –– WhitesWhites Snowshoe RiverRiver 21 HutHut-23 SnowshoeSnowshoe July 2017 2121--2323 JulyJuly 20172017

Four Club members and a prospect embarked on an overnight snow camping trip on Friday evening 21st July, meeting up in Jindabyne before staying at Island Bend overnight (in about -10C, brrr....).

We set off at 8am to the Guthega Power Station trail head, set up our various packs and snowshoes, and started walking up the Schlinks Pass road, taking the steeper option out of the valley. Trip leader Rowan had built a gear sled to take some load off the shoulders, which worked reasonably well (but there is a list of improvements to be made before next usage).

We climbed the switchbacks onto the ridge line and were soon padding along in beautiful weather on the undulating track up the Munyang River valley.

We reached Horse Camp Hut for morning tea, just in time to wave goodbye to a 5 day / 8 person party doing an outdoor backcountry leaders course. We observed an object lesson in underestimating the time some of those members would take to finish packing their gear for departure, when the “7 minute warning” translated into a 25 minute actual departure for the last of the party. We spent some time at Horse Camp hut exploring the fresh snow and alpine bush, and found the remains of what we believed to be a wallaby cleaned up very efficiently by, presumably, wild dogs or pigs. Horse Camp Hut is cosy and a great location to base a group and explore the surrounding area, on a future trip.

We pressed on and found ourselves consistently climbing up the trail, surrounded by untouched snow covered bush and some beautiful scenes as the alpine vegetation is buried progressively by snowfalls.

We arrived at Whites River Hut about 3.30pm, sun still shining but wind increasing, and set about making camp in the snow. Two groups of 3 had taken up residence inside the Hut, in the bunks and floor space available, and had the stove going, very welcoming and warm.

We pitched our tents, dug out the vestibules to make room for getting in and out and our packs, and started to settle in for dinner. Glenn excelled in setting up his tent and setting the standard for a well organised snow camp!

Dinner was a relaxed and extended affair, with an opportunity to chat with our fellow travellers – a group of 3 split-board snowboard tourers in for a 4 day trip, and a father and his two children on touring skis for the weekend. Rowan cooked up chocolate self-saucing pudding in the trangia on low heat, and Lous topped it off with fresh cream and strawberries for a dessert we were able to share with everyone present. Some post-dessert hut games kept us entertained and were enhanced by some whiskey and honey bourbon that had found their way up the valley with us. Out the window, we wondered about the story behind a frozen creature lying in the snow staring sadly into the hut.

A little windy overnight but we were all warm. More gourmet pancakes and maple syrup to share with one of the children in the hut, before we headed off down Schlinks Pass Road and on to Disappointment Spur Fire Trail for the return trip. It appears the main disappointment is that it is not ALL gently downhill.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 10 Trip Report – Whites River Hut Snowshoe

Once we caught up with the long-striding Glenn, we enjoyed the tiny Disappointment Spur Hut for morning tea, in semi- sun and little wind.

After a 3 hour snowshoe down DSFT it was left to negotiate the final two challenges of the trip – lunch, and the Munyang River bridge declared unsafe for any traffic, hence requiring a river crossing amongst the rubble of a flood several years past. We were very fortunate with the weather, Sunday being better than forecast and Saturday living up to BOM’s rosy outlook. Walkers: Rowan P, Christine F, Glenn W, Lous B, Stephen M. 20.2km, 6 hours moving time, 1332m to 1720m elevation and a total of 660m ascent.

Text by Rowan Peck who also supplied the photos

Lost and Found – Relics in the bush

On a recent walk on Pheasants Hill and Boboyan Hill I found two discarded or lost items in the bush. One was an old map with contact laminate and the other an army hat. The map is Yaouk 1:50,000 published in 1987. It is in very poor condition although the hat is in much better shape and looks newer. They may be unrelated judging by the difference in their condition. No skeletal remains were found!

Can anyone recall losing such items? The map could have been there as long as 30 years. The area where it was found was not burnt in 2003. Michael Banyard

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 11 How I became a walk leader – a new club leader’s story

When I first took up bushwalking approximately 2 years ago I never imagined that, one day, I would actually be leading a group of bushwalkers on track – much less off track. This is a tale of how a neophyte bushwalker, me, goes from being a complete novice with a map and compass to being brave enough to put up my hand to lead walks. More seasoned bushwalkers might laugh at this and may fail to remember the anxiety that comes with learning these skills from scratch. I was never a Brownie or a Girl Guide. I’d never even walked off track until 2016 – and that was with the Canberra Bushwalking Club (CBC). That first walk, when I followed the leader into the scrub managing to stay upright while I climbed over fallen logs through dense bushland in Namadgi, had me wondering how he, so confidently and calmly, knew exactly where he was going. That was the day that I started to ask questions. That was the day I came home, clicked on the Training and Safety tab on the CBC’s website and saw that all was not lost (no pun intended). The club offered a series of ‘Navigation Refresher’ nights that I could attend. Navigation Refresher? I chuckled to myself. Would they let absolute newbies like me in? Newbies who knew nothing about navigation whatsoever, much less could do with just some ‘refreshing’. Did they know that I was the kind of person who has trouble locating the car in the carpark if I haven’t made a mental note of where I left it? So, I enrolled and turned up that first night at Jenny and Rob Horsfield’s, armed with my new Silva compass, and the hope that I wouldn’t look a complete numbat. It was like being back in school – angles, degrees, true north, magnetic north, grid north, bearings, ‘the going’ and contour lines. I was starting to regret not pestering my family harder to join the Girl Guides. Sure, I used a protractor and compass in high school. Yes, I did trigonometry. Yes I remembered (vaguely) what close contours meant on a map from my geography classes, but little did I know that one day this would all have to be dragged back up from the deep recesses (or chasms) of my memory. I’ll never forget the ‘Evening Dead-Reckoning Exercise’ I had to do that pitch dark winter’s night out the back of the Horsfield’s on McQuoid’s Hill. I was excited and nervous all at the same time and, hoping like heck, that my brand new head torch would work. Having worked out the distances, grid and magnetic bearings, under close supervision by the ever-patient Jenny and Rob, my buddy and I headed off in the dark to navigate the horse yards, the playground, fence obstacles and wombat holes. We survived, making it back to the Horsfield’s grateful for a warm cuppa and with a new appreciation for learning the art of successful navigation. Over the next few months I booked myself on as many walks with the club as I possibly could. I also attended as many of the Navigation Refresher Nights as possible, although, that first year I wasn’t able to attend the biggest test of all, the off-track weekend in Namadgi with map and compass where you work with the rest of your colleagues planning your route and successfully navigating your way through the bush. This is the real test and, if successful, you graduate and Navigation check at Mt Major proudly get awarded your Corroboree Frog Badge marking you as having the hallmarks of a new ‘leader’.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 12 How I became a walk leader

Luckily for me I was able to lead a walk under the supervision of the Horsfield’s at a later date enabling me to demonstrate my competence and proudly earn the right to wear that coveted Frog Badge. Was I confident though? Not entirely? I knew that whilst, technically, I’d graduated I was still very much a beginner – a beginner in need of much more experience. The only way I was going to get this was over time, by working alongside and watching highly-experienced leaders in the club, and through learning by my own mistakes. Eager to learn, I made a nuisance of myself on walks, I’m sure, by occasionally sidling up to experienced leaders asking if I could peek over their shoulder as they navigated and worked out angles with map and compass Sharing trail mix and interpreted the lie of the land. I watched and wondered why they would choose to expend all that energy going up a ridge when there was a perfectly good looking gully lower down that led to a perfectly good morning tea spot. I marvelled at how good leaders seemed to instinctively know which way was north, and pondered whether they were referring to ‘true’ north, ‘magnetic’ north or ‘grid’ north. I admired the confident and self-assured way in which they navigated an entire group of us along fire-trails, through tussocky fields, along rocky creek beds and cliff tops, inside darkened caves, over locked gates and through that dreaded shrub I had come to know as Bursaria. Gradually, I began to put my name down to lead easy walks. I bought a Garmin GPS as my Plan B knowing that, if all else failed, I could always use it to get a position fix or ‘track back’ to the start of the walk. I survived the perils of trying to write out a half-decent walk description hoping that people would actually turn up for my walk. Did they know how much was really at stake? Would I make a complete goose of myself? What would I do if someone seriously injured themselves? Could I get us out of trouble if we got caught out somewhere at night? I decided I needed to do more than just learn how to use that map and compass, so I enrolled myself into a Blue Mountains Weekend Survival Course where I learnt how to build an emergency shelter, Leading a walk through the Lighthouse Hut ruins, Yanunbeyan NR Photo: Meredith Hatherly how to light a fire without matches, how to make emergency smoke signals, and how to manage snake bites. Still not satisfied, I completed an accredited Statement of Attainment in Providing First Aid and learnt how to confidently manage seizures, burns, bites and stings. I learnt how to recognise and deal with hypothermia and heat stress, how to correctly strap sprains and fractures, and how to perform CPR, hoping that I’d never need these newfound skills. Still not satisfied, I decided that I’d never lead a walk without undertaking a reccie beforehand – even if it was a walk all on track. After all, I thought to myself, you never know what you might encounter. There may be unexpected obstacles. The topographic maps, albeit the latest available, still may not be accurate. What would the ‘going’ be like? No map was able to really tell me that the trail was rocky, loose with gravel, or no longer discernible. Paper reccies with experienced colleagues, who knew the trails and areas, were sometimes the only option but these too proved invaluable. I’ve also learnt that sometimes asking colleagues to co-lead with you can be helpful as this can give you added confidence to tackle a walk that’s particularly hard or unfamiliar. Being able to consult ‘en-route’ or confirm your direction is sometimes all that’s needed but, it’s helpful nonetheless.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 13 How I became a walk leader

Over these two years I’ve now led about 20 or so walks, off and on track, and even overnight. Every walk I learn something new. The ridge I want to follow between those two gullies, which looks so obvious on that topo map, isn’t as easy to discern when the scrub is two metres high. That specific gully I was looking for is much further away than I expected because, lo and behold, there are two more gullies before it that aren’t even on the map! But, yes, there they are when you zoom in using Backcountry Navigator and the NSW Six Maps Mosaic file. Perhaps one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt in trying to become a bushwalking leader is recognising those things too that make a leader’s life much Confidently following the leader – Yanunbeyan NR harder. Now I know why it’s so important to not strike Photo: Meredith Hatherly out on my own at any point along a walk just because I want to take a photo of a little bird, shrub or orchid. I now try hard not to be an ‘ankle-biter’ who walks right behind the leader recognising that sometimes the leader needs a little bit of space to stop and think, to reconcile the lay of the land against the map or perhaps to take a fresh bearing. I try to make sure that I can always see the person in front and the person what the route ahead may be like, etc. I read the walk programs carefully to make sure that it’s within my capabilities and that I’m carrying adequate food, water, equipment etc. I check the contents of my first-aid kit and make sure it comes with me on every walk. I check my head torch has been packed and that the batteries are fresh, and that I have spares just in case. Did I pack my gaiters? Did I remember to put in rock-scrambling gloves? Will I need poles or crocs for potential water crossings? Every leader is different and has their own preferred style not just of leading but with technology too. Some leaders I’ve noticed prefer to only use map and compass. Others use GPS systems. Some prefer software apps like BackCountry Navigator on smartphones. Others use a combination of some or all of the above. There’s still so much to learn and I’m sure there’s not necessarily a right or wrong way – there’s just the way that works best for you. Surely it’s all about having fun safely in the bush with like- minded colleagues and, at the end of the day, making sure your exploits still return everyone Leader goes first sometimes – even in the cold Endrick River back safely and in good time. A post script – the author would like to genuinely thank all those leaders who have helped her get this far in her bushwalking career and gratefully accepts all offers of further assistance!

Terrylea Reynolds

All photos provided by Terrylea unless otherwise indicated

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 14 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE

President: Lorraine Tomlins Editor: Meredith Hatherly [email protected] [email protected] 6248 0456 or 0434 078 496 6154 1513 or 0413 396 258

Treasurer: Julie Anne Clegg Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas [email protected] [email protected] 0402 118 359 +64 27 535 6176 Walks Secretary: John Evans Social Secretary: Jenny Horsfield [email protected] [email protected] 6294 8232 or 0417 436 877 6231 4535 General Secretary: Cynthia Coppock Publisher: David Williams [email protected] [email protected] 0408 266 501 or 6270 9010(w)

Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards ————————————————————— [email protected] 6288 7863 All members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to Training and Safety Officer: David Dedenczuk [email protected] [email protected] 0417 222 154 Check in: [email protected] Conservation Officer: Cynthia Burton Web site: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org [email protected] 0488 071 203 Web Manager: Andrew Meers [email protected]

Contributions for the newsletter

Your contributions are welcome in this newsletter. Send anything that you think might be relevant and of interest to Club members – the more variety we have the more interesting it is for the readers. So keep them coming. To keep the newsletter to a manageable size please limit your articles to a maximum of about two pages of text if possible or no more than about 1000 to 1200 words, plus some accompanying photos if you have them. When you send a photo, and it is not your own, you must have the owner’s permission to use it. The name of the photographer will be included unless they request otherwise. Please note that any article you send in may be edited to fit, or to correct spelling or other errors, or to better suit the requirements of the Club. If you would like to discuss your proposed contribution then contact me - I am more than happy to help. The closing date for each issue of it is the fourth Wednesday of every month. Send contributions to [email protected]

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 15 ACTIVITY PROGRAM for AUGUST it 2017 Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with John Evans (Walks Secretary)

Ph: 6294 8232 or 0417 436 877. Email: [email protected]. Post: Villa 68, 200 Woodcock Drive, Gordon Information for Participants

Distance and difficulty Transport Costs are 38¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This Distance: amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on (S) Short – under 12 km/day the condition of the roads and other factors. The figures given are (M) Medium – 12–20 km/day for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an (L) Long – over 20 km/day estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping fees are Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres additional costs which leaders should list separately. climbed. Duty of care Terrain: Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she (E) Easy – fire trail, tracks, beaches etc does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that (M) Medium – bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or damage to (R) RouTgh – much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles property. Each person is required to sign the Club’s (W) Wet – compulsory swims, many river crossings ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to join trips. (X) Exploratory However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the Club after a

maximum of three trips.

For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Booking Contact the leader early rather than late so the leader has time to Check-in after walks arrange transport. See walk description for booking deadline. Before a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names of Check with the leader about: their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their safe * the need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc. return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Officer, David Dedenczuk * appropriate clothing, footwear ([email protected] 0417 222 154 leave * any precautions you might need to take for severe weather message if no answer). In the event that you are late returning, changes. worried relatives should contact the Check-in Officer or the Walks Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to our Secretary (6294 8232 or 0417 436 877) in the first instance, not the Club. Police or other bodies.

Equipment hire Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise stated Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equipment. The Equipment Wednesday walks Officer is Rob Horsfield, who can be contacted on 6231 4535(h) or to borrow the Northside PLB, Lorraine Tomlins, 62480456 or Two walks one Medium/Easy and one Medium/Hard, are 434078496. conducted most Wednesdays. Walks are conducted in turn by leaders from the Canberra Bushwalking Club (CBC), The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are Brindabella Bushwalking Club (BBC – Peter set out below. Hirers are responsible for collecting and returning [email protected] and Kathy [email protected]) the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for and National Parks Association ACT (NPA - Mike S, 0412 179 members who are ‘first time’ weekend walkers. 907). Destination and meeting place details are emailed a few days before each walk. (BBC and NPA leaders as listed in A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, the activity program). depending on the condition of the items upon return and whether they are returned late. Control your receipt of Wednesday Walk emails via your membership profile. Contact John, co-ordinator of Item w.e./week Wednesday Walks, via Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 [email protected] for general Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 enquiries. If you are not a member of CBC, BBC or NPA you Snow tent $15 / $40 must contact the leader before the walk to discuss the level 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 of difficulty and must be accompanied on the walk by a Assorted packs $5 / $15 Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 sponsoring member. Please note that leaders retain the right Snow shoes/poles $10 / $25 to not accept any walker. Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions) GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use)

Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting and returning gear.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 16 Activity Program for August it 2017

Saturday 12 August: Centennial Trail, Mulligans Flat to Hall - M/E Park the cars next to the public toilets in the park off Gladstone St, Hall. We will car shuffle to Mulligans Flat from where we will walk back to Hall along the Centenary Trail. The walk is about 18km and has 400m of climb. It has many good views. Map: Hall Leader: Diana Kirby, 0421 851 212 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself. Book: by Thursday evening.

Saturday-Friday 12-25 August: Central Australia - shorter option - M/M Join two others and fly to Alice Springs and hire a vehicle for two weeks of day walks and car camping, visiting the Western MacDonnells (Larapinta), Watarrka (Kings Canyon), Uluru, and Kata Tjuta. Leaders: Linda Stone and Jeff Bennetts [email protected] Room for one or two more in the hired vehicle (seven are driving from Canberra). Please make, by email, an expression of interest without delay if you would like to join us.

Sunday 13 August: Sherwood Daffodils – S/E From Mountain Creek Road we will walk two kilometres gaining 165 metres in altitude to an open ridge with expansive views. We then proceed to Sherwood Homestead site for morning tea among the daffodils and jonquils. Our return is by a different route. Total distance is about 8km (mostly on forest roads and tracks). Total climb is about 300 metres. We will be home in time for lunch. Map: Cotter Dam. Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096, [email protected] Transport: $5 - $6 pp Booking: Please book by email before 2 pm Friday 11 August.

Tuesday 15 August: Orroral Ridge of Stone revisited – M/M-R,ptX Drive via the Honeysuckle Creek camping ground to the car park on the Orroral ridge. If the gate is not open, add an additional 10km round trip on fire trail. First, visit The Belfry and investigate the cairned footpad near it which heads down off the crest. Then, using the footpad along the ridge, with forays into the rampant regrowth and granite tors, follow the stages of geocache GC4QN1H Workout203. Find GC21HAX 300 Spartans. Walk beneath the granite of the Trojan Wall to nab geocache GCJ163 Lego Land with huge views down over the Orroral valley. Around 12km and 500m climb. Short bursts of thick scrub and rock scrambling. If there is any juice left in the tank after that, a 4km return trip down an old road alignment (now a footpad) for geocache GC2CB2P Forgotten Road. Maps: Corin Dam and Williamsdale. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ~ $10 per person.

Wednesday 16 August: Wednesday Walks E-M leader Peter Ford (BBC), M-H leader Peter Wellman (BBC).

Wednesday 16 August - CBC General Meeting: Trekking in the Owen Stanley Ranges PNG 7.30pm Hughes Baptist Church Hall 32-34 Groom Street, Hughes

Sunday 20 August: Sydney Spit Bridge to Manly – S/E This is a lovely coastal walk taking in some of Sydney Harbour’s best sights, sounds, and smells. 10km on a mix of beach, track, and pathway. The perfect way to round out a weekend if you happen to be in Sydney, for say, a major Rugby game the night before (Australia vs NZ). Aiming to be finished in time for a lunchtime ride on the ferry back to the city. Details: see http://short-walks.com.au/new-south- wales/sydney/spit-bridge-to-manly-walk/ Leader: Rowan Peck ph 0412 041957 [email protected] Transport: Make your own way to Sydney, or contact the leader for other options. Public Transport to and from Sydney city. Book: preferably by email by Tuesday 15th August. Limit: None.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 17 Activity Program for August it 2017

Monday 21 August: Toddlers Toddle, Mount Majura Nature Reserve - S/M Meet at 10 am in Hackett (at approximately no 8 Verco Street) for a walk designed for families with kids up to 4 years old. We will do a circuit of about 300 metres through gently-sloping grassland dotted with old- growth eucalypts. The focus of this Toddle is log-walking - there are excellent opportunities where some of the eucalypts have fallen down. Should be finished by 11.30 am. There is no special parking spot, but kerbside parking in quiet Verco Street will be fine. No need to book. Non-members welcome (but if this is your 3rd or more walk with the Club, it is time to join!) Map: Google maps. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Transport: drive yourself.

Wednesday 23 August: Wednesday Walks E-M leader Tim Wright (CBC), M-H leader Barrie Ridgway (NPA).

Saturday 26 August: Snow shoe walk around Perisher valley - M/E Meet at Perisher NPWS station for a 9:30am start. Follow marked trails around and perhaps venture into back country around Perisher with at least one stop at a coffee shop for refreshment. Route will be varied depending on the party and may take us past Mount Perisher or to Porcupine Rocks. Suitable for fairly fit beginners. Snow shoes can be hired from the Club or in Jindabyne. It is recommended that participants go up the previous day and camp at Jindabyne or in the Park as the leader will. If coming up for the day a 5:30am departure from Canberra may be necessary. Maps: Perisher and snow shoe walking maps available from NPWS station. Leader: Tim Wright 6281 2275, 0409 847 534 [email protected] Book: by 9pm Thursday 24 August. Transport: $38 per person plus Park entry. Limit: 12.

Sunday 27 August: Calvary Ruins and Bullen Range - M/M We will leave cars on Tidbinbilla Rd., 300m E of Paddys River bridge, and follow the stock route to Barns Trig. Here we join a fire trail going N/W along the ridge of the Bullen Range. At a high point we take a branch track off to the west for about 1km. We go off track about 400m. to the N and intersect a creek at 8243/7716, the site of the ruins of an adobe cottage. We will have lunch and then go N/E to the Bullen Range fire trail, which we can follow N for about 1.5km. We then return via Barnes Trig. Distance: 11km. Climbs 550m. Map: Tuggeranong. Leader: Mike Morriss 6282 3382, [email protected] Transport: $8 per person.

Tuesday 29 August: Boboyan Trig from Hospital Creek Hut - M/R Walk from the Yankee Hat car park to Hospital Creek Hut. Join 10 walkers from the Sydney Bush Club and walk east up through granite tors to Boboyan Trig. Huge views from the slabs NW of the top, down through the geological fault line. Return SW from the top through the ‘Snoopy Dog’ rock formation just south of the hut. Around 15km (6km from Hospital Creek Hut) and 330m climb. Map: Yaouk. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ~$15 per person.

Tuesday evening 29 August: Navigation refresher #1 An evening with map and compass This is at the home of Jenny and Rob Horsfield 62314535(h). [email protected]

Wednesday 30 August: Toddlers Toddle: Harcourt Mountain – S/M The aim of this walk is to climb a ‘mountain’ – it is usually called Harcourt Hill but it is a mountain if you are 2 or 3 years old! The climb is about 25 vertical metres, on grass. There are some small boulders to explore at the top, and the 360 degree views will be appreciated by the grown-ups. We will descend by a meandering route through clumps of small boulders and isolated old trees. About 300 metres total walking over 1.5 hours. No need to book; all welcome. Meet near 18 Fleetwood Smith Street, Nicholls, ready for a 10 am start. Map: Google Maps. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Transport: Drive yourself.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 18 Activity Program for August it 2017

Wednesday 30 August: Wednesday Walks E-M leader Robin Cayzer (CBC), M-H leader Steven Forst (NPA).

Wednesday Walk 30 August: A Walk in the (Namadgi National) Park to Lutons Crutching shed – E/M Note: 8:00am start. Meeting time and place Kambah Village Shops, leaving at 8.00am. This is an easy walk in the southern Namadgi National Park, with only one small hill of about 60m. Starting at the locked gate 0.8 km up the Old Boboyan Road (South) we walk beyond the Boboyan Homestead Ruins to Lutons Crutching shed and then a short cross through open country to the Grassy Flat fire trail and the Lone Pine Homestead ruins. After a break, we will proceed to the Bulls Flat fire trail before traversing open grassland for about 2 km back to the Old Boboyan Road and a chance to explore the Boboyan Homestead Ruins before heading back to the cars. Around 16km. Expected return 5:00pm. More info on huts Maps: Yaouk and Rooftop’s Namadgi - ACT South Activities 1:50,000. Leader: Robin Cayzer [email protected] 0417238652. Transport: 160km return ($60 per car = $15 per person). Those doing their first Easy/Medium Wednesday walk and also prospective walkers who are not members of either CBC, NPA or BBC must contact the leader prior to Wednesday to discuss the level of difficulty of the walk.

Saturday 2 September: London Bridge and Googong Dam - S/E Starting at the London Bridge car park, we will walk to London Bridge itself, a natural arch, and on to Washpen Crossing at the southern end of Googong Dam. From there, to the London Bridge homestead and back to the cars. Walk will be just under 4 hours and involves few hills. Transport: est $10. Map: Hoskinstown. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h) or [email protected]

Tuesday 5 September: Navigation refresher #2 An evening dead-reckoning exercise – S/E This revisits the techniques of navigation for conditions of minimal visibility using a ramble out from Jenny and Rob’s home. 6231 4535(h). [email protected]

Wednesday 6 September: Wednesday Walks E-M leader Robyn Gallagher (BBC), M-H leader Peter Dalton (BBC).

Friday 8 September: Kambah Loop PRAMbulation - S/E A pleasant circuit that includes green corridors and good views across playing fields to the mountains. The route is designed for parents and grandparents with kids in prams and takes about an hour. All on paved path or bike path, includes about 15 minutes of steady uphill. Non-members welcome. No need to book, all welcome. Meet in the car park at the Kambah Woolshed, corner of Springbett Street & O’Halloran Cct, Kambah (just 1 minute off Drakeford Drive), at 1pm. Map: Google Maps. Leader: Meredith Hatherly [email protected] 0413 396 258. Transport: drive yourself. ~ Friday 8 September – ~ Sunday 8 October: Wandering the Wet Tropics of Queensland - various gradings Several bushwalks spread over about one month visiting the tropical coast and hinterland between Townsville and Cairns. It will be possible to join and leave at many points. We will start with the Hinchinbrook Island Thorsborne Trail, 8 to 14 Sep (Grade M/M). Limit 6 for this section. After that, options include: (a) kayak camping on Kent Island in the Barnard group; (b) camping and day walking in the Rainforest National Parks near Tully (M/E); (c) an attempt on Mt Bartle Frere 1611m the highest point in Queensland, climbing from the west and camping at the Western Summit camp; if cloud is forecast then an easy visit to the crater lakes near Atherton, 2 days, (M/R); (d) day walking and car camping at Undara Lava Tubes National Park, perhaps four days (S-M/E). Those driving back towards Canberra may like to visit White Mountains NP or Carnarvon NP (note, some access restrictions). Maps: tba. Transport: Fly then hire cars, or drive from Canberra 2400km each way. Google maps suggests a driving time of 21h, perhaps three days. Leader: Peter Conroy, 0409 764 785, [email protected]

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 19 Activity Program for August it 2017

Saturday 9 September: Navigation refresher #3 Position fixing – M/M This is a day-ramble in the hills and on the river at the back of Kambah consolidating position finding techniques. ~200m climb and 15km distance. Map: Tuggeranong. Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h), [email protected]

Saturday 9 September: Enchanted Hill – Tuggeranong Creek Headwaters – M/M Starting at the entrance to Tuggeranong Homestead on Johnston Drive, we follow the Creek to an Aboriginal site in Theodore and then cross the Monaro Highway. We then follow Rocky Gully to the abandoned railway, which will take us through a cutting to a spur which goes to the top of Enchanted Hill. Here we will have lunch and enjoy views in all directions. The return will be via 2 hill tops in the Tuggeranong Hill nature Reserve. Distance: 12km. Climbs of 700 meters. Map: Tuggeranong. Leader: Mike Morriss. 6282 3382, [email protected] Transport: Drive to Kambah Shops and car pool. People in the southern end of Tuggeranong can go to Tuggeranong HS entrance. There is parking space outside the gates. $5 per person.

Wednesday 13 September: Wednesday Walks E-M leader Cynthia Breheny (CBC), M-H leader Jenny Horsfield (CBC).

Saturday 16 September: In the shadow of Palerang - M/E-M A walk in the Tallaganda National Park. From the Black Range car park, follow trails to the ford for morning tea where the Jinglemoney fire trail crosses Mulloon Creek. Then along the Palerang fire trail before swinging west off track for about an hour to the creek and the Mulloon fire trail back to the cars. Mostly on track. About 5hrs actual walking. Map: Bombay. Leader: Stan Marks, 6254 9568 (h) or [email protected] Transport: ~$20.

Saturday 16 September: Mt Gudgenby – L/R From the Yankee Hat car park we walk roughly southwest along the old forest roads through the former Boboyan Pine Forest, then follow a footpad roughly west to the saddle south of Mount Gudgenby and thence to the summit and nearby rocks. Return by the same route. Some rough going near the top. About 16km and 700m Maps: Yaouk. Leader: Mac Kirby 0422 585 519, [email protected] Transport: $12 per person.

Sunday 17 September: Gibraltar Rocks & Birrigai Time Trail – M/E Walking from the Tidbinbilla Visitor’s Centre to Gibraltar Rocks, returning via the Birrigai Time Trail. A bit of a climb but a gentler gradient than the old fire trail and rewards exist for effort – we will have lunch while enjoying the expansive views from the huge granite rocks. This track winds enticingly over small creeks, around cool gullies and through open grassland. Total distance is about 13km (mostly on forest roads and tracks). Total climb is about 400 metres. Optional coffee at the visitors centre before driving home. Map: Tidbinbilla Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 2814 096 [email protected] Transport: $6. Booking: Please book by email before 2 pm Friday 15 September.

Tuesday 19 September: Mt Gudgenby and beyond – L/R Most people have been to the summit of Mt Gudgenby, but most do not venture to the magnificent rock stacks north of the summit. We will be going to both to locate two geocaches GC1KJHZ and GC16F0A. Some thick scrub and some granite scrambling involved. About 20 kilometres in distance and 900 metres of climbing. Early start. Map: Yaouk Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 7863 h 0406 378 217 [email protected] Transport: $40.00. per car. Limit: 8.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 20 Activity Program for August it 2017

Tuesday evening 19 September: Navigation refresher #5 Introduction to GPS An evening at the home of Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h), [email protected]

Wednesday 20 September: Wednesday Walks E-M leader John Ellis (BBC), M-H leader Peter Wellman (BBC).

Wednesday 20 September CBC Annual General Meeting 7.30pm Hughes Baptist Church Hall 32-34 Groom Street, Hughes

Saturday-Sunday 23-24 September: Navigation refresher #4 Sentry Box Mountain – M/R Off track in Namadgi. Day 1: Naas car park: Waterhole Hut– Sheep Station Creek–Lutons Hut. ~200m climb and 10km distance. Day 2: Lutons–Sentry Box and return as a side trip, Naas Valley to the car park. ~600m climb and 12km distance. Map: Yaouk. Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h). [email protected] Transport: ~$48 per car.

Saturday-Sunday 23-24 September: Mountain Bike riding in the Southern Namadgi – M/E,R Start from the Old Boboyan Road (South) car park and ride in to drop overnight gear at Lutons Crutching Shed. Complete the legs of geocache GC1DZYD A-Z Namadgi Tours. Camp overnight with the Navigation Refresher party. On Sunday, join them for the annual assault on Sentry Box. Around 30km ride and 9km, 550m climb. Map: Yaouk. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself and bring your bike.

Saturday-Monday 23-25 September – Jervis Bay (various) I have booked a large house at Vincentia for the weekend. Leave Canberra Saturday morning and on Saturday afternoon do a walk with spectacular views of both coastline and the ranges to the west. On Sunday walk to Steamers Beach, St Georges Head and Summerland Bay through coastal forest and heath with many sea views, and morning tea and lunch on beaches. 4½ hrs actual walking. The house is well equipped so shared meals in house both nights. We will probably do Little Forest Plateau on Monday morning, a walk of about four hours, and truly spectacular in Spring, before leaving for home. Maps: Sussex Inlet, Huskisson, Tianjara, Milton. Leader: Stan Marks [email protected] or 6254 9568 Transport: $60. Accommodation: approx. $100 for weekend, assuming a full house. Book after 23 August.

Sunday 24 September: Mt Stromlo & Environs including Brown Trig - S/E A pleasant walk with good views and several points of interest. Total distance is about 9km, mostly on fire trails and walking tracks. Walking poles could be useful as the fire trail is steep in places. Total climb is about 200 metres. The walk finishes with an optional coffee at the Southern X Stromlo Cafe. We will be home in time for lunch. Maps: Canberra and Cotter Dam. Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself but let me know if you need a lift.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 21 Activity Program for August it 2017

Monday 25 September: Rob Roy’s almost-canyon, family walk – S/R A walk designed to introduce active families with kids aged 9 and upwards to rock-scrambling. This walk explores an unnamed granite creek in the Rob Roy Nature Reserve, which includes some cascades (usually dry) and a 50 metre long canyon-like section. The objective is a large pool at the foot of a waterfall (the waterfall is also usually dry). We’ll cover 1.5km across gently undulating grassland then 1.5km steeply up the creek, returning the same way or by an easier woodland route. Total 6km, with 150m ascent and descent. We will start walking from the suburb of Theodore mid-morning, exact time and place to be advised after you book, and should be back at the cars by 2.30pm. Parents need previous rock-scrambling experience. Map: Tuggeranong. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Limit: around 12. Transport: drive yourself. Book: Please book by Saturday 23 September.

Wednesday 27 September: Wednesday Walks E-M leader Linda Groom (CBC), M-H leader Mike Smith (NPA).

Friday 29 September: Toddlers Toddle: Foothills of Mt Tennent – S/M The walk, designed for families with kids up to 4 years old, branches off the Mt Tennent track to explore a small gully and some granite boulders. After rain, the gully becomes a tiny creek. The circuit is about 400 metres and is all within Namadgi National Park. Meet at 10am in the dirt carpark at the foot of the Mt Tennent track, Naas Road - about 500 metres south of the Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre, and about 3 minutes drive south of Tharwa. Map: Williamsdale. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Transport: Drive yourself.

Saturday 30 September: Mt Gingera – L/M From Corin Dam we have a long ascent to Stockyard Spur and then along the ridge to join the Mount Franklin Road beneath Little Ginini Mountain. We follow the road south, passing Priors Hut, and after about 2km turn to follow the track to the top of Gingera. Return via the same route. 27km and about 1100m climb. Maps: Corin Dam. Leader: Mac Kirby 0422 585 519, [email protected] Transport: $10 per person

Saturday 30 September: Navigation refresher #6 Use of GPS to navigate – S/E Revisiting #2 using Waypoints and Routes. Map: Tuggeranong. Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h), [email protected]

Sat 30 September - Mon 2 October: Ettrema Plateau to Possibility Point - M/M From the carpark on Greta Rd, walk 16km out along the Ettrema Plateau on the old 4WD track past Rodgers Hill to a base camp at Manning Saddle. On Day 2, with a day pack, continue on to Possibility Point for superb views into Ettrema Gorge and Cinch Creek, then back to Manning Saddle. On Day 3, return the 16km to the cars. Mostly on track, with some scrub on the final km and a half to Possibility Point. No significant climbs, as we will be walking along an undulating plateau. Total distance approx 44km. Maps: Nerriga, Touga, Yalwal. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902 (h), [email protected] Also on the program of the Coast and Mountain Walkers of NSW. Transport: TBA. Book before Thursday 28 September.

Thursday evening 5 October: Navigation refresher #7 GPS and PC software An evening demonstration of PC software and digital maps to plan and analyse trips recorded on a GPSr. 0417 436 877. [email protected] to book.

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Saturday 7 October: Booroomba Rocks via Gorilla Rock -M/R We will walk north along the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) from Honeysuckle Creek Camp Ground before heading off track north-west through bush to Gorilla Rock for morning tea. We then commence the hardest section of the walk, through bush east then north with a steep climb and rock scrambling to Granite Dome (SH1396). Here we will enjoy lunch with great views. After lunch we proceed via rock slabs and bush to the top of the Booroomba Rocks Walking Track (BRWT). We may walk along the cliff top to visit SH1353 before returning to the cars via the BRWT and AAWT. Total distance is about 12 km. Total climb is about 550 metres. Map: Corin Dam. Leaders: Phillip Starr and Terrylea Reynolds 0408 715 218, [email protected] Meet at Kambah at 8:00am. Transport: $10 per person. Booking: Please book by email to Terrylea before 2 pm Friday 6 October.

Saturday 7 October: Ginger Ale – L/M From Corin Dam we have a long ascent to Stockyard Spur and then along the ridge to join the Mount Franklin Road beneath Little Ginini Mountain. We follow the road south, passing Priors Hut and Gingera, and continue to the top of the 1700m prominence on the ACT border southwest of Blackfellows Gap (often called Ginger Ale). Return via the same route. 27km and about 1100m climb. Maps: Corin Dam. Leader: Mac Kirby 0422 585 519, [email protected] Transport: $10 per person.

Saturday-Sunday 7-8 October: Family camp, Orroral Valley – S/M A chance for families to try bush camping in the beautiful Orroral valley. The camp site is a glade surrounded by trees and granite boulders, with views of the surrounding mountains. It is about 100 metres from some cascades on the Orroral River. This walk is suitable for kids five years and older, and for baby- wearing parents. On Saturday we will leave Canberra around 9.30am and walk 3.5km upstream from the former Orroral Tracking Station, with a stop to explore a giant split rock. We will be walking mainly off- track, with some logs to climb over and occasional patches of scrub and swampy ground, through gently undulating grassland and forest. The pace will be slow, and there should be a couple of hours for optional exploring after we reach the camp site. We will return on Sunday by a slightly shorter route, and should be back at the cars before lunchtime. There are no toilets or any other facilities. Camp fires are not permitted. Map: Corin Dam. Leaders: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259 and Lisa Quilter. Transport: Drive yourself. Limit: around 6 families, depending on number in each family. Book: Please book by Thursday 5 October; bookings to Linda.

Monday 9 October: Toddlers Toddle: Trees of Harcourt Ridge – S/M Starting from the same point as the Toddle of 30 August we will head in a different direction to a flat part of the ridge top, dotted by big old eucalypts with low branches that provide easy climbing, plus scattered granite boulders and soft grass. 300 to 400 metres of walking. Meet at approximately 18 Fleetwood Smith Street, Nicholls, ready for a 10am start. We should be finished before noon. Map: Google Maps. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Transport: Drive yourself.

Saturday 14 October: 2017 Worn Boot Bash to Mt Clear- L/E-M CBC has a tradition of running a WBB each year since 2002. “… at least a 30km walk and ‘a few hills’”. Let’s walk to Mt Clear! Visit places such as Sam Aboud’s Dunny, walk through Long Flat and see old drop log fencing, climb onto the Clear Range via Top Flats and Teatree Swamp Flat, see an ACT border blaze tree and summit Mt Clear at 1603m. Return to the north, continuing on the Mt Clear Fire Trail, then down the Left Hand Creek Fire Trail to Horse Gully Hut. The last leg is along the Naas Valley Fire Trail. We’ll call in at Demandering Hut, then ford Naas Creek three times. Whew! Around 36km and 1200m climb. A looong day for robust walkers. Maps: Colinton and Bredbo Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ~$20.

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Saturday-Sunday 14-15 October: upper Water Race Creek – M/R/X Water Race Creek is a tributary of the Shoalhaven. This trip will approach it from the Tolwong Road (the same road used for access to Ettrema). We’ll park about 600 metres south of The Jumps and head west across the tops, through a mixture of scrub and open flat rocky sections, and descend a tributary of Water Race Creek, aiming to camp near the junction at 353E 222N (AGD66). Then, without packs, downstream to the top of a waterfall where Water Race Creek drops into a spectacular gorge. On Sunday we’ll head up Water Race Creek for a while then exit via a ridge. Scrub, rock scrambling, finding routes through cliff lines. Over the two days a total of about 18km and 300m down and up. Map: Nerriga. Leader: Linda Groom [email protected] 0474 507 259. Transport: $100 per car.

Sunday 15 October: Micalong Creek - M/M We will follow the Hume and Hovell Track downstream along Micalong Creek. We have lunch at Micalong Creek campsite then return. Along the way we will admire numerous cascades and hopefully some wildflowers. Total distance is about 12km all on track or footpad. Total climb is about 330 metres. Maps: Bobbys Plains/Couragago. Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 2814 096 [email protected] Transport: $20 pp. Booking: Please book by email before 2pm Friday 13 October. Limit: May depend on available transport but a maximum of 12. The distance to the start of the walk is about 80km along the Brindabella Road which has a long section of rough unsealed road with potholes and corrugations.

Sunday 15 – Saturday 28 October: Sundown, Girraween, Bald Rock, Richmond Ranges NPs - M/M Weeks 3 and 4 of October. Approx two weeks of car camping with day and overnight walking in a selection of these and possibly other NPs in Southern Queensland and Northern NSW. There are two 2-3 day walks in Sundown NP and day walks of different lengths in them all. Spectacular spring flowers in some, rainforest in Richmond Range. Also on the CMW program. Maps: See leader. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902; [email protected] Transport: $$$.

Friday evening 20 October: Mulligans Flat spring spotlighting walk – S/E A joint outing has been booked exclusively for members of Canberra's three major bushwalking clubs, the National Parks Association of the ACT, Canberra Bushwalking Club and Brindabella Bushwalking Club. This 'twilight tour' of the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is on the evening of Friday 20 October 2017. It will be led by an ACT Parks and Conservation Service ecologist with a good knowledge of the threatened animal species which have been re-introduced to this woodland conservation gem on the northern boundary of the ACT. These species include Eastern Bettong, Eastern Quoll, Bush Stone-curlew, and New Holland Mouse. There is an informative video, A Short History of Mulligans on the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust website at mulligansflat.org.au for those seeking to learn more about the reserve and its species. The cost is $30/person, payable in advance. This covers the cost of employing the ranger and gives us access to the woodland sanctuary which is not otherwise accessible at night. Please email Isobel Crawford on [email protected] or phone 6257 1860 for further information and/or to make a firm booking. We need 20 participants for this to go ahead. To my mind, it's worth it just to hear the beautifully eerie call of the Bush Stone-curlews, at present being regularly reported on the Canberra Birds chatline.

Friday-Saturday 20-21 October: Long time and night walkabout – L/E Walk from Hall to Forde on the Canberra Centenary Trail (including One Tree Hill), leaving around 2pm. Around 20km and 250m climb. Walk back to Hall, leaving around 11pm and arriving around 4am. Stop at the CCT northern campsite for a midnight feast. No moon. Do one or both walks - the lot is 40km and 500m climb. Map: Hall. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ~$10 per person. Book by the prior Wednesday evening, so I can organise logistics.

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Saturday-Sunday 21–22 October: S24C#7 – Hospital Creek Hut – S/E Day 1: Starting at Yankee Hat Picnic Area we will visit Yankee Hat Rock Art, cross Bogong Creek, then a short cross country section through open forest to Old Boboyan Road. Camping by Hospital Creek Hut (Water Tank/Fire Place). Day 2: A morning return by Old Boboyan Road, Gudgenby Reforestation Area and ACT Forest Hut. Ideal bush break for busy people. Suitable as an overnight pack trip for beginners. Map: Yaouk. Leader: Sean Sunley 0433 073959 [email protected] Transport: ≈ $50 per car. Book: Preferably by e-mail before 1800 Thu. Limit: 16.

Wednesday 25 October: Long Flat and Burnt Hill, Namadgi National Park – M/E From the car park next to the Mt Clear Campground we walk through the foothills of the Clear Range along the Long Flat Fire Trail, initially to the South South-West for 1.7km, and then turning to the South-East near the junction with Burnt Hill Fire Trail. We continue along the Long Flat Fire Trail for another 7km to Long Flat where the trail swings, in a meandering way, roughly towards the South-West soon meeting the Carey Fire Trail which runs along the ACT's southern border with NSW. We turn right at the border, following the undulating path of the Carey Fire Trail westward for 4.8km until we reach Burnt Hill. From there we turn right again, this time into the Burnt Hill Fire Trail for 3.6km, mostly along Grassy Creek, back to the cars. Around 17km and 410m climb. Maps: Bredbo, Colinton and Shannons Flat. Leader: Mark Peirce 0405 357 654 [email protected] Transport: Driving distance 108km return. Pay $13 to drivers.

Thursday 26 October: Ginninderra Creek PRAMbulation – S/E A circuit with varied scenery, of about 1 hour 20 minutes (5km) beside Ginninderra Creek. This walk is part of a series on paths suitable for prams, for parents and grandparents who want to see some of Canberra’s green areas. No need to book, non-members welcome. Meet at the end of Swift Place, Macgregor, ready for a 10am start. Map: Google Maps. Leader: Diana Kirby, 0421 851 212 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

Saturday-Sunday 28-29 October: Coronet Peak – M/M-R This is a re-enactment of the first ever overnight trip I led, on 5-6 Nov 05. Can I make it 12 years later? Walk on the Australian Alps Walking Track from the Orroral Valley. Camp at Pond Creek. Ascend off-track with a short and easy scramble to Coronet Peak for uninterrupted 360° views. 2 or 3 geocaches. Return the same way. Around 30km and 1280m climb over 2 days. Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Limit: 8 Transport: ~$12 per person. Sunday 29 October: Rendezvous Creek Cascades – M/M Let’s see how many wildflowers are still in bloom. The track from the nursery swamp carpark is a long steep climb with some steps to the saddle then off track in open country to cross nursery creek. The walk then follows a footpad to another saddle then down to cross rendezvous creek. After the second creek crossing the walk runs parallel to the creek and down to the lunch spot besides refreshing cascades. Return the same route. About 13km and a total climb of 500 metres. Map: Rendezvous Creek. Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 2814 096(m) [email protected] Transport: $40 per car, $10–$13 per person. Booking: Please book by email before 2pm Friday 27 October. Limit: 12.

Wednesday-Friday 1-3 November: Mt Jagungal from Round Mountain - L/M Mid week walk to Mt Jagungal from Round Mountain. A spring amble to 2061m the highest point in Kosciuszko north of the main range, with views from Namadgi to Mt Bogong in Victoria. Camping near the source of the Tumut River. The walk is on fire trail and footpad. Around 30km and 500m climb. Requires 4 season tents and cold weather sleeping bags. Map: Jagungal Leader: Peter Conroy 62814917 [email protected] Transport: Cars to Round Mt carpark. Limit: 10.

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Wednesday 1 November – Saturday 23 December: Australian Alps Walking Track with Mac Kirby – L/R ptX With several companions, I plan to walk the Australian Alps Walking Track in the spring / early summer of 2017. We expect to take about a fortnight for each of the three sections: Walhalla to Hotham, Hotham to Thredbo, Thredbo to Tharwa. We plan to take a couple of days break between sections (i.e.in Hotham and in Thredbo). The group is mostly full but we may be able to accept one or two walkers for some sections. Please contact me if you are interested. Maps: tba. Leader: Mac Kirby 0422 585 519, [email protected]

Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 November: Budawangs. Galloping Jim’s Route, Battleship Rock and Galbraith’s Route. S/R/X We will start from Sassafras and head south on the road before turning east, crossing the Endrick River and then following Galloping Jim’s Route past Battleship Rock and camping at an excellent site on the banks of the Endrick River. On Sunday we will walk west using Galbraith’s Route back to Newhaven Gap. This is a very short walk in what may be very interesting country. Maps: Endrick and Tianjara. Leader: Ian Hickson [email protected] 62516858. Transport $115/car Limit: 8 Thursday-Saturday 9-25 November: The Great South West Walk on foot and by canoe - M-L/E The Great South West Walk is one of Australia’s lesser known long-distance walking tracks. Stretching over 240km, it takes in coastal, forest and river landscapes in south-western Victoria and is serviced by a series of established overnight shelters/campsites. The plan is to do the walk in three stages: starting from Nelson, near the South Australian border, we walk along the wild and isolated shore-line of Discovery Bay for three nights – this is zen time. The beach morphs into a long series of coastal cliffs for the next three days, passing Capes Bridgewater and Nelson, to reach the town of Portland at the end of day 6 – time for a day off. From Portland, the route takes us inland for the next three days, through the Cobboboonee Forest and Lower Glenelg National Park to reach Moleside Campsite on the Glenelg River. From here the pace changes, as we won’t be walking the last section, but canoeing down the Glenelg River, as it flows through the national park, for the next four days. There will be time to visit the Margaret Rose Caves on the way before arriving back at Nelson at the mouth of the river. The itinerary can be downloaded at www.gang- gang.net/nomad/GSWW-Itinerary.pdf Walking days vary from 15-22km between the campsites: the route does not have a lot of climbing, but there are a few days of beach walking. It is planned to make food drops to lighten the load for the nine days of walking. Maps and information: http://www.greatsouthwestwalk.com/ Leader: David Briese [email protected] Costs: $4-500 per person for campsite fees, accommodation and canoe hire. Travel: You can fly to Portland, but driving is probably the best option – ca 2000km round-trip between Canberra and Nelson, which would be ca. $250 per person return if 3 cars are used (based on 8 people – may vary slightly if less) Limit: 8.

Saturday 11 November: Stockyard Spur, Pryors Hut and Mt Gingera - L/M The walk will start from Corin Dam. We will then climb steeply up Stockyard Spur to Pryors Hut where we'll have a very well-earned morning tea. From there we climb to Mount Gingera for lunch and magnificent views. Expect snow gums and alpine meadows and a chance to reacquaint yourself with your quads and hammies as this walk is about 20km and a total climb of 1150m. A good level of fitness is definitely required. Map: Corin Dam. Leader: Terrylea Reynolds 0408715218 [email protected] Transport: $10 per person. Book: by 2pm Wednesday 8 November.

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Sunday 12 November: London Bridge to Washpen Crossing – S/E This is a walk through the southern section of Googong. We will walk from the London Bridge woolshed to the old homestead then we walk beside Burra Creek to approach the London Bridge arch from the south. We will continue north to the junction of the Queanbeyan River and Burra Creek, visiting Washpen Crossing. Returning we will get a different view of the London Bridge arch by approaching from the north. We then return to the cars by crossing the arch. Total distance is about 9km (mostly on track). Total climb is about 320 metres. Home in time for lunch. Map: Captains Flat. Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096, [email protected] Transport: $2-$3 pp. Booking: Please book by email before 2pm Friday 10 November.

Saturday-Sunday 18-19 November: Mts Kelly and Burbidge trig bagging and geocaching – M/M-R Walk across the grasslands from Yankee Hat car park and into the mouth of Middle Creek. Climb the bottom of the Burbidge spur, then traverse round to near the south arm of Middle Creek and climb to camp at Bogong Gap. Scramble up Mt Burbidge and explore the tors on the ridge for three geocaches. Climb Mt Kelly to bag it and for another cache. Return the same way. Around 25km and 1000m climb. Map: Rendezvous Creek. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Limit: 8. Transport: ~$12 per person.

Sunday 26 November: Mt Palerang – M/M From a very pleasant little picnic/camping area alongside Mulloon Creek we follow a spur and ridge system which is a great approach and gives lovely views. The access ridges have moderate scrub and a few rocky scrambles. Although trees at the summit limit the view the approaching ridges more than compensate. On a clear day there are extensive views to the Brindabellas in the west and to the Budawangs in the east. We may also see Lake George to the north-west and the water spout on Lake Burley Griffin. We will return to our vehicles by a different route. As well as the great views we will experience numerous changes in vegetation and terrain along the way. About 12km and a total climb of 700 metres. Moderate level of fitness required. Map: Bombay. Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: $10 per person. Booking: Please book by email before 2pm Friday 24 November. Limit: 12.

Saturday-Sunday 2-3 December: Bimberi Peak – M/E This is a good introductory trip for day walkers who would like to try out overnight camping. It also provides an opportunity to climb Bimberi Peak (1913 metres), the highest peak in the ACT. We'll depart Canberra at 1:00pm on Saturday and drive via Adaminaby to the locked gate at the northern end of Pockets Saddle Road. With overnight packs we'll walk to Oldfields Hut where we'll camp overnight (3.5 km). The next morning, with day packs only, we'll take the trail to Murrays Gap (4.5 km and 200 metres climb). We'll ascend Bimberi Peak from Murrays Gap following a footpad to the summit (3km and 390 metre climb). Following morning tea with fabulous 360 degree views we'll return along the same route back to Oldfields Hut for lunch and then back to the car. Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Rules Point or Rooftop's Kosciuszko Northern Activities. Leader: Gerald Dodgson 0438119803 [email protected] Transport: Approximately 350km, $140 per car, $35-45 per person. Book: by 2pm Thursday 30 November. Limit: 16.

Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 December: Nattai River. Russells Needle. S/R/X We will follow the Slott Way Track from near Starlights Trail to the Nattai River and find a campsite near Rocky Waterholes Creek. We will then walk up the spectacular Russells Needle which has extensive views down the Nattai River before returning to our campsite. On Sunday we will walk up Rocky Waterholes Creek and use a side gully to climb back onto the plateau and then follow a firetrail back to the car. Map: Hilltop. Leader: Ian Hickson [email protected] 62516858. Transport $155/car. Limit: 6

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2017 page 27 Bulletin Board

The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if people participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance. Notices for the Bulletin Board should be emailed to the Walks Secretary [email protected]

Hone your navigation – go rogaining! Rogaining is bushwalking that emphasises navigation and strategy. You can be as competitive or as relaxed as you like. The 2017 ACT rogaining calendar is now out at http://www.act.rogaine.asn.au For further information, contact Jonathan Miller on 6161 5131

Sunday 13 August Ski Orienteering and Snow Rogaine and Family Snow Treasure Hunt at Perisher Valley. See https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/5161 for details

For Sale: Snow Chains “Koenig”, diamond pattern type 097: suit Subaru Forester 16 inch wheels : $100 “Koenig”, diamond pattern type 104: suit Subaru Outback 17 inch wheels : $100 Neither pair has been used. Contact: Ian Wright [email protected]

For Sale: Women’s Walking Shoes OBOZ Sawtooth Brand New – Never worn Size: US 9 (40) RRP: $229 Sale Price: $160 Contact: Leanne Aust [email protected]

Three Passes walk in Nepal's Everest region and climbing Mera Peak I am looking to undertake an extended walk in the Khumbu (Mt Everest) region of Nepal later this year. The central elements would be a walk to Namche from Jiri (~8 days) and the exceptionally scenic Three Passes walk. The latter would include a number of rest days/side excursions, including Nangkar Tshang, Imja Tscho, Chhukhung Ri, upper Gokyo lakes and Cho Oyo (Nepal) Base Camp, as well as visits to the popular Kala Pattar and Everest Base Camp destinations. The trip would be done privately using local lodges (hiring a local porter would be an individual option) rather than a trekking agency. Total days from Jiri to Lukla would be ~30. There would also be the additional option of climbing Mera Peak, a 6476 metre "trekking peak". While not a technical climb, its more demanding elements (and official requirements) mean I would look to undertake this component through a reputable local trekking/climbing agency. I am in the process of communicating with such agencies. Planned timing for the trip would be during the mid-October to early-December period. Please contact me if you might be interested in joining this trip, including to obtain more details. Ian Turland - email [email protected] mobile 0452 110 212 .

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