TRAILWALKER The Friends of the Heysen Trail AUTUMN 2018 Issue 147 2018 FREE HEYSEN England’s Coast to Coast WALKS

2018 AGM

A Stroll in the Red Centre

Trail Tips

South of the Heysen

How to Use Walking Poles PRINT POST APPROVED 100002147 The Half-Way Point on The Heysen Trail Comfortable Accommodation / Includes Continental Breakfast Warming Hearty Country Style Meals / Cooked Breakfast by Arrangement Special Diets Catered For Complimentary Washing Machine & Dryer Available We cater for Walkers - with Pick up & Drop off service on the Trail anywhere between Burra & The Beetaloo Reservoir for small or large groups. “WALKING PACKAGES ARE OUR SPECIALTY” Phone Geoff for bookings on 08 88452006 Email [email protected] Web www.barbedwirepubspalding.com.au

STAY HYDRATED

Drinking enough fluids while walking is essential. At Paddy Pallin, we have a wide range of Water Bottles and Hydration Bladders, to suit all adventures.

228 Rundle St. Ph: (08) 8232 3155 Fax: (08) 8232 3156 TOLL FREE: 1800 039 343 Gear For Going Places! Follow us on facebook.com/paddypallinadelaide 10% off for FOHT Members Published by the Friends of the Heysen Trail & Other Walking Trails Contents Magazine of the Friends of the Heysen Trail Suite 212, Epworth House 33 Pirie St, Adelaide SA 5000 Issue 147 Autumn 2018 Phone (08) 8212 6299 Web heysentrail.asn.au Email [email protected] Facebook facebook.com/HeysenTrail Twitter twitter.com/HeysenTrail President’s Report 5 YouTube youtube.com/HeysenTrail Melanie Sjoberg encourages us to share our ideas on Pinterest pinterest.com/HeysenTrail how best to invest in the future of the trail.

Mid North Branch Notice of 2018 Friends’ AGM 7 Phone (08) 8841 3450 The AGM this year is at Thebarton Community Centre Email [email protected] on Friday 23 March, starting at 7.30pm.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Single $25 per year Family $40 per year ‘Our most demanding job’ 11 Schools & Organisations $60 per year Peter Simons reports on four hardy volunteers who took Membership is valid for 12 months from on the job of repairing the old Hallett Railway Station. the date of payment TRAILWALKER MAGAZINE Deadline for the next issue (Winter 2018 Walk Programme 13 2018): All this year’s End to End, TrailStarter and TrailWalker walks. Friday 4 May 2018 Views expressed in contributed articles are those of the authors, and not A Stroll in the Red Centre 15 necessarily those of the Friends of the Samantha and Gary McCarty walk the Larapinta Trail Heysen Trail. in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Trailwalker magazine is available by subscription or online at heysentrail.asn.au/trailwalker History Along the Trail 17 The Trailwalker magazine is published Arthur Smith researched the history of Depot Creek in the Flinders. quarterly: Trailwalker would like to publish other stories about historical • Autumn (March) • Winter (June) locations and markers along the trail. • Spring (September) • Summer (December) The Trailwalker magazine has a England’s Coast to Coast 19 distribution of 1200, and an estimated Mike and Cathy Joyce walked the Coast to Coast in 2014 readership of approximately twice that and again last year. number. Articles, reports and other submissions by members and other interested Handy Trail Tips 22 parties are welcome and should be Anne Kirk wins $100 worth of Heysen Trail merchandise emailed to the Trailwalker Editor at for this issue’s best Trail Tip. [email protected] The submission deadline is usually the first Friday of the month prior to the South of the Heysen. Why Not? 23 month of publication. Jim McLean concludes his series on extending the Heysen Trail ADVERTISING RATES (Ex. GST) south to Kangaroo Island. 1/8 page vertical $55 per issue 1/4 page $80 per issue 1/2 page $135 per issue End-to-End Maintenance 28 Full Page $200 per issue Neil Nosworthy explains the 2018 maintenance programme Flyer (supplied for insertion) $240 per issue A commitment for 12 months advertising (four issues) would attract 10% saving How to Use Your Walking Poles 29 With the start of the walking season, here’s some timely Advertising specifications and advice on getting the best out of those walking poles. article submission guidelines are available upon request or by visiting heysentrail.asn.au/trailwalker TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 3 About the Friends Council Members 2017/18 Patron Melanie Sjoberg President His Excellency the Honourable Robert Alcock Vice President Hieu Van Le AC Julian Monfries Secretary Stephen Salib-Brown Treasurer Honorary Members The Friends of the Heysen Trail Greg Boundy Terry Lavender OAM* & Other Walking Trails Chris Caspar Jim Crinion* Colin Edwards Neville Southgate* OFFICE Dom Henschke Doug Leane* Suite 212, 33 Pirie Street, Carol Homewood Fred Brooks* Adelaide SA 5000 Jim McLean Sadie Leupold Phone (08) 8212 6299 Suzanne Matthews Thelma Anderson OAM Web heysentrail.asn.au John Newland Kath Palyga Email [email protected] Robyn Quinn Richard Schmitz John Wilson Arthur Smith Open Monday to Friday Colin Edwards 10.30am – 2.30pm Sub-Committee Chairs Hugh Greenhill Colin Edwards Trail Development Jamie Shephard* VOLUNTEERS Neil Nosworthy Greening Glen Dow Peter Larsson Walking Barry Finn Mondays David Rattray OAM Office Dean Killmier Graham Loveday Robert Alcock Marketing & John Wilson Neil Nosworthy Membership David Beaton Elizabeth Rogers Julian Monfries Honorary Jack Marcelis Membership Tuesdays Julian Monfries Terry & Frances Gasson Chris Caspar Mid North Branch Simon Cameron Judy McAdam Garry Fieldhouse President David Rattray OAM Chris Porter Kate Greenhill Vice-President Hermann Schmidt David Rattray OAM Sally Fieldhouse Secretary * (deceased) David Roberts Hugh Greenhill Section 13 Leader Sam Nichols/ Trailwalker Editor Wednesdays Greg Martin Robin Bodycomb Garry Fieldhouse Publicity Officers Vicki Cahalan Council Meeting Dates Website Editor Gilbert Downs Wednesday 21 March 2018 Jeremy Carter Wendy Fox Wednesday 18 April 2018 Jack Marcelis Membership Secretary Wednesday 16 May 2018 David Rattray OAM Thursdays Eve Buckley Winter 2018 Trailwalker Deadline: Office Manager Jenny Cameron Friday 4 May 2018 Dom Henschke Julian Monfries Articles, reports and other submissions are Judy Szekeres welcome from: Trail Development Coordinator • members walking on the Colin Edwards Fridays Heysen Trail or elsewhere; Cathy Bowditch Bookkeepers • non-members walking the Erika Guess John Wilson Heysen Trail; and Dom Henschke Mengyuan Chen (Chen) Julia McLachlan • other interested parties. Maria Newland Suzanne Mausolf To submit an article, contact the Editor at Wayne Turner [email protected] Relief Staff Contributors are urged to contact the Eve Buckley Editor to discuss their article prior to Colin Edwards submission. Dom Henschke Graham Loveday Jack Marcelis Robyn Quinn

Cover photo Mernmerna Gap, Southern Photo: Philip Bell Trailwalker is keen to publish your photos on or around the trail. Please email them to The Editor [email protected]

4 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 New Year – Where do we want to be? he obvious answer is that most 2007-2017, which now has come to its of us want to be out on the trail, natural end. It’s time to consider where President’s Twalking in nature and enjoying we go from here; what vision and future the camaraderie of the Friends. But what do we see for this wonderful trail. Report about the trail itself? As an organisation how do we see the trail in another year, While it is available on our website, it’s two years, five years? timely to revisit the objectives of the Friends as we ponder our goals. A New Year is often a time for people • To promote public awareness and to ponder, reflect and make resolutions. usage of the Heysen Trail and other Of course, we mean well but our walking trails in South Australia. minds tend to generalise and then • To assist and advise in the best intentions are soon forgotten as development and maintenance of daily commitments consume our time. walking trails in South Australia. Professionals, leaders and management types offer acronyms to improve the way • To ensure the rights and interests of we do this: try to set smart goals – that is recreational walkers are preserved and ‘specific, measurable, attainable, realistic that access to walking trails and other and timely’. So giving up chocolate is walking areas are protected. not a smart goal! • To promote awareness of environmental responsibilities on and Nonetheless, it’s a good time for the adjacent to walking trails. Melanie Sjoberg Friends to make an assessment of our achievements and successes, and • To make representations and Please help raise continue our planning for 2018. Each submissions to appropriate “ year our various committees gather their government, semi-government and this conversation. thoughts, project ideas and budgets; non-government organisations on Talk to each other, then come together for a collective any matters concerning recreational planning session with the Council to set walkers and walking trails. walk leaders, our general program for walking, trail It’s members of the Friends that keep maintenance maintenance, greening and promotion. the Heysen thriving, so I’d ask you all to The Friends relationship with DEWNR think about your stories, your favourite volunteers and is an important element in guiding our walk, highlights and views on the Heysen Council members approach to sustaining and developing or a standout experience on another the trail. After some months of drafting trail. Please help raise this conversation. so we share ideas and exchanging information, we have Talk to each other, walk leaders, about how best to finalised a new ‘Working Agreement’. maintenance volunteers and Council Once formally signed it will be on our members so we share ideas about how invest in the future website. It helps to clarify roles and best to invest in the future of the trail. o responsibilities between DEWNR and of the trail. the Friends, and provides a framework Gear Guide at the Scout Shop ” for training to underpin safe and healthy Thursday 19 April 6.00pm practices. We’ve also established a at the Scout Shop new collaboration through the Park of 122 Rundle Street Adelaide the Month program, aligning some of he Friends have organised a our walks so that we can introduce the special information session with Friends and trail to a wider audience. Tthe Scout Shop in preparation for the walk season. Members will be With those steps in place, 2018 is an provided with a guide to choosing opportune time to consider greater the best boots, layering clothes for promotion and enhancement of the variable weather, what to look for in Heysen Trail, particularly on the back backpacks and other nifty hiking tips. of the success of the KI Wilderness And discounts for sales on the night. Trail, and increasing interest in parks Numbers are limited. Bookings via the and walking. DEWNR and the Friends walks program www.heysentrail.asn.au developed a strategic plan for the trail TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 5

Notice of 2018 AGM The 31st Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Heysen Trail and Other Walking Trails Inc will be held at 7.30pm on Friday 23rd March at Thebarton Community Centre, South Road and Ashwin Parade, Torrensville. Free car parking will be available in the centre’s car park. The agenda for this meeting is printed below.

ominations are sought 9. Other Business ‘books containing the minutes from you, our members, 9.1 Setting of annual of proceedings’ to ‘electronic Nfor election to the Friends subscriptions folders designated for minutes of Council at the Annual General 9.2 Any other business proceedings’. Meeting, for positions including the Motion 6 Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer 9.3 Amendment to the and half of the remaining members Constitution That in Appendix to Constitution Paragraph 9 change to: (our Constitution calls for not less Motion 1 than four and not more than ten ‘Minutes of all proceedings of That in paragraphs 12(1), 14(5)x3, non-office bearing members). General Meetings and of the 15(1)x2, Appendix 6(4), 8(4), 8(5) Council and its committees and sub- x2 and 8(6) to replace ‘Chairman’ Council meetings are currently committees shall be filed in books with ‘Chair’ and 8(6) ‘Chairman’s’ to held on the third Wednesday of or electronic folders designated ‘Chair’s’. each month at 5.30pm, in a room for minutes of Council, general adjacent to the Friends office in Motion 2 meetings and each committee Epworth House, 33 Pirie Street. That in paragraph 7(3) and 16(3) accordingly and authorised as a Meetings usually conclude by ‘him’ to ‘them’ and in paragraph correct record by the Chair of that 7.30pm. 8(6), 11(3), 14(3), 14(5) and in meeting or by the Chair of the next In addition to Council, there is the Appendix to Constitution succeeding meeting.’ an opportunity for members to paragraphs 6(3), 8(3) and 8(5) ‘his’ 10. Close of Meeting. contribute to one of the various to ‘their’. At the conclusion of the AGM, Committees: Walking, Trails Motion 3 Guest Speaker Sean Benz, DEWNR Maintenance, Marketing and Senior Ranger for Adelaide and Mt Membership (including Trailwalker), That in paragraph 10 remove ‘his or’. Lofty Ranges, will speak about the Office and Greening, etc. role of walking in our national To nominate, please complete and Motion 4 parks. copy or detach the form below and That we change paragraph 15(1) to: Tea and coffee will send it to: ‘Minutes of all proceedings of be served at the The Secretary General Meetings and of the cinclusion of the Friends of the Heysen Trail Council and its committees and evening. Please Suite 212, Epworth House sub-committees shall be filed bring a plate 33 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000 in electronic folders designated of light for minutes of Council, general supper. meetings and each committee AGM Agenda accordingly and authorised as a correct record by the Chair of that 1. Apologies meeting or by the Chair of the next 2. Acceptance of the Minutes of succeeding meeting.’ the previous Annual General NB This then negates the need Meeting held on 24th March to change Chairman to 2017 Chair as above. 3. President’s Report Motion 5 4. Financial Report That we change 5. Maintenance Report Paragraph 6. Election of Officers 15(3) to:

6.1 Vice President Nomination Form 6.2 Treasurer 6.3 Secretary 6.4 Council Members Friday 16th March 7. Appointment of Auditor Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Council Member

8. Election of Honorary relevant to nomination and election to the Council is reproduced on the next page Members at the Friends’ office (Signature of Nominee) (Proposer) We welcome nominationsI………………………...... wish for Council, particularlyTRAILWALKER from new to members.nominate for The AUTUMN the section position of theof…………...... ……… 2018 Friends Constitution7 " ...... ……………………………………Nominations ...... …………………………… close at 2.00pm on (Please Print Name) (Name of Proposer) ...... ………...... ………………...... Notice of 2018 AGM Alteration to constitution The following Notice of Motion, endorsed by Council, will be put to members to amend the constitution of the association. otice of Motion. That the hands or by poll, the Chairman General Meetings and of the Branch constitution be amended as shall have a casting vote in Committee and its sub-committees Nfollows: addition to his deliberative vote. shall be entered in books kept for the purpose and signed as a (Extract from the existing 15. MINUTES correct record of the meeting by the constitution.) (1) Minutes of all proceedings of Chairman of that meeting or by the 12. COMMITTEES AND SUB- General Meetings and of the Chairman of the next succeeding COMMITTEES Council and its committees meeting. Copies of all such minutes (1) The Council may appoint and sub-committees shall be shall be sent to the Secretary of the from among its members an entered in books kept for that Association not more than fourteen Executive Committee consisting purpose and shall be signed as days after the holding of the of the President, Vice President, a correct record of the meeting relevant meeting. Secretary, Treasurer and not more by the Chairman of that meeting than three other members, to or by the Chairman of the next Proposed changes to 12(1), 14(5) hold office for such time as it may succeeding meeting. x3, 15(1 x2, Appendix 6(4), 8(4), 8(5) determine, and to exercise such x2, 8(6) and 9 to replace ‘Chairman’ of the powers of the Council as APPENDIX with ‘Chair’, and 8(6) ‘Chairman’s’ to it may delegate to the Executive 6. PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEE ‘Chair’s’. Committee. The President, (4) In the event of equality of votes Notice of Motion. That the or in his absence the Vice- on any matter, the Chairman of constitution be amended as follows: President, shall be Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting the Committee. The quorum of vote as well as a deliberative (Extract from the existing the Committee shall be one half vote. constitution.) of the members, to include the 7. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP President or the Vice President. 8. PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS OF BRANCH (3) The Council may suspend the 14. PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL (4) With the consent of a meeting membership of any member for MEETINGS at which a quorum is present the such period as it thinks fit, or may (5) Questions arising at a General Chairman of the meeting may expel any member on account Meeting shall be decided on a adjourn the meeting from time to of conduct which in the opinion show of hands, unless a poll is time and from place to place, but of the Council is detrimental to demanded by the Chairman of no business shall be transacted the interests of the Association; the meeting, or by at least five at an adjourned meeting other provided that no such decision members present personally or than the business left unfinished shall be taken unless the by proxy, in which case a poll at the meeting from which the Council has given the member shall be taken in such manner as adjournment took place. concerned an opportunity to the Chairman may direct, and show cause against the proposed the result of the poll shall be (5) Questions arising at a General suspension or expulsion; and deemed to be the decision of the Meeting shall be decided on a provided further that the meeting. In the case of equality show of hands, unless a poll is member shall have the right to of votes, whether by show of demanded by the Chairman of appeal to a General Meeting the meeting, or by at least five of the Association against AGM Guest Speaker members personally present. any decision of the Council to In the case of equality of votes, suspend or expel him. , Senior Ranger, Sean Benz whether by show of hands or Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges, by poll, the Chairman of the 16. VOTING RIGHTS Department of Environment, meeting shall have a casting vote (3) A member, including the Water and Natural Resources in addition to his deliberative nominee of an Organisation or (DEWNR) vote. Corporate Member, shall be Sean has been involved in entitled to appoint in writing the $10.4 million upgrade (6) Each member personally present an individual member of the of metropolitan national at a General Meeting shall be Association to represent him parks, including new trails at entitled to one vote (with the at any General Meeting of the Onkaparinga Gorge National exception of the Chairman’s Association and to exercise his Park and Anstey Hill Recreation casting vote), and no proxy votes vote. Park. shall be accepted. Proposed change to 7(3) and 16(3) Sean will speak about the role of 9. MINUTES to replace ‘him’ with ‘them’ and walking in our national parks. Minutes of all proceedings of 16(3) ‘his’ with ‘their’.o 8 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 Notice of 2018 AGM Election of Council Members New he section of the Friends’ the Council which shall ensure, Members Constitution relating as far as possible, that they shall Tto Management of the retire in rotation. A retiring Vice he President and the Council Association, and to the procedure President, Secretary, Treasurer or would like to extend a warm for nomination and election member shall be eligible for re- Twelcome to the following of members of the Council, is election without nomination. 14 members who have joined reproduced below. the Friends since the last edition (5) Nominations for election as of Trailwalker, and urge them to 8. MANAGEMENT President, Vice President, become involved in the voluntary, Secretary or Treasurer, or as a (1) The affairs of the Association walking and social aspects of the member of the Council shall shall be managed and controlled association. be invited by notice in the by a Council which may exercise Jane Allen Association’s Newsletter or other on behalf of the Association all appropriate publication not less Tricia Curtis the powers conferred on the than 21 days before the Annual John Darrell Association by this Constitution, General Meeting. All persons and may do all such things as Sharyn Darrell nominated for election must be are within the objects of the Liz Drummond members of the Association. Association except such things Helen Campbell Harder as are required to be done (6) Nominations must be in writing Andrew Hartigan by the Association in General and must be signed by two Meeting. members of the Association and Catriona Hartigan by the nominee to signify their Cindy Leary (2) The Council shall consist of the willingness to stand for election. Kathryn Lymn President of the Association, together with a Vice President, They must include brief Shirley McCoombe a Secretary, a Treasurer, and not biographical details of the Barbara McDougall less than four, nor more than ten nominee for distribution to Don McQuistan other members, all of whom shall members at or before the Annual Gerry Ryder be elected at an Annual General General Meeting and must reach Meeting of the Association. the Secretary of the Association not less than seven days before Discounts Available (3) The President shall hold office for the Annual General Meeting; a period of two years and shall provided that if an insufficient to Members be eligible for re-election after number of nominations has been Discounts are available to members that period, provided that after received to fill the vacancies, at retail outlets that support the three terms in office he or she additional nominations may be Friends of the Heysen Trail. shall stand down for at least one accepted at the Annual General Your membership card must be year. Meeting. shown to receive these discounts, (4) The Vice President, the Secretary, (7) If the number of nominations although some exclusions may the Treasurer and half of the received is more than the apply. For a list of discounts go to: other members shall retire number of vacancies to be filled, https://heysentrail.asn.au/friends/ annually. The members to retire an election to fill the vacancies discounts-available-to-members/ each year shall be determined by shall be held by secret ballot.o

TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 9 FOHT News Greening the Trail Neil Nosworthy, Chair of the Greening Sub-Committee, reports on past and future activities. ummer was a quiet time for This will screen the greening activities but there toilet at Robinson Swas a need for some work Hill and, hopefully, and planning for future years. reduce usage by passing traffic along Hiskey’s Hut Hancock Road, In December 2017 we went up thereby reducing the need to clean Fixing the tree guards at Hiskey’s to Hiskey’s Hut to repair the tree the toilet as frequently. We hope to Hut ... ‘another wet and windy day’ guards that had been damaged carry out this project in May or June. by grazing stock. While many of Trail (not just planting trees), please the guards needed repair, we We have made enquiries with the contact Neil Nosworthy on neil@ decided that some of the trees Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges noztours.com.au. o were sufficiently advanced so we NRM Board about opportunities moved their guards onto other trees to contribute to cleaning stations that were still surviving despite the in the for control Are you handy with damage done by sheep. of phytophthora. We are awaiting a computer? advice from the NRM Board on We need a small team of people We endured another wet and windy a program for managing these to help publish our Website News day at Hiskey’s that caused us to stations. items and emails to members. wonder whether we could recycle If you’ve used WordPress and/or our guards on some new trees to be We are investigating planting trees MailChimp you will find the work planted south of the hut and provide along a section of the trail between easy. If you haven’t, we can train you. protection from the prevailing Coolawang Creek and Parsons Writing an article can be done at winds. If possible, we will gather Beach at Waitpinga. The landowner home and at a time that suits you. some seeds from the eucalypts that has recently fenced this section Most articles will only take you a grow down the hill from the hut and and so there is an opportunity to maximum of two hours. seem to prosper in the conditions. plant trees protected from grazing animals. However, it is a rough rocky We publish on average two news 2018 Projects section of the trail as all walkers will items a month, so with a new team We will not have a tree-planting know. As a result, we will investigate of helpers, the job will be a breeze. day in 2018. Instead, we expect the option of direct seeding through If you can help, please send an to proceed with a small planting Trees for Life. email to the officeheysentrail@ of about 10 more mature trees at heysentrail.asn.au and we will If you have any ideas for improving Robinson Hill, near Inman Valley. contact you. the environment along the Heysen

Where can we take you next? 2018 Tours SriS Lanka: 12 - 26 March Flinders Ranges: 19 - 29 April Kimberley: 16 May - 15 June Pilbara & WA Coast: 26 June - 16 July Pilbara: 5-25 September Southwest WA & Nullarbor: 16 Oct - 2 Nov Hong Kong: 12-24 November Onlyy one thingg to do... Call 08 8369 1779 book now! www.bushwalkingtours.com.auwww bushwalkingtours com au

We go above and beyond Watch this space…

single tents for travellers • catering all diets active seniors to create your voyage of discovery discover 2019 shaping up already! with our expertise you’re safe to explore 10 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 FOHT News ‘Our biggest and most technically demanding job’ Peter Simons of Trail Development reports on four hardy volunteers who took on the daunting task of repairing the old Hallett Railway Station.

he Heysen Trail certainly has days and is on our infrastructure an eclectic collection of huts maintenance priority list for Talong its length. One of the 2018/2019. most interesting is the hut at Hallett. Located at the nominal halfway The most pressing problem is the point of the trail, the Hallett Railway ceiling. The old fibrous plaster is Station building makes excellent sagging badly, with several large walker accommodation, especially holes and peeling paint hanging in welcome after descending from sheets. Apart from problems with nearby Mt Bryan on a cold and building sealing, dirt and vermin windy day. ingress, the overall effect is to add a derelict and abandoned air to The station was opened in May the place. This has been somewhat 1878 by Mr G C Hawker, the mitigated by the efforts of Chris and Commissioner of Public Works. to the Hallett Hotel Sue McGloin of the Hallett General According to newspaper reports where the party ‘were Store who keep the hut clean and of the day, the Commissioner entertained and a number of toasts tidy, and have hung curtains to and his entourage of gentlemen were duly disposed of’. At the cheer the room up. But no matter and ladies arrived in a train from time, Hallett was the centre for the what else was done the tatty old Adelaide and upon completion of Ulooloo goldfields and an important ceiling still loomed over the room. the opening ceremony adjourned coaching station for those travelling north. After a few visits, and much head scratching, we decided not to try The train and repair the ceiling. Instead, we line carried elected to erect a new one. The passengers cunning plan was to leave the old and freight ceiling substantially in place and for a century, build a new one just underneath SMALL GROUP WALKS sadly closing it. This avoided a lot a filthy and EXCLUSIVELY FOR WOMEN in November potentially hazardous work, and SINCE 2008 1990 when the would still yield a good result. remaining line 2018 TOURS INCLUDE: In late January, four hardy • Cape to Cape Track End to End - WA between Hallett and Burra was volunteers headed to Hallett • Bibbulmun Track Sections - WA to begin the biggest and most • Flinders Ranges & Kangaroo Island - SA abandoned. technically demanding job the • Camino Pilgrimage - Spain & Portugal Apart from the • Other great walks & overseas adventures... classic black infrastructure maintenance team has and white tackled in the last couple of years. Hallett station Colin Biggs is a new FOHT member sign and its and is just starting his independent location on Heysen walk, but is keen to get what is clearly a involved in the other aspects of railway reserve, the trail. Daniel Jardine has walked there is not the trail with End- to-End 4 and much left from has recently retired so has plenty its days as a of time for Heysen Trail work. Peter railway station, Simons walked the trail with End- although the to-End 5 and End-to-End 8, and is long wooden the Infrastructure Maintenance team Friends of the Heysen Trail receive 10% discount bench may date leader. Trail veteran Jerry Foster Adventurous Women back to this with two Heysens under his belt, Phone: 1300 388 419 time. including an End-to-End 5 leader, [email protected] Morialta Section Leader and trained www.adventurouswomen.com.au Unfortunately, wielder of chainsaws, rounded Adventurouswomen the building Continued next page ... has seen better TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 11 FOHT News (Cont.) End to End out the team. Apart from Peter seen no suspicious material in our and Jerry, none of us had worked previous visits. Andrew, however, together before, but as it turned out did find a couple of items that are Awards we were working like a well-oiled being tested, but they have nothing ongratulations to the machine in short order. to do with our work. following walkers who The trip was planned for three days We did not quite complete the Creceived End to End awards with the primary goal to get the new sheeting of the ceiling on this trip for completing the trail over the joists fitted under the old ceiling. because of several issues with the period October to January 2018. Although Peter and Colin Edwards old wood stove, which is poorly Valerie Dobie had made a quick trip to Hallett located, in poor condition and may Lyndon Grimmer on New Year’s Eve to test the idea, be sitting on bricks on top of an it was still anybody’s guess how asbestos sheet. We decided not to Anthea Magarey long it would take. We had worried place the sheets around the stove Chris Magarey for ages about the foolishness of flue in case we need to move the scheduling such a difficult and dirty stove and/or redo the flue. After Sally Ryan job in January, but the weather resolving the problems with the Suzanne Heath gnomes were in a good mood and heater, we plan to get contractors we had perfect cool weather for the to flush the ceiling joints and install Tim Russell three days. cornices and battens to restore the Cindy Spangler original appearance of the ceiling. Despite a few hiccups like ordering We will then finish the job ourselves Janet Martin the wrong length plasterboard by painting the ceiling and walls. sheets, we got the joists up and Geoff Kelly This should result in a much more almost all of the sheets in place. comfortable and welcoming hut for Mary Gordon We had a pleasant surprise when Heysen Trail walkers. Andrew, from DPTI turned up to Keith Jordan check the building for asbestos. We Many thanks to Colin, Daniel and were well aware of the possibility of Jerry for their time and skilled efforts encountering asbestos, but we had on this challenging job. o

Walk for the Heysen 2018 Bridgewater Oval Sunday 29 April 2018 New Date and New Location for 2018. This year we have moved to a location closer to the city to The Great attract more of our members and the public. Once again, there will be a number of North Walk guided walks from the Bridgewater oval, and Tuesday 15 May to a BBQ lunch provided by the Adelaide Hills Thursday 31 May (17 days) Kiwanis Club. The event will again attract existing and new walkers to get out and The Great North Walk follows a 250km walking path connecting enjoy walking in nature. The funds raised Sydney and Newcastle. will be used to support the walking trails in South Australia. Approximate cost of the walk is $1,600. This includes accommoda- The organisers will be seeking support from members of tion and charter bus, but excludes the Friends and Foundation to assist on the day. To be part meals and travel to and from Sydney. of the organising group, or to be involved in supporting Registrations are now open and close the walks, please email [email protected] or at 11.00am on Saturday 31 March. phone the office with your details. For more details and registration visit www.heysentrail.asn.au 12 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 TrailStarter & TrailWalker Walks This version released 10 Feburay 2018 2018 Walk Season Programme heysentrail.asn.au

1st Weekend 2nd Weekend 3rd Weekend 4th Weekend 5th Weekend

Sun April 22 Sun April 8 Sunday April 15 Sunday April 29 TrailStarter TrailStarter Special Event Mar 30 - Apr2 TBA Special Event TBA TBA TBA Walk Expo Walk for the Heysen EASTER Opening of the Warren Bonython

April Sun April 8 Sun April 22 no walks TrailWalker Walk Season TrailWalker HT Foundation Cleland Belair Boot Camp Bridgewater Richard Milosh Alan Davis

Sun May 6 Sun May 13 Sun May 20 Sun May 27 TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter Mt Pleasant Mitcham Hills Hahndorf Extension Para Wirra Kevin Liddiard Graham Bald Dean Mortimer Judith Ellis Sun May 20 Sun May 27

May Sun May 6 Sun May 13 TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker Waitpinga Cliff Tops Black Hill Summertown Carrick Hill Caroline Prescott Mike Joyce Richard Milosh Judith Ellis Tues 15 May - Thurs 31 May Extended Walk Trip Great Northern Walk NSW

Sun June 3 SunJune 10 Sun June 17 Sun June 24 TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter Sherpherds Hill TBA Hale and Warren Willunga Helen Morgante TBA Robyn Quinn Daniel Jardine

Sun June 3 June Sun June 10 Sun June 17 Sun June 24 TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker Morialta/Montacute CP TBA Black Hill Chambers Gully Richard Milosh TBA Judith Ellis Neil Rivett

Sun July 1 Sun July 8 Sun July 15 Sun July 22 Sun July 29 TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter Trailstarter Bushland Mack Scrub Mt George Circuit TBA Measday Lookout

y Kevin Liddiard Mary Cartland Caroline Prescott TBA Rosemary Hayward

Ju l Sun July 1 Sun July 8 Sun July 15 Sun July 22 Sun July 29 TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker Onkaparinga Beaumont Belair Railway Tunnels TBA Anstey Hill The Bells Mike Joyce Alan Davis TBA John Babister

Sun Aug 5 Sun August 12 Sun August 19 Sun August 26 TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter Sat Aug 4 Mylor/Aldgate t Lavender Sturt Gorge TBA Scott Creek Rosemary Robyn Quinn TBA Adam Matthews Federation Hayward Trail Stephen Sun Aug 5 Sun August 12 Sun August 19 Sun August 26

Augu s Salib- TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker Brown Montacute TBA Bridgetater-Mt Lofty loop Mount Hayfield Peter Deacon TBA Caroline Prescott Peter Clark

Sun Sept 2 Sun Sept 9 Sun Sept 16 Sun Sept 23 Sun Sept 30 Sat Sep 1 TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter Lavender Onkaparinga Barossa Goldfields Newland Hill Cobbler Creek TBA Federation The Bells Kevin Liddiard Robyn Quinn Mary Cartland TBA Trail ember Sun Sept 2 Stephen Sun Sept 9 Sun Sept 16 Sun Sept 23 Trailwalker Sun Sept 30 Salib- TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker TrailWalker Brown Mount Sanderson Sep t Ashbourne 3 Parks Tailem Bend TBA Crawford Adam Matthew Jon Holbrook Dean Mortimer Daniel Jardine TBA

Sun Oct 7 Sunday Oct 14 Sun Oct 21 Sun Oct 28 Sat Oct 6 TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailStarter Lavender Jenkins Scrub Walking SA Event TBA Graham Bald Federation Mary Cartland TBA Mt Barker Summit Many Walks

ober Trail Stephen Sun Oct 7 Various Grades Sun Oct 21 Sun Oct 28 Salib- TrailWalker Oc t Mt Lofty TrailWalker TrailWalker Brown Kuitpo TBA TBA Jon Holbrook TBA TBA

Walk GrSunades Oct 29 Sun Oct 30 Walk RegiSunst Nrationov 8 Walk CanSuncellations Nov 15 FurtherSun Inf ormationNov 22 Walks Grade.TrailStarter TrailStarter TrailSDetailstarter of each walk gradeTrailS aretar providedter on the websiteTrailStar ter There are five difTBAferent grades When it isMount not walk Geo season,rge RegiLinearster for P aark walkheysentrail.asn.au/walks (Athel either onlinestone) or TrailStarter andTBA TrailWalker walks Details about eachTBA walk, the hot Thereof are walk five on the FdifferentTBAriends of the grades geneof ralwalksAdamly during on Matth the the summer eFriendsws Fire ofov erthe the phone.Kevin Liddiard will be cancelledTBA in the forecast weather policy, TBAwhat to wear and Heysen Trail walk programme. Ban Season, a fifth walk grade, Register online at temperature for Adelaide is equal what to bring, walk grades or to print HeysenFour Trail of these walk ope rprogramme.ate during the FourSummer of Twilight these Walks, operate operate. duringheysent rail.asn.au,Walks or by Registration.phoning or higher than 32ºC. off a colour copy of the programme, walk season,Sun gene Octrall y29 from April Details of eachSun walk Oct g r30ade are the office onSun 8212 N6299.ov 8 If unforseenSun circum Nostvan 15ces arise visit heysentSunrail.asn.au Nov 22 the walkto Nov seasonember when – generallyit is not Fire from April to November – when TrailWalker provided onT therail wWebsialtke:er Walks closeT betraiRegisterwlwaleen Tkuesdayer for and a walkand yeitherou areT nor aionline longerlwalk aber orle t oover the phone;Trai onlinelwalker at it is notBan Fire Season: Ban Season: heysentrail.asn.au/walks participate in the walk, please N ov ember TBA TBA Friday prior to heysentrail.asn.autheTBA walk, closing TBA TBA • Trail Starter notify or the phone office as thesoon asoffice on 8212 6299. Walks • TrailStarter TBA • TrailWalker TBA dates and timesTBA are listed on each TBA TBA • Trail Walker walk event pageclose on the between website. Tuesdaypossible, or andleave aFriday message prioron the to the walk. Closing • Trail Rambler answering machine after this time. • Trail• Rambler End-to-End • End-to-End dates and time are listed on each event page on the website. TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 13 End-to-End Walks This version released 10 Feburary 2018 2018 Walk Season Programme heysentrail.asn.au

1st Weekend 2nd Weekend 3rd Weekend 4th Weekend 5th Weekend

Sat May 5 – Sun May 6 Sat May 19 - Sun May 20 End-to-End 10 End-to-End 9 Sun May 27 Gerkie Gap - Webb Gap - Block 9 Rd to Murraytown

Burra Road to Melrose End-to-End 11 Sun May 6 Sun May 20 Sun May 13 Mt Crawford to End-to-End 11 End-to-End 12

May Pewsey Vale Nuggett Road - Mt Crawford Myponga to Mt Compass Sun May 6 Tues 15 May - Thurs 31 May End-to-End 13 Extended Walk Trip to Cobbler Hill Great Northern Walk NSW Sat June 9 - Mon June 11 End-to-End 9 Sat June 16 – Sun June 17 Sat June 2 - Sun June 3 Bowman Pk - Mt Zion - End-to-End 10 Sun June 24 End-to-End 10 Wirrabara Forest - Block 9 Rd Burra to Wandallah to Burra Road to Worlds End Sun June 10 Newikie Ck End-to-End 11 to Burra End-to-End 13 Pewsey Vale to

June Cobbler Hill to Tapanappa Sun June 17 Tanunda Sun June 3 – Sun June 10 End-to-End 12 End-to-End 8 Mt Compass to Kyeema Buckaringa to Moralana Drive

Sat July 7 – Sun July 8 Sat July 21 – Sun July 22 Sun July 29 End-to-End 10 End-to-End 9 End-to-End 12 Newikie Ck to Dares Hill Sun July 15 Melrose to Dashwood Gully Summit Rd to Hallett Alligator Gorge Rd y End-to-End 12 to Mylor Sun July 1 to Horrocks Pass Ju l Sun July 8 Kyeema to Sun July 29 End-to-End 13 Dashwood Gully Sun July 22 End-to-End 13 Tapanappa to End-to-End 11 Balquhidder Balquhidder Tanunda to Kapunda to Waitpinga

Sat Aug 11 – Sat Aug 18 End-to-End 8 Sat Aug 4 - Sun Aug 5 Moralana Drive to Parachilna Trailhead Sat Aug 25 - Sun Aug 26 t End-to-End 10 Sat Aug 18 – Sun Aug 19 End-to-End 11 End-to-End 9 Sun Aug 12 Horrocks Pass - Broadview Hallett End-to-End 13 - Woolshed Flat Kapunda Augu s to EE George Quarry Waitpinga to to Hamilton to Spalding Rd Sun Aug 19 to Peters Hill Tugwell Road End-to-End 12 Mylor to Cleland

Sat Sept 15 - Sun Sept 16 Sat Sept 1 – Sun Sept 2 End-to-End 9 Sat Sept 22 - Sun Sept 23 Dutchmans Stern - Eyre Depot Sun Sept 9 then End-to-End 10 Quorn - Dutchmans Stern End-to-End 11 End-to-End 13 ember Spalding Rd Sun Sept 16 Peters Hill to Chlorinator Tugwell Rd to End-to-End 12 to Gerkie Gap Sep t to Curnows Hut Inman Valley Cleland to to Webb Gap Montacute Heights

Sat Oct 13 - Sun Oct 14 Sat Oct 20 – Sun Oct 21 Sat Oct 6 - Sun Oct 7 November End-to-End 9 End-to-End 10 Sat Oct 27 - Sun Oct 28 Eyre Depot - Warren Gorge Locks Ruin to End-to-End 10 then End-to-End 11 Sun Nov 11 Woolshed Flat - Quorn Bowman Park to Mt Zion

ober End-to-End 13 Curnows Hut Webb Gap to Raeville Sun Oct 14 Sun Oct 21 Myponga to

Oc t to Burra Rd to Locks Ruin End-to-End 13 End-to-End 12 Mount Compass Inman Valley to Montacute Heights to Worlds End Myponga to

possible, or leave a message on the answering machine. WalkWalk Cancellations. Grades Walk Registration Walk Cancellations Further Information There are five different grades When it is not walk season, Register for a walkFurther either online Information. or End-to-End walks are not subject Details about each walk, the hot TrailStarterof walk on the and Friends TrailWalker of the walksgener alwillly during be cancelledthe summer Fi ifre theov er the phone. to a weather forecast temperature weather policy, what to wear and forecastHeysen Ttemperaturerail walk programme. for AdelaideBan Season, is equal a fifth walkor higher grade, thanRegi 32°C.ster online at Details about limit,each ho wwalk,ever the the walk hot leader weather what policy, to bring, what walk g torades wear or to print Four of these operate during the Summer Twilight Walks, operate. heysentrail.asn.au, or by phoning may decide to cancel or amend off a colour copy of the programme, If unforseenwalk season, genecircumstancesrally from April ariseDetails and of each you walk are g rnoade alongerre ablethe offi ce on 8212 6299.and what to bring,the event walk if weather grades is deemed or to to printvisit off heysent a colourrail.asn.au copy to November when it is not Fire present a high risk. to participate in the walk, pleaseprovided notify on the the websi officete: as soonWalks as c lose betweenof Ttheuesday programme, and visit heysentrail.asn.au Ban Season: heysentrail.asn.au/walks If unforseen circumstances arise N ov ember Friday prior to the walk, closing 14• TrailTRAILWALKER Starter AUTUMN 2018 dates and times are listed on each and you are no longer able to • Trail Walker walk event page on the website. participate in the walk, please • Trail Rambler notify the office as soon as • End-to-End possible, or leave a message on the answering machine after this time. A 16-day stroll in the Red Centre Samantha and Gary McCarty walked the Larapinta Trail, 223kms along the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. t all began in a camping store in website (www.larapintatrail.com.au) soon Rundle Street. Sam picked up a copy had us all fired up and ready to go. of Peter Chapman’s book Larapinta I The Larapinta Trail follows the West Trail and said, ‘This looks like fun. Let’s do this!’ MacDonnell Ranges for 223 kms from Alice Springs to the western end Never one to shy away from a challenge, at Mount Sonder, one of the Northern we started to work through what we Territory’s highest mountains. were up against to make it happen. Gary and Sam about to start Informal chats with people who had We decided the 16-day end-to-end their 16-day Larapinta hike ... a done the trip in various formats, and a itinerary looked the best fit for our recurring theme was ‘make sure bit of time working through the official adventure so we locked this in and then you have good boots’ started to get serious. Now a 16-day stroll through the red centre of Australia may sound a little daunting for some so we did more background research and stumbled across the friendly crew at Larapinta Trail Trek Support (LTTS) who specialise in trail logistics and support. A few e-mails and phone chats soon had our dates and transfers locked in. We signing up for the LTTS End-to-End Duo Express package which made life significantly easier. We were keen to share our adventure with some of our regular walking buddies, but dates and circumstances conspired so we ended up deciding to continue ourselves and make the most of exclusive bragging rights later. Now came the hard yards. A quick gear review highlighted that we had some catching up to do. Snowys quickly became a regular shopping spot and point of reference for a pre-expedition fit out. Some of their team had also travelled the trail, which helped give us more insight into the challenges ahead. The recurring theme of ‘make sure you have good boots’ was taken on board. We also took the opportunity to upgrade to lighter and more compact backpacking gear to make the trip more comfortable. With heavier packs and lighter pockets, the focus then moved to fitness training and conditioning. A number of weekend training circuits in Deep Creek Conservation Park gave us a great opportunity to build fitness and Continued next page ... TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 15 Larapinta Trail (cont.)

shakedown our new gear. The tracks Redbank Gorge and finishing with a got familiar with how the trail was and terrain proved to be very similar jaunt up Mount Sonder. set up. Travelling as a pair certainly to what was ahead. This also gave made it easier as we were able to time to fine tune our meal plans as This worked well as the first pick up any deviations more quickly. the 16-day itinerary meant we were few sections were long but not The trail was not particularly busy not going to be able to carry all our technically challenging and gave in June but each day we did meet food at once. Fortunately, the LTTS us time to settle in to a routine that people either on the track or at Duo package included three food we followed for the rest of the trip. the campsite. The campground drops, trail transfers from Redbank Sam had us up at sunrise which gave facilities were great with well set Gorge and a Personal Locator plenty of time to have breakfast, out tent sites, raised platforms, and Beacon. pack and be on the trail by 8-8:30 each day. Most days finished early pump-flushing toilets. Water tanks Planning and making up food to mid-afternoon allowing enough were always full and the water was bags was probably the most time time to set up camp and do a bit of consistently good. consuming activity leading up to the local exploring. Our training and preparation paid trip. We purchased a vacuum sealer off well as we found we were so we could make 32 sealed food The scenery and geography was Continued next page ... bags, one each for every day on the quite spectacular. The sheer trail. size of everything was amazing. You almost Before we knew it the day of expected to come across departure was upon us. We flew to a dinosaur. Everything was Alice Springs late in the afternoon accentuated by perfect and took a taxi to the hotel where weather: slightly cool Zac from LTTS had already dropped nights followed by warm off our food drop boxes ready for days in the low 20s with us to pack and seal. Zac then met clear skies every day. We us after dinner for a pre-trip briefing had taken light raincoats about current trail conditions and that were only ever used things we should look out for. when it got a bit cold He also took us through a safety or windy overnight. We briefing and showed us how to were told the last rain had use the Personal Locator Beacon. been five months ago in Because we were travelling as a pair January. we also hired a satellite phone as an extra safety measure. The trail certainly had a lot of variety with each day Next day we loaded up and caught bringing new adventures a taxi four kilometres north of Alice and challenges, both Springs to the head of the trail to physical and mental. get our adventure started. We chose Worries about getting lost to walk the trail in the direction it soon disappeared as we was originally intended, 223 kms from the Telegraph Station out to Larapinta Trail Details he Larapinta Trail runs from the old Alice Springs TTelegraph Station to the peak of Mount Sonder, traversing the homelands of the Central Arrernte, Western Arrernte and Luritja peoples. The trail stretches 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. For more detail: www.larapintatrail.com.au www.larapintatrailtreksupport. com.au

16 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 travelling quite comfortably and ended up two days ahead of our History Along the Trail: planned itinerary, resulting in a couple of unplanned ‘rest days’. Depot Creek One of these was at Ormiston Arthur Smith researched this interesting item about Depot Gorge where we did the Ormiston Trailwalker Pound walk, had hot showers, Creek in the Flinders. is keen to publish a series of washed our clothes, and indulged articles on other interesting snippets of history in home cooking from the kiosk. for sites along the trail. Another highlight was an extended lunch on top of Mount Sonder ome of you may have seen Nothing more was seen nor heard taking in the scenery and the the monument erected by of the party after it left Port Lincoln. enormity of our travels. Sthe Royal Geographical Eyre Depot was visited by a private Society at Depot Creek and search party led by James Hawker in We found the 16 days with a couple wondered, as I have, who was late September and a government- of rest days worked well for us. Charles Dutton and was he ever funded search party led by Edward found? Eyre, in October 1842. On the whole a very special part of Australia that we would recommend The plaque on the monument states Neither search was successful. to anyone to make sure you add it that in 1842 two parties visited the to your bucket list. We will certainly site, one led by James Hawker and However, in 1846 John Tennant, be back. o one by Edward Eyre, while searching who was overlanding 10,000 sheep for Charles Dutton. However, there to Port Lincoln, came across the is no mention of whether or not bodies of Charles Dutton and either party was successful. his party underneath their dray. The cause of death could not be A few casual enquiries did not completed the ascertained. The site where the Samantha McCarty increase my knowledge, so I paid Heysen Trail with E2E6, and is doing bodies were found was north west a visit to the Royal Geographical a second lap with E2E8 and as a of where the City of Whyalla now Society’s office. While the woman on walk leader on E2E12. stands and not far from where duty did not have any knowledge Eyre had been following the dray Gary McCarty is completing the of the incident, she was able in a tracks. But because of lack of Heysen Trail for the first time with few minutes to lay before me four water, he had been forced to turn E2E8 and walking with E2E12. or five books with information about back. To continue on would have Charles Dutton and endangered the whole party and the search. Eyre, correctly it seems, presumed there was no way that Dutton and None of the books his party could still be alive.o told the complete story. However, I was able to ascertain the following: Charles Dutton, in 1842, was either part Hiking Expo owner or manager of a station in the newly- Opening of the settled area of Port Bushwalking Season Lincoln. He also was Sunday 15th April 2018 one of the directors of 9.00am to 1.30pm a newly-formed bank (parking gates open 8.00am) in Port Lincoln, which Belair National Park issued its own bank Free entry notes. An expo to celebrate the start of Due to unrest by the the South Australian bushwalking local natives, it was season. South Australia’s decided in June 1842 bushwalking clubs and WalkingSA to move the cattle are coming together to celebrate on the property back the occasion with a unique day in to Adelaide and, Belair National Park. furthermore, to take Expo of walking clubs, walking tour them overland instead companies and outdoor retailers. of by ship, which was the usual practice. Guided and self-guided hikes ranging from 30mins to 3 hours. TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 17 Pack free, Carefree! Guided walking tours on Australia’s best trails

From rock hopping down prehistoric tropical gorges in the Kimberley to conquering the heights of Tasmania’s best trails, we have a walk for you. Perhaps an epic coastal hike on the Great Ocean Walk or Cape to Cape Track is more your cup of tea! Whatever you seek you will be sure to find a tour to quench your thirst for adventure with Inspiration Outdoors! Carrying only a light day pack, you will enjoy delicious and healthy meals and stay in accommodation each night (unless you are on one of our comfortable camping tours). Our group sizes are small and our guides are passionate and knowledgeable about this spectacular country.

To begin your adventure call us on 08 6219 5164 or email us at [email protected] inspirationoutdoors.com.au

nspiration OUTDOORS England’s Coast to Coast Walk Mike and Cathy Joyce walked the Coast to Coast in 2014 and Cathy and Mike Joyce at the again last year. In this article Mike compares the two walks start of their Coast to Coast trek last year and (below centre) and gives some useful tips. St Bees on the Irish Sea he Coast to Coast walk On the first occasion we decided to in England was originally complete the walk in 16 walking days Tdescribed by Alfred Wainwright and two rest days; on the second in his 1973 book A Coast to Coast crossing we again decided on 16 Walk. The walk traverses England walking days but with only one rest day. from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin The length of each walking day varied Hood’s Bay on the North Sea. It is from 13kms up to 29kms. This gave about 200 miles or 300kms and passes us plenty of time to look around the through the Lake District, Yorkshire villages on the way. Our rest days were Pack free, Carefree! Dales and Yorkshire Moors. in Grasmere and Richmond, both having lots of points of interest. Cathy and I walked it in May-June Guided walking tours on Australia’s best trails 2014 and liked it so much that we did On both occasions we used a company it again in September 2017. called Macs Adventure to book our From rock hopping down prehistoric tropical accommodation, transfer our suitcases gorges in the Kimberley to conquering the heights and provide maps and guidebooks. Associated with the guidebook are of Tasmania’s best trails, we have a walk for you. waypoints that are marked on the maps Perhaps an epic coastal hike on the Great Ocean and can be loaded onto a GPS. This Walk or Cape to Cape Track is more your cup of proved to be very handy on several occasions. We also read Wainwright’s tea! Whatever you seek you will be sure to find book that provides interesting a tour to quench your thirst for adventure with background information and is Inspiration Outdoors! beautifully illustrated with his maps and drawings. Carrying only a light day pack, you will enjoy In 2014 we were joined by our English delicious and healthy meals and stay in friend Sid whom we had met on previous accommodation each night (unless you are on travels. On that occasion Sid walked only the first half, so we persuaded him to one of our comfortable camping tours). Our group complete the journey by joining us for sizes are small and our guides are passionate and the second half in 2017. That was part of knowledgeable about this spectacular country. the reason for us completing the walk a second time. To begin your adventure call us on There is a lot of tradition established with the Coast to Coast. It starts in St 08 6219 5164 or email us at Bees where you dip your shoe in the [email protected] Irish Sea and collect a pebble to carry to Robin Hood’s Bay for casting into the inspirationoutdoors.com.au North Sea. The first few days of the walk are probably the hardest. It is in the spectacular Lake District so there are plenty of hills and some rough walking. There also are plenty of rewards by way of scenery and B&Bs. The first half of the walk is poorly marked so it is important to keep an eye on the guidebook. However, we noticed that a number of nspiration improvements had been made to the OUTDOORS Continued next page ... TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 19 Coast to Coast (cont.)

(From left) Sid and Cathy enjoying the views and a rest over- looking Buttermere and High Crag; Haweswater with its lovely stone The Nine Standards ... bridges; and (right) the Nine Stan- track in the three years since we first dards ‘down the spine of England’ did it. ‘erected to look like There are often optional routes. an army on the top It was difficult to walk in a straight For example, at Ennerdale Water line – even our poles were blown you can take the northern side of the hill to deter sideways. However, after walking of the lake (as we did on both by Haweswater you come to some occasions). This is easier, less boggy invaders’. lovely scenes with stone bridges, and provides reflective views over Belted Galloway cattle and the ruins the lake. The southern side is the we did in 2017). The choice of route of Shap Abbey. conventional route, but is somewhat depends on how fit you are feeling tougher and can be boggy. After or on the weather conditions. Some The final walk into Shap was soul that there are three routes to choose peaks can be quite dangerous in destroying as Shap must have the from in order to reach Rosthwaite. fog or high wind. You are very likely longest main street of any English One is over Red Pike (involving a lot to encounter some bad weather at village and, you guessed it, our B&B of climbing), one over Haystacks via some stage on the Coast to Coast. was at the far end! But we stayed at Scarth Gap (with great views over The weather for our May-June Brookfield House and Margaret is Buttermere; we did this in 2014) and traverse was generally better than one of our favourite hostesses. She the third is past Black Sail Hut (which it was in September-October. But fusses over you when you arrive and it seems to be a prepares fresh scones and tea. A matter of luck. welcome end to a hard day. Apart from the he Coast to Coast crosses scenery, the pubs quite a bit of private land. Transport & Removals and B&Bs, the TSo it is often necessary to Coast to Coast is negotiate a herd of cows or sheep. Passenger Transport about the other You never know who might be walkers and waiting for you on the other side of Specialists the locals you the stile. meet. You keep At Kirkby Stephen, Sid departed in bumping into 2013 so this is where he joined us in folk from all over 2017. The walk from Kirkby Stephen the world, and to Keld includes several points of swapping stories interest as we progress into the along the walk Yorkshire Dales National Park. and at the end Regular Bus Services between Adelaide of the day over a The Nine Standards are a group of & Copley, and the towns in-between pub dinner. cairns and there is much speculation - passenger/freight timetables on our website. about their reason for being. They One of the are geographically significant Larger group? - then hire a bus. hardest days for because they are on the spine of us was the walk England. Prior to this point all the from Patterdale to rivers flow west, after this point Shap. It is about they flow east. One theory is that [email protected] 28kms over Kidsty the Standards were erected to look www.genesistransport.com.au Pike. In 2014 we like an army on the top of the hill in were greeted PS Moving? we now do removals too order to deter invaders. The route by drizzle and - please ring for a quote by the Standards is very boggy and very high winds. Continued next page ... 20 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 Coast to Coast (cont.) if fog moves in it is very easy we think Littlebeck Wood had to get lost. The track has been been improved marginally. All significantly improved over was forgiven when the North the last few years. When we Sea came into view with Whitby arrived in 2017 it was clear, but Abbey appearing on the in a matter of minutes the fog horizon. There is a final long moved in. It is easy to see how walk down the coastal path walkers could drift off track. towards Robin Hood’s Bay. Another feature along this After three years we were section is Ravenseat Farm. The pleased to present Sid with lady of the house started work his Coast to Coast badge. The as a shepherdess, married the final formalities include casting farmer and now has lots of the pebble into the North children. The farm is a welcome Sea, dipping your toe in the stop as you can feast on scones water, signing the register at and tea. Well worth a visit. Wainwright’s Bar and having a meal of fish and chips. Richmond is a great place for a rest day. It has lots of historic Both Cathy and I love this buildings, shops to stock multi-day walk and recommend up on Band-Aids and great it as a great way to see the places to eat. Our B&B on countryside up close. o both occasions had wonderful views over the valley from the breakfast room. In 2014 we stayed at a B&B called Vale House at Ingleby

Cross; the hostess reminded Mike and Cathy Joyce completed the Heysen Trail in me of Bubbles from AbFab. 2016 with End to End 6. They From there we did a side trip are about to complete it again to Mount Grace Priory – built this year with End to End 8. in 1398 – and just up a very muddy road from our B&B. If you get a chance it’s well worth Coast to Coast a visit. details As the trail progresses into North York Moors National he Coast to Coast Park the markers become a lot was devised by Alfred clearer as the Coast to Coast TWainwright in 1972. joins The Cleveland Way for It is about 190 miles long, several kilometres. depending on the variations chosen, and can be walked At Blakey Ridge we stayed at in 12-14 days. The walk has The Lion Inn: the most remote become one of the most pub in England. It is very quaint popular long distance walks in with low ceilings. Many walkers stop (Top to bottom) The final long walk the British Isles. One of the reasons here for lunch and then carry on to to Robin Hood Bay and the North is that it makes its way through Glaisdale. Sea; stepping stones across the three of the finest national parks in River Esk ... a shortcut to Egton I am glad that we saw the scenery in the country: the Lake District, the Bridge pub; and Mike, Cathy and this area in 2014 because it became Yorkshire Dales and the North York Sid celebrate the end of their Coast a little obscure in 2017 when we did Moors. Accommodation along the to Coast trek not see any of the quaintly named Coast to Coast is readily available as its popularity has encouraged the ‘Great Fryup Dale’. 2017 so we opted to take the longer growth of guest houses, B&Bs, bunk route home from the pub. Egton Bridge was our next stopover. houses and camping facilities. The River Esk flows through Egton Our last day was the longest at For more details: Bridge and there is a shortcut from 29kms. And it was very windy in www.walkingplaces.co.uk/c2c/ our B&B to the pub over some 2017. However, we made it through www.ramblingman.org.uk stepping stones across the river. The Heartbeat country of Grosmont. The www.macsadventure.com stones were nice and dry in 2014, Coast to Coast saves up some very but they were wet and slippery in boggy bits for the last day though TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 21 Handy Trail Tips Public Invitation ere are some more handy bushwalking tips gleaned Lavender Federation through experience by our readers. The best tip this Trail issue is from Anne Kirk, reminding you to keep a H Murray Bridge to Clare record of your End to End journey. Anne wins $100 worth of Heysen Trail merchandise. Trail Opening Keep a Record. don’t forget an important piece of Saturday 5th May However long it takes you to walk gear such as your morning tea or Lennon Street Park, Clare the Heysen Trail, it is very helpful lunch. It also ensures that all you South Australian Recreation Trails to record your journey from Day need actually gets packed. The Inc. (SARTI) and Friends of the One. You can do this in three ways: checklist also helps you question Riesling Trail invite you to attend by recording brief notes of each how important each item really is the celebration of the completion walk; by writing a more detailed in your pack, and whether it’s worth of the Lavender Federation Trail, journal; or by taking a few photos. carry up Mount Arden. commenced in 1997 and finished We cover so many kilometres and in 2018. such varied scenery that it is easy Learn to love Zip-Locks. The day will be enhanced with to forget where we have been. It On the Heysen Trail I learned to displays and information from the helps jog your memory if you wish love zip-lock bags. Storing food walking community, outdoor stores to return to different spots or answer in these handy little bags saves and promoters of healthy lifestyles. questions from other keen walkers. weight, space and reduces the risk of spills. Zip-lock bags pack well and 9:00am onwards Conducted walks Carry a Business Card! keep food fresh. They also reduce available on sections of the trail. I carry the Friends of the Heysen food packaging and that mean less Lunches available for Trail business card (which shows the 12:00 rubbish to carry out. purchase. Heysen Trail map) in my purse. It’s a great way to show friends and family Greg Martin 12:30 Official Opening. where you have been and even to If you have any tips for making All are welcome. Bring your friends inspire others to join the journey. walking easier, please share them and family. Anne Kirk with the rest of us. Simple email For more information have a look your favourite Trail Tips to The at the Footsteps Newsletter on the Checklists. Editor, Trailwalker at trailwalker@ Lavender Federation Trail website: A checklist is vital to ensure you heysentrail.asn.au www.lavenderfederationtrail.org.au

Help care for our bushland

Join a local bushcare group, adopt a bushcare site or learn bushcare skills for your property

“I love spending time in the peace of the bush and knowing that I’m helping the environment.” “... my life is receiving enormous and precious benefits from being a BFL volunteer.”

Find out more: 8406 0500 [email protected] treesforlife.org.au

22 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 South of the Heysen. Why not?

Jim McLean completes his three-part series on a southern extension of the Heysen Trail. In this final segment, Jim is on Kangaroo Island in 2017.

ometimes you learn from your with the paddle across the Backstairs mistakes. In 2017 we trained Passage, will constitute a neat and harder; we prepared ourselves significant extension of the Heysen Trail (From left) Jim McLean, Bob S better. Our proposed undertaking was to the south. Koehne, John Barton and more realistic. But it’s the unexpected John Fuller at Pennington Bay and the things out of your control that We set off on Anzac Day – Bob Koehne, ready to head off make life interesting. John Fuller, John Barton and myself – three cars and one trailer. We crossed The plan was simple. Three from Cape Jervis by ferry, made a water 2-day walks and one 1-day drop in d’Estrees Bay, left our cars walk, and all the gaps from at Wheatons Beach and headed for 2013 would be filled in a Kingscote where we bought supplies. continuous route from Cape Borda, down the western end The Visitor Centre at Penneshaw had no of Kangaroo Island, along process for recording a plan of intention the southern coast and up so we had rung the KI police and got an to Penneshaw. That, along email address. In the holiday village unit at Kingscote we notified the police of whose cars would be parked where and for how long. In 2013 we got into serious trouble when we left a car parked for a night and a day in bush on KI without notification. The next morning we were off to Pennington Bay with the car and trailer. We had trouble from the start. Bob had forgotten his ‘bum fodder’. Fortunately, we had an emergency supply. I became aware of small holes that I had not seen before in each of the two pairs of heavy walking boots that I had. The holes developed in the end into large tears but the boots, fortunately, just held out. John Barton lost his strapped-on tent somewhere between Pennington Bay and camp. He had employed the same technique with the same tent and the same pack many times before but this time the tent slipped out. John had a Continued next page ... TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 23 South of the Heysen (cont.)

cold and wet night under a small At lunchtime we makeshift tarp shelter until he fuelled our cars and squeezed in with me for two hours ourselves with whiting before dawn. burgers from the Vivonne Bay shop. But the walk around the d’Estrees We dropped a car at Bay was great: a mixture of sandy Bales Beach, packed low-lying scrub, open pasture, up the now dry rock and scrub cliff walking and a tents and made final vehicular track at the end. The next preparations for two day was not as exciting – vehicular days on the Cape. track followed by road around the sweeping seafront – but full of In the morning we set interest all the same with coastal off from the locked housing, coastline, birdlife and bollard at Wheatons interpretive signage about coastal Beach, water holders plants, endangered bird species in hand, following the and shipwrecks. At Wheatons Beach 4WD track to the tip we took note of the locked bollard of Cape Gantheaume, blocking the 4WD track to Cape the southernmost Gantheaume that was our biggest point of KI. From a and most anticipated conquest. high vantage point we watched seals For now though other things were playing in the sea on the agenda. We collected the and sea lions heaving car and trailer and headed for themselves up the Kangastay, the house at Vivonne slopes to bask in the Bay where we had stayed in 2013. sun. There was fresh This would be our base for the next water in tiny rock six nights. The next morning John pools. Barton left us for Penneshaw and the ferry, and the remaining three On the point, the of us set off for a 3km walk to Point most remote place Ellen. you could imagine, Vivonne Bay & Point Ellen ... a we were surprised to find a mobile The back street, scrub and beach sweeping beach and distant jetty phone signal. The sand hills where opened up to the bay and the sand we intended to camp were not far The next day we clambered over bar between the scenic Harriet River away. Until now I had been quietly sand and rocks and through plant and the sea. The sweeping beach pleased with my strength and with ground cover above the cliffs and and the distant jetty offered us my ultra-light tent, pack, stove and along the beaches. It was good to views of fishing boats and a vast bay sleeping bag. However, the all day be carrying just a bottle of water to enclosed on three sides by beach water carry had left us all spent. It last the day, and to be out where and dunes. Point Ellen is a natural was hard work going in and around we imagined very few people go. I rock garden of the most pleasing and back again in those dunes to know two Islanders who have been diversity of low-lying coastal plants find a suitable site for the night. out to the point. We saw evidence that you could ever see in one small that “boaties” stay there from time space. Continued next page ...

24 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 South of the Heysen (cont.) to time. But I don’t know that many people would walk the western side of Cape Gantheaume as we did. Our next venture, Point Ellen to Stun’sail Boom River, posed the problem that the river is on private property. We just wanted to do the coastline but at the end needed to get out to the main road. The issue was raised as we munched whiting burgers for lunch when young Ed of the Vivonne Bay shop explained that his family’s property was one of the holdings along the river and that he had a solution for us. It goes without saying that you need permission from owners before traversing their private properties. So we dropped a car on the public road at Ed’s gate and set off from Point Ellen the next Vivonne Bay Conservation Park ... an almost inaccessible spot morning. hard to tell if we were on it or not. As the idyllic river and adjoining We are lucky in Australia to have So we were over rocks and sand, Lake Kitty came into view we were very accurate maps. But maps have and pushing through low-lying struck by the peace and tranquillity their limitations. We were using groundcover for half a day. After of this almost inaccessible spot. the 1:50000 Emergency Services that we expected two pieces of From our high vantage point we Map Book Series, Kangaroo Island track that we might use only to spied a small tent permanently Edition 2, 2008. It showed a foot discover a well-made road that must pitched way on the other side of track extending along the coastline have been developed since 2008 the river. Ed was to explain later for some kilometres. This track that took us almost to the mouth of that a hippie goes out there and quickly became so indistinct it was the Stun’sail Boom River. Continued next page ...

™ WISE WOMEN WALKING FIND YOURSELF BE YOURSELF CHALLENGE YOURSELF

TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 25 South of the Heysen (cont.)

meditates. We pushed through set up camp at Snake dense scrub, farmland and grazing Lagoon. We were facing an Tamar wallabies to Ed’s gate and our unplanned spare day until car. Now for the Flinders Chase. it came into our heads: why not do a loop walk? The next morning we checked in to Rocky River mouth, 3km of the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre to coastline in the direction the devastating news that the West of West Bay, Sandy Creek Bay Road was out for conventional to the West Bay Road and vehicles. The car shuffle was out. back to camp at Snake The Ranger kept asking what we Lagoon. Eight kms in all. So were going to do in the Flinders that’s what we did. Chase. We said what we had wanted to do was a two-day walk After that we headed back from West Bay to Cape du Couedic. to the Rocky River mouth In the circumstances we will have and went in the direction coffee, perhaps some lunch, and a of Cape du Couedic. The team meeting. We booked a tent KI Wilderness Trail was not site at Snake Lagoon for two nights, even a germinating idea and booked one day on the new in 2013 but now there is a KI Wilderness Trail with a view to clear distinct well-marked doing at least Snake Lagoon to foot track. Difficult terrain Cape du Couedic. We had been of sand, rocks and low- primed for a neat two-day finish – lying scrub is now easy walking. mission completed – but were being DEWNR surveyed carefully and then disappointed again. went through with a machine that mulched a narrow corridor of scrub We dropped a car at Cape Couedic, all the way. There is one lengthy mixed with the coach tourists at section of Maupertius Bay Beach Admiral’s Arch for a while, and that should not be walked at high tide to protect the Hooded Plovers Unique Burra Accommodation nesting at the base of the dunes. Approaching Stun’sail Boom River The alternate mouth (top); and the river mouth route through the smallest margins to now an the sand dunes is impressive monolith. not a route at all. We tested it even The next day, a Saturday, was though it wasn’t to be our last on the island. We high tide and thought we might go to the football found ourselves at Penneshaw and see Dudley very quickly way United take on Parndana. But too far inland, not completing our mission was so worked our weighing heavily on our minds. We way back to the were so close. The Stables beach. After the We had two days of good weather. beach we had The West Bay Road must be drying • A unique experience meters from the Trail the Wilderness • Log fire and wood oven out now. So before returning to Track up from camp we had a look with Bob’s • Lit by oil lamps and candles and along the 4WD, a 25km round trip. The road • Cast iron hip bath magnificent cliffs was fine. Rangers have to be careful. • Bunks and Hayloft/sleeps 6 ending the day They have to err on the side of with the power caution. • Minimal power transmission line • Short walk to pub, shops and market vehicular service So do we have a go at the last Cost $27p.p. - linen extra track to the car little bit? Or do we just go to the park. The Cape football? Our ferry (the last one) Part of Olive Grove Retreat Accomodation du Couedic leaves from Penneshaw at 7.30pm. Email [email protected] lighthouse had John must be at Adelaide Airport been our beacon early next morning to meet his Ph. 08 88922679 for most of the partner. We can’t slip up. Mob.0447 445 506 day growing by Continued next page ... 26 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 South of the Heysen (cont.)

hotel and board the ferry. It had to and up to Penneshaw, and across be unanimous. It was. And that’s the water to Cape Jervis where the what we did! After two nights at Heysen Trail officially starts.o Snake Lagoon we stayed in May’s Homestead and Fire Danger Season then walked rocky terrain among low- lease remember that the Heysen Trail lying scrub, above remains closed over the Fire Danger rocky coastline and PSeason. The end of a 234km extension negotiated two river The trail will remain closed in the following Fire of the Heysen Trail ... well worth mouths. Ban districts: celebrating Since Mark Deuter Flinders district until 15th April 2018 We carefully measure distances. and I paddled Mid North until 30th April 2018 With the 3kms to Sandy Creek 21km between already done, we think we can do Cape Jervis and Mt Lofty district until 30th April 2018 an early morning car drop, walk Penneshaw in from Sandy Creek to West Bay, March 2013, the These dates may be subject to change, so please collect a car, drive to Penneshaw, walkers have paid check the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au or by have time for a quick meal at the two visits to KI, calling the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline on and routed an 1300 362 361. additional 213km. The Fire Danger page of the Friends website also We have forged an lists those sections of the trail that traverse Forestry extension of the SA reserves and national and conservations parks. Heysen Trail to the Jim McLean is on the FOHT south of 234kms You can walk in these areas during the fire danger Council and a board member of the from Cape Borda, season, except on days of Total Fire Ban. The Warren Bonython Foundation and down the whole of CFS publishes these bans, as does the Bureau of WalkingSA. Jim is an experienced the western end of Meteorology, in addition to broadcasted weather walker who completed the Heysen the island, along reports issued by the media. Trail in 2012. the southern coast

100% Australian owned and operated . We stock it, we test it, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Unique windshield “Fast Boil” technology “magnetized wrap around “ cooking pots (gas bottle not included)

USB rechargeable head torch Titanium cutlery

Ultra light weight 45g Titanium stove

Your specialist hiking product online store.

TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 27 End to End Maintenance 2017 Program he End-to-End Maintenance prepared with dates for the May and is scheduled for Sunday 22 April. Program commenced June maintenance weekends. The The day will provide an opportunity Tlast year with aims of timing for the remaining weekends for new volunteers to receive assisting section leaders with their remains flexible and will depend training in the basic skills involved maintenance tasks and to help on what best suits everybody in track maintenance, as well as an improve the overall standard of involved. The arrangements for the introduction to volunteer safety that general track maintenance along maintenance weekends will be, like needs to be followed in carrying out the trail. The program was generally last year, included in the Friends maintenance on the Heysen Trail. successful. With support from walk and other activities program. We will also discuss the upcoming about 20 volunteers and the section Volunteers will be able to register work program with a view to firming leaders, we completed a lot of work their interest online. up the dates for the rest of the year. along the trail from Cape Jervis to Orientation and Training Day If you require further information, Bridgewater. please contact Neil Nosworthy by The first activity for 2018 is an email at [email protected] or The level of volunteer support and orientation and training day that the extent of work involved justifies 0429773800. o continuing the program in 2018. Tentative 2018 End-to-End Maintenance Programme 2018 Program April 22 Orientation and Training Day While the initial thought had been to continue from Bridgewater, we May 26 Spalding to Curnows Hut became aware that Kevin Liddiard 27 Curnows Hut to Georgetown was looking for assistance with his section between Spalding and June 23 Spalding to EE George Road Georgetown. So we plan to start EE George Road to Hallett this year with a weekend based 24 at Spalding. As we can conduct July Hallett to Black Jack’s Shelter a ‘reccy’ while we are there, we plan to continue with the sections August Black Jack’s Shelter to Burra heading from Spalding to Burra and September Burra to Huppatz Hut then south. A tentative plan for 2018 has been October Piccadilly to Cudlee Creek

Guest House Trekking Adventures Tours of Morocco MOROCCO Experience Berber culture, High Atlas Mountains, Imlil visit a Berber home and meet the local people. Imperial Cities Tours; see the souks of Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech Stay at DAR AMADINE Guest House and enjoy the mountain scenery.

• Desert experience; stay overnight in a luxury nomad tent, see the Sahara and ride a camel • Trekking and hiking; from a short afternoon walk to climbing the mountain Jebel Toubkal www.daramadine.com [email protected] • Skiing trips; to the nearby ski resort of Oukaimeden

Owners Jane Upton - Adelaide, Australia +61 (0) 419 360 854 [email protected] Abdou - Imlil, Morocco +212 666 922 351 [email protected] 28 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 How to Use Your Walking Poles

With the 2018 walking season about to start, here is some practical advice, gleaned from various websites, on how to use walking poles.

here are many advantages to • Use poles in pairs. This gives you the using walking poles. They reduce greatest level of stability and control, Tthe weight on your hips and back improves posture and helps you set a – particularly if you are carrying a heavy much faster rhythm to your pace. backpack; make uphill walking easier; and downhills safer. Walking poles also Setting Up offer increased support and stability on Firstly, you will need to set your walking unfamiliar ground and uneven surfaces. poles to the correct height: the top of the handle of your pole should be at When used correctly, walking poles can waist/hip height and your elbow at 90 significantly increase your pace. They help you move across terrain more quickly, provide additional support and reduce the amount of effort required. The latter is important if you are feeling fatigued towards the end of your walk. Another great benefit of using walking poles is that they improve posture. They make you more conscious of being upright while walking. There is a tendency to slump forward while going uphill, which shifts your centre of gravity and actually increases the chances of slipping or stumbling on uneven terrain. The poles will help you keep your body position more upright so you can use your arms and shoulders to degrees. The strap should be a size propel yourself up the trail easier. where you can get your hand through it comfortably, but not too loose. Pass However, learning how to use your your hand up through the loop and then walking poles properly involves grip the handle. The strap should cross understanding the correct way to adjust the palm and wrap beneath the thumb. them and set their height. Here are a few Continued next page ... simple things you can do to help make your WALK THE YORKE poles more effective: OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION Dolphin View • Don’t bend your arms at the elbow. Keep your arms straight, with a slight bend, and use your shoulders to propel Sources for the article yourself forward. The perfect stop between Point come from websites Turtan and Corny Point. • Don’t grip your poles aboveandbeyond.co.uk/blog/ Comfortable 3 bedroom holiday home too tightly. Utilising the that accommodates up to 8 guests how-to-use-walking-poles and pole’s straps will allow with a lovely front deck and spectacular mountainwarehouse.com/ ocean views. TV/DVD, split system air- you to keep a loose, conditioner, combustion heater, local expert-advice/how-to-use- relaxed grip and still shop sells takeaway meals & supplies. hiking-poles In-house Remedial Massage available. maintain good contact. Bed & breakfast from $195/night. Bookings 0417 830 533 [email protected]

TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 29 Walking Poles (Cont.) Using the strap in this way offers section first so that it’s telescoped some of the impact off your knees, a better grip and helps maintains only halfway. Then fix the lower especially if you are carrying a heavy control if the handle becomes section to the height you want. backpack. If your descent is steep or slippery or you stumble. Once you’ve done that, use the top muddy, try walking down sideways. adjuster to make any adjustments Ram the tip of the pole deep into Walking Technique with Poles on the trail. This lets you change the ground, then position your foot There is no definitive right or wrong pole length using just one adjuster: right up behind the pole and use it way to use walking poles but there the closest and least likely to be to stop your feet slipping out from are ways that can help you use them muddy. under you. more effectively. Walking on Even Ground Walking Uphill Most walkers use their poles inefficiently, bending their arms at There are different ways you can use On steep uphill walks, shorten your the elbow and placing the pole tip your hiking poles: poles slightly. You should use the poles to push off not pull yourself slightly in front to use the pole as Alternate legs: Each pole goes up the hill. Plant the tip of the pole support. A more effective way is forward when the opposite leg in front of your lead foot. If the to keep your arm in a fairly neutral does. This pattern maximizes tip is too far forward, you will be position (with a very slight bend) balance and lets your arms swing using your energy pushing the pole and use the shoulders to propel the way they do naturally when downward instead of backwards. Try yourself forwards. hiking. also to keep the poles reasonably Don’t grip the poles too tightly! Use Parallel legs: Each pole goes close to the body to improve a relaxed and loose grip. By using forward when the same-side leg efficiency. the straps as described above you does. This pattern provides the maintain a good contact with the most relief to your legs, so use it to Caring For Your Walking Poles pole at all times. minimize leg fatigue and stress as Make sure your walking poles are Try to use poles in pairs. While one needed. dry before storing, and store them pole is better than no pole, using a with locks in the open/unlocked Walking Downhill pair will give you more stability and position. Don’t extend the poles control as well as improving posture. When using waking poles downhill beyond the stop markings and do the first thing to do is remove your not use lubricants to clean them. Adjusting Your Walking Poles hands from the straps. Position the When travelling, always separate On a typical three-section pole, use poles slightly in front of you and sections or collapse your pole to the top adjuster to extend the upper shorten your stride. This will take prevent damage. o

ALPANA STATION — Bushwalkers Transport Service David and Sally Henery of Alpana Sta�on Blinman offer a friendly, flexible and accredited transport service to the BEST end of the Heysen Trail: Wilpena, Blinman, Parachilna Gorge Gary Pearce Solicitor Heysen Trailhead, for walkers (individuals or groups). Also transport to the Mawson Trail and further afield if required. — Bushwalkers Accommoda�on Based just 5 km from Blinman in the Flinders Ranges, Alpana Sta�on also offers: • Quality Selfcontained accommoda�on: Alpana shearers quarters for up to 14 people & Nungawur�na Hut bush retreat for up to 6 people • Powered sites with ensuite bathroom facili�es for caravans/campers Feeling ruffled? • Scenic bush camping areas. Specialising in wills and estates including: Contact David and Sally Henery PO Box 11, Blinman SA 5730 · estate planning · powers of attorney Phone 08 8648 4626 · advance care directives Email: [email protected] · estate litigation Web: www.alpanasta�on.com · land transactions Bookings Essen�al Now on Facebook © Quen�n Chester Photography 61 Carrington Street Adelaide South Australia 5000 T 08 8237 0572 F 08 8237 0508 30 TRAILWALKER AUTUMN 2018 E [email protected] Image: Maggie Moy  CARAVAN

 cleaning and gardening naturally

   



Gary Pearce Solicitor

Feeling ruffled? Specialising in wills and estates including: · estate planning · powers of attorney · advance care directives · estate litigation · land transactions

61 Carrington Street Adelaide South Australia 5000 T 08 8237 0572 F 08 8237 0508 E [email protected] Image: Maggie Moy Work can wait... adventure is calling Go and explore