ESKIMO SCROLL

Newsletter of Manning Canoe Club Inc. P.O. Box 511, TAREE 2430 [email protected]

Issue: March 2006

Next Meeting: AGM 1st June 2006, Taree (BBQs Galore) Camping Shop 6:30pm including pizza night

President: Ian Winkley 6550 9051 Treasurer: Judy ward 65525837 Secretary: Mick O’Brien 6551 2531 Editor: Geoff Songberg 6557 0052 [email protected] Trip Convener: Geoff Martin 6552 5255 Taree Snowgum (BBQs Galore) Camping Shop

Attention ANNOUNCEMENT Attention

The club now has an email address just for the club, it is [email protected] So if you have anything for either the web site or the Scroll you can send it in to the email address. If you wish to send things for the newsletter directly to me that is still OK as I will accept anything as long as I can read it, scan it, copy/past or insert it for the next newsletter. We have also been working on a web site but there are still a few hurdles to get across.

REPORTS

If anyone would like to have a trip report or advertisement etc published in the newsletter, I would be grateful to receive them. You can post any material to the club address, give it to Geoff Martin at the Taree Camping shop, email to me or deliver to 1 Apple Tree Street Wingham 2429. Keep everyone informed, let people know how good the trip was so that other people will attend and make future activities even more rewarding for all. Geoff (Ed) Wild Cattle Ck, Nowendoc – November 05 What an unbelievable and unpredictable place! Rugged, pristine wilderness so close to home with so much to see – shame about the weather. I found God! He tried to blast me from a mountaintop with lightning, and then drown me with torrential rain whilst making a very good attempt of disorientation, which thankfully was seen through and righted before any harm could be done.

QUICK QUIZ: Q1 How many lightning strikes WILL occur whilst waiting for a GPS to get a fix? ANS Too many! Gave up counting after 20. Q2 Is it wise to shelter under a tree in a storm? ANS No! But the more the merrier – it’s thick scrub up there. Q3 When is a trip leader at their most vulnerable? ANS When they’re temporarily “geographically misplaced” during a wild storm. (May lead to mutiny & murder!)

This particular creek gully in the Nowendoc N P reminded me a lot of the South West rainforests of Tasmania, lush, cool and at times difficult to traverse. Saturday was a perfect day for trekking and the rain during the preceding week made for moist conditions. Down in the bed of the creek our pace was slowed somewhat resulting in a change of direction in order to find a suitable campsite. Up the side of the gorge we climbed, over the top of a ridge and then descended via a spur onto Watts Ck where a nice clear spot was found not too far from water. The night’s entertainment of joke telling was abruptly halted by the onset of rain, which grew steadily heavier as we listened from the shelter of the tents.

2

Sunday arrived with the promise of more rain but fortunately abated long enough for breakfast and the break up of camp. Venturing upstream we found several more waterfalls and cascades before deciding to head back to our vehicles by way of a previously un-named high point. (Now known as GPS hill or Stormy , take your pick Ian). As we slowly ascended the spur the storm developed from light drizzle to a full-blown cumulo-nimbus thunderhead, frightening the proverbial out of some of us and totally drenching everything we owned. Eventually the fire trail thankfully appeared leading us to the warm comfort of cars and dry clothes. An interesting but demanding trip, not for the faint hearted. Mick

Tia Falls – December 05 A total of six members turned out for this relaxing trip to the best kept secret of the New England area. Not a bad roll up considering it was just one week before Christmas but we all felt quite happy to be away from the maddening crowds around Taree. Tia is a great place to take advantage of several short walks with excellent gorge and waterfall views, so when Pam and myself arrived after lunch on the Saturday it was no surprise to find that Jen, Stu, Geoff and Ian had been exploring the reserve and planning an east rim walk for the afternoon.

Tia Falls & Gorge are the result of a watercourse following a series of fault lines created during the massive uplift that made the . Below the rim it is virtually impossible to negotiate the rugged terrain safely and so the visitor must console himself with long distant views of many alluring falls and cascades. There are a multitude of outlooks along the various walks providing opportunities for the photographer but at this point in time the NPWS is currently upgrading the Tiara Rim section. Hopefully in the near future it will once again be open to the public as it is probably the best walk in the whole area. Never the less we found plenty to occupy ourselves including a reconnaissance to the Apsley for a future expedition. (the 10km return trip in 1.5hrs was a bit harsh Mick – Ed)

Always great to get away and enjoy the company of like-minded companions around a nice campfire, though the wood was a bit pungent on this occasion (took a couple of washes to fully remove the smoke). Many thanks to all who attended. Mick

3 Snowy Mtns Sojourn 1-7 January 2006 Participants, Geoff, Dean, Ian, Jennifer, Stuart and Mick. The original plan for the trip was to start at Charlotte Pass, head out to Kosciuszko, then turn north up passed Mt Twynam, Blue Lake, through the Rolling Ground finishing at Guthega Power station. Unfortunately we found out at the last minute that National Parks had closed off half the area we wanted to go through because it still had not recovered enough after the 2003 bush fires. Everyone still wanted to go so the plan was changed to walk in a loop from Guthega Power station towards the north. So on New Year’s Day we headed off in 45 heat in two vehicles for Jindabyne. Ian, Dean and I travelled in air conditioned comfort while Jennifer, Stuart and Mick sweated it out. We eventually met up at Island Bend to camp the first night out of the back of the cars. Fortunately a change came though bringing the temperature down to the more pleasant high twenties. There was a little rain that night but fortunately the next day dawned bright and sunny. With little formality it was break camp, drive up to the power station, don the heavy packs and head on up the trail. Rather than follow the main power line road that leads over the range to Geehi we followed a secondary trail up the east side of the Munyang River to a viaduct trail. The viaduct pipeline picks up the water from small creeks and takes it back to Guthega pondage. After the initial steep climb up to Disappointment hut the trail levelled out for a few kilometres until it came back onto the main road. Normally this trail would be shrouded with a snow gum canopy however the 2003 bushfire had killed off the canopy. Although the trees were regrowing from the base the forest would take a long time to get back to where it was. Apart from the ground cover much of the area looked like a graveyard of dead trees. There were still some parts that had not been touched by the fire and these stood out in dark green contrast. Just on lunch time we topped the Munyang valley terminal moraine of the high plains glaciated region to reach White River hut and more open country. After inspection of the hut we sat under the shade of a nearby green snow gum for lunch. It was not so much the flies that pushed us on but with the lower temperatures, and cool westerly breeze it soon got cold in the shade so it was back into the sun to warm up. Climbing the last 100 metres of elevation to Shlink Pass at 1804m quickly warmed us up. It did not take long after lunch to reach the top for an obligatory rest stop and photo under the sign to prove that we were actually there. Where next, I was asked, as everyone assumed that I was leading the trip and had everything planned. Having never been in the area before and only chose to head in this direction at the last minute I had nothing planned so simply said north and lets see where that will take us. Looking at the map a nearby elevated spot called looked like a good place to visit from which we would get a good vista of the country and decide where to from there. So leaving the road behind, we headed straight up hill through the bush to the first ridge. The climb that faced us up to the top through rocks across the gully looked steep but negotiable. A short section of moraine made for interesting rock hopping. With a few rests we made the top but not with Mick. He had decided to head around the top of the gully rather than cross it and ended up on the rocky outcrop to the south. There was a little debate across the saddle as to who was on the real top of the mountain but seeing that the trig station was on the one we were on we used this as evidence and the weight of numbers to declare Mick was on the lower peak. The view was great as we could see all the way from Kosciuszko in the south to Jagungle in the north.

4 The breeze in the valley was a strong wind on top. It at least blew away the flies. The 360 view was worth the climb. The big decision was where to go next. I had though of possibly heading along the ridge line called The Kerries to Valentine hut and the nearby falls however the climb from 1310m to 2068m had just about done us all in. The cross country trek through broken country to the hut about 8km away looked just a little bit too far. It was mid afternoon and a closer destination was sought. Perusal of the map found that Tin hut towards the north east along the Great Divide was much closer at about 3km and what was more it looked all downhill. Being above the tree line it was easy to navigate across the grassy flats of Gungartan pass and down ridge lines to the hut avoiding the swampy creek lines. The only excitement was Mick flat out on his back in the scrub declaring for us to go away and let him die. The only trouble was the rest of us were feeling the same way. The long up hill climb combined with just that little increase in altitude, we were still around 2000m, had made us aware of what our current fitness levels were. The hut and a good nights rest looked very inviting. The last little climb of about 10m from the valley floor to the hut was probably harder than the climb up the side of Gungartan. The small hut amongst surviving snow gums and adjacent flat was an excellent place for an overnight rest of weary bodies. We cooked and ate in the hut to get away from the flies but camp in tents on the flat. After forcing food down tired throats to fuel exhausted bodies we retired to the tents as the sun retired. The wind was gusting across the tops most of the night however the tent area remained relatively sheltered and next morning dawned bright and sunny will little wind. Where to next? North I replied, still north. Another review of the map decided that we would head towards Mawson’s hut. I still had the vague notion that we might go towards Valentines. We could follow Valentines Creek around to the falls as the head waters were just across the saddle from Tin hut. The country was not too difficult to get though as the fires had removed most of the vegetation. With very few trees in this high country it was easy to see the rougher places that needed to be skirted around. We navigated across the lower flatter country between the Kerries and the Brassies to meet up with Valentine Creek where it entered into a narrower valley. Just at morning tea time we came across a large pond in the creek so Stuart got out the telescopic fishing rod and went hunting for trout. Much to his and every ones surprise he landed a large brown on the second cast. Any other fish that might have been in the pond must have got the warning message because there wasn’t even a hint of another bight. Trout for lunch at the hut out of the flies sounded good so we were not long in getting under way again. Mawsons hut is quite large with two rooms, one with table for cooking and eating. It was a very pleasant rest stop. The morning’s trek had again taken its toll. I had still not recouped enough energy following the first day climb and looking around it was obvious that everyone else was in a similar situation. Where too next? Looking at the map I had an idea that if we continued across country towards the north we might be able to find a camp spot within about 5-6km of Mt Jagungal and visit this striking peak in a day walk without the heavy packs. The offer was too good to refuse so we headed off after lunch with a notion to pass by a lake on Valentine Creek that we though Stuart might like to cast for trout in. Unfortunately after cresting the ridge opposite the hut we zigged instead of zagged and ended up on the creek too far downstream where there were no ponds. To get to the desired lake required a detour of about 0.5km almost back the way we had come something not even Stuart seem to want to do. Resting at the end of the day

5 seemed a better idea. So we trudged up over the next spur and down onto the Geehi. Around 3:00 at a point where several creeks joined and the Geehi turned from running south to west we found a relatively flat spot with shelter from the westerly winds and good water close by. It was very inviting to down the packs, set up camp and rest for the remainder of the afternoon.

Rest consisted of a balance between cold of the shade, heat of the sun, blown away in the wind on the ridge top, in the flies outdoors or in the airless tent away from the flies. There were little flies and big flies. The big ones liked Ian or more particularly his dark blue gaiters. Wherever he went so did a swarm of flies. Those of us with light coloured clothing didn’t seem to be bothered by them nearly as much. Dean and Ian though did find some use for the large flies, capturing them alive and throwing them at each other. Mick managed to get away from them by stringing up a bed mosquito net from a slightly overhanging rock, there were no trees, and spread it enough to sit beneath and cook. Finally the sun went down in a colourful sunset but we were not quite in the right spot for good photographs and too tired to go across to the other side of the valley for a better vantage point. As dusk descended so did the flies however the mosquitoes took over so it was once again into the tents for a good night’s sleep. The next morning was again clear blue skies but overnight the wind had dropped and so had the temperature. We woke to find the whole valley was covered in a heavy frost. Mick’s clothes that he had washed and placed over a rock to dry were stiff as a board. The water bottles I had left in the open at the front of the tent were half frozen. The weather forecast the previous night on local Jindabyne radio indicated fine weather for the next couple of days with possible showers in a change not due until later in the week. So finally recouped and with just lunch we headed off, north again, towards Jagungal. The relief to walk without the packs was great and it did not take long to be sitting on a prominent hill looking over the valley containing the headwaters of the and planning which way we could go to make the climb the easiest and avoid the bogs in the bottom of the valley. That is everyone except Mick who had done the zag thing when the rest of zigged a little while back. We could hear him but could not see him. Eventually he was spotted across the valley starting up the ridge heading for the top. He had taken the more direct line rather than

6 the scenic route. We set out after him following the contour around and after filling up water bottles in the stream headed up the ridge to the waiting Mick. The climb up the south-east ridge was not too steep and we soon found ourselves amongst grassy fields, untouched by fire, high on the shoulders of Jagungal. Part way up we came across the remains of a fence line constructed by the cattlemen in an earlier era. This was not the only fence line we had seen but to find one this high on the slopes seemed unusual and showed the determination of these early pioneers. Further up a flock of crows entertained us by taking wing off a rocky outcrop into the wind gusts. We assumed they were catching insects carried up to the heights on the updrafts. Top of the mountain finally and we were not alone, the first people we had seen in the two days since our last scaling the mountain heights were just about to leave. After the obligatory photography we dropped off the crest in the lee of the rocks to a grassy flat to get out of the wind for lunch. Just as lunch was finishing more people arrived for the view. For the return trip we had to go via Mick’s white rocks. Large white boulders could be seen on the edge mountain tops and Mick felt that they were worth a look see to find out what gives. The rocks were white quartz, part of a large reef that disappeared down the mountain. We had to restrain Mick who associated it with “gold in them thar hills” and wanted to start digging. The rocks were right on the top edge of the steepest sides of the mountain, but the way down looked negotiable so we took the punt and headed straight down. It was quick and relatively easy going down returning us to the route we had taken on the way to the base of the harder climb. We returned to camp relatively early in the afternoon for further rest and dealing with flies. Hoping for another spectacular sunset Mick headed across the valley to a good vantage point at sundown to see what photos he could get. Not as good as the day before but not bad. The weather was still holding but the cloud was increasing causing us to wonder what would be installed for us the next day. Dawn did not come with a sun rise. The tent walls brightened but that was all. On getting out of the tent the reason was soon discovered. There was a heavy fog or the clouds had descended. Either way it was difficult to see any sort of distance, you could barely make out the creek not even 100m away. It looked like our navigation skills would be tested as today was the start of the return journey and we were headed across country. Following a compass bearing might have to be the way but then you could not see what sort of swampy country you might be in for. Luck however was with us for as we headed west the fog thinned and we could see the way to the first saddle around the boggy areas. The further we went west the clearer the day became and looking back you could see that the cloud bank was either being blown east or only extended to about where we had camped. The compass bearings I had worked out whilst still in the tent however did become useful as from the first ridge crest the compass gave us our desired direction amongst the broken hills. I had decided on this route rather than following the river because not only was it shorter we would not have to cross over from the Geehi to the Valentine at the end and would also stay out of the river flats which were potentially swampy. The route proved successful with the hill slopes easily negotiable on gradual grades and the fire trail exactly where the map said it would be. Valentine Creek and nearby hut appeared late morning, where it was down with the packs. Stuart was still itching to catch those elusive trout so off he went with rod in hand while some of us went off to view Valentine falls. This proved not as easy as thought as the tracks had

7 disintegrated into sometimes nothing and it took a bit of scrub bashing down the side of the ravine to finally get a view. Quite a decent drop in the end but the planned half hour trip ended up being more like and hour and a half so lunch was a little late. At least there was the hut to get out of the flies. The afternoon’s trek was perhaps the most torturous of any section. The trail followed every twist and turn it could find and went over every hill it could find. What looked like a gentle climb up the side of a valley ended up in a roller coaster route and every rise seemed like as steep as the trail makers could make it. In hind site a gradual climb along the opposite side of the valley across country might have been preferable. We persevered and the main power line road was almost a welcome sight and although still climbing up towards Shlink Pass it was a gentle grade. The Shlink (Hilton) hut was a welcome rest stop for the night. No one else was using the hut so we decided to camp in as there was plenty of room. The hut had previously been workers quarters for the power line construction and it was palatial compared to some of the other bush huts. Mick still decided to tent it. Deciding to camp at Shlink gave us a relatively easy last day, mostly down hill. Rather than follow the main trail, which descended into the Munyang valley from Sclink pass only to rise again 100m to the surge tank at the top of the pipes delivering water to the power station before dropping once again to the bottom of the valley, we chose the western side and as on the way in followed the viaduct trail around the contour to the surge tank. Along this side of the valley an extensive are of forest remained untouched by the bush fires and it was here that we found the bird life, something we had not seen the entire trip except for crows. The mountain gang gangs were quite abundant letting us get quite close, even appearing to pose for photographs. Pity I was still puffing from the last small climb and could not hold the camera still enough. Lunch found us back at the power station and a grassy spot beneath planted trees overlooking the almost dry bed of the . The river was flowing but only downstream of the power station. Following lunch Stuart, Jennifer and Mick headed of to Canberra to visit people while Ian, Dean and I headed back down to Island Bend to camp the night. It was a full day’s drive back to Taree and we certainly did not feel like starting it that day. Before making camp however we had to dodge one hail storm under a tree, fortunately small hail and no damage, and a second storm with just heavy rain. Once the storms passed the evening turned fine. We also found all the water that was flowing out of the power station. What was a river bed with rocky rapids five days before was now a lake as the water in the pondage had risen substantially. With a good night sleep and tents dried from the previous days rain we headed back home declaring that the trip had been worth the effort, including the flies, and also considering a return visit next year to the area we had not visited. Geoff

Gloucester to Bundook, 4 and 5 February

The Gloucester to Bundook run is always a good one when there is a half decent river level, and this trip was no exception.

Day 1 saw Don (trip leader), Geoff S, Dean, Alan, Helen, Stuart, Jennifer, Rob, Kristy and baby Ethan meet at Mograni Lookout at 8.30 on Saturday morning. Well, most of us were there then, Don turning up a little later, still pulling on clothes. Tents were set up at the halfway point, and all except Helen, Kristy and Ethan (who had important prior engagements at various coffee shops and retail establishments in Glos) set off from the usual point on the Barrington Road just out of Gloucester for a most enjoyable paddle. Plenty of water dragons and an azure kingfisher were spotted, the mullet were a-jumping, and rumour had it that bass were to be found, but despite gallant efforts by Stuart, none

8 were to be landed. The river level was OK, however, and fun little rapids and pleasant long pools put everyone in a good mood. Don had the billy boiling at every stop to keep everyone firing.

The campsite did not disappoint. Showers were on the horizon; no problem for the bushies on this trip, who soon had a tarp up for shelter. Good tucker, a few ales, and Don’s famous oak barrelled port fuelled a few yarns, most entertaining of which were some of Don’s train driving exploits; most of these probably shouldn’t be written down, however, in case they fall into the hands of his employer.

A slight change of participants the next day, with Helen replacing Rob, and Noel joining us for the day. Don was pretty crook, but lasted the distance despite not being able to eat, and rallied well as time went on. The rapids seemed gentle enough, but some overhanging branches needed to be treated with respect. A sunny day caused a little burnt skin and lips, but it was another very enjoyable paddle down to Bundook.

Thanks to Don, for organising the weekend, and to everyone who took part for the great company.

Alan Pursch

Manning River Cascades or A short walk in the forest to see a waterfall Ian Winkley, Dave Riddel and Stuart Ireland. 25-26 February 2006 I arrived home Friday evening, my pack was already loaded and waiting, needing only to have a shower and throw the last minute things in the car. I should have had plenty of time to be ad Dave’s sister’s place at Nabiac in an hours time. Concreters had been doing their thing this day at home, and not going into any details, I arrived at Nabiac only 50 minutes late. It at least gave Dave and his sister time to catch up. Thanks to her wonderful hospitality I even got something to eat, toasted sangers and tea. Things went ok after my late start and we were tucked up in bed by 10:30 at Dilgery camp area. Saturday morning Stuart arrived keen to fish some of the upper Manning. We set off in one car to the old Gummi trail where we found the 4x4 and camping show (Newcastle 4 wheel drive club) set up along both sides of the road. We had no choice but to march right through the middle of their camp after a short chat and apologies. We set off down the river much to their amusement that anyone would walk anywhere especially with a load on the back. Skirting around the banks and boulder hoping we were soon at our first waterfall, a mere 23 metres in a couple of stages. After the bolder hoping started in earnest for the next 3km with 2 more waterfalls. We didn’t make the third before lunch as the day was quite humid and a dunk in the river was necessary. Before lunch the going had been much slower than anticipated however afterwards things flattened out and our walking speed picked up considerably. Much to my delight and I suspect the others, we found ourselves at a very distinct oxbow in the river with a very narrow ridge. Progress was better but we wouldn’t make the big waterfall that day or maybe not at all. Stuart tried to catch fish along the way but to no avail, not even a fingerling showed itself. An hour further along from the oxbow I said to the others we will camp for the night on the first reasonable flat we find. As luck would have it we camped in a reasonable spot after clearing of some undergrowth and fallen timber just 300 metres from the best camp site you could

9 imagine. This was also the beginning of the ridge we would take out the next day. We set up, we washed, we ate, we slept until 7:00 the next morning. We did the usual eat, pack, etc and were on our way about 8:00 the plan being to leave the packs at the exit ridge, alias great camp site, and travel down to the big waterfall. The plan worked sort of. The gorge towards the waterfall head got tight, twisty and impossible to travel so we opted for plan B which was up a steep ridge to see if we could get a view of the falls. It worked and the view was great, worth the sweat and fears, 160m above the gorge with unobstructed views and many oows and ahas with lots of photos. Then we had to head for home, the car at least. We gathered our packs and started up and kept going up. We saw a black snake and it saw us but just watched us, not making a move, as we passed by. Up and up we went crossing an old logging track several times about 200m above the river in about 1km. We came to a new track heading in our direction about the same time we became aware of large black rumbling clouds approaching. The rush was on to see if we could get to the car before the cloud got to us. We made it. We got wet anyway changing Stuarts flat tyre after lunch. Nature always gets its way. Thanks Stuart and Dave for a great walk and good company. Ian

Minutes from Mar 2nd General Meeting Meeting opened at 7.10 pm Attendance: J Rothwell, R & P Finlay, G Songberg, L Butler, G Martin, J Cooper, D Ward, I Winkley, T Callanan, J & S Ireland, M O’Brien Apologies: J Ward, S Rothwell Previous Minutes: As per Eskimo scroll – no business arising Reports: Insurance renewal questionnaire – Completed & posted to confederation Subscription to Bushwalker – Mick to organise postage Invoice to Range Rover Club re: Capara Hut rental - $220, Don & Mick Treasurer - $388.70 in bank General Business: Update event calendar New website courtesy Jai & Canoe Aust – Authorisation of short notice trips, club email address, executive meeting to be arranged for additions to website

Meeting closed at 8.15pm

10 Bushcamper Canvas

Mick O'Brien is now operating a new business trading as Bushcamper Canvas For all you canvas and like material repairs or new makings call Bushcamper alias Mick Email: [email protected] Unit 1 / 4 Caesia Place Taree 2430 Phone: 6551 2531 Mobile: 0400 475 835

(A bit of unpaid advertisement, Mick – you owe me Ed)

Wanted Wanted Wanted Those of us in the club who enjoy a bit of canoeing are putting out a plea for those closet canoeist of you or those who you know of who want to once again enjoy this great outdoor activity. Over the last few years the numbers of people who participate in canoeing have waned. Those of us who are still hanging in want to see a revival so we can continue this wonderful pastime. If you are one of those closet canoeists or know of someone who wants to participate in canoeing activities let us know. Send an email in or contact anyone on the front page with what you or your acquaintances would like to do for canoeing activities.

When the Rain is Pouring Down Jenny Kaberry

Have you tried to light a fire when the rain is pouring down? Have you scrounged around for timber when there’re on the ground? Have you huffed and puffed and spluttered? Have you gasped and choked and stuttered? Have you tried to light a fire when the rain is pouring down?

Have you got a fire burning when the rain is pouring down? Have you stood with your umbrella when a spark at last you’ve found? Have you begged and coaxed and muttered when it seemed the fire was gutted? Have you got a fire burning when the rain is pouring down?

11 ADVENTURING CALENDAR It is imperative that participants in events contact the organiser before attending an advertised club event. The organiser then knows how many people are intending to participate and who to contact in case of cancellations, change of venue or dates etc.

Details of all club activities will be available on the notice board at the Taree Camping, BBQs Galore shop. Prospective participants can place their name in the space provided so that the organisers can gain some idea of prospective numbers. Full details of non activities, those sponsored by other organisations can be obtained from the secretary.

Note: Buoyancy vests are compulsory on the all canoe trips and must be worn at all times while on the water. Helmets must also be worn on white kayaks water trips.

March 2006

Mt George Tramline th When: 5 March Where: Woolshed Creek east of Knodingbul road below Dingo peak near Mount George Maps: Knorrit Flat 1:25,000 Activity: To try and discover whether there is anything left of an old timber tramway which used to bring logs to Mount George. We will head up Knodingbul Forest Rd and start exploring from the top end. The aim is to follow the track as far as we can with a campout at Woolshed creek. The next morning we will head south and exit on Knodingbul Forest rd. Grade: Moderate Meet: Mount George shop 8:30 Saturday morning Costs: Nil Contact: Geoff Songberg 6557 0052 or names at Snowgum

In search of Possum’s Brush When: Sun 19 March Where: Tallawahl Nature reserve off Possum Brush Road Maps: Nabiac Activity: Day walk up and down a few hills exploring the nature reserve. Distance of about 15km taking an estimated 5 hours Grade: Moderate Meet: Corner of Possum Brush ant Triton Roads 9.00 o'clock Costs: Nil Contact: Les Butler 6553 2042

Woko Car Camp th th When: 25 and 26 March Where: Woko National Park on the Carricabark road

12 Maps: Tibbuc and Giro 1:25,000 Activity: Plenty of choice with a 2 hr track walk, climb up to the bluff tops, inner tube, boggi board or canoe the . Activities depending on the weather and/or inspiration of participants. Grade: Moderate Meet: Woko NP Camping Area 9.00 o'clock Costs: NP fees if ranger turns up Contact: Ian Winkley 6550 9051

April 2006 Brushy Mtn Car Camp th th When: 8 and 9 April Where: Brushy Mtn rest area on Hastings Forest Way Maps: Kemps Pinnacle & Banda Banda 1:25,000 Activity: Camp at Brushy Mtn undertaking day walks. Walk 1 circuit down Thumbs road, cross country to Forbes River, follow river up to Hastings Forest Way and back to camp. Walk 2 drive to starting point about 1km past junction of Spokes Trail and walk to Kemps Pinnacle. There is a rope scramble to the top for those who want to get to the top. Return the same way. Grade: Moderate Meet: Friday night or Saturday BEFORE 8:30am at Brush Mtn rest area. Costs: Nil Contact: Ian Winkley 6550 9051

Macleay River wilderness paddle th nd When: the week following Easter 17 April to 22 April Where: Upper Macleay above Georges Junction and lower Chandler rivers Maps: 1:25,000 Carrai and Big Hill Activity: An extended live out of the boats trip through Oxley Wild Rivers National Park following the Chandler and Macleay rivers. The trip offers plenty of scenery and as the plan is to take a full week the opportunity for side explorations will exist. Fishing for Bass is also very good. It is also school holidays so plenty of opportunity for kids of all ages to participate. Leave Georges Junction 8:30 Monday morning 17th to drive across range and put in on the Chandler River at the bottom of Carters Trail. Return to Georges Junction Saturday afternoon 22nd. Grade: Easy with the occasional moderate rapid which can all be portaged if desired. Meet: Georges Junction Sunday night or Monday morning 8:00am bright and early Costs: Nil Contact: Don Ward 6552 5837

Brimbin Reserve – Dawsons River When: Sun 30 April Where: Brimbin – off Cedar Party Rd Maps: Wingham

13 Activity: Day walk, picnic and/or canoe trip. If you want you can canoe up the Dawson River and either return the same way or get a lift. Or you can just do a paddle around and about from the reserve. Grade: Easy / Flat water Meet: Brimbin Res picnic ground. Costs: Nil Contact: Mick O’Brien 6551 2531 or 0400 475 835 or names at Snogum

May 2006

Cascade Creek Willi Willi NP th th When: 13 and 14 May Where: Willi Willi National Park near Wilson River picnic area Maps: Banda Banda 1:25,000 Activity: Travel up Cascade Creek to try and reach a 165m high escarpment with possible waterfall. Distance approximately 8km each way. The first 5km looks reasonable on the map. Grade: Advanced Meet: Wilson River picnic area Costs: Nil Contact: Ian Winkley 6550 9051

Dons Bike hike th st When: 19 to 21 May Where: Wingham, Caparra, Dingo Tops, , Elands, Wingham Maps: Wingham, Knorritt Flat, Kerriki, Kokomerican, Comboyne, Bobin 1:25,000 or Forestry Map Activity: Starting at Wingham about 1:00pm ride to Caparra Hut for the first night. Next day leave the hut about 9:30 and head up to Dingo Tops for lunch. In the afternoon travel through the forest to pole dump hut behind Elands. The last day ride across to Ellenborough Falls for lunch and return to Wingham. No need to take gear on the bikes other than water as Don has organised transport for sundry equipment. For those that cannot make it Friday you can start at Caparra Hut on Saturday. Grade: Moderate Meet: Wingham opposite Murray Road School midday Friday for those starting Friday or 9:00am at Caparra Hut for those on Saturday. Costs: $5 per person for fuel cost in support vehicle. Contact: Don Ward 6552 5837

14 June 2006

MEETING – Thursday 1st June 6:30 Snowgum shop AGM As an added incentive there will also be a Pizza Night before the meeting freshly cooked Pizzas at $5 each with proceeds going to help support the club Cost of ingredients donated by Geoff Martin and the Camping shop If you are luck there might even be some drinks at cost. Be there support the club and support the Camping shop, buy something.

Wispering Gully east rd th When: 3 and 4 June Where: Gloucester Tops Maps: Gloucester 1:25,000 Activity: 3km walk up the to Wispering Gully (some walking in the river) to explore old gold mining area. Enjoy beautiful rainforest. Easy weekend. Walk in and out is approximately 3 hrs Grade: Easy Meet: Spring Creek Rd & Buckets Way 8:00am Costs: Nil Contact: Ian Winkley 6550 9051

Apsley Gorge – Oxley Wild Rivers When: Fri – Mon, 9,10,11,12 June Where: Yarrowitch – Walcha areas Maps: Tia, Apsley Activity: 3 day – 2 night pack walk along the Apsley River beginning approx 6k upstream from junction finishing near Stoney Ck Junction Grade: Moderate with a long steep descent into gorge & a steep but short climb back out Meet: Tia Falls campground Fri/Sat Costs: Nil – Share car Contact: Mick O’Brien 6551 2531 or 0400 475 835 or names at Snowgum

July 2006

Budawangs nd th When: 2 to 8 July (first week of school holidays) Where: Budawang Ranges near Braidwood, to Castle Maps: Corang 1:25,000

15 Activity: Day 1 travel to Wog Wog rest area and camp the night. Day 2 Walk to Burrambeet Cave via Korra Hill, Corang Peak and Arch. Day 3 short day walk to Bibbenluke cave and for the adventurous explore anvil rock and Mt Tarn. Day 4 (lite packs) Mt Cole, Seven Gods pinnacles, Monolith Valley, Mt Mooryan and the Castle, return via Mt Owen. Day 5 walk back to Burrumbeet cave and rest. Day 6 return to Wog Wog via profile rock Canowie Brook, Corang River cascades, camp the night at Wog Wog. Day 7 return home. Grade: Moderate Meet: To be advised Costs: Share transport costs Contact: Ian Winkley 6550 9051

CLUB LOANER $20 per day all inclusive to all club members CLUB PLASTIC CANADIAN, PADDLES, BOUYANCY VESTS AND HELMETS Losses and damage must be paid for by the user Enquiries: Geoff 6557 0052

DONS FLOGGING POST 1 pair Rossi “Raptor” walking boots size 8 Brown. New $150 1 pair “Head” 195mm skis (snow) $20 good condition 1 pair size 8 ski (snow) boots $10 old but good condition Farm trailer $50 Old 8’ roller door Free Phone Don 6552 5837

16