THE BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. NEWSLETTER it GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 VOLUME 38 January 2002 NUMBER 1

JANUARY “MEETING” 6pm Wednesday 16th BYO Barbecue Black Mountain Peninsula If barbecues are disabled because of the fire situation, bring a picnic tea and still enjoy the company of friends. Follow the CBC signs on Garryowen Drive your continuing service to the club 2002 has been declared by the David. PRESIDENT’S United Nations the International PRATTLE As a follow-up to our photographic Year of the Mountains. I have exhibition and Heritage grant, we been approached by a couple of Welcome to 2002, which already are required to have some kind of club members with a proposal for presents the club with some inter- presence at the 2002 Heritage the club to mark IYOTM by: Festival in April. As the photos esting challenges and projects. • including walks to all of the have had a very good public expo- Firstly, congratulations to long- ACT’s higher peaks on the sure through being on show at time club member David Campbell club program over the course Namadgi Visitors Centre through for his work in preparing a success- of the year ful grant submission to the the summer, I have arranged with Department of Sport and Recrea- the Festival director to do a bush- • using the walks to promote tion. The club has received $1000 walk for the program, visiting one awareness of the purpose of which will enable 12 members to of the places pictured in the exhi- IYOTM bition. Chris De Bruin’s photo of attend a remote area First Aid • using the walks as a vehicle for course with 50% subsidy of their Nursery Swamp has provided the focus, and so I will put on a walk raising funds for an environ- costs. David has also been chosen mental/social project in a to represent the club on a working to the area: It will be part of the club’s normal program but also a mountain community in a less group preparing a Walking and developed country Camping Strategy for the Morton public event on the Festival’s , an area calendar. I hope some of you will I am in favour of the project, and in which he has been closely in- join me on what should be a very will be asking the committee to nd volved for some years. Thanks for pleasant day in April, and a good consider it at our meeting on 22 chance to promote the club. January.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 1 I would therefore appreciate any Our club has already been involved club members who have views on in activities which support some of Mountain Maps the proposal (either for or against) these aims. Our broom-clearing on or ideas on other ways to mark the Cotter, water-quality testing in The NSW mapping authority has IYOTM, to get in touch with me the upland swamps of Namadgi, recently released a series of before this date, so we can consider track improvement and erosion 1:25000 maps of those parts of the your ideas at the meeting. Any control in the Budawangs and previously decisions reached by the committee general interest in protection of the covered by the 1:50000 sheets will of course be presented to the Snowy Mountains area against Khancoban, Mount Kosciusko and club membership for consideration rampant development are all exam- Thredbo. Details of the new maps and vote. ples of this. 2002 will be a good are as follows: year to focus our walking on the Best wishes to all club members for mountains we love, in ways that Khancoban 1:50000 a happy, safe and active New Year. benefit both the environment and Jenny Horsfield the people who depend on them, Greg Greg Toolong President both here and abroad. Range 8525-4N 8525-1N WALKS WAFFLE Quotes from website: www.uno.org Search: FAO Swampy Jagungal mountains. Press Release SAG/76 Plain International Year of Mountains. For most of us, our favourite Bushfires. Summer is upon us and 8525-4S 8525-1S bushwalking areas are in moun- already fires have been burning in tains (or plateaus, in ) - some of our national parks. Re- Mount Kosciusko 1:50000 Namadgi, the Snowies, the Blue cently on a Friday afternoon, all Mountains, the Budawangs. Many packed up and ready to leave for a Scammells Geehi Dam of us have travelled further afield weekend on the upper Kowmung Lookout to experience real mountains, to and Box Creek, a little concerned 8525-3N 8525-2N New Zealand, perhaps, or to the that Saturday’s weather forecast ultimate mountain destination, was for showers, I received a Youngal Perisher Nepal. In Australia, most of our phone call informing me that Valley mountainous areas are in or near Kanangra-Boyd N.P. was closed 8525-3S 8525-2S wilderness; in many overseas due to bushfires. We checked it on countries, high mountain valleys the NPWS website - yes, overnight Thredbo 1:50000 are home to millions of people. camping and bushwalking were out for the weekend. Tom Chimneys So it’s not surprising that the Groggin Ridge announcement that 2002 is to be I decided to check with the ranger the International Year of Moun- at Oberon. She sounded a little 8524-4N 8524-1N tains has already aroused miffed. She hadn’t closed the park. There were fires burning in the Davies Charcoal considerable interest in the club. Plain Range The IYM is a United Nations Food lower Kowmung and the Bindook and Agriculture Organisation area of the southern Blue Moun- 8524-4S 8524-1S initiative to “promote the conser- tains, but none anywhere near where we intended to walk. She Apart from providing greater detail vation and sustainable development and more up-to-date coverage than of mountain regions, thereby strongly advised us to go. We went. We had a very pleasant the existing 1:50000 series, each ensuring the well-being of both map has an aerial photo of the area mountain inhabitants and lowland weekend with cool weather and a little drizzle on Saturday. covered by the map on its reverse communities”. It recognises that side. “mountains are fragile ecosystems So if you hear that a park has been which are globally important as closed due to fire but the weather [Ed: I have not seen or used one of these new maps, but comment on some water towers of the earth, reposito- looks cool and damp, it’s worth ries of rich biodiversity, popular internet forums has not been favour- checking with the ranger before able. Apparently, the new maps simply destinations for recreation and you cancel your trip. copy the info from the old series - e.g. tourism and areas of important a 20 metre contour interval which can cultural heritage”. Among other Meg McKone Walks Secretary easily lead to confusion. I welcome things, it wishes to “raise more feedback from club users for publica- awareness of the social and eco- [A report on Meg's Christmas trip, tion next month. Am] nomic benefits of investing in including the effect of the fires, will Terence Uren mountain areas”. be in the next it]

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 2 The Pimple which is 1.5 k from the of the walk, conditions on the TRIP REPORT track head provides excellent views day, the availability of water of the majestic cliffs of the a knoll along the way and your own BURROWA – PINE to the north. metabolism - ask your leader for advice MOUNTAIN NATIONAL The highlight of this walk was the PARK forest through which the track • drink often - in hot weather, it meanders. As the track ascends it can be difficult to avoid dehy- DECEMBER 2000 passes through a variety of differ- dration if you only drink at In 1979 whilst paddling down the ent eco systems culminating in regular rest stops - take extra Murray , a large mountain stands of magnificent of eucalypt drink stops as needed or rig up between the Tintaldra and Jingellic on the upper slopes. There are also something that allows you to pubs, caught my imagination. It extensive fields of wild flowers and drink while you are walking a purple orchid between the rocky appeared to be a feature worthy of • don't use 'feeling thirsty' as a exploration. In 1999 at a confer- areas. Many of these plants I have never seen before. guide to when to drink - if you ence in Albury I read a pamphlet are feeling thirsty it is probably on Pine Mountain, citing it as the Thanks to John Kelly who accom- too late biggest monolith in the world, far panied me on the weekend and to • larger than Uluru. Whilst I did not Peter Wellman who provided regularly monitor the colour of believe their claim, a dubious advice and maps on the tracks and your urine - it should be a pale interpretation of statistical data, I camping areas. Further information straw colour - if it is clear, you was intrigued and decided to or- is also available on the web at are drinking more than you ganise a walk in the area. http://www.walkabout.com.au/fairf need (not a problem unless ax/locations/VICTintaldra.shtml water is scarce) - if it is yellow Burrowa-Pine Mountain National or darker (except first thing in Park is a steep, rocky, remote and This park has many other possi- the morning), you are not highly scenic area which consists bilities for walks both on and off drinking enough of two distinct geological zones. It track. is a 4 hour drive to the park from • drink water, weak black tea or Canberra. Roger Edwards diluted sports drinks A well formed foot pad leads up to A GREAT BIG • avoid sweet drinks, coffee, the summit of Pine Mountain. It alcohol and sweet snacks. takes about 5 hours return. Pine THIRST Fail to take these precautions and Mountain is a red granite monolith. there's a good chance that you will There are numerous large granite As we move into the peak summer experience some of the following boulders, platforms and shelves walking season, we need to be symptoms: that provide extensive and mag- aware of the increased risks of nificent views over the upper dehydration and heat stress that we • thirst, tiredness, headache Valley and of the all face. A few simple precautions • weakness, dizziness, disorien- . To the south is the can help minimise these risks. tation Mt Burrowa area with its rugged • make sure you are reasonably rhyolite cliffs and peaks. The best • painful muscle cramps fit viewing platform is on an obvious • nausea, vomiting. rocky ridge 300 metres north east • wear loose fitting, breathable of the summit. clothing and a brimmed hat If you do experience these symp- toms, it is important that you stop There are numerous rare and en- • minimise exertion and expo- immediately, move to a cool place dangered botanic species in this sure during the hottest part of and lie down. Adequate rest is section of the park including the the day rare phantom wattle. essential for recovery. You should • have a big drink before you also: On the second day we walked to leave home, just before you • remove any excess clothing the summit of Mt Burrowa. The start walking and before you walk is again on a foot pad that is leave the river to climb that big • gradually replace lost fluids indicated by markers on the trees. hill • The track can be indistinct in parts. use damp cloths to cool face, • Only a 7 ½ k each way walk but leave some water in the car to neck, armpits and groin drink at the end of the walk there are several steep and long • gently stretch (but do not climbs on scree to negotiate. It took • carry plenty of water - how massage) cramped muscles us 7 hours to complete this walk. much will depend on the nature

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 3 • be fanned by another member too much thick creek bash before forests of tree ferns. Eventually it of your party we were in the canyon. closed in again and the canyoning began several interesting abseils Do not move on until you feel Nice canyon featuring water one hook on through a tunnel recovered. If the symptoms reap- sculptured narrow passageways, created by a fallen bolder. The pear, be prepared to make an early only two short swims, six or so final waterfall abseil into Rocky camp or spend an unplanned night fairly standard abseils, couple of Creek presented a good lunch spot in the bush. If you ignore these waterfall descents (not much water with a glimpse of sun now and symptoms and press on, you may so not too wet) last one about 45 m then. turn your heat stress into more and very picturesque. Into Rocky serious heat exhaustion or poten- Creek for lunch unfortunately no 15 minutes upstream to reverse tially fatal heat stroke. warm sun. Headed upstream Rocky Creek canyon. I’ve done looking for a way out and found a this several times and always enjoy References: St John Ambulance steep side gully with some very it. Rocky creek is one of the most Australia - Remote Area First Aid handily placed tree roots to break popular Blue Mountain canyons, Field Guide the first cliff line. Continued scenic and sporting with jumps and Russell Willis - Guide to Bush- upstream a few 100 m until a swims (and mermaids in fluoro wet walking in North and Central convenient ramp provided a possi- suits and floatation vests) (no Australia ble scramble through the second abseils but). If you can do the cliff line just followed a steep ridge Wallangambe you probably can do John Wiseman - The SAS Survival to the top from here. (I later re- Rocky Creek canyon and it’s even Handbook. read the guide book – should have more beautiful. Terence Uren gone down stream above the tree I decided not to reverse Sheep Dip roots to the possible rout I could with the others, as I was expecting see there) Back to the car by 6 pm. TRIP REPORT to get too cold (and I only did it a Good canyon excellent day with a couple of weeks ago). The extra little of everything bushwalking, glow given to the bush by the 4 Closet, Coachwood, Rocky navigation rout finding and of happy canyoners walking up the Creek and Sheep Dip canyons. course canyoning. Camped on the track an hour later showed I made a long paddock a couple hundred m th th bad decision. It was “the best” I 8 9 December 2001 from the Glow-worm/Galah turn heard repeatedly as they replayed off. Pleasant night, campfire, Party:- Dave Drohan, Amie their story of teamwork, misad- drizzle later but tents reasonably Sweeting, Garry Roberts, Doug venture, amazing feats and joy of dry in the morning. Floyd. life. Hey what the, I had a great The drive down was accompanied To Rock Creek car park before 9 to weekend and saw a couple of new, by rain and fog in the mountains, head for coachwood canyon. well worthwhile canyons in the the NP web site listed a number of Followed the track to the tree fern company of some wonderful peo- areas closed because of bush fires. gully for a while then bush bashed ple. Thanks folks. to the canyon. Hand line into the Not an auspicious start you would Doug Floyd think and just a little contradictory, creek and then down stream to a (fire and rain). Saturday dawned most impressive waterfall into a MEMBERSHIP wet and grey. Away from Black- deep amphitheatre where 3 creeks heath where we stayed with 3 joined. The book said one rope but MATTERS climbers, by 7 am, at the locked this looked like a lot more than one gate on the Galah canyon road and rope worth, any way set up and Prospective members: walking by 8:30, dull and overcast when I got to edge I could see a with just occasional fine drizzle. convenient ledge 20 m down. With Simone Murray, Adam Campbell. 2 abseils found myself in a delight- Followed the Rocky Creek “alter- New members: ful place looking up a most nate” exit track. At the appropriate impressive waterfall abseil (take 2 Katherine Jones, Allan Donnelly, place, found a sidetrack, leading ropes next time). Andy Hrast, Annette Hrast, Gra- my way, this split again, the other ham Carey, Kate Dawson. The creek continued on with the path going down towards Breakfast Roger Edwards extensive stands of the tall trees Creek canyon not far on. Then Membership Secretary followed the faint track on top of that give the canyon its name. the ridge most of the way eventu- Impressive tall cliffs (not quite on Subscription Due? the scale of yesterday), flat sandy ally lost that and continued on to Send payment ($25 single, $33 house- the appropriate place to head east. bottom, spectacular hanging gar- hold) and the form in the September it Luckily just the right spot as not dens of fern and other plants, to the Membership Secretary

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 4 George then programmed a trip for This section of the Clyde Gorge TRIP REPORT early December. He then had the has become very overgrown, and it problem about whether to attempt was impossible to keep to the old Landslide Creek, Pigeon Landslide with or without packs. If fire trail. we took our packs and failed to get House Mountain. On Sunday, we took our packs and out the top, we would have a long started the circuit up Pigeon House return with full packs. If we left 1-2 December 2001 Creek and then Landslide Creek. A them at the campsite, we would discussion about navigation led to In October 2000, a small group of have to return to pick them up and us using a GPS to confirm our us visited the large pool at the not complete the circuit. So, a few position (we had at least 3 in the junction of the Clyde River and weeks before the walk, George, party and they all agreed!). The Pigeon House Creek, and thought it John Thwaite, and I did an ex- creek had little water in it and some would be a beaut place to camp and ploratory to attempt to get into of the pools we had swum in at the explore the creek. George Carter Landslide Creek from the top and beginning of the year were now then programmed a trip there in reach the point we had got to bone dry. After some quite tiring early 2001 and we duly parked at earlier in the year (or be bluffed by clinbing to heave ourselves and the Clyde bridge / Yadboro Flat cliffs or a waterfall). At least we packs up and over boulders, we and walked in to the junction pool. should know whether the circuit finally reached the spot where we There had been a lot of rain, the was feasible. river was high, and the going slow, knew the circuit was possible and so we simply camped on Saturday This exploration involved climbing there would not be an impassable afternoon and planned a short Pigeon House and descending the waterfall around the next corner. northern side, where we missed the exploratory with day packs for It was interesting to me that even track and ended up bush bashing Sunday morning. though we had been there only down the mountain parallel to a three weeks before, the water level This consisted of walking up very good quality formed track. had fallen considerably, and parts Pigeon House Creek and then We found a way through the top of the creek seemed unfamiliar to Landslide Creek, which proved to cliffline into the Creek and headed me. I envy those club members be very nice, with pools, cascades, down. Unfortunately, we ran out of who can remember routes and and small waterfalls with several time before reaching our previous places for years! opportunities for swims. We high point and were thus still not resolved to return some time and sure whether the circuit was possi- We gained the firetrail on the ridge, see whether it was possible to do a ble. However, the map and our were far too late for the planned circuit which would get us out of visual inspection of the terrain of side trip up Pigeon House Moun- Landslide Creek on to Wombat the unknown gap gave us hope. tain, and returned to the cars Ridge below Pigeon House and The return to the car was not fun as through Longfellow Pass. The return through Longfellow Pass. we had to climb and descend descent to the Clyde on fire trail is We consulted old hands, Bu- again. very steep and we were glad to have done the walk in that direc- dawangs experts, and asked on the One interesting side benefit of this tion! Even though it was later than internet but were unable to find out trip was to check the "best" access expected (but still daylight) when whether an exit from Landslide to Clyde Bridge / Pigeon House. we got back to the cars, most of us was possible. So, when Helen We went via the Western Dis- enjoyed a refreshing dip in the Stevens contacted us with infor- tributor and returned via the Coast Clyde to round off an enjoyable mation that she would be returning and . For the Pigeon trip. to Canberra for a weekend, was House carpark, the coast route was suffering from Budawang with- longer in distance but shorter in Thanks George for organising this drawal, and could George organise time. For Clyde Bridge, we decided trip to a new route for all of us. It is a walk, we planned an exploratory the Western Distributor was still certainly a place I will return to. I to Landslide in early September. the way to go and return unless we certainly recommend Landslide Unfortunately, it rained, the river really wanted to sample the sea- Creek as an excellent specimen of a was very high, the rocks in Land- food at the Bay for after walk eats. rugged creek with lots of interest- slide would be extremely ing rocks and vegetation. dangerous for rock hopping, so we So in early December, 12 of us met aborted the trip on Saturday after- up and walked into the junction of Thanks also to other members of noon and returned home still not Pigeon House Creek and the Clyde the group for sharing a pleasant sure whether Landslide would and set up camp. We spent the rest weekend. "go". of Saturday afternoon on a walk up Allan Mikkelsen the Clyde about 3 or 4 kilometres to an old favourite swimming hole.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 5 INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS IN CBC ACTIVITIES

GRADING OF WALKS - Distance/Difficulty BOOKINGS: Distance: Ring the leader early rather than late. Please ring by Thursday 2.00pm for the following weekend (both one day (S) Short - under 12km/day. and two day walks) so the leader has time to arrange (M) Medium - 12-20km/day. transport. (L) Long - over 20km/day. 16 is the maximum, unless a smaller number is advertised in NOTE: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every the program. 100 metres climbed. Difficulty: Please be specific if the leader asks about your (E) Easy - fire trail, tracks, beaches etc. experience in the activity. Check with the leader about: • the need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc (M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub. • appropriate clothing, suitable foot-wear, etc; and (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles. • any precautions you might need to take for severe (W) Wet - compulsory swims, some river crossings. weather changes, etc. Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you’re new to our Club.. NOTE: Every person taking part in a CBC activity does so as a volunteer in all respects and accepts responsibility for any personal injury or loss incurred. Visitors may join Club trips. However, because of insurance limitations visitors are restricted to a total of 5 trips with the Club. After that visitors MUST join the Club to join more Club trips Prospective participants should check with the leader that they are capable of completing the proposed trip based on their previous experience, fitness and personal capabilities. Participants should also ask the leader what the trip entails and what food, equipment or special skills are required. Conversely, leaders should also ensure these points are checked and may reject an applicant they consider unsuitable for the trip. TRANSPORT: Costs are presently 30¢/km/car, divided equally among ALL participants. This amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on: the condition of the roads; the number of passengers per car; and other factors. The figures given for individual trips are estimates only, based on four people per car and other factors - costs may rise if cars are only partly filled. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. SEARCH & RESCUE ORGANISATION S&R Contacts: David Campbell 6254 1511 (h); Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 (h); or Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). CHECK-IN / CONTACT OFFICER The Check-in /Contact Officer for the Club is Stan Marks Ph: 6254 9568 (h) or 6274 7350 (w). He, or failing Stan, David Campbell (not the Police or other bodies) should be the first point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning from a trip. Leaders must also report the safe return OR cancellation of their trip to the Check-in Officer.

EQUIPMENT HIRE Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equipment. The Equipment Officer is Rob Horsfield, who can be contacted on 6231 4535 (h). The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are set out below. Hirers are responsible for collecting and returning the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for members who are 'first time' weekend walkers. A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, depending on the condition of the items upon return (eg. damaged or dirty) and whether they are returned late. Item w.e./week Item w.e./week Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 Assorted packs $5 / $15 Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 Long bed compass no charge - just a $5 deposit Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting gear.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 6 ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Meg McKone (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6254 5902 (h), E-mail: [email protected], Post: 22 Longworth Pl, Holt ACT 2615

Wednesday 9 January: Wednesday Walk Wednesday 16 January- Barbecue The regular mid-week walk series continues, close 6pm at Black Mountain Peninsula. to Canberra with a destination to be decided. BYO everything. Contact the leader before or at the It collation. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Thursday 17 January: Evening walk series - Mulligans Flat Nature Park S / E Saturday 12 January: Namadgi N.P. S / E-M This walk is on the eastern side of the Nature Park Bushfold Flats. A pleasant walk from (just north of map 22 Gregory’s), roughly opposite Booroomba Rocks along a picturesque section of where we went in November. Lovely light forest, the Australian Alps Walking Track. Early start to plenty of kangaroos, etc. Go down avoid the worst of the heat, morning tea at Bush- Drive until you see the Nature Park on your right fold Flats and home in time for lunch. Car shuffle and the carpark is there. No need to book, be there required. Maps: Corin Dam, Williamsdale at 6.40pm Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h); 1:25000. Leader: Terence Uren 6282 2403(h). 6274 7350(w). Email: [email protected] Transport: ~$8 Note: Limit of 8. Map: n/a. Transport: nominal. 12-13 January: Brogo Dam near Bega Saturday 19 January: Morton N.P. S / M Easy, pleasant 10 km paddle up to the headwaters Bundanoon Creek is a lovely spot on a hot sum- of pretty Brogo Dam, make camp and walk up- mer day with its leafy and shady pools. Prior to stream through the cool pools, with a swim on the descending into the Creek we will take in Erith way. Very good local canoe hire. Suit beginners. Coal Mine and waterfall and some of the lookouts. Map: Brogo 1:25 000. Leaders: Sandy Berry & There is also a hidden waterfall on a side creek Ian Smith 6282 1226(h). Transport: ~$35. Local which I will show you. On the way out we will canoe hire available. visit Fairy Bower Falls and leave that way if the Friday 11-13 January: Ettrema Classic ladders have been repaired. There is a 200-300 L / R / W metre descent on the track to the creek. Map: We leave Canberra early on Friday morning and Bundanoon 1:25000. Leader: Vance Brown make our way from Tullyangela Clearing down 6251 3997(h). Transport: ~ $22 including park Tullyangela Creek to camp at the junction with fee. Ettrema. On Saturday we head up Ettrema to My- Sunday 20 January: Lake Googong Kayak all Creek and the following day scramble up Trip Myall. There will be lots of rockhopping and Day trip on Googong starting early while the water probably some compulsory swims as well as de- is still. Bring lunch. Option of hiring canoes in lightful pools to cool off in. The first day is a Canberra. Easy drive from Canberra. Suit begin- particularly long and energetic one and the exit up ners. Leader: Julie Cronin 6281 0002(h). Map: Myall Ck involves steep, exposed scrambling on ACT Govt ‘Lake Googong’. Costs TBA rock. Leader: John I’Ons 6231 6326(h). Map: Touga 1:25 000. Transport: ~$26. Limit of 8. Sunday 20 January: Budawang N.P. M / M Sugarloaf Creek. From the bottom of Clyde Friday 11-13 January: Budawangs L / R Mountain we will explore the upper reaches of and Rainforests of the Budawangs. This Sugarloaf creek. Expect lovely rainforest, cas- is a very scenic circuit with many swims. Starting cades, ferns and perhaps leeches! Volleys from Yadboro we will go via Monolith Valley, recommended as we will be wading and rockhop- Angel Creek rainforest (camp above Crooked ping in the creek. No compulsory swims but there Falls), Hollands Creek, Clyde River (camp at will be opportunities to have a dip. Leader: Allan junction) and Castle Gap. Maps: Corang Mikkelsen 6278 3164. Map: Monga 1:25 000. 1:25000, CMW Budawangs. Leader: George Transport: ~$18 Carter 6251 2130(h). Transport: ~$25.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 7 19-20 January: Kosciuszko N.P. M / M 26-28 January: Kosciuszko Gourmet Week- Blue Waterholes. Walk from Tantangara Reser- end L / E or M / M voir to Caves Ck. View historic huts and unusual Leave Canberra 1pm on Saturday and do the shor- limestone topography and camp at a beautiful site tish Waterfalls walk at Sawpit Ck , then on to our at the junction of Caves Ck and the Goodradigbee accommodation at Southern Alps Ski Lodge, R. Time for swimming and exploring. Leader: Charlottes Pass. On Sunday I will lead the Blue Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535(h). Maps: Rules Lake - Kosciuszko circuit (22km on track), and Point, Peppercorn 1:25 000; Tantan- Michelle Weston will lead a walk mostly off track, gara:1:50 000. Transport: ~$30. probably Mt Townsend. On Monday we will do the Porcupine Track at Perisher before heading Tuesday 22 January - Committee Meeting home. Two “everyone bring something” gourmet and It closing meals in the evenings. Leader: Stan Marks 8pm at the home of Jenny Horsfield 6254 9568(h); 6274 7350(w). Email: 11 Studley Street, Kambah [email protected]. Map: TBA. Trans- AUSTRALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND: 26-28 port: ~$50 including park entry. JANUARY Accommodation: ~$35.

Saturday 26 January: Namadgi N.P. 26-28 January: Canyoning Course M / R / W M / R / W? Third practical. The club has 2 sets of gear, if you Cow Flat Creek . On this circuit walk from Ben- don’t have your own. Prussic loops will be needed. dora, we walk up a spur, then drop down into the Leader: Dave Drohan 6249 8702(h), creek and return. Expect some nice views, and 6266 4465(w). Limit of 4 or 8 (depending on ex- possible wet feet. Sandshoes recommended. pertise of group) Transport: ~ $40 Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25000. Leader: Brian Surin Tuesday 29 January: Full Moon Paddle 6231 3950 (h). Transport: ~$8. Limit of 8. Launch from the Orana Bay boat ramp, Yarra- Sunday 27 January: Murrumbidgee S / M lumla at 6.00pm for a brisk paddle to Molonglo Gigerline Gorge. For those not going away for Reach and back with a stop for dinner on Spring- the long weekend, this is a pleasant walk along the bank Island to watch the sunset and moonrise. Murrumbidgee upstream from Tharwa. It encom- Bring a torch and something to eat. Previous ex- passes a pleasant little gorge with lots of perience desirable. Map: Canberra UBD. swimming holes and is ideal for a hot summer day. Leader: Terence Uren 6282 2403(h). No need to There is some moderate to easy rock hopping but book. nothing too exposed. If the river level is right Thursday 31 January: Evening walk series - there are natural jacuzzis to be sampled. The re- Mt Ainslie S / E turn via the Tharwa store should not be too late. Meet at the car park on the eastern side at the back Map: ACT 1:100 000. Leader: Vance Brown of the War Memorial and wander around and 62513997(h). Transport: ~$6. eventually over Mt Ainslie, using mostly lesser 26-28 January: Budawangs N.P. M / R / W used tracks. No need to book, be there at 7pm. Back to the Bimberamala. About 6 km pack Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h); walking to a base camp at the river, then several 6274 7350(w). Email: [email protected] trips to all those side creeks with their waterfalls, Map: n/a. Transport: nominal. rock pools and rain forest vegetation. Map: Sunday 3 February: Umpteenth Ettrema Day Brooman 1:25 000. Leader: Gösta Lyngå Trip S / R 6288 7009(h). Transport: ~$25. This popular day trip allows day walkers a chance 26-28 January: Kosciuszko N.P. M / M to see why weekend walkers rave about Ettrema. Mt Jagungal. Saturday: walk in from Round Mtn Enter by a steep and rough creek near the upstream along a fire trail through spectacular mountain end of Sentry Box Canyon. We will bludge up- plains and snow gum woodlands, via Tollong stream from pool to pool for several hours before Range, Derschkos Hut and camp by , reluctantly leaving via Rock Slabs Creek (the one below Mt Jagungal. Sunday: ascend Jagungal and downstream of Bullfrog). Leader: Allan Mikkel- explore surrounds. Refreshing dip in the Tumut sen. 6278 3164. Map: Nerriga 1:25000. ponds. Monday: return along Tumut R., via Transport: ~$26. Limit of 8. Round Mtn Hut to Round Mtn carpark. Leader: John Kelly 6241 3814(h); 6206 4659(w). Map: Kosciuszko 1:100 000. Transport: ~$35. Limit of 8.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 8 2-3 February: Ettrema Classic #2 M / R Tuesday 12 February- IT Collation This trip is a lot less energetic than last month’s 8:00PM at the home of Rene Lays trip to Ettrema. We will enter via Transportation 57 Shannon Circuit, Kaleen Spur, include a side trip up lovely Jones Creek, BYO everything barbecue at 6:00PM then on Sunday rendezvous with the day trip. There will be plenty of opportunities for swim- Wednesday 13 February: Wednesday Walk ming, but no compulsory swims. Considerable The regular mid-week walk series continues, close rockhopping is involved but the pace will be mod- to Canberra with a destination to be decided. erate. Probably the most challenging part of the Contact the leader before or at the It collation. trip will be trying to persuade day trip participants Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). to carry your pack for a while. Leader: Alan Thursday 14 February: Evening walk series - Vidler 6290 0490. Maps: Touga, Nerriga Black Mountain S / E 1:25000. Transport: ~$26. Meet at the “carpark” at the intersection of Rani (1)2-3 February: Kosciuszko N.P. M / M Road and Caswell Drive, perhaps 200m north of Mt - Tin Hut. Drive down Friday the Glenloch Interchange (A1 of map 50, Greg- night and camp at Island Bend. From Munyang ory’s). Spend the early evening wandering around Power Station follow Disappointment Spur up to Black Mountain Reserve. No need to book, be Mt Gungartan for sweeping views in all directions there at 6.40pm Leader: Stan Marks then descend to Tin Hut for night. Next day cross 6254 9568(h); 6274 7350(w). Email: Gungartan and Schlink Passes. Side trip to Dicky [email protected] Map: n/a. Transport: Cooper Bogong from Schlink Pass. First day nominal. mostly off-track, some scrub, 750m climb. Sunday 17 February: Namadgi N.P. M / R Leader: Lauraine Reynolds 6231 6591(h), Mt Clear Circuit. This walk starts at the Mt 6234 1454(w). Map: Kosciuszko 1:50 000. Clear car park, goes down the Naas Rr track then Transport: ~$30 plus park entry. Fuel stoves turns up through the scrub to climb the mountain. only. Limit of 8. The return is mostly on track. Leader: Rob Hors- Sunday 10 February: Namadgi N.P. M / R field 6231 4535(h). Maps: Colinton, Mount Yarara. A short but sharp climb (600 1:25 000. Transport: ~$10. metres) from the Naas river to the top of Mt 16-17 February: Walk and Canoe the Shoal- Yarara. I have never been here but hope to get haven in one trip! M / M / W good views as the map indicates a lack of vegeta- This popular walk from last three years is repeated tion on the top. Leader: Roger Edwards assuming that the Shoalhaven can be crossed 6288 7863(h). Map: 1:25 000. without trouble. More details next it. Please book Transport: ~$10. Limit of 8. by Feb 1st as arrangements have to be made. 9-10 February: Lake Talbingo Paddle Minimum number 8 (4 each way). Maximum Leader: Mike Bremers 6292 3408(h). Cost TBA. number 16 (8 each way). Suitable for beginners. Map: CMA 1:50 000 ‘Southern Lakes’. Maps: Caoura 1:25000, Burrier 1:25000 Lead- ers: Gösta Lyngå 6288 7009(h); Steven Shaw 9-10 February: Canyoning Trip M / R / W 6258 7541(h); book with Gösta. Transport : about This weekend is not part of the formal course, but $29 + canoe hire $26 per person. is intended to build on the skills learnt. Location: Blue Mountains canyons. Leader: Dave Drohan (15)16-17 February: Kanangra-Boyd N.P. 6249 8702(h); 6266 4465(w). Transport: ~ $40. M-L / M-R Limit of 4 or 8 (for experienced canyoners). Christys Creek, Cambage Spire. Drive to Kan- angra Walls Fri night for a short car shuffle and 9-10 February: Wadbilliga N.P. M / R early start Sat morning. Follow the Uni Rover Lake Creek, Queens Pound River: This is a su- Trail and Amble Easy Ridge to beautiful Christys perb circuit in the . We Ck for 5 kms of rockhopping and a compulsory walk up Lake Creek, climb (400m) over a ridge, swim (waterproof packs). Exit on track via Cam- then return down the Queens Pound River to its bage Spire to scenic Kanangra Walls, a 750 metre junction with the . There are climb. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902. Maps: idyllic pools as well as some good views on the Yerranderie, Kanangra 1:25 000. Transport: crossover. Map: Yowrie 1:25000. Leader: ~$39 + N.P. fees of $6 per car per day. Limit of 8. George Carter 6251 2130(h). Transport: about $21. Limit of 8. Wednesday 20 February Monthly Meeting 8pm Australian Academy of Science

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 9 (22) Saturday 23 February: Murramarang Tuesday 5 - Sunday 10 March: Bogong High Coast Kayaking Plains Circuit L / M A skills development paddle with a professional A classic circuit starting and finishing at Bogong Instructor along open coastline from Villlage. The general plan is to circle round the to Durras. Includes some non-landable stretches. plains, ascending many of the higher peaks and to Participants must have a suitably equipped sea finish with an ascent of Mt Bogong, at 1986m the kayak, previous ocean paddling experience and highest peak in Victoria. Most of the walk will be good paddle fitness. Car shuffle required. Maps: above the treeline so adequate wet weather gear Kioloa, Durras 1:25000. Leader: Terence Uren, will need to be carried. Leader: Mark Hopkins 6282 2403(h). Transport: As negotiated. Instruc- 6282 8481(h). Map: Bogong Alpine Area tion: $60/person. Note: Limit of 6. (VICMAP) 1:50 000. Transport ~$70. 23-24 February: Shoalhaven M / R 9-10 march: Day walks needed!! Tullyangela Clearing - Wineglass Tor - Tims 9-10 March: Morton & Budawang N.P.s M / R Creek. Travel north of North Oaky creek to Peach , Belowra Creek. We walk up the Tree Canal with its old mine workings, then a se- Yadboro River, cross Wirritin Ridge (350m ries of open ridges to Wineglass Tor for panoramic climb), follow Belowra Creek downstream to the views of Great Horseshoe Bend. More open Yadboro, then retrace our steps back to the cars. walking via Specimen Hill then a steep descent to The pools are magnificent, the ridge is clear and camp upstream of Little Horseshoe Bend, next to a there are glimpses of the central Budgwangs. great swimming spot on the Shoalhaven R. Next Map: Corang 1:25000. Leader: George Carter, day, rock hop up Tims Gully to Sparkes Falls, then 6251 2130(h). Transport: ~$25. Limit of 8. follow a series of open ridges back to the cars. This classic walk is described, more or less, in CANBERRA DAY LONG WEEKEND: 16-18 “Fitzroy Falls and Beyond”, p178ff. Leader: Alan MARCH: Day walks needed!! Vidler 6290 0490 Map: Touga 1:25000. Trans- (15)16-18 March: Ben Boyd Light-to-Light port: ~$28. M / E 23-24 February: M / R Enjoy a great coastline, abundant wildlife and a Woila Creek. Walk up Woila Creek from its fascinating history. Car camping at Saltwater junction with . Slothful summer trip Creek, within . We’ll go up a delightful creek with plenty of time for down Fri night and car shuffle to Boyd’s Tower on swimming, tea drinking and fulminating on the Sat, and to Green Cape on Sun. Leisurely return state of the world. Energetic walkers may do side on Monday. Take bird-spotting books and cam- trips. Leader: Rene Davies 6230 1081(h). Email: eras. All on track; day packs only required. [email protected] Map: Badja and Belowra Leaders: Michelle Weston 6241 3843(h); Michael 1:25 000. Transport: ~$26. Sutton: 6295 7107(h). Map: Kiah 1:25 000. Transport: ~$47. Limit of 12. Fuel stoves only. Wednesday 27 February: Walks Planning and Barbeque 16-18 March: Kosciuszko N.P. M-L / R Come along to 22 Longworth Place, Holt and help Big Plain Peak, Jounama, Pillared Rock Ridge. plan our Walks Program for autumn at 8pm, pre- Exploratory walk in spectacular country visible on ceded by a BYO BBQ at 6pm. Please contact Meg a clear day from the Brindabellas. Leader: Brian McKone 6254 5902, by Monday 25 Feb if you in- Surin 6231 3950(h). Details TBA tend to come. 16-18 March: Snowy Mountains M-E / M-M. Sunday 3 March: Namadgi N.P. M / E Nimmo Hill - Kidmans Hut Area - Jagungal - Moonlight Hollow and Bendora Arboretum. A Crooks Racecourse: Most of this walk is M/E, loop walk from Bulls Head on good track through but there may be a couple of bursts of scrub. Walk lush eucalypt forest, tree ferns, etc. Lunch at Ben- from Nimmo Hill via a series of tracks and open dora Arboretum.About 16 km, 5 hrs walking. areas past Kidmans Hut, camping on the upper Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h); Burrungubuggee River. Next day, walk across 6274 7350(w). Email: [email protected] mainly open country then climb Jagungal. De- Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000. Transport: ~$10. scend north via a track to Grey Mare Fire trail which we follow to camp, hopefully in the Mack- 2-3 March: Namadgi N.P. L / R eys Hut region. Return via Crooks Racecourse and Orroral - Bimberi - Leura Gap - Orroral. This the . Leaders: Alan & Sue Vidler walk is via the Cotter Gap and Little Bimberi. 6290 0490. Maps: Eucumbene & Khancoban Water for an overnight camp will need to be car- 1:50000. Transport ~$26. ried. Leader: Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h). Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000. Transport: ~$8.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 10 16-18 March: Victorian Alps N.P. M / M 6-7 April: Namadgi N.P. M / R Big River Saddle - Mt Bogong - Mountain Mt Morgan, Mt Murray. From Gurrangorambla Creek. This walk involves a car swap and is via Creek, we follow an old bridle trail to Mt Morgan, The Staircase Spur and Cleve Cole Hut. Leader: traverse the spectacular ridge on top, then descend Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h). Map: Mt Bogong to a five star camp site on the . Alpine Area 1:50 000. Transport: ~$50. On Sunday, we climb Mt Murray via the southern ridge for superb views, then return via Dunns Flat 16-23 March: Gippsland Lakes Kayaking and Oldfields Hut. Map: ACT 1:100,000. An eight day paddling, bushwalking and bird- Leader: George Carter, 6251 2130(h). Trans- watching tour of Lakes King, Reeve, Victoria and port: ~$25. Limit of 8. Wellington, camping from kayaks along the way. Highlights include the Mitchell River silt jetties, Friday 12-14 April: Namadgi N.P. L / R the McLennans Strait wetlands, Rotamah Island Mts Burbidge, Namadgi and Kelly via Kelly bird observatory, the Lakes National Park and 90 Spur. Three full days. Leader: Brian Surin, Mile Beach. Days 1-3 of this trip could be done 6231 3950(h). Details TBA by paddlers who can’t find time for the full trip but 13-20 April: Kosciuszko N.P. M / R would be interested in joining us for the Canberra Bogong Peaks. This is an exploratory trip of the Day weekend. Maps: AFN Gippsland Lakes area and peaks near Talbingo, to see what they 1:62500 Bairnsdale, Sale, Stockyard 1:100000. have to offer. Leader: Rob Horsfield Leader: Terence Uren 6282 2403(h). Transport 6231 4535(h). Maps: Tantangra, Yarrongabilly, and Camping Fees: TBA. Note: Participants Tumut, Brindabella 1:100 000. Transport: ~$40. must have previous experience, good paddle fit- ness and a kayak suitable for use on open water. (19)20-21 April: Bundanoon Gourmet Week- Fuel stoves needed. end. M / E-M; L / E Two day walks from Myryla Pass using Bun- Monday 18 March: Club Picnic danoon YHA as a base. Drive to Bundanoon 5.30pm at Mulligans Flat. BYO everything. De- Friday night. On Saturday, do the Wombat Hill tails in next it. walk (4 hrs, 2/3 on track). May also go to Rebec- 23-24 March: Day and weekend walks cas Outlook, a further hour’s walk. Enjoy views needed!! up the Bundanoon and Shoalhaven valleys, over EASTER: 29 MARCH-1 APRIL: Day walks Lake Yeronga and to Cambewarra Mtn and be- needed!! yond. In the evening, an “everybody bring something” meal. On Sunday, do the Walking 29 March-1 April: Snowy Mountains Dog Track (5 hrs good track, the remnants of an M-E / M-M 1896 road) which descends through rainforest to Kiandra to Guthega Car swap. Details TBA. Yeronga Dam with spectacular views back to the Maps: Tantangara, Yarrangobilly, Berridale, Ko- cliffs. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h); sciusko (mine is old) 1:100000. Leaders: Alan & 6274 7350(w). Email: [email protected]. Sue Vidler & TBA. Transport ~$35(?) Map: Bundanoon 1:25 000. Transport: ~$33. 29 March-1 April: Ettrema M / R Accommodation: ~$40 for two nights. Transportation Spur - Ettrema Creek - Mana- May 2002: Central Highlands of Qld M / R cle Creek. After a car shuffle, descend into This trip is full and arrangements are underway. Ettrema Gorge via Transportation Spur. Day trip Leader: Meg McKone. Transport: $hundreds + up Pauls Pass to take in the views from Possibility Qld NP fees. Point. Exit via south branch of beautiful Manacle Creek and lunch overlooking a superb view down July 2002: Vietnam Dungeon Canyon. I’m hoping it will be warm About 2-3 weeks north-south or vice versa. Public enough for lots of swims. Leader: Meg McKone transport + legs (very flexible). Contact: Alan 6254 5902. Maps: Touga, Yalwal 1:25 000. Davey 4845 9127 for details by 31 January. Transport: ~$28. Limit of 8. Note: Please book Friday 26 July: Christmas in July by 4 March. Rocksalt Restaurant, Hawker. The whole res- 29 March-1 April: Namadgi N.P. L / R taurant has been booked for this evening. Cost: Gudgenby Ridge, Bogong Gap, Burbidge, $38.50 plus BYO. Contact: Rosanne Walker Namadgi and Middle Creek. An exploratory trip 6242 9106(h). checking some of the routes. Leader: Rob Hors- field 6231 4535(h). Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk 1:25 000. Transport: ~$8.50.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT January 2002 page 11 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535 - [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Mark Hopkins 6282 8481 - [email protected] TREASURER/VICE PRES. Michael Sutton 6295 7107 - [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Meg McKone 6254 5902 - [email protected] EDITOR Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 - [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6215 2604 - TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Dave Drohan 6266 4465 [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER Dick Johnston 6258 3761 - PUBLISHER Ailsa Brown 6297 8130 - - ASSISTANT WALKS SECRETARY Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Rosanne Walker 6242 9106 6247 9024 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Ring ROGER EDWARDS on 6288 7863 (h)

For Internet users, the Club Home Page is at: http://www.pcug.org.au/~amikkels/cbc/ and the latest activity program is at: http://www.pcug.org.au/~amikkels/cbcprog.html

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