CAH1ilEflLA MUSHM&LKING C ILUR INC. 1MIEWLETTh1L ST P.O. Box 160, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601 Registered by Post; Publication number NBH 1859

VOLUME 26 MAY 1989 NUMBER 5

ARRESTED OVER COOLANGUBRA Last meeting I asked a few people if they would be interested in a day trip to Coolangubra on April 23rd. It was not on the programme, but I was suffering anxiety about not participating in the south-east forests' campaign and wanted to see Coolangubra forest very much. We arrived at Reedy Creek (base camp) with spare time, so we were able to listen in to the day's meeting about proposed plans as well as wander around and look at the good facilities that had been developed. There were quite a few people present whom we recognised from home (Wilderness Society, N.P.A.). At 9-30 am a police helicopter circled. Apparently it is a regular event. Perhaps they though the groups that were either lining up for conducted walks or had grouped for peaceful resistance training were actually getting organised for a protest that day. Anyway, a telephone has been installed and this is undoubtedly the main means of communication between police and the camp organisers. The walk had been organised to show people the facts rather than as a protest. Forty three people went on the Coolangubra walk. Most travelled to New Trig Road by mini-bus. We had a look at the old growth forest as well as at a recently logged coup - a coup being a square in the Forestry Commission's chequerboard approach to clear-felling. In all we spent about three hours in the forest. A forestry notice was posted beside the gate which straddled the road where we began. Very few people seemed to stop long enough to read it. I didn't; I was too busy talking and was also wondering why and who had painted the gate in psychedelic colours. The day was drizzly. This, however, did not detract from the realisation that we were amongst beautiful vegetation. It was lush with growth, yet easy to walk through. Rich loam was underfoot and there were thick mosses and lichens on rocks and trunks. The understorey was diverse and there were many big, high and healthy trees. Some of these were enormous and were absolutely wonderful. We saw about half a dozen lyrebird mounds and listened to one, at one stage. After lunch we slowly exited across a coup towards another access road. To our surprise, next to the large machinery, was a group of police and forestry workers. Already as we approached, our leaders were talking with them. At no stage, however, were we (the group) asked to leave the area. We were told, though, that we should not have been there and so were asked to wait. I was amazed to see them. What were they doing deep in the forest on a Sunday? Guarding the machinery? Why werent they at home like everyone else. The occasion, so far, had had a feeling of innocence about it. The only outrage was our contact with the coup. and we were only just beginning to take in what the devastation in front of us meant. So much mud and mess and such big stumps. It is rather incredible that destruction of forest such as this can go on and we should not be there to see what is happening! 2 So we waited to and thus began a long police procedure that itself had to wait for instructions as well as for reinforcements. Before they moved us off the coup, we were told that we actually were under arrest. During the next hour. we began to understand what this meant physically. First we walked for several kilornetres between police vehicles. Next we were transported by paddy wagon to the Waratah Creek/Coolangubra Forest Way junction. At about 4-30 pm two arinoured trucks arrived. These were to transport us back to Eden. This amazed us. What about the six or so paddy wagons that were already there? What the hell was this all costing? It was dark when we got to the police station and it was getting quite chilly. Our own transport had had to stay behind in Coolangubra and base- camp had been notified of the circumstances. They, in fact, seemed to have arrived in Eden before we did, and cheered us as we were carefully released into the police station for further processing and questioning. Another cheer came from our fellow internees when we entered the exercise room and lock-up. A light meal had been provided by the police (thank goodness). Time dragged on. We started to play party games. It was a great tension reliever and the feeling of unity amongst us grew. Cheers again as the procedure reversed and we started to be released for the final act of finger-printing. Unfortunately the police paid very little attention to requested detail; those who had to travel that night generally were released no sooner than those who were staying at Reedy Creek. In summary, the experience wasn't unduly unpleasant and it certainly was uplifting in spirit. It has intensified my identification with the forests AND THE CAMPAIGN. The police were good and were particularly good-humoured as they were getting rid of us and their work was coming to an end. An air of peaceful resistance was retained throughout and of this I am particularly proud. Everyone was patient and calm, even those who had to go back to Sydney that night. The question arises, though, SHOULDN'T WE BE ALLOWED TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR ENVIRONMENT, and are we willing to make some judgements about issues? Finally, Canberra Bushwalkers, how about now getting involved in this campaign to stop deforestation? How about supporting some species other than our own. My thanks go to Mike. David. Mark and Bob for being so accepting of the circumstances in which they ended up. Margaret Cole President's Prattle Last year I wrote briefly in this column about the Federation of NSW Bushwalking Clubs' intention to negotiate an insurance policy for members of affiliated clubs. There have been recent developments to report. There was a special general meeting held on April 18th at which it was agreed that the Federation should become an incorporated body. It will be the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Incorporated. The same meeting authorised the Federation's council to arrange a public liability insurance policy. Brian Walker has been negotiating a policy which, for a premium of $2 per member, would provide both sport accident cover and public liability cover. The sport accident cover includes some insurance against injury whilst travelling to or from a walk that is on the Club programme. It would not cover search and rescue charges. From the description that Brian walker gave me on the telephone the policy seems quite attractive. I will give you more information when we see the fine print. In an earlier column I wrote that the Club's archivist of the 1970s and early 1980s. Thea Exley, was classifying material in the Club archives and that she would be making a recommendation on what should be done with it. This material covers the period 1962-83. The Committee broadly accepts Thea's recommendation that the archive material should be deposited in the National Library of Australia. There are several reasons for this. The Library has a suitable physical environment for archive storage. The material would be less vulnerable to loss. It would be accessible S&R List - 7 May 1989 List W Contact: Paul SHElLS Phone (H) 888195 (W) 805111 0-Doctor N-Nurse F-lst-Aid R-Rescue Grp M-Rock Climbr Y-Canyoner S-Ski-Tourer 4-4W0 Owner C-Radio Oper. TELEPHONE Skills NAME ADDRESS WORK HOME Avail SHEILS,Paui 21 Jindabyne St,DUFFY 805111 888195 1 F S BIBO,Robert 93 Blackwood Terrace,HOLDER 527488 883090 2 Y 4 KING,David 93 Blackwood Terrace,HOLDER 490205 883090 2 BENDELI,Nick 11 Thom Cr,KAMBAH 310044 319711 A F MYS4 EDWARDS,Roger 2 Hellyer St,HOLDER 954595 887863 A WILLIAMS,Keith 11 Thom Cr,KAMBAH 972088 319711 A FRMYS VALLAK,Reet 5 Fullwood St,WESTON 490200 886340 B S WOOD,Geoff 19 Kidston Cres,CURTIN 482346 825237 B WRIGHT,00ug 18 Beedham Place,LYONS 814148 B ANDERSON,Allan 11 Lochee Piace,ST1RLING 880112 880112 B PICKERING,Pat 6 Hoseason St,MAWSON 862128 B PICKERING,Eric 6 Hoseason St,MAWSON 862128 B BENNETTS,Jeff 6 Toohey Place,WANNIASSA 837037 315899 B F OALGLEISH,Rod 6 Spence Place,HUGHES 813614 B SQUTHGATE,Dave 23/5 Beasley Street,TORRENS 741512 865491 B BECKER,Nornian 4 Drysdale Circuit,KAMBAH 716023 316061 C BUTTERS,Terry 5 Feltus Place,KAMBAH 469388 310047 C FRANZI,Ray 21 Tantangara St,DUFFY 883789 883789 C I'ONS,John 5 Provis P1,KAMBAH 484582 316326 C MYS MILLAR,Gary 10 Weavell P1,KAMBAH 483376 961689 C MILLAR,Leanne 10 Weavell P1,KAMBAH 843044 961689 C STORY,Robert 104 Buxton St,DEAKIN 812174 C S STORY,Sybil 104 Buxton St,DEAKIN 812174 C WHEELER,Annabel 10 Rawson St,DEAKIN 824485 818254 C S WRIGHT,Ian 23 Shepherd St,PEARCE 725072 861473 C NICHOLSON,Angus 34 Prescott St,FARRER 664601 862702 C These are Search And Rescue details for your area, as recorded in our records. If your details are incorrect, or you know of other club members who may be interested in S&R, please contact Dave Drohan - 662728(W), 413566(H). Areas are (B)elconnen, (W)oden/Tuggeranong/Weston/, (I)nner City/Other Availablity: A - Two hours notice; B - Next Day; C - Weekends Only 1,2 - alternative contacts Supplement to It - May 1989

CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB INCORPORATED

SEARCH AND RESCUE MEMBERS INFORMATION SHEET

Please keep a copy of this near your telephone at home and at work

(I) If there is a call—out one of the S & P Contacts (Dave Drohan, Anton Cook, or David Campbell) will be contacted by the Federation of Bushwalking Clubs (NSW) , or the Police. The S & P Contact will ring one Area Coordinat or for each of the three areas Edo onnen, Inner Canberra, and Woden/Weston Creek/Tuggeranong. The Area Coordinator will ring persons on the search and rescue list according to the requirements of the search strategy. -

In some cases it may be possible to alert members that a search may be called.

The Area Coordinator will provide only essential information as time may be critical. Please do not ring the Area Coordinator unless it is absolutely necessary.

Normal practice will be for the search and rescue team to assemble at the Area Coordinator's address to sort out transport arrangements. If time permits more efficient transport arrangements may he arranged.

If a search has been called off the Area Coordinator will attempt to notify you if you have not left home.

Dave Drohan (S & P Officer) 9 May 1989 throughout the year. The Committee regards the Club's records to be of historic 1 value and deserving of proper storage. We propose to give a bound copy of the newsletters 1962-1970 to the NLA after first ensuring that the Club Library set is complete for the period. This would complete the NLA collection of IT which at present begins in 1968. The newsletters would be available from the general reading room. Unpublished material such as minutes and reports would be deposited with the Manuscript Section on the condition that the Club retain ownership. No restriction would be placed on access to it. The NLA would require the Club's authorisation for any photocopying. This material would be available in the manuscript room. A catalogue of the deposit would be held by the Club Librarian. If anyone has concerns about this proposal I would be pleased to discuss this matter at the next general meeting. No action will be taken until after the meeting. Anton Cook on The annual auction at last month's meeting provided another entertaining evening thanks to some interesting items and the blarney of our auctioneer. He even managed to sell a single woollen mitten for a good price. Unfortunately Peta Laut is unable to give her talk at the May meeting but may be able to do so later- Instead Meg Mckone will take us on an illustrated guided tour of Rakadu, the Bungle Bungles. Ring Leopold and Hammersley Ranges. June Hornby MEMBERSHIP MaTTERS New Members

Claus Ducker, 92 Jaeger Circuit. BRUCE, ACT 2617, 831753(h). 482773(w). Patricia Wyatt. £ Henning Place. KAMBAH. ACT 2902, 317223(h). 884444(w). Prospective Members

Henry Foster, P.O. Box 17, HAZELBROOR. NSW 2779. 598408(h). Michael Wright, 24/46 Eggleston Crescent. CHIFLEY. ACT 2606. 821207(h). Gary Lam, P.O. Box E342, Queen Victoria Terrace: ACT 2600. 992426(h). Angela Mays, P.O. Box 716, WODEN. ACT 2606, 972670(h). Frank Ness, 7/1 Whittle Street. HUGHES. ACT 2614, 618639(h). Geoff Winter. 126 Dexter Street, COOK, ACT 2614, 516639(h). Justine Brennen. 28 Tallara Parkway. NARRABUNDAH. ACT 2604, 986369.

Social News Helga Poschl thanks all members of the Club for their friendliness and helpfulness during her visit to Canberra. By now she will be home in Bavaria. before leaving she wrote to say that she would be more than happy to help any Canberra bushwalkers who might visit the Bavarian Alps. Her address 5: Larchenstrasse 7. 8201 Riedering, West Germany. Thank you Helga. We appreciated your friendliness, too, on those summer walks and at our social gatherings. Sue Moore has married an old friend and is now Sue O'Neill, she has moved to the bush and is now living at Laidlaw. Garah. NSW 2409. You may still see Sue on the occasional cross-country ski tour, and she would welcome a visit from any Canberra bushwalker in her vicinity. Vi SijZGø & $ØiGtJ$ cnu,-Qtcq flOGtPtJE$ From the recent search call-out, it appears that there are members of the Club who are not clear how a call-out operates For most occasions, police contact the Federation of Bushwalkers Search and Rescue (FBWS&R) which is based in Sydney. An exception to this would be where the lost party belongs to a federated club (as the Canberra Bushwalking Club is), thnn PRU1RIP mniilrl antivatp a search and inform police of its intention. FBWS&R decides which clubs to call out depending on what region the search is in. It then rings one of the three nominated S&R contacts of the club(s) in that region. As with the last call-out on April 1st (see article in the previous issue of IT). both myself and Anton were not at home but David was so he activated the call-out. C Other clubs of FBW The normal procedure is for the S&R contact to ring up one of the two nominated area coordinators, The Club has three such areas; Belconnen, Inner Canberra and I S&R OFFICER PRESIDENT I I CHECK-IN OFFICER Woden/Weston Creek/Tuggeranong. Each area coordinator then rings up the members of the call-out list who live in that particular area, starting with the "A" category members first. BE U 0h. C WHE? CANB[POA WOD(NI WE S 10k CX TOGOCRAkONG Once the ring-around is complete. jZV the area coordinators notifies the 5% S&R contact of the number of members participating in the call-out. The S&R contact then communicates this information back to the FBWS&R. MEMBERS ON CALL OUT LIST 'A' FIRST THEN 6 I hope this blurb makes the A Onions stp COHTflTS B DENOTES APEA C0000INATOPS structure of a call-out easier to understand, see the attached diagramme as well. Please note: if one of our club trips is tadly overdue, our check-in Officer will contact the S&R Officer who will take appropriate action such as ringing FBWS&R. which in turn will notify police of the Federation's intention. Dave Drohan (S&R Officer) Club Equipment Hembers are reminded that the Club has a range of bushwalking and camping equipment for hire. First priority goes to Club members on club trips but the equipment is also available to non-members on Club walks and Club members on non-club trips. It is not available to non -members on non-Club trips. The following items are currently stocked: 2 70 litre Wilderness Equipment packs; 1 45 litre day pack; 3 Paddy Pallin A-frame tents; 1 Macpac snow tent; 3 Paddy Pallin Bogorig sleeping bags; 1 J&H snow bag; bLil 1 Everest sleeping bag; 3 climbing harnesses; 2 closed cell Xarrimats. The hiring fee for most items is $2-SO per day per item, which is well below commercial rates. Robert Sibo (883090h, 527488w) is the Equipment Officer and anyone wanting to hire any Club gear should contact him. SJ(J 195q$tJeflQtJftL CU?VfiTh3 At this date (April 22nd), the ski instructional has been fully booked with one reserve (Sandra). To anyone contemplating "should I or shouldn't I go?", too late, don't worry, be happy. It looks like most participants do not have their own skis. I will endeavour to check around and get some sort of "deal' on a group discount basis. The guiding precept will be "quality gear" before cheapness of rental. More details will be available when you ring to confirm. Please confirm by telephoning on Monday 12th. Tuesday 13th or Wednesday 14th of June, in the evening on 319711. The return call to conclude transport details, or cancellation of the trip, will be done on Thursday 15th to the drivers who will then contact their passengers. A. tentative programme of desired skill awareness is detail below: NEVER EVER PLUS BEGINNERS

Weekend 1 diagonal stride with some weight shift and forward lean: star turn: step turn; double pole; snowplough; schussing; kick turn: herringbone; sidestepping; traversing. Weekend 2 Day 1: Review of the first weekend and improvement of diagonal stide with accent on weight shift, forward lean and glide; basic telemark position in the schuss; stem turns. Day 2: Review of turns then "norpining". if the skill base permits it will be desirable to include sideslipping. The above will ensure that the NEVER EVERS will have enough skill awareness to participate on most Club trips. Experience and practice will ensure that all "normal" trips can be done. INTERMEDIATE VETERANS Weekend 1 Day 1: will be as for the NEVER EVERS on the first day with emphasis on diagonal stride (weight shift, forward lean, glide). Day 2: Telemark position (no turning); traversing: sideslipping; stem turns; skating downhill Cno poles); If time permits - basic Christiana and stem Christiana. Weekend 2 Day 1: Review of the first weekend and emphasise diagonal stride. sideslipping and stem turns: Telemark turns. Day 2: Review of the first day; "norpining" with a mixture of stem Christies and Telemarks. NOTE: The above programme is quite ambitious and if we can accomplish it, we should give ourselves an accolade. A good level of fitness is essential in order to facilitate learning. Perceptive participants may have noticed that no parallel turns have been mentioned. Correct! Please do not hesitate to enquire if you have any questions, doubts or problems. Last but not least: in addition to the required cans of elbow grease and bottle of good humour, could each person bring a "mystery snack" for the Saturday night campfire. I will bring the cheery liquid ruby. SCHI HElL, Nic MOTIONS DISAPPROVED The motion that "Smoking is unacceptable behaviour on Club trips except where the smoker moves away at least 100 m from non-smokers and does not leave cigarette butts in the bush" was lost at the April monthly meeting.

After some discussion the motion "That a charge based on cost recovery, should be levied for supper provided at monthly meetings:' was dicussed for some time then withdrawn for further consideration. Thoughts on Canoeing I was very interested to read Rene's account of a recent Canoe/Kayak trip down the Tumut River. which was supposed to get to Gundagai but did not make it. I was in a group which did the same trip a year or so ago led by Eddy De Wilde. All of us except one got to Gundagai but like Rene's group we also had our moments. Rene's group, like the one I was with, had a mixture of people from first- timers to reasonably competent. Eddy's group had two canoes with all four inexperienced, one canoe himself and I think an inexperienced person, one canoe with both competent and myself in my kayak. I do not know how Rer.e's group split up. As Rene wrote the Tumut is a fast flowing and cold river. It is potentially dangerous in places, having sharp bends with willows on the outside of the bends, and many slightly submerged trees, which you may suddenly come upon. It is a river on which two inexperienced people paired together are bound to capsize. Being a good swimmer and having a buoyancy vest does not mean that one avoids difficult, unpleasant situations. With the exception of the canoe with both people experienced, all of our group capsized in varyingly unpleasant circumstances at some stage. One person in one canoe was badly affected and pulled out on Sunday morning and drove one of the vehicles to Gundagai. In some of the capsizes the canoes were difficult and time-consuming to rescue. One Rene's trip it seems that one canoe was broken, some personal effects lost, and the trip curtailed. I think it is clear the inexperienced people should only go on this trip if it is certain they will be paired in a canoe with a competent person. Similarly anyone in a kayak should have some previous experience of fast flowing water, not necessarily rapids however. It is worth knowing that it is possible to car-shuffle to. and end the trip at the junction of the Tumut and Murrumbidgee, which is far enough for a very pleasant two day trip. Below this junction it is a bit boring and hard paddling if there is a head wind. I am quite happy to go with beginners and my kayak to somewhere like Pine Island and show them the basic strokes and let them practise. I am also happy to go with people who have kayak or canoes on mid-week trips, for example to the Clyde River. Shep (472015h) Letters to the Editor Dear Editor By chance I happened to receive a copy of IT. Vol. 26. February 1889, No 2. As I read your information on "The beginning of IT" my critical approach to all things written was further entrenched. IT was MY baby and I feel as fiercely about IT as most mothers do about their offspring. Let me explain. Some time in November 1965 Doug Wright, who was the then president of the Canberra Bushwalking Club. rang to ask me if I would be prepared to start a ei newsletter for the Club. I agreed, and persuaded Jennifer Brierley to help me with the project. 01< the idea was Doug's but I brought it into birth with Jenny as midwife. But what to do for a name? Jenny and I were stumped. Then one day when I was alone in the bath at my parents place in Red Hill, the name IT flashed into my mind. I raced over to confer with Jenny who at that time lived in the S storey flats. And IT was. Jenny typed that issue and we posted IT off. Doug rang me to say "I got IT I like IT" Most of the information written in the second paragraph of "The beginning of IT" is doubtful to say the least. I doubt that my friend, Miep Molijn, had anything to do with duplicating those early issues of IT. The president's report in the October 1966 issue of IT states:- "The Club month magazine IT was started and edited capably and humourously (sic) by Alice Eccles and Jennifer Brierley ... Typing and drawing was (sic) originally done by Alice Brander but after her marriage, Margaret Brown and Judy Fisher worked on the duplicating and drawing:' No mention of Miép at all. All that nonsense about the Committee naming, or not naming, the first issue of IT is just not true. Though later the name was discussed at our Committee meetings. I have kept the first 2 years' issues of IT all these years because as I said before, IT was my baby and I treasure IT. IT was reared in the dynamic atmosphere of the Club at that time. and IT imbued and dispersed all this richness. Where have all those people gfle Without them IT would not have been. With happy memories of bushwalking days. Alice Ley (nee Eccles), 1 Havelock Crt, Lower Plenty. Victoria 3093. P.S. I accept that in those early months even I wavered in my total support for the name IT but never for long. Long may IT live! A. L.

Dear Editor My spies tell me that there was widespread opposition to paying S&R transport costs at the last committee meeting, and that there may be a move to change Club practice on this matter. I am appalled. The Club has spent at least $1600 in the last few months on conservation issues, at least some of which were, in my opinion, a very inefficient use of Club funds. Trees are vital to our future, but it is a bizarre sense of priorities which places long term conservation issues ahead of human lives in immediate danger. We as individuals may divert as much or our resources as we feel we can afford into conservation, but the Club cannot allow the chances of a lost party's being found to vary depending on whether or not it is a public service pay week. S&R is NOT something people do for pleasure nor should they have to think whether they can afford it. Alan Vidler Concerning Conservation

Australian Alps Proposed for World Heritage Former active CBC bushwalker and now honorary life member of the Club. Geoff Mosley. was in Canberra recently speaking to the National Parks Association about the proposal to nominate the for the World Heritage List - over 1.S million hectares including Namadgi. Kosciusko and a range of National two. Parks in Victoria - the Cobberras and Snowy River to name just

The title given to the nomination is Sclerophyll Open Forests of the Australian Alps Region. The areas nominated satisfy all four of the criteria required for inscription on the World Heritage List. - Geoff pointed out that our Alps have outstanding examples of open scierophyll forest which developed from rainforest during Australia's relative isolation following separation from Gondwana. Other areas of sclerophyll flora around the world are mainly scrub. None has extensive forests. Our Alps are unique in terms of their domination by about SO species of distinctive Eucalyptus genera and provision of habitats for a number of species limited to the area, including the Mountain Pygmy Possum and the Eaw Law Frog. Conservation Areas In World Heritage Nomination

Existing Parks and Reserves

Proposed Extensions to create tufl1b1d9e Victorian Alpine National Park Bimben NR ® CANBERRA

Kosdusko Namadgi NP National

Park 4Iucray Scabby Range NA 4, Cotryong 2 •

-S. Bright '9. Mt. Buffalo NP Bogong NP Wanga I baS Pla• tea U NP a Orneo 9 .,, 1]ngaringy NP Mansfield e7'..Errinundra NP

Snowy ('.,..1Coopracambra i L3%.K3YSNP Wonnangatla% 'it t'

NP Orbost

Wilderness Park Baw Baw NP 0 20 40 60 80km

The nomination, promoted by the National Parks Associations of Victoria. NSW and ACT, is supported by the Australian Conservation Foundation and backed by the Victorian Government. The 145W Government is mow looking at it. Why World Heritage? - Listing would help to preserve the integrity of the Alps - so clearly under threat from ski resort and other development - and would promote cooperation between the three governments managing the area. In conversation with us after his talk, Geoff suggested that CEC can help protect Kosciusko National Park by writing to the Victorian Government drawing its attention to the need to stop 4WD access to Kosciusko National Park from the south through Quombat Flat. A letter is being composed. Margot Simington Jilount 73rorrto at Dawn Midnight. Malang. A hill-town in East Java. The phone rings. The front desk tells us in barely audible halting English that the taxi is downstairs. Into the back seat of an ageing Toyota Corona, the driver handing us a "snack" that the hotel has prepared. A nice touch. Speeding through dimly lit streets, along wet country roads, trying to get as much sleep as possible. A lot of commotion as we stop for some bridge repairs. The ever enterprising Indonesians selling newspapers to the line of traffic, at 3 am!! Soon the car is climbing. Around a corner, then silence, no headlights, no ignition, no nothing. The driver is embarrassed, the car looks even more aged. We attempt to push start it, a procedure clearly not understood by this Indonesian taxi-driver. So we wait while he disappears into the dark for a "technician", his only word of English. Ah the snack, nicely boxed but two slices of sweet white bread with butter and sugar jam. No knife of course. This must be what westerners eat. Driver returns with technician. We pay him. "Sorry no money" rzturns out to be also part of the driver's vocabulary. Eventually we are underway, going up. up and up. Will we make Mt Bromo for the dawn? A car park full of ageing taxis. A landrover with two Indonesian cowboys. We will have to "charter" it. that is pay for all five seats in the shuttle Landrover, for the climb to the guesthouse. Otherwise, they say, we certainly will not see the sun rise over the rim of the crater. A cup of tea in the guesthouse. Locals in balaclavas! They must feel the cold, only a light jumper is called for. Then off on foot at last. But downhill? Down into a vast caldera, then across the sea of sand. Small horses are led by small dark men in ponchos. They ferry tourists and look very South American. Where are we? The horses coming back pass at a gallop in the dark, their hooves sound hollow on the pumice stone under the sand. Or is it really hollow down there? Up the side of Mount Bromo, steep but staired. The rim is 10 feet wide and we are definitely not alone. Smoke rises from the crater, rocks glow, the air is sulphurous. Ten minutes pass, the ground is cold, the sun rises, we can start to see the mountains around and the vast caldera that holds Mt Bromo and several other volcanos. Then full daylight, down the sides of the volcano, across the sea of sand, no torches this time, up to the guesthouse, then down, down through mists and impossibly steep vegetable gardens to the aged taxi. Java is worth a visit. John Haydon $014 1Oø':flI

A Little Nadgee StorM (March 18-20th) Once upon a time a little group of people had had enough of the Canberra bad weather and decided to go to a very beautiful place on the coast near Eden. where the sun always had to shine. This place was called the Nadgee Reserve. Very early in the morning they left Canberra and after 3.5 hours drive they arrived at Newtons Beach. The cars were very tired by then especially due to the last very bumpy part of the drive - so from now on theywould walk. The weather was very nice, there were only a few clouds in the sky. Everybody loaded themselves with their packs, which made some people feel a lot heavier than others, and on they went. After an hour's walking they arrived at Little River, where they decided to have lunch. But immediately the water started to call, "try me"! So first everybody had a swim and as the waves were quite good body surfing was in. But maybe the waves were a bit big for a real beginner?! And the question about body surfing always remains who gets the most fun, the sea or you? After this play with the sea, a campfire was lit to make nice hot tea and, admiring the beauty around them, everyone rested and ate. After this stop everybody was filled with energy and they started the second hot and sweaty part of the trip. Soon they arrived at Nadgee Beach where they found a beautiful camping place. To come to that place they had to walk on a magic trail through the bush. This trail was very special because the trees closed above your head and the trail ghosts absorbed all the noise and everyday worries. That is why the atmosphere at the campsite was so cozy and special. The tents were set up and, of course, there was another swim. Then it was time to make dinner, so everybody took their billies and all sorts of little pots and started to cook on the everlasting campfire. The result was a very tasty hot meal. As the sun went to sleep, the stars and the moon woke up and invited the group to take a little beach walk. Then it was time for the port. 10 which, like any other self carried item was extra tasty! The heavier it is the tastier it becomes. The campfire provided warmth and the people provided stories. Meanwhile the little invisible Nadgee sandman had woken up and started his work so. one by one, everybody went to bed. Because of the magic trail, bunyips could not enter the campsite so everyone had an undisturbed night and no people were lost during the night. The next morning, after the sun had woken them up. the group had breakfast with swampwater as a specialty. The water had the advantage that it already looked like tea before boiling and the little swamp animals made it more nutritious. After the morning swim, everybody loaded themselves with a little pack - which, eventually, after a lot of trips and experience will grow into big packs - and went on to visit the sandhills. The sandhills are a very special place in the Nadgee Reserve where the big night ghosts pull out every bit of vegetation to form their big "white garder'. To make it really beautiful they leave some green patches untouched - yes they really know about gardening The sandhills are also inhabited by the water dwarves, who have thousands of little pumps with which they pump water out of the sand for the night ghosts. During the day, when the ghosts and dwarves sleep, the "white garderf' is protected from violent intruders by the surrounding bush. It tests all passing humans by scratching their legs and untying their shoelaces. It the humans do not react violently nor get angry they are allowed into the "white gardens". If they do loose their temper they will feel very sorry... Our little group had no trouble at all in passing this test. They walked for a couple of hours through the bush and on the long beaches, greeted the black swans in the silent Nadgee Lake and arrived at the sandhills. But let's not forget to mention the little magic ritual they performed at one of the beaches to help the sun fight against the clouds, because even in Nadgee the sun can become tired. At the sandhills a trig was conquered and a few steps were made into Victoria. Then a campfire was lit and the group sat down to have lunch while they enjoyed looking at the beauty of the "white garden" After lunch they searched for some water-wells and filled their water bottles so they could have vegetarian tea at the campsite. Then it was time to go back, so they had a last good look round and started walking again. At Nadgee Lake they stopped and had a swim, while being watched by the black swans, the masters of the lake. Then the trip was continued and soon they were back at the campsite. The everlasting fire was brought back to the normal size and heat and after a short swim everybody slowly started to prepare dinner. First the group had a very tasty "bit of everything collected" entree and then the cooking ritual took place for the second time. Only this time the menu included freshly collected mussels and fish, that were very tasty. A very tired sun went to sleep and the stars and moon took over. Again the little group enjoyed the coziness of sitting around a campfire listening to stories. After a while the little sandman woke up and after another beach walk everybody went to sleep.

The next day it was time to go back to Canberra. so , after breakfast, everyone packed up and emptied the campsite. After having a look at two big kangaroos that were having breakfast, the group started their return to the cars. A last time they enjoyed the little walk on the magic trail and then they walked until they arrived at.Little River, the lunch spot. This time the water called "play with me" so they did. Then the trip was continued until they reached the cars. the cars were rested and fit and waiting to become active again. But, as it was still quite early and everybody was feeling quite hot, the sea water was quickly found. Then everybody and everything got into the cars that then brought them to Tumbledown Mountain look out. Here they had a magnificent view of the trails they had walked on. They could even see the sandhills; beautiful The big Nadgee book was signed and after saying goodbye to Nacigee and its special creatures everyone happily went home.

Vance and all the others, thank you for this beautiful and very nice weekend Yvette van Vugt

11 Croajingaiong National Park - Easter 1989 Croajingalong National Park is a wonderfully undisturbed environment of cortal forests, secluded inlets and lagoons, endless expanses of untouched cean beaches and rocky promontories. Twenty of us thought so. Starting from Mallacoota near the 149W and Victorian border it was an easy walk to our first campsite at Seal Creek. Fresh running water was unavailable so we used water from the creek. Ever tried coffee with salt? That's what we had. Some of us just had a sip whilst others persisted with this appalling beverage, the latter waking with raging thirsts during the night. Next day, walking towards the Genedore River we passed through a developing Banksia forest. The smiling faces of the "banksia men" gave promise of our great campsite not far ahead. The river is barred by sand as are most of the rivers in this area, consequently the resulting lagoons are brackish. More salty coffee? Fortunately we found fresh water at the end of the beach. Time was spent swimming, reading, fishing and drawing. The fish weren't abundant but enough were caught to provide an evening meal for most of us.

- Next day was - .- -k----, - - Easter Sunday. -- .•,ç The Easter --' ..,- ir-:'-:.:. bunny had been active during the night s brwhtly I ------. coloured eggs were found all / I - ..- t over the -'r-*.--- - ,_ campsite, -in -. 4, - 1- '\ billies boots / L '( • r -

:Tn / an ancient Banksia forest resplendent with . - a- _w- - . - '_.- -. - • -.- j the sounds of

c., A - . i1!$: beach at the - - GtaatcAKc .s!- entrance' t' Red .-, . . River,: we dined Pelicans on a Lagoon at Croajing3!ong - by Geoltrey Llarke of fish, mussels and crabs, ham and nibbles. We ate heaItily and waited for the moon to rise. Then we noticed a strange phenomenon. Lights appeared in the waves breaking on the beach. Closer inspection revealed jelly-like blobs the size of a one cent coin glowing 'in the dark. The agitation of the breaking waves caused these jelly blobs to glow and in large numbers they produced a substantial light. As they were washed up on the beach a line of lights outlined the spent wave. Fascinated, we watched for 'ages. then the moon emerged from behind clouds. The lights died and the light show' was over. - Monday found us tramping along the beach towards Sandpatch Point with its jJiuge boulders of granite. We were entertained by dolphins shooting the waves, saw penguins and seals on the Skerries and were then confronted by a formidable natural obstacle - the entrance to Wingan Inlet. Here a swift current indicated the tide was coming in. favourable to us. Three different ways were found to cross the channel. Some waded across with their packs held high, some obtained a lift in a boat whilst the remaining five couldn't resist swimming across with -the packs on a lilo. The water was sensational and the inlet idyllic. Lunch on the beach ended our very slothful Easter walk. maybe it was too easy. But would we do it again next year? Definitely. Jan Rowland 12 Activitpj Programme

Transport costs are presently 20 cents per kilometre per car and are divided equally among ALL participants. This amount is a guide only and can be varied at the discretion of the leader depending on the condition of the roads and the number of passengers per car. The figures given for individual trips are approximate values based on four people per car. May 13-14th - Tantawangalo Fore5t - M/E See it before it is chopped, chipped and shipped to JApan. We will enjoy a beautiful base camp near the junction of six mile and Tantawangalo Creeks. there will be two days walks; one in Tantawangalo Valley (exploratory) and another up a spur to the summit of Mount Tantawangalo. These arrangements may be varied according to whatever prohibitions may be imposed on entry by the WSW Government. Map: Bega 1:100000. Leader Allan Mikkelsen 643472(w), 540764(h). Transport approx. $28. Sunday May 14th - Sentr4 Box Mountain and Rocks - M/M Visit one of the southernmost peaks of the ACT straddling the border. It provides interesting views of the area. We will approach from the southern side across Bradleys Creek. Map: Vaouk 1:25000. Leader: John Thwaite 643193(h), 672309(w). Transport approx. $8. Wednesdaq May 17th - Monthl4 Meeting 8pm at the Dickson Library. Dinner at 6pm at the Parakeet Vegetarian Restaurant in Ainslie. This month's speaker will be Meg McKone who will talk on her recent trip to Kakadu and the Kimberleys. May 20-21st - Pigeon House, Meroo Point - S-M/E On Saturday we will climb Pigeon House for spectacular views of the Budawangs and the coast. This will be followed by a camp about 200 metres from the cars at Meroo Point. Sunday's activities will be determined by the weather and the mood of the party but will probably be relaxed. Let's see if we can match the Gourmet Group with the meal on Saturday. Map: Ulladulla 1:100000, Leader: Vance Brown 513997(h). Transport $20. May 20-21st - Get Yourself to Rotten Swamp - M/M to L/R (Your Choice) This is a revival of an old custom. Starting from various places walk independently or in your own selected pair to a common campsite, then out independently. Car swaps can be arranged. Do not apply unless you or your partner can navigate a bit. The leader will want your proposed route for S&R purposes. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000. Leader: Alan Vidler 646373(h) 496699(w). Transport approx. $6. Sunday May 215t - Mount Namadgi - M-L/M-R This is a long day walk, most of it on tracks but with a considerable climb and some difficult scrub between Rendezvous Creek and the summit of Mt Wamadgi. The effort is rewarded by marvellous views and aboriginal rock arrangements. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000. Leader: Mike Morriss 893103(w). 967823(h). Transport approx. $6. Sunday May 215t - Pierces Creek Waterfall - M/M

This is a fairly easy walk along the creek to the waterfall for lunch with an uphill walk out via the fire trail. Map: ACT 1:100000.. Leader: Ted Rogers (Ring Mike Morriss 893103(w). 967823(h) as contact). Transport approx. $8. Wednesday Hag 24th - Committee Meeting 8pm at the home of Hike Horriss, 6 Logan Street. NARRABUNDAH Thursday Hag 25th - IT Closing 8pm at the editor's. 23/2 Sexton Street. COOK. Hay 27-28th - Mystery Coolangubra Forest Walk - HIM We will walk through some ancient forests with very large trees and perhaps see some areas that have been clear-felled. Arrangements may have to be changed according to what areas may be declared prohibited by the NSW Government. Map: Bombala. Eden A Craigie 1:100000. Leader: Julie Andrew 724543(w), 486215(h). Transport approx. $25, Sunday May 28th - Upper Rendezvous Creek - HIM

This walk, mainly on tracks, is in a beautiful sub-alpine area of the Namadgi National Park. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:26000. Leader: Scott McDonald 476762(h). 922552(w). Transport approx. $6. Sunday May 28th - Big Badja - MIM We will visit Radja Swamps Nature Reserve and Big Badja Hill. Lunch will be on the edge of a 1000 metre deep gorge looking across to Mother Woila and the sea. We then return via ridges to the north. Maps: Badja & Snowball 1:26000. Leader: George Carter 512130(h). 461397(w). Transport approx. $12. June 3-4th - Jillicambra - MIM-R Descend into the Tuross River, then climb up to the summit of Jillicambra to be rewarded by scenic views of the Deua and Wadbilliga National Parks. Map: Belowra 1:25000. Leader: Alan Vidler 946373(h), 435316(w). Transport approx. $16. June 3-4th - Pine Mountain (Victoria) Features easy but steeo track walking in a little known National Park in north-eastern Victoria. Access is via the Alpine way and there will be a beautiful campsite. Map: t.b.a. Leader: Alan Davey 807966(w). 813645(h). Transport approx. $30. Sunday June 4th - Ginini Falls from Mount Franklin - MIM Walk from the old Canberra Alpine Club chalet at Mt Franklin to Ginini Falls - the highest in the ACT. If time permits there will be an optional side trip to the bottom of the falls Ca descent of 200 metres). Map: Tidbinbilla 1:26000. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 640764(h), 643472(w). Sundag June 4th - The Corn Trail - MIE A scenic walk which proceeds along a trail in the area. Map: Araluen & Monga 1:26000. Leader: Debi Williams 719194(h). 981646(h). Transport approx. $16. June (9)10-12th - Kanangra. Tiwilla Plateau - M-LIR The main aim is to explore Tiwilla Plateau and Tiwilla Creek. The creek is an unknown one for the leaders and might involve some rope work. Map: Kanangra 1:26000. Leaders: Meg Mckone 954386(w), 545903(h) £ Rene Lays. Transport approx. $30. Limit of 12. June 10-12th - Ski Tour Mt Jagungal Area Details will depend on snow conditions, not one for beginners. Map: Khancoban 1:60000. Leader: Rod Peters 482077(w), 612680(h). Transport $22. 14 June 10-12th - South-East Forest I intend to go to the Reedy River Base camp near the Coolanqubra State Forest and join in the activities of the South-East Forest Alliance. Getting arrested is optional. Map: Bombala. Eden & Craigie 1:100000. Leader: Mike Morriss 893103(w), 957823(h). Transport approx. $25. Tuesday June 13th - IT Collation 8pm at Kate Moores, to be preceded at 6pm by an Italian night. Bring a plate of an Italian dish and maybe an Italian wine. 24 Hirshfield Crescent, MacGregor. June 17-18th - SkI Instructional The first of the two weekends of Nic Bendeli's ski instructional programme. See preview in the April IT. Leader: Nic Bendeli 319711(h). Transport $22. More information, is given in this IT. Sunday June 18th - Endrick Falls - S/M A scenic waterfall and gorge which provides photographic opportunties. Access will be via a new, easy route. Map: Nerriga 1:25000. Leader Bill - Burford 837636(w), 866557(h). Transport approx. $16. Wednesday June 215t - Monthly Meeting 8pm at the Dickson Library, dinner at 6pm in the Parakeet Vegetarian Restaurant at the Ainslie Shops. June 24-25th - Search and Rescue Rogaining A. competition organised by the Federation Search and Rescue group near Nerriga. The registration fee is $2 per person. Map: Endrick 1:25000. Contact Dave Drohan 662879(w), 413666(h). Transport approx. $19. June 24-25th - Ski Tour in the Cascades Area - HIM Snow cover permitting, we will go in from Dead Horse Gap on the Cascades Trail. This is a very scenic area of the Kosciusko National Park. Map: Thredbo 1:60000. Leader: Bill Brown 495883(w), 489948(h). Transport $22. Sunday June 25th - Winter Solstice Feast at Cotter Gap - MIE Mark the mid-point of winter at this traditional and scenic place, bring lots of goodies. We wil drink to absent friends and the return of the sun. Map: Rendezvous Creek & Corin Dam 1:25000. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 643472(w), 640764(h), Transport approx. $6. Sunday June 25th - Blue Gum Creek, Booroomba Rocks M/M-R This circuit starts from the sheer granite cliffs of Booroomba. crosses a beautiful valley to Mt Lincoln and returns to the Rocks via Blue Gum Creek. Map: Corin Dam 1:26000. Leader: Chris Leslie 616123(h). Transport. approx. $7. Wednesday June 28th - Committee Meeting 8pm at June Hornby's. 9/4 Keith Street. SCULLIN.

WALKS NEEDED1W If after you have read this programme, you think that it is lacking in the type of walks or ski tours you would like to see included, please ring Mike Morriss and discuss your concerns. The programme aims to meet the wishes of members but it depends upon members (as many as possible) volunteering to lead walks. Information

NOTE The walk secretary, Mike Morriss is pleased to accept walks from leaders at any time. Please contact him to put your walk on the programme. Bookings for trips should be made by telephoning the leader by no later than Spin on THURSDAY. There is a Club limit of 16 on most walks.

Walkers are reminded that there can be dangers associated with bushwalking and that they participate entirely at their own risk. Equipment for club walks can be hired from Robert Bibo 883090(h), 527488(w).

Library The Club library is held at the home of Keith Thomas. 26 Ailport Street Downer 487816(h) at 6 - 7.45 pm on the night of club meetings. Transport costs are presently 20 cents per kilometre per car and are divided equally among ALL participants. This amount is a guide only and can be varied at the discretion of the leader depending on the condition of the roads and the number of passengers per car. The figures given for individual trips are approximate values based on four people per car. Grading of walks (S) Short under 12 km/day CE) Easy firetrails, tracks, beaches etc. (H) Medium 12-20 km/day CM) Medium bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub (L) Long over 20 km/day (R) Rough much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles (W) Wet compulsory swims, many river crossings NOTE: In calculating distance 1 km is added for every 100 metres climbed.

NOTICE TO ALL WALKERS The leader should check that: Each applicant is capable of completing the proposed trip. This is done by observation on previous walks or by contacting them personally and asking where, when and with whom they have walked previously. Everyone is aware of what the trip entails and of any special equipment or skills needed. LEADERS MAY REJECT ANY APPLICANT THEY THINK IS HOT SUITABLE FOR THE TRIP. Committee 1988-89 PRESIDENT: Anton Cook 474142(h) 851711(w) VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER: John Kgatt 382517(h) 434933(w) MINUTE SECRETARY: Jan Rowland 413389(h) CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY: Cathg Keenan 498819(h) 458942(w) WALK SECRETARY: Mike Morriss 957823(h) 893103(w) ASSISTANT WALK SECRETARY: David Campbell 541511(h) 754702(w) MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Robert Bibo 883090(h) 527488(w) SOCIAL SECRETARY: June Hornbll 540730(h), 465886(w) EDITOR: Vance Brown 513997(h) 465600(w) PUBLISHER: Barbara Cook 474142(h) CONSERVATION OFFICER: Margot Simington 863898(h) 653926(w)

Dave Drohan (413566k 663100w) is the Search and Rescue Officer and David Campbell (541511k 754702w) the Check-in Officer. Tessa Segrave (542111h), Margaret Cole (886947h) and John Franklin (992567h) are the conservation representatives. Vance Brown is the public officer. Alan Vidler (545373h) is the Club record keeper. I -

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I NOLLV3I1Bfld aHUaLSIOBBI

If not delivered within 7 days please return to P.O. Box 160. Canberra City A.C.T. 2601 Post.9. Paid CANBERRA CANBERRA BUSH WALKING CLUB ACT. 260' INC. AUSTRALtA

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