CANBERRA BUSHWALKING Tlub INC L NEWSLETTER PG Box 160, Canberri City, Act

CANBERRA BUSHWALKING tLUB INC L NEWSLETTER PG Box 160, Canberri City, ACt. 26017

Registered forposting as a periodical Category B, Price 20c

Vol.15 . MAY 1979 No.5.

Thursday, 10 May CONSERVATION IETING, 6 p.m. Russ Bauer's,34Selwyn Street 9 Hackett. Wednesday, 16 May GENERAL MEETING, 7.45 p.ni. at Land Use Research Bui1din C.S.I.R.O.., Black Mountain. David Kerr (Conservation & Agriculture' Branch, DOT) will give a talk on the Management 'Plan for the Gudgenby Nature Reserve. Tuesday, 22 May Supper at Alison's, Imown to the innocent as WALKS PLAIING EVENING. Join the mob from 8 p.m. at 3 Brent Place, Garran. Monday, 28 May COMMITTEE T.ETING at Ann Gibbs-Jordan's, 81 Bonython Street, Downer. Welcome M. le President, Henri deBurnestier, qui sen de retour de Gneve, with some dinkum ocker demercratic rabble. : .

Monday, 4 June IT.. CLOSING, Contributions may be respectfully forwarded to the Editors,.8 Shortland Crescent, Ainslie.

Wednesday, 6 June BUSH SONGS. Entertainment assured at 15 Cosgrove Street.) - Curtin. Tuesday, 12 June IT COLLATION - 8 p.m. at Muriel & Ted Edwards, 56 Lachlan I' Street, Macquar- e. S 4 NOTICE OP MOTION , That the club, lend the South-West Tasmania Committee (NSW) $500 from the book account for the purposes of making a documentary film on South-West Tasmania. Moved: Aim Gibbs-Jordan Seconded: xjuss Baue

TPEASUEER'S TRAUMA (If this doesn't provoke discussion I quit) This month I'm not going to publish a statement as last month's was obviously not read. Instead I'm going to discuss club finances in general terms. The club has one major source of income - club fees - and one significant smount of capital - the Publication Account. It has various traditional and notional accounts detailed below. The Constitution and (null) by-laws say almost nothing about finances. General Account This is the account for all club business not detailed elsewhere. Income is May 1979 INN Page 2

$4 per member per year 9 allocated as $2 for IT and $2 for "other" to satisfy a constitutional requirement. Conservation Account This account has no formal existence but since October 1973 each member has been levied $2 per annum for conservation activities Originally I think the proposers visualized that this fund would gradually accumulate to form a useful fighting fund, but it tends to he spent each year. It is generally regarded as sacrosanct for its titled purpose Search and Rescue Fund This is another traditional and informal fund 9 established in August 1972 to ensure that funds are available to meet transport and other costs of searches, Since February 1979 it is automatically maintained., at $200 - prior to that it was used to confuse the books and hide deficits by allowing this fund to run down. Publication Account This account is actually separate - a bank account was established in 1973 (witha grant troñi National Fitness) to handle. finances associated with the publication of "Bush\valklng Near Canberra' (1974) Since then it has consisted of profits from that publication. This money] is traditionally intended for the finance of further publications (our Constitution requires separate accounting) and has lately been regarded as available for loans for purposes relevant to club activities. It is not considered available for "general revenue" activities - I for one would strongly oppose attempts to fritter away this capital to provide the "present generation" with club membership on the cheap. Surplus/Dcficit Accounts This is where I lay myself open to lynbh parties of former Treasurers. Successive treasurers seen to have deliberately, confused things by using strange and inoensistent accounting methods (strange as they did not match nine and in- consjstthft h5 they did not match each Other). Idon't mean incorrect treatment of unpaid bills, prepaid subscriptions and stocks on hand as I haven't got a clue what to do with them myself. I have examined the published annual state- ments since 1972 and standardised them by excluding all fuhds except the General and 'S & B funds (s & R.is a ?IjI' of money so cannot stand on its own), and by correcting for loans to/from other'funds, These figures summarise (with rounding) as follows -.

F S General Fund (incl.'±q'mS&R) •. IT Start End •Suroleficit Income Costs Surplus 1971-72 $607 $375 $-232 $205 $256 $ -51 1972-73.. 375 624 +249 212 226 -14 1973-74 624 967 +343 238 271 '-33 1974-75 967 636 -281 208 : 304- -96 1975-76 686 591 -95 415 756 -341 1976-77 591 450 •-l4l 382 291 +91 1977-78 450 -130 -580 385 493 -108

1978-79 . ... . .. (71/2)3b 174 :..• '.403 .752 -349 Do not draw too much from thesc figui'cs as they are subject to adjustments for unpaid bills, stocks (IT paper, etc), advance payments, and my arithmetic errors. Some conctusions çan•be drawn from them however The last 4 years of activities have cost over $1000 more than was received in that period - that is around, $i per person per year for the last 4 yearsi We are headed for a large.los,s this year as income for the year has nearly fini?hed but ?xpenditure has not. We have no money to finance further deficits. Future years of club operations will have to pay their own way. Mvl97Y IT Page 3 - iert---yea-rta---fees are going to have to rise considerably to cover next year's costs and to pay off some debts (to the Publication Fund and, probably by then to the Conservation Fund). We should be looking to other sources of income - I've raised one perennial flier in a notice of motion just to set things rolling. We should be looking for ways to cut costs. 1. IT costs are always more than budgetted (the large fluctuations are partly due to variations in stock and unpaid bills passed on). 1tfl also add another conclusion which has a higher opinion component - g. It was probably unwise not to increase fees at the 1977 ACM; it was completely insane not to do so at the 1978 ACM. A. Vidler NOTICE OP MOTION: That non-members on club walks be levied a visitor's fee of 50c per trip. Moved: A. Vidler Seconded: S. Iidler - Discussion - I've decided not to publish my page of "for" and "against" points. • I would like to see voters offered 3 choices - "yes", "no", "think about it for a couple of months", and I haven't yet decided how I will vote! A.V.

Bushwalkers are a shy, retiring lot, reluctant to expose themselves to the fame and glory (and work) of a committee position. But if you occasionally feel you might like to help the club, without permanently committing yourself, here are some suggestions. -- Offer your house as a venue for a committee meeting (ring any committee member), walks planning evening (ring Tim Wright 549177) or IT collation (ring 474937). -- Organize or suggest a speaker, film or display for a genera]. meeting. Ring • Jeff Bennets 822027. • -- Help prin.t 'IT'. This requires about 3 hours unskilled work, usually on a Thursday or Monday evening. -- Lead a walk, Ring Tim Wright 549177 for advice. -- Cook a dish for the Mt. Franklin weekend. Ring Alison Currie 452598 (vi). -- Help make the tea or wash up at meetings. It requires no brains or skill. (John Street did it last meeting). -- Write a walks report. Discuss it with the walk leader and then send it to 8 Shortland Crescent, Ainslie. Eds.

BUSH SbNGS Bush song evenings are attended by people who can sing 9 think they can sing or wish they_-c-Qlj]Lsing-,---plus-a-few who just sort of holler. So don't let ]sCkgfloct pitch prevent you from joining the mob on the following dates - Home number. June 6 Barbara Graham, 15 Cosgrove Street, Curtin 814537 July 4 - Doris & Alan Anderson, 20 Parkhill Street, Pearce 861868 August 1 Robin Blessing, 149 Knox Street, Watson 412740 September 5 Rod Peters, 7 Brook Street, Macquarie 512580 Page 4 May 1979 IT Bush Songs calendar (continued) Home number 951529 October 3 Lydia Rojicek, 56 Walker Crescent 7 Narrabundah November 7 Jenny Wanless, 6 Millen Street 9 Hughes 813692 December 5 Peter Ormay, 26 Wangara Street, Aranda 512426

The Itmer Sheet Its one of those simple sensible pieces of equipment a traveller appreciates Earning its place in my pack. Blue shimmering silk, light and soft to the touch Used in the bamboo huts of Thailand (to foil mosquitoes) Or overnight from Rangoon to Mandalay Gratefully laid out on dusty train floor or cushioning the hard seats of the Darjeerling Mail And fellow travellers exclaim "That looks useful V or some such platitude But each time its used, a sadness That spans continents Those lines recalled "Evexyinan's death diminishes me .. because

I an involved in mankind 1" And I wish its maker could hear the praise. Sandra Morton.

COOKERS' CORNER LOGAN_BREAD - tried and tested by Keith Thomas is supposed to be a bread developed for numerous Canadian asoents on Mount Logan. A 2 by 2 inch square will sustain a man for a day according to Malcolm Taylor, Holdernees, N.H. - or morning tea for Keith) 1 pint water • 1 tablespoon sea salt 2 lbs whole wheat.. flour 1 cup honey - lb sugar (raw or brown) $ cup blackstrap molasses 6 oz non-fat dry milk•.solids cup oil 1 tablespooh baking powder cup sesame seeds cup wheat germ Preheat oven to 300 degrees Mix all the ingredients together very well and turn into a greased roasting pan. Bake one hour. Cut into squares and then allow to air-dry until sqUares are semi-dry. Yield - enough to sustain Keith over Easter plUs samples for the rest of us.

PROSPECTIVE MBMBERS Jennie Louise McArthur, 37 Savige St., Campbell, 2601. 642440 Barbara CamLron-Smith 2/56 Lowanna St., Braddon, 2601. 497355 Jane fink, 99 Burnie Court, Lyons, 2606, Ray Thornhill, 23 Cromwell St., Burwood, Vic,3125 Ian Kelso, 15 Iraga Avenue, Peakhurst., NSW.2210 5334710 Chris & Carolyn Syme, 220 Duffy St., Ainslie. 11.496307 W,547294 Chris NEW MEMBERS Matthew Cross, Michael Scott, Kim HeiJo, Dave Sutton CHANGES OP ADDRESS Dawn Martin, P.O. Box 2134, Alice Springs 5750 John Cole, P.O. Box. 60, East Melbourne, V.3002 Rene Davies, 3 Caffin Place, Garran, 2605. (w) 480555 fl

MAY 172 IT Pagu 5 rc-' •'n k'VAV' tP • si.O t%.j.tJ )lzt.a u. s -- The C.. r;tr 3-;r, LabcratoUes has r..;.ertiy d..-v.3ioed a tew tnatrnc•nt '1 r treat- nt tnat o Oflr ttq.Alr.. tpt of - . .. - res:am:; ;:a.; .iYown that Lrrn pn:sure açpia!d OVER THE BITTEN AREA tfl,r movem;jr.t of vr.:m. When nrbJUrV :s zotbined With jM1jV Q:z;%g very little venorn ti b1 H

Thyruforn w?;¼!r. t ::at1r:j: snake b: te victins, h-Ut

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c as t:.,:.; as ....?; ':.. i b1r.z a spra à;.c'. .5. Ext-:.-i tr.- :ct:iag.c a5 n:m &..

. T - - ...... ca. tyju of t. - :.J. P! V W 3 t r. Datcor .a -,t.'c

:-a:.ci..z a.a ..r-:..:;.t nave b,en ay;li oa _t_y th.y may bt- -1;-- - :- il •....i. me' t , . ... .'f Cho T&Z.~zt !.,.. i:t:.: ,i1_ -cke fl.t.. - . .. . ., ...... --...... •-..-- . mwv v .' ...... -.:_-•.. .:-.. 4.. :vwnt: tr..t riNt r : ..rld; h t:. .IU,: _A.. ... t. :.e or ---- :a., as.%zw.n3 tig; &prpr:a.e: ant Ytn --rte

$oc Fats on inaly Btc - Every year in Atraiia over 230 -;ases of snake tnt.•dr. ropo r ' A '-% o.urir.g on the flmbs and 75% beLr;g the 1oer 01r, 3 Atr ...... ar di, aa a r3! 4it of snakt bite.. A bate from a taIç--. al i praManally ovry vase. whyrnaa the t.:gr snake has a :ata:x i, yatw. d:le i t ij •:-xtrtmelywi!:k:lv that you I1I be titttn by a ,-nap:t ...... :ip:r tart to r-i-ftr znat THE MAJORITY OF BITES OCCUR WHEN .. MADE TO KILL OR CAPrURE A 3.AKE

:r.ai:: wLt 7 -. : itavt• s nans aio-; jin wtar noavy boots or $hOuS -. rt..Jç. it, cc :trv ; kni ) nve: pt your nad.s nolli a L:,'r ...... Iran, ithott prior :rp.-t!.; :v) -a:ways use ,.rcI .arp and farm flou.s at night. most anak e s ar-- 3 t:V!; suTzcr :.:gnt;. IF YOU ARE BITTEN TRY AND IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF SNAKE IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE r-RUPER ANTIVE;;ENE to LE ADMINISTERED.

MAY 1979 . . IT1 Page 6

FIRST AID._COUR$TL. - As indicated. in IT lastinonth, I.:- am, orgnisin. a...&t - Jobn-h couruë- .fc bushwalkers' (Dawn has migtated toAliceSpritgs) -Large nuriters o: people indicated that interest in a waj:end course could be. stmti7.a::c'j therefore I have booked 9-I'Je The 2eccrar ii] be R.gn the speaker at our April meeting. The course will bc 8.30am to 5.0Oj.rn on each day with lujch, breaks, etc. arid will qua.Liy people for a St Johns certificate or its renewaJ. l Cost will"bG - 'coursei 14..oO tandagos '3OQ (3 tr±anf1Jar one rcl7.• ar, one 2" roller) bock 4L2C Xcr second edition with colour pjctures, otc) payblr to 1a 'a: oo"i ES prJ E.su)ie N'urnbars are limited to about 25 so hok VCW I \rLi try u.nd contact H twenty or o ceoclo who exprEssra Interest but as 1 may have oc bne scraos o.. ..apper w.wtn r&eS on, O OCIEC sc ire cc i' nCflG - Alan Vid]er 5'r5373H), 5294('1) Met Thgi'1odm land Use Research Building CSIRO, Blacic o'w:..

.$TION .' ,.. ... . PlC DThPTAY AT TD -B:LCONi'EN' MALL This aisplay was shown to first one undred years. Other disp±a.s 'in tv-- Woden Plaza and Ncnaro Mall were moiinhc-d by NPA of thc2 14c1' and D.C.? The theme for our display was National Pari.:.s in. the r:outh--c&stc:.Q. Sydney i'egon. '. Kei h Thomas cLd ro: of o:gani" tioa 1 i'tL fl 1 OLL) 'tt api . ing their zrd pho LO5 ap il3 k1dlp in the crm ci' atic ccc- ' LCL posters and' large. solour prints came fr'cn the Au stralian IT atioPa Pn" and UildliIe Sarv ce, N P. S (N$) N. P ' 0 T

BITS AND PTFC' C) 'tiFY - procia rc (A O3LU1L ffCs\Tf, TE ibi - -e wr,iting I haven t tad a.' charoe to c'cntact thui,.rht peo.-le to

out whj .Lt is a u'tuce aecer'c ad riu. rioraJ an sna

involved ih thG dtaft 1a -311as,9Lsnt plan. .. . . 51 sn- ;ust arLacJnec-J. &rdhev P'3TYLLng He'.: &l s.,o es biiat :he. .tcr r., - Cc' n ., I '''' UCi P 1 O1 lot On the Cob, b'a'b n±.r'a. an ci;ro'raont with. th': iHnes- :oep ir'iLent underground - nao c' ci o: c 'RjO)eq any i n c' at urha: aiid tile Country Sawni1l-zt Acs-;c. is r'r'i:ThILLng'. - -: Kdith, Lorraine end Petor hay": been fto'i g H.. 7_11 Ra.ge rlannr,.c:'; Study renart. Ann

CO'ISER1JATICW "C4'111' ,. - rhc' ...... . . .. . '. 2-tt &ror S. T,1i ..wai'- ' UEdnc)sday 9' May. May 1979 IT Page 7 YET MORE VACMTT ACC0TIIWODATI0N Tried a new experience lately? Want to get away from it all? Arise! Live Life! Live in N.S.W. in glorious Queanbeyan. All for only $23 p,w, and company of John Hulmeflh7 Who wants someone 9 who needs sorneo ie to share his luxury flat (Too bloody expensive alone). Ring 971311 (w) or inspect 4/48 Richard Avenue 9 QBN.

VIALKS REPORTS T±nderrys .'Traverse" 31 March-i April After an hour waiting for the leader to arrive at the meeting place, a splinter group set off for Teatree, with Lyle, co-leader, cleverly co- opting Peter to lead the group? An hour's walk found us having morning tea on the creek below the main climb up the Onion? Just as Peter was dousing the fire (in a pre-existing fireplace, Keith), Jenny and her party arrived. The delay had been caused by inanimate objects conspiring against Jenny. The early party felt that it must be time for lunch (11.30) but staunch- ly refusing all such pleas, Russ and Jenny led us up the creek 9 then directly up the slabs to the top of the Onion. The slabs were the high point of the trip - good grainy granite giving great grip - which was just as well because the convex slabs offer little other protection? A bit of scrambling to lunch on a huge rock on the summit at about 2,00 p.m. It was a perfect day, warm and sunny, with smoke billowing over from burning off in the A.C.T. It eventually obscured any view of the valley, giving an ethereal feeling to the rocky summit. As lunch lengthened into sleeping 9 talking, reading and photographing the energetic few who scaled nearby rocks, South Tinderry, retreated from an objective to being a hazy view. The summit would have made a fantastic campsite, but Russ could find no water, even several hundred feet down a creek, so reluctantly, on to the saddle just south of Tinderry Peak. (We'll just •grope our way through the smoke"). We found water about 200 vertical feet or so below the saddle. Walking time about 20-30 minutos. The evening was fins and clear so the 'single marrieds' tempted fate S by sleeping out. The morning found the three of us huddled under one fly after a night of steady rain The 'married singles' , far more ssnsibie, had been discreetly under cover all along. A late, wet start saw us head for home - no takers for Tinderry or North Tindcrry. Back to the saddle just north of the Onion 2 down the creek to Saturday's morning tea spot for another hour long morning tea, this time in light drizzle, then to the cars by about 1.00 p.m. (Total walking time on Sunday, about 2 hours). We all enjoyed ourselves even though Lyle never did get around to cooking his much discussed damper with jam and banana custard, Alison, Ally, Ian, Ian, Linda, Peter, Rene, Robert and I all agreed that Jenny, Lyle and Russ's trip would make an excellent day walk. Penny Castle-Shrouded Gods-Holland Creek, April 7-6 On Friday night two ears left from Canberra on the long drive to Yadboro. Unfortunately 9 o'clock found us hopelessly lost in the tangle of fire trails in the Yadboro State Forest and when ernest started navigat- ing by compass and dead reckoning, car no 2 rebelled and we retraced our path till we finally located a signpost labelled Yadboro. However luck ran out - a new fire trail - the ubiquitous Clyde Ridge road - and no sign post. We tossed up and went left, only to meet Ernest barrelling along in the other direction to renewed vows of 'we know where we are now', we followed them and came at last to the promised land of Yadboro, already occupied by a car from Sydney which was in the process of refreshing itself with some indescribable muscat. Early next morning (v, whisker before a) we set off and had lunch on the Castle. My admiration at my on-i bravery in finally getting up that May 1979 IT Page 5 heap of rock was dashed when we met a family group, husband 9 wife and baby (in carrier), strolling about the top as well. For moonlight Castle climbers there are new slides on the Kaliana Ridge that could make a night ascent a little more difficult. The afternoon was occupied with a new improved route up Shrouded Gods. Barry coaxed us up a side gully chock-a-block with scrub and blocked by a 12 foot wall. Keith got up piggy back and aimed with the cord that Barry uses to keep his longs up, he and Barry shoulder boosted and hauled (a la potato sack) the let of us up. Ernest nearly cane to grief when the bush he was hanging on to gave way, but finally we were all up. The gully ran on ahead deceptively easy locking. Tramping along I suddenly disappeared up to my chest in a hole, my pack jdtnmed against a reck and my legs kicking wildly into nothing. I clawed my way out and continued more cautiously, but reports from ahead indicated that there were more of these delightful little surprises, so we started examining the walls for a way cut. Barry and Keith to the rescue again and after a quick reck scramble, enlivened by a dramatic fingernail self-arrest. by Ernest - it just wasn't his day - we were on top A brisk stroll and we were at the campsite 9 running water 9 pleasant forest and a grand-stand view. A very cenvival and alcoholic evening was spent by all and to it perhaps the lethargy of the following morn may be ascribed. However by 9 a.m. Rena had rallied the troops and off we set down to Hplland Creek aimed with the information that 'the way down is on the right Several view stops for Angel Falls and impromptu sunbakes followed while the more energetic located a route through the first cliff line. No worries, we could see the nice gently sloping ridge we should take - from the intermediate level, and after another sunbake and yet another view stop off we set. Our complacency was slightly shaken by anothe' cliff line (it didn't look like that from the top) 9 but the indefatigable Keith had located a route and with a little pack handing and assistance to those with shorter legs we were through. Then it was down through beautiful open forest to Holland Oroek, a swim in the icy waters, another sunbake to thaw out and then along Holland Creek, waist high ferns dappled in the sunlight and the crock sliding gently over its multi- coloured pebble bed. After lunoh a severe attack of decadence set in and we wandered along to the junction, another swim (who lured us in with the whopper about it being a bit warner in the Clyde than Holland Creek?), then along the Clyde to the ridge running up to Castle Gap. The ridge up to Byangee Walls was lovely, clear and open and gontly sloping and all we had to do was get round Irni on the same level to the gap. That was the problem, the ticn was scree and rubble set at a vidous angle, a trap for tired muscles and dulled reflexes. A couple of us found it hard going and it was dusk be -fore we all collected at the Gap. Then it was a race around the bottom of the cliff line to the fire trail that TILO it a couple of ridges further round. We found the last few Imi by the diffuse light of a cloud-covered moon. In retrospect it would probably have been better to have climbed all the way up to the cliff line at Byangee Walls and then followed it down to the Gap, rather than traverse the soree slopes on the same level, but that isn't the sort of thiig you knew until you've tried it. Thanks to Rene (Davies) for taking us or .such a great trip, Barry for boosting its all end the use of his pajama cord, and Keith for not screening too hard when I trod on his toe (i don't think I broke any bones). Thanks also to Hughie for the weather - for once you did us proud. Alison Currio

Tasmania - Cradle Mountain - Lnjco St. Olair at Easter lorraine, Bob, Charlie and I spent 10 days in the Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park, starting at Easter. We climbed Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff after leaving Waldhcim The top of Cradle Mountain must be one of the most beautiful areas of rook and vegetation that I have over visited. Two days later we attempted to climb Mt. Pelion West, with a view! to traversing the rnnge to Mt. Ossa and Mt. Pelion East. The oloud level was May 1979 IT Page 9

too low, however9 so we walked around to camp on an alpine shelf between Mt. Ossa and Mt. Thetis. Bob and Lorraine did the traverse in reverse the following day 9 while Charlie and I contented ourselves with climbing Mt. Thetis 9 relaxing in the sun and reading. The next day took us over Mt. Ossa to Kia Ora Hut by lunchtime as the weather closed in so we had one day hut-skulking. It had rained all night, the cloud level was down, and anyway, Bob told us that Garry had said that 'visual navigation' was required for the DuCane range. We climbed onto this range from DuCane Gap0 There is an open lead marked on the map between Kia Ora and DuCane huts, but it looked pretty scrubby to us0 The cliff lines marked on Palling Mountain were no obstacle, and I an told that the scrub by Tasmanian standards, was quito reasonable0 We had planned to camp at Lake Helios, but I twisted my knee then the cloud dropped and it snowed on us so we manufactured a campsite on the ridge east of Mt. Massif. The snow had not been enough to aettle on the ground, but even so, as thawing frozen sandshoes is no joke, we set off fairly smartly over Mt. Massif and Big Gun Pass to see Lake Relics, which would indeed have been an incredibly beautiful campsite - next time? Lunch at a small tarn, fringed by deciduous beech, loaves golden, with the cliffs of Geiyon on the opposite ridge, took three long sunny hours. Camp that night was at lake Ophion on the Labyrinth - another perfect site. Our last day dawned wet and overcast. Plans to traverse Mt. Gould were abandoned and we walked out to Cynthia Bay (6j hours fast walking). The snow we had hoped to see settling on the tops fell that night. Overall, a relaxed and enjoysble trip. Notes for otherris: You can arrange transport anywhere, anytime in Tasmania with Denis Maxwell, through TAA or the Tasmanian Government Tourist Bureau. We were met from our plan in Devonport, taken to Waldheim for $10 per head very late on Thursday night, then not in Cynthia Bay and taken back to Devonport to meet a flight, cost $20 per head. (There is no bus service from Derwent Bridge to Hobart on Sunday . It costs almost the same, either way, and at least with Maxwell you don't have to walk to Dorwent Bridge.) The rates are more expensive if there are less than 4 in a party. The jet boat no longer operates on Lake St. Clair, but I think Maxwell - could arrange one for you .. .,,. at a price0 It is well worth getting away from the overland track, which is fairly boxing, crowded and extremely muddy. Our high camps were among the best parts of the trip. It would be possible to avoid the worst of the track by coming in from Wolf rare Mince, up Pelion West, travorse to Ossa, directly to the DuCane range, over Mt. 0-ould then Mt. Olympus, or off to Bilden Bluff to the west. The Waldheim area would seem to be best explored separately by several day trips. The peaks arc dolerite columns. The routes on them are interesting, in- volving large bculde:rs with larger drops between them. It is rough and excellent for sandshoe friction, but it can cut your hands to pieces. We found on several occasions on this trip (and it has been noticed before) that low cloud often persists on the tops until about lunchtime, so if you want to climb peaks, it may be better to try and leave them to the afternoon. We got up toe early on two occasions and got thoroughly cold waiting for it to clear. Its a good excuse- for staying in bed. Penny May 1979 IT Page 10

A Four Day Walk in the Southern Blue Mountains Route: Day 1 - Bats Come Barrallier Pass - Mount Meier - east of Square Rook Colong Gap - Yerrandoric Peak - Basin Creek. Day 2 - Basin Creek Waterfall - Toralli River - Lacys Gap Lacys Creek South Canyon, Day 3 - Lacys Tableland. Day 4 - Laoys Gap - Yorranderie Colong Gap - Colong - Bats Camp. Features: Good views from Yerreaoderie Peak, edges of Lacys Plateau (especially the top of the cliff at the junction of Lacys Creek North and South Canyon) and ColongGap. The upper part of Basin Crook between the road and the waterfall looks interesting. Square Rock looks good enough to climb. The discovery of P pear tree (some sort of Hakea?) on Lacys Platamu, Lacys Creek South Canyon is full of scrub and blue gums. A very enjoyable trip. Who went: Waxtck Blayden (navigo.tor), Ann Gibbs-Jordan, Andrew Thompson and the Streets.

Tuross River - Easter 1979 Players: Fred George, Rest Vallak, Don Shepherd 9 both Vidlers, Keith Tarlo Bill Broyna. We left Alans car at Countogany and travelled in Bill's ute to Badja Springs, where the ute scored undercover shelter - very friendly people. We hit the firotrail a couple of ice after the 10.05 start and by 3.15 p.m had a fine view of Jillicombra - as a dot to the east rather than close by to the south! We'd followed an unmarked firetrail meandering vaguely SSW instead of the correct one SSE - who looks ata compass when on the 'only" firetrail? It was a long way back but we camped just on dark 1 ion along the correct firetrail. By 11 a.m. next day we were on the Tuross at the foot of Jillicambra - where we'd intended to camp. Only Fred, Sue and Alan climbed the 850m up Jillicambra that aftornoon - the others missed memorable 360 degree views of a fine wilderness area. Camp was back at the river. On Sunday we had a long but unhurried walk up river to the junction of the Tuross and Bumberry Creek, thus putting us back on schedule. We started early on Monday to allow 'plenty of time' for the 4k Ion to Tuross Falls and 3 ice of open scrub to the road back to Countegany. Alas, Tuross Gorge claimed yet another over optimistic party, with much more water than in mid-surer there were about S compulsory swims plus numerous deep wades and it was bloody cold. The high level caused numerous hairy scrambles- Fred's rope was used at least 6 times - and much pack passing. The cold water sapped our energies, particularly the thinner people. Darkness fcrccd us to bivouac on rocks an hour's travel downstreom from the falls. Feet and Sue cocked our remaining food and we all ate sufficiently, if not heavily or con- ventionally. During the night Sue and Feet (and the rest of us) were woken by a 100 kg boulder which fell from a great height and shattered after lending in the 50 cm between them. Feet was cut and bruised by some flying -franents but considered herself very lucky indeed - as were we all. Avoid sleeping in canyons. Next morning we climbed out just before the fells, fuelled by a breakfast of a slice of bread and a handful of dry muesli each. We had a leisurely walk back to Countegany as all were tired from limited sleep and psychological- ly weak after escaping from the gorge. Enough bread remained for lunch of 3 slices each, with cheese, salami and jon. Fred was disgusted to discover a block of chocolate to share around ("If I'd realised I had this yesterday you wouldn't have got any of it!") Peter Conroy was rung from Countegeny an hour after he'd started alerting possible searchers. Some of us were missed at work. Al an May 1979 IT Page 11

Easter in the Snowy Mountains Matthew 9 Mark and Jon 7 Wendy, Brian 9 Eddie 7 Graham (from Cowra) and your scibe enjoyed four days of perfect weather for a walk beginning at Olsen's Lookout. A "hare and tortoise" division soon emerged 9 with the leader persuading some of the latter to walk farther than anticipated (but within the club's definition of a 'medium' walk as advertised in IT) 7 while restraining the hares also to walk a medium distance. In the end 7 strange to relate 9 evdryone covered the some ground 9 even if dusk on the first night fell on separate corps along the Geehi Dam - Soblink Pass road. On day 2 the tortoises caught up with the hares 7 and lunch was enjoyed on the bend of the Valentine River near Valentine Hut. After a look at Valentine Falls 7 the party continued up Back Flat Creek, csmping on the flank of the Grey Mare Range under clear skies at a compromise site equi- distant from water and firewood. A higher campsite would have been pre- ferred, but I have rarely seen the ground and small creeks so dry in the Snowies as during the last few weeks. All water bottles froze hard overnight, and the intrepid leader was smitten by a mighty TJRTI-type Lurgi, to rise with fast weak pulse and very enotty etc. So that wily old fox ensured that all sleeping bags and tents etc. were dried in the sun 7 before setting off on a leisurely traverse along the Grey Mare Range. Lunch was enjoyed on the top of the Grey Mare itself (or her-. self?), before descending to Grey Hill Caf, reached in time for afternoon tea. Despite some urging to press on, the leader as pace-setting tortoise of the day (pulse racing and still snotty etc.) was quits unmoved 9 and remained unconvinced that water would be available at any suitable campsite until beyond the Pinnacle. The more impatient of the hares were offered the Granite Peaks, Findlay's Lookout, Pretty Plain, Mt. Kosciuske or ether suitable objectives to dissipate pent-up energies. Some went jogging to The Twins, about 4 len away, while the tortoises remained in contented torpor at Grey Hill CaTh, Next morning 9 after an early start 7 all the party reached The Twins at about 9 a.m. to enjoy the morning view of the Main Range, and not long after were past the Pinnacle and down at Grass Flat Creek at 12.30 p.m., just in time to flex off for lunch. A now discovery there was that by simultaneously eating fruit cake and blackberries, one gets a very superior "rich fruit oaks1t. The cars were retrieved by about 2 p.m. and the party returned via Kiandra and Coena. The eye 9 and cemera lenses were satisfied. Pieter

Orroral_Circunnav,ation - 22 April We started walking at 8.20 as both ears arrived on time. The weather was cool and occasionally windy but clear - -a relief after leaving home in rain. The three people on their first club trip proved well capable of handling this quite long day trip 9 sea leisurely morning tea was taken at Cotter Gap. As Hens described events leading to her just-removed plaster cast and Hod's troubles, the wind noisily broke a very large branch off a tree above us. Rene narrowly beat the rest of us by covering 50m in 2 seconds as the branch crnshed to the ground near our fire. Late and long lunch was enjoyed at Prodigal Billy Clearing. We all talked abou± having afternoon tea at Nursery Creek (i had the secret motive of trying for a late finish to manoeuvre Hens to a surprise birthday party) but the cars beckoned us and we were driving home by 4,30 p.m. A,V. Urban Fringe Rambles - May 12 and 19. These are a series of walkw i -i nearby areas that people have seen from a motor vehicle 7 but not discovered the delights available within the City limits. They are recommended for newer walkers and anyone else with an interest in Canberra and its development. Also some nice views, rich autumn colours and home in time for tea. Most of the walking is on tracks and we May 1979 IT Page 12 should eoe 8-12 1. Walkers make their own way to the starting point so you can still come if you forget to put your name down on the list at Paddy's. Dogs are acceptable on the Woden walk - providing they are kept under control: Saturday 12th - be at Woden bus interchange at 1.15 P.M. Saturday 19th - he at Northbourne Ave., Civic to catch the bus to Dickson at 1.32 p.m.

WALKS PREVIEWS Bogonp Peak (25) 26-27 May This is an exploratory walk. The leader (Jon Hiliman) has not previously been in the area and would welcome any comments -. telephone 494476 (Vi). Participants should be prepared for cold weather (possibly snow) and scrub bash. Pierces Creek - Hardy Rao - 10 June, Leader Alan Brace Start from forestry trails near Pierce! s Creek, follow Hardy Range to Camel's Back and return along fire trails. Coronet Peak - 3 June. Leader - Rita Claringbold Meet 7.30 a.m, (to allow for tea stops). Essential items - warn clothes, more essential - billies, tea 5 cups and endless thirst. A relaxed day walking through easy country. Excellent views from the top of Coronet Peak (weather permitting), P.S. CUPS of TEA the order of the day in case I PORGOT to mention it. Sentry Box Hill - 13 May. Leader - Tony Herlt Start from Naas Creek, follow Naas Creek Valley and ascend Sentry Box Hill via one of the south-eastern ridges. Lunch at the top followed by a visit to the Sentry Box, 5uperb views in geod weather. Bring water - roturn same way. Mount McKeanie - 20 May. Leader - Tim Wright Starting from Smoker's Trail, crossing Smoker's Flat onto McKeanie Ridge. Lunch on top, bdng water, Down one of the easterly ridges & return to Smoker's Trail and the cars, Definitely not for heginhers. TIM'S TATTLE Thank you to Shirley Chittick and Dawn Martin for their recent walk. A - delightful descent to disreputable decadence demonstrated by a bush-bash to Booroonba Hocks. Morning tea followed by a 2 hour lunch break then splendid scenery from the top of Booroomba. A PLEA - the Walks Programme is a little bare in Juno. Come along to Walks Planning on 22nd May and put your name down for a few trips. Mount Franklin Weekend 26-27 May - fling Alison on 452598 or 822817 (H) Those who have been before need no further warning, but for newcomers, this is a week--end spent at the Mt. Franklin chalet with a grhnd banquet and general riot on Saturday night. A couple of hours drive along the Mt. Franklin read from Canberra brings you to the spot of rural seclusion - join in one of the planned walks or just sleep. Sunday a walk to nearby Ginni Falls is traditional and well worth the effort. Bring your own breakfast & lunch. Bunks upstairs in chalet - b.y.o sleeping bag, etc. Cost is $6, ihcludes fee to Alpine Club for hire Alpine club members pay $4.50. Gluewine & port will be supplied - bring your own wine and beer. V0LUNERS needed to help with food. Tidbinbilla to Mt. Franklin - Long Rough .- Saturday 26 An early start so as to ensure we will arrive at Mt. Franklin for the evening activities. Route taken will be via Fishing Gap, Cotter River, and probably three lots of scrub, Goodradigbee River - M/M - Sunday 27 May (for these not recovering from gluewine) A leisurely walk from Mt. Mmmi down Harry's to the Goodradigbee River will then proceed dovrnstrecuu at least to Basin Creek before returning to Mt. Ginini, It should be noted that a 850 metre descent and ascent is involved, Bungonia Gorge - Saturday, 9 June Bungonia Caves - Sunday. 10 June previews will appear elsewhere. May 1979 IT Page 13 ACTIVITIES PROGRM/ffQ MAY - Thur,10 CONSERVATION MEETING at Russ Bauer's, 34 Selwyn Street, Hackett

Sat .12 * UPIBAN FRINGE RMELE (Woden) M/E Darryl Powell A.C.T. 1.15 at Woden bus interchange 548973 (w) 1.100 9 000 Sun.13 * SENTRY BOX HILL L/M T ony I-Ierlt A,C,T, 494045 (w) 1:100 9 000 12/13 * KELLY - SOABBY GUDGENBY M,/M Russ Bauer A,C,T, 980237 (w) 1:100,000 12/13 "WALK IN A WILDERNESS' - BIIvIBERI AREA M Ring Tin Wright

Wed.16 GENERAL MEETING, 7.45 p.m., LAND USE RESEARCH, CSIRO, BLACK MOUNTAIN

Sat19 * URBAN FRINGE RAMBLE (NORTH CANBERRA) M/E Darryl Powell A.C.T. 1.32 pan. Civic to catch bus to Dickson 548973 (vi) 1:100,000 Sun. 20 * MOUNT McKEAIHaE RIDGE L/R Tim Wright A. C. T, 462543 (vi) 1:100,000 18(19/ JENOLAN GORGE - COX'S RIVER N/H H. Bunnester Katoonba 20 511887 (H) 1:100,000 19/20 SELWYN QUARRY - NINE MILE -- TUMUT PONDS M/R Peter Conroy .Cabra'mra CLEfl CREEK 881111 (w) 1:25,000 19/20 RENDEZVOUS CREEK - Beginners, limit 15 8/ivI/E Adrian Baker A.C.T. - .497579 (Hj 1:100,000 Tues,22 WALKS PLANNING EVENING, 3 Brent Place, Garran

Sat.26 * TIDBINBILLA .- Mt. FRANflIN L/R Russ Bauer A,C,T, 980237 (w) 1:100,000 Sun.27 GININI FALLS S/N TBA . A.C.T. 1:100,000 Sun.27 * ppy SPUR N/N Jenny Whinam 458616 (vi) 11 (H) 26/27 * MOUNT FRAIIN NEEKEND - Boisterous - Ajison Currie 26/27 BANGOR-HODDLES CASTLE-HAUGHTON-ELIOT GAP- L/M Ann Gibbs.J Budawangs ELIOT-STURGESS-HIDDEN VALLEY.QUILTY'S 480066 (vi) 25/27 "WALK IN A WILDERNESS" - DEUA Ring Tin Wright 25(26/ * BOGONG PEAK - BIG PLAIN PEAK L/R Jon Hiliman Talbingo 1:25,000 27) .. . . 494476 (vi)

Mon,28 COMMITTEE MEETING, 81 Bonython Street, Downer

JUNE 5i,3 * CORONTT PEAK . . N/N Rita Claring- A,C C T, bold 861587 H 1:100,000 1 - 4 "WALK IN A WILDERNESS" - BINGHI Ring Tim Wright Mon,4 - "IT" CLOSING DATE

Wed.6 BUSH SONGS EVENING - Barbara Graham, 15 Cosgrove St., Curtin. .

9/10 FIRST AID INSTRUCTION - 8.30-5.30p.n. Meetings Room, Land Use Research, CSIRO., Black Mountain. Contact Alan Vidler Sat.9 *BUNGONIA GORGE n/N Jeff Bennette Caoura 822027 (H) Sun. 10 *BUNGONIA CAVES Dark Brian Sullivan May 1979 IT Page 14 ACTIVITIES PR0GRAM/IE June Sun,10 *PIERCEI S CREEK - HARDY ]TGE N/K Alan BMce A,C,T, • 522142 (w) 1:100,000

Tues,12 "IT' 7 COLLATION - 56 Lachlan Street 9 Macquarie

-* See Walks Preview Previews continued Bungonia Gorge - Saturday, 9 June Down the scree slope 7 past the Ef±'lux and along a creek into Bungonia Gorge, Through the "slot", under, around and over the Devils Marbles, and beside • Bungonia Creek to the Shoalhaven junction Up a steep but good track to ML Alexandra, ML Ayre and the Lookdovm. Bungonia Caves - Sunday 10 June A helmet and two sources of lighting essential. We will go through the Grill, and possibly one or more of Holland's, Hogan's and Argyle, Note: These caves tend to be rather muddy - boiler suit or overalls are desirable,

GRADING CF WALKS Distance: Short (s) - under 12 km/day Medium (r) - 12-20 km/day Long (L) - more than 20 km day - every lOOm climbed or dropped rates 1 extra ion Conditions: Easy (E) - fire trails, good tracks, open forest or beaoh Medium -- bush tracks, alpine walking 7 some scrub Rough (I?) substantial scrub 7 steep climbs, rock sorambling or wading of streams Wet (w) compulsory swims (canyon bag essential) and numerous river crossings

BOOKINGS DO NOT TELEPHONE PADDY'S TO BOOK, Do not telephone the leader to book unless he/she has indicated in the walks preview that phone bookings are acceptable. (If, however, you simply want infonnation about the walk, its difficulty, eto, you are weloome to ring either the leader or the walks secretary)

TRAMSPORT COSTS These are offset by a system whereby everyone contributes to the cost of running vehicles. The costs are based on figures of 3 cente/km for cars under 1700cc capacity and 11 cents/lan for cars over 1700 cc, EQlJIPIvNT FOR CLUB WALKS can be hired from Aminel Ryan 317392 (H)

CLUB CONTACTS President Henry Bunnoster 511887 (H) Walks Secretary Tim Wright 462543 (w) Editors Jenny Whinam) Linda Groom 474937 (H) Membership Sec - Lyle Burgcss 971765 (vi) 816503 (H) Typed by Sybil Story

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POSTAGE CANBERRA PAID BUSH WALKING CANBERRA caY CLUB ACT. 2601 INC. M AUSTRALIA

1• 027 iEET VALLAK 5 FIJLLV00D ST ES TON ACT 2611