THE NEWSLETTER OF BUSHWALKING CLUB it Volume 43, Number 5 June 2007

Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601

June GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 20

Summer walks in the Tasmanian highlands Presenter: Andrew Meers The magic of summer in the Tasmanian highlands as CBC members visit 15 lakes and six peaks over a week. A report on trips to the Walls of Jerusalem and Mount Ossa in January 2007. Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall Constitution Avenue, Reid

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 page 1 the bush, even if you are not the route and I’ve been thinking that leader. Like many other skills, it is it makes an excellent day trip: has President’s necessary to practice frequently to variety, interest and is demanding. It Prattle maintain your navigational skills. would be absolutely criminal to put Why not ask your trip leader if they a new fi re trail up the fl anks of that would mind you navigating part of spur. It is steep unstable shale. The Winter has almost arrived, heralded the trip? Trip leaders are generally road-maker would have to carve out by the burst of cold days at the end happy to answer queries and provide huge volumes of hill-side to negotiate of May. There is something refresh- guidance on navigation and map a vehicular way to the top. ing about starting a walk on a cold reading to those who show interest frosty morning that transforms into and would like to become profi cient In the last issue I reminded leaders one of Canberra’s warm, sunny and in one of the more intellectual skills of the problem of hypothermia. The frequently windless winter days. of bushwalking. assumption was that one becomes Winter camping in a warm sleeping hypothermic unintentionally. So bag and awaking to a crisp clear Other ways of improving or maintain- while I encourage people to con- morning can add to that experience. ing your navigation skills are to go tinue their overnight trips through Do not hang up your walking shoes on orienteering and rogaining events. the winter months I would say just because winter has arrived. The The location and times of these events that to do so is not to deliberately Activity Program still has a good can be found on the Internet. choose to become hypothermic, be selection of both day and weekend ultra Spartan or have a mind set that walks during winter, along with Committee meeting feels no cold or pain (“It’s all in the the occasional cross-country ski or There was no Committee meeting mind you know.”) Without spending snowshoe trip. during May. Six Committee mem- much extra money one can have bers were unable to attend because reasonably good gear and be quite Fire trails in the ACT they were walking, or were ill, or comfortable. To see and be part Our Conservation Officer, John had prior commitments, which meant of the High Country in its various Thwaite, prepared the Club’s that we did not have a quorum. guises through the different seasons response to the proposal to build has its rewards. (One of them need four new fi re trails in the ACT. Two President not be hypothermia!) of these trails are proposed in areas The President has been away from The following are some one-liners that have high conservation values Canberra walking for most of May from school students beginning as well being frequently visited by (half her luck) to return early in bushwalking. bushwalkers and others. There has June. In the President’s absence this been intense opposition to road President’s Prattle was written by (Near the top of a climb up Mt Tennent) development in these areas. John the Vice-President. “My legs are jelly. I’m getting too old has provided a summary of our for this; I’ll be 14 tomorrow.” response in this issue of it. Keith Thomas Vice President (Multi-day trip, Tantangra) “This is Navigation the fi rst time I’ve ever had a spare dollar in my pocket for more than a A number of people have attended day.” Rob and Jenny Horsfi eld’s recent Navigation Training sessions. I was (Diffi cult bush-bash to Billy Billy fortunate in being able to attend the Walks Rocks) “I’m OD on all this scrub.” evening ‘dead-reckoning’ exercise. Waffl e (Viewing the panorama and addressing This was conducted on a moonless the teacher) “Remind me please, what night in the horse paddocks around was the reason we decided to come Kambah and was a great exercise in here?” compass work and distance estima- Recently we were on Stockyard Spur tion. I would recommend these with its lovely sub-alpinal woodland (Bogong Cave) “If I had food and training sessions to anyone who goes and grassy under story. The route to water I’d live up here for weeks.” bushwalking. the waterfalls on Stockyard Creek was an easy descent from the ridge (Rest en route) “It’s so peaceful Navigation is one of the important line and the falls themselves were and quiet you don’t want to make a skills of bushwalking and there a lovely little spot. (where we had noise; or if you do, it’s got to be a should be more than one person on a morning tea). Subsequently we con- big one!” trip who has navigational skills and toured north then descended steeply Rob Horsfi eld knows approximately where they to the Cotter River downstream from are at all times on a trip. Corin Dam. As fearless leader I had Walks Secretary For those that were able to attend some trouble deciding exactly where the Navigation Training session, and we were on the river but we ended others who may wish to hone their up back at the cars before last light navigation skills, follow the route and all in the group were still talking on your map as you travel through to one another. For me it was a new

Page 2 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 Great Eastern Letter from Ewan Farquharson

Centenary walk– Dear it Readers, complication I am progressing well. After being home for over and Two With respect to my nearly fatal a month and twice weekly physio head-on car accident of 9 February I fi nally began limping around Rivers section I would like to thank very much without crutches and started a those members who visited me in graduated return to work program hospital, sent cards, and thought in late-May. of me. I was overwhelmed at the The accident has generated lots Part I bushwalker response and gifts of books, magazines (including of paperwork to keep me busy Bundeena to Nowra, 9 days, ones on fuel effi cient trains) and at home and work. Of course in Friday 29 Sept – Sat 9 Oct 06 chocolates! I even had some visits hospital you always meet someone from the current and previous worse off than you, like young Walkers: Judy Dann, Warwick el-Presidentés! Of course I felt paraplegics and quadriplegics and Blayden and Rob Horsfi eld honoured but won’t comment on elderly people in hospital for 6, 8, their differing styles and person- 9 months and longer with shattered Transport to Bundeena was bus to hips. In the orthopaedics ward I Central, train to Cronulla and ferry alities! Although apparently lucid to talk to I don’t remember much was not exposed to some of the to Bundeena. From Bomaderry more gruesome aspects of hospital (Nowra) one can catch a train to of the fi rst half of my hospital stay and nothing of the accident. care such as cancer. Whilst unable Central then a bus to Canberra; one to move from my bed I also had member hitch-hiked home. I was discharged from hospital on visits from our publisher who was The destinations for each day were 30 March and had my fi nal follow in and out of hospital for treatment. Watermolla, Stanwell Tops, Broken up visit 9 May when I was told no George, I hope you are holding Nose, Kembla Lookout, Summit heavy stuff for the next 3 months up well. Tank, Caloola Pass, Barren Grounds, and that after 6 months (Novem- ber) I can do what I used to do Of course I am missing the out- highway near Camberwarra Moun- doors and look forward to getting tain, return to Canberra. before the accident. Obviously recovery is a gradual process out and about and walking with Total distance was ~128km includ- with much physiotherapy still to you all. ing ~10 from the fi nish to Bomad- come but I expect to be doing easy Thanks again erry. Of this total ~60 was fi re trail walks at a leisurely pace before or road bash, although the 15km November. Medical oversight section from Barren Grounds to of my care has now passed to Ewan Farquharson Cambewarra Mtn has been re- my GP and apart from a minor routed in recent months and is now off-road. There were sections that were quite interesting and well worth the effort but the fi re trails had their effect and the Clyde River Bridge. The writer shortly thereafter. Most of the camp 9 days was enough. extended the walk both at the start sites were quite good and on several and finish to simplify transport days we picked up and carried water Part II arrangements. for the evening and following morn- Highway near Cambewarra ing. It rained heavily on days 6 and 7 Destinations for each day were and we were grateful to be able to Mountain to Wog Wog, 10 days, Bugong Fire Trail via Red Rocks Tues 17– Thurs 26 April 07 use the cave on the side of Cole and Reserve, Grassy Gulley after cross- one in Burrumbeet Brook. Walkers: Rupert Barnett, Liz ing the Shoalhaven, Danjera dam, Boolijong Creek via Yarramunmun Discussions were unique. Harman, Meredith and David Creek, Tianjara Creek after a rendez- Hatherly, Stephen Thearle and vous on the Braidwood Road, Little One member’s husband has a Rob Horsfi eld Forest Trig, Yadboro via Rusden backyard full of tractors, restora- tion and display being the interest Transport was Canberra to Moss Head, Longfella Pass and the Clyde River bridge, side of Mt Cole, Bur- with an occasional lap around the Vale by train, then bus to our start clothes line. point on the highway near Cam- rumbeet Brook and Wog Wog. bewarra Mountain. We arranged a Total distance for part II was ~140km Warwick Blayden has produced rendezvous, day 5, on the Nowra of which a signifi cant amount was many articles on bushwalking over Braidwood Road near Tianjara Falls acceptable fi re trail. the years and I suggested to him and were collected by car from Wog that he consider publishing them as Wog at the end of the walk. Again, there were some very pretty a collection in book form. and interesting sections. The Two Rivers Walk is from It was noted that the royal jelly Coolendel on the Shoalhaven to Each day we started very early produced by bees stimulated the and fi nished around lunch time or sexual development of would-be Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 page 3 workers. One apiarist in the group Pat and I, David Campbell and Nick both policing and national security described how he always tried to get Bendelli climbed into a police 4WD responsibilities. A very polite uni- a lot of royal jelly. paddy wagon and were driven to formed offi cer armed with side pistol the start of the Folly Point walk. approached and offered us a lift. We At times it was most diffi cult to say Complete with two-way radio we readily accepted. Would you? anything that was unambiguous. walked to Folly Point and beyond as There were several censors and directed by Headquarters, reporting Two offi cers were in the front seat, judgement was usually pronounced as required but with no luck. We Syd, Pat and I in the rear seat of as, “dizz-guss-ting”. received a message that another the dual cab with barred windows while John and Jan were in rear Our rendezvous was an impromptu search party had located the missing people safe in a cave. We returned cage with our backpacks. Once we picnic. Fresh food and goodies were were in the wagon the offi cers did very welcome. to the barn in the paddy wagon and were treated to a sumptuous feast of not speak to us! The swimming hole at Tianjara steak, baby potatoes, peas etc sup- The Carabineros dropped us off Creek was a magic spot but the plied by the police back-up team. at the walk start. We all smiled, water was so cold; comparable, in shook hands, took photographs fact, to a high voltage shock. S&R Headquarters was re-located to Little Forest Plateau the following and thanked the offi cers for their Various camp badges were awarded day and the rescue completed by kindness. We noted that a couple at the fi nish: best apprentice stick- helicopter and ground party; a very completing the walk and having to leaner (trying to ape the fearless impressive operation. do the 10 kilometres road bash were leader, I suspected), wetter than not offered a lift back. The second paddy wagon ride was in a drowned rat, the most cheerful We wondered whether the parque chatterer, earlier than a dawn chorus Chile – our marvellous trip to South America which I spoke about at a nacional ranger had alerted the police and the midnight noisy phantom about these fi ve Australians? Were the gear-ferreter. CBC meeting some years ago. We had decided to walk for several days Carabineros watching us, checking us, In conclusion, both parts I and II in Parque Nacional Alerce Andino and making sure of our intentions or are journeys of a kind with a mix (near Puerto Montt) to visit lakes were they just kind people? I choose of good and not so good walking. and to see the alerce conifer forests. to think the latter. Would you accept Would I do the trips again? Yes; but When we got to the start of the walk a ride in a police paddy wagon in a not for a while. at Correntoso, a small country vil- remote Chilean village? lage, the ranger told us that the fi rst What is our secret you may ask? Rob Horsfi eld part of the track was closed for repair There is no secret. To be driven to a (bamboo needed to be slashed). We bushwalk in a paddy wagon is a mat- had to walk 10 kilometres along a ter of being in the right place at the Police paddy road to get to the next section of the right time, being a little adventurous, walk at Lago Sargazo. We had not accepting opportunities as they arise, wagons walked far along this country road and perhaps being a little naïve. when a Chilean Carabineros paddy wagon with the crossed rifl e emblem pulled up alongside. Carabineros are Eric Pickering Have you ever been driven to the national paramilitary police with start of a bushwalk in a police paddy wagon? Pat and I have! Twice! On the fi rst occasion, a group of young Duke of Edinburgh Award aspirants were lost in the Buda- wangs. As CBC members we were called out on a search and rescue (S&R) operation. We went with David Campbell in his 4WD one dark and wet night, heading for Sassafras. We were unable to cross a fl ooded creek between Braidwood and Nerriga, so we climbed a fence and camped in a farm paddock. Next day we made it to Sassafras where the Headquarters of the S&R opera- tion was located in a barn just inside the entrance to the Budawangs. (The barn is no longer there). Because of the muddy condition of the fi re trail, the police had decided not to let traffi c beyond the barn. Jan Moore, our Carabinero and Pat Pickering

Page 4 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 Mountain pygmy possums

A review of Dr Linda Broome’s presentation to the Club meeting on Wednesday 22 May. Linda Broome has been studying the mountain pygmy possum in Austral- ia’s alpine regions for 21 years. This tiny possum, only slightly larger than a house mouse, was fi rst dis- covered as a fossil in the Wombeyan Caves. Fossils up to 25,000 years old have also been found in the , the Googong area, and Yarrangobilly Caves, and the species probably started to evolve around 500,000 years ago with the advent of alpine conditions. Today there are tiny remnant populations just hanging on, in the Bogong High range towards more favourable Plains, in the Mt Buller area, and in areas, others have no such choice. ; a total of The mountain pygmy possum is 2,000 animals left in scattered small in the latter group of species. They groups in rocky boulder fi elds and have already migrated upwards mountain plum pine scrub, all above from their original much wider the snowline. range, judging by the fossil record, For tiny animals they are amazingly and now there is only sky above. active. Radio tracking has shown that during the summer months they trek nightly for up to 3 kms to feast Pat Miethke on the Bogong moths on the high rocky peaks. During spring they eat insects and worms and spiders, Keeping warm during autumn the mountain plum pine provides nutritious seeds. In the winter they hibernate for 7 months Having just fi nished reading CEW in a ball of vegetation under the Bean’s Gallipoli diaries, I was snow. During this time their body amused by Bean’s diary entry on temperature drops down from 37°C trying to keep warm as the late to 2-3°C, with short waking periods, November snows blanketed the and they live off stored body fat. peninsula. To be accurate, Bean Winter is their most vulnerable Trapping of feral cats has made a was actually staying at that time period. The optimum temperature difference, efforts to protect their on the island of Imbros, with other of their surrounds for hibernation is habitat by planting mountain plum journalists. 2°C, and under a metre of snow this pine seedlings were thwarted by I trust this description will resonate is the steady temperature. If there the drought, the restoration of with many bushwalkers who have is less snow then the temperature movement corridors by laying passed long winter nights in thin can fluctuate widely from -20°C rocky channels seems to work, and sleeping bags. to +10°C and the animals have to more research is being done. But expend more energy to keep their nothing can put back the blanket of ‘I was determined to sleep warmly body temperature stable, and so snow. Computer models show that for once, so I took off my coats and may die before spring. With climate a long-term increase of only 1°C in boots—wet of course—and gaiters, change our snow cover is decreasing mean global temperature will see and put on my pyjamas over the in depth and in time, and 21 years the demise of the mountain pygmy rest of my clothes. I took off my of population counts show the possum. socks—2 pairs—they were wet, of course, and hung them over my animals are decreasing alarmingly There are now many such programs in numbers. hurricane lantern to dry; the nearest in NSW studying the effects of cli- thing one has to a fi re is this reading Efforts are being made to initiate mate change on particular plant and lamp. I put on two pairs of dry socks recovery plans to save the species. animal species. Some affected spe- instead, and a leather balaclava (it’s cies are slowly moving their home Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 page 5 really an airman’s cap) over my Down the river potential campsites small and the mix of rain forest and head and ears—and crawled in. I are few in number until after the towering rock walls creates mood pulled the great head cover fl ap of Belowra Creek junction. and impact never forgotten. In the my sleeping bag right down over same way the path through to and my shoulders and head, leaving On the second day one picks up along the side of Mt Cole is unique: just space enough to see my book the Kaliana Ridge track from the along the fl oors of narrow crevices and nothing else; pulled the blanket Yadboro car park/camping area in dim light with moss and lichen (which covered the sleeping bag) and climbs to the Castle Saddle. surrounds and leafy carpet under right over my hands so that there Packs can be left here for the two foot. Some of the camp caves on was only one thumb exposed – and to two and a half hour side trip up the side of Cole usually have water then settled down to read the life and the Castle. In good weather this is a nearby, raining down from the cliffs voyages of poor old Captain Cook. must. The route through the Mono- above. At last, for the fi rst time in three lith Valley then past the Seven Gods days, I was able to read without Pinnacles to emerge on the side of Continued on page 10 being frozen – I was just decently Mt Cole is dramatic. The valley is warm. I had a leather overcoat lining over my pyjamas; a piece of fl annel round my shoulders; then the sleeping bag – kangaroo skin and fur inside; tarpaulin outside; then a rug Conservation matters doubled over my feet to my waist; Update on New Namadgi Fire Trails then a blanket; then my thickest coat and Jack’s overcoat over my A number of meetings have been held over the past month to consider legs and feet – all this plus 2 vests, a proposal by the ACT Government to construct four new fi re trails in warm shirt, cardigan, mittens, pair (NNP) and the Bullen Range of underpants, riding breeches and (BRNR). 2 socks.’ The proposed trails are as follows: 1. Bullen Range Fire Trail (BRNR) Jenny Horsfi eld 2. Orroral Tors Fire Trail (NNP) 3. Stockyard Link Fire Trail (NNP), and CBC Top Ten 4. Spencers Border Fire Trail (NNP). After a great deal of consideration including consultation with the National Parks Association ACT, the club has responded along the A series bringing you every month following lines:- their selection of day and weekend 1. No specifi c objection to either Bullen Range Fire Trail or walks worth doing over the next Spencers Border Fire Trail other than to recommend funding year. Members are invited to for ongoing maintenance, construction methods to minimize submit articles and walks under erosion, and reasonable measures to prevent illegal access. this heading for our it. 2. In relation to the Stockyard Spur Fire Trail we have expressed concern about construction of a road in such a steep and Weekend walk # 8 potentially erosion prone area of the NNP. We also said that A Grand Circuit in the construction will enable yet another point for illegal vehicle Budawangs. access to the upper more remote areas of the park and to the Bimberi Nature Reserve (NSW). Maps: Enderick, Corang 1:25,000, CMW sketch map “Budawangs” 3. We have strongly objected to any construction at all in the 2 inch=1 mile. Orroral Tors area, also known by many club members as “Legoland”. We believe that the area is of such environmental This is for a three-day weekend. and cultural signifi cance that any construction in the area would Four days would be even better. destroy this beautiful area. Competent navigational skills are necessary. We have recommended that as an alternative, the ACT Government consider re-opening the former dry weather link road which previ- Start and fi nish at the Wog Wog ously connected the Orroral and Honeysuckle Tracking Stations. National Parks entrance. The route The road is now the route of the Walking Track. follows the main track towards the Re-opening this link would allow access to the Cotter Hut Fire Corang Peak plateau but turns off Trail which is connected to the Smokers Trail. it onto an overgrown path down to Cockpit Swamp. Several kilometers The link would allow a connection from the start of the proposed new of fi re trail brings one to the top of a trail to the end without any direct impact on the Orroral Tors area. long spur down to the John Thwaite which would be reached about mid afternoon given an average group. Conservation Offi cer

Page 6 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfi eld (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), Email: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley St Kambah ACT 2902

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY BOOKINGS

S/E = Short/Easy; under 12km/day, on fi re trails, tracks, beaches etc Ring the leader early rather than late. Please M/M = Medium/Medium, 12-20km/day on bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub ring by Thursday 2:00pm for the following L/R = Long/Rough, over 20km/day, much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles weekend (both one-day and two-day walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport. L/W = over 20km/day, compulsory swims, some river crossings 16 is the maximum, unless a smaller X = exploratory number is advertised in the program. Check with the leader about: TRANSPORT need to carry water, tents/fl y, maps, etc appropriate clothing, footwear Costs are 36¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This amount any precautions you might need to take for may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on: the condition of severe weather changes. the roads, the number of passengers per car and other factors. The fi gures Ask about anything you’re unsure of, espe- given for individual trips are estimates only, based on four people per car and cially if you’re new to our Club. other factors – costs may rise if cars are only partly fi lled. Park admission CHECK-IN AFTER WALKS and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately.

Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she does so The Check-in Offi cer, Keith Thomas (6230 voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, 1081), or the President, not the Police or illness or death or to loss of or damage to property. Each person is required other bodies, should be the fi rst point of to sign the club “Acknowledgement of Risks” form. Visitors are welcome contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning from a trip. Leaders must report the to join trips. However eligible walkers are expected to join the club after a safe return OR cancellation of their trip to the maximum of three trips Check-in Offi cer. For further information see www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au

Saturday 16 June: Bundanoon Circuit – M/E Late start, short car shuffl e. A walk combining various Wednesday 20 June, 8pm tracks near Bundanoon, visiting Coal Mine Falls, Mt MONTHLY MEETING Carnarvon, Tooths Lookout, Fairy Bower Falls, the Climbing Mt Ossa Amphitheatre, Riverview Lookout and (at dusk) Glow Presenter: Andrew Meers Worm Glen. We will have dinner on the way home. Map: Bundanoon 1:25,000 Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h) Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall 0418 662 870(m) [email protected] Transport: Constitution Avenue, Reid ~$25. Limit 12. Sunday 17 June: Wild Cattle Flat – S/E-M Climb via fi re trail east of Captains Flat to the trig station atop Saturday 23 June: Emu Flat – M/M the Bollard Ridge from which views to the west. Then follow Emu Flat and the grassy clearings nearby were among my the ridge as it descends through open forest until you cross favorite places in Namadgi before the 2003 fi res. They are Ballinafad Creek. Lunch on a hill above the creek, then cross slowly recovering after being badly knocked about by the wild cattle fl ats and back to the cars through open forest. All fi res but their integrity is now further threatened by the on trail or easy off track. About 4 hrs actual walking. Return proposed construction of a new fi re trail between Smokers via the purple eatery. Map: Tinderry 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Trail and Honeysuckle Creek. Map: Corin Dam Leader: Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email: stan.marks@ Terence Uren 6282 2403 Transport: ~$10. Limit 8. dotars.gov.au Transport: ~$20 Saturday 23 June: Deua N.P. Breakfast Creek Tuesday 19 June: Bungonia Gorge – S/M waterfall crawl – S/R Walk the signposted Red Track through Slot Canyon. This is the fi rst of three days walks in the heart of the Around 4km and 350m climb. Map: Caoura 1:25000. Deua. All three walks require at least one 4WD to shuffl e Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), email: jevans@ in via the Middle Mountain road. pcug.org.au; contact me by 6pm the previous Sunday. This walk will visit three waterfalls and a beautiful fernery Transport: ~$15 + park entry. Further details at www. along Breakfast Creek and one of its tributaries. Map: pcug.org.au/~jevans Snowball 1:25,000 Leader: Chris Leslie 6251 6123(h) 6246 5713(w) [email protected] Transport: ~$25

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 page 7 Sunday 24 June: Afternoon Ramble – Castle Tuesday 3 July: The Banks Hut – L/E-M,X Hill – S/E Leave from Caloola Farm. Around 25km and 500m climb. The climb up the hill is about an hour and quite steep. It’s Maps: Michelago, Colinton 1:25000. Leader: John a lovely view-point and afternoon tea spot on top. Map: Evans 6288 7235(h), email: [email protected]; contact Natmap ACT 1:100,000 Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld me by 6pm the previous Sunday. Transport: ~$10. 6231 4535(h) Transport:~$5. Further details at www.pcug.org.au/~jevans Limit 8. 23–24 June: Jervis Bay weekend – M/E Sunday 8 July: Greys Point – S/M-R On Saturday morning, drive to Fitzroy Falls and walk for A re-run of my April walk which I had to cut short 1¼ hrs on the west rim then to Cambewarra Mountain because of illness. A walk in Morton National Park east for lunch. Then walk 2hrs in the afternoon at Jervis Bay of Marulan to a spectacular clifftop lookout over the with views of cliffs and the sea between Governor’s Shoalhaven Gorge. It involves some rock scrambling Head and the Ruined Lighthouse. On Sunday, walk for near Bullangalong Ck and some scrub. Map: Caoura 4½ hrs from Steamer’s Bay to St George’s Head and 1:25,000 Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h d/e) 0418 Summerland Bay through coastal forest and heath with 662 870(m). Transport: ~$25. Limit 12. many sea views, and morning tea and lunch on beaches. We will hire cabins and on Saturday evening, enjoy a (6) 7–8 July: Royal National Park – M/E This is a walk over 2 days that traverses the length of nice but not too expensive meal somewhere. Please book Royal National Park and covers about 27 km. We head early as I have to fi x accommodation etc well in advance. off Fri evening and stay overnight at the Map: Sussex Inlet 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks 6254 YHA. On Saturday we drive to Otford, where we leave 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email: [email protected] our cars before catching the train to Cronulla to board Transport: ~$35 Accommodation: $10 to $12 the Cronulla-Bundeena ferry. From Bundeena we walk to Garie’s Beach and stay overnight at Garie’s Beach YHA. COMMITTEE MEETING Have booked entire YHA for Sat night. Sunday we walk Wednesday 27 June, 8pm out to Otford to our cars, and then head home to Canberra. at the home of Alison Milton Maps: Port Hacking and Otford, 1:25,000. Leader: Barry 20 O’Sullivan Street, Higgins Keeley 6252 7469(w) email: [email protected] Transport: $40 –$50. Accommodation: Fri $25, Sat $15. Limit of 12. Saturday 30 June: Emu Flat (2) – M/M Last week’s walk to Emu Flat followed the northern part Wednesday 11 July: Wednesday Walk of the route proposed for the new Orroral Tors road. This The regular mid-week walk series continues, close to week we’ll try to get an understanding of the likely impact Canberra with a destination to be decided. Contact the of the southern part of the route on this much loved area. leader before 8pm Tuesday to fi nd out destination and Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000 Leader: Terence Uren 6282 meeting place. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h) 2403 Transport: ~$10. Limit 8. Sunday 1 July: Canberra Northern Nature IT COLLATION Parks – L/E Wednesday 11 July, 8pm Starting from summit of Mt Ainslie head north to Mt Majura, the home of Tim Wright Old Joe and end up at the Gundaroo Road. A car shuffl e 26 Howitt Street, Kingston will be required. Maps: Mulligans Flat, Goorooyaroo, Mt Majura and Mt Ainslie available from http:// www.environment.act.gov.au/bushparksandreserves/ parksandreserves/canbnaturepk/canberranatureparkmaps Saturday 14 July: In the shadow of Palerang Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 7863 h 6208 5444 w – S/E-M Transport: ~ TBA on the day. A walk in the Tallaganda National Park. From the Forbes Creek track head east of Hoskinstown, follow trails to Sunday 1 July: Harrison’s Peak – M/E Mulloon Creek, then along the Palerang fi retrail before A walk through open forest near Captain’s Flat, initially swinging west off track for about an hour to the creek an hour on a fi re trail to Harrison’s Peak with views thence Mulloon fi retrail back to the cars. Mostly on from Lake George to the Tinderries. We then walk off track. Much of the walk is through a quite rich forest track along a lovely open ridge, looping round to another – closer to the coast. About 5hrs actual walking. Map: ridge with spectacular views and then back to the cars. Bombay 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), About 5 hrs actual walking. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. 6274 7350 (w), email: [email protected] Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email: Transport: ~$15 [email protected] Transport: ~$15 Sunday 15 July: /Bungonia 30 June–1 July: Mt Gudgenby – M/R Gorge – M / M Mt Gudgenby, camp in the northern saddle, exit via Naas A brisk winter’s walk to the Bungonia Gorge. We will Creek then via south west saddle to lower end of Bogong descend the Mt Ayre track to meet Bungonia Creek at Creek then car park. Map: Yaouk 1:25,000 Leaders: the junction with the Shoalhaven. Lunch at the scenic Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: ~$10. junction. Return via Bungonia Creek, with a side trip up the Gorge (time permitting). Return to the top via the White track. Please note that the walk involves a steep 500m descent/ascent. A midday swim is optional. Leader: John Kelly 6241 3814(h) Limit of 12 Map: Caoura 1:25,000. Transport: ~$22 Page 8 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 Tuesday 17 July: Blytheburn Cottage from Williamsdale 1:25,000 Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), Corin Dam Road – M/M,X email: [email protected]; contact me by 6pm the From the Corin Dam Road, head east via Punchbowl previous Sunday. Transport: ~$8. Further details at www. Creek and White Horse Flats down 400m to Blytheburn pcug.org.au/~jevans Limit 8. Cottage on the Booroomba property. Permission has been July–August: South obtained from the landowner. Return via the hills to the July–August, about 3 weeks William Creek, Lake Eyre, south. Around 14km and 500m total climb. Map: Corin Head of Bight and Right whales camping and motel, Dam 1:25000 Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), email: very weather dependent, this time no trailer and only one [email protected]; contact me by 6pm the previous vacant seat. Expressions of interest by mid-June, please. Sunday. Transport: ~$8. Further details at www.pcug. Doug Gilles, Ph 62261888 W and leave a message if I org.au/~jevans Limit 8. am not available. Wednesday 18 July, 8pm (3) 4–5 August: Barren Grounds Reserve MONTHLY MEETING Weekend – L/E Leave Canberra Friday evening. On Sat we will do a Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall 20km walk through heath country to the edge of the Constitution Avenue, Reid escapement and enjoy several spectacular views of the coast and nearby ranges. Sun will be a shorter walk (10km) to National Park, before returning Saturday 21 July: Deua N.P. Horseshoe Point home on the Sun afternoon. The Reserve is famous for its – S-M/R bird life and wildfl owers. We will be staying at the Ben From Dampier Trig the second of three days walks Ricketts Environmental Preserve (http://www.benricketts. will take us to the end of a conglomerate bluff called org.au). Map: Kangaroo Valley Leader: Barry Keeley Horseshoe Point. It has fabulous views across to the 6241 3447 (h), 6252 7469 (w), email: barry.keeley@ very nearby Tabletop Mountain. We will also explore abs.gov.au Transport: ~$40 Rating: Sat L/E, Sun S/E some overhanging formations along the base of the cliff Accommodation: $15–20 per night. line beneath the point. Map: Snowball, Badja 1:25,000 Leader: Chris Leslie 6251 6123(h) 6246 5713(w) chris. [email protected] Transport: ~ $25 IT COLLATION Wednesday 8 August, 8pm Sunday 22 July: Faunce Hill – M/M the home of Lois Padgham Faunce Hill lies on the eastern side of the Queanbeyan 7 Rutledge Place Wanniassa River gorge north of Googong Dam. This walk will start from Wanna Wanna Rd and go off track through what Sunday 12 August: Grassy Creek – M/E is probably open forest to the Hill. There are said to be Enjoy a wander through the grasslands and forests of the good views from there and elsewhere along an escarpment southern ACT, with morning tea at Westerman’s Cottage, below it. We will return largely on track to the cars. A one of a few old homesteads you will see. 4hrs actual new walk to me, should be 4 –5 hours actual walking. walking, fi re trails throughout. Map: Yaouk 1:25,000. Map: Hoskinstown 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks Leader: Tom Gosling 6290 2874(h), 6282 8922(w), 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: stan.marks@dotars. email: [email protected] Transport: ~$20 gov.au Transport: $10 or less. Sunday 19 August: Conglomerate Castles COMMITTEE MEETING – S-M/M Wednesday 25 July 2007 A walk from Wog Wog over, under and around some conglomerate outcrops in the western Budawangs. Mainly on track but there will be some easy scrambles around the rocks. Map: Corang 1:25,000 Leader: Jeff Bennetts Sunday 29 July: Mt Orroral – M/M-R 6231 5899(h d/e) 0418 662 870(m). Transport: ~$25. A climb of a 1609m summit in Namadgi National Park, Limit 12. with views of (probably) snow-covered mountains to the south and west – and (possibly) some snow on Mt Saturday 25 August: Deua N.P. ‘Rock ground’ Orroral too! There via the Granite Tops Walking Track – S-M/R/E and the NE spur, back via Thunder Bluff (735529) then From Dampier Trip the last of three Deua day walks will SE to Nursery Ck and the walking track. A fair bit of explore an interesting area at the headwaters of an east scrambling, scrub and steepness. Map: Rendezvous Ck tributary of Breakfast Creek. I expect plenty of rock out- 1:25,000 Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h d/e) 0418 crops to clamber on/around as well as lush moist gullies. 662 870(m). Transport: ~$12. Limit 12. Map: Snowball, Badja 1:25,000 Leader: Chris Leslie 6251 6123(h) 6246 5713(w) [email protected] Tuesday 31 July: Mt Tennent and Tennent Transport: ~$25 Homestead – L/E-M,X A visit to the Mt Tennent fi re tower for views. Then north back along the ridge to SH1008 and SE to Tennent Homestead (this courtesy of a Trevor B walk description I saw). Continue SE in Namadgi National Park to rejoin the AAWT. Around 14km and 850m total climb. Map:

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 page 9 (24) 25–26 August – Bundanoon gourmet 29–30 September: Budawang Weekend – M/M weekend – M/E I have booked basic accommodation near Nerriga on the Drive to Bundanoon YHA Friday night, our base for the edge of the Morton National Park for the long weekend. weekend. On Saturday, do the Walking Dog track (5 hrs Drive down Saturday morning. We will do three day on track, the remnants of an 1896 road) which runs from walks led by Jeff Bennetts, tentatively Sassafras Plateau Meryla Pass through beautiful rain forest to Yeronga Creek via Crossroads Pass (last year’s Monday walk extended), with spectacular views back to the cliffs and surrounding Styles Plains, and Quiltys Mountain via Binnari Pass. The peaks. Visit the fl at where Mr Yates grew some of his fi rst fl owers should be good on the heaths. Walks will be a mix seeds in the 1880s. A longish descent but no diffi cult bits. of on and off track (some scrub). The bunkhouse holds six. Sunday walk will probably be from Lake Alexandria in Others can use tents but all can use stove, refrigerator and Mittagong to the Sixty Foot Falls on the Nattai Creek, shower. Bookings to Stan please. If you want to discuss about 3hrs walking, so we will have a nice lunch at the the walks, contact Jeff. Map: Endrick 1:25,000 or CMW Meridian in Marulan. On Saturday evening, an ‘everybody Budawangs Leaders: Stan Marks and Jeff Bennetts. bring something’ meal. The YHA is an early C20 manse of Stan (h) 6254 9568 (w) 6274 7350 email: stan.marks@ delightful ambience. Map: Bundanoon 1:25,000 Leader: dotars.gov.au and Jeff (h) 6231 5899 (w) 0418 662 870. Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: stan. email: [email protected] Transport: ~$30, [email protected] Transport: ~$30 Accommodation: depends on numbers, ~$20 (7) 8–9 September: Starlight’s Trail and Macquarie Rivulet – Sat M/M, Sun S/R Travel to Bundanoon Fri evening, staying at the YHA for 2 nights, with everyone-bring-something dinner on Sat night. Saturday we drive to Hill Top to pick up Starlight’s IT CONTRIBUTIONS Trail with an optional sidetrack to Rocky Waterholes Lookout for morning tea. Splendid views, spectacular cliff lines and a lovely spot at Emmett’s Flat by the Nattai Articles and letters are welcome from all Club members River for lunch. All on track with some steep sections, about walks you’ve enjoyed or issues you’d like to raise. 500m total climb & approx 5½ hrs actual walking. Sunday, The closing date for copy for each issue of it is the date a more leisurely start with a couple of options, probably of the monthly committee meeting, i.e. the 4th Wednes- a beautiful but rough walk down Macquarie Rivulet, day of every month. Handwritten and posted material is then on to the Pig and Whistle for coffee before home. OK, but email is preferable. We also welcome photo- Map: Hill Top 1:25,000 and Bundanoon Leaders: Diana graphs, preferably as separately scanned items or dig- ital images. We can scan original photographs. Contact: Terry and Stan Marks. All bookings to Diana please 6161 Ph 6290 2874, [email protected] 1517(h) or [email protected] Accommodation: Post: 3/21 Jessup Place, Phillip, ACT 2606 $50. Transport: ~$40. Tom Gosling & Alison Milton, Co-Editors

Continued from page 6 After a trip to the Budawangs the scenic spectacle and variation in vegetation and terrain are always memo- The saddle between Cole and Bibbenluke is easily found rable. Given extra time or opportunities for further visits but care is needed to stay on route through to the side there are many additional areas to follow up: Mt Owen, of Bibbenluke. Depending on time and distance there Angel Creek, The Don Jons, Shrouded Gods Mountain, is an open area to camp at the head of a creek below Nibelung, Hollands Gorge, Folly Point, The Vines, Bibbenluke or about a kilometer further on, off-track, Quilty, Hidden Valley… and more; plenty in fact to in a creek-line is a small overhang that provides good maintain an involvement lasting years. protection in bad weather. A variation that we have on occasion is a Gourmet Meal From this point one moves across high ground to the on top of the Castle. Bow ties and appropriate ladies’ head of, then down Burrumbeet Brook. Near the bot- attire are required. We drive into Yadboro Saturday and tom are several caves, one being a large overhang. It cart gear and food up the Castle to have a many-course is unusual for the brook not to have running water. A meal washed down with wine in the evening. Despite plank walk-way has been created in part of it to protect the rock platforms people usually manage a tent and the the fragile ground cover. Burrumbeet Brook is very following morning we go to the southern view-point pretty. Subsequent features include Canowie Brook, to gaze at a distant ocean or look down onto Byangee the Conglomerate slope, Corang Peak, a convenient Walls. The descent is usually fairly quick and in the view-point next to the track near Admiration Point and latter part of the afternoon, on our way home, we stop off they are all great. One then picks up the outward route for a while in one of the coffee spots at Braidwood. and within an hour or two is back at Wog Wog. Rob Horsfi eld.

Page 10 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 Bulletin Board The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal bushwalking- related matters. The Club is not involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if people participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance Trekking in the Patagonian Andes – Southern Chile & Argentina – 29 December 2007 to early February 2008 Trekking through the Patagonian Andes with Janet & Paul Edstein. See details in April it. KOKODA TRACK I would be grateful if you would put a note in the next issue of IT for me. I am planning to walk the in the next 18 months and would like to fi nd a club member who has walked the track and can give me some feedback. Nothing like getting advice from someone who has been there. Please call Allan Donnelly, (02) 6238 0724. CHINA TRIP SEPTEMBER 2007 I have intentions of touring China with a travel company from 10 September to 1st October 2007. This particular trip is for 22 days and is priced at approximately $5180 with some adjustments for visas and fuel tax. Places to visit include Shanghai, Bejing, Xian, Yangtze River, Guilin, Kumning, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge. Transport is by plane, rail, bus and boat and these costs are included in the package. The trip is not limited to CBC members so spread the word. For expressions of interest please contact Rene Lays on 6241 7862 LAST TRAIN TO LHASA We are planning a four week journey to China and Tibet from late September till late October 2007. This backpacking trip will be a combination of sight seeing and trekking. The trek hasn’t been fi nalised but ideas include the Mt Kaliash pilgrims walk in western Tibet or Everest Base Camp (Tibet side). You’ll need to be reasonably fi t and prepared to rough it. We’ll meet in late April to start fi rming up plans and allocating organisational responsibilities. If you are interested in joining us please contact Kim Hello (6262 8832 ah email [email protected]) or John Kelly (6241 3814 ah). Partial UK Coast-to-Coast Walk September 2007 I plan to do a portion of Wainwright’s English Coast to Coast walk, with current target dates 7 –14 September 2007. The URL for the pre-packaged 7-night partial Coast to Coast walk is http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/ britain/wcc8rc.asp , with more detail at http://www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk/tours/britain/wcc8dos.htm and http:// www.sherpavan.com/accomm_booking/maps.asp?trail=CC . The walk starts in St Bee’s on the east coast and heads into the Lake District National Park. It ends on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It can be self-guided or part of an escorted tour, either way with Sherpa Vans carrying one’s luggage from inn to inn or B&B, so one just needs to carry a day pack. If interested in joining me, please contact Bob Dewar, [email protected], (W) 6125 2949 (H) 6251 5006. WEDNESDAY WALK The regular mid-week walk series continues, close to Canberra with a destination to be decided. Contact the leader be- fore 8pm Tuesday to fi nd out destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). This walk is every Wednesday and the clubs, CBC, FBI and NPA take turns to host it. Details for each Wednesday are now available by email and interested members should contact Allan Mikkelsen. TUESDAY WALKS: (minimum M/M) Do you have a passion for day-walking? Then turn it into an obsession with the new occasional series of Tuesday walks! When: irregular Tuesdays. Where: usually in Namadgi, guaranteed M/M, often L/R,X. Who: if you don’t outpace a 57yo baby boomer and you like to step out, then you’re in. Why: – great views, great walking, average company, minimum mid-week crowds. One wouldn’t be dead for quids! How: a mate and I irregularly walk mid-week. We’d like you to join us, so we can pick your brains for walking tips and other places to go. We plan late and leave town early, so keep an eye on www.pcug.org. au/~jevans for the details of where we’re off to. Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h) or [email protected] Contact me by 6pm the previous Sunday to discuss options. Transport: ~$10. Further details at www.pcug.org.au/~jevans Limit 8. House Sitting for Bushwalkers Want to go away walking and not worry about the garden? Call Cate on 0407266942 and I will gladly look after your place, experienced reliable and mature, available from mid Jan. ‘Gear for sale’ Table In place of our one-night auction, as in previous years, we shall put out a table at General Meetings, for a while. Hopefully it will be of benefi t to those wanting to get rid of equipment and those wishing to buy some. Please label gear for sale with adequate personal details and asking price.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2007 page 11 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE* Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Rene Davies 6230 1081 6206 4253 [email protected] TREASURER George Carter 0419 603 334 – [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Quentin Moran 6288 9840 6243 6601 [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – [email protected] CO-EDITORS Tom Gosling 6290 2874 6282 8922 [email protected] Alison Milton 6254 0578 6289 8245 MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 – [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Ian Smith 6282 1226 6243 4248 [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER John Thwaite 6254 3193 0418 626 703 [email protected] PUBLISHER George Polubinski 0408 628 691 – [email protected] ASSISTANT WALKS SEC Keith Thomas 6230 1081 0421 607 667 [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Jenny Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – [email protected]

*All 11 members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Allan MIKKELSEN, [email protected] 6278 3164 (h) CHECK IN: Ring KEITH THOMAS on 6230 1081(h), 0421607667 WEBSITE: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

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