/4w"4 cAIv:FI!/?i4 tJSHt'V/4i KING CLLJI3 INC. NEVVSLETTEI 1 P.O. Box 1 60 , '• •

VOLUME 26 ••.

PRESIDENT'S PRATTLE

Congratulations to Sandy Lolicato on a great job! For the National Clean Up Day on 21 January, Sandy stepped in to organise the clean up along the Murrumbidgee River in the area of . It turned out to be a great success with lots of support from other clubs and the people of Canberra. In addition to Sandy's input, Carolyn Ho, and Sandra Cuell co-ordinated operations at Pine Island and Kambah Pool. Thirty other Club members were also involved in the clean up. Great work by all of you.

The Club has had a long history of involvement in environmental and resource issues in the ACT. In 1976 this involvement included taking several politicians for a walk up Mt Kelly, to lobby them for the declaration and gazettal of the proposed Namadgi National Park.

Rene Lays took a series of black and white photographs during this walk including one of the politicians along with their CBC escorts, on top of Mt Kelly. This photograph and a contemporary press cutting of the walk will be shown in the 'Namadgi National Park, A Community Achievement' display, at the new Namadgi Visitor's Centre, south of Tharwa. The word is that the centre will be opened in April. Last year the Club submitted a proposal to the NSW Heritage Commissiofr for funds totontinue work in Monolith Valley in the Budawangs. The total request was fOr $5,430 of which $2000 was for materials and tools. I understand .that a decision on the request sl?oiJld be known by the February Club meeting. Here's hoping! 4:

David Campbell PERSONAL INSURANCE

For the reasons outlined in my article in the December issue of IT the Committee has decided not to proceed with the Personal Insurance Scheme. I have a list of people who have paid the levy and I will be refunding payments in cash at future Club meetings. Those who are not paid in :this way will receive a cheque in the mail before the end of the Club year.

Mike Morriss Vice President/Treasurer WALK SECRETARY'S WAFFLE

Thanks to the relatively small number of people who came to the last Walks Planning evening and those who volunteered to lead trips. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the programme is rather thin in following months. There are about 50 members of the Club who indicated on their renewal form that they were prepared to lead walks but have not yet done so. Now is a good time!.

If you would like a little practice first, I have a beginners and navigation practice weekend trip in a couple of weeks, and a leadership/navigation day/weekend/day extravaganza in early April - more details next month. I also have spare copies of the George Carter and Alan Vidler articles on navigation and trip leadership which were serialised in it in 1988 - a total of 24 pages - for anyone who wants them. AND CREATORS OF ODD VOLUME&'*

ATTENTION: Collectors of our illustrious magazine IT and/or practising archivists

June 1982 to January 1990 issues of IT have the wrong volume numbers printed on them (except for December 1983, July and August 1984 which have no volume and issue numbers or year dates).

June - December 1982 should be Vol.18 (not 19); 1983 should be Vol.19; and following this, 1990 should be Vol.26.

The early issues of IT avoided the current problem by not giving each issue an individual or volume number. Howevr, coinciding with the change from the Canberra Walking and Touring Club to the Canberra Bushwalking Club in 1968, the August issue started the numbering convention by designating that IT as Vol.1, No.1.

By May 1971, Vol.3 changes to Vol.7, (with the comment at the foot of page 1 - IT commenced publication in 1965 AD, not 1969 AD, historians tell us". Vol.1 went from August 1968 to December 1969!).

The numbering system in train at this point continues without any variation until June 1982 (barring a hiccup in 1979, which in the Archive issues have been corrected, presumably before circulation).

But in June 1982, Vol.18 inexplicably changes to Vol.19 and this error has been perpetuated to the January 1990 issue. As typing of IT in 1982 was rotated amongst the members and there was no organised archive records to check against, it was easy for the mistake to pass unnoticed. The error came to light whilst collating the ITs for our Club Archive collection. Despite the inconvenience to newer members, to perpetuate the mistake of a mere seven years is unnecessary when IT has been appearing successfully for twenty-six years of the Club's life.

Barbara Cook

* Charles Lamb - Essays of Ella The Two Races of Men. It's about time we had some culture. [ed] CONSERVATION

Submission on Management Plan for Tasmanian World Heritage Area

At 8pm Monday 19 February at the home of the Conservation Officer (Henry Burmester) - 29 Quandong Street, O'connor - a meeting will be held to prepare a submission on the management plan for Tasmanian World Heritage Area. Please attend if you have an interest in the preservation and management of this area.

NOTICE OF MOTION

That the Club donate $100 to the South East Forests campaign from the Conservation Fund.

Moved: Alan Mikkelsen

DEUA-WADBILLIGA VISITOR SURVEY

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Narooma District) has provided us with a summary of the results of a recent Deua-Wadbilliga Visitor Survey. These are reproduced below.

Overwhelmingly, visitors came to Deua-Wadbilliga for natural features and the generally 'wild" character of the area. (The numbers indicate the percentage of people who thought the feature mattered "a lot".)

Feature Scenery/views 85% Quiet/restful character 83% Solitude 73% Lack of development 71% Caves 60% 4WD trails 31% Camping/day use facilities 26% Proximity to home 20% Availability of information 8.4%

2. Overwhelmingly, the activity which was participated in by most visitors, and that which was most enjoyed, was bushwalking:

ActiVity Bushwalking (Participation 84%; Favourite activity 42%) 4WD Touring (Participation 42%; Favourite activity 12%) Adventure caving (Participation 21%; Favourite activity 22% including specialist caving) Specialist caving (Participation 7%; Favourite activity: see above) Rock climbing/abseiling (Participation 7%; Favourite activity 1%) Canoeing/rafting (Participation 8%; Favourite activity 2%)

The only major problems seen by visitors were lack of signposts and maps, and erosion. Details are as follows:

Lack of signposts (Problem 40%; Major problem 11%) Lack of maps (Problem 39%; Major problem 6%) Erosion (Problem 31%; Major problem 7.5%) Litter (23%) and weeds (22%) were also seen as minor problems by some visitors.

In the event of a particular recreation activity causing unacceptable environmental impact, visitors strongly supported exclusion of the high impact activity (88%), closure or relocation of roads or facilities associated with the activity (86%) and encouragement of other activity or use of other areas (83%). They strongly oppose any restriction on the level of use through a permit system (only 28% support). 5. Visitors unequivocally gave the highest priority to information being provided on wildlife (64% say priority 1 or 2) and caves and other natural features (64%); a much lower priority is given to information on Aboriginal/archaeological resources (28%) and recreational access and facilities (37%).

6,. There is very strong support for the proposition that vehicle access and visitor facilities be generally limited to areas on the periphery of the parks (61% support; 33% oppose).

There is generally little support for the provision of new recreational facilities amongst visitors. However there is overwhelming support for the provision of more walking tracks (81% support). Other facilities for which there is nevertheless significant support are more day-use areas (48% support), more camping areas (44% support) and better signs/maps in caves (41% support). There is significant opposition to the construction of new roads (52% approx.), the upgrading of roads to 2WD standard (49% approx.), improved access within caves (36% oppose) and improved horseriding facilities (38% oppose).

8. Most visitors do not come to Deua-Wadbilliga as part of a club outing. Only 22% of visitors were on a club outing. In particular, only 15% of those who came by 4WD vehicle wërdOn a club trip.

Editors Comment ......

Only one member (of many) on a Club trip at the time of the survey acted on the NPWS request to register for inclusion in the group to be sampled. It is important for members to cooperate with such surveys as other groups, often with opposing views, have been known to organise multiple submissions which can bias the findings of such surveys.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editors

The Bureaucracy has taken over it. We have a plethora of President's Prattles, Walks Waffles, Correspondence Columns and the like, but the tradition of interesting, amusing or heated Letters to the Editors has faded. Only 5 of the last 25 its (I counted them, and none were in your reign) have published letters from members.

I don't believe that members have become passive, and refuse to believe that 300 members only generated 9 letters in 2 years. I suspect a plot - Editors brutally suppressing reams from outraged members not toeing the party line of dictatorial committees.

Beware a fashionable uprising!

Lana Drivel

WHAT ELSE WERE WE TO DO?

Bushwalking wisdom recommends at least four walkers in a party, but for thirty years Frank and I have done much of our walking on our own. We have had some scares, turned aside when with a larger party we would have pushed on, and agreed that if an accident happened, then was the time to make decisions. A few weeks ago we had to do just that.

The Sara River is a pretty stream, northeast of Guyra and running into the Guy Fawkes. With rocky granite sections, pools, cascades and casuarina-edged banks it could be described as a small Kowmung-like river. It was the second afternoon of a leisurely 3-day walk, and after a cool and rainy morning the weather was clearing and the open tree-lined banks were a pleasure to walk.

I was about 100 metres ahead of Frank when I paused to check off the next riverbend on the map and to look for a crossing place. Another few seconds and I would have moved on but instead felt, in the same instant, a movement by my feet and a sharp rap against my leg. A quick look at the snake still half-coiled beside me, and I stepped back, called to Frank and reached for the stretch bandage kept in my pack pocket. As Frank covered the last few metres at a run I started to bandage my leg from just below the knee towards the four little bloodspots on my skin. This was possibly the only action we did 'according to the rules".

Frank's glimpse of the snake, now almost into the water, was even briefer than mine. There was no thought or time to kill the snake, but I said it was a red-bellied black, such as we had seen along the banks that day, and even though my impressions were notof the usual glossy snake, this would seem to have been correct.

With the bandage firm to just above the bite, we paused to look at my scratched and scraped leg - like the Kowmung the Sara has its share of scrub and sharp rocks - and decided to wash the skin free of venom before completing the bandaging. In the circumstances I believe this to have been sensible as venom could enter my system through the scratches.

Frank lit a fire and made tea while we talked over the situation. I knew red-bellied blacks were unlikely to kill an adult but that there could be unpleasant complications. I certainly should not walk out that afternoon. Help meant assistance by horse or heficopter and would not come until the next day. By the time Frank could prepare a camp for me there would be little more than an hour of daylight left. The shortest route out for Frank was over the ridges to the old mining field of Bear Hill and then 6 km along the 4WD track to our car. I had been to Bear Hill before and believed it would be difficult for a stranger to find the track in the dark. We would stay together for the night and let circumstances in the morning decide our actions.

Except for a short spell of palpitations, sweating and faintness about an hour after the bite I felt well, without pain, headache or breathing difficulties. This reassured us that our hasty identification had been right. I believe I spent a better night than Frank, there was nothing I could do except rest and drink tea.

Monday was a bright morning. My foot was swollen and I had bruises and tender joints but we decided to attempt to walk out by the longer but easier route down river and up Nowlands Creek. Despite the discomfort of the tight bandage it was a very pleasant walk. By the time we reached the 4WD track I knew I had been well envenomed. Closed skin scrapes were bleeding, more bruises and swollen joints had developed and I was passing blood in my urine. Again, except to drink freely, there was nothing more we could do. My fear was of a major haemorrhage or kidney damage from myoglobin released from damaged muscle but our own efforts, as long as I was able, seemed the best way to reach help.

Twenty four hours after being bitten we reached the road and three hours later I walked into Casualty at Tamworth Hospital for treatment. By then I had developed heavy haematuria, some impaired vision and a severe coagulopathy. It was eventually decided to treat with antivenene.. Unfortunately I am allergic to horse serum and very little antivenene could be given before I had a bad reaction, but I recovered quickly from all conditions after a night in the Intensive Care Unit.

A week later I had a probable local infection in my leg which responded to antibiotics and a fortnight later a mild case of serum sickness from the horse serum.

So, it all came good in the end. I believe the bandaging until we reached the hospital delayed the reaction considerably, as it should; a dozen creek crossings would have removed the surface venom; I had Frank's support overnight; and we made our decisions one by one as the need arose. I picked the right snake - but what if it had been a Brown or a Tiger? Would we have dared to wait, could I have spent the night alone? We don't know.

What we do know is that the next time a non-walker says, "But aren't you afraid of snakes in the bush?" we shall answer as we have before, that there are worse dangers everywhere than any snake in the bush.

However, I am looking for a pair of long army gaiters

Joan Rigby

[Joan and Frank Rigby were active members of the Canberra Bushwalking Club before moving to Tamworth to live. This article, which first appeared in the December 1989 issue of the Sydney Bushwalker, should be of great interest to all bushwalkers. [eds] WALK REPORTS

The Great Alpine Trek, 2 November-2 December 1989

On the second of November 1989 eight trekkers representing the ACT, NSW and Victoria set off from the front of Parliament House, Canberra, for the Snowy Plains airstrip approximately 700kms away in Victoria. The trekkers would arrive at their destination on the second of December for the declaration of Victoria's new 750,000ha Alpine Park, the declaration of which was the fruition of an idea born in 1927. Travelling by horse, raft, mountain bike, ski, 4WD, and, in most part thank goodness, by foot, through Namadgi, Kosciusko and the proposed Victorian Alpine Park, the trekkers would travel the length of approximately two million ha of alpine park. This exercise involved the co-operation and assistance of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Victorian Conservation, Forests and Lands departments and their staff who smoothed the path of the trekkers with guidance, fruit flans and a beer or two.

Primarily a public relations and media exercise for the opening of the new alpine park, this, the Great Alpine Trek, was given a purpose by a Memorandum of Understanding which was carried by us and signed by the respective ministers along the trek route. The Memorandum sets out the basis for future co-operation between the four government instrumentalities in the management of the National Parks.

The six mountain bikes, which at times appeared to be more instruments of torture rather than instruments of locomotion, were loaned to the trekkers. In addition the tents, packs, sleeping bags, skis and walking gear, worth $50,000 also were lent. All of this equipment was carried in two twin cabin 4WD5, which meant that on most days at least two of us were drMng.

Most days, whether walking or riding, we had the vehicles of an evening. Accordingly, the routine was to be up at six to the dainty 'good morning' of Sally Ferry, the trek leader, then breakfast eaten, the vehicles packed and on our way by eight. Then at night it was everything out of the vehicles to the sound of 'has anybody seen my ... ?' or 'where's the ... ?'.

With fresh food being brought in by the vehicles on a regular basis, food was both good and plentiful. In spite of this, with regular and constant exercise, everybody lost weight.

But, did I enjoy the holiday? I hear you ask. There were a number of high points to the trek. The first of these was the first night at the Orroral campground when we were joined by a motley crew of Canberra Bushwalkers, which included Margaret Cole and two apple cakes, Bill Burford, Greg Buckley, Anna England, Alan and Sue Vidler, Ray Franzi, Bob Story and others. The following night, after 12 hours sitting on a mountain bike, it was Robert Bibo on Mt Cooleman, and Gwen Shaughnessy at Charlottes Pass and past member Judith Webster at Snowy Plains. Given the support the Club gave the trek and the trekkers, it felt great to be a Canberra Bushwalker.

The next high point was getting rid of the vehicles at Barry Saddle on the 25th day prior to five days of uninterrupted walking through country which was almost as beautiful as the B-U-D-A-W-A-N-G-S. Mind you, there was lots of great travelling: between the Orroral campground and Barry Saddle; riding through Blue Waterholes late on the second day; the walk from Round Mountain past Mt Jagungal to Grey Mare Hut, on to White's River Hut and down Disappointment Spur; walking from Dead Horse Gap past Cascade and Tin Mine Huts between inspiring snow gums to the top of the Pilot to step across the Murray River at Cowombat Flat; and the great views from the Cobberas, having been flown to the top by the press helicopter.

After leaving Barry Saddle, there was the climb up to the Viking and the great camp site in Viking Saddle. The next day it was along the Razor and on to the most spectacular of camp sites on Mt Speculation, from where we could watch the rain showers and storm shadows in the Howqua, Wonnangatta, Macalister, King and Catherine River catchments. From here it was on to Mt Buggery, along the Crosscut Saw, lunch on Mt Howitt and a day of horse-riding in between on the Snowy Plains.

All of the trekkers: Sally Ferry, Sue Feore, Bob Wood, Harry Hill and myself had a great trip. There were times when it was frustrating and there were times when there were personality problems (which gave me a greater appreciation for the difficulties faced by the early explorers), but overall CD CD

- I -, •C2NEERRA ciB — a s 0) THE GREAT ALPINE TREK rLrtn .NLçTI

!. 6• r Canberra t'o Snowy Plains tOO o O $ T NAMADoi NATIONAL PARK C C 0 C. 2 Nov..- 2 Dec. 1989 0 CA 0

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S.,. ci VICTORIA S T. a C) Fr 03 CD 3 -u -D Cr r(1) •MELBOURNE BA IR N SDA LE CD SEASON'S GREETINGS!

The Club has received a card from Valerie and Bob Calvert who are in 'the land of grey skies and freezing fog' (Canada).

MORE WALK REPORTS

Tenth Annual Bumberry Creek Trip - 13-14 January 1990

The leader warned that the first day was long and required an early start but this was ridiculous. Alarm at 430am, pick up AV at 500am and meet at the Tharwa Road at 5.30 AM! Still, my workmates think I must be a masochist to be a bushwalker anyway. As dawn broke the Cooma road degenerated into low cloud and fog which we confidently predicted would burn off by the time serious walking started. Our party of six left the cars about 3 kilometres short of Tuross Cascades and began the slog along the fire trail shortly before 7.30. About two and a half hours easy walking on trails and a little light scrub saw us cross the Tuross and arrive at our drop-off point from the fire trail to Bumberry Creek.

The leader decided to try an alternative descent to the creek to shorten the route and avoid some unnecessary creek walking. The descent was quite steep over loose rock but was negotiated safely to almost the bottom where a fall by one of the group on wet rock almost led to disaster. Fortunately he was able to stop his fall and continue on after a short break. We encountered Bumberry Creek just above the first waterfall and were informed by the leader that there was more water than he had ever completed the trip with but that we would give it a go.

Our prediction that the cloud would burn off was incorrect and we spent the rest of the day in and out of water on compulsory swims shrouded in cold fog and mist. The highlight of the day was the descent of the third waterfall, down a chute of raging water with the aid of a rope. A communication foul-up led to us having a fifty foot rope rather than the fifty metre expected and the rope doubled ended well short of the bottom. Five of us came down the single rope while David volunteered to come last with doubled rope and complete the bottom part without an aid. In the event all of us were swept off the single rope at about the point where a double would have ended and we all managed to bounce to the pool at the foot of the chute with nothing more than bruises. A solid afternoon's walking on treacherous slippery wet rocks and through several compulsory swims saw us arrive at the camp-site sometime after 6.00. I felt leg-weary, tired and bruised from several slips on wet rock but was also exhilarated from completing a hard but exciting days walking. Nature had not done with us yet and deposited hail and rain on our campfire before we could enjoy some well earned food and port. Sunday morning saw bad weather again with fog, cloud, and light mist and it was decided that the trip up Turpss Gorge would be too slow and difficult given the high water levels and wet rocks. We thus pulled out up the ridge from the Tuross/Bumberry junction and wandered back on the fire trail. The CMA map shows the climb out to be about 500 metres in just under 1.5 kilometres but my aching body was certain it was at least 2000 metres climb. We enjoyed a pleasant cup of tea with Vance's day trip hordes at the Cascades before making our way home. Thanks to Alan for organising such a fun trip.

Allan Mikkelsen / Six Day Trek in Kosciusko National Park, 16-21 December 1989

The weather was hot and it became even more so as we trudged up the hill from Guthega Power Station (only bush yuppies call it Munyang, so a note in Mawson's Hut informed us). Lunch was at White's River Hut and that night we camped at Valentine Hut along with the other thirty people who were there. On day two we visited Valentine Falls, which was well worth it, then on to the upper reaches of the Geehi River. We camped under Jagungal on the south-east side after a more than adequate meaF of lentils and Deb (it's an ill wind ... ) and a magnificent view.

By the morning on the third day we had all loosened up (it wasn't only the lentils) with two of the party having climbed Jagungal before breakfast. We all knew each other well enough by this time and spoke more or less from the hip as it were. One member was heard to remark in reference to the morning muesli 'Where I come from we feed that stuff to chickens'. Needless to say they didn't have muesli for breakfast. This day also gave us the arduous task of finding a practically non-existent - heavily overgrown - fire trail (Strawberry Hill Fire Trail for future reference). One helpful hint from someone was that we needed to head due west, to which this person proceeded to head due north. The remainder of the trip proved to be easier. From Strawberry F-fill Fire Trail we went to Grey Mare Hut, then to Mawson's Hut, Tin Hut and back to Schlink via Gungartan.*

We walked when we wanted to and pottered around the huts or went for a swim, some of us even slept! The meals were a communal affair and were only surpassed by the excellent company and the good weather. The flowers were good, but judging by the number of new shoots and buds, another month and they would have been perfect.

*The avid readers of IT, who read it from cover to cover, gleaning information from every word, will have realised that the original route was not followed - just as well we were all flexible!!!

Kate Moore

Greg Buckley, Kate Moore, John Kyatt and Gene Schembri reading log books and making tea at Mawson's Hut. 2

10

For those interested in numbers, from the desk of the Check-In Officer we have:

Canberra Bushwalking Club 1989-90 Walk Statistics (As at 24 Januar/ 1990)

Day ThpS Two Days Longer Total

Prg Went No. Av. Prg Went No. Av. Prg Went No. Av. Prg Went No. Av.

October 6 6 60 10.0 6 5 29 5.8 3 2 13 6.5 15 13 102 7.8

November 8 6 96 16.0 9 5 48 9.6 17 11 144 13.1

December 10 7 78 11.1 10 4 30 7.5 1 1 7 7.0 21 12 115 9.6

January 7 7 101 14.4 7 7 46 6.6 1 1 10 10.0 15 15 157 10.5

YTD 31 26 335 12.9 32 21 153 7.3 5 4 30 7.5 68 51 518 10.2

Leaders 22 18 20 13 5 4 36 28

Trips Led Leaders 1 17 2 5 3 2 4 2 5 1 6 1

Walk Sec(Itypist) Comment : Don't read too much into these figures, due to influence of weather etc.

THE END OF A TALE from February it 1980

A rare experience

On a recent club trip to Carrington Falls on 13 - 14 October last, the party observed a most interesting sight while climbing down Missingham's Pass to the Kangaroo River.

In a small grassy clearing about three quarters of the way down, a movement in the grass turned out to be two snakes moving up the slope towards us. Closer observation showed the snakes to be entwined as they continued their forward movement up the slope, completely oblivious of our presence, and passing within about two metres of us.

Considerable time was spent photographing and discussing this most unusual behaviour and speculating as to whether the snakes were acting aggressively or actually mating.

Curiosity led me to write to Harry Butler for a possible explanation. The following is an extract from his letter of reply

Your description of ... the red-bellied black snake is a beautiful example of the mating procedure of the snakes.

You even include the orgasm spasming. The male is henny-peened, that is, has two barbed organs which extend the female pipeline totally. The twining of the body is to ensure that total colloidal contact is made

Those people who elected to walk with the main party on that day and observed the fascinating spectacle were fortunate as Harry's letter went on to say:

You are quite right in saying you are privileged to see this, as it is not a common sight, unless you are an involved snake handler'.

A fascinating sequel to a most enjoyable weekend!

Shirley Chittick 11

Activity Programme

Transport costs are presently 20 cents per kilometre per car 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, the number of passengers per car, and other factors. The figures given for individual trips are approximate costs based on four people per car - the cost may rise if cars are only partly filled.

Leader: Vance Brown, but bookings to Allan Mikkelsen 540764(h), 643472(w).

February(15)17-18 Canyoning - Sally camp Crk, Davies Canyon - M/R Participants must be able to abseil - and presumabLy have equipment. Leader: Nick Bendeli 884570(h). [If uncorff actable, ring Alan Vidler 4353 15(w), 545373(h)].

February 17/18 - Mt Jagungal from Round Mountain - L/M This trip will proceed mainly on tracks to spectacular Mt Jagungal, the heart of the wilderness area in Kosciusko National Park. Essential walking for those new to the area - or for the old hands who love the place. Map: Kosciusko 1:50000. Leader: Richard Bain 653536(w). Cost about $25.

February 17/18 - Ettrema Classic - M/R Walk down Transportation Spur, take a side trip up Jones Creek. Return will be with Alan Vidler's party up Rock Slabs Creek [2 dbttht whether this p/by willget you 14 in pac€canliw!- '] Maps: Nerriga, Touga 1:25000 Leader: Ken Cameron 515204(h). Cost about $17.

Sunday February 18 - Nursery Hill - SIM This is an easy walk mainly on a track. Start in Orroral Valley, walk up the track to Nursery Creek then down the track to Nursery Swamp, home of large numbers of unusual birds and animals including kangaroos and wombats. A reasonably short climb through moderate scrub to Nursery Hill for great views of southern ACT. Lunch will be on top if the weather is good, otherwise near Nursery Swamp. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 Leader: Gerald Dodgson 549452(h), 633065(w). Transport cost about $6.

Sunday February 18 - 6th(?) Annual Ettrema Day Trip - SIR This walk is quite short but rough - steep loose slopes and some boulder scrambling. Magnificent views and lots of time for swimming in the famous crystal pools of Ettrema. See why weekend walkers love the area. Map: Nerriga 1:25000 Leader: Alan Vidler 545373(h), 435315(w). Cost about $16.

Wednesday February 21 - MonthW Meeting, 8pm Dickson Library Forestry Working Group, S.E. Forests Campaign - See page 1 for more details.

February 24/25 - Beginner's Weekend Walk to Corang Lagoon, Many Rock Ribs - SIE This is an easy track walk of a couple of hours to a pleasant campsite near a great swimming spot. [Allan M.'s washed out 4 Feb trip was to cover the route in 1 day]. The afternoon will be spent in navigation practiôe, discussions on bushcraft etc. Sunday will be crosscountry for an hour or so to another great pool then a track back to the cars. Please book early. There will be an optional "gear and basics" night early in the week. Map: Corang 1:25000. Leader: Alan Vidler'-J-) 545373(h) 435315(w). Cost about $15.

February 24/25 - Upper Bombala River - M/M Where the New Line Road crosses Bombala River, just west of Tantawangalo State Forest, we will walk upstream until we find a pleasant camp site. We will then explore further upstream on Back Creek to Packer's Swamp. Opportunities for swimming, fishing and viewing platypus. Map: Glen Allen 1:25000. Leader: Mike Morriss 957823(h),8931 03(w). Transport about $18. 12

Sunday February 25 - Bundanoon - S-M/M "For the slothful and sinful." Morton National Park at Bundanoon - visit an abandoned coal mine at lovely Coal Mine Falls. Bush bash and track to Bundanoon Creek to visit Vance's secret swimming hole. Return via Fairy Bower Falls and Nicholas Pass. Hot showers at picnic grounds, and tea in P0 Cafe. Map: Bundanoon 1:25000. Leader: Jan Armour 478242(h), 474711 (w - messages). Transport about $12-15 (good roads).

Sunday February 25 - Billy Bulloo Creek and Dynamite Pass from Badgery's Lookout - M-L/RIW Start with a 500m track descent from Badgery's to the Shoalhaven, then walk (with swims) to Billy Bulloo's Canyon. Explore the canyon looking for Dynamite Pass, then return. [Loi*p fir the pass iaz4 for a future zttekçn1 trip. Uorm {Suit,JIint} ,' - c' Map: Caoura 1:25000 Leader: Norm Becker 316061 (h),71 9951(w). Cost about $16.

Tues 27 Feb - Walks Planning Evening, Mike Morriss's home,6 Logan St,Narrabundah 957823(h) All welcome, also contact Alan Vidler on 545373(h)/43531 5(w) with walks at other times.

Wednesday 28 February - Committee meeting, John Thwaite's home, 33 Pickles St Scullin 48661 8(h).

Thursday 1 March - IT Closing. Copy to Keith Thomas, 26 Allport St Downer 48781 6(h).

March 3-4 - Pretty Plain Valley - M/M This is a beautiful and rarely visited part of the Park. The walk is mainly on fire trails and open sub-alpine grasses. There will be opportunities for fishing and bracing swimming. This trip is suitable for those with limited experience (ring leader to discuss). This is a repeat of the December walk which had sufficient numbers but no transport! Maps: Khancoban 1:50000 or Kosciusko 1:100,000 Leader: Richard Bain 653536(w). Transport about $27.

March 3-4 - Brogo River, Yankee's Creek - S/M There are lots of picturesque pools under small cliffs with small sandy beaches as well as good views of the DeuWadbilIiga area. We will need four wheel drives to eliminate road bashing. If this is not possible I will do an equally scenic swimming trip down Angel and Holland Creek and the Clyde River (M/M) Map: Puen Buen 125000. Leader: George Carter 512130(h), 633549(w). Transport about $20.

Sunday March 4 - Angle Crossing to Tharwa - S/M A trip to be conducted in Vance's usual manner - lots of swimming and plenty of time for lazing. Map: Williamsdaie 1:25000 Leader: Vance Brpwn 513997(h). Transport about $6.

Sunday March 4 - Monolith Valley Planning Walk - M/M This walk's prime purpose is to plan work to be done on the next working weekend (7-8 April - see next IT), but will also provide an opportunity to look at the remarkable Monolith Valley and surrounding features, as well as look at the work done by the Club last year. Map: CMW Budangs Leader: David Campbell 541511(h) 469156(w). Transport about $20.

Wednesday March 7 - Moonlight Walk - Black Mountain - StE This trip is in response to widespread demand after the January trip up and Ainslie. Gerald's route will be a new one to all but dedicated explorers of Black Mountain Reserve. It will include picturesque views of Canberra by moonlight and a minimum of contact with vehicular traffic. Torches required. Bookings close Monday March 5. Leader: Gerald Dodgson 633065(w), 549452(h).

March 10-11 - Rolling Grounds, Gungartan Pass, Tin Hut from Munyang Power Station - MIM The trip will visit areas more familiar to ski-tourers but also comprising scenic and pleasant summer walking country. The trip will finish at Munyang Power Station, and will start either there or at Guthega via a car shuffle if numbers permit Map: Kosciusko, Khancoban 1:50000. Leader: Greg Buckley 864742(h). Cost about $25.

March 10-11 - Harry's Spur, Cave Creek, Mt Bimberi - L/R From Mt Ginini descend Harry's Spur and go upstream on the Goodradigbee River to camp at Cave Creek Junction. Ascend to Mt Bimberi. Maps: Corin Dam, Peppercorn Hill 1:25000. Leader: Mike Morriss 957823(h),8931 03(w) Cost about $10. 13

March 10-11 - "Day and a Half' Walk - Tuross Gorge - M/R A trip to complete the weather shortened Bumberry-Tuross trip (other starters welcome, of course). Leave Canberra about 1pm Saturday. Drive towards Tuross Cascades, then walk mainly via fire trails to camp either at the junction of Tuross and Bumberry or on the ridge above. Sunday will be spent coming up spectacular Tuross Gorge. Lots of rock hopping, boulder scrambling and compulsory swims. Confidence and agility on rocks essential. Map: Belowra 1:25000 Leader: Alan VidIer 545373(h), 435315(w) Cost about $15.

Sunday March 11 - Three Peaks (Tidbinbilla) - S/M No, this is NOT the masochistic Blue Mts epic! Visit Pyramid, Gibraltar, and Mount Eliza in the Tidbinbilla area. Much of the trip is on fire trails, pleasant walking, good scenery. Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25000. Leader Gerald Dodgson 633065(w), 549452(h).

Sunday March 11 - Mt Kefly - L/P Expect 10 hours walking, a lot of it steep and scrubby. No tracks. Over 20km in distance plus an 850 metre climb. ['Mt/I restricteAwe4puIopportuntttes, Tat seems to Be doing as mac/I aspossthte on the d4zjis she dbes have! - Al Map: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk 1:25000. Leader: Pat Miethke 412798 (h) Cost about $7.

Tuesday March 13 - it Collation, Rene Lays', 57 Shannon Crct, . BBQ at 6pm, BYO. It Collation from 8pm. All welcome!

March 17-19 - Budawangs - Tarn, Bibbenluke - M/E-M A medium-length round trip in the western Budawangs mainly on tracks but with some open country and medium scrub. A yariety of yegetation types, sandstone rock formations and magnificent views. On the outward journey I plan to try a shortcut to Canowie Pool via the north of Goodsell Basin, then follow the Corang River to Mt Haughton. After exploring Mt Tarn and Bibbenluke we will return via Yurnga Lookout, Corang Arch and Peak and Admiration Point. Campsites will depend on progress made: there is plenty of choice. Map: Corang, Endrick 1:25000, or CMW Budawangs Leader: Jeff Bennetts 315899(h). Cost about $16.

March 17-19 - Upper Murray Lilo Trip - L/M-R/W The first day is a 20k+ walk south from Dead Horse Gap along the Cascade and Ash fire trails to the junction of the Indi and Tin Mine Creek. The next two days are spent liloing down the river to Tom Groggin. The liloing can be done in one and a half days with reasonable water levels, leaving ample time for the fishing which is excellent. Leader: Ken Cameron 515204(h) Transport about $25

March 17-19 - Nadgee (Subject to permission) - S/E This will be the normal Nadgee trip - lots of swimming, track and beach walking, with only about 4 hours essential for the weekend. There will be a ranger imposed limit (usually 12) and the trip is usually booked out early - book early. Map: Nadgec 1:25000 Leader: Vance Brown. 513997(h). Cost about $30.

March 17-19 - Mallacoota - Wingin Inlet Crossover - S/E Visit beautiful Croajingalong National Park. Walk from near Mallacoota to Wingin Inlet, or the reverse. The trip includes great beaches, opportunities for fishing (and eating), plus undisturbed environments of interest to the naturalist and the photographer. The two parties will swap cars and may meet on the way. Leaders: Bill Brown 489948(h),764984(w) & Rene Lays 417862(h),6521 03(w). Cost about $35.

Sunday March 18 - Ginini Falls from Corin Dam - M/R Start from Corin Dam and ascend Stockyard Spur to the fire trail then down the spur and up Stockyard and Ginini Creeks to Ginini Falls, probably the highest in the ACT. Join Allan in a pilgrimage to the site of his first walk with the Club - a legendary trip that has passed into the annals of folk lore. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 540764(h),643472(w). Cost about $6.

Wednesday 21 March - Monthly Meeting. More details next IT. 14

See comma issues of IT for more information (and Corrections!) on:

March 24-25 - Bundanoon Creek via Johnson's Creek - MJR, Norm Becker March 24-25 - Far Bald Mountain via Jagungal - LI M, George Carter Sun March 25 - Rendezvous Creek Aboriginal Rock Shelter - S/E, Mike Morriss Sun March 25 - Tidhinbilla Peak, John's Peak - S/M, Ian Sinclair Sun March 25 - Cycling in Bundanoon, with Steam Train trip, Debi Williams March 28 - Committee Meeting March 29 - IT closing Sat March 31 - Tidbinbilla from Bendora Dam - L/R, Chris Leslie March 31/Apr 1 - Folly Point, Mumnuldi Falls, Island Mt - M/M, David Truman March 31/Apr 1 - Deua River from Pikes Saddle - M/M, Rene Lays Sun April I - Bungonia Gorge - MIM, Vance Brown Sat April 7 ) - Nursery Swamp/Rendezvous Creek area: April 7-8 ) - Leader's Instructional Day/Weekend/Day - S/E, Alan Vidler(+) Sun April 8 April 7-8 - Upper Brogo and Galloon Creek - L/R, Ken Cameron April 7-8 - Monolith Valley Work Weekend, David Campbell Sun April 8 - Mt Kelly - LIM, Jeff Bennetts Easter 14-15 Apr- Two day Canoe Trip, Tumut, Gundagai - W, Rita Jelfs Easter 13-16 Apr- Kapota National Park, Alan Davey April 21/22 - Sentry Box Hill and Mt Scabby - M/M, Chris Leslie Wed April 25 - Yankee Hat Aboriginal Rock Shelter - S/E, Mike Morriss April 28-29 - Monolith Valley Work Weekend - David Campbell April 28-29 - Northern Budawangs - M/M-R, George Carter Sun April 29 - Sentry Box Rock - M/M, John Thwaite Sun April 29 - Mt Namadgi & Aboriginial rock arrangements - L/R, Mike Morriss Sun May 6 - Big Badja - S/M, Jeff Bennetts May 5-6 - Mt Talaterang - M/M, Kenton Lawson May 12-13 - Byangee Walls - M/M, Allan Mikkelsen Sun May 20 - Corin Dam to Gingera, Pat Miethke May 19-20 - Mt McKeahnie from Orroral, Chris Leslie May 26-27 - Mt Elliott via Foster's etc, Kenton Lawson May 27 - Byangee Walls - M/M, George Carter June 9-1 1 - Woila Circuit - L/R, Kenton Lawson

Reminders:

Please advise Alan Vidler of any errors/omissions.

We have successfully programmed a number of Saturday trips lately. Please think about leading more of them.

We would like to have at least one easy day and weekend trip on each weekend. Your help is particularly welcome where this has not been achieved. 15

INFORMATION

Note: The Walk Secretary, Alan Vidler is pleased to accept walks from leaders at any time. Please contact him to put your walk on the program.

Bookings: For trips should be made by telephoning the leader no later than 5pm 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 Michael Gauci.

Library: The Club Library is held at the home of Keith ThomaS, 26 Allport Street, Downer 487816(h) at 6 - 745pm on the night of Club meetings.

Grading of walks

(S) Short - under 12km/day (E) Easy - firetrails, tracks, beaches etc. (M) Medium - 12-20km/day (M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub (L) Long - over 20km/day (A) 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 NOT SUITABLE FOR THE TRIP

SEARCH & RESCUE ORGANISA11ON

S&R Contacts are: Dave Dróhan 662728(w) 413566(h), Anton Cook 851711(w) 474142(h), David Campbell 469156(w) 541511(h).

Area Coordinators: : Frank & Meg McKone 54131 1(w) 545902(h), Pat Miethke 493085(w) 412798(h), Inner Canberra: Jim Dick 702638(w) 473158(h), Keith Thomas 819469(w) 487816(h), Woden: Doug Wright 814148(h), David King 490205(w) 883090(h).

[s11jlui:Esi'nh.]

PRESIDENT: David Campbell 541511(h) 469156(w) VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER: Mike Morriss 957823(h) 8931 03(w) SOCIAL SECRETARY: Debi Williams 581645(h) 719580(w) CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY: John Thwaite 543193(h) 935315(w) WALK SECRETARY: Alan 'Jidler 545373(h) 435315(w) ASSISTANT WALK SECRETARY: Allan Mikkelsen 540764(h) 643472(w) MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Michael Gauci 581464(h) MINUTE SECRETARY: Ailsa Fleming 921675(h) 952677(w) EDITORS: Keith Thomas 487816(h) 819469(w) 81 9708(fax) Sue Vidler 545373(h) 954386(w) PUBLISHER: Greg Buckley 864742(h) 483618(w) CONSERVATION OFFICER: Henry Burmester 470193(h) 719412(w)

Dave Drohan 413566(h) 662728(w) is the Search and Rescue Officer and Allan Mikkelsen 540764(h) is the Check-in Officer. Margaret Cole 886947(h) and Sandy Lolicato 515441(h) are the conservation representatives. Vance Brown is the public officer. Alan Vidler 545373(h) is the Club record keeper. (e..a al PC3Ifld

(Sal.

vMs . Isod) at

I NOIiVOIlSfld 038319103H I

If not delivered w,thin 7 days. please return to PC. Box 160. Canberra City ACT. 2601 Postage Paid CANBERRA CANBERRA BUSH WALKING j CLUB ACT. 2601 INC.

RE?E?IIVALLAK Full wci::id St ft UE:STON ACT 26 ii

Registered by Australia Post. Publicati' JH 1859.