Newcastle Ramblers Bushwalking Club

Newsletter - March 2016

Rambler’s Photo Competition 2015 – Second Place Winner

“Paper Daisys”

Newcastle Ramblers –March 2016

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2016 Annual General Meeting.

The Club held its 2016 AGM on Monday 21 March. President Angela gave a report on the year’s activities (see below) and Treasurer Arthur gave the Financial report for the year.

All current elected Office Bearers then stood down, nominations were called and an election held for the 2016 Office Bearers.

The results of the election are as follows:

President – Angela

Vice President – Nick

Treasurer – Hazel

Secretary – Alan

Elected Member – Arthur

Elected Member – Peter

Elected Member – Lynne Nominations for Non-elected Office Bearers.

The new Committee will hold its first meeting early in April.

At that meeting, one of its key tasks is to appoint people to fill the various roles that are vital to the Club’s effective functioning.

All members are encouraged to play an active role in the Club’s administration so if any member would like to nominate for any of the positions, or has any suggestions as to how they would like to help, please let Angela or Alan know.

The current officer’s position are:

New Members Liason ;,Membership Officer, Training Officer; Newsletter Editor; Email Management; Librarian; Gear Officer; PLB Contacts; Website Manager; Photo Competition Organiser; Public Officer. PRESIDENTS REPORT – AGM – MARCH 2016

The club had a busy and varied year with lots of exciting activities that were well attended by members.

There were many and varied car camps with associated day walks –the club visited Myrtle Ck northern Wollemi, Coorongooba Western Wollemi, Kanangra NP Blue

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Mountains as well as old favourites Woko, Gloucester Barrington and Coolah Tops to mention a few. We explored new areas in the New England NP with 32 ramblers staying at two Styxs at Ebor. Backpacks continue to be popular – local favourite areas such as Wollemi/Colo Gorge, Drummers to Drummers, Barrington Tops were visited, as well as further afield in the Snowy Mountains, and for the more adventurous, Pantoneys Crown and Donkey Mt in Gardens of Stone NP to mention a few were all well attended. Members ventured interstate – the backpacks of the Jatbula Trail NT, Three Capes Track Tasmania and Walls of Jerusalem were very popular.

Members enjoyed a variety of local day walks, bike rides, local paddles and social activities such as Rylstone Street Feast and the first ever Branxton Christmas Party at the of Lindsay and Lynne.

There were other events - 9 members braved the cold and participated successfully in the BRWS Navigation Shield and members continue to do great community work with the Obelisk Hill and Arcadia Park Landcare group organised by Bob Clifton.

The website has now been functioning for more than a year and continued improvements are happening. Robert continues to manage the Club emailing system.

This year we saw some new faces in management. Your committee has worked very hard and achieved a lot in a busy agenda with 5 meetings– revised and updated constitution, reviewed risk management protocols and updated the club guidelines for leaders and participants, use of contact person and PLB, reviewed insurance and incident management, introduced the supper roster. The completed 50th Anniversary photo album was a great success. Thanks to Arthur and the committee, the club is in good financial shape and we have 191 members as of the beginning of March with more joining.

I would like to thank the committee and others in official positions for their time and efforts this year. Without them the club would not function. Special mention should go to John - the now retired walks officer. On behalf of the club I want to thank him very much for his long term support of the Club and all his tireless efforts in getting the activity program off the ground for so long. On behalf of members I would also like to thank all those members, including a few new members, who have given their time and efforts to organise and lead activities throughout the year. Again, without them the club would not function.

Looking ahead, the biggest challenge for the club is lack of involvement of enough members willing to organise and lead activities and to play a role in club management. The club is a special interest group run by volunteers. With so many members and more wanting to join, we should be able to fill the program with activities and get new faces in managerial roles, but it is a hard slog to do so. We are facing a generational change of club leaders and management. Many long term members who have contributed enormously to the club are winding down. It is unfair to expect them to continue to do so much. Some of the committee and official officers have paid their dues and would prefer to retire. Other committee members are doing too much because no one else will do it. To ensure a continuing strong and viable club, we need newer members or those not previously involved to step up and contribute more to the

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Page 3 club- organise walks or events, take on managerial roles and help out. The Ramblers will only continue as it has for over 50 years by active member involvement. So if you enjoy being a Rambler – get more involved and help out in some way. Angela

Library.

The Club has a large number of bushwalking books. A listing is being prepared for the website so that members can see what books are available. Books may be borrowed at any regular Monday meeting.

Additionally, the Committee has approved a budget of $500 to buy new books for the library.

So far we have purchased Book 1 and Book 2 of Michael Keats and Brian Fox’ “The Gardens of Stone National Park and beyond”. These excellent books contain a large number of Day walks with detailed track notes including GPS coordinates and are beautifully illustrated. They proved useful in planning walks at our Easter Camp in Newnes. Index of Activity Reports:

1.Nine Days in the Snowy Mountains Bob Page 5

2. Gloucester Tops Exploration Bob Page 11

3. My First Backpack Tony Page 13

4. February Committee Meeting in Bob Page 14 Branxton

4. Frenchmans Cap – Tasmania Angela Page 15

5. Three Capes- Tasmania Malcolm Page 19

6. Easter at Newnes Col Mc Page 20

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1. Nine Days in the Snowy Mountains - 28 Nov to 5 Dec 2015

Walkers: Bob (leader), Lois, Frank, Alan, Ali, Kevin, Anna, and Angela.

Morning tea on the Geehi River looking north to Mt Jugungal (photo Angela)

Our adventure this year covered a much larger area of Kosciusko National Park, discovering many new locations and visiting more mountain . We walked over 110km in near perfect weather - clear and mild each day with only a half hearted storm on one evening. We would wake to ice on the but by mid day it would be quite hot. We enjoyed an open campfire for most evenings.

After our eight hour drive to Dead Horse Gap on the Saturday we shouldered packs about 3.00pm and commenced our warm up three day walk around Boggy Plain, an area south of the steep ridge behind Thredbo Village. We selected our first camp site in a saddle near Sam’s Camp along the Chimneys Ridge about six kilometers from the cars.

Sunday morning saw us skirting or climbing several small knolls along the Chimneys Ridge line before ascending the Chimneys Pinnacle for morning tea. We had crossed several delightful saddles along the way and the brumby pads here and there aided our progress through the thicker patches of vegetation. We followed the ridge generally north east stopping for lunch at Smiths Gap before climbing to Mt Terrible – the climb was easier than the name implied. We later dropped down to the beautifully restored Teddys to set up camp and get a good fire going. All up we walked for 7 hours and covered 14 km.

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Alan, Frank, Angela, Ali, and Lois around our camp fire near Sam’s Camp. Bob checks his navigation before crossing a beautiful alpine wetland area to climb the Chimneys Pinnacle

Lois and Bob push through some thick undergrowth along the Chimneys Ridge. Alan is relaxing with a cup of tea at Teddys Hut.

Climbing steeply on Monday morning to the north west behind Teddys Hut, again thanks to brumby pads in the thick undergrowth, we were soon on the plateau above and walking though open snow grass towards Paddy Rushs Bogong. This prominent little peak at 1920m provides wonderful views to the north-west over the Rams Heads on the Main Range and down into Thredbo Village and the ski fields. From the Bogong we crossed more or less directly over the open plateau towards Brindle Bull Hill where we were able to follow another brumby track through some beautiful open forest on its western side. We perched on top of the next knoll for lunch along with a million ants. From this point it was a pleasant meander through fairly open bush down the prominent east-west ridge leading back to Dead Horse Gap. All up we walked for 7.5 hours and covered 17 km.

It was a forty minute drive to our destination for the night at Old Geehi Hut on the banks of the Swampy Plain River where we swam and relaxed after the first three days of walking.

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Frank, Kevin, and Lois on Paddy Rush’s Bogong and its wonderful

views to the Main Range and the Thredbo ski fields

Ali provides the evening entertainment at Old Geehi Hut, and nearby we called into Doctors Hut. These river stone huts have been restored by NPWS and the KHA since the fires of 2003.

On Tuesday morning we were away early for a coffee and to pick up a few things at Khancoban before driving on to Round Mountain, where we would leave the cars for the next five days. By 10.00am the group was heading on down past Round and into the pretty valley of the Tumut River. Going down was fine but the three hundred metre climb out after fording the shallow river onto Farm Ridge was a bit stiff with full packs. We did it though with a few stops. The track along the ridge passes through some very nice open forest and wild flowers before progressing to a more open landscape. A strong gusting tail wind moved us along the open sections of the ridge. Before reaching the Grey Mare Fire Trail intersection we diverted east off-track down into a broad open section of Doubtful Creek, just to make the day more interesting and to cut off about six kilometres of track walking. The down side of this short cut meant we had to re-climb 120m through rough tussock and snow grass to pick up the Grey Mares Fire Trail on the other side. We were all were very pleased to finally reach

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Mackeys Hut at about 4.00pm, and to avoid the storm which was threatening from the west. All up 6 hours and 17 km of walking.

We passed Round Mountain Hut to descend steeply to the Tumut River. Kevin and Angela ford the Tumut River. An example of the fine open forests along Farm Ridge.

Mackeys Hut is a real beauty with a verandah to beneath, and later inside we sat around its open fire chatting and listening to the rain on the tin roof. From the verandah we could look south towards Tibeaude Creek up which we planned to walk on Tuesday to reach Cesjacks Hut.

We were pleased to find that the creek line was open and fairly easy to negotiate to its saddle before we descended via an old unmarked track of sorts to cross private property and then climb to the main fire trail and the locked gate of the National Park. The 3 km walk from this point was through park like open green grasslands with a scattering of snow gums. We imagined that this location would have been amongst some of the best grazing lands and to the east great views over the distant Gungarlin River and Snowy Plains appeared below us. Arriving at Cesjacks for a late lunch left us plenty of time in the afternoon for a two hour walk to seek out the ruin locations of earlier huts and to climb a prominent knoll for more great views to the east, into

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Doubtful Creek, and across to Mt Jugungal. All up we walked for 5 hours and covered 13 km.

An outcrop of granite surrounded by the swamp vegetation of Tibeaude Creek was a good dry place for morning tea. Bob and Ali at Cesjacks Hut.

Leaving Cesjacks Hut on Wednesday morning we followed the Great Dividing Range generally south towards the three small peaks known as the Bulls Peaks. The track marked on our maps was pretty well non existence much beyond the hut, and in places along the way thick heath impeded our progress. As we approached the first peak we spotted in the distance a group of brumbies and a fairly new weather station. We lunched at Bulls Peak, with Angela, Alan and Frank bagging it to sharpen appetites. About a kilometer south of the South Bulls Peak we turned south west across open snow grass country, skirted both the Mail Box and the Cup and Saucer, and descended the obvious creek line to cross the Valentine River. The last little pinch up to Mawsons Hut from the river is always a killer after a long day. All up we walked for 8 hours and covered 16 km

Friday, the day I had been looking forward to most, saw us walking north to the Big Bend on the Valentine River and then over the saddle to the Geehi River for morning tea. I have written of the outstanding scenery of this location in earlier walks reports. From the Geehi River it was a steady three hour climb to the alpine grasslands and granite outcrops of Mt Jugungal. We scrambled to the top and spent some time enjoying the views through a cloud of white butterflies in sunny, cool and very pleasant conditions. A grassy field below was just the spot for lunch and more views to the south and east. With great reluctance we descended, picked up the nearby foot pad, followed it south west through some amazing gardens of Snow Daisies, and then dropped steeply to cross the infant Tumut River. It was a further three kilometers on the Round Mountain Fire Trail to reach Derschkos Hut where we called it a day. All up we walked for 8 hours and covered 14 km.

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A group shot on the summit of Mt Jugungal. We passed through an amazing display of Snow Daisies as we descended from the mountain.

The last twelve kilometres on Saturday morning from Derschkos Hut on the Round Mountain Fire Trail took about four hours of fairly quick walking to return to the parked cars. We held off on lunch, preferring to find something better than our left over Vita Weats and to eat at Cabramurra, which is always an interesting town to visit. The store in now managed by the Snowy Mountains Authority where there are some great new displays of the history of the making of the Snowy Scheme. All up we walked for 4 hours and covered 12 km.

Our final destination for the day, after calling in at the rebuilt Delaneys Hut on the way, was a cabin at the Adaminaby Caravan Park, and that evening the Snow Goose Hotel put on a wonderful meal for us.

On Sunday our two cars parted ways early for Newcastle, with Bob’s car heading on the scenic back road through Namadgi National Park to arrive at the National Museum for opening time. It was a delight to enjoy a coffee with Ali’s friend Hasam, who works in Canberra and who updated us on the recent changes occurring in Iran. An interesting British Museum exhibition ‘Encounters’ had just opened showing Aboriginal artifacts collected by early British explorers – even a shield collected at Manly by Captain Cook in 1770.

It has been twelve years now since the disastrous fires of 2003 and we observed that re-growth in the higher elevations was really starting to take off. In places heath vegetation was getting rather thick and more difficult to negotiate. Once again it was a pleasure to call into the historic huts of the high country which we found to be well maintained and clean – we do appreciate the efforts of the KHA, NPWS, and other users.

And so ended a fabulous walk - a bit longer and stronger than previous walks but again filled with wonderful moments and shared with good company. We didn’t see anyone for the duration of the walk and felt that we had the Park to ourselves. Thanks to Frank for making sure we left huts clean and tidy and better than we found them, and to Lois

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Page 10 for her inspirational navigation. Thanks also to Angela and Ali for the use of some of their photographs.

Report by Bob 1. Gloucester Tops Exploration – 13 and 14 January 2016

Walkers: Bob , Greg P, Rosemary, Aileen, Kylie (visitor), John T, Shayne, Phil, Alan, and Ali

What a great location to start the bushwalking off for 2016. An easy backpack (on plan, only 15km all up) around the catchment of the Gloucester River to enjoy the amazing vegetation communities of the Tops. Instead of racing along the Link Trail to Careys Peak, on this occasion we took our time and ventured off the track for most of the walk. We were away walking by 11.30am to check out Munroe Hut and see how it was going. Built in 1964 by the Newcastle Bushwalking Club it was named after Arthur ‘Darby’ Munroe, a prominent member of that club and a renowned bushwalker. The hut was in relatively good shape but could do with some TLC. Nearby a Phytophthora foot washing station has been installed to counter the spread of this insidious fungal disease.

John sets up his bedding for the night and Alan, Aileen, Phil, and Shayne enjoy a good log and a campfire.

We paused for lunch after a good hour of walking where the trail turns sharply to the north west, and later without our packs we continued further along the trail for another kilometre to the next saddle. Heading 700m north off track we encountered the subalpine wetland which feeds into the Kerripit River and shown on our map. Not much to see but a green carpet of fern beneath a sparse canopy of mature Tea Tree.

We retraced our steps to reclaim our packs and head two kilometres east off track through a small amount of Antarctic Beech before descending steeply through a

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Page 11 beautiful mixed forest to the more open Snow Gum Woodland and its understorey of Lomandra and Snow Grass.

By 4.30pm we had selected a beaut open camp site amongst the Snow Grass close to the infant Gloucester River (MR647 501). It had been pretty hot in the afternoon and the night was mild and warm. John did his usual trick and slept out next to a tree under the stars.

Next morning we headed south east, generally following the course of the river, keeping to the higher ground where we could. We crossed several beautiful Sphagnum swamps - some were heavy going whilst others were easy to cross following narrow winding animal pads. Each swamp had its own colour and character in the morning light. Within the hour we were suitably confused by the meandering nature of the river and took the opportunity to cross the fast flowing water for an early morning tea in a magic location beneath flowering Tea Trees.

We resumed walking on our south east bearing and with the heavy walking and 30+ degree temperatures starting to take their toll we were relieved to reach the western section of the formed River Track, which lead on down to the car park. Greg pointed out the remains of historic cattle yards along the way. We disregarded the 15 degree water temperature of the river and plunged in to cool the core body temperature.

After retrieving our cars from the start of the walk we grabbed some lunch to eat near the Andrew Laurie Lookout and Gloucester Falls. On the way back we were accosted by pixies and nymphs on pan pipes hiding behind trees and rocks along the track.

We had given the Brown Snakes every opportunity over the two days but we failed to encounter any at all.

The group crossed several interesting and colourful Gloucester River Swamps

Report by Bob

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3. My First Backpack.

It was 1961 and I was growing up, living in Katoomba. Just a month earlier as a school boy army cadet I had undergone my first bivouac down into the valley and spent my very first night sleeping under the stars. This outdoor experience obviously made a huge impression on this fourteen year old lad. On our return hike home, it was I, taking a very careful note of the rugged track back out.

On that hike down into the Megalong Valley in the drizzling rain, we were fortunate as cadets to be not too over burdened with equipment. Wearing the rain cape that doubled as a crude shelter and carrying a tasty 24 hour ration pack along with the cumbersome .303 rifle and a handful of blank ammunition, was about it. The army met us down there with a truck full of blankets, picks and shovels. We spent many hours constructing and later filling a massive latrine. It seems our captain, an ex WW2 engineer officer was in his element with bush toilets. It stopped raining, the clouds parted and the myriad stars lit the night sky. I was thrilled with my first night in the bush.

Soon after getting home and relaying my exciting experiences to my mates and younger brother a repeat trip was planned before I forgot the way. My mother was put under intense pressure to let us head back down a few weeks later. She finally gave consent, probably glad to see the back of us. This created an urgent gathering of the necessary equipment without the army’s help. Old rotting canvas was pilfered from a derelict carnival ride that had stood on a trailer for many years on a nearby vacant lot. As kids we used this old merry-go-round as a form of cubby, crawling amongst the dusty horses. The canvas was cut into ragged sections, each of us having enough to sleep on and one piece for a sloping wall. Ti-tree would suffice for the extra weather protection with bush wood for poles and pegs. Ratty old A frame packs were borrowed from neighbours and our scant bedding was to be two skimpy blankets safety-pinned into a crude sleeping bag. We soon learnt to roll over tightly to increase the layers of thin blanket. It didn’t really help as apart from the mildewy canvas we had no proper insulation to lie on. The ground under us was not only hard but very chilling.

Having enough food became a major priority for perpetually hungry boys. Tin cans of sumptuous braised steak and vegetables, camp pie and baked beans followed by delicious flavoured rice-cream for the much anticipated dessert were obtained. Also thrown in was a loaf of bread, some biscuits, a couple of eggs, a handful of tea leaves and a tube of sugary condensed milk that was nearly sucked dry before our departure. A couple of tins of dog food for our highly excited dog were also included.

Two mates with the same parental freedom were also coming along. Between us we scored a billy, a frying pan and an old pot. Candles and matches were for lighting, though one fortunate friend had a torch. The weight of our decaying packs was immense, but we found room for a slug gun, machete, hatchet and a few comics and essential lollies. Totally oblivious, we carried no maps, compass, first aid kit, water bottles or raincoats. We had nothing in the way of spare clothing, wearing our cadet

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Page 13 gear and heavy army boots and would drink unsterilized water from the numerous creeks.

I wrote our anticipated destination of the second ford on a piece of paper for Mum, it could have been on Mars for all she knew. Poor Mum wouldn’t have realised that we were going to descend through the towering cliff-line by the spectacular Devil’s Hole into the Megalong Valley, believing it was in a nice park with tracks and signs. Somehow four young boys and their small dog all survived. Never in all my years of backpacking was there a walk quite like that, thankfully some have been easier but none as simple, uncomplicated or so special.

Report by Tony 4. Committee Meeting – Royal Federal Hotel - Branxton - 10 February 2016

The last Ramblers Committee Meeting for the 2015 year was held at the Royal Federal Hotel in Branxton, in Col and Malcolm’s territory. Seated from left to right were Robert G, Steve T, Sue He, Peter F, Col McK, Alan T, Lindsay, Arthur R, Malcolm M, and Ingrid W. Bob C and Sue Ho were not in the photograph.

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The location was superb with the committee able to hold its meeting upstairs in its own large room with dinner being served during the course of the meeting.

The hotel, now the only hotel in Branxton was built in 1927, and more recently has been completely refurbished to include top bistro/restaurant in place of accommodation. The photos below show the hotel in its earlier days and how it fared in the 1955 flood, when water rose to the verandah and it was possible to tie a boat to the railing.

Report by Bob .

5. Frenchmans Cap Backpack, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers NP, Tasmania 21-26 Feb 2016

The Frenchmans Cap area, near the Upper Franklin River, has the highest rainfall (4000 mm/annum) in Tasmania. We had heard many stories of thigh deep mud on the notorious Sodden Loddon Plains, and bad weather preventing the climb to top of the Cap. Undeterred, 4 Ramblers (Alan Thomas, Richard Fielding, Anthony Cook, Angela Begg- leader) set off on a 6 day backpack to this rugged wild mountainous area in central southern Tasmania. I had a burning desire to dip my toes in the Upper Franklin River, scene of the biggest Australian conservation battle in the 70s and 80s which resulted in the preservation of the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area.

After a 3.5 hr drive with Cradle Coaches from Launceston past the Great Lake, we threw on heavy backpacks in the Lyell Highway car park and started at about 10.30 am in sunshine, our goal to get to Lake Vera Hut about 16k away. First a small beech forest, then swing bridge across the upper Franklin, a steady climb through rainforest, up the Franklin Hills past Mt Mullen, then our first glimpse of The Cap as we began our descent to the Loddon River, another suspension bridge, lunch and then the notorious boggy plains. However, no mud! just boardwalks and well-formed raised tracks across the bogs. We love Dick Smith. He contributed 1.5 million for maintenance and upgrades of the Frenchmans Cap track and so it was rerouted in 2014. One final climb, through moss covered beech forest with many tree roots and big steps, was hard to

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Page 15 take at the end of the day with heavy packs. Lake Vera Hut was a surprise, a lovely wooden hut with spacious kitchen eating area, stainless steel lined benches, wood heater, water tank, and sleeping mats. We checked out the camping sites some distance from hut in the forest without views of the lake, but at 5pm we stayed in the hut as we had it all to ourselves.

An early 7.15 start saw us winding along the edge of Lake Vera, negotiating up, over and down many tree roots with fancy log step work, through ancient pencil pines, leatherwood trees in flower and beech forest. Then a hard slog, climbing steeply on more big steps up a rough track beside cliff lines, then a steep staircase to Barron Pass, situated between the rugged rocky Sharlands Peak on one side and the jutting Nicoles Needles and Philps Peak on the other side. Anthony on longer younger legs with the lightest pack arrived much earlier.

View Looking West from Barron Pass.

Jackets were out to counter the wind chill, as we gazed at the magnificent views, the cloud fringed valleys from where we had come on one side and the magnificent alpine lakes in steep sided valleys surrounded by rugged peaks to the west, including Frenchmans Cap and Clytemnestra our goals over the next few days. Frenchmans, with its distinctive white cliffs, stood out. Next was a steep down then careful negotiation across the steep slopes of Sharlands Peak, passing forest, scrambling over large rock falls and climbing up to a pass then steep steps to the left of rocky towers. We needed a lunch break at the top. Then we negotiated more rough slopes wondering where on earth Lake Tahune was. Finally steeply down cliff lines including several flights of wooden stairs we came to the hut at about 2pm, before we saw the lake, tucked into a steep sided basin at the base of Frenchmans and surrounding mountains.

With good weather we had to get to the top. We checked out the limited campsites, opted for the hut because of predicted deteriorating weather over the next 3 days, lightened our packs to day packs and briefly rested. We then pushed our tired legs up the very steep winding rough well-formed rocky path 400m to the top of Frenchmans. After scaling several short rocky cliffs and a few false summits we made it to the gently rounded top strewn with small white quartzite scree. Truly spectacular awe inspiring views, we could see far into the distance in all directions. We tried to identify the peaks and waterways, recognising a few such as Barn Bluff, Mt Oakleigh, Cradle Mt and Macquarie Harbour. Reluctantly we left the top at about 5 pm, getting back to the hut at

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Page 16 about 6.30pm, most of us truly exhausted but very happy to have made it in good weather.

Anthony, Angela, Alan and Richard on Frenchman’s Cap

Next day, good weather with the wind picking up, saw 3 of us climbing up Frenchmans again, on our way to attempt to get to Clytemnestra, a nearby peak. The challenge was to find a safe route off the SW edge of Frenchmans. We had several route descriptions including The Ables and John Chapmans. We scrambled down to check out several routes closest to the eastern face only to find they looked impossible and then progressively making our way west over rough rocky terrain, following the Ables description. At 11.45 we sat protected from the wind, looking down on, looking down on what looked like a long arduous day down a western ridgeline, then past several large tarns, climbing up to the southern Col, before nearing Clytemnestra. Thinking we would be exhausted for the hard trip next day to Irenabyss, Alan and I piked on Anthony, much to his disappointment. So a hard day turned into any easy day, we took our time descending the Cap to soak in the grandeur of the mountainous terrain. We tried to make out from a distance what looked like a steep very rocky route for tomorrow's walk. On reflection, we should have followed the mountain climbers’ route from the ascent switch back, to have a look at the eastern face of the Cap.Back at the hut, many more people had arrived including Terry Reid, the now retired long term Park Ranger for the NP. Terry was a fountain of knowledge about the area and was still coming in on 6 trips a year as a volunteer ranger. The small older hut was full with tents everywhere outside, including the helipad on the OK of Terry. Overnight, the weather closed in, the wind increased. In the morning, the Cap and surrounding mountains were shrouded in cloud and mist, it was lightly raining. On the

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Page 17 advice of Terry, that the track was good and that we would not be blown of the ridge edge, we left at first light for Irenabyss in wet weather gear, even though we would not see anything from the ridge. Again we climbed half way up the Cap track, taking the right turn to Irenabyss, over the narrow saddle, climbed a rocky staircase up around and between two rocky outcrops to the ridge top. The wind blew fiercely from the west, visibility was about 10 metres, but the track was relatively easy to follow and the precipitous parts were on the eastern side, behind rocky outcrops and protected from the wind. We stopped for morning tea against a protected wall then began our 1000m descent to the chasm cut by the upper Franklin River. More big steps down (Tasmanian track builders have very long legs!) and a narrow track through dense scrub, low forest, but as we descended below the clouds, the sun peeped out for the first glimpse of the chasm. A last final very steep slippery climb down trees root to Tahune Ck, then the Franklin and there it was. We sat on the rocks and gazed upstream at Irenabyss, a narrow rock lined chasm through which the Franklin gently flows before tumbling more tumultuously over rapids downstream. The sun came out momentarily. I could not pass up the chance of a quick dip in the bracing cold water of the Upper Franklin. We lingered as long as we could in this beautiful place, but we had to leave. The return trip was arduous, long and wet, climbing 1000m to the ridge. The wind nearly blew us over in places, rain fell, the misty clouds swirled, visibility was worse, but we found our way somehow and were very glad to see the narrow ridgeline above Lake Tahune. Arriving back at 5.15pm, after a 10hr day, the hut was full, we were dripping wet and exhausted. Terry the ranger, bless him had the heater going and the billy boiling. As we sat exhilarated, warming and drying out, we reflected on a special day. We were glad we had opted not to overnight camp at Irenabyss, carrying full packs down and up would be very hard.

We walked out over the next two days, first in rain to Lake Vera Hut and then next day with clearing weather to the carpark. Both sections

Franklin River -Irenabyss seemed a little easier on return with lighter packs. All in all we could not complain about the weather or bogs. We very fortunate to have climbed the Cap twice in good weather and to have been to Irenabyss. We didn’t use our tents, but you need to take them. Take a small as you can use the huts for everything other than sleeping if there is no room to sleep. The terrain was more beautiful, remote and rugged than expected. The white quartzite rocks make it different to other mountainous areas of Tassie. Be thankful for those who fought to preserve this special area. Go there if you can, but be prepared for very a rugged trip and very high steps, if you have short legs. Total distance 66.7k, Total ascent/descent 3207m.

Report by Angela

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6. Three Capes Track 22 -25 Feb 2016

Well at this stage its only 2 capes – the story is that the Federal Government said “see how its goes before we provide more funding to extend to Cape Raoul. A 4 day walk in the Port Arthur area of Tasmania staying in 3 huts.

The Idea for this walk arose when Ingrid saw an article in a magazine on a flight back from Cairns in 2015. We decided to do it and asked if club members would like to join us, 23 said yes. 25 Walkers - Amanda Bob Brian Bruce Diane Doug Grace Greg Helen, Jeanette Jenni Karen Kevin Lindsay Lynne Mary Peter Phil, Robert Sam Veronica Virginia Wayne. Led by Ingrid & Malcolm

Day 1 Begins with a 1 hour cruise from Port Arthur around the Isle of the Dead, Mt Brown, across the entrance of PA to Denman Cove for a wet feet landing to begin a 4 km walk to Surveyors Hut at 120m.

The hut is 5 star and has great views to the Cape Raoul and the sunset.

All huts have comfortable beds, stoves and cooking gear. Munro even has a shower.

Day 2 11Km to Munro Hut - South to Arthurs Peak 312m then East thru coastal heath to track junction, we return to this junction on day 3 then turn south to Munro hut at 242m

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above sea cliffs of Munro Bight with a beautiful deck and views to Cape Hauy

Day 3 Today is 17 Km to Retakunna Hut, don’t despair you leave your pack at Munro and take a day pack on the walk via the Blade to Cape Pillar with views of Tasman Island and its lighthouse,

Tasman Island is the turning point for the Sydney to Hobart Race. Back to Munro to pick up packs then 3 Km to Retakunna

The view from Arthurs Peak to Mt Brown & Hut via the track junction on day 2. Crescent Bay with Cape Raoul in the The deck at Retakunna has great views of distance.

Cape Pillar.

Day 4 Today 14 Km to Fortescue Bay

A 3-2-1 day

3 hours – climb Mt Fortescue then through rain forest along cliffs to Cape Hauy junction, 2 hours - to the Cape and return, 1 hour - to the end and a bus ride back to Port Arthur. A wonderful walk with great friends, thank you.

View to Cape Pillar at the end of the Blade Report by Malcolm Mills with Tasman Is. just off the coast.

7. Easter at Newnes 24-29 March 2016

26 Ramblers converged on the Newnes Hotel Cabins with those who arrived on the Thursday enjoying camaraderie by the wood fired pizza oven with dinner thanks to our host Thomas.

For those who are unfamiliar with Newnes, it is a historic location (once a bustling little town) deep in the Wolgan River Valley approx. 50km north of Lithgow. The setting of Newnes is spectacular in a deep sandstone gorge adjoining both Wollemi NP and the Gardens of Stone NP. Our group’s walks were undertaken in both parks. The only remaining building from a town of 1500 people is the timber Newnes Hotel c.1907. Oil

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Shale was the reason for Newnes existence, with a considerable industrial complex set in an unlikely location. Some interesting relics remain.

The Hotel was saved from being undermined by the Wolgan River in 1987 and was moved by a team of volunteers to a higher position. The license had been sold in 1986. The current owners Thomas and Helen Ebersoll have been custodians for 20years+. As bushwalkers they identified a unique opportunity and have added four lovely cabins with accommodation for up to 23 people.

Throughout the weekend various Ramblers took on walks including the Pipeline Track, Echo Lookout, the Philosopher’s Walk, Wolgan Valley Rail Trail, the Glowworm Tunnel, the Old Stage Coach Rd and Pagoda Track, the Wolgan River Trail, the Oil Shale Works Ruins, Petries Gully, the Old School House, Minotaur Lair, Starlight Canyon. Bike rides included the Wolgan Valley Rail Trail & Wolgan River Trail.

Friday. In the morning, 13 walkers set out towards the Echo Lookout along the Pipeline Track. This is a tough climb of 320m to an 820m high point on the Wolgan Capertee divide.

9 walkers chose to return to base, whilst 4 adventurous souls pushed on to complete Bev, Chris and Alan K enjoying the view from Echo the Pipeline Track to Glen Point. Davis in the Capertee Valley (9km as the crow flies from Newnes and 99km by road) then return. The trip leader had provided info that claimed 18km return, but when the weary ones returned they claimed 22km, with the story and distance growing as the weekend progressed and my advised distance diminishing substantially. That said, congrats to Alan T., Angela, Arthur & Alan K. (the A team) who completed a tough walk which included close to 900m of ups along the way.

In the afternoon for those who arrived throughout Friday morning and some who had earlier done the Echo Lookout walk, I lead a walk to Petries Gully, which is opposite the old industrial ruins. 10 Ramblers climbed up through lush, verdant rainforest which was cool and pleasant. Just below the valley rim, having risen about 250m we headed back to camp having walked about 8km.

Saturday. A variety of activities were undertaken. Some bike riders undertook the Wolgan Valley Rail Trail, many walkers took on the 7km loop walk following the old Stage Coach Rd – Pagoda Track – Glow Worm Tunnel. Whilst a few completed both, Newcastle Ramblers –March 2016

Page 21 some all on foot and some walked the loop track then rode back to Newnes along the rail trail another 7km.

Also on Sat. 8 Ramblers set out to the Minotaur Lair. With track notes and some helpful advice from Bob Cox we set out to see a Minotaur. What we did see was an incredibly beautiful canyon and Barry’s impression of a Minotaur.

This is a must do walk for any keen bushwalker, difficult to do justice in words or pictures but truly memorable. After a hard climb of 200m we explored an area created by a huge section of rock separating from the cliff face. A lovely space about 10m wide and 50 m long of shade and beautiful fresh sandstone. Next we scrambled around a ledge into high valley. We then mostly followed the dry creek bed into an increasingly beautiful canyon, with fabulous overhangs and caves, lush flora and an encounter with a very sleepy diamond python before reaching the Minotaur Lair Canyon. A tight squeeze in the Minotaur's Lair This was an ever narrowing moss and fern lined section with high vertical walls continuing 300m+. At times we had to remove our packs and shuffle through sideways. We then continued further up the creek under 40m cliffs before climbing out high onto the surrounding pagodas for a spectacular lunch break with a much appreciated cool breeze. We returned via the same route having done 7km in 7hrs and having gained about 400m throughout. We were all in agreement it was amongst our “handful of best day walks”.

Sat. evening many viewed a DVD on Newnes history in the old hotel before adjourning to the campfire.

Sunday. Starlight Canyon was the goal for 6 walkers, whilst 5 riders and several walkers took on the Wolgan River Trail downstream toward Rocky Creek junction. Others went on the Philosopher’s Walk, explored the industrial ruins, the old school house or cooled off in the clear and sandy Wolgan River.

Starlight Canyon surpassed all expectations. I am unable to describe the exquisite beauty. Getting into and out of the Canyon involved a hard bush bash up a steep hill but once in the Canyon, it was a virtual garden of Eden. Steep side sandstone cliffs, carved by wind and water over millions of years, protected a garden of beautiful ferns and delicate plants, through which a crystal clear stream meandered.

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We followed the canyon for a couple of kilometres and entered a 300m long tunnel, lit by glow-worms. At the end of the tunnel there is a waterfall.

Starlight Canyon- a virtual Garden of Eden Monday. Many needed to head home reasonably early but others walked to Echo Lookout, did the Philosopher’s walk, the ruins or cooled their feet in the river, before setting off. A small group were lucky enough to stay another night.

We enjoyed lovely warm weather, a social campfire each evening and the activities, cabins and location were fantastic.

All who attended vowed to return for more Newnes adventures and/or relaxation.

Thanks to all the activity leaders for their help and to a great group for a wonderful weekend.

Report by Col

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