CANBERRA BUSH WALKING CLUB INC NEWSLETTER 191 GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 VOLUME 34 FEBRUARY 1998 NUMBER 2

FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING

Speaker:, Dave Best on WALK (NC) (N if/B PYENEE5

8pm Wednesday 18 February Dickson Library Community.Room (entrance at rear of library)

Make the most of the evening and Join other members at &OOpm for a convivial (BVO) meal at the Pho Phu Quoc Restaurant in Cape Street, Dickson. Try to be early to ensure there will be ample time to finish and still get to the meeting in comfortable time

There doesn't appear to be anything of note to discuss this month but at last we have a new Vice PresidentfTreasurer. I and the Committee are most gratefi.il and pleased to announce that Michelle Weston, who has been with CBC for a few years, was appointed to the position at the January Committee.Meeting. I'm sure all members will join me in thanking Michelle for taking on the responsibility. Michelle offered her services soon after the Januaiy It was published and within a few hours another member offered their services and within a few days another member offered their services! I think I detected some relief in the voices of the latter two but thank you very much to those two members - I have noted your names! In the December issue of It! announced that John Dean and I would be "putting on a special 'beginners' weekend trip at the end of February and hope that the members who indicated an interest will be able join us". Unfortunately John has sustained a foot injury (in his lounge room!) and is unable to go walking for a few weeks. We now hope to put the trip on sometime in March or April. Allan Mikkelsen is having trouble filling the activities program particularly as some walks have had to be cancelled due to fire bans and areas being restricted. If you can help Allan please contact him or John Dean. Phone numbers are on the back page. Finally I would like to congratulate one of our members, Rob Horsfield who recently completed the epic journey of walking the entire Walking Track over a period of 6 weeks. Rob achieved this in several sections with different people, including CBC members, joining him for the various sections. Chris Roper, President P

The Big Red Truck Turns Green Debate between conservationists, land owners, park managers and foresters about ecologically sustainable bush fire management practices has long been heated NSW NPWS Draft Nature Tourism and and acrimonious. Recreation Strategy The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is hosting a Bush Fire Management Conference which will look As foreshadowed in last month's IT, the club has at recent advances in the integration of bush fire risk lodged a submission expressing concern at the management and protection for the environment. potential implications of the above strategy. The club's view is that the strategy is flawed in giving The conference will be held in Sydney on 27-28 undue emphasis to commercial tourism interests at the February. Registration fee is $90. Give me a call if expense of nature conservation. you would like further details or contact the The main points raised in the submission were that: Conservation Council directly (ph: 02 9241 2052, fax: 02 9247 5945, email: bushfirenccnsw.org.au). • NPWS should not form commercial links with the tourism industry; Terence Uren, Conservation Officer P • NPWS should not assist commercial tour operators to gain further opportunities in national My thanks to David Truman parks; for preparing this month's It, • built accommodation should not be provided in while I've been off enjoying national parks; myself in Africa. • NPWS should not have to rely on revenue from tourism or licence fees to effectively manage the Don't forget that the closing conservation values of parks; date for copy for It is always • all national parks are fragile environments and the Committee Meeting each promoting high visitation rates for specific parks month (ie 4th Wednesday). is unacceptable; and I do the final processing in • the pressures to commercialise national parks MS Word for Windows 6. I must be resisted if their conservation values are to can also accept copy in a be maintained. variety of other PC - based Alpine National Park Excision word-processing formats, including WordPerfect (up The Victorian Government's recent excision of 285 ha to version 6) and MS Works (up to Version 3 for from the Alpine National Park at Falls Creek is Windows). Send copy by e-mail, by fax or on disk disturbing evidence of the continuing (IBM PC or Mac 1.4Mb, in any of the above WP commercialisation pressures faced by national parks fonnats). I can also accept digitised images in most in . The excision was made without • any popular PC formats. You can contact me by: public consultation and is the first to have occurred in phone: 62 71 4514 (w) 6288 1398 (ii) the 100 year history of Victoria's National Parks Act fax: 6271 4613 Associated projects will see additional car parking at e-mail: [email protected] the Nordie Bowl and residential developments in Sun For Internet users, the Club Home Page is now on the Valley, effectively removing the major beginners and World Wide Web at: training area for cross-country skiing at Fails Creek. http://www.pcug.org.au/-tmiklcels/cbcl Please contact me if you would like further and the latest program is at: information. http://www.pcug.org.aukamikkels/cbcprog,html Paul Edstein, Editor P

Canbei'Ta Bushwalking Club IT Febniaay 1998 page 2 rock and moss desert that buckled when we walked on TRIP it. An hour later, we reached the edge of E3jabakkajokull, a 4 km wide tongue of ice flowing REPORTS northeast out of VatnajOkull. ki 7i1 The icefleld here was almost perfectly level, but speckled with mud and rubble around the edges. ICELAND, July - August 1997 Because of the continuous light and warmth in midsummer, the surface of the ice was interspersed vczrt two [continued from the November tO with small rivulets disappearing into blue crevasses. Next morning the view of Snfel1 was gone We walked over three km in a straight line across the ice and then turned left to follow the glacier down for and swirling low cloud and cold wind and light showers made ascent of the mountain out of the another kilometre towards a safe exit point. Once the ice started sloping down it became quite dangerous, question. We made the best of it and set out in thermals, parkas, gloves and balaclavas, over the bare and one of our party slipped and gashed his hand badly. valley floor and up a stony windswept hill. Once over the top and into the welcome lee, we began a big We found an earth bridge off the glacier and scree-sliding circuit of hills and sloping green moss after a lunch in which everyone felt 'high' after the meadows which eventually brought us, after crossing experience, we trudged up a long moraine and caine to a shinglebed rivulet in the valley floor, back to the hut a higher, sloping tongue of ice which we had to for a late lunch and a lazy but warm afternoon of traverse, closer to the main glacier. Two kilomctres reading and hot coffee. of sloping, wet, slippery ice which - honor? - ended abruptly in a 150 metre precipice above a Our second morning at the hut saw the clouds roaring gorge. This was scary, all the more so as we still low but the weather beginning to improve. now encountered glacier weather - rain squalls, Gunnar (our Icelandic guide) got us off to an early which made the rest of what turned out to be a very start, over a sloping ice bridge and straight up the side long day cold, and miserable. I felt great relief to of SnfelI. Although the temperature was about six reach the other side of the hanging glacier? degrees, we were soon puffing up through unstable black ash, rock, scoria, rubble and dead ice, almost We now had a long distance of bare rock and devoid of vegetation except for green moss and the earth to cross, with numerous backtracks up toward occasional brave herb. Swirling low cloud created an the main glacier to find snow bridges over freezing apprehensive mood which lifted sharply when we torrents. Eventually we made a long descent from a reached the cusp of a high ridge. From here an great arc of ice and had to ford a frrrrreeeezing pebbly updraft opened a first clear view up to the summit - in sandals; then another three km in cold driving still 350 steep metres above us - as well as far down low clouds and light rain to ford another icy torrent; into the valley. Given the poor conditions and, ice then at last? we reached Gcldingafell hut (elevation above, we went no ifirther and, after lunch, found our way down again, this time by an easier route above a glacier. -

The third morning came sunny, bright and very cooL Our bus took us 10 km across rocky desert to the start of the Great Adventure of the whole trip: a six-day pack walk through glaciers, mountains and to emerge eventually at the southeast coast.

On the way to the drop-off point, we stopped in a windswept pass IccileM and looked down on the great white expanse of Vatnajokull. A kilometre later, the bus stopped at a point where the ground was so saturated from Uesmaraeyiar Vik snowmelt that it could go no thrther. MUM We set off with heavy packs across a

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 1998 page 3 780 metres). After 26 km and eleven and a half and of Noróurtungnajokull (North Tongue glacier) hours walking, it was my turn on cooking duty! descending into a gorge and rushing torrent. A long 600 metre descent by a now easy track through grass Next thy, to everyone's relief, was a rest day. and marked with yellow poles brought us to a final On this second day out of Snfell, the sun came out seree slope into dwarf birch scrub and a slightly and the wind eventually died down. While some of higher birch thicket to a wide shinglebed river flowing the more energetic English set off after lunch to climb between towering slopes of seree and ash. A long Geldingafell (1087m) and got grand views of sidle across scree above the river brought us to rockscape, rivers, lakes and glaciers, I was happy to Mulaskáli hut - a comfortable two-storey timber explore the moss, shingle and flowering herb meadows building with sleeping accommodation for about 50 lining the river above our hut as I followed it leisurely and, like the hut at Snfell, with a resident warden - back for a couple of kilometres towards the smoothly for a late lunch. descending tongue of the icefield we had crossed and skirted the thy before. I took several photos kneeling That afternoon we had a wonderful three-hour down very close to capture pretty compositions of walk. A long climb up a vast scree slope 300 metres moss with sparkling droplets, little cascades, ice caves above the river brought us to a spectacular series of and delicate pink, white and yellow flowers. cascades over basalt set in high grassy slopes with black and white Icelandic sheep grazing nonchalantly Day three out of Snfell was another solid, against a backdrop of canyons like New Zealand's 191/2 km march lasting over eight hours. We trudged Skippers, only with jagged white peaks above, and over endless rock rubble above Vatnadmld ('Water with grand NorOurtungnajOkull pushing its white mass Vale'), a saucerlike plateau with numerous small down into the gorge. After a break for oo-ing and lakes, overhung by huge descending iceflows. From aahing at the extraordinary scenery, we completed a a spectacular vantage point at the edge of the plateau circuit back to the hut with an exhilarating 600 metre we looked back at a deep gorge, where a large glacier scree-run! ended in a 40 metre high ice wall. Below the iceface the gorge rapidly deepened into a long canyon with Our last day of continuous backpacking was a green sides as it swung towards the distant sea. long 14 km slog up and down, up and then a long way down, through pouring rain, to reach a vast, three We now made a long slog over undulating kilometre-wide, shinglebed river with many channels, feldmark and, with some adventurousness, crossed a where a 4WD minibus picked us up and brought us an half-collapsed snowbridge over another river. We hour or so later to civilization - the large Youth stopped here for lunch - watching while Dennis, the Hostel at Stafafell on the southeast coast. The rain oldest member of our party, waded over the freezing continued, we were saturated, but so happy to take off river rather than attempt the broken snowbridge - sodden boots, socks and parkas and have hot showers and then pushed on over a starkly barren high rocky and a most delicious dinner of cooked chicken and plateau (KollumálaheiOi - 892m) with more lakes potatoes. and a wonderful view of numerous distant glaciers, sharp peaks and green dales. At last we began a The return to Reykjavik was again by the steep 250m descent, and were pleased to see grass south coast highway. As Reykjavik was almost 500 reappear, with some yellow buttercups (Ranunculus) km west, we left early and made only a few stops, all of 15 em high, and eventually a green, flat- which included sightseeing at the magnificent Iceberg bottomed valley with a small lake and our next hut, Lagoon (Jokulsarlón), swimming in a thermally heated Egilssel, about 20 metres above it. Nearby the pool at the bottom of a grassy valley surrounded by stream draining the lake made a spectacular exit steep green slopes with waterfalls. through a series of cascades over basalt columns. On arrival back in Reykjavik I was very Day four out of Snfell was another rest thy pleased to meet again an old friend, Eyjolftir at Egilssel. The hut was fairly new, very Friógeirsson, who had studied with me on exchange at comfortable, and of two-storey polished pine timber Moscow State University back in 1967-68. He and construction. Mist and light drizzle didn't tempt me his charming wife Bekke gave me a tour of the city far afield, and I was glad to catch up on some reading, and a tasty meal of Icelandic salmon, as we caught up when pauses in the joke-telling pennitted! on thirty years of events!

Early on thy five we climbed up onto a bare A few final observations on Iceland. It is an rocky terrace with a 360 degree view of mountains extraordinary and unique country of amazing scenery:

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT February 1998 page 4 a blend of green grass and moss, extensive lava fields, purple far hills, rushing shinglebed rivers, thousands of waterfalls, basalt cliffs, mountains, icefields, glaciers, barren rock, delicate tiny flowers, sea mists (in the east), Arctic birds, dairy cattle in the coastal flats and slopes ... and resilient, friendly people who live in modem towns and invariably speak excellent English! Because the whole country has only 270 000 people, is remote, has large distances, and has to import many things because of its climate and smallness, it has very high costs - even higher than Switzerland, which is the other most expensive country in Europe. But Iceland is definitely, absolutely, worth visiting. If you get a chance, go there! I'll go back one day, to see Thingvellir ('Parliament Valley'), the Gullfoss (gold falls - largest in Europe), Lake Mvatn (great bird life and fantastic lava shapes), the Gláma peninsula (weird bird's head fiord coast in the far northwest) and the excellent walking area of Landmannalaugar in the south. David Truman P

CONJ OLA (September), complexity of the forest system. I'll never forget the CROOBYAR (October) and wonderful stories - 'The embrace of the treefem and the pinkwood', 'The walk of the treefern', 'The dance MONGA (November) of the pinkwood'. Then there was the detective thriller which unravelled 'The case of the tree, the On all three occasions a party of threee CBC fungus and the potoroo'. A giant brown barrel bushwalkers joined up with others from Sydney on the became trans- Friday evening and set up base camp for the weekend. formed into a Breakfasts and dinner were provided for the group, mighty skyscraper we did a series of two or three walks each day, with apartments, bounding along with the agility of roos - having only restaurants, shops, a daypack or less to carry. On a few occasions we meeting places drove to the start of walks in cars. We walked at A forest will never usual speeds in different terrains but stopped be the same for me frequently to learn from our leader, Andrew Wong ever again now that (Wilderness Society) . I had my first lessons in how the dryad spirit to identify mammals from their tracks and droppings within me has been and how to distinguish between gums from their fruit. awoken. I saw things I'd never seen before - shrubs like the Gippsland waratah, trees such as the pinkwood, birds Thanks to the Forest Campaign Group who made this - the topknot pigeon, and mammals like the greater magic possible. glider. But best of all were Andrew's spiritual Roger Beddis P explanations on symbiotic relationships and the

BUMBERRY CREEK - TUROSS GORGE

Pick a weekend when it's 30 degrees in Canberra and you can end up damp and shivering in Bumberry Creek. This time, however, the thermometer rocketed to a record 40 degrees in the capital, so we were nice and cosy down in the gorges. And the water level was just right too. We all piled into Ian's comfortable station wagon at 5.30am. After two hours drive to the Cascades car park we were soon threading our way through the Casuarina nn en route to the Bumberry fire trail. Lunch saw us below the first waterfall, which had involved mid-air descents by all except the leader who chose the conservative rope technique. Then on to the second fall, with its cunning route finding, and finally the rope-demanding cascade. Finally? Not really: after that the creek just goes on and on and on. And it's so slippery. But the scenery really is nice - if you can find the time to look at it. It was a relieved group that finally wandered into the leafS' campsite at 6.1 5pm. David hauled all sorts of delectable goodies out of his huge pack, while the rest of us dined on less weighty fare. On Sunday morning we were away reasonably early and arrived at the Tuross before the sun found its way into the bottom of the gorge. Just as well. The swims were pleasant and the rock scramblings interesting. Above us the cliffs soared into a sun- bleached sky.

Canberra Bushwall'Jng Club IT February 1998 page 5 Brian led a spirited ascent of the chimney in the big boulder barrier while David scrambled through the turbulent eesspit. Then we stopped for lunch while the gorge turned up the solar heating. The route out of the gorge was faint before, now it's non-existent. We found a rickety old ladder at the bottom which took us to a marvellous look-out opposite the Tuross falls. Then we had to scramble over loose stuff to find the "path" to the top. There we met up with Alan Mikkelsen's day-walkers who led us back to the cars without having to fight the Casuarina.

Thanks guys. John J'Ons P

EASTER 1998: KOONDAH TOWER Prospective members: Laurie Oates The Koondah Tower is New members: A described in the Spring Wild John O'Hara, Lauraine Reynolds, Petra Hawkins, no.58 of 1995, as one of five Tony & Faye Powell. of NSW's elusive peaks. It shows on the map as a steep Roger Edwards, Membership Secretary P conical hill overlooking Koondah Creek, a tnbutary of Wollem Creek. Although FI2CM 'lil-IE "E1E" I . I have been interested in - visiting the area since reading Cothpliments of The American Alpine Club the article, it seemed that it You Might Be A Mountain would take me a six day trip to do it, until Frank and I Climber If. recently discovered access through Putty to the Wollemi, only 10 km away as the crow flies. • You own a $75 dress suit Unfortunately we are not crows, so we will need to and a $1000 Gore-Tex follow creeks and ridges and find our way through suit. clifflines in order to get there. There are several • You have ever used an possible routes, so it should be interesting if you like ice axe to chop weeds in exploring. the garden. Meg McKone P • A Mexican bus driver Phone: 6254 5902 (h) has ever had to open his window because of the way you smelled. -m • You have more summit Do we have monthly speakers and topics you pictures than wedding pictures. are interested in? After all, the combined interests and • You've ever had icicles hanging from any part of knowledge of 300+ club members must be your face. considerable. So: • You can pronounce Popocatepetl correctly more • If you could give a talk to your fellow club than once in a row. members; • You've fallen so far that you've run out of • If you know of someone who would make a good adrenaline before you ran out of rope. speaker; or • You say "Namaste" instead of"Hello". • If you have a topic you'd love to see covered, • You like the smell of burning yak dung. please let Eddie Cheetham, our Social Secretary, • And finally, You hear the name "Flillary" and know. You can contact Eddie on 6257 1583 (h). think of Everest instead of Mrs. Clinton and Whitehouse scandals. This is not an immediate plea, but part of an ongoing quest to get the best monthly meetings While these are specifically American and possible. Let Eddie or another Committee member mountaineering, some of them are very close to home know whenever you have the infonnation or a request. for this bushwalker / trekker. Allan Mikkelsen, Walk Secretary P

Canberra Bushwa!klng Club IT February 1996 page 6 NEWS DESK PERISHER RANGE SKIFIELD PLANNING In response to our Public Submission (No. 1112), the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has written to the Club outlining the remaining steps in the planning process for the future of the Perisher Range resorts. The NPWS will review all public submissions on the Perisher Range Village Master Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), amend the plans as required and put recommendations to the Minister for Planning. The same process will apply for the Sewmge SyMem Upgrade and•Augmentation EIS, except that the Environment Protection Authority will also have an approving role. NPWS will review public submissions on the Perisher Range Cross-country Ski Development Plan and send the plan, with amendments if required, to the Minister for approval. It will review public submissions on the Perisher Blue Slopes Plan in consultation with Perisher Blue Pty Ltd, which will amend plans as required and seek NPWS endorsement. • Draft Amendments to the Plan of Management will be referred to the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and then the Minister for the Environment.

Outdoor & adventure stores in Canberra who give a 10% discount on most of their stock to CBC members are: Belconnen Camping World, Oatley Court, Belconnen CSE, 18-24 Townsend Street, Phillip CSE, Homeworld Centre, Tuggeranong Jurkiewicz Adventure Sports, 47 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick Kathmandu, 20 Allara Street, Canberra City Snowgum Adventure, 26 Mort Street, Braddon fL

Don't forget to take your latest copy o.f theft for proof of membership

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM (CURRENT MEMBERS ONLY) Please take 5 seconds to look at your address label. Does it state Renew Soon, Renew Now or Last It? lithe answer is YES, please fill in this form, cut it out and post it with the appropriate amount ($24 single / $32 family) to the Membership Secretary, Canberra Bushwalking Club, P0 Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601. I am aware that, though CBC office bearers and activity leaders take all reasonablo care, when joining in any activity of the Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc. I do so as a volunteer in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any personal inju,y or loss incurred.

Code: Home Phone: Work Phone:______Please circle as appropriate: I am willing to participate in Search and Rescue YES NO at 2 hours' notice YES NO available next day YES NO available weekends only YES NO I am willing to lead Day walks YES NO Weekend walks YES NO Note: Renew early. Renewals received after the night of the monthly Committee meeting may not be processed until the subsequent month. I have enclosed a stamped addressed envelope for my Cloth Badge YES NO

canbeffa BUshwalking club IT Febn'asy 1998 page 7 ACTIVITY PROGRAM GRADING OF WALKS: BOOKING FOR WALKS: Ring the leader early rather than late. Please ring by (5) Short - under 12km/day. Thursday 2.00 p.m. for the following weekend (both one (M) Medium - 12-20krnlday. day and two day walks) so the leader has time to arrange Long - over 20km/day. transport. (E) Easy - firetrail, tracks, beaches etc. 16 Is the maximum, unless a smaller number is advertised Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub. in the program. (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles. -- - ' PTèse be specific If the leader asks about your walking (W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings. experience. Check with the leader about the need to carry water, tents/flys, appropriate clothing, suitable foot-wear, NOTE: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 purchasing maps, etc. metres climbed. Ask questions especially if you are new to club I walking.

****$ WILD CARD WALKS - Phone ROB HORSFIELD 8231 4535 (h) **t** No walk on that suits you? Wa/k is booked out when you ring the leader? Found you have time for a walk after all? Rob will put you In touch with other people in a similar Situatlbñ help find a leader áAd get you but In the bush. The sooner you ring Rob, the better your weekend or day walk will be!

TRANSPORT: Costs are presently 25 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 rough estimates only, based on four people per car and other factors - oosts may rise if cars are only partly filled. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. Members are reminded that bookings normally close at 2 p.m. on the Thursday before the walk,

NOTICE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS: Every person taking part in a CBC activity does so as a volunteer in all respects and accepts responsibility for any personal injury or loss incurred. Prospective participants should check with the leader that they are capable of completing the proposed trip based on their previous experience, fitness and personal capabilities. Participants should also ask the leader what the trip entails and what food, equipment or special skills are required. Conversely, leaders should also ensure these points are checked and may reject an applicant they consider unsuitable for the trip.

SEARCH & RESCUE ORGANIZATION S&R Contacts: David Campbell 6272 2025(w), 6254 1511(h), or the President or Walks Secretary Area Coordinators: Belconnen - Pat Miethke 6249 3085(w), 6241 2798(h); Woden - Doug Wright 6281 4148(h).

CHECK-IN I CONTACT OFFICER The Check-in /Contact Officer for the Club is John Dean 6291 8124 (h) 6282 5501 (w). He (not the Police or other bodies) should be the first point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning from a trip. Leaders must also report the safe return OR cancellation of their trip to the Check-In Officer.

Wednesday 11 February - Wednesday Walk - M/M The regular Wednesday walk series continues. Close to Canberra with destination to be decided. Contact leader before or atIt Collation. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 (h).

13-22 February - Wilson's Promontory I propose to leave 13th February via Suggan Buggan, and spend the first night somewhere west of Sale, commence walking from Millers Landing car park, through the northern part of the park till the 17th, and through the southern part of the park to the night of the 20th, returning via Coriyong.. If interested, please contact the leader by the end of December, as permits have to be obtained and sites booked. Fuel stoves only. Park fees apply. Leader: Doug Gillies (02) 6226 1888 (w). Limit of 6.

(13)14-15 February - Beginners Canyon - SIR Dion Dell on Saturday and a medium walk round the Kanangra area on Sunday. Dion Dell is not a closed in Blue Mountains canyon, it is a very pretty walk with 3 or 4 good abseils beside water falls with plunge pools (We won't be doing the 110 m final fall). Kent Holman will be helping. Any other who can help would be most welcome. Map: TBA Leader: Doug Floyd 6248 7381 (h) 6216 5552 (w). Transport: TBA

14-15 February - Long Gully Carpark - - S-M/E-M Walk upstream on track and in the river (easy walking) to cool off and make camp at a suitable location. Map: CMW Budawangs Leader: Richard Bath 6257 4816(h) 6265 5222(w). Transport: —$22.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT Febniary 1998 page 8 14-15 February - Ettrema, Jones, Myall, and Rock Slabs Creeks SIR A classic Ettrema trip entering via Myall Creek, visiting the abandoned mine site on Jones Creek and the spectacular Sentry Box Canyon, and exiting via Rock Stabs with the day trip hordes. Maps: Nerriga and Touga 1:25,000 Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 (h). Transport: —$22. Limit of 8. Sunday 15 February Umpteenth Ettrema Day Trip SIR This popular trip gives day walkers a chance to see why weekend walkers rave about Ettrema. After a steep and rough descent into Ettrema via a creek near the upstream end of Sentry Box Canyon, we bludge for several hours from pool to pool upstream to Rock Slabs Creek (the one downstream of Bullfrog), by which we reluctantly leave. Hopefully, meet Allan's weekend trip efeFálëkafalkers in the wild. Map: Ncrriga 1:25,000 Leader: Alan Vidler 6254 5373. Transport —$22. Limit of 12.

Sunday 15 February - Currowan Creek and Falls - SIMIW A walk through cool temperate rainforest. From the base of Mt Budawang near Mongarlowe we will proceed down Currowan Creek to the bottom of spectacular Currowan Falls. Due to thick rainforest most of the s'alldng will be in the creek.. Return via a rainforest gully. Map: Braidwood 1:25,000 Leader: Ian Sinclair 6254 7034 (h) 6216 4053 (w). Transport: —$10.

Sunday 22 February - Cascade Hut MIE An easy walk along thc.flretrail from Dead Horse Gap over Bob's Ridge and through magnificent forest down to Cascade Hut. There will be wildflowers, views of the Ramshead Range, brumbies and probably March flies! Map: Thredbo 1:50,000 Leader: Alan Levy 6231 5093 (h) 6266 6543 (w). Transport: —$25 + park fee.

Saturday 28 February - Mt Franklin - VSIE An afternoon/evening walk of 51an (optional +21an to Mt Aggie), all on tracks but with one steep section, suitable for children. Bring a picnic dinner and farercll the summer sun from the top of Mt Franklin (1644m) on the Brindabella Range. Views over Canberra and Bogong Peaks. Return to cars about 9pm (so bring a torch). Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25,000 or Tantangara 1:100,000 or Namadgi NP 1:100,000. Leader: Jeff Bcnnetts 6231 5899 (h). Transport: —$8.

28 February 1 March - Kosciuszko Huts #2: Pretty Plain - UE Leave a car at Snakey Plain track, walk in via Dargals track past Patons hut(1934) to Pretty Plain(1935), viewing Pugilistic(1947) ruins on the way, about 15km. On Sunday cross to Wheelers hut(1920) and out on the Snakey Plain, about 20km. May also fish the , or run up to Sesselas ruins(1890). Map: Khancoban 1:50,000 Leader: Murray Dow 6257 4371 (h). Transport: TBA 28 February 1 March - Canoeing on Lake Talbingo, Tumut Valley Paddle from dam wall towards idyllic campsite near "Sue City" Picnic Area at southern end, exploring the Yarrangobilly and aims en route, in northern end of KNP, finishing the day with a lovely evening swim. Return on Sunday morning usually involves a surreal experience paddling through early morning mist. Suitable for beginners. BYO canoe or local hire available. Leader: Chris Bellamy 6249 7167 (h). Transport: TEA

Sunday 1 March - Mount Durras - Pebbly Beach Circuit - SIE Join us to remember Rod Daigleish on what was one of his favourite walks. Walk from Pebbly Beach to Pretty Beach and return - in one direction around interesting headlands, inlets, and beaches, in the other over Mount Durras with views of the coast from Point Perpendicular to Mount Dromedary. Map: Kioloa 1:25,000 Leader: Jan Armour 6247 8242 (h). Transport: —$20.

7-8 March - - M/M A walk into the Deua followed by swimming and then by walking out of the Deua. Map: TBA Leader: Richard Bain 6257 4816(h) 6265 5222(w). Transport: —$20.

Canberra Bushwa(king Club IT February 1998 page 9 Sunday 8 March - Mount Coree - MIM A hard walk up the south east face of Mount Coree from Blundells Flat Arboretum for good views of the Brindabellas. An easy walk back via Pabral Road. Map: Cotter Dam 1:25,000 Leader: Henry Satrapa 6254 2195 (h). Transport: —$6.

Wednesday 11 March -Wednesday Walk - M/M The regular Wednesday walk series continues. Close to Canberra with destination to be decided. Contact leader before or at It Collation. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen6278 3164 (h). (13) 14-16 March - Uni Rover Trail, Cambage Spire & Kanangra Tops - UE Friday afternoon start to camp at Boyd River. Saturday we'll hike the Uni Rover Trail down to the Kowmung and camp. Sunday will be lazy, in and by the river. Monday will be an energetic long climb up the razorback of Cambage Spire back to Kanangra Tops for wonderful views at trip's end. Leader: David Truman 6251 7108 (h), 6272 4632 (w), dtrumandpie.gov.au . Map: TBA. Transport: $TBA (13) 14-16 March - - M/R Coopracambra National park is just over the border in Victoria. I've sëen photos and it looks lovely - a gorgt with rocky regions, sandy beaches, and tea colourd water. Current infonnation from the ranger is that it has not been burnt (yet). It will be rough with river crossings and there are no tracks along the river.. Leader: Pat Miethke 6241 2798 (ii), [email protected] . Map: Craigie 1:100,000 or VicMap Combienbar- Wangarabell 1:50,000. Transport: —$35 to $40.

21-22 March - Kosciuszko Huts #3: Tantangara Hut & Long Plain - M/E On Saturday, to Tantangara hut on mountain of same name. Built by Flarvey Palfrey in 1960 for skiing, about 41an from Snowy Mtns hwy. We will then car camp at Long Plain hut(1916), on Sunday walking a short distance to Millers hut(1943) north 5km to Hainsworth hut(195 1), then 51an north to Cooinbil(1905) near where we will have left a car. These latter huts are all grazing huts. Map: Tantangara, Rules Point Leader: Murray Dow 6257 4371 (h). Transport: TBA mg

Saturday 28 March - Ravine View, Three Mile Dam and Mt Selwyn - L/E A longish ramble on fire trails on the cusp of the Great Dividing Range north and west of Kiandra with views down to Ravine. Lunch at Three Mile Dam before passing over Mt Selwyn and exiting to the highway via Tabletop Fire Trail and Dunn's Hill. Leader: David Truman 6251 7108(h), 6272 4632 (w), dtrumandpie.gov.au . Map: Cabramurra 1:25 000. Transport: —$24. 28-29 March - Wilderness Self Rescue at Cataract Scout Park - SIM A training weekend for those interested in either wilderness 'Self Rescue' - for the beginner to general bushwalker; or 'Rescue Worker' - a more demanding programme to assist more experienced bushwalkers likely to participate in search and rescue call outs (attendance is not a requirement for participation in a search and rescue call out) We will be camping near the car, but bring gear as for a weekend walk. Map: Appin 1:25,000 Leader: David Campbell 6254 1511 (h), 6272 2025 (w). Transport: —$25. 28-29 March - Island Mountain - M-UM-R In via Newhaven Gap way to the Northern end of Island Mountain. I plan to walk around the western cliffline base and return over the top while avoiding the thickest bush.. Camp somewhere at the southern end in a cave. Map: CMW Budawangs Leader: Richard Bath 6257 48 16(h) 6265 5222(w). Transport: —$25. Sunday 29 March - Shoalhaven Blockup - S-MIE-M We will drive to the old flying fox base near Bungonia then take the "blue" track down to the river. From there we follow the river to Spring Creek and a sandy beach near the start of the Block-up gorge. There will be plenty of time to swim or (better) lilo through the sheer walled gorge with its deep still water; or you can just relax. Return is by same way: the ascent is about 300 metres. The Trestie Track to the flying fox base is marginal 4WD territory so such vehicles are eagerly sought, even toy ones like my Subaru will do. Map: Caoura 1:25,000 Leader: Vance Brown 6251 3997 (h). Transport: —$16 plus park fee.

Cenbe,ra Bushwafking Cub IT Febniary 1998 page 10 4-5 April - Wog Wog - Corang Peak, Yumga Lookout - MIE-M The third annual pre-Easter thmily walk in the Budawangs; on tracks, with extensive views and rock formations. Probable camp site Canowie Brook (121an from road). Ideal for people wanting to try week-end walking or pause for lots of photographs, or for active children (supervised by a parent). My 14 year old son will be coming. Map: CMW Budawangs or Corang 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899 (h). Transport: -$15. SundayS April - Boxvale railway and Nattai Gorge - M/M A pleasant walk near Mittagong. Walk a triangular route from the ears to the Nattai Gorge. Then follow the Gorge a few km before climbing up to follow the route of the Boxvale tramway back to the cars. All on tracks, but difficult through some of the Gorge and a very steep clint out of the Gorge towards the end. Map: TEA Leaden Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h) 6274 7802 (w). Transport: -$20. ON itnc PCTuesthy j Wednesday 8 April - Wednesday Walk - M/M The regular Wednesday walk series continues. Close to Canberra with destination to be decided. Contact leader before or atJt Collation. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 (h). (9)10-13 April EASTER - The Koondah Tower, Wollerni N.P. M/A Leave by 6pm Thursday night for a 5-6 hour drive to Wollemi Ck via the Putty Rd. Make our way via creeks, ridges and clifihines to spot height 425, grid reference 670452, on Wirraba 1:25 000 map, and back again, preferably by a different route. This is an exploratory walk for the leader - see walks preview. Map: Take your pick of 1:100 000 and 1:25 000. Either way, the trip is on the corner of four maps. The first two in each scale are most useful - 1:25 000 - Wirraba, Putty, Coorongooba, Gospers Mountain (order from Paddys) - 1:100 000 - St Albans, Howes Valley, Mt Pomany, Wallerang (AUSLIG). Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902 (h) Transport: $50. Limit of 8. 10-13 April EASTER - Kosciuszko Huts #4: North Jagungal Huts - M/E-M In along Happy Jacks rd, cross creek, steeply up to Bolton Hill hut(1950). From there mostly follow tracks on Jagungal's northern slopes. Huls are Happy's (1931). Brooks (1945), Happy Jacks Plain (?), Boobee (1930), Mackey's (1944), O'Keefe's (1934), Derschko (1950), Round (1940) and weather permitting, a day walk to Cesjack's (1942), and Linesman #3 (Fifteen mile spur).. Map: Eucumbene, Khancoban Leaden Murray Dow 6257 4371 (h). Transport: TEA

Saturday 18 April - Bungonia Gorge and - M/M-R Descend the steep red track into Bungonia Gorge, followed by a walk through the spectacular sheer walled gorge then a scramble round, over, under and through large limestone boulders for a few hundred metres (this is the roughest bit). Then a gentle walk along Bungonia Creek to the Shoalhaven and upstream to a wide sandy beach for lunch. The direct route out (mainly on the white track) features a 500 metre ascent with views both ways along the Shoalhaven River. Map: Caoura 1:25,000 Leaden Vance Brown 6251 3997 (h). Transport: -$18 plus park fee. k43?%t 4:% WWdesdaj2 AfrOAmuudMeeSW? vaX 25-27 April - Mt Feathertop and Mt Buffalo - LiE Two long climbs on track. 4.30am start on Saturday to drive to Harrietville, climb Bungalow Spur to set up tents at Federation Hut, then push on to the summit of Feathertop and back (total climb about 1400 metres, or 1200m if you only go as far as the Hut). Sunday we'll descend Bungalow Spur, drive to the base of Mt Buffalo and do The Big Walk (1,020m climb) to the Chalet for spectacular views from atop enormous granite cliffs, then camp at Lake Catani on the Buffalo Plateau. Monday we'll do some more leisurely exploring of the Plateau, taking in the Monolith, the Hump (1,695m) and the Horn (1,722m), before driving home. Leaden David Truman 6251 7108 (h), 6272 4632 (w), dinsmandpie.gov.au . Map: TEA. Transport: $TBA Sunday 26Apr11 - Kosciuszko Huts #5: Burrungubugge & Gungarlin Rivers - L/E Very early start required for 30km day, so we will camp Saturday night at Snowy adit. Uphill to Burningubugge (Constance's) built 1990 by KHA & NPWS. Follow track to Kidman's (1932) through Brassy gap onto the Gungarlin. Davies Hut(1909), Bothenim Plain(1962) then back along the powerline track or down the Gungarlin River. Map: Khancoban, Berridale, Kosciuszko Leaden Murray Dow 6257 4371 (h). Transport: TBA Saturday 9 May - Round Mountain - M/M-R A walk of about 14km starting at Nerriga, partly on fire trails, partly through scrub, and with a scramble to the top of Round Mountain for good views over the north-western Budawangs. Map: Endrick 1:25,000 or CMW Budawangs. Leaden Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899 (h). Transport: -$20.

Canben'a Bushwalking Club IT Febmary 1998 page 11 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE Home Work Fax

PRESIDENT Chris Roper 6287 1243 6272 5151 -

VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER - - -

WALKS SECRETARY Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 - - EDITOR Paul Edstein 6288 1398 6271 4514 6271 4613

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6295 4598 -

CONSERVATION OFFICER Terence Uren 6282 2403 - PUBLISHER Barry Munns 6286 3370 6286-3370 ASSISTANT WALKS SECRETARY John Dean 6291 8124 6282 5501 6291 8124

SOCIAL SECRETARY Eddie Cheetham 6257 1583 6207 4209 -

MINUTE SECRETARY Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535 - -

CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7802 - MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Ring ROGER EDWARDS on 6288 7863 (h)

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