APRIL 2008 PRESIDENT’S REPORT ISSUE No. 36

Greetings Members On a personal note, I have finally completed Inside this issue……. the Western Arthur's Range in Tasmania, it

My aim when becoming President was to was a tough walk (or should I say rock President’s Report` 1 keep the club running smoothly and effi- climb) but, and I’m sure my 3 companions Membership Fee ciently and try to make it enjoyable for all Greg & Janine Passlow & Fiona Richardson Renewal 1 to the the members. I hope I have succeeded in at would agree, it was well worth the effort. Murray river 2 least some of those efforts. We were blessed with good weather and we Future Event - Federation were able to take in some of the magnificent Weekend 2 In the last 2 years we have conducted a suc- scenery that the area is renowned for. The Marathon Of 2007 3 First-Aid Canisters 3 cessful Leadership Training course in which What Did We All we trained 10 new leaders, produced a book If I had not joined a bushwalking club I Do In 2007 4 of Club Protocols & Guidelines, have had 2 probably would never have gone to places Christmas In July Dinner 4 successful Christmas in July catered dinners such as the Western Arthur's. It is certainly Greendale/Garibaldi Gully 5 Mt Dom Dom Saddle 5 and introduced the end of year E.B.W.C. a good way to meet like minded people and Leitches Springs 5 Reward & Recognition certificates in which participate in a variety of walks & activities Flowerdale/King Parrot Ck 5 3 members are recognised by being given a in reasonable safety. Cockatoo Creek/Wombat SF 5 certificate and a gift for their services to the Little River Gorge 5 Birds Land to club. On the whole it has been a rewarding ex- Lysterfield Lake 6 perience for me to have been president of Sailors Falls/Wombat Station The Club is in a good financial state, in fact the Essendon Bushwalking Club. It’s a great Circuit 6 we have lowered the annual club fees this club and I hope it goes onto bigger & better Blackwood Tunnel Circuit 6 McIvor Range Heathcote 6 year by $5.00, we now have a membership things. I also wish the next President all the Ballan to Lara of over 200 people. very best in their 2 years of service. Bike Ride 6 Leonard's Hill Circuit 6 The Clubs walk programs offer an excellent Happy Walking Little Hampton/Babington Hill/ Bullarto Reservoir 6 variety of walks & activities, mainly due to 1000 Steps Ferntree good management, past & present, and of Gully 7 course due to our dedicated leaders. Ian Tovey Lyonville to Trentham 7 Salt Water Creek 7 Mt William 7 To keep a club running smoothly and effi- Frankston Pines - Public ciently you need the help of many people, Transport Walk 7 so thanks to all the committee members and RED ALERT! Abyssinian Restaurant 7 general members who have helped out over Werribee River Walk 8 Firth Park 8 the past 2 years and again to all the leaders. Lysterfield Park 8 I would particularly like to thank Jan Ed- Regent Honeyeater Tree wards, who is stepping down from the com- MEMBERSHIP FEE RENEWAL Planting Project 8 mittee this year. Jan has done heaps of work Red Hill/Ot Dam 8 Spring Creek 8 behind the scenes in her 3 years on the com- A reminder that the annual Return to Blackwood - mittee, particularly on the administrative Membership Fee of $35 is due in Update 8 and clerical side, she also did a lot of work Great Dividing Trail 9 in preparation for the Federation Walk in May 2008. Spring Plains 9 Membership fees not paid two BBQ Rules 9 2005, she will be missed by the committee. The Goldilocks Saga 10 months after June AGM render Photo Competition 11 the member unfinancial. 2009 Federation Day Walk 11 Contacting The Club 12 OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2008

MELBOURNE TO THE MURRAY RIVER

A new adventure with Bill Casey

Stage one started on

Sunday 2nd March, ‘08

at Flinders Street Station

photo by Jenny James

FUTURE EVENT

FEDERATION WEEKEND

Sat & Sun 18/19 October 2008 at Beaufort Hosted by Ballarat Bushwalking and Outdoor Club

The focus of this weekend is on Mt. Cole, Mt. Buangor and Langhi Ghiran State Parks, including the Beeripmo Walk. There will also be historical walks in and around Beaufort. An overnight pack walk may also be on the agenda! (Awaiting BWV approval). The Ballarat Club have been working very hard and preparations are going well. The walks list has been drawn up and will be ‘received’ prior to March. Accommodation: Tent sites $5 per person per night. Will need to be booked and paid prior to the event with Registration. Book direct with the Caravan Park on 5349 2196 if a powered site is required. Options are available for those not wanting to tent. For bookings for the event itself: This will need to be through the EBC club contact as requested by BB & OC to enable smooth communication. Catering: For the Saturday evening meal, a gourmet BBQ meal with lots of salads and choice of 2 sweets will be provided at the local football club for $15.00 per head. Alcohol will be available at the bar. This will have to be pre paid with registration. Afternoon tea for both days will be included in the event registration fee. Around the clock tea & coffee facilities will be available. (Possibly at a cost.) Kitchen facilities will be available for breakfast. There may be an option to purchase a cooked breakfast, provided by the local tennis club. A local bakery will be contacted with the possibility of placing orders for lunches. Saturday night entertainment: Not finalised yet, but at this stage lots of music with sing-along value, recitations and a suggestion of a bush band. It is BVW’s 75th Anniversary, so there may be some surprises! Further information and walks will be available over the next few months. Keep an eye on www.ballarat.com/bushwalking for updates.

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THE MARATHON OF 2007

The marathon was again the great going until The Famous Fruit Cakes the Big Slide not being at all slippery. event of the walking year. People who appeared. There’s nothing like a good Bill did his best by trying to dry the plucked up courage to give it a go for slab of rich, fruity fruit cake to power slide with the back of his trousers but the first time found that 42kms can be you along for the last 20kms. even after that, people got stuck half done in a day. Thanks for the great effort, support way down and the famous fearsome We got off to a good start on the crew, but we warn you, there will be job slide did not live up to its reputation. Friday night. If the Monkey Award was applications needed for next year’s A 5 minute drive took us to the still around it would have been working positions! historic Guildford Hotel for a pleasant overtime. For example, somebody ran After Maldon, we followed the old meal to finish the day. Bill presented over the water connection outside a railway line along to Muckleford certificates to walkers and workers cabin, cut off the water to several cabins Railway Station. By now it was getting while Gina’s team awarded a variety of and the caravan park people had to call quite warm and we were thankful for the non walking prizes. in a plumber. Then there was the phone support crew for the drinks, chairs and Bill, as ever, it was a great day and it call later in the night “ Where are we?” shade. really is the highlight of the year. right caravan park but wrong town. The lunch time stop was in the Many many thanks for all the There are several caravan parks in the pleasant Castlemaine Gardens, where organization, time and effort to put “the area with the name of Central City! And we took over the large picnic shelter. show on the road” and thanks too for there were walkers who in their haste to There was just one table not taken up those who assisted him in putting it get everything ready, forgot to pack with walkers and their lunches and altogether. It is all very much their breakfast weetbix and toast. (lucky packs. A nice young mother and her appreciated. for Ray that Gillian had over catered). children appeared, saw the only Statistician Ray always provides the Bill as usual had everything well remaining table and spread out a white postscript for the day. The combined organized. The bus picked us up at tablecloth. Next she put out glasses, walking amounted to 1665km - the Vaughan Springs and after a seemingly wine, balloons and party food. We equivalent of Melbourne to long, long drive deposited us at the top asked what was happening and she Rockhampton. of Mt Tarrengower. By 8.20am we replied that it was to be a surprise for were on our way down the mountain and Roberta’s 70th birthday. It was a Can we go further this year? onto Maldon. In the main street there surprise too for the organizer as Bill’s was almost a confrontation with a group Rent-a-Crowd stood around and sang By Hilary May of people sitting outside a coffee shop. Happy Birthday to Roberta. They were laughing and drinking lattés Bill’s Rent-a-Crowd was also an and hot chocolates and reading the advantage to the local cricket team. A newspaper. Who else but the support match was in progress. As 50 odd team enjoying a pleasant Saturday people walked around the edge of the First-Aid Canisters morning. field, the batsman must have been From next year on, there is going to distracted as he was promptly bowled By Neil Campbell be a new selection process to choose the out. support team staff. CV’s will need to be Chewton Reserve was green and It is most important that before you presented, interviews will be carried out shady and very welcome for another rest set out on your next walk that you and applicants will need to specify what break. Some walkers were seen carry your emergency canister with skills and attributes they can offer for stretched out on the ground with their you in your pack. (you should all the well being of the marathon walker. feet up on the boundary fence. They have received one from the Club Not withstanding this period of were forsaking another slab of fruit cake by now). If you don’t have one you indulgence, the 2007 team did a for 5 minutes of foot comfort! W e can collect one from your walks fantastic job in looking after the walkers might have been slowing down by the welfare. Plentiful drinks, shady venues, time we reached Irishtown. But when a Leader, or at the Club Meetings. It chairs and a never ending supply of local farmer came along and offered to is your own confidential details for food. Lucy’s brownies, the traditional take our photo for the Chewton medical purposes, but if you have first time break disappeared so rapidly newspaper we all managed one minute any medical requirements that may that Italo doubted whether there would of looking very bright and enthusiastic. affect your activity or concerns be any leftovers for him. A new item on The last leg was into Vaughan please notify the Leader the progressive meals menu was Geoff’s Springs and we made good time arriving beforehand. It is also date slices and along with a selection of ahead of schedule. The major recommended that all members other home baked biscuits, it all kept us disappointment at Vaughan Springs was take out an Ambulance Subscription as well. 3 OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2008

WHAT DID WE ALL DO IN 2007

For the calendar year 2007 it has attended between 11 and 20 walking after injuries, illnesses and accidents. It been calculated that there were 206 events (28 in 2006). The keener is also good to see Ron Pearce re- members, (190 previous year), 8 members who attended more than 20 emerge. children and 149 visitors who walked walks were Sue Baxter, (22) Bill Casey, Congratulations and well done to with EBC. (108 in 2006) 9 of the (23) Loris Cassar, (24) Sue Duff, (21) everyone for a safe and successful year. visitors were off to a challenging start Beth Elkins, (21) Michelle Kallathenos, Thanks to the Leaders for their safe and with overnight pack walking (8 in the (22) and Ian McLean (20) careful guidance. No major mishaps previous year). Visitors, who have The fanatic members who did occurred last year. Also thank you to all joined within this period, have been greater than 25 walks were Keith Hart walkers for assisting the leaders in included as members. (27) and Denise LaRocca (27), 30-35 performing their tasks so smoothly. May We were guided by 30 active and walks , Ron Bell (32), Rod Casey (33), we continue to enjoy many more happy marvellous leaders (29 in the previous Tony Creedy (33), Sylvia McLean (32) times together in 2008. year). According to the walks sheets that and Ron Pearce.(32). Marek Turski have been returned, events that actually walked a total of 35 but was out walked Sylvia McLean proceeded were 128 day walks (147 in by the dynamic duo of Geoff & Hillary 2006) and included 13 base camps of May with a combined total of 99 walks. which 3 were seven days long and were Those of you with a sense of humour held at Kangaroo Island, Nth. will note that except for Denise all these Grampians & Portland/Nelson (19 Base “fanatic walkers” have a partner not Camps held in 2006). There were 8 mentioned herein. What does this mean? evening walks (5 in 2006). 7 Pack walks And, just for the record we had 1285 proceeded, including one, 7 day day walks and base camp participants overnighter on the Larapinta Trail (6 (1414 in 2006) including 165 visitors, overnight walks were cancelled in 2007; (127 in 2006) 37 pack walk participants 14 proceeded in 2006). There were 12 (84 in 2006) including 10 visitors, (9 in Bike Rides (8 in 2006), 2 cross country 2006) 22 bike riders (30 in 2006) and 66 skiing days and 19 Social events (1 social participants (109 in 2006). movie and 18 restaurant nights) Other It must be noted that at the time of events involved orienteering, tree collating these statistics i.e. at the planting, Clean Up Day, no beginning of February, not all walks skiing events which were cancelled due sheets had been returned. The results are to lack of snow. Planned events that did lacking 9 day walk- base camp-pack not proceed were due to illness on walks, 2 bike rides, 6 social events and behalf of the leader or lack of 2 miscellaneous events. So if you think participant numbers. that you did more than stated here, you Wednesday 9th July Ron Bell has to be congratulated as probably did! 2008 running the most qualifying events: 21 However, this does not account for (same leader, same amount in 2006), the dramatic decrease in participant followed by Ian McLean (13) Bill Casey numbers in almost all types of event This will be a 2 course dinner (12), Neil Campbell (12) Sylvia when our membership is steady. Of note held at the Moonee Ponds McLean (9), Ron Pearce (7) Ian Tovey is the high proportion of events that Bowling Club immediately (7) Tony Creedy (6). were cancelled due to Leader illness in before our July General Congratulations and thanks to Rod particular, and due to lack of numbers meeting. For members only. Casey, Tamara Hycenko, Georgie booked. The dinner will be subsidised Johnson, Jan Rhodes and Marek Turski, Often these events were cancelled 3- by the club, cost per member Alan Moule who all led their first walks 4 days before the event only to have $10.00. Drinks at 6:00pm. in 2007, particularly, Marek who has good sufficient numbers ring up in the Dinner starts at 6:30pm, already led 4 walks. 1-2 days before hand. meeting as usual at 7:30pm There continues to be a very loyal Thanks to the Leaders who have (approximately). Pre-booking is group among us 41, (32 in 2006) who quickly filled in the gaps due to the essential pay the annual fees but have not walked absence of our many ill and injured Will be taking money for the at all. 88 members have walked 5 or less leaders. Hopefully it won’t be long dinner in May & June only. No events (74 in 2006). 28 members were before we see Bryan Folie, Nicole money will be taken on the more regular, joining us on 6 to 10 Lowe, Marion Skovdam, Michael night. occasions.(38 in 2006) 27 members Howes and Ron Bell back on the track

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GREENDALE/GARIBALDI LEITCHES SPRINGS COCKATOO CREEK/WOMBAT GULLY CIRCUIT STATE FOREST Wednesday 7th May Saturday 3rd May 08 18km Easy/Medium Wednesday 21st May. 14km Easy/Medium Sylvia McLean 18km Easy Tony Creedy Ron Pearce. This is a reasonably flattish walk Around Greendale through the Wombat Forest. Starting This circuit walk takes in the area the country is at Bullarto we head off to the south of Daylesford between Sailors mostly small rolling Bullarto Reservoir for morning tea Falls and Wombat Creek Dam. hills with paddocks before wending back through the Starting at Sucklings Lane, the walk bright green most of bush. Emerging at farmland we find heads north, joining the GDT for a the year. The area ourselves at the hamlet of Leitches while before turning off towards was chosen as the location of a film Springs for lunch. This is a lovely Burnt Stable Spring and north along set in ‘04. Since then, filming was little picnic spot with mineral springs Cockatoo Creek Track. At Specimen completed and parts of the film set on tap. Then it is back through Hill Dam, the walk turns south, again remain, including American style peaceful country lanes and along the following the GDT before joining farm buildings and introduced trees. tourist train line to Bullarto. Return Tobin Track and back to the start via From Greendale, we’ll walk out to Trentham for afternoon tea. There Stanfield Track. through the rolling foothills, and can be slippery sections, boots are We will leave Gladstone Park at through the film set, courtesy of the recommended. 8.00am. owners. Then we’ll head north towards the Wombat State Forest, FLOWERDALE/KING LITTLE RIVER GORGE separated from this area by the PARROT CREEK Greendale fault. We’ll enter the Sunday 2nd May forest via a gully running through the 12km Medium fault line, and make our way up Saturday 10th May Ian McLean Garibaldi Gully as far as the 14km Medium/Hard Garibaldi mine. After a look around Neil Campbell This walk is situated the remnants of the mine, we’ll take 75 km SW of local roads and tracks back through We will be doing a nice Challenging Melbourne in the the rolling countryside to Greendale. walk starting from just outside the Brisbane Ranges.

MT DOM DOM SADDLE Town of Flowerdale, near the small Sturdy footwear settlement of Hazeldene in the with good grip is Mount Kinglake State Forest. We essential. Sunday 4th May will walk past King Parrot Creek, This is a circuit walk which 12km Easy which is the main stream through the commences at the Little River picnic Neil Campbell town, out along Long Gully Road, ground. The Little River cut quite a past a small appropriately named significant and picturesque gorge, We will walk through the beautiful Long Gully Hill. We will do a short which we follow. This is a medium Yarra Ranges National Park just off track excursion near Dennet grade walk involving mainly foot outside Narbethong, starting from the Creek, and then back along a steady tracks and rock scrambles. There are Fernshaw picnic ground. We will climb along a four-wheel drive track some short off track distances, but do walk through the lush fern gullies to the top of Flag Pole Hill, where not let this deter you as it is well around Mount Dom Dom along we will stop for lunch. Should get worth the effort. Once out of the Morley’s Track on the edge of the some good views over the small gorge there are spectacular views MMBW catchment area. We will settlement of Break’O’Day. After across the Werribee Plains to the visit Carter’s Gap where we will lunch we will follow the track to it’s , Mt. Macedon, and the have some great views, as well as a end, then do another off track Melbourne skyline short steady, climb up to Mount Dom excursion to meet up with another Afternoon tea will be in Bacchus Dom for lunch. We will then walk four wheel drive track that will take Marsh. along Dom Dom Creek and then us back to the main Whittlesea Road, back along a four wheel drive track then back to the cars at Hazeldene. back to the finish at Fernshaw picnic We will leave from the Moonee ground. Ponds Bowling Club car park at It will be an 8.00am start from the 8.00am Moonee Ponds Bowling Club car park.

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BIRDS LAND TO BLACKWOOD TUNNEL BALLAN TO LARA LYSTERFIELD LAKE CIRCUIT BIKE RIDE

Sunday 1st June Wednesday 18th June Saturday 28th June 19km Easy/Medium 17km Medium 73 km Hard Ian & Sylvia McLean Sylvia McLean Darren McClelland

Birds Land is a reserve in Tecoma Commencing at O’Brien’s Crossing, Some hard yakka for the cyclists who containing some small tranquil lakes this walk utilises tracks and trails to like a good work out. This ride takes on the Monbulk Creek. The circuit explore the historic river diversion in the western half of the Brisbane extends from these lakes, via granite tunnel and hand built water races of Ranges. We start and finish the ride outcrops, which afford great views, the gold mining era. There is a fairly on VLine trains. BYO everything through to Lysterfield picnic area for well preserved miners hut to inspect because there’s no shops until lunch. The lake has a lovely beachy as we pass the tunnel. This walk towards the end. A spare tube and feel with its sandy shorelines and is contains some challenging, waterproof gear is a must. used for recreational purposes. sustained, steep ups and downs Lysterfield Lake ceased to be a following the tracks in and out of the LEONARDS HILL Melbourne water supply reservoir in gorge area. In addition there are four CIRCUIT 1986. The granite used in the dam creek crossings along with one wall was quarried locally. Relics of crossing of the Lerderderg River at a the old tramway used to cart the ford. However, those taking up the Wednesday 2nd July. granite have been preserved and challenge will be duly rewarded. 15km Easy/Medium noted along our route. The circuit This is interesting and exciting Ron Pearce. continues through some lovely bush country. Boots are recommended. back to Birds Land to the cars. Refreshments will be in Blackwood Starting off in Leonard's Hill Road, after the event. the walk heads north for a short time SAILORS FALLS/WOMBAT before turning south into Crossfield STATION CIRCUIT McIVOR RANGE Track and Healey Track before . HEATHCOTE joining the GDT in Sucklings Lane and heading north. Leaving the GDT Wednesday 4th June. near Tobin Track, the walk heads 17km Easy Saturday 21st June. west for a short time before turning Ron Pearce. 14km Easy/Medium south and back to the start area. Ron Pearce. Starting at Sailors LITTLE HAMPTON/ Falls picnic ground, This circuit walk looks directly over BABINGTON HILL/ this walk heads south following the the township of Heathcote with the GDT to Wombat Station. The unique Pink Cliffs on the western BULLARTO RESERVOIR railway cutting just before reaching side of the Northern Highway. Wombat Station is about a kilometer Attractions to be seen on the walk Sunday 6th July long with walls on either side rising include the Powder Magazine, 17km Medium to over 20 meters. After lunch the Viewing Rock Lookout, and Devils Neil Campbell return walk will be via alternate Cave where we will check to see if tracks back to Sailors Falls. anyone is at home. Near the end of We will visit a We will leave Gladstone Park at 8.00 the walk, there will be some small forested area am. interesting sites to be seen where a within the Wombat Below is Ron Pearce’s new number bit of guess work will come in handy State Forest, and plate……….. to work out their origins. Walking beautiful countryside near the back to town, the colours of the Trentham/Lyonville area. We will liquid ambers may still be seen. start the walk at the old disused Little There is a choice of two bakeries for Hampton Primary School in Justices afternoon tea! Road. From here we will walk along the Glenlyon Road to meet a walking track through the Wombat State Forest, to eventually arrive at the Lyonville Mineral springs. After a brief stop we will walk along another

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minor walking track, as we walk, at a near the top where we really get a good FRANKSTON PINES gentle climb over Babington Hill, which view right along of the old buildings EXPLORATORY PUBLIC is one of the highest points in the area used in the “Man from Snowy River” (822m). From here we will walk down film set. After lunch on the mountain TRANSPORT WALK Top Track to Babington Road before top admiring its 360 degree views we meeting up with a four wheel drive take an interesting route off the mount Saturday 26th July track, walking around Bullarto and back into Trentham to afternoon 10km Easy Reservoir. After lunch we will walk tea. Boots recommended. Darren McClelland down towards the outskirts of Lyonville before walking along near the Loddon SALT WATER CREEK/WOMBAT Frankston is probably River, back to Lyonville springs. From STATE FOREST better known for its bay here we will go up by walking past my side location and host of socio- brother’s former residence on Fern/ economic problems, than for The Pines Lockheed's Road and finish at the Little Saturday 19th July. Flora and Fauna Reserve. Well it’s now Hampton Primary school. We will meet 16km Easy an opportune time to check out this little at the Moonee ponds Bowling Club car Ron Pearce. known gem, as rumour has it that the park at 8.00 Frankston Bypass is going to run right This walk takes us around the south east through it some time soon. This reserve 1000 STEPS FERNTREE GULLY corner of the Wombat State Forest, and is the only extensive piece of heathland will be mainly along four wheel drive on a field of dunes in Melbourne, and tracks with a small amount of off track Sunday13th July the only spot south of Melbourne you’ll walking. Some short sections of the four find Swamp Wallabies. We’ll get a 20km Medium wheel drive tracks are badly eroded and Ian McLean train from Essendon Stn around 8.45am, could be muddy following rain. taking advantage of the new cheap $3 The Gisborne Bakery will be visited on This is a walk of ferny nooks and all day fare. Then a train to Frankston, the way home. followed by a local suburban bus. A glades. Starting in Ferntree Gully we ascend the 1000 steps Walking Track MOUNT WILLIAM similar trip home. Do bring your lunch. (Kakoda Memorial Trail) to One Tree Hill and make our way up to Doongalla (Near Lancefield) ABYSSINIAN RESTAURANT Homestead. From here onto Bourke’s Lookout, the Kyeema Aircraft crash site Sunday 20th July NIGHT memorial (October 25 1938)and then 10km Easy/Medium the Mount Dandenong Observatory for Tony Creedy Thursday 7th August lunch before retracing our steps back to One Tree Hill via the Dandenong Creek Darren McClelland Mount William, about 8km NE of track to descend back via the Lyrebird Lancefield, stands about 300m above Track. Afternoon tea will be local. This is a restaurant night with a nearby country and is part of a ridge difference! Cos there’s no crockery or Boots are recommended. that circles north as far as the McHarg cutlery!! LYONVILLE TO TRENTHAM range. Just to the east of Mt William, The best way to enjoy this restaurant, the Goldie Flora Reserve occupies part located in Racecourse Rd Kensington VIA BLUE MOUNTAIN of the ridge. Between the two is a (diagonally opposite to McDonalds) is winery where we will start and finish a to share a platter of African food with circuit walk. The initial walk up Mt others, eating it in your hands with the Wednesday 16th July William involves a climb of 230m, on 20 km Easy/Medium assistance of the spongy injera bread track and paddock, over about 2km. that is a trademark of Ethiopian cuisine. Sylvia McLean Weather permitting, there are good Ethiopian food is spicy but not hot, that views from the top. After descending is, it is rich in spices but not always hot This is a good walk in some of the best towards the NE, we’ll head east along the Wombat Forest has to offer. Starting to taste. (According to my tongue the ridge, below and outside a fenced anyway!) at Lyonville and heading towards the off heritage area where flaked stone axe Domino Trail, crossing the Coliban BYO wine only. head blanks were produced by River it is reasonably flattish except the indigenous people prior to the 1800s. approach to Blue Mountain. After Continuing along the ridge we’ll enter wandering through forest and Goldie Flora Reserve and have a short occasionally emerging onto forest roads tour of this area on tracks which take us and farmlands, we gradually climb up back to the start. Blue Mountain. Utilizing the easiest approach through the bush we will avoid the awful 4WD track to the top. The route travels along the fence line

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WERRIBEE/WERRIBEE RIVER along Tramline Track, as we head RED HILL/OT DAM & EATONS WALK towards the retaining wall of the lake. CROSSING We will get excellent views of the close by. We will Sunday 10th August then walk along the bottom part of the Saturday 23rd August 20km Easy lake for our lunch spot at the picnic 16km Easy/Medium David Bass ground taking in the magnificent views. Darren McClelland After lunch we will walk back past the This walk around bird hide, where we should see some A wonderful walk through a small Werribee and amazing water birds. Then continuing nature reserve with good views to Port Hoppers Crossing along the Lake Track, and then Powell Phillip Bay. Then we do a loop walk area is a nice easy Track and back to the finish at the cars. through the back half of Arthur's Seat winter walk close to We will be leaving from the Moonee State Park to visit the wonderful OT home. Starting in Ponds Bowling Club car park at Dam, site of a former cordial factory. Werribee we follow the Werribee River 8.00am. A stroll along some lovely country to the Federation bike trail. Following homes to reach the cars before we head the trail to the Werribee Agriculture REGENT HONEYEATER TREE off for the customary latte. and Food Centre then taking in a visit PLANTING PROJECT to the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands SPRING CREEK BRISBANE and President Park where we pick up RANGES the Werribee River, following the river Sat & Sun 16/17th August back into Werribee for afternoon tea. Ian and Sylvia McLean At Lurg Hills (Benalla) Sunday 24th August FIRTH PARK 14km Medium WOMBAT STATE FOREST Come along for a very satisfying and David Bass fun filled weekend; planting trees, socializing with like-minded people This pleasant walk is at the northern Saturday 16th August. over a sumptuous Saturday evening end of the Brisbane Ranges offering a 17km Easy meal and Sunday lunch BBQ. variety of terrain for the day. Starting Ron Pearce Vegetarians well catered for. All of this with a walk along a fire track and along with a bush dance and an evening crossing over Spring Creek then Located on Firth Road, within the spotlight walk. Including following the northern boundary fence Wombat State Forest. Firth Park has accommodation, ALL THIS IS FOR line in open terrain with no track to camping, picnicking and barbeque FREE! as organized by Ray Thomas walk on but great views looking back facilities as well as old forestry and his trusty band of volunteers for the over to Bacchus Marsh and Ballan. equipment to inspect. The walk will past 14 years. Find a nice place for lunch then cross follow mainly forestry tracks, passing over Spring Creek again, walking along through the site of Andersons Mill with Arrangements are to meet at the a 4WD track back to our cars about its large pile of sawdust. The walk will Benalla Post Office at 9am, Saturday 3pm. pass near the Melbourne Grammar and drive in convoy to the planting School Camp before returning south to sites. Plenty of tea/coffee is provided UPDATE ON FUTURE EVENT Firth Park. for lunch, morning, and afternoon tea.

LYSTERFIELD PARK Bring: lunch for Saturday (in the field) RETURN TO BLACKWOOD and breakfast for Sunday morning (the MID MARCH 2009 Sunday 17th August Benalla bakery is an excellent place to 12km Easy treat yourself breakfast), beverages for Neil Campbell Saturday night i.e. reds to accompany Due to an active programme in dinner, sleeping bag and pillow, towel September/October 08 and being Now here’s the chance to do a nice and personal hygiene items. Tents are unable to obtain use of the Scout leisure stroll around Lysterfield Lake in welcome. A gold coin donation applies Camp at Blackwood, I have had to the south eastern area of Melbourne. for a shower at the Benalla Leisure change the date for the Federation We will start the walk from a nice spot Centre after planting. You are welcome Weekend reunion to a new date 20th just off Wellington Road. to stay after all planting is complete for to 22nd March 2009. From the start of the walk we cross a short wildflower walk to explore the Keep this weekend free as this will be over a stile and along Glen Track, then impact of previous plantings. a subsidised cost activity.

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GREAT DIVIDING TRAIL significant remaining forest to sustain the Spring Plains Nature Saturday 30th August Conservation Reserve. Legacies to 18km Medium examine and explore from the gold Neil Campbell days will surprise you, along with the usual peaceful dams, deep shafts, We will walk along a section of the mines, tunnels and water races. Great Dividing Trail, (Lerderderg Boots recommended. Track), starting from Balt Camp. Afternoon tea will be at the Balt Camp was an old refugee works Tooborac General Store. camp built after World War 2. We will explore the remains before heading off along the trail, visiting the head of the Werribee River and BBQ RULES Rat Hole Mine, near the track. We will then walk along a section of the We are about to leave the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to Anderson’s Tramway, and the top of make a note in your memory for next season on the etiquette of this the . We plan sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ to have a lunch stop around the following chain of events are put into motion: Leonard’s Hill, before passing the

Graves Mill area. Quite an Routine… interesting area to explore. We then 1. The woman buys the food continue on towards Specimen Hill 2. The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and Dam. This was the site where the 3 makes dessert. Lost Children went missing, (Hence 3. The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray Lost Children’s Walk). After leaving along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces the dam area we will finally walk 4. The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter along the Old Railway Formation, exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other (The old Ballarat – Daylesford rail manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of line), which closed in 1958. It is also the woman. part of the GDT. We follow this track to the finish at Lake Jubilee. Here comes the important part: We will require a car shuffle for this 1. THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL walk, so it will be a 7.30am start.

From the Moonee Ponds Bowling More routine… Club car park, or 8.45am from the 6. The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery Spargo Creek Hotel. 7. The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking

SPRING PLAINS great He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat. Sunday 31st August 15km Easy/Medium Important again: Ian McLean 8. THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN This is an old gold mining area just outside of Tooborac, on the Northern More routine…. Highway, and from Melbourne is 9. The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, beyond Lancefield but still before sauces, and brings them to the table. Heathcote. The Club has not been 10. After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes. walking and exploring in this area before. Being a winter walk just on And most important of all: the other side of the Great Dividing 11. Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking Range should provide us with a efforts. lovely sunny winter day. 12. The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ’her night off’. And, This is a 15km circuit walk which upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that follows trails, 4WD tracks and water races, along with a little cross THERE’S JUST NO PLEASING SOME WOMEN……. country. It is in typically undulating, gold bearing country, which has

9 OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2008

THE GOLDILOCKS SAGA continued

In the last edition of OME, I wrote about some of the bears that Biting the bullet, I stopped at a convenient roadside stop and we we did see during our stay in the Whistler area, but not about the swapped over seats. As she pulled away, spreading gravel in her ones we luckily missed seeing. So here goes. wake, I saw a funny look come over Goldilocks’ face. Sure Towards the end of our holiday we had booked to travel on the enough, once she had realized that she was driving on the wrong BC Ferries trip through the Inside Passage. This part of the side of the road and had to keep somewhere near the right hand coastline stretches from Vancouver - or the Canada/US Border edge, the speed started to increase. With the increase in speed to be more accurate – to Alaska and beyond. The cruise ships came the time to hold on to something more solid than the and ferries travel up and down the Inside Passage, keeping most dashboard. of the time between the coastal islands and the British As I developed white knuckle fever, I braved a glance at the Columbia/Alaskan coast, therefore fairly protected from the speedometer – not quite up to 100 km. It must have been the Pacific Ocean. narrow road that gave the impression of being at Albert Park on We were only booked to go on the day trip that BC Ferries sails Labour Day weekend. I calmed down for a while and thought every other day between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert. The trip that it would soon be time for a lunch stop, and that would be north would take fifteen hours; we would sleep on the ferry and my excuse to change over again. then return the next day to Port Hardy, another fifteen hours. Another glance at the speedometer showed that Goldilocks, was That sounds fairly simple, except that Port Hardy is at the far now traveling at 110 km. and increasing and wandering over the north of Vancouver Island. This meant catching a ferry from the road a bit too much for my knuckles to regain their nice healthy mainland (Horseshoe Bay) to the Island, then driving north to colour. I casually asked Goldilocks if she knew she was going Port Hardy, a distance of about 350 kms. The last 250 kms., above the speed limit. Wait for this! “No” she said, “I’m too along a desolate stretch of road, in God’s own country with little busy looking up the mountainside for bears to bother looking at or no help if a break down occurred. We would be on our own. the speedometer”. Well that was it. Definitely time for a spot of I’ll leave the details of getting to Port Hardy and the Inside lunch. It might have only been an apple, but it was my only Passage or else I may run out of blank white paper before excuse to pull into the next roadside stopping area. From that getting to the point of all this and you will be wondering where point on Goldilocks could scour the mountainside for bears to Goldilocks comes into the picture. Just accept that we have been her hearts content, while I happily cruised along with the colour on the Inside Passage, had a good time and are now back on the back in my hands. stretch of deserted road traveling south towards civilization.

I had managed to put Goldilocks off from driving on the way up, Ron Pearce. but now had run out of excuses. After a while, I thought it was a suitable time to let her drive – remember we are traveling on the right hand side of the road, in a left hand drive, manual four wheel drive Nissan Pathfinder. Not quite your automatic non power steering Ford Laser that she was used to driving.

Wildlife Rescue

If you come across injured wildlife, Wildlife can be contacted 24/7, to arrange a rescue.

Phone 0500 540 000 this number will be changing soon Put it in your Mobile!

Queenscliffe - Point Lonsdale - David Bass - January 27th Photo by Jenny James

10 OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2008

PHOTO COMPETITION 2009 FEDERATION FOR 2009 BUSHWALKING VICTORIA DAY WALK CALENDAR What’s Happening?

As a culmination of Bushwalking Victoria (BWV) will Copyright celebrate its 75th Anniversary in May Bushwalking Victoria’s 75th 2009. To commemorate this significant Copyright remains with the Anniversary celebrations, the event BWV members are invited to photographer, but assigns BWV the undertaking of the 2009 enter a competition for photographs to right to use the image free of fees or Federation Day Walk will be a be used in a 2009 calendar. royalties in the BWV 2009 Calendar, united event. Each club is being The calendar format will be a month on the BWV web site or in any other to each opening comprising an A4 size BWV promotional material. requested to volunteer a walk. photo and a details page with a smaller All photographs published will be Smaller clubs may desire to photo, information of interest to identified with the photographer’s coordinate with another club. It walkers and space to write in name and club (where applicable) will be the individual clubs appointments. responsibility to design, How To Enter reconnoiter and lead the walk on Competition Details Images can only be submitted on CD the day. A deputy leader and • Photographs must be been taken or DVD. Maximum of 3 photos per whip will also have to be in Victoria photographer. An entry form to provided. • The theme is At a Natural Pace accompany entries will be available on The Federation Day Walk in a Natural Place, Bushwalking the BWV web site by the end of March. event will be held on Sunday Victoria Celebrates 75 years • The competition is only open to Category 1 & 2 winners may receive 5th April 2009 in the Mt BWV members free copies of the calendar. Disappointment area with the • The primary focus in Registration site located in photographs should be the Competition closes on Upper Plenty - easily accessible landscape, not people (people 30 June 2008 from either Wallan or are OK but should not be the Whittlesea. predominant feature) Order forms for calendars will be • Only digital colour photos in downloaded from BWV website. They A walk description, route and JPEG format can be entered should be available in October and also map will need to be produced at the Federation weekend. Price early, by each individual club so Photos can be entered in either of the approx $12.50, multiple orders may be that they can be standardized following categories: cheaper. Layout by Ron Pearce, and a souvenir booklet EBWC for BWV and printed • These will be used as the photo commercially. produced. of the month and will be printed Note that this event is barely in A4 size 13 months away. A list of walk locations/ These photos must be high options by individual clubs will resolution (min 5 mega pixels), landscape orientation. No image need to be posted on the BWV manipulation to be used. website so that walks are not duplicated. Walk submissions • These will be used on the will be accepted on a first in calendar details page and will be best dressed basis. printed - 5cm x 5cm in size • Enquires to: These photos must be as high resolution as possible, can be either [email protected] landscape or portrait orientation. No image manipulation to be used. By Sylvia McLean

11 OLD MAN EMU APRIL 2008

YOUR COMMITTEE CONTACTING CLUB FEES

THE CLUB For 2007 - 2008 Annual Membership President: Ian Tovey GENERAL ENQUIRIES (from June 1st) $35.00 Vice President: Neil Campbell Visitor’s Fee (per event) $5.00 Secretary: Brian Smith Treasurer: Ian Yarde (Snail) Mail: The Secretary, Annual Membership fees apply from Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc., June 1st to May 31st. Committee: Ron Bell, Jan Edwards, P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds 3039. Tony Creedy, Tamara Hycenko and Telephone: Ron Bell Ph. 9338 4057 Membership fees not paid two Ryan Davies. E-mail: [email protected] months after the June AGM render the member unfinancial. There are MEMBERS’ DISCOUNTS Club Web Page no pro-rata membership fees as the Club is required to pay an annual Don’t forget that members can obtain www.netspace.net.au/~trekker Federation/Insurance premium. a discount at Bogong Equipment, 374 Little Bourke Street, City. They CLUB MEETINGS An unfinancial member is required to pay the visitors fee for every event offer a 10% discount on all non-sale they attend until they have paid their items. Are held on the second Wednesday full membership fee. of each month, at the Moonee Ponds

LOAN EQUIPMENT Bowling Club, Mt Alexander Road, As an unfinancial member, the Moonee Ponds. Meetings start at Club’s Personal Accident and Public The contact for loan of equipment is 7.30pm Liability Insurance on any Club Ron Bell, Ph. 9388 4057. activity does not cover you. WALKS PROGRAMS

Equipment available for loan: Unfinancial members and visitors Tents; backpacks; sleeping bags; rain Are released three times each year, at attending more than three events in a jackets; stoves; sleeping mats. the April, August and December Club year are required to pay the full Club meetings. One copy of the membership fee. Submitting Articles: program is included within the hard copy version of the Club newsletter, New members fee within 28 days of articles can be sent to: Old Man Emu. Additional copies are their membership application being Tamara Hycenko available from the Secretary or approved by the Committee. E-mail: [email protected] Treasurer for 50c each or snail mail via the Club’s post office box at: P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds 3039

If undeliverable return to ESSENDON BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds 3039 Old Man Emu Newsletter of the Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc. A0005559B