Reet Vallak

Dear Reet, (Don't you just love personalised form letters?)

According to my usually unreliable membership records your membership renewal form indicated that you are willing to lead walks. According to my equally reliable Walks Secretary records you have not actually programmed a walk this Club year.

Now is a good time to start leading! Why now? For lots of reasons:

- The programme for the period following this IT (ie. 16 June 1990 onwards) has plenty of gaps [In fact it is almost ALL gaps!]. You can select the dates you want without much competition;

- Allan Mikkelsen and I have prepared a list of walks suitable for new leaders to lead - we can provide you with ideas it you need them;

- We have also lined up a number of experienced leaders who can offer you help before, during, and after your walk;

- As advertised in this IT (May) we have a walks planning evening scheduled for Tuesday 22 May 1990 complete with maps, suggestions for suitable walks, hints for new leaders, refreshments... This is an ideal chance to join the list of the club elite (ie. the leaders - MUCH more important to club functioning than minor officials like the committee), as you will have the company of sympathetic, like-minded companions plus experts available to offer advice;

- If you don't feel confident about a particular aspect of leading, come to walks planning anyway. You may be able to team up with someone to co-lead a trip if their lack of confidence or available time complements yours. Or you may be able to resolve your problems with an experienced leader;

- I spend most evenings and much of the day poised over the phone waiting for phone calls from prospective leaders, also I have access to the postal system and FAX, should you be unable to attend the walks planning evening;

- By leading, you make sure YOUR sort of trip is on the programme. You also reduce the risk of having a Walks Sec. flatten someone in response to a remark like "'they' should have more walks like..."

- If you and others who have expressed willingness to lead don't do so, we won't have a walks programme, so you will have wasted your annual fees!

Finally, even if you don't yet wish to lead walks, please come to the Walks Planning evening anyway. As an interested walker your comments will help other leaders plan their walks.

Alan Vidler Walks Secretary, CBC [also, Record Keeper!] phone 2545373(h), 2435315(w), FAX available - ring first WIIJIPAVA Liftlilt WWIIJNI.LE1T; P.O. Box 160, Canberra, ACT. 2601

Registered by Post: Publication number NBH 1859

VOLUME 26 MAY 1990 NUMBERS

It is with regret that we inform you that Greg Buckley died on 11 April while walking in Nepal. Greg was well known to Club members as an active walker, a Committee member and participant in many Club activities. He will be sorely missed. We extend our condolences to Greg's family.

MAY MONTHLY MEE11NG

WHERE? Dickson Library Community Room

WHEN? Wednesday 16 May 1990, 800pm

WHO? Rob Jenkins from the Australian National Parks and Wildle Service

WHAT? Rob has spent many years in the Northern Territory and will present a talk and show slides on what to expect in the way of wildlife when walking in Kakadu National Park.

Before the meeting, join Club members at 6.00pm for a vegetarian dinner at the Parakeet Restaurant in Ainslie.

T shirts and badges carrying the Club's emblem, the corroboree frog, are available for purchase at Club meetings from the Social Secretary.

PRESIDENT'S PRATTLE

By the time you receive this IT the first Monolith Valley work weekend for 1990 will have been held, No doubt it will have been a great success with lots of work done and lots of good cooking, by Margaret Cole and her team, enjoyed. In spite of this we will still need your help on the weekend of 19 and 20 May.

STOP PRESSI! WORK WEEKEND FOR4-5 MAY CANCELLED DUE TO HELTPCOPTER HELPING WITH WITH NORTHERN NSW FLOODS. WEEKEND 18-19 NOW EVEN MORE IMPORTANT - WE MUST ALL TURN UP AS LAST CHANCE BEFORE WINTER. David Campbell JUNE MEE11NG PREVIEW

On Wednesday 20 June the Annual Club Auction will be held. Now is the time to sort through those cupboards and in the garage for the camping, walking or ski gear that you've outgrown or have not used during the last season and bring it along to the Auction. This event has always proved to be a good evening's entertainment. Further details will be provided in the June IT OBITUARY

Greg Buckley

Quiet and unassuming, Greg was an active member of the Club since 1987 Trained as an engineer, he loved the bush, the mountains and especially the Australlan Alps.

On speaking with members of the Club who had walked with him, whether on walks he had led or those he had participated in, one hears of the special wry humour that he enjoyed sharing with them, a humour that often came out in explosions of joy, contrasting with his more usual quiet demeanour.

A special element in Greg's make-up was his desire to contribute to the Club and to the environment from which he received so much enjoyment. I particularly remember his assistance in the planning and execution of the Monolith Valley Project, his coming out and /oining the A/pine Trekkers at Orroral Campground, and this year as the Club's Publisher, seeing that we received our copies of IT on time.

I am sure that many of us who knew Greg recall a special incident which we will carry with us and by which we will remember him. Mine dates from that first work weekend in Monolith Valley, when I had been bullying people from the Long Gully Campground up into the Valley. When we got there, and out of earshot of the others, Greg chided me, pointing out that he found it best not to get upset with people. The concern that was expressed for other people and the considerate way he admonished me was characteristic of Greg David Campbell rl;i-]

Now Members Juliet Fisher, Anne Eales, John Bennett, Glynis Kennedy, Beng Lee, Keith McLean, Lesley Gadzow, Elaine Hill, Sharon Kirkman, Monika Binder, Guy Rodgson, Michael Smedley, Rosie Oros.

Prospective Members Paul Bannister 77 Hawdon Street Dickson ACT 2602 2576287(h) 2493848(w) Lesley Bell 1 Dash Crescent Fadden ACT 2904 2924360(h) 2775009(w) Ross Burke 7 Hooley Place Kambah ACT 2902 2316530(h) 2971090(w) Anita Cieslar 24 BlackaIl Avenue Queanbeyan NSW 2620 2991726(h) 2632065(w) Janet Duncan 19 Gamor Street Waramanga ACT 2611 2881398(h) Christine Dunn 9 Plummer Street Weetangera ACT 2614 2545443(h) 2474866(w) E.A. Janssen 1 1/27 Giles Street Kingston ACT 2604 2951 327(h) Aliceann Reilly 20 Ferrett Circuit Kambah ACT 2902 2314959(h) 2774668(w) Rhonda Smith 28 Gledden Street Chifley ACT 2606 2813098(h) 2488722(w)

WALK SECRETARY'S WAFFLE

My main statement is elsewhere - ie. Come to Walks Planning!

I also repeat a theme I've expounded before - people should plan their activities on the grading and description of the walk, not on an assumption that certain leaders always lead certain types of trip, or that if a particular individual is going then the trip must be hard. Leaders grade their trips according to the guidelines published every month and most regular leaders lead a variety of trips and it is thus wrong to typecast them.

Gradings are not perfect, people find different things hard, interpetation can vary, and a trip may be undergraded due to unexpectedly hea'vj scrub or inclement weather. Leaders try to be accurate in their gradings and I do discuss and/or change gradings before publication if I think they are too low. Also note that an E" component in a grading refers to easy terrairL not necessarily an easy trip. A M/E or L/E trip may be quite difficult for some people due to a long distance or substantial climb involved.

If you think a trip has been undergraded, discuss the matter with the leader. If you still aren't satisfied, please contact me. Alan Vidler WAlKS PIRAAIAG CYCAIAG

VYtI L'BLDT is approaching. This means we need YOU to help by leading trips. If you are a cross-country skier, lead some ski tours. If you are not, be aware that a high proportion of our regular leaders are, so they will not be leading as many walks over the next few months. This leaves two options - either: YOU help out; or opportunities for you and others to go on club walks are severely reduced. Please come to Walks Planning, even if only to lobby for the type of trip you like.

WHEN: Tuesday 22 May, 1990, any time afer 7:30pm

WHERE; 56 Woolner Circuit, HAWKER, Phone 2545373(h), 2435315(w)

BRING; Yourself. Maps etc will be provided. Ideas, help, and refreshments will be available, but any you bring will be welcome.

If hospitalised: Ring Alan Vidler with your walks before or during the evening. (or a similar qçuse}

MINIMAL IMPACT BUSHWALKING

The following paragraphs have been adapted from "Tread Softly - The Bushwalkers' Minimum Impact Code", a pamphlet produced by the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs which was recently sent to the editors by their Hon. Secretary, and "Walking the Wilderness", a pamphlet published by the Tasmanian Department of Lands, Parks and Wildlife.

Campfires Use astoveto cook Wherever possible use portable fuel stoves for cooking, because of the growing shortage of firewood around campsites in many popular walking areas - especially in the alpine and drier areas where growing rates are slower. In the alpine areas, at and above the edge of the Ireeline, wood should never be burned. -

In the vicinity of huts, particularly those which are frequently visited, severe wood depletion has occurred with the result that in some areas, trees have been badly damaged and wood may have to be carried considerable distances. Stoves should always be used in these huts to prevent further deterioration of the surrounding vegetation.

Stoves are faster, cleaner and more controllable than a fire. They are safer to use during high fire danger times and are also easier and more comfortable to use for cooking in wet weather.

If you must use a fire..., keep it small Use only dead wood which has fallen to the ground. Dead standing trees are a home for wildlife and a part of the scenery.

Even if there is plenty of dry dead timber for fires, use it sparingly. A small fire is more easily managed and better control of cooking temperature is obtained.

Locate your fireplace safely, and if possible use an existing fireplace rather than build a new one. Do not put rocks around it.

Make sure that you follow the fire regulations current in the area. Take particular care in the danger period from December to February. When you leave camp, be absolutely sure that the fire is out. Use copious quantities of water, not soil, to extinguish the flames and test that the fire is really out by putting your hands in the ashes. Scatter the ashes before you leave the campsite and after testing their temperature. If it is necessary to light in pristine areas, scatter any remaining wood supplies which may have been collected.

Tasmania - Fuel Stove Only Areas A number of National Parks or parts of parks are now zoned as Fuel Stove Only Areas to reduce the risk of wildfire and lessen environmental degradation at campsites. Fines of up to $5,000 can be inposed for righting fires in Fuel Stove Only Areas. As well as declared Fuel Stove Only Areas, highland and rainforest communities are particularly fire sensitive and should be regarded as strictly Fuel Stove Only Areas.

Tasmania - Peat In many parts of the wilderness the ground surface is peat, not mineral soil. Peat is made up of decaying organic material which, when set alight can smoulder underground for months. Such 'underground' fires are extremely difficult to put out and can form starting points for bushfires in the next hot weather. Any dark spongy soil that feels greasy should not have fires It on it. It is illegal to light fires on peat in Tasmania; fines of up to $1,000 can be imposed. Keith Thomas

WALK REPORTS

Far Bald Mountain - Kosciusko National Park - 31 March - 1 Aøril 1990 Starting at the parking area near Round Mountain we followed the Farm Ridge Trail, inspected Round Mountain Hut and then headed north along the . Where Doubtful Creek joins the Tumut River we followed a track which is marked on the Khancoban 1:50000 map. The track is reasonably good although quite steep at the start. At least 4kms of the track as it heads north must have been graded to make a fire break and there are lots of mounds of earth with lots of quite differentplants to those in the adjacent area. Generally this part of the track looks ugly and is unpleasant to walk on.

We reached Far Bald Mountain late in the afternoon. The views of the surrounding area especially of Jagungal are excellent. We then headed east to Boobee Hut which is on the northern side of the creek and not the southern side as shown on the map. The hut is very sheltered and is well cared for. All agreed that it was a delightful spot to spend the night.

While packing up his tent, our leader, George Carter, discovered a Corroboree FrOg inside: It was a beautiful specimen and it is easy to see why it was adopted as our logo. We then headed South to inspect a waterfall on Tibeaudo Creek at GR324053. The grasslands in this area have been badly disturbed by many feral pigs which seem to be thriving there. We then inspected Mackeys Hut which is in need of some attention, especially cleaning, and followed the Grey Mare and Farm Ridge Trails back to the point where we left the Tumut River the previous day. The views looking down towards the river are outstanding. John Thwaite

Tidbinbilla Mountain from Bendora Dam - 31 March 1990 Tidbinbilla Mountain is a popular bushwalking destination from the Nature Reserve, and provides a panorama of just about everywhere in the ACT and beyond. To climb up from the other side, from Bendora Dam, provided an opportunity to see close at hand a region which on the map shows extensive cliff lines and a complex but interesting topography. A route was chosen to encompass as many nooks and crannies as possible. The road to the dam leaves the Mount Franklin Road at the Bulls Head shelter and has a reasonable surface all the way to the dam carpark and picnic ground; a scenic drive in itself.

Features of the walk were a delightful pool on the wide Cow Flat Creek, many sheer sedimentary cliffs, a homely little roomsize cave, a bubbling shaded side creek with bright green mossy boulders and incredible variety of ferns inside enchanting rainforest like forests, a steep and exciting gully, scrambles, and the all encompassing views from Tidbinbilla Mountain. A good value, varied, but poorly attended bushwalk near to home. Should be done again. Chris Leslie

Oh What a Gorgeous Gorge! What do you think about quarries? For me, the truth is, I have thought very little about them. Oh, I have seen the odd aerial shot of some enormous excavation in a remote part of Australia, peppered with giant Euclid trucks, that like skimmer birds take 50 tonne mouthfuls of earth as they float over its surface and speed away like a thief on the run. But my acquaintance has been little more than that. The aspect of a quarry that you cannot avoid is the symmetry of its cuts into the surface of the land. As the carving of the huge Sphinx is a sculpture of ancient Egyptian rule, a quarry is a sculpture to economics.

The quarry at the top of Bungonia Gorge is an exposure of creamy rock that in bright sunlight blinds you. Its layered cuts are precise and the scree from the operation falls down the hill beneath it like the droppings of birds. In contrast, the land around is covered in carelessly strewn rocks and the trees are not even in rows; nature is a sIot

The beginning of the Bungonia Gorge walk led by Vance Brown on Sunday 1 April was dominated, for me, by the quarry. However, unlike the usual April fools day joke it was not forbidden after midday. There were, I think, thirteen of us and it was the most pleasant walk I have done. You more experienced trarnpers will, I am sure, know the scenario; down the 500m drop into the gorge, then a good scramble over the limestone boulders (many are three to four metres high) and a tramp along the creek. The walls soar so steeply above the gorge that none of us could look at the peaks without resting against a rock, otherwise a feeling of vertigo over-balanced you and pushed you backwards.

About eleven o'clock, through the gorge and nearly to the Shoalhaven, we stopped to re-group and enjoy the bush atmosphere. Nothing as serious as a sit down with a cuppa, but a chatty stand around. From nowhere within our sight or sound a bright yellow helicopter rose from the low hill immediately in front of us, its rotary wing beating the air in its scramble for lift. It rose, passed just above our heads and flew over the hill behind us, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. When the silence returned we wondered if it had been real.

We crossed the and passed a couple who were sitting reading in front of their tent. Across the river a group of six to eight men in army style clothing with large inflatable boats (rubber- duckies, I understand is the correct technical term) were milling around, probably the ex-occupants of the chopper.

We crossed the river again at a point where it was flowing so swiftly that it was easy to slip, although none of us did. We continued for about a kilometre and with Mount Ayre at our backs we stopped at a very broad reach of river sand. This was our lunch spot and before us the river was deep and still. It was then that a most remarkable thing happened. Vance Brown took all his clothes off. I didn't see what he did with them precisely, but as soon as he had achieved his obviously preferred naked state he walked towards the river and plunged into it. Well this started a trend as more and more people started to take their clothes off and walk into the river. It was not clear to me who was conducting the baptisms, but their popularity was certain.

I begged off, realising that many years earlier my soul had been lost, not by a process of daring crime, but rather one of indifference. So Jenny and I settled down and had lunch, a lie under a low bush and a snooze. After lunch the mystical process of undressing started again, but this time I realised that there was no need to presume myself lost for ever, so I joined in and was saved. The lunch stop was three glorious hours, and at about two thirty we were rounded up and started the assault on Mount Ayre. To be blunt, it was much harder for some of us than others. When we had booked on the walk, Vance had warned of a steep 500m climb immediately after lunch. I personally had no problem but I can assure you there was some serious over-acting by some members.

The climb was done in stages. We passed the height of Kingpin Mountain and were soon at the top. Then there was the stroll back to Bungonia Lookdown. Mind you, although I did not find the climb exhausting, the day was humid and the work admittedly hard and as a consequence my aroma was richer than was enjoyable for my travelling companions. So a quick body wash at the water tank and then into the cars and to Goulburn and the Paradise Cafe to an entree of pizza, the saltiest rump steak I have ever eaten, and a small bottle of Brown's Hermitage. We fell into bed about 9:15pm and I slept a sweet sleep.

Vance Brown's wet walks deserve the rich and widespread reputation that had reached me in my first months of walking with the Club. This was not one of the rorts that get a chuckle from the chargers, there was work to be done but what a very pleasant time it was. John 011e Easter in the Budawanas

Day 1 - A False Stan "Did you hear a car engine? was the oft-repeated question as we were marking time by the - waiting for some Mexicans to join us on Good Friday, the start of our 4-day Budawang expedition. Every car arriving at the camping area that afternoon was scrutinised for a "south-of-the- border" number plate. The day drew to a close and still David's Victorian friends hadn't shown up. Our unflappable leader conferred with his CBC troupe (Kenton Lawson, Eddie Cheetham, and me). There was a consensus decision to stay put and pitch our first camp in front of David Campbell's vehicle, with a contingency plan for the morning. David would do the 2-hour return drive to Ulladulla at first light and ring Victoria for any news in case there had been some disaster.

Day 2 As a grey drizzly day dawned, David set off, but happily he was back in 30 minutes! He had encountered his mates encamped up the road. The Budawangs were further away from Melbourne than they had expected, hence their delay. We were finally introduced to Sally and "Dr Bob", two of David's cohorts on The Great Alpine Trek, who had evidently been induced to take part in a Budawangs walk by David's goading while they were tramping through the Victorian highlands back in December. The Victorian highlands were great but "not as good as the Budawangs".

Day2-ADlfferentWaytostazt So it was after a bit of a false start that we set off, heading up the Yadboro River - an approach somewhat different from the usual one. Our expectation of finding a continuously usable bush trail by the river was unreconciled with reality and we spent a lot of time and effort bush-bashing, crossing and re-crossing the river and deleeching our ankles and socks. Those wearing gaiters fared rather better than those without. While gaiters were a good idea, pants often seemed superfluous. The river was at times deeper than the critical "crotch height" and for some of us it seemed expedient to remove nether garments and even under garments to make the crossings - but what the heck! Canberra Bushwalkers are always romping around in the bush with their clothes off! Some of us avoided having clammy underwear for the rest of the day, while there were others who had chafed skin in some strange places.

With these difficulties, and the constant need to stop and carry out ritualistic divinations with maps and compasses whenever a mountain peak could be glimpsed through the canopy, it was lunchtime before we reached the spur where we were to make our ascent out of leech-land, following a trail which, it is said, aborigines once used on their seasonal migrations to the coast. Unlike our river route, this trail was well-established but necessitated several rest-stops over the steep 570m ascent.

Our packs contained the usual paraphernalia of bushwalking white-people on a 3-4 day trek: food, utensils, shelter (tent) plus extra clothing, and as we climbed I was disposed to visualise and admire the savoir-faire of the aborigines able to make the same ascent devoid of such trappings and encumbrances and at their leisure.

Just when I had stopped expecting to ever come to the top, we did. Our relief was soon accompanied by the pleasure of views from Admiration Point - back over the Yadboro Valley, and also of Corang Peak, Mount Owen, Mount Cole, The Castle and Pigeonhouse beyond. A boggy path led us up to Corang where we were able to get a 360° perspective.

Our first elevated view of an untouched" olive-green Australian wilderness in every direction was blemished by (horror of horrors!) a thin band of dark green pine forest nearby. This was a wedge of private land on the northern side of Corang Peak. An affront to any true bushwalker's sensitivities, I thought. The pine forest happened to lie across our path, and just as we were skulking beneath its ordered rows of gnarled old pines on a ground-cover of golf-course-like green turf, it occurred to David that we might as well take our comfort there for the night, as the trail further on promised to be wetter. Not surprisingly, there were those among us who were willing to admit to being tired and we did not protest, although I had mixed feelings. Roughing it in the Budawangs should hardly include sleeping on a carpet of turf with cushions of pine needles! But I was pooped and managed not to express any indignation at this offer of early release from my backpack.

The campfire that night was built with ploughed-up stumps and it burned brightly and comfortingly. Our charming leader earned lots of brownie points when he found some carob Easter bunnies in his pack which he generously distributed among his troops. Day 3- An Opportune Flash of SunshIne Sunday started overcast again. Although we had had no further rain, our traits leading us eastward and towards Bibbenluke continued to be baggy and puddly and had degenerated into erosion gullies due to constant traffic. Early efforts to skirt the puddles were quickly abandoned, being too time consuming. So we just squelched onward - all part of the bushwalker's tribulations.

Our rewards were high, for as we scrambled up Yurnga Lookout, the clouds started dispersing. Unleashing our cameras to gorge on the spectacle, we actually witnessed the sun break out over the huge sandstone conglomerate pancake stacks that stood all around. It was an impressive sight and even the Victorians were disposed to say so, their camera shutters clicking madly.

Our campsite that night was on a high, but still rather damp, open heath beneath Bibbenluke - David choosing to spurn the so-called "camping caves" marked on our map and not far ahead under Mount Cole. On an Easter weekend they were bound to be already occupied. As night fell we saw he was right, as tires became visible from that direction. We went to bed early (as soon as night fell at 6:30pm) in order to escape the discomfort of cold, wet and muddy boots and socks. It was cloudy again and rain seemed imminent.

Day4-ATümfortheWorse When Monday arrived it was still gloomy but the rain withheld. Resignedly we put our muddy boots back on to continue squelching along the boggy and badly-eroded trails. I was to learn, soon after selling out, why David kept referring to his Victorian friend as "Dr Bob". I turned my ankle - not very badly, but sufficiently to set me limping and to concern the troupe.

For fear of more disastrous repercussions my ankle was promptly and proficiently given first-aid ministrations by Dr Bob, in the form of a stirrup-bandage that was welded to my skin with some esoteric magic yellow elixir. It felt very firm and supportive and I was thus able to continue walking, but my pack was plundered and distributed amongst the rest of the party so that I had nothing to carry. (Why hadn't I thought of this earlier!?) The precautions of course, were as much for the safe continuation of the expedition as for my own benefit. Unnecessary as it was to spell it out, no-one was keen on the prospect of a really bad injury requiring stretcher carrying out of the Budawangs - or helicopter summonsing!

Perhaps it was thanks to the precautions that neither of these things became necessary, and, in fact, my ankle was largely OK again within a couple of hours and I was scrambling with everyone up the side of Mount Cole to peer at more spectacular views across to Donjon Mountain and Shrouded Gods Mountain.

Descending again we entered the amazing grottos and secret crevasses and green rooms of Monolith. Valley, walking beneath and among the giant roots of the Plumwood tree (Euch,yph/a moore/I) - a remnant rainforest species from a cooler, moister era. These were in flower way above us in the canopy, and their white petals were scattered on the floor among the leaf litter and the brilliant red mushrooms and yellow coral fungi.

We emerged from these crevasses and had lunch by "the bridge". By this stage I was allowed to resume carrying my pack. We were now progressing on track improvements carried out by Canberra Bushwalking Club teams last year.

Instead of going along another boggy gully, the track now diverts up along rocky outcrops beneath the 12 worldly wise conglomerate jurymen watching in seeming disdain as we passed. We made a quick detour half-way up Mount Nibelung for more views, but then followed the revised and well-marked exit route.

The walking was now more pleasant on the stabilised track. It was unfortunate that we did not have time to climb the Castle, but we had used up a lot of time on other exploratory forays off the route.

We got back half an hour after dark, battered, bruised, leech-bitten and in my case, much too exhausted to feel the exhilaration which came later when I realised what a satisfyingly venturesome exploit it had been for me, and what a privilege to have been able to do it in the company of such a nice bunch of people. My thanks to all! Sybille Winberg ActMty Programme

Transport costs are presently 20 cents per kilometre per car divided equally among ALL participants. This amount is a guide only and can be varied at the discretion of the leader depending on the condition of the roads, the number of passengers per car, and other factors. The figures given for individual trips are approximate costs based on four people per car - the cost may rise if cars are only partly filled.

May 12-13 - Tantawancialo Headwaters -M/M From Packers Swamp Road we will walk down O'Reilly's Track to a camp site in Misty Hollow and then climb Mountain 1082 for views of the surrounding country. On the second day we will walk along O'Reilly's Track to the escarpment and back. See the National Heritage Forest which is being logged for woodchips. Map: Glen Allen 1:25000. Leaden Mike Morriss 28931 03(w), 2957823(h). Transport cost about $27.

Sunday May 13 - Corang Peak/Admiration Point - M/E Walk from the western park entrance via a good track through undulating country to the Corang Plateau for great views of the central Budawangs - Castle, Owen, Cole, plus south to Wirritin Ridge and Currockbilly and down into the Yadboro and Clyde valleys. Ocean views also possible if the weather is clear. Map: CMW Budawangs Leader: Sandy Loilcato 2515441(h), 2725228(w). Transport cost about $15.

Sunday May 13- Mt Orroral & Rendezvous Creek - M/M This walk will follow the road up to the lunar laser station, then climb via open scrub to the top of Mt Orroral for morning tea and views. We will then descend to Rendezvous Creek, hopefully avoiding the short clump of horrendous scrub careless leaders have sometimes found on top of Orroral on previous trips {qflat means me! - A'V} for lunch. Return via the track from Rendezvous Creek through Nursery Creek headwaters. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000, Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h), 2643472(w). [NOTE: It is possible AM will not be able to lead the trip, in which case Alan Vidler will do so]. Transport cost about $7.

Wednesday May 16 Monthly Meetinq at Dickson Library. See front page for details.

Saturday May 19 - Booroomba Rocks Circuit - M/R Start from the Booroomba Rocks car park by following a track downhill, and finish with a rocky (but safe) ascent of the Rocks. This is a scrubby walk. The banksia will be flowering so we should see plenty of honeyeaters. Map: Corin Dam 1:25000. Leaden Murray Dow 2574371(h), 2495028(w). Transport cost about $6.

Sunday May 20 - Corin Dam to Gingera - M-LIM This is an unusual trip for me to lead as I have actually been there before. Very steep 500m climb at the start; then a longish doddle through an early spattering of snow to the summit rocks and good views. 900m total climb, 16km total distance. Map: Corin Dam 1:25000 Leaden Pat Miethke 2412798(h). Transport cost about $5.

May (18)19-20 - Monolith Valley Work Weekend See President's Prattle 12 fiavetilt seen it yet, but I'm sure fDaviI wilt describe this trp USCA at aCitCC ca - R'V} Leaden David Campbe1I24691 56(w), 2541511(h). Transport cost about $20.

Tuesday May 22 - WAS PlIar"nij Everfrici, 56 Woolner Circuit, Hawker 2545373(h) See elsewhere in this IT - if you do nothing else, attend this one.

Wednesday May 23 CommIttee Meeting also at the Vidler's, 56 Woolner Circuit, Hawker. e bungled!)

Thursday May 24 II Cka. Material to Keith Thomas, 26 Allport St, Downer 2487816(h), 2819469(w)

Saturday May 26 - Tin Mine Hut Area - MIE This trip is mainly on fire trails and open alpine grasslands. A last chance to visit the area before it is covered by winter snows - if the snows are there we will detour elsewhere! Great views into Victoria and back to the main range. Map: Jacobs River 1:100000. Leader: Debi Williams 2506021(w), 2581645(h). Transport cost about $25. May (25)26-27 - Japungal from Khancoban Road - M/M Last chance to see Jagungal without skis. I've been past it umpteen times, but never to the top. A circular walk starting and finishing near Khancoban road. More details next IT {We appreciate S promise of a tnp ryort - tha4 john! - £dc}. Map: Kharicoban 1:50000. Leader: John Kyatt 2382517(h), 2763512(w). Transport cost about $25.

May 26-27 - Mt McKeahnie from Orroral - M/R From Orroral Valley we climb Mt McKeahnie yia a boulder strewn spur opposite Eighty Acres. From the summits we shall explore the outcrops down the slopes to the west and cross the precipitous Dry Creek. The accent will be on discovering rocky outcrops. Map: Corin Dam 1:25000 Leader Chris Leslie 2516123(h) 2513400(w). Transport cost about $7.

May (26)27 - Nursery Swamp - S/E I intend to leave Canberra about lunchtime on Saturday and drive to Orroral Valley. From Orroral Valley we shall take the track to Nursery Swamp to camp and laze about. I expect to be back in Canberra mid afternoon Sunday. Suitable for inexperienced and food loving busbwalkera {QiclzarI can probab% be persuaifrif to tak.ç an optionalside trp tp 9ursenj JIil[for great vieuzc etc - .wV} Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000. Leader: Richard Bain 2653536(w), 2574816(h). Transport cost about $7.

May (26)27 - Byanciee Walls - M/M-R This is a spectacular cliff-bound mountain in the heart of the Budawangs. After a gourmet night by the Yadboro River on Saturday night we will walk in via Castle Gap, climb up a steep gully to the top and walk out to the eastern end for fabulous views. {2 1nL assuret that this ascent route beanc no resemblance to the oft rope/atrenaluzitenvr routes ut used in the past - .V}. Map: Corang 1:25000. Leader: George Car1er2512130(h), 2633549(w).Transport cost about $18.

Sunday May 27 - Horse Gully Hut - WE This hut is in upper Naas valley on the Naas walking track, and this is the ideal time of year to visit this picturesque area. The trip is an easy one which at 14 km just rates a 'M 11 distance. It Is suitable for beginners. Map: Coliriton 1:25000. Leader: Alan Davey2807966(w), 2813545(h). Transport cost about $7.

Saturday June 2 - Mt Walman - M/M A pleasant walk with varied terrain commencing from Smokers Gap to a spot with views overlooking Blue Gum Creek and across to Booroomba Rocks. Map: Corin Dam 1:25000. Leader Gerald Dodyson 2549452(h), 2633065(w). Transport cost about $5.

Sunday June 3 - Mt Coree from Blundell's Flat - M/M This popular trip to Coree provides some of the finest views of the southern ACT which can be achieved on normal day trips. Map: Cotter Dam 1:25000. Leader Mike Morriss 2893103(w), 2957823(h). Transport cost about $9.

Sunday June 3 - North Tinderrv - M/R This ever popular trip provides great views of the surrounding countryside and opportunity for scrambling among spectacular boulders for those so inclinpd. [The Tinderries are the range to the left as you drive past Michelago towards Cooma]. Map: Michelago 125000 Leader: John Danaro. Transport cost about $9.

June 2-3 - Corin Dam to Pryor's Hut - M/M From Corin Dam up the somewhat steep spur on to Stockyard Spur and thence to Pryors Rut. Once at Pryors Hut we shall do short walks to Mt Gingera and Ginini for great views of the ACT and Kosciusko National Park. This trip is not difficult except for a steep climb on a reasonable track up from Corin Dam. {!pat M's 20 May DAYnr' is similar so as a ww4nt trip it IS simple!! -i4'i/} Map: Corin Dam 1:25000 Leader: Richard Bain 2653536(w), 2574816(h). Transport about $6. 10

June 2-3 - The Castle, Shrouded Gods, Castle Gap - M/R A classic trip in the heart of the Budawangs. An early start from Canberra followed by an ascent of the Castle for magnificent views, thence over Shrouded Gods for better but less well known ones, to a picturesque camp on the upper Clyde. On Sunday we will go down the Clyde Valley between majestic Talaterang and Castle and Byangee Walls, through Castle Gap and back to the cars. Map: CMW Budawangs Leaders: A//an Mikke/sen 2643472(w) 2540764(h), & A/an Vid/er. Transport cost about $18.

Saturday June 9 - Bimberi from Orroral - VLIR 6:00 am start from the locked gate in Orroral valley. Go via Cotter Gap and Cotter Flats to Bimberi (900m climb). Return via Cotter Hut Road. A good trip for the adventurous walker with plenty of stamina. Bring a good torch, warm clothes and high energy food. Map: ACT 1:100000 or. Rendezvous Creek/Corin Dam 1:25000 Leader: Tim Wright 2956572(h), 2897862(w) or 2895192(w). Transport cost about $7.

Sunday June 10- Mt Lowden - M/M A reasonably easy ramble, mostly on tracks through the Tallaganda State Forest east of Canberra. There will be a small amount of scrub bashing to reach the summit of Mt. Lowden for views to Canberra, Lake George, Braidwood and the Budawangs. This trip is suitable for beglnnert Map: Bendoura & Bombay 1:25000. Leader: Allan Mikke/sen 2643472(w), 2540764(h).Transport cost about $9.

June 8-11 - Lake Mungo - S/E Sure it's a long drive, but all walks at Lake Mungo are S/El! Spend two full days at one of Australia's most ancient sites. In addition to its prehistory fascination the area is excellent for painters, photographers and ornithologists. Interested people should contact Bill promptly for details of this proposed "expedition". Leader Bill Bu,1orc1286 6557(h), 261 2469(w). Transport cost to be discussed. {it is 700 kyz each way - t1iefrnfstam[arrates wiff OTbe app[ie&}

June 9-11 - Naas Creek, Clear Range - M/M From the Boboyan Road (Mt Clear Campsite) we shall follow the Naas Creek downstream for a day and return via Clear Range with views of the Tinderry Mts. Leader: Richard Bain Transport cost about $8.

June 9-11 - Woila Circuit - L/R This is probably the finest ridge walk in southern NSW - spectacular views, true knife edge ridges and steep climbs. A reasonabladegree of fitness and a head for heights required. Follow the footsteps of club legends such as Geoff Mosley and Fred George. Map: Badja 1:25000 Leader Kenton Lawson Transport cost about $20.

Tuesday June 12- IT Collation - Ailsa Fleming's, 7 Sweet Place Chisholm 2921675. BYO winter warm-ups, 6pm, or arrive for Collation at 8pm.

Sat June 16 - Big Hole, Marble Arch, Hanging Rock Gourmet Walk - M/E Let's make this walk a gourmet treat, bring something tasty to share at lunch. A drive through Captain's Flat to the northern section of the Deua National Park. Here we start the easy climb{?} to the Big Hole and then on to Marble Arch for lunch. Bring your camera. Map: Kain 1:25000 Leader: Debi Williams. Transport cost about $13.

June 16-17 - Quiltv's Mt and Hidden Valley - M/M (This walk replaces the trip rained out in Apri. On the way into Hidden Valley from the access track we will visit the Aboriginal bora ground on the southern end of Quilty's Mountain. Map: CMW Budawangs Leader: MikeMorriss 2893103(w), 2957823(h). Transport cost about $20.

See comha issues of IT for more Information on future walks (The few walks now programmed will of course be greatly augmented by those offered at Walks Planning evening - see you there.) 11

Advance notice of more actMtyl

Wed June 20 Monthly meeting - Club Auction Sun June 24 Cotter Gap Winter Solstice Feast - M/E, Vance Brown June 23-24 Cotter Gap & Coronet Peak - S-WE, Kate Moore June 23-24 Western Budawangs - Wog Wog to Bibbenluke - M/E-M, Chris Leslie July 1 Ski Tour. Selwyn Quarry to Four Mile Hut - S/E, John Danaro July 14-15 Coronet Peak and McKeahnie Falls - M/M, Chris Leslie August 11-12 valley - M/M, Chris Leslie August 12 Gingera in the snow - M-L/M, Allan Mikkelsen

INFORMA11ON

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

BookinQs: For trips should be made by telephoning the leader no later than 5pm on Thursday. There is a Club limit of 16 on most walks.

Walkers: are reminded that there can be dangers associated with bushwalking and that they participate entirely at their own risk.

Equipment: for Club walks can be hired from Michael Gauci.

Library: The Club Library is held at the home of Keith Thomas, 26 Allport Street, Downer 2487816(h) at 6 - 745pm on the night of Club meetings.

Gradinq of walks:

(5) Short - under 12km/day (E) Easy - firetrails, tracks, beaches etc. (M) Medium - 12-20km/day (M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub (L) Long - over 20km/day (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles (W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings

NOTE: In calculating distance 1 km is added for every 100 metres climbed.

NOTICE TO ALL WALKERS: The leader should checlpthat:

Each applicant is capable of completing the proposed trip. This is done by observation on previous walks or by contacting them personally and asking where, when and with whom they have walked previously. Everyone is aware of what the trip entails and of any special equipment or skills needed.

LEADERS MAY REJECT ANY APPLICANT THEY THINK IS NOT SUITABLE FOR THE TRIP

SEARCH & RESCUE ORGANISATION

S&R Contacts are: Dave Drohan 2662728(w)241 3566(h), David Campbell 24691 56(w)2541 511 (h),Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h), 2643472(w).

Area Coordinators: Belconnen - Frank & Meg McKone 2541311(w) 2545902(h), Pat Miethke 2493085(w) 2412798(h), Inner Canberra - Jim Dick 2702638(w) 2473158(h), Keith Thomas 2819469(w) 2487816(h), Woden - Doug Wright 2814148(h), David King 2490205(w) 2883090(h). r

If not dekvered within 7 days, please return to P0 Box 160, Canberra City ACT 2601 Postage CANBERRA Paid CANBERRA ACT 2601 BUSH WALWNG AUSTRALIA

-e CLUB INC.

Reet. VALLAK 5 F-ui ltwc'd St WESTON ACT 2611

Registered by Australia Post. Publication No. NBH 1859

COMMITTEE 1989- 90

Work Home Fax PRESIDENT: David Campbell 2469156 2541511 VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER: Mike Morriss 2893103 2957823 SOCIAL SECRETARY: Debi Williams 2506021 2581645 CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY: John Thwaite 2935315 2543193 WALK SECRETARY: Alan Vidler 2435315 2545373 ASSISTANT WALK SECRETARY: Allan Mikkelsen 2643472 2540764. MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: Michael Gauci 2581464 MINUTE SECRETARY: Ailsa Fleming 2952677 2921675 EDITORS: Keith Thomas 2819462 2487816 2819708 Sue Vidler 2954386 2545373 2950872 PUBLISHER: CONSERVATION OFFICER: Henry Burmester 2719412 2470193

Dave Drohan 2662728(w)2413566(h) is the Search and Rescue Officer and Allan Mikkelsen 2540764(h) is the Check-in Officer. Margaret Cole 2886947(h) and Sandy Lolicato 2515441(h) are the conservation representatives. Vance Brown is the public officer, Alan Vidler is the Club record keeper and Doug Wright is the Club archivist.