QUEENSLANDBUSHWALKERS

CLUB Inc.

74 Kallista Rd.Rochedale South

QLD 4123Email qldbwc@yahoo.comPhone No (07) 3341 7509

www.geocities.com/qldbwc

Newsletter February 2008

Christmas at Camp Constable

Club NewsChristmas Party 2007Wow what a weekend. Our venue this year was Camp Constable at Mt Glorious. There were 22 people on Friday – the slides that evening of Africa, Norfolk Island and New Zealand were fantastic.On Saturday morning we had two walks lined up – “Mountain Meander” with Muriel and Gil and a more strenuous walk with Richard to Piper Comanche via Love Creek. Both walks were well attended. A couple of people who stayed behind had a sedate coffee walk.After the walks the afternoon was spent relaxing, catching up with mates and enjoying the “snacks”. More of our troops turned up – we now had 33 for dinner. Prior to dinner there was time to check out the photographs in the competition and draw the lucky door prizes.The evening was a huge success –lots of chatter around the BBQ and the delicious spread of food brought by club members went down a treat. I need some recipes folks!!Time for a quiz or two. Competition was friendly, sometimes fierce and lots of fun.Photo competition results were announced and the winners were:Nature Category – Gail Cibilic “Sea Mists over Sealers”Pictorial Category – David Rae “A Beautiful Day”Club Character Category – June Greenaway “Knees Up”Member’s Choice – Gail Cibilic “Sea Mists over Sealers”The photographs were of excellent quality. Our judge provided very good comments and feedback for the entrants.Gail Cibilic received a daypack kindly donated by Globe Trekker Adventure Gear, Albert Street, Brisbane as her prize. Other prizes were $25.00 vouchers for camping stores.A short break to dress up and what a surprise – Morticia Addams; Spiderman; Annie Oakley; a fairy; Maria from Sound of Music just to name a few, came to visit. Lots of laughter and fun.

Dessert anyone – of course. The choices were tempting and delicious.On Sunday after breakfast another quick quiz or two and then it was time to clean up and head home. Thanks to all who chipped in and helped with the clean up.Special thanks to Linda for helping with the organisation; Muriel, Gil & Richard for leading walks; Evelyn for assisting with the photo competition; Leon & Bob the BBQ gurus; Muriel for providing “Name that Christmas song” questions; and Gil for taking on the role of Chief Warden.Very special thanks to John Brunott for providing the excellent steak and snags – John delivered our supply under difficult circumstances – hope your ankle is mending. DanutaNew VenueQBW meetings are now held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry via Carl St. Check a directory as there are one-way streets nearby.Little King's Hall is situated near the Princess Alexandra Hospital, between Ipswich Road and the South East Freeway. The Buranda Railway Station is nearby.There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. Members are requested not to park under cover near the door but to leave it free for Club volunteers such as the Supper Convenor in case of rain.

Tassie ManiaDuring the holiday season quite a few of our members headed south to Tasmania.John M. has just returned from doing the Overland Track.Frank B. and Barbara M. did several walks in the southwest of Tasmania.Richard and Patricia K. did several days walking in Pine Valley and Maria Island. David, Margie, Gail, Julie and Noelene are doing several walks in the Tasman Peninsula and Maria Island.Anne K. and John L. were also heard to be going to do some walks there.

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General InformationMeeting PlaceClub meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 7.30PM. There is no Club meeting in January.Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street.Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated.MembershipBefore a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must be a Member (Probationary or Ordinary) or be a member of an affiliated club.Membership fee is $30.00 and lasts till the end of the Club’s financial year which is on the 30th of June each year.

Probationary MembershipA non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no fee payable to become a Probationary Member.However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her 2nd walk by filling out a membership form and paying the membership fee.Ordinary MembershipA person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out a membership form and handing the form to a committee member or walk leader and paying the membership fee.An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has neither of these rights.

Members of Another Bushwalking ClubMembers of another bushwalking club affiliated with the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State Federation are covered by the same Insurance as QBW. It is not necessary for them to become a member of our Club to go on our walks.

Equipment for Free Use By MembersCompasses EPIRBs GPS's Topo Maps

Emergency Lights First Aid Kits Sunmap

CD’s UHF Radios

Contact David at 3395 1838 or david_r_rae@optusnet.com.au

Equipment for HireAbseil Gear Back Pack

Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202There is a $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories.There is a $5.00 charge for hire of the back pack.

Equipment for SaleBivy Bags $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag.Club Polo Shirts $20.00 eachS size left only.Space Blankets $2.50 each.Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!

Ring Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.

The Management CommitteePresident Helen McAllister 3844 8464 (H)Vice President Gary Woodward 3245 2695 (H)Secretary Sandra Thomas 3711 4134 (H)Treasurer Chris Breitenbach 3870 1948 (H)Outings Officer David Rae 3395 1838 (H)Membership Officer John Hinton 3343 3724 (H)Editor Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)Social Secretary Linda Hellmuth 3899 5017 (H)Training Officer John Brunott 3209 6568 (H)

Other Voluntary PositionsEquipment Officer Trevor Davern 0411 512 202Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 3209 8514 (H)BWQ Rep Ken Walters 3344 1927 (H)BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Campsite MonitorsBarbara Makepeace Ratatat Hut

Mt Barney, Rum Jungle, Old Hut Site (& satellites) and East PeakSpicer’s/Double Top saddle

Kerry de Clauzel Throakban, Barney Gorge andLower Portals

Richard Kolarski Running Creek FallsAnn Kemp Spicers PeakJohn Brunott Ballows

Editors Pic

Morticia Addams

The Christmas Party had a dress theme to come along as a movie character.Patricia K. won the best dressed in this sleek black outfit, long flowing hair and red fingernails

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Coming EventsLarapinta Trail 19 July 2008 – 3 August 2008Two weeks of walking the 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail. This walking track runs from Alice Springs west to Mount Sonder along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. It visits the major tourist features like Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge as well as many other features along the range. The Trail takes in a variety of desert habitats as it meanders through sheltered gorges and climbs steeply over rugged ranges with numerous stunning views of the spectacular landscape.Contact Mary Sherlock Ph No 3209 8514 for more information.Hinchinbrook Is, Thorsborne Trail T/W 19-26 July 20085 days walking South to North along the Thorsborne Trail.For more information contact Patricia at the Club Meeting or Phone 3341 7509.Camino de Santiago May 2009I'm organising a trip to France and Spain - one week of day walks in the Pyrenees (medium difficulty only), and the last week's walk on the Camino de Santiago in Spain finishing in Santiago de Compostela.Anyone interested contact Patricia – details above.

Walk Leaders For 2007For the year 2007 there were 23 Leaders and 112 walks. The Club would like to thank those members who have given their time to lead walks. Without them this Club would not be able to exist.

Name No of Walks Led in 20071 Richard Kolarski 172 Patricia Kolarski 113 Danuta Gur 104 John Brunott 95 David Rae 86 David Haliczer 76 David Kenrick 78 Helen McAllister 68 Ken Walters 610 Maria Lanari 511 Kerry de Clauzel 411 Noelene McCay 413 Trevor Davern 313 Bob Gur 313 Steve Pritchett 316 Gil Gunthorpe 217 Lynn Nicol 117 Margie Rae 117 Stuart Mackay 117 Anne Kemp 117 Dean Workman 117 Frank Garland 117 John Hinton 1

For SaleMacpac Nautilus tent $280.002 person, 2.6kg, double vestibule

Ring Linda 3899 5017

New MembersPamela Morrison Francisca BourgonjeChantelle Polzin Justin PolzinNigel Kernick

As at 29/1/2008 we have 100 financial members

Bushwalking Australia ReportA face-to-face meeting of Bushwalking Australia Inc. (BWA) delegates was held in Sydney over the weekend of 24/25th November 2007. Total attendance was 15, with each state being represented. A very high standard of professionalism, with well-researched presentations, proactive participation and co-operation among delegates resulted in a highly productive and enlightening event. This was generally considered to be a landmark meeting of BWA, an opportunity to determine the future of the organisation with emphasis on what needs to be done for club bushwalking in Australia, beyond acting simply to coordinate our insurance requirements. Happily, the consensus was that we do need to refocus and initiate some serious planning at a national level for the future benefit of bushwalking. Approximately 50 issues were identified for either immediate or future attention. These were short listed to form the BWA Action Plan for the next 12 months.BWA Action Plan, for immediate attention.· Insurance (Existing function) -- Some fine tuning of payment arrangements to enhance financial reporting. Payment of premiums will in future be processed through BWA accounts instead of direct to our Insurance Broker.· Policies and Guidelines – Developing policies, guidelines and charters to raise the profile of bushwalking clubs, provide guidance for members, promote standardisation of duty of care obligations, lifting the credibility of clubs, and promoting member education and understanding.· Profile -- To lift the profile of BWA and club bushwalking through research, creating a press/profile kit, supporting a dynamic website, having presence at conferences, and acting as a political lobbyist.· Website (Work in progress)- - To promote BWA, bushwalking clubs and allied outdoor activities in Australia, to become a one-stop portal for all Australian bushwalking clubs and the general public, with relevant links. An on-line forum for bushwalkers to be investigated. · Risk Management -- To develop national guidelines on risk management for bushwalking clubs. To determine the scope and develop guidelines appropriate to clubs, to enable a realistic level of protection to ensure viability of club operations. To promote adoption of guidelines to circumvent external policies being imposed on clubs.Risk Management, Insurance and Adventure Activity Standards. These issues are interlinked, and may present a real or imagined threat to the day-to-day operation of many clubs. Two points were made clear – that having risk management procedures in place is not a condition of cover for organisations taking out insurance, and that AAS are actually just guidelines, not standards. However, it is a Condition of our Liability Policy that we must take all reasonable precautions to prevent Injury and Damage, and given time, it is possible that there may be legal implications unless bushwalking clubs develop their own guidelines. BWA has agreed on a risk management model to be developed and presented to State federations in due course.A Common Walk Grading System was suggested by Qld. as a practical way to unify the club bushwalking scene in Australia. It could offer opportunities for inter-club, interstate and even international walk bookings through the website, simplifying the enquiry process, and offering portability of bushwalkers’ experience to meet host club visitor requirements. The AGM was held as part of the proceedings, and the following office bearers were elected:President: Ian McDonald (WA), Secretary: Hecate Jay (WA), Treasurer: Tom Cowlishaw (Qld), Insurance Officer: Howard Tooth (NSW), Auditor: no nominations, vacant position.Feedback on this Report is welcomed from clubs and individuals. Please email any comments to: jemarshall@optusnet.com.auJohn Marshall ( BWA Profile Development convenor ) andSecretary for Bushwalking Queensland Inc.

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Past WalksCoomera Falls via Mystery Track 7 October 2007Unfortunately only three people signed up for this walk which is a shame as it is one of the best walks an experienced walker can do in Lamington National Park.

Coomera Falls

Dave Rae, Trevor Davern and myself set off from Binna Burra on a cloudy but fine day. From the Border Track we turned into the Coomera Track and then turned again into the unmarked Mystery Track. This track leads down to Coomera Creek but is steep, slippery and has some exposed areas to negotiate.The effort though is well worth while as it passes several waterfalls along the way, including one with a large pool. On one section we used a rope just as a safety measure as the handholds over an exposed area were almost non-existent. After about an hour we arrived at Coomera Creek where we had a short break.Following the creek upstream, we appreciated the beauty of this rainforest stream as the walls of the gorge began to tower over us. Thin veils of waterfalls fell down into the creek from the escarpment on either side while in the creek itself there were several small waterfalls.After an hour we turned a corner in the gorge and Coomera Falls was finally revealed. We relaxed in the sun on the rocks surrounding the pool at the base of the falls and took in the view. After having our fill we retraced our steps.The walk up and out of the gorge was a bit of a struggle as it was in the heat of the day. We were relieved when we finally reached the Coomera Circuit track where we had a rest in the shade. From there we made quick time to Binna Burra.We can report that the afternoon tea at the Binna Burra shop was excellent with quick service and a great view.Many thanks to Dave and Trevor for coming along. Don't miss it next time! Richard

Brisbane Forest Park, Jolly’s/Boombana Tracks – 13 October 2007We certainly picked a great day for a walk. Sunny but cool.Our meeting place - Jolly’s Lookout carpark.Our group (approx. 16) wandered down the road and walked around the Egernia Circuit, which is approximately 1.5 km. A pleasant starter. We then turned off onto the Thylogale Track meandering through open eucalypt forest.It was pleasant to listen to the bird life and just take it in. At Boombana picnic area we stopped and had a break. We continued down the Pitta circuit and checked out the boardwalk which is built around a huge strangling fig – incredible. There is a small side track off the boardwalk and this leads to the Boombana Café, a mere 10-15 minute walk. Morning tea anyone? We picked the right moment – crowd had just left; great service, huge slices of cake and a welcome rest.

We retraced our footsteps (all but one) back to Jolly’s. Here we decided that it would be nice just to take in the views and watch the currawongs, magpies and lorikeets for a while.An enjoyable stroll. Thanks to our co-walkers for a lovely morning. Bob & Danuta

Running Creek via Stretcher Track 13 October 2007Running Creek Falls is about 100 metres high and is one of the most spectacular falls in Lamington National Park. Situated at the southern end of the park it takes a full day to visit these falls.Our exploratory walk to visit the falls was via the stretcher track. Cars were left 2km up Gap Ck Rd which starts opposite Stinson Park. Storms from the previous two days left the skyline looking fresh and a cool south easterly breeze made our assent to the saddle a very enjoyable one.

View from the saddle looking down Running Ckwith Mt Lindesay in the distance.

The objective on the stretcher track was to find a ridge line down to England Ck and then we would traverse over to the top of the falls. After reaching our turn off point on the track with the help of Gills trusty GPS the undergrowth was too impenetrable for us to proceed. We proceed along the track for another 2 kms but no obvious route could be found. At midday we decided to turn around, have lunch and take a leisurely stroll back to the cars. David Rae

Lower Portals Walk 14 October 2007Four members met up at Beaudesert and drove to Cleared Ridge to do the Upper Portals Circuit. However when we arrived there was a sign stating the track was closed due to fire. We could see smoke rising from the hills surrounding the Upper Portals so after some discussion and perusing the map we decided to drive to Drynan's Hut and walk up Paddy's Peak.However this had to be changed again when on the dirt road to Drynan's Hut we found a large tree had fallen and cut the road off. Some more discussion ensued and we drove the short distance to the Lower Portals to do a small circuit climbing some small knolls close to Tom's Tum.

On a Knoll

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We walked down the track leading to the Lower Portals and turned off a few hundred metres before actually reaching the Lower Portals. We followed a ridge uphill and we were able to follow faint tracks to a small knoll. This gave us views towards the Upper Portals and we could see the smoke from the fires had increased from earlier that morning. We scrambled to another knoll and climbed the large rock for more views and then had lunch in its shade.We returned partly along another ridge but it was so overgrown that we crossed the gully and finished the descent via the same ridge we had ascended. After reaching the cars we drove to Rathdowney for afternoon tea.Many thanks to Muriel, Gail and Gil for coming on this walk. It wasn't the walk intended but we were able to find a walk that we all enjoyed. Richard

Running Creek Falls 21 October 2007This walk was to do the campsite monitoring at the Running Creek campsite and also to get to the spectacular Running Creek Falls if there was sufficient time.We left early from Brisbane as this was a long walk involving a 5 kilometre walk across cow paddocks and then another 5 kilometre walk along Running Creek through rain forest.

Running Creek Falls

There were only three of us but as it turned out this was an advantage as our small group was able to make good time.We parked the car at the end of Running Creek Rd and began the walk through the cow paddocks. Luckily it was overcast and we had some shade from the sun while walking through the open fields.On reaching the creek crossing we stopped and had morning tea sitting on the rocks in the middle of the stream. The next section through rain forest was all in shade but the track was in parts obscured by fallen trees. There was one section where two of us got stung by Stinging Trees as we looked for the track.On reaching the campsite it took only a few minutes to check it out and do the monitoring. It is only a small campsite where the usual limit is 2 tents and four people.It was another 800 metres upstream to the falls and we did it within half an hour. The falls were majestic with a good flow. We had our lunch while admiring the view.It was a quick walk back to the cars, an advantage of a small group. We stopped at Beaudesert on the way home for afternoon tea. Many thanks to Anne and Michael for their help in the monitoring. Richard

Back Creek Abseil 17 November 2007This was another good days outing. With the threat of heavy weather we all rendezvoused at Canungra for coffee. From there we moved on to the start point near Beechmont. The weather cleared and the day was perfect for our activities.Our group was made up of 10 characters, 7 from QBW and 3 from the Gold Coast Club.Surprisingly the water levels were lower than previously experienced and we managed to proceed through all sections without getting wet at all. The interaction between the two clubs provides a platform for future co-operation with specialised outings.

Back to Back Creek

For abseiling buffs, I am able to report on observations of the only abseiling novice in the group in relation to technique.Whilst none of the abseiling was technically difficult, the individual sites were not straightforward and required dexterity and good balance. Everybody also carried packs (of varying weight loads).The novice ultimately experimented with different braking systems until one was found to best accommodate the overall circumstances involved in the abseiling. He first tried the auto-block, below the descending device. He was not entirely comfortable with this and he moved on to the traditional prusik knot, above the descender. He was not comfortable with the knot or the set length of the cord used. He then moved on to the klemheist knot (above the descender) which proved to be the most successful. He completed the remainder of the drops with this braking system.

Prusik Knot Klemheist Knot

It appeared that the klemheist was the best option because:1. It is simple to attach and detach;2. As with the auto-block, it releases and slides up or down the rope more easily than the standard prusik;3. Additional wraps can be made around the abseiling rope to get the length between brake and body just right;4. By having the braking system above the descender, it was easier to control general balance and stability with the added pack load attached to the body.It is also good to see the other varied techniques used by the more experienced abseilers to deal with different situations and different environments.Hopefully outings like this will promote further abseiling related activities throughout the bushwalking fraternity.

Trevor D.

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Cape To Cape Walk September 2007The Cape to Cape walk is situated on the south west corner of Western Australia taking in the Margaret River region.The Cape to Cape walk can only be describe as breathtaking. The change in scenery, the colours, the rock formations, the sandy beaches with the beautiful Indian Ocean beside you all the way.Muriel and I commenced the walk from Gracetown as I had previously, several years ago, walked from Cape Naturaliste to Gracetown. Gracetown is a sleepy little town just north of Margaret River. We planned to complete the 88Km walk to Cape Leewin in six days.

Start of the Walk at Gracetown

By the end of the first day we set up camp at Ellensbrook Campsite which is a Cape to Cape campsite consisting of a water tank and toilet. The highlight of day one was Ellensbrook House which is one of the only remaining pioneer houses in the area.Day two was a 14Km walk to Prevelly which seemed to be more like a 28Km walk as it was pouring rain and driving wind. This part of the walk mainly entailed walking along roads to avoid crossing Margaret River which at the time was flowing fairly rapidly and it was to risky to cross the river. That night we stayed in a cabin to dry out from the drenching we received.Day three was a beautiful morning and we set off to cover 16Km to Contos Campsite which is a National Parks campsite. This section of the walk started off inland where the track lead us over rolling sand dunes covered with shrub vegetation. This section of the walk could only be described as a photographers delight as the wild flowers were absolutely breathtaking around Bobs Hollow. We spent some time admiring the number of different varieties of wild flowers. We pushed on over the cliff lines and eventually found ourselves on the beach where we walked several kilometers along the beach then back up onto the sand dunes that lead into Contos Campsite. Contos Campsite is a large campsite and when we arrived there were several school groups camping.Day four saw us with a 23Km walk to Hamelin Bay where we had planned to stay that night. The walk from Contos to Hamelin Bay took in a 6Km walk along the beach on soft coarse sand. Before we reached the beach the walk took us through a Peppermint Tree Forest and along a fire trail known as Davies Road. This day we also had some driving rain for part of the walk that led to the separation of Muriel and me for some ¾ hour but eventually reuniting for a joyful 6Km walk along the beach not letting each other out of sight for the remainder of the walk.Day five started off extremely windy at Hamelin Bay and for the next kilometer we battled the wind until the track lead us back inland behind the sand dunes for a short time until we got to Cosy Corner where the walk changed dramatically and we were walking over limestone rocks that contained blow holes and the beautiful Indian Ocean was right beside us. The rock formation were rugged and outstanding. The walk then went up over Cape Hamelin and down onto the beach for about a kilometer where we finally found Deepdene Campsite which is a Cape to Cape campsite.

Blow Holes at Cosy Corner

Day six was our final day with a 16Km walk which started with an 8Km walk along the beach towards Cape Leewin where we encountered the beautiful coast line with the golden sand and the light blue Indian Ocean. Our first glimpse of the lighthouse in the distance made us realise that we had almost completed the walk. As we got closer to the light house the limestone cliff formations at Quarry Bay were a picture postcard. Eventually we reached the lighthouse and looked back to where we had come from and knew we had achieved what we set out to do.

Footprints in the Sand

We would recommend this walk with all its of variations, such as beaches, forests, rolling sand dunes, cliff walking, rock hopping across limestone formations and track walking along fire trails and the Cape to Cape track to all our fellow bushwalkers. Gil

Creature Feature

Land Mullet

This Land Mullet (Egernia Major) was seen basking in the sun just off the Coomera Track. Native to Australia, it is the largest of the skink family of lizards and can grow to a length of 50 cm.The name comes from the smooth, shiny, black fish-like scales that cover the body.

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