Queensland Bushwalkers Club Inc.February 2009 Newsletter
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QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc. 74 Kallista Rd. Rochedale South QLD 4123 Email [email protected]Phone No (07) 3341 7509 www.geocities.com/qldbwc Newsletter February 2009 On the Way to Horseshoe Falls Club News Christmas Party Report 5 - 7 December 2008 The QBW Christmas party was held at the House of Happiness, at Bribie Island. Members began arriving Friday night and found the premises had a large hall and kitchen with nearby bunkhouses and a large swimming pool. After everyone had settled in and had their dinner, slides and videos were shown of walks done by Club members. These included trips to Tasmania, USA and Venezuela. There was even a video done by Trevor Davern of a recent abseil trip. Saturday was a bright sunny day and about half decided to do a kayak trip while the other half did a walk round the southern end of Bribie island led by Noelene. Happy hour began at 5.00 pm and people got into the spirit of the Beach Party theme. Patricia and Richard took out the prize for best dressed but there were many others dressed in colourful shirts and skirts. John Brunott brought along the steak and sausages and he was assisted by Wayne and Gil cooking them up in the BBQ area. A small lightning storm brightened up the night but no one got wet as there was ample shelter in the outdoor areas. Sunday, and slowly members emerged from the bunkhouses to have breakfast. There were several quizzes on mountains, waterfalls and general knowledge to help people waken up. Thank you to all those who helped to clean up and a special thanks to Linda and Traci who helped put this event on. Richard Photo Competition Results The winners of the Photo competition were announced at the Christmas Party. Club Character A Silent Prayer by Patricia Kolarski Nature Peek-A-Boo Skink by Helen McAllister Pictorial Guiding Light by Julianne Urquhart People's Choice Eagle's View of Tasman Coast by Noelene McCay QBW 10th Anniversary Dinner QBW is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009.There will be many events during the year but the first will be a dinner. Date: Friday, 20 February 2009 Venue: Sitar Indian Restaurant, 195 Melbourne Street, West End Time: 7:00pm The Sitar Restaurant has authentic Indian Cuisine prepared using traditional methods. Bookings for more than 15 people must select a set banquet menu; $24.90 or $29.90 - we can decide on the night. For more information about the restaurant, please visit their website at www.sitar.com.au . Contact Traci Nudl on 0429 618 494 to advise your attendance if you are unable to complete the Outings Sheet at the Club Meeting on Tuesday, 3 February. Final numbers will need to be advised to the restaurant by Monday, 16 February. City Walk and BBQ 16 January 2009 Nine members gathered at the Kangaroo Point rotunda on a fine Friday evening at 6.00pm. After waiting for any possible stragglers they set off for a walk which included crossing the Goodwill Bridge and the Storey Bridge. The BBQ was held up on the cliff and the lights of Brisbane provided a splendid backdrop. Sausages and steaks were cooked on the council electric BBQs provided and everyone enjoyed the views, meal and company. Many thanks to Evelyn for the walk and social. Richard For Sale One man tent suitable for base camps $20.00 Sleeping Bag Oztrail. Very good condition. $20.00 Contact Gil Ph No 3272 4366 Page 1 of 6
Club NewsChristmas Party Report 5 - 7 December 2008
The QBW Christmas party was held at the House of Happiness,at Bribie Island. Members began arriving Friday night and foundthe premises had a large hall and kitchen with nearbybunkhouses and a large swimming pool.
After everyone had settled in and had their dinner, slides andvideos were shown of walks done by Club members. Theseincluded trips to Tasmania, USA and Venezuela. There waseven a video done by Trevor Davern of a recent abseil trip.
Saturday was a bright sunny day and about half decided to do akayak trip while the other half did a walk round the southern endof Bribie island led by Noelene.
Happy hour began at 5.00 pm and people got into the spirit ofthe Beach Party theme. Patricia and Richard took out the prizefor best dressed but there were many others dressed in colourfulshirts and skirts.
John Brunott brought along the steak and sausages and he wasassisted by Wayne and Gil cooking them up in the BBQ area. Asmall lightning storm brightened up the night but no one got wetas there was ample shelter in the outdoor areas.
Sunday, and slowly members emerged from the bunkhouses tohave breakfast. There were several quizzes on mountains,waterfalls and general knowledge to help people waken up.
Thank you to all those who helped to clean up and a specialthanks to Linda and Traci who helped put this event on. Richard
Photo Competition ResultsThe winners of the Photo competition were announced at theChristmas Party.
Club Character A Silent Prayer by Patricia Kolarski
Nature Peek-A-Boo Skink by Helen McAllister
Pictorial Guiding Light by Julianne Urquhart
People's Choice Eagle's View of Tasman Coast by Noelene McCay
QBW 10th Anniversary DinnerQBW is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009.There will bemany events during the year but the first will be a dinner.
Date: Friday, 20 February 2009
Venue : Sitar Indian Restaurant,195 Melbourne Street, West End
Time : 7:00pm
The Sitar Restaurant has authentic Indian Cuisine preparedusing traditional methods. Bookings for more than 15 peoplemust select a set banquet menu; $24.90 or $29.90 - we candecide on the night. For more information about the restaurant,please visit their website at www.sitar.com.au.
Contact Traci Nudl on 0429 618 494 to advise your attendance ifyou are unable to complete the Outings Sheet at the ClubMeeting on Tuesday, 3 February. Final numbers will need to beadvised to the restaurant by Monday, 16 February.
City Walk and BBQ 16 January 2009
Nine members gathered at the Kangaroo Point rotunda on a fineFriday evening at 6.00pm. After waiting for any possiblestragglers they set off for a walk which included crossing theGoodwill Bridge and the Storey Bridge.
The BBQ was held up on the cliff and the lights of Brisbaneprovided a splendid backdrop. Sausages and steaks werecooked on the council electric BBQs provided and everyoneenjoyed the views, meal and company.
Many thanks to Evelyn for the walk and social. Richard
For SaleOne man tent suitable for base camps $20.00
Sleeping Bag Oztrail. Very good condition. $20.00
Contact Gil Ph No 3272 4366
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General InformationMeeting PlaceClub meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at7.30PM. There is no Club meeting in January.
Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carland 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. Acoin 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’sfinancial year which is on the 30th of June each year.
Probationary MembershipA non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Memberon his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is nofee payable to become a Probationary Member.
However a Probationary Member must become an OrdinaryMember on his/her second walk by filling out a MembershipForm and paying the membership fee.
Ordinary MembershipA person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out aMembership Form and handing the form to a committeemember or walk leader and paying the membership fee.
An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or beelected to a committee position. A Probationary Member hasneither of these rights.
Members of Another Bushwalking ClubMembers of another bushwalking club which is affiliated withBushwalking Queensland Inc (or an interstate Federation) andwho are covered by the same Insurance do not need to becomea member of our Club to go on our walks. However Clubmembers will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.
Club EquipmentCompasses Topo Maps GPS's
Emergency Lights First Aid Kits UHF Radios
The above are for free use by members.Contact David at 3395 1838 or [email protected]
PLBs with inbuilt GPS
The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be madeavailable at each Club meeting and will need to be returned atthe following Club meeting. Contact Richard on 3341 7509.
There is a $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another$5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories by QBWOrdinary Members.There is a $10.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another$10.00 charge for use of harness and accessories byProbationary Members and members of affiliated clubs.Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202
Back Pack for Hire $5.00 charge
Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202Bivy Bags For Sale $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.
These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are brightorange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag.Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.
Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each.
Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.
The Management CommitteePresident Patricia Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
Vice President Margaret Rae 3395 1838 (H)
Secretary Sandra Thomas 3711 4134 (H)
Treasurer John Hinton 3343 3724 (H)
Outings Officer David Kenrick 3349 8238 (H)
Membership Officer Frank Garland 3341 5207 (H)
Editor Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
Social Secretary Traci Nudl 3890 8196 (H)
Training Officer Stuart Mackay 3890 8196 (H)
Other Voluntary PositionsEquipment Officer John Brunott 3209 9598 (H)
Our 10th Anniversary, Or Is It?QBW is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2009 but is it really?
The beginnings of our Club can be traced back to 1997 when agroup of friends began meeting regularly. Numbers at meetingsvaried from 2 to 10 people.
In February 1999 a set of rules was written and the first meetingwhich was open and advertised to the general public was heldat Northgate Community Hall. Below is a report done bySuzanne Williams and presented at that February 1999 meeting.
First Annual Report and Club History
The idea of a new club was first floated on a casual day walkfrom Mt Glorious to Northbrook Mt in October 1997. Somediscussion ensued amongst the five walkers in attendance. Edand Cathy Thistlethwaite seemed in favour of the name"Serendipity Ramblers", Jim O'Meara, Suzanne Williams and BillButler were in favour of the name "Queensland BushwalkersClub". Around January 1998 this latter name was agreed upon.
On 3 November 1997 Bill, Ed and Paul McDonald discussed thepossibility of holding the club's first general meeting at Bill'swarehouse at Nundah. Suzanne Williams, Perine Visini, ConVink, Paul McDonald and Bill Butler attended this first meeting at7.30 pm on Tuesday 25 November 1997. The Club's first officialwalk which took place on 13 December 1997 was a Springbrookday walk that took in the main water falls and attempted to reachthe overgrown Sphinx Lookout from Best of All Lookout.
In 1998 the new club's combined committee meetings/generalmeetings were held at "The Three Monkeys" coffee shop atWest End and in February 1999 the club's monthly generalmeetings were moved to the Northgate Community Hall wherethere was a healthy attendance of seventeen at the firstmeeting.
On behalf of the club's committee and the founding members, Iwould like to thank all those people who assisted with andshowed support for the formation of the new club.
Suzanne Williams, Secretary, Queensland Bushwalkers Club
PS Of all the people mentioned above, only Suzanne is still amember (now Suzanne Robinson).
Coming EventsNepal Trekking 2009 May 2009
I have booked a trek in the Everest region in Nepal starting inKathmandu on 1 May 2009.There are a few spaces available if anyone is interested to joinin.There are 2 options: a 2 week moderate trek to ThyangbocheMonastery with sightseeing and free time in Kathmandu, or a 3week challenging trek including Everest Base Camp and GokyoValley.Contact Gail Cibilic, Ph: 5546 8189 or
In 2007 five QBW walkers went on a Everest Base Camp andGokyo trek with Saran Suba. You may have read or heard thatthis trip was highly regarded by all, partly due to Saran'sexpertise and ever thoughtful guidance.
I am planning on returning to Nepal to do the Annapurna Circuitin October, 2009, again using Saran as guide. It will be a 24 dayjourney, including getting to and from the Annapurna area. Thenumber of trekking days is approximately 16 (there are two restdays) The trek distance is 228km with maximum altitude 5416m.Saran is able to be flexible in the itinerary.
If you would like to know more please go to Saran's website:www.questropix.com.
If you are interested in coming on this walk please contact me:[email protected] or ph 3395 1838
Use Of PLBsQBW has purchased 5 PLB's with inbuilt GPS. Members mayrequest a PLB for pre-outings, remote walks or other Clubevents whether in Queensland or interstate. The PLBs are notmeant to be used outside of Australia.
At least 3 PLB's will be available for Club walks/pre-outings at alltimes. Up to 2 PLB's may be made available to members fornon-Club walks. However Club events will always takeprecedence over non-club walks. Thus there may be times whena PLB will not be available for non-club walks.
The PLBs will be brought along to each Club meeting and dis-tributed to members as requested. Members will need to sign forthem and ensure that they are cared for properly. The PLBs willneed to be returned at the following Club meeting usually.
With each PLB there is an instruction manual which must beread thoroughly. Notes which can be carried with the PLB on thewalk will also be given out.
When to activate a PLB
The PLB system is to be used in a bushwalking emergency andas a last resort only. If possible the initial distress alert should bemade by direct communication such as telephone, mobile phoneor radio. This will result in a faster and more appropriateresponse as the situation can be explained to the emergencyservices. If near a vehicle, consider sending someone to walkout and drive to summon assistance.
If the decision is made to activate the PLB, move to an openarea with a clear view of as much of the sky as possible. At leastmove away from cliffs, tree cover and steep ground. This will notonly assist the signal but will also allow the helicopter, when itcomes, to see you and get somebody to you. Have somethinghighly visible ready so you can signal the helicopter and help itfind you.
To activate the PLB, follow the instructions in the manual or thenotes given with the PLB. Once the PLB is active prepare towait. If you are near a major city, a one or two hour wait isnormal, although several hours is possible. If you are well awayfrom major centres the wait is likely to be at least several hours.
Do not turn the PLB off until directed to do so by the emergencyservices. If you have not been located yet then leave it on untilthe battery goes flat.
If you have two or more PLBs in the party then only have onePLB active at a time. When the first PLB's battery goes flat thenturn it off and activate the second one. You will not get astronger signal by activating two PLBs at the same time - thetransmissions actually interfere with one another and make itharder to find you.
Delays in Rescue
There may be delays in rescue due to:
Deep gorges - A distress signal from a narrow gorge or canyonmay not be detected. If it is detected it may be difficult for therescue helicopter to track.
Night - The satellites will pick up a PLB signal at night, but arescue helicopter may choose not to fly immediately and waituntil first light the next day.
Bad weather - Lightning may make the signal difficult to get anaccurate position and delay rescue. The rescue helicopter willnot fly in weather risky for the aircraft, such as reduced visibilitysuch as fog or in high winds. Either ground crews will be sent inor the helicopter will wait for the weather to improve, either wayyou will have to wait a long time.
Consider these factors before activating an PLB. It may be moreeffective to send somebody out to raise the alarm instead.
Accidental Activation
If your beacon has been activated accidentally then turn it offand phone 1800 641 792 as quickly as possible to let the RCCknow that it was a false activation.
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Past WalksNeglected Mountain 25 October 2008
Twelve people gathered at Beaudesert on a fine October day.We drove down towards Rathdowney and took the ChristmasCreek turn-off. We had a short stop at Stinson Park beforedriving along a short dirt road to the start of the walk.
The first walking section was up a steep dirt road past a lockedgate. We had a rest about half way up near an old shed with anouthouse with a great view of Buchanan's Fort.
The dirt road turned into an old farm track and then to a walkingtrack as we followed a ridge up to the saddle. At one section thetrack was washed out and after a few members made aprecarious circuit around it, one of the more adventurous tried tojump it. Unfortunately the edge on the other side crumbled andthough he managed to get across he was left with some largegrazes on his leg.
At the saddle we turned right towards Neglected Mountain. Tothe left was the Stretcher Track. The track followed the ridge lineand as we ascended the views just got better and better. Wecould see to the south into New South Wales and to the northtowards O'Reillys.
Neglected Mountain
We had a rest at the top of the first rise and then followed theridge along the escarpment to a small marker. This was takenas the official top of Neglected Mountain but there was somecontroversy whether it was marked correctly on the map.
We had lunch in the shade of the few trees present beforewalking back the same way. Afternoon tea at MacDonalds gaveus time to relax and finish the day refreshed.
Many thanks to Ann Kemp for putting on this walk. Richard
Springbrook Pinnacle 1 November 2008
The beauty of going to the Pilgrimage is finding out about newwalks. As it was a fairly simple off track walk I felt semi-confidentI could find my way to lead this walk with our club.
Springbrook Pinnacle
First some preliminaries: Weather-fine and warm; walk startedat: end of Austinville Road, about a 30 minute drive fromMudgeeraba. Start and Finish times: 7.45 to 13.30.
For those who hate getting out of the car and going straight up,this is not the walk for you. However, in saying that, after the 30-40 minute slog up the forestry track it is all easy going.
We followed a ridgeline characterised by vines, palms,epiphytes and large trees. A ten minute scramble to the top ofthe pinnacle provided 360 degree views of features such asBoyd's Bute, The Cougals and the magnificent Springbrookplateau.
Unfortunately it was not the place for a leisurely lunch as it wasexposed, hot, hazy and crowded. The predominant feature ofthis walk for me is the opportunity for great views of the GoldCoast hinterland. It's easy access and short distance makes it agood walk for those who like to be finished early. Margie
Horseshoe Falls 2 November 2008
The meeting place was at the Numinbah Valley School of Artsbuilding and ten members met there on a somewhat cloudy day.After telling all participants to be on time, I was the only one late,but luckily the group were in a forgiving mood. From there it wasjust a short drive to the start of the walk.
We began the walk along a dirt road and passed by an oldfarmhouse before reaching Waterfall Creek. From here weturned upstream towards the falls. There was an old road besidethe creek and this made the first part of this section relativelyeasy. However when the road turned away from the creek, weshifted into the creek bed and began our creek walk proper.
The stream here had a hard rock base with many rock pools andcascades along the way. At one stage the creek became a smallgorge and people had a choice of either doing some nimblegymnastics to get through the gorge or take an easier routehigher up on the slope. Everyone had their own preference andas we were not not in a hurry, there was time for everyone tochallenge themselves as much as they wanted.
Further up we scrambled up a small waterfall but finally wecame to a waterfall where it was not possible to proceed anyfurther. We backtracked down the creek a bit and then struggledup a steep slope to get above the falls. It was here that asurprise awaited most of the group.
Straddling Waterfall Creek
There was an old dilapidated farmhouse in much disrepairpresent at the top of the slope. The walls and floors of thebuilding were full of holes but there were signs of an old gardenand it had great views of Horseshoe Falls from the back.
The way upstream now was a mass of lantana as we tried to getback to the creek. We were eventually split up into 2 groups by astirred up colony of stinging ants. So while one group had lunchin the creek the other had to make do in the middle of thelantana.
The way back was very quick as there was an old dirt road fromthe old farmhouse which took us directly back to the cars. Thiswas fortunate as it began to drizzle on the way back.
Afternoon tea at Numinbah Valley finished the day well. Manythanks to all who came along on the walk. Richard
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Daves Creek Circuit 8 November 2008
After meeting up in Canungra, thirteen of us travelled up toBinna Burra to begin this 12.4km walk. The sky was a littleovercast but it was really a perfect day for walking.
Lookout at Daves Creek Circuit
This walk is one of my favourites and I was pleased to share itwith a couple of our members who were doing it for the firsttime. The highlights of this walk are -
The range of vegetation types.
Heathland with banksia, casuarina and melaleuca.
Views into Numinbah Valley and across to the Araucaria Circuit.
Scrambling up Surprise Rock and shimmying down the tree.
Finding the Bandi Bandi snake that is a resident of SurpriseRock.
Visiting the falls near the Nagarigoon clearing.
Thanks to all those who came on this walk and shared theexperience with me. A special thanks to the drivers. Patricia
Larapinta Trail July 2008
Part Three Ellery Creek to Standley Chasm
Monday 14 July Ellery Creek
Ellery Creek is assessable from the road so it is a big camp sitewith numerous BBQs, which was great as there was free gasand no worrying about running out, so plenty of hot drinks werehad by everyone. It has a large toilet block, and its roof iscovered in solar panels. They have spent lots of money torecycle water for the toilets which makes the flushing waterbrown.
We arrived about 1400 hrs and we set up our tents and pickedup our food drop. There were a lot of new goodies to be sortedthrough plus things we didn’t need were put back in the boxes tobe picked up in Alice Springs. I was finding my pack very heavy,so any clothes, sand pegs, toilet rolls were put in the box, butmy pack still remained heavy.
Before it got too cold we went for a walk along a new pavedarea to the Ellery Creek Waterhole which has plenty of cleanwater. it was just a little bit cold for a dip, but it was a verypicturesque area with a lifesaving tube just in case.
The camp filled up towards evening with people like us walkingto Alice Springs, people walking to Mt Sonder and caravans(Grey Nomads ) doing their thing. It was great talking to peoplefinding out what was in front of us, everyone cooking andstanding around fires. We had our singing duo serenading usand another young fellow playing the guitar.
Ellery Creek
Most nights we were in bed about 7.00 pm as it was too cold tostay up any longer. So after studying the night sky looking forsatellites we slid into our sleeping bags and read for a while.
Tuesday 15 July Ellery Creek - Rocky Gully (15.3km)
We got up at 0620 and had breakfast. It was 0.3 degrees and Ihad icicles on my tent, so holding on to a mug of coffee was theanswer.
Someone told us today would be a long hard slog and they werecorrect. Lots of ups and downs across a steep saddle along drycreek beds. It was very hard walking in the soft sand.
Arrived at Rocky Gully campsite which has no facilities apartfrom two water tanks which were closer to empty than full. It was24 degrees and the flies were up my nose, in my ears and tryingto get in my mouth. Frankly not much of a campsite with notmuch protection from the elements at all.
I got into trouble from Kerry as she had this gas canister next toher at Ellery Creek and she asked me if it was hers. I knewRichard wasn’t going to take his, so I just said yes. The canisterwas actually Richard's so she ended up carrying three gascanisters. She was not happy. Anyway Richard took it andcarried it from there.
Wednesday 16 July Rocky Gully - Hugh Gorge (15.9km)
Woke at 0630 but snuggled up for another 30 minutes beforestarting the daily packing up routine. Got away at 0810.
The trail was open rocky ground with the vegetationpredominantly shrubland. We arrived at Ghost Gum Flatcampsite which would have been a much nicer place to campwith the luxury of a table. You would have had to carry waterfrom Rocky Gully (8.7km) but worth it.
We had lunch at Hugh View which had great views of therugged orange bluffs along the Chewing Range and the biggash of Hugh Gorge. The trail was hard to follow as we gotcloser to the Gorge with lots of quartzite and rocks with highmica content which made it difficult to follow footprints.
Hugh Gorge campsite has one tank and an information shelter.If I thought Rocky Gully had flies, this was worse, much worse.The small waterhole near the campsite wasn’t that clean.
We went for a short walk up the gorge, finding more smallwaterholes, wattles, and other flowering scrubs. We saw ZebraFinches flying in flocks from tree to tree.
Thursday 17 July Hugh Gorge - Fringe Lily Creek (7.3km)
Left camp at 0810 carrying less food but at least six litres ofwater as no water at next campsite. I found I needed two litresfor drinking through the day ,three for night meal and a smallwash and one litre for breakfast.
I was dreading the walk today as rock hopping isn’t my thing, butbecause there is not much water in the river it wasn't such ahard walk. My shoulders hurt a little, then that went, then myback hurt a little, then that went, then my ankle said its time tohurt, then my knee said I want a say in all this. Apart from that,everything was good.
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We saw eagles soaring majestically along the upper ridges ofthe gorge as we followed Hugh Gorge with its beautiful red rocksand cycads growing out of the cliffs. As we were reaching thecamp site we saw a Euro climbing straight up the rocks with thestrongest tail I have ever seen on a kangaroo.
We arrived at Fringe Lily Creek at 1300 hrs. This is a prettycampsite at the beginning of another gorge, which we walkedup. Richard walked on and we sat and rested. He said he couldsee footprints and there were waterholes with clean water. If youkept going you would end up on the maintenance road whichgoes to Hugh Gorge, Birthday Waterhole and on to NamatjiraDrive.
Friday 18 July Fringe Lilly Creek - Birthday Waterhole (7.8km)
Up and off at 0800 straight up climbing steeply on loose stonesand dusty, loose soil. This was our first bit of exposure on thetrail, on Razorback Ridge, down to Spencers Gorge. A fantasticday climbing over big rocks, sliding down others. A slow day butwalking was not difficult, just finding a good route aroundboulders, which Richard managed without much trouble.
Razorback Ridge
The gorge changed into a creek bed, then into a scrubby flat,then a dry sandy creek, which was very difficult to walk on. Ourcampsite was a very sandy, dry area, with no water in thewaterhole, just holes where brumbies had dug looking for water.
This campsite has a water tank, which we made good use of.We did our washing and had a wash, then had our usual threeo’clock coffee, joined by the flies, who also wanted a drink.
We decided tomorrow would be a lazy day as no one wanted tosleep on Brinkleys Bluff because of the wind. So tomorrow wewould only walk to Stuarts Pass and start our ascent ofBrinkley's Bluff from there.
Saturday 19 July Birthday Waterhole - Stuarts Pass (4.7km)
At 11 o’clock we set off for Stuarts Pass carrying extra water aswe would not get any more until the next afternoon. We passeda dead bullock which had what looked like a pile of dried mowedlawn clippings where its intestines should have been.
We stopped off at Mint Bush Spring which is the only springwhere the animals could get water from and you could seewhere the brumbies had trampled the vegetation There wasactually mint growing on a little island in the middle of the hole.
When we arrived at Stuart's Pass there were other walkers whohad just made their way down from Brinkley's Bluff and werehaving a rest and lunch before going on to Birthday Waterhole.One guy said that it was the windiest night he had ever had so Iguess we were doing the right thing going up the next day.
We set our tents up and had lunch. Just on dusk we heard thebrumbies galloping past and ran out to see them disappearingtowards Mint Bush Spring. They looked like normal well fedhorses, although I'm not sure what they ate as there is not muchgrass around, but plenty of their dung, often in large piles alongthe trail.
Sunday 20 July Stuarts Pass - Standley Chasm (13 km)
Up early as we had a big day and on the trail at 7.30. Weclimbed, zigzagging up a cliff at the southern end of a saddleand then descending 80 metres to just above a creek junction atRocky Cleft where there was a dry waterfall. We then started ourfinal 200 metre climb zigzagging to the plateau of Brinkley'sBluff.
Brinkley's Bluff
We found a cairn with a book to sign to prove we made it. Thewind was cold and gusty, so, after we took photos, we found aplace out of the wind and marvelled at the view. All this red dirt,mountain ranges, dry creek beds showing up grey and noglimpse of the ocean on the horizon. The only green was thespinifex scattered on the hillside amongst the rocky out-crops.
Following the crest of the ridge we gradually descended. Therocks were like slate, sharp edges pushing out of the groundmaking us conscious of where we were putting our feet. Withoutwalking poles on this trip I don’t know how I would of made it. Iknow I would have fallen over a lot more than I did, and the helpthey gave me climbing was fantastic.
View from Brinkley's Bluff
Coming off both sides of the ridge were rugged mountain rangesand steep rocky valleys. We met two walkers going west andthey said they had had hot pies, cappuccinos and hot chips fortea at Standley Chasm. Our mouths were watering and our pacepicked up just thinking of these luxuries.
At 1430 after following a dry creek bed we reached ourdestination. We dropped our packs on a narrow strip of grassand went to pay for our camping site, pick up our food drop andhave a feed. We paid $3 for camping and $10 to go to theChasm.
We went for a walk first as we weren’t allowed to put our tentsup until the day visitors were gone .The Chasm had large rockyfloors and vertical walls which were illuminated red by the sun.The narrow strip of grass that we were to camp on was not verybig so it was good that we only shared it with one other walkerwho shared his tomato and capsicum sauce with me.
We stayed up late that night talking and watching the sky and Ithink I got too cold because I couldn’t warm up and I slept in mydown jacket and sleeping bag trying to warm up. Tomorrow wewere off to Jay Creek. (to be continued) Mary Sherlock
