Important dates 18 January 2012 Annual BBQ – Black Mountain Peninsular 25 January 2012 Committee meeting 25 January 2012 Submissions close for February it In this issue 2 President’s prattle 2 Walks waffle 2 Training trifles 3 Review: A pilgrimage in Spain 4 What a night! 4 Anniversary book 4 The real event 4 Orange hawkweed 5 Nattai Gorge 5 19th annual broom clearing exercise at Cotter Hut 5 Membership matters 6 Activity program 6 Wednesday walks 11 Bulletin Board 8 January ry 2012 Annu ual al B BBQ BQ – B Moun nta tain in P Pen e in insu s 5 Jan nua uary ry 2 201 012 2 Comm mmit itte tee e me meetin 5 Jan anu uary 2 2012 Su ub bmissions clos Fe Febr bruary it Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Volume: 47 Number: 11 December 2011 it it C o r r o b or e e F r o g Mitchell Plateau Mitchell Plateau Dunlop Grasslands Dunlop Grasslands Eldon Peak Eldon Peak The Heysen Trail The Heysen Trail Cape Leveque Cape Leveque
Transcript
Important dates
18 January 2012Annual BBQ – Black Mountain Peninsular
25 January 2012Committee meeting
25 January 2012Submissions close for February it
In this issue2 President’s prattle2 Walks waffl e2 Training trifl es3 Review: A pilgrimage in
Spain4 What a night!4 Anniversary book4 The real event4 Orange hawkweed5 Nattai Gorge5 19th annual broom
Page 2 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011
Corro
bore
e Fr
og
TThe program for December–February has a good variety of
trips. Some occur at the same time and a few people have commented in recent weeks that we have enough keen members at present to ensure that all of these trips go ahead.Housekeeping, short notice walks • There are ~110 people on the
distribution list at present. All members are welcome to be listed and new members are encouraged to be part of it too.
• Leaders of Short Notice Walks are requested to organise them as per usual: pre-documentation + risk form to and check-in with, the Assistant Walks Secretary, Keith. (remembering that these are for SAR, insurance and Club record purposes).
• Note that the defi nition of ‘Short notice’ is intended to cover walks not able to meet the it schedule. However, it is hoped that leaders continue to plan ahead and submit walks for the it Activity program since there are good reasons for sustaining both methods of advertising walks.
Who knows whether it’s going to be a wet or dry summer? So being mindful of safety in the bush, it is recommended that leaders check out their protocols for the worst case scenarios of both extremes. It is said that the regrowth due to a wet spring will make for a potentially bad fi re season in a month or two.So all the best to members for an enjoyable festive season and there’s plenty of opportunity to walk off all those extra calories taken in over the holiday period.In the meantime, good walking!
Rob Horsfi eldWalks Secretary
HHotter days are on the way. Plan your walks with the
weather in mind—rivers, high hil ls ( temperature decreases with increased altitude), shaded forest rather than treeless valleys. Swimming could be included. Consider starting earlier to avoid the heat of the day. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and collared shirt. Use sun screen. Ensure you and your party have adequate water. Schedule more drink breaks. Carry electrolyte replacement drink/powder. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and how to treat it. Postpone your trip if conditions are extreme.TipS of the month: An attack point is a feature that is relatively close to your target, but is more signifi cant and easier to fi nd. First navigate the easier leg to your attack point, then the short leg to your objective.When moving on a compass bearing a similar technique can be used if a more distant object (e.g. a prominent hill or saddle) is in the same direction. Look up and move towards the object, occasionally checking your direction using your compass.TipS question of the month: Do you think it would be generally easier to navigate up a flowing creek system, or down? What about a subdividing spur? Send your answers to [email protected] or ring 0417 436 877. Kudos to the first randomly selected correct answer received by the 4th Wednesday of the month, in categories ‘member < 5 years’ and ‘member > 5years’.Answer to last month’s question: Magnetic North is 13.5° East of Grid North in Namadgi National Park. In parts of SW WA, MN is West of GN and the grid-magnetic angle varies across Australia. Congrats to PS who submitted the correct answer.
John EvansTraining and Safety Offi cer
AAs another year draws to a close, we can be thankful for a suc-
cessful 2011 and should be looking forward to an even more successful 2012. Many thanks go to all those who contributed to a great 50th an-niversary year, with a good mix of walking and social events. Our core aim is to provide a varied and extensive bushwalking program. With the recent addition of six new leaders to add to the great work by current leaders we should be able to fi ll in those gaps in the program so that we have at least 1 day walk every Saturday and Sunday, and 1 overnight walk each weekend to go with the Tuesday and Wednesday day walks. Ideally we will have 2 walks each Saturday so we must not rest on our laurels but aim to recruit more lead-ers next year. There will also be many opportunities for fi rst time overnight walkers to give it a go during 2012.Doug Wright has raised the idea of having a meal at the Ming Restaurant 7–11 Botany Street, Phillip before each monthly meeting. Apparently these pre-meeting dinners were held in the past and Doug and a few others are revisiting the idea. So if you would like to join them please contact Doug ([email protected] or 6281 4148).It was pleasing to see the Canberra Bushwalking Club featured in the Annual Bushwalking Special issue of the Great Walks magazine. Thanks to Alison Milton for arranging this and for providing the content. As some of you already know, my return to bushwalking has been further delayed by a stress fracture in the distal shaft of the second metatarsal of the left foot (what the?). I have been advised that I can commence short bushwalks in February. With a couple of months of longer and harder walks I should regain my fi tness by the end of April. That will be a total of nine months to get back to where I was when I fractured my ankle (but who’s counting?).Please accept my best wishes for the festive season.
Phillip StarrPresident
Walks waffl e
Training trifl es
Cor
robo
ree
Frog
Cor
robo
ree
Frog
President’s prattle
Committee reports
Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011 – page 3
Corro
boree F
rog
way so there was more chance to engage with Spanish people. He likened this back country 8½ week walk to walking like an Australian swaggie 120–160 years ago.No camping facilities are available, so he stayed in austere refuges, which are clean, cheap and unisex, or in country pubs which, at $50 per night, cost a little more than refuges. He started by carrying a 20 kg pack, which included a sheet sleeping bag and a change of clothing including footwear, but soon managed to reduce this by 5 kg. He walked about 10 km each day at fi rst, but after getting used to carrying a pack, and remedying the cause of his blistered feet he increased this distance to as much as 30 km daily. He recommended taking rest days in small villages so as not to get exhausted visiting museums and the like.Walking a Camino is of ten monotonous, not scenic and hot: it’s a modern kind of religiosity providing an opportunity to fi nd yourself in your own way—a long meditation on the move, and he succeeded in finding a better balance in his life. We thank Tony for showing 150 of his evocative pictures and describing his experience.Should you want to know more, then read his book, Walking the Camino (Scribe 2007).
Cynthia Breheny
carried Galician scal-lop shells as proof of their journey. The scal-lop shell is now the symbol of the Camino de Santiago.At our November meeting, Tony Kevin gave a very professional presentation of his pilgrimage.Tony, who has lived in Canberra with his family since retiring from DFAT in 1997, walked a 1,200 km Camino p i lg r image rou te f rom The Alhambra in Granada in Spain during May, June & July 2006. He selected this route because not so many pilgrims walk this
Cor
robo
ree
Frog
CCamino de Santiago, also known in English as The Way
of St James, is a collection of old pilgrimage routes that cover Europe and which have Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in the north-west of Spain as their fi nal destination.For more than 1,000 years pilgrims have been walking to Santiago de Compostela where the apostle James is said to have been buried, and then a little further to Finisterre, which was thought to be the end of the world in medieval times. This was considered one of three pilgrimages in which all sins could be forgiven—the others being to Rome and to Jerusalem. In medieval times, on their return journeys from Finisterre, pilgrims
Review of general meeting talk
Photos by Cynthia Breheny
Photo by Tony Kevin
Photo by Tony Kevin
Page 4 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011
Corro
bore
e Fr
og
SStealing from the President’s summation at the November
General Meeting of the 50th Anniversary dinner, it really was ‘What a night’!Eight-fi ve members or ex-members booked to enjoy the ambience of a dinner at the Canberra Yacht Club Marquee in Yarralumla.The stunning, but simple and appropriate centrepieces were designed by Cynthia Breheny and set-up by her and a small team of enthusiastic helpers.The speeches were kept to a minimum with the President giving a short speech and then John Evans presenting the awards for the 50 peaks in 50 weeks competition. Not surprisingly, Phillip Starr had the highest number of points and had climbed the highest number of peaks (75). All this before he broke his ankle. No doubt he would have reached 100 peaks if this had not been so.The 50th anniversary book was ‘launched’ at this event with all participants receiving a copy of the book, whether they were current members or not.It would have been nice to allow a little more time for members to mix and chat with people whom they hadn’t seen for a long time, but as soon as the fi rst enthusiastic members hit the dance floor the music volume was raised and a few people decided it was time to leave.Nevertheless, the rest enjoyed a stint on the dance fl oor with even the older members getting up to ‘shake their thing’.While some had to leave early as they had a walk planned for the next day, the last revellers were reported to leave at around 11:40 pm.Feedback from participants has indicted that it really was a great night. Check out the web site for a few photos.I would like to thank all my Anniversary Committee members (plus a few other ring-ins) for all the hard work and effort they put in over the last year.
Alison Milton
Trip report
IIf you love bushwalking in the High Country and you are inter-
ested in lending your legs and eyes to a good cause then Project Offi cer, Jo Caldwell, could really do with some help over the next few months as she tries to map, track and de-molish a potential mega-menace in Kosciuszko National Park—Orange Hawkweed.
Hawkweed is an iridescent orange mountain daisy from Europe. It was fi rst found in Victoria at Falls Creek where it is believed to have escaped from a domestic garden. The only known populations of the weed in New South Wales are in Kosciuszko National Park. First discovered in 2003, it has been iden-tifi ed at 135 sites (with an extent of approximately 8200 ha) with the largest population covering an area measuring almost 300 metres by 100 metres.
Jo Caldwell is leading a campaign to fi nd the weed in the Jagungal Wilderness south of Cabramurra before it gets a real foothold. Seeds carried by the wind have made their way to remote locations that can only be reached on foot and spotting single plants from a chopper is close to impossible, so Jo needs people with stamina and good eyes.
She’s got eight surveys planned between December and February and all volunteers will be based at Khancoban where accommodation in your own room and food will be supplied for free.
Open this link to see an outstand-ing selection of images taken by Jo in the fi eld.: http://www.fl ickr.com/photos/nswnationalparks/sets/72157625773914379/
TThe long awaited 50th anniversary book was launched at the anniver-
sary dinner, with every attendee get-ting a copy. Over the next two weeks the rest of the copies were distributed by hand or through the mail. Howev-er, it seems some member’s details on the membership database are not up-to-date. This mainly applies to those who now receive an electronic copy of the newsletter, and despite an all members email some members may not have responded and consequently did not get their copy. Therefore if you don’t yet have your copy please send an email to the Editor at [email protected] efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the book, an unfortunate data glitch means that the most important information is incorrect. The table listing all past Presidents and Walks Secretaries in out of alignment for the fi rst few years. A replacement page is available from the Club’s web site if you don’t already have one (go to the Special events page to download the new page).Meg McKone has done many walks in the MacDonell Ranges in the Northern Territory and wrote a very comprehensive article on her experi-ences. However, the book had limited space and a restriction on words so could only contain a shortened version of her article. Her complete article is also available under the Special events page of the Club’s web site for those who are interested in the complete picture.
While 2011 has seen a number of ‘anniversary’ events, let
us remember that the Club was not offi cially formed until 1962.Alan Vidler led the ‘Bungonia revis-ited’ precursor walk in November (see story in February it), but the fi rst ‘offi cial’ CBC walk was led in February 1962.Alan will be leading a re-enactment of this walk on 4–5 February 2012.This walk is suitable for fi rst-time over-nighters, if you are fi t enough for the climb out. Contact Alan if you are interested.
hil 2011 h b
Cor
robo
ree
Frog
Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011 – page 5
Corro
boree F
rog
has proven very benefi cial in the fight to control this extremely invasive species. He also showed us the master record of each plot, and the annual totals of plants occurring and removed. Given the duration of the exercise, this information will be very useful when undertaking future research into control measures.
John ThwaiteBroom Project Co-ordinator
NNineteen years and still going strong! On 5 November the
Club held its annual broom clearing exercise at Cotter Hut.A total of 15 volunteers comprising regulars and some first timers, together with Namadgi Ranger, Ben Stevenson, spent the day removing and recording details of outbreaks of the invasive broom species.
Approximately 500 plants were removed from tagged plots and a number of new sites were also identified. Several plots had too many plants to remove by hand so these were recorded to enable follow-up spraying by parks staff.Ben told the volunteers that the work that the Club has undertaken
Cor
robo
ree
Frog
Trip report
JJeff Bennetts led 12 walkers from the Nattai Road W11E parking
area up to the Ahearn Lookout from which there was an extensive view of the Nattai River below. We retraced our steps for about 3 km to Starlights Trail and descended to the river whose waters were evidently not potable. We were therefore re-lieved to fi nd that Troys Creek, near our campsite at Mcarthurs Flat was fl owing. Platypuses skimmed the river as we watched its refl ections in the dusk.An old boiler and other industrial remains provided evidence of the past at Troys Creek. We then climbed steeply up a track parallel to this creek, with views of sandstone cliffs through the dense bush. A variety of wildfl owers brightened our way, until we reached the undulating Nattai Road W11E now closed to vehicles and motorbikes. One beady-eyed walker spotted an echidna hiding in a hollow tree.
In 1958, Fred Williams, the famous Australian artist, did an oil painting of the Nattai River, which was his fi rst work to be included in a public collection. It would be interesting to know where exactly he painted this work, if he painted it on the spot and, if he did, how he carried his almost 1 metre square board, easel and painting equipment there! We look forward to Jeff leading a walk to this area!
Cynthia Breheny
Cor
robo
ree
Frog
Membership matters
Please ensure that you keep the Membership Secretary informed of any changes to your email address.New members: Avi Aujayeb ,Sarah Balmanno, Michelle Burrows, Adam Fromholtz, Michelle White
Roger EdwardsMembership Secretary
Cor
robo
ree
Frog
Page 6 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011
Corro
bore
e Fr
og
Activity program
15–18 December: Endrick, Sturgiss, Haughton – M / R / partly XLeaving the cars at the Alum Fire Trail car park, in from Nerriga, we will wade the Endrick to Tea Tree Creek and then walk to Camping Rock Creek (this is mostly on fi re trail). Day 2: a scramble up Sturgiss and then across to camp near Hoddle and Haughton. Day 3 round to the west of Hoddle and along the base of the interesting cliff line of Foster Mountain to a camp in tall forest. On the last day across country with a short scramble to the top of Flat
Activity program
Equipment hireTake advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equip-ment. The Equipment Offi cer is Rob Horsfi eld, who can be contacted on 6231 4535(h) or to borrow the northside PLB, George Carter, 6251 2130The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are set out below. Hirers are responsible for col-lecting and returning the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for members who are ‘fi rst time’ weekend walkers.A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, depending on the condition of the items upon return and whether they are returned late.
Item w.e./weekOlympus two person tent $15 / $40Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $403 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25Assorted packs $5 / $15Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions)GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use)
Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting and returning gear.
Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program withRob Horsfi eld (Walks Secretary)
Distance and diffi cultyDistance: (S) Short - under 12km/day(M) Medium - 12-20km/day(L) Long - over 20km/dayNote: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres climbed.
Terrain:(E) Easy - fi retrail, tracks, beaches etc(M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub(R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles(W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings(X) Exploratory
BookingContact the leader early rather than late. Book by Thursday 2.00 pm for the following weekend (both one-day and multi-day walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport.Check with the leader about:
X the need to carry water, tents/fl y, maps, etc X appropriate clothing, footwear X any precautions you might need to take for severe weather changes.
Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to our Club.
TransportCosts are 40¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on the condition of the roads and other factors. The fi gures given are for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately.
Duty of careEvery person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or damage to property. Each person is required to sign the Club’s ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to join trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the Club after a maximum of three trips.
For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org
Check-in after walksBefore a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names of their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their safe return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Offi cer, Keith Thomas ([email protected], 6230 1081 leave message if no answer). The Check-in Offi cer or the Walks Secretary (6231 4535), not the Police or other bodies, should be the fi rst point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning.
Information for participants
Membership fees 2011/12
Item Single HouseholdHard copy it $46 $73Electronic it $27 $54
Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise stated
Wednesday walksMedium walks (M/M, M/M–R, L/E–M) are conducted every Wednesday. Walks are conducted in turn by leaders from the CBC, Brindabella Bushwalkers and National Parks Association (ACT). Details about des-tination and meeting place are emailed to those on the Wednesday Walkers emailing list. Contact Janet Edstein [email protected] to get your name on the emailing list. Janet coordinates the CBC’s contribution to these walks.
Activity program
Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011 – page 7
Corro
boree F
rog
500 m climb. Car camp based at Island Bend (pit toilet and a creek nearby; boil all water or bring your own). Optional: stay an extra night then join Jeff’s walk. Maps: Perisher, Geehi Dam, Kalkite Leader: Lois Padgham 6231 3060(h), 0402 962 638(m) [email protected] bookings close 2 pm 22 December or earlier if places fi ll. Transport: ~400 km return, ~$160 per car, ~$40–$60 per person, plus park entry. Limit: 12.
27 December–1 January: Easy day walks in the Snowy MountainsWe plan to stay at the self catering Southern Alps Lodge at Charlottes Pass and choose the trips to suit the weather. If you wish to join us for the whole time or just a few days please contact me as soon as possible so that I can ascertain if extra rooms are available. Map: Perisher Valley Leader: Doug Wright 6281 4148 Transport: $50 plus a Park entry fee. Accommodation: Single $47 Couple $80.
27 December–2 January: Ettrema – M/RThis seven day trip will visit some of the less travelled regions of the northern Ettrema area. The proposed route is Quiera Clearing–Transportation Spur–Ettrema Creek–Pint Annie Saddle–Cabbage Tree Creek–Ettrema Creek – side trip to Deception Canyon – Ettrema Creek – Transportation Spur – Quiera Clearing. Daily distances are short and there will be some time to sit around or swim. The actual route may be adjusted to suit the weather and party inclinations. If the weather forecast for this week is for extremely hot conditions the trip will be relocated to Genoa River. Maps: Touga, Caoura, Yalwal and Burrier Leaders: Keith Thomas and Irene Davies 6230 1081(h), [email protected] Transport: ~$130 per car Limit: 8
28–31 December: Upper Brogo Gorge – M, R/W/XI’m told the Club’s ‘tiger walkers’ of old did this as a standard 2-day trip, but to avoid any hurry along its 40 km let’s give it four. The spurs in and out of the gorge are at times steep (but spectacular) and the gorge might require a swim, but at the top we’ll cross the Tuross with just one step. If rain makes the gorge inadvisable we’ll go elsewhere. Maps: Puen Buen, Yowrie Leader: Rupert Barnett 6242 5241, [email protected] Transport: $150 per car. Limit: 6.
31 December–2 January: Gungartan and beyond – M–L/MA pack walk of about 45 km and estimated 1400 m total elevation gain with a mix of track, alpine and sub-alpine walking but possibly with a bit of scrub too. The planned route is Guthega Power Station – Disappointment Spur – Gungartan – The Kerries – Tin Hut – Big Brassy – Brassy Peak – Cup and Saucer Hill – Valentine Falls – Schlink Pass – West Aqueduct Track – Guthega Power Station. Fine views from the summits, interesting rock formations and alpine wildfl owers. The direction may be reversed if weather conditions are not optimal at the start. Optional: do Lois’s trip beforehand. Maps: Geehi Dam, Jagungal Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h), [email protected] Bookings close 2 pm 29 Dec (22 Dec if also going with Lois) or earlier if places fi ll. Transport: ~400 km return, ~$160 per car, ~$40–$50 per person, plus park entry. Limit: 12.
Top Mountain and then out by the Alum Fire Trail. Map: CMW The Northern Budawang Range. Leaders: Peter Conroy & Linda Groom 6281 4917, [email protected] Transport: ~$120 per car.
Sunday 18 December: Red Hill south – M/EEarly start and off the track by the middle of the day. Leader: Terence Uren, [email protected] Map: Canberra Transport: Drive yourself.
Sunday 18 December: Mt Eliza – S/MOne of the few ACT named peaks I have not been up (because it is a short walk). Propose to hike to top and then visit Gibraltar Peak and return to cars via Mushroom Rock. Two ascents of 200 and 100 metres, maybe 1 or 2 kilometres of scrub bashing. Probably home early afternoon. Map: Tidbinbilla Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 7863. [email protected] Transport: $28 per car. Limit: 8.
25 December: Christmas Day lunchDo come and join us for the Traditional Christmas Day lunch under magnifi cent trees on Springbank Island, Lake Burley Griffi n. Meet at 12 noon at the lakeside end of Lawson Circuit, Acton Peninsular (at the road entrance to the Australian Museum). Contact: Doug Wright 6281 4148 or Margaret Roseby 0428 142 733 should you want any further information and do let one of them know if you are thinking of joining the party particularly if you are able to provide a further boat or canoe which can be used to ferry people to the island.
27–28 (29) December: Snowy Mountains – M/MDrive to Perisher Tuesday 27 December. Walk (easy) in the Perisher – Guthega area where we will have BYO lunch. Then check in to Lake Jindabyne Hotel where we shall spend the next two nights, time for a swim in the indoor pool before evening BBQ overlooking Lake Jindabyne. Breakfast is included in the hotel tariff. BYO lunch for walk from Thredbo to Mount Crackenback (not using the chairlift) to Dead Horse Gap on the Wednesday. Catered evening group meal at the hotel. Check out by 10 am on Thursday for return to Canberra. Optional pub lunch at Bredbo. Map: Perisher Valley Leader: Tim Wright 6281 2275(h), 0409 847 534(m), [email protected] Transport: ~$50–$60 incl park entry. Accommodation: (approximate rates per person per night); single $95, double $47.50, twin $55/$40, triple $50/$40/$40 (configuration double and bunk beds, ensuite). Booking ASAP recommended to secure accommodation peak tourist season.
27–30 December: Kosciuszko National Park car camp – S/E, M/MVarious day walks in Kosciuszko National Park. Tue: Rainbow Lake walk (track to man-made lake built in early 1900s) 3 km, 109 m climb and/or Porcupine Track 5.6 km (track, button grass plains, snow gums and granite tors) 214 m climb; Wed: Mt Twynam (3rd highest peak in Australia; alpine walking, extensive views) from Guthega Village, 14.8 km 913 m climb; Thu: Rennix Walk (an old management trail across alpine fens, grassy plains and wooded forest from Rennix Gap to panoramic views from a granite outcrop) 12.8 km. Fri: Mt Tate from Guthega Village (mainly off track, via Guthega Trig, Consett Stephen Pass, Tate, Gills Knobs and the suspension Bridge over the Snowy River near Illawong Hut) 15 km
Page 8 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011
Corro
bore
e Fr
og
Activity programThursday evening, 5 January: Campbell Park
– S/EBe at t he northern end of the airport side of the Campbell Park offi ces car park at 6.30 pm. The walk follows the track along the eastern side of the Ainslie reserve toward Mt Majura then loops back. No need to book. Map: Canberra Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Saturday 7 January: Red Hill north – M/EEarly start and off the track by the middle of the day. Leader: Terence Uren, [email protected] Map: Canberra Transport: Drive yourself.
Sunday 8 January: Gudgenby River–Brandy Flat Hut Circuit – M/RXThis is a trip recommended by Paul Bowen. There are some good pools so bring your swimmers. Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Michelago Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: $60 per car; ~$15 per person.
Monday evening, 9 January: Kowen Forest – S/EGo down Sutton Road about 1½ km from its intersection with Pialligo Rd and Yass Rd to the Kowen Rd. Go down Kowen Rd until the junction where the road to Molonglo Gorge goes off to the right. There is a car park on the left. We will walk to the Blue Tiles recreation area on the Molonglo and back via a ridge with views. Start at 6.30 pm. Map: Sutton, Bungendore Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Wednesday 11 January: Wednesday Walk (CBC) – M/M–RLeader: Eric Pickering [email protected]
Thursday evening, 12 January: Mulligans Flat – S/EMeet at 6:30 pm in the main Mulligans Flat car park. Go down Horse Park Drive, turn into Francis Forde Boulevarde as per sign, then left into Amy Ackman Street, which will take you to the Mulligans Flat car park. Nice open bushland. No need to book. Map: TAMS: Mulligans Flat NR Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
(13) 14–15 January: The lost cairns of the Black Allan Line–East of Monument Track (KNP) – S/R, XDeparture Friday night, leaving Civic at 4:00 pm. This trip will take us into the Byadbo Wilderness. We’ll camp out Friday night along the way, then travel via 4WD along the Byadbo and Monument Track, stopping to see Cairn No 6, which is in original condition as described by Alexander Black in his Diary. Saturday involves a 12 km return trip with 400 m ascent to fi nd Cairns 6.2 and 6.3, while Sunday involves a 4 km return trip with 100 m ascent to locate Cairn 6.1 Map: Tombong 8624-S 1:50,000 Leader: Karen Cody 0447 268 628(m), [email protected] Transport: ~$200 per car. Limit: 8
Sunday 15 January: Mt Ragnun – M/MShhhh! I have disguised the name of the destination by reversing it. The rain nymphs send bad weather every time I program this walk, so I am trying to keep it secret. (Nymphs do Google searches too!) A walk just south of Tantalising Dam, in cool sub-alpine/montane valley country all above 1200 m. After a short car shuffl e we climb the 1710 m peak (steady 400 m ascent) to see good views across northern Kozziemosquito National Park. Then descend to Schopaddocks Hut and walk north to Circles Hut and the sinkholes of Golf Plain. 12 km and 450 m altitude gain. Map: Tantangara Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h) [email protected]. Transport: ~330 km return, ~$132 per car, ~$33–$44 per person. Limit: 12.
Monday evening, 16 January: Goorooyarroo Nature Park again – S/EMeet at 6:30 pm in the parking area on the northern side of Horse Park Drive about 1.5 km toward Gungahlin from its junction with the Federal Hwy (the Gungahlin exit). Will probably do Old Joe. No need to book. Map: TAMS: Goorooyarroo NR Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Thursday evening, 19 January: Mt Majura – S/EBe at the entrance to the park beside 39 Mackenzie St, Hackett, just north of the Grayson St intersection at 6:30 pm for a walk up Mt Majura. No need to book. Map: n/a Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Saturday 21 January: Jews Corner Circuit – M/M/WThis trip uses the river track from Kambah Pool, down-stream to Jews Corner for a swim then return directly via the open ground on the west side of the river. Map: ACT 1:100,000 Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: drive yourself to Kambah Pool.
21–22 January: Wog Wog – Many Rock Ribs – Corang Lagoon – S–M/E–MWalk about 10 km on track past Corang Peak and views of central Budawangs then about 1 km off track to swim, laze at Many Rock Ribs. Camp somewhere between there and Corang Lagoon about 1.5 km down river. More swimming, lazing at Lagoon. About 8–9 km on track back to cars. This trip has intermittently been a popular
Wednesday 18 January 2012, 6 pmMONTHLY ‘MEETING’
BYO BarbecueIf barbecues are disabled because of fi re danger, bring
a picnic tea and still enjoy the company of friends.
Black Mountain Peninsula(Follow the CBC signs on
Garryowen Drive)
b
Activity program
Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011 – page 9
Corro
boree F
rog
longish day trip, but it is too nice at this time of year to rush it that way. This would be a good opportunity for those interested in expanding their horizons by trying an easy traditional overnight walk. Feel free to discuss with the leader. Map: Corang Leader: Alan Vidler 6290 0490 [email protected] Transport: ~$100–$120 per car
Monday evening, 23 January: Yarramundi Peninsula – S/EMeet at 6:30 pm in the Black Mt Reserve car park which is accessed only from William Hovell Drive. Just follow the signs but, if going west (e.g. from Parkes Way or the Tuggeranong Parkway), you will need to do the u-turn west of the interchange but before you get to Bindubi St. We will wander through Black Mt Reserve, along the lake shore to the Peninsula before returning via the Himalayan Cedars and cork plantation. No need to book. Map: Canberra Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
(25)26–28 January: Genoa River – M/RA relatively easy four day walk to a section of the Genoa River that is not usually reached in a weekend. A pleasant river walk with lots of rock hopping and wet feet, but no compulsory swims. We leave the cars at the picnic area at GR152708 and walk south over the knoll between Mounts Wakefi eld and Merragunegin. When we hit the Genoa River we travel upstream along the Genoa River to Nungatta Creek and follow this eastwards through the range to pick up a fi re trail which we follow back to the cars. Maps: Yambulla and Nungatta Leaders: Rene Davies and Keith Thomas 6230 1081(h) or [email protected] Transport: ~$240/car Limit: 8.
26–29 January: Long weekend, Kowmung River – M/M–RA four day walk taking it easy on the beautiful Kowmung River. Drive to Kanangra Walls Thursday morning and descend to the river via Cambage Spire (some rock-scrambling on the spire). Fri and Sat walk a total of about 9 kms along a very scenic stretch of the Kowmung through Bulga Dennis Canyon (a gorge, not a narrow canyon) with plenty of time for swimming. On Sunday, climb out via Roots Ridge. Descent and ascent of ~800 m. Wear sandshoes or runners suitable for river crossings. Maps: Yerranderie and Kanangra Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902(h), [email protected] Transport: 500 kms, ~$50–$67. Limit: 8
(27), 28–29 January: Snowy Mts weekend – M/MDrive down Friday night and stay at the Southern Alps Ski Club Lodge at Charlottes Pass. The Saturday walk is Charlottes Pass to Dead Horse Gap via the Ramsheads
with two options, one mostly on track and the other mostly off. The two groups will meet for lunch at the Kosciuszko Lookout and go on together from there. A further walk, a loop from Thredbo to Dead Horse Gap via the Ramsheads will be undertaken by drivers and anyone else who wants to do it. Shared meal Sat night. Another shorter walk on Sunday, route to be decided. Map: Perisher Valley & Chimneys Ridge Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: ~$50–$60 incl park entry. Accommodation: single room – $110 for the weekend, double/twin – $71 for the weekend at last advice.
Saturday 28 January: Long Point–Shoalhaven River – M/E–MFrom Long Point Lookout near Marulan, we descend the track into the Shoalhaven Gorge late morning for an afternoon of exploring McCallums Flat, relaxation and swims. We will climb back out in the evening when it should be cooling down, so a late return to Canberra. About 8 km, with 500 m descent and alas the same up again. Map: Caoura. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899 [email protected] Transport: ~270 km return, ~$108 per car, ~$27–35 per person. Limit: 12.
Monday evening, 30 January: Gossan Hill – S/EMeet at 6:30 pm, park in the car park behind the old Aranda shops in Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda. We will cross over Belconnen Way, transit Gossan Hill, Bruce Ridge, Black Mt Reserve and back to the cars. No need to book. Map: TAMS: Gossan Hill NR Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Thursday evening, 2 February: Mulligans Flat – S/EMeet at 6:30 pm in the main Mulligans Flat car park. Go down Horse Park Drive, turn into Francis Forde Boulevarde as per sign, then left into Amy Ackman Street, which will take you to the Mulligans Flat car park. Nice open bushland. There are loads of walks in this area, we won’t duplicate the last one. No need to book. Map: TAMS: Mulligans Flat NR Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
4–5 February: Castle gourmet – M/RClimb the Castle Saturday for an evening in style, (x-course gourmet meal). Gentlemen should wear a bow-tie and ladies a suitable equivalent. Camp on top. Sunday will include a side trip to the view-point over-looking Castle Gap and Byangee Walls. If there’s time, afternoon tea at Braidwood. Map: Endrick Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: 340 km, $136 per car, $24 per person Limit: 12.
4–5 February: 50th anniversary re-enactment of 1st CBC walk – S–M/EThe fi rst walk undertaken after CBC was created took place on 3–4 February 1962. It was programmed as Upper Cotter–Bimberi, but the trip report produced afterwards makes it clear the walk more-or-less used the route and campsite outlined below, albeit following a cattle pad from Oldfi elds Hut as the Oldfi elds-Murrays Gap fi re trail did not exist then. Start at Gurrangorambla Creek, walk about 7 km and climb about 200 m on fi re trails to camp at a picturesque clearing about half way between
Submissions close for February it
25 January 2012
COMMITTEE MEETINGWednesday 25 January 2012, 8 pm
at the home of Stan Marks10/26 Springvale Drive, Hawker
Page 10 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011
Corro
bore
e Fr
og
Activity programOldfi elds Hut and Murray Gap. An optional 8 km round trip on tracks to the top of Bimberi, the ACT’s highest peak, towering 500 m above, can be undertaken either in the afternoon or the next morning. Expect clear mild days, great alpine scenery. The trip will be conducted at a pace to suit survivors of the original trip (Gösta hopes his hip has recovered…), though more energetic options are also available. Maps: Rendezvous Creek & Rules Point Leader: Alan Vidler 6290 0490, [email protected] Transport: ~$160 per car.
Monday evening, 6 February – Mt Ainslie east ridge – S/EMeet at 6:30 pm in the car park atop Mt Ainslie on the airport side then another route on and around the mountain. No need to book. Map: TAMS: Mt Ainslie NR Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Thursday evening, 9 February: Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve – Gooroo Hill – S/EMeet at 6:30 pm in the parking area on the northern side of Horse Park Drive about 1.5 km toward Gungahlin from its junction with the Federal Hwy (the Gungahlin exit). Will do Gooroo Hill. No need to book. Map: TAMS: Goorooyarroo NR Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Saturday 11 February: Honeysuckle Creek – Navigation exercise – S/MA training exercise in map and compass near Honeysuckle Creek, for prospective leaders and regular walkers who wish to learn how to navigate. Participants must bring their own map and compass. They must also purchase and read Finding Your Way In The Bush, obtainable from the Club (see web site), before the activity. Return to Canberra afterwards, or camp by the cars at Honeysuckle Creek and join the Legoland walk the next day. Map: Corin Dam. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h) [email protected]. Transport: ~80 km, ~$32 per car, $8–$10 per person (+ camp fee if staying overnight). Limit: 6 plus leader.
(optional 11) Sunday 12 February: Legoland – S/M–RA very short walk (fi nishing early afternoon) among the granite boulders of Legoland, Trojan Wall and Sentinel Rock on Orroral Ridge. All over 1200 m elevation, so cooler than Canberra. Some (straightforward) scrambling is involved over rocks, through tunnels and onto balco-nies with fi ne views. Come from Canberra on the day, or spend a pleasant Saturday night camping by the cars at Honeysuckle Creek with the navigators. Map: Corin Dam. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h) [email protected]. Transport: ~80 km, ~$32 per car, $8–10 per person (+ camp fee if staying the previous night). Limit: 16.
11–17 February 2012: Du Cane Range and Mt Olympus, Tasmania – M /R, W, XTwo connected walks: from the Overland Track a 4-day circuit along the lofty Du Cane Range and Mt Gould, then restock and continue south to Mt Olympus. The walk ranges from the intricate beauty of the tarns and pines of The Labyrinth, the spires of the knife-edged Geryon and Acropolis, to panoramas over half of Tasmania.
Much off track but (mostly) okay; a joint CBC/NPA trip. Leader: Rupert Barnett 6242 5241, [email protected] Limit: 6.
Monday evening, 13 February – Cooleman Ridge west – S/EMeet at the very end of Kathner St, Chapman for a walk along the ridge. No bookings, just turn up at 6:30 pm. Map: TAMS: Cooleman Ridge Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Thursday evening, 16 February – Bruce and O’Connor Ridges – S/EMeet at 6:30 pm in the the car park opposite 160 Dryandra St, O’Connor for a walk in these two pleasant areas. No need to book. Map: TAMS: Bruce Ridge NR Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: drive yourself
Saturday 18 February: Monga Forest – Painting and/or photography – S/EA short walk into Monga N.P. where soft light seeps into lush rainforest, inspiring your brushes and your cameras. Map: Monga Leader: Alison Milton 6254 0578(h), 6289 2717(w), [email protected] Transport: ~$88 per car, $22–$29 per person.
21–26 February: South Coast Track – Precipitous Bluff, Tasmania – M/R, W, XFrom the end of the road south of Hobart walk around the southern coast to New River Lagoon, then return over Precipitous Bluff and Pindars Peak to Lune River. A rewarding mix of coast and mountain; a joint CBC/NPA trip. Leader: Rupert Barnett 6242 5241, [email protected] Limit: 6.
(24) 25–26 February: Snowies 2 – M/M/XDrive down Friday night and stay at the Southern Alps Ski Club Lodge at Charlottes Pass. On Saturday, we do our main walk. At this stage, I am thinking of offering two walks, one to Mt Townsend (22 km, 550 m climb and 7 hrs walking), if I can fi nd someone who wants to lead it, and the other to Twynam and Guthega (car shuf-fl e, estimated 14 km, 400 m climb and 5½ hrs walking). Both are a mixture of on and off track. Brilliant rewards for the effort in both cases. On Sunday, a shorter walk, route to be advised. Map: Perisher Valley. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: ~$50–$60 incl park entry. Accommodation: single room – $116 per person for the weekend, double/twin – $75 per person ($150 for the room) for the weekend.
24–27 February: Holland Gorge, Angel Falls, Monolith Valley – M/RThis is a repeat of an enjoyable past trip, starting and fi nishing at Yadboro. Map: Endrick Leader: Jenny Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: 340 km, $136 per car, $24 per person.
25–26 February: Lolling at the Lagoon and Cruising on the Cascades – S/E–MA relaxed pack walk of 14 km return on a good track from Wog Wog (some undulations, no large climbs) to a campsite near the Corang River Lagoon and Cascades. (There is an alternative campsite 1 km further on if the main one is occupied.) Opportunities for swimming
Bulletin board
Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2011 – page 11
Corro
boree F
rog
and exploring the Cascades (off track) on the Saturday afternoon; return to cars Sunday morning before the day gets too hot. Maps: Corang or CMW Budawangs. Leader: Linda Stone 0403 321 129 [email protected] . Transport: ~270 km, ~$108 per car, ~$27–$36 per person. Limit: 12.
2–11 March: Pine Valley and Maria Island, Tasmania – M/MThis two part trip will begin with a walk into Pine Valley Hut and two full days to explore The Parthenon and The Labyrinth. Following this we return to Hobart for a night before heading to Triabunna and the afternoon ferry to Darlington on the Northern end of Maria. Next day we set off to explore the island, setting up camp at Frenchs Farm and doing side trips to points of interest such as Robeys Farm, Haunted Bay and Encampment Cove. Toward the end of the trip we return to Darlington for visits to Fossil Cliffs and Bishop and Clerk before returning to Hobart via Triabunna. Maps include Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park 1:100,000; Maria Island National Park 1:50,000. Leader: Mark Hopkins 6282 8481, [email protected]. Transport: TBA. A National Parks pass will cost $30 per person. Limit: 6
10–12 March (Canberra Day LWE): Kanangra car camp – M/E–MKanangra Walls is an isolated sandstone plateau in the southern Blue Mts not far from Oberon, with magnifi cent views. We will camp beside the cars at Boyd Crossing both nights. Saturday – Box Creek or Morong Falls (west of the sandstone, in granite), S/M and S/R options; Sunday – Crafts Wall (a smaller plateau, beyond the end of Kanangra Walls) M/M and M/M–R options; Monday – Coal Seam Cave and Cottage Rock (S/E–M) or Wallaby Pass and Mt Bulgin (S/R). Maps: Shooters Hill, Kanangra & Yerranderie. Leaders: Stan Marks & Jeff Bennetts, bookings to Jeff 6231 5899(h), [email protected] Transport: ~$70 (based on 3 per car), plus park entry if the voucher machines are operational. Limit: 16
Mid-August: West MacDonnell National Park – M/RA nine day off-track walk, either Plan A or Plan B, depending on how much rain falls between now and the trip. The trip will be run jointly with Coast and Mountain Walkers of NSW. Expressions of interest by end of January. Plan A (lots of rain): Ormiston Gorge, Bowmans Gap, climb the mountain which forms the north side of the Gorge. Explore the Woolshed Yard area, access the Red Wall from its north-fl owing creek. Climb Peak 1307 metres on the NE corner of Ormiston Pound, camp on its southern side. Climb Mt Giles (via Bass Ridge?) and camp on top. Return either to Ormiston Gorge across the Pound, or the Ochre Pits via Giles Yard Springs. Plan B (limited rain): Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ellery Ck gap in the Chewings Range, explore the gorges west along the southern side of the Range. Cross the Range to Portals campsite, walk east to cross Ellery Creek, camp at Trident Gorge on the north side of the Range. Climb to the tops, walk west for a bit, descend and return to the Big Hole. Maps: West MacDonnell NP Maps 1&2. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902(h), [email protected] Transport: $100+ for bus from Alice Springs. Limit: 8
Bulletin BoardThe Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if peo-ple participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance.
Notices for the Bulletin board should be emailed to the Walks Secretary: [email protected]
Gear for sale?– place an ad!If you have any old equipment you no longer want, why not place an ad here to either sell or give it away. Please include personal contact details and ask-ing price.
Interested in these extended walks?I would like to hear from Club members who would be interested in joining some CBC walks that I would like to lead in 2012 and further into the future. Their timing would be fl exible to suit the participants. The walks I have in mind include – Mittagong to Katoomba. The Green Gully Track in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park (NSW), The Great North Walk (Sydney to Newcas-tle), The Carnarvon Great Walk in Queensland and coastal walking around Sydney. Contact – Lorraine Tomlins, ph 6248 0456 or [email protected]
Thermarest “Neoair” Medium – For Sale – $170This is a lightweight new style of camping mat. It is 195 cm long, weighs 404 gm and has a volume of about 1 litre when packed. It comes with a stuff sac and has not been used (I have been using a shorter one). Contact – Lorraine Tomlins, 6248 0456, [email protected]
Canadian fi breglass touring canoe – For sale – $275 ONOThere are also with two paddles available. Contact Ann Villers, 6254 5023.
Past and current members enjoy the ambiance of the 50th Anniversary Dinner
POSTAGEPAID
AUSTRALIA
If undeliverable return toGPO Box 160,
Canberra ACT 2601
Print Post Approved
PP248831/00047
Dec 11
itPRINTPOST
PP 248831/0047
Cor
robo
ree
Frog
CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB
Have your contact details changed recently?Have you notifi ed the Membership Secretary?
