APRIL 2004 1045 Victoria Rd West Ryde 9858 5844
Come in and see one of the best lightweight and roomy bush walking tents currently available. It sleeps 3 and weighs in at only 2340 grams complete (with the mesh inner tent and pegs.) Or just 1260 grams fly, pole and pegs.
Zin, AS, Pu *
if
ed ~~ _
~y i - - T FA
USES . 3 or 4 season hiking or backpacking, winter camping, mountaineering Price: $ 599.00 WEIGHT
800 g canopy + 370 g pole + 90 pegs and sack DESCRIPTION This 4-season, extremely versatile, roomy 3-person, canopy-style shelter is bound to be- come your favourite all-year home-away-from-home. Unlike a tent, which essentially
HEX 3 FLOOR Only
Price: $ 169.00 WEIGHT
620 g
hers
DESCRIPTION
Perfect for those who want a waterproof floor, but don't need full bug protection. FEATURES
- e@ Clips into Hex 3 canopy at 6 cor-
e Abrasion resistant Cordura centre
pole patch e 6000 mm waterproof floor e 4-inch bathtub design
HEX 3 NEST (No pole)
FEATURES
Price: $259.00 WEIGHT
1080 g net + 90 pegs (Gif you already have the shelter then you wont need to take 2 lots of pegs and keep the weight down)
DESCRIPTION
The perfect companion to the Hex 3 shelter when you're heading into mosquito or insect-laden adventures. Can be pitched separately when desert camping.
e No-see-um mesh canopy e Full length 2-way C-shaped door zipper Foam cone pole seat at apex Pole Only Pole Only e Abrasion resistant Cordura centre pole patch e 6000 mm waterproof floor e 4-inch bathtub design Pole Only e Stow sack Price: $85.00
Weight 370
GOLITE HEX 3 or 4 SEASON SHELTER
requires you to use poles, inner tent with floor and fly whenever you pitch it, the Hex 3 is a component system: You can use just the canopy with or without a floor, or just the bug net inner tent, or the canopy with the bug net. And you can pitch the Hex (canopy or Nest) over a paddle on a canoe trip, or over a ski pole on a ski-tour. Or hang the canopy via its top loop from a branch or a line sus- pended between trees. You can dig a snow pit under it and increase the amount of usable space; you can pitch it over rocks; and you can put it up quickly by yourself in the nas- tiest weather. How's that for versatility.
Dual roof vents provide excellent air flow, and the sup- plied extra guy lines can be used to pitch the leeward side (the side facing away from the wind)-well off the ground to increase ventilation. SiLite construction and the six- sided shape with extra stake-outs midway along each side add up to an incredibly wind-stable, weatherproof shelter. Functional details include reflective, adjustable guy points: the adjustability ensures a good, taut pitch, while the reflective strips simplify pitching the Hex in the dark (and mean that it's much easier to find your Hex when re- tuming to camp after dusk - and less likely that you'll trip over a comer once you have…)
Available in Sun for people who want to be seen, and For- est for those who don't.
For even more versatility, there will be a new trekking pole extender that will enable you to leave the Hex 3 pole at home and use any standard trekking pole to pitch the Hex 3! Available soon
FEATURES
e SilLite silicone-impregnated rip stop nylon
e Hexagonal shape sheds elements superbly
Adjustable aluminium centre pole (also available as a separate item)
Top loop
2 large roof vents
2-way door zipper
Reflective adjustable stake out loops
9 Y-stakes
Floorless design
4-season palace for 2 or home for 3 Stake sack, SilLite stow sack included
THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is the monthly bulletin of matters of interest to members of
The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc
PO Box 431 Milsons Point 1565. Editor: Bill Holland Production Manager: Frances Holland Printers: Kenn Clacher, Barrie Murdoch,
Tom Wenman Don Brooks Fran Holland
a Highlights fom the Social 1 . Programme:
Wed 5“ Navigation Training Evening
This is the 2” in the series of training nights, presented by Mark Dabbs and _ especially formulated for our people. Prospectives and Members are all welcome. BYO Cowan 1:25,000 map.
15th /16th Coolana Training Weekend
Ideal for new members. Practical training in navigation, first aid and bushcraft at Coolana in the beautiful Kangaroo Valley
Wed 19th Trivia Night!
Come along & be part of an SBW team to compete against others - Details see Page 3. Venue: C-Lounge Bistro, 287 Military Rd Cremorne
Vale - Bob Duncan
It is with great regret that we report that Bob Duncan died suddenly on 19“ April - aged 74 years. He collapsed whilst walking in the Bungle Bungle Ranges in Western Australia.
Bob was an active member of Sydney Bush Walkers for fifty years and will be greatly missed by his many friends.
Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife, Rosslyn and family members
APRIL
2004
Issue No. 833
Summary of Contents:
1.
Aw wo N
10.
11.
12-16
17.
17
18.
Index and Notices Presidents Report: Treasurers Report: Editors Note:
Letter to The Editor: A letter from Gretel Woodward
The 2004 Annual General Meeting Barry Wallace tells of our recent AGM
The Annual Reunion At Coolana Report of a very successful reunion
Collating We Will Go As sung at the Annual Reunion
Update on Forest Clearing David Trinder follows up state by state on his earlier article
News From Coolana Don Finch on the latest happenings at our bushland property
Change And The Walks Programme Peter Love outlines a new approach to grading walks
The Walks Pages:
Barry's notes and a detailed report on walking in Croajingolong and Nadgee areas and a day walk with a difference.
Of Interest to New Members: Hello from Grace Martinez
Rocky Mountain High lan Wolfe promotes a coming walk in USA
Social Notes: Caro Ryan Caro has organised a great programme for May
ADVERTISERS:
Alpsport
Front cover
Eastwood Camping 9
Paddy Pallin
Back cover
Wilderness Transit 5 Willis's Walkabouts 7
The Sydney Bushwatker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. [ Page 2
T he Sydney Bushwalker
April 2004 |
The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. Our Club was formed in 1927 for the purpose of bringing bushwalkers together; enabling them to appreciate the great outdoors; establishing a regard for conservation and promoting social activities. The Club's main activity is bushwalking but includes other activities such as cycling, canoeing and social events. Our Walks Programme (published quarterly) features day walks on most Saturdays and Sundays, some mid week walks and overnight weekend walks. Extended walks are organised in areas such as Lamington, Snowy Mountains etc as well as interstate. Our meetings are held on Wednesday evenings (sce Social Programme) at Kirnbilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome. General Enquiries: Phone 0500 500 729
SBW Website www.sbw.org.au Office Bearers
President: Maurice Smith
Vice-President: Rosemary MacDougal
Treasurer: Tony Marshall ~
Secretary: Leigh McClintock
Walks Secretary: Peter Love
Social Secretary Caro Ryan
Membership Secretary Ron Watters
New Members Secretary: Grace Martinez
Conservation Secretary: Pamela Irving Magazine Editor: Bill Holland Committee Member: Barry Wallace Heike Krausse Delegates to Confederation: Jim Callaway - vacant -
Contact The Committee:
Members are welcome to contact the following officers with questions on Club management and other matters.
President - Maurice Smith
9587 6325 (h) mauricethewalker@ihug.com.au Treasurer Tony Marshall 9713 6985 (h) thuilder@bigpond.net.au Members Secretary: Ron Watters
0419 617491 wattersr@bigpond net.au
Vice President: Rosemary MacDougal 9587 8912 rmacdougal@bigpond.com
New Members Secretary. Grace Martinez 0405 473 029 (m) gracie_mar@yahoo.com.au
Presidents Report:
At the March 2004 Annual General Meeting three committee members elected in 2003 (and in prior years as well) decided not to make themselves available for committee membership in 2004. Therefore, one of my first acts as President must be thank those members for their years of service on the committee. Those retiring committee members are Wilf Hilder, Pam Morrison and David Trinder. Although they will be sorely missed we have other equally dedicated club members to take their places. So once again, on behalf of all the club members I extend a big thank you to the retiring committee members.
On the evening of Saturday 13” March in a brief ceremony at Coolana, the clubs lovely property in the Kangaroo Valley, I was inducted as President of the club. While at Coolana I was impressed by the dedication of the Coolana maintenance team who are spending so much of their free time in tackling the many problems with the weeds on the river flats. The current programme of planting 300 young trees, along with the necessary tree guards to protect the young trees from hungry wombats and wallabies is funded by a grant from the Sydney Catchment Authority. It is anticipated that these trees will in due course aid in controlling the weeds by reducing the amount of light reaching the seeds dropped by the previous generations of weeds.
Among the work commenced by the previous committee is the introduction of a new style of walks grading. This walks grading system will be trialled with the Winter Walks Programme. The aim of the new system is to provide more specific information to members who are interested in undertaking walks.
The club has also purchased a data projector for use in the club room. This projector will certainly make our slide nights really spectacular. If you are not in the know, a data projector is attached to a computer and will show any image that is stored on computer. So for those of you who have a digital camera or have had older photos scanned and stored on disk, this projector will make those slide presentations really worthwhile.
Thats it from me for the moment, but I could rattle on for hours about lots of topics. Remember, though, we are heading into our prime bushwalking season, so get out into the bush and I hope to meet you on a club walk in the near future.
Maurice Smith The Sydney Bushwalker
April 2004 Page3 |
Treasurers Report - March
Behold my first Treasurers Report. Well at
= least my first report for twenty five years. Not much seems to have changed.
Set out below are the figures for March 2004.
Bank Balance Ist March $ 2.441 Income Received
Interest Income 175 Membership fees 708 Total Receipts 883 Expenses Paid
Magazine materials 35 Magazine postage 398 Coolana plants 337 Postage 90 PO Box rental 248 Annual Report 148 Other 97 Total payments 1,353 Bank Balance 31* March $1,972 Tony Marshall
Annual Subscriptions Now Due* SBW Annual Subscriptions for 2004-are:
Single Membeiship So 4500 Househoid membership. = $73-00 Non Active Meimbetship “= $2000. Non Active + Magazine _ _ 934-00 | Magazine oy =. $20-00
A payments ship has ben mailed to yor. Please yetum
this with your clique. . * These subscriptions do not apply t to Proipeitve Members: , ;
Wednesday 19 May 7.30 pm
Trivia Night
Editors Note: = Back from holidays to a rather rushed April issue but the contributions from members remain at
a high standard so the task was not too difficult.
The featured walk this month has been submitted by Tony Holgate and Greta James. It covers the walk on the South Coast over the Christmas period. It is significant that this report was the only walks report (long or short) submitted to the magazine over the past month. Barry Wallace also had trouble completing his walk notes to due to either late submissions or absence of reports.
There was a time in when reports of interesting walks were viewed as the best means of attracting new members on weekend walks. The reporting session in the Club rooms were informative and entertaining; although the latter tended to be absent in more recent times. Now, in absence of general meetings, reports in this magazine become the only means by which leaders can tell other members about their favourite walks.
So how about more walks reports ! Short or long. Day, weekend or extended walks. Past or proposed. All welcome.
As noted last month I was re-elected as Editor for the current year. I am looking forward to the coming months and would like to receive your suggestions for changes/enhancements to the magazine.
Bill Holland
C-Lounge Bistro 287 Military Road, Cremorne (just along from Cremorne Orpheum on the opposite side)
FREE !!
Come along and match intellects against other teams.
Prove that Bushwalkers are an intelligent bunch!
Dinner and drinks are available to purchase whilst trivia is on.
RSVP ESSENTIAL to Caro by Monday 17 May on 0412 304 071 or social@sbw.org.au
Page 4 T he Sydney Bushwalker April 2004 Letter to the Editor Why Do We Own And Maintain past 30 years has been a waste.
Coolana?
At the Annual General Meeting of Sydney Bush Walkers held on the 10 March 2004, five motions were put and carned with a resounding majority vote. Four of these motions were in connection with Coolana and the other motion was regarding our shareholding in Natural Areas Ltd. The acceptance of all the motions means that the members of Sydney Bush Walkers still wish to continue with the commitment in our SBW Constitution To establish a definite regard for the welfare and preservation of the wild life and natural beauty of this country. We are the only Bushwalking Club in NSW who are privileged and able to carry out our conservation values on our own bushland property Coolana which is of course also a Wildlife Refuge.
Therefore I was quite surprised at the arguments against the Coolana motions which indicated the them and us attitude that seems to be part of the culture of SBW. We are all owners of Coolana not just the few volunteers who do their best to maintain the property for the present and future members, who are or will be, fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the pleasures of owning this unique riverfront property some two hours drive from Sydney. To belong to this very privileged group of bushwalkers we have all this and more included in our membership for a mere $2 extra per member per year.
I was surprised that some members thought that $2 per year was an exorbitant amount to be set aside in the budget to assist in funding the expenses to maintain our bushland property. Our volunteers have been paying some of the maintenance money out of their own pockets for years, to help the club keep down the expenses, but unfortunately are no longer able to continue this practice due to limited incomes. I would have thought it would have been much nicer for a member of the club to stand up and thank the present and past Coolana committees for their untiring efforts and financial contributions over the years and for obtaining the grant of $4,500 from Sydney Catchment Authority which enabled the club to improve the property for future generations and preserve its natural beauty. I might also add that as we had limited experience in obtaining financial grants and therefore had to spend many leisure hours doing the research etc., to ensure that the club had a very good chance of obtaining this substantial grant. I feel sorry that some members feel that all the time and effort at Coolana over the
Personally, the reason that I do the bush regeneration (not only at Coolana) is to put something back - instead of taking, because the future is unsustainable if we dont make some attempt to repair the damage we all cause. I personally have better things to do with my remaining years than weeding etc. but am happy to contribute my time and effort for the future at Coolana and elsewhere in the hope that my small efforts and the efforts of other volunteers who want to contnbute to a sustainable future. It is highly unlikely that when the trees we are planting now, start to mature in about 30 years that I will see them but I hope that the next generation may appreciate the efforts made by all the previous generations of our clubs volunteers.
Bush regeneration at Coolana is only a small part that our members can play in helping to preserve our beautiful country but the efforts of all small groups collectively can make a big difference particularly for bushwalkers who are one of the main groups which benefit directly every time they go for a bushwalk and will see where lots of bush regeneration groups are working or have worked. Every tume someone who cares goes into a National Park, a park, a reserve etc. and regenerates the bush the bushwalking fraternity is a direct benefactor of their efforts. Next time you go on a bushwalk think about the beauty of the bush where you are and appreciate our unique bush land and the efforts of the people who care for the future of our unique Australian bushland especially at our own Coolana property.
Gretel Woodward
Change of Date
The “Great River Walk” - Stage 18 scheduled for April 4th was cancelled due to weather and will now be walked on May 2nd. The final stage will now be scheduled for June 6th in the Winter Walks Programme.
Roger Treagus
For Sale: I have decided to retire from snow camping so I have the following equipment for sale. J&H Winterlite sleeping bag 900grams down
filled $290
MSR International stove with 2 fuel bottles and stainless steel cook set $150 Aluminium snow shovel $50
John Bowers Tel. 95591434 or email Jsbowers@dodo.com.au
The Sydney Bushwalker April 2004 Page 5 |
The 2004 Annual General Meeting
The meeting began at around 2005 with president Rosemary in the chair and around 40 members present. Apologies were tendered for Spiro Hajinakitas, Joan Rigby, George and Helen Gray and Robin Plumb.
The minutes of the
previous Annual General Meeting were read and ~
accepted as a true and correct record. There were no matters arising from these minutes.
Correspondence was comprised of a letter from members Neville and Leslie Page of Gundaroo and two letters from Confederation, one of which conveyed a questionnaire on insurance matters. There was also a letter from our landlords, Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, notifying us of a significant increase in room use fees. The same letter also revealed that we have been incorrectly levied a charge for the provision of Public Liability Insurance cover in our previous payments to the centre. This latter item will be the subject of a claim for repayment of the overcharged amount. The Hon Auditor had also written us two letters, one confirming that the annual accounts have passed auditing and the other congratulating the (retiring) Treasurer on the state of the accounts. There was one outgoing letter, to Neville and Leslie Page reassuring them of the intention of accounting treatment of donations to the fund for Coolana.
The annual reports were taken as read and accepted. The treasurer presented the annual accounts and these were taken as read and accepted.
The election of office bearers was next. We elected two scrutineers, passed two procedural motions to permit the business of the meeting to proceed concurrently with the elections and to establish the counting methods for the various possible combinations of positions, and were away at a gallop. The results will have appeared last month courtesy of the wakefulness of the editor.
The items from the agenda were also dealt with, producing the following results. The motion that the club donate its shares in Natural Areas Ltd to NPA was passed. The motion that the principal of the Coolana fund be not used to pay the costs of SBW Inc attracted numerous questions, comments and one short lived amendment but was eventually passed as moved. The motion to the effect that annual interest eared by the principal of the Coolana fund be used only to assist payment of Coolana
rates and maintenance costs in that year and any unspent surplus be added to the principal of the fund was passed. The motion that the Treasurer and Committee assign an annual budget to the Coolana Maintenance Committee for maintenance costs was also passed. After somewhat more debate and questioning the motion that the Coolana funds be reimbursed from general funds for the principal expended during 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 was passed.
The annual subscription rates for the coming year were discussed and determined. Notice of the rates will have already appeared in this journal.
There was no general business when the call came, but just after, or perhaps in the middle of, the announcements Patrick indicated he wanted to move a motion to require that a financial record of Coolana appear in each annual report. The chair refused to accept the motion.
A vote of thanks to the Hon. Auditor and the Hon. Solicitor was moved and passed by acclamation.
From there it was a simple matter of passing by acclamation a vote of thanks to the outgoing office holders and the meeting closed at 2205 Barry Wallace
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Page 6 T he Sydney Bushwalker April 2004
The 2004Annual Reunion and Club Celebration At Coolana
About SO people , including 10 children enjoyed a great weekend at Coolana. We arrived on Friday to join others who had arrived on Thursday. It was a very pleasant campfire for about a dozen people that night after we spent the day in tree planting and weed mowing in preparation for the expected crowd.
The promise of fine weather in Sydney had withered away to occasional showers but all was fine in Kangaroo Valley and remained so for the weekend. Many more arrived and we settled in to the usual Celebration weekend - happy hour under the large tarpaulin about 4 pm merged into dinner for some until out Master of Ceremonies Patrick James called us to the large bon-fire with let the celebrations begin.
Don Matthews, Patrick James, Bob Duncan, Tom Wenman, Bob Hodgson and others entertained us with the Collating We Will Go song (see next page) the SBW classic Doctor Dot and other skits. Songs and rhymes were followed by the inauguration of the new SBW President. The line up of past Presidents was very impressive as Maurice Smith received the traditional badges of office. Then, more music, more laughter until Spiros supper was served. Afterwards some went back to the fire for quiet music and reminiscing whilst others just retired to bed.
Sunday was fine weather with the bonfire reduced to some glowing logs and a bed of coals quite suitable for the damper competition. Frank Rigby led a group to explore the wonders of the Scenic circuit whilst your scribe packed his tent and left for home to prepare for an overseas trip next day. Bill Holland
The Sydney Bushwalker
April
2004 Page7 |
Oh, we put together the magazine We do it with a will
It started back in 31
In days of ink and quill
We are the latest of all those Collating down the years
The tireless volunteers of yore Deserve three hearty cheers!
We represent the current crowd We act on their behalf
They couldnt all be here tonight To sing and dance and laugh Our average age is sixty eight And as is clearly shows, Collating is a healthy sport
That keeps us on our toes.
It starts off with the Editor Computer bound for days Arranging contributions
In a dozen different ways.
With here and there a photograph To catch the readers eye
And hints about the walking game The what, the where, the why.
The printers then take up the task Kenn, Barry, Don and Tom -
As Fran has read the proofs they can Proceed with due aplomb
From The Coolana Celebration Tune:
The Lincolnshire Poacher
There 's Alex whos the host for this Benignly making sure -
That everything's in order
And not jumbled on the floor.
Then over to the Hollands place Eleven k away
The boxes go in readiness
For the next collating day
The cooks prepare their favourite dish And what they have in store
Is quite the highlight of the month We'll line up twice for more.
The day has come, were keen to start Oh yes, indeed we are
Weve come by train or bicycle
By omnibus or car
The cooks are in the kitchen
Doing what they like to do
And others go to check the wine
For thats important too.
Six thousand sheets of paper lie
In bundles here and there
And round and round we promenade Until the tables bare.
And all the while the staplers
Pin the bundled pages tight
Whilst others start to fold and press As day turns into night.
Collating We Will Go
$4
The sticky tape is then put on
The labels we apply
Theyre self adhesive, just as well Or wed be awf'ly dry
Delivery is Postage Paid
There are no stamps to lick
But still we have a thirst -
Which we'll quench in half a tick
The gong is donged the suppers ready Fragrance fills the air
Out plates are nicely laden
But we still some room to spare
For who knows what delights
The second course may bring along Our just desserts are waiting Hallelujah! Sound the gong.
The conversations flowing
We enjoy ourselves we do
We make a speech, we drink a toast We tell a joke or two.
Its lots of fun, Im sure you'd find Were you to come to see
A night to be remembered
And its absolutely free
Freddo of Frog Hollow
{a very special place]
No one knows it better,
Check out our website or ask for our brochure.
We've been walking there jor 29 years. We know where the art sites are. We know where the best pools are.
We know the best bushwalking routes. Came with us and you'll be sure that you are doing the best ocssible waik in whichever part of the park you choose. Every night you can relax by the fire while we prepare you a three course
meal. What more could you ask of a holiday?
Phe
Wiillis's Walkabouts 42 Carrington St Milner NT 0810 Email: wai
ax |
kabout@ais.net.au
| Page 8
T he Sydney Bushwalker
April 2004
An Update on Forest Clearing
I have reported in the past that in the broad scale of time forest clearing in Australia is a serious threat to biodiversity but that is on the wane and in the foreseeable future will be overcome. Here is the state of play in three problem areas. Queensland: The Queensland Parliament has introduced legislation that will control rampant land clearing. When passed the laws will phase out most broad scale land clearing of mature bush land by the end of 2006. Twenty million hectares of bush and hundreds of millions of native animals will be saved and the spread of dry land salinity will be slowed. Parliament is due to hold a final vote on 22” April. Some of the areas to be protected are
e Cape York Peninsular. The tall eucalypt forests, tropical savannah, rainforests and heath land make Cape York a global treasure.
* Gulf of Carpentaria. Low woodlands of wattle, tea tree and eucalypt feed the regions famous floodplain wetlands.
e Channel Country. Grassy open eucalypt woodlands in this flat, semi-arid corner of the state are interspersed with meandering river channels.
Northern uplands. Queenslands Great Dividing Range is covered in sub-tropical eucalypt woodland rich in life.
e Brigalow Belt. Central Queensland and the Carnarvon Range are host to a large range of plants and animals.
Experts have calculated that currently in
Queensland 100 million animals die each year
from land clearing, including 19,000 koalas,
300,000 possums and gliders and 8.5 million
birds.
Land clearing is the number one cause of dry
land salinity. Tree removal allows more water to enter the water table, making it rise, this brings natural soil salt to the surface. Much of the areas with high salinity are the regions with high rates of land clearing. Tasmania: Tasmanias forests are natural treasures and the intention of both sides of the Tasmanian parliament is to allow them to be chipped and sent off to Japan for pulp. The Tarkine in the northwest and the Styx, 70 km west of Hobart have the tallest hardwood trees on earth and are both threatened.
The Tarkine, one of the worlds great wildernesses is largely pristine and the Tasmanian Government wants to keep it a secret
David Trinder
and off tourist maps so they can log it without the rest of the world knowing. Home to the tallest flowering plants in the world, some trees are 800 years old, 100 metres tall and 5 metres wide at the base. Forestry Tasmania is pushing to allowing two logging companies to slice and dice the Tarkines red myrtle corridor. That would ruin the forests integrity and probably dash its chances of ever being accorded World Heritage status.
A few weeks ago Mark Latham visited the Styx Valley. It was good that he took the time to see what is happening in the forests but his response was disappointing. His media comments supported continuing destruction of the ancient forests. He has said that he will support the end of clear felling. This sounds good but it allows other forms of logging. We should support nothing short of protection in national parks and World Heritage status for these areas and assist the environmental organizations with their campaigns.
New South Wales:
The New South Wales Government is failing on land clearing. The Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NVC Act) was supposed to be the answer on land clearing in the state. Currently land can be cleared with approval from the Department of Land and Water Conservation and you can also clear land using the exemptions in the legislation. This has proven to be a massive loophole for unscrupulous people intent on clearing their land. Illegal clearing is nfe. Almost 1000 alleged breaches have been reported since 1997 and there have been only 5 prosecutions to date.
The total approved area for land clearing has increased each year since the NVC Act was brought in. This is on top of the large amounts cleared through exemptions and _ cleared illegally.
Land clearing is the number one threat to our native wildlife, plants and animals. Over 240 native species and more than 30 bush land types are known to be at risk of extinction in NSW because of land clearing. Over 56 birds, 22 mammals, 12 reptiles, 4 frogs and 140 plants are at risk because of land clearing.
We should support the environmental groups in their campaigns with the New South Wales Government to block loopholes and illegal clearing.
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by our experienced Staff. Page 10 T he Sydney Bushwalker April 2004
News From Coolana Don Finch
The SCA Grant 2003 tree-planting project has kept moving forward with a major effort over the reunion weekend resulting in one hundred and sixty plants put in the ground. A further twenty ground cover plants were planted by Shirley = Gretel Hilary and Jenny on the 24/3/04 and positions for a : further eighty she-oaks were determined. Joan has in her care seven northern boobialla for planting near the creek at an auspicious time. Shirley Gretel and Hilary had previously : planted out seventeen black she-oaks inside plastic guards
these are thriving; another seventeen black she-oaks that did not have guards have been lost to grazing animals.
A total of one hundred and seventy seven trees with guards are now in the ground with another twenty ground covers. Shirley has planned to plant forty long stem she-oaks over Easter. During May Gretel et al will plant the remainder of the SCA plants.
In addition to the SCA plantings a delivery of eighty-seven plants from Milton land-care nursery were planted out and watered on the eastern flat by Melinda Finch and her friend Rob on the 12 March. Guards do not protect these plants and two weeks later twenty-seven had been eaten or scratched out leaving sixty surviving.
The cobblers pegs have grown to mature plants in many places and have already shed seeds. The number of seeds is quite staggering estimated seed loads of 500 to 5000 seeds per square meter with some plants over two meters and up to ten plants per square meter. Mowing of all heavily infested areas will be required for several years. A mowing schedule will be needed if we are to keep in front of this pest.
Anybody who would like to be put on the Coolana Carer email group please send an email to finchros@bigpond.com you will then get information from time to time regarding Coolana.
At the AGM the four motions on the agenda relating to the Coolana Fund were passed. This is now the third time that action at an AGM or committee level has been required to preserve the original status quo of the Coolana Funds. What may be needed is for the management committee to look into the accounting of the Coolana Funds in detail and develop a procedure that is clear and un-mistakable. The procedure should reflect the original intent of the Coolana Funds for future committees and treasurers to use.
DONATIONS WELCOME If any body is intending to donate to the Coolana Fund please make you wishes clear at the time of donating. People could of course indicate that they wish to donate to a particular purpose. One such purpose is the construction of a composting toilet, which already has one sponsor but needs more. The matter is still in the early stages of consideration: However we do know that our neighbours the Quakers have been given notice by Shoalhaven Council to install a composting toilet ASAP. A figure of $4500 has been mentioned but not confirmed.
Maintenance and Bush Regeneration
The next programmed maintenance weekend is 22 - 23“ May. However., helpers are welcome at any time. Coolana is a wonderful property but needs some gentle care and maintenance. Join us for a pleasant weekend of light work and socialising around the evening campfire. Wine and cheese. Family and friends welcome -
Colong F Foundation for Wilder S
“Barrer Place: Sydney NSWE 2600
The Sydney Bushwalker April
2004
Page 11 |
Change and the Walks Programme
How easy is easy? How rough is rough? How steep is steep? What does easy with one rough bit and only one steep climb mean to you?
The Eskimos have over twenty words to describe the different types of snow. A good skier may have ten or so. I have three, soft, good and iced over. The finer the distinctions and the more precise the words that are available the greater the accuracy of any communication.
At SBW, I like to think we are expert in bushwalking and would like to trial a new grading system to reflect some of the distinctions in walks on the SBW Walks Programme.
We all know, grading a walk is not an exact science, several factors need to be considered. Factors, like the weather, a fire trail having a locked gate, a change in the vegetation, could make the walk harder than graded. A walk could be graded, either from memory of what the walk was like, maybe several years ago or from looking at a map. Not exactly precise but the best weve got. Some leaders actually do the walk a week or two before the programmed walk. Even with this recent knowledge the grading of the walk is still a subjective assessment.
What if a party member has bitten off more than they can chew? In some cases the leader may have
the opportunity to modify a walk to suit the fitness level and experience of a party member. However this may impact on other party members and even result in a qualifying walk being downgraded to a non-qualifying one. In some case this opportunity may not be available and the leader and the party are faced with a dilemma. How do we get out of the wilderness or back to the transport with an unfit party member or one that cant cope with exposure or rock hopping or whatever? All members should endeavour to choose walks within their current fitness and experience levels. Not exactly an easy thing to do.
The new SBW Walks Grading System provides a range of distinctions so members can gain an idea of what they are getting themselves into when they ask to join a walk.
Like anything new it may take some getting used to. I believe it will provide much more information about the walks and therefore allow members to make informed decisions about what walks to join.
At its April meeting the Committee approved the trial of the new walks grading and made plans to conduct a leaders forum to receive feedback on the new walks grading system.
Peter Love - Walks Secretary
Proposed New Walks Grading A day walk usually means walking all day the walk usually start at 8:00am and finish before dark. Often a dinner
is arranged at a venue on the way home.
A weekend walk is either a Friday night start or camp at the start or Saturday moming start usually 8:00am. On the first day, the party get to camp between 3:00pm and before dark, (hopefully). Happy hour occurs before dinner and is a time when party members share entremets. The next days walking could start between first light and 9:00am, usually 3:00 to 8:30am. We usually get back at the cars, between early afternoon and dark. After dark finishes do happen, however they are usually not planned for. Often a dinner is arranged at a venue on the way home.
The new grading system has four categories: D F A T
Distance Fitness Ascents (and descents) Terrain Distance: Fitness Ascent Terrain S Short 1 Beginners I Undulating 1 Formed tracks M_ Medium 2 Reasonable 2 200 300m 2 Off track L_ Long 3 Strenuous 3 Steep / many 3 Scrub / exposure X eXtra long D= Distance: shortUnder 10 km per day M-medium 10-19 kmperday Llong 19-30km per day
XExtralong more than 30km per day Note: ifa two day walk had one 25km day and then a 8 km day the grade would be L ith a note in the description
about a short second day. F = Fitness 1
beginners frequent long breaks
2 reasonable fitness stand up regroups (wait for walkers) with a morning tea, lunch afternoon tea breaks and stops to take in any views
A= Ascent flat to undulating
T = Terrain
WN mw WN Ww
strenuous, fit walkers only stand up regroups, short breaks
undulating with one or two 200m to 300m climbs climbs of 300m or more or one or more large steep climbs
formed tracks and/or open terrain, no scrub rough track and/or off track and/or creek crossing and/or scrambling as 2 plus thick scrub and/or exposure (to heights) Page 12
T he Sydney Bushwalker
April 2004 |
THE WALKS PAGES
Walks Notes: - 14” Jan to 11 Feb
Wilf Hilder had a walk from Faulconbridge to Springwood programmed for Thursday 15 January but no report appears to have been received for this event.
Similarly there was no information for Ian Thorpes overnight trip to the Wollangambe River over the weekend of 17, 18 January. Things were not a lot better for Bill Hopes qualifying overnight walk out from Mountain lagoon to the Colo River the same weekend. It did not go due to a scarcity of participants. Ken Smiths Saturday walk from Leura to Katoomba had been programmed to meet a reported demand for easy walks by prospective members. The only enquiry for the trip was from a member so it was cancelled due to insufficient Starters. Carole Beales had 8 starters for her Central Coast walk around Maitland Beach area that day. Alas the energetic vandals had been before them and taken the trouble to burn through one of the signs urging visitors to take their rubbish with them. In response the party collected and carried out six carry bags of garbage. The leader was very impressed! Maurice Smiths Saturday lilo trip in the upper Wollongambe River, graded wet, had a party of 5. There was no report for Gail Crichtons Saturday trip to Maitland Beach?? Peter Love led a Sunday qualifying walk down into the Valley of Waters Creek with a party of 4. As is his wont Peter did not overburden the report form with details.
Australia day weekend saw Carol Lubbers and a party of 10 take on the Constance Gorge Wolgan River loop trip over three days. Things went somewhat awry. The details have previously appeared as a magazine article. Carols reports are nothing like Peters. Heike Krausse and Vicki Garamy had various numbers of participants for the various stages of their triathlon weekend at Coolana. Weather over the weekend varied from incipient storms to torrential downpour but the starters all participated with enthusiasm in the various forms of activity. Richard Darkes Saturday walk from Hornsby Railway station to Mount Kurin-Gai station went in warm and sultry conditions following overnight thunderstorms, so the party moved at a slower than nonmal pace to avoid the worst of the overheating that canbe prevalent under such conditions. Not only that, but when a cool breeze tumed up at Crosslands they extended the rest break in honor of the occasion. Huey even helped by throwing in a cooling thunderstorm for the climb out up Lyrebird Gully. Berrowra Creek was badly fouled by storm-water borne litter and other waste items. Jin Callaway led his Sunday walk in The Royal from Helensburgh to Otford but we are unsure how many walkers went along.
The following weekend saw John Bradnam and a party of 5 getting an early start on his hard/exploratory walk out from Carlons Farm by leaving there at 2200 hours Friday. They reached the
Cox by 0100 Saturday and departed again at around 0715 the same moming for Mount Jenolan via Scrubbers Hump and Krungle Bungle range. Having attained the summit by midday they were concerned to find one of their number suffering the effects of dehydration for some reason. They returned to the Cox River down Heartbreaker Buttress for a pleasant campsite, a swim and a spot of rehydration. The next day they popped up to the top of Blue Pup ridge for moming tea and the views, then descended to Breakfast Creek and up Pots and Pans ridge to Ironpot mountain and thence back to Carlons, arriving there at 1330 hours to find the walk completed. The dehydrated one recovered well with no after effects. There does not seem to be any report for Tony Manes Saturday walk from Stanwell Park to Otford via the coast but Zol Bodlay reported a party of 7 on his walk in to Tootie Creek from Colo Heights the same day. Conditions were sunny and mild, tempered somewhat, no doubt, by the 5 swims the party manage to fit in along the way. Sunday saw Michael Bickley step in to lead Tony Crichtons scheduled walk out from Erskine creek lookout with . a party of 10 on a beautiful summers day. All of the party completed the trip but one of the walkers had problems with vertigo and required some assistance which was willingly provided by the other members of the party.
We do not appear to have received a report for Wilf Hilders qualifying walk over the weekend of 7, 8 February. Leigh McClintoch had 3 starters for his walk into the Barren Grounds. Early conditions were foggy but by the time they were headed back from Cooks Nose they were impressed at just how hot conditions became due to the lack of shade on the Barren Grounds. Jim Calloway led Tony Crichtons Saturday qualifying walk out from Waterfall station with a party of 4 in very warm conditions. Jim expanded the walk a bit, including Battery Causeway and Lake Eckersley for good measure. The party coped well however, arriving back at Waterfall by 1625 hours. Michael Bickley was out that day also, leading a party of 6 on a walk out from Mount Kuringai. Sunday saw Bill Hope leading a party of 5
in warm conditions on a long day out from Wattle
Ridge into the Nattai River and return via the Nattai fire trail.
All of which brings the walks reports to a close for this month. Barry Wallace
Kimberleys: Mitchell Plateau area
Friday 28 May to Friday 11” June Kununurra by chartered plane to Mitchell Plateau, helicopter to Donkins Falls then two weeks following gorges and water systems back to the spectacular Mitchell Falls. This walk is through remote Kimberley wilderness. Limited numbers. Leader: Rosemary McDonald 99050601 (h) or rosemary.mcdonald@bigpond,com
The Sydney Bushwalker April 2004 Page 13 |
A Walk in Croajingolong-Nadgee Tony Holgate and Greta James
We met in the early afternoon of Boxing Day in Eden, on the South Coast of NSW. The party was made up of Tony Holgate (leader), Pamela Irving, Greta James, Peter Love, Grace Martinez, Christine McColl and Don and Liz Wills a party limit of 8 being set by the NSW and Victorian National Parks organisations.
After leaving the cars near the Merica River ranger station the end of the walk we were picked up and driven to Mallacoota Inlet where our walk started. We had accommodation in a cabin at the Shady Gully Caravan Park (all of $110 for 8 of us). Dinner was partaken of at the Mallacoota pub where we met Lyn Yeaman, an SBW member now living in Melboume. Lyn was leading a party of Victorian walkers on the southern section of the walk which Tony had done a number of years ago. The night was passed pleasantly, doing what bushwalkers so like to do eating and talking.
But the moment of truth arrived the next morning when we hoisted our packs, heavy with 7 days of food. Greta was concemed, having not done even an overnight walk for some years and having had a bout of the flu just before Christmas, and hoping to measure up. But you know what they say about old bushwalkers they never die; they just smell like they have. Anyway, we walked to the waterfront, making our way around the coastal lagoon to the sandbar that marked the real start of the walk.
The walk is in two distinct sections the first 2 % days are spent walking along the beaches in a north easterly direction and then the next 4 % days were mainly spent following tracks just back from the coast. This means that the walk traced the westernmost section of the south coast of Australia then made a left turn at Cape Howe where it leaves Victorian and heads north into NSW.
The first day was only about 10 km with no water until camp. The coastal section was characterised by a stark beauty with turquoise water to our right and pale yellow dunes to our left. Several people found the beach walking hard going. With our heavy packs, each step would sink in the soft sand and we were constantly walking on a slope so that a short left leg would have been a valuable asset. Fortunately the wind was at our backs. The prevailing winds determine which is the most comfortable direction to do the walk.
Along the beach we saw many dead mutton birds. Apparently, when they migrate up from Antarctica, this area is their first land and so many flop exhausted onto the beach and dont have the energy to continue. We also saw a number of dead baby fur seals and a Wobbegong shark that presumably suffered a similar fate. Just before we left the beach on the first day we passed Tullaberga Island the shipwreck of the Monumental City claimed the lives of 37 people there : 150 years ago. The first nights
eo ; 16 campsite was on the small beach of Lake Barracoota, a large freshwater lake behind the dune system. Several of us experienced a strange loss of perspective that Tony dubbed a yellow out crossing the big dunes. Camped by 2:30 at a beautiful campsite. As we went to bed there was a little excitement when Grace let out a restrained scream after noticing a red bellied black snake curled up under her sleeping bag. After carefully dismantling tents and flies several people relocated a bit further from the tea tree scrub Some people are so picky about who they share a bed with!!
The 2 day we started walking by 9:00 and headed back to the beach. a8 Another 10 km, today, with a tail wind and again no water until camp. Just before we passed Gabo Island, often mentioned in weather reports, we saw the remains of the SS Riverina, one of a number of shipwrecks that litter this harsh but beautiful coast. Gabo was joined to the mainland at Telegraph Point until 1889. Along the way, we passed a dead albatross. Such a shame! Such beautiful birds! Picking up the outflow from Lake Wau Wauka, we followed it up to the campsite. An even better camp, sheltered, shady tea tree forest, a couple of metres to a freshwater lake for swimming and water and over the beach to the surf. An afternoon lazing and swimming while a small flock of black cockatoos flew over. Peter and Grace had tiramisu for dessert tasted great - wow! We shared this campsite with a Melbourne couple, Alex and Alex, who were doing the walk in 3 days, including climbing Mount Howe.
The 3 day started with the call of a dingo at dawn followed by a swim, a leisurely breakfast and another late (9:00) start. We walked up the beach to Cape Howe. The dunes along this section are the largest of the walk and have been moulded into dramatic shapes by the ever-present wind. There were many views of sand pluming off the dunes just like the snow plumes off a Himalayan peak. We also saw many spinifex seed heads being blown hither
Page 14 T he Sydney Bushwalker April 2004 |
and thither like strange dancing tumbleweeds and so colonizing the dunes. Several small, freshwater soaks were passed along the edge of the dunes. After 2 2 days of walking we finally started walking on some rock. Although the prevailing wind is normally from the southwest, today it swung around to a headwind (from the northeast). We had lunch at Cape Howe and looked at the remains of another shipwreck, the SS Iron Prince. From here the walk is very interesting along a boulder beach and around some dunes blowing directly into the ocean (apparently this is quite rare). Don twisted his ankle on the section, looked nasty, but with bandages he courageously finished the walk without problems. Lunch was in Bunyip Hole Bay (AKA Howe Bay). The surf was rough and cold, but very refreshing. After lunch we climbed up onto Endeavour Moor and walked towards Nadgee Lake. The moors in Nadgee are incredibly beautiful. This was the first time on the walk we had gained any elevation. Croajingalong is dominated by sand, but Nadgee has rocky headlands with beautiful small coves and beaches. This tends to make the walking easier in Nadgee. As we approached the beach, we passed through a wind-sculptured forest of bright green melaleucas. This campsite is located on the northern side of Nadgee Lake in a magnificent old angophora forest. The lake itself is salty and you need to search for the freshwater. We found a small but adequate supply close to the campsite. It is said that at the time of year we were there, the lake can have up to 1000 black swans, but we only saw a few dozen. A beautiful extended sunset finished off the day. The group said the campsites were getting better each night. (Were they expecting the leader to keep up the standard?). Peter and Grace were testing the output from Peters new dehydrator fabulous food, including dessert.
a an Day 4. Another slow start. We never feel tushed during whole walk. At breakfast, mysterious yelling in the night was explained. It seems Grace woke to find a small animal sitting on her head. She woke Peter and the animal jumped onto Peters head, whereupon Peter looks it in the eye and declares its some sort of small mammal. Well that was true; it was a rat. They then had to chase it around inside the mosquito netting until they could get it out. Walking by about 9:30, we ran into Alex and Alex who described the Mount Howe climb as worthwhile - great views and beautiful rainforest gullies. It takes about 7 hours return (maybe next time). We continued over Nadgee Moor to Nadgee Beach then walked onto Little River (not the band). Theres a shallow wade across the entrance and camped by about 1:00 in time for lunch. After some confusion we located lots of fresh water in Table Creek - about 20 minute walk on an old fire trail. From our tents, we looked across the estuary entrance to the surf. Until about 10 years ago there was 4 WD access to Little River. There is an old pit toilet. A pleasant afternoon was passed swimming, talking and enjoying the views. A long happy hour and dinner followed next to the water. Sleep is so peaceful with the sound of the surf in the background. All our campsites would provide good protection if bad weather blew in.
Day 5. This was a big day - 8 km to Newtons campsite. Started out late again (about 9:30). Climbed over a small hill and along some undulations. Pockets of moor, forest and a couple of moist gullies. Newtons was a National Park campground until about 10 years ago. It is set among the trees a few hundred metres from the beach. As you enter the area it is amazing. Large patches of soft grass surrounded by beautiful forest with a heady scent from all the flowering trees. We had lunch on the beach and walked to the other end to see if the sea caves were accessible. The tide was a bit high so only 3 of us got to the first cave that was marked by sculpted and interestingly textured sandstone. Back at camp we prepared for New Year's Eve. This campsite had an old toilet with a small water tank. The water had a few mossie wrigglers in it, but it was drinkable. We enjoyed a big happy hour (glad t to 9 stop carrying the tin of dolmades). Tony was invited to dinner again (you have “ eons to love those dehydrators). How often can you have paella complete with prawns and squid on a walk. This was followed by tiramisu and some drinks. So ends 2003 - what a way to go!
Day 6, New Years day and 10 km to walk. We have another slow start (theres a pattern developing here). Peter and Grace headed down to the northern end of the beach for some nicer water to make their Turkish coffee. Theres a gurgling scream as Liz finds a snake wanting to share her toothpaste. While waiting for the others to pack Tony explored down the track and found lots of wriggler-free, clean water in a small creek a couple of hundred metres away. After we had walked down to the beach and up to the northern end, we dropped packs and set out to
The Sydney Bushwalker April 2004 Page 15 |
explore the sea caves. These are only safely accessible at low tide. The first cave is like a tunnel through a rock. Very impressive, especially the fern garden high on the wall and the tessellated ceiling. Only a few of us scrambled around to the next sea cave - you need to avoid the waves. This cave is a long tunnel into the cliff ending in a small cavern in almost complete darkness. As you look out of the cave, it looks architectural with large rock columns framing the entrance. Today involved the most climbing on the trip. We climbed over Table Hills range to Merrica River entrance. After several days walking without much climbing the hill seemed hard, especially on such a hot day. We left our packs on the fire trail and climbed Mount Tumbledown getting a good view through the trees. Had lunch on the fire trail. Arrived at the campsite about 3:30. The guidebook mentions that there is a tank at Merrica River entrance, but not now. After searching Peter and Tony took a couple of packs and all the wine skins and climbed back up the ridge and along the Nature trail for water. It only took about 1.5 hours return to get the water. If planning to do this walk, it is only short distance from the junction of the Merrica River Fire Trail and the Nature Trail from the Rangers Station to the water. Pick up water there before going down to the campsite. We saw a dingo on the track, following some day-trippers. Merrica River Entrance is yet another beautiful campsite. The beach here is quite protected and was safe swimming. Hundreds of soldier crabs on the sand flats brought back memories of childhood.
Day 7. Slept in today. After breakfast a few of us explored over the hill towards Wonboyn. An obvious pass through the cliffs leads you up onto the hill. From there we made our way down to the cliff line. We came across a spectacular midden, a rock platform looking over an azure blue sea, with massive crevices in the cliffs, the swell breaking in a large sea cave and views across Disaster Bay. Tony declared this the most northerly point on the walk. Back to the beach for a swim. Walking back to the cars, we stopped at the creek on the Nature Trail for lunch. Lots of water and a very cool (in both senses of the word) swim hole. Back at the cars, Merrica River near the Rangers Station is very pretty.
According to P.D. Gardner the name Croajingolong is derived from the name of the aboriginal Kurnai clan, Krauatungalung, which means something like men of the east.
All up a fantastic walk.
Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad
BWRS is a long established community organisation that specialises in bush search and rescue. It is an
informal, friendly group that concentrates on doing not talking. BWRS is keen to attract experienced
bushwalkers into community service.
Here are extracts from the March BWRS Newsletter:
e On Tuesday 9th March around 18 members of BWRS unsuccessfully searched for a missing man, possible suicide, around Govett's Leap. Five Rock Squad members (in two teams) looked from the top of the valley for possible lower ledges where a person could land. Two other teams came in from below (via Evans Lookout) to search the base of the cliffs. While the missing person was captured on camera leaving Blackheath Station the evidence was slight for going to Govett's Leap.
e In August 1980, a light plane “VH-MDX” disappeared in Barrington Tops. BWRS has been part of several searches to solve this riddle. The search training last October attracted several valuable contacts of persons with more parts to the riddle of “VH-MDX” who are keen to look further. The riddle is the result of the last movements of this plane being poorly tracked as it disappeared into difficult terrain on a windy night. On 6 / 7th March our BWRS Rock Squad unsuccessfully attempted a training exercise in bad weather. We are hoping for better weather for another multi agency search we are planning for April. An experienced pilot has reassessed the planes final movements to refine the search area.
To find out more about Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad contact our Secretary, John Tonitto on 9789 2527 secretary@bwrs.org.au or visit our website at www.bwrs.org.au
Page 16 T he Sydney Bushwaiker April 2004
A Day Walk With A Difference Bill Holland
A walk into a valley near Sa Pa, in the mountainous northwest of Vietnam. This was part of a 23 day y tour through Vietnam organised by Griswalds Vietnamese Vacations 9564 5040. ,
We started from our hotel, perched on the side of the mountain with about one hundred steps down to the road. Our guide, a 17 year old girl from the Black Hmong mountain people, led us through the market and the main street of the town, then down the long winding road into the valley.
The road was clay with crumbling edges overlooking steep, steep drops into the misty valley below. Substantial work on road widening was underway. We walked in misty but warm conditions beside cliffs of clay with large boulders suspended above us. Two days before a large boulder had dislodged killing three people, so we dare not linger. |
As always, motorcycles passed us bearing one, two or three passengers and often heavily laden with market produce. There were jeeps, sliding on the mud and homs blaring in a friendly warning. But we walked on, not too close to the edge and at times slipping and sliding on the muddy surface.
The ever present mist hid much of the valleys and clouded the mountain tops. But when the mist lifted we could see rice paddy fields far below and village huts. After about an hour or so and more than three hundred metres descent it was time for tea in a mountain hut before taking the side road leading steeply down into the valley. .
Our lovely guide took us into her home village and into her home. We were able to see the village life unchanged for hundreds of years, except for the ever present motor cycles. |
Ladies, in traditional dress, were weaving (this ,{ Mountain tribe is famous for its colourful clothes) ; harvesting and crushing rice, cropping bamboo and other activities. Water buffalo churned the earth in flooded fields.
Lunch was in a hut overlooking the village, then on to two other villages featuring other mountain tribes (Giay, Xa Pha). Finally we arrived at the bridge leading over the river to the main road
winding uphill back to Sa Pa.
Here was the choice of riding pillion on a motor cycle or being passengers in a jeep.
Most of our small group of five were SBW members so walking up the road and back to town was preferable to a risky ride on the slippery road. I dont think our guide was impressed with this choice and perhaps wondered why older folk wanted to walk when all the younger tourists rode back to town.
But all in all, it was a great walk, about 20 km bs : _ and 400 metres ascent in conditions far removed / ) from a day in Sydney. |
Mid-Week Walks in May: (see Autumn Walks Programme for more details)
Thursday 13 May Blue Mountain NP
Faulconbridge train station - Numantia Creek and Falls Sassafras Gully Clarinda Falls . About half on track, some scrub, gaiters and gloves needed. A historic stroll to look at the network of tracks in the grounds of the stately mansions of Numantia and Faulconbridge. Grade: Easy 10 km
Tuesday 18th May Blue Mountains NP Mt Lagoon - Tootie Creek/Colo River junction and return.
A relatively easy walk along firetrail and ridgetops in a very scenic area to a lunch spot overlooking the junction of the Colo River and Tootie Creek Grade: Easy/Medium 15 km
iz The Sydney Bushwalker April 2004 Page 17 | OF INTEREST TO NEW MEMBERS ADVANCE NOTICE: . Rocky Mountain High! Montana USA Hello from Grace Martinez August to late September 04
Welcome new Prospectives. As the new New Members Secretary I would like to welcome all new prospective members to our club.
On my first day as a new member's secretary (7th April), 18 new prospectives attended the night and they were very eager to know all about our club. Sixteen of them ended up joming on that night, and hopefully, with our help, and our leaders, we will see them soon on their first walk.
Doing that first walk or making that first phone call to a leader that we don't know, may seem to be the most difficult call that we make.
Do not hesitate, it may be the most important step you make to achieve your proposed goal when you first joined. The new members' team will be there to help at all tumes. Please call us if you are not sure or would like some more information, but do not postponed your first walk.
I would like to hear any thoughts, views, suggestions, from any prospectives or members on how we can make your first walk with the club easier and successful.
If you want to talk, you can call me on mobile 0405 473 029 or email me gracie_mar@yahoo.com.au
Thank you and hope to see you soon on a walk Grace
Coolana Training Weekend 15” /16 May Ideal for new members. Practical trainimg in navigation, first aid and bushcraft at Coolana in the beautiful Kangaroo Valley. The weekend provides an ideal introduction to camping. However tents and other camping gear are optional, as there is a shelter and BBQ facilities on site.
SBW members are also encouraged to attend and assist with traming and social activities around the camp fire on Saturday evening. This is an opportunity to foster social contacts within the club.
Activities start on Saturday morning and transport assistance is available.
Phone: Bill Holland 9484 636 email: billholl@hotkey.net.au or Patrick James on 9567 9998 pjames@idx.com.au
- Attention New Members! | _ Navigation Training Evening.
Wed 5* Ma May 8pm. This second in the series of . training hights, firesented by Mark Dabbs |
Following my notice in the last Newsletter anumber of Club members have expressed interest and the planning for this venture has proceeded apace.
The basic plan for either a 2 or 3 week stay would be:
- fly in on a Saturday (1 August?), shopping and a gentle stroll around the Lake shore besides the lodge.
~ Days 2 & 3 doing some day walks as people get over the jet lag in the Lake MacDonald area, refer www.nps.gov/glac/maps/trailsim.htm
- Days 4, 5, 6 & 7- a4 day overnight trip in the Logan Pass area doing the Garden Wall & Highline traverse
- Day 8 - rafting trip on the Flathead River refer www. glacierguides.com/details.asp or an adjacent day trip for non-amphibians
- Days 9-14 - either a 5 or 6 day camping trip to do the Nyack Coal Creek loop (this is a “wilderness” traverse)
- Days 15 - 16 - fly out for those only doing 2 weeks, shopping and a rest day for the Stayers (canoeing on the Lake adjacent to the Lodge) as well as a local day walk
- Day 17 - 21 - a 5 day camping trip to Pitamakan Pass, past Bad Marriage Mountain and onto Medicine Grizzly Lake (you have gotta just love the names !)
- - Day 22 - 23 - fly home
~ - days beyond - more of the same but with variation
The walking is on “trails” which are generally
quite well engineered and the camping at
established sites so its pretty civilised although there are steep ascents over the Passes. Check out the photos and videos as well as the live web cam at http://www.nps.gov/glac/photos.htm for
a taste of the scenery.
In respect of the bears, they average is 1.5 “Bear incidents” per 2 million park visitors each year so the odds are pretty good. To put it in proportion - we all have had to disabuse foreigners that the Australian Bush does not have venomous snakes under every rock just waiting to strike. Its a similar situation with Bears and there is some effective training to prevent and minimise the situation etc.
Planning proceeds and anyone interested please contact me, preferably by email via ian.wolfe@eds.com, or on the phone numbers below.
Ian Wolfe (w) 9378 8885, (h) 9904 3370, Mobile
0414 886 706
| Page 18 T he Sydney Bushwalker April 2004 SOCIAL NOTES So you think youre pretty smart, eh?
Well now is your chance to prove it!! Were such a diverse bunch of people from many different walks or life, I thought wed make the PERFECT Trivia team(s).
Trivia nights are loads of fun and our social night in May is going to be no exception. Youll need to RSVP to me social@sbw.org.au or 0412 304 071) by 14th May to reserve a spot at the C- Lounge (Cremome Hotel) on Wednesday 19 May. Its FREE to take part in trivia, however why not come along a bit earlier, enjoy a bit of dinner and a drink or two whilst meeting some new people?
The gear night in April was HUGE. So much info and great to see a few new faces. Thanks so much to all those who helped out - Tony Manes and Patrick James in particular.
Now, I cant give any details away yet (its all TOP SECRET!!) - - but I am in the middle of organising the MOST exciting social event for the Winter program. Its bigger than Stone Hag, Yellow Pup, Perrys and Blackhorse put together and you are not going to want to miss it, so stay tuned and pop the 3 Wed of each month into your diaries now!!
Cheers Guys!
Caro
May Social Programme
Wed5“ 7pm Committee Meeting Committee members & observers welcome.
Wed 5”. 8pm Introduction to SBW
So who are the Sydney Bush Walkers and how do I join? Why not come along and find out by meeting our fantastic New Members team!
Wed 5“ 8pm Navigation Training Evening This is the 2” in the series of training nights, presented by Mark Dabbs and especially formulated for our people. Prospectives and Members are all welcome.
BYO Cowan 1:25,000 map.
Wed 19th 7.30 pm for 8pm Trivia Night! Come along & be part of an SBW team to compete against others. - Come along and match intellects against other teams. Prove that Bushwalkers are an intelligent bunch For details see Page 3. Venue: C-Lounge Bistro, 287 Military Rd Cremome.
Wed 19“ 8pm Introduction to SBW
Cant make it to the main intro night on the 1* Wed of each month? Well, tonight is another opportunity to meet the team, hear about the Sydney Bush Walkers and join our growing club
The Clever Dog q his man sees a sign in front of a {| house “Talking Dog for Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner tells 4.) him the dog is in the back yard. Aji >* He goes into the back yard and EAA: sees a dog sitting there. “You talk?” he asks. “Yes,” the dog replies. “So, what's your story?” “The dog looks up and says “Well, I discovered this gift pretty young and I wanted to help the government, so I told the ASIO about my gift, and in no time they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, cause no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies eight years running.
The jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger and I wanted to settle down. So I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings there and was awarded a batch of medals. Had a wife, a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired.”
The man is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.
The owner says “Ten dollars.”
The man says he' ll buy him but asks the owner, “This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him?”
The owner replies, “He's such a damn liar.”
First Aid Certificates To encourage leaders and members to get their St Johns First Aid Certificate, the Club will subsidise the cost of gaining an accredited Senior First Aid Certificate.
Weekend Walking Gear for Hire The club now has a small pool of weekend | walking equipment available for hire. Contact: Geoff McIntosh 9419 4619
: fphoes 9484 6636 Brel):
We have to use with skill what simple equipment we can carry on our backs to achieve shelter,
If you really want to get the best prepare food and have a night's rest? out of what you carry with you, Paddy Pallin, 1900-1991
then move up to Black Diamond, exclusive to Paddy Pallin.
< Black Diamond
Black Diamond Moonlight Headtorch: Constantly frustrated with replacing your torch battery? Then the Moonlight is for you. WIth 4 ultra bright, energy efficient LED bulbs, it provides 70 hours of constant light. It weighs a mere 90g (without batteries) so you'll hardly know you're
carrying it. Ideal for night walking, cooking and reading.
Black Diamond Contour Trekking Pole: Trekking poles dont just
improve your balance and reduce the strain on your Jower limbs; they help re-distribute the foad to your upper limbs as well, meaning you can keep going for longer. The Contour, featured, is ideal for comfort over long periods of walking with an ergonomic 15 degree correction angle in the upper shaft and soft dual density hand grip. It also features a unique NEW adjustment system,
making these the most easily adjusted poles on the market.
Black Diamond Betamid Tent: When you want to go ultra-light or you need extra storage space, the Betamid has you covered, This compact, floorless tent will go anywhere and pitches using a pair of trekking poles! Weighing in at a fraction over 1kg, it sleeps two and stands strong
against the elements. (Optional, detachable tub floor is also available.)
Store locations: Sydney: 507 Kent Street * Miranda: 527 Kingsway * Parramatta: 74 Macquarie Street Katoomba: 166 Katoomba Street Also in Canberra and Jindabyne Website: www.paddypallin.com.au
Mail order: 1800 805 398