FOOTPRINTS December 2017 Newsletter of the Border Bushwalking Club Inc. affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria

Transcription

1 FOOTPRINTS December 2017 Newsletter of the Border Club Inc. affiliated with Victoria President Vice President Treasurer & Website Secretary COMMITTEE Ian Trevaskis Ralph David Sue S president@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au vicepres@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au treasurer@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au secretary@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au General Committee: Bernadette: Activities Coordinator, Sandy: Committee Support, Liz: Newsletter Editor, Ira: Meeting Suppers & Social Convener, Chris: Equipment Officer, Marie: Membership & Data Base Manager CHRISTMAS PARTY Browns Lagoon Tuesday December 5th 5:30 for a 6:00pm start Members need to notify their attendance by Friday 1st December to Ira Robinson, roboira@yahoo.com.au Members with surnames beginning A to M please bring a salad to share. Those with surnames beginning N to Z please bring a dessert or fruit platter to share. Everyone to bring their own drinks, plates, cutlery, glasses, chairs and insect repellent. Meat, veggie burgers, sauce, bread, tea and coffee are provided. Please indicate if you are vegetarian or have other special dietary requirements when notifying of your attendance. WELCOME We extend a warm welcome to the following new members: Daniel and Zac Smith We trust that you will enjoy all that the Club and its members have to offer. CONTRIBUTIONS TO FOOTPRINTS. Your contributions are keenly sought. If you have been on a club trip please send a short, or indeed long, reports to the editor. Photos of outings are also greatly appreciated. Please try to send photos as small files. Send to: newsletter@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au Deadline for next Footprints is 22/1/18 FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 1

2 from the President s stump... On behalf of the Border Club committee, may I take this opportunity to wish all our members, their families and friends a happy and safe Festive season. We hope that your Christmas celebrations are filled with much laughter and love. Ian Thank you Paul. Due to commitments, our Vice President Paul is stepping down from the committee but thankfully still intends to lead some walks. Paul has been an active committee member for many years and brought a great deal of common sense to the role. See you on the tracks Paul! FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 2

3 TRIP REPORTS. Mt Wills It is a long drive to the beginning of the Mt Wills Track and when you add in a car drop off at the end of the walk it was going to be an early departure from Wodonga. With the business of car drop offs done we were walking by 9:30am in once again perfect conditions. The walk to Mt Wills summit is easy and on MV track, giving you time to gawk at the most incredible views across to Bogong and the High Plains, both with a covering of snow. We figured that it must have been cold the previous night as treetops were covered in ice that showered down on us as we passed. A nice long break on the rocks at the summit gave us spectacular views to the east and to the south. Even though maps say the next part of the walk is often hard to locate, as it s real bushwalking (as opposed to walking on MV track) it is well signed and the little yellow triangles or diamonds with the AAWT markings easy to spot. The late snow meant wildflowers weren t at their peak but the snow grass was thick and soft and squishy underfoot. We wove our way around fallen trees and branches before stopping for lunch. It was then down, down and more down, over more bush debris, through blackberry arches, past old mine sites 'till the roar of motorbikes and vehicles on the Omeo Hwy told us we were almost done. Thanks to Ira, Ron, Sue, Ralph, Tania, Kerrie and Dave for trusting my navigation on a track no-one but me had done before. And yes as usual, you know how we finished the day!! Deb. FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 3

4 Mt Nelse and Edmonson s Hut This walk showcases some of the best that the High Country has to offer. We started at Rocky Valley Dam and headed up the Heathy Spur track in clear, warm weather, with barely a breeze to ruffle our hair. We could see patches of snow on most south-facing slopes and before long, I had to do my Wenceslas act, stomping a path through a snow patch for the others to follow in my footsteps (or not). We weren t in any hurry and had a leisurely morning tea before starting the grind up the hill to Mt Nelse. The views were as spectacular as ever although it was a bit hazy and we noticed clouds starting to roll in. We dropped down to Edmonson s Hut for lunch and by the time we finished some of the clouds were getting very dark indeed, giving a striking contrast between the snow patches sparkling in sunlight with big black clouds behind. The clouds and predicted thunderstorms also meant that the return trip was at a somewhat faster pace than the outward journey, but we still had time to speculate why several birds appeared to be stationary on a snow patch. Perhaps they were frozen to it? Our musing was disrupted by a distant rumble of thunder. By now most of the sky was dark and we could see rain in the distance. The thunder got more persistent and our pace picked up. We got back to the car just in time to avoid a drenching and we had steady rain all the way back to Mt Beauty. Overnight at Mt. McLeod. We met at Eurobin picnic ground for our overnighter to Mt McLeod. We headed up Mt Buffalo to our first stop at View Point, which has views over the Buckland Valley and Lake Catani. We sat down for smoko and Pauline surprised Deb with a birthday cake! Returning to the cars we then set off for Reservoir Rd and Mt McLeod Track. No sooner had we arrived and put the tents up when a small storm hit and we were in our tents hiding from the rain. Once it cleared we set off to the Mt McLeod summit for some fantastic 360 degree views. The track required us to negotiate some re growth and rock scrambling but the views were rewarding. The next morning Tania was very excited and she was up at 5.15 am to get her sunrise pictures. She wasn't disappointed. We got back out to the cars and the picnic area for lunch. Thanks to Deb, Pauline, Rosemary, Vanessa, Tania and Pam for another good weekend in the bush. Mick. FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 4

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6 FIVE GO ON A WHACKY ADVENTURE A multi-day trek in the wilderness far from civilization can do strange things to the human mind. By the time he staggered out of the bush at Dead Horse Gap, one our group was excitedly patting a furry little stuffed koala called Kevin. They had been reunited after Kevin was found in Tin Mine Hut where he had been languishing for three years awaiting the return of his beloved companion. Following close behind the pair came the Leader, also carrying a tiny stuffed animal a camel named Fifi, whose task it was to ring a little bell each day to indicate to the slowly-going-demented group the much dreaded Five Minute Warning. Fifi was rarely sighted during the day, preferring her own company in the depths of the Leader s pack, however she did prove to have an adventurous spirit when she went white water rafting in Bernadette s plastic bowl not long after leaving Cowombat Flat. Nine days divorced from reality had obviously taken its toll and a disturbing change had fallen upon the five adventurers who had set off on a bright sunny day from Taylor s Crossing near Benambra, to complete 125kms of the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). By the time they arrived at Dead Horse Gap they were openly speaking to their little stuffed friends and talking of hooking up with them on Facebook, of reading their blogs and of encouraging more members to get on board and adopt a stuffed animal companion! As well as busting their guts trudging up to Johnnie s Top; of fighting off blood-crazed leeches; of undertaking daring river crossings; of being rained on, hailed on, snowed on and fogged on; of clambering under and over numerous fallen trees; despite all that nature threw at them, our intrepid troupe still managed to stand at the very source of the mighty Murray River, (thank you Pete for leaving that track marker three years ago), located the hidden cairn that marks the NSW/Vic border and managed to ignore the vivid descriptions of one member s recent movements in the bush. The five have since undergone an intensive rehabilitation program and appear to have come to terms with the fact that small stuffed soft toys are not real, live beings. Once again, another memorable, if somewhat whacky journey into another world. Post Script We would like to extend out thanks to John Hillard (and the darling Fifi ) for not getting us lost too often; to Rosemary Hillard and John Kaitler for getting us to the starting point safely; to John Kaitler for coming in with a food drop on day five (and for not eating my coffee scroll!); and to John K and Warwick McLachlan for the pick up at Dead Horse Gap. (Commiserations to Pam Duncan, who was a late withdrawal due to a foot injury; we re sure she ll be there for the next one.) Ian (on behalf of Sandy, Bernadette and Marie) FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 6

7 NOTICES. 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BORDER BUSHWALKING CLUB WHERE? LAKE SAMBELL CARAVAN PARK, BEECHWORTH WHEN?FRIDAY MARCH 16 TO SUNDAY 18 MARCH OUTLINE OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND: FRIDAY MARCH 16 Happy Hours from 5pm to 6:30pm. Nibbles provided. 7pm Dinner at a Beechworth hotel. SATURDAY MARCH 17 10am Choose from the following (no need to book): GORGE WALK: a casual walk along the Gorge enjoying all the sights. This walk is on a well formed track and is largely flat. We will stop in Beechworth for lunch. Approx. 7kms. WOOLSHED FALLS WALK: this scenic walk will take us along the tracks to Woolshed Falls for a BYO picnic lunch. Approx 17kms. BEECHWORTH TO MILAWA BIKE RIDE: This ride offers two options a longer, more challenging ride from Beechworth, freewhweeling down the rail trail to Everton Railway Station and thence to Milawa for a lazy lunch at Milawa Kitchen ( before tackling the return route, half of which is a bit of an uphill slog from Everton. For those less inclined to over-exert themselves, you can meet riders at Everton and cycle the shorter and easier version from there to Milawa and return to your cars at Everton. (32kms). Only cyclists with roadworthy bikes may participate in this event. (Bikes are available to hire at the campground). Relax as you canoe on Lake Sambell. Self guided activity. (Canoes available for hire at the campground). 5pm: Happy hour. CUTTING OF THE CAKE by life members and a toast. Nibbles provided. 6:30pm: Gourmet BBQ with great meat provided (as well as sausages), vegetarian options, bread, onions and sauce. Please provide a salad or dessert to share. Surnames beginning A-M salad, N-Z dessert. AFTER DINNER: "I REMEMBER WHEN..." stories from past and present members recalling their adventures bold, brave and downright crazy. SUNDAY MARCH 18 BREAKFAST TOGETHER. To be followed by activities for those interested. PLEASE CONTACT ANY EX MEMBERS YOU KNOW SO THEY CAN PARTICIPATE. FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 7

8 Our 40th anniversary celebration requires accommodation to be booked by the end of November as the park is holding some cabins for us until that time. There is a variety of accommodation options available from cabins to camping sites. Mention that you are booking in for BBC s celebrations and you ll receive a 10% discount. We suggest you book soon as it s a popular time. Call or check out the options at If you would like to share a cabin but are not sure who else is looking to do the same please contact us at activities@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au before the end of November and we ll help to group people together. FOR CATERING PURPOSES RSVP to Ira by SATURDAY, 3RD MARCH 2018 IS ESSENTIAL. Contact her at roboira@yahoo.com.au Please include any dietary needs. See activities below for further details. 40 YEARS, 40 ACTIVITIES, 40 LEADERS 2018 is our 40 th year as a great outdoor club. We have such a great variety of activities and some amazing, dedicated leaders. Am I dreaming in wanting to see if we can expand our leadership base? Maybe, but perhaps you can join me on the dream. Already in 2018 we have 11 different activity leaders on the program and it s more than a month away! Walks: David, Deb, Mick, Eileen, Pauline, Liz, Peter and Bernadette Cycling: Ian Canoeing: Sasho Social: Ira Thanks to these great people. Can we make it to 40 leaders? Is there a favourite walk, ride, paddle, snow shoe, ski or (pub) crawl that you d like to share with club members? I can help you put it on the program and lots of people are happy to co-lead or mentor you. We d especially love some shorter, easier activities. Maybe something you do often in your local area? DREAMING Making Did you know the BBC now has an instagram account? Instagram is a photo-sharing application (google it, ask a teenager or David for a demo). We re hoping that by posting some photos of our activities, and tagging them with place-names/locations, we might be able to make some connections with other people who also walk where we do. So if you participate on a club activity and have a great photo, send it to the treasurer@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 8

9 Do you have something you wish to contribute to Footprints? Perhaps you know of and use some great bushwalking apps or have some equipment that never fails to please you. We invite members to contribute tips or reviews to Footprints and spread the word about great gear or apps. Photo credits this issue: Eileen Deb Mick Ian EVER WONDER WHERE TO GO WALKING? Victoria has this fabulous walk directory with detailed information on about 200 walks in Victoria. Check it out by clicking on the link below. FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 9

10 ACTIVITIES PROGRAM LEADERS reserve the right to change the activity route on the day depending on prevailing conditions and altered circumstances. A walk leader can refuse permission for any person to take part in his/her activity. A list of trip participants must be prepared and the non-member fee (currently $5) should be collected before the start of the trip. This is a requirement of our insurance policy. Without this list participants may not be covered by insurance. EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSONS (ECPS): Leaders must leave trip details, including a list of participants and their contact numbers with a family member, or if none available, with an ECP. In the event of a delay, the ECP will contact families and decide on the next course of action. PARTICIPANTS (members and visitors) must check with the leader that their fitness and experience suit the walk. Follow the leader s instructions at all times. Pay own ambulance costs insurance is recommended (but accidents are rare). BOOKINGS: If you intend participating in any of the activities listed below you are required to personally speak to the Leader no later than the Wednesday prior to a day activity or 7 days prior to an overnight activity or unless otherwise indicated. SMS bookings are not appropriate. Please be aware that leaders have the right to decide the size of the group they will accept for their activities. Activities may become fully subscribed before the general cut-off date. By contacting the leader early you may avoid missing out. FIRST AID KITS: are to be taken by leaders on each walk. BIVY BAGS: The club has bivy bags available for activities where extreme cold may be an issue. GRADING Grade 1 (Easy) Opportunity for large number of participates, including those with reduced ability to walk/cycle on wellmarked and even formed tracks. Formed tracks may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km. Grade 2 (Easy-Medium) Easy activity, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk/cycle easily in natural environments on well-marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km. Grade 3 (Medium) Medium activity with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk/cycle on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20km. Grade 4 (Medium-Hard) Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners. Grade 5 (Hard) Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often indistinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners. Grade 6 (Very Hard) Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to exploratory remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners. Exploratory Is unknown to leader and while every effort has been made to grade the activity appropriately, there may be some unexpected aspects which may increase the difficulty of the walk. FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 10

11 ACTIVITIES CALENDAR After work paddling Leader: Sasho Phone: Every Wednesday through daylight saving Ungraded The after work canoeing starts from 5:30 and finishes at The cost $12 and everything is supplied: life jackets, transport and canoes. Cindy will be organising the first 3 sessions and then Sasho will take over. Eastern Hill/Mungabareena Leader: Bernadette Phone: Bookings by: Monday, November 27th Wednesday, November 29th Grade 2 This Wednesday wander will wander up Eastern Hill, along the ridge and then amble around Mungabareena Reserve. Full Moon Walk - Ludlows Reserve to Sandy Creek Bridge along the Rail Trail Leader: Cindy Phone: (after 7pm) Final booking: Thursday, Nov. 30th Saturday, December 5th Start time: 8:15pm. Grade 2 12 km As the full moon rises, we walk from Ludlows reserve along the rail trail to the Sandy Creek Bridge. Bring a thermos and something to share for a cuppa at the sandy Creed\k bridge. Following the same track we will return to the cars later in the evening. Bring a torch. Buffalo Bits Leader: Bernadette Phone: Bookings by: Thursday, November 30th Sunday, December 3rd Grade 2 12 kms This 12km walk in beautiful Mt Buffalo will begin with a 4km return walk to Rollasens Falls. This is a steep but short walk. After this we will drive to the Gorge Visitors Centre and walk around the beautiful gorge. From here we will head to Lake Catani and walk to View Point. The group may decide to walk to the lake rather than driving, adding 4kms but this will be determined by the group on the day. If it is hot we will have a few chances for a dip and we may add a visit to Eurobin falls on the way down. Mt. Beauty Walks Leader: Deb Phone: before 8pm Bookings by: Wednesday, November 13th Tuesday, December 5th Grade2 This walk is a combination of Survey Track, Pole Track and the Mount Beauty Gorge Walk track. All up about 10kms on well marked tracks. Heaps of views, a swing bridge and the opportunity for a swim in the gorge if its hot enough. McNamara Hut (Dinner Plain Hut) to Youngs Hut and Overnight camping Leader: Mick Phone: Leader: Deb Phone: before 8pm Friday, December 8th - Sunday, December 10th Grade 4 24 kms FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 11

12 Bookings by: Friday, December 1st This walk will involve two overnight stays. We will leave Friday for an overnight car camp at McNamara s Hut. On Saturday morning we will be heading off for Youngs Hut which will be approximately 12kms one way for our second overnight stay. Sunday morning we will be making the return trip back McNamara s Hut where we will returning to the cars for the trip home. All up the walk is around 24kms. From McNamara s to Youngs the track is faint and may require off track walking and requires a 4wd to get to McNamara s hut. Numbers for the walk will depend how many 4wds are available. I will have four free seats in mine. Falls Creek, Kellys and Fitzgerald Huts Leader: Eileen Phone: Bookings by: Thursday, December 7th Saturday, December 9th Grade 3 This is a classic High Country walk with views, a bit of history and hopefully some wildflowers. Starting from Langfords Gap, we ll take the Alpine Walking Track up through the forest to where it joins the track to the huts. After lunch we ll return via the aqueduct. About 16 km in length, only one climb, and flat all the way home. Please note that I will be away in a parallel universe and different time zone until WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER, so no calls before then, please. Because of this, members can book in by SMS but be sure to include your name. Pub to Pub by Bike Bike Riding Leader: Ian Phone: Bookings by: Friday, December 1st Sunday, December 10th Grade 3 62kms Meeting at the Happy Hotel, carpark, Ovens at 9.45 for a 10:00 start. The ride is all on the sealed Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail over generally flat terrain via Eurobin, Porepunkah and Bright to Wandiligong. We will lunch at the Wandiligong Pub before heading back to Happy Valley Pub. (A condition of this ride is that participants MUST partake of refreshements at botthe pubs) Cyclists need to have a roadworthy bike, spare tube and puncture repair kit. Ropers Lookout from Howmans Gap, Take 2 Leader: Eileen Phone: Bookings by: Thursday, December 14th Saturday, December 16th Grade 3 We had to abandon this walk in October without reaching our destination because the snow was too deep. We take the Packhorse Track from Howmans Gap to Falls Creek, wind our way through the village to the dam wall and then ascend Ropers Lookout for good views. Return by a similar route. Length is about 16 or 17 km, mainly up in the morning and down after lunch. No calls before Wednesday 6 December, please. Up and Down by Bike Bike Riding Leader: Ian Phone: Bookings by: Friday, December 15th Sunday, December 17th Grade 3 32 kms Meeting at Everton Railway Station at 9.45am for a am I start. t s all UPhill from the former Everton Railway Station where we will meet after a sleep in, but the bonus is that after lunch in Beechworth it s all DOWNhill back to the station! Cyclists must have bikes with brakes that work, a spare tube and puncture repair kit. FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 12

13 Falls Creek Westons Hut Leader: Eileen Phone: Bookings by: Thursday, December 28th Saturday, December 30th Grade 3 Westons Hut sits in a forest clearing and was rebuilt a few years ago after the 2006 fires. The walk starts from Pretty Valley and has some ups and downs but is all on track and is about 14 km. Wildflowers should be out, too. We could organise a sleepover if people want to go to the Mountain Film Festival which is in Mt Beauty this evening, and/or to do Sunday s walk. New Year's Eve on the Razorback and Overnight camping Leader: David Phone: Bookings by: Wednesday, December 27th Sunday, December 31st - Monday, January 1st Grade 4 22 kms The plan is to wander out along the Razorback from Diamantina Hut, at a leisurely pace and set up camp at Federation Hut. We ll nearly have a full moon, so my plan is to head up to the summit for the sunset and return in the moonlight (remember your torch, a jacket, and maybe some nibbles to share); others may prefer to remain at the camp. In the morning we ll retrace our steps back along the Razorback back to our cars, and hopefully get down to Harrietville in time for an ice-cream at Morries. The walk is about 11kms each way. It isn t overly steep, but it is undulating and pretty rocky in sections, and it could get cool overnight. Falls Creek Huts and Heritage Leader: Eileen Phone: Bookings by: Thursday, December 22nd Sunday, December 31st Grade 2 This 10 km walk is all on track. It is a circuit from Langfords Gap and visits some of the historic huts nearby. Interpretation boards along the way explain the history of the area. There are also great views. Spion Kopje Leader: Bernadette Phone: Bookings by: Wednesday, January 3rd Saturday, January 6th 2018 Grade 4 Spion Kopje is a peak with some great views. The climbs and descents are never too dramatic but the walk is about 25km in all. The walk begins at Watchbed Creek and is on well formed tracks until the final, short ascent onto the peak. Mt Nelse and/ or Nelse North are both very short side trips. Hotham to Pretty Valley Cross Over Leader: Deb Phone: before 8pm Bookings by: Wednesday, January 10th Saturday, January 13th 2018 Grade 4 19 km approx The only decision you need to make about this walk is which direction to do it in. Both groups cover the same route, both groups will puff as they ascend and move swiftly as they descend and both groups will have amazing views and great company. I will be leading the group from Hotham to Pretty Valley Pondage and Bernadette will co-lead, taking the group in the other direction. This walk is approximately 19 km and all on well worn tracks. FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 13

14 Wodonga Huon Hill Leader: Eileen Phone: Bookings by: Tuesday, January 16th Wednesday, January 17th Grade 3 14 kms We ll have an early start on this one to beat the heat and should finish by lunchtime. We ll start down by the river, climb to the top and return by a slightly different route. Huon Hill gives great views that make the climb worthwhile. Probably about 14 km in all. Mt. Timbertop Saddle and The Paps. Leader: Deb Phone: before 8pm Bookings by: Wednesday, January 17th Saturday, January 20th 2018 Exploratory I have never done these two short but steepish walks so the day will be totally exploratory and in a new area. The first is Timbertop Saddle and Summit. This pretty but steep climb begins at Timbertop Saddle located on Howqua Track. At the top we will sit under snow gums and enjoy the extensive views over the Mansfield Valley before returning to cars.the second walk will be The Paps; twin hills about 10 kilometres out of Mansfield (on the Benalla side) but they make up the landmark that is most notable from Mansfield as they dominate the nearby landscape. There should be good views of Lake Eildon from the top. Easy, Cheesy Bike ride Bike Riding Leader: Ian Phone: Bookings by: Friday, December 15th Sunday, January 21st Grade 3 32 kms Meeting at Everton Railway Station at 10.30am for 10:45am start. We will follow a few country roads for a cruisy ride of about an hour until we reach Milawa where we will lunch at Milawa Kitchen ( before returning. Cyclists need to bring spare tube and puncture repair kit and be on a roadworthy bike. Somewhere on Nail Can Hill Leader: Eileen Phone: Bookings by: Tuesday, January 16th Wednesday, January 24th Grade 3 14 kms approx. Another early start for this one. We ll probably start from Centaur Road and have morning tea at Reedy Dam, then tackle the Gorge Trail if we re feeling strong. About 14 km with possibility of steep climbs, should finish around lunchtime. Cobungra River Loop Leader: Peter Smith-Allen Phone: (02) Bookings by: Friday, January 19th Friday, January 26th until Monday 29th January Grade 4 Day 1. Approx. 10km Early Friday morning we will drive to the Mt Loch car park and make our way down to Dibbins Hut. We will then follow the Cobungra River, Swindlers Creek to our campsite at the bottom of Paling Spur. Day 2. Approx. 12 km We continue following the Cobungra past the Brandy Creek fire trail downstream to a nice campsite in a remote area of the park. There is a great swimming hole here. (Please note there are lots of river crossings in this section). Day 3. Approx. 13 km Today we will follow an old bridal trail up to Mc Namaras Dinner Plain hut. From here we will follow the Young s FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 14

15 Hut trail to our overnight camp situated in a beautiful valley amongst some old snow gums. Day 4. Approx. 9 km On our last day we will walk through some beautiful frost hollows and old snow gums. From a distance we will glimpse Young s Hut as we make our way down Paling Spur. We will cross the Cobungra River one last time before making the assent up the Brandy Creek Fire trail to the cars. Falls Creek Hidden Waterfall Leader: Eileen Phone: Bookings by: Wednesday, January 31st Saturday, February 3rd Exploratory kms There is a hidden waterfall south of the Alpine Walking Track between Mt Jim and Cope Saddle that I would like to investigate. It was featured in a walk description in Wild some years ago. We ll start from Pretty Valley and make our way to Pole 333, hopefully find the waterfall and return via Cope Saddle. Some off-track walking involved, some hills and some unknowns! Not suitable for beginners. About 15 to 20 km. Overnight at Cleve Cole Hut Overnight camping & Leader: Mick Sheedy Phone: Bookings by: Friday, February 9th Saturday, February 17th - Sunday, February 18th 2018 Grade 4 This walk is both hard and easy. Any climb up Mt Bogong with an overnight pack is hard but given we are taking the easiest and shortest way to the summit 3km maximum we will be taking things very easy. The walk does, however involve a 500m climb. On reaching the summit we might drop packs and wander up to the Mt Bogong cairn then retrace our steps, pick up packs and do the short 3 km along almost flat terrain to Cleve Cole Hut. The hut is in a flat, open, grassy area with available water and is an ideal campsite. We will set up tents and then people might like to do a 4km return almost flat, pack off, stroll to Howman Falls. On Sunday morning we will do the return journey this time dropping 500m back to the vehicle/s. Access is via Trappers Gap Track/ Camp Creek Rd, both 4WD access only. Places will depend on the availability of other 4WD vehicles. There are a few seats left in my ute. Bon Accord Crossover Leaders: Mick Sheedy Phone: Deb: before 8pm Bookings by: Wednesday, February 28th Saturday, March 3rd 2018 Grade 3 The Bon Accord Spur was the route taken by walkers, horseriders and pack horses to Mt Hotham before the Great Alpine Road was built. The track follows the Ovens River East Branch for 5 km. The steep climb up the spur starts at Washington Creek (we may get wet if the bridge is still out). The Bon Accord Hut ruin is 9.5 km from the start of the track. From here it is 2 km up to the Razorback, then 0.5 km to the Great Alpine Road. As this is a cross over you have the option to decide whether you walk up or down the track. A leader for the downhill group will be needed. 40th Anniversary Weekend A choice of, cycling, paddling and socialising. Bookings by: Wednesday, February 28th Friday, March 16th - Sunday, March 18th or part thereof. Ungraded Our club is turning 40 and we are planning a weekend of celebrations for all. Our celebrations will be centered around Beechworth and we encourage you to get involved as a variety of activities both social and active will be on offer. Watch this space for more information. Of course you can also opt to sit and chat or do your own thing. Beechworth Lake Sambell Caravan Park has a variety of accommodation options from non-powered sites to powered sites and a variety of cabins. Mention that you are booking in for BBC s celebrations and you ll receive a 10% discount. We suggest you book soon as it s a popular time. Call or check out the options at FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 15

16 If you would like to share a cabin but are not sure who else is looking to do the same please contact us at activities@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au*protected * before the end of November and we ll help to group people together. Mt. Speculation, The Cross Cut Saw, Mt. Howitt and Overnight Camping Leaders: Mick Sheedy Phone: Deb: before 8pm Bookings by: Monday, March 19th Friday, March 23rd - Sunday, March 25th 2018 Grade 4 This two night trip consists of camping at Lake Cobbler on Friday night. On Saturday morning we will drive up to the base of Mt Speculation where we will start our walk up to the summit of Mt Speculation. We ll then walk across the Cross Cut Saw to Vallejo Gantner Hut. We will return the same way but with a detour up to Mt Howitt before heading back across Mt Buggery along the Cross Cut Saw to Mt Speculation and the car/s and back to Lake Cobbler for our second night. On Sunday morning the plan is to do a short 8k return walk up to Mt Cobbler before heading home. It s approximately 20 kms return walk up to Mt Speculation across to Vallejo Gantner Hut/Mt Howitt when returning to the cars. A 4WD is required to get to the base of Mt Speculation so numbers for the walk will depend on how many 4wds are available. I will have spare seats in mine. Youngs Hut on Wednesday. Leader: Bernadette Phone: Bookings by: Sunday, March 25th Wednesday, March 28th Grade 2 We will walk from Pretty Valley to Youngs Hut (The hut we in BBC maintain) for a pleasant lunch and the return. Simple! Depending on weather we will head cross country for part of the walk or walk a little further via track if visibility isn t good. A little more than a Wednesday wander but on a Wednesday, nevertheless. AAWT Kiandra - Tharwa (Canberra) & Overnight camping Leader: John Phone: Bernadette Bookings by: Friday, February 2nd (but ASAP) Friday, March 3oth - Wednesday, April 4th Grade 4 Some of us have been inching our way up the Australian Alps Walking Track over the past two years and in 2018 we ll do the final section from Kiandra to Tharwa near Canberra. This section has rather less of the UP-UP-UP and DOWN-DOWN-DOWN that we are used to from previous sections but it is still a fairly substantial undertaking. It takes six days (so carrying five days food) and typical distances of 20km per day. It is the one bit of the AAWT that I ve not done before but it looks very interesting with beautiful alpine plains and historic huts. We will be Hiring a mini bus to get us to the start of the walk at Kiandra and we will arrange transport to get you from Tharwa to central Canberra but you ll have to arrange to get yourself home. The trip is being run over the period of an ancient pagan spring festival called Easter so followers of Ishtar, Horus, Mithras or Cybele are also welcome along although they will have to cope with the fact that it will actually be autumn in this part of the world. Bookings through Bernadette please. They will need to be early so we can arrange logistics over this busy weekend. The Fainters Overnight Camping Leader: Pauline Phone: Bookings by: Sunday, April 1st Friday, April 6th - Sunday, April 8th 2018 Grade 3 Although this is an overnight walk, we only have to carry our heavy packs approximately 5 kms from Pretty Valley to the Tawonga Huts on the Friday, and back again on the Sunday. We will be leaving Wodonga early Friday afternoon, giving us ample time to walk to the huts and set up camp. FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 16

17 Saturday we head to both North and South Fainter, where we will have lunch with magnificent views before heading back to camp. Sunday we pack up and plan to be in Mt Beauty for lunch before heading home. Disclaimer All statements and opinions expressed in articles published in Footprints are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor, the Committee or members of the Border Club. ADVENTURE GEAR ALBURY For all your hiking needs whether it be buy or to hire our club gear. 479 DEAN ST ALBURY FOOTPRINTS DECEMBER 2017 Page 17