FOOTPRINTS February 2015 Newsletter of the Border Bushwalking Club Inc.

Transcription

1 FOOTPRINTS February 2015 Newsletter of the Border Bushwalking Club Inc. affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Warwick McLachlan Paul Schirmer Brett Coster Tim Weyland COMMITTEE General Committee: David Graf, Sandy Kaitler, Rosemary McConnell, Liz Nilbett, Ira Robinson CLUB NIGHT Tuesday February 3rd 7:30 pm. Our guest speaker this month is Dave Breeden, "The Canoe Guy". Dave will be speaking on all things canoe and kayak related from safety issues to the variety of options available to the keen or novice paddler be it short or overnight ventures.. Club Nights are regularly held on the first Tuesday of the month (except December and January) at 7:30pm. The room is opened half an hour beforehand so that members may socialise. Where : Senior Citizens Meeting Room, Civic Centre Complex, Hovell Street, Wodonga (Havelock Street end of car park) Visitors are always welcome at meetings and supper is served afterwards. WELCOME We extend a warm welcome to the following new members : Jenni & Wolfgang Huber Catherine Byrne Mary Vanderwal 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, report to the editor. Members love reading about the club outings. No talent required! Photos of outings are also greatly appreciated. Send to: enilbett@gmail.com Deadline for next Footprints is 17/02/15 FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 1

2 PRESIDENT'S REPORT. Loose screws from the Presidential tool bin Loose fauna There is a mother and daughter thing going on in my backyard. Its relevance to bushwalking is the relevant mammals are kangaroos and people whose houses don t back on nature reserves must go walking to see the native fauna lying about and scratching themselves (I thought that was exclusively a male thing). Marie ran over a brown snake on Nail Can Hill on her mountain bike. A young goanna refuses to move off the path. The tiger snake on the way back from Wheelers Hut reared its head and debated its next move. These things can t happen unless you are out and about. If your maximum interaction with other species is swatting flies on your porch at sunset, then I suggest you re missing out on another world and the Bushwalking Club activities provide your pathway to it. Let me find a way Wodonga Institute of TAFE 2015 Short Course Guide includes Basic bush GPS skills (ongoing Feb Nov at Wodonga). $100. The blurb says This knowledge is useful for Landcare projects like planting, fencing and habitat monitoring, or when you are bushwalking. Absolutely there is a place for formal training but every time you go out with the club you can learn Basic bush GPS skills for free! You might even assist the leader in moving from lost to knowing! The club has two GPS ( GPS-eses?) on free loan to members (one is a little dodgy) so the opportunity is there. All that s needed now is the motivation. Apropos that, I learnt navigation after the leader of an overnight walk accidentally lead us back to where we had come from so it remains the longest, heaviest pack carry day walk in my 36 years of bushwalking. Goodbye trust in leader s skills - hello self-help to use map, compass, GPS and brains! Gnu Time Which leads me to wonder - can you get lost in a canoe? (I m sometimes asked to get lost but rarely is a canoe involved unless used as a batter). I am referring to the river on which the canoe sits and which, like a trusted leader, always knows the way, except in flood and ultimately exits on coastal beach, through gulf or estuary or over massive rock overhang to the pool below. One can drift mindlessly past willow and gum, rising bank and under bridge to a sun speckled spot where grapes are peeled and lunch is taken. I have seen pictures of kayaks plunging over waterfalls but at either pace or place it seems navigation is not a problem. Rule number 1 stay in the river. Rule No.2 - Do not canoe overland. How hard is that to follow? All right - there are other issues with canoeing (canoodling?) and February s guest speaker will set us to rights (and how to stay upright) with canoe or kayak). Trakking in the daks Staying with the watery theme nature is a book written in mathematics. Professor Brian Cox tells me (or more exactly his TV audience of several million) a pattern emerges in the twists the river makes and which is uniform be the river on earth, Mars or a methane ditch on distant Jupiter. There are patterns in nature the spots on the leopard, the stripes on the zebra, the contour path walked by animals around a hill. So it is with us walkers where we follow tracks made by brumbies, High Plains cattle and hobbits (judging by the low growth over the track well, I suppose it could be wombats). The law seems to be immutable that if there is a track the walker will follow it. We fit the pattern, and conform to the beauty and simplicity of the underlying laws of nature (Brian, again). I never really thought of it that way when getting to the Beechworth Bakery after a tough day walk but the local immutable law is that all walks near Beechworth finish at the bakery. I think the conclusion is that bushwalking conforms to the natural laws of survival, arrival and food. In this century we don t have to carry spears so that s a slight change. Babes in the woods It is a pity this heading might lead readers to contemplate an idyll of Norman Lindsay nymphs ( either gender) dancing in mid summer s twilight before the fantastical dreaming begins. No, the heading refers to inexperienced walkers, on their way to grandma s cottage, oblivious to the perils skulking in the scrub. Our March meeting will cater to those new people as the committee members demonstrate what to take (gingerbread?) (or more exactly what not to take), how to take it and who to trust with your two feet and a heartbeat. More details in the next newsletter Last quote. No one looks stupid when they re having fun Amy Poehler FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 2

3 CHRISTMAS BBQ. CHRISTMAS BBQ. Ian Trevaskis. Our very worthy Club Member of the Year. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 3

4 TRIP REPORTS Mt. Hotham to Falls Creek Cross Over Walk. For the 4 th year in a row the Mt Hotham to Falls Creek cross over walk has been a success. Despite predictions of high temperatures in the valleys, relatively milder conditions prevailed up "The Hills". Eleven club members enjoyed a day in the great outdoors doing what BBC does best; walking and enjoying each others company. Usually we meet groups from other parts of the state. This year we meet a group of students and teachers from a Singaporean High School, who were on a 9 day trek that would allow each student to challenge their ability and perception of the real world. Thanks to this walk now being a commercial undertaking for some, the track down Swindlers Spur and up to Cobrungra Gap, is much improved. This however didn t mean it was easy for everyone and one leader (the author of this report) found the going challenging as the temperature rose on the ascent to the High Plains. Wildflowers were in abundance and even the brumbies were curious about these two legged companions, coming very close to check us out. Thanks to all who participated, especially David for competently leading the group from Falls to Hotham. Put the 2 nd last weekend in your diaries for next year, it s a great walk. Deb Kahn. FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC! Bike ride from Everton to Beechworth. On a warm, sunny summer's morning four of us headed the 16 kilometres UP the rail trail from Everton to beautiful Beechworth. It's a fantastic ride. The scenery is varied and interesting. We saw a few 'roos and heard plenty of birds - even had to give way to some sheep! It's a bit of a grind going up but the return trip is a dream! On arriving at Beechworth, Trisha, (all the way from Finley with her friend Laura because they like hills), suggested a great place for lunch and as you will see by the photo, leader Cindy really needed a good feed! We had fantastic weather, a fantastic ride, fantastic food and fantastic company. Ed. Cindy was a bit rusty but she came good. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 4

5 Split rock - Lake Buffalo Road. 13th - 14th December. On Saturday night, we travelled down to Bright and stayed overnight in a home across the road from our destination, three kilometres before the Lake Buffalo wall. Four club members, three friends from Paul's work, and our two hosts set out early Sunday morning. Following an easy stroll down a lane and across some paddocks, the reality of the day ahead set in when the path quickly disappeared. It was replaced by an assortment of old animal tracks through the thick undergrowth. After a brief stop at stream to fill our water bottles, we started the long climb up the hill. While the scrub thinned out in patches, our relief was always brief. Fortunately our hosts had the foresight to bring a roll of toilet paper (Aldi, large roll) to mark our way in order to assist in the return journey. Our progress was slowed even further as we negotiated our way up several barren rock sheets. Finally we made it to the top of the split rock for lunch, however we were unable to enter the cave as climbing equipment would be needed to abseil down into it. Our way down was little less challenging than going up. Nine and a half hours after setting off, we made it back to our start point. A special thanks to our hosts Sharon and Peter, and to Paul for leading the walk. David Graf. Lake Buffalo Arrow points to split in rock. Mt. Hotham Huts Walk December 13th - 14th. I have never had the chance to explore the Mount Hotham area on foot so when I saw Bernadette's "Hut's Walk" advertised I thought... "Yep! What a great way to start my annual holidays." Six of us drove our way to the Machinery Spur car park where our hike started and beautiful weather greeted us. From the car park, we ambled under the Hull Bridge and into Hotham Village. I always find it somewhat eerie walking through the ski villages out of season when there are only a handful of people in a place that is designed to support thousands. After walking through the remainder of Hotham Village on bitumen we came to the turn off point for the Davenport access track into Swindler's Valley. It turned out that the track led through a restricted construction site due to a new pipeline being installed and was therefore closed. This meant that we would have to give the reportedly beautiful Silver Brumby Hut a miss. We considered misreading the sign which, as pointed out by Bernadette, would then have read "Donut Enter" (very much a double positive). Still being a bit concerned we asked ourselves what would our President do in this circumstance? Our inner voices begrudgingly ignored the answer and we took the alternate FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 5

6 route down the Edelweiss Link track which sadly cut a few kilometres off the day's walk. Once on the Cobungra Ditch track we descended even further into the valley to reach the lowest point in altitude for the day at Swindler's Creek footbridge. Our new member, Shaun, thought that the creek looked so appealing that he needed to take a dip. It was probably not a bad idea as the next section of the walk was a hot trek up the Golden Point spur to Spargo's Hut where we had a pleasant lunch break. The next leg was a walk at the edge of the Hotham resort area along an old mining track which led us to the relatively new Derrick Hut built in After a good break we made our way to the Machinery Spur track via the Australian Alps Walking track. It was decided to add a short detour to Mount Loch as we were ahead of time due to the earlier track section being closed. Mount Loch gave us some great views of Razorback ridge all the way to Feathertop and beyond. Some of our party quickly realised that they knew the other hikers on top of the mountain and had a good chat before we descended and walked the couple of kilometres back to the vehicles. We finished the day well exercised but not exhausted and the views from Mount Loch gave me a fair idea of what I'm in for on the upcoming Razorback walk in January - can't wait. Tim Weyland. Swindler's Creek Lunch at Spargo. Feathertop from Mt. Loch. Derrick's Hut. (The one on the left I hope). Bungalow Spur Harrietville to Federation Hut Mt. Hotham 17th - 18th January. It was a perfect weekend for a walk up Bungalow Spur to Federation Hut - sunny and mild. Eleven of us from Melbourne to Wagga and a few places in between entrusted ourselves to Bernadette's care. The track wound about 10.5 kms constantly upward but at a comfortable incline. From the moment we commenced the walk we were in the bush surrounded by magnificent gums and great vistas. Recent rains provided us with a variety of flowers and colours to enjoy. Upon reaching Federation hut we set up camp, re fuelled ourselves then headed the extra 2 kilometres to the top of Mt. Feathertop. Such great and far reaching views awaited us. Five energetic souls then headed over to the Melbourne University hut (MUMC). We had a great weekend. I shall let the pictures tell the rest of the story. Ed. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 6

7 Powered by baked beans Cindy leads the way. Spring water along the track. Look at us all getting on so well! Mt. Feathertop from Little Feathertop. The Razorback - the other way in to Federation Hut. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 7

8 If you are into Facebook, this may appeal to you. BUSHWALKING VICTORIA ON FACEBOOK. Find us on Facebook at Help Bushwalking Victoria to get a total of 500 'Likes' on our Facebook page. I have recently been given responsibility for managing and maintaining Bushwalking Victoria's Facebook page and have been posting content of specific interest to bushwalkers, as well as covering activities Bushwalking Victoria undertakes such as Bush Tracks and Conservation track clearing, annual Federation walk event, leadership forum and leadership training. Individual members and members of our affiliate and associate members clubs are encouraged to head to our page and 'Like Us'. Also welcome are images from club walks, and news and information on club/member activities to be shared on our page. Let's see how quickly we can reach the target of 500 'Likes'. Patsy Scales Bushwalking Victoria Office Manager NOTICES Leaders - Emergency Contact Person (ECP). Leaders are reminded to inform their participants who the ECP for their event is and provide them with relevant contact details at the time of booking into a walk. EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS FORM You never know when you are going to be in trouble and for this reason all Border Bushwalking Club members are asked to please make sure that they have a completed Emergency Contact Details form with them in an external pocket of their pack. A copy of the form can be downloaded from the BBC website, printed, filled in and carried in an external pocket (either in a small zip lock bag or an old film canister) at all times. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 8

9 OFF TO TASSIE OR THE HIGH COUNTRY? Check your gear Packing the right equipment makes the difference between a good experience and a bad one. If your pack is full of unnecessary stuff you ll be carrying a heavy load and you won t enjoy your walk. (As a general rule, around one-third of your body weight, depending on fitness, is a comfortable carrying load for most people.) But if you leave essential gear behind to save weight, you risk discomfort and danger when weather conditions change. Correct bushwalking equipment is also important to help minimise your impact on the environment. If travelling from mainland Australia, please also be aware that many food items are not allowed into Tasmania. The above information is from Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania ( For a comprehensive list, follow the links. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 9

10 Photo credits this issue: Tim Weyland David Graf Liz Nilbett Deb Kahn Sandy Kaitler *Rusty Cindy comment by Trisha Jackson. *"Look at us getting on so well" comment by Bernadette Cromarty. LEADERS WANTED For easy or difficult local walks. No experience necessary. Please contact Cindy Marsh who will assist you with all aspects involved. Next Committee meeting is Tuesday, 11th November. If you have any matters you wish to be discussed please contact a Committee member. Activities for the next Footprints to the Activities Coordinator activities@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au FIRST AID KITS Leaders are reminded to take first aid kits on all activities. The club has a number for use. Contact David Graf. GEAR HIRE Members are advised that the Club equipment we have available for hire is located at... Adventure Gear Albury 479 Dean Street, Albury phone : website THANK YOU The Committee wishes to acknowledge and thank Frances Dryden at Java@Yack, Yackandandah, for the printing of the monthly edition of Footprints. We appreciate the ongoing support. MARCH CLUB NIGHT IS NEW MEMBERS NIGHT. Let interested friends/family know now! 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 Bushwalking Club Activities on the website... don't forget to keep an eye on our website for upcoming activities. New processes mean some activities put on at short notice don't make it in to the newsletter. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 10

11 Dear friends, We're just starting up this year's habitat restoration work and thought it might be good to send out dates for our 2015 activities. The nest box weekends are: Mar 21/22 Apr 18/19 May 16/17 The planting weekends are: Aug 1/2 Aug 15/16 Aug 29/30 Sept 12/13 Sept 26/27 Best wishes and thanks, Ray Thomas. Regent Honeyeater Project Co-ordinator (03) (0427) FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 11

12 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 well- marked 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 de- fined 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 FEBRUARY 2015 Page 12

13 Canoeing Every Wednesday after Work Canoeing Leader: Sasho Dillow Phone: after 7:00 pm Or Minimum of 6 canoeist for this event to go ahead Be Inspired and Get active. Every Wednesday in February and March. Come and paddle with us from the Donkey Farm down to Noriuel Park. This will be the first after work canoeing trip for the summer The cost will be $12 covers canoe hire and transport. We will meet at the Cumberoona Wharf at Noriuel Park at 5:30 pm. Bring a change of clothes and let me know if you want to join us for the BBQ at $3 cost. Bring your own cutlery, plate and salad to share.the activity is suitable for experienced and not inexperienced paddlers. The expected finish time for the canoe trip is approx. 7.30, followed by a BBQ finishing around Blue Rag Range Bushwalking Leader: Deb Kahn Phone: (02) before 8pm Bookings by: Wednesday 11th February Saturday 14th February Grade 4 16 kms approximately This walk starts from a car park on the Dargo High Plains Road. Whilst it is all on 4WD track it is one of the most spectacular ridgeline walks in Victoria. Unfortunately its exposed location means that the last few years it has been cancelled. So fingers crossed this year will be different. The Razorback Bushwalking Leader: Deb Kahn Phone: (02) before 8pm Bookings by Wednesday 18th February Saturday, 21st February Grade 4 22 kms This iconic walk has it all; elevation, distance, views, exposure to the elements, snakes, huts and more. There will be an option to summit Mt Feathertop or laze in the grass; the choice will be yours to make. West Peak via Granite Spur and Michelle Hut Bushwalking Leader: Dick Wellard Phone: Bookings by: Tuesday 17th February Saturday 21st February - Sunday 22nd February Grade 4 The vision splendid is to Back Pack to Michelle Hut from Granite Spur car park (approx 2km), drop packs and proceed to West Peak via Mt Bogong, (approx 10 km return). We plan to camp overnight at Michelle Hut, allowing the walk to West Peak to take place either PM Saturday or AM Sunday depending on weather/time. The possibility exists to return from Michelle Hut to Mountain Creek car park via the Staircase for all but the drivers. Access to Granite Spur car park is limited to 4 wheel drive vehicles, hence the number of participants will be limited to the availability of such vehicles. At the time of writing, only one extra passenger spot is available. Main Range Walk, Kosciusko National Park Bushwalking Overnight camping Leader: Ron Hammond Phone: places available Bookings by Sunday, 22nd February Friday, 27th February - Monday, 2nd March Grade 4 Leaving Friday afternoon for Geehi camp ground, where we will camp the night. Saturday morning, travel to Thredbo and take the first chair lift. Start walking to our first camp site below Seamans Hut on the Snowy River, with a side trip to Mt Kosciusko on the way. Sunday follow the Snowy River, off track if possible, to Charlottes Pass then up the fire track to Blue Lake and on to our camp at Wilkinson s Creek. Monday return to Thredbo via Mt Kosciusko (chair lift down) then back to Albury. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 13

14 Wandiligong, Morses Creeek Bushwalking Leader: Paul Schirmer Phone: Bookings by Wednesday, 25th February. Sunday, 1st March Grade 3 We start at Alpine Park in Wandiligong and follow the Morses Creek walk down stream to Dougherty s Bridge. There we will put on our waders or old sand shoes and walk in the creek back to Alpine Park. There is at least one section in the creek where the going will be a little difficult but mostly it will be easy walking. If we have any energy left after that we can do the Diggings Walk and the Historic Town Walk. The Diggings Walk is 2 km on a flat track with some steps. It takes us past The Adit, The Diggings Picnic Area, the Junction Mine, the Chinese Pavilion and over the Chinese Bridge. It should take about 1 hour. The Historic Town Walk is about 3 km and should take about 1.5 hours. This walk is on a well formed track with some small hills. Places of interest we will see include the Wandi Pub (1864), Post Office (1885), General Store (1860s), Public Library (1878) and the State School (1877). Overnight to Tali Karng and Mt. Wellington Bushwalking Overnight camping Leader: Rosemary McConnell Phone: Bookings by Monday, 2nd March Friday, 6th March - Monday, 9th March Grade 4 This walk is graded as moderate and is on open snow plains with mountain views and a lake. Overall distance is 37 km (47 with side trip). We will camp at McFarlane Saddle on the first night and the second and third will both be at Millers Hut. The walk is mostly on good tracks although on day three there is a small section which requires basic navigational skills. As it is a long drive there and back we will need to leave on Friday morning and it will probably be a late return on Monday evening. Mt. Buffalo The Big Walk Bushwalking Leader: Deb Kahn Phone: before 8pm Bookings by Wednesday, 11th March Saturday, 14th March Grade 4 22 kms This is the most amazing walk for variety of vegetation, views from many vantage points and bang for your buck in terms of quality. We will start at the Rangers station and follow the track all the way up to the Gorge and Chalet. After lunch taken on the chalet verandah we will retrace our tracks back down to the cars. I would be happy to have a co-leader who would like to do the Not So Big Walk option, starting at Rollasons Falls, as this would allow us to cater for more people. Port Davey Track Walk Tasmania Bushwalking, Overnight camping. Leader: Bill Krautz Phone: or krautz@bigpond.net.au Saturday, 14th March - Sunday, 22nd March Grade 5 Scots Peak Dam to Melaleuca. Walking to the southern extremity of an island at worlds end, this is wilderness Watson's Hut Bushwalking Leader: David Graf Phone: after 8pm Bookings by: Wednesday, 11th March Sunday 15th March Grade: 3 16 kms Weston s Hut is a relatively new hut. This will be a typical Bogong High Plains walk, starting from Pretty Valley pondage. There are excellent views across to Mount Feathertop. There are a couple of gradual rises, but they are not long or steep and the track is good. However there is a drop of about 200m down in the last kilometer into the treeline and Weston s hut. We will return by the same route. This is a good walk for new members to the club as it is not a particularly long walk and we get great views across the high plains. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 14

15 Overland Track Tasmania Bushwalking - 70+km Leader: Cindy Marsh Phone (after 7pm) Friday, 20th March -Sunday 29th March 2015 Grade 4 (Med-Hard) Having recently completed the Overland Track. I consider it is an Australian iconic must-do long-distance bushwalk. Normally, it s a 65 km, six-day trek through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. However, with travel and a rest day, plus taking in Pine Valley Hut, our trip length will be 9 nights- 10 days. The stunning scenery and the physical challenge of the Overland Track have assured it a national and international reputation as one of the great wilderness bushwalks. Grade 4: 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. Contact Cindy by phone or cindy.bushwalking@gmail.com for an information sheet and also refer to the website by clicking here South Buffalo View Point - Dickson's Falls Bushwalking Leader: Deb Kahn Phone: before 8pm Bookings by Wednesday, 25th March Saturday, 28th March Grade 4 18 kms The South Buffalo Viewpoint walk is one of the most picturesque walks on the Buffalo Plateau. Starting at Cresta and meandering to a rocky outcrop that overlooks Lake Buffalo, it goes through bog, heath and grassy plains. Ideally suited to a picnic lunch, participants will be asked to bring a share plate to contribute to lunch. After returning to the car park, those who wish to can then walk out to Dickson Falls, that looks across the other side of the National Park. Cobungra Gap and beyond Leader: Deb Kahn Phone: before 8pm Bookings by Wednesday, 1st April Saturday, 4th April Grade 4 23 kms approximately I haven t done this exact walk before but have done most of the bits as part of other walks. The plan is to walk a loop from Pretty Valley Pondage via Basalt Temple and Cobungra Gap to Blairs Hut. From there it will be a bit steep up to Westons Hut and finally back to the cars via the green tree. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has done this walk before and would love to have them on the walk as a co-leader. Jatbula Trail from Katherine N.T. to Edith Falls Leader: Dick Wellard Phone: Monday, June 1st is the commencement date of this walk. Situated amongst the stunning ancient landscape of Nitmiluk National Park, the Jatbula Trail follows the route travelled by generations of Jawoyn people, from Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Following the western edge of the Arnhem Land Escarpment, the trail traverses sandstone plateau scrub, woodlands, open forest, sandstone monsoon forest and riverine landscapes. The trail was named after Jawoyn Traditional Owner Peter Jatbula who was instrumental in securing land rights for his people and who walked the route of the trail with his family. Experiencing the Jatbula Trail is a must, however it is essential to be well prepared to safely enjoy the walk. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 15

16 Morocco Leader: Deb Kahn Phone: before 8pm September/October 2015 Ungraded I am planning on going with Intrepid Travel to Morocco in Sept/Oct. The plan is to join two of their trips together; 8 Day -Trek Mount Toukbal (Morocco s highest mountain. FOOTPRINTS FEBRUARY 2015 Page 16