FOOTPRINTS October 2014 Newsletter of the Border Bushwalking Club Inc.

Transcription

1 FOOTPRINTS October 2014 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 7th October at 7:30pm TALL TRESTLE BRIDGES OF THE HIGH COUNTRY RAIL TRAIL. David Saxton has been working with Parklands Albury/ Wodonga on the restoration of the tall trestle bridges. The Koetong bridges will be officially opened on October 19th during the Tall Trestle ride. He has kindly offered to talk to our club about these magnificent structures and their history. WELCOME We extend a warm welcome to the following new member : Anne McDonald 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. Deadline for next Footprints is Tuesday, 21st October. Thank you, Ed. Next Committee meeting is Tuesday, 14th October. If you have any matters you wish to be discussed please contact a Committee member. Activities for the next Footprints to the Activities Coordinator at activities@borderbushwalkingclub. com.au PAGE 1

2 PRESIDENT'S REPORT. Tall Trestles and True from the Legendary Past David Saxton of Parklands Albury Wodonga will give a show and tell at our October meeting on the incredible trestle bridges currently undergoing refurbishment in the back blocks towards Cudgewa. It is a given that with strong backs and a decent bank balance this majestic rail trail will eventually provide a walking and cycling experience beyond compare. There is a celebration of the opening of the latest bridge on Sunday 19 October (advertised in our previous newsletter). David s presentation will be an entree to that. The projector project It s time our data projector moves from Dell to crypt; it is pretty well embalmed already and it s time to be laid to rest. Somewhere between $900 and $1500 lies the sweet spot for a new projector with vibrant colour, sharpness and brightness to do justice to the pictures which most months we present on the big screen. The language of lumens, contrast ratios and rainbow effect is an alien tongue and the membership is invited to or contact me with any experiences they have with a decent throw projector which doesn t have 3-D capability and which might be suitable to our needs. Benq and Epson seems the flavours de jour. With or without input your committee will strive to satisfy. Objections to cost will be considered (we can get one for $58) but over the last 2 years when the enquiry has been made no-one has suggested a capital expenditure against the $15,000 on which the club sits like a potentate on a featherbed. A piece of equipment used nearly monthly strikes me as a sensible cost to incur. Our present quality of projection is almost as embarrassing as the absence of numbers to our meetings. Speaking of which Ah, the Club meetings. If Florence Nightingale was a member, she d leave her diseased, war ridden hospital and rush to your collective bedsides to banish inertia as only nurses know and revive in our membership the get up and come to the meetings that has got up and gone. We don t have Florence but we do have Pizza. Here s the scene our November meeting coincides with Melbourne Cup and your committee will not embarrass any guest speaker speaking to a child s handful of members tearing up their betting slips. Instead we would like each member to send in by to President@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au three (3) photographs related to bushwalking, cross-country skiing in which they were involved and which talk to that member. On the meeting night, in no particular order, each member who has submitted photographs will be invited to explain the importance, impact etcetera of these pictures to them. It is rare that members get to tell their individual stories of an important connection to the outdoors. This will be that opportunity in the in the informal setting off pizza and wine as below set out. It is absolutely not a photographic competition. Ideally the pictures won t be an impossible blur, (although maybe a drunken night out at a High Plains Hut could generate that!) and should be sent in the highest resolution possible, for their better reproduction on the big screen. And if the language of PDF and JPEG is part of the Tower of Babel to you, then just come along with a hard copy which I could hopefully digitise on the spot. No pictures of scooters in Italy or a rose bush in the back garden. There s got to be a connection to natural outdoors stuff that we bushwalkers can more or less get. Pizza and tolerable wine will be served at 7 PM to match the informal nature of the informal gathering. Note the slightly earlier start. We will base the pizza order on the numbers of photos sent in or on an RSVP to the above link. You are welcome to send in requests for flavour combos. We like the idea above set out, the committee hopes you do too. Holbrook is not the only place with a sub But then of course it might be about the money. Those who are not receiving this newsletter have been submerged from membership and their membership carcass lies inert and deactivated at the bottom of the coal pit sludge where their bones will turn to diamonds in a few million years time. Unless, with the injection of funds, their DNA can be cloned and a brand new membership created looking exactly like all their previous memberships. Weedle de, weedle do See the Nail Can Hill promo later in the newsletter. This is one of our favourite walkie-talkie areas and it s right our membership gives back some love on 5 October. Poor little lambs they have lost their way, baa, baa, bah Churning is the province of mobile phone plans, movie streaming providers, and 5 mates,er, maids a- milking. But why aren t folk who join us not in for the long haul? I can understand a visit by Mr Dicky Knees or close relatives will leave them a-sitting on the front porch with only memories to stride over and a useless membership of our joint. But what makes ablebodied members leave the fold after barely a year or so? We never know and can only guess. To any reader to whom this query resonates and is considering packing their traps, please any one of the contacts on the website telling us why their connection is in terminal bleed and unable to be cauterised. I can think of funny reasons for folk to leave but the issue is sufficiently serious to leave it alone and hope for feedback. PAGE 2

3 TRIP REPORTS Walking the Heysen Trail to After a day and a half drive, Trish Madden,Troy Gabriel, Vera McCluskey and myself arrived at Yanyanna Hut in the Southern Flinders Ranges National Park. We had left one car at Hawker along the way. Yanyanna Hut was our campsite for the night-it is just a tin hut with a fire stove in one end but with the fire going it was cosy on a very cold night. The hut is on the Heysen Trail which runs for about 1200 kilometres, from the rugged Fleurieu Peninsula to the dramatic landscapes of the Flinders Ranges. It is one of the world's great long distance walking trails, taking in some of Australia's most diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Monday morning we left the car at Buneyroo Gorge and started the walk with some fine single track through a gorge, then along track through open forest in the valley between the ABC and Heysen Ranges, arriving at Wilpena Pound in the afternoon. We had originally decided to walk past Wilpena and camp further on, but the temptation of showers, fire, good meals and wine proved too much for this group of walkers. We had a good night. By smoko on Tuesday morning we had walked to the centre of Wilpena Pound and were enjoying a cup of tea (truly unique Australian experience). After this we climbed out of the Pound on single trail through Bridle Gap and had lunch at Black Gap. About an hour later we crossed Moralana Road and picked up water we had left there as a precaution. The Heysen Trail from Yanyann Hut to Hawker is certainly a Remote Long Distance Walking Trail only undertaken by fit experienced people competent in navigation and carrying adequate supplies. Water is extremely limited and extra supplies should be carried. With this in mind, having two and a half days walking, and two nights camping in front of us Troy and I took on eight to ten litres of water each, pushing our packs to the thirty kilo weight. Trish and Vera each carried extra taking their packs over the twenty kg weight. Here is where our interlude at Wilpena came back to bite us! We had already walked fifteen kms today instead of the original plan of nine and now in the afternoon we were facing fourteen kms more with heavy packs! Needless to say the leader came in for a bit of criticism and some harsh words, but having desert walked with all three before I just kept out of range and left the trail finding as usual up to Troy, knowing that Trish and Vera will keep going in spite of blisters, blizzards, heat and flies. The first few kms were on track but from Old Umberutna ruin along the base of Red Range it was all single trail in creeks and a maze of spurs. Track markers were few and far between but Troy seemed to pick the right path. I suggested stopping about five o clock, but Trish was fit and chirpy, Troy was enjoying the navigation challenge, Vera had the bit between her teeth and was keen to press on and as I appeared to be the only one tired, the others seemed to think that was as good as any reason to keep walking. An hour and half later just in the dark we made it into Red Range Camp having walked thirty kms. Wednesday morning we lazed around the fire and left Red Range camp at nine thirty following Slaty Creek along the base of Red Range then Memmerna Creek past the Elder Range turning up Wonoka Creek to Mayo Hut. Stunning creeks. Mayo Hut is a gem and was re built by unemployed and disadvantaged, funded by SA Govt. about fifteen years ago. The stone hut is on a bend in Wonoka Creek. It still retains a sense of the struggle that earlier generations went through. The fire in the hut burnt cheerily on that cold frosty night and we all revived. Thursday morning we followed Wonoka Creek upstream through barren looking country and were surprised at finding attractive broad deep pools of water in the middle of nowhere. After lunch we arrived at Old Wonoka Homestead ruins and the Highway where we left our packs and walked six kms to town. This trail is a tribute to the organizers but especially the land owners as the trail here is mostly on private property. The landowners are justly proud of their land and if people continue to do the right thing it will remain a symbol of Australian co operation. Bill Krautz. PAGE 3

4 The Rock On Father s day Bernadette led six others on a climb up the rock. I have always lived in the northeast with relatives in Wagga and Culcairn but I have never been up the rock before. What a gem it is! The walk is not long and is perfect for families and dads with kids from toddlers to teenagers...that explained the 27 cars in the carpark when we arrived! It started gently through dry, gravelly, eucalypt and native Murray pine forest but with an amazing carpet of little blue caladenia orchids interspersed with yellow donkey orchids and later in more sheltered areas several types of greenhoods. Wattles and peaflowers also added colour. At one point we were treated to a display by two beautiful robins showing off in their bright red caps and matching waistcoats. But the 360 degree view from the top was amazing..bright green and brilliant yellow of the canola with a backdrop of snow capped NSW and Vic Alps. Wow! What a place for morning tea! Good timing by our leader had us back down the steeper section before we met 60 plus Land Science students from ANU making their way up, some struggling with their fitness levels and choices of footwear. Lunch at the bottom and a chat with one of the uni coach drivers who used to be a BBC member finished a very enjoyable walk. It may be a bit of a drive for a shortish walk but at this time of year it was certainly worth it, with added value of a good coffee at a refurbished cafe and a couple of great bargains at the op shop in The Rock. (Are Op shops the new bakery?!) Thanks Bernadette for such a lovely walk. Ira Robinson. Mt Beauty Moncrieff Gap Track After leaving one car at the end, we drove to Mountain Creek picnic area and started walking up the Moncrieff Gap Fire Trail. It was a beautiful spring day, warm enough for shorts (I thought so!) and we admired the last of the wattle blooming along with other wildflowers. The early pace was slow as we made our way uphill, stopping to admire the views up to Mt Emu and the snow on Mt Bogong or down to the emerald green pastures of the Kiewa Valley. It s an interesting walk because the track twists and turns, giving ever changing views. We also managed to see the "Can t See" waterfall high above us at one point. I suspect it is only visible in spring when charged with snowmelt. We stopped at the highest point of the walk for lunch, noting with pleasure the assortment of tree trunks still available to sit on, and then started to wind our way downhill. The gradient got steeper as we approached the East Kiewa River and the pace picked up after one of our number was summoned for babysitting duty later in the day. The river was flowing quite fast but it was barely ankle deep and it was surprisingly warm. As leader, I went straight across boots and all (I had worn shorts for a good reason!) The next person followed me but her trousers got rather wet and the other two took time to remove their boots and socks, put on water shoes and roll up their trousers before crossing, and then reversing the process on the other side. Then it was into the car and back to the start. Altogether a very pleasant spring walk. Eileen Clark. PAGE 4

5 Snow shoeing at Falls Creek. What can I say? An aversion to cold weather has kept me away from snow activities but after a day of snow shoeing on Falls Creek in magnificent sunshine, I am now a true convert. That white stuff can be amazing fun! Sunshine, great company and beautiful scenery. What more could you want? It was a truly awesome experience. We met up along the way with Deb and Olga on their cross country skis and I watched with awe as they glided about and thought, "Hmm, maybe". Thanks Ron for a great day. Ed. PAGE 5

6 A walk in the Chiltern Box-Ironbark National Park Saturday morning was cool but sunny when about a dozen of us met Paul and Denise Smith outside the Star hotel in Barnawartha. We drove into the Chiltern Forest and along a few dusty bush tracks, stopping at the car park on Depot Road. Ira provided a bit of local history by telling us that this was where the "night soil collectors" used to empty and clean out all the town s toilet cans. We noticed how lush the vegetation was! Denise took us on a circuit walk through the bush, ending up back at the cars. I can't tell you exactly where we went as I was happy to stroll along, following the group and admiring the scenery, without taking much notice of which tracks we were on. Along the way we passed lots of wattles,bush peas, yam daisies, native speedwells, orchids, everlastings, indigo australis, cherry ballarts (tasty little fruits), and heaps of other plants whose names I ve forgotten. This area was mined for gold in the 1800 s and we saw plenty of evidence of this filled in mine shafts and the stumps of many trees which were cut down to provide timber for the mining industry. bush tucker enjoying bush cherries After the walk, we drove to the Donchi Hill picnic area for lunch. Interestingly, this is located on Donkey Hill Road, so I don t know which spelling is correct Donkey or Donchi. Paul did a wonderful job of lighting a fire and cooking sausages for us, while Denise boiled the billy for cups of tea. After lunch we pulled ourselves out of our folding chairs, packed up and went home. Thanks to Denise and Paul for organizing a very pleasant outing your lemon cake was delicious. Liz Hammond And look who joined us! Dorothy Reedy is a foundation member of The Border Bushwalking Club formed in Dorothy was the club's first secretary. A pleasure to have Dorothy join us for a walk in The Mt. Pilot Chiltern National Park. PAGE 6

7 NOTICES YOUNG'S HUT RENOVATION The working bee weekend for Young's Hut is October 18th and 19th. This date has been chosen because Lachie Gales, who has been involved in the restoration of other huts, is available. This is a huge help to us. So if you can assist in any way, your attendance to our working bee will be greatly appreciated. We are looking for people to walk in the week prior to the bee to help carry in gear required for maintenance. NEEDED: A small ladder 5-6 feet or 2 meters long to take in to Young's hut and either left there or brought back when the job is finished. Missing: The fly for our Salewa Sierra Leone 2 person tent. If anyone remembers what has happened to it, please advise our equipment officer David on or one of the committee members. 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. Photo credits this issue: Tim Weyland Kaye Kennedy Liz Nilbett Ron Hammond Ira Robinson Sue Cardwell Denise Smith David Graf LEADERS WANTED For easy local walks during Winter and Spring No experience necessary. Please contact Cindy Marsh who will assist you with all aspects involved. activities@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au What do pizza and bushwalking have in common? Club night Tuesday the 4th of November. FIRST AID KITS Leaders are reminded to take first aid kits on all activities. The club has a number for use. Contact David Graf. PAGE 8

8 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 : We thank Gino and Kelly for their generous support of Border Bushwalking Club. Members should be aware that when hiring gear from Adventure Gear Albury that payment is to be made when the gear is picked up. Payment is to be made according to the number of days of the activity as listed in Footprints (whether used or not) and there will be no refund given if the gear is not used. If you have any further queries or problems with this arrangement please a contact a Committee member. 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. 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. The Border Bushwalking Club has all its policies on our website. Sometimes a refresher or indeed first read is worthwhile. Below is a copy of the Participant's Policy and Responsibilities. Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with them. PARTICIPANT S RESPONSIBILITIES POLICY: Participants on BBC activities should comply with directions provided by the leader in regards to risk management and to observe the guidelines for participants attached. By signing the Indemnity Form at the commencement of the activity, it signifies they understand the risks involved with the particular activity. Explanatory Notes: Good bushwalking or other outdoor activity demands good etiquette by all participants for everyone to gain maximum enjoyment from the activity. The BBC has developed a list of commonsense guidelines to assist with this. In terms of safety and risk management, all participants have a responsibility and duty of care for everyone on a PAGE 9

9 BBC activity. To ensure enjoyment and safety, each club member has a responsibility to be aware of the club s policies and guidelines. These are contained in the BBC Handbook and available on the club s website: These policies and guidelines define leaders and participants responsibilities about: Risk management Individual health or fitness in relation to an activity Relevant equipment and the hiring of equipment if required Individuals advising leader of medical problems that could affect their ability to participate. Visitors: The club s policy for visitors participating in a club activity is included in the BBC Handbook. All visitors should sign the Indemnity Form before commencing the activity so they are aware of the risks. All visitors must pay the temporary member fee as this will cover the BBC Insurance costs. BBC Participant Guidelines 1. Be sure to read the grading BEFORE booking on any activity. Check with the leader if the activity is within your level of fitness and capabilities 2. Book in for activities by the proper time Wednesday before a weekend day activity and a week prior to an overnight activity. 3. If you have to cancel, let the leader know ASAP. 4. Advise the leader if you have any medical problems which may arise e.g. asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes. Advise the leader of assistance required and where relevant medication is in your pack/clothing e.g. ventolin inhaler, adrenalin pen, jelly beans. 5. Get to the meeting place on time. 6. Ensure you have the equipment and experience to undertake the activity. Some equipment can be hired from BBC. See Handbook for details. Bring all your own clothing, equipment, food and water; don t rely on others to lend you items or carry them for you. 7. Remember, the leader is a volunteer but is responsible for the whole group. Everyone s cooperation makes the leader s job easier and the trip more enjoyable. 8. Participants are not to be under the influence of illegal drugs or excess alcohol intoxication. 9. Be a team member, not a rugged individualist. Stay with the group, rather than race ahead or fall behind. The whip should be the last in the group. 10. Should you be in front of the group you must stop and wait at any track junction for all members of the group. 11. If you need to go off the track make sure a trip member or the whip knows and you leave your pack on the track where you go into the bush. 12. Irrespective of where you are in the group ensure that you can see the person behind you (and vice versa). If not slow down and wait. 13. Keep an eye out for anyone who needs assistance, even if it is just a rest. 14. Leave the bush as clean as, or cleaner, than you found it. 15. Advise the leader if you feel unwell or cannot cope with the activity. 16. It is wise to insure yourself for ambulance and medical treatment. 17. Carry a personal first aid kit comprising the minimum of bandages, snake bandage, triangular bandage, bandaids, personal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent and tape suitable for dealing with blisters etc. 18. Carry a whistle at all times for attracting attention of the group or others in an emergency. 19. Ensure you leave details of the activity and the names and phone numbers of the club emergency contact details. 20. Carry your name, address and next of kin in your belongings. 21. Carry the names of emergency contact details and leader s details if contact is needed for an emergency en route e.g. car breakdown. 22. Participants are to desist from discriminatory language of any nature. PAGE 10

10 WE'RE CREATING A NEW GROUP FRIENDS OF NAIL CAN HILL. Friends of Nail Can Hill s first activity. Come and join us! Sunday 5 October 10:30 1:30 including BBQ lunch Pemberton St entrance to Nail Can Hill RSVP is essential to tim@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au Our plans: 10:30 12:00 Jan Mitchell, Albury Council Noxious Weed Officer, will introduce us to the beauty of Nail Can Hill and what we can do to remove unwanted invasive plants Socialising and weed removal (with experts on hand to offer advice) Please bring gloves and wear covered shoes 12:00 12:45 BBQ Lunch 12:45 1:30 Short discussion to seek your views on what a Friends of Nail Can Hill group can do This activity is supported by Parklands Albury-Wodonga, Albury City and NSW Trade & Investment Crown Land. PAGE 11

11 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 natu- ral 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. PAGE 12

12 Be Inspired and Get active. Full Moon Walk Maher's Hill Bonegilla Wednesday 8th October Grade 3 Bushwalking Social Leader: Cindy Marsh Phone Bookings by 6th October Join me for a mid week walk to experience the Total Lunar eclipse. The first of many stages will start just after 7:00pm. Bring a picnic tea to share with others, a camera, torch and a sense of wonder. experience a full moon walk with the added bonus of a total lunar eclipse. (Wine is appropriate for the occasion). Young's Hut day walk. Bushwalking and Carrying equipment Leader: Ron Hammond. Phone: (02) Bookings by Wednesday 8th October Sunday, 12th October Grade 3 This walk is to carry in a few tools and check on the building materials delivered over winter. Sunday afternoon stroll Kling Hill Bushwalking 10 kms Leader: Cindy Marsh Ph: (after 7pm) Bookings by October 16th Sunday 19th October 2014 Grade 2 (easy-medium) Kling Hill is a part of a track, under development, that starts at the ridge line of McFarland Hill, walking part of McDonald Hill, Wodonga and descends toward the Swainsona Reserve. I loosely use the word track. The views are great; the walk is about 10 km and an achievable Sunday afternoon stroll in the hills that overlook Wodonga. Weatherboard replacement at Young's Hut October 17th - 19th Overnight Working Bee Leader: Ron Hammond Phone (02) ronlizhammond@gmail.com Calling all carpenters/builders/and handymen (and women). Your help is needed to replace over half the weatherboards on Young s Hut. Leaving Friday afternoon so we can have two full days at Young s or longer if you have the time. This is a major project to ensure the hut's future. The boards have been transported by skidoo over winter so no carrying out this time. Yes I know you're disappointed! White Box Walk - Chiltern Bushwalking 8.5 kms Leader: Pauline McLaughlin Phone (02) Bookings by Friday 24th October Sunday October 26th Grade 2 The 8.5 km track in the Chiltern National Park follows interpretive signs through native bush where wildflowers are abundant in spring. There are a couple of sections with gentles rises. PAGE 13

13 Dead horse Gap Thredbo to Taylors Crossing Benambra Bushwalking. Overnight. 100 kms Leader: David Findlay. Phone or with your details. Bookings by Friday 10th October 31st October - 8th November Grade kms This walk will commence from Dead Horse Gap just below Thredbo Village and finish at Taylors Crossing on the Mitta Mitta River near Benambra. It is approximately 100km and there will be no food drops so a carry all situation will apply. It follows part of the Australian Alps Walking Track and will include the areas of: Tin Mines, Cowombat Flat, Buenba, Johnnies Top, Morass and Taylors Crossing. This is true wilderness with some of the track unmarked and one stretch relying on the water tank at Johnnies top. The plan is to travel Friday 31st October and walk approximately 6km Friday afternoon to Casade hut with the drivers of vehicles. The next day the drivers will return to vehicles. So those interested in supporting as a driver or would like to enjoy a short walk and camp should advise of their interest. The pickup will be Friday night 7th November or Saturday 8th November at Taylors Crossing near Benambra. This walk will suit experienced walkers who can carry a full pack for extended days. There will be no rest days and no food drops. The Big Walk (return) Bushwalking. 23 kms Leader: Cindy Marsh. Phone: after 7pm Bookings by Wednesday, October 29th Saturday 1st November Grade 4 This walk starts from the Ranger s station at the bottom of the mountain, to the chalet at the top of the gorge and returns via the same track. It is a varied walk as you climb with great views with changing scenery and track conditions. It is all on marked tracks. Hotham to Falls Creek cross over or Falls Creek to Hotham. Bushwalking. 19 kms Leaders: Deb Khan and David Graf Phone: (02) after 8pm. Bookings by Wednesday 19th November Saturday 22nd November Grade 3/4 This walk is a great way to see the high plains. One group will start at each end and follow a clearly defined and well maintained track that meanders, ascends, descends and fords a river. You'll see Swindlers Spurr, Basalt Temple, Dibbens and Derricks Huts, the Cobungra Gap, the mighty Cobungra River and views that stretch for kilometres. Participants may provide a preference to walk Falls Creek to Hotham or vice versa. But wait, there's more... PAGE 14

14 Overland Track, Tasmania March 2015 Grade 4 (Med-Hard) Bushwalking - 70+km Leader: Cindy Marsh Phone (after 7pm) Bookings by November 21st - Numbers limited to 8 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. Final date to book is to allow time to book and pay for track, accommodation and the Spirit of Tasmania. Contact Cindy, prior to November, for an information sheet and also refer to the website click here. Beach Camp Ulladulla Sunday, March 22nd - Sunday March 29th Leader: Liz Nilbett. Phone: enilbett@gmail.com Committed expressions of interest by Thursday, October 9th March 2015 As you please. Ulladulla is located on the South coast of NSW about 530 kms from Wodonga. It is surrounded by National Parks with many nearby walks, not to mention the spectacular coast. Ulladulla Lodge will be booked for the week if enough interest is shown by club members over the next 2 weeks. We will have exclusive use of the lodge. It is lodge style accommodation and will sleep up to 20 people. The cost is $3,500 for the week. Based on 20 people that would be $175 each. For 15 people the cost would be about $230. There are 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, lounge areas and outdoor seating and table. Check out the lodge website by clicking here. For information about Ulladulla click here. The owners need a deposit in 2 weeks due to the demand for the lodge in March. PAGE 15