200306 Newsletter

74 Kallista Rd. Rochedale South QLD 4123 Email [email protected] Phone No (07) 3341 7509 www.geocities.com/qldbwc

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB

June 2003

Newsletter

The Amphitheatre at Cania Gorge

Club News Mt Walsh Combined Clubs Get Together

Survey Results

Every year on the May Day long weekend the Maryborough, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg Bushwalking Clubs have a get-together in a similar vein to the South-East Queensland Pilgrimage.

Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey on the back of the Membership Form. Out of 89 members, 64 (72%) replied. The following results are taken from the 64 who replied.

This year the Maryborough Bushwalkers Club organized the gettogether at Mt Walsh. Thirteen members from QBW attended this event on a weekend which turned out fine and sunny though a bit windy. Members from the Ipswich and Sunshine Coast Bushwalking Clubs were also present. The campground was in a spectacular setting with Mt Walsh looming over the site. There was plenty of flat ground to pitch your tent, toilets were provided and hot showers available via a “donkey”. The weekend was filled with a wide variety of walks, a bush dance on the Saturday night, a dinner and campfire on the Sunday night and a few raffles. A couple of our members actually won some prizes too.

First Aid Those who have a First Aid Certificate. Those who would like to learn First Aid.

25% 47%

Map/Compass Know how to use map/compass. 42% Would like to know how to use map/compass. 47% Walking Experience No previous bushwalking experience Only graded track experience Off track experience Extensive off track experience

2% 21% 41% 37%

Types of Walks Preferred

The walking on Mt Walsh was superb with many rock pinnacles to climb and superlative views from the dizzy heights. There were also creeks to wander up, waterfalls to explore and history to imbibe. Reports on these walks and photos will appear in a future Newsletter.

Easy Moderate Hard

23% 50% 22%

Day Walks Base Camps Through Walks

50% 26% 24%

The Queensland Bushwalkers Club would like to thank the Maryborough Bushwalkers Club for organising the event. We all enjoyed ourselves and look forward to the next May Day weekend.

You can also help the committee by submitting walks you would like to do or be put on the Calendar. Please contact Barbara if you have any suggestions.

The Committee will use these results in planning future walks and training events.

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Club News

General Information

Training and Safety

Membership

The Queensland Bushwalkers committee have decided to have a 5 minute segment during monthly club meetings to assist in passing on skills and training associated with bushwalking.

Membership is still only $20 per year. Visitors pay $5 per walk for the first two walks to become a temporary member. On the third walk the remainder of the membership fee must be paid. Due to Insurance demands, a visitor must become a member on the 3rd walk.

We recognise that members of the committee are not necessarily the members who are best qualified to provide these presentations. We therefore ask if you are willing to help to offer to provide a presentation in your affiliated area. This presentation need not be a verbal presentation but could instead be a demonstration or a display. Examples: knots, purifying water, gear surveys, cross training, rock hopping, navigation, dealing with medical emergencies, organising a walk for new leaders, food & drink to take, packing light, identifying flora and fauna.

Meeting Place General Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the East Brisbane State School, corner of Stanley Street and Wellington Road, starting at 7:30pm. There is parking within the school grounds off Wellington Road. Consult a street directory, as there are a number of one-way streets in the area.

If you can help in this way please contact David Haliczer.

Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits provided after the meeting.

Club Achievement Scheme

Equipment for Hire

The committee has decided to introduce a Club Achievement Scheme.

The Club has a backpack (suitable for use as a day or through pack) for hire at $5.00 per week.

Initially aimed at the newer walkers amongst us, the aim of the scheme is to encourage walkers to complete a series of walks that have a common theme or are located in a common geographical location. When you have completed the set of walks let the Membership Officer know and you will be presented with a Club Achievement Certificate. So not only do you get a pretty certificate, you get that warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you have achieved something that most people haven't! The walks are also chosen as being our 'pick' of the best walks that you can do in a region for beginners. Here are the various walk sets available.

Bivy Bag/Pack Liners for Sale The Club has purchased a quantity of pack liners from VicWalk suitable for through packs. They are 2 metres by 0.9 metres in a bright orange colour. The packliners can double as an emergency bivvy bag and have helpful information printed on them. They are available from the Club for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

The Management Committee For 2003

Lamington National Park

Secretary Treasurer Outings Secretary Membership Officer Social Secretary Training Officer Editor

Morans Falls/Castle Crag/Western Lookouts (Distance depends on route) Old Forestry Camp (8km) or can be integrated with Castle Crag for full day walk Blue Pool Circuit and Stairway Falls (17.5km) Tooloona Circuit (19km) Lightning Falls (21km) Coomera Falls Circuit (17.5km) Ships Stern Circuit (19km) Illinbah Circuit (17km) Binna Burra to O'Reillys (21km) Westray's Grave (6km)

Dianne Cox Linda Hellmuth Barbara Makepeace Steve Hill Paul Makepeace David Haliczer Richard Kolarski

3273 3484(H) 3395 0754(H) 3245 2186 (H) 0408 952 975 3245 2186 (H) 3879 8334(H) 3341 7509(H)

Other Voluntary Positions Equipment Officer Supper Convenor Federation Reps (2)

Main Range

FMR Reps (2)

Box Forest Track (8km) Gap Creek Falls (10km) Bare Rock (13km) Mt Mitchell (11km) Mt Matheson/Governors Chair (6km)

Campsite Monitors

Glasshouse Mountains Mt Mt Mt Mt Mt Mt Mt

QBW is also looking at purchasing further equipment in the near future. Any suggestions for equipment to buy would be appreciated. Also any person who has surplus equipment and would like to donate or sell to the Club, please contact Steve Moyle on 3800 3963.

Steve Moyle 3800 3963(H) Margaret Smith 3886 3342(H) Richard Kolarski 3341 7509(H) Margaret Smith 3886 3342(H) David Haliczer 3879 8334(H) Richard Kolarski 3341 7509(H) Barbara Makepeace 3245 2186 (H) Richard Kolarski 3341 7509(H) Gary Woodward 3245 2695(H) Ed Thistlethwaite 3374 2198(H)

Note: The Club presently monitors the campsites at Ratatat Hut and Running Creek Falls. This assists the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in ensuring the campsites are in good condition.

Beerwah Tibrogargan Beerburrum Ngungun Coochin Tunbubudla Tibberoowuccum

From the Editor

And for those of you who want to see the scheme extended to more difficult walks, be careful what you wish for… Steve

Thanks to all who submitted articles and photos. This and past Newsletters can be downloaded from the Club web site at http://www.geocities.com/qldbwc/newsletr.html. The deadline for articles for the July Newsletter is 24/6/2003.

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Special Coming Events

Coming Socials

Beginners Rogaine

Coffee Night

Saturday 14 June 2003

Wednesday, 18 June 2003

In conjunction with the Queensland Rogaine Association there will be a rogaine specifically for bushwalkers who may not have tried rogaining before. It will be held at Gap Creek Reserve Rd at the back of Mt Coot-tha beginning at 8.30am. Cost $10.00.

Meet us at the Coffee Club at Sunnybank Plaza at 7.30pm for an enjoyable night out.

Map supplied and BBQ facilities available. Bring water, compass and food. Contact Richard on 3341 7509 for more information.

Contact Paul at 3245 2186 for more information.

Past Socials Roman Empire Dinner 23 May 2003

Sunday 20th July 2003

Fine wine, fine food and fine fellowship. That’s my summary for this dinner. Seven people enjoyed the evening dining and telling stories of great walking adventures.

Meet at 8:00am at Mt May campsite.

Thanks to all who came.

Log Event - Team Navigation

Suitable for "on-track" and "off-track" walkers able to walk 10km. Good for beginners, or anyone wanting to sharpen their navigation. Travel at your own speed.

Paul

Past Walks Cania Gorge

Where: Upper Portals area. Off track, but well-worn pads throughout the area.

29 March to 4 April

How:- Similar to a Rogaine. Pick your own team. Navigate a course from the instructions that will be handed out a week before the event. Hidden judges will ensure that you don't get lost and will score you for deviations from the course. Bonus points for bushcraft exercises along the way. Finish for lunch, where scores will be posted. Equipment:- Bring compass and day walk pack, lunch, water etc. A copy of the Mt Lindesay 1:25000 Topographic map would be very helpful. Contact Frank on 0419 715 719 for more information.

Great South West Walk Beginning September 22nd 2003 for two weeks.

On top of Mt Castle and Lake Cania in background

The walk begins and ends in Portland, Victoria, and is 250 km in its entirety but there is no place on the walk above 300m. The track is well graded and every campsite has a toilet and water tanks. For more information ring David Haliczer on 3879 8334(H)

Tasmania The itinerary for this trip to Tasmania is now finalized. 29 - 31 December 2003. Easy 3 day T/W on Freycinet Peninsula. 2 - 5 January 2004. Moderate to hard 4 day T/W in Pine Valley. 8 - 12 January 2004. Hard 5 day T/W South West Cape. 13 - 19 January 2004. Hard 7 day T/W South Coast Walk. You can come along for one, two, three or all of the walks above. The South West Cape and South Coast Walk involve a flight to Melaleuca from Hobart. If you are doing the South West Cape and South Coast walk you do not need to carry food for the full 12 days as you can leave half of the food at Melaleuca Hut.

Marnie Charlton

Jennifer Kinsela

Shelley Jones

Nadeen Larkin

Number of financial members

From this point we retracked back to the right of the buttress to observe some other formations. The Amphitheatre was a spectacular overhang of rock high against the buttress with views back down the valley and towards Lake Cania. We also saw the Blowhole in sculptured sandstone where Mal got an imaginary fetish attack. From here we continued to circle below the buttress of Mt Castle to locate a gap in the cliff line that allowed our group to get to the top for a magnificent view of the hills and valleys of Cania Gorge and the centerpiece, the extensive lake. From here we retraced our steps back to-the cars and-then-our campsite a short distance down the road. Ed Day 2

New Members

100

Ascent of Mt Castle

Eleven walkers and one baby traveled in three cars to the spillway of Lake Cania. From there we had a look at Lake Cania Spillway, smelt the sulphur patch, and then nine commenced the climb to the Mt Castle buttress (baby Jasmine didn't have the correct walking shoes so mum and dad, (Evelyn and Wayne), had to forego the climb. We climbed off track to reach the buttress and made a left turn to reach some sandstone formations. One was named the Elephant Head, very realistic.

December 2003/January 2004

Contact Richard on 3342 7509 for more information.

Day l

Dragon and Bloodwood Caves

Eleven of us made our way to the car park at the picnic area ready and eager to commence walking at 8.30am. Another beautiful bright sunny day, and not too hot at that time. The walk wound through beautiful forest where the bird life was plentiful, judging by the constant bird songs which accompanied us. Also, silver elk horns were abundant on the cliff faces, and many beautiful wildflowers were also growing everywhere. Page 3 of 6

A moderately steep track lead to the cliff face, where a sidetrack branched north to Dragon Cave, so named because of the natural black mural of a 'dragon' highlighted against the white sandstone wall. A few group photos were taken here, and some scrambled down the track a little to another cave below. We then doubled back to continue on to Bloodwood Cave, where we left 4 of the group to make their way back to The Overhang. The rest of us clambered up to the top of the gorge where we followed the ridgeline through thick undergrowth. This terrain continued for some time, until we made our way down over a gully and up another small ridge to our morning tea stop at a shady spot overlooking the sandstone cliffs. Along the way, we found a recently discarded snakeskin. We then continued to fight our way through the undergrowth, occasionally stopping to enjoy the scenery from a few cliff tops, until we found our way down to the creek, where we walked back along the dry bed to rejoin the rest of the group who were waiting at the Overhang. This was a beautiful area with a variety of sandstone colours, and a wonderfully cool, perfect lunch spot. Our return to the car park was via the Dripping Rock where luscious ferns and mosses were growing. A great walk, and thanks to Steve and Mal for unerringly finding the way along the top of the gorge. Lynne Day 3

Giants Chair, Caves and Big Foot

Our walk commenced at the car park near Big Foot on a fairly steep track with numerous stone steps leading to the Giant's Chair lookout. Luckily, there was some cloud cover at that time, so the climb was quite comfortable. After a photo stop at the lookout, on the beautiful sandstone paved viewing area, we continued along a forestry track for another couple of k's until we found a sidetrack which the ranger had told us would take us to some caves. Well, it would have if we had turned left instead of right. As it was, after more scrambling down to cross a creek, and continuing along the other side, we all rested while Mal and Steve went in opposite directions to try to locate the caves, without success. We went back to the road and waited while Steve and Mal again went looking. They eventually found them, but it was decided that no one felt like more scrambling as it was getting very hot. We made our way back down to view Big Foot, which can be done very easily from the track. This is a large brown image of a four-toed foot on a white sandstone cliff. The ranger had told us there were some caves with some aboriginal drawings in the area, so again Mal the Intrepid was the scout who scrambled around to find them. He located one, so 6 of us then did a bit more climbing over rocky ledges to have a peek at the cave and the very faint drawings.

continuation to the top. In the interval we were able to take in the magnificent views all 360 degrees. On looking north we could see the profile of the Kroombit Tops massif. We had prearranged a radio call to each other at 10a-m: but at 9.45 we heard some babble and a hey-bob located the six just below us in the saddle. Mal seemed quite subdued- not nearly as stimulated as on day 1. From here we all took a buggy ride with Neale back to the Gardens. These were inspected and all made their way to the escarpment and a downward trip off the ridge across the bridge and into camp. From here four went on to the Camarvons and beyond. Ed Day 5

Caves and Crevices

Out of the 11 who originally started out only 5 of us remained for this last day's walk as two headed up to Bundaberg to visit friends and four headed home for various reasons. We started this walk opposite the Cania Gorge car park and walked up around a track until we came to a cave called 2 Storey Cave. Here we climbed in and out of the caves and enjoyed the views of the road below whilst standing out on a ledge that jutted out of the top cave. We continued further along the track until we came to King Orchid Crevice. This is a parting of the cliff that has created an ideal haven for King Orchids and silver Elkhorns. From here we continued to walk for about 11/2 hours before coming across a place called Fern Tree Pool. This is a miniature type waterfall that drips into a small poll and has ferns and vines growing in and around. At this spot we had our smoko. We then continued back to the Caravan Park for lunch. After lunch, Lynn, Judy and myself hired some canoes and we joined up with Stan and Suzanne at Lake Cania (Stan and Suzanne have their own canoes). We had an enjoyable afternoon paddling around. This was the end of our Cania excursion and I feel that everyone enjoyed the walks and the company of each other. I sincerely wish to thank everyone for participating. I would also like to thank those who took the time to write a short report of the walks. Once again "Thanks to everyone". Steve

Split Rock

5 April 2003

This was very nice country, and seemed to be littered with many caves, which will probably be worth investigating on some future expedition. Back to the cars around 1pm, in time to head back to camp for a nice refreshing swim. Thanks to all who made this an enjoyable walk. Lynne Day 4

Mount Castle / Bartlett's Garden

At 7a.m. the local ranger called at our campsite, picked me up and then drove some seven kilometers back towards Monto. A left hand turn took us into private property and a steady climb up to what was Bartlett's Garden. We were surprised how wet and slippery the track was. Apparently it is easy to bog a vehicle in this particular type of soil. I thought for a while we might not make it to the top. A dingo checked us out as we moved along. Skilful driving got us to the Gardens. These are now only remnants; the white ants won out. A clear patch with various improvised farming implements and several dead tree stumps are all that remains of that saga.

Lunch on Split Rock

The ranger Neale and I re-marked the track from here through straggly scrub to the edge of a break in the escarpment. After a 15 minute yarn we moved to the very top of Mt Castle to await the gang of six who had started at 8a.m. to retrace day 1 walk with a

Eleven walkers left Binna Burra car park at approximately 9am for what was supposed to be a walk to observe raptors. In case you have seen too many Jurassic Park type movies, raptors are eagles, falcons and kites (not those with string), not human eating

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dinosaurs that haven't made an appearance on earth since before Methuselah.

had just bought himself a digital camera and spent some time taking pictures of the flora along the way.

Thanks must go to Michael Menzel for paving the way for this walk - without his pioneering efforts this walk would not have been possible.

After just over an hour we arrived at Westray's Grave and had morning tea there. From here there were a few creek crossings to be made as the banks occasionally were too steep to continue along that side. Finally after another hour we caught our first glimpse of Larapinta Falls through the trees.

Heading due south for about one and a half hours leads to the lantana infested area above Split Rock itself. In spite of the waita-while that required gloves and gaiters this was a welcomed first time off track walk by some of our members. Finding a break in the lantana, the promontory leading to Split Rock was located. This rocky promontory juts out into the Coomera River valley offering extensive views north and south of the valley. Split Rock was reached and a good hour or so was spent eating lunch, enjoying views and searching for elusive raptors. Last time I was here we saw Grey Goshawks and a Wedge Tail but this time zip. There were white throated tree creepers but name a walk where there aren't any besides a night walk in the city! David

Shipstern Circuit

6 April 2003

Morning Tea at Westray’s Grave

Larapinta Falls was spectacular as there was a fair volume of water coming down about 150 metres. We explored, took photos and had lunch. Finally it was time to return and we made our way back to the cars. There was the obligatory afternoon coffee stop in a Beaudesert cafe before we headed home. Thank you to all who came along to share the day.

Richard

FOR SALE Garmont Boots NZ size 7½. Very little use. $100. Phone June 3863 4865 Shipstern Circuit

Those already at the Base Camp at Binna Burra had a relaxing morning with plenty of time to breakfast and pack up tents before the day walkers arrived. We headed down to Nixon Creek and detoured up to Ballunjui Falls for morning tea before returning to the main track and the uphill bit to the side trip and the steps up to Charaboomba Rock, meeting a group from Gold Coast Bushies along the way. The clouds moved in so we didn't stay too long, expecting a shower at any minute. As we returned to the main track the sky lightened again and all thoughts of rain were put aside.

Scarpa Boots Size 8 Worn only twice $100 Phone Steve 3800 3963 Any current member may insert a For Sale or Wanted notice in the Newsletter for free. Ring 3341 7509.

Editors Pic Every now and again the Editor will include a photo with an amusing or interesting theme. I hope you enjoy them as did the Editor when first seeing the particular photo.

Lunch and a rest at the halfway mark at Kooloobano Point with terrific views down into the Numinbah Valley. An uneventful afternoon completing the circuit and finishing at the café for afternoon snacks before the drive home. Congratulations to Julia who completed this long track walk as her first outing with the Club. Thank you to all who came along with an extra thanks to Barbara for going tail. Patricia

Larapinta Falls

12 April 2003

Seven people met at Beaudesert on a slightly overcast day to walk to Larapinta Falls. We drove on to Christmas Creek and parked our cars about 200 metres from the creek. We expected the creek crossing to be wet so we walked to the creek bank in bare feet and rock hopped with great care over. After putting on our boots on the other side we started walking up beside the creek enjoying the rock pools and cascades along the way. The track here was well defined and relatively easy. David Page 5 of 6

Lending a Helping Hand

Can you guess who is being carried?

Shivering is the first response to cold. It reaches its maximum when body temperature has fallen to 35°to 33.9°C. Shivering stops when the temperature falls to 33.3° to 32.2°C .

HYPOTHERMIA Introduction Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of less than 35 °C. This can be measured with a thermometer but if one is not available it is reasonable to assume that if armpits and groins are cold, the core temperature is low. The main effects are progressive impairment of brain and muscle function. The risks for hypothermia increase with lower temperatures and rising wind speed. A still air temperature of 12 °C is effectively 2.5 °C at 20 knots. Wet, non-windproof clothing or direct contact with cold water increases heat loss by 30 times. The body has effective mechanisms for replacing heat, with conscious muscular activity or with shivering. These require energy. Low glycogen stores or dehydration, exhaustion, low body mass and increasing age all increase susceptibility. Hypothermia is a condition that is not exclusive to the winter environment. Hypothermia can develop whenever heat loss exceeds heat gain and is as common during the wind, rain and hail of summer as it is during winter. Immersion in cold water can cause hypothermia. Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of hypothermia change as body temperature falls. Individual walkers may experience different symptoms, which progress at different rates. Mental functions tend to go first, and the patient loses his ability to respond appropriately to the environment. Muscular functions deteriorate until he is too clumsy to walk or stand. Mental signs include: Deterioration in decision-making ability Slow and improper response to cold Apathy, lethargy Increased complaints, decreased group cooperation Slurred speech, disorientation progressing to incoherence and irrationality and possible unconsciousness

During the fast cooling phase, the pulse rate increases to as high as 150 per minute. Later, as the body becomes cooler, pulse rate and blood pressure falls. Respirations slow and may finally cease around 25.5°C. Moderate Hypothermia. As body temperature drops into the low thirties, muscular coordination deteriorates. The patient may stumble, walk slowly, lack energy and become apathetic, and lethargic. He talks less and may become uncooperative and complaining. Responses to questions may be inappropriate; the patient may exhibit slurred speech and confusion about time or place. As body temperature falls, gross muscular incoordination becomes obvious with stumbling, falling, and inability to use hands. The patient may become cantankerous or forgetful and display inappropriate behaviour. Severe Hypothermia. When body temperature drops below 33.3°, shivering stops. Energy reserves are deplete d and obvious mental deterioration is present, along with incoherence, disorientation and irrationality likely. Exposed skin is very cold and may be blue. Below 32.2°C, severe muscular rigidity may occur. T he patient may become unconscious and exhibit dilated pupils. His pulse may be undetectable and he may appear to have stopped breathing or to have already died. Treatment for Hypothermia Most rewarmings are simple. We dry the patient, dress him in warm clothes, give him a hot drink and everything works out fine. If the patient is more seriously cold, we usually place him in a sleeping bag with warmers inside, build a fire and take other aggressive actions as necessary. Simple Rewarming (Prevent Further Heat Loss) Remove from the cold environment

Muscular signs include:

Dry the patient, dress in dry clothing

Shivering Loss of fine motor ability progressing to stumbling, clumsiness and falling Muscle stiffness and inability to move (in severe cases)

Insulate the head and neck For mild hypothermia, this and a hot drink are often all the treatment that's needed. Complex Rewarming

Recognising Hypothermia

Feed and hydrate the patient, if conscious and alert. Hot drinks are a good source of heat, fluid and sugar

Hypothermia is easily overlooked in the wilderness and has been mistaken for fatigue, irritability, dehydration and mountain sickness. The most important diagnostic tools in the backcountry are the first-aider's awareness of and suspicion concerning the condition and his attention to the patient's mental state.

Place patient in sleeping bag(s) with other person(s). A sleeping bag is the backcountry's most tried and true rewarming tool. Place the patient in one or more bags with at least one other person as a heat source.

Conventional thermometers read only to 34°C. Low-re ading thermometers should be included in the first aid kits of cold weather rescue units or of any outdoor group travelling in a potentially cold environment. Anyone in a cool or cold environment is at risk for hypothermia.

Place hot water bottles on torso. Be careful not to burn the patient. Apply the hot water bottles to yourself before applying them to your patient. Wrap them in socks to insulate them from direct contact with the patient.

Assessment of severity

Use fires as heat sources. Position the patient in the sleeping bag next to or between two fires. Use a space blanket as a reflector.

Hypothermia in which body temperatures remain above 32.2°C is classified as mild to moderate. Hypothermia below 32.2°C is severe.

Feed, hydrate and rotate the warmers. Warmers expend energy to rewarm the patient and in the process themselves become potential hypothermia victims.

A healthy adult with a body temperature of 33.9°C i s dangerously cold, but chances are good that rewarming will be successful. If the same person has a temperature of 32.2°C or less , rewarming in the backcountry can be difficult, and the patient's life may be in grave danger. If body temperature drops as low as 26.7deg°C, death is likely. Mild Hypothermia. In the early stages of hypothermia the patient feels chilled. The skin may be numb with goose bumps. Minor impairment of muscular performance is evident in stiff and clumsy fingers. Shivering begins. Mental deterioration occurs at the same time. Responses are slow and/or improper, such as not changing into dry clothes or failing to wear a jacket, wind garments or hat.

Be persistent; rewarming takes time. Monitor ABCs. Handle the patient gently. Individuals have recovered from prolonged, profound hypothermia. Newspaper headlines occasionally describe "frozen and dead" people who were successfully rewarmed. The adage to remember about hypothermia treatment is that "the victim is never dead until he is warm and dead."

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Frank Bowling