200403 Newsletter

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB

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

Newsletter

March 2004

Cronans Creek

Club News Walks Planning Day and BBQ

14 February 2004

Over a dozen members attended this get together at Paul and Barbara’s place. It was a friendly gathering round the pool on a hot summers day. A BBQ lunch went down very well with some cold refreshment. Many walks were discussed and a program for the next 6 months of walking was gradually outlined.

Newsletter Just a reminder that as from the March 2004 Newsletter, people wishing to receive the Newsletter by post will need to pay an additional $15.00 per membership year. This cost is to cover photocopying and postage expenses and is in addition to the $20.00 membership fee, which covers insurance, hall hire, purchase of equipment etc.

Many thanks to the people who put their name down for walks. Any suggestions for future walks can be given to the Outings Secretary. We try to make our walks as varied as possible and new suggestions are very welcome.

Only a limited number of Newsletters will be available at General Meetings. The Newsletter is available as a free download from http://www.geocities.com/qldbwc/newsletr.html and it is in colour!

An even greater way to help the Club is to nominate and lead a walk. It’s not that difficult to organise and the Club has many resources available, plus notes on what is involved in leading a walk.

QBW, YHA Bushwalkers Inc and the Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland Club (BOSQ) have agreed to share throughwalks. Now a member of our club can nominate to go on a throughwalk with the other clubs and vice-versa.

A highlight of the afternoon was the showing of the Western Arthurs video taken by Paul and Barbara on their recent walk to Tasmania. This proved to be very entertaining. Though the walking was strenuous the scenery was breathtaking, easily making up for the effort. Many thanks to Paul and Barb.

Any throughwalks run by another club, which are to be shared, will appear on our Calendar.

Slide shows and Videos At the last General Meeting Lyn Cavanagh gave us a visual presentation on Lord Howe Island. Unfortunately technical glitches got in the way of what promised to be a great show.

Shared Throughwalks

Any member walking with these two clubs has the same Insurance Cover as if walking with QBW. The leader of the walk has the final say on who can go on the walk. This is for safety reasons and your understanding is appreciated.

First Aid Course Reimbursement

More presentations of an audiovisual nature are being planned though, so come along to the meetings.

Members are reminded that the Club will reimburse any member who does a First Aid Course and leads a walk for the Club to a maximum of $50.00

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General Information

Management Committee

Membership Membership is still only $20 per year. The present Club financial year finishes on the 31st of January 2005. Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must become a Probationary or Ordinary Member or be a member of an affiliated club. Members of another bushwalking club affiliated with the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State Federation are covered for Insurance. Probationary Membership To become a Probationary Member, a person pays $10.00 to a member of the committee or to a walk leader. Walk leaders are authorized to collect the $10.00. The committee member or walk leader will note the name of the person and that he/she has paid the $10.00.

Secretary Treasurer Outings Secretary Membership Officer Social Secretary Training Officer Editor

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

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

Steve Moyle Margaret Smith Richard Kolarski David Haliczer Richard Kolarski

3800 3963(H) 3886 3342(H) 3341 7509(H) 3879 8334(H) 3341 7509(H)

Campsite Monitors

A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member by their second walk.

Ratatat Hut

Barbara Makepeace Ed Thistlethwaite

A Probationary Member can become an Ordinary Member by filling out a membership form and handing it to a committee member or walk leader and paying a further $10.00.

Running Creek Falls

Richard Kolarski Gary Woodward

Throakban

Kerry de Clauzel Trevor Smith

Mt Superbus & Spicers Peak

Christine Harrison Cliff Harrison

Ordinary Membership A person who is not a member can become an Ordinary Member straight away by filling out a membership form and handing the form to a committee member or walk leader and paying $20.00.

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

Senior First Aid Course

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.

A Senior First Aid Course is being organised by the Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland on behalf of FMR. When

Weekend 3-4 April 2004. 8.30 am-4.30 pm both days

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.

Where Wellers Hill State School Hall 190 Toohey Road Wellers Hill Q 4121

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

Parking is available on the school oval adjacent to the Hall. Entry by left turn only from Wellers Road.

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

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.

Cost: $125 (includes Course Pack of manual, gloves, bandage and card, and morning and afternoon teas and lunches on both days. Payment required on nomination. Cheque or Money Order should be made out to “Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland” Course will be run by a St John Ambulance Instructor and after being assessed you will be sent a Statement of Attainment which will give you accreditation for 3 years (CPR is 6 months). Limit: 20 participants Contact: Jo-Anne McLaren 3345 2367 Nomination forms will be available at the February and March General meetings. Forward this nomination form and payment to Jo-Anne McLaren, 184 Dunedin St, Sunnybank QLD 4109 by Friday 19 March 2004.

The packliners can double as an emergency bivvy bag and have helpful information printed on them.

Editors Pic

They are available from the Club for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

New Members Laura Hamilton

Maria Beenders

Henry Parnot No of Ordinary Members

45

This is the number of renewals and new members since 1/2/2004 Keeping the right balance in your life

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Special Coming Events

Past Walks

Hinchinbrook Island

Mt Walsh Base Camp

11-12 October 2003

21-25 June 2004 We have a permit for 5 people to climb Mt Bowen (1121m) on Hinchinbrook Island. Hinchinbrook is Australia’s largest island national park. Only a limited number of people are allowed on the island every day to walk the Thorsborne Trail. Even fewer are allowed to climb the peaks. Come and join me on this special walk. Contact Richard on 3341 7509 for more information.

Misty Mountains Saturday June26 – Sunday July 11 2004 The Misty Mountains Trails are located in the Ingham hinterland, stretching from Townsville to Cooktown on the north-east coast of Queensland. They were officially opened in August 2003. Over 130 kilometres of tracks have been constructed. A variety of walks is being planned, from day walks to possible throughwalks. If interested, ring Patricia on 3341 7509

Mt Walsh NP just out of Biggenden on the Maryborough Road features rugged cliffs and deep gorges ideal for the self-sufficient bushwalker or rock climber. On the Saturday 5 walkers explored Waterfall Creek, unfortunately dry but still offering some good rock scrambling up waterfalls to a large pool, still good enough for a dip and some lunch.

Canberra Saturday 18 September – Sunday 3 October 2004 Day walks and/or 3-4 day throughwalks in the Brindabellas near Canberra. If interested, ring Patricia on 3341 7509

Barb and Richard climbed up the waterfall to discover a small cave part way up which exited by climbing some fig tree roots via a very small hole in the rocks - thrill seekers. That night we camped at the campground near the Bluff whilst Julie and Paula from the Haven Bushwalkers cooked us lamb shank stew on their new camp oven. Thanks girls!! Dave joined us that evening with his cactus - some confusion about a Mexican theme dinner. Good one Dave!

South Island New Zealand 27 December 2004-16 January 2005 Day walks in the Arthurs Pass area, a hut walk on the Kepler Track and a three-day throughwalk on Stewart Island is being planned.

Sunday saw us quickly packing our tents in strong winds and racing for the summit of Mt Walsh to beat the rain that never arrived. A good two hours was spent on the top exploring, enjoying the wonderful views and practising our yoga poses on rocky outcrops for the camera.

If interested, ring Richard on 3341 7509

Past Socials Pelicans Nest Fish and Chips

On top of Mt Walsh

20 February 2004

Once again the Pelicans Nest was invaded by 17 of our members. Wynnum was one of the cooler places to be on a Friday night. The food was great and the company brilliant.

Thanks to Paul, Barb, Richard, Fran and Dave for a great weekend and Paula and Julie for feeding us. Linda

Northbrook Gorge

2 November 2003

Guests from as far away as Mackay attended. A highlight was seeing Jasmin (just had her 1st birthday) stepping out on her own. A future leader in the making? Richard

FOR SALE Rucksacks and Harness All the below are as new. Rucksack/Backpack Karrimor Condor 50 - 65ltr Asking $125.00 (cost $259.95) Rucksack/Backpack Karrimor Discovery 55ltr Asking $100.00 (cost $199.00) Climbing Harness and accessories Asking $100.00 (cost $250.00)

Northbrook Gorge

As a bushwalker the rewards that I get from this type of recreation are deeply satisfying and spiritually uplifting. It is because of this that I feel almost obliged to give something back and that is why I lead walks.

Contact David Lodge at Mobile: 0413 766 271 Home: 3823 2985 Email: [email protected] More gear for sale Polartec Top $40.00, Down Jacket $50.00, Walking Shoes $80.00, Gaiters $30.00, Day Pack $40.00, Kathmandu Metro Day Pack $70.00, Bivvy Tent $30.00. Most items new or near new. Contact June 3863 4865

Personally I find Northbrook Gorge to be a pleasant walk but it is not my preferred type of walk. I knew that there was a definite place for it on the club calendar and so I proposed this walk for others to experience and enjoy. On that Sunday I was reminded of the multi levels of experience and enjoyment to be gained from bushwalking in a club. Most

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times people are drawn to a walk because of the specific location and/or feature. Northbrook Gorge is a pretty creek (location) with 5 small swim throughs (feature). Camaraderie, friendship and teamwork are another level that I had forgotten or taken for granted. Our small party of 6 was comprised of 2 well-seasoned experienced walkers, 3 newish walkers (1 of whom was badly sleep deprived from an evening of merriment) and 1 experienced walker who had forgotten about the swim through and was unprepared and ill equipped. We had a pleasant uneventful journey from the lower reaches of Northbrook Creek through to the gorges, up the mountainside and along the ridge and down the road back to the cars. We faced no major physical challenges and there were no outstanding acts of bravery or rescues of any sort. What there was, was an abundance of camaraderie and laughter from a group of walkers, none of whom had walked together more than 2-3 times. This group of like-minded acquaintances were there for the same reason: to experience nature, or dare I say to get a “fix” of the connection to the land. For me this walk turned out to be not just a pleasant social day in the bush, but also rather a day of wonder and amazement. The natural environment was just that – beautifully natural and clean. The wonder and amazement progressed over me as the day wore on as I listened to and participated in the easy banter, the passing of knowledge and experience that was peppered with cheeky Aussie humour from this group of virtual strangers that had come together in this time and place. There was a tolerance and patience, opinion and discussion, sick jokes and ridicule (he deserved it) which was given and taken without discord, favour or prejudice. Need I say that we all “just clicked” on the day. It was a privilege to be part of this group and I am thankful to them all for reminding me how amazing human beings can be in this challenging world in which we live. Bushwalking rejuvenates my soul in more ways than one. Kerry de Clauzel

Lower Balanjui Falls

2 November 03

Number of 'first time' walkers: 3 Air temperature: approx. 24 degrees Celsius Animals sighted: 2 x land mullets, 1 x goanna, 2 eels, and 1 unidentified snake Group photos taken: 3 shots (all less Helen) Complaints received: none Money spent on refreshments after walk: plenty by most. Michael (Just the Facts) Menzel.

Cronans Cascades

8 November 2003

Seven people met at Beaudesert for this short day walk. After introducing ourselves and welcoming a new member, Scott, we drove on to Yellowpinch for the start of the walk. The hardest bit was first, climbing up the short but steep hill at Yellowpinch. Thankfully it was the only really steep bit on the whole walk. We continued on along the dirt road with views of Mt Barney to the right and Mt Ernest to the left. We passed the turnoff to Mt Barney via South Ridge and had a few creek crossings. The water was the lowest I had seen it with the water a dark brown/black colour. The countryside needed some rain. We turned off the dirt road and got into Cronan's Ck just a 100 metres below the cascades. This 100 metres was slow and difficult, as some trees had fallen down from a recent storm. At least one of our members got a few scratches fighting through the "jungle". There was no water in the creek but I could hear the cascades. Where was the creek? Just 10 metres from the cascades I got my answer. We could see the water flowing from the pool at the bottom of the cascades going into a gap between some rocks and disappearing from view. We had lunch at the cascades but no one went for a swim. It was a bit overcast and a slight rain made the rocks treacherously slippery. We headed back and at the Logan River crossing followed the banks of the river. There were some deep pools here, which looked inviting, but the rain began in earnest, making walking on the rock slabs a delicate affair. We got back to the cars soaking wet. Thank you to those who came along. I enjoyed your company. Richard

Watson's Creek

9 November 2003

After taking out several successful exploratory walk's I have been waiting for a flop, and this one had all the right ingredients. Not known, no features, and the group I had were of a high calibre bushwalker. Yep, this one was going to be the one. How very wrong I was, not one of us had any idea what lay ahead. This walk, and the features were absolutely fantastic. Six of us descended a dry rainforest gully to Watson's Creek. Nearing the creek we climbed a small rocky cliff line to do some exploring. These walks are great. No plans, no time limit, just have a good look around. Lower Ballanjui Falls

Day: Sunday, 02 Nov 03 Starting time: 0910 hrs Morning tea break: 1140 hrs - 1200 hrs Lunch break: 1240 hrs - 1310 hrs Return time: 1355 hrs Starting point: Binna Burra carpark

After descending the cliff line we dropped into Watson's Creek. Surprise! Surprise! This part of the creek was beautiful, no scunge, clear running water, and almost beach like, floor to traverse. It was not long before we came across our first feature, a waterfall only a few metres’ high and several wide. The water cascaded evenly over the falls into a big rock pool. We had morning tea here and soaked up the atmosphere.

After smoko we continued walking towards the falls. The walls either side were sheer and high, over 100 metres. This spot was awesome. When we finally got to the falls I was dumbstruck. I have never seen a waterfall like this one before. It was over 100 Total distance: approx. 14 kms metres high and fell in three sections. From the top it fell into a Average walking speed: 3.5 kms per hour rock pool, another right angle fall into another pool (very large), and another right angle cascading down to a large pool where we 11 walkers at start & finish: Judy, Helen, Patricia, Fran, Fiona, stood. Suzanne, Stan, Peter, John, Graeme, and Michael Page 4 of 6 Routing: Caves circuit followed by Lower Bellbird Circuit to Ballanjui Falls and return via Yangahla & Koolanbilba Lookouts

Over time the force of the cascading water had carved out one of the best features in solid rock I have ever seen. All agreed this place was amazing. It was difficult to drag ourselves away. We had adventure in our veins and we were eager to go on. We could see a ridge jutting out from the main cliff face. Some of our group wanted to see if they could get out there and see over the falls. We found a ledge that took us to the top of the falls. We left our packs and went exploring. We spent an hour scrambling about to get out to the ledge. It was a long way to the bottom. After regrouping we went to the top of the falls. This place was brilliant, well over 100 meter drop. No matter what happened from here on, our day was made. Our next course was to walk up Watson's Creek to the start, then on to Stagg's Head and back. The walk up the creek wasn't too bad. I had expected it to be scungy and overgrown, but we only encountered a few obstacles in our path .For the most part it was good walking in rainforest. Arriving at the head of the creek at 2pm, it was too late to attempt Stagg’s Head, so we decided to head back to Boonah for a well earned coffee. The walk out of the creek was up a steep but beautiful ridge, lovely big trees and plenty of birdlife. I am absolutely amazed at the amount of surprising walks still to be discovered in the great south east. Reflecting over coffee (and cake) how lucky I am. Having Marie who encouraged me to do this walk, and competent walkers contributing to this outing, made this one of the best. Many thanks to those who came along. (It will be repeated next year, for any of you who may be interested). Ken Walters.

Peel Island Sea Kayaking

There was a slight swell going over but this didn’t stop us making a reasonable pace and we were in plenty of time for morning tea on the white sands of Horseshoe Bay. Peel is a very popular destination for day boaties and fishermen, most of them anchoring in Horseshoe Bay so on this part of the trip at least we were not alone. Fortunately though Platypus Bay where we were to camp is very shallow at low tide and is fringed with rocks and wrecks so there were only a couple of other canoeists there to share this idyllic camping beach. It was a novelty to have such a seemingly isolated and undeveloped campsite and yet be within site of the city lights as we cooked dinner on our private beach. The next morning a giant flathead stole my second best lure only metres from the tent, yes it was at least this BIG, (he says spreading his arms wide) but in accordance with the rules for such things it got away. The rest of the morning was spent snorkelling, beach combing, and learning a few emergency techniques, then an early lunch before paddling back to Cleveland with a fair wind and a following sea. Well the sea was maybe not as friendly as on the way over, beginning to build a bit as the wind picked up and turned to the north, but by now we were all experienced sea kayakers and revelled in such things. The result: QBW sea kayakers one, wet re-entries, nil. A good time was had by all.

Trevor

Larapinta Falls

29 November 2003

There were only three of us on this walk. Seven people had been interested but for one reason or another it dropped down to three. The ones who couldn’t make it missed a great walk.

15-16 November 2003

There are trips when you make all the contingency plans in the world and on the day they are wasted because things work out perfectly.

We met up as usual at Beaudesert early Saturday morning and drove on to Christmas Creek. It was a slightly overcast day as we began our walk. After just over an hour we got to Westrays Grave and had morning tea. Larapinta Falls is only an hour’s walk upstream from Westrays Grave alongside Christmas Creek. We had to cross the creek several times as we travelled upstream. A tantalising glimpse of the falls above the trees was seen on one of the creek crossings and a few minutes later we were at the falls themselves.

Peel Island

Happily this was the case with our paddle to Peel Island on the 15th and 16th of November. The Bureau of Meteorology had hinted at all sorts of storm conditions in the long-range forecasts but the weekend ceded light winds and sunny days. Peel Island is a ‘must visit’ amongst the islands of Moreton Bay. The island is known for its bird life, white sandy beaches and sapphire blue waters. Its coral reef is the most southerly on the east coast and often claimed to rival the Great Barrier Reef. The reef and the wreck of the Platypus are perfect for snorkelling at low tide. The northern side of the island is a dugong and turtle protection zone. We had several turtle sightings but missed the dugongs this trip. Even the tides were perfect. We left Cleveland on a high, rising tide, which meant that we could short cut through the mangroves instead of going the long way round through the channel and make a bee line for the south western tip of Peel. It was low tide on Sunday morning for snorkelling and we arrived back in Cleveland on Sunday with another high tide which kept our feet out of the mud. Nadeen made the last turtle sightings only metres from the boat ramp on the trip back.

Larapinta Falls

We were able to go right to the base of the falls and for an hour we just sat there admiring the view. There was not as much water going over the falls so that spray did not deter us. At this time of year the Helmholtzia were in full bloom and lined the sides of the waterfall and creek banks. We had an early lunch and then walked back the way we had come in. In the future another walk to the top of the falls to further discover the beauties of this area will be undertaken. Thanks to Dave and Ray for coming along.

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Richard

Cut your pack weight in half and double your enjoyment! Most people carry far more than they need on overnight walks. Many others look at those heavy packs and decide that overnight walks are not for them. I'd like to show you the alternative. You can enjoy a comfortable weekend in the bush while carrying no more than 8-10 kg. Leave the extras behind and you can get it down to 6 kg. You don't need much, only the following. Pack. Most bushwalkers are conditioned to large framed packs and don't realise that they can easily and comfortably carry 1012 kg in a simple, foam-stiffened pack. Change your pack and you've lost 11/2 kg or more. Shelter. There are a variety of lightweight tents on the market. Two people sharing means less weight for both. Or go back to basics with a tarp and net where you don't need poles or pegs. On most walks, if you carry more than 1 kg of tent, you are carrying more than you need. Sleeping bag. You can get a three season down bag that weighs about 1.2 kg. Top only bags weigh about 750g. In warm weather, you might get by with a bag that weighs as little as 450 g. If two people are travelling together, they can often share a single bag by opening it out and using it as a blanket. Down probably still has the lightest weight to warmth ratio but some of the latest synthetics are getting close. Silk Liner. A silk liner for your sleeping bag adds warmth and keeps the bag clean. It weighs only 150-200g. Cotton is much heavier.

Rain? Stop for a minute and think about what you actually need. I often carry a 50g "emergency poncho" which will keep the rain off and act as a wind break. Costs about $4. The 400 to 800 grams is based on the above. If you are confident you'll have reasonable weather for most of the time, nothing else is necessary. If heavy rain and wind is possible, you might want to get a good Gore-Tex (or similar) jacket. This will increase the weight but you should be able to find a good jacket that weighs no more than 500-550g. If you're going to be walking in constant rain, you'll need something heavier -but it will be on you and not in your pack. Leave a change of clothes in the vehicle for the trip home. The clothes you don't wear to bed can be used as a pillow at night. Food. You can keep weights down by using dried spreads like hummus rather than things like peanut butter or jam. A moderate eater should be able to get the weight of breakfasts, lunches and snacks down to 250 g per day. Use dehydrated foods for your evening meal and it should weigh no more than your breakfast and lunch. If you don't have your own dehydrator, there are some good dehydes on the market. Optional Extras Camp sandals. Some people find that the extra weight is well worthwhile so they can protect their feet without having to wear their boots/shoes. You should be able to find reasonable sandals that weigh between 100 & 300g. Pillow. Many people find that a lightweight pillow makes the difference between a good night's sleep and an uncomfortable one. You can get decent inflatable pillows that weigh about 100 g.

Sleeping mat. By using your light pack under your legs, you can easily be comfortable with a3/4 length mat. A 3/4 length Thermarest weighs about 800 g for the standard or 600g for the ultralight.

Camera & film. Some cameras weigh next to nothing; 250g to 500g can get you a decent camera.

Torch. LED head torches are expensive but they weigh next to nothing and the batteries last a long time. The lightest I've found 30g with battery good for 15 hours. Eating utensils. Plastic weighs less than metal. A fork is an option. You do need a spoon and knife. Choose carefully and you can get the weight down to 50g. Cooking. If you're not having a total fire ban, you'll want to cook. If you can't have a campfire, you'll need a stove. One stove can easily do for 4-6 people. The lightest I've found weighs 90 g - add fuel and you are still only 5-600g. Work out how much fuel you need before you go and save weight. A 1.5L aluminium billy, good enough for 2-3 people weighs only 150g. Titanium is more expensive but weighs even less. One person could also use the billy instead of a bowl.

Book. For lazy days. 200 to 300 g. Don't forget, you can almost always trade during a trip. If you are carrying a light pack, you don't need heavy hiking boots unless you have particularly weak ankles. "Research shows that every pound on your feet feels like 6.4 pounds in your pack. Switch to low-cut hikers or trail runners, and you'll save the equivalent of 10 to 15 pounds (about 4.5 to 7 kg). The key is not to swap until you've lightened your load - and considered the potential hazards of your terrain. But in the end, there's no better place to save weight and no other change that will make backpacking feel so much easier." (Dec 2002 issue of Backpacker magazine) Want more info?

Water bottle. You can easily get by with old plastic drink bottles. Two bottles weigh 100 g (plus the water). Need more? Bring a wine bladder (50g) as a spare container.

Ask for my complete lightweight bushwalking notes. They are free for the asking. Contents include: o

Examples of good lightweight gear and where to find it. Includes a list of good websites.

Need to purify your water? A few drops of iodine or purifying tablets weigh next to nothing.

o

Why one type of lightweight equipment might be better for you than another.

Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, toilet paper, personal first aid and medication, hair brush or comb. What else do you need?

o

Dehydrated food suppliers.

o

Check lists

Use the smallest possible containers. (Film canisters work well for most things but be careful with insect repellents - if they spill, they'll destroy many things they come in contact with.)

o

Real life examples of how certain people keep their pack weights down.

Spare clothes. 400 to 800 grams is all you need. Lightweight thermal top (100 g) for cool evenings and mornings. Add thermal pants (an extra 100 g) if you are sensitive to cold. A clean t-shirt (150g) or something similar for wearing at camp. Going swimming? Leave the towel at home. Chux cloths are highly absorbent and dry almost instantly.

I'm happy to admit my ulterior motive for writing this article. If I can show people how light their packs can be down south then maybe they'll consider one of my trips up north where packs can be lighter still. Russell Willis of Willis's Walkabouts Bushwalking Holidays at http://www.bushwalkingholidays.com.au Phone: (08) 8985 2134. Email: [email protected]

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