200606 Newsletter

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc. Newsletter

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

June 2006

Mt Tibrogargan Base Walk

Club News Membership Fees Due

Walks Calendar st

Membership Fees are now due. Membership is from the 1 July of each year to the 30th June of the following year. At the May QBW Committee Meeting it was decided that the Membership Fee would be increased to $25.00. The optional extra fee to have the Newsletter posted out to a member will remain at $15.00. The previous Membership Fee has stayed at $20.00 since March 2001. Since then Hall Hire, Insurance and other fees have increased. Also equipment such as GPS’s, UHF Radios and EPIRB’s are available to members at no charge but they will eventually need to be replaced. Other expenses are stationery, postage and replacement of toners for the laser printer. We hope members will understand and Committee will try to maintain membership fees amongst the lowest available in the bushwalking clubs in southeast Queensland. Current members should pay their Membership Fee by 31st August 2006. Under the Constitution the management committee may terminate membership of the member if fees are in arrears for at least 2 months. All members will receive a notice that Membership Fees are now due either by mail or at the Club monthly meeting.

Coffee Night at Mt Coot-tha Café

Please note that the Walks Calendar on the website can be updated at any time in between meetings due to unforeseen circumstances. If your Calendar is more than a week old, be sure to check the web site at http://www.geocities.com/qldbwc/calendar.html if there are any changes. The date the Calendar is updated is at the upper right on the web page and on the printed copy.

QFBWC AGM The Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs is having its AGM on Thursday 22nd of June 2006, at the Little Kings Movement, 33 O'Keefe St, Buranda. The AGM will commence immediately after the usual monthly Council meeting which begins at 7.00PM. QFBWC has an important role in uniting Queensland bushwalking clubs, encouraging safety and promoting legislative and administrative action for the benefit of bushwalkers. At present QFBWC is in negotiations with QNPWS over a Memorandum of Understanding which should help all bushwalkers. Delegates and representatives from all bushwalking clubs are encouraged to attend this important meeting.

17 May 2006

Ten members braved a cold chilly evening to attend this coffee night. Fortunately the café had heaters and we all huddled round one of them while ordering hot drinks. It was a good opportunity to catch up on news and events such as past and future walks. John M had photos of his recent trip overseas to Canada which he was happy to show around.

New Members Gerald McCrossin

Barry Moberg

Caroline Moberg

Wilhelmina Young

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No of financial Ordinary Members

134

General Information

The Management Committee

Meeting Place

President

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Club 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. No meetings in January. 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. There is also parking in Wellington Road.

Vice President

Helen McAllister

3844 8464

Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated.

Membership Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must be a Member (Probationary or Ordinary) or be a member of an affiliated club. Membership of QBW is only $20 and lasts till the end of the Club’s financial year which is on the 30th of June each year.

Probationary Membership A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no fee payable to become a Probationary Member. However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her 2nd walk by filling out a membership form and paying the membership fee.

Secretary

Lynn Nicol

3219 6228 (H)

Treasurer

Gary Woodward

3245 2695 (H)

Outings Secretary

David Haliczer

0432 901 030

Membership Officer

Lynne Cavanagh

3376 5053 (H)

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Social Secretary

Barbara Makepeace

3245 2186 (H)

Training Officer

Frank Garland

3341 5207 (H)

Other Voluntary Positions Equipment Officer

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Supper Convenor

Patricia Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Federation Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Federation Rep

Trevor Cox

3273 3484 (H)

FMR Rep

Frank Bowling

0419 715 719

FMR Rep

Position Available

Campsite Monitors

Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out a membership form and handing the form to a committee member or walk leader and paying the $20.00 membership fee. An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has neither of these rights.

Members of Another Bushwalking Club

Ratatat Hut

Barbara Makepeace

Running Creek Falls

Richard Kolarski

Throakban

Kerry de Clauzel

Mt Superbus

Christine & Cliff Harrison

Spicers Peak

Ann Kemp

Mt May

John Brunott

Members of another bushwalking club affiliated with the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State Federation are covered by the same Insurance as QBW. It is not necessary for them to become a member of our Club to go on our walks.

Editors Pic

Equipment for Use by Members ITEM

No

Contact

Ph No

Compasses

29

Dave Kenrick

EPIRBs

5

Frank Garland

3341 5207

GPS

4

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

UHF Radios

12

Abseil Gear

3349 8238

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Back Pack

1

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Emergency Lights

6

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509

First Aid Kits

3

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509

Topo Maps

34

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509

Sunmap CD’s

1

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509

The Squirter Earthworm

This earthworm was seen on a walk to Larapinta Falls. When it was disturbed it squirted fluid from various sections of its body. A quick search on the Internet gave the following information. The Squirter earthworm (Didymogaster sylvaticus) is a native of Australia and measures about 15-25cm, although it may grow as large as 46cm long. If disturbed or threatened its body contracts, pressure builds up and jets of fluid are emitted from lines of pores running down the middle of the back. The fluid is comprised of salts and body wastes. If squirted into your eye, it may sting but does not cause any permanent damage.

Equipment for Sale Bivy Bags $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00 These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright orange in colour. They can be used as a pack liner and can double as an emergency bivy bag. Club Polo Shirts $20.00 each L, M and S size left only Space Blankets $2.50 each. Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! Ring Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509 to purchaser any of the above.

Another interesting fact is that many Australian native earthworms do not spread into disturbed or cultivated soil. The earthworms found in cultivated or garden soil are foreign worms that have traveled to Australia from all over the world, many of them probably arriving in pot plants brought here by the early settlers.

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Special Coming Events

Training Quiz This Month’s Questions:

Winter Wonderland Walk

June/July 2006

The questions for this month to consider are:

For all those walkers who need to cool down after the long hot humid summer we have had in Queensland, there will be a winter walk along Tasmania's Overland Track in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in June/July 2006. This is a great opportunity to see one of the most popular wilderness walks in the world without the crowds. In winter buses service the start and end of the walk 3 times a week. There is coal available for the stoves in each hut and some huts have gas available. Snow Shoes are not necessary but warm waterproof gear is. If interested contact David Rae 33951838

Pilgrimage 2006

18 - 20 August 2006

The Pilgrimage is the name of the annual gathering of the Bushwalking Clubs of Queensland, who are affiliated to the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs. Venue: Rocky Creek Scout Camp, Old Gympie Road, Landsborough. Directions

2 What is a datum? Previous Month’s Questions with the Answers: 1 What items should a QBW bushwalker carry as part of a First Aid Kit? There is a list of items for a First Aid Kit on our web site at http://www.geocities.com/qldbwc/articles/firstaid.html The essential items are: A waterproof carrying case 2 crepe bandages 10cm x 2.3m 1 waterproof dressing 8cm x 10cm 1 Triangular bandage 1 Emergency reflective foil blanket Small note book and pencil Pain killing tablets (Aspirin/Panadol) You can then add other items and personalize as different people may have different requirements. The Red Cross and Saint Johns supply good kits for bushwalkers and campers.

Head north on the Bruce Highway from Brisbane. Turn off to the left into Glass House Mountains Road. Follow the main road over the railway tracks through Landsborough and keep following until you get to the first roundabout. From here turn left onto Old Gympie Road South and follow along for approx 2kms until you get to the sign on the left for Rocky Creek Scout Camp. More information about the pilgrimage at http://au.geocities.com/qldpilgrimage/index.html

Nepal Himalaya Trek

1 What does UTM stand for on a map and what is it?

March/April 2007

I am organizing a small private 23 day trek to the Everest region March/April 2007. We will be walking to Gokyo, Kala Pattar and Tengboche. For further information contact Gail Cibilic. Ph: 55468 189 or email [email protected]

2. In daytime it is possible to identify north direction by using the sun and an analogue watch and how would you do this? Hold the analogue watch (one with hour and minute hands) horizontal and point the twelve o'clock mark in the direction of the sun. Halfway between the hour hand and the twelve o'clock mark will be the direction north. Note that this will ONLY work all year round south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Can you work out why? PS Make sure your watch is set to the local time with no adjustment for daylight saving!

UQ Musculoskeletal and Sports Injuries Physiotherapy Clinic A recent letter was received from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Queensland.

Camping Fees from 1 July 2006

15th May 2006

Camping fees in national parks and forests managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service are set to rise from the 1st of July. The present camping fee of $4.00 per was set back in 2002. However fees are increased periodically in line with the CPI. Fees from 1 July 2006 for most bushwalkers will be $4.50 per night. Other increased fees are:

The President I would like to bring to your attention that at The University of Queensland we have a Musculoskeletal and Sports Injuries Physiotherapy Clinic that is available for all members of the public to attend. It forms part of the UQ Health and Rehabilitation Clinics in the Therapies Building of the St Lucia Campus and caters for all musculoskeletal and sports injuries.

For a family group $18.00 each night. A family group is up to two adults and accompanying children under 18. For a person 5 years or older taking part in an approved educational tour or camp $ 2.50 each night

Assessment and treatment of your injury or condition is carried out by 4th year students who are either completing their physiotherapy studies or by physiotherapists who are undertaking higher specialist degrees. All are closely supervised by Clinical Educators who have higher Physiotherapy degree qualifications.

Children under five are free.

The clinic runs all year from 8 am - 4pm and you just need to phone for an appointment. A cost recovery fee applies. Free parking is available for clients attending the clinic off campus. If you have any queries regarding our service please feel free to phone us on (07) 33652232 or 33654509 or

Camping permits obtained up to 30 June 2006 will continue to be charged at current rates, even if the camping dates are after 1 July 2006. Many camping areas can now be booked online through http://www.qld.gov.au/camping. They can also be booked by phone on 13 13 04, in person at the EPA Customer Service Centre in Brisbane and at selected QPWS offices around the state. Other camping areas can be booked at local park offices or by self-registration on site.

Email [email protected] We will be happy to forward brochures with more details to your club members. Yours Sincerely, Pam Teys (Clinic Manager)

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In Praise Of Volunteers

Past Walks Mt Mee

The Queensland Bushwalkers Club Inc (QBW) was set up: •

To encourage all bushwalking and related outdoor recreational activities

•

To support and promote preservation and conservation of the environment

•

To provide a safe and social club atmosphere for members It is only with the efforts and sacrifices of volunteers in the Club that anything can be done. We have had the good fortune of having the company of a very special collection of "volunteers", long term and more recent, who have given so much of their time, effort, experience, and knowledge, and who have been involved in various committee roles and with leading/organizing walks and activities. In terms of advancing the Club and what it offers we need to be able to gauge the various activities that people want to be involved in, and we need volunteers to help make it happen. To this end people have been encouraged to come forward with suggestions on certain levels of walks or other activities they want available to them. These people may themselves become volunteers to organize or co-ordinate the activity with the support and assistance as required from other experienced members of the Club. Many have expressed a willingness in providing that support. As occurs from time to time there are opportunities to develop and improve skills and experience by interacting with external clubs or other groups. In the past, sometimes a Club member has volunteered to coordinate the attendance at an activity of a number of members and on other occasions individuals have pursued these opportunities personally on their own initiative. Opportunities can essentially be wasted unless there is sufficient interest among our Club members. Some areas of interest at this time are ABSEILING and NAVIGATION. To provide opportunities for Club members to participate in ABSEILING related activities, the Club has purchased harnesses and equipment for use on Club activities i.e. activities listed on the Club calendar. Federated Mountain Rescue (FMR) provided training opportunities for ABSEILING activities. To encourage interest in these opportunities I organized a social day on Australia Day holiday that involved a simple introduction to abseiling, primarily for those seeking a confidence building type exercise to make them feel more at ease with taking the next step. Barbara coordinated the attendance of Club members on the initial training day with FMR a few days later. Whilst Club members were encouraged to continue with more training, since the training day on 28/1/06 no one has volunteered to co-ordinate any Club attendance at ongoing training sessions with FMR. As best I am aware some individual Club members pressed on with further training upon their own initiative. Individuals may find out more about training opportunities on the FMR website at: www.geocities.com/fmrqld Opportunities continue to be available to develop and practice NAVIGATION skills (with map and compass) through activities organized by the Queensland Rogaining Association. Occasionally a Club member has volunteered to co-ordinate the attendance of groups of Club members and in other instances individuals have participated. The added bonus with these organized activities is that you get to venture onto private property and see and enjoy parts to which you would not normally have access. Information on rogaining is available on their website at: http://www.qldrogaine.asn.au/qraonline/ With our Club activities, before you are tempted to ask more from a "volunteer", please first contemplate what you may be able to do to assist. So much more can be gained from what you yourself give. Trevor D. President

8 January 2006

Mt Mee is about 90 minutes' drive/ 60km northwest of Brisbane. There was a little confusion in respect of the meeting place. However, the group finally gathered at the carpark next to the Somerset Trail. This is opposite the Gantry, which is a delightful picnic area. As we waited for the final two members to join us, we had a quick discussion about the walk. With the weather looking a little uncertain it was decided that we couldn't wait any longer and proceeded down the track with an option to double back. The track passes through Scribbly Gum forests, rainforest and dry open forest. So far so good. Halfway along we should have enjoyed views to Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams but with heavy mist we were lucky to catch a glimpse. A little further and the rumbling warned us that the skies were about to open. On came the raincoats and just in time. With about three kilometres to go there was no time for chit chat. A rather wet group reached our starting point and a few decided that we deserved a coffee. It was no surprise that a few leeches had attached themselves to us. Even found one later in the boot of the car, a "tiger". Lovely to meet some new walkers - Lyla, Margaret and Jo. Thanks to one and all - especially Gil for the light hearted humour - plenty of laughs. Bob & Danuta

Wagawn and Beyond

25 February 2006

This walk commences at the Numinbah border gate so after meeting at Upper Mt. Gravatt and car pooling, we set off via Nerang to the starting point. Our first point of interest was Bushrangers Caves which is reached by following the border rabbit fence for a few kilometres. We had only just started our walk when we were passed by a large group of men carrying lamps who were returning after obviously being at Bushrangers Caves before sunrise. What a large group of men were doing up there before sunrise is anybodies guess. Secret men’s business I suppose. After an hour or so of walking we reached the cave which is really a large overhang which extends for about a couple of hundred metres. Because of recent rains a waterfall which you walk behind about midway along the overhang was flowing well instead of its usual trickle. At the end of the Bushrangers Cave section, a steep rough track is followed that traverses the slopes to the nose of the ridge where it becomes easy to follow all the way to Wagawn which is at the end of the graded trail that comes out from Binna Burra. The traverse was very slippery because of recent rain so progress became fairly slow until the end of the steep section where we stopped for a late morning tea break. Luckily the track from this point was well worn as we had to pass through some thick wait-a-while infestations and after a short time we reached the graded trail at Wagawn. Although the day had started fine and clear the weather had started to deteriorate and clouds had started to roll in and obscure our views a little. I had a vague plan to walk to Mt. Hobwee after reaching Wagawn but because of the slow time on the climb up it was decided to walk to Garragoolba Lookout and have our lunch. Soon after finishing lunch and were on the return journey the rain that had been threatening for a while started and we were subjected to a brief but heavy downpour. The rest of return trip proved wet but uneventful and we were back at the cars at Numinbah gap a bit quicker than we thought the slippery conditions would allow. A quick drive down the road for some liquid refreshments ended the day nicely. David Kenrick

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Springbrook Exploratory

11 March 2006

Unfortunately this walk had to be cancelled due to lack of interest. Use the word exploratory, and I can guarantee 98% of our "bush walkers" will take a hike (the other way). I have put on several exploratory walks in the past including Spicers, Albert River, Mt. Clunie, Wilsons Creek and Paddys Plains to name just a few, all of which have been exciting and quite successful. Just recently, David Haliczer and myself have taken out four exploratory walks, all of which have more than exceeded our expectations. I personally, find these walks challenging and exciting, and will continue to put them on. Be daring and come exploring, you may be pleasantly surprised. Nothing gives you a greater sense of achievement, than to conquer your fears, and take that first step outside of your comfort zone. Hope you'll join me next time. Ken Walters.

Mt Tibrogargan base walk

We then drove to Mary Caincross Park for coffee. The local Irish men and women of Maleny were playing an Irish game on the road to bagpipe music. It was entertaining watching the locals throwing balls along the middle of the road. Only 4km to go before reaching the pub. This was my first walk as leader and I would like to thank Stella, Steve and Nev for coming along. Noelene

St Helena Island

18 March 2006

A visit to St Helena Island is more of a social outing than a bushwalk, starting with a cruise across Moreton Bay from Manly marina on board the Cat-o-Nine-Tails.

12 March 2006

The Glass House Mountains are about one hours’ drive north of Brisbane. It was a beautiful day for a walk. Wow – 18 walkers. Everyone early eager to go. We started our walks by going down Trachyte Circuit which is approx 5.8 km return from the carpark. We had great views from the Jack Ferris lookout and it was just a good walk.

Captive Audience on St Helena

The Glasshouse Mountains

Back at the picnic area we settled down for a much deserved break and snacks. We then backtracked up the hill to do the Tibrogargan circuit. Came across a good spot for lunch next time. Shortly after the heavens opened and we had a spot of rain which hurried us along. This track is fairly new and leads around the base of Mt Tibrogargan through casuarinas groves, open eucalypt and melaleuca forests. In no time at all we were back at the picnic area. Great stretch of the legs and a great way to see the mountains. Coffee anyone? Unanimous – off to the Wander In which is located near the Glass House Mountains lookout. As there were so many of us we had to wait a bit – but it was worth it. Time to reflect on the walk and to get to know each other a little better. Of course we couldn’t pass up a last view from the lookout. See YOU on the next walk.

Baroon to Kondalilla

Bob & Danuta 18 March 2006

Four people met up at Baroon Pocket Dam after leaving a car at Kondalilla. It had been raining in this area a week before and the water level of the Dam was only a centimetre or two from the top of the spillway. We walked along a well-graded track, stopping at Narrows Lookout and Baroon Lookout. The lookouts had spectacular views of Obi-Obi Gorge and Baroon Pocket Dam and its catchment. It was a very pleasant day for walking through rainforest with many palms and vines. To our surprise there were no leeches. We took our time and stopped at Flat Rock for a break before continuing along Skene Creek. As the track with the view of the falls was closed for repairs we continued along the circuit track to the top of the falls for lunch. The falls would have been spectacular to see with the quantity of water in Skene Creek. From here it was a short walk back to the car.

A prisoner, Number 52 kept us entertained with stories of life around the Bay, how the island became a prison and how St Helena was named, until we docked at the island's jetty. From the moment you step ashore history surrounds you and Number 52 brought it all to life. We walked around the island inspecting all the buildings and ruins, stopping for a picnic lunch at the Commandants house which is also a museum. After lunch Number 52 introduced us to a real cat-o-nine-tails and punishment that was given to prisoners on the island. We continued our walk back to the boat via the island cemetery. A leisurely cruise home finished a relaxing informative day. For those who haven't been to the island I highly recommend it as a great day out. Thanks to those who came for their good company. Barbara Makepeace

Glen Rock B/C

1-2 April 2006

Glen Rock was purchased by the State Government in 1996 and is next to the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park. It was once a cattle station and parts of it are still used for grazing. Several of us arrived at this large park on the Friday afternoon and began putting up our tents. A heavy shower occurred just after sunset as we were enjoying "happy hour" but we managed to soldier on with the “happy hour” under a tarp shelter. The next morning was bright and clear and ten of us prepared for the long walk to Point Pure. Glen Rock Park gives a fairly easy access to this viewpoint compared to if we had come in via Mt Mistake NP. The first stage of the walk was along a fairly flat dirt road which after a few k's began going up a long ridge. About half way up this ridge, the road changed to a walking track. Unfortunately some of us began to feel the heat and the pace was slow. Finally three decided to stay back, rest and return at their leisure as they were getting progressively slower. Fortunately they were near a knoll where they were able to get a good view of Point Pure. The remaining seven continued on along a ridge and then round the top of a large valley. There were magnificent views all round.

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We had a lunch stop beside a small stream which unfortunately was not flowing. There were also thousands of cobblers pegs and much time was spent removing them from our clothes. A short while later we were at Point Pure and a GPS reading was taken to confirm. There had been some doubt whether this point or the helicopter pad a few hundred metres away was the real Point Pure.

Our first surprise was the ease at which we made it to the falls. (There had been a storm in the area the night before and the creek was running a banker.) We walked beside the creek through beautiful rainforest to the base of the falls. Kinnanes Falls have quite a substantial drop and the amount of water cascading over the falls made for an absolutely spectacular sight. Our next quest was our very steep ascend out of the canyon. With this task completed we followed the cliff line until we found a way to ascent onto the plateau. The going was easy at first but the further we went the harder it became. David was ahead at all times reporting back to us "go this way, not that way and so on". You can't stop him, he loves it and I appreciated his help.

At Point Pure Delight

The return trip was prolonged somewhat as we tried to contour round a few knolls. This ended up not as a short cut as planned and everyone felt the exertion. As the day was getting on and everyone was short of water, one of our group went ahead and brought the car as far as possible along the road. This saved a few kilometres of walking along the flat. That night we had a large camp fire while we enjoyed our evening meal. Overhead the stars shone bright and all seemed well after a hard day. Some members continued long into the night maintaining the campfire.

Kinnanes Falls

Glen Rock Recreation Park

The following morning again was bright and clear. We did a short leisurely walk up to a platform which had good views of Glen Rock, a prominent volcanic rock outcrop. We then followed some of the dirt roads round to enjoy and explore the surrounds. We were all back at the camp for lunch. Many thanks to Helen for organizing the walk and to John for a walk that will be long remembered. Richard

Kinnanes Falls (Exploratory)

1 April 2006

There's that word again (exploratory) Only four takers for this walk, David H, Trevor D, Mary S, and myself. We began our walk at 8am.I prefer to do these walks as a team, input from all. Our plan were to set out for the base of the falls, contour around until we find ourselves a way up the cliff line to the top of the falls, then descend via the verandah, and back to the car (that sounded easy). I had decided if things hadn't gone to plan, we would simply turn around and go back.

We finally found a way up. It was technically challenging and I loved it. It probably took us 2hrs to travel approx. 600mtrs, but there was great excitement in every step. Trevor and Mary had never been to Kinnanes Falls before so upon reaching the top of the falls we followed the "tourist route" via the verandah back to the car and on for coffee. To the three who came along many thanks. I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did. Not having done the walk along this route before, I would upgrade it to an M78 in future. Thanks again

Ken Walters

Wanted - Assistant Editor/s Anyone interested in being an assistant editor for the Club Newsletter is welcome to contact Richard Kolarski at the Club email address or by phoning 3341 7509. The editor is planning several overseas trips and will be unable to put out the Newsletter every month as at present. Anyone interested should own a computer and have Internet access. They should also be able to use MS Word. Some knowledge of MS Front Page or any other web editor would be helpful. The editor would be very pleased to teach any skills necessary and the Club laptop computer might even be available.

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