200609 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

September 2006

Great Guns on Ngungun

Club News Pilgrimage 2006

Friday 18 - Sunday 20 August

Here is my report on the Pilgrimage held at Rocky Creek Scout Camp, Landsborough. This year’s hosts were Glasshouse Bushwalkers Club Inc. and Sunshine Coast Bushwalkers Club Friday QBW members started arriving about 3.30pm. The first job was to erect our Club banner - great to have a rallying point. The camping area was grassy and shaded, the ground a bit hard though, so a hammer was useful. Cups of coffee and relaxing were the best way to spend the afternoon. Most had arrived in time for Happy Hour. After dinner and much chatting we wandered up to the kitchen for soup and then to the Registration hall to sign up for walks. There was quite a variety with some of the easier and harder walks filling up fast. None of us got around to completing the night compass course; too busy socializing. With some people, this is the only time each year that paths cross. Back at our camping area and some noisy people wanted to chat on into the night, right outside my tent! Sounded like Lynn N. and John B. Trevor S. was not feeling well and was unusually subdued. Saturday Ann and Maria arrived early in the morning but were very quiet and some of us slept through their tent erecting. Walks began heading out about 7.45am. There were activities organized for children this year, which was good for Jazzy. Those back early from walks had no trouble finding an empty shower. Happy Hour seemed to begin straight after showers and continued on until the bush dance (and way into the night for some of those ex Yabba misbehavers). We even missed the bush poet and the boot throwing heats because we were so busy talking. Some of us got around to cooking dinner while others just filled up on nibblies. Lyn B. had prepared heaps of food and shared it around.

At 7.00pm we gathered our chairs and headed up towards the music for some bush dancing. We were out on the grass stripping the willow, etc. Good fun! 9.00pm was supper and what a spread. Our hosts really excelled with a range of hot savoury food and sweets, even strawberries and cream. Tired legs and a full stomach sent most off to bed soon after. Sunday Breakfast was provided this morning so we quickly organized ourselves and were up at the kitchen and ready for a feed by 7.30am. Sausages, eggs and fruit were the main offerings. We made an enthusiastic showing at the tug-of-war but the final results were a bit confusing and I'm not sure who won. A Toowoomba bushwalker won the men's boot throwing competition by a mile (well, 20 metres at least). Group photos, morning tea and handing over of the Boot to our VP Helen and then it was time to pack up for another year. Congratulations and thanks to our hosts for an excellent weekend from attendees Frank G., Patricia, Lynn N., John and Lyn B., Wayne and Evelyn and Jazzy, Dave R., Trevor and Kerry, Ann K., Maria, Helen. Patricia

Pilgrimage 2007 The Boot was handed to QBW to host the Pilgrimage next year. Ipswich Bushwalkers and FMR have volunteered to assist and will be the co-hosts. QBW, as the larger Club, will be the prime mover in organising the event. Trevor Davern has volunteered to chair a working party to develop strategies and general plans for the 2007 pilgrimage. The first order of business is to find a suitable venue and there are already several possibilities. Many thanks to those who have already put their names down to help in this annual event.

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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 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

0421 784 783

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 Davern

0411 512 202

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 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

Summer Creek

Sunmap CD’s

1

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509

Another winner in last years Photo Competition. The 2nd annual QBW Photographic Competition closes Tuesday 7th November 2006. Details available at Club meetings and on the web site at http://www.geocities.com/qldbwc/calendar/special.html.

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.

For Sale

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. Page 2 of 6

Rossi Boots Size 9 1/2 Very Good Condition $30 Phone Gil 3272 4366 or 0408 980 694

Coming Events Farewell to Fran Lunch

Training Quiz This Month’s Questions:

9 September 2006

Do you know:

Fran is Migrating South. To my bushwalking friends, I would like to thank you all for your great company on many, many enjoyable bushwalks I have had with you and the Club over the past seven years. Thanks for your valuable companionship and friendship while we have been exploring and enjoying the many gifts of nature we have encountered on our walks. I will miss you all. To say goodbye for everyone, I have planned to have a lunch at South Bank before I leave. I hope you can join me. Details are below: Date:

Saturday, 9th September

Time:

12 Noon

Venue: Chez Laila (down towards the Maritime Museum on the Boardwalk) Phone:

Fran on 3286 9058 or 0417 628 814 (mobile)

QBW Christmas Party

1-3 December 2006

Our Christmas Party will be held at Camp Bornhoffen in the Numinbah Valley this year. There is no camping allowed, accommodation will be in cabins. Each cabin has two rooms with 4 double bunks and an ensuite. All cabins are connected by decks to the kitchen/dining hall. There is a BBQ, swimming pool, tennis courts and sports oval as well as a creek running through the property. We can arrive from 4pm Friday and leave by midday Sunday. The cost per person is $35 (two nights accommodation). You will need to bring your own pillow, sleeping bag and food for the weekend. Fridges, cooking facilities, pots, pans, crockery and cutlery are supplied. Please contact Barb Makepeace ph: 0421 784 783 to book for the Christmas Party.

The Great Ocean Walk

6-13 December 2006

Opened for only a year now, the Great Ocean Walk starts at Apollo Bay in Victoria and finishes at the 12 Apostles.

I am going to book for a group of four so let me know soon if you want to be in it. David Haliczer 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 e-mail [email protected]

Comings and Goings Helen M is off to Eastern Europe for a holiday and will be away for a few weeks. Lynn N and John B are going to the Birdsville races. Dave H will be away for 9 weeks in Western Australia. He will be doing the Bibbulmum Track and the Cape to Cape walk. Richard K is off to Southern Africa for six weeks. He will be doing walks in Namibia and South Africa.

New Members Barbara Denver

Fern Dorricott

As at 30/8/2006 we have 85 financial members

What are the symptoms of hyperthermia?

2.

What is the treatment of hyperthermia?

Last Month’s Questions with the answers: What are the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia? Hypothermia is a medical condition in which the person's core body temperature has dropped significantly below normal and normal metabolism begins to be impaired. This begins to occur when the core temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius. If body temperature falls below 32°C, the condition ca n become critical and eventually fatal. It is very important to give treatment for hypothermia quickly. A bushwalker may become hypothermic before others notice anything is wrong. If someone begins to shiver violently, stumble, or can't respond to questions, suspect hypothermia and begin treatment quickly. Impending Hypothermia: Shivering may begin but can be overcome by activity. Fatigue and weakness begin to show. Mild Hypothermia: Uncontrolled, intense shivering begins. The person is still alert and able to help self, however movements become less coordinated and the coldness is creating some pain and discomfort. For both of the above seek or build a shelter to get the person out of the cold, windy, wet environment. Remove wet clothing if dry clothing is available or put on extra clothing. Keep the head and neck covered. Start a fire or get a stove going to provide warmth. Provide the person with warm, sweetened drinks (no alcohol, coffee or tea) and some high energy food. Moderate Hypothermia: Shivering slows or stops, muscles begin to stiffen and mental confusion and apathy sets in. Speech becomes slow, vague and slurred, breathing becomes slower and shallow, and drowsiness and strange behaviour may occur. Apply mild heat (comfortable to your elbow) to the head, neck, chest, armpits and groin of the person. Use water bottles filled with warm water.

This walk is eight days long and is a great summer walk in Victoria. The walk includes the Otways and much of the Shipwreck Coast as well as great camp sights and fairly easy walking days.

Nepal Himalaya Trek

1.

Offer sips of warm, sweetened liquids if the person is fully conscious, beginning to rewarm and is able to swallow. You may need to continue for quite some time with this treatment and the person should be seen by a doctor afterwards. Severe Hypothermia: Person is very weak, displays a marked lack of coordination, slurred speech, appears exhausted, may appear to be drunk, denies problem and may resist help. There is a gradual loss of consciousness and may continue to little or no apparent breathing. The person may be very rigid, unconscious, and may appear dead. Place the person in a prewarmed sleeping bag with one or two other people. Try to keep the person awake. Ignore pleas of "leave me alone, I'm ok". The person is in serious trouble. Keep a close, continuous watch over the person. Apply mild heat now with the aim of stopping temperature drop, not rewarming. If patient has lost consciousness be very gentle, as by now the heart is extremely sensitive. Always assume the patient is revivable, do not give up. If there is any breathing or pulse, no matter how faint, do not give CPR but keep very close watch for changes in vital signs. If no pulse is found begin CPR immediately, stopping only when the heart begins to beat or the person applying CPR can not carry on any longer without endangering himself. Medical help is imperative, hospitalization is needed.

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Past Walks Rat-A-Tat Hut Beginners T/W

20-21 May 2005

Early Saturday 20 July Richard Kolarski ferried John Rosendale, Bob Gur and myself to O'Reillys to start the beginner through walk to Rat-A-Tat Hut and return. It was a beautiful morning, not very cold and we were all looking forward to a great weekend. Richard and John took the lead while Bob kindly kept me company at the rear. Luckily Richard kept a keen eye on how we were traveling, as my pack needed lots of adjustments. We finally got it right by the next morning and it then felt at least 10kilos lighter. We stopped at Echo Point for morning tea 8 Klms on, turned off the Albert River Circuit to have lunch, and continued on to RatA-Tat.

As the track degenerated even more I started to wonder if Danuta had not paid her brother to take into the bush and chop my head off!! But then why have so many witnesses? After taking a few odd turns and false tracks we found the sign for the turn off to Rat A Tat hut, at this point I knew I was safe from the axe. After we reached the campsite I pitched the borrowed tent (plenty of room) and made good my borrowed sleeping gear for the night ahead. We cooked a quick meal and settled down for the night. Snorers at one end and the non-snorer banished to the other end of the campsite. By the by, there was no hut, no coffee machine no cream buns. Last time I believe the stories I hear!!!! I must admit that the sight of glowworms at close quarters like we experienced was an awesome sight. I don’t think the glowworms I have paid to see in caves were as good.

Dinner at Rat-A-Tat

There were only us at the camp site, so plenty of space for our tents and lessons on how to put it up. Bob and I had borrowed our tents, thanks Paul Makepeace and Richard. After a good dinner followed by Noelene McCay's famous chocolate mousse recipe (in a packet), we went searching for the glow worms just behind the camp and had a fascinating time inspecting them at close range. On our return to the campsite, we found John's apple core had been claimed by an extremely large possum, so large that at first some of us wondered what it was. We were in bed by about 7pm and up early to a fairly warm misty morning and a lyre bird calling out. We were soon on the return track, and en route spotted a bower bird nest, some really giant white fungi, and stacks of unusual small fungi on a log. We all arrived back at O'Reillys none the worse for wear, and enjoyed a cappuccino at the cafe. Thanks very much to Richard for leading the walk. It was a great introduction to through walking and a very good learning experience. Gail Now for the real story: Yes Richard did ferry us (John, Gail and I) to O’Rellys for an introductory thru walk. I personally think this was done to ensure that we were tightly ensnared in his web, and this way there was no way Gail or myself could escape. The walk was in fact very pleasant, even though at times it seemed that I was carrying all my belongings on my back, not just gear for one night!!!! When we reached Echo point Richard immediately displayed his keen sense of humour. Without a moments hesitation he bent down picked a fork which a previous walker had inadvertently left behind and quipped “I think I have found a fork in the track!!!!” Was this an omen of what was to be? At this point we left the extremely well beaten track and headed down a somewhat less used track, no problem. We meandered along and all was as it should be. As the track degenerated and the going got a little tougher, Richard offered for one of the novices to get out front and try their hand at leading! But the two novices were a little smarter than Richard had bargained on!! Gail and I were not born yesterday, the leader has to clear the cobwebs and any other sticky, icky and nasty things from the track for the others, not these two little black ducks.

First Picture Taken of the Killer Possum

In respect to the giant killer possum!! I have my doubts that this was in fact a possum. It is my belief that this creature was a throwback from a prehistoric era and we were to be on the menu, for that night!!! I think the red eyes, huge fangs and 3 inch claws were a dead give away. It is my opinion that our lives were spared only through the relentless effort put into the snoring. After eating dinner there was an attempt at a camp fire, however the flames and heat produced from a spirit cooker (good try though John) did not compare favourably with an open wood fire, so we went to bed early!!! No camp fire ditties or good old sing song!!! Up early in the morning, breakfast, break camp, re-pack all our goodies and we were on our way back (by 8:00am). It was a little scary. Normally I’m not out of bed before 9:00am on a weekend, let alone walking!!! After the traditional forced march and the usual “ we seem to have displaced the track, maybe we should backtrack a little”, all was well except for John constantly checking the map and taking compass readings. Was he just practicing ?? Or did he know something we didn’t? Any whooo we eventually got to a spot that I knew we had been the previous day. Relief was abounding, we picked up the pace, and before I knew it we were on the Border Track. As we got closer to O’Reillys a feeling of remorse came over me!! Was it really already over; am I sorry that it wasn’t longer? But then I got the aroma of fresh coffee, cooking pastries, children screaming and petrol fumes. AHH! To be back in civilization. We dropped our gear and had coffee and hot food from the canteen. Gail and I had completed our first through walk!!! Will I do it again??? Yep, you betcha!!

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Bob

Coochin & Ngungun D/W

Mt Maroon Exploratory

25 May 2006

Five bushwalkers met up at Glasshouse Mountains township on a beautiful Thursday morning to do two minor peaks in the Glasshouse Mountains group. Coochin Hills was the first to be tackled. We drove for about ten minutes from the Glasshouse Mountains township to get to the start of the climb. Putting on our packs we crossed the road and entered the national park area of Coochin Hills. We made our way up a rocky and grassy slope with the occasional eucalypt tree. Following a small foot track we reached the top of one of the peaks of Coochin. From here there were clear views all around us with barely a cloud in sight. On top of the second peak of Coochin we had morning tea under some shade and enjoyed the views of Beerwah and Coonowrin. It was then a short trip downhill to the cars to start the second minor peak of Ngungun a short distance away. The first section of the track up Ngungun has recently been upgraded and we made quick time to the cave area. Here the track became steep, eroded and slippery. We made our way carefully along it and on reaching the top of the cave area the track improved. We then made good progress to the rocky escarpment of Ngungun. There we met some tertiary students who were studying the biology on Ngungun. Ngungun was more well known than Coochin and there were quite a few people traipsing up and down, including one fellow who was practicing for the Kokoda Trail by climbing Ngungun 12 times a day!! We had a leisurely lunch while enjoying the 360 degree views. To the east was the ocean, to the west Main Range and all around us were farms and the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains. A beautiful day in all. After returning to the cars we went back to the Glasshouse Mountains township to try out a bakery there for the traditional afternoon tea. Many thanks to Noelene, Neville, Frank and Chris for coming along on this glorious day. Richard

Mt Mitchell

28 May 2006

Sunday 28th May a small group met at Aratula and traveled in convoy to the Cunningham’s Gap Crest Carpark. The day was extremely pleasant with a cool nip in the air. Care needs to be taken in crossing this busy highway to the start of the walk. This is the only track on the southern side of Cunningham’s Gap and climbs to the eastern peak of Mt Mitchell. We made our way up the mountain under a canopy of rainforest and open forest past West Peak. The views were stunning at every turn. A couple of stops on the way to pad some NEW boots. Blisters, whoops – moving on? Ok….. The last part of the track is through open montane heath and the rock steps near the top of the mountain slightly challenging. Just when you thought you had finished climbing there was another set of stairs. Finally we reached the summit. Views were spectacular and a great place for brunch. Bob had a set of binoculars and some took advantage of checking out the resort on the distant mountain top – looked impressive. Leaving the picturesque views to other keen bushwalkers we commenced our walk down hoping not to be caught in a downpour which looked imminent. The walk down the track was much faster and easier. Not much wildlife today however, a couple of King parrots put on a short display flitting through the canopy. Of course, coffee down the road and a nice hot, warming cuppa and scones for some. Nice and warm inside whilst the rain bucketed down. Thank you for coming along everyone; Lynn – you’re a “trooper”. Bob & Danuta

28 May 2006

There were only three of us to explore the southern side of Mt Maroon on a beautiful clear day. We drove down to Drynan's Hut and parked nearby. After walking along the dirt forestry road we turned off to rock hop up Paddy's Gully. Just before reaching the falls we climbed up the steep rocky side on the right and were rewarded with magnificent views looking to the east. Walking upstream a little way we checked the maps and decided finally we were on the right ridge to go up Mt Maroon to search for a waterfall marked on it. This waterfall had been seen by Ken from Paddy's Peak a few weeks previously and he was eager to explore it. The area on the ridge was open forest but when we descended into a creek gully it became quickly overgrown. After struggling through the undergrowth we came to some rocky overgrown slabs. We weren't sure if this was the waterfall and we decided to continue uphill and do some further exploring.

Marooned!

The area above us turned out to be rocky and fairly open and had terrific views to Mt Barney and Lindesay. We continued walking uphill to a cliff line and then contoured to the right till we reached an escarpment. This was the way up Mt Maroon "the back way" and two of us had done it previously. The sky was beginning to fill with dark ominous clouds and we decided to head downhill. At a rocky slab we stopped for lunch admiring the views. After lunch we decided to go back to the ridge we had ascended as it would be quicker getting to the cars. As we contoured round we crossed a large creek bed. We went downstream a short distance and found THE waterfall. This was a true waterfall with a rocky face and a steep drop much different from the waterfall we had seen earlier in the day. Ken was sure now this was the waterfall he had seen from Paddy's Peak. As the mission was successful we headed down a ridge which took us to the waterfall on Paddy's Gully. A short time later we were back at the car and heading to Rathdowney for a well earned afternoon tea. Many thanks to Ken for leading the walk and to Bob for his company. Richard

Mermaid Mt

8 June 2006

It was a clear sunny day for this short Thursday walk. We had to drive through the early morning peak hour traffic to Brookfield and unfortunately this made us late for the meeting point. One of our members who drove there by herself waited a while but then left. This was not surprising as the leader and the rest arrived a half hour late! From five we were now four. However the four of us continued on. We had received permission to drive onto private land and we parked our car a short distance from the top of a ridge. It was quite a heart starter for the first fifteen minutes as we had to go up a steep dirt road to the top of a small knoll. Here we stopped and had morning tea to catch our breath.

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The track from the knoll was a foot pad but it joined a wide dirt road in a short while. After about an hour of walking on the dirt road we got to Mermaid Mountain. Here there were fantastic views of Brisbane Forest Park and Lake Manchester. After exploring the cliffs for a short while we continued on for another half hour before stopping for lunch at a track junction.

Brisbane were clearly seen in the distance. We wandered back down to the picnic area for a light lunch leaving room for afternoon tea at Aratula a fifteen-minute drive away. A few clouds had gathered and a cool wind was blowing but no rain unfortunately. Thank you to my fellow walkers for your company and welcome to Jill on her first walk. A special thanks goes to the drivers. Patricia

Overseas Walks Ben Lomond, Queenstown, New Zealand

Mermaid Mountain with Lake Manchester in background

After lunch Patricia left us to go back to the car and meet us at the other end of the dirt road. Now there was just three to continue on. The track we had to follow was new to all of us and we studied the map constantly. However what was on the map and how the road actually went were two separate things. We had to check the GPS regularly to make sure we were on the correct road. Despite our best efforts we missed a turnoff which would have led to the road where Patricia was waiting for us. None of us had seen a turnoff and checking the GPS we were several hundred metres from it. Rather than turning back we could see where we could rejoin the correct road by following a dirt road under some power lines through the bush. This turned out not to be not such a bright idea.

After our trek on Stewart Island Patricia and I decided to have some "relaxing time" before commencing the Heaphy Track in the north-east of South Island. What better place than to relax in Queenstown, a beautiful and very touristy town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The drive from Invercargill to Queenstown was very scenic and we enjoyed the glimpses of snow covered mountains in the distance. On arriving we were able to get accommodation along the shoreline in a self contained unit. What luxury! On checking the things to do in Queenstown we noted that Ben Lomond at 1,746 metres had a walking track to the summit. What a wonderful way to have a holiday from bushwalking to go walking up a mountain! We prepared our day packs and, as it was to be a leisurely day, we took the gondola ride part of the way. At the restaurant at the top of the gondola ride there were fantastic views over the town and lake. Hang gliders starting from a nearby slope were soaring against the blue sky. After a stop for refreshments, (ice creams), the mountain beckoned and we followed a signposted wide track through a Douglas Fir forest. The track contoured partly round the hillside before starting to climb along a valley.

The dirt road under the power lines petered out and our shortcut turned into a steep scramble down a slope and then through some thick lantana. Finally we reached the road and found Patricia only a hundred metres away. We then found that the road we should have followed may have been out of bounds anyway as it passed through some private property, so it all ended well. Of course we stopped at a Brookfield cafe for afternoon tea where we had drinks and ice cream as a treat. Many thanks to Patricia, Robert and Frank for their company. Richard

Mt Edwards

18 June 2006

Our meeting place was at you-know-where in Aratula. Eleven people were present, one missing. A message was waiting for us but the mobile phone was turned off. Finally the message was discovered; Gail would meet us at the dam. Then, just as we were about to leave, she arrived. We set off in convoy and found the picnic area at Moogerah Dam deserted at 8.35am. We signed our lives away, gathered our stuff, and headed across the dam wall. This access had been previously closed and we discovered that the fencing across the dam wall had been replaced. Once at the start of the track proper there was no way to go but up, and up, and up, steeper in the middle but leveling out more towards the top. The track is a bit worn but not badly. Some of us were puffing badly so we took a long rest stop halfway while the speedy (read ‘fit’) ones galloped up for a longer morning tea at the top. The views across to Aratula and the farming land towards the north-east were appreciated by all. The green patches of irrigated pastures and crops stood out from the otherwise brown winter grass in the grazing paddocks. The tall buildings of

On Track to Ben Lomond

We slowly ascended above the tree line and walked along a well defined track to Ben Lomond saddle. This track had been in use for over a hundred years as a track for the gold miners to traverse this mountain. At the saddle Patricia decided to rest while I continued on up the last steep section to the summit. The view from the summit was incredible with a 360 degrees panorama. As luck would have it, this was exactly the time my camera decided to die due to flat/cold batteries. The memory though will live forever. The walk back down to Queenstown was light and easy on my feet as I felt uplifted after this magnificent walk. The next day, as we headed out of Queenstown, the top of Ben Lomond was hidden from view by a thick shroud of clouds. The gods above had indeed smiled on us yesterday with beautiful clear skies. Richard

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