200705 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

May 2007

Mt Warning

Club News Pilgrimage 2007 The organization for Pilgrimage 2007 is now well under way. On the back page of the Newsletter is the draft program for the event as outlined at the meeting of the Pilgrimage co-ordinators on the 17th April 2007. Also over 20 walks have been compiled and will be pre-outed by members of QBW, Brisbane Catholic Bushwalkers, Ipswich Bushwalkers and Logan and Beaudesert Bushwalkers. Trevor Davern has volunteered to be the overall Pilgrimage convenor to ensure everything runs smoothly. Helping him are the co-ordinators as below. Co-ordinators John Brunott is in charge of the Logistics and will look after issues such as camping, parking, amenities, cleaning etc. Trevor Cox is the Health and Safety co-ordinator. A Risk Manual has been produced with the help of Frank Garland and Gil Gunthorpe. Kerry De Clauzel is in charge of Registration. She will keep track of bookings and produce a welcome pack for arrivals. Danuta and Bob Gur are assisting her. Lynn Cavanagh is the Food co-ordinator. Brisbane Catholics are providing a supper on the Friday night, Margaret Smith of QBW is organising tea and coffee for Saturday plus provide a light supper on Saturday night. It is possible that we might have a local Kalbar community group provide Sunday breakfast. Logan and Beaudesert Bushwalkers are willing to help in food matters. Linda Hellmuth is the Entertainment co-ordinator. She has booked a bush band for the Saturday night and is organising a Swap and Sell for Sunday morning. Patricia Kolarski is in charge of the Budget. The Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Cubs has given QBW a cheque for $1000 to help with initial costs. This will be repaid after the Pilgrimage. Also, as there are four different clubs co-hosting the event, a separate bank account has been established.

Richard Kolarski is in charge of the Pilgrimage web-site. He will also do any printing necessary and any advertising of the event. Cheryl Lyons from Ipswich Bushwalkers is the Walks coordinator. A Walks pro-forma sheet and an Event Nomination Form have been produced. She will be in charge of the overall organization of the walks. Patricia Kolarski will be organizing the walks to be led by QBW members. The committee would like to thank all those who have volunteered to lead walks or to assist with the many jobs that need to be done. Additional Help and Suggestions Needed However as we get closer to the date we may need more members to come forward and assist, such as to be on a roster to help with registering arrivals, cleaning the grounds or amenities, manning the First Aid hut, etc. The program is not yet finalised and if you have a suggestion or would like to put on an extra activity yourself, please let Trevor Davern know. Possible suggestions are a photo competition, bush poetry and stargazing. Join in and share the fun. More information on the Pilgrimage available at http://au.geocities.com/qldpilgrimage/index.html

New Equipment Officer Please note that Dave Rae is now the new contact person for Club equipment such as compasses, EPIRBs, GPS's Emergency Strobe Lights, First Aid Kits, Topo Maps and the Sunmap CD’s. This is due to Richard Kolarski being away for the next few weeks. Dave Rae can be contacted at 3395 1838

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New Members Tom Hulse

Anita Ray

As at 24/4/2007 we have 121 financial members

General Information

The Management Committee

Meeting Place

President

Helen McAllister

3844 8464 (H)

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.

Vice President

Gary Woodward

3245 2695 (H)

Secretary

Lynn Nicol

3219 6228 (H)

Treasurer

Bob Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Outings Officer

Patricia Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Membership Officer

Lynne Cavanagh

3376 5053 (H)

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

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Membership

Social Secretary

Danuta Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Training Officer

David Rae

3395 1838 (H)

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.

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.

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 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.

Other Voluntary Positions Equipment Officer

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Supper Convenor

Margaret Smith

3886 3342 (H)

Federation Rep

Kerry de Clauzel

3209 7146 (H)

Federation Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

FMR Rep

Frank Bowling

0419 715 719

FMR Rep

Barbara Makepeace

0421 784 783

Campsite Monitors Barbara Makepeace

Ratatat Hut Mt Barney Spicer’s Double Peak Saddle

Kerry de Clauzel

Throakban Lower Portals

Richard Kolarski

Running Creek Falls

Christine & Cliff Harrison

Mt Superbus

Ann Kemp

Spicers Peak

John Brunott

Ballows

Editors Pic

Equipment for Use by Members ITEM

No

Contact

Ph No

Compasses

29

David Rae

3395 1838

EPIRBs

5

David Rae

3395 1838

GPS

4

David Rae

3395 1838

Emergency Lights

6

David Rae

3395 1838

First Aid Kits

3

David Rae

3395 1838

Topo Maps

34

David Rae

3395 1838

Sunmap CD’s

1

David Rae

3395 1838

Abseil Gear

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

UHF Radios

12

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Back Pack

1

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

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 L, M and S size left only

$20.00 each

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 purchase any of the above.

Margaret Celebrates her Birthday at a Recent Club Social

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Comings and Goings

Training Quiz

Bob and Danuta G. will be away for 6 weeks travelling through Europe using various modes of transport. They will hire a car in England and Scotland, bus through Portugal, Spain and Morocco and Italy before flying to Hong Kong. Trevor and Diane C. are also going to Europe but only for 5 weeks. They are initially doing a 3 week tour which includes a four day boat cruise in the Mediterranean. They will then spend another two weeks in Great Britain. Richard and Patricia K. will be holidaying and walking in the USA for 4 weeks. They will spend 10 days walking in Hawaii and then fly to mainland USA. There they are doing a 16 day camping trip through the National Parks of western USA including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone. John M. is traveling on a cargo ship from Cairns to Thursday Island for one week.

Past Socials Whites Hill Reserve – Sunset Walk

This Month’s Question and Answer Can you tell me more about UTM and where the defined reference points are? The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection and grid system was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1947 for designating rectangular coordinates on large scale military maps. The UTM grid system for coordinates is simpler to use than latitude and longitude and it has become a standard for many countries. The UTM system divides the earth into 60 zones with each zone 6 degrees of longitude wide. Zone 1 starts at the International Date Line (longitude 180°), and proceeds east. South East Queensland is in Zone 56, that is from 1500 to 1560 longitude East. UTM grid coordinates are expressed as a distance in meters to the east, referred to as the "easting", and a distance in meters to the north, referred to as the "northing".

14 April 2007

Whites Hill Reserve is the large hilly bushland in Camp Hill with a history back to the early settlement days of Brisbane. The five of us began our walk at 4pm from the Woolies carpark in Thomas St. First stop at Whites Hill (120m). Here we sampled the history, this being the site of Robert Whites grand house of 550 square metres, with 6m wide verandahs! It had tea rooms, telescopes for hire and camera obscura to project views of Brisbane on to the house walls. Weddings and receptions were held there with music to a German music machine. We paused to take in the great views of the city. Sadly the magnificent residence is now totally gone - all replaced by the resilient bush.

A Representation of One Zone Eastings UTM easting coordinates are referenced to the center line of each zone. This center line is known as the central meridian. The central meridian is assigned an easting value of 500,000 meters East. This 500,000m value is arbitrarily assigned so that no easting value will be a negative number. Bushwalkers Spotted on Whites Hill

Then down the track to Pine Mountain up a short steep pinch. Great view west to Flinders Peak. Even surprised by the large full lake formed by the nearby abandoned Boral quarry to the south. A strange contrast to the tinder dry bush. A thinly scattered koala population still exists in the reserve – but remained hidden from us, as well as the swamp wallabies and echidnas said to be there too. Worth a look after dark another time we wondered. Walk completed about 5:50 and then off to the nearby Elios Osteria for yummy pasta and pizzas. The rich cheese-filled garlic bread is totally demolished. Pizzas arrive, wine is sipped and conversation flows. Finally the pace slows, then with the shining sculptured doggy bags in hand we say our goodnights. We agreed to next do a short early morning walk over Belmont Hill reserve … following by breakfast on the deck at nearby Pacific golf club. John Hinton

For South East Queensland the central meridian is at 1530 East. If you have a look at the Hillview topographic map you can see the easting value of 500,000 in the bottom left hand corner. Northings UTM northing coordinates are measured relative to the equator. For locations north of the equator, the equator is assigned the northing value of 0 meters North. To avoid negative numbers, locations south of the equator are made with the equator assigned a value of 10,000,000 meters North. Some UTM northing values are valid both north and south of the equator. In order to avoid confusion the full coordinate needs to specify if the location is north or south of the equator. Frequently, in land navigation, the zone number and the digits representing 1,000,000m, and 100,000m are dropped. The 1m, 10m and 100m digits are used only to the extent of accuracy desired. Note that it's the smaller digits that are dropped in the notation used on the bottom left edge of the maps. For example 6876000mN becomes 76. Next Month’s Question: What are the names of the parts of a compass?

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Past Walks Ships Stern Where How long Weather report

3 February 2007 Binna Burra 19 km’s + 1 km detours Brisbane; hot, sticky & humid Lamington Plateau; 5-10 knot cooling SE breeze with mild temperatures

Long walks in the middle of summer are viable in SE Queensland if you stick to the rain forested plateaus. This was a very enjoyable walk as 10 of us could testify. The track starts 300 metres below the car park and is a gentle down hill gradient to the lower Ballanjui Falls. This is an ideal morning tea stop, while watching the limited water supply falling over the 150 metre cliff. Platypus Pool

Finally we reached the top of the last cliff line and the creek bed became an easy walk. Detouring off the creek we headed for the road and found signs of the scientific research into global warming being done by Griffith University students. When we reached the road we had a bit of a dilemma. We had missed the place where we had parked the car, so do we go to the right or left? We were unable to get a GPS reading due to the heavy forest cover so after stopping a few cars for directions we headed downhill. In 10 minutes we were at the car. While we were changing into dry clothes we met one of the University students who was off to check the scientific area. He explained to us part of the research. After another short car shuttle we headed back to Canungra where we had an enjoyable afternoon tea.

The view from Charraboomba Rock towards Binna Burra

From here the track winds its way upwards towards Kooloobano point where you are greeted with majestic views of Egg & Turtle rock plus an outlook over the Numinbah Valley.

Many thanks to Gil, Ken, Richard, Michael and Chris on this first walk of the Club to Platypus Pool. Richard

An hour long lunch break was welcomed by all at this half way point. The walk out towards the Border track is on a level gradient with the occasional views of Mt Warning.

Coomera Ck Exploratory

David Rae

Platypus Pool

10 February 2007

Six people met up in Canungra at 7.00 AM. It was an early start as we needed to do a car shuttle between Kamarun Lookout and Romeo Lahey's Memorial, leaving a car at each. The walk started at Kamarun Lookout and we walked down the road a short way before heading into the bush. Following a compass bearing we headed downhill and hit the dry creek bed. We followed the creek bed as it made its rapid descent down to Canungra Creek. The rocky creek bed had a few dry waterfalls for us to negotiate. However as it was dry and thus not slippery we made good time. Along the way we spotted a 2 metre carpet snake sunning itself on some rocks. After about an hour we reached Canungra Creek. We sat in the shade on some rocks and had a short rest. From here we were going to rock hop up to Platypus Pool. The creek was thickly overgrown and it was impossible to pick an easy line to rock hop or scramble over the rocks. Where we were able, we walked on the bank but then the steep sides or lantana would force us back into the creek. After about an hour and a half we reached Platypus Pool. It had a very picturesque small waterfall tumbling into a deep wide pool. We were all hot and sweaty and a swim in the cool water refreshed us all. The ascent was steep and the day hot so we needed several stops to catch our breath and drink some water. This creek was even more rugged than the one we had descended. It was also more overgrown with some tree falls and stinging trees. In one section we had to scramble beside a steep cliff along loose earth.

18 February 2007

I had heard about a track which led down to Coomera Gorge called the Mystery Track. After talking to several other bushwalkers and doing a preliminary search along the Coomera Track a fortnight previously, I was pretty sure I had found it. However time had stopped me from following the track for more than a hundred metres and I was eager to explore it further. On a cloudy and wet day seven adventurers met up in Canungra for this exploratory walk. Only one of the seven, Maria, had done the Mystery Track before, but it had been many years ago. We drove up to Binna Burra and walked along the Coomera Track. After an hour we came upon a faint sidetrack. The track looked promising as it had remnants of an old National Parks sign and was taped. As we followed it, we could see that it had recently been walked on. We heard some voices ahead and we came upon eight bushwalkers from the Brisbane Catholics who were turning back. They confirmed that this was the Mystery Track but they were heading back as they thought rain was imminent. We decided to continue on, but sure enough it began to rain. My group reaffirmed they wanted to continue and, as we had a rope, we decided to proceed cautiously. The rope, kindly lent by John Brunott, came in handy in two areas where it was safer to have a bit of a hand hold. Ken had also brought along a rope and we used it on a small cliff line. As we descended we passed some amazing waterfalls and the area was scattered with palm trees in a rich tropical rainforest setting. Just this section was worth the effort. Near the creek we came upon another group of bushwalkers, twelve in all. So much for the Mystery Track! It did not seem to be much of a mystery to other bushwalkers. This group also were turning back after reaching the Coomera Creek as the wet day had made the rocks slippery. They had decided not to continue on upstream to Coomera Falls.

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Thank you to our companions for making it a great walk – a great day. We hope that first time walkers with the club - Mary, Anna and Leon enjoyed the experience. P.S. The cakes were simply scrumptious.

Bob & Danuta

Mt Warning

25 February 2007

Eight enthusiastic walkers met at Mt Warning carpark on a humid, overcast day for a walk to the summit (1156m). The well graded uphill track, 4.4km long, passes through rainforest all the way to the top. The last 200m we scrambled up a steep rocky climb with the assistance of a chain.

The rugged Terrain in Coomera Creek

The 360 degree view from the summit was a bit cloudy but well worth the effort. While we were resting a young man with no shirt on collapsed on the seat huffing vigorously while us oldies were hardly out of breath.

As we still had some spare time we decided to continue on. We kept to the bank as much as possible and tried to avoid crossing the creek. The surrounding cliffs and the small waterfalls we passed made this a very special place.

The downhill walk under the rainforest canopy was easy going back to the cars. A short drive down the road brought us to Cafe Gallery for late lunch. They served delicious sausage rolls, cakes and coffee in a beautiful garden setting.

However after an hours walking upstream and reaching a small waterfall and with the Coomera Falls still not in sight, time was running out for us, so we stopped to have lunch. The Falls may have been only a few more minutes away but they would have to wait another day.

Thanks to everyone for coming on this pleasant walk. Noelene

Refreshed after having our lunch we made good time back down the creek. Ken had tied his rope at the section where we had to go uphill to ensure we did not overshoot. We steadily made our way up the steep sections and again we used the ropes as a handrail in a couple of places. Finally after eight hours of adventurous walking we were back at the cars.

Mt Alexander

3 March 2007

Mt Alexander is a 624 metre peak just to the side of the Kerry Road. It had been explored by John Brunott recently on a preouting and ten of us gathered together for this inaugural Club walk. We met up at Beaudesert and then drove down the Kerry Road and parked the cars at Darlington Park. After liberally applying some sun screen on this hot March day we began the ascent.

We had all brought clean, dry clothes and we quickly changed out of our wet muddy bush gear. It was then off to the Lodge for coffee and cake, a just reward for all our efforts. Well done to Ken, Gil, Muriel, Maria, Mary and Sandy. Though we had not reached the main falls we had shown we were not easily deterred. Richard

Ravensbourne Tracks

18 February 2007

Ravensbourne is not a well known national park even though it is close to the township of Esk. It is only a small park, covering approx 440 ha. This is a day-use park only with short walks through the rainforest and open eucalypt forest. It was arranged that the group would meet at the Esk Information Centre and after a small delay we made our way to Ravensbourne National Park – a further 20-30 minute drive through some lovely forest area. To make the most of our walk we joined the circuit tracks and headed down to the Caves. Very interesting rock shelters. Even found a pair or sunglasses. The track to Buaraba Creek is mostly narrow and takes you through rainforest to open forest. We took time out to rest at the picnic table located just before the climb down to the creek. As the skies looked a little ominous we decided to quickly check out the creek. There are a few steps to navigate down to the creek. With so little rain there was just enough water to remind you of what was. We didn’t stay long as the sky looked a bit grim and the few drops could turn into something else. A steady climb back up the track and completing the circuits we were back at the picnic area in no time at all. Not a long walk but very pleasant without the crowds. Brunch at “Gus Beutel” lookout - what a view across the Lockyer Valley. A huge monitor lizard soon joined the crowd. A few decided to take in the self-guided walk whilst others chatted. The shower was enough for us to seek shelter – interesting enough the folk on the track didn’t get wet at all. Refreshments (coffee/hot chocolate/ etc.) just down the road at Esk. When we arrived a flock of red-tailed black cockatoos nestled in the tree behind the coffee house – what a sight!

Finding Shade on Mt Alexander

There had been a fire recently and the grass and trees were still recovering. This did not leave much shade and we were grateful for the frequent stops under what shade we could find. After initially walking along a dirt road we headed up along a ridge line. Looking for Shade on Mt Alexander On reaching the top of the ridge we had fine views out to the east. We could see Duck Creek Road zigzagging its way up the ridge on the other side of the valley and the cleared area of Luke's Farm in the distance. Rather than retrace our steps we had a look at the map and after some discussion we went down another ridge line to contour round the top of the mountain. The going was steep and the hot sun blazed down. One of our members felt the effects of the heat and had to be helped with her pack. However we all reached the cars even though part of the group wanted to insist on going down a wrong ridge. At the cars some enjoyed a dip in the creek beside the park to cool down. It was then back to Beaudesert for afternoon tea and fill up with refreshments. Many thanks to John for leading the walk though it will be put on in the cooler months in future. Richard

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24 - 26 August 2007 Kalbar Showgrounds The Queensland Bushwalkers Club Inc. is proud to host Pilgrimage 2007 along with Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc., Brisbane Catholic Bushwalking Club Inc. and Logan and Beaudesert Bushwalkers. e-mail

[email protected]

web address

http://au.geocities.com/qldpilgrimage/pilg2007.html

Program Friday

24th

August 2007

12 noon onwards

Registration of arrivals and setting up camp.

7.00pm – 9.00pm

Walks sign on sheets available.

7.00pm – 9.00pm

Supper supplied by BCBC. Soup, cake, coffee, tea. Bring your own cups.

7.00 pm onwards

LCD projector and big screen available. Bring your digital photos or videos on CD, DVD or USB memory stick.

Saturday 25th August 2007 6.00 am onwards

Registration of arrivals.

7.00 am onwards

Staggered walk departure times. One or two of the walks may depart earlier if required.

Throughout the day

Coffee and Tea available. Self-guided orienteering course will be available.

5.00 pm onwards

Return of walkers. Everybody organizes their own dinner. Meals at the local hotel available but need to book.

6.30pm – 10.30pm

Bush Band “Stone the Crows”. Bush dancing with the theme Half and Half. Dress up half formally and half with bushwalking clothes.

8.30pm

Light supper supplied by QBW.

Sunday 26th August 6.30am – 7.00am

Yoga

7.00am – 9.00am

Bushwalker Breakfast available.

7.00am – 11.00am

Swap and Sell your pre-loved bushwalking gear.

9.00am – 11.00am

The Games (organized by BCBC).

11.00am –11.30am

Speeches, Presentations and Passing on the Boot.

12.00 midday

Finish

On the Saturday there will be over 20 walks available, ranging from very easy to quite challenging. They will include walks to: Mt French

Mt Cordeaux

Bare Rock

Mt Matheson

Mt Alford

Mt Fraser

Mt May

Mt Moon

Mt Greville

Spicers Peak

Wilsons Peak

Mt Castle

Mt Maroon

Goolman Lookout

Mt Mitchell

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

The Pilgrimage 2007 Steering Committee Page 6 of 6