200709 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 2007

Handing On “The Boot”

Club News Pilgrimage 2007

Notice Of Annual General Meeting

24-26 August 2007

Heavy rain had been falling over south-east Queensland for five days prior, but luckily it spared the Pilgrimage. Though the skies at Kalbar were overcast on the Friday and Saturday, Sunday morning dawned a bright glorious day which put a shine on everyone's face. A total of one hundred and sixty-four people from sixteen bushwalking clubs came together to join in the festivities. People as far away as Gladstone and two from New Zealand turned up. Numbers would have been higher if not for the rain and flu.

The Club's Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 2nd October 2007. It will immediately follow the usual monthly Club Meeting which starts at 7:30 pm. The AGM will be held at the East Brisbane State School, corner of Stanley Street and Wellington Road, East Brisbane. Meetings are in classroom 11. Nine management committee positions will be up for election. They are:

The host clubs would like to thank all who participated with a special thanks to all the workers and leaders.

President

Vice President

Secretary

Membership Officer

Pilgrimage 2007 may have come and gone but the memories will linger on for many years.

Treasurer

Training Officer

Social Secretary

Outings Secretary

More on the Pilgrimage inside the Newsletter.

Editor

QBW Christmas Party Date Venue Cost Theme

Friday, 30th November to Sunday 2nd December 2007 Camp Constable at Mt Glorious $30.00 per person Come as your Favourite Movie Character

The cost includes two nights accommodation which will be in cabins and rooms only, with no tent sites available. We will have the use of the Activities Hall for the weekend. Walks are planned for the Saturday. Prizes, games, slide shows and a whole heap of fun will also be on the agenda. There will be a shared dinner on the Saturday. The Club will supply the meat but members are asked to bring along a salad or dessert. Contact Danuta Gur 3345 3971 for more information.

If you would like to nominate yourself or another person for a position, please do so and hand the Nomination Slip on Page 3 to the Secretary, prior to the start of the Club Meeting at 7:30 pm. If you wish to vote at the Annual General Meeting you must be a financial member of the Club and attend the meeting. There are also several other important positions to be filled but which do not have a vote on the Management Committee. They are: Supper Convenor

Equipment Officer

Two Delegates for Federation No nominations are necessary for these positions. See you all at the AGM.

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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)

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.

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)

Social Secretary

Danuta Gur

3345 3971 (H)

Membership

Training Officer

David Rae

3395 1838 (H)

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, Rum Jungle, Old Hut Site (& satellites) and East Peak Spicer’s/Double Top saddle

Kerry de Clauzel

Throakban, Barney Gorge and Lower Portals

Richard Kolarski

Running Creek Falls

Ann Kemp

Spicers Peak

John Brunott

Ballows

Comings and Goings Muriel and Gil are going to West Australia and doing the Cape to Cape walk. It involves a 6 day through walk.

Equipment for Free Use By Members Compasses Emergency Lights

EPIRBs

GPS's

Topo Maps

First Aid Kits

Sunmap CD’s

UHF Radios

Contact David at 3395 1838 or [email protected]

Steve P is going to Ladakh and doing a 2 week walking trip. John M has just returned from Lapland. Gail, Noelene, Richard and Patricia are going to Wilsons Promontory and doing a couple of throughwalks. Kerry, John B., Gail and Patricia will be doing some walking on Fraser Island.

For Sale

Equipment for Hire Abseil Gear

Macpac Nautilus tent

2 person, 2.6kg, double vestibule

Back Pack

Ring Linda 3899 5017

Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202 There is a $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories.

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There is a $5.00 charge for hire of the back pack.

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. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag. Club Polo Shirts S size left only.

$280.00

$20.00 each

1 X One Man tent

$70.00

1 X 90 litre Expedition2 backpack

$220.00

1 X 35 litre waterproof bag

$40.00

1 X Mammut climbing shoes

$100.00

Ring Steve on 3800 3963

New Members Roslyn Kaiser

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.

Lynn Sawtell

Sophia Zhou As at 28/8/2007 we have 79 financial members

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Pilgrimage 2007 Report

Photo Competition

Friday 24 August From mid morning there was a steady flow of people arriving and the Kalbar Showgrounds gradually turned into a mini tent city. The oval where most of the campers set up was well drained and coped well. A few set up their tents in the available shed in case of rain but it turned out to be unnecessary. The large showground hall was the venue for the light supper that evening. While enjoying the hot soup, cake and coffee, people were able to wander round and watch a slide show.

If you have taken great photos on a QBW bushwalk then enter them in the QBW Photographic Competition. Categories Nature

Any picture of nature, including landscape, flora and fauna.

Pictorial

Any general picture, including those with people in it

Club Character

An image of a member of the club.

The Boonah camping store “Outdoors & More” put on a display and slide show and gave away a prize to a lucky winner.

Conditions

At 7.00pm walkers were able to register for the walks on the Saturday. Organisers and leaders were kept busy as some walks needed to be changed due to wet terrain and one or two others were cancelled as there were not enough takers.

Each member can enter in all three categories.

Saturday 25 August Walks began departing from Kalbar from early in the morning at staggered intervals. Though the day was overcast there was no or minimal rain on all the walks that went ahead. As people returned, there was time to have a hot shower, cook dinner and then prepare for the dance. The School of Arts Hall was filled to capacity as people danced to bush, country and rock and roll music under the direction of the Stone the Crows bush band. With the dress theme of half formal and half bushwalking gear there were many interesting and entertaining costumes. Sunday 26 August

This competition is open to QBW members only. There is a limit of three entries per category per entrant. All images must have been taken since November 2006 on a Club bushwalk. Photos from both film and digital methods are acceptable. Entries may be handed in at Club meetings or to a committee member. Entries close Tuesday 6th November 2007. Winners will be announced at the Christmas Party. Entry Size and Presentation Entries must be as prints 6x4 inches (15x10cm) in size and be mounted on white cardboard 7x5 inches (18x12.5cm) in size. Title, Location, Photographer's Name and Category are to be written under the image in the following positions.

Early risers were able to join in the yoga to stretch those aching muscles. A breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages and baked beans was provided to all. A representative from the camping store K2 had a display while nearby was a Swap and Sell. If that was not enough, there were “The Games” held on the oval. The final event at 11.00am was the handing over of “The Boot” to the Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club who will host next year's Pilgrimage. Behind the Scenes

All entries will be displayed at the Christmas Party and at the December Club Meeting. There will also be a Member's Choice Prize, which will be the most popular entry as voted by Club members. For any further information contact Evelyn Campbell on 3395 8086 or 0434 985 371.

Nomination Slip for Committee Position

Some of the Many Workers

The Pilgrimage was only a success because so many people worked together. Each of the four co-hosting clubs played a vital role with many willing hands making the overall job easier.

I wish to nominate

………………………………….

QBW was involved with the logistics, health/safety and risk management, registration, the Saturday night dance and supper, budgeting, walks, website and advertising.

For the position of

………………………………….

Ipswich Bushwalkers Club was involved in walks planning.

Nominator

………………………………….

Seconder

………………………………….

The Brisbane Catholic Bushwalkers were involved with the supper Friday night and the Games Sunday morning. Logan and Beaudesert Bushwalkers helped with the Sunday morning breakfast. Also a sincere thanks to the Boonah Shire Council and the Kalbar Show Society for their assistance.

Please hand in the Nomination Slip to the Secretary, prior to the start of the October Club Meeting at 7:30 pm. Page 3 of 6

Training Quiz

Past Walks

This Month’s Questions and Answers

Steamers Lookout

What is a Back Bearing and what can it be used for?

A week after the trip to Double Top we were at it again with an early morning rendezvous at Aratula and the long drive this time up the Emu Creek road. A left turn at the old Brett’s sawmill site took us around the front of the Steamers. To cut off a couple of kilometres of walking I turned up an old logging track and was hoping to park on the banks of Steamer Creek, but a large tree across the road a couple of hundred metres from the turn off put paid to that idea.

A Bearing is the clockwise horizontal angle, measured from North to a chosen direction. A Back Bearing gives the direction from the object back to the point of observation.

The Difference between Bearing and Back Bearing is 180°. Given the Bearing, to find the Back Bearing, add 180°; or if the Bearing is more than 180° subtract 180°. Back Bearings can be used to find your present position if you are unsure of your exact position on the map. To be able to do this you must recognize two, preferably three widely spaced prominent features on the ground around you and the same features on the map. To find your present location: Using a compass take a Magnetic Bearing to the first feature. Convert the Magnetic Bearing to a Grid Bearing and turn the compass dial to the new bearing. Place the compass on your map with the side edge of the baseplate touching the feature and pivot the whole compass until the orienting arrow or lines align with the grid north lines. Draw a line from the feature along the side of the baseplate across the map. Repeat this process with the second (and third) feature.

2 June 2007

Walking up the road we crossed Steamer Creek and started the climb up to the Steamers passing a group from Brisbane Bushwalking Club who we had spoken to as we were getting ready for our walk. As we came up under the Funnel the terrain becomes rather steep and rocky which slowed progress a little but we were soon up on the top of the ridge just east of the Funnel. We then traversed around the Mast and the Stern and came up at the saddle between the Stern and Mt. Steamer where we stopped for morning tea. After morning tea we crossed the top of the Stern to the very narrow section that leads onto Steamers Lookout for an excellent view of the Mast, Funnel, Prow and Emu Creek valley as well as views of Mt. Superbus and the northern Main Range past Mt. Asplenium. Retracing our steps we returned to the saddle and entered the rainforest for the climb to the top of Mt. Steamer. We walked across the top of Mt. Steamer to the rock cairn where the Main Range track comes up and stopped for lunch and a view across to the back of Lizard Point. After lunch we descended the steep track on the northern side of Mt. Steamer past the camp site in the saddle where David Rae checked the water point, marked as semi-permanent on my forestry map, to find the creek bone dry. We continued north to the top of the next knoll before turning west along a ridge covered in some very picturesque forest. Just before exiting the rainforest we started to see signs of old logging activity and soon hit an old snig track which we followed down the ridge to the road that would lead us back to the cars. By this time Gil was starting to step up the pace as he was anxious to return to Brisbane so he could go and see his beloved Rah-Rah’s. The rest of us had a more leisurely drive back to Yangan for a couple of cold beers or soft drinks and those who wanted to drink coffee sat in the car and sulked (only joking).

Your present position is that point where the lines intersect. Now that the basic essentials have been covered on how to use a map and compass, next month a series of articles on how to plan a route using a topographic map will begin.

Springbrook Rescue Springbrook Rescue is a project by the Australian Rainforest Conservation Society (ARCS) to protect and restore the World Heritage rainforests of the Springbrook region. Only about 10% of the Springbrook Plateau is national park and is under threat. It is a World Heritage site in danger. ARCS's role is in helping to find funds, assess and prioritise lands to buy, write plans for restoration, monitoring and presentation, network with others with experience and skill and thus help bring back the rainforests from the brink. ARCS at present is working on properties purchased by the Queensland Government that are most in need of repair. It is asking for volunteers to assist with this work. Typical tasks include mowing, brush-cutting, weeding and planting. Equipment is provided and overnight/weekend accommodation (self-catered) can be arranged. If you can help, please contact Gayle Johnson on 07 3368 1318 or by email at [email protected].

As I walked through the doors of the pub I noticed that the same people were sitting in the same spot as the week before and for a moment I thought I’d entered the twilight zone but then I remembered, we were at Yangan. Commandeering a table we sat down to enjoy our drinks and a chat when the publican brought over a plate of hot spuds smothered in garlic butter (yum). Now you tell me if there is a coffee shop that gives a freebee like that!! After that enjoyable interlude we returned to our cars for the long drive home. Thanks to all those who came on the walk for as I say, good company, good walk, good weather, good views and some good refreshments afterwards, what more could you want. David Kenrick

Daves Creek

3 June 2007

Ten of us gathered early at Canungra ready to enjoy one of the most attractive walks in the Binna Burra area. It was perfect walking weather - a little chill in the air but generally mild and clear. Our group included two new members, one on his first walk and the other on his second. In the carpark at the start of the walk, another group of walkers began to gather shortly after us, so we checked each other out. It was a group of over twenty from the Gold Coast club. We started off at a brisk pace thinking we would stay in front of the larger group, though as it turned out they did the circuit in the other direction.

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After walking through the rainforest and then through the heath closer to the escarpment, we reached the cave in fairly quick time. However, it was quite cool there, so we decided to push on a bit further to the lookout where we could sit in the sun for morning tea.

This involved a couple of small steep sections with some exposure. We all made it safely but John checked to see if there were any alternate routes in case any future walker had a problem. We reached the second summit after a short scramble up another steep section of the mountain and sat down in the shade for a welcome rest. Mt Barney loomed into view from this vantage point. While having lunch several of us checked if there was any phone coverage. It seemed to depend where you sat! After lunch John led us down a steep downhill section to our exit point. Several of us had slips on the loose surface and John again led by example by having the best scratches to show. At the car there was now a passenger shuffle (not a shuttle, I am told) as there were too many people to go back in one trip. It was made faster as Patricia volunteered to stay at a closed gate to let the car through both up and down. We drove to Kalbar for afternoon tea to meet up with other Club members who were checking out the Kalbar Show. Many thanks to John for leading this walk.

Mt Fraser Surprised Rock?

By the time we reached Surprise Rock, it was only about 11.30, so we took a bit of time to explore and share a few laughs over lunch. No one wanted to go first over the edge and shimmy down the tree at the far end so we went back to the path the same way we had come, and continued back to the carpark.

Richard 17 June 2007

The walk comprised of nine enthusiastic walkers all with the one aim of reaching the top of Mt Fraser. We started at the base of Mt Fraser bordering on several properties. It meant scrambling through several fences passing two dead and smelly goats.

The new café had recently opened, so it was thought we should try it out (for research purposes of course), but we'll probably go back to Canungra next time. Thanks to all walkers for a pleasant day out. Helen M

Mt May

16 June 2007

This was one of the Pilgrimage pre-outings and the six of us gathered at Rathdowney under the guidance of John Brunottt on a brisk June morning. We drove to the Mt May picnic area and did a short car shuttle to leave one of the cars at the end point further up the mountain. From the picnic area there was a foot track leading up Mt May and while John raced ahead, the rest of us plodded and gasped our way up the steep slope.

Mt Fraser

The walk up the ridge was gradual but with a lot of enthusiasm we walked up several logging tracks exploring various options and avoiding a mass of loose rocks. Eventually we reached the top of the ridge where we partook of morning tea with views of the surrounding valleys. Following morning tea we trekked on further to reach the top of Mt Fraser, once again with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. We then went back down from the summit to a spot that had a great view of Mt Greville and had lunch. Following lunch we then negotiated our way back down the mountain to the cars. We drove back to Kalbar where we enjoyed a revitalising coffee. Many thanks to Muriel, Nigel, John Morris, Dean, John Hinton, John Brunott (for his knowledge and guidance) Jill and George who made the walk very enjoyable and a great day out. Gil (PS Kalbar cappuccino coffee excellent. The apple crumble with cream and ice-cream was superb too!! Can recommend it. John Hinton

Mt May Day

As we scrambled up the loose stony track there were some views to be seen behind us between the trees. We could see the water level in Maroon Dam was still precariously low even though it had been lifted slightly by some rain the previous week. We also had views of the Main Range and to the south where Mt Warning poked its peak above the Border Ranges.

After 5 of us met up at Kalbar on a chilly winter morning, we drove to the Mt Greville car park in 3 cars but this was reduced to 2 as Maria ran low on petrol.

We had a short morning tea stop about half way up on some rock slabs and then continued the walk up to the first peak of Mt May. From there we continued on to the second peak of Mt May.

At the Mt Greville carpark the sky was grey with the threat of rain. It was decided to go up the ridge first and then come down Waterfall Gorge if it did not rain.

Mt Greville

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23 June 2007

The ridge track initially was loose and in some places steep but on this chilly morning we were glad for the exercise. At a large rock slab we stopped to admire the view and have morning tea. However further rock slabs made the trail difficult to see so we built some rock cairns to show the way. Two young walkers passed us going uphill and we were able to give them directions on how to descend the mountain via Palm Gorge. When we reached the summit we met up with them again and they confirmed they had seen the turnoff to Palm Gorge. It was much too early for lunch so we descended towards Waterfall Gorge and had our break near some large rock slabs out of the cold breeze. Only a couple of us ventured out onto the slab for the magnificent views. Maroon With A View

From the cave we retraced our steps a bit and then continued to contour round the cliff line to the northern ridge from where we began the final ascent. After a final scramble over some boulders and then through some low bush we reached the Mt Maroon plateau. We were rewarded for our efforts by majestic views all around. At a small peak we sat and had lunch while Thomas produced some French cheese which he shared around. Five of the seven then made a quick trip to the summit while Kerry and I had a more sedate afternoon sitting in the sun and meeting up with some Logan and Beaudesert walkers. We regrouped at the old camping ground on top of Maroon and descended via the normal route.

Amongst The Palms in Waterfall Gorge

It began to rain slightly so we finished our lunch quickly and decided to go down Waterfall Gorge as it was too far now to go back via the ridge trail.

Afternoon tea at Beaudesert ended the day perfectly. Richard

The Gorge was steep and narrow in places with a lovely patch of Palm trees. However the palm fronds and the light rain made the ground slippery underfoot so we carefully and slowly descended. After over an hour of scrambling we finally reached the exit point. Luckily the rain was only slight and intermittent.

Mt Goolman is one of the Peaks in the Flinders Peak range and was another pre-outing in preparation of the Pilgrimage. Five members of QBW joined with the “Wednesday Walkers” to share our knowledge of the walk.

It took less than 15 minutes to walk to the cars from the Gorge but it was enough time for the rain to begin again. We quickly got into the cars and headed for Aratula for a warm drink. However Gerry and Maria took a wrong turn and they arrived in Aratula 20 minutes after us even though they had left first. A hot drink and a snack in Aratula cheered us up. The only thing left now was for Maria to buy a can of petrol and go back to her car. All went well and we all headed home after a satisfying walk with a few hiccups. Many thanks to Frank, Patricia, Gerry and Maria for coming along. Richard

Mt Maroon

1 July 2007

Mt Goolman

11 July 2007

We drove down to a picnic day use area built by the Ipswich City Council near Mt Goolman. Following a marked track we walked up to a lookout. However from here it was off the beaten track to go to the peak proper. The ascent of Mt Goolman was steep and was hampered by the growth of lantana. Luckily the dry weather had thinned the lantana and we were able to skirt around most of the bad patches of the infestation. Finally we arrived at the summit were we enjoyed our lunch while admiring the views. We descended the steep section the same way but then followed a different forestry road back to the car. I had to make a slight detour to go to the lookout we had been to for morning tea. I had left my water bottle behind and fortunately I was able to find it.

This walk was another pre-outing for the Pilgrimage. Anne Kemp was to lead it for the Pilgrimage but as she had not done this particular ascent before, Ken and I were there to show her the way. Seven of us began the walk from the Mt Maroon parking area off Cotswold Road but after only following the main route a short way we turned off at a tamarind tree to follow a faint path that contoured round the mountain. On a previous walk, stone cairns had clearly marked the way but they were now few and far between. Also the track branched a few times and we occasionally had to back track. After a few detours we reached a ridge and set off uphill to the base of a cliff line where we had a well earned rest. From here we had to contour round the cliff line and find the cave. On reaching the cave after twenty minutes of scrambling we stopped for morning tea to enjoy the great views to the north. This was where I hit my head on one of the protruding rocks. The wound bled freely but with the assistance of Kerry, Anne and Sandy I had a superb bandage tied to my head which seemed to be the cause of much laughter!

Peak of Goolman

We enjoyed afternoon tea in one of the outer suburbs of Ipswich to round off the day. Many thanks to Pat Lawton of the Wednesday Walkers for her help. Also thanks to John, June, Gail and Patricia for taking me along to a new peak for QBW. Richard

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