200711 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

November 2007

Palms Up for Palm Gorge

Club News New Committee

Christmas Party

The QBW Annual General Meeting was held 2nd October 2007 and a new committee was elected.

Date Friday, 30th November to Sunday 2nd December 2007 Venue Camp Constable which is located at 1874 Mount Glorious Road, Mount Glorious. Cost $30.00 per person Theme Come as your Favourite Movie Character

First a very big thanks to the previous committee who had a very busy year. Beside the ordinary work of running the Club's affairs, they had the extra duty of the Pilgrimage. The fruits of their labour emerged with a very successful and much appreciated Pilgrimage. Helen McAllister, Gary Woodward, David Rae and Richard Kolarski are the old faces who have stayed on for another year. Dave though has gone from Training Officer to be the Outings Officer. The new faces on committee are Sandra Thomas as Secretary, Chris Breitenbach, Treasurer and John Hinton the Membership Officer. May they find the job a pleasant one and hopefully not as onerous as the previous year. The Equipment Officer's position is again shared between Trevor Davern and Dave Rae. Trevor has the abseiling gear while Dave has all the other Club equipment for use or hire.

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. Rain will not call off the Christmas Party! Walks are planned for the Saturday. Prizes, games, slide shows and a whole heap of fun are also 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 3345 3971 for bookings or more information.

Pilgrimage 2007 Thanks

Ken Walters has volunteered to be the QBW representative at Bushwalking Queensland meetings along with Richard Kolarski. There were a couple of positions left vacant at the AGM but since then Linda Hellmuth has volunteered to be the Social Secretary and Mary Sherlock the Supper Convenor. A full list of the committee and other volunteer positions is inside the Newsletter.

QBW has received letters from YHA Bushwalkers Qld Inc. and Toowoomba Bushwalkers Inc. who wish to pass on their thanks to the organizers of Pilgrimage 2007. Their respective members had a wonderful time and spoke highly of the great walks, dancing, food and other activities. They also expressed their appreciation on how well the Pilgrimage had been organized and the prior communication in the lead up which kept them all informed of the progress of the program for the weekend.

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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. Meetings are held in Classroom 11. No meetings in January.

Vice President

Gary Woodward

3245 2695 (H)

Secretary

Sandra Thomas

3711 4134 (H)

Treasurer

Chris Breitenbach

3870 1948 (H)

There is parking within the school grounds off Wellington Road and also parking in Wellington Road.

Outings Officer

David Rae

3395 1838 (H)

Membership Officer

John Hinton

3343 3724 (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

Linda Hellmuth

3899 5017 (H)

Training Officer

Vacant

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 fee is $30.00 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.

Other Voluntary Positions Equipment Officer

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Supper Convenor

Mary Sherlock

3209 8514 (H)

BWQ Rep

Ken Walters

3344 1927 (H)

BWQ Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

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

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.

Editors Pic

Equipment for Free Use By Members Compasses

EPIRBs

GPS's

Topo Maps

Emergency Lights

First Aid Kits

Sunmap CD’s

UHF Radios

Contact David at 3395 1838 or [email protected]

Equipment for Hire Abseil Gear

Back Pack

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. 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.

$20.00 each

Neville on Greville

New Members

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.

Murray Haines As at 30/10/2007 we have 89 financial members

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Coming Events

Training Quiz

Tasman Peninsula and Maria Island Walks

How to decide the best route from one point to another.

East Coast of Tasmania

In deciding the best route from one point to another you need to examine the topographic map carefully to work out the lay of the land. A straight line from Point A to Point B may be the shortest in distance and the best option on flat open country, but not the most practical in mountainous areas.

January/February 2008

On the Tasman Peninsula there are a number of walks which take in the 3 Capes. These walks are the Tasman Coastal walk, Cape Pillar, Cape Raoul and Ships Stern Track.

A good route choice may be to follow a ridge. The vegetation on top of a ridge is usually (but not always!) less dense than in a creek or valley. Ridges can also provide views of landmarks so that you stay on course. If walking uphill, ridges tend to converge towards the summit. However walking down a ridge is not as straightforward. It is easy to stray off course on a wide ridge or the ridge may branch and again a wrong route may be taken. If heading down a ridge, it's wise to take a compass bearing to make sure you stay on course and on the correct ridge. In comparison, the branches of a river or creek tend to diverge if you are ascending and converge on going downstream. Creeks and rivers are winding, may be filled with debris or fallen trees or surrounded by thick vegetation and may obscure landmarks.

Tasman Island with Cape Pillar in the background

The first two can be combined as a through walk of 3 -5 days depending on where the start and ends are. Cape Raoul and the Ships Stern are day walks accessible only by private transport.

It is also easy to take a wrong branch of a creek and not realize unless you actually walk in the creek itself. If you are looking for a certain branch of a creek, it may be necessary to count the number of spurs and tributaries on either side to keep track of your position. Overall a good navigational idea may be to ascend a mountain via a ridge and descend it via a creek.

Maria Island is to the east of Triabunna. It is a largely untouched island of sandy beaches, rugged coastline, mountains, forest and geology including the Painted Cliffs and the Fossil Cliffs near Darlington. A base camp can be setup at Darlington and then by using mountain bikes or walking the length of the Island can be explored. Contact David Rae 33951838 if you are interested in the above walks.

Larapinta Trail

19 July 2008 – 3 August 2008

Two weeks of walking the 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail. This walking track runs from Alice Springs west to Mount Sonder along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. It visits the major tourist features like Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge as well as many other features along the range. The Trail takes in a variety of desert habitats as it meanders through many gaps and sheltered gorges, climbs steeply over the rugged ranges, and has numerous stunning views of the spectacular landscape. Contact Mary Sherlock Ph No 3209 8514 for more information.

Hinchinbrook Island, Thorsborne Trail T/W

July 2008

5 days traveling South to North For more information contact Patricia at the Club Meeting or Phone 3341 7509.

For Sale Macpac Nautilus tent $280.00 2 person, 2.6kg, double vestibule Ring Linda 3899 5017

Getting From A to C

In the map above, the straight direct line from A to C crosses a couple of creek gullies which contain dense vegetation.

------------------------------------Club T-shirt, Size M. Worn once only, sell for $15.00. PS. The Club has only size S new shirts for sale now. For more information contact Patricia at the Club Meeting or Phone 3341 7509.

The route going from A to B and then C follows a ridge line which would take you to the same destination in a much easier fashion. Next month we will look at some other factors to consider. Happy map reading!

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Past Committee Reports PRESIDENT'S REPORT The past year has been quite significant in the life of the Club, with the focus on our role in organising the annual Bushwalker’s Pilgrimage. As a number of clubs take turns to host the Pilgrimage, this responsibility for any one club only comes up once every few years, and this year it was our turn, along with three other clubs, to step up to the task. Much has already been said on how well the event was organised and what a great time everyone had, but it’s worth repeating to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of the members of our Club who worked tirelessly to make the Pilgrimage the success it was. In so doing, I’d also like to acknowledge the countless small contributions made by many members – it really was a wonderful whole Club effort and we can all be proud.

I consider the highlight of my tenure as Treasurer was to have had the opportunity to be a part of the initial planning of the Pilgrimage and see how it blossomed to be a truly marvelous weekend. I am grateful for the support I received from this committee, without their assistance the year would have been a lot more strenuous. I will not be nominating for the position of Treasurer for this coming year. I wish the incoming committee all the best in the next year and hope that they enjoy their tenure as much as I have. Regards Rob Gur EDITOR'S REPORT The Editor has the task of putting out the monthly Club Newsletter, looking after the website and checking the Club emails.

Of course, the Pilgrimage was not the only thing that happened in the past year. Every weekend and a few weekdays, groups of members and occasional guests were exploring new places and re-visiting favourite places on bushwalks. We also welcomed many new members and farewelled others who had moved away or moved on.

In addition, as our Club was hosting Pilgrimage 2007, there was the task of setting up the Pilgrimage web site, replying to Pilgrimage inquiries and keeping the various members of the Pilgrimage Sub-Committee in contact with each other.

In terms of official business, the committee considered the amendments that had been made to the Associations Incorporation Act but decided not to recommend changes to the QBW rules at this time, and the Federation, with which we are affiliated, went through the process of incorporation.

The Newsletter continues to be published 11 times a year and can be downloaded for free from the Club website. Only seven people out of a membership total of 124 chose to have it posted to them.

There are couple of challenges that have been facing the Club in the past year, and will continue to do so in the coming year. One of these is for the Club to reach a position that all interested members are comfortable with, in regard to abseiling activities. The other challenge is the need for the Club to nurture new walk leaders. As Club stalwarts have moved away or needed to take a break from leading bushwalks, there is a need for others to step forward and take on this role. It may help for experienced leaders to “buddy” with new leaders to build confidence. Of course, experienced leaders who have taken a break would be welcomed back with open arms if they want to lead walks again. Finally, I would like to thank my fellow committee members for the time and effort they have put in to keeping the club going behind the scenes, and encourage other club members to take a turn in this essential role. Helen McAllister SECRETARY’S REPORT

Thus the last year has been a busy one but there have been many rewards.

The Newsletter is now published as a pdf document rather than a Word document. This was done as there may have been discrepancies between the newer MS Word versions and the old version I was using. A new feature introduced in the Newsletter is a regular Training Quiz column. The Club website was given a makeover in December 2006. The Walks Calendar is now only available as a pdf document as the web page version of the Calendar was too time consuming to maintain. The Past Walks section was expanded with many walk writeups and photos added. Many thanks to all the Club members who continue to send in walk writeups, photos and of course jokes. This has made my job easier and a lot of fun. Richard Kolarski SOCIAL SECRETARY REPORT Best position on the committee. Checking out the coffee places and visiting local restaurants. Visited the following coffee places –

I am presenting my Annual Report as Secretary of our Club. I have enjoyed my last 2 years in this role and hopefully have carried out my duties successfully.

January - Coffee Club, Stones Corner March - Three Monkeys Teahouse, West End

The tasks are not arduous. They include attending the monthly committee meetings and record detailed minutes; advise new members per acceptance letters; issue renewed membership cards; send annual reports to relevant Government departments; file all inwards and outwards correspondence and when necessary send letters pertaining to club matters.

July - Café de Luna, Sunnybank

I have enjoyed working with the current committee but will not be nominating again this year for a committee position. I wish the new committee well and continue to offer my support and assistance if necessary. Lynn Nicol

We took the opportunity to celebrate some birthdays –

TREASURER'S REPORT

August – Pontip (Thai) Restaurant, Stones Corner – John

The year 2006-2007 proved to be a busier year than expected. On top of the usual tasks e.g. collection of membership fees, banking and receipting, raising cheques and general up keep of the books, the financial dealings for the Pilgrimage were also undertaken.

Organised a group booking for Outback Spectacular in March of this year with another small group. A wonderful, exciting and entertaining evening.

Attending committee meetings and general meetings were also included as part of my tasks. All in all it was a hectic year especially during the months of July and August when membership renewals and Pilgrimage payments were rolling in.

September - Café La Vie, Chermside Coffee Club, Toombul scheduled for May was canceled as the place is not open for business after 6pm during the week. My apologies. Thanks Lynn. February – Montezuma Restaurant, Mt Gravatt– Patricia April – La Kasbah, Woolloongabba – Margaret June – Genghis Khan Mongolian BBQ, Fortitude Valley – June

The Christmas Party weekend has been set and will be held at Camp Constable, Mt Glorious on the 30th November – 2nd December 2007. Next year Bribie Island. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who assisted and participated – without you the outings would not have been a success. All the best to the next committee. Enjoy

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Danuta Gur

Mt Greville

Past Walks Tooloona Creek Circuit

29 July 2007

Tooloona Creek is a branch of West Canungra Creek and has several small waterfalls as it flows through the rainforest of Lamington National Park. There is a 17.4 klm graded track walk starting at O'Reillys which follows the creek as it flows through a narrow gorge. Twelve of us gathered at the O'Reillys car park on a chilly Sunday morning. Also there was a group of Gold Coast bushwalkers who also were doing the same circuit. However we were able to organise ourselves quickly and we set off briskly along the Border Track. A short distance down the Border Track we took a turnoff to get to the Tooloona Circuit. Along the way we had a short stop at a very large Box Tree where the trunk had been partially hollowed out. I had planned on having morning tea at Picnic Rock but, as it was still in shade and rather chilly, we walked down to Elabana Falls where we were able to sit on some rock slabs in the sun and admire this small waterfall. From these falls, which are actually on West Canungra Creek, we followed a track which took us to Tooloona Creek and followed it upstream. We passed by several small waterfalls and rapids along the way plus the higher Chalahn Falls and Tooloona Falls. Finally the track rejoined the Border Track and we had lunch at Wanungara Lookout. Here we were joined by the Gold Coast Bushwalkers who had been close on our heels all morning. It was too chilly to stay long at the lookout, so once we had our lunch we began the long walk back to O'Reillys.

2 August 2007

Another month and another pre-outing to Mt Greville. I needed to check out all the possible routes before leading this walk for the Pilgrimage. This time the plan was to go up Waterfall Gorge and come down Palm Gorge. There were six of us on this walk including Frank G who was the back-up leader. We began at the Mt Greville carpark and headed uphill following the signs to Waterfall Gorge. For some reason it seemed steeper than before and it was with relief that we finally reached the start of the gorge and were able to have a short rest. In the gorge there was some initial rock hopping and as we ascended the gorge began to narrow with high vertical cliffs either side. With the green palm trees and the red cliffs it was a stirring sight. After just over an hour we exited the gorge and had morning tea on a large rock slab which had views of Moogerah Dam and the Fassifern Valley. The climb then continued uphill to a cliff line and we followed this around till we met the main track to the summit. There we checked out the views at a nearby lookout point. It was too soon for lunch so we descended via the main track and found the turnoff to Palm Gorge. Palm Gorge is very similar to Waterfall Gorge with steep cliffs on either side and a profusion of palm trees. We had lunch on a partially flat section of the gorge and then it was a quick walk back to the cars. Afternoon tea at Aratula finished the day off perfectly. Many thanks to Patricia, Muriel, Noelene, Neville and Frank for joining me on this walk. Richard

Mt Clunie

5 August 2007

It was a very early start this morning, meeting at 4:45AM at Gil's place. The temperature dropped down to minus 20 C as we drove to Boonah (6:00AM) and then to Mt Clunie catching the sunrise at Burnett Creek Rd on the way. The reddish glow on the surrounding mountains as the sun came up was a grand sight. We drove to the start point of the walk on Mt Clunie Rd. at a locked gate. Here three of the group began the walk up the road, while Richard, Sandy and I did a car shuttle to leave a car at the end point. It was quite a brisk morning and we shortly met up with the others. We continued on to the old cattle yard which was about 5 to 6 klms along the road. Having a small break we pulled out the maps to align ourselves with the up and coming traverse.

Tooloona Falls

Along the way we saw several Antarctic Beech trees and Thomas from the northern hemisphere had to be convinced that once long ago these trees grew in Antarctica. Seems these northerners had never heard of Gondwanaland! Back at the cars we decided to go to the alpaca farm for afternoon tea but unfortunately it was closed. This was a shame as it had a newly built platform to dine out on with majestic views of the valley below. Thus afternoon tea in Canungra was substituted instead. Many thanks to all who came along.

Richard

At the Old Stinging Tree

We headed off the Mt Clunie Road for the Giant Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide excelsa). This tree is approximately 13 metres in circumference with a diameter of about 4 metres. This is possibly the largest of its species known in today's environment. We stopped for a little break at the tree to take some photos and then ascended the slope covered in pumice stone and magna rocks.

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This open part is in a delicate balance due to the lack of seedling growth and the type of species that grow there. We must treat this section with lots of care due to those facts. On our way up we walked into the hanging moss forest at the top of the ridge. We had a small break and then walked to the top of a knoll where we proceeded to a cliff line. We made our way around the cliff and up to the ridgeline to find ourselves at the northern lookout looking towards Wilson's Peak and Mt Superbus. Having a small break in the sunshine and we then headed off to the main lookout.

Table Mountain, Cape Town Cape Town, the third largest city in South Africa, is a popular tourist destination due to its good climate and natural setting. Table Mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to the city and is flanked by two mountains named Devil's Peak and Lion's Head.

Our lunch break was for about half an hour so we could take in the surrounding view. At the main lookout you look in a south westerly direction towards Bald Rock near Tenterfield. Other mountains around the area are Mt Lindesay to the east, Glassy and Edinburgh Castle to the south and the other mountains previously mentioned to the north. After lunch we made our way to the rabbit fence. We explored to the south and then came back and headed towards the cars. About 1.5 hours of walking we turned off and crossed a paddock to the car to save the last 1 km up the hill. We men changed while Sandy and Richard retrieved the other car. We all made it back happily to the cafe in Boonah at 4:30 PM for a quick coffee before heading home. It was good seeing Bob H. back on a walk and getting back into it. Cheers Dean

Cainbable Falls and Dingbing Falls

12 August 2007

Many in our Club had heard of Cainbable Falls but very few had ever heard of Dingbing Falls. Patricia had done a pre-outing several weeks prior and now was going to lead us to an area never done by QBW before.

Table Mountain with Devil’s Peak to the left

Table Mountain has a level plateau approximately 3 km from side to side, surrounded by steep cliffs. The highest point is towards the eastern end of the plateau and is 1,086 metres above sea level. The flat top of the mountain is often covered by cloud spilling over the top to form the "table cloth". You can reach the top of the mountain either by hiking up, or by taking the Table Mountain Cableway. The cliffs of the main plateau are split by Platteklip Gorge ("Flat Stone Gorge"), which provides an easy and direct ascent to the summit. Other routes to the top include Nursery Ravine, Skeleton Gorge, Bridle Path and the Pipe Track. With are over 70 peaks above 300 metres within Cape Town's official city limits, walking is a popular pastime here not only for the views but also for the beauty of the unique and rich vegetation called fynbos. An estimated 1,470 species of plants are found on the mountain and amongst them are many kinds of proteas. Remnant patches of indigenous forest persist in a few of the wetter ravines. Beside the many easy to quite hard day walks available there are four hiking trails on Table Mountain ranging from two to six days. Rock climbing, abseiling and caving in and around the mountain are also popular. Walking is more pleasant and safer outside of the cold, wet, winter months of May to August as the area is very exposed to wind and mist.

Dingbing Pool

On a bright Sunday morning, nine of us drove up from Canungra towards O'Reillys and parked our cars a short way along Duck Creek Road. Following a track we headed downhill along a gentle sloping ridge. The track though was deceptive and difficult to see in some places. A few compass bearings were taken to make sure we were still on track and eventually we got on to a more used track which led us to Cainbable Falls.

Devil's Peak stands 1000 meters high and can be done as a day walk. Though there is a relatively easy way up, you can do a circuit which takes you along a razorback. On the day I climbed it, the weather was cold and windy but the 360 degrees view from the top made the effort worthwhile.

Here we had a short rest for morning tea enjoying views of the falls and the valley below. Heading uphill now along a well trodden walking track we passed a lookout which gave good views over the Kerry Valley. We arrived at Duck Creek Road and walked back just past the parked cars to have lunch on a paddock. Now was the time to walk to the falls with the strange name. Patricia led us down through some forest nearby and then along a creek. We followed it to where it flowed over the escarpment and there at the top of the falls was a small beautiful pool surrounded by rainforest. It was a special spot and a great place to rest and reflect. It was then a short trip back to the cars. We had planned on having afternoon tea at the Alpaca place but when we arrived the cafe area was closed. Thus we drove back to Canungra and had afternoon tea there. Many thanks to Patricia for putting on this walk.

Richard

Lion’s Head

Lion's Head peaks at 669 m above sea level and has spectacular views over the city. It takes just over an hour to climb to the summit. One of the traditions to do in Cape Town is to climb Lion's Head on a full moon. After spending a week in Cape Town I had only done a smattering of the walks available. It whetted my appetite to return and spend longer in this walker’s paradise. Richard

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