200804 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

April 2008

Cronan's Cronies

Club News Navigation Training – Daisy Hill

January Floods

1 March 2008

Nine people attended the Navigation Training Day at Daisy Hill on the Saturday morning. Training consisted of both theory and practice. This was the second training day after the first one in January had to limit the numbers attending to keep a good ratio between student and teacher.

A letter has been received by Bushwalking Queensland from Jason Jacobi, the District Manager, South East Region, QPWS about the extent of the damage in Lamington and Springbrook National Parks resulting from the major floods and storms in January this year.

At Daisy Hill John Brunott and Kerry De Clauzel led two separate groups who used orienteering maps to find specific features on a wide circuit. Time was then spent on the theory of map reading and understanding such things as contours. It was a 4 hours well spent.

Preliminary estimates of damage show 35km of walking tracks requiring major repairs and/or reconstruction, 28 land slips, 154 tree falls and 29 creek crossings and safety fencing/balustrades to be repaired or replaced.

Many thanks to John and Kerry. Bulimba Coffee Night

12th March 2008

The major focus of clean-up efforts to date has been on immediate safety concerns and on high visitor use sections of the National Parks. Repair work is now turning to the more remote walking track networks.

Seven members met for coffee and cake and got to know each other a little more at the Riverbend Bookshop and Cafe.

Due to the extensive nature of the damage, repairs to sections of remote walking tracks may take several years to complete.

John M. talked about his latest adventures in NZ in the Southern Alps and we found out how long it took the recently married Tracey & Stuart to exchange phone numbers.

Leaders of walks can check on the current status of walking tracks on the EPA web site at http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/park/news.cgi

Mary enticed everyone with details of her upcoming Larapinta Trail walk in the NT and Redencion shared her recipe for smoked salmon.

Notes for Leaders

Thank you all for your lovely company for the evening.

Easter at Girraween

Linda

21 – 24 March 2008

A base camp was held at Girraween during the Easter break in combination with the Gold Coast Bushwalkers. Over twenty people stayed at Sommerville Valley Tourist Park next to Storm King Dam. On Saturday there was a walk to Turtle Rock and some nearby caves while on the Sunday there was a walk up the 2nd Pyramid, and then to Slip Rock and Kitchener Cave. This is one of a number of events that QBW has had in conjunction with other clubs. It is a good way of meeting bushwalkers from other clubs and sharing ideas and skills. Thank you Trevor.

Just a reminder to all leaders to return the Event Nomination Forms after a walk. The forms can be returned to any committee member at a Club meeting or mailed to the Club address. The forms are important as they have a list of the walkers who actually went on the walk. This may be important if records are needed to show if a particular person was actually on a walk eg insurance purposes. Another reason the form is important is that the committee can receive feedback about any unusual events on a walk. On the back of the form is space for the leader to write down any difficulties or unusual happenings on a walk. This feedback is part of the risk management strategy that every club should have so that any problems can be resolved and future ones avoided. Many thanks to all our leaders.

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General Information

The Management Committee

Meeting Place

President

Helen McAllister

3844 8464 (H)

Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 7.30PM. There is no Club meeting in January.

Vice President

Gary Woodward

3245 2695 (H)

Secretary

Sandra Thomas

3711 4134 (H)

Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.

Treasurer

Chris Breitenbach

3870 1948 (H)

Outings Officer

David Rae

3395 1838 (H)

Membership Officer

John Hinton

3343 3724 (H)

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Social Secretary

Linda Hellmuth

3899 5017 (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.

Training Officer

John Brunott

3209 9598 (H)

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.

Other Voluntary Positions Equipment Officer

Trevor Davern

0411 512 202

Probationary Membership

Supper Convenor

Mary Sherlock

3209 8514 (H)

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.

BWQ Rep

Ken Walters

3344 1927 (H)

BWQ Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

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.

Campsite Monitors

There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated.

Membership

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

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.

Richard Kolarski

Running Creek Falls

Ann Kemp

Spicers Peak

Members of Another Bushwalking Club

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.

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

Seamist Over Sealers

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.

The above photo taken by Gail Cibilic at Wilson's Promontory won both the Nature and People's Choice category in our 2007 photo competition.

Comings and Goings

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

Richard and Patricia K. have just returned from a 3 week trip to Venezuela. Amongst the highlights were walks to Roraima and Angel Falls.

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.

Ken W. is heading north in his camper for a month. He will be visiting various National Parks along the way. First on the list is Cania Gorge.

Club Polo Shirts S size left only.

John M. is crewing a boat going from Gladstone to Brisbane.

$20.00 each

Space Blankets $2.50 each. Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!

New Members Barry Moberg

Ring Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.

Caroline Moberg

As at 25/03/2008 we have 105 financial members Page 2 of 6

Coming Events Larapinta Trail

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail 5 - 27 July 2008

Three 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 sheltered gorges and climbs steeply over rugged ranges with numerous stunning views of the spectacular landscape.

In January 2007 the Queensland Government announced the construction of three new regional recreation trails in partnership with the Ipswich, Esk and Maroochy councils. One of these new trails will be the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The route follows the old Brisbane Valley railway line along the western side of the Brisbane River Valley. It will provide a 148kilometre multi-use recreational trail for walking, cycling and horse riding from Ipswich to Blackbutt and will be the longest rail trail in Australia.

Numbers are limited on this trip so get in quick. There has already been a meeting to organize the trip and plane flights will be booked soon. Contact Mary Sherlock Ph No 3209 8514 for more information.

Hinchinbrook Island T/W

19-26 July 2008

5 days walking South to North along the Thorsborne Trail. For more information contact Patricia at the Club Meeting or Phone 3341 7509.

Pilgrimage 2008

22-24 August 2008

Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club Inc. are hosting this year's Pilgrimage. The venue is Mt. Nimmel Lodge which is a 15 minute drive from Mudgeeraba on the Austinville Road. There will be a full programme of activities on the Saturday, eg walks, bike rides, canoeing, and a bush dance in the Mt Nimmel Community Hall on the Saturday night. Accommodation at Mt Nimmel Lodge will be: Camping: There is a camping area for tents. Campervans and caravans: Limited sites available and will be allocated on a first come basis on the day (there are no powered sites) Cabins: Bunk beds with mattresses (BYO bedding), lights in cabins but no powerpoints.

EchidnaWatch

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

The trail will commence in western Ipswich at the Wulkuraka railway station. From Wulkuraka it heads north to Fernvale (22km) and then turns west to Lowood (31km). It then turns north toward Coominya (43km) before meeting the Brisbane Valley highway at Esk (66km). It then heads on to Toogoolawah (85km) and Harlin (100km). 20 kilometres further on it passes the historic Linville Hotel before the long climb up the Balfour Range to cross the Bicentennial National Trail at Commissioners View outside Benarkin (137km), and then on to Blackbutt (148km).

Wildlife Queensland is gathering information on the distribution and abundance of echidnas in Queensland and would like your help.

The entire Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Ipswich to Blackbutt is scheduled for completion by 2012. A 7 km pilot section between Linville to Moore is now open and other sections will follow.

The only species of echidna in Queensland, and Australia – the short-beaked echidna – is one of Australia's most loved and unique animals. With a distribution that extends from Tasmania to the Top End, this ambling adventurer can be found anywhere from the outback to the backyard.

For more information and maps of each individual section go to the Office of Urban Management website at http://www.oum.qld.gov.au/?id=810

Aims

Nepal Australia Friendship Association

EchidnaWatch aims to collate information on the distribution of echidnas in Queensland. This information will be shared with Wildnet, the wildlife data repository for the EPA, and other organisations, to help plan for better outcomes for echidnas.

Nepal New Year

Information will also be gathered on how the echidna is coping with modern hazards and introduced pests.

Check their website at www.nepalaust.org for details on where to obtain a ticket.

How To Get Involved

Hike to Help Nepal

Echidnas are considered common, but hard facts about their distribution are scarce so EchidnaWatch is recruiting wildlife watchers. Wherever you live in Queensland, you can watch out for echidnas near you and tell Wildlife Queensland what you’ve observed.

The Hike to Help Nepal will be held at Simpson’s picnic area at Mt Coot-tha. There will be a trail hike along the Simpson’s Falls Track, followed by food and entertainment.

If you have seen an echidna, please complete the online survey form at http://www.wildlife.org.au/w-echidnaform.html or print out a hard copy and mail or fax the completed form to Wildlife Queensland. It’s that simple.

Saturday 12th April

The Nepal New Year function will be held at the Marymac Hall, Ipswich Road, Annerley and includes a Nepalese meal, followed by entertainment performed by the local Nepalese community.

Sunday 27th July

The monies raised this year went towards the building of a school in a remote village in the Ganesh Himal and a new village home for abandoned or orphaned children. Donations to Nepal Australia Friendship Association are tax deductible. 100% of donations go directly to Nepal, without any administration costs deducted.

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Past Walks Girraween National Park

5-8 December 2007

With the backdrop of rain and storms we gathered together on Wednesday evening to prepare for the next couple of days. On Thursday morning we set out at a leisurely pace until we reached Goebel’s cave. Rain on the granite outcrops made it somewhat slippery, but the delights of our exploration made it all worth while. We had the good company and experience of two of our Toowoomba compatriots. That made it all the more enjoyable.

The one-way loop road had been closed since early November after being graded just before heavy rain turned it to mud, but the Rangers had hopes that it would be open by this weekend. No luck, unfortunately, but the main road was in good condition. During the night the heavy rain caused a river to run around Gail’s tent. She spent an anxious time making sure it didn’t flow over the bucket floor in her tent. Sandy slept in her car so had the least worries of all of us. On the Saturday morning (after Gail moved her tent to higher ground) we drove up to Forest Tops and walked down along the Booyong Track. A bit of confusion when the track led out onto a fire trail, but we were reassured when it later turned back into a narrow track a couple of kilometres further on. The ground was damp and rocks were slippery and, of course, the leeches were out and about. Morning tea was quick; amazing how having leeches around makes everyone keen to keep walking. We stopped to admire the falls down near the campsite before returning to the camp for an early lunch. Then, since the main road was so good, we drove back up to Forest Tops, picked up Richard’s vehicle, and continued on to the Pinnacle. Cloud covered the views to the north and east and was moving quickly to block out Mt Warning in the south-east. Next on to Blackbutt Lookout for better views before driving to Bar Mountain and a walk around the 3.5km circuit. There are many Antarctic beech in the area from Forest Tops right along the ridge top to Bar Mountain. Happy hour and dinner were next on our schedule before we all decided on an early night.

Goebel Cave Explorer

From there we stopped off and had a dip at Dr Robert’s waterhole. Whilst it was good with the recent rain, and the water flow cascading through the rock features, I would like to see the area again after further heavy downpours. Our return to camp to delayed briefly as we examined a snake sunning itself on the track. On the Friday we explored various parts near the western boundary of the Park area. This provided some additional opportunities for a future visit. I can hardly wait. Trevor D.

Border Ranges B/C

7-9 December 2007

Because of the road closure, the Sunday walk now included a bit of road walk. We walked from the far end of the one-way road along to the Antarctic Beech Lookout, about 3km. Here we took the Brindle Creek track downhill; again wet and leechy but the scenery made up for it. Lunch at the picnic area at the end of the track. Gail and Sandy did the Red Cedar loop while Richard, John and I slowly trudged up the 2km back to Forest Tops. All together again, we collected Richard’s car and continued on heading south to join up with the Murwillumbah road. Of course, our main aim was to find a coffee shop and we found a beauty. Sphinx Rock Café, complete with burning incense and a hippy band, rounded off the weekend nicely. The adjacent fruit shop full of local produce was visited also. Thanks to Gail, John, Richard and Sandy for coming along. Patricia

Tibrogargan and Tibberoowuccum

15 December 2007

There were four of us who decided to do this middle of summer climb of Tibrogargan, Richard, Sandy, Noelene and myself. We started off along the well graded track for our ascent of Tibbo at about 7.00am.

Border Rangers

Twelve months after it was last on the calendar (and didn’t go ahead because of lack of numbers), we were finally off to the Border Ranges. Gail and John H. arrived early in the day and Sandy arrived just before Richard and I (via Girraween) in the late afternoon. Luckily, the walk-in area was empty so we had the shelter shed all to ourselves and we needed it too with a bit of rain and then a big storm Friday night. Page 4 of 6

On a High

After climbing a few exposed rock walls we followed the main track to the summit (364m). There was a short break on the summit and when ready to leave, we met a whole Rugby team having a bonding session. On our descent we met a very brave 5 year old girl (her first ascent) and her Dad. Never too young to start bushwalking!

After crossing a few gullies we made our way up to the ridge which the climbers use then backtracked to the cave. We stopped for a break then headed west along the base of the cliffs to the North west ridge where we made our way up through the steep rocky terrain. There was a very cool wind blowing from the south which made the climb very enjoyable.

After Mt Tibrogargan we walked around the base of the mountain and then along a forestry track to the west side and the base of Mt Tibberoowuccum (220m) which is a minor peak to the west of Mt Tibrogargan. There were plenty of good views of all surrounding peaks and Tibrogargan. Thanks all for your company and a great morning out on the Glasshouse Mountains . Julie

Piper Comanche

22 December 2007

There were only four of us who gathered at 7.30AM at Maiala National Park including a visitor doing his first walk with the Club. This was to be a short walk to the plane wreck so that we could finish by lunchtime and still have time to do any Christmas shopping that afternoon. Patricia and I had done a pre-outing just a couple of days prior to check out the route. After my disastrous attempt to find the wreck for the Christmas Party a few weeks before, I was determined not to fail this time. During the pre-outing it was a breeze finding the right track. What a difference a few metres can make in this thick tropical rainforest! During the Christmas Party walk I had been fighting thick jungle while the correct track which we found was less than 50 metres away and allowed relatively easy going. I was thus full of confidence as I led the small group along the forestry road. The road eventually became a walking track and then a faint trail. I had John lead then and he attempted to follow a path that went through thick rainforest. Even with the markers Patricia and I had set, it was slow going with some false detours. Slowly but surely though John found the track down the ridge and we finally reached the wreck. Here we stopped and enjoyed a short morning tea.

Mt Maroon

After a break on the north peak, we headed into the saddle where we found the creek with water in it. We then ascended to the main peak. Our descent was via the highway route where we met a Dad with 6 children of varying ages from 5 to 15. What an effort taking all those kids scrambling up 600m on a hot day!! Thanks to all for another great Mt Maroon discovery walk and welcome Gerry to QBW. Julie

Cronan’s Cascades

Sunday 30 December 2007

I had nineteen nominations with seventeen actually turning up for this, the first walk after overindulging on Christmas Day. It was lovely to have Con Vink walking with us again after a twoyear absence. Con lives in Sydney but has been a member since the start of the club nearly nine years ago. Also, Nigel Kernick has returned after working in Rockhampton for a while and Gerry Rosanove reappeared after years in Sydney. While the weather was quite unstable nearer the coast, we had a fine, if windy, day thanks to Ken and his positive thinking!!! We had a five-car convoy from Rathdowney to Yellowpinch. The area around the day-use area has now been fenced off to keep the cattle out and many native plants have been put in. There is a gate and turnstile at the top of the hill, also, and a little work has been done on the eroded roadway up to the top of Yellowpinch. Some galloped, some laboured up to the top of the hill before enjoying the downhill walk to the Logan River causeway. The entire causeway was covered with about five centimetres of water, the most I’ve seen for some time. It was a pleasant stroll the rest of the way to the Cascades.

Stop Press!! Wreckage Found!!!!!

While resting we studied the map and came up with a future longer walk which would take us to South Kobble Creek. We returned the same way and had our late morning tea at Patricia's favourite patisserie in Samford. Many thanks to Patricia, John and Phillip who was doing his first walk with the Club. Richard

Mt Maroon

22 December 2007

I had planned to take the main tourist route to Mt Maroon summit but after I changed the plan and all were agreeable to going up Mt Maroon via the caves on the north side. We had 5 in our party, Sandy, Ken, John and Gerry a new member and myself. We headed up the main track then branched off to ascend to the caves first.

Cronan's Cascades

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The rocks in the creek were slippery as a couple of people found out. Visitor Katarina, after bruising her finger in a fall, was first into the water. It was freezing but, thanks to her Northern European blood, she had not a single goosebump! Ken was the only other swimmer lasting only about three minutes. While the rest of us were having a relaxing morning tea, Helen was busy in the bushes. Unfortunately, (picture this in your mind) she had an accident going A over T while having a …. never mind!!!! The damage - a cut on her shin.

Mt Field NP Tasmania Mt Field National Park is only an hour’s drive from Hobart and has a wide diversity of walks, scenery and vegetation. Camping is available at the Park entrance plus there are basic cabins for small groups further up the mountain.

On the walk back to our lunch spot at Campsite 10, we passed a green tree snake that looked a little worse for wear: Maybe a bird attack. Even Danuta didn’t think it deserved a scream. Shock, horror, someone was already at our lunch spot, but they soon got the message and moved on. Actually, they were very kind and offered to vacate as they were just having a quick snack and then moving on. Back to the cars and a short drive to Rathdowney where the grocery shop owners struggled to cope with seventeen orders in quick succession. At least they serve cappuccinos now. Thanks to everyone who came along and especially drivers Richard, John M., Neville, Gerry J. and Greg. Patricia

Purling Brook Falls/ Warringa Pool

26 January 2008

This was planned as a relatively easy short track walk suitable for a summer’s day with an opportunity for a dip in a cool pool half way through the walk. However, due to heavy rain in the Springbrook area earlier in the month causing damage to the track, rangers had closed off part of the circuit. We went ahead with the walk anyway, the track closure meaning we would have to re-trace our steps from the foot of the falls rather than do the circuit.

Russell Falls

Patricia and I spent several days there, exploring what the park had to offer. At the base of the mountain are well formed interpretive graded tracks. Russell Falls, famous for its beautiful three-tiered drop is only a 10 minute stroll away from the campground. It has been commemorated on Australian stamps in the past. The Tall Trees Walk, another graded walk, is where the magnificent Swamp Gum, Eucalyptus regnans, can be seen. It is the tallest hardwood and the tallest flowering tree in the world. Only the redwood trees, a pine which has cones instead of flowers, in California are higher. Also present is the Fagus, a beech, and Australia's only winter deciduous tree. As you ascend higher up the mountain, the vegetation changes to rainforest and then to alpine set in a spectacular glaciated landscape. From the carpark at Lake Dobson we did the Pandani Grove Nature Walk which passes through a grove of beautiful tall pandini. We did a slight detour to one of the tarns there and rested beside the lake hoping to catch sight of a platypus but to no avail. An elderly couple we had passed had seen them earlier in the day.

Purlingbrook Walk

The group of twelve included a mix of relatively new bushwalkers through to seasoned walkers used to much more difficult terrain. We were united in our desire to spend Australia Day enjoying a pleasant outing in the bush. From the first lookout, we could observe at least one of the reasons for the track closure. Heavy rain had caused a landslip just beyond the foot of the falls, blocking the path. We could also see that there was still plenty of water flowing over the falls. When we reached the foot of the falls, it was exhilarating and refreshingly wet to walk behind the falls as far as the track barrier. From there it was out to Warringa Pool to spend a relaxing time dipping feet or whole bodies in the water, or just chatting over a few munchies. By the time we walked back to the falls, the crowds had started to arrive and we had to squeeze past many other walkers coming in the opposite direction as we walked back up to the top of the escarpment. We had lunch in the Gwongorella picnic area where we had parked our cars, and while we entertained the idea of fitting in another walk in the afternoon, the mood was for an easy day. So after the obligatory coffee in the nearby café, and for some, delicious homemade cakes, we headed for home. Helen

On Windy Moor with Mt Field East in the Background

When we finally got a clear day after a few days of rain, we did a full day walk to Mount Field East. The first section of the walk was a gradual uphill climb along a track which also doubled as a small stream. We passed Lake Nicholls and the hut there which could be used as an emergency shelter or for multi day walks. The track continued to climb uphill and finally we came onto flat moorland. We could see the summit of Mt Field East which consisted of a chaotic jumble of large fallen rocks. It was windy and cold at the summit and we sought shelter behind a large rock wall to rest. We returned via Windy Moor but did the short detour to Seager's Lookout for some more superb views. For diversity Mt Field is a must visit in Tasmania.

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Richard