200805 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 2008

Full Steam Ahead on Shipstern

Club News Cheque to Kalbar Community

Wine and Cheese Night

On the 30 of March the president of QBW, Helen McAllister, presented a cheque for $1,000 to the Kalbar Community.

About twenty people gathered at John Brunott's home for a wine and cheese get-together. There was a wide variety of wines and cheeses to choose from plus many other types of finger food.

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This was in appreciation of all the help given by the Kalbar community in the organisation of Pilgrimage 2007. During every step of preparation they were helpful beyond all expectations. They allowed the use of the showground's hall during the months of preparation and donated the use of a marquee and a loud speaker system during the event. Another example was when the amenities block broke down prior to the event. The Show committee ensured that it was repaired in time, even though it involved considerable expense. QBW would like again to thank all the people of Kalbar for their generosity and helpfulness.

EPIRBs The Club owns five EPIRBs of the older type which will become obsolete in February 2009. The Club is looking at purchasing the newer, better but more expensive digital 406 MHz EPIRBs. John Hinton will be looking at the costs of the new EPIRBs and possibly a satellite phone. One option may be to apply for a grant through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

Whistles The Club has a number of whistles to give away for free and any member who does not have one will be given one at a Club meeting. Leaders may take extra whistles with them and hand them to any participant on a walk who does not have one. Advise on how and when to use the whistle is inside this Newsletter.

New Equipment Officer John Brunott is now the Equipment Officer. For the use of any Club abseil gear please contact John at 3209 9598.

18 April 2008

The wood fire in the backyard put a bushwalking theme on the event and was appreciated even though there was a light sprinkle of rain during the event. Dave Kenrick, the Club's wine authority, had three special wines for us all to savour. The votes were evenly split about which one was the better as they were all good. Many thanks to John and Lynn Brunott for their hospitality.

Draft Risk And Safety Management System Handbook BWQ has engaged a professional Risk and Safety Management consultant to draw up a handbook for possible adoption by BWQ. The consultant is a bushwalker and a member of a BWQ affiliated club, and has compiled the handbook free of charge. This handbook is based on the Australian standard, and is adapted for bushwalking club operations. At present it is for consideration and comment by affiliated clubs. It is at the moment incomplete in that further advice on matters such as legislation covering activities involving children plus Workplace Health and Safety provisions as they may apply to certain club activities needs to be sought. There are also a few obvious typographical errors in this first draft. The handbook is simply a set of guidelines that BWQ will be able to offer to clubs to assist if required in formulation of their own Risk and Safety Management plans. There will be no compulsion to adopt any of the guidelines. Any comments, suggestions or queries may be directed to the Secretary of BWQ, by email to [email protected] or by post to Bushwalking Qld. Inc. GPO Box 1573 Brisbane 4001. A copy of the draft handbook can be downloaded from http://www.geocities.com/qfbwc/index.html

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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

John Brunott

3209 9598 (H)

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 which is affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland Inc or an interstate 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. However they have no rights of an Ordinary Member.

Editors Pics

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

Presentation of the Cheque to the Kalbar Community

Back Pack

Contact John at 3209 9598 (H) 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.

Wine and Cheese Night

$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.

New Members Bruce Stephens

Helen Stephens

As at 29/04/2008 we have 108 financial members Page 2 of 6

Coming Special Events

Whistle Protocol

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk 7-9 June 2008 3 days walking the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk during the Queen's Birthday long weekend. Numbers are very limited. There will be transport available to the beginning and end of the walk. For more information contact Richard on 3341 7509.

Walk Leaders BBQ

14 June 2008

A BBQ for walk leaders will be held at Richard's place at 12.00 midday on Saturday 14th of June. This is an opportunity for all members who are leaders or who are thinking of becoming a leader to come along and share knowledge and information. Ring 3341 7509 for more information.

Larapinta 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. Numbers are limited on this trip so get in soon. Contact Mary Sherlock Ph No 3209 8514 for more information.

Pilgrimage 2008

22-24 August 2008

Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club Inc. have confirmed the date for this year's Pilgrimage. The venue is Mt. Nimmel Lodge, on the Mudgeeraba -Austinville Road. Accommodation options are a large area for tents, (limited) non-powered campervan and caravan sites, cabins with bunk beds and mattresses. Activities will include walks, bike rides, canoeing, and a bush dance in the Mt. Nimmel Hall.

Comings and Goings

Unfortunately there have been a couple of instances where a member has become separated from the main group while on a walk. The QBW committee have drawn up this protocol so that all members know how to use a whistle. All members should have a whistle with them while on a walk. The whistle should be easily available, eg strung around the neck or on the outside of the pack, and the protocol for using it known. If on a walk you find yourself separated from the main group and you are unsure which way to go and where the main group is, the first thing to do is stop. If you are on the right track, the main group will easily find you, while if you are on the wrong track, continuing along it will separate you further. The next thing to do is to attract the attention of the main group and to let them know you are separated. The traditional bushwalking method is to call out “Hey Bob” in a loud voice. This has been developed specifically for bushwalkers. A “Cooee” is not done as it could be confused with other people who are not part of the bushwalking group and are calling out in fun, and not in any distress. If several “Hey Bob's” do not attract the attention of the main group, it is time to use the whistle. The international distress call is three sharp blows on the whistle. So do three sharp blows of the whistle and then wait a sufficient time for a reply. The reply from the main group is one short whistle blast. Of course, prevention is better than the pain of separation. So in those situations where it is more likely that a member may become separated, eg doing an off track walk, walking through dense vegetation or doing a sudden change of direction, make sure that the person behind you is able to see you.

Phytophthora What is it? Phytophthora root rot is a plant disease caused by the soil fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. The fungus was probably introduced into Australia through European settlement, and has now spread to affect Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and coastal Queensland. The fungus grows through the root system of a plant, preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients and usually eventually destroying it. The fungus releases spores into the surrounding soil and even during drought or when temperatures are cooler, it can produce spores which can survive for long periods of time. Major human activities that may spread the disease include road building, timber harvesting, mine exploration, the nursery trade and bushwalking. What can bushwalkers do? Cathie Duffy Masters, the BWQ representative for the Gondwana Rainforest Australia (formerly CERRA), has written an article on Phytophthora where she states bushwalkers can take an active role in helping to stop the spread by ensuring their boot soles are thoroughly cleaned after every walk.

Hey Bob's at Ayers Rock

Bob G. is settling down well in his new job at Ayers Rock. Unfortunately we will also be losing Danuta G. as she prepares to join him there. However we do not need to lose contact with them completely as Bob's new email address is [email protected] So send him your favourite joke or the latest goss. He will be glad to hear from you. We wish them well. (PS The dome in the centre is Ayers Rock.) Gerry L is off to do a 9 day walk along the Kokoda Track in May. He has been seen carrying a full throughpack on day walks to help to get fit. June G has returned from a bus trip in Western Australia.

Ms Duffy Masters says that it is a good habit to routinely clean the boots before storing them. The dried mud is knocked off the uppers, rim and sole of the boot, a wire brush is used to work off any excess soil and the boot is washed down. Grey water from the laundry is sufficient. This ensures the root rot is not carried to the next adventure destination! Methylated Spirits or household bleach will kill the spores even more effectively. A painter’s tray or disused kitty litter tray is a good vessel for a centimetre depth of metho or bleach, and a thorough drenching of the boot sole. This is especially relevant now that the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk has been opened and it has a washdown facility for cleaning bushwalking gear and equipment that has come in contact with damp soil or mud.

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Past Walks Tasman Peninsula

20 - 26 January 2008

Six club members ventured to the East Coast of Tasmania in January for a number of walks. This write up is about the Tasman Coastal and the Cape Pillar walks on Tasman Peninsula.

Tasman Island & The Blade from Chasm Lookout

The walk out is via Agnes Creek which allows for this walk to be done as a circuit. Dave Rae

Piper Comanche Walk

10 February 2008

Piper Comanche Plane Wreck Rediscovered Yes! It does exist despite some QBW walker reports of it missing. Eight QBW walkers met at Maiala National Park at 7:30am to begin the walk from the start 5.5k up the road. Weather was clear with a pleasant cool temperature. Cape Pillar from Cape Hauy

The three capes on the peninsula consist of Cape Hauy, Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul. Cape Hauy is best known for its rock climbing of its two columns, The Candlestick and the Totem pole. Cape Pillar being the most exposed of the three capes is renowned for having the highest sea cliff in the southern hemisphere approx 300 metres. Tasman Island lies 500 metres to the south of the cape, with spectacular views from the Blade and the Chasm. Cape Raoul is the odd cape out on the peninsula lying to the west of Cape Pillar but separated by a large body of water. Cape Raoul is the entrance to Storm Bay and is a great vantage point for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. The first part of our walk on the Tasman Coastal track started from Water Fall Bay near Eaglehawk Neck. A car shuffle to Fortescue Bay was required due to the limited public transport available on the Peninsula. A light rain fell for the first few hours of our walk making views from Tatnells Hill non existent. This was the only rain we were to experience for the whole trip so luck was on our side. The walk into Bivouac Bay our first nights camping spot followed the cliff line giving spectacular views towards Cape Hauy.

We soon passed a large carpet python asleep near the start then observed a clump of Lepidozamia cycads on the way to the large log across the old logging track. Then on to the narrow track on the right, soon past the old logging winch, then up to the blazed "winged" tree about 13mins further on at the 720m contour. Wait-a-while vines touched and firmly embraced one or two, leaving their serial red kisses on exposed skin. Finding the track point at top of the descent ridge in the palm forest took a few minutes - needs a revisit to count navigation paces and check compass bearings. The trip down went well but the waving arms and sharp thorns of the wait-a-whiles did entice a few to stop to give blood. The wreck located at the 600m contour was a first for some. We could see a faint trail down towards South Kobble Ck too. A quick snack then off back up the ridge again. Accidentally soon took a right fork track leading down off the ridge, but corrected then climbed back up to the correct track again. Met our python again and large monitor lizard near walk finish. The python did not like being awakened. Trip time overall for the walk = 3 hr. Coffees and calorie-rich cakes were savoured at our famous Patisserie chatstop in Samford. John Hinton Time Takes its Toll on the Piper Comanche

Cape Hauy from Tasman Coastal Track

2001

After a rest day at Fortescue Bay we headed off to Cape Pillar via Cape Hauy and Mt Fortescue. Due to the dry conditions we were advised by the rangers to take extra water. This was not necessary as we found a good supply of water at Wughallee Falls, Lunchtime Creek and Hurricane Heath. We made Lunchtime Creek our campsite for the next two nights. The walk to Cape Pillar was ideal no wind and a light cloud cover. Wind conditions here can be so bad that you have to crawl out to the headland or be literally blown over. This cape is the highlight of walks on the Tasman Peninsula, with its stunning views of Tasman Island and spectacular dolerite columns rising vertically for hundreds of metres straight out of the ocean. Page 4 of 6

2007

Mt Mitchell

23 February 2008

We met at Aratula at 8am - and started walking just after 8.30

Our group was made of 10 from QBW and 5 from the Gold Coast Club. We all benefited from the cross pollination of ideas and experience between the people in the two clubs. On Friday we ventured out to Goebel’s cave and Underground Creek. The cave location provided plenty of opportunity for adventurous exploration. Most of the group braved the cool water through the subterranean cavity to climb out through the ‘corkscrew’ at the other end. It is a unique and very pleasant location. We moved on to Underground Creek to savour its delights and then returned to the camp ground for ‘happy hour’ (or two).

Mt Mitchell

it was the hottest day recorded for a long time with Brisbane soaring to 40 degrees but we were blessed with rainforest shade and a lovely breeze so the graded track was not too testing for the intrepid hikers. We were fortunate that the rangers had recently cleared the path with brushcutters so access was quite comfortable with no overhanging branches or long grass. A number of bird sightings including a pheasant coucal at the rainforest section of the peak made the climb interesting along with plenty of water stops to ensure we were all hydrated. The views from the summit were marvelous as always and we tried to identify as many peaks as possible. We were joined by a couple of hungry tame skinks. Our descent was uneventful and we were enjoying pies for lunch at the Aratula bakery by 12.30pm in good Aussie tradition. Thanks to fellow walkers.

Lepidozamia Track

Sandy 16 March 2008

Eleven of us met up at Maiala Park at 8.30 to make our way to the start of the track to commence walking at 9.00. The weather was fine for the walk which on the whole wasn't too taxing; a few downs and ups, and ups. The walk is all on fire trails, however, there were two down hills; one a lot steeper than the other but quite slippery with the loose gravel and we were quite happy to get to the bottom.

Girraween Explorers

On Saturday the group traveled to Turtle Rock and did the usual cave and climb combination. The claustrophobic passage from one end of the cave to the other was followed by a scramble up the access breach to the top of Turtle. After this we broke off into two groups, one returning to Castle Rock camp ground taking in the attractions along the track, with the second group exploring off track to meet up with the others at the camp ground. Whenever I take a group off track I attempt to spark interest in the others to engage in the navigation process. I was in good company with people who had a keen interest in what we were doing and how we were going about it.

During this part of the walk Noelene refused to go in front as there were a great many spider webs across the track with huge spiders; Steve came to the rescue and we continued on.

After exploring around the River cave area we encountered a wild pig and a ravaged area along the creek line. From our combined efforts we completed the outing on course and on time.

Morning tea was at the old camping ground above the falls at Kobble Creek, after which we went and had a look at the falls. They weren't as full as we expected.

A special thank-you goes to Max from the Gold Coast who led the activities on the Sunday. This involved a visit to the 2nd Pyramid area and Kitchener’s cave near Slip Rock.

Then began the slow slog up the hills. There were two very steep grades which finally gave way to a more gentle slope up on to the ridge. Towards the end the trail was very overgrown with weeds which were up to our shoulders (mine anyway).

I look forward to meeting up with the Gold Coasties again soon.

Lunch was back at Maiala Park but then it started to rain and, of course, we all adjourned to Samford for our obligatory coffee and cake and for some of us, lunch. The walk was enjoyable and completed with lots of good humour. My thanks to Noelene for helping me on the pre-outing and taking the lead while I was up the back. Margaret

Easter at Girraween

21-23 March 2008

Girraween is such a special place that there is always the potential to discover something new when you visit. As the camp grounds in the National Park were booked out, we set up our base camp at a private camp ground near Storm King Dam. It was nice having the extra amenities. For a number of people on our group it was their first visit to Girraween.

Trevor D.

Shipstern Circuit

5 April 2008

This was a very enjoyable 20km walk in rainforest and open forest. Ten of us set off on a cool crisp morning and walked in a clockwise direction around the circuit. After an hour of walking gradually downhill we reached Ballanjui Falls. This was a pleasant spot for morning tea. From here we crossed over Nixon Creek and then gradually walked uphill to the half way point – Ships Stern. We were a little disappointed that a scout group were occupying our lunch spot. After lunch we continued on stopping at lookouts to admire the view of Numinbah Valley, Springbrook, Mt Warning and Gold Coast buildings in the distance. We finally rejoined the border track and returned to Binna Burra. Richard had a new watch with altimeter and through out the day gave us altitude readings. Overall we descended 410m to the lowest spot then climbed 500m to a high point on the Border Track before descending 100m to the car park at Binna Burra. Noelene

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The Drakensbergs, South Africa The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest in Southern Africa, rising to 3,482 m in height. They form a 'Barrier of Spears' along the border between Natal and Lesotho. The area was listed as a World Heritage site in 2000 and it is here that Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall on earth at 947m high, tumbles over the escarpment. I was fortunate enough to do a 5 day walk along this 1500 metre high escarpment. Every day brought a new spectacle with breath taking views. The vast vistas and rocky outcrops were complemented by a wealth of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of birdlife.

The following day we did an alternate ascent to the escarpment. As we approached the plateau we felt the effects of the altitude The ascent also involved two stretches of climbing a chain ladder, 15m and 8 m in height. Finally we reached the snow covered plateau and we camped near the top of Tugela Falls. The Falls were initially hidden in cloud, but as the clouds cleared it revealed a majestic sweep of the country below. It was simply stunning, filling all your senses. We stayed as long as we could before the dark drove us back to camp. The weather over the next four days couldn’t have been better. The rain had gone and bright sunny days greeted us every morning after very chilly nights. The walking over the plateau was easy going, up and down fairly gentle rolling hills. We were never far away from the escarpment and were amazed again and again by the views. Each day was another adventure filled with incredible scenery. We passed some of Natures most fantastic sculptures with names such as the Sentinel, the Devil’s Tooth, the Devil’s Toothpick, Madonna and her Worshipers, the Twelve Apostles, Fang’s Pass, the Pinnacles, the Hanging Gardens and Cathedral Rock.

The Amphitheater of the Drakensbergs

Arriving at the Drakensbergs, we camped near the Amphitheater, a 5 kilometre wide natural curvature of the cliffs, flanked by even higher buttresses. As a short introduction, we did a day walk in the lower part of the Tugela River where we waded through a freezing pool to get through Tugela Gorge. The next day was to be a walk involving a 1500 metre vertical ascent along a 25 kilometre track to the high plateau. However a hail storm had us sheltering under a cliff overhang as we watched lightning flicker across the sky. It was judged too dangerous to continue so we turned back to try again the next day. The storm front left the mountains covered in snow.

View from the Escarpment

A particularly memorable day was seeing the Rockeries with the magnificent Bearded Vulture soaring overhead and then landing on the near vertical cliffs to their precarious nesting spot. No matter how hard I tried I wasn't game enough to lean over the edge for a photo of them landing on the cliff edge. It all had to end eventually and on the 5th day, after walking some 60 kilometres, we descended down a steep rocky ravine. On the way Cathedral Rock loomed nearby and I was told that it was possible to climb to the top. This just whetted my appetite to return to this magnificent area. That night we camped on green grass and saw a tree for the first time in 5 days. The walls of the escarpment towered over us as we watched the sun sink below its rim.

On the Edge of Reality

Tugela Falls (That red dot is a person!)

It was an incredible walk with many lasting memories. During the trek we saw no other people, either the inhabitants or other trekkers. Trekking here is still in its infancy so if you get a chance, just do it! Richard Page 6 of 6