200806 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

June 2008

Simply Logical, Mt Byron Gorge

Club News Walk Leaders BBQ

Sending Writeups

June 14 2008

On Saturday 14/6/2008 there will be a Walk Leaders' BBQ. It will be held at 74 Kallista Rd., Rochedale, starting at 12 midday. All leaders and any members thinking of becoming leaders are invited to attend. Please bring along your own meat/fish/prawns for the barbie plus your own drinks. There will be some salad and snacks available but if you can bring a plate to share, that would be appreciated. Ring Richard on 3341 7509 if attending to help with catering. The main aim of the BBQ is for leaders to share information, ask questions and to discuss any issues. It will also be a walks planning day to help fill out the Calendar.

If sending a writeup of a walk by email, just type the writeup in the email message and then send as is. There is no need to use Microsoft Word (or any other word processor). Any formatting done in the word processor will be lost anyway as the formatting in the Newsletter is different.

Sending Photos Any photos should be emailed to [email protected] stating the walk plus any special feature of the photo. If sending photos by email, here are a couple of guidelines.

The Club can help leaders in many ways. ●

Books, brochures and notes on walks are available.

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A Leader's Guide and checklist is available.

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Notes on “what to do if” available.

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Topographical maps, paper and digital, available.

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Ability to scan or print sections of maps and to digitally join maps when there is that pesky walk right on the corner of four maps.

Pilgrimage 2008

22-24 August 2008

Details of Pilgrimage 2008 are now available at http://au.geocities.com/qldpilgrimage/pilg2008.html. The program will be very similar to the Pilgrimage held last year. There will be a supper and slide show on the Friday night, walks on Saturday followed by a bushdance and then on the Sunday there will be a breakfast provided plus games. The cost is $30.00 for the whole weekend if paid before the event. The cost includes accommodation, the Friday night supper, the walks on Saturday, the bush dance, the breakfast on Sunday morning plus much much more. The cost rises to $35.00 if paid at the event. There are reduced costs if coming for the walk and/or bushdance only. Accommodation will be tents, campervans and cabins. There are seven cabins available and bookings for the cabins will be accepted on a per club basis, each club/group will have an 8 bed cabin.

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Photos should be between 1000 to 2000 pixels wide. 1024 x 768 or 1600 x 1200 pixels are fine.

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Each photo should not be larger than 500 Kilobytes.

Reduce any large digital photos first before sending. If you don't know how to use a graphics program, then this ste might help http://www.geocities.com/zrkolar/graphics.html

Club Web Site There have been additional links added to the Club website at http://www.geocities.com/qldbwc/links.html If you are looking for short walks during the week round the Brisbane area, then see what's available with Walking For Leisure and Gonewalking. If travelling round Queensland or interstate, check out what the other bushwalking clubs are doing. Also the new web site http://www.adventure.com.au has descriptions of walks round Australia plus the list of the 10 best walks.

BWQ AGM Bushwalking Qld. Inc. the Queensland representative for bushwalking clubs, including our Club, is having its Annual General Meeting on 26-Jun-08 at Little Kings Hall, Buranda starting at 9:00 pm. Nominations for committee positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary and Insurance Officer should be submitted in writing by 12th June to The Secretary, Bushwalking Qld. Inc., GPO Box 1573. Brisbane 4001 or Email: [email protected]

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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.

Creature Feature

Equipment for Free Use By Members Compasses

EPIRBs

GPS's

Topo Maps

Emergency Lights

First Aid Kits

Sunmap CD’s

UHF Radios

Skink

Contact David at 3395 1838 or [email protected]

Back Pack

Comings and Goings

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.

Ken W. has just returned from a trip in his campervan. He traveled up to north Queensland visiting some National Parks. Linda H. has returned from a holiday up at Cairns. She spent time with relatives and sailed from Cairns back to Brisbane. Margaret R. has had a short trip to Niagara Falls due to work.

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.

Skinks are one of the five families of lizards in Australia. The other four are geckos, dragons, legless lizards and goannas. Skinks by far are the most numerous and most commonly seen.

Equipment for Hire Abseil Gear

This friendly skink was seen on the Shipstern Walk as it scurried between the walkers looking for any scraps of food.

Peter P. has had a trip to the Caboolture Hospital after a quad bike accident on his property. He suffered a dislocated shoulder. He's slowly improving with lots of physio but won't be carrying a pack for a while. Judy J. is recovering from a broken ankle from a trip to NZ.

$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 Alan Ward

Sue Ward

As at 27/05/2008 we have 110 financial members

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Coming Events Larapinta Trail

Rock Falls 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. 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.

Take Care of Others and Yourself

Rock falls can occur anywhere while ascending or descending a slope or cliff line where there are loose rocks or boulders.

Contact Mary Sherlock Ph No 3209 8514 for more information.

If there is a section of the walk with loose rocks, the leader should always consider if another way round may be safer.

Pilgrimage 2008

The following advice is relevant to either ascending or descending an unstable slope or cliff.

22-24 August 2008

Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club Inc. will be hosting this year's Pilgrimage at 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. More information is now available on http://au.geocities.com/qldpilgrimage/pilg2008.html

If a Rock is Dislodged If a rock is dislodged and in danger of hitting someone, call out “Rock” in a loud voice. This is the traditional bushwalking warning call. This gives the people below an opportunity to take evasive action if necessary. What to do if a Loose Rock is Found If the person in front does find a loose rock then the following actions are possible:

Easter 2009

Remove the rock and wedge it in a safe place.

Muriel and Gil are off to Carnarvon for Easter 2009. They have booked for 5 nights from 10 April 2009. at campsite 2.

Roll the rock down the slope if it is obviously safe to do so. At the very least, warn others that the rock is loose.

If you are interested in going to Carnarvon over the Easter period, you can book at http://www.qld.gov.au/camping .

Ascending or Descending as a Group If ascending or descending as a group, move diagonally across the slope with a two metre gap (minimum) between members.

Contact Gil for more information at 3272 4366.

Stop at a place where the whole party can gather safely, then commence another traverse in the opposite direction.

An Invitation To Bushwalkers Melbourne teacher, Michael Mitchell is commencing a bushwalk from Cape York, Queensland to Wilsons Promontory, Victoria. He leaves the Cape 5th May 2008 and is scheduled to reach the Prom 13 months and 6,000km later on 27th June 2009. Michael’s motivation is his aim to raise $1M for the benefit of the Cancer Council. Members of bushwalking clubs and bush walkers in general are invited to join him along his trek through Queensland, N.S.W, A.C.T & Victoria. He is completing 58 weekly sections along the Cape York Development Road, the Bicentennial National Trail and Australian Alps Walking Track. He is covering approximately 100 km per section with Sundays designated as rest days. Understandably, people who wish to accept this invitation and join Michael along sections of their choice will need to be suitably equipped and largely self sufficient. Michael is being supported with an official support vehicle towing a new fully equipped Off Road Camper trailer supplied by Tru Blu Campers. This support crew will rendezvous with the walking party at designated points along each section.

Progress is thus made in a zig-zag fashion and there is no one person directly below who could be injured. Ascending or Descending One at a Time If the above method is not possible, consider ascending or descending one person at a time, with anyone lower down well out of the path of any dislodged rock. Preventing Injury to Self Ensure your own safety by checking the following: Boots should be in good condition, with a good grip and with laces securely tied with no loose ends. Usually a better and safer foot hold can be obtained by placing the boot sideways across the slope rather than just a grip with the toe. Wear protective clothing such as gloves and long pants to protect the knuckles and knees. Tuck in any loose clothing that may catch or drag on rocks. Make sure gear is securely stowed inside the backpack. Adjust the pack so it fits snugly to the body and does not suddenly shift or cause you to overbalance.

Any persons interested in being part of this unique event or seeking further information should visit the website www.thegreatcancerwalk.com.au or contact [email protected]

Have the hillside knee, hip and shoulder pressed into the slope to minimize the risk of overbalancing with the weight of the pack.

We still have sections requiring support crew drivers for the support vehicle. This camping/touring opportunity is ideal for retired couples with camper trailer accommodation provided.

Test all hand and foot holds, particularly protruding rocks and small bushes before applying your full weight.

Keep both hands completely free.

All care but no responsibility is taken for people accompanying Michael.

If you feel the slope/ascent is beyond your capability, let the leader know. Please everyone take care so that we all can continue to enjoy our bushwalking.

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Lower Bell Bird Circuit

Past Walks Moreton Bay Islands Bike Ride

12 April 2008

The Moreton Bay Islands of Russell, Lamb, Macleay and Karragarra are just a half hour drive southeast from Brisbane. We were visiting just three of the islands on our bike ride.

13 April 2008

Eleven of us gathered at the Information Centre, Binna Burra. It was perfect walking weather. Our group included two new members - Bruce and Helen on their first walk and two visitors Allison and Brendan.

Aboriginal people have lived on the islands during the last 20,000 years and European settlers arrived in the 1800’s felling timber and growing crops. I arranged the social outing for members of the club who wanted to ride their bikes across the islands. Traci, Sandy, Mary, Lynn and John took up the offer, dusted off their “deadly treadlies” and helmets, then slapped on a good slathering of sunscreen.

On Macleay Island

The weather was perfect as we set off on the 9:00 am ferry. We headed to Russell passing the other island along the way. From the Russell Is jetty, we set of on our first ride down to Canaipa Point and this took us within a few hundred metres of North Stradbroke Island. We had permission to stop inside the grounds of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron which gave us the opportunity to take in the wonderful views looking north and south. With North Stradbroke Island looming in front of us, it gave us a perspective of the bay most people don’t see. We meandered back towards the ferry terminal along the Canaipa Road and detoured around some of the side streets to get some bay glimpses and view some of the local real estate. We stopped for coffee at Aunty Alice’s coffee shop which has great views across Moreton Bay and some delicious fare. For the adventurous riders there was an extra quick ride south along the central roads which sports some terrific hills. Then we all caught the 11:50am ferry across to Macleay Island. A half hour ride from Macleay’s jetty, via the local golf course, saw us at Corroboree Park where we had our picnic lunch and watched some sea eagles gliding overhead. This is a great place to stop and soak up the peaceful atmosphere or to catch a fish if that takes your fancy. After lunch we rode up along the eastern peninsular called Perulpa Island and then a quick ride across to the western and southern sides of the Island before getting the next ferry across to Karragarra Island. Karragarra Island offered us a quick ride along the foreshore with some beautiful views east back across to North Stradbroke Island. Also it’s not as hilly as the other islands. After the day’s adventure we caught the ferry back to Redland Bay for a well-earned coffee and ice creams all round. We all enjoyed the day and a big thanks must go to Traci, Sandy, Mary, Lynn and John who all made the day so enjoyable (even the hilly bits!). And if you ever get across to Russell Island you have to ask for the BLT at Aunty Alice’s coffee shop – we all now know that it stands for ‘Bloody Lovely Tucker’... don’t we Lyn!! Stuart Mackay

Bell Birds

We set off on the well graded Caves track passing Kweebani Cave. After an hour we emerged on the road at Binna Burra opposite Ship Stern track. We headed on and stopped for morning tea at Bellbird Lookout. An ideal spot with excellent views. From here we descended into the valley and our group gave assistance to a man who had fallen and landed 3m below the track in the scrub. He was shaken but not injured. His friend was thankful for our help. Our group stopped for lunch at the falls on Bellbird Creek. After lunch it was a short distance to the former dairy farm below Binna Burra which is now heavily covered in lantana. We returned to our cars passing the recently opened Great Walk Track and drove back to Canungra for refreshments at the Outpost Cafe. Thanks to all for a very enjoyable walk.

Mt Byron

Noelene 13 April 2008

Ten of us met up at Samford on a foggy morning. We drove up to the Mt Mee Forest Reserve and after a car shuttle we were ready to begin our walk. Five people in the group had previously attempted this walk last year but it was aborted when Bob H. was hit by a falling rock. He sustained a broken arm and had to be evacuated by helicopter. Bob was now fully recovered, on this walk and eager to complete it! We walked along a forestry road and then came up to a rocky escarpment on Mt Byron. Below us was a sea of low lying cloud in the valley, a wonderful sight. In the distance we could see the D'Aguilar Range.

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Once in the saddle which is between Isolated and North peak we then descended via one of the many tributaries of Rocky Creek. This is a straight forward way off Barney as there are no waterfalls to negotiate and you connect with the Lower Portals track only 1 km from the car park. Thanks to the four members who accompanied me on the walk. David Rae

Bigriggen B/C

25 -27 April 2008

Six of us ventured to Bigriggen park on the Anzac Day Weekend. This family orientated park near Rathdowney was a popular spot with eager young families enjoying the pleasant autumn weather. Bob's Rock

We continued along a ridge and dropped down to a saddle. It was from this saddle that Bob had been flown out by the helicopter. After a short search in the slope below the saddle, under some bushes we found the rock. And what a rock it was! It was huge! Of course photos had to be taken with Bob and his rock.

On Friday we set out taking our boots off to cross the rather full Barney Creek and followed the ridge line to Paddy's Peak with views of Mt Barney and Mt Maroon all around us. Good clear day with a little cloud on Barney's peak.

We descended into Byron Gorge and followed it upstream. It was a pleasant rock hop with overhanging trees giving some shade. Finally we came to a creek junction which was our turn off to get to our exit point. There were some beautiful cascades along this side creek and a brave few went in for a swim at one pool. Near the end of the walk there was a high waterfall and it was here that Bob again was the centre of attention. Ascending along the side of the waterfall he had missed the sharp turn to the left to get to the top of the falls. When the rest of us regrouped at the top of the falls we realized he was missing. A search was quickly organized and we found him in thick brushy undergrowth after a short while. The thick undergrowth had dampened down our call outs to Bob and made us all realize the importance of whistles. It was then only a short walk back to the cars and a welcome afternoon tea at Dayboro. Thanks to Dean for putting on this walk.

Isolated Peak

Richard 19 April 2008

This is one of the many peaks of Mt Barney which include, Leaning, North, East, West, Midget, and Gwyala. Isolated Peak is part of the Eagles Ridge traverse which includes Toms Tum, North Peak and East Peak.

A Barney Beautiful Day

Saturday some of us set off on an exploratory walk to Mt Gillies. This peak is behind Barney Lodge and the campground. The campground was once again popular with the outdoor lovers. Next time we should stay there as we had to pay the owners $5 each to cross the private land to get to Mt Gillies. Our aim was to get to the peak via a different route as we had all been up there before. Although we didn't reach our destination we had an adventurous day which was good. I would like to thank Richard, Patricia, Helen, John B and Kerry for making this a most pleasant weekend with special thanks to John for leading the walks. Special mention also to the possums and bats for keeping us "entertained" throughout the nights and the bats for leaving their calling card on our cars, tents and chairs. We won't mention who has a weak stomach!! Lynn

Isolated Peak and Toms Tum

Our ascent was via a ridge to the east of Eagles due to the denser vegetation on the lower slopes of Eagles. A bit of rock scrambling is required to negotiate the 2nd peak of Toms Tum, but once the ridge line had been achieved the route to the top of Isolated is quite easy. Our total ascent time from the Lower Portals car park was 3.5 hrs. We had great views from the top despite the strong southerly trying to blow us off. The descent off Isolated heading south towards the saddle was not as straight forward as a number of short cliff lines had to be negotiated with rope.

You B'Ute Tent

John B. moved camping to a higher level at Bigriggen. He set up his tent on the back of the ute and slept high and dry.

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Yahoo Oahu

The Big Island

Our five week trip to the USA was planned to do as many walks and visit as many diverse National Parks as possible. Our trip included ten days in the Hawaiian islands and a three week trip exploring the National Parks of the western USA mainland. Here is the start of a series of articles on this trip which has left both Patricia and I with so many memories.

The largest island in the Hawaiian chain of islands is called Hawaii but is often referred to as the Big Island. It is twice the size of all the other islands combined and is an amalgamation of five large volcanos which have been formed over a "hot spot" in the Earth's mantle. Two of the volcanos are still active with very recent lava flows cutting off a major road.

Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian Island and its most developed. However the man-made attractions and bustle of Waikiki did not appeal to us. We were here to do some walking!

Big Island has the highest mountain in Hawaii, Mauna Kea at 13,796 feet while Mauna Loa is the most massive mountain on Earth if measured from its base on the sea floor. For trivia buffs, South Point on the Big Island is the most southerly point of the USA. It was also on this island that Captain Cook met his death in 1779 and a memorial has been erected on the spot where he died. It was not practical for us to see the Big Island by public transport so we hired a car for a week. This enabled us to spend time in two of the major towns on the island, Kona and Hilo and do a tour right round the island.

Walking to Kuli'ou'ou

Walking in Oahu's parks and reserves is possible all year round though rain may make the tracks slippery. Most of the major cities are on the coast while the centre of the island with its steep cliffs and thickly forested peaks overlooking aquamarine bays are well supplied with walking tracks. Getting to the start of the walks is relatively easy by public transport. On our first day we caught a bus to Manoa Falls and did the short walk to the 100 foot high falls. From there we continued uphill above the wind swept trees to the top of the ridge. Along the way we heard a sound that you do not hear in Australia, the clack-clack-clacking of the bamboo forest in the breeze. Further on large banyan trees lined the path. At the top of the range we walked to a lookout giving views of both sides of the island. A perfect spot for lunch but cut short by a small downpour. We followed another route down along a cliff line giving us further views of the steep forested cliffs.

One of the many Lookouts

We visited most of the parks and reserves on the island and did many short day walks. There were also multi-day hikes either up to one of the mountains or to a remote beach available but we did not have the time. Along the coast there are several parks which show the life of the early Polynesian inhabitants. Also there are majestic lookouts featuring sheer cliffs dropping into the ocean fringed by black sandy beaches. After driving part way round the island and exploring its various coves, we arrived at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here there are walks to huge calderas, smaller craters and lava tubes. We spent a couple of days here doing various walks. One of the highlights was doing a night walk along recent lava flows and seeing the red glow of the lava still flowing in the distance.

Diamond Head Crater

Day two was spent doing a shorter walk to Diamond Head, an old volcanic crater which gives Honolulu its dramatic backdrop. A tunnel has been carved through the side of the rim to allow access to vehicles as in the past it had been used for military purposes. A short walk through the crater and up to the rim gave us breathtaking views over the harbour and the city. Our third day on the island was a much longer walk to get to Kuli'ou'ou ridge. After catching a couple of buses and a walk along some suburban streets along a valley, we reached a side ridge which would take us to the top. The track up to the ridge was well graded with a shelter along the way. After a couple hours of steadily walking uphill we had lunch at the top and enjoyed the 360 degree views. It was a beautiful sunny day and we stayed a while to take in the views. It was a splendid way to end our visit to Oahu as we were to fly to another island the next day. Richard

Lava-ly Patricia

All too soon we had to head back to the airport and fly to the USA mainland to continue our journey. Richard

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