200809 Newsletter

74 Kallista Rd. Rochedale South QLD 4123 Email [email protected] Phone No (07) 3341 7509 www.geocities.com/qldbwc

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc. Newsletter

September 2008

Pilgrimage 2008

Club News Pilgrimage 2008

22-24 August 2008

Over 20 QBW members attended a weekend of socializing, walking, fun and entertainment at this year's Pilgrimage hosted by the Gold Coast Bushwalkers. It was a perfect weekend with clear blue skies during the day and crisp starry nights. On the Friday afternoon and evening QBW members began arriving at Mt Nimmel Lodge, Mudgeeraba, to set up their tents or move into a cabin. Our hosts had made sure that no one needed to feel cold by having a central bonfire and several braziers scattered throughout the site. However John Brunott had brought along a fire bin and we all gathered around it that night exchanging fun filled banter. Saturday saw us heading out on different walks. We were spoilt with over 20 to choose from, many that our Club had never done before. As we returned in the afternoon the hot showers were most welcome. It was then time to have dinner and attend the bush dance. Sunday was an easier day with breakfast and a full morning of entertainment provided. The bush poets first had their say and peals of laughter filled the air. The “Games” then began and again the emphasis was on fun. The handing over of the Boot was a bit of a sad affair though as no club had yet volunteered to host next year's Pilgrimage. However the secretary of Bushwalking Queensland Inc. said he would do everything in his power to ensure it would happen. QBW would like to heartily thank the Gold Coast Bushwalkers for hosting Pilgrimage 2008. If anything can be said, it is that the Gold Coast Bushwalkers know how to have fun.

Notice Of Annual General Meeting The Club's Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th October 2008. It will immediately follow the usual monthly Club Meeting which starts at 7:30 pm. The AGM will be held at the Little Kings Hall, on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. The nine management committee positions which will be up for election are: President Secretary Treasurer Social Secretary Editor

If you would like to nominate yourself or another person for a position, please fill the Nomination Form on Page 3 of the Newsletter and send to the Secretary to the postal address of the Club. If you wish to vote at the Annual General Meeting you must be a financial member of the Club and attend the meeting. The other important positions to be filled but which do not have a vote on the Management Committee are: Supper Convenor Equipment Officer Two Delegates for Federation No nominations are necessary for these positions.

Coming Socials Dinner

We hope that the Pilgrimage can continue and that clubs in south east Queensland will support this tradition which has survived for 39 years.

Vice President Membership Officer Training Officer Outings Secretary

Friday 12 September 2008, 7.00 PM

Dinner at the Ceylon Inn, 190 Oxford St., Bulimba. Contact Linda 3899 5017 (H) for bookings. Indoor Climbing

Donation of Maps QBW would like to thank the engineering consultancy firm Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) who have kindly donated over 1000 topographic maps of Queensland to us.

Friday 26 September 2008 7.30 PM

Indoor climbing at Rocksports Springwood. Again contact Linda 3899 5017 (H) for bookings.

The maps are much appreciated and they have now been catalogued and a list sent to walk leaders. The committee has decided that a few will be retained by the Club but the majority will be given to walk leaders to assist in walk planning.

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New Members Greg Mackrodt

Allison Riding

As at 30/08/2008 we have 116 members

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

John Hinton

3343 3724 (H)

Outings Officer

David Rae

3395 1838 (H)

Membership Officer

Vacant

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.

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Membership

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 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 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 Pic

Club Equipment 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]

For Hire Abseil Gear There is a $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories.

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

Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202

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

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.

Pilgrimage 2008 Drug Tester

Spotted at the Pilgrimage was the official drug tester asking for a specimen before the Bush Olympics began.

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Photo Competition

WALKER GUIDELINES

It's time again for the QBW Photographic Competition. Any photo taken by a member on a QBW bushwalk can be entered under the following categories:

These guidelines have been formed after consulting leaders and asking for feedback from Club members.

Nature

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

Pictorial

Any general picture, including those with people in it

Before The Walk Ensure that you are fit enough for the degree of difficulty of the walk. Discuss with the Leader prior to the walk if in doubt. Nominate for the walk at the Club meeting or before the cut-off date, usually the Wednesday night before the walk. If unable to attend the walk after nominating, let the Leader know as soon as possible.

Club Character An image of a member of the Club. This competition is open to QBW members only.

Car pooling is encouraged. The Leader will arrange drivers and transport for everyone if possible.

Each member can enter in all three categories. There is a limit of three entries per category per entrant. All images must have been taken since November 2007 on a Club bushwalk. Photos from both film and digital methods are acceptable. Entries may be handed in at Club meetings or to a committee member. Entries close Tuesday 4th November 2008. Winners will be announced at the Christmas Party.

Entry Size and Presentation Entries must be as prints 6x4 inches (15x10cm) in size and be mounted on white cardboard 7x5 inches (18x12.5cm) in size. Title, Location, Photographer's Name and Category are to be written under the image on the white cardboard as follows:

Arrive at the meeting place on time. If delayed let the Leader know by mobile phone if possible. Take sufficient food and water for the walk. A minimum of two litres of water is required, more in hotter conditions. Ensure you are suitably equipped including first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, food, rain gear, whistle, torch and appropriate clothing and footwear. A map and compass may also enhance your enjoyment of the walk. Bring along a clean set of clothes to put on at the end of the walk. These can usually be left in the driver’s car. Bring a plastic bag to store your wet clothes or muddy boots at the end.

At The Start Of The Walk Advise the Leader if you are taking any medication or if you have any physical or other limitation that might affect your participation. Ensure you sign the Event Nomination Form after reading the Risk Waiver and noting any risk warnings. At the introductory circle, introduce yourself to everyone. Ask the leader any questions if unfamiliar with any procedures such as “Tail End Charlie”. If a driver, check car is secured, lights off and keys safely put away.

During The Walk All entries will be displayed at the Christmas Party.

Follow the Leader’s instructions.

There will also be a Member's Choice Prize, which will be the most popular entry as voted by Club members.

Be courteous, co-operative and helpful to walkers in the group.

For any further information contact: Evelyn Campbell on 3395 8086 or 0434 985 371.

Maintain a line of sight with the person in front and behind you. If the person behind is not visible, slow down or stop to allow the person behind to catch up. If necessary, advise the person in front that you are stopping or slowing down. If experiencing any difficulty such as pace, blisters, shortage of water etc., advise the Leader immediately.

Tramping In NZ The Otago Youth Adventure Trust/Rotary Club of Milton Tramping Club Inc runs guided walks as a fund raiser for Rotary Youth programs in NZ. All bookings, DOC hut accommodation, hut fees, permits, transport and food are arranged by the club. Walks include the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. More information available at: www.otagorotarytrusttramps.org.nz

Nomination Form For Committee Position

It is your responsibility to allow sufficient distance between yourself and the walker in front so that you are not injured by branches flicking back. Do not leave the track if on a track walk, or fall behind the person appointed “Tail End Charlie” for any reason without advising the “Tail End Charlie”. If you do become separated from the group and you are uncertain of the way to go, stop and call out “HEYBOB”. Use whistle (three blasts) if no response to the “HEYBOB”.

I wish to nominate

………………………………….

Generally you should not leave the walk early unless prearranged, but if it is necessary you must accept a Leader’s decision to send someone with you to accompany you out.

For the position of

………………………………….

Do not throw any litter or rubbish in the bush. Carry a plastic bag for your rubbish and take it out with you.

Nominator

………………………………….

Ensure the Leader is aware you have made it to the end.

Seconder

………………………………….

If a passenger, ask the driver what a suitable donation for the petrol would be.

At The End Of The Walk

Remember to thank the Leader ☺ Page 3 of 6

Past Walks Best Of All to Kennedy Lookout

17 May 2008

A couple of years ago I tried this walk but a very large starting number meant that we made very slow progress. We eventually aborted the walk and exited via a ridge about 1.5 kilometres short of Kennedy Lookout. A couple of other times I did not get the numbers to do the walk, but this time everything went to plan. After driving up to Springbrook and parking at the Best of All Lookout car park, we ducked around the back of the repeater station fence into the rainforest. We quickly picked up the pink tags to follow in and out of gullies down the ridge to the top of the falls on the cliffs above Numinbah Gap. This is a very picturesque area with some very large trees a few of which have been snapped off at the base and blown over in some relatively recent storms.

As we were walking back to the car the weather, which had been fine all day, started to deteriorate and there was thick fog by the time we reached the cars. We drove down for refreshments at a cafe on the Numinbah Gap road and could look back to see a storm building where we had just been walking. Luckily we had a fairly early finish. Thanks to the small group of walkers who made the day a success David Kenrick

Stinson Wreck

15 June 2008

Twelve keen walkers set off from the end of Christmas Creek Road on a cool crisp morning. Our start was more adventurous than planned. Christmas Creek was rather full and impossible to rock hop over. A little way up stream a large tree had fallen across the creek. Gil was first across and then we all followed, some of us very hesitantly. From the other side of the bank we continued on along a track beside the creek for about an hour. From here we started the steep ascent. We detoured off track to avoid the steep eroded section of track. It got easier when we rejoined the track further up. Further on we scrambled up a rocky cliff using a vine to pull ourselves up. A bit more uphill and we rested on top of the ridge and had morning tea. Following the track and gaining more height we finally reached the Stinson campsite where we branched off to view the limited remains of the wreck.

Stinson Wreckage Remains

After lunch it was down and back along the ridge. On the way we heard a lyrebird singing only metres away in the rainforest. Best of All

From here we started the contour around to Kennedy Lookout, at first following the pink tags to where they continued down the cliff break to the bottom of the previously mentioned falls. As we were contouring at a lower level than my previous attempt, we managed to avoid a lot of the wait-a-while that was encountered before. Morning tea break was taken at the first substantial creek crossing and from there we continued around to a prominent knoll which is near the “big rock” feature that is marked on my 1960’s army map of the area. From here we travelled on a compass bearing, dropping a little altitude to the top of another waterfall and some good views over the Numinbah valley. Staying close to the top the escarpment and following more pink tags we crossed a couple more creeks and arrived at Kennedy Lookout for a welcome lunch break. This lookout is a hundred metres or so north of where the rough track comes up through a cliff break from Natural Arch. After lunch we followed an old snig track from just above the lookout to a road that runs between a couple of houses before leading back to the main road which we followed back to the car park. 20 years ago this snig track ended at a house and plant nursery but this no longer exists and the track that National Parks marked to avoid this no longer seems to be in use.

We followed the steep eroded track to Westray's grave - a survivor of the crash who went for help after 10 days only to die slipping down a waterfall. Our group returned safely to the cars and drove to Beaudesert for refreshments and well deserved rest. This was a very challenging and rewarding walk in magnificent rainforest. I would like to thank David for leading the walk and everyone for coming. Noelene

Running Creek T/W

21 June 2008

I drove to Richard's on 21 June and we picked up Frank on the way through to Christmas Creek for an 'Easy Through Walk'. We arrived at the farm house and changed into our boots etc., put our packs on and set off about 8.45 am. After walking through a couple of paddocks we reached a sign 'Remote Area'. I thought to myself so far so good but then I don't know what happened to the landscape. I was warned there would be a couple of washes to get across, which we came to in due time. After much clambering over tree trunks, rocks and what have you not, we finally got to the creek where we were going to rock hop. Richard rock hopped half way across and then decided it was all 'too risky', so off with the boots in the middle of the creek before he continued crossing with his sandals.

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I thought to myself this will be a bit difficult with my through pack, but Richard was my Sir Galahad coming back to take my pack and I waded across just with my water bottle. Frank went further up the creek but I don't think it was any better than where we crossed.

From there it was downstream for just over a kilometre then across the Little Nerang River and up, up and up 250 metres to the top of the ridge and Springbrook Road. Unfortunately, there are very few directional arrows along this part of the Great Walk (fear of unprepared novices wandering off, probably) and we ended up walking along the road back to Apple Tree instead of following the power lines easement. Again from Apple Tree to the escarpment there are not enough direction arrows but we got there in the end. The best part of the walk, for me anyhow, was the 900+ steps down into the Valley. The engineering and track planning have resulted in an easy descent with the steps blending in well with the surrounding vegetation – quite visually pleasing. We had lunch at the soon-to-be-completed Woonoongoora Camp. This camping area has a good spread of green grass, plenty of shade, toilet block, and a view as well. There is a small water tank but officially it is a bring-your-own-water camp.

Running Creek

So on we go, with the worse to come; There was a track to follow, however, I was too busy looking at my feet to really see that much. I have never seen so much wait- a-while which, as everybody knows, is a real pain. So while fighting the wait-awhile we also had to watch out for vines catching hold of our packs. We stopped for lunch at quite a pleasant palm grove before going into battle once again. Finally, we reached our camp site about 2.00 and Richard advised us we had 10 minutes left if we wanted to go and see 'The Falls'. I declined opting out to set up camp and relax. Frank also agreed this was a good idea. Morning came all too quickly; we had to do the above in reverse. It was a relief to get over the creek, over the washes and on to the paddocks reaching the car about 2.00. A quick change out of our very dirty clothes and onto Beaudesert for coffee and the trip home. It was an experience for me after thinking I was going to do an 'Easy Through Walk'. However, I survived and my thanks go to Richard and Frank for all their help. Thank you Richard and Frank. Margaret

Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk The Settlement to Numinbah Valley D/W

From here it was a bit more down then a bit of up to reach the car at the end of Chester Road. The drivers returned to The Settlement to collect the other cars while the rest of us continued down the track to the Nerang Murwillumbah Road and the coffee shop. The drivers soon joined us and we enjoyed coffee, carrot cake and raspberry and coconut slice before our return journey home. Many thanks to drivers Helen, Richard, John M., Gil and Margaret and to everyone else who joined me for the new and very pleasant walk. Patricia

Albert River Circuit

12 July 2008

Nine of us met at Canungra at 7.15 so as to give us an early start for this lovely walk, everyone arrived before time and we were up at O’Reilleys by 8.00. The weather was wonderful, very crisp with a beautiful blue sky, although I think some would say it was ‘very cold’ - there were hats, gloves, long pants, jackets etc. We started off at the border track and walked about 5 klms before turning off for the Albert River Circuit which is 12 klms, then rejoining the border track again to go back down to the car park, a total of 22 klms. A long walk but very pleasant - the creeks were up and the water falls were full making a spectacular show. A few small crossings made the day interesting.

29 June 2008

As this was a one-way walk, we did a car shuffle/shuttle with drivers Helen and Richard driving to Chester Road in the Numinbah Valley before meeting up with the rest of the group at Apple Tree Park. From there the fourteen of us travelled around to The Settlement Day Use Area to start the walk.

Albert River Circuit

This is really very pretty country with rain forests and clear water flowing, it really is worth the effort of doing the klms. We finished the walk about 3.00p.m., and just made it in time for coffee at the Alpaca Farm and for those on the north side we left home in the dark and got back home in the dark.

Gold Coast Hinterland Walk

The eastern part of the Purlingbrook Falls Circuit is still closed due to a couple of landslides down near the bottom of the falls so the Great Walk has to go via the western part of the loop (not signposted). We had a look at the falls, top and bottom, before continuing downstream to Warringa Pool for an early morning tea.

A short report I know but the day was very pleasant - good company, spectacular views and great walking weather what more can you want? My thanks to those who came and my thanks also to those who helped me lead this walk, the day was a success because of you. Margaret

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Grand Teton National Park

Arches National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located in western Wyoming, south of Yellowstone National Park. The park is named after Grand Teton, which at 13,770 feet (4,197 m), is the tallest mountain in the Teton Range.

After seeing the granite of Yosemite, the volcanic activity of Yellowstone and the Grand Teton of the Rocky Mountains, it was time to see sandstone country.

The youngest of the Rocky Mountains, the Teton Range is a spectacular sight. Enhanced by glaciers, deep canyons, snowfields, and lakes, the mountain range shoots up suddenly, with no foothills around it.

The Arches National Park is in Utah and preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. It was declared a national monument in 1929 and became a national park in 1971. Delicate Arch, a lone-standing arch has become a symbol of Utah.

Included in the park is the valley of Jackson Hole, home to deer and elk. Many other animals, including moose, beavers, and waterfowl, live along the wetlands of the Snake River.

Grand Teton National Park

Be-Utah-Ful Delicate Arch

The Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 but its history was a rocky (pun intended) one, with much public opposition. There was fear that grazing rights would be lost while others wanted traditional hunting and dude-ranching activities to continue. Increases in tourism money following the end of World War II caused a change in local attitudes and the park was expanded in 1950 to include much of the adjacent valley floor. There are nearly 320 km of trails for walkers to enjoy and Patricia and I did the Cascade Canyon Trail which is considered to be a showcase trail of the park. After taking the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake we walked to Inspiration Point, following a path cut through granite up a small hill in the 1930's. From the lookout we had a grand view over the lake and to the snow covered mountains.

The national park lies on top of an underground salt bed which has become covered with residue from floods and winds. This residue compressed into rock and under its pressure the salt bed became unstable and shifted and buckled, lifting the earth above into domes. Erosion from wind, rain and extreme temperatures then formed the many arches. Patricia and I spent a couple of days in this sculptured landscape. On a very windy day we visited Delicate Arch, only a short walk but the Arch remained hidden till almost there, coming into view suddenly and framing the La Sal Mountains in the background. It was very easy to spend an hour or two here. The next day we did a full day walk seeing a multitude of different shaped arches including Landscape Arch, a very thin, long arch over 100 m; and the largest in the park

Landscape Arch

It was further enhanced as there was a profusion of desert wildflowers in bloom which added splashes of vivid colour against the red sand and rock.

Spot that Varmit Marmot!

On our way down we spotted a marmot peeking at us from its rock shelter. We finished the walk by taking the route round the lake back to our waiting vehicle. Richard

An intriguing feature was the “living crust”, a community of micro-organisms living on the surface of desert soils. It consists of cyanobacteria, lichens, mosses, green algae, microfungi and bacteria which bind the top layer of sand and thus provide resistance to wind and water erosion. It was a fascinating experience but it was only an introduction to what was to follow! Richard

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