200811 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

November 2008

Enoggera Reservoir

Club News QBW Annual General Meeting

Additional Classes of Membership

The Club's Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 7th October 2008. All committee and voluntary positions were filled.

Another amendment being considered is adding other classes of membership to the new Rules. At present QBW has only 2 classes of membership, Ordinary and Provisional. The committee would like to add a Junior Member class for applicants under 18 years of age. At present QBW has no real provision for having members under 18 years of age.

Many thanks to the past committee and voluntary members for their work during the last year and a warm welcome to the new members who have taken on a position. A full list of the committee members and the voluntary workers is on Page 2 of the Newsletter plus a report by past committee members on Page 3.

New Rules The new committee had their first meeting on 28/10/2008 and a variety of issues were addressed. The most important issue was that the committee recommend that QBW amend the Rules that it is presently under. QBW was incorporated in March 2004 under the then current Model Rules. However there were major changes to the Association Incorporation Act in 2007 which included such issues as Public Liability Insurance requirements, auditing requirements, meeting, minutes and financial documents and increased privacy for members. The auditing requirements for many associations in Queensland has been simplified. If an association has total revenue of less than $20,000 and current assets of less than $20,000, the associations will only need to lodge financial statements that have been verified by the President or Treasurer of the association. An auditor would no longer be required.

At the November and December Club meetings more information will be available and feedback sought. If QBW does decide to go ahead to amend its Rules, a General Meeting would need to be called, probably early in 2009 to pass a special resolution. A special resolution needs to be passed by 75% of the members at the General Meeting.

Role Descriptions for Committee Members Role descriptions for committee members are being developed. The new committee has 6 members who are new. The role descriptions should give present and future committee members an idea of what is expected.

Bushwalking Australia Bushwalking Australia Inc (BAI), the national body representing the interests of bushwalkers and other recreational walkers now has a new look website at: http://www.bushwalkingaustralia.org/

QBW falls into this category but has continued with an auditor's report. The last auditor's report for QBW cost $425.00. If QBW determines it will prepare its financial statements according to the new financial reporting requirements, it should amend its rules to reflect those requirements so the rules are consistent with the Act. Page 1 of 6

New Members Dianne Cox

John Shera

Julie Shera

Kelly Watts

Peter Weallans As at 28/10/2008 we have 81 financial members

General Information

The Management Committee

Meeting Place

President

Patricia Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

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

Vice President

Margaret Rae

3395 1838 (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 Kenrick

3349 8238 (H)

Membership Officer

Frank Garland

3341 5207 (H)

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Membership

Social Secretary

Traci Nudl

3890 8196 (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

Stuart Mackay

3890 8196 (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

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

Stuart Mackay

3890 8196 (H)

BWQ Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her second 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.

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.

Kerry de Clauzel

3209 9598 (H)

Throakban, Barney Gorge and Lower Portals

Richard Kolarski

Running Creek Falls

Ann Kemp

Spicers Peak

John Brunott

Ballows

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.

Editors Pic

Members of Another Bushwalking Club Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland Inc (or an interstate Federation) and who are covered by the same Insurance do not need to become a member of our Club to go on our walks. However they have no rights of an Ordinary Member.

Club Equipment Free Use By Members Compasses

PLBs

Emergency Lights

First Aid Kits

Topo Maps

UHF Radios

GPS's

Sunmap CD’s On Line

Contact David at 3395 1838 or [email protected]

Basic Abseil – Kangaroo Point Cliffs – 26 Oct 2008 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. 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.

The club conducted a single-pitch basic abseiling skills morning for 6 club members and 4 visitors to the club. Trevor Davern carried out some introductory lessons for our club visitors allowing each member to gain the necessary confidence before abseiling over the nursery cliffs at Kangaroo Point cliffs. John Brunott set up the anchor points, carried out safety checks and made sure everyone was hooked up correctly before sending them down over the cliff while Steve Moyle and myself operated as belayers. It was a perfect Sunday morning and club members took the opportunity to brush up on their abseiling techniques in preparation for an abseiling activity coming up. Steve shared some useful tips on different techniques to attach a prusik rope (to descend without it locking up)! Although we had to share the nursery cliffs with FMR, everyone got a turn at descending and our visitors had a good time as well. I must thank the club abseiling experts: John, Trevor and Steve for their time and effort and their expert guidance on making the day successful. Stuart Mackay

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Past Treasurer's Report

Past Committee Members Reports Past President’s Report After the flurry of activity surrounding the Pilgrimage in the previous year, the last twelve months have been relatively quiet. However, reflecting back over this period there are a few things worthy of mention. There was still a bit of work involved in finalizing matters to do with the Pilgrimage, which culminated in some of us returning to Kalbar one weekend in March to hand over a donation of $1000 to the Showground committee from unanticipated profit from the Pilgrimage. This decision was made in consultation with the three other clubs involved in recognition of the significant support received from the Kalbar community in the running of the Pilgrimage, and to give something back to this local community. In 2008 we moved the venue for club meetings from the East Brisbane State School which had been the meeting place for many years, to our current meeting place, the Little Kings Movement Hall. The committee looked into replacements for the EPIRBs purchased around three years ago, as the frequency detected by the search satellites used by these units will be turned off on 1 February 2009. The Club currently has an application before the Gambling Community Benefit Fund for a grant to purchase newer units, now known as personal locator beacons (PLBs) that use the worldwide 406MHz frequency. If this application is not successful, we will need to budget to purchase at least a couple of units from our own resources. When I look back at committee discussions over the past year, a recurring issue has been that of safety on our bushwalks. Guidelines for leaders and participants have or are being developed, but ultimately it will be up to the vigilance of each of us to take care and look out for each other while we are out enjoying our wonderful bush and all the challenges it contains. The backbone of the club are the leaders who volunteer time and energy to organize outings for all of us to enjoy. Sincere thanks to all who have taken on this role. It has been especially pleasing to see a few new leaders in the past year. This is an ongoing challenge for the club to encourage and nurture new walk leaders.

The 2007 – 2008 financial year was a busy one. There was a change of treasurer three times plus the Pilgrimage added another burden. Our books were audited by J.G. Stathis & Co of 1/10 Aminya Street, Mansfield. John Hinton Income and Expenditure Statement INCOME Interest Received Space blankets etc. Christmas Party Proceeds Hire equipment Membership fees Pilgrimage T-Shirts Refunds and Credits Supper income

2.47 5.00 990.00 90.00 3375.00 338.27 20.00 37.05 40.95

TOTAL INCOME

4898.74

EXPENDITURE Bank Charges Christmas Party Expenses Hall hire Repayment Pilgrimage Advance Insurances Printing, Stationery etc. Sundry Expenses

22.34 892.36 264.00 1000.00 13.00 362.50 300.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

(2854.20)

NET INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE

$2,044.54

Past Editor's Report Besides publishing the Newsletter monthly, the editor has the tasks of looking after the Club website and checking the emails. I would like to thank Traci Nudl and Sandra Thomas for their offers of help on the Newsletter. A very special thanks to Sandra who has taken time out to learn how to upload the Newsletter even after a hard day's work.

Finally, I would like to thank my fellow committee members for the contributions they have made, some taking on extra roles that they hadn’t initially volunteered for. Many, like me, won’t be standing for re-election this year but I’m sure we all wish the new committee well, and offer support for those who are willing to take on this extra task for the next year. Helen McAllister

For members who may be interested in seeing what is involved in the production and maintenance of the QBW Newsletter, Website and Calendar, I have put up a website at http://www.geocities.com/zrkolar/. Any offers of help would be greatly appreciated.

Past Outing Officer's Report

Finally I would like to thank all members who have sent in a write-up or a photo of a walk. Richard Kolarski

Report for October 2007 – September 2008 Number of Leaders: 30

Pilgrimage 2009

Nine members led 5 or more walks and they were: 9 walks

Patricia Kolarski 8 walks

The Bushwalking Queensland Committee has made a venue booking for the 2009 Pilgrimage.

Richard Kolarski 8 walks

Noelene McCay 6 walks

Dates:

Friday 21st August to Sunday 23rd August 2009.

David Rae

6 walks

David Kenrick

6 walks

Venue:

Lake Maroon Holiday Park, near Boonah

David Haliczer

6 walks

Trevor Davern

5 walks

Julie Urquhart

5 walks

The intention is to follow much the same format as last year, but with the added attraction of water based activities on Lake Maroon.

John Brunott

Number of Base Camps

6

Number of Through Walks

12

Number of Extended Walks

5

Number of Day Walks

74

Accommodation options include camping, van sites, and bunkrooms in 'Queenslander ' houses on site. Clubs will be asked to contribute walks and walk leaders for the weekend. The web site for the Pilgrimage and some limited information is available at http://au.geocities.com/qldpilgrimage/

David Rae

Past Membership Officer's Report The number of members at end of financial year 2008 was 110, compared to 124 members at the end of June 2007. In the past year we had 28 new members. John Hinton

More information on Lake Maroon Holiday Park is available at http://www.lakemaroon.com.au/index.htm QBW is happy that the Pilgrimage will continue and will keep those dates clear of any other activities.

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QBW Xmas Party

Personal Locator Beacons

WHEN: Friday 5th Dec (from 5.00pm) – Sunday 7th Dec (12.00) WHERE: “House of Happiness” 2 Clement St., Woorim (on the ocean side of Bribie Island). COST: $30 – please book and pay at the club meeting or call me. An extra $30-50 for kayaking if desired (please book ASAP to avoid disappointment). BRING: Bed linen, pillow, towel, toiletries, swimmers, walking or kayaking gear and sun protection for the beach. The Club will provide meat for the Saturday night BBQ, otherwise bring all your own meals. Please bring a plate for the Sat night BBQ eg salad/dessert for all to share. WHAT'S HAPPENING Friday Night BYO supper. Also bring along your favourite slides and photos, digital or print. The Club will have the projector and big screen to show your snaps. Saturday

Walking or kayaking during the day.

Saturday night. Beach Party themed BBQ. Come along in your beach party gear for the BBQ to add a sense of style and fun. Sunday morning Games and swimming.

An emergency distress beacon is a completely self-contained radio transmitter designed for emergency use. It transmits an internationally recognised distress signal on a particular frequency that can be detected by passing aircraft and satellites . This is then reported to rescue authorities who organize a Search and Rescue operation. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the national centre responsible for search and rescue around Australia. The operations centre is known as the Rescue Coordination Centre or RCC Australia and is located in Canberra. Types of Distress Beacons: ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters) are used by aircraft and activate upon impact. EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) are for maritime use mainly. They activate after immersion in water or can be activated manually. They float upright by having a heavy base which optimises the signal to a satellite. They operate for a minimum of 48 hours if activated. PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) are for personal use and are intended to indicate a person in distress who is unable to contact emergency services by other means eg mobile phone.

Travel north along the Bruce Highway and take the Bribie exit (just after the Caboolture exit) and circle around to go over the overpass.

PLBs sold in Australia are required to operate for a minimum of 24 hours when activated. Although they are required to float, PLBs need not float in a manner that keeps the antenna above the water for the majority of the time, thereby meaning a survivor must ensure the beacon is supported clear of the water.

Follow the signs to Bribie and go over the Bribie Bridge (Pumicestone passage).

Due to their lighter weight, PLBs are the type most used by bushwalkers.

Follow the signs to Woorim along Goodwin Dr and then First Ave to the ocean side of the island.

Digital vs Analogue PLBs

DIRECTIONS

Go to the end of First Ave and turn left. Take the third left into sixth Ave and first right into Clement St. House of Happiness is immediately on your left. Please drive carefully and call Linda on mobile 0409 343945 if geographically embarrassed.

Coming Special Events Nepal Trekking 2009

May 2009

I have booked a trek in the Everest region in Nepal starting in Kathmandu on 1 May 2009. There are a few spaces available if anyone is interested to join in. There are 2 options: a 2 week moderate trek to Thyangboche Monastery with sightseeing and free time in Kathmandu, or a 3 week challenging trek including Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley. Contact Gail Cibilic, Ph: 5546 8189 or e-mail: [email protected]

Annapurna

October 2009

In 2007 five QBW walkers went on a Everest Base Camp and Gokyo trek with Saran Suba. You may have read or heard that this trip was highly regarded by all, partly due to Saran's expertise and ever thoughtful guidance. I am planning on returning to Nepal to do the Annapurna Circuit in October, 2009, again using Saran as guide. It will be a 24 day journey, including getting to and from the Annapurna area. The number of trekking days is approximately 16 (there are two rest days) The trek distance is 228km with maximum altitude 5416m. Saran is able to be flexible in the itinerary. If you would like to know more please go to Saran's website: www.questropix.com. If you are interested in coming on this walk please contact me: [email protected] or ph 3395 1838 Margie Rae

At present there are two different types of PLBs. The older one transmits an analogue signal on the 121.5 MHz frequency, while the newer one transmits a digital signal on the 406 Mhz frequency. The analogue PLBs will soon be obsolete as the satellite system will no longer pick up alerts from 121.5 MHz beacons from 1 February 2009. This decision was made by the international council that controls the satellite system to reduce the stunningly high false alarm rate from analogue distress beacons. Currently 97 percent of analogue distress beacon signals are false alarms. 121.5 MHz beacons are based on obsolete analogue technology that does not support an identifying message. Thus the 121.5 MHz alert is anonymous and may even be caused by interference. Also there is no way of knowing whose beacon it is or the exact position of the beacon. The newer digital PLBs will reduce false alerts dramatically. As part of the signal they transmit a unique identification code that can be cross-referenced with a database of registered 406 MHz beacon owners. This database includes phone numbers, next of kin contacts and other vital information. A simple phone call could then avert a major search and rescue in response to a beacon transmitting by accident. 406 MHz beacons are detected more quickly and accurately, within 5 km by satellite compared to 20 km for the analogue beacons. The 406 Mhz beacons can also be fitted with a built-in Global Positioning System which can pinpoint the location to within 120 metres. As well, depending on the location of the 406 MHz beacon it may be detected within minutes, compared to the average one hour and 30 minutes it takes to get a confirmed satellite detection from a 121.5 MHz analogue beacon. There are currently several brands of PLB available in Australia. The biggest difference between the various models is whether they have a built-in GPS locator or not. The in-built GPS cannot be used as a navigational aid, it is purely there to transmit its location. Note that units purchased outside of Australia may not be compatible with the Australian code for design.

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Past Walks Mt Cordeaux/Bare Rock

17 August 2008

This 12.5 km Cunninghams Gap walk is popular and it easy to see why. The views over to Mt Edwards, Mt Greville, Mt Moon and Mt French were awesome due to it being a very clear morning.

Last couple of km were tiring. One rider felt her seat was feeling so tender she accelerated and thoroughly beat everyone home by a wide margin - just to minimise the time spent in the saddle. Total trip distance was 48 km. Plenty! More rides are planned too.

John H

Enoggera Reservoir/Camp Mountain

31 August 2008

14 people, including 2 newcomers, met at the Brisbane Forest Park HQ carpark on a fine Sunday morning. Our first walk (of two) was a pleasant, flat one of about 5 kilometres around the shoreline of Enoggera Reservoir, beginning at the BFP HQ carpark. The track took us around a few of the lake's peninsulas to a point where we had a good view of the dam wall and its overflow tunnels, then it looped back on itself, taking us back to the carpark. Highlights were the thick carpet of water lilies covering most of the shallow parts of the lake (forget about rowing on this lake), numerous ducks swimming, and 2 turtles sunning themselves on some rocks.

Bare Rock Much of the walk is in forest but as you head to Bare Rock you encounter grass trees, spear lilies and montane heath. Emerging onto the rocky slab of Bare Rock you are hit with an expansive vista to the east and sheer cliffs winding their way north along the Great Dividing Range. The lookouts where we stopped for breaks were sheltered and relatively warm. But overall when walking we encountered fierce westerly winds which resulted in a swift pace to keep warm. Hence an early finish and plenty of time to enjoy coffee and a yarn at Aratula. Margie Rae

Nudgee Bike Ride

30 August 2008

We four gathered at the big Maccas sign at Toombul Shopping centre at 9am and proceeded at a leisurely pace towards Nudgee Beach dodging the many other cyclists on the bikeway. At one point we were even passed by a 3 year old carrying his teddy bear. The inlet to Kedron Brook Ck at Nudgee is surprisingly very wide and the water a sparkling azure blue and clear as crystal, a far cry from the sullen brown waters at Toombul. Lots of fishermen noticed on the banks.

Back at the carpark, the 2 newcomers departed and the rest of us drove a few kilometres up Mt Nebo Road to Bellbird Grove picnic ground for morning tea. The walk to Camp Mountain started at Bellbird Grove and followed a well maintained forest road. The road was wide enough to walk 6 abreast, which made it easy to chat to several people at once (or to get past slower walkers). After a couple of kilometres, a fork in the road marked the start of a loop which took us up the hill (it was more of a hill than a mountain) to a pleasant picnic ground at Camp Mountain, which is so called because some local gold miners used to camp there. There were lookouts over the Samford Valley to the north, and to the east we could clearly see the Brisbane CBD highrises between 2 hills. After lunch at the top, we walked a couple of hundred metres along the bitumen road that connects Camp Mountain to Mt Nebo Road, then followed the other fork of the forest road back to Bellbird Grove. A short drive back to the coffee shop at Brisbane Forest Park HQ brought the day to a pleasant end. Thanks to all who came along.

Tooloona Circuit

Nev McCay 13 September 2008

The dry conditions in SE Queensland over the last few years have made us all acutely aware of water. The small group who accompanied me on the Tooloona Circuit on 13th September were impressed with the amount of water flowing in this system. The waterfalls were all beautiful in their own unique way, but particularly impressive were Tooloona falls and Chalahn falls. The surrounding vegetation was lush with plenty of healthy moss and lichen. This walk proved to be physically and mentally energising. Thank-you to Neville, Noelene, Lyla and John.

Larapinta Trail Part One QBW Bikers

After a short stop at Nudgee beach Pams Cafe for a Mars bar for one we set off through the Boondall wetlands dodging a basking blue tongue and setting a hare into flight. Quick visit to the Wetlands Centre. Did you know it was planned to fill our Wetlands for the Olympic village if Brisbane won the Olympic games about 1970? Strong public opinion thankfully reversed that intention. Arrived at Shorncliffe headland park by midday for Cafe cappucinos and lunch but delicious deli resisted. Weather was blissful and seaward views magical. Returned same route with June departing at Deagon to ride direct home to Fitzgibbon.

Margie Rae July 2008

Redbank Gorge to Ormiston

In July this year three members of QBW, Mary, Kerry and Richard, plus a visitor from New Zealand, (another Richard) did the complete Larapinta Trail. This trail is 223 kilometres long and follows the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. To the east is Alice Springs while at the other is Redbank Gorge. In between are Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Mt Sonder. Every day brought a new aspect of this ancient land in the heart of Australia. It was an experience I would not have missed. The walk was planned to be done in a leisurely fashion over 20 days. Thus we had time to enjoy the scenery plus take a day off if necessary. It turned out to be a good plan as at the end of the walk none of us had any blisters or injuries and we felt quite fit enough to start another 20 day walk!

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Finally at the top we sat down for lunch and looked with wonder at the vistas. We checked our maps and found the way our walk over the next few days would wander in between gorges and up ridges. After a leisurely lunch on Mt Sonder we walked to Redbank Gorge. There was water present but it was icy cold. We walked back to our camp site well satisfied with the day. Monday 7 July We did the walk from west to east, starting at Redbank Gorge. This had the advantage that as we drove to Redbank Gorge from Alice Springs, we could leave our food drops along the way. There were three food drops, namely Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge, each about 5 days apart. Another advantage was that at the end of the trip we simply walked into Alice Springs and did not need to wait for transport.

Redbank Gorge to Rocky Bar Gap (11.8 km)

Our first day carrying our through packs. It was a day walking on the flat mostly, getting used to our packs and admiring the scenery. Looking back we had views of Mt Sonder, which with some imagination, looked like a pregnant woman lying on her back.

The walk itself has been divided by the designers into 12 sections, each a 1-2 day walk. Each section is accessible to vehicles (some by high clearance 4WD only), so you can join or leave the Trail at any of these points. Most of our camping was in tents though there were a couple of simple shelters where you could sleep on a platform out in the open. There was only one place we could get a hot shower. That was Ormiston Gorge and it was near the beginning of our walk. But as we all were under the same conditions of “earthiness”, and we all had a tent to ourselves, it didn't matter. Saturday 5 July 2008

Alice Springs to Redbank Gorge

Trevor Smith was kind enough to give Mary, Kerry and myself a lift to Brisbane airport early in the morning. We flew direct to Alice Springs and were met by our driver to Redbank Gorge. We also met up with Richard, our visitor from New Zealand who had arrived in Alice Springs a couple of days previously. To confuse matters, the driver was also giving another person a lift to Redbank Gorge. His name was Richard too!

Mt Sonder

At Rocky Bar Gap we were able to refill our water bottles from the water tanks. We camped on a soft sandy creek bed nearby. No bent tent pegs that night. Tuesday 8 July

Rocky Bar Gap to Finke River (13.4 km)

We began the morning with a walk up a ridge to Hilltop Lookout. The magnificent views took the pain away from our legs and shoulders. Further on the ridge we walked down to Davenport Creek which was just a dry sandy creek bed. Our next camping site was where Davenport Creek joined the Finke River.

Shelter at Finke River Junction Richard, Richard, Mary and Kerry on Mt Sonder

We drove west along Namatjira Drive to Redbank Gorge, only stopping to leave our food drops at Ellery Creek and Ormiston Gorge. (Our other food drop at Standley Chasm would be done later by the driver.) The food was quite secure as it was in a small room up on shelves and away from any hungry critters. The rooms were lockable, giving extra security. We arrived at Redbank Gorge and went about setting up our tents. This was when we found how hard the ground could be. Starting off with several bent tent pegs was not a good start. After tying down the tents with rocks and rope instead of using the pegs, we walked down to collect water, prepare our evening meal and enjoy the first of the wonderful clear skies with a zillion stars shining. Sunday 6 July

Mt Sonder (16 km return)

The first day was a day walk to Mt Sonder, at 1,380 metres the highest section of the trail. The track was well marked and as we ascended the views just became better and better with 3600 views.

Here was a shelter with a barbeque and proper toilets. Although Glen Helen Resort was only a few kilometres away we decided to stay here the night. On the platform above the ground we set up our mats and sleeping bags. We had the shelter all to ourselves that night and so were able to stretch out. Wednesday 9 July

Finke River to Ormiston (9.9 km)

We were away quickly as no tents to pack away. We walked up another ridge to admire the majestic views. Then down to the flats again as we meandered between some gullies. As we approached Ormiston Gorge we began to see signs of civilization. The campground was enormous with several hundred campers with campervans, caravans and a whole array of tents. However the Larapinta Trail walkers have a section all to themselves, away from the hustle and bustle. Here we met fellow walkers, some going in the opposite direction. We were thus able to exchange stories and information. We would spend the next two nights at Ormiston Gorge and savor the luxury of a hot shower. (To be continued) Richard

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