200903 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

March 2009

Lower Portals

Club News Result of Special General Meeting

Purchase of Abseil Gear

At the General Meeting on 3rd February 2009 Club members voted to adopt the updated Model Rules (v6) which reflect the changes made to the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 effective 15 June 2007.

Recently the Club has purchased the following abseil gear: 200m rope (11mm) 12 karabiners 50m of tape 50m of cord 4 Figure 8 descenders 4 harnesses 4 helmets

A copy of the new Model Rules is available on the Club website at http://www.geocities.com/qldbwc/aboutus/latestnews.html The main result of adopting the new model Rules is that our Club will not require to have an annual audit. Instead, either the Treasurer or President can present a financial statement and sign a declaration stating that the statement is a true record of the Club's financial position. These new rules also include legislated changes that our Club is legally required to adopt. In particular, the issue of Public Liability Insurance and the need for an annual review plus the advising of prospective new members of our level of insurance. A second proposal to have a class of Junior Membership was not passed at the General Meeting. The approval of 75% of those present was necessary.

Persons under 18 on Club Walks In view of the decision not to have a class of Junior Membership, the management committee passed the following by-law at the committee meeting on 24/2/2009: "To comply with current insurance requirements, under 18 year olds can go on only three Club events a year." This by-law will be further discussed after seeking advice and feedback from members and others.

Membership Forms At the committee meeting on 24/2/2009 the management committee decided that before a Membership Form can be considered by the committee, the Membership Form must be signed by the proposer for the new applicant. The proposer must be a member of the Club. The proposer may be a friend (who is a member of the Club) of the applicant, the leader of the walk that the applicant is on, the Membership Officer at a Club meeting or if the Membership Officer is not available, one of the committee members. Under the Model Rules the membership form must be signed by the applicant, the proposer and a seconder (which in this case will be a committee member).

These purchases were necessary to replace equipment which will be retired soon or to add to our stock for increased numbers at training days.

Donation QBW would like to thank Adele Wain of Rochedale for her donation to the Club. She has donated a pair of Zamberlain walking boots, size 40, a pair of gaiters and a ladies travel back pack. Adele Wain is not a member but contacted the Club to see if any of our members could use her pre-loved gear. The committee has decided that the gear should be given free to any female Club member that could use them. Boots, gaiters and pack will be on view at the Club meetings in March and April. Any member who could use the gear is asked to put forward her name at the April meeting. If there is more than one member interested, a draw will take place at the end of the April meeting for the pack, boots and gaiters separately.

Accidents and Insurance Recently a member of the Club was injured on a Club walk but decided not to put a claim to the Accident Insurance held by the Club. Unfortunately the Club member is now having complications from the injury and may not be able to claim as any claims need to be done within a "reasonable time" of the injury. All Club members are asked to register for a claim if they are injured on a Club walk by contacting a committee member.

BWQ New Web site Bushwalking Queensland Inc. has a new website at www.bushwalkingqueensland.org.au Any correspondence to BWQ should now be sent to [email protected]

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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)

Social Secretary

Traci Nudl

3890 8196 (H)

Probationary Membership

Training Officer

Stuart Mackay

3890 8196 (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.

Other Voluntary Positions Equipment Officer

John Brunott

3209 9598 (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.

Supper Convenor

Mary Sherlock

3209 8514 (H)

BWQ Rep

Stuart Mackay

3890 8196 (H)

BWQ Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

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

Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and signing a Membership Form, having a proposer sign the form and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee member or walk leader. The proposer may be a friend (who is a member of the Club) of the applicant, the leader of the walk that the applicant is on, the Membership Officer at a Club meeting or if the Membership Officer is not available, one of the committee members. 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) and who are covered by the same Insurance do not need to become a member of our Club to go on our walks. However Club members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Campsite Monitors John Brunott

Ballows, Paddys Knob

Kerry de Clauzel

Throakban, Barney Gorge and Lower Portals

Ann Kemp

Spicers Peak (east & west)

Richard Kolarski

Running Creek Falls

Barbara Makepeace

Rat-a-tat, Spicers/Doubletop saddle Rum Jungle

John Shera

Panorama Point

John & Julie Shera

Mt Superbus & Rabbit Fence Jct Lower Panorama

Ken Walters

Mt May saddle & Paddy’s Plain

Editors Pic

Club Equipment Compasses

Topo Maps

GPS's

Emergency Lights

First Aid Kits

UHF Radios

The above are for free use by members. Contact David at 3395 1838 or [email protected] PLBs with inbuilt GPS The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at each Club meeting and will need to be returned at the following Club meeting. Contact Richard on 3341 7509. Abseil Gear (ropes, harnesses, helmets, karabiners etc) There is a $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories by Ordinary Members. There is a $10.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $10.00 charge for use of harness and accessories by Probationary Members and members of affiliated clubs. Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202 Back Pack for Hire

$5.00 charge $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. Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509. Space Blankets For Sale

Seventeen members attended an anniversary dinner at the Sitar Restaurant on 20 February 2009. Everyone had a banquet of a meal which gave all a chance to try curries of different regions and differing strengths.

Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202 Bivy Bags For Sale

Patricia Kolarski, Helen McAllister and Trevor Cox at the Anniversary Dinner

Among those attending were two previous presidents of QBW and the current President.

$2.50 each.

Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509. Page 2 of 6

Membership As at 24/2/2009 we have 96 financial members

Special Coming Events QBW 10th Anniversary BBQ

QBW Over the Last 10 Years 1997 October. Group of friends walk together and have the idea of forming a new club.

Sunday 26 April 2009

When

11.00 AM Sunday 26 April 2009

Where

Orleigh Park West End

Who

Past and Present Members of QBW

What

BBQ. BYO meat, salad and drinks.

1998 Meetings held at a coffee shop in West End. 1999 February. First meeting at Northgate Community Hall with 17 people attending. Club has a one page Constitution and officially named the Queensland Bushwalkers Club. Four voting positions on committee. The Club is unique as there is no President. The meetings are chaired by a different member each month.

Another event to celebrate QBW's 10th anniversary is being held at Orleigh Park, West End. All past and present members are invited to gather for an informal BBQ starting at 11.00 AM.

May. First Club Newsletter produced.

News from BWQ

August. Club has its own website and email address.

Recently, many individual club bushwalkers have corresponded directly with the Minister raising their concerns on the the downgrading of tracks in the National Parks and the deletion of certain place names from maps and guides. BWQ are requesting that any concerns regarding access to parks, or any other parks management issue, should be directed in the first instance to the Regional Managers. Many of these issues can be resolved at these levels of consultation in a cordial, businesslike manner without the need to generate Ministerial correspondence. QPW Regional Manager contact list Region

Regional Manager

Office Location

Contact number

North Queensland Marine

Richard Quincey

Townsville

4722 5243

Central Queensland Marine

Damien Head

Airlie Beach

4967 7350

Great Sandy

Rob Allan

Maryborough

4121 1629

Wet Tropics

Wolf Sievers

Cairns

4046 6657

Cape York / Savanna

James Newman

Cairns

4046 6610

Capricornia

Leigh Harris

Mackay

4944 7802

Western

Rob Murphy

Toowoomba

4699 4344

Sunshine Coast / Burnett

Geoff Brittingham

Cotton Tree

5459 6112

Moreton Bay

Miles Yeates

Cleveland

3821 9003

Southern

Jason Jacobi

Brisbane Forest Park

3512 2320

November. QBW Logo for Club approved. December. Christmas party at Barney Lodge. 2000 January. Membership 40. June. Constitution amended so that there are seven voting positions on the management committee. Still no President. September. QBW co-hosts the Pilgrimage at Camp Constable. December. Christmas party at Barney Lodge again. 2001 January. Membership 100. February. Meeting place changed to East Brisbane State School. December. Christmas party at Zakopane (near Mt Barney). 2002 January. Membership 125. December. Christmas party at Ewen Maddock Dam. 2003 January. Membership 115. December. Christmas party at Binna Burra Education Centre. 2004 January. Membership 130. March. QBW becomes incorporated. We have our first President! June. End of our new financial year (previously January 31). Membership 117. December. Christmas party at Midginbil Hill Country Resort. 2005 February. Risk Management sub-committee formed which presents a report to committee in July. June. Membership 129. November. $11,000 grant to purchase equipment approved. December. Christmas party at Crystal Waters. 2006 April. Abseiling sub-committee formed and makes recommendations to committee.

If the matter cannot be resolved at the local level then such issues can be raised via the Collaborative Management Group (CMG) meetings, which have been instituted for this purpose under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This is an agreement between BWQ and the QPW / EPA, signed off in December 2006.

June. Membership 134.

You can contact the BWQ delegates to the CMG meetings through:

December. Christmas party at Camp Constable.

Ron Farmer

February. New meeting place at Little Kings Buranda.

Alternatively, you can raise matters for the CMG agenda with: GPO Box 1573, Brisbane Qld 4001 email : [email protected]

2007 June. Membership 124. August. QBW co-hosts the Pilgrimage at Kalbar showgrounds. 2008

[email protected]

The Secretary, Bushwalking Queensland Inc.

December. Christmas party at Camp Bornhoffen.

June. Membership 110. November. $1,700 grant to purchase equipment approved. December. Christmas party at House of Happiness, Bribie Island.

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Past Walks Kinnane's Falls Abseil

15 November 2008

The preparation for this walk had begun long before. Trevor had done a previous abseil here about a year previously and knew it well. At the Club meeting before the event he handed out written notes plus abseil gear to participants.

hadn't been used for that time. However Diane was eager to carry on so we took it slow. The falls were spectacular and we did a short sidewalk to see the base of the falls. As we walked along Skene Creek there were many delightful little cascades too.

Thus nine members met at Boonah before driving to Teviot Gap. The walk in was along a dirt road for a short distance before scrambling up a steep slope which took us above the falls. In the creek bed we put on our harnesses and helmets and checked each other's equipment. Safety of course was paramount. To get to the first abseil point though we had to wade through a stagnant black pool. This was where it came as some comfort that it was a hot day and the water, though foul, was cool.

Obi Obi Walkers

Near the junction of Skene and Obi Obi Creeks we had morning tea and Trevor C. tried to do some repairs to Dianes's boot. However now the other boot was threatening to lose its sole. A few brave members went for a quick dip in the creek. The graded track continued upstream along the Obi Obi Creek and there were a few sections uphill. the humidity took its toll and we needed to have frequent rests along the way. We had lunch at a lookout over over the creek. It was then just a two kilometre walk to the car waiting for us at Baroon Pocket Dam. Kinnane's Falls

The first abseil was only a short distance into another pool. It was made a bit difficult as a fallen tree trunk obstructed the abseil partially. However we all managed to get down safely and swim to the next drop. The second abseil was a 40 to 45 metre drop. Trevor had brought along a 100 metre rope especially and this was doubled up for the descent. There was talk about a previous abseil where a shorter rope had been used and the first abseiler down was left stranded in mid air and needed to be assisted. We had lunch above the third and final abseil. This was a 65 metre drop and for it we need two ropes tied together. The abseil down gave terrific (or is that terrifying) views of the gorge and surrounding mountains. For me personally it was the longest abseil I had ever done and it turned out to be the best abseil of the three. At the base of the abseil we were able to pull the rope down and collect all our gear. It was then a short walk back to the cars along the creek bed. We had afternoon tea at the Dugandan Hotel before arriving back home rather late that evening. Many thanks to Trevor Davern for putting on the abseil and to Ann Kemp and Trevor Smith for their advice and assistance. Richard

Obi Obi Creek

29 November 2008

Initially this walk was to explore a side creek of Obi Obi Creek but due to the heavy rain in the previous week the walk was changed to the graded track between Kondalilla Falls and Baroon Pocket Dam. Nine of us met up at Landsborough on an overcast and rain threatening day. After we drove up to Kondalilla Falls, Trevor and I then drove to Baroon Pocket Dam to leave a car there for the car shuttle. On our walk to the base of Kondalilla Falls Diane's boot decided to throw a sole. This was her first walk in a while and the boots

We though we would have afternoon tea at Maleny but it was very crowded with tourists so we decided to try the bakery down at Landsborough. On the drive back to Brisbane the skies finally opened up and the rain came down heavily. Many thanks to the brave souls we came along despite the possibility of a wet walk. Richard

Larapinta Falls

30 November 2008

A healthy group of 14 walkers gathered at the well used meeting spot of McDonalds Beaudesert carpark at 7.30am to undertake the short but very pleasant walk to Larapinta falls in the Christmas Creek section of Lamington National Park. Early signs where that we would be visiting the area at its best as the farms around Beaudesert where displaying grass of an emerald green shade more reminiscent of hinterland terrain. This being in complete contrast to the areas usual favoured rusty brown cloak. After the reorganisation of vehicles due to parking space restrictions at the end of Christmas creek road and a slight delay for Sunday sleepy heads we were underway on the pleasant drive through the back roads to the walks start and finish point. The beginning of this walk entails a crossing of Christmas Creek to join the well used but unofficial track to Westrays Grave. At this point the group was offered two options either boots off and paddle the creek or use a large gum a few metres up that has conveniently fallen across the water to form a natural bridge. Whilst some in the group chose the tree option it was to prove a little tricky due to overnight slime remaining in shady spots along the trunk. Finally all safely on the other side we continued our progress up the pleasant creek side track to Westrays Grave where an early morning tea was agreed to. From here our route became a little more interesting as we criss crossed the left branch of the creek in a line to the base of the falls. Due to the volume of water and dampness of the terrain a few of us had some minor thrills and spills before reaching our destination approximately one and a half hours after leaving Westrays.

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Larapinta Trail

July 2008

Part Four

Standley Chasm to Alice Springs

Monday 21 July

Standley Chasm to Jay Creek (14km)

60 - 200C gale force winds, overcast, patchy rain, cold

Crossing Christmas Creek

Many bushwalks taken to waterfalls are undertaken in drier, cooler months for very obvious reasons however this has the drawback of not viewing the waterfall at its best. We on this occasion where a little luckier. Larapinta Falls was in full voice with water cascading over every tributary and a thin cooling mist offering relief to the walkers below. Another short break was suggested to enjoy the spectacle prior to our return journey. The suggestion was made from one of our experienced members to stay higher on the left bank for our return trip. This proved to be very sound advice as our return to Westrays was on the whole a lot easier that doing battle with the slippery creek. Still as they say variety is the spice of life !! As we had walked in hot and humid conditions for some hours we made our last rest spot at one of the many beautiful pools along Christmas Creek and enjoyed a refreshing, no better make that freezing dip to cool off for the last half hour stroll to the car park.

Air temperature at 9.00am was 140 but wind chill factor brought it down to 60C. Very steep walking up and down, up and down to start with; was quite memorable because we had no expansive views anywhere, like we have had everywhere else along the trail. We were completely enclosed in this repeating canyon type area where you could do nothing but go up and down to get out of it. All the while the clouds were skimming across and swirling around the tops of the mountains with patchy rain. We decided not to try to cut through the chasm and squeeze through the hole because we did not have reliable information about how to get to the track on the other side. I think the weather had a bearing in our decision also. It was most unpleasant. Finally we got past the mountains and into the hills, creeks (all dry) and valleys. Negotiated a dry 5m waterfall with assistance from others; piece of cake without a through pack! Then a long day traversing creeks full of rocks and low hill terrain. Oooh! my feet hurt today. On the map National Parks graded this as hard and it is accurate, although it does not look it on the map.

Safely back at the cars we made a return to Maccas for a well earned coffee and snack. Thanks to all who came along and hope you enjoyed the walk as much as I did. Steve P

Upper to Lower Portals

13 December 2008

This walk was from Cleared Ridge near the Upper Portals to the Lower Portals and it would require at least three 4WDs to do do as there was a car shuttle required. Luckily Helen was able to come along with her 4WD despite attending a work Xmas party the night before. The nine of us met at Rathdowney and drove to the Lower Portals. Here we left one vehicle and we all piled into the other two for the drive up to Cleared Ridge. It was an overcast day but hopefully the rain would stay away. The walk along the top of the ridge gave us views to Mt Maroon and Mt Barney but the tops were in cloud. We found the turnoff to the Lower Portals and had morning tea a short distance down the ridge. When we finally got to Barney Creek we could see that it was quite high due to recent rain. It was at this point that the sun came out so we were able to enjoy a swim in the cool but refreshing waters of the Lower Portals pool. While we had lunch there we saw a rock wallaby that apparently lived in a small cave near the pool. The walk back meant we had to cross Barney Creek and we all managed it despite the racing waters. The three kilometre walk to the cars was a bit of a slog but the sky had clouded up again and it wasn't too hot. At Lower Portals the drivers went back to collect the other two cars. However it was quite a long car shuttle and by the time we got back there had been a light shower. We had afternoon tea at Rathdowney. Many thanks to my fellow walkers and thank you for your patience during the car shuttle. Richard

Trailing Along

Yesterday approaching Standley Chasm the scenery reminded me of walking in brown/orange alps - mountains close together with pointy peaks in every direction. At that stage we were able to traverse the pointy peaks without much down, but it was the opposite today. We are all tired today, not just me! We finally arrived at Jay Creek to luxury, almost. It was the same new construction as Finke River, however here the two huge water tanks were empty!! Altogether there were eight people camping here en route one way or another with no water save what was left over from today. Fortunately for us all World Expeditions had a group arriving and the support vehicle had 20 litres of water spare. It saved all our bacon; otherwise it meant staying tonight with breakfast and 12km tomorrow on about 750mls of water each! Today we have walked out of the Chewings Range and away from the Heavitree Range and back into the hill type country like at the beginning of the trail. Only 48.3km to Alice Springs. I am beginning to feel melancholy and I don't want it to finish.

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Tuesday 22 July

Jay Creek to Mulga Camp(12km)

40 - 150C windy with more cloud. Easy walk over undulating hill country. It is freezing with a ferocious wind chill factor today. It was a slow quiet walk today as I think everyone wants a bit of alone time. We got into camp around 12.00, had a wash and washed my hair which feels glorious. It truly is one of the pleasures of my life, having clean hair. We tried to play cards but lost half the pack in the wind so we retired to our tents to do whatever. I am the only person with a book to read. Mary and I have shared a book along the trail and she has finished it. She started reading a day or two before we left. As she has read it, she rips the book apart and gives me the chapters to read. I then dispose of them if I can or carry it out. It has worked really well. Many times I have not been ready for sleep and have read. It has not been the greatest book I have read but it has served a purpose (Kalinda). At one stage today we all got a little complacent and lost the track, and ended up following a brumby trail. The area was in a dry watercourse with the occasional tussock of grass and bushes. Grainy sand and a watercourse junction and Bingo we were off track. It turned out that we had paralleled the true walking track but it was a little unnerving. It was not a great drama but it did give us a wake up call. At no time have we used a compass with a map along the way; we have come to rely on the signposts which were positioned every 100-200m. The literature states they are every km, but that is not correct. I like Mulga Camp, it has a good feel about it.

walked and where we are going. Personally I don't like looking at Alice Springs in the distance knowing that in 1 days it will all be over. From the saddle I walked alone again. I had a very pleasant time enjoying my own company. I have started singing again and kept myself happily, contentedly occupied for hours, not repeating my repertoire. When I find a song that has a beat that matches my walking rhythm it makes walking so much easier. It seems to make me sing louder which I found out when I caught up with the others, oops. We met a threesome from Brisbane Bushwalkers at camp last night and they were racing along the track compared to us; they were taking 15 days compared to our 20. An amazing thing has happened out here and I have been amazed to find that it has occurred to others as well. Every time we have passed another group along the trail (and there have been plenty) I have asked about their dreams. It seems that there is something about this place that gives you wild, colourful and entertaining dreams. It's quite incredible. I have experienced them from the very first night, and had them every night since. We arrived at camp at Wallaby Flat early today, around 12.15pm. We loafed around the campsite and went exploring yet again, this time to Wallaby Gap. Here there is a small pool half way up a rock face and it was very sad to see. There were many dead carcasses, including dingoes and wallabies leading up to the stagnant pool. It looked quite unnatural. The pool was full of slimy water with lots of calcification from the limestone. We had our last relaxed and restful night. I am not looking forward to tomorrow. I have more than enjoyed my time here with no civilisation for 20 days. Friday 25 July

Wallaby Flat to Alice Springs

Last day today, bugger. Pack up and move out. I don't have a lot of food left over to carry out, pleased about that. I am also more than pleased not to have to carry a 24-30 kg pack after today (unless I choose to again, and I know I will).

Mulga Camp

Wednesday 23 July

Mulga Camp to Simpsons Gap (14km)

50 - 150C wind chill factor- not quite deadly today! Gentle, cold breeze in the morning leading to a freezing wind in the afternoon; sun was out though. Terrain was gently undulating ups and downs today. The track designers were not work experience students as this section of track goes around, not up and down and over every hill possible as we have previously experienced. At last! Today I have very deliberately hung back to be by myself; just myself, my thoughts and the bush. Lots of mulga, mallee and other trees today. It feels good to have trees again. Wide open expansive views; at times I felt like the only person on Earth. It was great. Bird life is becoming more prolific; lots of finches and wrens and of course crows and butcher birds as we edge closer to Alice Springs. Simpsons Gap is stunning, with huge, towering rock faces of burnt orange quartzite that focus the eye on the crystal clear oasis between the rock walls. Stands of deep green reeds make this picturesque scene. I think this is almost as good as Ormiston Gorge. We are all becoming more pensive the closer we get to the end of our walk. Thursday 24 July 0

Simpsons Gap to Wallaby Flat (10km)

0

0 - 20 C Today I think the wind chill factor makes the temperature minus 60! Freezing wind again today. Started walking straight up from the campsite to Hat Hill saddle and then contoured along the side of the ridge. Great and unexpected views of where we have

Euro Ridge

Today was a good last day. We climbed up onto Euro Ridge. Here we could look out onto Alice Springs and see roads and houses and vehicles moving around; look down and watch Euros playing and hopping around, (it was like they did it just for us), look in the another direction and we could just about see where we started from 233 km away. We could see the Macdonald, Heavitree and Chewings Ranges that we had crisscrossed a few times, the 16 km wide valley floor that we traversed, and the spectacular desert country that is the heart of our continent. Gently undulating hills lead out to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, our final stop. Like most walks the sense of anticipation when nearing the end is heightened, your pace quickens and you are excited about accomplishing a goal. Looking at those who have accompanied you creates a sense of comradeship that will endure. Something shared is something truly special. Thank you to Richard, Mary and Richard for helping me to achieve a dream. I could not have asked for more.

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Kerry de Clauzel