200911 Newsletter

QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc.

74 Kallista Rd. Rochedale South QLD 4123 Ph No (07) 3341 7509 Email [email protected] http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc

Newsletter

November 2009

Stradbroke Island

Club News Walks Planning Day

11 October 2009

Abseil Training

29 November 2009

Over 20 members attended the Walks Planning Day at John Brunott's place on this Sunday afternoon.

We are planning to conduct an abseiling training morning for the Club on Sunday, 29 November 2009.

John had maps, books and brochures available for people to choose a walk. After a couple of hours of perusal and consultation, it turned out to be a successful meeting as the calendar was almost all filled to May 2010.

As with past training days, the activity will be conducted at the Kangaroo Point Nursery cliffs. Timings and specific details will follow and Trevor D. is liaising with the Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club for their participation. I’ll also make an announcement at the next Club general meeting.

Though it looked like it might rain, it turned out fine so that we were able to have an outside BBQ following the walks planning. Seeing that John was a butcher, the steaks and sausages were excellent. Many thanks to Lyn Brunott who kept us well supplied with munchies, finger food and salads. The advanced calendar is on the web for all to see at http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/calendar. Note that the advanced calendar is on the spreadsheet on the web page and goes well into 2010. However the downloadable PDF Calendar is a shortened version of it, extending only a couple of months into the future.

I’ll be preparing a training instruction for the day which will have details about: •

The training schedule and timings

•

Equipment requirements

•

Site plan, layout and activities

•

Administrative arrangements

•

Responsibilities

Leaders are asked to check the advanced calendar and to notify any changes or additions to John Brunott on 3209 9598 or by email at [email protected].

We will have a number of experienced abseilers who have the skills and competencies to provide training support and supervisory assistance for the club’s abseiling training activity. Stuart Mackay, Training Officer

QBW Website

QBW Christmas Party

The old Geocities website is no more. The new website is at http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc. Please mark this website in your Favorites or Bookmarks in your web browser.

The QBW Christmas Party will be held on 4-6 December at Mt Nimmel Lodge, 271 Austinville Road, Mudgeeraba.

The website is still a work in progress and will change in response to suggestions. Please send an email to [email protected] if you found something useful on the old website but is no longer on the new one.

Seeing that QBW is celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the dressup theme of the weekend will be to come dressed as something beginning with Q or B or W. So start preparing those costumes as there will be prizes given out.

Already there is a new addition, a Training Page done by Stuart at http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/training.

Instructions on how to get there and other details are provided inside the Newsletter.

4-6 December 2009

Cost will be $20 for one night stay and $30 for 2 nights.

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General Information

The Management Committee

Meeting Place

President

Gil Gunthorpe

3272 4366(H)

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

Vice President

Noelene McCay

3889 0264(H)

Secretary

Sue Ward

3844 6389(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

John Brunott

3209 9598 (H)

Membership Officer

Frank Garland

3341 5207 (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.

Editor

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

Membership

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 Acknowledgement of Risk form. There is no fee payable to become a Probationary Member. A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her second walk by filling out a Membership Form and paying the membership fee. 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.

Other Voluntary Positions Equipment Officer

John Brunott

3209 9598 (H)

Supper Convenor

Mary Sherlock

3209 8514 (H)

BWQ Rep

Stuart Mackay

3890 8196 (H)

BWQ Rep

Richard Kolarski

3341 7509 (H)

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

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.

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) Ordinary Members - $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories . Probationary Members and members of affiliated clubs - $10.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $10.00 charge for use of harness and accessories. Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202 Back Pack for Hire Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202

Walks Planning Day

More than twenty members attended the Walks Planning Day at John Brunott's home. Many thanks to all members who put their names down to lead walks, including a few new leaders.

Comings And Goings Patricia, Helen, Maggie, Greg, Ken and Richard have recently returned from Carnarvon National Park where they did the six day Great Walk.

$5.00 charge

T/W Tent for Hire 2 man, 2.8kg $5.00/week Contact Dave Haliczer 0432 901 030 Bivy Bags For Sale $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 $2.50 each. Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.

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New Members Denise Adams Ralph Hales

Lorraine Douglas Susan Hall

Wanda Van Dyk As at 28/10/2009 we have 85 financial members

QBW Christmas Party

Notices

The QBW Christmas Party will be held at Mt Nimmel Lodge at Mudgeeraba on the 4-6th December 2009. Mt Nimmel Lodge is a privately owned, family operated campground on 67 acres of Gold Coast Hinterland. Accommodation It has six large cabins, each with 8 bunks with mattresses and one smaller cabin with only 4 beds, 52 beds altogether. Each cabin has lights but no powerpoints. Van and tent sites are also available if you prefer not to stay in the cabins. Bring along your own bedding plus spare clothes. Amenities There is a separate shower/toilet block with hot water (but bring your own toilet paper).

South West Cape Circuit (Tassie) 9 to 15 January 2010 This will mark the third year in a row that I will have walked this circuit of the South West corner of Tasmania. The area is less well known than other sites in Australia but is the best undiscovered gem for bushwalkers. A maximum of 4 - 5 people on these trips is possible as some camping sites may be a bit cramped with any more than 4 tents. Contact David Haliczer for further details on 0432 901 030.

Nepal, Annapurna Circuit

I am leading a trip to Nepal in April 2010 which includes 17 days trekking, 5 days mountain biking, 2 days white water rafting, all for approx $3658.00. Includes return air fares, budget accommodation, and meals while on the adventures, and equipment. Contact Julie Urquhart Ph. 3314 2776.

There is a kitchen with sinks and hot water, refrigerator, large freezer, stainless benches, stove and oven, servery to large verandah and picnic tables. Bring your own pots, cutlery, washing up detergent/pads, tea towels, cooking utensils and garbage bags. Also bring food for the Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. The Club will provide meat for the Saturday night BBQ but members are asked to bring along a plate. Please ask Traci at the meeting or while booking to see what plates are needed. People can arrive from Friday afternoon onwards. It will finish round lunch time Sunday. Program Friday night

Photos and videos of Club walks and members extended trips. Photo competition entries will also be shown

Bring along any digital photos or videos as the Club laptop and projector will be available. Saturday A walk is planned, maybe two if there is enough demand. Saturday night

1 April 3 May 2010

BWQ President's Report Over the weekend of 21-23 August, clubs in the south-east of the state once again joined together for the annual Pilgrimage held at Lake Maroon Holiday Park near Boonah. All up we had 187 registrations from 13 affiliated clubs. Thanks to all who worked to ensure the Pilgrimage went ahead with relatively few hitches. It was gratifying to see a good mix of clubs represented on some of the Saturday walks. I trust some new friendships were forged and networking opportunities realised. A special thank you to Toowoomba Bushwalkers who have offered to organise next year’s Pilgrimage. As well as a good selection of walks, and having tons of fun at the bush dance and games, we were also able to achieve some good outcomes from a couple of business sessions. One of these focused on Federation Mountain Rescue, to encourage greater participation in this highly skilled search and rescue group. The response has been excellent, with 19 new people expressing interest in becoming involved with FMR’s high level activities. The new FMR website is: http://fmrqld.bwq.org.au/

BBQ and prizes given out.

This includes the Bushwalker Training Program for 2009-2010.

Sunday morning Quizzes and general cleaning.

We also discussed some critical issues facing clubs, including possible BWQ assistance with club safety and training programs, as well as website options for those clubs which need to migrate from Geocities. The BWQ offer of free sub-domains on the BWQ site was well received, and a number of clubs have already taken up this offer.

How to Get There

Web hosting enquiries to Tom Hulse: [email protected] However, the most critical issue for most clubs was identified as attracting and retaining young people. A PowerPoint presentation suggesting some ideas has now been followed up. I am pleased to report that club bushwalkers in Queensland represented by Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (BWQ) are liaising with Duke of Edinburgh Award representatives with the view of supporting each other in training and possible cross-provision of new members. At the Qld. Parks and Wildlife level, the CMG sub-committee (Collaborative Management Group) is having ongoing consultation with departmental officers on a wide range of issues, including input to the Cooloola and Conondale Great Walks. A CMG meeting is scheduled for October 29, if any bushwalker has any agenda item or concern regarding any aspect of bushwalker activity in national parks that they would like to have discussed, please feel free to contact the secretary: [email protected] UBD Reference: Gold Coast Map No.67 A6 Directions: From the M1 heading south to the Gold Coast take exit 79. Go through Mudgeeraba and head west along the Gold Coast Springwood Rd. Turn left onto Austinville Rd. and go 2.7 km and drive in the gate on your left.

I would like to thank all those who have recently filled various positions on the BWQ committee and sub-committees, and also those standing down from this important work that benefits all club bushwalkers. Well done all, it is good to see rotation in office bearers to stimulate innovation. President - John Marshall

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PS Margie needed to have her wedding ring cut off the next day as her finger became very swollen.

Past Walks Fountain Falls

9 August 2009

This is one walk I will not be allowed to forget! Despite all my precautions I managed to get geographically embarrassed, again! I have been to Fountain Falls numerous times so I was keen to check out a new route from the Binna Burra side. I had talked with a group from K2 who had gone down to Fountain Falls via Noringalala Falls and this seemed a straightforward exercise from the map. So brimming with confidence I led a group of six trusting souls on a beautiful clear day for a walk which turned out to be more adventurous than expected. Starting from the Binna Burra information centre we walked down to Gwongoorool Pool along the graded track. We crossed Coomera Creek and found the ridge leading up to the Darlington Range easily. Despite the 400 metre climb we made good time and with only a slight delay getting up the cliff break. We were at Noowongbill lookout for morning tea.

PPS I have bought myself a super sensitive GPS and am now even better prepared to avoid these unforeseen happenings. Richard

Stradbroke Island D/W

15 August 2009

We met up at Cleveland, all sixteen of us, for the Flyer across to Dunwich, Sarah arriving just in time after getting a bit lost (haven't we all done that at least once at Cleveland!). John had booked two minibuses to drop us off near Blue Lake so it was just a short walk down to the new swimming spot. Much excitement as John threw Lucy and Lynn over his shoulder (one at a time, of course) and carried them across the creek while the rest of us waded through the mid-thigh high water. Some shade just before the causeway provided a morning tea spot before we headed for the beach and the 10Km + walk up to the headland. The last couple of kilometres were a bit trying as high tide forced us onto some really soft sand. A few of us took a short detour to the Keyhole Lakes for a look-see.

Noowongbill Lookout

Heading down from the lookout I told the others we were entering unknown territory. How true that was. We found a creek and assuming it was Noringalala Creek followed it down. Mistake No. 1. There were obvious signs that other walkers had been here with a walking pad on a ridge just to the side of the creek. We even passed some falls which I assumed were Noringalala Falls. Upon reaching Coomera Creek I led the group upstream towards Fountain Falls. It should have only taken fifteen minutes and I expected to see the falls just round the next corner. Finally after an hour and in a clear section of the creek I did a GPS check to find that we had been walking away from the falls. The creek we had descended into Coomera Creek was not the right one and we had entered upstream from the falls. It was time for lunch and a re-think. Rather than retracing our steps I thought it would be better to climb up to the Darlington Range again and follow the ridge back towards Noowongbill Lookout. Mistake No. 2. This section of the Darlington Range was about the highest and the steepest and instead of going up an expected 150 metres we went up about 300 metres on an incredibly steep and loose slope. It was hard going and not helped that Margie had hurt her finger going down to Coomera Creek earlier. Her left ring finger had swollen up and was giving her trouble but she soldiered on.

Hanging On

We made it to the end in plenty of time to have a look for whales and enjoy a coffee before our transport arrived to return us to the jetty for our trip back across to Cleveland. Thanks to John Brunott for putting on this enjoyable walk. It was good to have Dave along for what was probably his last walk for while. Patricia

Black Snake Ridge

16 August 2009

This walk turned out to be a pre-outing as there were only three on this walk. Peter had tried to get to the top of the falls neat Mt Nungulba previously but with no success. He was eager to try a different way to get there but was only able to get Mary and myself as volunteers on this exploratory trip.

We reached the ridge and headed north towards Noowongbill. Here we almost made mistake No. 3 when we reached a creek in a deep gully flowing to the east. On checking the map we found we had strayed too far to the east and were starting to descend. After correcting our route we found the correct descent to Gwongoorool Pool. I am happy to say that the rest of the day was without incident though I did have six very tired walkers when we finally reached the cars just on dark. In all we had done over 1100 metres in height gain over the day. It was too late for any afternoon tea stops so we all headed home. I most humbly need to thank and praise my six fellow walkers who I hope will forgive my mistakes and see this walk as an adventure and not a misadventure. Page 4 of 6

A Rare Picture of a Bogged Subaru

We met up at Beaudesert and drove down to Drynan's farm at the end of Mt Gipps Road. Peter had gotten permission to drive onto the Drynans road which would save us an hours walking but this turned to disaster as the usually reliable Subaru got well and truly bogged. Peter rang up Ken Drynan and it was agreed he would pull us out in the afternoon after the walk. Thus the three of us set off up Black Snake Ridge knowing we would have to return early.

After a while we descended down to Watson's Falls which are in themselves quite a spectacular sight. After the heat of walking along the open ridge we enjoyed an afternoon rest in the shade and the coolness of the creek.

The walk up the ridge is steep but the views were fantastic. In the distance was Mt Barney and Mt Lindesay while closer was the steep plateau between the north and south branches of Running Creek. We stayed close to the escarpment as we tried to get to those elusive falls. The going was hard with thick rainforest on the plateau while if we tried lower down where it was more open, the steep sides made it difficult going.

Resting Near Watson Falls

The final push up a steep incline from the waterfall took us back to the Qld/NSW border which we followed back to the waiting cars. Many thanks to BBW for organising this walk.

Boondall Wetlands Bike Ride

Richard

29 August 2009

We started the bike from the carpark at Toombul shopping centre and followed the bike path which winds along the Kedron Brook / Schulz Canal out to Nudgee. On Black Snake Ridge

After crossing a small creek we had a small rise in our way and by then we were running out of time. After checking maps, GPS's' and the time it was decided that we would not be able to reach the falls that day. Thus we returned via the border fence initially and then to the escarpment and down Black Snake Ridge. A quick call to Ken had him there in a few minutes and he pulled the Subaru out easily. This was followed by an afternoon tea at Ken's place where we were served delicious home cooked scones. Many thanks to Peter for putting on this walk and I look forward to doing it again but maybe as an overnighter. Richard

Mt Clunie

22 August 2009

This walk was one of the score or so walks done at the Pilgrimage. It was led by a member of BBW and there were several members from other clubs plus two from QBW. It was a beautiful sunny day as we drove down to the Boonah border gate. After a short walk along the road into NSW we came to a side road which took us to the edge of Mt Clunie National Park. We followed the ridge up through rainforest till we came to the Qld/NSW border fence. This was an alternate way to get up to Mt Clunie without having to go up the very steep border fence section. At the top of Mt Clunie near the rock cairn we sat and had morning tea. Crossing back into Qld we were supposed to follow a compass bearing to take us to Stags Head. However some wayward walkers decided to stay on a ridge but when it became obvious that we were going the wrong way, we had to contour round to get back on the proper bearing. At Stags Head it was time for lunch. Unfortunately there were no decent views from our lunch spot. During the walk I was testing out my new “super duper” GPS and found that it kept the signal quite strongly even in the deepest rainforest. I was able to do a “track” of the walk and show to the other walkers. After lunch we walked along a ridge line heading north which gave us views of the countryside.

All Geared Up

A quick stop at Nudgee beach and then we retraced our path back to the start of the wetlands track at Nudgee Rd. Another quick stop at a lookout before a lovely meandering ride all the way along the Boondall Wetlands bike track past Boondall and then following more bike paths all the way through to Shorncliffe. This was an ideal spot to stop for lunch in a park overlooking the bay. The return journey was along the same route back to Toombul which made the round trip over 40km. It was a perfect day for a ride and was enjoyed by all. John H.

Flinders Peak

30 August 2009

7 intrepid cyclists with helmets and bikes and 1 reliable driver met at Mt Flinders Road at 8am to begin the 8 kilometre journey along the relatively flat section of bitumen road (which lasts 3 kilometres before passing the convention centre and turns to dirt.) With our driver hauling the packs we had an uneventful ride in to the Flinders Plum picnic area. The anticipated creek crossing was dry and no dismount was required. After collecting our packs and quick toilet and water stop we then started the 6 kilometre return climb with 8 walkers. Even with warmed up muscles from the ride our legs were a little tight and a few rest stops were required to admire the view.

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Morning tea was on the flat grassy area before another steep climb to the vegetation covered rocky ridge and then on across the razor back to a narrow gully scramble and the track to the helipad. (No we didn't need a lift out!) An exploration of the summit buildings was short and the views admired before settling into the shade for another snack then back down the clearly defined track. A sausage sizzle and well earned break were enjoyed in lieu of a coffee shop stop because we had yet to cycle back to the cars. The bike ride out was again supported by our driver, (thanks Michael), who was ready to pick up any stragglers, but we all made it. Flinders Peak is part of an fauna eco corridor from Moreton Bay to Flinders Peak, including Daisy Hill, Karawatha Forest and other suburban greenways to provide safe travel for wildlife.

What Makes a Good Photo? Lighting Colour The colour of natural light varies with the time of day. Some of the best light is at the start and end of the day. Lighting Direction Overhead lighting is generally uninteresting. Side lighting skims across from the side and it emphasises texture, form and three dimensionality, e.g. early morning and late afternoon light at right angles to the photographer. Back lighting comes from behind the subject. It may be necessary to mask the sun for flare.

There is also a plan by Ipswich City Council to provide a walk, cycle, horseride track to Hardings Paddock 18km away to link with an existing circuit which might be fun at a future date. Thanks to all for their company, positive support for a new venture and a great day. Sandy Thomas

Whites Hill

5 September 2009

Nine walkers including 6 visitors met at 3pm in Camp Hill suburb for a 2 hour walk in the adjacent Whites Hill reserve. First stop was at the original site of John White's restaurant, tea rooms with "camera obscura" on the first hill. A great view still over the city centre through a slot in the bushland contrasting a century ago with all trees removed for a 360 degree view! Next past Sankeys "Mountain" on to the Pine Mountain Road reserve entrance to stop in the shade and coolness of a small rainforest remnant around a tributary of Salvin creek.

Colour and Direction

Declutter One of the best ways to improve your photography right away is to de-clutter your images. Get in close and fill up the frame. Only include stuff that is necessary to the picture.

On the way we noted the Bitter Pea bush ( with its sharp spiky leaves ) contrasting with the soft pendulous Hairy Pea bush having a similar yellow flower. No sign of Sarsaparilla vines with their violet flowers though - Mt Gravatt and Toohey Forest have these in flower now. Then on to the Council quarry rim to look south at the large Boral Quarry lake set in a vertical-sided rocky pit, a surprise indeed. We then returned via the gravelly Shirleyana Track passing Spotted Gum and Tallowood trees. A quick stop for a photo then on to a narrow pad out of the bushland passing houses and up one final hill to our starting point. Eight of us then dined sumptuously on risotto and speciality pizzas at the famous "Elios" in Carina - for only $17/head. There was much talk by the seven ladies about the urgent need to rebalance the very low ratio of males to females on these walks. No comment.

Declutter

Context Alternatively photograph your subject in context. Include parts of the scene that give information or tell a story about the subject. Obstacles To improve people photography keep the background simple, watch for obstacles behind. Consider turning the camera “portrait” direction.

Whites Hill

Another similar walk in Toohey Forest will be planned given the high level of interest by potential new members. John Hinton (I led the walk, replacing Stuart)

Note the tree growing out of the head!

To be continued

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Evelyn Campbell