Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601

www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org

GENERAL MEETING8 pm Wednesday 21 April 2010

Walking in Italy: its environment and wild animals

Presenter: Michael Banyard Perhaps contrary to one’s fi rst reaction, the National Parks and open spaces of Italy are quite extensive but they exist in an environment

changed by human activity for millennia. These places provide a diversity of geography and habitat and greatly infl uence the animals which remain

independent from humans. The talk will discuss three regions and the environment in which walkers might fi nd themselves and the human

infl uences that affect that environment and the animals which remain. Some refl ections will be made comparing our walking experiences with

those one might gain in Italy.

Main hall, Hughes Baptist Church,

32–34 Groom Street, Hughes

Volume: 46Number: 3April 2010

In this issue2 President’s prattle2 Walks waffl e2 Membership matters2 Puzzled3 Taking better photos4 Psssst ... want to win

$5005 ACT border as a long

distance walking track

6 Old Red6 Notice of Motion7 Blue Mountains

6–8 March 20108 Activity program11 Bulletin board

Important dates21 April

General meeting

25 AprilANZAC Day

26 AprilANZAC Day holiday

28 AprilCommittee meeting

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Go camping(see page next page)

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UUnlike many sports, bushwalk-ing is an activity that one can

continue into older age. Many of us who joined the club in our twenties have maintained our love for walk-ing in the bush into our senior years. One of the most obvious changes to the club over the years has been that the overall membership has become older. The membership profiles of many other bushwalking clubs in Canberra and elsewhere have become older too.Younger people do not seem to ‘go bush’ to the same extent as earlier generations, preferring motorised activities, socialising in urban set-tings, or computer-based pursuits. Some will bushwalk with friends, but are not inclined to join clubs – perhaps because they have found clubs to be dominated by oldies!CBC is able to maintain a reason-ably healthy membership, but most people coming into the club are in their forties or older. It would be good if we could fi nd ways to bring in more people in their twenties and thirties, before the ageing of the club takes too big a toll on the variety of trips in the walks program, and so we can ensure the club’s long term future. Once we get a core of younger, active walkers, they should provide a magnet for others.It would be good if we could get some ‘under 40’ walks onto the program. I’d be happy to hear from anyone in that age group who would be willing to lead such trips.Wednesday walksFrom July onwards, the club will resume hosting the second Wednes-day walk every month as its contri-bution to the weekly program shared with FBI and NPA.Participants on CBC-hosted walks will be required to sign the club’s acknowledgement of risks and obligations form. Leaders are to provide the Check-in Offi cer with pre-trip documentation beforehand and notify safe return afterwards.Trips assessed by the Walks Sec-retary as low-risk will not require

The Club’s Walks Secretary often writes a short congratulatory ar-

ticle that highlights when someone has made a milestone contribution towards club walks. However, in this case it is Jeff Bennetts, the Walks Secretary who has reached a milestone with his 300th walk in April. In addition to this achieve-ment, he has also re-instigated the ‘Wednesday’ walks with the FBI and NPA and ensures a good vari-ety of walks are available to club members. Many thanks to Jeff for his commitment and drive to make club walks a success.I have just come back from two weeks walking the Australian Alpine Walking Track in Victoria from Mt Skene to the Mitta Mitta River. And what impressive country it is, with views ranging from rug-ged mountains to rolling high plains. Combine this with the sounds of birds, wind though the trees and fl owing water, the smell of the euca-lypts and grass, and the friendship of fellow bushwalkers, and you end up with great memories for a life time.While not every one wants to undertake such trips, I do encourage you to consider doing an overnight trip, whether it be at a drive-in camp site, cabin, chalet or something more remote. Can you remember how brilliant the stars are on a clear night away from the city lights, how good food tastes after a day’s walk, or the ambience of a camp fi re? Whether the answer is yes or no, do consider an overnight trip. If necessary, you can hire one of the club’s tents for a club walk.Don’t forget, the photographic com-petition closes on Friday 11 June 2010. Although I missed the last club meeting I understand it was a great success with the guest speaker Michael Bowers, a renowned pro-fessional photographer, who talked of his photographic experiences and passed on some great tips. These tips have been included in this newslet-ter’s guest speaker review.

Peter JonesPresident

Membership matters

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Please ensure that you keep the Membership Secretary informed of any changes to your email address.New members: Brooke Kilah, Richard Lot t , Gary Mi l le r, Judy Sutton

Gary TreveanMembership Secretary

President’s prattle

Committee reportsprebooking. In making this judge-ment, the Walks Secretary may consider such things as whether the walk is on or off track, distance, diffi culty, remoteness, navigational ease and leader’s experience. Walks not considered low-risk will require prebooking and the club’s normal 4–16 party size range will apply.I would welcome offers of Wednes-day walks from club leaders.

Jeff BennettsWalks Secretary

Can you solve this month’s anagrams. The answers are all walk titles from the Activity program in th is month’s newsletter.quid not rely drugsill goon howl mothchumps meallick sportdread week runsdrop on paint

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Go camping

Canberra Bushwalking Club it April 2010 page 3

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functionality. GPS capability has many applications. Importantly, it can verify the authenticity of a photo. The coordinates are stored within the camera and can be uploaded to Google Earth and locate the exact spot from which the photo was taken providing evidence that there has been no digital enhance-ment. However, Mike has used this for another application. He has been able to record the GPS coordinates and return to the exact spot to shoot the same scene. In particular, he has used this to record the vegetation regrowth after the 2009 Victorian bushfi res – 12 months on.You can also get a nodal panoramic head designed specifi cally for taking panoramas. However, these are bulky and heavy and not likely to be carried by bushwalkers.The good news for us amateurs is there is no right or wrong in pho-tography. If it works for you, then it is right, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. Like statisticians, all photographers have their own opinion and will give you varying versions of ‘the truth’.Mike’s six rules of photography are: look, look, look, take, take, take. There are however, some important issues to consider that will improve your photos.Know your gear: Make sure you are very familiar with your camera so that that you are not checking settings etc at the last minute. A tip is to use your camera every day for a month and you will get to know your camera well.

MMike Bowers is a renowned professional photographer,

with many major achievements to his credit, including winning the Nikon Walkley Award for Journal-ism on more than one occasion (in varying categories). While now based in Sydney, Mike was born and educated in Canberra. We were very privileged to have Mike come and talk to our club on some of his photographic experiences and to pass on some tips on how to take better photos.The photography industry has changed greatly in the last 100 years. Mike started his talk with a photo of George Bell sitting astride a horse and holding his 8 kg camera (circa early 1900s). He would have also been carrying a number of glass negative plates – a precursor to fi lm.In the late 1800s, George was instrumental in setting up libraries of parlour scene albums. These allowed quick access to appropriate photos to accompany news stories. At this time about 80% of photos were taken in the Australian bush.Mike began his training in a dark room, developing hundreds of other people’s photos. This taught him framing and editing skills, i.e. selecting the photos with the greatest impact. These skills have been largely lost with the introduction of digital technology. Today’s trainees don’t have these editing skills. With hundreds of photos to choose from, they don’t have the same ability to choose ‘the shot’.Digital photography also has other disadvantages. Fireworks are easy to capture on fi lm but diffi cult on digital cameras, though it can be done. However, digital photography is a bonus for amateurs, as we can now shoot hundreds of photos without worrying about running out of fi lm or processing costs. It’s great for practising and getting to know your camera; and the technology keeps expanding.Some d ig i t a l cameras now incorporate a GPS unit. While Mike uses an external GPS unit, he estimates that within three years all digital cameras will include GPS

TTaking better aking better photosphotos

Review of general meeting talk Light: Light is THE most important thing. The first half hour before and after dawn and the fi rst half hour before and after sunset are ideal times for taking striking photos when the light is at its most saturated. Photos taken at noon can be washed out due to the intensity of the light.Consider using a fl ash even in bright daylight to create lighting effects on your subject. Optimally, don’t use the in-built fl ash on your camera, particularly for in-door portrait shots. Consider instead using a remote flash on a small tripod, triggered by infrared remote, or by a long cable.Also consider other light sources. Head lights, which many overnight bushwalkers already have, are great light sources for long exposure photos, particularly for low light or night time exposure. The moon can also be used as a light source. The full moon is only one F-stop below daylight.A tip for metering the light is to use your hand. Digital cameras measure light in monochrome and the human hand is equivalent to 18% grey. So use your hand to measure the exposure level.Buy good glass: Using a good quality lens (or glass) is critical. When buying a SLR camera, don’t buy the cheap body and lens package deals. The price is kept low due to low quality glass in the lens. Buy the body only and buy the lens separately. The lens you should get is the dearest lens you can afford.

Dawn (along with sunset) is the ‘witching hour for photography

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Review of general meeting talk

Be prepared: Along with knowing your camera you should be prepared at all times. Mike constantly changes the settings to the current exposure conditions so that he is ready for those split seconds shots; like a bird sitting on a soldier’s shoulder that was only there for fi ve seconds, or a dog trotting along beside a truck load of Kosovo refugees; tens seconds later the dog was frightened off, but the photo would not have had the same impact without the dog.Remove your lens cap. Instead, use a fi lter to protect the lens, then if/when this is damaged replace the fi lter. A UV fi lter is commonly used as a standard.Use a tripod: Using a tripod opens up possibilities. You should not attempt a handheld shot for anything under 1/30th of a second. And remember, the longer the lens the more steady your platform needs to be. This includes zoom lens. The closer in you zoom the longer the lens becomes and the steadier your platform needs to be.Compact, light weight tripods can be quite cheaply purchased.Use a motor drive: Motor drives take multiple photos in quick succession. This may allow you to take that one photo at ‘exactly the right time’.Rule of thirds: Consider the composition of your photo. A good rule is the rule of thirds. Imagine drawing a grid over your view fi nder, (many digital cameras now

allow you to display this). Your subject should ideally be where the lines intersect. Avoid centring your subject. Also look at the angle of your shot. Get down low, look behind you. The best shot is not always the obvious one. Look at lots of books, other people’s photos and think about the angle from which the shot was taken.Mike concluded his talk by rolling out a nine metre long panoramic print from the Victorian bushfi re, which cost a thousand dollars to print and didn’t quite fi t across the stage.Mike said he believes that photography is not a gift you are born with. It is a trade that anyone can learn. More importantly, you are always still learning. The day he stops learning is the day he will retire.

Alison Milton

This photo would not have been possible if the camera was not ready

TThe survey of the ACT border began at Mt Coree on 27 June

1910 and the ACT Government’s Centenary of Canberra celebrations are focussed on encouraging us to get out and enjoy the border in 2010.A photographic, short fi lm and dig-ital media competition was launched by Robyn Archer, the Centenary of Canberra Director, last month. It aims to encourage us to explore and appreciate the stunning border regions we have – just as CBC walks do on many occasions.Look through the Walks Program and you’ll fi nd a range of walks led by members such as Rob Horsfi eld, Stan Marks and myself. Rob dreams of the ACT having its own long distance walking track, perhaps following the border (see Rob’s article), so continues his circumnavigation; Stan leads great walks along the Brindabella tops (the western border of the ACT) and in the northern urban fringe nature reserves; and I have a penchant for locating border markers.Amongst the fi rst border markers I saw were those near Pryors Hut. A short distance south of the hut along the Mt Franklin Road there is old fencing and a track heading west along the south side of the arboretum. A couple of metres from the intersection there is a cairn, not defi ning a change in border direction, but marking 21 miles from Mt Coree.

PPsssst ... want to sssst ... want to win $500win $500

Original border marker post X4 with surveyor’s arrow in Goorooyaroo Nature Reserve

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ACT borders and border markers

Back on the Mt Franklin Road, again a few metres south, is an angled border marker on the west side of the road, Q57. The structure is called a lockspit and its arms point in the direction of the border – the north arm pointing back to the 21 Mile marker and the south-west arm pointing up to the next border marker on the NW top of the Mt Gingera ridge (SH1847). The actual border marker, or corner, is under the centre of the lockspit (do not disturb it) and would not be the 100 year old marker, but probably a modern, squared, white-topped wooden peg.It’s a lovely walk to Pryors Hut, whether puffi ng up Stockyard Spur or walking in from the Ginini car park. If the latter, you’ll drive past several border markers on the way in – E51 at the Piccadilly Circus intersection, Y53 within inches of the Mt Franklin Road between Bendoura Hill and Snow Gum Hill and T55 in the grass and scrubby mound separating the Road from the Mt Franklin car park.Few of the original markers remain, the ravages of time and fi re tak-ing their toll. However, lovely examples can still be found on the northern edges of Mulligans Flat and Goorooyarroo Nature Reserves, such as the X4 post with carved surveyor’s arrow.So get out there and enjoy the border! The competition runs till 31 August 2010. You’ll fi nd details

two and three weeks for the full distance and autumn or spring would be the best times in the year to do it. In recent years club member, John Evans and Tuesday Walks col-leagues have assiduously searched out many of the survey cairns marking the border. His Internet ‘blog’ provides photographs and map co-ordinates for those found. Over the last few years I have also been ‘walking the line’ cumulatively and have yet to do the section from Ginini, north to Mt Coree then Hall. The Border will be a focus for activity in the ACT Centennial Celebrations, 2013.In his 1996 report, Surveyors on the Snowline, for the National Trust of Australia, historian Mathew Higgins found 210 markers (~66% of the total) placed by surveyors, Percy Sheaffer, Harry Mouat or Freddie Johnston between 1910 and 1915. Higgin’s story of their work is great reading and is a signifi cant element adding to the interest of the walk. Their average rate of progress was 149 miles per day, being the total distance divided by the time taken. Mouat had the south west corner and found the going very diffi cult. In May 1914 the winter snow forced him off the high ground. He relished the idea of a little time-out in the Cotter but CR Scrivenner, his boss, brought him into town to help lay out the grid for a city centre that was to be built. In essence and where possible, the border was to be a natural watershed for a new territory with a self suffi cient supply of water. The exceptions are the railway line from the escarpment near Bungendore to Williamsdale, from the latter to the northern end of the Mount Clear Range and the 50 deg 20’ 19’ grid bearing from Mt Coree to One Tree Hill near Hall.The ACT 1:100,000 Natmap gives a good overview of the route. For the purist there is only one line on the ground all the way around. However, both for interest and more reasonable terrain, alternative options are recommended. Some of these include climbing Rob Roy from the Melrose Valley then crossing to the Murrumbidgee and proceeding up the Gigerline Gorge on the western contour well above the river to Angle Crossing. From

AACT border as CT border as a long distance a long distance walking trackwalking track

at Canberra 100 – Cel-ebrating the Centenary web site at http://www.canberra100.com.au/ The ‘Show Us Your Limits’ page at http://www.canberra100.c o m . a u / p r o j e c t s /show_us_your_limits.php has links to the Entry Form. The Fur-ther Exploration page even references CBC.Perhaps this centenary of the ACT border year will provide other opportunities for CBC to encourage folk to get out there and enjoy, as we all do on our bushwalks.

John Evans

WWhat follows are tentative con-siderations. There are matters

yet to be included and diffi culties to be resolved.The border is an interesting long-distance walk of approximately 270 km over country varying through open grassland, rivers, dry schlero-phyll forest on the lower ranges and sub-alpinal to alpinal cover in the higher areas. Much of it is quite reasonable walking with regard to both navigation and the nature of the terrain but there are some diffi cult and challenging sections. Part of it, but not much, is adjacent to urban areas. This might be valued by some as a source of respite. Depending on side-trips and walk-ing pace one would allow between

W h i l e n o t w o r t h W h i l e n o t w o r t h $ 5 0 0 , t h e c l u b $ 5 0 0 , t h e c l u b

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The ACT meets NSW at Piccadilly Circus – Border Marker E51 of lockspit style

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Old RedOld RedIt more or less broke my back and gave me a permanent stoop, but I was so proud of my first rucsack, a genuine Bergen. It probably cost me my first month’s wages. It was the archetypal rucsack of its day, which was from the thirties to the fifties. Then the H framed packs came in, in the early 60s. The first were the New Zealand made “Mountain Mules” and people here started copying them. I acquired one, made by a friend, and became a mountain mule, car-rying heavy loads bushwalking in Tassie and tramping and climbing in New Zealand. They were so

much better than the A framed Bergen types.Packs were always heaviest on the first day of the walk, and got lighter as we ate the food and also as we got fitter. So by the end of the walk they were (almost) a pleasure to carry. I remember the kiwi trampers saying: “Take it easy on the first day, and on the second day slacken off!” I often needed a rest day on the third!My present pack is a descendant, a red Berghaus, mid-80s vintage. At that time I was busy with work and family and could only snatch an occasional mountain day. These stolen adventures were so precious that I wrote the names of

some of the magic places I visited under the flap of the pack … The fabric is rotting now, and I sometimes feel that I should upgrade to a modern ergonomic pack – an osprey perhaps. But I keep on putting it off, reluctant to step into the gear shop. Does my subconscious mind know that the next pack will probably see me out?walkingslowly up the spur breathing hard and wondering -how long can I go for ?

Gerry Jacobson

Caloola Farm then up the Naas River to the Mt Clear camp ground is a better walk than along the top of the Clear Range. Mt Clear could be done as a side trip via Left Hand Creek and from Horse Gully Hut. Grassy Creek and Sams Creek fi re trails closely parallel the border. Both Sentry Box and Gudgenby would be highly recommended side trips. The Scabby Range between the latter and Kelly is very diffi cult due to thick scrub and Mt Kelly is a great peak. The western border has its delights: Murray, Bimberi, Gingera, Ginini, and Coree. Access to water has to be planned and in the north and east some of the route crosses private property for which permission for entry has to be sought. Resupply points are readily planned from the map. The southwest section from the Boboyan Road around to Little Ginini car park is probably best done as one stint even though indirect access might be made via Yaouk Gap or Oldfi elds Hut and the Tantangra. Again from the map a variety of entry and exit points can be chosen. Along the western side the AAWT or Stockyard Spur from Corin Dam could be useful. Obviously much of the above needs elaboration.As it stands, the border can be considered as a route for a long-distance walk with a range of

Notice of MotionNotice of MotionRequirement for new position of Webmaster The CBC Committee believes the Club’s web site should be further developed to better serve the interests of its members and potential members and to promote the Club’s activities. It also needs more functional-ity such as online membership forms to facilitate more effi cient administration of the Club’s records and its activities. In order that further development of the web site can be facilitated the creation of a dedicated posi-tion of Webmaster is needed. This will require a change to the Constitution, which will require the approval of members. There-fore at the May General Meeting the following motion will be put to members.That Section 5.2 of the CBC Constitution be amended to add a new Committee position of Webmaster.Should the motion be successful the Committee will appoint a suitable person to serve in the position of Webmaster until the next Annual General Meeting in accordance with clause 5.4 of the Constitution.

difficulty regarding navigation, terrain and ease of access for either resupply, entry or exit. People who have walked some of the other track like the Bibblemun, could easily imagine how it could be developed: track-clearing, signage, suitably placed shelters with water tanks, ‘Friends of the Track’ to help to further establish and maintain it, contributions in the form of labour or fi nance from government, organi-sations and business sponsors, the associated PR to go with it all, the resulting facilitated use by all sorts of groups, be they educational, social etc and the necessary caution needed with regard to safety and conservation. For some the latter would be suffi cient cause to leave all as is. As it stands though, I think it is a good long-distance walk.

Rob Horsfi eld

Training and safety

IIn the last six months demand for use of the club’s personal loca-

tor beacon (PLB) has frequently exceeded availability. Particular people have been happy to lend their personal instruments and for this we have been very grateful.The club is now in the process of purchasing a second club PLB.

Literary contribution

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Trip report

Participants: Edwina Yee (leader), Jill Bell, Barry Keeley, Brendan Kelly, Stan Marks, Linda Stone, Michael Sutton, Janet Wheeler, Amanda Williams, Jeff Bennetts

TThe Blue Mountains are quite a distance from Canberra and

consequently the area features only occasionally on our walks program. But the scenery is outstanding and so there was considerable interest in Edwina Yee’s trip on the Canberra Day long weekend.Staying in a house at Blackheath, we undertook day walks on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday.Rain and fog cleared early on Sat-urday morning as we walked from Gordon Falls at Leura to Scenic World at Katoomba. Initially we followed clifftop tracks overlooking misty Mt Solitary until morning teatime, which we shared with numerous inquisitive skinks and a friendly sulphur-crested cockatoo. We then dropped down beside beautiful cascades to Leura Forest, at ever increasing speed as we found the ground to be covered in leeches. We left the valley via the short but steep Giant Stairway, from whence we again followed the cliff tops, by now having to share the track and views with multitudes of tourists. At lunchtime near Echo Point,

I removed my 14th and final leech.O n S u n d a y m o r n i n g a heavy shower th rea tened a slippery and wet day, but the rain quickly stopped and for most of the morn-ing the weather remained fine. We descended the Valley of the Waters, passing cascade after cascade, to fi nd our in tended route deep into the valley closed off because of rockslides. So instead we fol-lowed National Pass along a l edge in the middle of the cliffl ine, unfor-tunately unable to get distant views because of the thick fog. Even Wentworth Falls, when we were immediately below them, were hidden. We climbed steeply up the track cut into the cliffl ine to get to the cars and drove to Scenic World in time for lunch. Sunday afternoon, now showery, was variously spent with descents of the scenic railway and short walks at

Mt Solitary

the bottom, or walk planning back at the house.Monday’s trip was from Govetts Leap to Pulpit Rock and return. Like Saturday, the walk started in mist, but it gradually cleared as the hours passed and we were treated to stunning views of the Grose Valley. Finishing by lunchtime, some drivers elected to return home via Camden and some via Oberon. As it turned out, there was no time difference between the two routes.Thanks Edwina for a delighful weekend.

Jeff Bennetts

BBlue Mountainslue Mountains6–8 March 20106–8 March 2010

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Deciding to take up jogging, the man was astounded by the wide selection of jogging shoes available at the local sports shoe store. While trying on a basic pair of jogging shoe, he noticed a minor feature and asked the clerk: “What is this little pocket thing here on the side for?” And the clerk: “Oh, that’s to carry spare change so you can call your wife to come pick you up when you’ve jogged too far.” .

Valley of the Waters

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Activity program

17–18 April: Quiltys Red Ground – S/E or M/M–RThis pack walk is 8 km each way on fl attish fi re trails from near Nerriga to a campsite on Piercy Ck below the impressive cliffs of the Sassafras Plateau in the Budawangs. Relax around the campsite, or do optional side trips with day packs to the plateau via Crossroads Pass (435069 GDA66), or other side canyons in the area towards Battleship Rock (easy to moderate scrambling, scrubby). Suitable for people who want an easy pack walk as well as those wanting more “adventure” on the side trips. Map: Endrick 1:25,000 or CMW Budawangs. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h). Transport: ~270 km return ~$100 per car, ~$25–$40 per passenger. Limit: 12.

Saturday 17 April: Moonlight Hollow – M/E We will follow Moonlight Hollow Rd through open forest from Bulls Head to Bendora Arboretum (lunch) and return via a disused vehicular track along the ridge which forms the ACT–NSW border and which has some good views. About 5¼ hrs walking. Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25,000 Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Stan.Marks@infrastructure.gov Transport: $40 per car, ~$15 per person.

Sunday 18 April: Advanced Navigation Skills (Orroral Ridge Area) – M/M–RDropped your GPS in the creek? Flat battery? For those who already understand contours, here is an opportunity to practise your navigation using map and compass to take a bearing to walk in a precise direction, and to ascertain your location if you’re not sure. We will walk off track

Activity programArrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with

Jeff Bennetts (Walks Secretary)Ph: 6231 5899 (h), Email: walksec@canberrabushwalkingclub.org, Post: 6 Toohey Pl Wanniassa ACT 2903

Distance and diffi cultyDistance: (S) Short - under 12km/day(M) Medium - 12-20km/day(L) Long - over 20km/dayNote: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres climbed.

Terrain:(E) Easy - fi retrail, tracks, beaches etc(M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub(R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles(W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings(X) Exploratory

BookingContact the leader early rather than late. Book by Thursday 2.00 pm for the following weekend (both one-day and multi-day walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport.Check with the leader about:

X the need to carry water, tents/fl y, maps, etc X appropriate clothing, footwear X any precautions you might need to take for severe weather changes.

Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to our Club.

TransportCosts are 37¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on the condition of the roads and other factors. The fi gures given for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately.

Duty of careEvery person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or damage to property. Each person is required to sign the club’s ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to join trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the club after a maximum of three trips.

For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org

Check-in after walksBefore a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names of their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their safe return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Offi cer, Rob Horsfi eld (awalksec@canberrabushwalkingclub.org, 6231 4535 leave message if no answer). The Check-in Offi cer or the Walks Secretary (6231 5899), not the Police or other bodies, should be the fi rst point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning.

Information for participants

Equipment hireTake advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equip-ment. The Equipment Offi cer is Rob Horsfi eld, who can be contacted on 6231 4535 (h).The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are set out below. Hirers are responsible for col-lecting and returning the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for members who are ‘fi rst time’ weekend walkers.A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, depending on the condition of the items upon return (e.g. damaged or dirty) and whether they are returned late.

Item w.e./weekOlympus two person tent $15 / $40Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $403 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25Assorted packs $5 / $15Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions)GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use)

Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting and returning gear.

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Activity programSunday 25 April: Camels Hump – M/E–M

A combined CBC and Parkway church ramble. Camels Hump is the regular-shaped pyramid seen from many parts of Canberra on the Tidbinbilla Range. A fi re trail leads from the back of the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to its base. A further short climb provides spectacular views over the west side of the Range into the wild Cotter River valley. Bring arvo tea to share. Around 13.5 km and 650m climb. Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25,000. Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), jevans@pcug.org.au Please book with me, but make your own way to the meeting point. Transport: Meet at Parkway church, cnr Sulwood Dr and Tuggeranong Parkway, at 1.00 pm and we’ll car pool from there ~$5 per person. An entry fee of $10 per car (or $20 annual pass) applies at TNR. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au

Tuesday 27 April: Paddys Castle from Bungonia Creek – M–L/R/pt XBungonia – Red Track – Bungonia Crk – Slot Canyon – upstream to base of fi rst waterfall – Paddys Castle – Jerrara Crk – Yellow Track – Bungonia. Great views, steep descent/ascent, scrambling, rock hopping. Maps: Bungonia, Caoura 1:25,000. Leader: Brian Surin (02) 4358 0209, brianscbr@yahoo.com.au Transport: ~$100 per car, $25–$33 per person + park entry fee.

COMMITTEE MEETINGWednesday 28 April 2010, 8 pmat the home of Brigitte Tabuteau

2 Goldsworthy Place, Bruce

1–2 May: Henry Moore, Primordial “Mother and Child” and Sams Creek – S/M–RThis rocky feature is on the western slopes of Sams Creek. Perhaps it was an inspiration for the great man? Is it still there post 2003 fi re? The weekend involves a half day pack-walk each way, camp amongst the Black Sallees and a small-scale grid search for nature’s “sculpture”. Map: Yaouk 1:25,000 Leader: Rob Horsfi eld 62314535(h) Transport: $48 per car.

Saturday 1 May: Harrison’s Peak – M/EA walk through open forest near Captain’s Flat, initially on a fi re trail to Harrison’s Peak which has views from Mt Coree to the Tinderries. We then walk off track along a lovely open ridge, looping round to another ridge with spectacular views and then back to the cars. About 5¼ hrs actual walking. Home via the purple eatery. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Stan.Marks@infrastructure.gov Transport: ~$15

Sunday 2 May: Pardon Point – S/RA long drive via Nerriga. Pardon Point has excellent views over Ettrema Gorge. It is a bit of a scrub bash to get to but we will cross bare rock slabs where we can. Optional descent below the cliffs onto the top of Transportation Spur. Map: Touga 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h). Transport: ~350 km return. ~$130 per car, ~$32–$40 per person. Limit: 12.

Sunday 2 May: Show Us Your Limits - Talk and Walk – S/EThis ‘Talk and Walk’ is part of the ACT Centenary of Canberra events. Drive to Mt Franklin car park for a

from Honeysuckle Creek car park, up a spur to Orroral Ridge and along the ridge to Emu Flat, returning via a different route. Meet at Kambah Village car park. Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902 or frankmckone@optusnet.com.au Transport: ~$37 per car. Limit: 8.

Wednesday 21 April 2010, 8pmMONTHLY MEETING

Walking in ItalyPresenter: Mike BanyardHughes Baptist Church Hall32–34 Groom Street, Hughes

(23)24–27 April: Hume & Hovell Track, Wee Jasper to Tumut – L/MA 4-day walk from James Fitzpatrick Trackhead (near Wee Jasper) to the Snowy Mtns Hwy (near Tumut). Day 1 includes a 700 m climb, days 2–4 range between 20–25 km per day. Car shuffl e required. Maps: Hume & Hovell Walking Track Maps and The Hume & Hovell Guidebook. Leaders: Mike Bremers and Kerrie Tomkins, bookings to Kerrie by the previous Wednesday. Kerrie.Tomkins@csiro.au, 0439700474. Transport: ~$60–$100 per person. Limit: 8.

24–26 April: Bundanoon bushwalking bonanza – Sat: S/E, Sun: M/M/part X, Mon: S/MDrive to Bundanoon YHA on Saturday morning or early afternoon, our base for the weekend. On Saturday afternoon, we will do the Amphitheatre walk at Bundanoon, which features cliffs in Sydney sandstone, with a side trip to Bundanoon Creek, total about 3 hrs. On Sunday, we will walk from Mt Waratah to Alexandra Park, Mittagong. We will start from the car park I use for the Hidden Creek walk, follow the Mt Waratah ridge and then descend to Hidden Ck and the Nattai River. We follow this river to Boxvale Creek (the lunch spot of the Boxvale walk) and then on to Gibbergunyah Creek and the Park. The walk is all on track and I have done all but about 5 km of it (I am told this bit is a bit rough in places). On Monday (the Anzac Day holiday), we will do a walk from Meryla Pass along the cliff line to a lookout near Yarrunga Creek with spectacular views of the gorges and ranges in the area. The YHA is an early 20th century home of delightful ambience. Shared meal on Saturday evening. Saturday and Sunday about 5 hrs walking. Maps: Picton, Bundanoon 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Stan.Marks@infrastructure.gov Transport: ~$150 per car, ~$40–50 per person Accommodation: ~ $50–$60.

Sun–Wed 25–28 April: Northern Budawangs: Sluice Box Falls, Styles Creek & Hidden Valley – M/RDay 1 from Sassafras to camp at Folly Point on track. Day 2 Sluice Box Falls, Mt Elliott Pass to camp at Styles Creek. Off track, thick scrub in places, approx. 300 m descent and climb. Day 3 Explore from camp Hidden Valley, Sturgiss Mountain and Dark Brothers Cave, as time and energy permit. Day 4 return on track to cars via Vines and Newhaven Gap. Map: Endrick 1:25,000. Leader: Mike Banyard, mbanyard@netspeed.com.au 0414 959 967 Transport: ~$35 per person. Limit: 6.

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Activity program2.00–2.30 talk by several speakers, followed by afternoon tea. From 3.00 pm CBC members will lead a number of mini-walks (minimum 400 m back to car, maximum 2.7km) to view border markers. See http://jevans.pcug.org.au/Pages/Walk%20Descriptions/2010_05_02.html for details of the walks. Maps: Tidbinbilla, Corin Dam and Cotter Dam 1:25000 Contact: John Evans 6288 7235(h), jevans@pcug.org.au Transport: drive yourself.

Tuesday 4 May: Orroral Ridge – S/MAn amble of approximately 10 km along a ridge investigating such interesting rocky outcrops as the Cloisters, the Belfry and Legoland (all rock climbing sites). Aside from a short section, this ridge walk will be mostly off-track. Great views over the Orroral River valley. Lunch in an overhang. Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000 Leaders: Monika Binder and Jeff Bennetts. Bookings to Monika 6139 1887, greenhouse@virginbroadband.com.au Transport: ~90 km return, ~$33 per car, ~$8–$11 per person. Limit: 12

(7)8–9 May: Cloudmaker and 100 Man Cave – L/M–RKanangra Walls to Mt Cloudmaker and the aptly-named 100 Man Cave and return. Leave Friday evening to camp near the Walls for an early start on Saturday. Mostly on track, but it’s broken quartzite underfoot at times with some scrub near the cave, and a scramble to get off the end of the Walls. Superb southern Blue Mountains views. Map: Kanangra 1:25,000. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902(h), frankmckone@optusnet.com.au Transport: ~500 km return, $185 per car, $46+ per person. Possibly a NP entry fee of $7 per car per day. Limit: 8

Saturday 8 May: Pig Hill – M/MThis romantically named walk is in/on the eastern side of the Brindabella National Park. The hill itself provides spectacular 360 degree views. From the locked gate on Doctor’s Flat Road above Dingo Dell, walk north on an old vehicular track through forest until morning tea when we will diverge east, off track to an open knoll for lunch. Thence join up the track to Pig Hill and back to the road. Short car shuffl e. 4½ hrs actual walking. Map: Umburra 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Stan.Marks@infrastructure.gov Transport: ~$10

Saturday 8 May: Mt Gudgenby – M/RA club classic. Great walk, great views from the top. Co-led by Jenny Horsfi eld and Quentin Moran. Bookings to Quentin. Map: Yaouk 1:25 000, Leader: Quentin Moran, 6288 9840(h), 6243 6601(w). Transport: $48 per car.

Sunday 9 May: Orroral – M/R Note change of date from 25 April. A circuit walk in the area south west of the Orroral Picnic Area. 400 metres climb. Hopefully lots of rocks to explore, but may also encounter thick scrub. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000. Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 7863(h) 6208 5444(w) r.edwards@nma.gov.au Transport: ~$40 per car.

Tuesday 11 May: Border Markers south of Mt Gingera – L/M–R,ptX Go fl at out like a lizard drinking up Stockyard Spur and along the Mt Franklin fi re trail to south of Mt Gingera. Follow the border through Blackfellows Gap and ‘Ginger Ale’ maybe as far as Rolling Ground Gap. Return along the

road and down before sunset. Around 28 km and 1500m climb. Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000. Leader: John Evans 6288 7235(h), jevans@pcug.org.au Transport: ~$10 per person. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au

15–16 May: Mt Tennent Pack walk – S/MStarting Saturday early-afternoon we do the short, steep (800m) walk up the Alpine Walking Track from Namadgi Visitor Centre, set up camp at the saddle about 1 km NW of the summit, view the sunset and Canberra lights and the sunrise the next morning from a rocky outcrop near the campsite. Return home by midday Sunday. Tank water is available at the summit. The walk will only proceed if the weather is reasonable. Map: Williamsdale 1:25,000 Leader: Contact after 1 May, Mike Bremers 6292 3408(h) or mcbremers@optusnet.com.au Transport: ~$25 per car, ~$6 – $10 per person. Limit:8.

Saturday 15 May: Black Range – M/E–MPark the cars at the South Black Range car park. Walk on track to South Black Range trig point with its enormous rock for morning tea, then off track along an open ridge to rejoin the track. Swing east off track to lunch through attractive eucalyptus forest and return to the cars. A pleasant and relatively easy walk, about 4½ hrs walking. Map: Bombay 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Stan.Marks@infrastructure.gov Transport: $40 per car, estimate per person~$15

Sunday 16 May: South-side ridge parallel to Apollo Road – M/R(X)This feature climbs steeply from the lower part of Apollo Road and we would come off it to Honeysuckle Creek campground. A car shuttle is needed. Maps: Corin Dam, Williamsdale 1:25,000. Leader: Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h). Transport: $36 per car.

Wednesday 19 May 2010, 8pmMONTHLY MEETING

Macdonnell RangesPresenter: Meg McKone

Hughes Baptist Church Hall32–34 Groom Street, Hughes

(21)22–23 May: Durras weekend – Sat M/E, Sun S/MLeave Canberra Friday night, stay in comfortable cabins at Depot Beach Caravan Park. Saturday will be the spectacular Little Forest Plateau with views to the Budawangs, Pigeon House and beyond. Lunch at Ngaityung Falls. On Sunday, Ross will lead a walk along the coast south of Murramarang, from Wasp Head to Richmond Beach headland, thence the Olympic Pool, through the Garden of Unearthly Gums, via Oaky Beach and up to North Head and the cars. Each person is responsible for his/her own meals. About 5½ hrs walking on both Saturday and Sunday. Maps: Durras/Tianjara/Milton 1:25,000. Leaders: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Stan.Marks@infrastructure.gov and Ross Andrews 0405 103 424(m), ross.andrews@health.gov.au Bookings to Stan please. Transport: ~$160 per car, ~$50 per person. Accommodation: ~$50–$60

Saturday 22 May: Split Rock – L/E, RFrom the Orroral Valley we walk along Cotter Hut Rd and AAWT to Cotter Gap. We then climb through thick

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Activity programregrowth to amazing Split Rock (in Cotter Rocks). About 20 km mostly on tracks with a 650m climb. Maps: Corin Dam, Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 Leader: Contact after 1 May, Mike Bremers 6292 3408(h) or mcbremers@optusnet.com.au Transport: $40 per car, $10 to $13.50 per person. Limit:8

Sunday 23 May: Gorilla Rock and surrounds – Navigation Exercise – S–M/M–RA training exercise in map and compass near Honeysuckle Creek, for prospective leaders and regular walkers who wish to learn how to navigate. Participants must bring their own map and compass. They must also purchase and read Finding Your Way In The Bush, obtainable from the club (see website), before the activity. Please don’t come if you won’t meet these conditions. This exercise will be repeated if demand warrants, so don’t be put off by the party limit, but book early if you want 23 May. Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h). Transport: ~90 km return, ~$33 per car, ~$8 per person. Limit: 3 plus leader.

Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 May: Budawangs – M/MFour days full pack hiking in the Budawangs taking in Tinderry Rocks, Corang Plateau, Corang Peak and Arch, Burrumbeet Brook, Yurnga Lookout and Monolith Valley. Returning by the same route or possibly taking in Corang Cascades. A walk hopefully in conjunction with the Shoalhaven Bushwalkers. Leader: Paul Ellis 0432 557 613 Map: Corang 1:25,000 Transport: ~280 km return, ~$104 per car, $26–35 per passenger. Limit; 10

COMMITTEE MEETINGWednesday 26 May 2010

Saturday 29 May: Horseshoe Hill – M/EDrive to the locked gate at the end of Woolcara Lane and walk, mainly on track, to this grassy peak for lunch and spectacular views. About 5 ½ hrs actual walking. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$15

Saturday 5 June: Wild Cattle Flat – S/E–MClimb via fi re trail east of Captains Flat to the trig station atop the Bollard Ridge from which views to the west. Then follow the ridge as it descends through open forest until you cross Ballinafad Creek. Lunch on a hill above the creek, then continue along the ridge to the cars through open forest. Short car shuffl e. All on trail or easy off track. About 4 hrs actual walking. Return via the purple eatery. Map: Tinderry 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Stan.Marks@infrastructure.gov Transport: ~$20

12–14 June: Jervis Bay gourmet weekend – M/ELeave Canberra mid Saturday morning, visit the Illawarra Fly, a brilliant treetop walk ($22) and a 1½ hr walk at Minnamurra Rainforest en route to our accommodation at Gerringong youth hostel. On Sunday, walk for 4½ hrs to Steamer’s Beach, St George’s Head and Summerland Bay through coastal forest and heath with many sea views, and morning tea and lunch on beaches. On Monday morning, a 2hr walk south along the coastline with spectacular views of cliffs and the sea then lunch on the beach before returning home. Shared ‘everyone bring something’ meals both

evenings. Map: Sussex Inlet 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), Stan.Marks@infrastructure.gov Transport: $60, Accommodation: ~$60

Navigation Refresher Course 2010 Members are invited to some or all of these activities, Tues 8 Jun #1 An evening with mapsTues 15 Jun #2 Dead Reckoning with CompassSat 19 Jun #3 A day, route and position-fi nding with map and compass26–27 Jun #4 A weekend off-track in Namadgi with map and compassTues 20 Jul #5 An evening with the basics of GPSTues 27 Jul #6 An evening doing event #2 with way-points on GPSTBA #7 An evening looking at PC software and GPSExpressions of interest are requested by the end of May. Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h).

Bulletin BoardTNotices for the Bulletin board should be emailed to the Walks Secretary: walksec@canberra-bushwalkingclub.org

Jatbula Trail NT – June 2010Are you interested in walking in national parks near Darwin in June 2010? I have booked the Jatbula Trail in Nitmiluk National Park that links Katherine Falls with Leliyn (Edith Falls) commencing 20 June 2010 (there are pictures and information about it on the web). This will take 6 days – the details of other walks (eg in Kakadu) will be decided depending on the interests of participants. Please contact me if you are interested. Lorraine Tomlins – phone 6248 0458 or lorraine.tom-lins@gmail.com

BackpacksBackpacks – Macpac (Cascade harness), Kathmandu, Wilderness Equipment, Black Wolf – several new and some used (excellent condition) –most under half cost price – Ideal multi days trips – details phone Louise Thake 0428247570

Walking in England ? Or roots in England?You may be interested in “Awakening Albion” a new book about a seven-week walk from Cornwall to Nor-folk following the Michael and Mary Leyline. The book contains poetry and journaling by me and others, and is richly illustrated. I have some copies at the whole-sale price of $20. Gerry Jacobson – phone 6281 3850

House Sitting for BushwalkersWant to go away walking and not worry about the gar-den? Call Cate on 0407266942 and I will gladly look after your place, experienced reliable and mature.

‘Gear for sale’ tableIn place of our one-night auction, as in previous years, we shall put out a table at General Meetings, for a while. Hope-fully it will be of benefi t to those wanting to get rid of equip-ment and those wishing to buy some. Please label gear for sale with adequate personal details and asking price.

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AUSTRALIA

If undeliverable return toGPO Box 160,

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE*

Position Name Home Work E-mailPRESIDENT Peter Jones 0410 564 002 – president@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgTREASURER George Carter 6251 2130 – treasurer@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgGENERAL SECRETARY Linda Stone 0403 321 129 – gensec@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgWALKS SECRETARY Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899 – walksec@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgEDITOR Alison Milton 6254 0578 6289 2717 editor@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgMEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Gary Trevean 6285 1135 – membsec@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgTRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Terence Uren 6282 2403 – training@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgCONSERVATION OFFICER Quentin Moran 6288 9840 6243 6601 conservation@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgPUBLISHER Tom George 6257 0613 – publisher@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgASSISTANT WALKS SEC Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535 – awalksec@canberrabushwalkingclub.orgSOCIAL SECRETARY Brigitte Tabuteau 0448 261 170 – socsec@canberrabushwalkingclub.org

*All members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to committee@canberrabushwalkingclub.org

MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Gary TREVEAN, membsec@canberrabushwalkingclub.org 6285 1135 (h)

CHECK IN: Ring Rob Horsfi eld on 6231 4535 WEBSITE: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org

Have your contact details changed recently?Have you notifi ed the Membership Secretary

Email: membsec@canberrabushwalkingclub.org