200505 Newsletter

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QUEENSLAND

BUSHWALKERS

CLUB Inc.

74 Kallista Rd. Rochedale South

QLD 4123 Email [email protected] Phone No (07) 3341 7509

www.geocities.com/qldbwc

Newsletter May 2005

Booloumba Creek

Club News Walker and Leader Responsibilities Recently a group of QBW walkers were forced to spend a night out in the bush. In the morning when they walked out safe and sound but a bit tired, they found a full scale SES Search and Rescue had been activated.

One of the problems uncovered was that no one was sure how many were in the group. Following this incident, the QBW management committee on 12/4/2005 passed the following resolutions:

1) Walker’s Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the walker to let someo ne responsible know that they have gone on a walk with QBW and to leave details such as contact phone numbers with that person .

This can be easily done by leaving a copy of the Club Calendar with the person and tell them which walk they are going on. The Calendar has the name and phone number of the leader of the walk plus the names and phone numbers of the management committee on the reverse side.

This person can be anyone such as spouse, parent or friend. Usually the person should not ring a committee member or leader before 9.00pm that night. Fortunately delayed outings have been rare with no injuries so far in our Club.

2) Leader’s Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the leader to leave a l ist of names and phone numbers of the people attending the walk with a responsible person and to give that person an ETA. Also that responsible person is to have a list of names and p hone numbers of the QBW committee . This again can be easily achieved by the leader leaving a copy of the Calendar plus a copy of the Nomination Form with spouse, parent or friend. If the leader has not returned home or contacted the person by the ETA then that person should contact a member of the management committee and discuss what further is to be done.

A copy of the Nomination Form can be downloaded from the Club’s website. Also extra Nomination Forms will be available at Club meetings. Even if there is no Nomination Form available to the leader, the leader just needs to leave a list of names and phone numbers of the people on the walk with the person.

As there may be teething problems with this added responsibility to the leader there will be a discussion at the May Club meeting where any problems can be resolved.

We thank the many leaders who give up their time for the Club and hope they understand the need for this extra duty.

QBW Management Committee

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General Information Meeting Place Club Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the East Brisbane State School, corner of Stanley Street and Wellington Road, starting at 7:30pm.

There is parking within the school grounds off Wellington Road. Consult a street directory, as there are a number of one-way streets in the area. There is also parking in Wellington Road.

Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated Membership Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must be a Member (Probationary or Ordinary) or be a member of an affiliated club.

Membership of QBW is only $20 and lasts till the end of the Club’s financial year which is on the 30th of June each year.

Probationary Membership A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no prescribed fee for a Probationary Member.

However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her 2nd walk by filling out a membership form and paying the prescribed fee.

Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out a membership form and handing the form to a committee member or walk leader and paying $20.00.

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 affiliated with the Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State Federation are covered by the same Insurance. Thus they do not need to become a member of our Club for insurance purposes.

Equipment for Hire The Club has a backpack (suitable for use as a day or through pack) for hire at $5.00 per week.

QBW is also looking at purchasing further equipment in the near future. Any suggestions for equipment to buy would be appreciated.

Also any person who has surplus equipment and would like to donate or sell to the Club, please contact one of the Committee members or Steve Moyle on 3800 3963.

Bivy Bag/Pack Liners for Sale The Club has purchased a quantity of pack liners from VicWalk suitable for through packs. They are 2 metres by 0.9 metres in a bright orange colour. The packliners can double as an emergency bivvy bag and have helpful information printed on them.

They are available from the Club for $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Club Shirts The club still has a number of Club polo shirts for sale. They are available in XL, L, M and S size. $20.00 each

EPIRB Available for Members The Club has purchased an EPIRB. It will be available to any member of the Club at no charge for use on weekend or weekday walks.

If you would like to take the EPIRB on a walk, ring 3341 7509 on where to pick up and return the EPIRB.

Emergency Space Blankets The Club has a supply of these for sale at $2.50 each.

The Management Committee On 12/4/2005 the management committee passed the following resolution:

That the number of positions on the Management Comm ittee be increased to nine. The extra positions are Socia l Secretary and Training Officer.

Congratulations to Evelyn Campbell and Frank Garland as full voting members on the Management Committee.

President Trevor Cox 3273 3484 (H)

Vice President Trevor Davern 0411 512 202

Secretary Bob Gur 3345 3971 (H)

Treasurer Gary Woodward 3245 2695 (H)

Outings Secretary David Kenrick 3349 8238 (H)

Membership Officer Ken Walters 3344 1927 (H)

Editor Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Social Secretary Evelyn Campbell 3809 2354 (H)

Training Officer Frank Garland 3341 5207 (H)

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer Steve Moyle 3800 3963 (H)

Supper Convenor Danuta Gur 3345 3971 (H)

Federation Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Federation Rep Trevor Cox 3273 3484 (H)

FMR Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

FMR Rep Frank Garland 3341 5207 (H)

Campsite Monitors

Ratatat Hut Barbara Makepeace

Running Creek Falls Richard Kolarski Gary Woodward

Throakban Kerry de Clauzel Trevor Smith

Mt Superbus Christine & Cliff Harrison Spicers Peak Ann Kemp Mt May John Brunott

Bridal Waltz

Gary and Emily on Running Creek

Congratulations and best wishes to Gary and Emily on their recent marriage. The Club wishes them a long and happy life together.

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Special Coming Events Pilgrimage 2005 19-21 August 2005 Every year Queensland bushwalkers make the Pilgrimage to a favourite meeting place to camp, walk, socialise, catch-up, and have FUN!

Redland Bushwalking Club, the organisers for the 2005 Pilgrimage, wants to make this the biggest and best Pilgrimage ever!

When August, Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21

Where: Bigriggen camping grounds

Cost Only $30 per person.

Cost includes supper Friday night

supper Saturday night

light breakfast Sunday morning

camping fees for two nights

opportunity to go on some of the best walks in Queensland

Fun activities are planned throughout the weekend.

Hinchinbrook Island 5-9 September 2005

Thorsborne Trail

I have booked the Thorsborne Trail for six people, the maximum party size permitted for this walk. Spread over five days this will be a fairly easy throughwalk. Five days’ food as well as camping gear needs to be carried but water will be available each day.

Also, because of the long lead-up time, I will have a waiting list just in case someone has to pull out. If interested please phone me on 3341 7509. Patricia Kolarski

Hinchinbrook Island 5-9 September 2005

Mt Diamantina

At the same time there will be a separate trip with 5 people booked to climb Mt Diamantina on Hinchinbrook. Contact Richard on 3341 7509 for more information.

Namadgi National Park 7-22 January 2006

Namadgi National Park in the ACT and is the most northern of the Australian Alps national parks.

There are a number of bushwalks available and this trip will mainly offer day walks and assistance for any through walkers.

It will be summer with the wildflowers in bloom. I will need to know numbers by the end of November so that bookings in campgrounds can be made.

Contact Richard on 3341 7509 for more information.

New Members Elizabeth Clarkson Hollie Hollie Ivana Jovanovic Imelda Keen Veronica McBey Pam McBurnie Ewan Morrish Margaret Rae Maggie Samootin Christine Watts Raymond Watts Geoff Wright Wendy Zande

No of financial Ordinary Members 124

This is the number of renewals and new members since 1/2/2004

Comings and Goings Peter, Linda, Jenny and Gary have returned from a recent mountain climbing trip in New Zealand. Though they were unsuccessful in reaching the summit of Mt Aspiring they all had an exhilarating time.

Fran M has recently returned from her trekking in New Zealand and traipsing in Europe.

Past Walks Diana’s Bath 30 January 2005

After meeting up at Somerset Park, eight of us headed along Mt Byron Road to the cow paddock that leads to the Diana’s Bath parking area. The track beyond the closed gate showed little use and at one stage John and Neville had to attack a tree blocking our path with little saws on their penknives.

A little further on the track became too rough for conventional vehicles so we parked and walked the extra couple of hundred metres to the ford below the locked gate.

Since we have had a little rain lately the creeks were up and we ended up with wet feet but the hot slog uphill soon took our minds off such a little discomfort. It was so hot (34 degrees) and humid that we trudged up only until we had a view down to the swimming hole.

Morning tea was spent among the prickly weeds in what little shade we could find. Then we returned to the creek and followed it downstream to Diana’s Bath.

Babes in the Water but not out of the Woods

A refreshing swim followed by a rest and lunch and we were ready to head off up along the Northbrook Parkway to coffee at Mt Glorious.

Thanks to drivers Richard, Neville and John and to the Bathing Belles June, Margaret, Lyn and Noelene. Patricia

Thylogale Track, Brisbane Forest Park 5 February 2005

We met up early at Jolly’s Lookout– good work Wayne and Bob with the BBQ. Monitor lizard anyone?

After a hearty breakfast our small group wandered down the road and turned into the Thylogale Track which leads to Boombana picnic area.

The track is through open forest and rainforest. Winding our way through we were pleasantly surprised by the peace and quiet of the forest.

Brisbane Forest Park

It was obvious that there had been little rain as creeks were quite dry. At Boombana picnic area we stopped and had morning tea.

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The Pitta Circuit at Boombana is an interesting diversion. On the first part of this walk there is a boardwalk built around a huge strangling fig – incredible. A side track off the boardwalk looked interesting so away we went. Much to our surprise the narrow hardened track lead to Boombana Café – a 10-15 minute walk.

Time for another rest and photo shoot. I think Jaz was happy to get out of her backpack and investigate the Café.

Soon after we retraced our steps and made our way back to Pitta circuit. The second part of this track is through open forest with a number of interpretative signs identifying rainforest wildlife.

Back to Jolly’s and over a cuppa we recapped the day.

The huge monitor lizard – the older brother from the morning session - captured Jaz’s attention.

An enjoyable stroll. Thanks folks. Danuta Note: Jolly’s Lookout was the first of the D’Aguilar National Parks, being proclaimed in 1938 and named after William Jolly, Brisbane’s first Lord Mayor. Boombana is an aboriginal word meaning ‘place of flowering trees’. (extract “Take a Walk…..”)

Kenilworth (Charlie Moreland) B/C 12-13 February 2005

The Kenilworth state forest flanking Conondale National Park is a wonderful area for exploration with its lush rainforest and many creeks and waterfalls and Charlie Moreland Park is one of Queensland’s finest parks with its green surrounds and many facilities.

Saturday saw nine walkers including two ring-ins from the Maryborough bushwalkers walk up Booloumba Creek from campsite no.3 to the Breadknife (rock formation - not kitchen utensil).

The usual rock hopping was made a little more difficult as the creek held more water than usual with moi being the only one to keep my feet dry. Years of classical ballet training finally paying off - not really.

Lunch was a lazy affair sunning ourselves on the rocks below the spectacular Frog Falls (spectacularly deep and cccold).

The end of our journey included a steep climb out of the gorge (in our swimmies) with Marnie commenting that she now feels a lot closer to Maria and Evelyn. Must be the assist from the rear each needed to climb out of the cold water on near vertical slippery rock to reach the first good hand hold.

Sat night was spent by the fire lovingly built by Jasmine (now a big girl of two) enjoying Evelyn's birthday cake lovingly cooked by Wayne. Happy Birthday Ev.

On Sunday we lost some and gained some and six of us drove along Sunday Creek Rd till we located the tree marking our pathway to the creek.

Summer Creek Summit

Open hilly woodland gave way to a wonderful view of the falls and our steep descent to one of the lower big pools. A little exploration then a messy ascent up the side of the falls to the top and morning tea.

Uncle Pete decided to see if he could down climb the falls with me and he succeeded but no one was there to cheer him on as Richard and the rest were off to check out a remote campsite close by and found a track leading up to the top of the ridge.

After regrouping we followed Richard's track which lead us in a very direct and easy way back to our track at the top avoiding covering all the previous ground. A little diddly bop back to the cars and home to pack up our camp, swim and head off to Kenilworth for chippies and coffee and a visit to the cheese factory for ice cream.

Thanks to all for you wonderful company. Linda

Coomera Circuit 13 February 2005

What a great walk, 18 walkers left Binna Burra on an almost perfect day. Down to the Coomera lookout for morning tea, the view of the falls falling 64metres into the gorge was some thing to see. A lot more water than we expected.

Coomera Creek (falls)

Then on to the 12 creek crossings which were in full flow as were some of the smaller falls. We had a visitor from Germany with us who had never walked in a rain forest. He could not believe the size of the trees, the creeks, waterfalls and views, which help make us think how lucky we are.

On to the last creek crossing for lunch, then a 7km walk to relax over a cup of coffee. Thanks to everyone for coming & thanks to Ken for his help with a fairly large group. John.

Mid and North Kobble 26 February 2005

Eight of us arrived at Maiala and then moved on to Tennison Woods Mountain to begin our walk. Initially we had decided to do a more sheltered walk but with a cool morning we set off along the Lepidozamia track hoping for a cooler day.

As we turned off along the fire trail towards Mid Kobble a brief morning shower provided a false promise of an overcast day. Where the fire trail encountered Mid Kobble Ck, we rock hopped down the creek bypassing the track to a lovely nearby campsite. Fantastic views down the Mid Kobble Valley awaited us at the top of the 80m waterfall where we had our first morning tea.

Slowly we made our way down the falls which are quite negotiable when dry. Unfortunately the lack of rain in recent months (thanks most probably to climate change) meant the falls at best were a little trickle into still water holes below.

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The scramble was interesting with Michael saving himself from injury in the nick of time again. (His guardian angel has his work cut out for him!) Within a short while a second big drop is reached with another interesting down scramble.

Mid Kobble from this point gets very interesting as it is the only gorge with an open forest canopy making it a unique creek walk for the South East. Many grippy slabs down chutes and through clefts with overhanging rock cliffs marked the way. Of interest at our second morning tea stop where another major tributary is met is a strange rock in the creek that resembles a tree stump. After another great joke by Frank about a plane (they are one of a kind) we knew it was time to move on. Where the ridge between Mid and North Kobble is low we crossed it into North and followed an old unused logging road upstream.

After a half hour of walking along this road amongst several young red cedars, we reached a tributary heading North which promised some more lovely rock hopping and scrambling. At a lunch spot in the shade we found a nice rocky waterhole to have a dip in for those that wanted to cool off. And then we scrambled upstream up a different tributary to what we thought we were following and therefore had an extra 20 minutes of walking over the top of a ridge to get to where we should have exited the creek system.

The last 5 km seemed to go on forever. The track along the crest of the ridge led to some lovely views of the north part of Brisbane State Forest. The fire trail was met before several long and steep ascents which tested our mettle and we reached the cars at about 4:30pm. Thankfully we experienced a number of breezes over the day. In hindsight this is really not suitable for summer but in other months we seem to prefer the Border Ranges. Thank you for the company during this fine walk to my fellow walkers. David

Walking in China Lynne Cavanagh and John Morris went last year to China and did some walking along the Great Wall of China. Lynne sent this report by email at the end of her trip.

Well, have completed the tour and am now in Shanghai for a few days. The trekking was very good along and around the Great Wall.

The first section of the trek over 3 days was on the part of the wall that is still intact and in a few parts has been restored at Simatai. Fantastic views can be had from being up so high.

View of Great Wall from "The Pinnacle"

On the second day we left our campsite and went up through farmland and up the side of the ridge through a small forest where it was quite steep to get to the top tower they call the pinnacle. It is the highest point of the wall in this particular section.

Here the wall was not intact but was a great viewing and lunch spot. Perched up on top it was quite windy and cool there. To get back to the campsite we had to traverse down the other side of

the ridge through open country and then we were able to regain the wall further down where it was intact.

On the third day we spent almost all our time walking on the wall to reach our destination of Jinshanling. Here the wall was in various states, some quite good, some quite poor. It was not the easiest of walking with constant steps/stairs of all shapes and sizes, upwards and downwards and very few level areas. Fine for long legs but not so good for short ones! It was probably one of the clearest days and quite hot with a beautiful blue sky.

The rest of our trekking was in the Inner Mongolia and Shanxi Province district. Here the walking was through villages and on the wall which is mostly just rammed earth with barely any stone or bricks to be seen.

Most of the walking in these areas I would rate as a 4/4 walk as we would either go up or down a valley to a ridge then down a ravine into the river bed then up and out again where you would see remains of the wall stretching away into the distance. The watch towers were just huge earth mounds now with an occasional brick one still partly okay which local farmers used as a storage area for their harvests of grains, corn, potatoes, etc.

Great Wall, Simatai to Jinshandling Section

Our last 2 days of trekking were cancelled due to a storm. As the condition of the roads was very bad and made transporting our gear impossible, we stayed camped where we were that day. It was still lightly raining in the morning and it was very cold. For those who wanted a walk, we just walked into the small village and back again to fill in a couple of hours in the afternoon.

As we had to get to the Yellow River for our last night, the Leader managed to round up a bus and driver to take us. The distance to walk there was anywhere from 25 to 35 kilometres and some of the members would not have been able to manage.

We had a very hairy bus ride on a very narrow road with huge ruts caused by the rain and at times we often thought it would be safer to walk. However the young driver did a splendid job of getting us safely to our destination where we had a great campsite overlooking the Yellow River.

We were rather pleased that we had the bus, as although it was a bright sunny day, it was very windy and cold. Fortunately the wind lessened later in the day and it was a good opportunity for us to explore the small village near our camp site.

The rest of the trip consisted of touring and visiting various historical sites which whilst they have an interesting history they have not been maintained and are in quite poor condition which was disappointing to see.

Our group of 14 was varied in age groups with the top age being a couple from the US who were 82, and did all the walking that everybody did, plus a retired nurse from Hobart who was 78. All 3 of them put some of the younger people to shame with their stamina for walking as some of the terrain we covered was not easy walking but loose gravel, steep ascents/descents, etc. The rest of the ages ranged from early 30's into the 60's.

It has been a good trip which I enjoyed and I have some great memories and hopefully, some great photos to look at when I download them. Regards, Lynne

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Walker and Leader Guidelines The NSW Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs has issued guidelines for Walkers and Leaders. QBW is looking at these at the moment through the Risk Management Subcommittee.

Here is what the NSW Federation expects from walkers and leaders on a walk.

Walker Guidelines Prior To Walk

1. Ensure that you are fit enough for the degree of difficulty of the walk. If in doubt, discuss with the leader well prior to the walk.

2. Arrive at starting point on time.

3. Carry sufficient water for conditions of walk, generally a minimum of one litre, or two litres or more in hotter conditions.

4. Ensure you are suitably equipped including first aid kit, sunscreen, hat, food, rain gear, whistle, torch and appropriate clothing and footwear. A map and compass may also enhance your enjoyment of the walk.

5. Ensure you complete the sign on sheet after reading the Risk Waiver and noting any risk warnings.

6. Remember to bring a sense of humour and adventure. Our leaders are all volunteers so please remember to be patient and kind.

During The Walk 1. Follow the leader's instructions. Remember your leader

has your welfare at heart. Be courteous, co-operative and helpful to other walkers in the group. Follow Confederation's Bushwalkers' Code.

2. Generally you should not leave the walk early unless pre-arranged, but if it is necessary you must advise the leader and if requested, sign off on the activity sign on sheet. You must accept a leader's decision to send someone with you to accompany you out.

3. Do not allow yourself to become separated from the group. If experiencing any difficulty such as pace, blisters, shortage of water, advise the leader immediately. Participants should maintain a line of sight with people in front and behind them.

4. Car pooling is recommended. Contribute to car costs if you are a passenger in another member's vehicle.

5. It is your responsibility to allow sufficient distance between yourself and the walker in front so that you are not injured by branches flicking back.

6. Do not leave the track, if on a track walk, or fall behind the person appointed 'tail' for any reason without advising the 'tail'.

At The End Of The Walk

1. Ensure the leader is aware you have made it to the end.

2. Remember to thank the leader.

Leader Guidelines Planning A Walk

1. Provide an accurate description of the walk, including the activity grade and forward the details to the walks co-ordinator or committee for approval.

2. Pre-walk the route if possible taking note of any potential risks and morning tea and lunch spots. If the walk is ‘exploratory’ plan the walk from reference to the map or by reference to other information sources.

3. Have an alternate plan in case of unforeseen circumstances. e.g. flash flooding, track erosion, transport changes etc.

4. Choose areas and walk levels that are within your capabilities as a leader.

5. Clearly describe potential hazards to all intending participants and exclude any participant who in the leader’s judgement may have difficulty completing the planned activity.

6. Leave comprehensive details of the walk with a reliable person including instructions on what to do if you do not return at the expected time.

7. A few days prior to the walk check transport details if applicable, expected weather conditions and in summer, fire conditions, park closures etc.

Prior To The Start Of And During The Walk 1. Ensure a map, compass, first aid kit and any other

equipment appropriate for the planned activity are brought on the activity.

2. Ensure all participants complete the sign on sheet which includes the Risk Waiver form.

3. Hold an introductory circle prior to setting out and advise details of the walk including expected terrain, distance, possible hazards, expected return time etc. and that all participants have the requisite experience, equipment and fitness for the activity. The leader has the right to refuse participation to any persons they consider may present a risk to themselves or other participants or do not have the necessary skills for the activity.

4. Ascertain if anyone is carrying a mobile phone, GPS or EPIRB for emergency use and whether any participants have a first aid certificate and/or medical training.

5. When relevant, ensure car is secured, lights off and keys securely put away.

6. Ensure everyone has adequate food & water, at least one litre for a day walk (& more as required for overnight trips). In hotter conditions carry 2 litres or more.

7. Have a reliable person act as ‘tail’ for the group and advise participants not to fall behind this person for any reason without advising the ‘tail’. Ensure you maintain a line of sight with the participants.

8. On track walks, appoint a person to wait at track junctions to ensure nobody goes the wrong way. Carry out regular head counts to ensure you have everyone.

9. Have regular drink and rest breaks and allow walkers to regroup.

10. Manage the group, & monitor any unexpected hazards. Ensure everyone is comfortable with the pace and conditions. Remember it is easier for fast walkers to slow down rather than slow walkers to speed up.

At The End Of The Walk 1. Ensure that all participants have arrived at the finishing

point, & that all vehicles will start before anyone leaves.

2. Forward the completed sign on sheet including reports of any incidents/ accidents to the walks co-ordinator or committee.

3. Contact the person with whom trip details were left to inform them of return.

If anyone would like to make comments about these guidelines, you can either email the Club at [email protected] or contact one of the following people who are on the Risk Management Subcommittee.

Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Trevor Davern 0411 512 202

David Kenrick 3349 8238 (H)

Evelyn Campbell 3809 2354 (H)

Frank Garland 3341 5207 (H)

Many thanks and safe bushwalking to all.

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