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Benalla BushwalkingClub Inc.

Box 210 Benalla 3672

The club’s logo of old boots signifiesbeing comfortable walking with friends

Edition 1March - May 2020

Items of Interest

Walk Reports

Walks Program Summary

Walks Program

Forward Planning

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Presidents ReportI write this report following an enjoyable day walking the Howqua River with a

group of club members. It illustrated to me the strengths of this club; a day sharedwith a friendly group of people, exploring an amazing natural environment andplaces one may not otherwise venture into.

It was also good to return to the bush after what has obviously been a verydifficult summer. The bushfire disaster has impacted communities and hugeareas of natural environment right down the east coast of Australia and beyond.I know that all club members will be feeling concern and compassion for thosepeople and environments effected.

As bushwalkers, we come to know and appreciate the natural environment;from its vast landscapes to smallest details; the wild flowers, birdlife and smalllizards that scurry across the track. How sad to see the destruction of suchvaluable places and natural life.

It is a reminder that we can all strive to care for and protect the natural worldand with it the present and future wellbeing of our communities.

I hope you enjoy reading the various reports and updates in this newsletter.There are some terrific upcoming events in the program, including day walks,overnight walks, kayaking, bike rides and even walks in Melbourne. You can startmaking plans for new outdoor experiences.

We are always interested in suggestions for walks or activities. If there is aplace you’d like to share with others, please contact myself or the walks co-ordinator, and we can help organise this.Until next time on the walking track,All the best,Hamish McPherson - President

New members:

Other Links:Membership Application

SnippetsReminders

Facebook Page

President: Hamish McPherson 0401 331 850 Secretary: Gill Sydes 0419 585 996

Walks Co-ordinator: Brian Watson 0407 300 922

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Items of Interest

Your Committee for 2020

ExecutivePresident Hamish McPherson 0401 331 850Vice President Doug Kneen 0409 347 273 Library/Archives.Secretary Gill Sydes 0419 585 996 Public Officer, Registrar, Maps/Loan Equipment.Treasurer Brian Watson 0407 300 922 Walks Program, Guest Speakers, Publicity, Leaders Bag, Property.

CommitteeTrevor Smith 0417 598 346 Newsletter, Webmaster.Suzie Buykx 5762 3993 Publicity.John Boehm 0428 254 801 Publicity, Mid-week Walkers Liaison.

Pathfinder Awards

The Benalla Bushwalking Club has instituted a special award for people who have made a sustainedand significant contribution to Bushwalkng, both within the Club and also throughout the widercommunity.

Recipients of this award have shown a dedication to bushwalking throughout their participation andefforts over an extended period of time in all aspects of bushwalking. It is a special recognition forpeople who, through their own committment to Bushwalking, have enhanced the pleasure andenjoyment that others have derived from outdoor actvities. Their committment has increasedawareness, appreciation and participation to the benefit of all members of the community.

If you would like to nominate a member of the club to receive this award, please speak to a memberof the committee.

Below is a list of past recipients of the Pathfinder Award:

Jan Andrews 2009 Vaughan Cowan 2014 Doug Kneen 2016Terry Sydes 2009 Trevor Smith 2014 Neville Downie 2016 Brian Watson 2019

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Walk ReportsGoulburn River Kayaking Sat 1 Feb.

We launched the kayaks at the boat ramp next to Dainton’sBridge in Shepparton. The upstream paddling was quitemanageable - but turning around at the bridge in Mooroopna,we found the return trip much quicker!

We saw lots of wallabies, even a snake crossing the riverand there’s always corellas! We had a bit of a look into themouth of the Broken River. A very pleasant morning and wewere back before the real heat kicked in.Gill Sydes

Mt. Buffalo Wed Feb 12This month's mid-week walk, ably led by John Boehm, was held in a favourite Park - Mount Buffalo.In refreshing Alpine summer weather, nine walkers began the 8km trek at Lake Catani Picnic Ground,

then branched off onto the Underground River track. This track included several taxing sections ofsteep rocky steps! We stopped for a brief rest and (for some brave souls) an inspection of theUnderground River's entrance cave, before climbing the steep steps up to The Chalet Picnic Ground.

From there, several short walks to viewing points enabled usto enjoy a bird's eye view of the misty, fertile Ovens Valley farbelow.

After a welcome lunch break and a circuit of the Grand OldLady - The Chalet, we retraced our steps to the cars, divertingbriefly to observe the micro hydro-electric generator, providingpower to Lake Catani Campground. Afternoon tea at the picnicground replenished our energy for the drive home. We allagreed it was a wonderful day out. We hope to see the two newparticipants, John Lane and Lyn Hawken, on future walks.Bev. Thornell

Lake Mountain Sat Feb 8Trevor, Susie, Chris, Marion and I went for a nice walk along tracks on Lake Mountain. The vegetation

was lovely and green and we saw leek orchids, billy buttons and trigger plants in flower. We walked toa scenic lookout, but it was too windy to have lunch there, so we found a sheltered spot with logs to siton. Then back to the car by a different track with good views of mountains towards Dom Dom Saddle.

Afternoon tea at Marysville bakery finished the day nicely.Jean Lightfoot

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Sheepyard Flat - Ritchies Hut Sun Feb 16The day saw 15 walkers head to Sheepyard Flat then onto Eight Mile where

we parked cars and walked upstream following the Howqua River to RitchiesHut.

It was perfect weather for walking with birds singing. Our “fearless leader “seeing a couple of snakes causing no problems, thank goodness.

Lunch was taken at Ritchies Hut with a surprise and spontaneous talk froma Ranger that was there inspecting the hut. She talked about the history ofthis hut and another as well as general information about the area.

Following lunch we ventured back to Eight Mile. We were to walk the lowtrack back which includes many river crossings but it was decided the river

of walk with Hamish’s delicioushomemade date cake.Thanks Hamish, - Great day!Patricia McKenzie

was a little fast flowing and higher than thought sothe same track was taken back. Usual cuppa at end

Club Contact:Helen Repacholi 0439 623 990

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Oxley Bicycle Ride. Sat Feb22

A pleasant sunny day, werode from Doug & Laurice’splace at Wangaratta to the KingRiver Café for a coffee andYoYos. Then around the cornerfor a chat and a sip and apurchase or two at Gehrig’sWinery.

The return journey was into ahead wind, with an interestingside effect. Surprising wherehelp comes from when youneed it.

A lovely social day, roundedoff with a communal lunch atGlenrowan

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FEBRUARYSat 29 Mt Samaria Trevor Smith

MARCHMon/Fri 2-6 Licola Car Camp Graham LightfootTue 3 General Meeting Uniting Church Hall 8pmSun 8 Wandiligong John BoehmTue 10 Moonlight Evening walk Brian WatsonWed 11 Mt Buller walk John BoehmFri/Mon 13-16 Melbourne Wander Suzie BuykxSat 21 Canoeing - Lake William Hovell Rob CaldwellSat/Sun 28-29 Beginners Easy Backpack Hamish McPhersonTue 31 General Meeting Uniting Church Hall 8pm

APRILSun 5 Golden Mount walk Jean LightfootMon/Thu 6-9 90 Mile Beach Brian WatsonWed 8 Mt Glenrowan John BoehmWed 15 Committee MeetingSat/Sun 18-19 Camp Oven Cookout Gary VersteegenSat/Sun 25-26 Mt Feathertop Leader requiredSun 26 Murchison Bike Ride Gary MacDonald

MAYFri/Sun 1-3 Rail Trail Ride/Camp Brian WatsonTue 5 General Meeting Uniting Church Hall 8pmSat/Sun 9 -10 Eldorado Fossicking Hamish McPhersonWed 13 Bright in the Autumn Bev ThornellSat/Sun 16-17 Mt McLeod overnight Lynne CornallSat/Sun 23-24 Leader Training Gill SydesSun 31 Mt Cathedral Jean Lightfoot & Trevor Smith

Walks Program Summary

Event suggestions from members for any gaps in the aboveprogram are most welcome.

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Members wishing to go on a walk should contact the leader:Three days prior to the walk for day walks.Five days prior to the walk for overnight, extended walks or car camps.People calling in late may be considered at the leader’s discretion.

Common sense walks etiquette: If you are booked in for a walk and find you are unable to attend please inform leaderbefore advertised departure time to prevent unnecessary delays.

Risk Acknowledgment FormJust a reminder that walk leaders need to have all non-member participants fill in the Risk Acknowledgment Form

prior to each walk. Copies of the form need to be downloaded from the club website. Navigate to the Leaders Informationpage in the Members Only section where you will find a link which, when clicked, will download the form in PDF formatwhich can then be printed out.

TOTAL FIRE BAN DAYS On days of Total Fire Ban, any walks/activities in that district will be cancelled.

Walks Program

Example: S - 4 - 3 = Under 10Kms, medium fitness required, well formed track.

Distance in one day Hills TrackS - Short, under 10Kms. 1 - 3 Easy, suitable for beginners. 1 - 3 Grade, open terrain, well

formed tracks or paths.

M- Medium, between 10 and 15Kms 4 - 7 Medium fitness required. 4 - 7 Bush, minor scrub, some rockhopping or scrambling.

L - Long, between 15 and 20Kms. 8 - 10 Hard, strenuous, fit walkersonly.

8 - 10 Bush, thick scrub, major rockand creek crossings, rock hopping.

X - extra long, over 20Kms.

Walk Gradings

School Terms 2020 Easter 2020Term 1 29 Jan - 27 Mar Good Friday 10 AprTerm 2 14 Apr - 26 Jun Easter Monday 13 AprTerm 3 13 Jul - 18 SepTerm 4 5 Oct - 18 Dec

SAT FEB 29 MT SAMARIA S – 3 – 3A climb to the summit via a recently reopened track some may not have walked before and then

descending via the back of the mountain returning to the cars.Leader: Trevor Smith 0417 598 346

MON/FRI MAR 2-6 LICOLA CAR CAMP S – 3 – 3We will stay at the Licola camping ground and explore the surrounding area.

Organiser: Graham Lightfoot 5790 8552

TUE MAR 3 GENERAL MEETING UNITING CHURCH HALL 8PM

SUN MAR 8 WANDILIGONG S – 3 – 3

Leader: John Boehm 0428 254 801

TUE MAR 10 MOONLIGHT EVENING S – 3 – 3A full moon in Autumn. A shame to waste it. So we will walk up Mount Major, watch the sun, and

Venus settle in the west, and the moon majestically rise in the East. Cheese, Wine and Aeroguard?Leader: Brian Watson 0407 300 922

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WED MAR 11 MT BULLER S– 3 – 3A stroll up to the summit. Then the family trail circuit around the village. Meet behind Aldi at 7.45 am,

leave 8am.Leader: John Boehm 0428 254 801

FRI/MON MAR 13-16 MELBOURNE WANDERA Melbourne encounter. Train down Friday, home Monday. Stay at a hostel for the nights. Tram,

tours, boat and Shank’s pony for a packed weekend. See and do things that will tickle your fancy.Organizer: Suzie Buykx 5762 3993

SAT MAR 21 CANOE/KAYAK – LAKE WILLIAM HOVELLWe will meet at Lake William Hovell near the dam wall car park. It is intended we paddle the edge of

the lake in a clockwise direction to the inlet of the King River. Here we will have lunch on the shore.After lunch, if participants are interested we can play around for a while before heading back clockwiseto the start area.Organiser: Rob Caldwell 0431 022 349

SAT/SUN MAR 28-29 BEGINNERS EASY BACKPACKLeaving the cars at Strawberry Saddle, it’s a short 3km walk along a cattle pad to Faithfull’s Hut. Set

up tents here for the night. On Sunday we can trip down for a dip in the icy waters of the Faithfull Falls,then it’s coffee and papers on the verandah. After lunch it’s an easy walk back out through prettybushland. Other overnight walkers welcome.Leader: Hamish McPherson 0401 331 850

TUE MAR 31 GENERAL MEETING UNITING CHURCH HALL 8PMNote that due to a number of clashes and other committments

the April meeting has been moved forward one week

SUN APR 5 GOLDEN MOUNT M – 3 – 3A pleasant autumn walk through the tall timbers and remains of the hectic gold mining era of this part

of the Strathbogie Ranges.Leader: Jean Lightfoot 5790 8552

MON/THU APR 6-9 90 MILE BEACHStay at Sue’s farm, which is right on the beach front, water should be warm enough for swimming,

fishing, sunsets. Maybe ride rail trail, Tarra Bulga, fish and chips at Port Albert.Organiser: Brian Watson 0407 300 922

WED APR 8 MT GLENROWAN S – 4 – 3This walk begins with a steepish climb up to the ridge, and then an easy walk to Mt Glenrowan and

the view. Meet at behind Aldi at 9.15 Leave Benalla 9.30 am.Leader: John Boehm 0428 254 801

WED APR 15 COMMITTEE MEETING Suzie Buykx

SAT/SUN APR 18-19 CAMP OVEN COOKOUTA pleasant weekend on the banks of the mighty Murray River. Scrumptious tea cooked in camp

ovens. Great social event. Fishing, swimming, canoeing, wine appreciation?Organiser: Gary Versteegen 5762 4564

SAT/SUN APR 25-26 MT FEATHERTOP M – 4 – 3Willie Skinner was to have led this walk but has advised that she can nolonger do so. Thus, another leader is required. Anyone who is capable andwishes to help should contact Brian Watson 0407 300 922.

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SUN APR 26 MURCHISON BIKE RIDEA pleasant peddle along the rail trail towards Rushworth. Over the channels through the box ironbark

country with a loop around Doctors Swamp. Probably time for a cuppa at the winery. And an insightinto the districts Italian history.Leader: Gary Mac Donald 0421 052 367

FRI/SUN MAY 1-3 YEA RAIL TRAIL BIKE RIDE L – 3 – 3Rail trails are the wonderful way to cycle and enjoy the scenery. We will camp – tent or van; at the

old Cheviot Station. There is a toilet there. Ride to Tallarook one day, and probably Alexandra the next.With a bit of smooth talking, Gayle should provide back up.Leader: Brian Watson 0407 300 922

TUE MAY 5 GENERAL MEETING UNITING CHURCH HALL 8PM

SAT/SUN MAY 9-10 ELDORADOSomething we always meant to do, and never quite got around to it! Panning and prospecting near

Eldorado. Gold, Tin, Diamonds, Garnets, and Rubies! Easy as pie. Hamish will show us how. Tea atthe McEvoy Tavern – Victoria’s smallest pub. And a wander around this very historic town. Stay at thecaravan park.Organiser: Hamish McPherson 0401 331 850

WED MAY 13 BRIGHT IN THE AUTUMN S – 3 – 3If we have an early frost, the leaves around Bright will be a kaleidoscope of colours. If not, wear Bev’s

rose coloured glasses. Two walks, the Canyon walk and Cherry Tree Walk. A very pretty time of year.Meet behind Aldi 8.15 Leave at 8.30.

Leader: Bev Thornell 0447 193 244

SAT/SUN MAY 16-17 MT MCLEOD OVERNIGHT M – 4 – 4A pleasant hike throught the bush to the lesser known partner of Mt Buffalo. Lovely grassy campsite

with toilet. Great views over Myrtleford and the Ovens Valley.An 8km walk out to Mt McLeod campsite to set up our tents, with the afternoon to explore Mt McLeod

with its awesome views. Return the next day with a small side trip to Og Gog and Magog, again withspectacular views!

Walk will be limited to 10 people due to camping restrictions.Leader: Lynne Cornall 0412 247 483

SAT/SUN MAY 23-24 LEADER TRAINING WEEKENDBushwalking Vic is running a skills weekend in the North East, hopefully in Benalla. As we should be

hosting the activities, it is a great chance to come and see how we can improve, and maybe show thema thing or two. (We are a good club, remember!).Gill Sydes 0419 585 996

SUN MAY 31 CATHEDRAL NORTHERN CIRCUIT M – 4 – 4From Ned’s Gully climb via Ned’s Saddle to the Cathedral and Little Cathedal peaks then heading

south along the ridge to The Farmyard, then descend via The Jawbone to Cook’s Mill and along theriver to return to Ned’s Gully.Leaders: Jean Lightfoot 5790 8552 & Trevor Smith 0417 598 346

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BENALLA BUSHWALKING CLUB MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (2020)

The annual membership fee is $45 per person ($40 (incl. $5 discount) if paid prior to March 31). Full timestudents, if accompanied on walks by their paid up parent(s), are covered by the parent(s) membership.

No. of individuals included in application: . . . . . . . . . . . . Amount Enclosed $ ……

Payment Method: o Cash / Cheque o Online DepositFor online payments BSB 803078 Acc. No. 137269. Please use name as reference.

o Membership Renewal o New Member

Name/s…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Postal Address……………………………………………………………....................................................

Town……………………………………………….Postcode…………………….

Email Address…………………………………………………………………Phone………………………..

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISKS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSPARTICIPATING IN BENALLA BUSHWALKING CLUB ACTIVITIES

NB. To be completed by all new and renewing membersIn voluntarily participating in any activities of the Benalla Bushwalking Club, I am aware that my participation in these

activities may expose me to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death or to loss or damage to my property. Thoserisks may include, but are not limited to, slippery and/or uneven ground, falling rocks, cliffs, exposure to weather, whiteout conditions, heat exhaustion, hyperthermia, creek crossings and snake/spider bite.To minimize these risks I will endeavour to ensure that-

(1) any activity in which I participate is within my capabilities, and(2) I am carrying food, water and equipment appropriate for the activity.(3) I agree to advise the activity leader if I am taking any medication or have any

physical or any other limitation that might affect my participation in the activity.

I will make every effort to remain with the rest of the party during any activity and accept the instructions of the leaderof the activity.

I accept that I also have an obligation to read and understand the risk management strategy guidelines that the clubdistributes or makes available in its newsletter or web page from time to time providing guidance and instruction onhow to minimise any risks of its activities.

By signing this form and/or payment of my subscription I acknowledge I will be responsible for my actions andfully understand and accept the above conditions.

NAME(1)________________________________ NAME(2)_____________________________

SIGNATURE(1)___________________________ (2)_____________________________

DATE_________________________________

AS AT DECEMBER 2018

EMERGENCY CONTACT

NAME……………………………………………………………………………………………………

HOME ADDRESS……………………………………………………………………………………

TELEPHONE HOME………………………………………………………MOBILE…………………………

RELATIONSHIP………………………………………………………………………………………………

Return completed form to: The Treasurer, Benalla Bushwalking Club, Box 210 Benalla. 3672

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Forward PlanningJUNEFriday 12th Progressive Dinner Contact: Gill Sydes 0419 585 996

Sat/Sun 20-21 Navigation Weekend Contact: Rob Caldwell 0431 022 349On the Saturday it is intended we drive to Killawarra Forest where wewill set up camp for the night. After setup we will break into small groupsto practice navigational skills. It is intended to walk to markers that havebeen set prior to the event for each group to navigate to. The same willapply the following day however we will rotate groups. This is not a test,but a walk where we can practice the skills of navigation.

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