website: http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au email: redlandbushwalkers@yahoo.com.au

P.O. Box 101 Cleveland 416 October 2015

!

Next Club Meeting Wednesday, 14th Oct. 2015 7:00pm for 7:30pm start

Indigiscapes Centre, Runnymede Rd, Capalaba Photo Comp. - Prizes announced

!

President’s Report

The first month of spring surely had enough items on the calendar to keep you active and fit, lucky I had spent my holidays walking, or I would not been able to cope with it all.

A few (too few) of us spent a very enjoyable weekend helping Australian Rainforest Conservation Society clearing Aristea weeds from former paddocks that are slowly regrowing into forest. It is good to see how nature is recovering after having been completely cleared for farming last century. We were treated to a tour of a property owned by ARCS, where Aila and Keith showed us around and told us the names of numerous plants (promptly forgotten by yours truly), the highlight being a spectacular waterfall that drops off the Springbrook plateau at the back of their land.

A special thanks must go to Don Baxter, Betty and Hilary who organised it all. This activity is an annual event, please make room for it in your calendars for next year, it is great fun and so very worthwhile.

Please make sure to come along to the club meeting this Wednesday, as it is time for the annual photo competition exhibition, you will be able to enjoy the fruits of a year's worth of snapping. Come early and lodge your vote for the “Members choice” award.

The Christmas party is approaching very rapidly, please book as soon as you can. Remember that if you pay up online before Wednesday, your name will be in the draw for a prize of one year club membership. The Christmas Party Committee will be at Indigiscapes from 6:45 to accept cash payments from all party animals.

See You on a Track,

MATS

Page !1

New Members

Welcome to: Amanda Fichna - Fiona now brings our total club membership to 107. We hope you enjoy your membership with us and we look forward to meeting you on the track sometime.

!

Quote of the Month

Whilst slogging their way up towards Mt Roberts through way too much scungy, wet vegeta-tion having totally missed the promised views in the Mt Bell-Roberts saddle, Judy announced she was not enjoying THIS part of the walk to which Mats replied, “I am not enjoying ANY part of this walk”. Malcolm

!

Upcoming Activities

GET READY! GET READY! GET READY! For the Redlands Bushwalking Club:

Bushwalkers Christmas Beach BASH!! At Spring Gully Stays Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November 2015 Located in the Canungra Valley, midway between O’Reilly’s resort and the township of Canungra, http://springgullystays.com.au/

We welcome your cash payment at the October meeting but as it is going to be a busy meeting, it would be appreciated if you could do an internet payment ASAP. If paid before or on 14th of October, your name will be in the draw for a RBC membership 2016. All payments for both safari tents and camping go to the club account (details next page).

GET READY! GET READY! GET READY! Page !2

For dancing surprises Beach Volleyball Walking games more walking samba singing eating and more walking

Bring a Beach Bash Christmas outfit for the Saturday festivities and also some cold meats for the dinner. We would love to see you “strut your stuff” in the Beauty and the Beast competition!

We want your photograph!!! Preferably a bush or beach one, please send to Laurel at laure-landrob.santry@gmail.com for our “Mix it up” competition.

Please show some of your special bush walking photos on Friday night (this proved popular, a time limit of around 10 minutes would be appreciated)GET READY GET READY GET READYTo Have the time of your life.

Important Christmas Camp Information here:

CHRISTMAS CAMP 2015 Spring Gully Stays

Located in the Canungra Valley, midway between O’Reillys resort and the township of Canungra.http://springgullystays.com.au/

FRIDAY 27 TO SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2015

Pay by or on the next club meeting 14th October and you will be entered into the draw for a 2016 RBC free membership!

Page !3

Please pay cash to the Christmas camp treasurer at the, Oct, Nov club meetings or make an online money trans-fer.

SAFARI TENT - $25.00 per person/per night UNPOWERED CAMPSITES - $12.50 per person/per night Plus $10 per person party cost for the whole weekend.

All inclusive prices per person; 1 night safari tent = $35.00p/p, 2 nights safari tent = $60.00p/p 1 night camping = $22.50 p/p, 2 nights camping = $35.00p/p

Internet money transfer AMOUNT: as per above REFERENCE: Surname XMAS (Limited to 17 characters) BSB - 034-070 Westpac Bank ACCOUNT NO – 220127 ACCOUNT NAME – Redlands bushwalkers Inc.

After the transfer please send an email with your name/s, number of nights, camping or safari tent, amount paid and bank reference number to Geoff at: geoffarnell12@gmail.com

If you want to stay extra nights please pay directly to Spring Gully Stays.

Cancellation policy: up to two weeks beforehand – full refund. Less than two weeks – 50% refund.

MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW

!

Page !4

!

Activity Reports

Where: Lake Manchester CircuitWhen: Sunday 20th SeptemberLeader: Gary Phillips and Leisa Harris

Ten enthusiastic walkers met at the Lake Manchester Picnic area carpark on a typical spring morning for an early 7.30am start. We walked the fire trails in an anti-clockwise direction around the perimeter of the lake.

Our first stop was to pat and feed the horses; some of the group sacrificed their morn-ing tea apples, which the horses greatly appreciated. We had morning tea at the camping ground which was about half way.

The second half of the walk was filled with questions, mostly from the more expe-rienced walkers…. “When are we going to get there?”. “How many hills are there?”. “How far is it to the end?”. The leaders smiled and replied “just around the next corner!”.

After 17 kms we arrived back at the carpark where Peter Harris had been patiently waiting and re-serving the picnic table, with the kettle boiling for lunch time tea and coffee. We lunched and had some home-made lemon meringue pie.

We were also privy to a home-made arthritis recipe to which Malcolm has volunteered to trial. All en-quiries to Malcolm (preferably early in the day!).

It was a pleasant walk with great company.

(article by Gary)

�

Page !5

Where: East Barney Falls AbseilsWhen: 20 September 2015Leader: Ted Wassenberg

The day was cool with clear skies as we set off early for Mt Barney. We all met up at Rathdowney and met up again at the Yellowpinch ford over the Logan R. There the ropes and other equipment were distributed among the seven of us before commencing the long uphill grind to the headwaters of an east Barney creek. A lot of new growth near the top of the ridges, after fires earlier this year, ob-scured the trail.

After several rest stops, we soon arrived at the top of the first falls. There was some water running which guaranteed that the rock would be slippery. The ropes were soon set up and Beatrice volunteered to go down first and untangle the ropes. Judy was next and with Bea was tasked with setting up the next abseil. Betty, Hilary and Alison were next down the ropes followed by Ted then Jacob and Trevor. Jacob and Ted pulled down the ropes and Ted set off to descend the second waterfall. By this stage all the girls had passed the second abseil. The two 50m ropes were dropped down to Ted and he continued down stream with one of the ropes to set up the third abseil. Judy and Betty descended the third waterfall on a single rope until Trevor ar-rived with the second rope and the rest of us descended on the twin ropes. The 4th abseil was done with the 32m and 40m ropes tied together to form a pair. The last 4m was wet and had lots of loose rocks as Betty discovered.

The fifth abseil was wet and slippery, and as it is near vertical, everyone took great care to descend without slipping into the rock face. This time Jacob was first down. We all stopped at the base of the fifth falls for a short rest and to have or finish lunch.

A short rock-hop down the creek brought us to the sixth waterfall which was soon bypassed and we arrived at the seventh falls. This last waterfall is easily descended by scrambling across the roots of a fig tree and then down and along a rock ledge.

A long rock-hop down stream, after remov-ing our harnesses and packing away the ropes, brought us out and onto a road and back to our cars.

We stopped at the Olive grove café for a coffee or chocolate drink and snack before heading home. The coffee was a new brand which we all liked called ‘Bare Bones’ from The Valley.

Thanks all for making this a safe and en-joyable outing once again.

Ted Wassenberg

Page !6

�Where: Weekend at SpringbrookWhen: 11th -13th September 2015

 If you love base camps with lounge chairs in front of the fire, hot showers, real beds and a kitchen (with only 4 hours of Aristea removal) then this is the weekend for you. The mountains and the work

that these beautiful people are doing to help restore Springbrook to its original glory call us back every year. So look out for it on our Club calendar in 2016 and come lend a hand. The high lights of our third trip to help with removal of Aristea were;  

Morning tea, Aila’s home cooked muffins and huge bunches of bright yellow daffodils on the tables made us feel very special;

A private walk on one of the properties owned by ARCS, to a stunning waterfall with breathtaking views down the valley;

An early morning walk to, ‘Best of All Look-outs’ with its ancient Antarctic Beeches. To round the weekend off, we walked The Warrie Circuit in perfect mountain weather.

Signed:   The Aristea Removalists

(ARCS)  Australian Rainforest Conservation Society

�

Page !7

Where: Lizard Point TWWhen: 26-27 September 2015Leader: (?) Judy Moody-Stuart

Believe who you choose… Malcolm to the Lizards ..( early Monday morning) ..Well…….Seeing as I was supposed to be on this walk I think I am entitled to an early report. How did it go ? – any “moments” to report ( ie:- how many times lost etc., how many fire-flies, storms, cold breezes) ?  Grumpy Gorse

Tracy to Malcolm.. We had a fantastic walk, through clear dry open rainforest, with absolutely no navigational errors, perfect skies, no rain, gor-geous views from Lizard Point as we sat in the gen-tle warm breeze watching the fireworks on the dis-tant horizon, then off to our tents to sleep like ba-bies. I feel refreshed and invigorated and ready for a week at the office. How was your weekend??? A bit wet, I gather? Petunia

Beatrice to Malcolm..Hi Grumpy Gorse: Totally agree with Petunia, fantastic walk, none of this getting lost business we had a few highly experienced navigators with us! Luckily no one depended on my compass be-cause it got North and South confused. Fireworks could have been a bit more exciting than just a flashing white light in the distance. But hey what do you expect way out in the bush? Cheers Edelweiss

Malcolm to Lizards .. I know….you are just trying to make me jealous.  What REALLY happened?

The Traitor Mats, to Malcolm..Imagine us as meatballs tangled in a bowl of spaghetti. Cheers, Mats AKA Tangle-foot (and pack and head and arms and sticks) Malcolm to Lizards..Ahhh….I sense the truth from my mate Mats……….

The Traitor Mats to Malcolm ..If you want to be attacked by Judy, just ask the group about the strange habit of lolling about in puddles.

Judy to Malcolm.. Is Mats referring to my brave and self-less attempt to find a safer way for the group to cross the raging creek waters? The Traitor Mats to Judy.. I was more referring to your very instructive display of the perils facing turtles when finding themselves upside down and simultaneously being struck by a fit of the giggles which goes at least some way towards explaining their somewhat sombre facial expression.

Page !8

Alison to Malcolm..   …. have you ever seen an upside down turtle with its body on an elevated rock slab with its head further down in another rock pool? Pretty spectacular really …. Sorry, no time for photos …. the poor thing needed assistance! You also missed an amazing rainbow at the Point and some lovely spear lilies. Cheers, Violet

Malcolm to the Lizards.. ‘Turtles should sit on the same branch of the tree of life as lizards, according to a genetic analysis that could clear up a long-standing mystery over the creature's origin.’   (Nature journal 2010)

This must mean that female turtles that become upended in Queensland jungle pools should be able to climb out unassisted, as would a goanna and just sit themselves down on a branch until dry.

Judy to all… As Malcolm now has all the details, I think he should write the report.Thank you for your concern, Violet, and thank you to those who got the turtle upright again – no mean feat.Bluebell

Thank you Mats, Tracy, Jacob, Beatrice and Alison for assisting a geographically challenged leader.

Judy

!

Where: Cougals via Boyd’s ButteWhen: Saturday 19th September 2015Leaders: Judy M-S and Beatrice B

After meeting at the end of Currumbin Creek Road seven of us headed off on the bitumen track past the cascades. We then crossed the creek and joined the old logging road which we followed up the ridge. There is masses of pink tape until just before the final steep up to the buttes so no navigation was needed here. When we surveyed the walk a few weeks before we were able to fol-low a well worn footpad from here to the top how-ever this time we did not hit quite the same spot and encountered a few more obstacles. We briefly took in the views from one of the buttes, looking up to the Cougals and across to the Springbrook Plateau.

As the weather looked like it might be deteriorating we decided to keep moving and continue on across the saddle and up to the Cougals East Peak. This part was easier than on our survey and we managed to avoid most of the ‘Wait-a-while’. I can’t imagine why but the call of coffee and cake seemed to be louder than the call of West Peak so after a snack we headed off with some of us stopping to investigate the cave before the steep descent. I think there must have Page !9

been some massive recent rock movements since I was last there as the gap to squeeze through seemed considerably smaller than I remembered – or could there be some other reason it was hard-er to fit through? It was then a steep track down the rabbit fence (with the occasional up), and back to Garden of Eden Road and then to the cars via another old road.

Thank you to Tracy, Alison, Jacob, Mats and Ted for your company.

Judy and Beatrice

!

Where: St Cuthbert’s Way, UKWalkers: Ruth & Bob HartleyWhen: July 2015

If you’re looking for a pleasant, uncrowded long distance walk in the UK with a touch of history then St. Cuthbert’s Way is for you. The 100 km route is from Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders to Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island off the Northumbrian Coast. It takes you through a beautiful, diverse and at times remote landscape - from farmland to rugged hills and from sandstone out crops with heather covered moorland to sandy beaches and rolling sand dunes. It crosses the Cheviot Hills, passes through the Northumberland National Park and includes interesting archaeological sites and ancient ruins. Unlike many of UK’s trails, passing an-other walker is a rare event.The route has been designed with the walker in mind. It crosses farmland, follows narrow strips of

woodland, pine plantations and tra-verses stretches of bleak moorland with 360° views of neat patchwork fields. There are only short sections of roads. It is well maintained and mostly well marked although we had to consult the map on a few occasions. The varied terrain meant a variety of bird life and even one small deer trotting down a slope.

Bob and I completed this walk over five days in late July. We started

Page !10

with a visit to Melrose Abbey but as it doesn’t open until 9.30, it was mid morning before we were on the track. A second abbey visit at Dryburgh, involved a 2km detour so this meant that we didn’t complete the 26 km to Jedburgh until late. As our next day was even longer we de-cided not to visit to Jedburgh Abbey which also opened at 9.30.Accommodation was in pretty little villages with good pubs for the evening meals. But beware the British B&B landla-dy! It’s my belief they have a competition for who can put the most useless objects cluttering the room and the most cushions and pillows. The winner provided 15 extra cush-ions! Something useful like a drying room or even a hook to hang a coat doesn’t feature. In spite of the friendly reception they have a short tourist season and they extract the maxi-mum income from it.

An interesting experience which we can’t guarantee for other walkers was to find a TV film crew at work. St Cuthbert’s Cave is a sandstone overhang where accord-ing to legend monks rested with the body of St Cuthbert when forced to flee from the Viking raids on Holy Island. So it was quite a surprise to find a plastic wrapped “body” in the cave, a prop for the episode of “Vera” being filmed.The highlight of the walk was undoubtedly Holy Island. Because this is only accessible by a causeway when the tide is low we had to complete all but the last 6 km of the walk in 4 days in order to cross to the island as Israelites rather than Egyptians. There is a choice of following the road or striking out across the sands on a poled route.

Of course the island is a very popular destination and as soon as the causeway opened there was a steady stream of cars but in the evening when the people had left again, it was a beautiful peaceful place with the tide in and the poles just showing in the water. The castle has to be one of the most pic-turesque sights on the coast.In summary this was an excellent walk and we were lucky that it did not rain when crossing the exposed moors. If we were to do it again it we would take four days for the first 55 km making sure to visit all the historic sites and make it a 7 day walk..........and do it in August or September to see the heather in full bloom.

Ruth Hartley

Page !11

�

!

Important Information WALK GRADINGS:

EXAMPLE: The Albert River Circuit at O’Reilly’s is 22km long all on graded track, it would be graded as: DW X 3 5

Guidelines for Club ethics:

When nominating for a walk, members and visitors have an obligation to write legibly on the nomination form. • Please contact walk leaders at least early in the week before a walk. If you leave it till Thursday or Friday night you may be disappointed

to find that the walk has been cancelled, due to apparent lack of interest. Also dates, details etc. can & do change. Leaders give their time to organise walks and need to know if they are committed to lead a walk. The leader may assign you to a car for the trip.

• Read the walk description and note the rating. If you are unsure of your abilities, please discuss this with the leader before nominating. Neither you nor other walkers will have a good day if your fitness is not of a suitable standard.

• The leader of a walk has the final say on whether a person can come on a walk. Members and newcomers should be aware of this and accept it.

• Do you have a health problem that may affect your performance on a walk? It is important that you inform the leader of this and discuss the matter.

• If you have commitments after a walk please discuss this with the leader before commencing a walk. Leaders cannot guarantee the time of return, due to weather, terrain & the expertise of walkers.

• Arrive at the agreed meeting point before the set time. We try to be punctual. Late walkers can be left behind! • It is a normal practise to share the costs of transport to and from a walk. This may vary between car owners and may be as simple as

sharing the cost of the fuel among the passengers or a fixed amount for example: (10-20kms - $5/person; 20-50kms - $8/person; 50-100kms - $10/person; 100-200kms - 15/person; 200-250kms - $20/person; 250-300kms - $25/person) Discuss this with your driver.

• Please have a change of clothes and shoes available in the car for the return journey as a courtesy to your companions and the car own-er.

DAY WALK CHECKLIST: Please ensure you have the following items so you are prepared for any eventuality whilst on a day walk.

ABSOLUTE ESSENTIALS: • Boots (must be fully enclosed – no sandals. Boots are preferable although joggers are suitable for most social walks). • Gaiters or long pants (unless otherwise specified). • Daypack of sufficient capacity to carry all your needs. • Water – Minimum of 2 litres – (bladder or two separate containers).

Distance Terrain FitnessS Short Under 10k, per day 1-3 Graded track or open terrain, no

scrub1-3 Easy. Suitable for begin-

ners

M Medium 10-15k, per day 4-5 Off track, bush, minor scrub, rainforest, rock hopping, minor

scrambling

4-5 Medium, reasonable fit-ness required

L Long 15-20km per day 6-7 As above + thick scrub. Major rock scrambling using hands.

6-7 As above + agility re-quired

X Extra Long 20km+ per day 8-9 As above + rope and technical ability required

8-9 Hard strenuous, fit walk-ers only

AB Abseiling DW Day Walk TW Through Walk

BC Base Camp SOC Social XT Extended Trip

R Bike Ride TR Training

Page !12

• Torch/headlamp with spare batteries. (Lithium batteries are lighter and last longer than alkaline batteries). • Raincoat or Poncho. • First-aid kit • Whistle • Lunch and snacks.

RECOMMENDED: • Light fleece or Thermal top. • Pack liner and pack cover. (protects pack contents in case of rain) • Sunscreen and insect repellent. • Rubbish bag (we take out what we take in; also for wet muddy gear). • Map and compass (ideally the leader is not the only one with these items). • Toilet paper and trowel. • Spare change of clothes in a bag to be left in the car for the return journey – be considerate of fellow passengers and those who provide

the transport.

OPTIONAL ITEMS: • Camera or binoculars. • Walking poles. • Gardening gloves or similar for off track walks.

IMPORTANT: 1. Trip leaders can choose to leave you behind if you are not properly equipped. 2. Keep to walks within the bounds of the walk grading as shown on the walk calendar.

!

! RBI Walk Leaders Guidelines

Just Before the Walk Starts: • Arrange cars and passengers before the walk starts. Make sure everyone knows what is happening and can put changes of clothing etc

into the appropriate cars. • Check that people have sufficient water and appropriate clothing for the trip. • Make absolutely sure you know how many people are on the walk, count people and check against names on the list. Call out names and

tick the boxes. This sounds trivial, but mistakes have occurred. • Make sure all members of the party are fully aware of what is planned. The leader using a map could show the planned route. • Explain the significance of the route (e.g. "We go up this steep hill shown here.”) to any inexperienced walkers. • Make sure everyone meets each other. Normal tradition is to stand in a circle and introduce yourself in turn. This is a good chance to

count heads and make sure everyone is ready to go. • Nominate a ‘tail-end-Charlie’ to be at the rear of the group. This is even more important on walks off-track where there may be thick vege-

tation with poor visibility. Explain the role of ‘t.e. Charlie’ to keep stragglers with the group and note if anyone needs to duck off for a mo-ment.

• Explain any rules you would like group to adhere to e.g.: toilet stops, keep person behind you in sight, people in the lead to stop every 15-30 minutes for tail to catch up, and stop at any track junctions to regroup, Do not separate the party.

• Do not start until everyone is ready to leave, and check soon after leaving that everyone is there. It is a good idea to call for a stop soon after the start of the day's walking (about 5-10 mins) to provide an opportunity to adjust shoelaces, remove pullovers, adjust packs.

• At the end of the walk, before leaving the carpark, have everyone sign off on the walk nomination sheet to ensure everyone is accounted for.

• Return completed trip sheets to the outings officer. • And last but not least; Enjoy your walk ....

Ted Wassenberg

Page !13