FOOTPRINTS APRIL 2016 Page 1

FOOTPRINTS April 2016

Newsletter of the Border Bushwalking Club Inc.

affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria

COMMITTEE

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Warwick McLachlan 02 60251323 Paul David Marie

president@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au vicepres@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au treasurer@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au secretary@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

General Committee: Bernadette, Sandy, Rosemary, Liz, Ira, Ian

CLUB NIGHT TUESDAY, APRIL 5TH 7:30 PM

PRESENTATIONS ON 2 GREAT N.Z WALKS AND THE GREAT OCEAN

WALK.

Earlier this year a group of our Border Bushwalkers headed to New Zealand to hike the Abel Tasman and the Heaphy Tracks. Another group has just completed The Great Ocean Walk, a truly great Australian walk. These intrepid walkers will be recounting their adventures so we may enjoy these walks from the comfort of our chairs as we sip on coffee.

Come along and enjoy the majesty of these awesome walks.

Where : Senior Citizens, Meeting Room, Civic Centre Complex, Hovell Street, Wodonga (Havelock Street end of car park) Visitors are always welcome at meetings and supper is served afterwards.Club Nights are regularly held on the first Tuesday of the month (except December and January) at 7:30pm. The room is opened half an hour before the start so that members may socialise.

www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

WELCOME

We extend a warm welcome to the following new members:

Karen Seinor Edwina Ventress

Erna Gort Kim Thomas

Steve Burton Michael Osbourne

Jacqueline van der Neut

We trust that you will enjoy all that the Club and its members have to offer.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO FOOTPRINTS. Your contributions are keenly sought. If you have been on a club trip please send a short, or indeed long, report to the editor. Photos of outings are also greatly appreciated. Please try to send photos as small files.

Send to: newsletter@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Deadline for next Footprints is 20/04/16 A huge thank you to all those who submit material.

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Four and twenties from the presidential pie dish Success in Succession In 1947 the Wodonga Show Society had 22 committee members (all-male) (see picture) – clean-shaven, short back and sides, Irish stock, all wearing ties and completely unsmiling). Contrast the 2016 BBC committee of 8, a fine mixed gender bunch, not all clean-shaven, no short back or sides but an occasional perm, of indeterminate lineage and stock, not a necktie between them and an ample display of teeth –photograph unavailable.

Their term expires on 3 May 2016 when your foot men and women who have been pulling the BBC carriage to Cinderella’s ball turn into pumpkins (or was it mice). Fortunately, by the magic of election or stasis, they may continue in office, keeping calm and carrying on. However you, yes I mean you, are capable of stepping up to the plate, giving 110%, of putting your hand up to join this group. Think, act, and nominate. (A confession – every single one of the present committee wants to go around for another year! Every executive position filled except one. There must be something in the water. Do not be deterred – the Rules allow for more than 8 – get on board and learn the secret handshake. (Nah, we don’t have a handshake). A History boy or girl We have a non-committee vacancy for someone to keep track of Club activities entering them in a excel spreadsheet like the one linked in Footprints a few months back. Until we can work out an automated way, it will be extracting the advertised activities on the website and copying them into the excel columns. Straight forward enough hopefully. Email admin@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au to express interest. Face plant and an affair of the heart A recent multi-day walk resulted in a trip and fall for one walker and the insertion of a heart stent following chest pains for another. The specific information has escaped from the rumour mill into the general BBC populace so I simply reference the events by way of complimenting the Leader, and by accounts, the participants including those with medical skills to make sensible decisions, provide assistance and ultimately bring the event to an okay conclusion. Incident reports have been filed, the committee will assess them and the Risk Management Policy we have in place, plus its observance by the leader made its presence felt in the best possible way. I am reminded of Peter Dombrovskis, the famous Tasmanian photographer quietly dying of a heart attack on Mount Hayes on a solo walk in the Western Arthurs in 1996. Walking is hazardous but rendered less so when help is close at hand. Travel Cost A cross the committee carries is constant discussion of car costs contribution (incorrectly referred to as “fuel costs”) to owners providing their cars for transport on day and multi-day trips. It is appropriate to reproduce the Benalla newsletter commentary on the point: “The Club has a policy of passengers on walks paying drivers for their generosity in providing transport. Currently the rate is 30c per kilometre per car. Members can assist the drivers by doing their own calculations based on $30.00 per 100km. divided by number of people in the vehicle. A reminder that this rate is club policy and all members are expected to pay for transport at this rate regardless of the number in the vehicle. No pay, no lift. Couldn’t say it better. And often it is the same drivers who use their cars each trip and compromise the travel cost to the point of lunacy. Nevertheless fuel costs have decreased since the club’s last look at travel cost. Accordingly the March committee meeting resolved to reduce the current rate to $.30 per kilometre. Google maps quickly determines the car travel distance so the passengers will do the sums and calculate their contribution as they step into the driver’s car at journeys start. We could create a formula that factors in engine capacity, elevation gained during drive, rear seat wear and tear, emotional damage on driver taking responsibility for passengers, driver missing out on passing scenery, concentrating on driving and missing conversation, discount fuel cost with a Coles voucher, four-wheel-drive hulk with extra expenses. We are not going to do that. I accepted $12 recently when the correct amount should have been $25. I had not done the sums – my bad. Drivers – do the sums before the trip starts. When there are 2 cars with 3 passengers in one, and 2 in another, the travel cost per person is $0.70 per kilometre divided by 5. End quotes... Every life has a current and you have to stop rowing against it. Just lift the oars and flow downstream – Gail O’Brien

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TRIP REPORTS.

MT. BUFFALO BACK WALL We left Wodonga at 8am and drove to Cresta area via Myrtleford. At Myrtleford we met one of the walkers who we were supposed to meet at the foot of Mt Buffalo. She asked if we were going to the Back Wall and of course we said ‘Yes’, so we loaded her pack. However, her name did not match the booking sheet, so when she returned from parking her car in an all-day area, I questioned her further and found that she was waiting for the Benalla Bushwalking Club! We tried to sign her up but she went with Benalla anyway.

We followed the very clear track to the South Wall from Cresta area (at the ski-tows). It starts initially towards Dickson’s Falls and branches off after about 600m. It was very pleasant walking and the views at the South Wall are excellent. The return trip is 12 kms and there is a little bit of up and down although mostly fairly level.

Had coffee at the shelter at Cresta and arrived home at about 6 pm after a good day out. Bruce K.

HOTHAM TO MT. BOGONG, mostly on the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) Friday 19/2 to Monday 22/2/16 On the trip – John H (leader), Bernadette, Sandy, Ian T, Marie Our four day walk was blessed with idyllic Goldilocks weather. Warmish days but not too hot, coolish nights but not too cold. Just right! We had perfect clear day time skies for grand views in all directions, as well as an almost full moon at night. And to top it all off, the group was great company. We enjoyed a few ups and downs on this trip. Starting at Loch car park we were at 1800m. We dropped down Swindlers Spur to Dibbins Hut at 1350m then up via Basalt Temple onto the Bogong High Plains (1800m) then across to our camping spot at Ryders Yards. The next day was flatter walking along the aqueduct, although our heart rates went up with encountering a large snake. We enjoyed lovely camping under the snow gums at Ropers Hut then headed down Duane Spur the next morning, to Big River at 1000m. We then climbed up T Spur to Maddisons Hut site then round to Cleve Cole Hut (back at 1800m again!). On the fourth day we climbed to the top of Bogong (1986m) before dropping down the Staircase to enjoy a bathe in Mountain Creek (600m). A couple of other BBC groups were out and about on the Saturday. On the side of Mt Nelse we met up with the day walkers returning from Ropers Hut, soon to be joined by the mountain bike riders returning from their tour de High Plains. Who said we don’t get out? Opportunities to walk from Hotham to Bogong are not that frequent, as the car shuffle involved is fairly unattractive. Luckily for us, John’s wife Rosemary generously helped us out with the Hotham drive. Thanks to John and Rosemary for supplying a vehicle that could fit a driver, five walkers and our packs in (with Bernadette fitting very neatly into the back, back seat!). As always, thanks to our leader and co-leader for making this happen. Marie.

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GREAT OCEAN WALK. MARCH 1 TO MARCH 9. The Great Ocean Walk was my first big walk - I am totally hooked and already researching my next get away! The Great Ocean Walk was a lovely blend of ocean views and beach walks - of tall gum forests and open plains of salt bush - of laughter and companionship with new friends and also silence and meditative space to take in the wonder of nature. I really enjoyed the scenery of the estuaries created by the Parker, Aire and Gellibrand Rivers. Amazing cliffs and rocks coming down into gullies. We were incredibly lucky to have 8 days of perfect weather to enjoy the walk. The opportunity to swim everyday added another dimension to the walk that I was not expecting. The rock pools were the most amazing sapphire blue colour from the cliffs above - the kind of blue that is often only associated with tropical waters. To be able to swim in these pools was like our own private retreat - I really felt at one with the universe! Thanks so much to Cindy for being group leader - and to everyone for making the walk such a memorable time. Amanda

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It will come as no news to all hikers that when walking any track, walkers not only experience a visual feast... bird life, wild flowers, plants and changing flora, but it is mixed with a treat of the sounds and smells of the bush. This walk had it all, plus brilliant sunshine and the opportunities to swim in the many peaceful bays and river inlets. The many sandy beaches beckoned us to remove our boots and walk, allowing the sand to massages our feet. The feeling of sand between the toes is as Aussie as meat pie and football!! Thank you to all who joined me on this walk. It was a pleasure and a privilege to share this experience with you. The Great Ocean Walk deserves its name. Cindy If you look closely at these photos you will see we were joined on this walk by the Three Wise Monkeys, Bernadette who dressed for High Tea but somehow it was Cindy who actually was served it. We were very spoilt having cars parked along the walk to ease the burden in our packs. A fabulous walk. Thank you all, especially Cindy. Ed. Good food Perfect weather Wonderful views Strenuous walking Idyllic camping Refreshing swimming Continuous conversation Much laughing Caring company.

Pauline

GOW - 8 splendid days of rambling, reflection and ravishing views to be highly recommended . The highlight for me was the water: the tempting turquoise tint; the salty smell; sensuous swimming in the ocean, rivers and streams; paddling in puddles; rambling amongst rock holes; surf swishing on bare feet; slogging along sand; soaked by a splashing sideswipe; salty skin; surge of sucking seaweed; mesmerised by monotonous motion; watching weeping waterfalls; incoming tide lapping over ledges; observing the ocean to oblivion from high orientation; staggering sunsets; seduced into sleep by the soporific sound of spontaneous smashing; - what a week! Beth

She's got scones

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One of the highlights of this wonderful walk for me was the location of the camp sites. Each night you could lie in your tent and listen to the sea. A real treat for someone who has always lived inland. Sometimes we were near a beach and other times on a bluff with amazing views down to the sea. Bernadette

What I loved about the GOW was the fabulous weather, the amazing beaches (which we had almost to ourselves), the absolutely fabulous views, the freedom to take the walk at our own pace and spend as much time exploring as we wished. There was nothing more delightful than walking out of the bush, onto a perfect beach where we could swim or explore till our hearts content. I also enjoyed the variety of vegetation from forests to coastal bush, but particularly loved the grass trees and many coloured fungi. We saw lots of wildlife and birds; my favourite, the yellow breasted robin. Seeing a koala cross the road as we left Apollo Bay was a great way to start the walk, and an echidna on our way to the twelve apostles made for a good finish. Thanks to all the good people who made the walk especially enjoyable! Joy ONE MAN'S GREAT OCEAN WALK. (A walk with a difference.) As you may or not know, on a recent Club trip along the Great Ocean Walk I suffered chest pains and felt like crap. Bit of indigestion, have a rest and she’ll be right - had a rest, pack back on, more chest pains, have another rest and she’ll be right. Thankfully, Amanda Tonks, an I.C.U. nurse, had other ideas. “Ron, you’re going to hospital”. Yes, I was having a heart attack. Alison and Amanda transported me to Apollo Bay Hospital and within an hour I was in an ambulance on the way to Geelong, where a team of doctors and staff was waiting. I was immediately taken to the procedure room, a clot was found in a main artery, a stent was fitted and I’m alive to tell the tale. I would sincerely like to thank Amanda, for her expertise, Alison my ambulance driver to Apollo Bay, our leader Cindy and the rest of the crew for a great HALF walk. There’s unfinished business to be had on my return to full health. Thank you all. Ron Hammond

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BOGONG VILLAGE TO PRETTY VALLEY PONDAGE CROSSOVER. The week leading up to this walk had been ridiculously hot. I checked the weather sites for forecasts way too often. But nothing changed; Mt Beauty 35 degrees, Falls Creek 20 degrees, with a 90% chance of 1mm -5mm of rain. Saturday 12th March was going to be a warm one for an uphill walk of 26km from Bogong Village to Pretty Valley. An early start (7:30 from Bogong Village), lots of water, regular rests and good company would make the day do-able. There were 5 of us in total: 2 down and 3 up all geared up for a big day. When Marie, Mick and myself stopped at Spring Creek Saddle and checked Marie’s GPS, the reading said we had walked 3,367km - we knew it was going to be a big day. Marie zeroed it out and we proceeded up hill. The kilometres clicked away and chat turned to when we thought we would meet the two downhillers. Consensus was that we should meet them somewhere in the vicinity of Bogong Jack Saddle Hut approximately 11km from where we started and 15kms from their start. Our prediction was spot on and we met up with Ian and David about 500m on the uphill side of the saddle. Like us, they too had started their end of the walk in a rain shower. Their views had been tainted by cloud on the top of the Fainters, but as they got lower the wide flat grassy plains came into view. Both groups found the track to be easy to follow and in good condition, making the walk enjoyable and stress free. We reached Tawonga Huts just as a huge storm burst and the dry huts were much appreciated. But we knew we couldn’t stay there forever and we ventured out into the downpour knowing that there was only 4km to go. Wetter and slightly more tired than when we started we arrived at the car within the timeframe predicted for the walk. It had been a 10 hour walk, a 1000m climb and 26.67km on the GPS. I turned my phone at 5:10 pm just as we were about to leave Pretty Valley and there was a message from David and Ian “arrived Bunnings Wodonga at 4:20pm.” Marie and I still had 2 hours before we would be in Wodonga and Mick had a 3 hour drive in front of him. A great day no matter which way you walked. Deb.

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The Big Walk, 11kms up Mt. Buffalo (and then 11 back down), is a fantastic walk. Recently Deb led this walk and it is a sheer joy to hike as it takes in so much of what this wonderful mountain has to offer. Thanks Deb.

THANKS TIM. A huge "Thank You" to Tim for his wonderful work as our Treasurer for two years. Tim was a valuable club member and is a top bloke. He has left the club as he is now serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan. We wish him and Sue all the best.

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FOR SALE If interested contact Deb on 0410047884

Women’s Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX, Size 38 Selling for $150 RRP: $449.99

The boots have been worn 4 times for around an hour each time. I was trying to wear

them in but found them too narrow for my foot. They are brilliant boots, lightweight

and extremely well made, and after trying every single boot in Sydney on, these were

my absolute favourite. I am very disappointed to have to sell them. They are given very

good reviews on a number of outdoor websites.

WANT TO GO ON A WALK BUT NEED SOME GEAR?

We hire:

Tents

Sleeping bags

Back-packs

Hiking poles

Waterproof jackets

We even have a dehydrator if you want to prepare your own meals (or dry your excess summer produce)

And lots more… WANT TO LEAD A WALK BUT WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY? We have the following equipment available for free for any club walk:

First aid kits

GPS

PBLs

Where do I hire the gear? ADVENTURE GEAR ALBURY 479 DEAN ST ALBURY 02 6021 6200 www.adventuregearonline.com.au

NOTICES

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MAPS The Club has an extensive collection of topographical maps available for members to borrow when undertaking walks. These are usually brought to Club Nights, but because none have been borrowed over the past two years they will now be made available by contacting Warwick McLachlan president@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Leaders - Emergency Contact Person (ECP). Leaders are reminded to inform their participants who the ECP for their event is and provide them with relevant

contact details at the time of booking into a walk.

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ACTIVITIES PROGRAM

LEADERS reserve the right to change the activity route on the day depending on prevailing conditions and altered circumstances. A walk leader can refuse permission for any person to take part in his/her activity. A list of trip participants must be prepared and the non-member fee (currently $5) should be collected before the start of the trip. This is a requirement of our insurance policy. Without this list participants may not be covered by insurance.

EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSONS (ECPS): Leaders must leave trip details, including a list of participants and their contact numbers with a family member, or if none available, with an ECP. In the event of a delay, the ECP will contact families and decide on the next course of action. PARTICIPANTS (members and visitors) must check with the leader that their fitness and experience suit the walk. Follow the leader’s instructions at all times. Pay own ambulance costs – insurance is recommended (but accidents are rare). BOOKINGS: If you intend participating in any of the activities listed below you are required to personally speak to the Leader no later than the Wednesday prior to a day activity or 7 days prior to an overnight activity or unless otherwise indicated. SMS bookings are not appropriate. Please be aware that leaders have the right to decide the size of the group they will accept for their activities. Activities may become fully subscribed before the general cut-off date. By contacting the leader early you may avoid missing out. FIRST AID KITS: are to be taken by leaders on each walk. BIVY BAGS: The club has bivy bags available for activities where extreme cold may be an issue.

GRADING Grade 1 (Easy) Opportunity for large number of participates, including those with reduced ability to walk/cycle on well- marked and even formed tracks. Formed tracks may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km. Grade 2 (Easy-Medium) Easy activity, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk/cycle easily in natural environments on well-marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km. Grade 3 (Medium) Medium activity with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk/cycle on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20km. Grade 4 (Medium-Hard) Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.

Photo credits this issue:

Bruce Cindy

Deb Warwick

Marie Sandy Joy

Brad Amanda

Ian Bernadette

Beth Ron

Disclaimer

All statements and opinions expressed in articles published in ‘Footprints’ are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Editor, the Committee or members of the Border Bushwalking

Club

FIRST AID KITS Leaders are reminded to take first aid kits on all activities. The club has a number

for use. Contact Bernadette.

We extend a warm welcome to the following new members :

Petra de Ruyter

Kelby Eddington

We trust that you will enjoy all that the Club and its members

have to offer.

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Grade 5 (Hard) Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often indistinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners. Grade 6 (Very Hard) Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to exploratory remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners. Exploratory Is unknown to leader and while every effort has been made to grade the activity appropriately, there may be some unexpected aspects which may increase the difficulty of the walk.

Get Out and Get Active.

Tuesdays Canoeing after work – 2015/16 Finally the winter is over and the after work canoeing starts again. We will meet at Cumberoona wharf in Noreuel Park at 5:30 pm every Tuesday. The cost is $ 12 per person, which covers canoe hire and the transport. Bring a change of clothes, and let me know if you want to join us for the BBQ at $3 cost. Bring your own cutlery, plate and salad to share. This activity is suitable for experienced and inexperienced paddlers, however a minimum level of water ability is required. The expected finish for the canoe trip is approximately 7:30pm, followed by a BBQ finishing around 8:30 . I’ll take bookings till 1:30 pm on the Tuesday. Call Catherine Byrne on 0488 959 775, or via email at Catherine-byrne {at} Hotmail.com (Sasho is away, and Catherine is leading with Cindy as co-leader in his absence).

2 April Kelly’s and Fitzgerald Huts- 12kms Easy-Medium walk

Bushwalking Grade 2 Leader: Bruce Phone: 02 6024 3986 Final bookings; Wed 30/03/16

The huts are on the High Plains beyond Falls Creek and we’ll walk the “easy” route to them. Starting at Watchbed Creek, we’ll follow Big River Fire Track to a junction where we’ll turn onto the Kelly Track. On the way we’ll make the short detour to Fitzgerald Hut before having lunch at Kelly’s Hut. We’ll retrace our steps to the cars after lunch. The walk is all on track with slight undulations. This walk is all on tracks with not much elevation change and is either a good introduction to the high plains or a chance to get away from the heat.

2 April Mt Bogong grade 4 medium-hard Bushwalking Leader: Deb Phone: 0410047884 before 8pm Final bookings: 30/03/16

Starting at Mt Creek camp ground ( or the base of The Staircase, if we can get enough 4WD’s) we will ascend Mt Bogong via The Eskdale Spurr and Michel Hut. The track is well used but does climb relentlessly to the summit. Then after lunch it’s all downhill via The Staircase and eventually flat ground.

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9 April Gourmet Overnight Walk: Tawonga Huts, easy-medium Overnight Camping Leader: Ian T Phone: 0425782983 Co-leader: Bernadette Co-leader phone: 0419241687 Final bookings: 2/4/16

This is a short walk (less than 5kms each way) which means we can bring gourmet food to share and some refreshments too if desired. You don’t need to be a chef because by gourmet we mean ‘not dehydrated.’ Tawonga Huts are set in a delightful spot out from Pretty Valley, Falls Creek. There are some pleasant tracks from here also if you want to go for more of a stroll after you have set up camp. Let Ian know if you can join us by 2nd April and then Bernadette will coordinate what people bring for our feast. This would be a great walk to relax with other club members and would suit beginners to overnight walking. Don’t forget we have lots of gear that you can hire to equip you.

16 April - 17 April

The Bluff, grade 3 medium Bushwalking · Overnight Camping · Grade 3 · Leader: Pete S-A · Phone: 0260271980

On Saturday we will travel via Mansfield, Sheep yard Flat, to an overnight car camp situated on the Jamieson River. Sunday we will drive part way up Bluff link Rd to the car park. We will walk the remaining 6km along the gravel Rd to bluff hut. Here we will leave the road following the walking track 5.5km over the Bluff back to the cars. This walk has some great views of a different area, but due it’s elevation it will not go ahead if bad weather is forecast.

17 April

Mount Beauty Hill and West Kiewa Power Station, Grade 2 Easy / Medium, 12 – 15

kms Bushwalking Grade 2 Leader: Carol Tonn Phone: 03 57 541 214 Please phone before 9pm

Starting from Mount Beauty we follow the marked cross country mountain bike trail past a very interesting seat and uphill for about 1 1/2 hours. It is not a steep climb as the bikes go up this trail not down. Once at the top it’s gradual downhill to the West Kiewa Power station lookout and 2 waterfalls. We retrace some of the walk before heading back to the cars on different trails. There may also be time to go down the Gorge to the swimming hole at the Canyon. The last 200 mtrs is along the river and depending on how good you are at rock hopping you may end up with wet shoes. I suggest a walking pole for those who like an extra bit of balance and river shoes for those who don’t like walking in wet boots. The water is usually about ankle / calf deep in parts The walk is on bike trails, foot pads, dirt roads and fire trails and approx 12 klms + 3kms if we add the Gorge.

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19-20 April

Overnight walk Mt Loch Car Park to Dibbin’s Hut Overnight Camping Grade 3 Leader: Rosemary Phone: 02 60568997 Max participants = 8 Final bookings: 13/4/2016

This overnight walk is an exploratory walk. We will leave from Mt Loch car park and walk to Dibbin Hut following the pole lines, approximately 9 kms. We will camp overnight there and will decide whether to return the next day via the same route or do a circuit and return via Red Robin Battery and Mt Loch. The walk is suitable for those who want to try overnight hikes.

22-25 April

AWT: Mt Bogong – The Long Spur – Mt Wills – Benambra – grade 4 – hard Bushwalking Leader: John H Co-leader: Bernadette Co-leader phone: 0419241687 Max participants - 8 Final bookings: 14/4/2016

This is an opportunity to see the High Plains from a different angle! A few of us did Hotham to Bogong a few weeks back and we are now intending to do the next four day section of the Alpine Walking Track. To regain the track, we’ll climb Eskdale Spur to camp near the Maddisons Hut site. We then descend the Long Spur before climbing up and over Mt Wills and descending into the Mitta River Valley to finish somewhere near Benambra (exactly where I’ll figure out once I get the latest map). Numbers are limited to eight and you’ll need to be fit to handle a couple of big climbs.

21 May Wild Horse Creek, grade 3 medium, 20kms Bushwalking Leader: Deb Phone: 0410047884 before 8pm Final Bookings: Wednesday 18/05/16

Wild Horse Creek is a beautiful spot on Track 107 about 10kms from the carpark at Watchbed Creek, where this walk begins. We will initially follow a 4WD track before veering off and following the pole line and Kelly Track to Fitzgeralds and Kelly Hut. This part of the walk is fairly flat and has great views. At Kelly Hut we join Track 107 and descend to Wild Horse Creek, where we will have lunch. After the climb back up to Kelly Hut I would like to make return trip back to the cars via the Aquaduct Track but this will depend on a number of factors including the weather and finding the track. All up about 20km.

25 June Mt Emu, grade 3 medium, 16kms Bushwalking Leader: Deb Phone: 0410047884 before 8pm Final bookings: Wednesday 22nd June

The view across Tawonga and Mt Beauty from the top of Mt Emu is pretty stunning. Mt Emu is adjacent to Mt Bogong but much lower so is accessible during the winter months. Despite this walk being all on 4WD track it is perfect for this time of the year. We will walk up Mt Creek Road from the cars before turning at the intersection with Eskdale Spurr for the walk to the summit. The return walk will follow the access road for the transmission lines. 16kms all up.

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12 Jun until 12 Jul 2016

Larapinta Trail, NT Bushwalking Overnight Camping Grade 4 - hard Leader: Marie Maguire

I’m planning an extended trip along the remarkable Larapinta Trail (Western MacDonnell Ranges, NT). I’ll be taking my time & having a good look around, so I will be out walking for about four weeks. As there are multiple access points to this trail I will be able to put in a few food drops and it also makes it possible for walkers to join me for a section or two (or more) of the trip, as it suits them. The plan is still evolving but anyone who is interested can email me, mariemaguire [at] bigpond [dot] com *protected email* and I will send you my detailed trip plan. Overall the trip will be “medium” (although there will be a few harder days along the way) and I am factoring in a number of rest days.

5 – 20 Nov 2016

Australian Alps Walking Track - Walhalla to Mt Hotham Grade 5 - hard Leader: Michael (Lowe) Phone: 03 6334 001 Contact: mjlowe263 [at] gmail.com Final bookings: May, 2016

This is a two-week trip planned for late next year from the southern terminus of the AAWT to where the track crosses the road near Mt Hotham ski resort. There will be a food drop after the first week, at Rumpff Saddle, on the Jamieson-Licola Road. This food drop will give the chance to do just one week – either start or finish at the saddle. The trip is for four to eight people. This is a 220km walk, mainly on track, through some of Australia’s most spectacular country. The trip is now full. Any extra walkers will go on a wait list.

For your interest here are links to other not too distant bushwalking clubs activities: http://tumutbushwalkers.weebly.com/ (Tumut Bushwalkers) http://www.shepadventureclub.org.au/ (Shepparton Adventure Club)