FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2017 Page 1

FOOTPRINTS June 2017

Newsletter of the Border Bushwalking Club Inc. affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria

COMMITTEE

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Ian Trevaskis 0425 782 983 Paul David Jan

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

General Committee: Bernadette, Chris, Sandy, Ira, Liz, Marie

CLUB NIGHT 7:30 Tuesday June 6th.

Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin WA October 2016

Come on an armchair tour as Sue presents a visual account of this magnificent walk. The 7 day iconic 135km walk through coastal heath, ancient sand dunes, along rugged

coastlines, granite and limestone cliffs. Enjoy magnificent beaches and a wander through the majestic Karri forests complete with wildflowers!

Where : Senior Citizens, Meeting Room, Civic Centre Complex, Hovell Street, Wodonga 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

2018 WILL BE THE 40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BORDER BUSHWALKING CLUB. We are looking for

ideas and people who would be prepared to form a sub- committee to help organise our 40th celebrations.

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 21/6/17

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THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS I have been fortunate enough to visit some true wilderness areas and lately I’ve been reading with alarm about moves to develop and unlock a number of wilderness areas so that they become more accessible to those among us who don’t want to go through the hassle of pulling on heavy boots and wet weather gear, of slogging away for hours with a heavy pack on their backs, and who shudder at the thought of not sleeping in a warm cosy bed. Usually these proposals promote the idea that such intrusions into what are untouched and pristine areas is so that more people can enjoy their magnificence and their awesomeness (is that a real word?). I tend to be pretty sceptical of such claims. Instead I prefer to think that such moves are motivated purely and simply by the allure of the mighty dollar and that the very people who put up such proposals have rarely, if ever, spent a night under a sky full of stars or huddled down in a sleeping bag deep in the bush. I recall reading somewhere a quote that alluded to the fact that “wilderness” is a concept that is important to our psyche; even if we live our whole lives without actually visiting a wilderness area. The very fact that there is a place called ’the wilderness’ out there somewhere is important in and of itself. I asked my friend Google why wilderness should be preserved. This was just one of her replies...

To protect the ancestral lands and cultures of indigenous people.

The wisdom of indigenous people is vast and is disappearing at a startling pace. The lands that they inhabit are often the healthiest ecosystems remaining on the planet, and so their knowledge of how to care for the Earth is immeasurably valuable and must be preserved. To preserve certain species of plants and animals that would otherwise become extinct due to human development. Ecological studies in some areas, such as the Amazon rainforest, have uncovered important medicinal plants for human use, as well as beautiful and unusual animal species found nowhere else on Earth. The habitats required by some of these flora and fauna would be difficult or impossible to reproduce in zoos, arboretums, or laboratories. Extinction is accelerating as wild places disappear, and protecting wild habitats is critical to the health of the Earth. So that we can observe the night sky, the stars and planets, and the Milky Way in their full splendour. The International Dark Sky Association identifies only 21 places in the entire world as International Dark Sky Parks. These parks are far enough away from cities and towns so as to be free of light pollution, so they are the best places in the world to view the night time sky.

To provide humans with a way to reconnect with nature and escape the hectic rush of the modern world. Our

species originated as part of nature, yet few humans today live in a way that is truly connected with the natural world. We long to return to our natural state. This is why many believe that wilderness areas are vital for the human spirit and creativity. Natural places provide us with solitude, recreation, and beautiful vistas that calm our minds and help us to feel at peace and connected with our truest self.

Wilderness filters and cleans the air we breathe and the water that we drink.

Through the natural processes of evaporation, precipitation, and natural filtering in streams and rivers, our air and water are purified and made healthy for our bodies to consume. There are not many places left in the world where truly clean air and water can be found. Additionally, trees and other plants in wilderness areas produce oxygen that the world depends upon. The Amazon rainforest alone provides 20% of the Earth’s oxygen.

Wilderness areas ensure that we can leave a legacy of untouched wild lands for future generations of all species to enjoy.

From an article written by Jocelyn Mercado in ‘Pachamama Alliance’ August 5th

, 2015

https://www.pachamama.org/blog/the-significance-of-wilderness-in-our-modern-world

Ian

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TRIP REPORTS Glen Creek Loop Walk The 7th of May was a beautiful sunny autumn day when 15 walkers headed across the paddocks and into the state forest on the foot hills of Mt Jack. Magnificent views of Mudgegonga , and the surrounding mountains of Buffalo and Stanley , were enjoyed after an hour of mostly uphill walking. The next hour was mostly spent navigating off track through the bush, until coming to an old campsite for morning tea. Crossing a small creek, and a short steep climb to an old 4WD track, we then meandered around a hill until recrossing the creek. We went a short distance up the next steep hill, stopping for lunch in the sun, then continuing up. Of course after up , we then got to go down, and had a lovely undulating track through the forest until we came to farmland. Another gradual climb up the recently graded track, with views back to the Kiewa Valley , before heading down on the homeward trail. We arrived back at our starting point for afternoon tea and the promised tim tams. Despite our large group, with strict instructions from the 'L' plated leader, the faster walkers waited when necessary for the more leisurely ones, and I thank you all for making it such an enjoyable day. Pauline.

Two Bike Rides. Ian put on two bike rides on two consecutive Sundays. The first started at the old Everton station. Warwick, Marie, Liz, Trish and Ian rode uphill for approximately 16kms to Beechworth where Sandy and John met us. It's a bit of a grind up to Beechworth but incredibly pretty. Marie, being the super fit person she is, chose to ride the mountain bike section which runs adjacent to the bike trail. We bought lunch in Beechworth and took it to Lake Sambell where we were met by two more members. It's great when you know the next leg of your journey is going to be easy and that's where riding up hills has advantages. It was mainly downhill from Beechworth back to the cars and a great chance for John and Sandy to re-discover their bike legs. A mob of kangaroos joined us for part of the way back and required some pretty fast applying of brakes when two suddenly hopped across the trail without warning. The second ride was again along the rail trail but this time starting at Eurobin and riding to Wandilagong then back to Eurobin. Well, keen biker David started and ended at Myrtleford. This was a ride with the incentive of a pub lunch so it was very well attended. The old rail journey through the region must have been stunning. I'm sure if it still existed it would feature on "Great Railway Journeys of the World." But now it's a fantastic ride. The huge old remnant red gums give a hint to what a majestic forest must have once been here. As we rode through Bright to Wandilagong we passed a pine plantation with those beautiful red and white toadstools growing. Sasho told us that where he comes from they call them "deer" mushrooms because they have white spots like fawns. Lunch was great, the ride was great, the company was great, a coffee stop on the return trip was great, in fact it was a great day! Thanks Ian. Ed.

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Mt. Buffalo 14 May The Big Walk up Mt Buffalo is the one walk that I’m always happy to do, even when I’ve already done it two or three times that season. But I felt it was time to try something on the ‘top’ of Buffalo, as I haven’t walked there for some time. So this walk gave us the best of both worlds – the most scenic half of the big walk, and enough time to visit some of the plateau’s features.

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Accordingly twelve of us set off after driving half-way up, parking where the walking track comes out onto the road just before you start the zigzag rock crossings on the way to Mackey’s lookout. After a gentle 6km uphill we passed the Chalet, en route for morning tea at the Haunted Gorge lookout. Fortunately no ghosts disturbed our peaceful view over the valleys below, before we continued down the gorge to the entrance to the underground river and back up and out to the View point for lunch. An easy stroll to Lake Catani had us making our way to our final treat for the day – the Chalwell galleries. The galleries require a bit of bending, stretching and twisting, but are well worth a visit. We then returned to the chalet via Lake Catani, and back down to the cars. All up about 18km over 8.5 hours. David.

While picnicking at Haunted Gorge lookout... ...there was a cry, "Come back Miranda!" But this renegade didn't and was last seen trying to exit a gate that wouldn't open. Let us know if you have seen her lately.

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NOTICES.

The Border Bushwalking Club Fees are now Due. Club membership is valid to May 31st. Payment details for renewals are listed on our website, under the "Members" heading. Refer to the BBC Website: www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au/registration or pay by EFT. Please note the fee schedule: Single member: $40 or $35 concession Family: $70 or $65 concession Each additional family member: $10 Newsletter mailed in post: $23 (emailed is free). Direct Bank Deposit Account Holder – Hume Building Society Account Name – Border Bushwalking Club Inc. BSB 640 000 Account No 111104448 Description: your full name, or first 3 letters of first and last names, e.g. John Brown becomes johbro

Website refresh – potential maintenance outage As advised at the AGM, we are looking to transfer the hosting of our website to a local provider. This will hopefully improve the reliability and security of the website. However, we need to make some updates to the background web configuration and settings to allow this to occur. This will result in a short period of outage (we are advised only a day or two). We also anticipate that the website will then be a little different visually, but there shouldn’t be any significant changes to content or functionality. We will send out an email to advise further once the details/expected dates are arranged. Making connections @borderbushwalkingclub Did you know the BBC now has an instagram account? Instagram is a photo-sharing application (google it, ask a teenager or David for a demo). We’re hoping that by posting some photos of our activities, and tagging them with place-names/locations, we might be able to make some connections with other people who also walk where we do. So if you participate on a club activity and have a great photo, send it to the treasurer@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au BORDER BUSHWALKING CLUB EQUIPMENT REPORT 2016/2017 I would like to begin with a huge thanks to Gino and the staff at Adventure Gear for storing and overseeing the hire of equipment. They do this as a no cost service to us but it is our gear. For this reason, if things in the first aid kits need replacing or there are any issues please report them to the equipment officer and not Adventure Gear. If it is not reported, we can’t act on it. Please note that equipment should always be returned clean and in good repair. BBC provides an equipment hire service in order to make walking more accessible to beginners and those wishing to extend their activities as well as providing safety equipment free of charge for all club activities.This year has seen the use of the gear required for extended walks as people step up to a different level of walking and test out equipment. Two of our tents have seen a total of 12 days out and one of our packs has been out for 10 days. Our hiking mats have been out for a total of 24 days. 2 people hired hiking poles over 3 days this year. There were no snowshoes borrowed in the past year. Currently this activity is largely reliant on Ron. As Ron likes to travel and pursue other interests it would be great if someone else could be mentored by Ron to assist and run some

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events. Once again Sasho and the paddling crew have made good use of the paddling gear over the Summer providing a great Wednesday evening pastime. Safety equipment is mainly used on extended walks and the first aid kits PLB and GPS have all been used at times throughout the year. They certainly haven’t been taken on all extended walks. Sometimes this is because the leader or participants have suitable safety equipment but I strongly encourage leaders to take advantage of this potentially lifesaving gear especially as it is free to borrow for all club activities. The first aid kits were also borrowed a number of times during the year. We have consolidated the kits down to three in Albury and one in Wodonga. Space blankets, snake bandages and electrolytes have been added to these kits. During this year our stove was borrowed once and the dehydrator was not borrowed. There will be a club night soon where we focus on food for the track and this will include some dehydrator tips and recipes. There has been a suggestion that gear be weighed so that potential borrowers can do their vital calculations and also that the wet weather gear be checked as it is aging. These are good projects for the next year. Bernadette

Changes to the Packhorse Track Many members have walked the delightful Packhorse Track that winds up through the forest from Howmans Gap to Falls Creek. There have been some changes to the track recently as part of Falls Creek’s summer strategy to encourage mountain bike (MTB) riders. At the Falls Creek end, the starting point of the track has been moved away from the Bogong High Plains Road at the entrance to the village, and the large notice board has been taken down. The short section leading from the road to the Track and Falls Creek Falls was very steep and quite awkward, and while it is still visible it will not be maintained in future. The Track now starts from the back of the Gully car park, opposite the Gully café and chair lift. This is the first car park on the left when entering the village. To reach the start, walk across the car park and locate a track called the Discharge Track, walk down this a short distance and turn left onto the Packhorse Track, past Falls Creek Falls and then down to Howmans.

When walking up from Howmans, continue past the old exit on to the Falls, and the new bit of track is plainly visible as a boardwalk. The Packhorse Track is designated as a one-way track for cyclists, up from Howmans to Falls. More details on the numerous MTB tracks around Falls Creek can be found here. As you can see from the map and may have noticed on the ground, there are now many tracks around the Falls Creek resort area. There is no reason why these cannot be used as walking tracks but walkers would need to be on the lookout at all times for cyclists. The increase in MTB riders has also led to an increase in traffic, particularly on the McKay/Pretty Valley Road and Road 24, with cyclists, cars and a shuttle service for cyclists. Another point to note is that the old block of public toilets outside Howmans Gap has been demolished. I don’t know if it will be replaced. Eileen.

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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… Where do I get the gear?

ADVENTURE GEAR ALBURY 479 DEAN ST ALBURY 02 6021 6200 www.adventuregearonline.com.au For all your hiking needs whether it be buy or to hire our club gear.

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

Photo credits this issue: David

Pauline

Ian

Liz

FOR SALE Men's Scarpa Hiking Boots used. Size 43 / 10

Done 5 hikes with inserts in.

$180

Cost $320 new. Phone 0404027306

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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. 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.

WINTER WARMERS

Wednesday wander: Albury Bungambrawartha track Bushwalking Leader: Eileen Phone: 0412042195 Bookings by: Tuesday, May 23rd

Wednesday, May 24th Grade 1 Approx. 12 kms

We’ll start from Noreuil Park and follow the Bungambrawartha cycle path through Albury and North Albury for lunch at the picnic table at Centaur Road, Lavington. Then we return via the same route. There’s a surprising amount of open space on this walk and we get different views of some Albury landmarks. The walk is about 12 km in total with very gentle grades.

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Social: Banff Mountain Film Festival Leader: David G Phone: 0432 632142 Bookings by: Wednesday, May 22nd

Thursday, May 25th Ungraded

The 2017 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour showcases over 2 1/2 hours of the most enthralling mountain adventure films that will have you planning your next adventure before the credits roll.

I’ve been for the past four years, and look forward to it each year. I’ll be at the ‘Coffee club’ on Dean st (entrance beside city walk) a little after 6pm, so come join me for a quick bite and a coffee prior to the show starting at 7pm at the Albury entertainment centre. You’ll need to book your own tickets here; http://alburyentertainmentcentre.com.au/whats-on/banff-film-festival So far most club members have been booking seats in the vicinity of the centre-back stalls (lower-level). Mt. Beauty Moncrief Fire Trail Bushwalking Leader: Eileen Phone: 0412042195 Bookings by: Wednesday, May 24th

Saturday, May 27th Grade 2 12kms

This walk starts from Mountain Creek and takes us through the forest at the base of Mt Bogong, bringing us almost into Mt Beauty township. It’s mainly up in the morning and down in the afternoon, some views and a hidden waterfall, about 12 km in total.

Mt. Granya Bushwalking Leader: Eileen Phone: 0412042195 Bookings by: Wednesday, May 31st

Saturday, June 3rd Exploratory

Mt Granya (870 m) lies in a State park about 60 km east of Albury with views over Lake Hume. There is a circuit walk to the summit and other shorter walks, probably about 12 km all up. I haven’t done this walk for many years, so consider it exploratory. No SMS bookings, please.

Wednesday wander: Albury to Thurgoona Bushwalking Leader: Eileen Phone: 0412042195 Bookings by: Tuesday, June 6th

Wednesday, June 7th Grade 2 Approx. 12kms

Starting from Borella Road near the airport, we follow the Hume and Hovell Track to somewhere in Thurgoona for lunch, returning via the Thurgoona Cycle Path to Corrys Road and back to the start. Distance will be about 12 km, depending on how far north we go, and no major hills. Mt. Beauty to Tawonga Gap Bushwalking Leader: Eileen Phone: 0412042195 Bookings by: Wednesday, June 14th

Saturday, June 17th Grade 3

This walk requires a car shuffle. It starts in Mt Beauty with a very steep climb of about 2 km onto the ridge track, which we will take very slowly. We then walk north along the ridge track to the Tawonga Gap lookout, about 12 km in all. The ridge track is undulating and gives spectacular views over the Kiewa Valley to Mt Bogong. No SMS bookings, please.

Wednesday wander: Thurgoona Bushwalking Leader: Eileen

Wednesday, June 21st Grade 2

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Phone: 0412042195 Bookings by: Tuesday, June 20th This walk follows part of the Hume and Hovell Track. Starting from Thurgoona Drive we head north past Charles Sturt University and through the Eight Mile Creek reserve until we have walked far enough. Exact route to be determined on the day..

Mt. Stanley Bushwalking Leader: Bernadette Phone: 0419241687 Bookings by: Wednesday, June 21st

Saturday, June 24th Grade 3 17kms

This walk will start at the top of Mt Stanley in order to avoid walking through the creek. We will walk to Myrtle Creek for morning tea and then begin the climb back up the mountain. Most of this walk is on well-formed tracks but there is a small bush-bash towards the end. It is 17km in length. Phone calls, and not texts, are required for booking please. The other way up Mt. Emu Bushwalking Leader: Eileen Phone: 0412042195 Bookings by: Wednesday, June 28th

Saturday, July 1st Grade 3

Mt Emu (about 1300 m) overlooks the townships of Tawonga and Mt Beauty and we have usually started the walk to the summit from Mountain Creek on the Mt Beauty side. There is an alternative route from the northern side on 4WD tracks, so we’ll try this route for a change. Distance about 16 km in total, up in the morning, down after lunch. We may find snow along the way! No SMS bookings, please. Howmans Gap Leader: Sue Phone: 02 6056 0501 or sumacard@outlook.com Bookings by: Wednesday, June 7th

Friday, August 18 - Sunday, August 20th

Ungraded

Come & have a great 3 day weekend – skiing (downhill or cross country – skating or classic), snow shoeing, walking in the snow or lazing around the fire & reading. Staying at YMCA Howman’s Gap Alpine Centre just near the entry gate to Falls Creek. The cross country ski trails will be groomed for the Hoppet the following weekend. Accommodation – 6-7 bunk bedrooms, single & communal bathrooms & disabled facilities. All meals included from Friday night dinner to Sunday packed lunch. Choice of travel departures Friday morning or Friday evening depending on drivers. BYO bed linen/sleeping bag, towel, wine & nibbles for around the fire predinner. Blankets & pillows supplied. Large drying rooms & guest fridges available. CHANGE OF PRICING & BOOKING SYSTEM – NOW PER ROOM NOT PERSON BUT WILL BE CHEAPER OVERALL Bookings are heavy but with our long association with Howmans have got 3 rooms of 6 /7 bunks each & A SPECIAL RATE For 2 nights accommodation & 6 meals will work out at $182 per person DEPOSIT OF $50 PER PERSON REQUIRED BY by 7 JUNE 2017 to secure booking. 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.