Newsletter, June, 2018PO Box 5155 East Lismore NSW 2480

http://www.northernriversbushwalkersclub.org.au/

President’s Message

Activity reports

New Committee Members

Other clubs’ activities

Forthcoming NRBC activities and other information

A Few Words from the new President 

Hi Everyone, I have had a wonderful time travelling and hiking overseas for the last 2 months. Alas, it has come to an end and I am back to fulfil my duties with the club. I am especially thankful to Bill Boyd, Vice-President, and the committee members who took care of business in my absence. Now onto other matters at hand……

Our club has a constitution that is supplemented by policies that state the club’s position on a topic; and procedures that provide guidance about what is to be done, who can do it, how it is to be carried out, under what circumstances and when. These policies and procedures are published on our club website so you know about them, or can refer to them when required. The Committee is currently reviewing and updating existing policies and procedures – as well as creating new policies and procedures – to reflect what is recommended by Bushwalking NSW. This happens in all organisations from time to time and generates a fair amount of work as we try to get it right and follow best practice. If there are any people in our club who are experienced with the tasks associated with policies

and documents, then please make yourself known! We would value your contribution immensely.

One of the documents in the process of being updated is the Essential Information Document, which is a summary of what you need to know before you sign up for an activity. This reminds me of a sign I recently saw while hiking overseas:“Your safety is your responsibility: Be prepared to rescue yourself.” The meaning is to have everything that you can reasonably expect to need for the activity, such as adequate food and water; suitable attire and foot wear; additional clothing for inclement weather conditions and a first aid kit. A trip leader has the right to refuse your participation in a club activity if you are not equipped appropriately for the activity.

Additionally Bushwalking NSW (that the club is affiliated with) advises that:“Club members, including temporary members • Inform the leader of any medical condition (including any medication being taken) which may affect their participation in an activity • Take responsibility for their own health and safety • Exercise a duty of care to all other participants • Ensure that they have the health and fitness levels, any medication and equipment appropriate to the activities they undertake • Follow all Club operating procedures • Assist leader to minimise risks • Sign a risk waiver form on joining or renewing membership and/or prior to each activity.”

Another sign I encountered overseas said: (I won’t include the Spanish translation)“You are now entering a wilderness area in which your personal health is at the disposal of the natural forces.” Such is the nature of what we do in the bushwalkers club! Let’s make sure that we plan as much as possible to minimise the risks, but still enjoy all of our club activities!

Regards, Jenny.

Activities Reports

Mt Jerusalem 3rd June 2018 Attended: Alex P, Julie W, Peter Mc, Colin T, David R, Tina R, David W, Brendan K, Anna A, Barry Mc, Julie D, Glenn T, Linda T, David F, Kathy L, Merridy G, Lou M, Dayle O, Robyn D, Peter S, Leader Heike K

A large group of 21 met at the start of Wilsons Creek Drive for the walk up to Mt Jerusalem. We organised ourselves into carpools and started the walk around 9.15am. David and Tina planned to walk with us for a while and then continue to the Blackbutt Plateau but decided to stay with us as we were such nice company to be with 😊 The first part of the walk to the escarpment was steep but in comparison to last year in much better conditions and dry. We were lucky and had excellent weather

and at the Flying Fox lookout, were treated to a beautiful view of the Doon Doon Valley. We had morning tea at the most beautiful place with a view of the walk and many photos were taken.

After morning tea, we walked towards the top of Mt Jerusalem and while the group was large everyone kept up almost at the same pace.

We had lunch around 12.30pm just before the top of Mt Jerusalem and David R pointed out the snake danger of this area…. Memories of last year’s walk came up…. when during our lunch break we found a snake curled up in some overgrown grass very close to me…

David R led half of our group to the top destination of Mt Jerusalem while the other half enjoyed an extended lunch in glorious sunshine.

After lunch we returned the same way. We contemplated to visit the Loo with a View but clouds were arriving and we decided to postpone it to another time. We arrived back at the start around 2.40pm.

Afternoon tea was held at the Wilsons Creek Primary School and we were all back at our cars around 16.00. We walked about 12.8 km

Good walking, glorious weather with great company 😊 Thanks to all participants. Heike.

Lady Musgrave Island 21– 28th May 2018.

A party of 8 assembled on the morning of 21st May at the town of 1770 and boarded a boat with a generous 1/3 cubic meter of gear and a 20 litre water container extra per person and 2 double kayaks. We took about 40 litres of water per person for the week. There was Ian and Claudia, Faye Hill and Sue Perry, Peter and Desley and Cam and Cecily aboard ‘Bullet Proof’ run by Sandy and Tony from ‘Creek to Reef Fishing Charters’. The return trip on the boat was $350.00 per person and camping was $6.38 per person per night.The trip out was rougher than usual and took 3 hours. By the time we had unloaded and set up camp it had been a full day. Despite the rocky seas the Island welcomed us with pristine white coral strewn beaches and deep, deep, green Pisonia forests. These forests became busy after 3pm with 100’s of Noddy’s returning for the evening. The forest squealed and chattered and splattered our tent flies.There was 1 other party of 6 campers and a volunteer camp ranger and his wife on the Island and our NRBC group. The volunteer ranger orientated us and was able to show us where hatching turtles were making their way down the beach that first night.The next few days passed in a haze of beach and sea horizons, snorkelling reef edges and fishing attempts. We were able to locate a turtle ‘cleaning station’ in the lagoon and

watched in awe as large green turtles approached and the small fish darted out of the corals and gave them a thorough clean. The corals were varied in shape and colour and so were the fish. Claudia, who has spent part of her life studying reefs, was able to give information that helped our observations and appreciation.As the week progressed we were starting to get messages that the wind would strengthen in the coming days. Mobile reception is possible near the light house tower on the island that has a Telstra transmitter. Text is more reliable than voice. Sure enough the daily tourist boat dropped off and by Friday lunch time there were only 6 of us from NRBC and the volunteer ranger, Peter, left on the Island with a vast number of birds. Ian and Claudia had taken a boat out in the morning to minimise risk of not being at work by Tuesday.So our stay was extending past our due departure date for exactly how long we did not know. By Saturday the weather was too squally for water activity. Thankfully the campground is on the leeward side of the Island and is well protected from the wind. We had 2 big tarps to socialize under. We invented a series of activities to pass the time. There was knot tying, yoga, cricket, yarning, quick scrabble, music making, bridge lessons and rearranging of food supplies and menus to stretch further – exactly how long we didn’t know.By Sunday we were all really comfortable with our Island home going off alone on beach fossicks, reading, paddling and snorkelling – the weather had improved. Late on Sunday we had word that we would be picked up the next day. So we had a ‘slap up’ tea with Peter the volunteer ranger invited. On our last morning Cam and I had one last snorkel in the vast lagoon after we had all carted and assembled the gear ready for loading.The trip back to the town of 1770 was made with a good swell running and 3 meter waves but although we were pretty quiet, actually very quiet, nobody was seasick. We celebrated our return with a meal at the Tree Bar – a pub in 1770.It had been a great adventure. We all pulled together well and had had an extraordinary wildlife odyssey of birds, fish, turtles, corals and forest. Cecily J Leader.

Ian’s 70th, Friday May 11-14th Binna Burra Lodge

First – Don’t ask me to name the 102 participants. Far too hard. Must be a club attendance record.What can I say? Do I write a long and detailed tome or do I just write what comes into my head? It was my birthday celebration so a subjective report I will write! What happened was way above my expectation. I guess I was unsure beforehand how people would react to cross dressing, yoga, qi gong, meditation art, archery and everything else that was put on the programme. Now I can look back and realise that the success of the event was caused by everyone getting into the spirit of the occasion and supporting the program. The band was mega supportive - I know the difficulties they were having in trying to get rehearsals happening. They put so much work into organising the music and they had to back me in one song that must have been painful for them (and the audience on the night). Things were happening throughout each day starting from 6.45 am with qi gong and 7 am yoga going through to 10.30 pm on the Saturday night and a little earlier on others. Friday night Tim applied his hands to a keyboard and out came extraordinary and unique music. Yan started her zither recital by undressing in front of all to reveal a beautiful chinese dress. She should have played longer but Katie and her snakes were waiting.

So many walks arranged. Members happily volunteering to lead. A Binna Burra guide leading a walk each day. Walks just happened. Gail had 10 with her on one impromptu walk. Carol had 15 participants on her meditation walk. Long walks, short walks – Tracey going on walks with a cracked shinbone. Then there was that party – a totally mad affair. So many of us dressed up, so many cross dressed, a good number of female superheroes – what bloke would not want to be rescued by one of them? The amount of effort put into the costumes by many was huge. The gamble to suggest cross dressing had worked – a big sigh of relief. I seemed to turn myself into a female for the party. This was very disturbing – was there a hidden woman inside me? If so, it had been bottled up for 70 years – surely that would be highly improbable – this thinking was not 100% convincing. Still haven’t worked out what happened. Why were so many women admiring my back? (Yes I was wearing a low cut dress at the back – I hear the discussion was because there was no bra strap showing “Did I have man boobs?”). This only added to my usual puzzlement of the thoughts of the fairer sex. How I managed to blow the candles out without setting fire to that wig is beyond me. Why do women put lipstick on, have a glass of something and then consume soup? You would think that by getting to 70 I would know the answers – far from it. Who started a conga line dance to “Dirty Old Town?” Now that was pure craziness but what fun! Fay dressed as a life saver! Nobody knew the whether they were looking at a man or a woman. She even let her leg hair grow for the role. Tracey sporting underarm hair that suddenly appeared! There were plenty of male sluts in attendance – so very brazen! Bill and Ruth in their monk and nun habits could not tone down the bawdiness. The sight of Anna dancing to folk music in front of the band - who can forget that? Bert and Mary did a great job judging the fancy dressed. The best did win. Laughs for Col, Ruth, Peter and Jeff who were brave enough to get behind the microphone to amuse. Dave as usual did a great job entertaining us with this singing. The night should have lasted for ever.We were all happy with the catering – we all over ate. I put on 2 kg. It was easy so easy to do. Carol and Dave entertained us on the Sunday night which ended on a high as I was part of the Poms team that won the quiz. Interestingly enough there were 2 teams that called themselves “Winners” and they came equal last! Ian:

Paddle Report - Esk River/Iluka, Sunday 20 May

Participants: Ian & Gail P, Brendan K, Graham P, Dayle O, Caroline F, Heather M, Heike K, Winston L & Heike M (Leaders). Apology Cathy C.As with Heike K’s most enjoyable coastal walk the previous day, we were again blessed with perfect autumn weather. Nine of us met up for a scenic riverside coffee/brunch at 9am, to fuel up for our paddle. Then it was on to our launch site and we were on our way and paddling by about 10:40. The plan was to paddle up into the Esk in a clockwise fashion and return down a different arm. We had good tidal assistance all the way up which was appreciated by all, especially those four who were on their first club paddle. Cally’s inflatable kayak proved a little slow so she gratefully accepted the offer of a tow from Brendan and Ian in the tandem. Their chivalrous efforts allowed her to continue on with us rather than having to return home. Word has it Cally’s boat is headed for Gumtree, soon to be replaced by a faster device. As we headed upstream we were privileged to view what we think was a whistling kite, constantly circling overhead - and way above that a huge wedge tail eagle. A very impressive sight. Getting ashore for our lunch stop was something of a production as there were very few good spots, but we managed. We were still a way short of the road bridge but decided to head back after lunch as there were no real hard core paddlers amongst us. The moment we crossed into another arm of the Esk, we noticed enticing opportunities to get ashore everywhere. Murphy’s Law!The easy return journey in brilliant sunshine was a fitting end to our 11.2 klm paddle on the Esk and a cuppa by the river really capped off the day nicely. 

Overland Track, Tasmania 5th Feb to 16th Feb 2018….continued from the May newsletter

11th Feb.....Sunday.... Kia Ora Hut to Bert Nicols Hut 10 km...

As we set off on another day in paradise we noted that the overnite rain had replenished the water in Kia Ora Ck as it gushed under the bridge toward the falls. We continued on through rain forest beneath Castle Craig (1482m), which is the backdrop to the historic Du Kane Hut that is only used as an emergency shelter. Further on through forest we came to the junction for a side trip to the D’Alton and the Fergusson Falls which were really spectacular due to the recent rain. A short distance on we encountered another sidetrip to the Harnett Falls on the Mersey River. From here the track climbs 200m over 2km to the Du Kane Gap (1070m) This point is the last climb as the Du Kane Range is the glacial cirque for Lake St Clair and beyond . The track then winds another 2km down to the New Bert Nichols Hut through wet sclerophyll forest , with lots of tree roots to negotiate. Another strenuous day for some. The Bert Nichols Hut, previously known as Windy Ridge , is the newest hut and is of palacial proportions by comparison and was very comfortable with a view to The Acropolis (1471m) from the kitchen, and a viewing deck to socialise on with amazing views , as we rehydrated with hot chocolates and the like.

12th Feb....Monday..... Bert Nichols Hut to Narcissus Hut 9km....... We started the day by farewelling Cathy and Kevin as their plan was to only do 6 days on the track and catch the ferry out today. Our original plan was to proceed to Pine Valley Hut , but weary bodies determined that we should take the easy way home even though our packs had lightened considerably. Today the track wandered through dry eucalypt forest and pockets of temperate rainforest down the valley to the Narcissus River to the suspension bridge crossing then on to Narcissus Hut which is situated on the northern end of Lake St Clair, arriving just as a shower of rain started to fall. Later in the afternoon when the sun shone we did some exploring . A couple of tiger snakes entangled with each other entertained us for a while ,as did a platypus for some, along with wombats and wallabies. Some of the earlier arrivals had a plan to ask the Ferry Captain to bring back , on his next trip, a bottle of wine for a little celebration. Now, having an extra day to fill , we decided a walk to Echo Point Hut and back as a daywalk.

13th Feb....Tuesday.... Narcissus Hut to Echo Point and return....6.5km each way..... The day was clear and warm so after farewelling some our fellow walkers , 6 of us set out for Echo Point . Peter had expressed an interest in some giant trees in the rain forest that we should investigate. The track through the forest skirted the edge of the Lake and made an for enjoyable day trip made even better not having to carry heavy packs.Views along the way included Mt Olympus (1449m) to the west and the Traveller Range to the east, including Mt Ida (1239m). We arrived at Echo Point in time for lunch by the shore and a swim for some brave souls. Graeme decided to catch the Ferry back to Narcissus, due to injury, while the rest of us retraced our steps . A thouroughly excellent way to end our track walk in such fine weather, however, the weather turned nasty through the night with wind and heavy rain.

14th Feb......Wednesday..... Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay ...... We woke to find no improvement in the weather. Luckily this was the first day we had to start with our raincoats on. There was even some discussion on whether the ( $1.00 per minute pp ) ferry would run in such bad weather,however it turned up on time to load 23 passengers for a wet and bumpy ride to the southern end of Lake St Clair. We arrived at the Visitors Centre to sign off and to get a coffee only to find the storm in the night had cut the power supply . Gail and Bob picked up their van, which they had left there earlier and left for Hobart. That left Robyn and Peter and Graeme and I to enjoy the comforts afforded to weary walkers at the Lake St Clair Lodge.

15th Feb....Thursday.......Lake St Clair to Hobart.....

After a restfull night and a hearty breakfast at the Lodge Restaurant it was time to board the Tassie Link bus to Hobart , arriving mid afternoon.

16th Feb...... Friday..... Hobart.....

A day spent exploring some of the sights around Hobart and a final evening with the walking party, dinning out at the New Sydney Hotel in Bathurst St. Hobart. A sumptuous meal and some robust discussion to celebrate the end of a most enjoyable few days of Bushwalking in Tasmania. Thankyou to all the participants for helping me achieve one of my bucket list dreams of walking the Overland Track.

Paddy’s Mountain Traverse Recce. 2-3 June 2018

Participants Shane M, Gary W and Leader Alan G

After meeting in Kyogle we drove to Warrazambil Creek where we left a vehicle then drove on to Border Ranges NP and parked at (GDA 117-567). Geared up and ready to go at 8.15am and Shane announces he is tooled up with 2 sets of secateurs and gloves but no machete – well the scene is set for a hard battle!!

Metres into the forest and the trend has been set - cutting and thrusting our way forward with fresh enthusiasm. Hours later and the planned route to Paddy’s Mountain has been amended to Paddy’s Lookout set by our hampered pace. At our late lunch stop another change to simply find camp before dark en route.

After a final push through difficult scrub we found a pleasant camp for the night at (GDA 073-565) Camp was set and we prepared as the fireflies announced evening. Gary shared a scotch with some friendly frogs and a pleasant evening was had by all with an early bedtime.

Next morning we were awoken by the persistent calls of a rainforest bird and had breakfast then decamped for departure around 8am. More jungle gym and monkey bars with a very vague logging track followed to the area of

Paddy’s lookout with no view!! Setting our sights on a saddle on the ridgeline towards Warrazambil Creek took us along an exposed section of ridge that required much care and co-ordination, however we were rewarded with great views. The saddle achieved - now we set our route on a direct path towards the car which found us descending several creek lines and emerged into a timber plantation and onto the road only 100m from target so pretty good navigation in the end. (GDA 040-539)

A refreshing pale ale and a few nibblies were enjoyed before retrieving car from our initial start point.

A hard but rewarding hike with great and tenacious participants. Al.

NRBC Office Bearers

TITLE PERSON EMAIL (Current) EMAIL (Proposed) USERNAME (Proposed)

PresidentJenny Cobden presidentnrbc@gmail.com

No change President NRBC

Vice President

Bill Boyd hendboyd@spot.com.au vice.president.nrbc@gmail.com Vice President NRBC

SecretarySteve Millard

thesecretarynrbc@gmail.com

No change Secretary NRBC

TreasurerShane Malone shane@mse.net.au treasurer.nrbc@gmail.com

Treasurer NRBC

Membership Secretary

Shane Malone shane@mse.net.au membership.nrbc@gmail.com

Membership Secretary NRBC

Social Secretary

Louise Miller lou.miller2@gmail.com social.nrbc@gmail.com

Social Secretary NRBC

Website Manager

Julian Dimbleby julian.dimbleby@gmail.com website.nrbc@gmail.com

Website NRBC

Major Activities Convener

Ian Pick ianpick2@gmail.com major.activities.nrbc@gmail.com

Major Activities NRBC

Walks Coordinator

David Robertson david.rob1367@gmail.com walks.nrbc@gmail.com Walks NRBC

Kayaking Coordinator

Winston Lamont winstonlamont@yahoo.co.uk kayaking.nrbc@gmail.com

Kayaking NRBC

Cycling Coordinator

Ruth Dare ruth_dare@hotmail.com cycling.nrbc@gmail.com Cycling NRBC

Abseiling Coordinator

Shane Malone shane@mse.net.au abseiling.nrbc@gmail.com

Abseiling NRBC

Designated Roles:

Public Officer

Gillian Maclean NA public.officer.nrbc@gmail.com

Public Officer NRBC

Newsletter Editor

Steve Millard millard.stephen@gmail.com newsletter.nrbc@gmail.com

Newsletter NRBC

Other clubs’ activitiesArmidale & Clarence Valley Bushwalking Clubs

Both of these Clubs have extended a welcome to members of the Northern Rivers Bushwalking Club to join them in their activities, so if you find yourself at a loose end and there’s nothing on our program that catches your interest, visit them at http://www.armidalebushwalkers.org/ and http://bushwalkingnsw.org.au/clubsites/clarence/.

Forthcoming NRBC activities and other information

The Activities Program is emailed to members regularly. There are new events being added continuously, so the best thing to do is check the club web site whenever you want to take on an activity. If you want to join an activity, please contact the named leader, but please note that a minimum of three days’ notice must be given to the leader. Cycling events occur on three days a week. Refer to the Cycling Page on the club website.For walks, please check the walks gradings below.

Walks Gradings

We suggest that you keep this as a reference so that you can assess whether or not outings in the program will suit your ability and fitness level.

1. Tracks may have some uneven surfaces. Gradients are slight to moderate. Up to about 12 km. Suitable for beginners with above average fitness.

2. Tracks may have some rough sections. Gradients are generally moderate. There may be some steep sections. Up to about 15 km. Walkers should have at least slightly above average fitness and some bushwalking experience.

3. Tracks are likely to vary from moderately uneven to rough and some sections may be off-track. Some gradients are likely to be quite steep and there may be some moderate rock hopping or easy rock scrambling. Above average fitness and some bushwalking experience required.

4. Tracks are generally rough with some off-track sections. Some gradients will be steep and include rock hopping and/or rock scrambling with some height exposure. Above average fitness and bushwalking experience required.

5. Tracks are rough and may be mainly off-track. Conditions similar to those described in 4, but more demanding. A high level of fitness and considerable bushwalking experience required.

6. Generally off-track. Strenuous walking conditions in very steep, rugged and remote terrain. Includes moderate to difficult rock scrambling with moderate to high height exposure. Suitable only for very fit and experienced walkers.

7. Off-track strenuous walk in very steep, rugged and remote terrain. Challenging

conditions include difficult rock scrambling and possibly severe height exposure. Suitable only for the very fit and very experienced walkers.

8. Exploratory walks, for members only, may be conducted to determine conditions on a walk not previously attempted.

If a quoted grading does not adequately describe a planned walk, the walk leader will try to ensure that appropriate additional information is included in the walk description provided in the Walks Program.

Club meetings The club holds meetings at 7pm on the third Wednesday of most months at the Crawford House Meeting Room in Alstonville. Everyone is welcome to both general meetings and social and guest speaker meetings.

Club membership

Membership fees are due in March each year, but new members can join at any time of the year. The membership fee includes cover for Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance. Membership Fees of $30 per person are payable by 1st March annually.

The next newsletterMembers are invited to contribute to the newsletter. News, adverts, witty little somethings, activity reports, handy hints on how to hike, cycle, paddle, use the GPS, etc. etc. You get the idea … The deadline for input to the next newsletter is the last day of the month before. The newsletter will be published as soon as possible thereafter. Please send any contributions to Steve Millard, the Newsletter Editor, at millard.stephen@gmail.com.