The last paddle of the year launched from Shallow Crossing upstream on the Clyde River. After recent heavy rains the water level was high and flowing fast over the crossing. It was quite an exciting launch off the cement ford, as we were carried quickly downstream by the current. It was an even more exciting return later on, fighting the current to get the boats out of the water.

We decided to head downstream for a more challenging paddle. It was pretty easy going to the junction with Cockwhy Creek. Cockwhy is quite a large waterway and we got a fair way up before checking the time and deciding to turn around.

Paddling back against the tide and current was OK, except when we hit choke points where the waterway narrowed or became very shallow, and we had to fight a strong current. Some of us gave up a couple of times and portaged over the tricky bits.

Grateful thanks to Ian, who led this particular paddle, but who also co-ordinated the Paddle Calendar for 2014. I tried to go on as many paddles as I could this year, and was constantly surprised at how beautiful the local waterways were in winter, and after rain, having only ever kayaked in sunny summer weather before.
Karen M  

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Christmas Party
14 December 2014

The groaning food table Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Under the Botanic Gardens Marquee Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Trish and Barb Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Lesley and Bob Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	President Mary organises the Male Hand Holding Game Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ian Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Although I was out of town and couldn't attend, by all accounts the Christmas Party was a great success. This year we chose the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens as the venue, and hired the Gardens' marquee, tables and chairs. The Club also bought chickens and ham, and members were asked to bring a salad or slice to share. As a result, there was plenty of food to go around.

After a particularly wet spell and ambivalent weather forecasts, there was some concern that we might get rained out, but the day dawned fine and warm - in fact the marquee provided some much needed shade. Thanks go to Social Convenor Lesley, the Social Committee and their band of helpers for organising what one member told me was one of the best BBBW parties he'd been to for a while.
Karen M  

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Billy's Hut from Lyons Road
Thursday 11 December 2014

Cancelled due to injury to leader
 

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Ettrema Gorge Pack Walk
Monday 8 December - Wednesday 10 December 2014

Postponed due to adverse weather forecast
 

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Corang Cascades Caper Pack Walk and Camp
Friday 5 December - Sunday 7 December 2014

Around the campfire Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Martin keeps the home fire burning Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The wading begins Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

David and Martin return from behind the waterfall Photo by Helen Click to enlarge photo	Cascades in flood Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Happy (and dry!) campers at the car Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The plan was:
* Day 1, walk from the Wog Wog National Park entrance to the campsite at a large pool on the Corang River (358 947) a distance of about 8km (total climb 290m, total descent 320m), where we would set up a base camp.
* Day 2, depending on weather conditions and participants' desires, either walk/wade/swim the Corang River upstream from its junction with Broula Brook through an area shown on the Budawang Sketch Map as "many rock ribs" OR follow the route of the old gold mining water race which goes downstream from just west of the base camp site.
* Day 3, return to Wog Wog

Basically everything went to plan. The weather forecast was not promising, we were definitely in for some showers and thunderstorms. The walk in was hot and humid but otherwise uneventful. We arrived at base camp, got tents set up and had a refreshing swim in the river. A late afternoon thunderstorm sent us all into our tents giving us no alternative to having a before dinner nap. Luckily the rain stopped after an hour or so. David and Martin made use of the break in the weather to have a quick look for the start of the water race. We found it about 500m west of the camp. It turned out to be quite a substantial structure. (David will be putting further exploration of this water race on his future walks list).

Saturday morning, the weather was suitable for our walk/wade/swim of the rock rib area of Corang River. We walked east along the track to the Broula Brook crossing. Then we waded down Broula Brook to its junction with the Corang River. In hindsight we could have walked further along the track to a point where it comes close to the river just to the west of the rock rib area.

The initial part of our upstream journey was wading in knee to waist deep water. This soon progressed to chest deep and then the odd swim. Those with keen eyes spotted quite a number of yabbies in the water. Our first major obstacle was a large pool followed by a small waterfall at the first of the rock ribs. A chest deep wade got us to the bottom of the waterfall which proved to be an easy scramble to the top. The rock ribs upstream created further pools and waterfalls each a little more difficult to negotiate. Helen and Kay chose to have rest in the sun while Martin and David continued further upstream. With a bit of swimming and climbing the boys managed to reach the Canowie Brook junction and then to the end of the rock rib area. We returned to the others and had lunch.

Our lunch spot enabled us to use an access point from the main walking track to the river to return to camp via the walking track. This access point is a steep rock scramble up one of the rock ribs.

We were hoping the return walk would give our clothes a chance to dry. Unfortunately this was not to be as we had showers of rain all the way back. We were all looking forward to a cup of tea/coffee on our return to camp. Martin attempted to light our camp fire but as soon as he started, so did the rain. So off to our tents for what proved to be over 5 hours of continuous rain, sometimes quite heavy. Tent bound, we all managed to concoct some type of evening meal. Sometime after midnight the rain stopped and at separate times we all ventured outside for toilet tasks and to have a look at the river which had risen about half a metre since the rain began.

Sunday morning weather was a thick mist which luckily eventually burnt off to a sunny/cloudy day. Martin and David coaxed the fire into life so we then had a steady supply of hot water for breakfast thanks to Martin's homemade billy. After breakfast we were all faced with the unpleasant task of packing up wet tents. A last photo opportunity beside the Corang River (now at minor flood level) then it was time to head back to Wog Wog.

We staged our walk out with morning tea at Goodsell Creek crossing and lunch just west of Tinderry lookout. A visit to the Braidwood bakery rounded off our adventurous weekend.
David  

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Currowan Creek and Peach Tree Gully
Saturday 6 December 2014

Walk cancelled due to wet weather
 

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Cullendulla Nature Reserve and Square Head
Wednesday 3 December 2014

Bob, Pat, Debbie, Bev, Bev, Susan and Carol Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Despite inclement wet weather in previous days, the sun shone between the clouds for members of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers, led by Joan and Bob, who began the walk at Cullendulla Nature Reserve car park at Square Head, Long Beach. The track is most pleasant and wanders along through Burrawangs and Spotted Gums while giving extensive views of Long Beach and the Bay on either side of the track. At the very end of Square Head the track led down to a high space above the rocks where a wide vision of all the offshore islands could be seen.

Continuing on along the track at the edge of the headland towards Cullendulla Creek the group approached steps leading down to the water where seating was found and morning tea was enjoyed. The walk along the edge of tidal Cullendulla Creek and its varied shoreline of mangroves and rock formations never fails to be interesting and so it was on this day. The track continues for approximately one kilometre to the remains of an Aboriginal midden towards the end of the creek and at this point the group returned to a small jetty for seating to enjoy lunch before returning to the car park.
Joan  

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Mossy Point
Sunday 30 November 2014

Snake encountered on walk Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bev and Bob B Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The salt marsh and sand islands near Mossy Point contain unusual features and vegetation. Casuarinas dominate on the sand islands and mangroves on the salt marsh, but there are many other, mostly small species with delicate beauty. Unfortunately, heavy infestations of bitou bush and asparagus fern are also a feature, but as was remarked, it is an unusual and little-known situation.

Just as the leader was dismissing the possibility of snakes, he had a close encounter with a large black, and philosophically revised his assessment of the probability.

Having received our individual doses of mud splatter from the mangrove roots, we duly waded the swamps, swam the river and scaled the cliffs, before taking a break at the Muffin Shop, just as the storm broke. Following our absorption of the necessary refreshments, Bob B brought his vehicle to us, then shuttled drivers to our cars, so we could collect everybody. However in their wisdom(?) Mark And Wendy decided to walk back, which provided them with a cooling shower after our strenuous efforts.
Bob T  

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Coila Catchment
Thursday 27 November 2014

Cancelled due to insufficient numbers
 

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Big Hole and Marble Arch
Saturday 22 November 2014

Crossing the Shoalhaven Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The BIG Hole Photo by Bob Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Big Hole Lookout Photo by Bob Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Near the western boundary of the large Deua National Park are two geological features in close proximity and accessed by a marked walking track - The Big Hole and the Marble Arch. It is only a short hike to both from the Berlang camping area on the Shoalhaven River, accessed from the Braidwood to Cooma road. It is four years since the Club had visited this area so it was revisited by nine Club members, Karen & Bob, Val, Wendy, Denise (guest), Kay, Rod, Lin and Ian.

The Big Hole is an impressive sight and is basically, well, a bloody big hole. It is aptly named. The hole is quite interesting in that it is a vertical shaft 100 metres deep and 50 metres in diameter, almost perfectly round with sheer walls as if bored by a giant machine. It is surrounded by forest near the top of a hill with no surrounding evidence as to why it is there. The experts tell us it is a subsidence of sedimentary geology into (presumably) an ancient cave system within a much deeper limestone deposit.

A NPWS constructed platform at its edge allows one to gain good views to its floor where a forest of tree ferns apparently hosts a lyrebird and also, one imagines, the remains of a number of other flightless animals who weren't paying much attention at the time of bounding around upstairs.

Bob with marble slab Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Marble Arch gorge Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Wendy, Lin and Kay Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The Marble Arch site is equally interesting. Three kilometres east of The Big Hole is Reedy Creek which is a tributary of Moodong Creek (itself a tributary of the Deua River). Reedy Creek cuts through a short band of limestone. Over the millenia it has also gone partly underground, as creeks in limestone areas often do, of which the vestige today is The Marble Arch. The arch and associated gorge is mostly limestone but where the limestone has "marbellised" under heat and pressure the cream and white marble has striking red veins of colour through it.

In reality the "arch" is a natural land bridge and at this point the creek flows for about 30 metres underground before re-emerging in a short, narrow canyon which is well worth exploring. Near its end, where it reforms a more normal creek profile in the surrounding sedimentary geology, a small waterfall emerges on the right from a crack in the rock wall. Its waters keep the local yabbies and mini dragons in an appropriate environment and also humidifies the air for the many ferns and vegetative allies growing in rocky nooks and crannies along the gorge.

We enjoyed exploring these two geological features as well as the 12 kilometres of walking track through rolling open tablelands forest, brushing up on our Eucalypt identification skills en route (7 species). We paused to watch an echidna snuffling amongst the litter, spied yet another red bellied black snake (it's been a good spring for snakes and most other biota) and pondered the remains of an old oil distillery camp based in the forests of Narrow Leaved Peppermint of the area. Thankfully, the barefoot crossing of the Shoalhaven River at the start/finish was of pleasant temperature.
Ian  

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Pigeonhouse Mountain
Wednesday 19 November 2014

Ian at the Road Closed sign into Pigeonhouse Mountain Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Elaine and Pat at the hole in the road Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Defence Force Academy students on exercise at the top Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Classic Budawang views from the top Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	We were there Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The new bridge completed in time for our return Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Our walk was eventful from the start. A road grader had collapsed an old timber bridge on the road in, so that added nearly 3 km each way to the start and finish of the walk. Contractors were already building a replacement and cordially helped us through the devastation.

Some of us hadn't bushwalked for a while, so the steep start to the mountain rubbed in our lack of practice. While we had missed the best of the wildflowers, there were still pretty displays to be enjoyed along the way. Other walkers were coming and going, and we found a large group of army, navy and air force ADFA cadet officers from RMC on exercise - toting bicycles, water drums, ammo and supplies to the top of the mountain and down again, just as if going to battle.

Our battle wasn't over though, as the descent tested legs, knees and ankles to the extreme, and we reached the car park with great relief. We found that the contactors had done well; the bridge was built and the road re-opened by the time we came past. At least the walk back to the cars allowed us to stride out, and a stretching session at the end helped ease the muscles and joints.
Bob T  

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Buckenboura River Paddle
Monday 17 November 2014

Launch site Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Runnyford bridge Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Morning tea Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Stan and Mary arranged for the BBBW Paddle Group to launch boats from a private landowner's field beside the Buckenboura River near Runnyford Bridge. 8 of us drifted downstream towards the Clyde River with the tide, watching the bucolic rural scenery slip by. We stopped at a beach on the Clyde opposite the mouth of the Buckenboura for morning tea in the sun, and then paddled back up to the start point for lunch.

After lunch we headed upstream through forest along an increasingly narrow waterway. Reluctantly we turned back after 3km, although we could have gone a lot further, time permitting. Stan and Mary are already plotting a return trip.
Karen M  

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Kiola - Beach and Bush
Thursday 13 November 2014

The going was not always easy Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ainslie, Carol, Susan, Val and Betty Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The leader taking it easy Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Valerie led ten bushwalkers on what has to be one of the most picturesque and diverse walks in the local region.

The group had a pleasant beach walk before meandering through the township of Kioloa. We then headed to Merry Beach where seals were spotted frolicking in the waves - a spectacular sight observed by some of the participants. The group then made its way out toward Snapper Point where we were treated to extensive rugged coastal views as far south as the eye could see. Having savoured the moment Val then led the group inland where we climbed steadily upward toward Durras Mountain through a diverse range of majestic eucalypts before heading via Cockwhy Creek rainforest on our way back to our starting point.

Thank you Val for treating us to this lovely walk, the views in particular were sensational.
Wendy  

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A Walk in the Brooman Forest
8 November 2014

Only 3 starters - unofficial walk
 

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Tallowa Paddle and Camp
7-9 November 2014

Pat samples the cool and crystal clear waters of the Shoalhaven River Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	How cute am I? Our Sugar Glider visitor Photo by Karl Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Karl, Lin, Ian and Dave rest beside one of the many Rotten Creek pools Photo by Pat Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

And now for something different - a three day paddle and two night camp on Lake Yurrunga, a large water storage in the middle of the Shoalhaven Gorge formed by the Tallowa Dam. We also did some bushwalking.

Five Club members, Pat and Karl, Dave, Lin and Ian launched near the Tallowa Dam wall and paddled the 15 kilometres west to where the Shoalhaven River tumbles into Lake Yurrunga. This drowned, sandstone gorge is arguably the most spectacular flat water paddle on freshwater in NSW and among the best of Australia. It is surrounded by the Morton National Park and is adjacent to the Ettrema Wilderness Area.

After a few hours of pleasant paddling we found a very comfortable sandy beached campsite near the river/lake confluence under Projection Point on the southern cliff and facing Burnt Shell Point on the northern cliff face. The first afternoon we spent exploring the shady and interesting Wirritin Creek gorge which has within it, at the southern limit of its range, excellent examples of Australian Red Cedars in groves of lush green shade. Some were quite large, approaching a metre in diameter, but, as usual, most of the younger trees were suffering the effects of the destructive Cedar Tip Moth.

The afternoon highlight was a visit from a juvenile sugar glider, completely unworried by our presence. It hopped across the grassy bank through our camp to visit the river for a drink then a meal from the gum of a nearby Black Wattle. It then slowly and laboriously hopped back up the long steep bank to the eucalypt undergrowth for the night. It was so cute, cameras went into meltdown. It was sad to think our little visitor would probably fall prey to a predator unless it learnt to use its species' gliding habit to move more swiftly and efficiently across country. After dinner around the campfire the night came alive with more critters and magic. The air was clear and still, the water was like glass shattered only by occasional splashes of Bass hunting for insects. Bird calls rebounded off the towering cliffs. The meowing of the Catbird in nearby rainforest patches had us intrigued, but then the finale - a full moon rose over the cliffline and the light was bright enough to rouse other species. By 3 o'clock in the morning the melodious "coo-ees" of the Koels and mournful "more pork" of the Boobook Owls were the only late night party goers remaining.

The second day was all bushwalking - a short jaunt upstream along the river bank to Fossickers Flat gave access to Rotten Creek. This two kilometre gorge was slow going at times with large boulder chokes, small metamorphic bedrock cascades and constant rock hopping. The crystal clear waterholes were a highlight and as the gorge neared the base of the massive surrounding sandstone clifflines, lunch was enjoyed at one of the best swimming holes one could imagine. After five hours exploration of this wonderful creekline we retreated to camp for yet another cooling swim in clear fresh waters and a relaxing sunbake. We were again visited by our Sugar Glider friend on what appeared to be its daily circuit - the cameras came out again.

On the third day a leisurely paddle back to the dam wall gave opportunity to follow the banks of the lake. It seemed every log and rock had at least one sun-basking water dragon and an occasional tree goanna. Azure Kingfishers patrolled up and down the bank in their constant search, occasionally plunging quickly for the occasional unwary victim.

Despite a light headwind (always present on flatwater paddles!) we arrived in time for a late lunch among the many other Sunday water recreationists which crowded the picnic area. It reminded us we had returned to the bustle of urbanised Australia.
Ian  

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Surf and Denhams Beaches
Wednesday 5 November 2014

Chris, Donna, Bob and Barbara Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Karen, Irene, Sandra and Bev Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch Chris and Brian's Photo by Brian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Twenty four of us enjoyed a great walk organised by Chris and Brian. We started at their house and walked through a bush reserve, then onto Wimbie Beach, crossing a bridge over Wimbie Creek. It was a perfect day for walking. Morning tea was had overlooking Wimbie Beach.

We then followed a track which overlooked Denhams Beach, and noticed four dolphins lolling in the water just behind the breakers. We continued following a track that took us behind some very nice houses with beautiful gardens, coming back through the reserve and back to Chris and Brian's house for a very pleasant BBQ. Many thanks to Chris and Brian.
Irene  

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Monga and Mongarlowe Mining Meander
Sunday 2 November 2014

The scramble down to the river Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	David helps Val across Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	One of the creek crossings Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Participants: David, Bob T, Michael and Lynne, John and Irene, Rodney, Donna, Val.

Before setting off on the drive to the walk sites the walk leader gave a short briefing on what was planned for the day including what hazards might be encountered. The hazards pointed out were the normal bushwalking ones of slips and trips, prickly bush and snakes, on this walk the many old mine shafts. Guess what? Some of the group got to encounter some of these hazards at very close quarters!

The day's planned activities involved 4 short walks to visit old gold mining and historical sites.

Walk 1
Start from the Kings Highway about 600m west of the (Monga) River Forest Road intersection.

A short scramble down some exposed rock (where the rope supplied by the walk leader came in handy) brought us to a small waterfall on the Mongarlowe River. A short wade across the shin deep river enabled us to get to the first mining relic - a water race whose beginning is a bench cut into the rock that forms the water fall. Several steel bolts are still sticking out of the rock. These bolts probably supported the wooden or corrugated iron channel that transported the water around the rock face. Access to the rock bench involved a bit more scrambling and a second rope hand rail supplied by the walk leader.

Having conquered these initial obstacles it should have been plain sailing to walk a few hundred metres along the remainder of the earth bank water race. But before the easier walking began we encountered the tail end of a slow moving black snake on the rock bench with its head in a pile of loose rocks. After a bit of foot stamping the snake tail too disappeared into the pile of rocks and we could go past.

As the majority of the remainder of the water race is on private property it can only be followed for a few 100m downstream. Where the water race goes to is a mystery. The walk leader thinks it still exists a further 1km downstream within the Monga National Park. The location of the gold workings that are bound to be at the end of the water race is unknown. A worthy exploration task.

We returned to cars via a reverse of the outward route with morning tea at the waterfall.

Walk 2
Start from ford over Warrambucca Creek on the Northangera Road.

From the ford head west on the northern side of the Warrambucca Creek. A short climb up the ridge brought us to the water race at this site. According to the topo map this race goes at least 2km upstream. However only the first 600m of the old water race is on State Forest, the remainder is on private property. Our group headed up steam on the water race to the State Forest boundary encountering a large old excavation site on a small side creek. There was much speculation regarding the purpose of this excavation.

On the return walk along the water race an observant walker spotted a platypus floating in a large pool in Warrambucca Creek. Although we were quite some distance from and above the pool the platypus soon disappeared under the water and was not seen again.

Following the water race downstream brought us to a large area of gold workings still within the State Forest. The workings in this area included a couple of shafts of maybe 10m depth, countless collapsed shafts/holes of shallow depth and several areas of sluicing type open cut. Anyone interested in meandering around old gold mining sites could probably spend a whole day exploring in this area.

Walk 3
Start from the short "4WD" track on the western side of the Northangera Road about 100m north of the ford over the Mongarlowe River. At the end of this "4WD" track there is easy access to the Mongarlowe River which requires a shin deep wade to reach the next area of interest.

The initial part of the walk after the River crossing involves a bit of thick prickly scrub which opens to more open bush land. Soon an extensive area of old gold working is revealed. There are numerous shafts and areas of sluicing type open cut. It's hard to imagine how many miners there must have been to dig all these shafts - just a couple digging one shaft after another or 100's all digging their own shaft at the same time. After meandering our way through some of this old mining area it was time for lunch.

After lunch we did a bit more meandering during which Irene inadvertently decided to test the walk leader's initial briefing regarding the old mine shafts. First one foot - then why not a full body test? Luckily the shaft was not too deep and the walk leader was standing on the downhill side of the partly collapsed shaft and hauled Irene back out! No apparent injuries thank goodness. This sort of thing is not the way walk leaders normally get their adrenalin highs - how about you Irene?

Further meandering got us back to the river crossing. Not to be outdone, Donna decided to test one of the more normal bushwalking hazards and had a slight slip while crossing the river - no injuries - just some wet clothing.

Walk 4
A very short walk from the Kings Highway downstream on the western side of the Mongarlowe River where the highway crosses the river.

The point of interest here is a large concrete structure in the middle of the river which must have supported a bridge for an earlier location of the highway. As we arrived there was a man pulling a kayak out of the river with a large metal detector aboard. Apparently he had not found any thing. But what was he looking for??? Ed.
David  

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Murramarang NP Bush and Beach
Wednesday 22 October 2014

Michael, Lynne and Karen Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Karen and Chris contemplate nature Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The ladies were climbing trees Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A pleasant 12km walk led by Karen C was enjoyed by eleven bushwalkers on Wednesday in the Murramurrang National Park. Commencing midway along North Head Road, the walk was conducted in a figure 8, taking in firstly the temperate forest of this coastal region as we descended easterly along the various trails towards the headland overlooking Dark Bay. Stopping briefly to enjoy the view, we then continued on and down to Myrtle Beach (a clothes optional beach) where we had lunch on a lovely grassy patch at the far southern end overlooking the ocean.

After lunch on our return leg a very, very large spotted gum was observed and remarked upon, saved only by its twisted limbs from early loggers to see another day. A fitting end to a perfect day.
Lynne  

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Fire Hut and T Ridge Roads
Sunday 19 October 2014

Only 3 starters - unofficial walk.
 

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Meroo Lake to Beaches
Thursday 16 October 2014

Leaving our cars on a beautiful clear sunny day, a group of bushwalkers walked along Meroo Point Road in the Meroo National Park passing through open forest, which included Spotted Gum. We reached the car park where numerous logs provided a choice of seating for morning tea. We then took the path for Meroo Beach and Lake.

The track was very wet after the recent deluge of rain and our leader expected our path to be cut off by the swollen lake. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the lake was now open to the sea and nearly empty, leaving an expansive beach. Consequently we were able to walk across this beach and around Nuggan Point, a walk which had not been possible for some years because of the water level of the lake.

At the other end of the beach past Nuggan Point, we turned inland and bushbashed our way to the track to Meroo Point, an unexpected challenge for an Easy Walk. Lunch was had sitting on the rocks at the Point.

After lunch we walked to the Meroo Lookout with wonderful views over Termeil Beach and stretching as far as Pigeon House Mountain to the west and Warden Head Lighthouse to the north. Then it was time to head back to the cars after a great day's walking.
Susan  

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Murramarang and Firebreak Roads
Saturday 11 October 2014

Patrick and Bob Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Nancy and the dog Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

I must confess, and I have since found out I am not alone in this, knowing that I will love any walk I go on with the club, I don't really absorb the name of the walk or remember if it is one I have been on before. If I have done it previously, there is something that triggers off the memory, and for those like-minded thinkers, it was immediate when we pulled up outside a house at our starting point and a part kelpie, part cattle dog came bounding out bearing a stick that he begged us to throw for him.

He then took his place in front of our leader Jill - the only show of wrongful behaviour when he joined us all the way, as he had done in the past!

The walk was very pretty with patches adorned in wild flowers, particularly the showy Boronia. We wilted though as the heat of the day increased and the humidity took its toll. We were later to find out it reached 28 degrees - hot for when you are walking and so early in the season when you haven't acclimatised. It was a timely reminder to drink sufficient water, and perhaps boost it with some electrolyte powder.

As ever, despite this, it was a great walk. Thank you Jill for taking us for a walk down memory lane - umm track - for some of us, and introducing others to a very pretty part of our bush.
Kay  

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Moruya River Paddle
Friday 10 October 2014

End of the line in Ryans Creek Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Navigating the mangroves Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Pelican point Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

An early start on Friday morning saw 4 paddlers launch from the Moruya town boatramp and paddle downstream towards the ocean. Arriving at the junction with Ryans Creek we turned south and explored this small waterway as far as a farm bridge which blocks any further progress. On the way back we headed into the mangroves, found a nest full of baby magpies in a sheoak overhanging the water, and tried not to alarm a group of pelicans as we paddled by.

Almost at our destination, we saw a seaplane heading up the river straight towards us. We took evasive action, but he took off well before Preddy's Wharf and was no danger to shipping.

It was just as well we started early - the nor-easter started blowing in our faces just as we were about to beach.
Karen M  

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Nelligen Area - Dry creek Walking and Rock Orchids
Wednesday 8 october 2014

Mossy wonderland Photo by Erika Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bracket fungus Photo by Erika Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Betty and Sharon Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A small group of 7 led by Sharon's navigational skills walked along some dry creek beds towards Bolaro Mountain in search of flowering rock orchids and an elusive waterfall. We managed to spot one rock orchid in flower and then came across some spectacular fungi. The fog had lifted just before we arrived and made the mossy rocks and logs an amazing brilliant green. Plenty of photo opportunities to slow a couple of us down and collect a few leeches!

We also came across a couple of strangler figs and Rob, one of our walkers, pointed out a pegmatite dyke, a lovely pink coloured rock formation.
Erika  

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Lookout Road, Old Nelligen Road and Perrys Lane
Sunday 5 October 2014

Only 3 starters. Unofficial walk.
 

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Steel Gully Road and Pistol Shot Road Circuit
Thursday 2 October 2014

Granite outcrop Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Enjoying the creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Stan Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This interesting walk was let by Mary and Stan and numbered 17 participants in 4 cars. The convoy travelled south from Mogo along the Princes Highway taking the first main dirt road to the right (Buckenbowra Road). We travelled east for about 5 km and parked at a junction of other roads and firebreaks to start the walk at about 9.30 am. Conditions ideal, about 21 degrees, clear skies. We followed a combination of firebreak roads and bush tracks, an itinerary that had been researched earlier by Stan and Mary in their exploratory. Some of the tracks are no longer shown on the maps and some of the old tracks have become overgrown. The leader expertly used her GPS to take several bearings through the bushland.

The two creek crossings were easily negotiable, the water level having fallen since the exploratory. Disappointingly no display of spring flowers was in evidence, just an occasional patch of escaped lantana. An interesting geological formation was an outcrop of granite rocks, large and well rounded, rising to about 2 metres, where photos were taken. Clear evidence of past bushfires: one patch of spotted gums was pointed out to us, displaying an interesting red colour to their bark up to 4 metres from the ground, before reverting to the typical spotted gum appearance: we were informed that this is a protective mechanism of the genus, Corymbia maculata, which develops after it is attacked by bushfire. There were many bird calls, I recognised the whip bird.

The walk ended shortly before 2 pm. Total distance travelled 11.4 km.
John M  

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