Wednesday 29 May 2024

Morning Tea

Traversing the “creek”

Karen, Joan and Pat can’t wait to get onto dry sand

Gladys, Sean, Karen G and Karen M wet footed.

Ian, Lorraine, Rodney, Mary, Jeff, Simone and Moira on the bridge, Bengello track

Most of the group at the end of the walk

Photos courtesy MaryT, KarenG and Helen.     Walk report courtesy Walk Leader Helen.

On a bright sunny morning there was a good turn out for a 7km walk at Bengello Beach Broulee.
Who would have thought such a straight forward innocuous walk would have been so exciting.
For those who did not join us but have a fear of missing out, well, you did!

Just the logistics of arriving at the right parking area caused problems, the loss of a road sign, no Google Maps to help out and a typo on the programme did not help, so next time I lead this walk I will include a map of Sandmines car park Broulee. (Not Google Maps preference for Sandbanks car park in the south of England, as that is a tad too far out of our area!)

Then the numbers of walkers fluctuated like I have never known. We set off with thirteen, two others caught us up, another two met us from the opposite direction and one more wandered along with us near the end. You might expect to lose a walker or two, not gain five.

Finally, and I did warn you before we set off, there was the excitement of Bengello Lagoon being full and open to the sea. Was this the first time BBBW had a creek crossing on an “Easy”
walk? Yes, it required removal of boots and paddling through chilly ankle deep water and included lots of muttering. But isn’t that why we like to get out in the bush, to become one with nature and live a little dangerously?

After all the “to do”, morning tea was relaxing watching the waves in warm sunshine as we let out feet dry, while the dappled shade of Bengello track was inviting and easy going. It wasn’t all bad, at least the visitors who joined us were keen to join us again and I got the timing of the walk right!

Sunday 26 May 2024

Contemplation

Dewy web

Delicate Fungi

Morning tea

It’s the vibe!

Crossing the mighty stream

Lunch on the Woodleigh Firetrail

Rob and Ian working on their dance moves.

Photos courtesy of Amanda and Philip.     Walk report courtesy of Walk Leader Rob.

Despite being listed as an Exploratory Walk, which means the conditions of the trail are unknown, 17 walkers turned up for a walk along a firetrail in the Monga. The day started off very foggy as we drove up the mountain from the Bay but the moment we emerged from the cars so did the sunshine.

The walk started at Monga Mountain and follows a firetrail 11 kms downhill, with a few undulations, to end at the Kings Highway. While the walk is in forest the entire route we are high enough to be afforded great views of the plains to the west towards Braidwood.

As we dropped over 400m in elevation the vegetation and tree species kept changing and Ian Barnes counted 8 different Eucalypt species. At the end of the walk we had to cross Northangara Creek which was racing due to all the rain we have experienced over the last few weeks. Everyone managed to leap the creek with assistance and only one boot got wet.

This walk will be mapped and added to our database as a Medium DD22 and offered to other club members next year.

Saturday 18 May 2024

Rock hopping

Circumnavigating Broulee Island

Sand blown up by the southerly on South Broulee Beach

Donna and Glenn enjoying the cold start

Liz and Kate looking a tad cold

Mary is happy to be on the warm side of the island

Sandmines beach art work?

Kate and Mary..first time at the Canoe tree

Photos courtesy of Gay, Donna and KarenM.        Walk report courtesy of Walk Leader Gay.

After a lovely week of sunshine, a storm passed through overnight bringing a cold southerly wind to the area and while it felt like déjà vu for three of the group, the weather did not deter 9 club members joining me on the Broulee Isand and bush circuit. Three years ago I led this walk and the wild wind then, whipped the sea into a frenzy and it was considered unsafe to complete the circuit of the island. Today fortunately, while cold and gusty winds buffeted us on the south side, it was not as bad as first anticipated. We were rewarded with a lovely sunny walk on the north side of the island and had an early morning tea to soak in the rays.

Back into the wind on South Broulee beach for about a kilometre before escaping into the bush where it was surprisingly calm and pleasant walking. A few hikers had not been in this area nor had they taken time to stop and inspect the Canoe Tree. One to tick off the list!

The 9 km circuit was completed before lunch. A good morning’s bracing hike.

Wednesday 15 May 2024

On the way to Brooks Lookout

Funny fungi

Morning Tea at St Georges Head

Blacks Waterhole

Looking back toward Blacks Harbour

Shady track back to the cars

Negotiating a log

Coastal vista

Temporarily aquatic animal

The inlet

Rocky Island and the coastline.

Photos courtesy of Philip, Helen, Mary and Barry.    Walk report courtesy of Walk Leader Donna.

The Booderee Circuit is a 15.5 km walk in the Booderee National Park, formerly known as the Jervis Bay National Park. This park is jointly run by the local indigenous community at Wreck Bay and A.C.T National Parks. This walk was run as a day walk with the expectation that participants would take advantage of staying at nearby accommodation options. Most of the eighteen participants did so with nearby hotels, motels, caravan parks and even friends houses providing adequate places to stay. Of course there were the usual camping cohort who took advantage of the campgrounds within the National Park, making good use of the hot showers and fire pits within.

This walk was essentially a test case to see if an `Out of Area Day Walk’ would be something that members would support. Fortunately we were not disappointed! The weather leading up to the walk was, frankly, abysmal, however all of those who put their name down for the walk held their bookings and turned up for the walk on the day and what a stunning day it was. The sun was out, there was no wind and we were rewarded with great walking weather.

We started the walk at the Steamers Beach car park and headed off to Brooks Lookout which provided nice views out to the sea and also to the north. We then made our way to our morning tea spot at St Georges Head. On the rocks we were able to enjoy distant views out to Pigeon House Mountain and observe nearby seals and dolphins making the most of the lovely conditions. After morning tea we traversed a lovely coastal track which provided great views down to Kittys Beach, Black Harbor and Whiting Beach.

We soon arrived at our lunch spot at Blacks Waterhole. Even though recent rains submerged our prospective lunch logs, we were able to find some suitable nearby spots for lunch. Serenaded by happy frogs and birdlife it was time to conquer the final three kilometers of the walk and return to the cars. A few boggy areas were able to be safely skirted around without the need to remove our boots so that also proved to be a bonus!

Thursday 9 May 2024

Burrawang in seed

Pedro Point Beach – Helen Simone and Jeff

Happy Morning Tea – Simone Jeff Helen and Martin

The beach at Pedro

Martin and Peter on the track

Fungi and walkers

Peter, Simone and Jeff on the track

Photos courtesy of Helen and Peter. Walk Report courtesy of Walk Leader Peter.

With this walk having to be cancelled last quarter due to high temperatures, it seemed it would have a similar fate but this time, due to inclement weather. The past rains with continued forecast rain certainly put a dampener on members’ enthusiasm to venture out.

However this was not the case for the four intrepid souls who joined me on the walk. Despite the weather forecast, there they were, all rearing to go! And they were rewarded with, amazingly, a completely rain free walk. This was a circuit walk of near enough to 9km, taking us through the spectacular forest country in that part of the Eurobodalla National Park at the very southern end of Moruya South Heads.

The first 2km of beach walking was surprisingly enjoyable. The cloud cover overhead and the roaring seas to our left distracted us on our march along the sand. There was not a soul to be seen. That is if you do not count the many waterbirds scuttling out of our way.

We turned west to head into the trees next to Congo Creek, stopping for morning tea at a creek meander. We then followed the track before diverting down an old National Parks side path. This headed further inland and around the ‘invitingly’ named ‘Pedro Swamp’. This section of the track was also surprisingly quite dry given the conditions. From there it was a pleasant stroll amongst the spotted gums and burrawangs, many in seed.

It would be wrong to say we did not get wet feet. This last part of the track had us dodging, not too successfully, pools of water as we followed what must have been the natural water course after rain!
We opted not to stop for lunch, not wanting to be out when the heavens opened. We were finished before midday anyway.

This turned out to be a very enjoyable (and rain free) walk. It was flat walking, on tracks of various descriptions that took us through three separate forests of Bangalay, Blackbutt, and Spotted gum.
I thank those that challenged the weather forecast to join me, and who, from their comments afterwards, seemed to have enjoyed the walk.

Saturday 4 May 2024

The crew on the stairs

Joan, Lorraine, Lesley, Kate, Elaine, Stan, and Carol

Carol, Elaine, Mary, Kate, Lesley, Lorraine and Stan

Photos courtesy of MaryM, StanM and Lesley.    Walk report courtesy of Walk Leaders MaryM and StanM

Though the heavy overnight rain had eased, and grey skies still warned of more to come, eight keen walkers decided it was the right day for a brisk walk.

Starting at the northern end of Corrigans Beach we soon felt the force of the cold wind, so with jackets zipped up, we increased our pace. A very low tide, and a wide expanse of firm sand made for easy walking, so it wasn’t long before we were heading up the steps at the southern end of the beach and out to Observation Point. Observation Point has become a major tourist attraction, providing excellent views not only east to the magnificent Tollgates, but west towards the new Batemans Bay Bridge. Also of great interest is nearby Snapper Island, which is home to a small penguin colony.

Snapper Island was named by Lieutenant Robert Johnson who was sent by Governor Macquarie in 1871 to explore the Bay. Lt Johnson, who was born in Australia, arrived in the Bay on the cutter “Snapper” naming the island after his ship, and naming the Clyde River, which he and his crew explored in a longboat, after the River Clyde in Scotland. Another interesting fact is that Lt Johnson is the son of Lt Colonel George Johnson who was famous as the soldier who arrested Governor Bligh during the Rum Rebellion.

From Observation Point, it was time to head to Batehaven for a “cup of coffee’, before returning to the beach for the walk back to our cars at Batemans Bay Marine Rescue Headquarters.

Wednesday 1 May 2024

Tree Huggers!

Canoe Tree Gathering

Jerusalem Cherry, Solanum- pseudocapsium

Simone and Mary by the Spotted Gum Bark

Canoe Tree Track

The gang

Photos courtesy of MaryT and DonnaF.    Walk report courtesy of Walk Leader Joan.

After news of possible showers the day dawned with sunshine and bright blue skies. Ten eager walkers met and drove to Maloneys Beach, parked at the national park entry and began the walk inland up to the gate leading to Acheron Ledge headland. However, we walked straight ahead and down to the deep clay subsidence which has worsened over the past 17 years. The track then turned right and followed through tall trees and lush undergrowth to a perfect seating log much appreciated by all for morning tea.

Continuing on we came to the end of a small headland with magnificent views of Quirriga Beach and Reef Point. Retracing our steps a little way and heading off track to an old row of fence stumps which led to sighting of the Aboriginal canoe tree which is estimated to be several decades old. The theory of the tree is that a stone axe and wooden mallet were used to define the canoe edges with stone wedges. The huge tree was much admired before the walk returned down to back of the beach and up sandstone steps to the track overlooking Maloneys Beach and along to the gate and back to cars. A most enjoyable morning was had by all.

Sunday 28 April 2024

Getting through the fence

Morning Tea at Rosedale Beach

Guerilla Bay Beach

Lunch with a view

Approaching Long Nose Point

Phillip on the rocks.

Expansive views

Photos courtesy of Phillip and Denise. Walk report courtesy of Walk Leaders Denise and Gavin.

Six walkers left the Barlings Beach carpark and headed down to the beach to begin this 14km Medium walk. We headed south briefly and then crossed a paddock to gain direct access to George Bass Drive close to where we crossed it and headed onto bush tracks via the Burri (Bevian) Swamp.

After 2.5 km we came into the back of the new West Rosedale development and then crossed back over George Bass Drive and into North Rosedale. Once we arrived at the beach, we stopped for morning tea overlooking Jimmies Island.

We then alternated between beach and cliff top tracks via Guerilla Bay to reach Burrewarra Point. We admired the antics of the Australian Fur Seals and ran into another BBBW member, Beverly Crawford. She is still going strong at 89.

Lunch was at a picnic table overlooking the ocean and Broulee Island. After lunch we scrambled up a steep embankment to rejoin the Barlings track and the cars.

The weather was spectacular and the scenery varied with Spotted Gum forests, Banksia forests and sweeping coastal views.

Saturday 27 April 2024

Sharon, Nancy and Rodney.

Sharon on the Moruya River

River View

Photos courtesy of MaryT.     Paddle report courtesy of Leader MaryT.

Our paddle today was from the boat ramp in Moruya to Yarragee, a distance of 8.5km. However, due to the fantastic conditions we decided to go further up the river for an additional 2 km to a good beach area for lunch in the sunshine. The other stop was on another lovely beach for morning tea.

Thursday 25 April 2024

Jim, Glenn, Donna, Amanda and Margaret

The Castle from Florence Head

Glenn and Donna enjoying lunch on the rocks with Pigeon House

Lizards sunning themselves on rock

Margaret on the track

Mary and Donna in the sun

Lambertia Formosa – Mountain Devil

Photos courtesy of MaryT. Walk report courtesy of Walk Leader DonnaG.

Six walkers headed to Little Forrest Plateau for this lovely 15km walk on what can only be described as a stunning autumn day. To get the most out of this area, clear skies are required for the spectacular views and we weren’t disappointed. We started off along a nicely formed track complete with interpretive signage and lovely native shrubbery along the way. We soon reached the junction of the Rusden and Florance Head Trails and headed off on the Rusden Head Trail, firstly to a wooden lookout structure which provided elevated views of Pigeon House Mountain and the surrounding ranges. We then continued along the track to the end where the views were just breathtaking. We had our morning tea here and enjoyed the beautiful sunny autumn weather. But, alas, before too long we were up again to make our way back along Rusden Head Trail to the start of the Florance Head Trail.

We arrived at the Florance Head Trail and made our way through beautiful heathland towards our very special lunch spot, a stunning rock ledge which provided 180 degree easterly views of the expansive coastline. Everyone agreed that it was a good lunch spot, particularly sought out by Mary who was eager to dive into her lunchbox. Unfortunately there was one casualty at this location and that was Mary’s second cup of tea! Oh well, something for the ants to enjoy.

Following lunch we continued on to the end of the trail and enjoyed a different view of the Budawangs from Florance Head. From this particular spot, Byangee Walls can be clearly seen with the Castle poking out of the back of the Walls. Before too long it was time to continue our hike and finish the remaining 3km’s or so left to tackle. With all the chatter we were soon back at the cars before we knew it and all participants agreed that the walk was worthwhile. We were very grateful that we were gifted with what could only be described as a perfect day, showcasing some of the best views that Little Forest Plateau has to offer.