Third Quarter for 2010. See below for
Walk Reports and Photos

Cool, overcast, no wind. A fine day for bushwalking, and Betty had a plan to show us a new circuit. However, National Parks had done an astonishing amount of work, laying logs not just at the beginning and end, but across the old fire trail for kilometres, so the going was tough. We fought our way through, expecting it to get better, only to find that the next lovely track had received the same treatment. Two good tracks spoiled.

Regardless of that, we had a good day walking in some lovely forests, west of Durras Mountain.
Bob T  

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Annual 6 Hour Rogaine
Wednesday 15 September 2010

Len with this years participants Photo by Bob B Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Jean Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Carol Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joan Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A memorable day was run by Len and Betty at which 15 bushies were set the task of finding flagged markers throughout the Murramarang National Park just south of South Durras.

There was much up and down (sometimes steep) walking involved, with some faster people than others trying to earn maximum points. Bushbashing was an order of the day with all the forest vines trying to impede progress and creeks providing a challenge.

The winning team of Ian, Jan and Wendy travelled a remarkable distance of 27kms during the 6 hour period, but the majority travelled between 12 to 20kms.

An enjoyable day for everyone involved.
Bob B  

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Carters Creek - the search for Val's pool continues
Sunday 12 September 2010

Carters Creek Photo by Pat Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob and Betty Photo by Pat Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Val Photo by Pat Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Pigeon House Mountain and Longfella Pass
Thursday 9 September 2010

Cancelled after National Parks closed area due to extensive wind damage. Walk done unofficially in late October with 7 walkers.  

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Byangee Mountain and Car Camp
Saturday 24 September 2010

Cancelled - leader unwell  

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Beaches and Clifftops of Guerilla Bay and Rosedale
Wednesday 1 September 2010  

On 1 September, 14 walkers shrugged off the threat of passing showers (which never happened) and tramped the coast from Guerilla Bay to Rosedale and back. These two hamlets have some of the best coastal scenery that our area has to offer, and the easy/medium walk of 9 km took the group over 3 headlands by a variety of local tracks that largely avoided suburbia and made the most of the local bushland.

A grand Spring outing.
Ian  

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Paradise Road and Beyond
Sunday 29 August 2010

Kennedia rubicunda (Dusky coral pea) Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Post walk at the Steampacket Hotel - Bob, Pat, Stan, Sharon, Bob, Mary Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Report not received
 

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Martins Ridge - Coles Creek Overhang
Thursday 26 August 2010

John, Bob and Jane at overhang Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Coles Creek Overhang Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Twelve walkers travelled to north of Milton, to Martin's Ridge for a 15km walk along forest roads on a rather cool and breezy, but sunny day.

Ian conveniently planned most of the uphill walking in the morning, so we soon warmed up. Wattles and Ironbarks were in flower along with Ironbark orchids. After a little bush bashing down to the creek we arrived at Coles Creek Overhang - a dramatic rock ledge decorated with Aboriginal rock art, and close by, a large grooved rock used in the past for sharpening tools. A beautiful and special place to visit.

After lunch in a sunny spot, we returned along another forest road to the starting place. An excellent day out.
Helen  

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Shallow Crossing National Park
Saturday 21 August 2010

12 walkers, report not received  

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Bartleys Arm and Forest around South Durras
Wednesday 18 August 2010

5 walkers, report not received  

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Benandarah State Forest
Sunday 15 August 2010

Track through forest Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Carol, Lesley, Donna, Kay and Heather Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch spot Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Stan and Bob Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Beautiful weather and a new walk enticed 20 people out on Bob C's walk on Sunday. The 12km walk was a very pleasant meander along a number of trails through the Benandarah forest which had benefited from the recent rains and was now flourishing with many shades of green. Beautiful stands of straight tall Sydney Blue Gums and Spotted Gums were a big feature of the day along with plenty of pretty yellow wattle adding to that Spring feeling of the day. Gazing down and across a couple of gullies we also saw tree ferns on a tiny creek, and different types of vines also made the forest look lush.

Lunch time saw everyone relaxing on logs eating their lunch and many complimentary comments were heard about the lovely walk being so close to the Bay. Another bonus of the day was that the forecast winds and showers didn't eventuate.

In response to thanks at the end of the walk, Bob was pleased to share the thanks with Ian C who had originally discovered the walk.
Pat  

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Broulee to Moruya North Head
Thursday 12 August 2010

A couple of whales close to shore Photo by John F Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ann with shark Photo by John F Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Last Thursday 16 walkers had the good fortune to experience a Nature Coast spectacular walk starting at Broulee. We followed the scenic track heading south behind the beach through groves of she oaks and banksias. We turned around before reaching Moruya North Head as we could see a rainstorm coming up from the south

Fortunately there was little rain and the group was then entertained by a couple of whales breaching only about 300 metres offshore. We then watched a fisherman pull in a large salmon and found the body of a Mako shark at the high tide line.

The grand finale of the beach show occurred at lunch as we sat in the dunes watching a group of dolphins cavorting in the surf. It was agreed to be a great walk, thanks very much to leader Bev.
Bob M  

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Currowan Creek Meander
Saturday 7 August 2010

Sharon and Joan at creek crossing Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Native rock orchid Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Tranquil pool on creek Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

To all Club Members who were unable to come on the walk on Saturday 7th August, you missed a fantastic day out. Frost was still sparkling in the paddocks and roadsides as we drove up the Western Distributor for the commencement of our walk. We headed down an old logging track, past magnificent tall trees, Eucalyptus saligna, the Sydney Blue Gum dominated though there were many other species on the way down to the creek. This creek was followed, crossed and recrossed for at least one kilometre and after 22 crossings, I stopped counting.

The scenery had us lost for words, water danced and burbled over pebbles and stones, past moss covered rocks and craggy rocky outcrops into deep tranquil pools bathed in soft green light and surrounded by ferns and vines. A variety of native orchids were sighted as well as interestingly shaped forms of fungi, the whole walk was a photographer's dream. We stopped for morning tea in a patch of sunlight beside the creek before tackling the steep climb upwards to the road. The last section of the walk was along a picturesque track through walk leader Cliff's private property.  

Jill and scones and jam and cream Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Cliff gets mobbed by hungry hordes Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Val, Pat and Karl enjoying the sunshine Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Our walk leader had the timing just right for the planned BBQ lunch, table and chairs were already arranged in the sun, the fire lit, salads made and the kettle boiled. It was a long leisurely lunch in pleasant surroundings and just when we thought it couldn’t get better Cliff arrived with a tray of hot scones fresh out of the oven. Scones were demolished, topped with jam & cream and washed down with tea or coffee. The sun was warm, the company great, the reluctance to leave was obvious and no one wanted the day to end.

Thank you Cliff for letting us into your paradise.
Karen C  

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Tomakin, Burrewarra Point, Guerilla Bay and Return
Wednesday 4 August 2010

Views to the south Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Pat, Sharon and Mike Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The Bobs with beachcomber sponge Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch in a secluded cove Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Twelve people enjoyed a beautiful coastal walk led by Bob T this week. The walk began at Barlings Beach and followed a very pretty track uphill and along the cliff-line eventually reaching Burrewarra Point and Guerilla Bay. Along the way there were beautiful old Banksia trees in their gnarly beauty and quite a few native shrubs in flower which were very pretty, which in turn attracted plenty of small birds such as wrens and little honeyeaters. Waves crashed on the rocks way below and the views south along the coastline were beautiful.

The recent working bee on the track by the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers in conjunction with some local landcare volunteers has improved the track so much and made it much more enjoyable and easier to follow for those who enjoy a quiet coastal walk. Small children should be carefully supervised by their parents/carers though.
Pat  

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Golden Gully
Sunday 1 August 2010

Morning tea Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Golden Gully Creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Martin after some big hills Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Heather after hills Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Sixteen bushwalkers began August with a good work-out, along and around Golden Gully near Moruya.

We were unsure how Golden Gully received its name - was there once a profusion of golden wattle flowers here, or, more likely was it an area blessed with gold ready to be mined? We saw no sign of gold on the forest tracks or along the creek bed, which made excellent walking and still contained some pools of water and even a few tadpoles. A chorus of birdsong also greeted us as we began, though the birds were well out of sight.

The walk soon became "Donna's mountain walk" as we took to the forest roads with some steep hills to negotiate - all part of improving fitness of course! We were rewarded by views of the local hills filtered through the trees with Larrys Mountain predominating.

With a very competent new leader in Donna, excellent walking weather and a (mainly) down hill run back to the cars - we made good time on an enjoyable walk.
Helen  

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Durras Dunes and Lake
Thursday 29 July 2010  

16 intrepid followers of Ainslie and Mike departed from South Durras for the forests of Murramarang National Park. We followed them whither and thither up and down and even around wondering why we were wandering. That famous poem came to mind "In the back of Barcoo where churches are few and folks that are lost on tracks that are rarely crossed, one Michael..... " However the beaches and forests were ever in their glory after 50mm of rain the previous night which left channels of water on the pathways. It was gumboot country.

Morning tea on Emily Beach was followed by lunch at Richmond Beach and a much easier homewards walk to a tasty feast prepared by Mike at his homestead. This alone is worth turning up for the walk.
Bob B  

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Narrawallee Bush and Beach
Saturday 24 July 2010

Spectacular Cymbidium suave orchid Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Soldier crabs at inlet Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch on the beach Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Narrawallee Beach Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Thirty members of the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers enjoyed a sunny winter’s day last Saturday. They set off for the walk in two groups half an hour apart for a Medium rated walk and one a little shorter as an easier walk.

The walks traversed logged rainforest, meandered beside Narrawallee Creek and Inlet, across firm sand on an adjoining beach and followed a lovely trail through burrawangs and banksias.

Along the way the bush was alive with lorikeets. Whiting and soldier crabs were spotted in the entrance to Narrawallee Creek.

The walk was enriched by a short history of the area which included early settlement, red cedar getting and silica mining. At the end of the walk the two groups enjoyed a well deserved afternoon tea stop at Yatta Yattah Nursery Cafe.
Julie  

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Forest around Mogo Village
Wednesday 21 July 2010

Di, Nancy, Dennis and Stan Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	It's been a good year for fungus Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This delightful walk through the forests around Mogo Village was led by Karen M. The group skirted around Old Mogo Town in a nice little loop dotted with burrawangs and spotted gums. We then branched off into the forest eastward in the direction of Mogo Zoo. There are quite a few tracks in this area which we followed up hill and down dale, enjoying the flora and crossing a few surprisingly green little rivulets lined with ferns. You could tell Spring is near as the birds were very busy and chirping away quite happily.

On our return through Mogo we all enjoyed afternoon tea at one of the many cafes. A pleasant way to spend a day.
Nancy  

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Buckeridge Lookout to the far reaches of Wagonga Inlet
Sunday 18 July 2010

Katherine, Karen and Jill Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Fungus and moss garden Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Stan, Mary and Bob at Wagonga Inlet Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Sunday 18 July 2010, 18 members of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers Club set off on a 14 km medium walk from Buckeridge Lookout, a scenic lookout which overlooks Kianga Forest and Wagonga Inlet. The group followed a track though the bush which showed evidence of extensive storm damage with fallen trees and branches along the way. After a while they reached Myrtle Gorge where they settled down to a spot of morning tea amongst the ferns and boulders along a creek bed.

From there they continued on and eventually came to the Wagonga Scenic Drive where they occasionally glimpsed mistletoe with red blooms hanging from trees beside the road. Calls from bellbirds and lyrebirds were heard along the way, adding a musical tone to the day. The road ended at a picnic ground beside the Wagonga Inlet where the group enjoyed a relaxing lunch beside the water.

After lunch they retraced their steps back to where a pick-up car was left to transport drivers to where they left their cars at the start of the walk. We all felt that we had a good workout after the walking up numerous hills and our thanks go to our leader Kay for organising a very enjoyable day.
Carol  

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Source of the Buckenboura PLUS Bolaro Mountan and Hanns Road
Saturday 10 July AND Thursday 15 July 2010

Len waits for walkers at crossing Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Morning Tea at Corn Trail Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Kay crosses the Buckenboura Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Cool, clear winter weather on the south coast is perfect for serious bushwalking, and Batemans Bay Bushwalkers enjoyed two challenging walks this week. On the weekend, Len led a group of 9 off the side of Misty Mountain Road down a steep incline to the Buckenboura River at the bottom of the valley. There we found the Corn Trail along the riverside and followed it upstream until it left the water's edge for the top of Clyde Mountain.

We turned off the track here and continued along the river, rockhopping from bank to bank through a magic garden of moss and lichen-covered logs and rocks, multi coloured fungi, ferns, palms. vines and rainforest trees. We walked upriver until noon, when we stopped for lunch in a rocky green glade, before retracing our steps.

The only hill of the walk was back up to the cars and was something of a slog, but it took us through pink and green flowering mountain correa, and past several lyrebird mounds.  

Bob and Karen Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	View north from Bolero Mountain Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Fording the Buckeboura River Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

More lyrebirds greeted 10 bushwalkers on Thursday when Ian led an 18 kilometre excursion to Bolaro Mountain. The first mountain section featured extensive views, granite outcrops and magnificent forests, to the background sound of some clever lyrebird mimicry. The last section followed the Buckenboura River Valley through scenic pastoral country festooned with the bark of giant river peppermints.
Karen & Bob M  

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Creeks South of Hawdons Road
Wednesday 7 July 2010

Bob in creek Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Delicate coral fungus Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Karen Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Betty has not only developed another new walk, but found it near Moruya. On 7 July, Betty led 9 other Bushwalkers through parts of Wandera State Forest near Hawdons Road, first up one pretty creek area, then over a ridge and down another creek. Though there were pools of clear water, with very little remaining flow, the terrain and vegetation were delightful.

There were grotesque twisted roots of Spotted Gum protruding from the banks, fungus of various shapes and colour, moss and ferns, and many bird calls. The debris from recent scouring floods was impressive in its quantity and height, and we occasionally had to clamber through or around some tangles of debris and overburdened growth, but most of the walking was open, with long beds of flat stones and gravel, broken by reefs of fine strata, which also formed the pools. This was my kind of bushwalk, with much to see and enjoy.
Bob T  

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North Durras - Forest Eucalyptus Walk, Clifftops and Beach
Wednesday 7 July 2010

Marlene and Joan clean Trail signs Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	David Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Morning Tea Photo by Karen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A fine crisp winter’s morning – just great for walking. First stop the Eucalyptus Trail and Picnic Area just off the highway north of Mount Agony Road. Here on this 1 km ferny trail are eleven magnificent species of fully mature eucalypts complete with informative signage and not only did we come to marvel at these giants but Joan, one of our leaders had a hidden agenda. Armed with bucket, cloths and spray cleaners, she and Marlene removed mould and mildew from the signs making it so much easier to read all the details. This seldom visited area is one of the hidden gems of the South Coast.

Part two of our walk took us to North Durras Beach, where we stopped for morning tea in a sheltered glade, a fallen tree as seating, a chorus of New Holland Honeyeaters to serenade us and energetic surfers to admire, perfect. Then up the steps to Point Upright, past beautiful lush Burrawangs, some of them spilling their scarlet seeds along the ground. Through a grove of tortured twisted trees, a perfect natural playground for energetic children and then the cliff edge with wonderful views south and west, plus the added bonus of the sighting of a whale.

We retraced our steps and decided that there was no better place to have lunch than at our morning tea stop by the beach. It was a beautiful walk enjoyed by all – thank you Bob and Joan.
Karen C  

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