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

Batemans Bay Bushwalkers celebrated another energetic and wide-ranging year of bushwalking at the annual Christmas Party held at Captain Oldrey Hall in Broulee. The Social Committee led by Jean, outdid themselves again this year. They organised games, guessing competitions, lucky door prizes and christmas cake.

One of the highlights was the Great Reindeer Sleigh Relay where relay teams of 3 reindeer and a jockey equipped with whip, test their co-ordination and teamwork around the oval.

The 2011 walking year starts again in February, and it's shaping up to be another action packed 12 months with camps already organised for Namadgi National Park in the ACT, the south of France, Sydney Harbour National Parks, North Eastern NSW National Parks, and even a Western Australian Safari scheduled for 2012.

Time now to kick back for a relaxing summer break, before strapping on those walking boots again in 2011.
Karen M  

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Rosedale to Malua Bay Coastal Walk
Wednesday 8 December 2010

Looking south to Rosedale Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Delicate Hyacinth orchid Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joe, Joone and Jean Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The last walk of the 2010 program was led by Bob J, starting at Rosedale Beach and finishing at Malua Bay Beach. It's a lovely part of the coast, with rugged cliffs and rocky headlands, interspersed with sandy beaches in the coves. There are also some great views north and south.

The track winds through a lot of eucalypt forest past the last of the Spring flowers, including some pink and white spotted Hyacinth orchids. Bob led the walk at a very relaxing pace, stopping at all the scenic spots for a chance to take in the vistas. Lunch was back at the park at Malua Bay. Thanks Bob - an enjoyable and unhurried way to finish the year.
Karen M  

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Long Beach to beyond Reef Point via Beaches and Cliffs
Sunday 5 December 2010

Susan, Karen and Mike Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Morning Tea Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The walking wounded Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Eighteen bushwalkers led by John and Jill set off, very enthusiastic to have a walk after all the rain in the last few days. The walk was from Long Beach to beyond Reef Point via beaches and cliffs, a 12 km return walk.

Because of the high tide on the way to Reef Point we walked on the cliff tops with very foggy views towards the Bay.

A very pleasant lunch break on the beach then as the tide had gone out, we scrambled over the rocks till one of our members slipped and hit her head. Immediately out came the first aid kits, which our very organised Club insists we all carry, and the trained nurse in our group was called on to treat the patient. No more rock scrambling for our wounded comrade, so we turned around and went back via the track over the headland. I am happy to report after the patient was checked out at Moruya Hospital, she is fine.

Thank you John and Jill.
Lesley  

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Ulladulla Ramble
Thursday 2 December 2010

Cancelled due to rain
 

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Potato Point - Forest, Lake and Beach
Saturday 27 November 2010

Catherine, Bob, Betty, Ken and Dick Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Six members of the Club enjoyed a walk through the forest east of Bodalla to a morning tea stop at Brou Lake, with views of Mt Dromedary (Gulaga) across the lake. We then passed through more coastal forest, to emerge on Brou Beach, with a trudge up to Jameson’s Point for lunch and panoramic ocean views, with a cooling breeze. While enjoying pleasant conversation and company, we completed the walk up the old track back to the car.

Another lovely day in paradise.
Bob T  

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Mt Budawang
Saturday 20 November 2010

Cancelled - not enough walkers
 

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Tomakin Area
Thursday 18 November 2010

On Thursday four Batemans Bay Bushwalkers set off from Tomakin on a beautiful sunny day. After a short walk past houses we reached a track which led us to the Barlings Beach new housing estate, past a caravan park and onto a track which finished at Barlings Beach. We stopped here for morning tea and were entertained by whales which were breaching and flapping their fins in the ocean in the distance. The water was crystal clear with magnificent colours of aqua and green. It felt like we were on a tropical island as we looked out at the scene before us.

From here we continued along Barlings Beach until we reached Melville Point Lookout where 360 degree views of the ocean and land played out before us. We left there and traversed along Tomakin Beach until we reached Tomaga River which we walked beside, observing the pelicans swooping along until they landed in a chosen spot. Before long we came to a park with picnic tables where we sat down to enjoy a relaxing lunch.

It was a very pleasant and easy walk today and thanks go to our new leader Leigh for giving us an enjoyable day.
Carol  

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Moruya Riverside Ramble
Saturday 13 November 2010

Karen and Heather Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Kay, Lesley, Denise and Bev Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Group by Moreton Bay Fig Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Lesley decided she would like to lead 16 BBBW members astray around Moruya. From the car park at the north side of the Moruya bridge we wandered across the bridge and along the river path westwards to about 1 km past the hospital. Fortunately there was shade most of the way as we progressively started to wilt in the morning heat buildup.

A return along the same path brought us to the usual Saturday morning markets where we were let loose for a short time to explore possibilities (which some took advantage of to take home treasures). One of our number happened to see a thermometer indicating 34 degrees!

Eastwards along the river with some welcome breeze saw us eating lunch at the junction of the Ryans Creek in a shady, reasonably cool place. We wilted our way back to the market area and thanked Lesley for her work to set up a very pleasant walk.
Bob B  

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Peach Tree Road and Currowan Creek
Wednesday 10 November 2010

7 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers joined Rodney midweek for a hilly 12km walk around Currowan Creek, east of the Kings Highway. The creek was full after recent rains and we crossed it twice, enjoying the cool water (it was a hot day), and the water gums lining its banks. There were wildflowers everywhere, and views across to the Budawangs from the tops of the ridges.

Morning tea was by the creek, as was lunch. Both pauses gave us time to listen to the birds and soak up the surrounds. We also marvelled at how the recent windstorm had snapped the tops off nearby blue gums and carried the branches 50 metres through the air to the banks of the creek.
Karen M  

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Source of Cockwhy Creek
Sunday 7 September 2010

Copperhead Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Interrupted spotted gum Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Geoff and old logged tree Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Geoff and Heather Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Forest bridge Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mike, Lyn, Ainslie and Geoff Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ailza, Lesley and Heather Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Consulting the GPS Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Sunday November 7th, Val took 15 of us on an expedition to explore the upper reaches of Cockwhy Creek, where it flows northwards off the upper slopes of Durras Mountain. The day was fine and dry, and a Lyrebird was going through his vocal exercises as we set off from the cars walking south on a good dirt road, with a shrill chorus of Cicadas doing their best to drown out the Lyrebird.

The good dirt road bit was easy, but it did not last. Val soon had us off track and in the creek-bed heading North. The creek was not flowing, despite the recent rains, but the deep soft leaf litter in the creek bed was damp - just right for leeches! On either side were majestic Spotted Gums and rough-barked Eucalypts, with an understorey of Palms and Treeferns

We scrambled over fallen logs, through thorny lawyer vine thickets, and where the creek bed was not negotiable we took to the bank-tops, where sword-grass (Gahnia) was waiting to draw blood from the unwary.

We reached the spot where the creek is crossed by Dangerboard Road, and there we had lunch, sitting on the bridge. A Golden Whistler was trying to make himself heard over the shrilling of the Cicadas.

After lunch there was a short walk back to the cars along the road, but did we take it? Don't be silly! We headed back into the creek bed for another dose of lurking leeches, lawyer vines, and lacerated limbs. On reaching South Arm Road we were on a gravel road again to get us back to the cars. On the way we spotted a small snake in the road which was identified as a Copperhead.

We reached the cars tired, but very happy to have been on such an interesting and varied walk where very few (if any) have been before. Thank you Val.
Mike R  

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Walks and Waratahs in the Monga
Thursday 4 November 2010

Sandra and Bob Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ann, John and Mike Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	John and Betty with Monga waratahs Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ruth, Robyn, Denise, Teresa, Maureen and Nancy Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Saturday 4th November we set off under cloudy skies to Monga National Park where our morning tea spot enabled us to see some of the Monga waratahs in flower. We then divided into two groups - one took the easy road whilst the majority headed straight up to the ridge top. Both parties walked through lovely forest and masses of magnificent tree ferns. At our feet there were numerous flowering ground orchids.

We all met up again at the cars where we then drove to the Picnic area for our lunch. We didn't dally too long over lunch as it was very cold, and we were all anxious to do the last leg of our walk along the Boardwalk. Back at the picnic area there were a couple of short walks among the waratahs, again some in flower. Helen brought her sister Janet along who is visiting from Chester, England.
Denise  

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Boundary Fire Trail
Thursday 4 November 2010

Cancelled
 

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Quartpot Loop
Saturday 30 October 2010

Susan, Robyn, Ann, Betty, Val Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Deathadder Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Fern covered slopes Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Unfurling frond Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Fern Valley Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Another walk leader bites the dust Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Eight walkers participated in a 12km forest walk in a less well known area to the West of Mogo and Buckenbowra. The route was through untouched forest with steep slopes rising to the tops and dropping to the flowing creeks below. While an abundance of flowering gums over our heads kept us looking up, the prolific leeches under our feet kept us on the move.

We heard the whipbirds, the crimson and golden whistlers, fantails and the occasional shriek as we stumbled over the stones in creek crossings or noticed even more leeches. We saw a lyrebird as we drove in, and found a Death Adder on the road when we drove out. Still as it was, it wasn’t dead as we found when we stroked it with a very, very long stick. It lived up to its reputation as the fastest striking snake in the Ozzie snake world.

While most of the walk was on good tracks, the bush-bashing section along a valley and a long forested slope covered in burrawangs and vines, left all the group exhausted but satisfied on this warm, humid yet exhilarating day in the bush.
Rodney  

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Deep Creek Bike Trail and Tomboye Road
Wednesday 27 October 2010

Carol and Merv Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ann Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lyn and Mike Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

After a rather doubtful beginning and being told not to look at the dark clouds, we set off along a narrow bike track and dry, rocky creek beds stopping for morning tea near several small pools. We were surrounded by very tall trees which gave us much needed shade as the day warmed up. We saw several specimens of donkey orchids and even a large black snake who obligingly slithered off. We made good time and found ourselves back at the cars by 1 pm.

Many thanks Karen for a lovely and varied walk and for timing it so beautifully, as it only started to rain as we were driving home.
Nice report, but who wrote it - Ed  

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Little Dromedary Mountain (on a recently cleared track)
Sunday 24 October 2010

Nature's landscaping Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Camera shy long neck turtle Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Historic Tilba Cemetery Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Towards the coast Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bucolic view from Little Dromedary Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Native passionfruit (Passiflora cinnabarina) Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Following the recent working bee to clear lantana from the track, 21 bushwalkers enjoyed a clear track to the summit of Little Dromedary, where we luxuriated in the panoramic views, and were closely inspected by a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles. On a perfect day we lingered long and were reluctant to leave the awesome sights, but by following the old track and pulling out lantana bushes as we went, we passed through dairy herds, and allowed passage by generously co-operative landowners, we arrived on Wallaga Beach, to be greeted first by sea eagles and then by exuberant whales.

After viewing the impressive collection of graves on the headland, we finished the walk with afternoon tea at historic Tilba Tilba. I doubt there’s a better way to enjoy a lovely day in this beautiful part of the world, and our thanks go to Dennis for all his work in organising the working bee to clear the track, and for providing we fortunate souls with a magnificent walk, full of delightful features.

He has the edge on me when it comes to training eagles, and he beats me on organising whale shows. Impressed.
Bob T  

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Corn Trail (Lower Half)
Thursday 21 October 2010

Pat and Karen Photo by Elizabeth Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Track through rainforest Photo by Elizabeth Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

After the “Big Storm” we can thank the grader driver for clearing the 20km dirt road into the start of our walk on the Buckenboura River. Eighteen of us skipped across the stepping-stones and puffed up the first steep hill. Soon we came to obstacles in the form of trees spreading their branches across a track which had been clear before the storm. Such little trials soon faded into insignificance when we began relishing the masses of pink Tetratheca spilling down the hillsides, the pale pink and lurid lime green of the new growth of ferns, and the gullies filled with Livistona palms. Close to our lunch spot back on the Buckenboura we walked beneath tree ferns as tall as 12 to 15 metres.

The whole walk was enhanced by a glorious spring day and good company.
Ainslie  

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Mummaga Lake and Dalmeny Beach
Saturday 16 October 2010

Yep, they look pretty cold Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Its those bloody bushwalkers again Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Our fearless leaders Ainslie and Mike Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Six very keen souls braved the sleet and snow and very overcast conditions on Saturday 16th October, to try their luck at walking the lake area around Dalmeny without the need to use an EPIRB to find them. As the hardy six, Mike, Ainslie, Kay, Ann, Joan and Bob, set out, the skies started to clear, although the seas pounded the Dalmeny beach with wind whipped waves. Even the whales were not waving to us.

We headed into the vast scrublands west of the beach, known as the Eurobodalla National Park, and wound our way down to the western end of a surprisingly large Mummaga Lake for lunch at a pleasant rock outcrop on the water's edge while endeavouring to stay out of the biting wind.

Onwards we trekked through the forest as the skies cleared to a very pleasant sunshine afternoon and we ended our day by partaking coffee at the Bodalla Dairy Shop.

Thanks to Ainslie and Mike for this adventure.
Bob B  

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Long Beach, Maloneys Beach and Murramarang Forest
Wednesday 13 October 2010

Cancelled due to rain
 

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Little Dromedary Mountain - Working Bee and Social Event
Monday 11 October 2010

18 members from both the Dalmeny/Narooma, Batemans Bay Bushwalkers and David Crass from the Eurobodalla Shire Council joined together on this project. The main task was to clear the lower steep section of the track which has long been overgrown with lantana. This involved cutting and painting the cut ends.

The day was a resounding success with both Clubs' members working together as a team. Several unusual plants were discovered including a native passionfruit. David Crass was very helpful in identifying plant species and training Club members in the best method to cut and paint lantana.

A coffee break at Tilba was a welcome and happy finish to this day.
Dennis  

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Monolith Valley
Saturday 9 October 2010

Report not received
 

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Corang Arch
Thursday 7 October 2010

Misty start Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Walkers atop Corang Arch Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Pat, Marion, Bob, Ian, Simeon and Helen Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Helen Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch on a comfy rock Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob, Pat, Ian, Marion and Simeon Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

An excellent walk in beautiful scenery with plenty of wildflower and wildlife interest and thoroughly enjoyed by those taking part.

Described as a "classic Morton National Park walk" in the Walks Program, this walk certainly was that. Despite some poor visibility due to low cloud at some viewing points, including Corang Peak, we saw fine mountain views across the park and impressive rocky cliffs. Corang Arch was the highlight of the walk. It was really spectacular with the mist giving extra atmosphere.

The Program also described the walk as "hard". That too came up to expectations and the seven participants who walked over 20 kms might have been a little sore the next day!
Helen  

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Boag Road and Behind the Tracks
Wednesday 29 September 2010

Bushy parrot peas Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	New life Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lyn and Bob Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Forest scene Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

An overcast day with the threat of rain didn’t deter a group of bushwalkers setting out from Boag Road to see the beauty of spring wildflowers – and they were not disappointed! Our leader Sharon, led us out on Wills Fire Road which we found had been bulldozed and turned into a logging road but we were still able to see the pink of indigofera sprinkled through the trees

Over morning tea at Burroman Creek Sharon showed us the hydraulic system that has been installed on the creek to measure water flow. Unfortunately at that time there was little water to measure.

After turning into Sheep Track Road we were rewarded with the sight of massed yellow flowers of bushy parrot peas and bronze bush peas in addition to the pink indigofera sprinkled nearby.

Down to the creek again we found the Sassafras had finished its main flowering with just a hint of perfume remaining, then we wandered through the beautiful tree fern gully up to our lunch stop. Further along we found pink hardenbergia still flowering but hopefully soon be ready for seed collection for the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens.

Along the creek on the way to our cars were a series of ponds hidden by overhanging trees where we were able to sit and listen to the various frog calls - a fitting finale to a great walk.
Karen C  

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Spring Creek Orchids
Sunday 26 September 2010

Spring Creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Dendrobium speciosum - rock orchid Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lace monitor Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A beautiful sunny day enticed 17 members to set forth with leader Betty to a location not far from Nelligen to park our cars and head into the surrounding hills. We began the walk with much optimism of finding the abundant orchid display known to be in flower at this time of year.

Along the way were many wonderful and colourful native plants in bloom including Australis Indigofera, Solanum Aviculare, Persoonia Linearis, Kennedia Rubicunda, Patersonia, Libertia Paniculata and Phebalium - don't be surprised if I missed some of them in between the stories being told.

We reached a point where the track began its downward direction to a cool running rocky stream containing large masses of frog eggs and after a short distance the orchids were everywhere around us as we settled down to admire them and enjoy our lunch. The Dendrobium speciosum orchid is truly beautiful and delicate with its long sprays of creamy pale yellow flowers and many photographs taken will give happy memories of a most enjoyable walk.

Thank you Betty for taking us to such a special place.
Joan  

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