Third Quarter for 2011. See below for
Walk Reports and Photos

Five walkers joined Ian for a 20 odd kilometre walk in the McDonald State Forest near Milton. We started from the highway and walked up and down, but mainly up to George Boyd Lookout on the top of the plateau. From there we had gorgeous views to the coast and over to Pigeonhouse and the Castle.

On the way we passed heaps of wildflowers too numerous to list. However, of note were the myriad of little wild orchids in flower on the rocks near the top of the plateau.

Next we descended below the sandstone plateau on the tourist walk which takes you past towering cliffs, under rock ledges and through a cool, shady temperate rainforest.

From there it's not far to the next beauty spot at Granite Falls, which is a pretty spectacular drop of water surrounded by an impressive basin of granite rock.

But enough of the sightseeing. We still had a long walk back to the highway - fortunately downhill, which stretched the legs and flattened the feet.
Karen M  

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Walkers surrounded by yellow flowering Pomaderris Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Treefern forest Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Pink Indigofera Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The Shoebridge Track was a pack-horse route for carrying supplies from Saunder’s Wharf on the Clyde River near Runnyford, to the Araluen goldfields, as most supplies in the early 19th century came via the coast. It may also have been used when other routes were unavailable for reasons such as flood, landslides or bushranger activity. How it was surveyed and established is a mystery, but no doubt good bushmen on sturdy mountain ponies would have played a part.

On 18 September, 14 members gamely followed it from near Araluen, up to the ridges east of the Araluen Road, and followed it to meet the Gollaribbee and then the Merricumbene Fire Trails. While the gradient on the 5 km ascent was moderate, parts of the track where it traversed steep slopes were so narrow and loose, we were all astonished that horses, especially heavily–laden ones, could travel it. Perhaps it was better when in heavier use, before the lyrebirds and wombats excavated for food.

A range of wildflowers were to be seen along most parts (the wet summer has been good for them), and there was considerable variation, with patches of tree-fern forest, later replaced by grass-tree forests, overseen by many large eucalypts, including good numbers of “monkey-gum” (koala trees). Unfortunately some of the big trees had been felled by gales, and in places where they blocked the track on steep slopes, it was a major task to get up around and past them.

The last and most demanding part was a long, very steep descent to the Merricumbene valley, where we were glad to rest our bones while waiting for the cars to be shuffled back to us. It was a grand day’s walking, and we gave our deep appreciation to Len for researching, finding and leading us on it.
Bob T  

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Bawley Beach to Meroo Lake
Sunday 18 September 2011

Gay, Patrick and Jean Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Gay, Karen, Bev and Joe on Nuggan Point Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ducks on Meroo Lake Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Twelve walkers took the easier option of the two walks on offer on Sunday. Our walk took us from Bawley Point past Willinga Lake and along the beach to Nuggan Point. We had morning tea under a brilliant blue sky, saw spectacular coastal views both north and south, and Pigeon House Mountain on the western horizon. A jet ski appeared and gave us a fascinating display of speed and manouvrebility.

A sandy track past Coastal Banksias, dainty pink Calendenias and blue Sun Orchids took us to Meroo Lake which seemed to be populated by thousands of ducks which flew into the air en masse as they heard our approach. Here we paused for lunch before returning along another track past Willinga Lake and across the sand, past a fenced off area protecting the nests of endangered Hooded Plovers. Less than 50 of these remain in NSW. A short uphill track passsed contorted Spotted Gums and then we were back at the cars and headed for home. A lovely, enjoyable, interesting walk.
Karen C  

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Mogo State Forest
Thursday 15 September 2011

Karen, Donna and Hardenbergia (native wisteria) Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Betty led 9 walkers on a merry chase through the northern section of Mogo State Forest on Thursday. Another beautiful Spring day, cool, clear and sunny and perfect for a 12km medium/hard hilly walk. It's a great season for the Spring wildflowers this year, with yellow pea flowers and pink blackeye Susan, flowering wattles and purple Hardenbergia (native wisteria) thick on the ground.

Betty likes to divert off track when she can, and we explored a number of rocky creekbeds in the area, finding a neatly severed cat's tail in one!! We resisted souveniring it for Betty's hat.
Karen M  

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Charles Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Big tree Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Leader Cliff, and Val in Currowan Creek Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Last Saturday, our leader for the day opened his home to the Club members to enjoy it and its stunning surrounds. It is a rustic home with the Currowan Creek and its tributaries running through and alongside the property. There was just enough water in the creek to produce that magical sound of water babbling over rocks, without it being deep enough to wet our boots as we criss-crossed it to find a clear path along its banks. There were a few huge trees that had been left standing by the foresters of the past, and others that had fallen and were enveloped in a layer of moss.

The rainforest plants reflected in the waters, and in places we gazed up at huge rock walls. Sometimes we just stopped silently to listen to the birds and enjoy the tranquillity.

Returning to the home, we cooked on a wood fuelled barb-b-que, and then enjoyed scones warm from the oven, cooked by our generous host.
Kay  

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Annual 6 Hour Rogaine
Wednesday 7 September 2011

Wendy, Ian, Bob and Val Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Betty, Karen and Margaret Photo supplied by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Winning Team - Anna, Bob, Donna and Bob Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Batemans Bay Bushwalkers held our Annual Rogaine last Wednesday on a perfect bushwalking day. Organiser Len, assisted by Ian, mapped out 35 square kilometres of the Mogo State Forest centred around Buckenbowra Road. They then put out 28 Rogaine checkpoints, variously located on the top of hills, in creekbeds, on rocky outcrops, at track junctions, and so on. Participating teams used detailed maps and bush navigation equipment to plot a course through the forest, with the goal of visiting as many high scoring checkpoints as possible within the 6 hour time limit.

Rogaining is a competition, but most teams were content to enjoy the day at a more relaxed pace, admiring the profusion of Spring wildflowers and the beauty of the bush, especially on the crosscountry sections. However 2 teams headed out at a cracking pace with the aim of maximising their final scores, and at the end of the day came in only 3 points apart.

The winning team of bushwalking veterans, Bob T and Bob M, with hardy newcomers Anna and Donna, proved to be the unbeatable combination this year. However, it was a close finish, with runners up new member Peter, Bob C, and Charles.
Karen M  

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Pigeon House Mountain
Sunday 4 September 2011

The two Patricks Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Dracophyllum secundum (no common name) growing below the summit Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Geoff and Elizabeth Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

There were two Patricks in our little group of six walkers who went to Pigeon House Mountain on Father’s Day, one being a visitor, who had contacted our leaders Geoff & Elizabeth to ask if he could join us. Normally this classic walk would be attended by many more, but thirty plus of our members (many of them regular walkers) were on a Camp in Sydney enjoying its natural attributes.

We got a lovely day for our climb - warm but not too hot, and clear skies so as to enjoy the view from the top. The recent rains had helped to produce what we had hoped for - an abundance of wildflowers. They helped to distract us from the burning in our thighs, as we pulled against our body weight to mount step after step.

But the best display was the pink boronia, not on the steep section, but where the track plateaus out about halfway to the top. It was above head height and lined both sides of this section of the track- stunning!
Kay  

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Boundary Fire Trail
Thursday 1 September 2011

Cancelled due to lack of interest
 

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Tomaga River Catchment
Saturday 27 August 2011

Cancelled due to injured leader
 

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Billy's Hut via McCardy's Creek
Wednesday 27 August 2011

Betty and Martin at Billy's hut Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Group at lunch Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A last a brilliant sunny day for Wednesday's walk. Eight club members plus one visitor tackled the advertised 20 km circuit walk along a variety of roads and tracks west of Nelligen. Walking Black Flat Road gave distant scenic glimpses of Pigeon House Mountain and the forest by the roadside displayed a variety of native flora in bright pinks, deep purples and of course golden balls of wattles among dark green foliage.

Off road and downhill on a long steep disused trail was the focal point of the walk, Billy’s Hut. The hut, roofless with vines scrabbling over the old stone walls and remnants of an old chimney remain, plus the mystery of Billy. Who was he and what made him build and live in such a remote spot? Lunch was had beside the creek which was Billy’s water supply, the myriad of frog mating calls so loud as to make normal conversation nearly impossible.

Then the long uphill tramp back to Black Flat Road and down Blitz Road, so named for the rusty remains of what could have been a Blitz Wagon, down through lush green gullies made moist by the recent rain and the awareness that here possibly could be leeches.

More uphill and downhill for now tiring leg muscles till at last the welcome sight of our cars. An interesting, challenging walk – thanks to leader Ian.
Karen C  

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Val with her walkers Photo by Jan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Good group turn out for Val's easy medium walk Photo by Jan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Just a trickle a week ago Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Donna and Nicole and Buckeridge Lookout Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A downpour of rain - right at the time of leaving home - to cancel or not? But the forecast on the computer had been so promising; slight chance of isolated showers contracting to the north, rainfall of less than 1 millimetre. Ever the optimist, I headed for our Moruya meeting spot - where the sun began to peep through some misty drizzle. Three others arrived, one member and two prospective members. Good - four of us – we could now proceed with an official club walk.

Next choice - too few of us to warrant taking two cars as far as Narooma, but this meant no car shuffle. Do we do an extra long walk which could be wet or unpleasant, or change the route? We opted for the changed route. We got down to Narooma and to our starting point at Buckeridge Lookout – a beautiful clear view all over the inlet and blue skies above!

We headed down the western side to morning tea at Cowdrey’s Creek- just a trickle of water in it a week ago, but flowing along nicely today. The recent rains made everything so fresh and green. The mulched leaves emitted an earthy smell, and the spring flowers had started to bloom.

At the base, instead of turning left and following around the inlet, we turned right and followed up along Box Cutting Road, side-cutting into the small Rainforest Walk there, where we sat among the ferns (and leeches!) and had our lunch.

We continued back to the car and drove on for an afternoon beverage at the Bodalla Dairy Shed, which recently won a tourism award as the most successful new business.

The best decision of the day? Not cancelling what turned out to be a good walk without a drop of rain.
Kay  

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No report received
 

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Nelligen to Clyde River National Park
Saturday 13 August 2011

Doug Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	A lovely bit of bushbashing Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Stan's trail tapes Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Mary, Bob and Martin Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Clyde River National Park Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Nelligen's little bush cemetery Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The Clyde River National Park behind Nelligen provided an attractive green forest with lots of yellow wattles, flowering ground-cover native plants and other shrubs in flower for the Bay Bushwalkers at the weekend. The native flowers all seemed brighter because of our recent winter frosty weather.

The group picked their way through the bush down into a damp gully that featured green wet tree trunks, but surprisingly a dry creek bed, before ascending again up to a track and then following it to the Clyde River. The river looked very calm and inviting to the boaties and kayakers, accentuated by those on two houseboats just leisurely reading a book on the decks.

Returning to Nelligen we saw two of the trees that were featured in a recent youth education-encouragement exercise when an Aboriginal elder showed some teenagers how to make canoes, like their ancestors had done only last century. The walk concluded with a look around the picturesque bush cemetery at Nelligen. Thanks to Stan and Mary for finding and leading us on this new walk.
Pat  

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Denhams Beach to Mosquito Bay
Wednesday 10 August 2011

Robyn and Elaine Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Gay and Carol Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Spring on Wimbie headland Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Our walk on Wednesday 10 August took us from Denhams Beach to Mosquito Bay to explore the beaches and headlands of our unique rocky coastline. A large flock of seagulls on Surf Beach paid us no attention as we walked on to Wimbie Beach and beyond to the steep rocky path that would take us up to the headland.

Here we were greeted by a profusion of colours, pale cream Acacia myrtifolia, deep purple Hardenbergia, pink Indigofera and scarlet running postman - Spring had arrived. Many of us had walked this area before, but the pleasure of this walk was enhanced by leader Ian with his special knowledge of the area, and its flora and fauna.

First he pointed out a Sea Eagle roosting high in a Spotted Gum, then we were shown a typical old aboriginal camp site, near the creek for fresh water and plenty of tucker in the sea. Ian also produced a sample of stone tool flakes found nearby. Then past a headland where a native semi parasitic tree (the native cherry) is slowly invading the area and devastating the local trees.

However the highlight was the Yellow Sugar Glider habitat near Lilly Pilli. Ian told of their lives and how scarring on gum tree trunks indicates their presence, and comes about so they can access the sweet sap that is part of their diet.

Fourteen happy, enlightened bushwalkers arrived for a pleasant well deserved lunch overlooking Mosquito Bay – thank you Ian.
Karen C  

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Meroo Lake Backwater Walk
Sunday 7 August 2011

Ainslie and Karen amid the hovea Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mike Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Backwaters of Meroo Lake Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The beautiful reflections on the backwaters of Meroo Lake were magnificent on Sunday, with the variety of huge trees and shrubs surrounding the lake.

A large number of black swans idly foraged in the water further along, and woodhens moved around in the shallows behind the Bay Bushwalkers as we enjoyed lunch in the sunlit serene spot. Beautiful huge tall Sydney Blue Gums, Spotted Gums, Ironbarks and other species were admired along the track and the bush was still a damp lush green. Hovea and hardenbergia were out in bloom, as were a large variety of wattles in flower.

Prior to lunch, we paused on a high saddle that provided views back towards Bawley Point and Termeil, and noticed a hazard reduction burn underway in the area.
Pat  

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Moruya Airport to Mossy Point Muffins
Thursday 4 August 2011

Murray and Christine Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Kay, Carol, Christine and Pat Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On a lovely summer's - sorry winter's day, Lesley led a group of 18 bushwalkers from Moruya North Head to Mossy Point. As planes roared in and out of Moruya Airport, we were thankful to move on to Bengello Beach and the quiet of the country.

The hind dunes were bright with the yellow of wattles, and the shade along the sandy track was welcome. Broulee Beach was not a surfer's idea of paradise as the sea could hardly have been flatter. After lunch looking on to Candlagan Creek, we rounded the cliffs with spectacular views north to Burri Point, and all recovered from this easy walk at The Muffin Shop.
Ainslie  

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A sunny winter day in the bush Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Trail signs Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Heather, the nest spotter Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Lyrebird nest Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Nest interior Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Heading down to the creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Stand of hairpin banksia (Banksia spinulosa) Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Donna's amazing closeup of hairpin banksia Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Flowering wattle (Acacia filicifolia?) Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A beautiful sunny winter's day was perfect for the 10 bushwalkers exploring the Coila Creek catchment area near Western Boundary Road. We walked on tracks used and kept open by keen motorcyclists, who were also out and about, and had provided some "imaginative" names (but not all printable!) for several of the trails.

We had an excellent walk, enjoying some flowering wattles, a close encounter with three glossy black cockatoos, a stand of Sydney Red Gums, and discovery of a lyrebird nest. Coila Creek, which had been full earlier in the week, was much lower and provided a possibility for creek bed walking on another occasion.
Helen  

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Durras Lake - Western Foreshore
Wednesday 27 July 2011

Report pending
 

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North Durras, over Point Upright to Depot Beach
Sunday 24 July 2011

Mike, Cathy and Bob Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Depot Beach Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A cheerful group of Bushwalkers were happy to be outdoors after several days of unsuitable walking weather. The group parked above the northern end of North Durras beach and then headed down the stairs to walk the sand leading to the steps and path upwards to another path which led to the furtherest tip of Point Upright.

Spectacular views to the horizon in all directions were possible - this is a fantastic vantage point.

The next stage was back along the path and down to Depot Beach where, although the day was overcast and cool, there were children playing happily in the surf. The group enjoyed walking the beach along to the picnic table area where lunch was the order of the day before making tracks or home.
not credited  

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Cancelled due to rain
 

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Don Moir Hill
Saturday 16 July 2011

Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Spotted gum with burl Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Don Moir Hill Telegraph Station Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Spotted gum forest Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob and Marion Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This is a 9 km walk through the forests of Murramarang National Park via old forestry roads, which was enjoyed by 21 walkers in quite cool conditions verging on rain.

We walked and talked our way 5 kms east towards the ANU forest and beach study area, bypassing the entry to ascend the short, steep incline of Don Moir Hill.

At the top we found an old wartime observation post made of local stones stacked to form protection for a telegraph station expected to provide warning of any approaching WW2 enemy attacking our sparsely populated coastal area. A lengthy area of the walk traversed a surprisingly large cabbage tree palm forest, interspersed with many large different types of eucalypts which had been spared the logging which occurred in the area early in the 20th century.
Bob B  

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Lemon Tree Creek
Wednesday 13 July 2011

Charles in full flight Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ann Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On a rather cool start to the day, 13 bushwalkers and 3 visitors gathered to drive to Lake Tabourie for our walk. We started up a fire trail then through several areas that had been backburned in recent times, as the greenery was only just starting to come back.

After lunch we walked through a lovely spot reminiscent of rainforest areas. We took a couple of wrong turns, but John pointed us in the right direction direction with much ribbing and laughter. We were not really lost, just missed a loop and came back a different way. Lots of fun and great company - thanks John and Jill.
Ann  

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