Third Quarter 2013. See below for
Walk Reports and Photos

Group on the ladders Photo by Geoff Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joan, Patrick and Elizabeth Photo by Geoff Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Boronia thujona Photo by Geoff Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

What a wonderful time to walk up Pigeon House Mountain and last Wednesday Batemans Bay Bushwalkers did. It was a beautiful spring day with wildflowers at their best after recent rains. This walk is an old favourite of the Bushwalkers. It is also a favourite of visitors to the area with many families also enjoying the challenge during the current school holidays.

The walk starts fairly steeply, which tends to slow the walking pace down, until the level section which at this time of year was more like walking through a garden with pink boronia and yellow pea flowers in abundance. The final climb has been much improved with new steel ladders making it much more comfortable for everyone to make the top and enjoy the spectacular views of the Castle and Byangee Walls and we could also see as far south as Gulaga (Mt Dromendary) on this beautiful clear day.
Geoff  

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Back to the Buckenbowra
Sunday 22 September 2013

Bob and flowering grasstrees Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Flowering cabbage tree palms in rainforest Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lower Corn Trail through rainforest Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Mike and Mary in birdsnest fern forest Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Buckenbowra River at lunch spot Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Rock orchids in Buckenbowra gorge Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The lower Corn Trail was the weekend walk, our final destination being a rock wall festooned with flowering rock orchids on the Buckenboura River a few hundred metres off the track.

12 walkers turned out on a glorious walking day and our first stop was along the Misty Mountain Road to admire tens of spectacularly flowering grass trees, no doubt encouraged into bloom by a hazard reduction burn along the side of the road.

After recent heavy rains, the Buckenbowra River was up, so we got wet feet a couple of times where the Corn Trail crosses the river. We had a great closeup view of 3 glossy black cockatoos flitting through the trees just above our heads, displaying their crimson red tail feathers. One had an unusual yellow head, which on checking the bird book later, apparently happens occasionally.

The rainforest along the track was glorious, with a garden of flowering purple, pink and yellow wildflowers at our feet, and the yellow tassels of the the cabbage tree palms above our heads. Flowering wonga vines and clematis hung from branches and we came across numerous deep holes in the track, which we assumed were made by bandicoots.

To get to the rock orchid wall, we left the track and headed through a birds nest fern forest to the river where we had lunch on a stony beach by the water under masses of orchid flowers and native fig trees
Karen M  

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Bengello Beach to Moruya Airport
Thursday 19 September 2013

No report received
 

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Mossy Point - Saltmarsh, Sand Island Forest, Cliffs and Muffins
Saturday 14 September 2013

On a bleak day, 5 hardy souls set off on an “Easy” walk in the Mossy Point area. We enjoyed the unusual features of the sand island and salt marsh/tidal zone, and the lovely stroll along the waterfront by the river. Then we found ourselves at the boat ramp, talking to returned fishers about their catch, and looked for the big resident stingray, just as the rain set in.

A quick consultation saw us abandon the headland part of the walk for a brisk retreat to the muffin shop, where we lingered over good coffee and muffins ‘till the rain stopped, when we returned to the cars.
Bob T  

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Pigeonhouse and Longfella Pass
Wednesday 11 September 2013

Dracophyllum secundum grows in abundance at the summit of Pigeonhouse Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Rock orchids look most spectacular in their wild setting Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Another big natural bank of rock orchids Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A small group of five bushwalkers accompanied our leader Len on a Budawang classic walk to Pigeon House Mountain and Caves. After the usual drive and car shuffle, we set off from the car park on the rather arduous climb to the top, stopping at the first lookout for a breather and to take in the ever expanding views.

On and forever upwards we finally reached the cliff line and base of our final ascent. After some refreshments, a quick climb to the top on such a clear morning revealed magnificent views. Back at the cliff base we were now to leave the main trail and descend steeply through dense scrub to the Wombat Fire Trail, following our leader in a seach to locate some aboriginal caves.

After some serious scrub bashing we evenually popped out on the fire trail along which we continued for some 2 kms having lunch enroute. Now for the tricky bit, locating the pass down to the caves. Unfortunately after much up and down and to and fro through more scrub along the escarpment, the caves remained elusive.

Short on time, we decided to call it a day. Disappointed at not achieving our goal, we focused on what a good day we still had with wonderful views and spectacular displays of rock orchids and wild flowes.
Lynne  

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Big Bit and Immediate Surrounds
Sunday 8 September 2013

Patrick and Len Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This walk was researched and expertly led by Sharon. We had a total of 26 participants. It started at the turnoff off the Princes Highway marked “Big Bit 3.5 km”. We followed the road for a while, entering the Boyne State Forest, then took the Cherry Hill Rd (left hand turn), dropping down into very picturesque gullies and dry creek beds. Sharon highlighted a number of wildflowers: different species of wattle, goodenias, indigophera australis, hardenbergia and others.

For lunch we reached the trig point at the top of Big Bit with extensive views down the coast. The only wild life we saw on the way back was 4 specimens of motorbike riders to whom we granted clear passage.

Approximate total distance walked estimated to be 15 km.
John M  

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Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens and Deep Creek Dam
Thursday 5 September 2013

On a perfect Spring day 11 bushwalkers set out to cover every walk in the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens, starting with the Deep Creek Track, a visit to the Orchid House and then morning tea in the Arboretum where we visited the BBBW tree.

We then took the Forest Track to the Deep Creek Dam viewing platform – a lovely view and plenty of water in the dam. Unfortunately the Hill Track was closed but we enjoyed the Lake Track and all the treasures of the Limited Mobility Track before finishing with lunch in the picnic area.

It was a very pleasant morning and was the first time that some members had explored the Gardens tracks.
Jill  

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Maloney's to North Head for Lunch
Saturday 31 August 2013

Pebbly cove north of Maloneys Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Pink and yellow rockhopping Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Climbing Yellow Rock Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

View south from Yellow Rock Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Group on Yellow Rock Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	How did he get out there Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

It was a lovely day for walking around headlands and beaches from Maloneys Beach to North Head last weekend. The twenty three walkers also admired the pretty pink and yellow rocks on one headland, considered the origins of the long-ago crumbled swimming pool on another headland, and up on Yellow Rock keen photographers took photos of the marvellous views of our coastline and of the ranges behind.

Then up on top of the headland, it was rather pleasant picking our way through the Burrawangs and bush before dropping down onto North Head for lunch at the far end.

After lunch we retraced our steps along the beaches and over headlands back to Maloneys Beach.
Pat  

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Richmond Beach Area
Wednesday 28 August 2013

Grant, Meriel, Jan and Bob at the Big Tree Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Group lunch at Richmond Beach Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	One of the humpies Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This walk was ably led by Ainslie and Mike. We had a total of 24 participants. It started at the Murramarang Resort Camping ground, with the first few kilometres taken by car along the Old Coast Road. This led to very pretty bushland, with marked fire trails which we walked along in a circular fashion, admiring the local flora. We saw early Spring flowering of the Hovea variety, and one of the group scored a beautiful lyre bird feather.

We visited the Big Tree, a splendid spotted gum possibly 60 metres high, the Moose tree (an intriguing excrescence of a spotted gum in a shape resembling a moose). We walked for lunch to Richmond Beach which we viewed in splendid weather conditions.

After lunch we climbed towards a lookout point and saw the quaint “humpies”, being bundles of brush and wattle forming a squat shelter from the elements: obviously used recently as there were traces of a not so ancient camp fire.
John M  

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Two Foot Tour
Saturday 24 August 2013

No report received
 

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South of Dingo Road
Thursday 22 August 2013

The cool green of Currowan Creek Photo by Val Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Sharon dwarfed by the forest Photo by Val Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lin in treefern gully Photo by Val Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A bleak wintry day did not deter 9 determined BBB walkers exploring the upper reaches of the Currowan Creek on Thursday. Slipping and sliding down the steep slope, we used thick roped vines to swing our way through ancient tree ferns and Giant Stingers.

Exploring the creek, we were surrounded by the forest giants Soapybox, Bollygum and Coachwood as well as Pencil cedars. Many metres up, tree trunks and branches were festooned with massive bird nest ferns and rock orchids. Lower down we were lucky enough to be able to examine the intricate nests of the scrub wren.

We lunched in the creek bed as the petals from the aromatic Sassafras tree fell around us. The walk out, although challenging, proved to be a botanical delight. The wildflowers, from the tiniest pea to the spectacular golden yellow of flowering Livistona Palm delighted our senses. Once again proving that walking with the BBBW enables people to experience and appreciate the wonders of our natural world so rarely seen by the less adventurous.
Sharon  

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Wine Glass Tor
Saturday 17 August 2013

Hollow termite mound on Wine Glass Spur Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Jenny, Kay and Bob and Touga Trig overlooking Great Horseshoe Bend Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Wine Glass Tor and Great Horseshoe Bend on Shoalhaven River Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

0630
Depart Batemans Bay in 2 x 4WD.

0930
Via Princes Highway, Turpentine Road, Braidwood Road, Tolwong Road, and 2km of 4WD track - see Note below
One way distance 180km.
Arrive starting point. MGA z56 236300 6137200

1000
Start walk to Wineglass Tor/Touga Trig via Wine Glass Spur.
Cross Tims Gully Creek, a 120m vertical climb over 1lk brought us to the top of Wine Glass Spur which was then followed to Touga Trig. Walking is generally open with some patches of thicker scrub. Sighted an interesting hollow abandoned termite mound on the way.

1200
Arrive at Wineglass Tor/Touga Trig for lunch.
Points of interest:
• Fantastic view of the Great Horse Shoe Bend on the Shoalhaven River which is 500m below.
• Large rock cairn of Touga Trig. Contains a visitors book placed by Shoalhaven Bushwalking Club.
• The Wineglass Tor rock formation.
A strong cool wind signalled the end of lunch.
We retraced our outward path to point MGA z56 235000 6135500.
Our route then turned east to follow a down sloping ridge for 2km to the Peach Tree Canal in Tims Gully Creek.

1430
Reached Peach Tree Canal.
Old gold miners have cut through a narrow neck of a bend in the creek presumably to divert the water to get to the gold bearing gravel in the bed of the creek. The surrounding banks of the creek are covered in the remains of numerous holes where the gold bearing gravel was dug out.
Our route then followed Tims Gully Creek back to the cars.
All the way back to the cars there was further evidence of old gold workings.
From the evidence of debris and bent over wattles in the creek bed, it appeared the creek had been in flood not too long ago. This made for easer walking on the gravel of the creek bed, but still required the occasional bash through the scrub on the flats beside the creek to avoid obstacles and the water in the creek. (When the author did the same trip in November 2010 the creek bed was mostly dry).

1630
Back at the starting point.

About 2000?
Back At Batemans Bay

Note: part of this 4WD track and where the vehicles were parked is on private (about 30ha) which is surrounded by National Park. This private property is not fenced nor is there any obvious sign showing it is private property. Careful examination of the topographic map shows the land is not part of the National Park but gives no other information regarding its status.

At the end of our walk as we approached our cars we could hear a chainsaw. It turned out to be the owner of the nearby Tolwong property. He clearly stated we were on his private property. While not hostile he did not appear to be happy we were on his private land.

Further investigation on access to this starting point will be required before this walk is done again. It appears that others may do day walks to Wine Glass Tor from other starting points.
David  

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Annual Rogaine
Thursday 15 August 2013

Bob M, Stan, and Andrew Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Elaine on target Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Elaine, Pat and Karen M taking too long for lunch Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Wendy, Jan and Steve Photo by Charles Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Elizabeth, Barry, Judith, Geoff and Susan Photo by Charles Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Elaine, Ken, Amanda, Bob and Jean Photo by Charles Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Len's 2013 Rogaine got off to an early start when 10 people forming 3 groups strode off into the Mogo State Forest determined to find as many controls as possible in the allotted 6 hours.

My team of Karen C, Karen M, Pat and Elaine however, were distracted by the purple flowering hovea, and ironbark orchids flowering high up in the treetops. Not to mention a big red belly black snake sunning itself beside the track. We also stopped for short morning tea and lunch breaks, which, it transpired, severely handicapped us when we discovered later that the winning teams had barely stopped for lunch.

Wendy and Jan, along with Steve from the Narooma Dalmeny Club tied in first place with Bob M, Stan and Andrew. Len declared Bob, Stan and Andrew the winners because they arrived back at base first. They must have had a torrid time of it, as both the soles of Andrew's boots had peeled off en route. Where would we be without that obligatory roll of duct tape in our packs.

Four other teams arrived at 1100 hrs to join the 3 hour Rogaine and enjoyed locating the lolly caches hidden with the controls placed nearer to base. Afterwards we all gathered to restock on carbohydrates at a most welcome afternoon tea, where we thanked Len and Charles for organising the event again this year.
Karen  

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Durras Lake and Discovery Trail
Wednesday 14 August 2013

Marilla, Tony, Alan, John, Christine and Bev at historic tree Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Alan, Carol and Bev admiring Dendrobium teretifolium - Rats Tail Orchid Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Dendrobium teretifolium or Rats Tail Orchid Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Not only should we thank Joan for stepping in at the last moment and leading this walk for Lesley, which of course required her to do prior recce, but for also writing the report and taking the photos. Above and beyond . . . . .Ed.

Our happy group of 10 walkers led by Joan set off in spectacular weather, and today in mid-August could not have been a better time for us all to be surprised by the wonderful display of Dendrobium teretifolium (Rat's Tail Orchid) with small dainty off-white flowers hanging from the branches of Casuarina trees along the edge of Lake Durras - a rare treat for all of us. Another feature noticed low on Casuarina tree trunks was the remains of barnacle growth from perhaps two years previous when the lake was closed and there were times of heavy rain causing a high level of water in the lake.

We progressed around the edge of the lake enjoying the scenic views of water and bush merging together and made our way into the Discovery Trail loop track where we enjoyed lunch at the top with views across a small valley of lush bushland.

After lunch we began our return and passed beside a large group of cabbage palms which also surprised us with their pale yellow blooms nestled at the very top of several palms, another rare sight for most of us. We will all have great memories of today's walk in this beautiful part of the world.
Joan  

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North of Cockwhy Creek
Sunday 11 August 2013

Bob and Len's loungechairs Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Sunday, Susan, a first time bushwalking leader, took 19 members on a 13km walk north of Cockwhy Creek. We started off from Bucks Road, then South Arm Road until we reached a turnoff onto another track which took us through the Kioloa forest.

Our leader had thrown in a few hills to climb to give us a good workout and on occasion we skirted around large puddles of water from recent rain. As our pace picked up a bit, we strode past spotted gums, tea trees, wattle trees, bracken ferns, Geebung and Banksia shrubs, Black Butt trees, and Hardenbergia climbers with pretty purple flowers in bloom. One still standing tree we passed was riddled with white ants, but part of it was still surviving, perhaps though not for long.

On this beautiful sunny day there were plenty of logs to sit on during morning tea and lunch where we all enjoyed a good chat and a catch up on the news with our fellow bushwalking friends. Thanks go to Susan for leading us on a successful circuit walk through the Kioloa State Forest.
Carol  

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Pack Walk to Rixons Coal Mine in Upper Clyde River Gorge
Saturday & Sunday 10-11 August 2013

5 walkers ready to enter the prickly scrub Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Camp site Clyde Gorge Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Camp site Clyde Gorge Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Martin measuring depth of erosion hole in bedrock Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	A deep rock hole Photo by Martin Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	David and Pat at an adit on the east side of the gorge Photo by Martin Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The words “Rixon’s Coal Mine (1900)” in the northern part of the Clyde River Gorge, on the Budawangs sketch map has always intrigued me. Some information on the site is contained in the book Pigeon House & Beyond including a photograph of 2 men at the site of an adit. A search on the internet reveals a little information including a diagram showing there may be 4 mine adits at the site. Due to the difficulty of getting the coal from the mine to the coast it was abandoned very soon after the discovery of the coal.

I made my first exploratory trip to the site in 2005 and have made several other day trips since then. However due to the length of the walk, a day trip leaves little time to explore the mine site.

So in response to my overnight walk proposal in the Club's 3rd quarter Program, 4 other walkers joined me in my 5th walk to the mine. My companions were Martin, Val, Kay and Pat. For Val and Pat this was their 2nd visit to Rixons Coal Mine, their first being some time ago.

The route to the mine site follows a creek which flows west from near the base of Mt Tianjara to gain access to the Clyde River Gorge. This route covers most of the terrain one is likely to encounter when walking in the Budawangs. Fire trails, thick prickle scrub on the upland areas, open rock platforms, scrambling up and down passes through cliff lines, open walking in rain forest with the odd fallen tree to climb over, steep scrubby hillsides, creek crossings and river rock hopping.

As suspected, because the mine site is at the bottom of the Clyde Gorge, tent sites were limited to some small areas of flat rock just beside the river. Once our camping place was selected we had just enough time to continue the few 100m down stream to the most obvious adit. This adit is in the western side of the gorge it is about 2m wide, 1m high and goes in about 10m. It appears to be the same as the adit in the photo in Pigeon House & Beyond.

Dinner was cooked and eaten sitting around a fire set in a protected area formed by the steep side of the gorge and one of the many house sized boulders on the floor of the gorge.

The next morning we did some exploring of the gorge, managing to find 2 further 5m deep mine adits on the east side of the gorge. At our camp site we tested the depth of some small (500mm diameter) holes worn in the bedrock. To our suprise they were very deep, the deepest being over 160 cm.

By 1000 hrs it was high time to start the return trip to the car.
David  

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Meroo Lake to Beaches
Thursday 8 August 2013

No report received
 

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Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve
Saturday 3 August 2013

Building of historic interest Photo by Brian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Medium Walk: This was a 16 km walk that lived up to its name, as Karen C led thirteen members from just south of Lake Conjola south to Narrawallee Inlet. Here we looked across the wind-stirred water to the Narrawallee headland. Here a bit of history kicked in, as it was where a bridge crossed to take silica ore from the mine behind Buckleys Beach. All that remains are dips and hillocks in the forest. Buckleys Point gave us extensive views south to Bannisters Point at Mollymook, and north along Conjola Beach.
Ainslie

Easy/Medium Walk: The walk on Saturday last had a twist. Following a request from the Batemans Bay Historical Society, the bushwalking club has agreed to assist the society to gather data on remote and historically important sites.

The Narrawallee Inlet walk was used as a first test site. The area just north of Milton is rich in remnants of the past silica mining industry which saw silica mined by the use of explosive, pick and shovel to produce the important component used back in the early twentieth century to construct fire resistant bricks for use in the furnaces of BHP in Newcastle.

The eighteen bushwalkers who participated on the easy/medium walk observed and recorded GPS locations of quarries, a former explosive storage shed, and silica seam extraction areas.

GPS co-ordinates, photos and written descriptions will be provided to the society for their use.

The walk was led by new bushwalk leader, Judith, who had done her homework and narrated the history of the mining industry and outlined the mineral transportation route which was carried out via a tramway from the mine site, across Narrawallee inlet to a site near Ulladulla harbour for shipment to Newcastle. There is now, unfortunately little evidence of the tramway. And for this reason, the Historical Society deems it critical to record remaining remnants at such sites for the information of future generations.
Charles  

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North Durras Forest, Lake and Beach
Wednesday 31 July 2013

Group on Discovery Trail Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

You only have to walk 12 kilometres to appreciate many of the highlights of Murramarang National Park around Depot Beach and North Durras.

Batemans Bay Bushwalkers started their midweek walk at Depot Beach, passing through rainforest to reach the Discovery Trail, which is a short guided walk highlighting rainforest vegetation and old logging history, and is a must see for anyone who can put one foot in front of the other.

Leaving the Discovery Trail, the Bushwalkers took the track beside Durras Lake back to North Durras and, making their way through the usual mobs of kangaroos, found the beach and a scenic lunchspot at the entrance to Durras Lake.

Continuing along North Durras Beach, the walk circuit is completed by following the track over Point Upright with more wonderful views, before descending back to Depot Beach through the delightful little village of the same name, perched on the northern side of Point Upright. There are more mobs of kangaroos to negotiate at Depot Beach, and the return to the carpark is by another short guided walktrack through yet more rainforest. All this, accompanied by the usual crisp, sunny South Coast winter weather, can't be beat.
Karen M  

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Mogo Farm Walk
Sunday 28 July 2013

Lots of people on the farm Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	More people on the farm Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	And yet more Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Nelligen to Clyde River National Park
Thursday 25 July 2013

The hordes at morning tea Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Christine, Karen and Brian Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Geoff, Mary and Donna Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Twenty club members plus one visitor gathered at the newly updated river front car park at Nelligen and admired the new Children’s Playground now complete, funds for which were raised by the local community. Ahead of us the promised 13km walk.

Historic sites of the School House, Police Station and Court House were passed on the way to the scenic local cemetery. Here were graves both marked and unmarked, of the inhabitants of this picturesque village, old family names on tombstones, some with relatives still living locally.

Our walk took us on unmarked tracks, down hills, across rocky gullies, across and alongside dry creeks, then upwards over ridges and along fire trails. We entered the Clyde River National Park and stopped on an isthmus somewhere between Little and Big Islands. Here we had lunch, seated beside the slow flowing Clyde River, admiring the scenery and watery reflections of the mangroves. As if on cue a flotilla of baby ducklings appeared, cameras were grabbed and photos taken.

Then it was up and onwards via a different track through more sclerophyll forest with its majestic eucalypts back to Nelligen. The walk was interesting and challenging, but all agreed the highlight of the day was the delicious afternoon tea at our Leaders' house. Thank you Stan and Mary.
Karen C  

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Overnight Pack Walk to Western Budawangs
Saturday and Sunday 20-12 July 2013

Although this was not an official BBBW walk because there wasn't the required minimum of 4 walkers, I've included the report on the website, because it's so interesting, and will hopefully generate some further interest out there for David's packwalks. Ed.

Water race Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Martin Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Camping Cave Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Glenn and Martin Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Budawangs country Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Glenn's injury Photo by David Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Four Mountains & a Water Race in the North West Budawangs
Participants: David (Leader), Glenn & Martin

Decisions, decisions, watching the weather during the week it went from OK, to iffy (a technical meteorological term) to warning, cold temperatures and snow down to 800m. However the volume of predicted precipitation was at worst 5mm and cold is good for mountain walking so the walk was on.

The North West Budawangs is a seldom visited area of this spectacular National Park. This is because access is a little more remote and it not quite as scenic as the Castle area. It does however have some interesting features like the 1880’s Endrick River water race. Recently access has been further restricted due to the blocking of pedestrian access through private property.

The walk begins at the end of the gravel road that branches of the Endrick River road south west of Nerriga. This start point is also the northern end of the Alum Fire Trail.

We then followed the Endrick River water race to the east. This water race is part within National Park and part within private property. Most of the private property is “unoccupied” bush (see the author for further details).

According to the book Bungonia to Braidwood by Barry McGowan (1996,) this water race was built by Birrell & Davis around 1890. Given the remote location and rugged terrain, the construction of this water race (for proposed gold mining at a point some distance to the west) is quite a feat. Barry McGowan notes that the race, about 15km long, may never have actually been used.

Apart from occasional patches of scrub the walking on the water race is quite easy until it reaches Running Creek where a steep scramble down to the creek is required. The water race is supposed to have crossed this obstacle via an inverted siphon but no material evidence of this remains.

After climbing up out of Running Creek the water race was relocated and we continued to follow it east. At a point where the water race turns north we almost “ran into” a new house. (This house was not there 9 years ago when I last did this walk). A detour to the south took us around the house and we resumed our easterly course to the fire trail which then took us to the eastern side of Round Mountain. We lunched on the fire trail deciding not to take up the optional side trip to the top of Round Mountain.

Lunch ended by being assailed by a 2 minute shower of sago snow! Hopefully this was not an indication of the weather to come.

We continued south on the Square Top Mountain Fire Trail to the intersection on the north side of Fosters Mountain. Then into the bush to the saddle off the north west tip of Fosters Mountain. Our destination being the camping cave on the west side of Fosters Mountain, we had a choice of a few routes. The Budawangs sketch map indicates a negotiable route over the top of Fosters Mountain and down a pass next to the camping cave. My previous experience of this route was extremely thick scrub in places, so we opted for walking around the base of the cliff that forms Fosters Mountain. This turned out to be relatively easy going (for Budawangs bush). About half way along the mountain goat of our party found a way to the cliff top where the others did not want to follow so it was a case of him taking the high road and us the low road. The low road reached our camping cave site before the high road. A quick climb through the 15m cliff was required to make sure the high road did not miss the top of the pass. Despite a 5 minute sago snow shower, the high and low road found each other and regained the top of the pass so it was time to set up camp.

We managed to keep a good fire going which warded off the chill of a persistent cold wind. The wind persisted during the night which at one point resounded with the crack of a falling tree. An inspection in the morning revealed the fallen tree about 20m from the camping cave.

Our new day's route was west to Square Top Mountain. A quick, pack-less, side trip scramble up the pass got us to the top. Unfortunately most of the mountain tops in the Budawangs have thick scrub on them and this one was no exception so our stay was brief. The trail continued around the southern base of the Square Top Mountain cliff line then down to rejoin the Square Top Mountain Fire Trail.

Our next target was Flat Top Mountain. This involved a 3km through the bush route where we encountered most of the types of terrain found in the Budawangs. Which means some patches of easy walking interspersed with some character building thick scrub. Unfortunately some of this character building scrub got the better of Glenn and she got stabbed in the shin by a sharp stick. The application of a No. 10 wound dressing appeared to stem the flow of blood and a stoic Glenn resumed her battle with the Budawang scrub!

We regained the Alum Fire Trail at the base of Flat Top Mountain at about 1300. So it was time for lunch with a well earned cup of tea or coffee. Interest in side trip to the top the 500m distant and 100m higher top of Flat Top Mountain was waning so it was deferred to the next time we visit this area. For the remaining 5km of fire trail walking we where serenaded by a number of lyre birds.

Three happy but (and after 1 hour in the car) stiff legged walkers celebrated a good weekend in the bush with a cup of coffee at Braidwood on the way home (very restrained! Ed). One water race and 2 mountains out of 4, not a bad result.
David  

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Malua Bay to McKenzies Figure Eight
Saturday 20 July 2013

Malua Bay rock shelves Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Christine and Franci Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Our new logo? Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Eleven hearty souls braved the sudden drop in temperature to walk from Malua Bay via the headlands and beaches to Beauty Point for morning tea.

Along Beauty Point reach the walkers came across some ingenious motifs made by local children from shells, white pebbles and flotsam, so it was only fitting that club members would add their contribution – see picture.

The walk continued to beyond McKenzie’s Beach to a pretty pink rock pool where due to rock obstructions the walk was reversed but this time the seaside rock shelfs were traversed to coffee at Malua Bay.

Despite the cold weather, sunshine and calm conditions prevailed and presented spectacular views of this very special section of our local coast.
Bob T  

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Deep Creek Dam, GPS Tutorial Walk
Wednesday 17 July 2013

No report received
 

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Durras Mountain and the Giant Strangler Fig
Sunday 14 July 2013

Rapier sedge Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The only leech on Durras Mountain Photo by Dave Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Creek stone wall Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Group at strangler fig Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Fig canopy Photo by Frances Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	It's a mighty tree Photo by Frances Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

16 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers took to the bush on Durras Mountain yesterday to visit what we believe to be the only strangler fig growing on the mountain.

These fig trees are major tourist attractions in tropical and semitropical regions of Australia where they grow to prodigious sizes. Our local specimen, which is relatively young, is still big enough to dwarf all other surrounding trees, and is festooned with aerial roots and birdsnest ferns growing high in its canopy.

A strangler fig starts by growing out of the fork of another tree, sending its roots snaking downwards to envelop the host tree entirely and eventually killing it, to become a new giant tree in its own right.

Most of the walk to the tree is off track, descending the mountain through relatively open country covered with rapier sedge, until we finally reach a creek bounded by a huge wall of rock resembling the ruins of a long abandoned temple reclaimed by nature. The creek itself is a marvel of ferns, bangalow and cabbage palms, and carpets of moss and lichen. Dead tree trunks host several different types of fungi, including a forest of the tiniest of delicate white toadstools.

Our journey back to the cars was punctuated by stops to admire the buttress roots of huge spotted gums, elkhorns growing on rocks, red and purple outcrops of fungus, and views down into the rainforested gullies of the mountain.
Karen M  

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Eucalyptus Walk and North Durras Beach
Thursday 11 July 2013

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Forest behind Broulee and across Broulee Island
Saturday 6 July 2013

Betty led us at a lively pace on a surprisingly interesting walk through varied forest types, over the headland and around the top of Broulee Island, before returning over a different part of the headland, then the beach and the forest.

Makes me breathless just remembering it, but we all enjoyed it, especially the surprising mature open forest on top of the island, and the well-preserved grave of Elizabeth Maleber, which is about 150 years old, and surrounded by a relatively recent fence. Some members with long experience in this area told of the modern history, including the enlargement of the gullies for catching water in dams, which provided supplies for the legendary hotel which serviced the port, and the rapid regrowth after the top of the island had been defoliated by stock and fires.

We also discussed the history of the sandspit connecting the island to the mainland. Its transient nature means that it can be in place for decades, then may disappear overnight in a storm, only to reform months or even years later.
Bob T  

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Monga National Park - Pinkwood Walk
Wednesday 3 July 2013

Jan, Bob, Christine, Bev and Judith Photo by Jan M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Wednesday 3 July, the lovely weather enthused 6 members of the Batemans Bay Bushwalking Club to undertake a 9km walk in the Monga National Park, just over the Clyde Mountain. The walk was very pleasant although not quite as great as in Spring when the trees and flowers are in bloom.

The group walked the bush track to the Penance Grove -so named because of the tree ferns which were stolen many years ago. The new ferns have grown well but the stumps still remain.

The walk then followed the River Forest Road (now a walking track) up the valley to the road crossing of the Mongarlowe River, returning the picnic area for lunch at 1pm.
Jan M  

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