Bob, Denise and Simeon Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ainslie, Barbara and Mike Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ian, Jan and Bob Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Bob and John Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Marion and Len Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Elizabeth, Karen and Lyn Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Philip talks us through the maypole steps Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	We know exactly what we're doing Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Getting out of a tangle Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Batemans Bay Bushwalkers capped off our 30th Anniversary Year with a Christmas celebration picnic at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens. The event was catered by members who brought along a gourmet array of their best salad and dessert recipes. Meat and sauces were provided by the Club and the resulting feast made for a most enjoyable end to our bushwalking year.

Erika and Philip set up their portable maypole to test how many bushwalkers it takes to make a tangle, and Bob T oversaw the beach cricket match.

Thanks to our team of hardworking volunteers for organising and running the event - we all had a great time.
Karen M  

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Mogo State Forest from Barlings Drive
Thursday 10 December 2015

Mark and Karen Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Hyacinth Orchid Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	One of three Glossy Blacks (amazing photo Donna!) Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This walk was led by Mark and numbered 13 participants. The walk started at 9.30 am at the cul-de-sac at the top end of Barlings Drive and followed a circular route to return to the starting point. Conditions for the walk were good. The terrain was undulating, displaying a variety of trees, spotted gums and stringybark being the most prevalent, including a spectacular aged spotted gum sporting a great number of outgrowths from its trunk. We noticed recent damage by winds including fallen trees since the reconnoitre. Puddles of water remained at the low spots due to the recent rains.

The botanists in the group spotted an attractive couple of spring wildflowers, probably the slender knotwood (Persicaria decipiens), and the Audubonists identified three glossy black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami) gliding at low altitude.

The walk ended around 1.30 pm. Total distance travelled about 10km.
John M  

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Tuross Head Circuit
Saturday 5 December 2015

View across Tuross Lake to Horse Island Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Historic Tuross House Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Coila Lake Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Heading to One Tree Point Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Entrance to Tuross Lake at low tide Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joan and Margaret Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On a warm sunny day, 21 walkers set out on a scenic circuit of Tuross Head coastline. Leaving Chatham Park, we walked along Trafalgar Road heading for Tuross House in Coral Crescent. Along the way we admired the view across Tuross Lake to Horse Island.

At Tuross House, we learnt a little of its past history and the existence of the Norfolk Pine "Mother Tree", the seeds of which were used for other plantings in Tuross Head. With lovely views of Coila Lake and the Golf Course, we continued our walk along Hector McWilliam Drive until we reached a series of pathways leading down the hill to Coila Lake foreshore. From here we walked along the foreshore to Kyla Park where we had morning tea.

Our return journey from Kyla Park took us to the Coila Lake Wetlands which are now struggling. Following the manual opening of the lake's entrance and subsequent natural closing, water has drained from the wetlands leaving them in poor condition. With the lake now closed to the sea, any recovery is expected to be slow. Continuing on, we reached the Memorial at Plantation Point and observed the Aleppo Pine planted by the Turkish Ambassador among many Norfolk Pines. From here we headed to, and walked along the beach to One Tree Point learning that the original tree planted by Hector McWilliam in 1930 was vandalised and killed and a new tree planted in 1994. At this point, there were stunning views of the entrance to Tuross Lake as well as views south along the coast as far as Narooma, including Montague Island and Gulaga. Continuing on, we stopped briefly at the Eva Mylott memorial to hear a little more of her life.

From Nelson Parade, we headed up a short steep pathway leading to Hood Street where we took the fire trail alongside Chatham Park back to our starting point. After completion of the walk, some members took the option of lunch at the Boatshed, a good way to finish a good walk.
Susan  

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Congo to Mullimburra Point
Wednesday 2 December 2015

Umbrellas and mud Photo by Mike R Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Brian and Bob on Meringo Head Photo by Mike R Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch at Honeymoon Bay Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The weather forecast was not promising, it had rained the night before, but a good number of walkers still turned out to follow Brian Mercer on his 10km walk along the Dreaming Track from Congo to Mullimburra Point and return.

It was very muddy and a bit slippery underfoot at first, but the sun eventually peeked through and everyone stowed their umbrellas and rain capes in time for a break to enjoy the view from Meringo Head. This walk winds its way through open forest, along cliff tops and over beaches to the geologically interesting Mullimburra Point. At this time of year, there are swathes of an introduced species called purple veined verbena (Verbena rigida) growing through the grasslands.

One of the prettiest beaches in our area, Honeymoon Bay, was the lunch spot and we took advantage of a lower tide to return via some of the sandy coves along the route.
Karen M  

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Don Moir Hill Coastwatch Station
Sunday 29 November 2015

Bob and Philip on Don Moir Hill Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Susan and Lesley Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Snake sighting Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Bob bushbashing Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	WWII Observation Post on Don Moir Hill Photo by Mike R Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Charles and group on the track Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Bingie Bingie
Thursday 26 November 2015

Windswept walkers on Bingie Point Photo by Brian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Mummaga Lake and Brou Beach
Saturday 21 November 2015

Group photo Photo by Jan M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch spot with furniture Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The weather forecast for Saturday 21 November was not encouraging, but 13 bushwalkers joined Ainslie and Mike on a 10.8 Km walk through National Park and State Forest country to the north of Lake Mummaga.

Starting and finishing at Dalmeny, the group was highly rewarded. The weather was sunny and mild, the beach sand squeaked with each step and the beautiful tracks adjacent to the lake and through the bushland were a delight.
Ian H  

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Merry Beach to Snake Bay
Wednesday 18 November 2015

Rockscrambling along Murramarang coast Photo by Mike R Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mary, Pat, Ainslie, Val and Bev Photo by Mike R Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Leaving Pretty Beach Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A small group of the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers had a good work-out on the Merry Beach walk last week.

Great views from the Snapper Point headland above Merry Beach were had, as well as from their Pretty Beach morning tea spot. They then walked along the beaches and bays, past the small islands, towards Snake Bay, to eat lunch under a welcome shady rock overhang while four of the walkers returned to Merry Beach itself.

The larger group then pushed uphill through coastal scrub until reaching an extremely old, overgrown but pretty track, that led us up, up, and still upwards, to the very old overgrown farm-land and scrub on Durras Mountain, which the group eventually pushed through and out onto the planned track back to Pretty Beach.

A beautiful big monitor was seen exploring there, plus a number of wallabies, and bird life on this track - and the group eventually arrived back at the cars tired but happy.

We are very lucky to have the beautiful Murramurang National Park here on our doorstep as it provides such a wealth of beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Pat  

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Bimberamala River and Cattlemans Fire Trail
Sunday 15 November 2015

Glenn and visitor Brian cross the Bimberamala River Photo by Rodney Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

At last the rain stopped. And on Sunday (November 15) the Bay Bushwalkers took to the tracks again, at least the intrepid four who really did believe that the weather would clear after the week of constant rain. They were rewarded with a splendid day of sunshine and only a short shower when back in the cars and heading home.

The walk took in the highs and lows of the Brooman region encompassing both Mogood Trig at 394 m, with views to Mount Dromedary and the Castle, and river crossings at 50 m, so the walk climbed in and out over 340 m. On the ridges the forest was impressive, with scatterings of pink and white Blueberry Ash in flower; the occasional lyrebird scuttled across the track while Gang Gang Cockatoos were noisy while hidden in the higher trees.

But the deep valley of the Bimberamala River was another world: of mud with tree ferns, lush grass and impressive fern covered trees. After all the rain, the two river crossings could have posed problems, but at thigh depth they offered an interesting diversion rather than a threat, and the group returned refreshed and satisfied from an excellent day out.
Rodney  

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Walk and Waratahs in the Monga
Thursday 12 November 2015

Walk postponed due to rain. Look out for it again on the next Program.
 

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Wallaga Lake to Bermagui Coastal Walk
Saturday 7 November 2015

Walk postponed due to rain. Look out for it again on the next Program.
 

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Cullendulla to Corrigans Beach
Wednesday 4 November 2015

Walk cancelled due to rain
 

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Comans Mine and Gulph Creek Nerrigundah
Sunday 1 November 2015

Rodney and Len at Comans Mine gold stamper Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Kay on Comans Mine track Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Donna on Gulph Creek track Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Lunch beside Gulph Creek Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Rodney, Bob and Karen at Gulph Creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Remains of stone bake oven in Nerrigundah Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Comans Mine near Nerrigundah was the subject of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers' weekend walk. The track through the mine infrastructure runs along the side of a steep valley above North Creek, and features filled in shafts, rusting tram tracks, a water pipeline and a virtually intact ore stamper. The track ends at a waterfall, where the miners dammed North Creek to procure a supply of water for themselves and the stamper. It's a pretty, shady little track with great views across the valley and an interesting story to tell of days gone by.

The walk then continued down through the forest to Gulph Creek which eventually runs through the hamlet of Nerrigundah (originally called Gulph). This creek was the site of an extensive alluvial goldfield but is now quite overgrown and makes for a very pretty walk through the ferns and greenery.

After the 10km hike, bushwalkers stopped in Nerrigundah to find the memorial to the policeman shot by the Clark gang of bushrangers in 1866, and also the stone bake oven built by Chinese miners next to the site of their temple.
Karen M  

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Botanic Gardens
Thursday 29 October 2015

Group under BBBW gumtree Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	BBBW dedicated tree in arboretum Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Fungus forest Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Eighteen Bushwalkers did an Easy Walk wandering along the many shaded paths of the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens with Jill and John. The weather was perfect after the cold snap we have had. Our walk took us around the swamp area where we saw a water hen with her tiny little chicks. From there we had a choice of an easier route or a slightly more difficult one, climbing over logs and crossing a dry creek bed.

We next had a photo opportunity beside the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers' gum tree, followed by a short climb to the lookout over the Deep Creek Dam which was full to the brim - a good start for the summer season.

Our next stop was lunch by a very picturesque pond containing many reeds and waterlilies. Alas, none were in bloom. On the return path to the cars we followed an attractive winding creek. A resident goanna scampered away at our approach. To finish the walk, some chose to have afternoon tea at The Visitor Centre and/or purchase some goodies.
Betty  

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Lynchs Creek
Saturday 24 October 2015

No wonder he's smiling Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	One of the many cascades Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Team with rock orchids Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Some blokes have all the luck! Bob T not only had the pleasure of leading another new walk, but also enjoyed the company of 5 lovely ladies as he did so. No shrinking violets these, but tenacious and capable bushwalkers who revelled in the demanding environment, and whose exclamations of delight as each visual feast was revealed made it a double pleasure to lead.

Surrounded by abundant birdsong, and the frequent chuckle of cascades, we carefully found our way up the creek, with frequent photo stops for all the runs and pools, rocks and trees which adorned most of the gully, culminating in many group photos at the boulder wearing a larger clump of rock orchids. Once we had cut our way through a large tangle above it which had been impassable on the exploratory, and could not be skirted, we went on to enjoy more ravine delights until we reached the basin where the creek starts.

A great mass of vines owned this area, so we climbed around it and up the remaining distance to the saddle, and commenced the traverse through open forest, west, north, then east, and down into the surprisingly pretty gully of a tributary. After crossing the main creek, it was only a short climb back to the cars, and a round of mutual congratulations.
Bob T  

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Budawang Wilderness Wildflower Walk
Wednesday 21 October 2015

Walkers take a break amidst the greenery Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Birdsnest fern hanging garden Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Rare sighting of a flannel flower Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Geoff and Elizabeth Mitchell led a group of 10 on a walk in the Budawang Wilderness area on a warm and humid day. The advertised wildflowers were there in abundance - lots of different species, the flora changing as we moved from the dry sclerophyll forests on the ridges and slopes into rainforest in the gullies. Among the more abundant genera in flower were Tetratheca (Black-eyed Susan), Patersonia (Purple Flag Iris), and Pimelia (Tall Rice Flower), and the rainforest had some unusually tall Pencil Cedars, and big Birds-nest Ferns in the canopy. Birds were there, but hard to spot - we identified Whip-birds, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Lyre-birds, Golden Whistlers and Grey Shrike-Thrush from their distinctive calls

The hills were long, and steep in places, so the botanists and the masochists came away equally satisfied. Distance covered was 10.5 km
Mike R  

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Milo Road, River Road and Penance Grove
Sunday 18 October 2015

Len with his group at Penance Grove Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Rob sawing through the fallen tree over Milo Road Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mission accomplished Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Bob in the mist Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Monga forest Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch in a grove of Pinkwoods Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Duct tape - a bushwalker's best friend Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The Monga waratah were prolific along River Forest Road Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Monga waratah (Telopea mongaensis) Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Monga National Park at the top of the escarpment only an hour's drive from Batemans Bay on the way to Canberra, is in another world of magic mist and enormous tall trees. Len led sixteen members and a visitor from Tasmania on a 12km walk which began at Penance Grove. Here the boardwalk has colourful signage telling us about the Pinkwoods or Plumwoods, Eucryphia moorei, a tree with pale divided leaves, which in March drops its flower petals like snowflakes on to the tree ferns and moss below. Pinkwoods have related species in Chile and Tasmania and are a remnant of Gondwana forests. Even the moss (Dawsonia) below the trees is the biggest in the world, up to 50 cm high.

After this easily accessible pretty little walk, we set out to drive up Milo Road to the start of the walk proper, passing dense glades of huge tree ferns. However, even the best laid plans of walk leaders can gang astray - a big Brown Barrel eucalypt had fallen across the road. The ever resourceful Len whipped out his saw and tow rope, and in no time at all (well, a lot of sawing) we drove through the gap and were on our way. Up a big hill and down a big hill through this delightful forest, entertained by lyrebirds and whipbirds calling, and we were on River Forest Road which was decorated with Monga Waratahs in bloom. Lunch by a clear running stream in a rainforest glen and a walk back to the picnic area as the mist cleared, and we all agreed it was an eventful and exciting walk.
Ainslie  

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Nelligen Creek Gully
Thursday 15 October 2015

Sharon leads the way Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Donna Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Rob, Phillip and Bob T Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Shady coolness of the creek Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Elaine, Rob and Phillip on a slab of granite in the creek Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Phillip enjoys one of the big spotted gums Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Creek walking is a particular favourite of some members of Bushwalkers, and Sharon's walk up the bed of Nelligen Creek and its headwaters is particularly lovely. The creek rises in the steep rocky country under Bolaro Mountain and that's where we headed.

Rob pointed out the pink pegmatite rock which was mixed with the more predominant granite bed of the creek. It was the softer pegmatite which had eroded into pink sand and determined the direction of the creek. We enjoyed skirting the pools of water, admiring the tenacious fig trees growing out of the rock, and marvelling at the banks of rock orchids massed on boulders at every turn.

For the journey back we broke out of the creek and took on the steep slopes below huge granite boulders perched above our heads. We spotted 3 monitor lizards which all scuttled up the nearest tree on our approach. It had been relatively cool in the shade of the creek and forest, but we noticed the 33 degree heat once we found the road and finished the 2km back to the cars.
Karen M  

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Byangee Walls Camp
Saturday 10 October 2015

Under The Castle Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	From the saddle Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Past the chock stone Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The Castle dominates the skyline Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	On top of Byangee Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Martin, David, Helen, Glenn and Nick Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Nick and Glenn Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob at the top Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Around the campfire Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Byangee Mountain, also known as Byangee Walls, is a long mesa in the Budawang Ranges, rising above the Clyde Gorge, in company with others such as Tallaterang, Shrouded Gods and The Castle. A well-known climb, requiring ascent up a steep chute, past the chock stone (a boulder held by a sturdy tree) and then up through "the chimney".

Usually in Spring there are dwarfed banksias, hakeas and melaleucas in flower, which attract rarely seen butterflies and honeyeaters, but we were greeted by the devastation of a recent fire which had destroyed most of the shrubs on top of the mountain. Some regrowth was beginning, but the track across the top was mostly lined with black skeletons.

The views hadn't changed, and we were fortunate to enjoy a clear day, so we could see over the Clyde Gorge to Mount Bushwalker and Tallaterang in the north, Pigeon House and Durras Mountain to the east, Gulaga and the Kybean Range to the south, then the Budawang Range marching up to the titans of The Castle and Shrouded Gods to our near west.

We climbed on a warm morning without a breeze, had lunch with little shade on top, and were exposed to the heat on the descent on the north side of Byangee, but as we rounded the corner at the saddle, we were greeted by a cool southerly breeze, and in the shade under the southern side of The Castle, we were refreshed by light showers from the hanging gardens on top, and cool pools in which to wash faces and heads.

It's always a relief to get back to camp after a big day out climbing mountains, and this was no exception. But, as usual, after a swim, and a convivial cuppa where we congratulated each other, and our diligent leader for a well-conducted walk, we all felt happy and satisfied with our efforts. Endorphins are nature's reward for exertion, and a perfect antidote to tired bodies.
Bob T  

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Steel Gully and Pistol Shot Road Circuit
Wednesday 7 October 2015

I think it's this way Photo by Erika Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Spotted gums holding hands Photo by Erika Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Pretty creek crossing Photo by Erika Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This walk was led by Mary and Stan and numbered 10 participants in 3 cars. The convoy travelled south from Mogo along the Princes Highway taking the first main dirt road to the right (Buckenbowra Road). We travelled east for about 5 km and parked at a junction of other roads and firebreaks to start the walk at about 9.30 am. Conditions ideal, about 21 degrees, overcast.

We followed a combination of firebreak roads and bush tracks, an itinerary that had been researched earlier by Stan and Mary. Some of the tracks are no longer shown on the maps and some of the old tracks have become overgrown. The leaders expertly used their GPS to document significant changes of direction for future walks.

There was one creek crossing which was easily negotiable, the water level having fallen since the exploratory. There was a great display of spring flowers, mostly different varieties of wattle, as well as an occasional patch of rock orchids. An interesting geological formation was an outcrop of granite rocks, large and well rounded, rising to about 2 metres. An unusual botanical specimen was the coalescence of two spotted gums trunks, one having fallen on the other and connected at a height of over 10 metres above ground. Here photos were taken. There were many bird calls, I recognised the whip bird.

The walk ended shortly before 2 pm. Total distance travelled 11.76 km.
John M  

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Tomaga River Catchment
Sunday 4 October 2015

Though few in numbers, those of us that weren't visiting family or hosting for the long weekend were treated to a delightful walk that was shortened to 6.2 kilometres because of the hot weather conditions predicted.

Our small group commenced walking on a fire trail east of the Prince's Highway off the Runnyford Road which wound its way through a predominately spotted gum forest with a shrubby understorey of wildflowers. We followed this track down into a gully where the mix of tree fern and mature trees provided a canopy for the mosses and fern that grew in profusion.

Morning tea was enjoyed in this cool and peaceful spot on a mossy log. The word peaceful implies quiet and belies the multitude of bird calls that accompanied us on our walk. A friendly leech decided to hitch a ride at this spot and came home uninvited.

Following the Tomaga River bed for about a kilometre we then bush bashed up the side of the gully to another fire trail and headed up a long and inclining road back to the car just as the heat of the day was beginning to bite. Thank you Bob for another enjoyable walk.
Denise  

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Burrill Ramble
Thursday 1 October 2015

Stan and Mike at Burrill Lake Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This 15km walk started about 3kms south of the Burrill Bridge when nine walkers, including a visitor, took off to the south for 300m, before crossing the highway and taking an old overgrown bush track, which provided a colourful display of spring wildflowers. It was then onto some good dirt roads as we made our way to the south west shore of Burrill Lake, the perfect spot for morning tea.

We then followed the road east around the lake passing quite a few attractive lakeside picnic spots. Just before arriving at Burrill itself, we took a sidetrack down to inspect the 20,000 year old aboriginal rock shelter.

We managed to make it to the beautiful foreshore park, on the SE side of Burrill Bridge, in perfect time for lunch. The lake was in all its glory, the water was a clear aqua blue, fishermen in waders slowly flicked their lines, and children playing in the shallows and on the sand, added extra spring colour.

We followed the foreshore to the mouth of the lake, before heading around a couple of rocky headlands - taking extra care to time our transit between the big waves crashing over the rocks. After rounding Dolphin Point we headed up the start of a walking track through the Barnunj Conservation Area. Once on the track we headed south towards Pot Holes Road and Wairo Beach. A short side excursion down to Wairo Beach meant that we had to tackle a large sand dune back to the grounds of the Burrill Pines Conference Centre. It was then but a short 1.6km along their private road back to the cars, and the end of a varied and scenic 15km walk.
Mary  

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