Wednesday 6 June 2018
Cancelled due to weather.
2018 2nd Quarter
2nd quarter 2018
Currowan Creek and Peachtree Gully
Sunday 3 June 2018
Karen and Donna find a good place to cross the creek.
Donna on our way to the creek.
Donna, Karen, Eddie and Rob making the first crossing.
Mary and leader Rodney prepare to cross the creek at the ford.
Barry takes a look further along the creek.
Giant vines and Rob.
Photos by Barry, Karen and Mary
With a cold, showery, miserable Saturday, we were delighted to find the sun shining over the hills on Sunday. Seven bushwalkers set off down the long hill to Currowan Creek, through a stretch of forest that had clearly been logged recently. In the bottom of the valley beside the Creek the scenery changes dramatically, with damp forest sprinkled with Sydney Blue Gums, where Lyrebirds can be heard calling, but are seldom seen. Fortunately the Creek was low after a dry spell and it was easily crossed with dry feet.
Then the group took the long hill up Peach Tree Gully Road to the ridge top, traversed the ridge and then descended along a slowly disappearing track back towards the Creek. Slowly the forest thickened and the understorey built up until finally the group were slipping and sliding down through bush with deep leaf litter and rotting tree trunks to the Gully, which they then followed over and under fallen trees and tangling vines until eventually the muddy group reached Currowan Creek again. Then they followed the Creek Eastwards, crossed it upstream from the ford and wandered along the sandy, stony flat covered in flood debris to the original ford where they enjoyed lunch. Then back up the long two kilometre hill to the parked vehicles.
All in all, we enjoyed a good day out on a bushwalk that offers everything.
Rodney
Durras Lake and Discovery Trail
Thursday 31 May 2018
Following the edge of Durras Lake.
An axel in the hub is all that remains of this timber ‘tinker’.
Timber cutting technique is explained at this platform.
Stewart capturing the ferns and palms.
Val, Bob and Mary take a close look at this very knobbly spotted gum.
Photos by Mary and Stewart
Our group of 16 was led by Karen, along the ‘Lake Walk’ from the Mount Agony Road through magnificent stands of spotted gum and burrawang forest, to the northern edge of Durras Lake where we looked for rat’s tail orchids clinging to trees near the edge of the water. The orchids were duly found, but alas not in flower. We followed the lake’s edge through myrtle woodland before entering extensive groves of cabbage palm and temperate rain forest in gullies and in low damp creek flats near where the creeks from Mount Agony flowed into the lake.
After 4 km we joined the ‘Durras Discovery Walk’, a 1.5 km loop with several interesting features including part of an old timber jinker (used to support large logs so they could be dragged by horses through the forest to the old timber mill at North Durras), and a high platform with signs describing how timber-getters raised themselves above the often hollow bases of the larger gum trees in order to hew through solid timber. The loop climbs up to a small escarpment of flat-lying pebbly grey sandstone (the Snapper Point Formation), part of the same sequence of rocks we have seen on other walks along the coast at Murramarang and points farther north. We perched on top of this escarpment to enjoy our lunch, before descending back down to complete the ‘Discovery Loop’ and rejoin the ‘Lake Walk’ which took us back to our cars, all the while with the calls of a lyre bird echoing through the forest.
All up a 9 km walk through beautiful and varied forest on a fine, slightly cool day with a few ups and downs to keep us fit – ideal! Some history thrown in too which is always a good thing. Another good thing was that in spite of all the talk about ticks and leeches, there was only one leech attack and it was soon shooed away with a flick of the finger and a spray of tea tree oil for good measure.
Thank you Karen for a great walk.
Stewart
Upper Shoalhaven River
Friday 26 – Sunday 27 May 2018
Wyanbene Trig.
Rest stop in the Brown Barrel Forest.
Panoramic view of the upper Deua valley looking east from the Minuma Range.
Wombat encounter.
Bronwyn, David and Wendy.
The group in open country.
Photos by Barry and Simon
Six club members (Simon, Barry, Wendy, Bronwyn, David and Ian) walked for two days southward, 26 kilometres, through the upper headwaters of the Shoalhaven River. This area is part of the Deua National Park, and rarely explored, between the Mimuma Range and the Braidwood-Cooma Road.
We commenced at the Wyanbene Caves, and climbed directly to Wyanbene Mountain trig. Despite its abandonment in this digital age, the trig is still in virtually original condition with a large rock cairn, timbered post and all four black circular vanes still in place. Nearby, we enjoyed a magnificent 270° view, west to south and particularly into, and across, the Deua valley, from a limestone outcrop on the Minuma Range.
We then walked onto the Range’s firetrail and slogged its ups and downs southward. As the Range and the Shoalhaven River came closer, we left the firetrail and descended a long ridge. Two large chunks of butchered beef on the ground indicated that feral animal baiting was in progress. We arrived at the river’s wooded flats and stoney Snow Gum ridges.
Choosing the overnight campsite proved problematic due to few river crossings and dense scrub along most of the banks. However, in time, we scored a delightful flat, grassy spot under the Ribbon Gums surrounded by unlimited firewood and we settled in for the night.
The broad, flat basin of the upper Shoalhaven generates high levels of cold air drainage on winter nights and our campsite was no exception. Around a warming campfire in the morning we compared frost and ice accumulations on our tents, bivvy bags, and the solidified water in outside containers. This generated plenty of discussion on value for money equipment.
On the second day we started to follow the river upstream and admired some impressive waterholes on the way. Although the water looked ideal for trout and other aquatic species, none were seen. Neither were there waterfowl – quite odd. However, judging by the many forensically opened mussel shells on the banks, we guessed the river was home to many water rats.
Scrubby riverbanks and big areas of dense Dwarf She-oak (Allocasuarina nana), which often spread down the dry stoney ridges to the river, began to slow our progress. So, after lunch, we deviated away from the river and wandered up a tributary toward Wambagugga Swamp. Evidence of feral pigs appeared about the time we found a long abandoned pig trap.
The topography was gently undulating with open forest (Ribbon Gum, Mountain Gum, Peppermints, Snow Gum) with either a woody litter or grassy ground layer. It was a joy to walk through. And then it got even better – we entered a large area of open forest dominated by Brown Barrel with occasional grassy flats. With no indicative reason we could find, a tree had a large silver horseshoe screwed to it.
We rejoined the river where it constricts to a narrow channel among the reeds. The constriction appears to have been formed at the boundary of the metamorphic and granite geologys, thereby creating the upstream swamps, the very source of the Shoalhaven River. After the crossing we made a beeline for our waiting cars and arrived as the sun set.
In summary, the limestone of Wyanbene and the hilly Minuma Range contrasted with the undulating upper reaches of the Shoalhaven River. Despite the river valley’s easy topography, one has to carefully thread a route to avoid the large areas of almost impenetrable Dwarf She-oak and to find the easier river crossings. Aerial photos were valuable in this respect and good map and compass navigation was essential.
We enjoyed the walk and there are already plans to include more fixed camps with day walks in this area.
Ian
Paddling and Walking Camp, Mallacoota Victoria
Sunday 13 – Friday 18 May 2018
Around Lyn and Ian’s welcome evening fire.
Karen launched as Mary and Stan prepare to follow.
Nancy enjoying our first day of sunshine.
The fleet on the Wallagaraugh River.
Wallagaraugh River Bridge
Paddling a chilly Wallagaraugh River.
Getting ready to paddle back to the cars after lunch.
Karen M and Mary T
By Karen and Mary
Batemans Bay Bushwalkers braved the Victorian weather for a week’s camping, paddling and bushwalking at Mallacoota. There are many paddling opportunities to choose from on Mallacoota’s extensive waterways. One day we put the kayaks into the Top Lake and paddled back to camp at the mouth of the Mallacoota Inlet, and another day we launched from Gypsy Point to paddle up the Wallagaraugh River and back. We’ll have to go back and tackle the Betke River another time.
Camp leader Ian, Lyn, Barry, Karen, Betty, Mary T, Mary M, Stan, Rodney and Nancy.
Lyn, Barry and Ian.
Ian’s knowledge is not confined to trees and the forest as he points our the features which identify this rat.
Stan, Mary M and Mary T at the Betke River mouth.
One of two Koalas spotted in the Monkey Trees.
A haze settles over the coast south of Mallacoota.
Amazing rock colours and formations at the Geology ‘beach’.
There are also plenty of bushwalking options. We walked from camp to the Airport Bunkers on the Pittosporum and Betke River Tracks, and returned via Betke Beach and the Heathland, Casuarina and Shady Gully Tracks – about 14km in all. The next day was 16km from Double Creek Nature Trail to the Narrows Track and then back to camp on the Inlet Track. This is koala country and we spotted two high up in the monkey gums.
Karen
Mummaga and Brou Lakes
Saturday 26 May 2018
Club members at Brou Lake.
Mummaga Lake.
Leader Karen pointing out our route as we head for the coast.
Denise and Mary
Batemans Bay Bushwalkers explored another corner of Eurobodalla National Park on the weekend when 12 walkers took to the tracks near Mummaga and Brou Lakes just north of Dalmeny.
Starting at the Bodalla Park Rest Area there is a well marked walk track to Mummaga Lake where there are views of white egrets reflected in the still waters. The walkers then deviated from the marked track to follow old forestry trails through the bush north, crossing Lake Brou Road to find an old abandoned trail to the waters of Lake Brou and flocks of black swans. The shores of the lake lead to a National Park campsite and to another track which runs along the top of the sand dunes the length of Brou Beach.
Pausing for lunch overlooking the beach, we usually spot a pod of dolphins in the surf, and there they were again, right on cue. To complete the 13 km circuit back to the Rest Area the walk follows more forest roads and tracks over fairly flat terrain. Another lovely autumn day was perfect for a long walk by the water and through the bush, with plenty of opportunity for chatting along the way.
By Karen
Quandolo Island and Moruya South Head
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Leader Len with a really big spider.
A few of the legions of soldier crabs scuttling over the sandflats.
Moruya River estuary at low tide.
By Karen
No report submitted.
West Australian Camp
Wednesday 2 May to Friday 11 May 2018
Whale Shark swimmers.
Nanutarra River.
The West Australian camp led by Rob started off in Exmouth where the highlight was to swim with the Whale Sharks off the Ningaloo Coast, a World Heritage Area. Snorkelling the reefs off Turquoise and Oyster Stack beaches was also an attraction. Walking Yardie Creek, Mandu Mandu and the Badjirrajirra tracks were undertaken on our other days in the area. The weather was in the low to mid 30s which gave us warm water for swimming but necessitated the need for early starts to our walks.
Rob provides us one of many interesting geology lectures.
Cameras in action as Pat and Rob capture the view.
Helen, Betty and Martin above Yardie Creek.
Rock Wallaby.
Morning tea.
Dingo posed for Donna.
Shothole Canyon
The tracks were rough on the boots.
Martin curious as ever!
This track has sea and land views to offer.
Dust storm approaching.
Our Whale Shark adventure was postponed from the scheduled day due to rough seas but it may have been in our favour as the crew of MV Jazz spotted, with the help of an airplane 5 young male whale sharks. It was an amazing experience for us all and a day to remember.
Briefing from crew member. (Photo by Jazz crew photographer)
Donna and Helen ready for the ‘swim’.
A practice snorkel.
One many underwater sights.
Coral garden on the Ningaloo Reef.
Donna is enjoying the experience.
This is what we came to see and experience.
We were not disappointed as our first Whale Shark appeared
Mary with her first Whale Shark.
On Sunday fully stocked with food and water for the next stage of our trip, we left Exmouth to drive about 710km to Karijini National Park where we were to camp in the EcoResort. The scenery became more spectacular as we headed eastwards. Two fuel stops were made along the way, the last being at Tom Price a delightful town far from any other.
Shady spot for lunch.
Kay and Betty.
We are in the Pilbara
The EcoResort was a great place to camp. There was water, showers and flush toilets, more than I expected and very welcome. Although I and some others did not use the shower as the green and blue, clear pools we came across in the gorges were more to our liking.
Leader Rob in his camp gear.
Helen G.
Philip, Erika, Val and Wendy.
Helen and Martin.
Elaine and John.
Heather and John.
Donna, Bev and Mary.
Betty and Kay .
Our walks in the Karijini took us along gorge tops and ridges and down through deep gorges. Each were spectacular in their own scenery. The gorges were rough underfoot and care needed to be taken whether on a dirt or rocky track or negotiating stepping stone rocks around narrow ways to avoid wet feet or worse. None of the running water was deep but the rocks were slippery and injuries were best avoided. Weano Recreation Area and Gorge was our first taste of the walks to come. We left directly from the camp to the first lookout. Some group members formed a second group to walk the gorge ridge while others descended into the gorge. In places the walls were quite close together as we made our way along. Rob told us the geological history of the area pointing out many interesting features. Rock faces, billions of years old of browns, russet and orange and in places yellow strata were beautiful. After climbing the steep incline out of the gorge we went off to Joffre Falls which included a Class 5 section. The reward of this part of the gorge was a swim in a clear, cool pool complete with waterfall.
Setting out from the camp.
Rob shares his knowledge.
From the ridge to the pool.
Down near the pool.
A rest off the track.
Up out of the gorge.
At Joffre Falls the swimming was wonderful, however the walk down and scramble up was a little hair raising!
Camp members at top of gorge.
Looking across to the group on the lookout.
Swimming in the green waters.
John, Helen, Philip, Martin and Erika at Joffre Falls.
The scramble up from the pool.
After Karijini we drove to Dales Gorge where the camping facilities were very basic, only toilets but the site was well laid out providing ample space for tents and camper vans. A tourist centre provided very interesting information on the area, flush toilets and ice-cream! A drive on a dirt road took us to Kalimina Gorge which was all Rob promised, most spectacular both in the rock formations, colours and variety of lizards and other flora and fauna. Of particular interest was seeing raw asbestos for the first time. The gorge contained 3 pools, all excellent swimming holes and the group took advantage of the cooling, cleansing water, remember, no showers at the camp site! The pools, one of ‘olympic’ proportion were home to many fish and water boatmen, the fish willingly provided a pedicure if you could take the nibbling and tickling. The red layered walls towing above us were set off by a creek running through with white tree trunks, bleached grasses and blue sky compiling the classic Pilbara landscape.
Val descending into the gorge.
Track though first part of gorge.
Martin enjoying the waterfall.
A free pedicure from these obliging fish.
The lush gorge flora lined the shady wall.
A break for the group.
This fellow thought if he played dead he could escape the camera lens.
Betty stands under a lovely overhang.
One of many locals we encountered along the track.
Helen R contemplates the creek.
Wendy and Helen G refresh along the way.
The track disappeared but Bev showed the way.
Thank you Rob for organising a great camp, so varied taking in land and sea.
Thank you Rob!
Photos by Donna and Mary
Report by Helen R and Mary
Photos by Donna and Mary
Beginners Social Croquet Morning
Sunday 20 May 2018
Jill, John, Bob and Molly work out what to do next
Mary, Karen & Elizabeth waiting for their turn
Thanking Pam for her patient tuition of this bunch of croquet novices
Who knew there was a dedicated croquet lawn in Moruya overlooking the river and presided over by Pam and her fellow croquet players (croquettes??). Pam invited members of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers to come along on Sunday morning to find out more about the game. We split into 4 teams of 4 (with a spare), and after a quick, succinct outline of the rules, Pam let us loose on the 2 courts she had set up. We played a very simple form of the game called Golf Croquet at first, but as we grew more confident Pam introduced new elements to the following games until we were enjoying the more complicated rules of Aussie Croquet.
We were surprised to learn croquet is quite strategic, and not just hitting balls through a succession of hoops.
After several games and a fun morning in glorious sunshine, we adjourned to the Moruya Bowling Club for a convivial lunch and catch up.
Karen
Maloneys Beach
Thursday 17 May 2018
Easy walkers in Murramarang
Thirteen very enthusiastic members of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers turned up on Thursday for a pleasant morning walk starting at Maloneys Beach.
The leaders Ainslie and Mike were happy to welcome 2 visitors from Griffith. We strolled up from the beach to the south end of Murramarang National Park enjoying the beautiful forest and an amazing view at Acheron Ledge across the bay. A bush tucker plant was pointed out to us by one of our very knowledgeable members and morning tea was enjoyed on the beach while taking in more spectacular views of the sea and rock face. After the conclusion of the walk 9 members went on to lunch at Maloneys Beach Cafe.
Ailza