BATEMANS BAY BUSHWALKERS INC.

Thursday 8 March 2018

Rob, Phillip, Carol, Sue, Chris, Martin, Helen, Rodney at Square Head.

Martin, Sue, leader Brian, Rob, Carol, Christine, Phillip, Rodney, Helen not looking like bush walkers.

Sue, Helen, and Chris start the crossing.

Almost over Cullendulla Creek.

Too much fun to get out of the water.

Photos by Brian and Joan

On a classic Autumn morning, nine walkers set off from Maloney’s Beach for an 11 kms stroll back to the car park. Our route took us along both Maloney’s and Long Beach, where after morning tea we climbed a path which linked us into the circuit track around Square Head. Remarkably, despite being very close to town, there is some lovely forest here, as well as beautiful views, which constantly appear between the trees.

This walk requires the crossing of Cullendulla Creek and there was anticipation in the group, as well as some trepidation, about the practicalities of doing this.

The walk leader’s cryptic, non-committal answers did little to inspire confidence.

“One or two of you may get washed away by the current, but most should make it across,” he said.

On arrival at the designated crossing point, most fears were dispelled at the sight of smooth, clear water, with just a gentle incoming tide. With all gear packed away in plastic bags, we set off in single file and waded across without incident.

Indeed, the water was so inviting that once we reached the other bank everyone went straight back in for an extended swim. The river afforded a very pleasant, shady area to have lunch, before we set out on the final leg, around the boardwalk and back to town.

Brian

Saturday 3 March 2018

Sharon, Simeon after an encounter with a vicious vine, Philip and Helen

River boulders decked out in mossy coats.

Deua River in full flow over polished stones and rocks.

Cascades at a bend on the Deua.

Photos by leader Bob

Numerous times when passing the junction on our usual circuit of the Deua River & Pinkwood Creek, the allure and mystery beckoning from the upper Deua has created a desire to explore it.

Five daring souls set out to do that, by driving up Little Sugarloaf Road and turning into the Pinkwood Creek track behind Hanging Mountain. A short way along the track, we descended to Pinkwood Creek near the junction, then proceeded up the Deua.

We found the Pinkwoods in bloom, along with the magical environs of a mountain creek; dappled light falling on moss-covered rocks and gnarly old trees, orchids & ferns, all decorated with Pinkwood petals, & serenaded by urgently burbling cascades, dashing into their long journey to the sea.

After some time journeying through this wonderland, we stopped for lunch & a strategy meeting. Having some concerns for the various factors of fatigue & time, the leader examined our position and felt an orderly retreat was appropriate.

While crossing the stream to discuss the proposed escape route with his companions, he stumbled and dropped his GPS into the swiftly flowing stream. By going to the furthest likely point and working back upstream through the torrents, using hands and fingers like the bill of a platypus, he found a remarkable number of river pebbles about the size & shape of a GPS.

After removing many of these, he came up with the GPS, and felt considerable relief. New route agreed, we bush-bashed a bee-line back to our entry point on the Pinkwood. The climb out, with the afternoon sun on our backs, was enervating as we toiled up the slope, needing many rests & drink stops, until we reached the track, and the cars, with mixed feelings of exhaustion, elation & satisfaction.  All agreed that we deserved ablutions & celebrations.

Bob 

Friday 2 March 2018

Jenny, Len and leader Ian in Pelican Inlet.

Lin enjoying her new kayak.

Stan entering Pelican Inlet for morning tea.

Mary meanders through the mangroves.

Morning tea at Pelican Inlet.

Photos by Lin and Mary

Sunday 25 February 2018

Postponed due to rain.

Sunday 25 February 2018

Cancelled due to rain.

Thursday, 22 February 2018

Leader Betty with Carol and Judith on the rock platform.

Along the way around the island.

Walkers espy a Golden Orb Spider along the track.

Photos by Denise and Donna

Sixteen members enjoyed an 8.5 kilometre walk around Broulee Island, along beaches & through the nearby forests. This favourite hike always offers something to be enjoyed, be it sweeping coastal views, shore birds like the pied cormorants and reef heron seen on the island’s rocky platform or just browsing the remnants of shell grit mining from the 1920 s and the many multi coloured pebbles washed smooth by the Pacific Ocean.

The walk commenced at the renowned Canoe Tree, taking walkers through a bangalay sand forest , where Karen explained the varieties of trees that occur in such a habitat. Thence it was along the beach and around the island before returning via the same route.  In the forest walkers enjoyed the sight of two beautiful golden orb spiders in their webs, but the enthusiasm  of the encounter wasn’t shared by the spiders, who seemed a bit camera shy.

Thank you so much Betty for a pleasant morning walk.

Denise

Saturday February 2018

Altogether in the garden.

The gourmet chefs hard at work.

Sarah, Christine and hostess Lyn.

Aliza, Charles, Julie, Geoff and Bruce.

Mark, Christine and Wendy after their beach and headland walk.

Happy group enjoying the lovely garden.

Sarah, John Jill and Murray.

Charles, Julie, Bruce and Aliza.

Photos by Lyn and Mary 

Thanks once again to Lyn and Barry for hosting our first event of the year, walking followed by a sausage sizzle. As in previous years, we were offered the opportunity to earn our ‘supper’ by taking one of 3 walks in the local area all starting from their coastal home. Walkers could choose between a rock scramble, a 3 beaches walk or an extended beach walk over a headland. The weather was perfect, the sausages cooked to perfection and a wide variety of delicious desserts enjoyed with friends made for a lovely afternoon.

Mary T

Thursday 15 February 2018

Launching near the Moruya Airport.

Emerging from the mangrove forest.

Kayaks at rest on grassy spit.

Morning tea in perfect conditions on the Moruya River.

Grassy spit at high tide.

Rusting hulk of granite barge.

Photos by Karen, Bob and Mary