QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc.

Newsletter

PO Box 2199 Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109 Email qldbwc@yahoo.com Phone No (07) 3341 7509 http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

May 2011

Love Creek Falls

Club News
Dinner Vesta Pizza
15 April 2011 About 15 members came along to this pizza restaurant in Woolloongabba. There was such a big group that the restaurant gave us a room to ourselves which was much appreciated. It was a BYO, another thing in its favour with no corkage fees. Many types of pizza were ordered and eagerly consumed with liquid refreshments. We were all gathered round one large table and there was lively conversation during the night. In fact we enjoyed it so much that our group was one of the last to leave. Many thanks to Lynn for putting on this dinner. The disease is native to South America but was first detected in New South Wales in April 2010. It has been discovered in Lamington and Kondalilla National Parks in Queensland. While the fungus and the spores are believed to be non-toxic to wildlife, it is likely to make foliage and fruits less palatable as well as affecting their nutritional values. It affects plants in the Myrtaceae family which includes eucalypts, bloodwoods, bottlebrushes, paperparks, tea trees, lilly pillies and water gums. Myrtle Rust appears as spots or lesions that are brown to grey, often with red-purple haloes, that go the whole way through the leaf. Approximately 1012 days after infection, masses of bright yellow or orange-yellow spores (powdery specks) appear on the lesion surface. Lesions can form on actively growing leaves, shoots, fruits and flowers, damaging them and reducing growth and vigour. Over time, some species may die from myrtle rust. Myrtle rust poses no known threat to humans. However, visitors to national parks can help reduce its spread. Bushwalkers are asked to clean all their equipment, clothing and particularly hats before venturing into the bush. If infected plants are found: Avoid contact and do not move any part of the plant, as this may spread spores. Make a note of the type of plant and the specific location in the national park. If possible, take photos of the top and underside of the affected leaves. If contact has been made with vegetation infected by myrtle rust, put a jacket over clothes or change into clean clothes and as soon as practical, clean all clothes (including hats), equipment and vehicles. Report all suspect plants immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881. More information at http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/myrtle-rust.html

Risk Management
Bushwalking Australia Inc (BAI) is the National body representing the interests of bushwalkers and other recreational walkers. It has recently released its first version of Risk Management Guidelines for voluntary use by State federations and Clubs. Many clubs already have their own Risk Management policy or procedures based on club operations over many years in place. QBW first undertook Risk Management in 2005 and when it hosted the 2007 Pilgrimage, its Risk Management Policy was updated. However Risk Management is an ongoing process plus it is important that all members understand it. The letter from BAI is printed in full on Page 3 of the Newsletter. Over the next few months excerpts from the Guidelines will be published in the Newsletter.

Myrtle Rust in Qld. National Parks

A serious new threat to our native vegetation, Myrtle Rust, has been discovered in our National Parks and may impact on bushwalking club activities. Myrtle rust is a serious fungal disease which is spread by wind, human activity and animals.

Page 1 of 6

General Information
Meeting Place
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 7.30PM. There is no Club meeting in January. Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St. There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated. President Secretary Treasurer

The Management Committee

Gil Gunthorpe Noelene McCay Sue Ward John Hinton David Haliczer David Rae Membership Officer Editor Social Secretary Training Officer Geraldine Burton Richard Kolarski Lynn Nicol Stuart Mackay 0408 980 694 3889 0264(H) 3844 6389(H) 3343 3724(H) 3879 8334(H) 3395 1838(H) 3376 9454(H) 3341 7509(H) 3219 6228(H) 3890 8196(H) Vice President

Outings Officer

Membership
Probationary Membership A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no fee payable to become a Probationary Member. However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her second walk by filling out a Membership Form and paying the membership fee. Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and signing a Membership Form, having a proposer sign the form and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee member or walk leader. The proposer may be a friend (who is a member of the Club) of the applicant, the leader of the walk that the applicant is on, the Membership Officer at a Club meeting or if the Membership Officer is not available, one of the committee members. An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has neither of these rights. Members of Another Bushwalking Club Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) and who are covered by the same Insurance do not need to become a member of our Club to go on our walks. However Club members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer Supper Convenor Librarian BWQ Rep BWQ Rep David Rae Mary Sherlock Noelene McCay Stuart Mackay Richard Kolarski 3395 1838(H) 3209 8514 (H) 3889 0264(H) 3890 8196 (H) 3341 7509 (H)

Campsite Monitors
John Brunott Kerry de Clauzel Ann Kemp Richard Kolarski Barbara Makepeace John Shera John & Julie Shera Ken Walters Ballows, Paddys Knob Throakban, Barney Gorge and Lower Portals Spicers Peak (east & west) Running Creek Falls Rat-a-tat, Spicers/Doubletop saddle Rum Jungle Panorama Point Mt Superbus & Rabbit Fence Jct Lower Panorama Mt May saddle & Paddys Plain

Editors Pic

Club Equipment
Compasses Emergency Lights Topo Maps First Aid Kits GPS's UHF Radios The above are for free use by members. Contact David at 3395 1838 or email david.r.rae@gmail.com PLBs with inbuilt GPS The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at each Club meeting and will need to be returned at the following Club meeting. Contact Richard on 3341 7509. Abseil Gear (ropes, harnesses, helmets, karabiners etc.) Ordinary Members - $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories . Probationary Members and members of affiliated clubs - $10.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another $10.00 charge for use of harness and accessories. Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202 Back Pack for Hire Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202 Bivy Bags For Sale $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00. These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag. Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509. Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each. Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509. $5.00 charge

Photographic Tour of Nepal

In conjunction with Backtrack Adventure Travels, I will be running photography tours in Nepal, with the first of these trips departing Brisbane on the 24th November 2011. I have been fortunate to have worked with Backtrack as a trek leader since 2004 on the infamous Kokoda Track, having completed my 10th crossing in 2010. This is the perfect opportunity to capture the stunning beauty of Nepal while receiving full support with the technical side of photography. A full day pre-trip workshop is also included. Please click on the link below to find out more about this fantastic trip. http://www.backtrack.com.au/nepal/nepal-photography-tour.htm Damian Caniglia

Page 2 of 6

Notice of Intention to Incorporate a New Club for Bushwalking Safety and Training in Queensland
Objectives:
Promote and encourage a professional approach to bushwalking safety through practical training, and the adoption of sound and credible methods. Promote, encourage and conduct advanced bushwalking and related activities. Promote and encourage safe bushwalking practice internally, in other clubs and to the general public. Provide training opportunities to all bushwalking club members in Qld and provide assistance to their club safety and training officers with training at club level. Assist members to become accredited trainers. Obtain equipment to enable training to be carried out, and train members in the correct use and maintenance of the equipment. Where possible maintain liaison with police, SES, communications media, property owners and other bushwalking clubs. Carry out research and analysis of any aspect associated with bushwalking, and the techniques and equipment used.

where you really did have to trust yourself (or Phil) to step over/around a sheer drop of sixty(?) meters with no way of going up. QBW was represented by new chums Betty and Hilary, and Norm. Thanks to Instructors Phil Box and Ted Wassenberg, and photographer Barbara, and other supporters. Norm Johnston Addendum by Hilary who was also on the weekend Interesting what you say about the different techniques - Once I would have agreed with you: but now I feel having learnt several, it has helped my overall understanding of going down a rope, which in turn has improved my confidence - and as Betty says now we have both bought hydrobots we have a different story again. All good!! Hillary Riley

Bushwalking Australia (BAI) Risk Management Guidelines

Following extensive consultation with and input from State Bushwalking Federations, the Council of Bushwalking Australia has approved National Risk Management Guidelines. The purpose of these guidelines as agreed by the BAI Council is as follows. 1. Clarify the responsibility of BAI, State Federations and Clubs in regard to this matter 2. To raise awareness in State bushwalking bodies as to the importance of managing risk with a primary focus on developing a culture of care within the bushwalking club network so that members can Enjoy activities in a reasonably safe manner whilst acknowledging the risks of injury inherent in their clubs activities. Understand that all participants have a duty of care to each other. Take responsibility for their own safety within the limit of their knowledge, experience and skills.

On Wednesday 30th March, eight (+2 apologies) interested people met to discuss the formation of this new club. A vote of 9 for, 1 against - voted to proceed with the formation of a new safety and training club. If anyone is interested in contributing to the formation of this new club please contact: Barbara Makepeace at bmakepeace@me.com or Ted Wassenberg - tjwassenberg@gmail.com

FMR Weekend Report

This weekend was held on Saturday 26th to Sunday 27 March. Some of the hardy arrived on the Friday night. Camping facilities were well-equipped considering the considerable damage caused in the January floods. Day one was basic ropes and knots, and basic abseiling. Ol greybeard thought he didnt need this refresher, so wagged it. Truth is that refresher sessions are essential to safety. If you dont use it, you lose it! Second observation is that there are differences in techniques between different groups and Ol greybeard would like to see some standardisation. Reinforcement of a standard technique is better than learning a number of different ones. Im referring to the use of Prussic knots (standard or French) as a safety device as compared with the Autoblock with figure of eight attached to a short sling. Redcliffs was the training venue on the Sunday. A fairly long four-wheel drive trek to get there but the view was something to die for! Stunning view from the top. Very informative to observe what the floods have done to Murphys Creek. A one-meter step-down to the creek-bed was changed into a 4-meter drop, which from a distance looked more like a six-meter drop. Much caccing amongst the trainees before they realised that they would not have to abseil from the very top. The days training included a free-fall of about 20-25 meters. Almost like gliding and much better than drowning halfway down Kinnanes Falls. Good opportunity to practice the auto-block. Day ended in a hot queue on the cliff-face while leader Phil (Box) coaxed us around the step of faith; a point of no return

3. Demonstrate to prospective insurers that BAI, its State bodies and club network is committed to proactively managing risk and is deserving of a premium rate that takes account of this commitment. Except for the mandatory requirements in section 6.0 the application of these guidelines is voluntary. They are designed to help each State be systematic about risk management and to implement a risk management program suitable for their member clubs range of activities so as to enable those clubs to develop safe operating procedures for the activities they undertake. States currently without guidelines in place may choose to rebadge these guidelines and modify them as necessary (word version available on request) to become guidelines for member clubs. Those States that already have RM guidelines in place are urged to review them to see if any changes to them may be advisable to make the intent consistent with that of the BAI guidelines. Please note that these guidelines will be subject to regular review and will be a live document. Therefore you are encouraged to assess any changes in your operating environment at State or club level that might have implications for these guidelines. Please send any information that you think may impact either positively or negatively on our ability to manage risk to the BAI Insurance Officer David Gordon insurance@bushwalkingaustralia.org The final approval of these guidelines is a major achievement in terms of cooperation and sharing of knowledge between states and I thank all those who contributed to the process. Yours sincerely David Reid (President Bushwalking Australia)

Page 3 of 6

Past Walks
Love Creek Falls
26 February 2011 Love Creek Falls are a beautiful set of falls in D'Aguilar National Park near Mt Glorious. Initially I intended getting to the falls via Greenes Falls but the track to Greenes Falls was closed due to storm damage. The six of us thus had to start from Alex Road instead and walk overland to get to the creek downstream from Greenes Falls. There was some walking tracks from Alex Road to help us along the way but to get down into the creek I dropped down into a side creek which would lead us to it. This side creek though was quite wild and there were a couple of waterfalls that needed careful negotiating around. We found an old map lying on the ground along this creek proving that another bushwalking party had attempted the same. We finally got to the creek below Greenes Falls and made our way downstream to Love Creek. There were also a few falls along this creek and so we slowly slid, scrambled and slithered our way down. At the junction we made our way upstream along Love Creek. The going was easier and soon we were at the base of the falls. A steep path led to the top of the falls and we were very glad to reach the top to relax and have a lengthy lunch stop. The return to the cars was along a ridge which was relatively easy and so we made good time back. At the cars we had to change out of our wet clothes and to have a thorough de leech! Afternoon tea at Samford helped to ease the aches and pains and to savour the walk we had done. Many thanks to Gil, Bob, Steve, Ralph and Margie for coming along. Richard

were in store. We continued along the escarpment and got to Stockyard Creek and following it downstream we arrived at Dingbing Falls. Here we sat in the shade to have our lunch beside the flowing waters. A walk up a slope to the north brought us out onto Duck Creek Rd. We had an easy walk back to the waiting car to take us back to O'Reillys. We had afternoon tea there at the cafe before the others would have to leave for Brisbane. Many thanks for coming along to share the views from the western cliffs. Richard

Tallebudgera Creek Falls

12 March 2011

This was a walk organised by Dave Haliczer to explore Tallebudgera Creek as there were a couple of waterfalls marked on the map plus a walking track none of us had ever done before. Three of us drove down from Brisbane and met up with Norm at Tallebudgera. We then drove down to the end of Tallebudgera Creek Road and walked a short distance up the dirt road before entering the creek. At a junction we went up to the right and came to a beautiful waterfall with a large pool at the base. This seemed a good time to have morning tea and to take some photos.

Pats Bluff

2 March 2011

Pats Bluff is on the western cliffs of O'Reillys and has not been done by the Club for several years. I was staying up at O'Reillys for the weekend and put this walk on as I was eager to revisit this walk. Gil, Julie and David arrived at O'Reillys and Chris arrived a few minutes later. Unfortunately Chris was not feeling the best due to a suspect pasty he had eaten on the way up, so missed the walk. Our walk would start at the O'Reillys carpark and finish at Duck Creek Rd. We did the car shuttle first before walking down the road to the Python Rock Track. This track is well formed and has a wooden platform for viewing. There were good views to Morans Falls and own to Morans Creek. Backtracking a bit we got onto the walking pad to Pats Bluff. A kilometre of walking brought us out further north along the escarpment and at Pats Bluff we had magnificent views down into the valley. Nearby was a creek with Bridle Veil Falls tumbling over the escarpment.
The Adventurous Few at Gorge Falls

Retracing our steps we came upon a graded walking track. We began following it and it took us to another branch of Tallebudgera Creek but then it seemed to stop abruptly. (A few weeks later I found it had stopped at the edge of the National Park). Walking back we found the track had a branch which continued uphill, and eager to satisfy our curiosity decided to follow it. After a couple of kilometres though it only led to the edge of private property. As the Queensland NSW border was not far away in distance we agreed to go off track and see the views. Well after bashing through heaps of wait-a-while and tangle vine we got to the border only to find no views there. Luckily we found a better route back to the graded track. Our last bit of exploring was to check out Gorge Falls as marked on the map. We walked to the top of the falls where two creeks flowed into a pool in a gorge and then there was another falls below it. We were not able to see them properly from above so we walked down to the base. It was a beautiful set of falls and well worth a visit. The walk out was mostly along dirt roads and back at the car we had a general de-leeching. They were the small kind and they had been having a good feed off us. We had afternoon tea at a nearby cafe and finally drove back home exhausted by feeling that we had accomplished a good exploratory walk. Many thanks to Dave for putting on the walk. Richard

Northbrook Tributary
The Walkers with Lukes Bluff in the Background

13 March 2011

A thick mass of undergrowth barred the way further along the escarpment but by walking a bit away from the escarpment we were able to reach Lukes Bluff where more magnificent views

There were only three of us, Steve, Bob and myself for this walk in D'Aguilar National Park to check out the damage to Lawton Road from the recent heavy rains and flooding and to walk up a tributary of Northbrook Creek.

Page 4 of 6

The return to Westray's Grave was a lot quicker as we were able to go high above the thick bush near the creek. This was a boon as the leeches were thick on the ground and the faster we walked the less chance they had of latching on.

Lawton Road Washaway

We met up at Maiala and drove the short distance along Mt Glorious Road to the Lawton Rd entrance. As we walked down the dirt road we passed a few small washaways and then we came to a very large one where it was very dangerous to attempt to cross. A small creek had been eroded down to the bedrock and had taken the whole of the road down with it. We backtracked a short distance and were able to get across to the other side by going up higher on the bank. Past the washaway, we took the turnoff to Eagles Nest and stopped there for morning tea. We had good views of Northbrook Mountain and the hills and cliffs on the other side of the creek. The descent down to Northbrook Creek was fairly easy and we began the walk up a tributary of the main creek. We could see the effects of the heavy rain with the banks having been stripped and eroded. However it had also made the stream fairly flat and we made good time going up this section of the creek. After about an hour we came to a waterfall. This was the first of many we had to get up or around to reach our exit point. There was one waterfall, a series of cascades that seemed to go on for ever. With some of the waterfalls we could walk directly up them while others it was easier to skirt around them. Extra care had to be taken as the rocks were slippery in places though overall the rock did give good grip. Finally we got to the small waterfall that marked our exit. We stopped for a rest and lunch to enjoy the most of our time in the creek. Then a short scramble up the steep bank and in five minutes we were back on Lawton Road and walking back to the cars. Afternoon tea down at Samford was very much enjoyed. It had been an exhausting day but a satisfying one. Thanks to Steve for agreeing to put on the walk and for Bob for accepting the challenge. Richard

Larapinta Falls

Back at the cars we all had a good check to make sure that we didn't take any leeches as hitch hikers. We had a leisurely afternoon tea back at Beaudesert to finish off the day. Many thanks to all the group for their company. Richard

Stairway Falls

20 March 2011

Stairway Falls

The walk began with a car shuttle where we park two cars at OReillys, then went to Duck Creek Road where we parked the other cars. We walked up the road about 300 metres where we found the entrance to Bull Ant Spur. We traversed down the ridge watching our step as the track was a little slippery in places. We were all chatting and having a great time as the rain held off. We eventually reached the graded track that lead us to Yerralahla Pool (Blue Pool) where we sat and had an early morning tea with the leeches. Morning tea was on the rocks around the pool where we continued to chat and enjoy the fine weather. After morning tea we traversed down the creek getting our boots very wet as we crossed the creek several times. We also lost the track on several occasions as there were signs that the track had not been walked for some time. We eventually got to Stairway Falls slip slopping in our boots. We decided to have an early lunch at Stairway Falls as the leeches were lonely and needed some company. After lunch we traversed back along the track crossing the creek several times so we could keep our boots wet till we reached the Blue Pool again. We rested and de leeched at the Blue Pool. We than traversed up the Blue Pool Track chatting and having a great time playing I Spy. This took away some the boring walk back up a very muddy track which we werent aware it would be, otherwise we would have gone back up Bull Ant Spur. Everybody had a great time and enjoyed the walk. I would like to thank all those on the walk which included: Marion, Chris, Betty, Hilary, Tracy, Steve Muriel, David and Patricia all made a very enjoyable walk. Gil

Larapinta Falls

19 March 2011

Larapinta Falls are a spectacular falls In Lamington National Park and well worth a visit especially after rain when they are their best. Six of us met up at Beaudesert and after some car pooling drove down to Christmas Creek. The start of the walk was a wade across the creek in our sandals and then putting on our boots on the other side. We followed a walking track on the other side going upstream and passing some some waterfalls and cascades. After about an hour we reached Westray's Grave and had a rest. The way to the falls was further upstream but now the track was harder to find and we spent some time slowly scrambling through the creek when it appeared the bush on the banks was too thick or steep. After some tiring creek walking we finally arrived at the falls and it was well worth the effort. They were superb and we gladly stopped awhile to have lunch and admire the sight.

Page 5 of 6

A Newcomers Experience + Tasmanian Walk Report

I am a relative newcomer to bush-walking. In the last couple of years prior to finishing work in 1999, I completed a half dozen or so walks with friends including Mt Warning & South Ridge at Mt Barney. We thought these were great adventures at the time. In 2007 while travelling through Central Oz with our off-road caravan in tow, my wife & I met a young professional couple from Melbourne in the West MacDonnell Ranges. They were walking the Larapinta Trail over 20 days or so. I couldnt believe that people could carry such a load on their backs for such a long time, over at times rough terrain, eating what must be very basic & ordinary food & still have a good time. While having great respect for their spirit of adventure, my thoughts at the time could be summarised as good luck to them, what a waste of precious holiday time, not my idea of fun etc. It was while walking in Tasmania in early 2008 that I decided to get into day hiking. Amongst other walks, I reached the summit of Cradle Mountain, Mt Amos (Freycinet NP) & Bishop & Clerk (Maria Island). The scenery from these peaks is amazing. Experienced hikers would consider these to be short to moderate walks but to me they were a great achievement and quite hard at times.

early in 2010, I havent walked with the Club since then as we were absent for most of the year exploring northern parts of Oz. At the moment my level of fitness is well below where it was at in early 2010. However both Julie U & Kerry De have inspired me with their ability to keep going when the going gets tough and the body is hurting, so I was determined to give these longer day-walks a go. Long Walk #1 - The first walk I completed was in the Cradle Mountain area, the distance being a little over 25ks. Starting at the Dove Lake carpark I walked to Barn Bluff via Hansons Peak & Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut along the Lake Rodway track.

Cradle Mountain

After summiting Barn Bluff I planned to return via the Overland track, climbing Cradle Mountain along the way. The weather in the Cradle Mountain area is particularly unpredictable and after a pleasant mornings walk in mainly sunny conditions, the rain & strong winds arrived 40 minutes before I reached the top of Barn Bluff. Here I have to thank Dave H for getting me there. He always amazes me how he pushes that extra bit to achieve his goal & to help others achieve theirs. In heavy cloud with horizontal but lightish rain & a howling wind I pushed on and despite the cold and almost complete white-out, felt great when I reached the summit (I had Telstra mobile service at the summit where I was able to phone both my wife & mother. Big mistake phoning Mum as she could hear the wind howling & was concerned for my safety so had to phone her again back at the visitors centre. I wont call my panicky Mum again from such places). Once off the mountain, the weather was a little clearer on the return journey but Cradle Mountain was covered in cloud and the wind was still strong so I missed the summit this time. I have been to the summit of Cradle Mountain in 2008 & I rate the scramble & route to the top a little easier than Barn Bluff but neither is difficult for those who are confident with a moderate degree of scrambling. This walk took me around 8 hours at a comfortable pace. Last time it took me 2h 35m to summit Cradle Mt, allowing around 30m at the top. The route I took is clearly the most scenic but longer & more tiring than going out & back via the Overland Track. I think in good conditions, I would allow around 9h30m for the easier route adding an extra 1hour via the eastern Lake Rodway track route which adds the equivalent of an extra summit of around 500metres. If one had the time & a partner who enjoys overnight camping, I would recommend going out via the OT to Barn Bluff & returning via Lake Rodway Track to stay overnight at the Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut or camp at Lake Rodway. The next morning head towards Cradle Mountain summit via the Face Track, then double back along the Face Track to the Lake Rodway track enjoying the great views of Twisted Lakes & Lake Hanson from Hansons Peak on the return journey to Dove Lake car-park. There are lots of walking options in the Cradle Mountain area and it is stunning country. One could easily spend 4 or 5 days of solid exploring in this area alone. Would I do this walk again? Absolutely, I just love the Cradle Mountain area for the awesome views both from the tracks & the summits of peaks. There are lots of lakes & together with beautiful flowers, plants & vegetation plus a variety of friendly wildlife, this is a very special place. It has a great variety of walks from easy to difficult grades. Greg Mackrodt

View of Freycinet Anyway the bug had bitten, I was looking for an additional challenge to enhance my retirement experience and decided to join a bush-walking club. I joined the QBW Club in August 2008 and so began my journey to learn some bush-walking skills, gain some confidence and improve my fitness so that I could enjoy more interesting and perhaps even multi-day walks such as Hinchinbrook Island. At that meeting my wife Diane & I listened to the reports from trip leaders about their recent walks and was surprised at how far and how challenging the walks were. Since joining I have had the pleasure of learning from some very experienced people and I particularly thank Julie Urquhart, Kerry De Clausel & Dave Haliczer for sharing their knowledge and experiences with me. In many & varied ways they have inspired me to continue on this journey of discovery. I wish I had started many years ago but I am determined to fit in what I can in the coming years. Day Walking in Tassie In late January 2011, my wife Diane & I arrived in Tasmania for yet another caravan trip. There is so much to see and do, particularly for nature lovers. While Diane is happy to tackle the easier walks, I prefer longer walks, particularly in the mountains, so I must walk alone on anything remotely rough & hazardous. This year I thought I would challenge myself by attempting a few longer day walks in the mountains plus a couple of easier ones. I thought I would share a few trip notes which may help those considering a trip to Tassie someday. From a fitness point of view, I would think someone as fit as Dave Haliczer for example would find the three longer walks quite comfortable. I on the other hand, was glad to see the carpark at the end of each day. To describe my current level of fitness, apart from hiking in Tasmania for a couple of weeks

Page 6 of 6