Our constitution provides for a term of two years only, so this is my last report as President. This provision in my opinion eliminates the twin problems of on the one hand individuals monopolising the position, where the person concerned feel they own the place, and on the other, the risk that members will not be willing to come forward if they cannot find others to take over. The four years served on the committee have been an interesting and worthwhile period. Four years is in my view long enough, members need take their turn to be on the committee, and changes are healthy. It allows others to have a say, provide fresh ideas and make their contribution to other members. Of course it takes time and effort, but for the club as a mutual benefit society, such inputs are obviously essential.

There have certainly been many changes during that time. The changed venue for the leaders meeting has turned out extremely well. It now provides a venue for discussion of club issues as well as organising the upcoming walks programme. The constitution has been changed in important ways (child members, dispute resolution), and the administration arrangements significantly improved. The club now has a database of members, renewal systems and new printing arrangements, a new walks programme layout and many new leaders. The committee has engaged much more fully with the Federation, delegates now being on the committee with three or four committee members taking turns to represent the club. The club now has a new venue, which after the first meeting appears a most promising change. Have we finished all the changes? No we have not.

One sound development is the increasing spread of leaders on the programme. There are dangers in becoming too reliant on a handful of leaders taking most of the walks. The club needs a depth of leadership, with 200 members fifty active leaders would be appropriate, so that each one leads on average say three events per annum. In order to achieve this, more new leaders are required, and because of inevitable wastage in the leadership team, those more regularly than the current process which delivers a new intake once every three years. The current process also requires someone who is willing to undertake the task of running a two-day intensive leadership-training course. Chris Jarvis has most generously provided for the committee and leadership team a comprehensive report reviewing the club’s leadership training process. Changes may well occur here but will be for a new committee to develop. I hope to give it some momentum before I stand down, as I see this as a most significant need.

The club is in a sound financial position. The increased fees allow the club to develop some worthwhile initiatives. The forthcoming leaders’ first aid training session is a good example of this. This will give leaders a Level 1 certificate and help prepare them for dealing with events out on the track. It is in my view neither fair nor reasonable to expect leaders to pay for such training, and drive all over Melbourne to attend training sessions. The club can have this conveniently at the bowling club, but we must pay for the venue and most importantly pay for professional trainers. The same goes for other aspects of leadership training. The club cannot simply rely on the goodwill of stalwarts to do all the work. Fees are low simply because most of the labour is free. As an interesting aside the rate of growth of the club appears to be slowing. If the price rise means that potential new members think more before making a commitment, then that is no bad thing. Whichever way one considers it $40 is an absolute bargain for the quality of the programme.

Our increased funding will also allow development of social and other non-qualifying events (NQE). The NQE’s are up to the members to provide. It is up to all members to help provide social and other entertainment activities. If members have good ideas and require some funding, put it to the committee. Navigation skills are not required to find a theatre or restaurant, just a willingness to organise for other members.

The club is in a good position but members cannot rest on their laurels. There will be many challenges ahead for future presidents and committees. They have my best wishes. Make I take this opportunity to thank all committee members for their tremendous assistance. The smooth running of the club is a testament to their combined skills. When one has the confidence that individuals can take on tasks, and to know that those tasks will be carried out well and on time, it makes the presidents’ job so much easier.

My thanks go to all leaders and other members who have given their support in so many ways during my time as president. This is what ultimately makes it all worthwhile.

Newsletter of the

ESSENDON

BUSHWALKING CLUB INC.

P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3032

This edition has a real mixture, from previews, to brief descriptions of ‘offshore’ walking experiences. Sylvia painstakingly pieced together some revealing statistics from last year’s activities. Subsidised first aid training gets mentioned twice, plus more. Great effort, folks, I had to work hard to squeeze it all in!

Submitting Articles:

Articles can be sent to Chris Jarvis, E-mail: cjjarvis@labyrinth.net.au

Contributors must ensure their articles comply with copyright laws. The editor cannot be expected to be aware of the original source of an article or its contents unless informed by the contributor. Failure to comply with copyright law could result in legal action against the club, the editor and contributor.

Level 1 Certificate

Saturday May 13

The club is sponsoring club leaders to do a one-day Level 1 First Aid Certificate course on Saturday May 13. The course is free for leaders, and for non-leaders the course will cost $45.

This is a great opportunity to learn valuable, and potentially life-saving skills in the company of friends. The balance of the course cost is coming from VicWalk, who pay $40 per member (Read the article about VicWalk subsidies further on in this newsletter).

For more information call Darren McClelland ASAP.

And just a reminder …… Are you an Ambulance Subscriber? If not, you should be! Without it, an extraction from the bush by helicopter will leave you thousands of dollars out of pocket. Even a short ride in an ordinary ambulance could easily cost you hundreds of dollars! Don’t assume your health insurance will cover the full cost.

Werribee to Point Cook

Sunday May 7, Easy

Point Cook to Altona

Sunday June 4, Easy

Altona to Westgate Bridge

Sunday July 2, Easy

David Bass

Since the start of this walk in Feb '04 we have completed the eastern side of the bay in Nov '04 covering a distance of 127km over a period of seven Sundays. In Feb '05 we started the western side of Port Philip Bay leaving from Point Lonsdale and have reached Werribee South to the Werribee River. We have walked a distance of 119km over seven Sundays. Some sections of the walk on this side of the bay have been very challenging with no tracks, paths or road to walk on, just paddocks, bush and long grass. There have been only four members who have walked all sections of the bay to date. Come and join us on one or all of the last sections as there is a variety of terrain and places of interest to pass: Point Cook, Altona Wetlands around the old Williamstown race course, old Williamstown/Altona hostel and what is left of the rifle range up past Newport power station to Westgate bridge Memorial park.

Wednesday May 10

17km, Easy

Sylvia Mclean

Commencing from the picnic/toilet area in Trentham it’s onto the Wombat Forest via the Domino Trail. This is really a very picturesque disused railway line in the vicinity of Domino Creek. We leave this at the Lyonville Trestle Bridge, which spans the Coliban River. The river at this point is very broad and spreads over the surrounding low-lying area adding to the beautiful moist vegetation of the area. From here it is shady bush tracks to Newbury. Crossing over Trentham-Blackwood Road we proceed past the Amelia Mine. Continuing on lovely bush tracks we discover more mines and an old sawmill site hidden in the Wombat Forest as we return to Trentham. Note that this area can be very cold and adequate clothing may need to be considered.

Afternoon tea will be in Trentham at the regular tearooms.

Sunday May 14

14km, Medium

Tony Creedy

Green Hill is a small settlement on Green Hills Road about 4km south of Blackwood, in the Wombat State Forest. The walk starts here, at the foot of a large cleared hill standing to the west of the road. A small town once stood at the location of the settlement. Some points of interest remain and will be pointed out. From Green Hill we will walk west through the forest to Korjamunnip Creek, at a point where, in the past, it's flow was skimmed off into a water race that ran 13km to mining activity in Garibaldi gully, to the south. We’ll follow K. Creek southwards through tall forest to its junction with Golden Creek, using tracks and the water race. Here we’ll turn north with the water race and follow Golden Creek back to Green Hill and the cars. Geological info suggests soil conditions might have been improved around Golden Creek due to lava flows from Green Hill, and this seems reflected in the lusher forest. Remnants of deep lead mining will be seen as we progress upstream, as well as (if there is any water around) a waterfall. Afternoon tea will be nearby in Blackwood.

9km, Easy, NQE

This is a continuation of a series of walks looking at significant pockets of urban architecture. Kew's examples are not as spectacular as those we have seen in Ivanhoe and South Yarra but there's still enough of interest to occupy us, and hills to boot! We'll meet at 9am at Essendon Railway Station with Sunday Saver tickets in hand ($2.50). At the end of the walk we'll enjoy lunch at a café in Kew then an afternoon at your leisure or a return home via the tram.

Saturday May 27

19km, Easy/Medium

Neil Campbell

We will be walking along the Great Dividing Trail from the old Wombat Railway Station, which was along the original Ballarat-Daylesford Railway line, which closed in 1958. It will require a car shuffle from Daylesford.

We will start the walk from Wombat Station, walking for about 1km through a magnificent rail cutting through the Wombat Forest, and also investigate an old culvert that was built under the line. From here we will leave the railway formation and head through the forest towards Leonard’s Hill for morning tea. Then we plan to have lunch at Sailor’s Falls. After lunch we will walk the final section of the Great Dividing Trail into Lake Daylesford.

We will leave the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club Car Park at 8.00 am.

Saturday June 3

18km, Medium/Hard

Neil Campbell

We are going to do an 18km circuit walk starting from the Freeman’s Camp Ground and walk along the Mill Creek to an old ruin. This area is a very dry open forest area where an old mine appears. From here we walk to Falls Road, then down a steep valley where Falls Creek is. We then meet a track junction and follow the creek for about a kilometre, where we will walk up a very steep track up to a spur, out of the valley to link up with a minor jeep track. We will be walking along this track for a few kilometres until we meet up with the main Mt Hickey Road. We will then continue along Horan and then climb up the back of Mt Hickey via Rockey Track, which is appropriate by its name. After walking steadily along Rocky Track we should reach the summit of Mt Hickey, with magnificent views near the lookout towers. Mt Hickey is the Highest point in the area of, 806m. We then do our final decent down Cadell Track and back to the cars at Freeman’s Camp Picnic Ground.

We will leave the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club Car Park at 8.00am.

16km, Easy/Medium

Did you know there is actually a walk named the Dandenong Ranges Walking Track? If not, then now you do know! The best way to traverse its length is to take public transport (trains and buses) to the start and from the end. The track may be slippery at this time of year so boots are a prerequisite. Should be an enjoyable winter walk. Don't forget the newspaper for the train ride!!

Sunday June 18

15km, Easy/Medium

Sylvia Mclean

Ever wondered what lies between the Gisborne-Bacchus Marsh Road and the Lerderderg State Park? Here is your chance to find out. This walk is an easy walk on tracks with about forty minutes of medium walking along the Goodman Creek, with some creek crossings and a few ups and downs. We enter this walk from Coimadai and the biggest climb for the day is the first, having dropped to the lowest level off the Gisborne - Bacchus Marsh Road straight away, fording the Goodman Creek. Climbing out of this gully we attain a lovely ridge, which reveals all sorts of surprises. Then back down to Goodman Creek via a small pine plantation and some other tracks to find a comfortable lunch spot on the creek. Following lunch the rock hop begins for a short stretch of hopefully empty creek to pass by a very extensive area of wombat diggings, old mine sites and stone hut ruins. We emerge from the creek bed where the tunnel from Long Point Weir diverts water from the Lerderderg River into Goodman Creek. A little further down the track we also see the exit tunnel, which continues to divert water onto Lake Merrimu via Pyrites Creek. Next we will visit some locations (if I can get the land owners permission) with really good specimens of the old stone ruins, remnants of the original Coimadai Village. I believe that other parts of Coimadai were submerged under lake Merrimu. Getting further permission from land managers the return trip to the car will avoid road travel, and sidle around the escarpment. This area is open and high, viewing all the steep hills surrounding the Lerderderg, the You Yangs, and Mt. Anakie and where we have previously walked, not to mention all the kangaroos. Afternoon tea will be in Bacchus Marsh.

Saturday June 24

16km, Hard

Neil Campbell

Dirty Brown Dog gully is where? You guessed it. It is in an Eastern area of the Lerderderg Gorge, not far from Knock’ em Down Gully. We will commence the walk from an area of the Gisborne Road, scrub bash down to Goodman Creek. From here we will meet up with Holts Road and then it will be down to Dirty Brown Dog Gully, (off-track for 2kms), to meet up a steep spur with Blue Gum Track. We will then walk along Blue Gum Track towards another section across Nuggetty Creek, to Nuggety Track to Holts Road and then a steep climb up to the finish at Gisborne Road.

We will leave the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club Car Park at 8.00am sharp!

Saturday July 8

12km, Medium

Tony Creedy

The Pyrete Range area sits between Mount Bullengarook and Mount Gisborne, about 5km SW of Gisborne. It has been eroded by water action over a long period of time. Most of the creek valleys are deep steep sided gullies. Many of them provide good walking along or close to the creek bed, with views of timbered slopes all around. The walk starts at 'car park No. 1' about 500m along Hobbs Road, off the Gisborne to Toolern Vale Road. The route is a circuit from here, using the deepest gullies as much as possible. We do 'surface' from time to time as we go between gullies and can see local landmarks. On the way back to the cars we'll visit the car mine. Not the lovely colour, but an old mine which has been blocked up with wrecked cars, possibly to keep the public out. We’ll try for afternoon tea at Gisborne bakery.

(Third time lucky!)

Sunday July 16

12km, Medium

Ian McLean

Lying northeast of Yarra Glen, and south of Toolangi is the little known Paul Range. This walk starts at the base of the range, gradually sideling up to the main ridge. The walk along the ridge involves several knolls up and down, affording good views of Mt. St. Leonard, the Kinglake Hills and the surrounding vineyards. The walk then continues down off the ridge to flatten and circumnavigate the remaining range back to the cars. Afternoon tea at a special place in Dixon’s Creek.

15km, Easy

This is a semi-regular (or is that semi-irregular?) event that I am trying to institutionalise. No I'm not doing this because the walk's insane, but because it's just plain fun. We'll train it to Royal Park railway station then walk to Gardenvale station via Carlton coffee houses, MCG, Botanical Gardens, Albert Park and Elwood Canal. Oooh and I suppose we better check out the cakes in Acland St. BYO own low-cal lunch to eat along the way cos we'll pack on the calories elsewhere. There's plenty of bailout spots for those who over overburdened with kilojoules.

Saturday July 29

14.5km, Hard

Neil Campbell

You might be asking "Where in the Hell is Chewy’ on ya Boot Creek"? Yes it really is a walk. Believe it or not, but it is in the Toolangi State Forest, in the Murrindindi area. We will start the walk from the Old Dindi Mill Picnic Area and walk up the steep Winch Track and then head down steeply to cross Chewy’ on Ya Boot Creek before heading back up along Black Spur Track to the top of Black Range, eventually stopping for lunch at the Lookout at Yea Rock. After lunch we will walk further along the Black Range, then drop down sharply to finish our walk at the Murrindindi Cascades.

We will do a car shuffle with some cars left at the Dindi Mill Picnic area and some at the Cascades. We will leave from the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club car park at 7.30 am.

Sunday July 30

17km, Easy

Ian Mclean

Starting along the Yarra at Warrandyte and with a chance to pick up some nibbles at the bakery, it’s into the Whipstick Gully where we will sit and enjoy our morning tea. The area within the gully has been mined for gold and we will explore the various features of the area. One of the features is where gold was supposed to have been first found in Victoria! For those who think this was Clunes, there is a cairn on which the date predates the Clunes discovery! (Who knows?). Then, by a network of tracks and reserves we make our way to Black Flat on the Yarra to follow the gold and nature trail to Jumping Creek Reserve for lunch. Spectacular views up and down the river are guaranteed. After lunch we go in search of an open-air chapel built by the Scouts years ago down near Blue Tongue Bend. We will duck out to Stane Brae Reserve where kangaroos and wallabies are a sure sight. Return is via the river trails, stopping in for afternoon tea at Warrandyte before returning to the cars.

Wednesday August 9

11km, Medium

Tony Creedy

The reserve is a strip of degraded land on the west side of Jacksons Creek, to the south of Sunbury. There are steep cliffs in many places near the creek, with viewpoints, interesting climbs, descents and traverses, and the reserve's own 'Organ Pipes' rock formation. Feral plants such as oak, olive and (many, many) willow trees will be seen, as well as magnificent old eucalypts near the creek. Kangaroos, goats, foxes and rabbits will probably be seen keeping out of the way. Eagles and a platypus have been seen in there, who knows, we might see them if we're quiet enough (!) It's a surprisingly beautiful place, the jewel in the thistle-belt, only 25km from Essendon. We'll do a circuit walk from the northern end of Duncan's lane. Afternoon tea at BP Thunderdome McDonalds on the Calder Freeway.

Saturday August 12

15km, Hard

Neil Campbell

No it’s not a misprint, this really is the title of a walk! Mad Norman’s Crossing is just off the Acheron Way behind Mt Dom Dom Saddle in the Yarra Ranges State Park. We will start the walk from the Junction of Acheron Way and Strickland Spur Track up along the Strickland Spur. This track is very steep, as we will follow this track to its summit for 2.5kms until we meet up with Anderson’s Mill Road and Mt Strickland, where we plan to have our lunch. Anderson’s Mill Track will then take us down hill. We will stop briefly before walking along Mad Norman’s crossing, (scrub bash) to meet up with an appropriately named track called Lowering Gear Track. From here we will walk the final 4kms along Acheron Way and back to the cars after such a rewarding walk.

We will leave from the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club Car Park at 7.30 am.

W/E August 12-13

Lerg Hills (Benalla)

Sylvia &

Come along for a very satisfying and full filled weekend, planting trees, socializing with like-minded people over a sumptuous Saturday evening meal and Sunday lunch BBQ. All of this along with a bush dance and evening spotlight walk. Including accommodation, all this is for FREE. As organized by Ray Thomas and his trusty band of volunteers for the past 12 years!

Arrangements are to meet at the Benalla Post Office at 9am Saturday, and travel in convoy to the planting sites. Sites are usually on private land, where farmers recognize the benefits of restoring trees and understorey (greenhouse gas absorption, reduced erosion on streams, lowered water table, reduced salinity, improved water quality, natural pest controls, sustainable land use, restored ecological balances, better stock shelter). This extends or joins existing areas or corridors of existing Box- Iron Bark, especially along creeks and roadsides or to adjoining properties. In so doing, the small nocturnal mammals (sugar and squirrel gliders, brush tailed phascogale [tuan], yellow footed antechinus) and the rare birds (grey crowned babblers….which many farmers are now seeing in large family groups, and hopefully the Regent Honeyeater) will have extended range and habitat to encourage breeding, diversification and to remain in strong numbers in this area in which they once were prolific.

All you need to do is be at Benalla P.O. at 9am Saturday, bring lunch for Saturday (in the field) and breakfast for Sunday morning (The Benalla bakery is excellent for breakfast.), beverages (Reds are popular) for Saturday night dinner, sleeping bag and pillow, towel and personal hygiene items. A nominal charge applies for a shower at the Benalla Leisure Centre after planting.

This is a very worthwhile cause and anyone who has done this can attest to the great feeling of achievement that you are left with after the event.

60km, Medium

This bike ride, based on a recommendation in Ride On, the magazine of Bicycle Victoria, takes on the hills to the North of the township of Yea. Scenic highlights include the Switzerland Ranges and Goulburn River. Expect a good cardiac workout and BYO lunch and water.

Western Australia

Spring 2007

Neil Campbell

In 2007 I will be organising a walk along the Bibbulman Track, which is 910kms long, but don’t worry we won’t be walking the whole distance! We plan to walk some of the sections around Collie and the Pemberton areas, which take in some of the most spectacular areas along the track. We will visit the Timber Top Walk and walk through the Giant Karri Forest of this beautiful part of South West of Western Australia. We will finish the walk around the southern coastline at Denmark, up the coast from Albany, with possibly a sightsee tour of Albany including the Whaling Museum (Whale world). We will be having the walk in the springtime, as it will be the wildflower season, and it will be a good time to visit Western Australia. At the moment we will be doing the walk in conjunction with an organisation in Collie WA, who specialises in groups who walk the Bibbulman Track. At the end of the walk the plan is to spend a few days sightseeing in Perth before heading home. The walk is still a long way off, but I will be seeking interest, and discussing it throughout 2006, as limited numbers applies. I will be negotiating with accommodation, car/mini bus Hire, or transport, and working out the best deals with return airfares with Qantas, Virgin, or Jet Star.

Preparation for Bibbulman Track Pack Walk

Mid 2007

Neil Campbell

As a lead up to the up and coming Bibbulman Track in Western Australia, I will be doing the newly-opened 91km Great Ocean Walk, in preparation before we head West. For those who aren’t familiar with this walk, it runs from Apollo Bay to near the Twelve Apostles. It will be run in June or July 2007. It will be aimed at the lucky souls accompanying me to Western Australia, or who just want to do the Great Ocean Walk. More details will be revealed next newsletter.

Members of the Essendon Bushwalking Club who knew Maree Berg will be saddened to hear of her death on the 23rd December, 2005.

Maree and her partner Tom walked with the Club during the 1990s. Despite Tom's deteriorating health they continued to participate in Club activities or other events along with Club members whenever possible and with good cheer.

Maree had a full and interesting life. After Tom's passing she continued with her creative and artistic pursuits along with her close involvement with her family, still on occasions catching up with folk from the Club.

Those who walked with Maree and Tom will remember them for their companionship, interesting conversation, warmth and good humour.

For 2005 - 2006 is:

President: Keith Hart

Vice President: **Ian Tovey

Secretary: Brian Smith

Treasurer: Ian Yarde

Committee: Ron Bell, Bryan Folie, **Darren McClelland, Jan Edwards & **Neil Campbell

** Denotes Delegates to VicWalk

Don’t forget that members can obtain a discount at Bogong Equipment, 374 Little Bourke Street. They offer a 10% discount on all non-sale items.

(Snail) Mail: The Secretary, Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc., P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039

Are released three times each year, at the April, August and December club meetings.

One copy of the program is included within the hard-copy version of the club newsletter, Old Man Emu.

Additional copies are available from the Secretary or Treasurer for 20¢ each.

Are held on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Moonee Ponds Bowling Club, Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds. Meetings start at 7.30 pm.

The contact for loan of equipment is Ron Bell.

Equipment available for loan:

Tents; Backpacks; Sleeping Bags; Rain Jackets; Stoves; Sleeping Mats.

Visitors Fee (per event) $ 5

Annual Membership fees apply from June 1 to May 31. Membership fees not paid two months after the June AGM render the member unfinancial. There are no pro-rata membership fees as the club is required to pay an annual Federation / Insurance premium.

An unfinancial member is required to pay the visitors fee for every event they attend until they have paid their full membership fee. As an unfinancial member, the Club's Personal Accident and Public Liability Insurance on any club activity does not cover you.

Unfinancial members and visitors attending more than three events in a club year are required to pay the full membership fee.

New members must pay the annual membership fee within 28 days of their membership application being approved by the committee.

Club members who complete a self-funded accredited first aid course can receive a $40 subsidy from VicWalk.

PLUS ……..

BSAR (VicWalk Bushwalkers Search and Rescue) members have access to a further three levels of subsidy from BSAR on top of the standard VicWalk subsidy. For a standard first aid course you can receive a $40 subsidy. For an Advanced Remote Area course with a minimum of fourteen hours training the subsidy is $80. For an Advanced Remote Area course with a minimum of twenty-four hours training the subsidy increases to $160.

For more information contact the club’s VicWalk Council and BSAR Delegates.

On February 4, and Chris Jarvis participated in a workshop that developed action plans for modernising VicWalk. Plans approved for action include:

• Opening VicWalk membership to individuals;
• Improving internal and external communication (including with club members);
• Improving the recruitment of volunteers for various tasks;
• Restructuring the management of VicWalk.

Please note that these plans, and others developed at the workshop, are proposals that require final approval by the clubs. Council has given in-principle consent for all these plans to be further ‘fleshed out’.

Also, VicWalk’s name will probably change in the near future. This is being brought about by its merger with BMTAB Inc. A suggested new name discussed by the workshop, among others, was Bushwalking Victoria.

By Sylvia McLean

This information is based on all the walks sheets returned to me for the calendar year 2005. On the whole most Leaders returned all of their sheets. An odd one or so may not have reached me. Did these events proceed? No one knows if the sheets are not returned. Not a good defence for the club if there is any subsequent litigation or insurance claim!

Noting that this period spans the rejoining time, it included 194 members, 109 females and eighty-five males. Twenty-one did not rejoin after the AGM in June. Six extra participants were children of leaders and 115 extras participated as visitors. There were twenty-nine new members including one new junior member. Most joined in the first nine months of the year.

Forty-three members including six life members, (with Nellie) did NIL walks (nineteen did not rejoin).

Twenty-one members did one walk (two did not rejoin).

Thirty-eight members did two to four walks. A total of 102 out of 197 members (52%) did less than five walks!

Indicating a very loyal forty-three members who don’t readily walk. There must be something really good about this bushwalking club…obviously it doesn’t include just walking!!

If you are one of the members who regularly pays membership and doesn’t walk or walks less than five walks per year, why not join us on a regular basis, get back into it and get your moneys worth.

Fifty-one members did five to ten walks [26%] (A total of 153 did less than eleven walks.) The remaining forty-one members out of 197 did eleven or more walks [21%]. Eighteen members did eleven to fifteen walks. Well done to Stephen Bocquet, Sue Duff, Tamara Hycenko, Frank Kinnersley, Elaine Palmer, Val Readwin, Brian Smith, Marg Tehan, (eleven walks), Georgina Alley, Ray Scilley (twelve walks), Max Amor, Barb Coward, Henry Laskowski and Vernon Richardson (thirteen walks), Ann Coleman, Bryan Folie, Graeme Tame, Evelyn Westwood (fourteen walks).

Eleven members did sixteen to twenty walks. Consistent effort by Jenny James (sixteen), David Bass, Neil Campbell, Ryan Davies, Marek Turski (seventeen), Loris Cassar, Gianna Devcic, Keith Hart, Marion Skovdam (eighteen), and Vicki Bass, Ian McLean (twenty).

Six members did twenty-one to twenty-five walks. Excellent job by Rod Casey, Tony Creedy, Beth Elkins (twenty-one), Ron Bell (twenty-two), and Sue Baxter, Bill Casey (twenty-five).

Three walked twenty-six to thirty. An excellent effort by Colin Cody (twenty-eight) who would have outwalked us all had he been present for the full twelve months, and Denise LaRocca and Hillary May who completed thirty walks.

Last but not least (pardon the pun) what can I say; enthusiastically Geoff May did thirty-seven, Ron Pearce did thirty-eight, and myself forty.

Children: There were six children under eleven who attended between one to ten walks each, with a total of twenty-four walks.

Pack walks: Each pack walk was included as a single event. It currently appears that as many or more females are doing the pack walks these days. Congratulations to Marion Skovdam who attended the most pack walks (five), Stephen Bocquet, Fiona Richardson, Chris Jarvis (four), and Ryan Davies and Enid Hookey (three).

Leaders: The walks led by leaders have been included in the grand tally of walks. It is to be remembered that they not only led the walk on the day but pre-walked their walks. Often they do it several times to fine tune it before it goes onto the program. Also note that leaders may be out doing "the hard yards" while the other members are out enjoying someone else’s walk. Not to put off any potential future leaders, it is actually very exciting and adventurous exploring new terrain and discovering hidden secrets and surprise places of interest. This was one of the positive things that I personally got out of preparing for the Federation Day Walk last year. Sometimes we get into a rut where we continually run the same favourite walks after a few years spell or get one out of someone else’s book. This is very easy and a quick fix when the leader’s meeting looms up fast, but it is far more fun to get together a few dependable club members and have a great day exploring new possibilities. Congratulations to Bill Casey who led the most walks (thirteen and two navigation exercises). Ron Bell and Ian McLean (twelve), Neil Campbell and Bryan Folie (eleven) and also seventeen Non Qualifying events (Bike/Social). David Bass led ten walks.

Thanks to our hard working leaders who are an integral part of the club.

Abel Tasman National Park

South Island – New Zealand, 51kms

By Neil Campbell

During my recent Visit to New Zealand I thought I might share my experience with you. For those who are wondering where the Able – Tasman Walk is, it is just to the North of Motueka, which is about seventy kms west of Nelson on the South Island. The walk can only described as a moderately easy coastal walk with possibly a few nasty inclines along the way, with many spectacular views. There’s even the chance to kayak part of the way!

We started out on the first day from Nelson and headed to Motueka to meet up with the rest of the group. From here bus to Kaiteri Teri transported us to meet up with a ferry, which took us along the coastline, dropping off day-trippers along the way. This tip took us up to the start of our walk (4 hours), to Totaranui. From here we walked twelve kms around Totaranui, and then along the Abel – Tasman Walk taking in the views along near Goat Bay and Waiharakeka Beach, where we discovered an old tramway. We then waded out to our final transportation at Awaroa, which was an old aluminium tiny boat to our settlement at the historic Meadowbank Homestead. Awaroa is Maori for "Long River" and was the site of 16^th century of the Hadfield Family Settlement. We went for a nice WET walk around the estuary to an old school site. The next day I had a go at kayaking. (I’d already had a bit of practice at Awaroa!) I paddled about seventeen kms around the headlands and in the open sea, but near the coast. We passed Tonga Island and the Seal Colony along the way. Saw plenty of fur seals, but had to hold my nose a few times. Also saw some BIG Stingrays, but NO SHARKS! It got a bit trying a one stage as a huge wave nearly cleaned me up. Our next point of call for accommodation was Torrent Bay, where I met up with all the tired walkers. We then stayed for two nights at the Torrent Bay Lodge. We spent time going on the many walks in the area, and a paddle in the kayak around the lagoon nearby. The last day we walked the final sixteen kms to the finish at Marahau and onto Kaitei Teri. From there it was onto the bus to Nelson and a short flight across Cooks Strait in a thirty-six seat SAAB 340 the next day from Nelson to Wellington.

If visiting New Zealand this is an adventure well worth doing and is becoming very popular, as some of the other walks on the South Island are getting too popular and booked out. I look forward to my next walk in two years time in New Zealand.

Towards the end of February Janine, Greg, Jan, Ian and Fiona went on their long-planned to the Western Arthur’s, South West Tasmania. We encountered the finest Tasmanian mud only 30 minutes after leaving the car and on day two experienced typical Tasmanian weather – persistent rain. We reached the top of the range very wet and coated to varying degrees in mud. The specky views made up for everything. The section to Lake Oberon had rocks, more mud, tree roots and a couple of very interesting descents variously described as "steep" and "very steep". Vertical might have been more appropriate! Drizzle set in as we pitched our tents then it rained, with the occasional strong gusts, for forty-eight hours, thirty-six of which were spent cocooned in our tents. It gives a whole new perspective on the idea of staying in bed all day. The range is completely different in the rain and we spent a lot of time closely examining small plants that in fine weather we may well have ignored. During the final two days we had beautiful sunshine and we were blessed with more views. Notable achievements were by Janine who managed to sink into mud well above her knee and Ian who had mud oozing over the top of his gaiters as he gallantly rescued Jan who had both legs completely stuck. As the trip wound down talked turned to the possibility of a return…