Snowy Bluff, Queens Birthday LWE

Well folks, this is the gloomy edition of OME, with reports of two members suffering broken ankles on club walks in less than six weeks! What are we doing out there! On a more positive note we have articles on a visit to Buangor State Park, advice on flying with stoves, a profile on our President, and more. Enjoy.

I have appreciated the early submission of articles, which makes my task a lot easier, particularly when the time between final submissions and newsletter distribution is tight. Please keep up the good work, and many thanks to all who have contributed. It’s your newsletter.

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

Photographs, including scanned or digital photos, are most welcome. Prints can be sent to me for scanning to enable easy insertion into the newsletter.

The Ideal Cover Photo? Identifiable club members somewhere significant, such as a mountain top or place of interest. Good B&W contrast is helpful.

Hello all,

Well here I go again, one more year as President. I'll start off with the usual, but I do mean it sincerely. Thank you to all who have helped to keep the club functioning for the last twelve months. I won't name them all, you know who you are. Also, a quick thanks to the two Committee members who have elected not to re-stand, Enid Widmer and Michael Howes. Welcome to John Atkinson and Neil Campbell, our new additions to the Committee. I’m sure they will do an outstanding job. Big thanks to all the other members of the committee who have stayed on to continue the good work.

We extent our best wishes to Chris Jarvis (and Sue Baxter – ed) and here's hoping for a speedy recovery. Also farewell to Rex Trow who has left us for warmer climes (letter in OME).

I've been trying to get out on a few walks (work permitting) to meet the growing number of new members. It is pleasing to see the people who have been with the club a while making these new members welcome. Keep up the good work.

There has been an issue raised recently that I feel the need to comment on. I briefly touched on it at the July meeting. This is the concern that was brought to the committee meeting and also mentioned to a few other members and myself: Children and dogs on walks.

I think we are making a mountain out of the proverbial molehill. Basically the general consensus of the committee was this: It is up to the leader to state at meetings or when contacted by phone whether they are permitting children and pets on their walk. Then the intended participants can decide for themselves if they go on the walk or not. There are so few children in the club and even fewer walks where we are permitted to take pets. I think this is enough said.

Hope you all enjoy your future walking and we hope to see you out and about.

Weekend 14/16 April 01, with Frank.

Where do I begin about such a wonderful weekend but to highly recommend it if we are lucky enough for Frank to put it on again in the future. We had never visited Mt. Buangor before and certainly were quite impressed. There are several different camp sites scattered around in sheltered and protected areas. Some are surrounded by picturesque fern gullies. The one we based at, Middle Creek, was large and surrounded by Blue Gums and Messmates. The facilities were as excellent as Frank had promised. Many log tables, BBQs, firewood, toilets, tank water, community shelter etc. and plenty of space. The campsite over this weekend was full of campers as it was Easter and the weather for this time of the year was "spot on". (Perfect for walking: dry and warm with mild, still nights.) There are several walking tracks, and the possible routes could almost keep you busy for at least a week.

There were eight keen bush walkers in our group. A small but cosy group. We met at the camp ground on Saturday morning at 9 am for our first day walk to Mt. Buangor, a distance of 16 km return, from campsite to summit gaining 590 meters overall. It is not as bad as it sounds. Admittedly there were some steep sections but most of the time we just continued to gradually rise and in fact there were even some large flat sections. Initially we walked along Middle Creek though Blue and Yarra Gums, giving rise to magnificent tree ferns growing in wet gullies where the lush vegetation created a cool environment. We passed through both Bailes and Ferntree Picnic Grounds in such areas. From here we started our climb, still following the Creek but distracted by the most wonderful nature trail depicting several waterfalls, ferns, tree specimens etc. We continued upward with considerable short breaks and at an easy relaxed pace. This steeper section suddenly gave way to a flattish incline as we gained the ridge. From here we ambled on to our lunch destination: the hang-gliders launch ramp. Hang gliding has currently been suspended on Mt. Buangor. However, we were entertained by two wedge tailed eagles soaring at close range. After lunch most of the party made a small detour to the actual summit where there is a cairn and a small shelter. We returned via the same route.

The next day’s walk was even more awesome than the day before! There was variety plus in the vegetation, scenery and views. The route was 12km circuit from the campground to the summit of Mt. Sugarloaf. I don’t know how many times I thought to myself or actually said that we could have easily been on Mt. Buffalo doing the Big Walk from bottom to top. We attained 530 meters in height, overall. Our first objective was "up" to the cave for a well-deserved morning tea. "The Cave" consisted of a huge granite overhang. From here it was more "up" to sidle around the top of Cave Hill at 820 meters. A short, memorable rest stop on a granite outcrop gave us the most majestic view westwards of Langi Ghiran in the foreground with the Grampians behind and Mt. Buangor to our right (North-West). We could also see our campground directly below us. We then continued on reasonably flat/undulating terrain (again similar to the slopes of Mt. Buffalo) to Grevillea Lookout where a couple told us that Ian and Philip had left ten minutes before. So we continued on to have lunch with the rest of the family in the Mt. Sugarloaf Picnic area. They deserved the day off as Philip undertook the previous day’s walk. Following lunch we climbed the two remaining "humps" to attain the summit. This area revealed yet more immense, moss-covered granite boulders and snow gums. This time the views were over to Mt. Cole and Cave Hill, which we had traversed that morning. By the time we reached Snow Gum Lookout haze interfered with our views towards the Grampians. Well, time to return meant that it was downhill all the way: steep and slippery in some places as we continued on our circuit. I think that we did it in the right direction. We descended rapidly through moist fern gullies with ferns that were beyond thirty feet tall. Yet between these gullies we passed through drier slopes of Messmates, Red Stringy Barks and Narrow-Leaf Peppermints till we reached Middle Creek again and retraced our steps from the previous day back to camp. Darkness quickly descended upon us as we sat around reflecting about our achievements, good company, good campsite and fantastic weather.

Thank you Frank for a memorable Easter Base Camp and we hope that you put this one on again.

I have been transferred to Queensland by my employer and hereby submit my resignation from the Essendon Bushwalking Club.

For the past three years that I have been a member, I have enjoyed many day walks, rides, pack hikes & base camps. I have had a fantastic time in the club and made many life long friends. I extend a big heart-felt thanks for the friendship from the club members. The activities that I have participated in will be etched in my memory bank for many years to come.

Frank, I wish you and the club success now and in the future, as I am sure the club will strive to new heights with the quality of the members.

Yours in bushwalking,

(signed) Rex Trow.

100Km NW of Melbourne. 25km Easy

Sunday September 9th 2001

This is a walk of variety! It is a circuit, using a walking trail along the Coliban aqueduct, (which carries water from the Malmsbury / Lauriston system to supply Bendigo!). This aqueduct winds through bushlands which abut the Fryer’s Ridge Flora Reserve. From there we complete the circuit through some historic places in Taradale and onto the Metcalf Forest and back to Taradale under the huge railway bridge which spans the valley, (easily recognisable from the Calder). If time permits, afternoon tea back in Malmsbury.

Tuesday 18^th September to Saturday 22^nd September 2001.

The GDTA are commemorating the discovery of gold and the miners who walked from the Ballarat goldfields to the Mt. Alexander Goldfields in late September 1851. This is part of Victoria’s 150^th Anniversary of gold discovery. The walk follows the Great Dividing Trail’s Dry Diggings and Federation Trail. Thanks to Bill Casey most of us are now familiar with these trails as we have used them extensively on his annual marathons. This five day walk will be run as five individual day walks commencing at 8.30 am each day as follows:

1. Tuesday - Ballarat to Creswick along the Creswick Miners Walk, 22 km.
2. Wednesday - Creswick to Wombat Station site via Dean and Mollongghip, via the W.G. Spence and Andersons Tramway Walks, approx. 30 km.
3. Thursday - Wombat to Daylesford via the Wombat Station Walk, 24 km.
4. Friday - Daylesford to Vaughan Springs, approx 30 kms along the Dry Diggings Track.
5. Saturday - Vaughan Springs to Castlemaine, approx. 25 km along the Dry Diggings Track.

Cost is $5 per day. The GDTA require that participants be financial members of a VicWalk club for insurance purposes and that there will be a daily car shuffle to participate in.

Numbers are limited to 35 per day with preference to those doing the entire walk. Usual day walk requirements and good level of fitness needed. Participants are responsible for their own transport and overnight accommodation. Camping is possible on most nights.

Enquiries and Booking Forms – Patrick Hope email <pathope@netconnect.com.au>

50 Km. East of Melb. 12 km. Medium

Sunday September 23

Situated between Coldstream and Healesville, the Warramate Ranges rise like an island from the floor of the Upper Yarra Valley. This Reserve abuts the Yarra River and then gives rise to Steel and Briarty Hills. Steel Hill is well recognised from it’s surroundings as it contains a tower. Both hills provide good viewpoints of the encompassing valleys and farmlands as well as the Yarra Ranges. Recognised as a Reserve in the 1990’s it is relatively unknown and contains remnant vegetation and wildlife.

There may possibly be a little bush bash and compass work to complete the circuit. Therefore boots are highly recommended. No toilets on this walk. Afternoon tea somewhere on the way home.

6-7^th October at Paddy’s Ranges (near Maryborough)

The VicWalk Conservation Committee has requested that we include this important weekend in our Spring Program. There will be many experts in ecology, birds, bats, mammals, flora, trees, etc. Also, many social activities include music, children’s activities and possibly a steam train ride. This weekend has been organised to celebrate the special Box-Ironbark forests with the Victorian National Parks Association, Birds Australia, Field Naturalists of Victoria and VicWalk. All Bushwalking Clubs have been encouraged to participate. More detailed information as it become available. Club contacts Ian and Sylvia McLean.

120 Km. NW of Melbourne. 12 km. Easy.

Sunday November 11

An interesting walk through the Muckleford Goldfields. There is much to see around the diggings sites. This includes the Red, White and Blue Mine and Dunn’s Reef. Sights include poppet heads, shafts, mullock heaps, engine beds, dams, tailing dumps, open cuts, brick rubble etc.

This ironbark forest also contains Yellow Gums, Red, Grey and some Yellow Box, with nectar feeding birds in winter/spring. These include flocks of honey eaters and lorikeets. The endangered Swift Parrot is seen regularly in winter. We should also have an excellent display of orchids and wattles at this time of year.

NB. Boots would be advisable. No toilets available on this walk. Please keep to the tracks, avoiding unmarked mine shafts. Afternoon tea probably in Castlemaine.

Saturday November 24

The 8^th Great Divide Marathon will start at Hepburn and finish at Blackwood. As usual, it will be divided into six or seven stages, with support cars and personnel meeting the walkers at the end of each stage with our food and drink and words of encouragement (and even a great big fruit cake at one stage if we’re nice to Mary).

The stages vary in length from 5 km upwards, so even the rawest beginner can do at least one stage and be in the fun. There are no long hills – in fact, the whole 42km walk is really six or seven very easy walks strung together. Do one or all!

The route starts on the Dry Diggings Track of the Great Dividing Trail as far as Daylesford, and then continues along the Lerderderg Track which is being marked this spring, and, I am assured, will be finished in time for the Marathon.

We will leave our cars at Blackwood at 7-15am, and a bus will take us to the start of the walk.

The event has a social side also, with an optional celebratory dinner at the Blackwood Hotel at the conclusion of the walk.

I will book motel units or caravan park cabins in Blackwood for any who are interested in staying overnight and enjoying a leisurely stroll around beautiful Blackwood on Sunday. Please let me know as soon as possible.

Sunday December 2

Kirk’s Reservoir is on the Ballarat-Daylesford Road just north-east of Ballarat. There will be a BBQ lunch provided by the club. BYO chairs, drinks, cutlery, plates, sunscreen, hat etc.

We plan to meet there at 11.00am and have a stroll across the road at the Gong Gong Reservoir Park. There we will explore a developed "Catchment, Habitat and Water Trail" which all ages will enjoy and find very interesting.

Following this we will return to Kirk’s for our BBQ, and stroll around Kirk’s Reservoir Gardens, which are more exotic type gardens with strong environmental messages. These are based on water-saving ideas and gardens etc etc.

If we are still energetic after this, there will be games for all to join in. (NB fishing is allowed in the Gong Gong Reservoir if anyone wishes.) Hope to see you there!

Most bushwalkers understand that dangerous goods must not be carried on aircraft. This means goods in your checked baggage, in your cabin baggage or on your person. The exceptions are small quantities for personal use such as toiletries and medicinal products. Backpacks are likely to be checked as airways personnel are aware that bushwalkers may be carrying prohibited goods such cooking fuel and the like. Examination of your luggage will not happen every time but may be expected at any airport.

The best advice is to be sure that you are not carrying anything of concern. This includes bottles of fuel of any sort, ‘metho’ in your Trangia burner, fuel in your ‘choofer’ tank, solid fuel tablets and LP Gas in cans. The best defence is to make sure that containers are empty and dry. Stow all this gear at the top of your pack so that it may be quickly checked.

A drop of ‘metho’ tossed out might easily be worth the hassles of trying to explain when your pack is checked!

By Bill Casey

This is the first of a proposed series of little snippets re a Club Member.

Who else for the first one but our President, Frank Szentmiklossy. As you will note, the article takes the form of questions asked by me with Frank’s answers, followed occasionally by my snide comments in brackets.

Be on your guard – you may be next to be asked to take part in the inquisition!

Q. Where were you born, Frank?

(Very fashionable at present – so many top sportsmen hail from Wagga Wagga – Mark Taylor, Paul Kelly, etc, etc, and, of course, Frank is no exception)

Q. Where did you grow up? (If you have grown up)

A. Some say I haven't! Spent first three years of my life in Ballarat, then we moved to Tullamarine and I have not strayed far ever since.

Q. Why did you take up bushwalking?

A. Have always enjoyed walking since my early years spent camping and exploring the Grampians with Mum and Dad.

Q. When did you join EBWC?

A. Early 1994, I think it was about March.

Q. Why EBWC?

A. I was looking for a local club, and an old neighbour of mine who had a sister who was, and still is, a member told me about EBWC. I won't say whom - you might hold it against her.

(Well, Frank, we’ve been looking for someone to blame for quite a while!)

Q. What type of activities do you do with EBWC – day walks, overnight pack walks, base camps, cycling, social nights?

A. All of the above. And as much as I can.

Q. How often do you walk with EBWC?

A. At least once a month if not more.

Q. Where was your first walk with EBWC, and who led it?

A. Fraser National Park with Bryan Folie.

Q. What was the first EBWC walk you led, and when was it?

A. Olinda State Forest 28th May 1995.

Q. Do you remember anything in particular about it?

A. Yes! It was a relief that at the end of the day I had the same amount of people I had started with.

Q. What is your favorite walking area, and why?

A. I have many but I suppose the Prom is one of my favorites; I love the mix of mountains and the sea and rugged coastline.

Q. What is the best pack walk you have been on with EBWC and why was it the best?

A. There have been heaps, but I did enjoy my first time on the Overland Track in Tassie. Just loved the challenge and the country.

A. The waterfalls and springs walk with Bill Casey - poured rain all day and we spent an enjoyable day in the Pig & Whistle Pub Trentham East.

(Frank, be honest - we did visit two waterfalls and four springs in the morning!)

A. Wandiligong with Bill Casey again. OK Bill, pay up!

(You are so kind, Frank – unfortunately, I’ve already had my will done, and I don’t recall seeing you mentioned).

Q. What is the hardest walk you have done with EBWC?

A. Has to be my first pack walk.

Q. Where was it, and who led it?

A. The Bluff and Mt Howitt area, Martin Doyle.

Q. How was it hard?

A. Not only was the walk, along with the 30 plus temperatures, difficult, but also I had the impression that I had to prove myself to the other members of the group.

Q. Is there a walk you have done, and vowed "never again"?

A. Don't we all say that after a killer hill and by the end of the day we've forgotten about it? And had a great time.

Q. What was the most memorable moment you have had in bushwalking?

A. When I first met my future wife, Lena, and every time I stand on top of another mountain.

(In that order, of course).

Q. What was the funniest moment?

A. When Lena said yes! Maybe it wasn't that funny.

(I’m staying right out of that one, Lena!)

Q. If a prospective member asked you, what would you say are the best things about bushwalking?

A. There is nothing better than discovering new and wonderful friends and places on a walk in this great state of ours.

Considering the number of kilometres this club collectively clocks up, and the terrain we cover, it is quite surprising how few major injuries occur. Even then, they are mostly managed without external assistance. In my experience, we have had two fractured ankles and one fractured foot, all of which were managed within the group (emergency services not called to evacuate the patient), until now.

On the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June Rhonda Pawlik led a group of six experienced walkers to "The Watchtower" near the Moroka River. The first day went well, with a few hour’s walk to The Watchtower, a craggy bluff standing sentinel over Carey Creek and the Moroka river. We descended steeply down a loose, slippery spur to Carey Creek to a pleasant campsite at the confluence with the Moroka River, and as we were putting up the tents had our only real shower of rain for the whole weekend.

The next day we shifted camp a few kilometres upstream along the Moroka, pitching our tents at the base of the climb to Snowy Bluff. We then did a five and a half hour side trip to the summit of Snowy Bluff, where we examined the old log book and found our entries from earlier visits.

The next day was to be the last. The plan was to follow an old four wheel drive track to Higgins Yards, and then follow MacMillans Walking Track (which we had been on since meeting the Moroka River at Carey Creek) up a gully onto Doolans Plain, and then back to the cars.

The first hour or so went well, the track was good for a while, then deteriorated, forcing some of us into the river, and others to scramble along its bank in some places. We reached the yards (just a ruined camp site), reconnoitered a little, then started following the marked track up a gully towards a saddle. The track was not always clearly defined, so in places we had to hunt around for it. It was during a "hunt" that the accident occurred. The track had been found again, and we were descending a gentle slope to rejoin it.

Less than a metre from the track I trod on some leaves, underneath which and unseen was a very slippery stick, about one inch diameter, aligned down hill. My left foot shot out from under me extremely quickly, accompanied by a very sharp and sickening "crack!" from inside the left ankle. Even before I hit the ground I knew I had a major problem, most likely a break. My pack was removed and a brief examination made, taking my boot off and feeling around the ankle. I had some movement, no major displacement, but significant pain when the ankle was rotated even slightly. It was obvious I was not going to walk out, even without a pack, and that external resources, such as a stretcher carry and / or helicopter would be needed.

Loads were re-distributed, and John Widmer and Ian Tovey set off up the gully to get help, while Rhonda Pawlik, Gavan Haire and Therese Ryan stayed behind to help their patient and await rescue. A tent was pitched a few metres down hill from where I sat, backpacks under one end of the tent helping to make it more level. The boot had been replaced onto the foot as a splint, and a plastic bag covered the boot as I slid down hill on my bum into the tent and sleeping bag, the ankle supported by caring hands all the way. The plastic bag over the boot protected my sleeping bag. I was given scroggin, water and some herbal tea, and rested as comfortably as I could. Meanwhile the others laid out ground sheets as markers, and reconnoitered a possible landing or winching site for a helicopter on the crest of the nearby spur. And then we waited. I was not expecting much action until first light the next day, or possibly until about 9.00am, given the time required to assemble a rescue crew and get them into the field. They wouldn’t come in at night, or so I thought.

Meanwhile, John and Ian made good time to Doolans Plain. On reaching the road John set off along the road to fetch one of the cars, while Ian waited to flag down a four wheel drive. Just as John was returning to Ian two deer shooters had stopped to assist Ian, and they headed off to get help. Using a CDMA mobile phone from a position where they had good reception, they called the Victoria Police Rescue Co-ordination Centre using the 1 800 number I had provided, and the appropriate information was given.

The RCC passed this information onto the Police Search and Rescue Squad, who then contacted Heyfield Police for further action. Heyfield considered their options, and with the forecast for bad weather the next day decided to pull me out that night. Low cloud prohibited the use of a helicopter, which was busy at the time anyway with another task on the Gippsland Lakes. Maffra SES were called, and a team of twenty assembled from various other SES units nearby, including Moe and Licola. Maffra SES have the same remote area capabilities as Bushwalkers Search and Rescue. During this period Heyfield Police maintained contact with Ian, and arranged to meet Ian and John at the top of the four wheel drive track which led down to the Moroka River.

The two deer shooters provided Ian and John with dinner, after which John headed back down solo to make contact with us, hoping we may have been able to at least get back down to the river. Eventually his torch gave out and he waited near Higgins Yards for the SES and Ian to arrive.

Meanwhile, back in the tent time had passed very slowly. Due to tree roots and sloping ground comfort was in short supply. A comfortable position for my foot was uncomfortable for my backside, and vice versa. And then at around 11.30pm the magical sound of human voices calling out, or more specifically, John’s voice, accompanied by others, trying to locate us in the dark. The cavalry had arrived!

The first aider in the group gave me some mild anaesthetic, removed my boot, cut off my socks, examined my swollen ankle, and put it into an air splint. I was then securely strapped to a stretcher, and the carry began. Three teams of carriers worked in relays, while those resting scouted ahead for a clear route. It was a text book carry, and they performed their job to perfection, protecting the patient, giving me a smooth ride, and not even any motion sickness (unlike some of my previous experiences as a "patient" in search and rescue training). Eventually we reached the vehicles, which had reached the river and come some distance along the track we had followed earlier. I was transferred to the back seat of a Police Land Cruiser, and the slow, torturous ride up the steep bumpy track began. By now the anaesthetic had worn off, and I felt every bump and jarr. The air splint also deflated, which made life a little more interesting for a while!

At about 6.00am I was transferred to an ambulance, and at 8.00am admitted to Latrobe Regional Hospital. The ankle was X-rayed and surgery was the only option – the bottom of the fibula had broken off completely and required two screws. I was transferred to Maryvale Private Hospital in Morwell and the ankle operated on while the club was having its AGM.

What can we learn from this?

1. Ambulance Subscription is essential for everybody. Without it I would probably have to mortgage my house to pay the bill!
2. Calling the Police Rescue Co-ordination Centre on 1 800 135 729 really works. Every leader and S&R Contact should keep this number handy.

Finally, I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart not only those people who assisted in the rescue, John, Ian, Rhonda, Gavan and Therese, the SES and Police and the two deer shooters, but all the other club members who wished me well and freely offered their time and assistance in my time of need and recovery.

During a club walk at Bullengarook on Saturday July 21, Sue Baxter broke her ankle, was evacuated to the Alfred Hospital by helicopter and required surgery.

Further details of this incident were not available at the time of writing.

Personally and on behalf of all club members I wish Sue a speedy recovery and a steady return to bushwalking.

(Written with his ankle still in its cast!)