ESSENDON
BUSHWALKING CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039
10th EDITION!
From the Editor
With help from all the contributors, I believe the club newsletter is now starting the achieve its original goals. These were:
1. To communicate to all members information about club events;
2. To provide articles of interest about bushwalking to our members; and
3. To provide a vehicle for communicating to all members information about the running of the club.
Thank you everyone.
The newsletter is now produced in three versions.
1. Members' version. Produced on A3 sheets with facilities for mailing to all members;
2. Internet edition. Placed onto the club website, with telephone numbers and addresses omitted to maintain privacy on the World Wide Web; and
3. A new "Visitors Edition". Produced on A4 sheets, for direct handing to visitors to club meetings. It has additional information on club history and how to join.
Submitting Articles
Articles can be sent to Chris Jarvis,
E-mail: cjjarvis@pa.ausom.net.au
Short articles (<500 words) can be sent in hard copy form.
Long articles (>500 words) should be on floppy disk, accompanied by a hard copy, or sent by e-mail.
Photographs are most welcome, and can be sent to Stephen Bocquet or Denny van Mannenberg for scanning to enable easy insertion into the newsletter. Photographs of people on club events are most desirable for the front cover.
Chris Jarvis, Editor
PRESIDENT'S
COLUMN
With the mild winter, I've been on some enjoyable day walks, but no skiing as yet. I'm hoping for better snow next month.
This spring we're having a 'President's Base Camp' at Dunkeld. I'm putting this on in conjunction with Bill Casey, on the weekend of 9/10 October. We will be staying at the Dunkeld camping ground, which is equipped with such luxuries as hot showers. Each day there will be a choice of two day walks, one of Easy or Easy-Medium grade, and one of Medium or Medium-Hard grade. Spring is perhaps the best time to visit the Grampians, as the wild flowers are out, the weather isn't too hot, and there is generally water in the creeks. I'm hoping that this weekend will be attractive both to those who like a challenging walk and those who prefer something easier. I intend to go 'exploring' in the rugged and spectacular Victoria Range on the Saturday - we will go off-track to check out one or two of the interesting rock formations and caves. Saturday night we will repair to the Dunkeld pub for dinner.
Later in the year, Denny is organising a Formal Dinner, which will be held at Mt. Samaria. Look out for this one - it's been a few years since the club last had a formal dinner.
I hope you enjoy some good walks from the Spring program.
Stephen Bocquet
WALK
PREVIEWS
ALTONA TO WILLIAMSTOWN VIA CHERRY LAKE
Sunday September 5
14 Km Easy.
Ian & Sylvia McLean
We will start this walk from the Fresno St., carpark and circumnavigate Cherry Lake before morning tea. Cherry Lake was named after a local pioneer settler, William Cherry. In the '60's it was converted from an old perennial lagoon to a retarding basin which has been beautified along it's southern shores into a wetland, picnic and playground area. The remainder is a conservation zone. This area houses bird hides, information boards and rest stations to enable a chance to identify the many birds which inhabit the area along with the almost extinct Altona Skipper Butterfly. (This is one of only two known breeding grounds.) The track around the lake is 3.6 Km long.
From here we head down Pier St., to met Altona foreshore. We follow the foreshore for about two to three Km through the Altona Coastal Park to Kororoit Creek. The Altona Coastal Park is the former site of the Williamstown Racetrack. Remnants of the grandstand built in 1872 can still be seen. Racing ceased in 1940. We follow the Creek about one km. to its entrance at the sea. Right up until this point you will be amazed by the amount and variety of birds you have seen, and particularly at this point.
The next section takes us to the Jawbones Coastal Reserve in coastal and saltmarsh setting. There are short walks along boardwalk areas and viewing platforms to observe the environment. As a backdrop to this and a stark contrast, we find ourselves with the elite Rifle Range Estate to our rear as we observe the sea.
We continue to follow the foreshore along past the Williamstown Botanic Gardens. (The remainder of the walk should feel very familiar to those who partake in our Willimstown Twilight walk.) Other prominent features we continue to pass along the foreshore are the old Fort Gellibrand site, Timeball Tower, Nelson Place, Gem Pier, yacht clubs, Williamstown's boulevard of cafes and restaurants (a convenient afternoon tea spot) and the Strand with it's beautiful views over Hobson's Bay to the city skyline and beyond. We complete our walk at Greenwich Reserve on North Rd., with a short car shuffle.
CAPITAL CITY TRAIL
Sunday September 26
Ian & Sylvia McLean
This trail follows the Inner Circle Railway from Royal Park, linking the Moonee Ponds Creek and Western Bypass to new developments in the Docklands area and onto the Yarra at Southbank. This trail continues to follow the Yarra River, Merri Creek and back to Royal Park via the Inner Circle Railway. It is a pedestrian/bike trail. In all it covers 30km. We plan cover the circuit in two separate walks of around 18km each.: capital City Trail East Circuit and Capital City West Circuit.
WILSONS PROM 'SOUTHERN GRAND TOUR'
L/WE Oct. 30 - Nov 2,
60km Medium
Stephen Bocquet
Come to the Prom over the Cup Day long weekend. This will be a 60 km medium grade walk over four days. We'll visit all the top spots in the southern part of the park - Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Waterloo Bay, the lighthouse, South Point and Oberon Bay, making use of the new track between the lighthouse and Waterloo Bay. Make your booking as soon as you can, because I will need to get a permit, and numbers will be limited. This walk will be suitable for anyone who's done at least one or two overnight walks. You need to be able to get the Monday off work - if you can't, Frank Szentmiklossy has a walk to the lighthouse and back on the same weekend, returning Sunday.
BRISBANE RANGES NATIONAL PARK: SUTHERLANDS CREEK
Sunday November 14
12Km Easy.
Ian & Sylvia McLean
Described by Sandra Bardwell as "one of the best spring wildflower walks in Victoria" . This walk involves little used vehicular tracks as well as a section along the trackless bank of Sutherlands Creek. There is only one sustained climb, otherwise the walking is easy along gently undulating tracks.
The walk commences in a sandy area which gradually descends through open forest with Grass Trees amongst Stringybarks and Peppermints. This section should be a mass of colour in spring. Next we enter the delightful valley of Sutherlands Creek which we follow for a good distance. In this area we will find relics of the gold mining period. From here we climb steadily up a gully to a broad ridge near where we started and through light timber back to the cars. Afternoon tea is possibly back in Bacchus Marsh.
Hi, I'm Frank Szentmiklossy. I thought I would let you know about a few walks and bike rides I have planned for the next program.
COASTAL ART TRAIL WALK
Saturday 16th October
15 - 25km. Easy - Medium.
This walk is a nice stroll into the past to look at where some of Australia's best-known artists painted some of their works, for example Streeton, McCubbin, and Roberts. The walk begins at Mordialloc Station and follows the coast back to Port Melbourne where we will find lots of nice coffee shops along the way.
YUM!!!!!!!!!!
WILSON'S PROM LIGHT HOUSE
Weekend 30 - 31st October .
40km. Medium. (About 20km each day.)
We will be staying at the lighthouse in the old light keeper's cottages. No tent is required. All the comforts of home, almost. Experience the beauty and the grandeur of the Prom and also the new East Coast track from the lighthouse to Waterloo Bay.
Additional information about weekend will be on a hand out sheet.
MELBOURNE'S RIVERS AND CREEKS BIKE RIDE
Sunday 7th November 1999
60 Km Medium
This ride starts at the Maribyrnong River Boathouse. A nice easy pedal to the Footscray Road bike path then along the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail under the new city link past the Zoo. We then follow the old Fitzroy Railway Line to the Merri Creek Trail linking up with the Main Yarra River Trail at Dights Falls then onto the City. (For a well earned refreshment.) Then retracing our wheel marks along Footscray road to the Maribyrnong and home.
CLEFT ROCK WALK
Sunday 28th November 1999
18km Medium.
A walk around the Black Spur area starting at Dom Dom Saddle and down (We Leaders don't lie.) to Fernshaw picnic ground. Along the way we will have a look at a rock feature known as (You guessed it!) the Cleft Rock.
STONY POINT BIKE RIDE
Sat 18th Nov, 40km easy.
Suburban train to Frankston then change to diesel train to Stony Point. Get off at Somerville then a nice easy ride through some little townships to Stony Point. With views of Phillip Island and French Island. Mostly on bike tracks with a little road riding. Come along and enjoy the day.
PRE-XMAS MYSTERY WALK
Satuday December 11
15km Easy - Medium
A walk to ease us into the xmas spirit, not too hard but just enough to know you have done a bit of exercise. Destination: Who knows! That's why its' called a mystery walk. Come along and find out! See all you curious ones there.
Please do come along on one or all of these events I would be happy to see you and have the pleasure of your company.
Frank Szentmiklossy
LEECH STORY
By Andrew Hill
Recent club walks in the Ada River and Lickhole Creek areas have prompted me to write this article.
Every bushwalker has had the experience of congratulating himself or herself on having escaped the predations of leeches, which have plagued the other members of the party all day, only to look down on a bootfull of blood and a bloated leech; or has watched them waving around ready to take the next looping movement as they converge on their intended host.
Have you ever wondered what guides them, what they fed on when there are no bushwalkers, and whether they have enemies other than bushwalkers?
Many blood spattered stories have passed into folklore. The author has found himself at the centre of many groups of bushwalkers looking at leeches, and many a group of leeches looking at bushwalkers; At these times questions have been asked, so here are a few answers.
• Leeches are hermaphrodytes but most breed bisexually.
• Most leeches live in aquatic habitats, but land leeches live in damp places and feed on passing animals.
• A leech is capable of taking up to ten times its own weight in blood, and will grow steadily if it obtains a meal twice a year, and will not die of starvation if it feeds once a year.
• Only 1 – 2% may see a life span of two years.
• Predators such as water birds (swan, duck or heron) and fish (trout, perch, eel) prey on leeches.
• Repellents: Simply apply any insect repellent based on diemthylphylate. Others include eucalyptus oil or young gum leaves rubbed on lower legs, salt, methylated spirits soaked in cotton wool, or best of all, toothpaste (don't know why but leeches hate it).
(References from the Melbourne Walker)
CLUBS' WEBPAGE
www.netspace.net.au/~trekker
The clubs' webpage has been in service since 22 November 97, with 688 visits (as of 5 June 99), hit rate is about 13 visits per week, varies a bit with time of year. During this time you would have seen a few new faces at club meetings and on walks. Some have even stayed on as members.
On the webpage you can find:
1. Information on the club;
2. Guest speaker or activity at next meeting;
3. Volunteer search and rescue;
4. Photo gallery - Nepal trek 98, club photo's, link to John Widmer's photo's;
5. Memorial education fund;
6. Latest and past walk programs. (no names or phone numbers provided to protect privacy of leaders).
7. Latest and past newsletters.
There are also links to other webpages of interest:
1. Parks Victoria - is an excellent site, with a wealth of information on parks, walks and rides (leaders take note);
2. Victorian Rogaining Association - brush up on your navigation;
3. Snow Fields - read all about latest snow conditions or check out the live web cameras;
4. Bushwalkers Newsgroup - like to know information about something;
5. Bogong Equipment. - update or add new equipment to your kit.
If you have visited the webpage and have any ideas or links that might be of interest to members or visitors then look me up or drop me an e-mail. Also, if you have a photo or photo's of interest (club activity), I can add it to the photo gallery (present photo's have been there for some time now) or on the walks program page (I would like this picture to change with each new walks program to reflect the season). You can find the clubs' webpage at
www.netspace.net.au/~trekker,
within the webpage you will find my home and work e-mail address.
Russell Christensen
SECRETARY'S
SECRETS
Denny van Maanenberg
By the time you read this, three club meetings will have come and gone since the new Committee has been elected. It certainly has been a hectic three months with all of us new chums coming to terms with all the issues involved of running a medium sized club. Many don't realise just what is involved in the day to day events that need to be addressed and I'm extremely grateful to Paulene and Des Sunderland who managed to keep the books and the administration functions of the club in such fine condition. That makes it easier for the new committee officers and members to carry on the good work.
We're also grateful to all those unseen people that help with the administration of the club. These are our silent delegates that work on Old Man Emu, the walks program, or representatives at VICWALK's Search & Rescue team or on VICWALKS's general committee. We have members working on the Memorial Education Fund, as equipment officers and others that regularly supply us with supper. There's an army out there to help you enjoy our club.
All of us are looking forward to the months ahead and we have a number of projects in mind that require further development. These will all be revealed in due course. At any rate, everyone on the Committee is looking to the challenges ahead.
Now for the commercials.
There are a couple of issues that need to be addressed and the priority one of course membership fees. Like any club, we need funds to exist and Nicole (our Treasurer) advises that over half our membership haven't yet paid their 1999/2000 fees. So would you also please dig deep and pay up ASAP.
Below is a shot of some members having a great time at one of our Formal Dinners' run a few years ago. This great event was organised by David Forster for many years, and is on again. On the of weekend of November 27-28 we're heading off to Mt Samaria for a memorable time. If the past formal dinners are anything to go by, then this weekend will be fantastic. Note it in your diary NOW.
Finally, My own Y2K Tassie Special trip at the end of this year has one vacancy left for the support crew. Planning is all but finished. If you're interested, then ring me.
If anyone has any queries on any aspect of these comments, feel free email me at retailrisk@onaustralia.com.au
Tread safely in them thar hills!
LEADERS COLUMN
This is a new addition to the newsletter, coming from requests to the editor by a number of leaders. If you have any useful tips, reminders or issues you wish to raise, send them in. It's your column.
BOOKING SHEETS
Leaders, please return your walk booking sheets to Ian McLean after the walk.
"RULE #34"
When leaving to come home at the end of a walk, ensure all cars are started and moving before departing. A flat battery or other mechanical problem could leave a car load of members stranded in the bush overnight.
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.bom.gov.au
Bureau of Meteorology. Check the local weather forecast before departing.
www.parks.vic.gov.au
Parks Victoria. Check track closures. Also handy information on parks.
www.ski.com.au
For all those snow bunnies! Check snow conditions at any resort.
FOR SALE
GORETEX® RAINCOAT
Red, size S (12), fit lady. Made by Wilderness Equipment in W.A. Very good condition. $60 ONO. Contact Lucy and Italo Padovani via the club Secretary
SNOW CHAINS
Diamond pattern, easy fit. Very good condition. Suit tyre size 165/65x14 or similar (small car). $80. Contact Stephen Bocquet via the club Secretary.
Your Committee
for 1999/00 is:
President Stephen Bocquet
Vice President Frank Szentmiklossy
Secretary Denny van Maanenberg
Treasurer Nicole Lowe
Committee: Sylvia McLean, Neil Campbell, Ian McLean, Ron Bell, Megan Lakeman
Members Discount
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.
CONTACTING THE CLUB
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
(Snail) Mail: The Secretary, Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc., P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039
E-mail: Russell Christensen trekker@netspace.net.au
Internet: www.netspace.net.au/~trekker
WALKS PROGRAMS
Are released three times each year, at the April, August and December club meetings.
One copy of the program is included within the club newsletter Old Man Emu.
Additional copies are available from the Secretary or Treasurer for 20¢ each.
CLUB MEETINGS
Are held on the second Wednesday of each month, at Hall 3, St.Thomas Church (behind the church), Mt.Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds Junction (corner of Mt.Alexander and Pascoe Vale Roads. Meetings start at 7.30 pm.
Hire Equipment
The contact for hire of equipment is Janet Doyle via the club Secretary.
| Hire Rates |
W/End |
Week |
| Tent |
$10 |
$20 |
| BackPack |
$6 |
$10 |
| Sleeping Bag |
$5 |
$5 |
| Japara |
$5 |
$5 |
| Stove |
$5 |
$5 |
| Sleeping Mat |
$1 |
$2 |
Maximum hire rate $25 each week. Each additional week a further $25 fee will apply.
Club Fees
Annual Membership $ 30
Visitors Fee (per event) $ 5
Annual Membership fees apply from June 1 to May 31. Membership fees not paid two months after June 1 renders the member un-financial.
An un-financial member is required to pay the visitors fee for every event they attend until they have paid their full membership fee.
Un-financial members and visitors attending more than three events in a club year are required to pay the full membership fee.
GRADE DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are a guide only, and are referenced against the abilities of fit experienced walkers. A grade can be a combination of any of the individual factors listed. Weather conditions on the day can also affect the grading of a walk.
EASY: Suitable for beginners. Mostly on formed tracks. Gently undulating terrain. Up to 20 km per day.
MEDIUM: Suitable for fit and more experienced walkers. Some sustained climbs. Some scrub bashing. Some rock scrambling. Up to 30 km per day.
HARD: For fit, experienced walkers. Long steep climbs. Heavy scrub bashing. Hard rock scrambling. Long distances.
ALERT! SAVE OUR FORESTS SAVE OUR FORESTS SAVE OUR FORESTS
By Ian & Sylvia McLean
On Friday 9-7-99 Ian and I attended a Meeting in the Woodend Community Centre that was advertised in the local paper and arranged by the Macedon Ranges Conservation Society (MRCS) and the Wombat Forest Society (WFS). Four speakers from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, MRCS and WFS spoke about the process and the effects on environment, culture, heritage, recreation, logging industry, nature conservation and water catchment.
We came away with some real concerns about our Midland Forests. These forests which include the Wombat and Cobaw are about to become subject to a 'Regional Forests Agreement (RFA)'. This has far reaching implications. The RFA is an unprecedented legislative process that will lock up our forests for 20 years for wood chipping and logging. Once the agreement is signed no one can alter it, not even Federal or State Parliament! To add to this, if the government fails to provide the timber resource that is guaranteed to the industry, logging companies are entitled to 100% compensation for investments made.
A worrying and complicating factor for Victoria is the introduction of new legislation that will first corporatise and then privatise our native forests in the same way that pine plantations have been privatised.
According to the discussion not only will the community have no input into the management of the forests but under commercial confidence principles there will be no opportunity to even monitor the situation. We will loose the right to even set foot in the forests if it conflicts with the primary objective of the new forestry management.
Needless to say that at this meeting several motions were passed:-
1. That the Cobaw and Wombat Forest be left out or the RFA;
2. That a moratorium be placed on all woodchip exports from the Cobaw and Wombat Forests;
3. That the Cobaw and Wombat Forests remain in community ownership not subject to any actual or defacto corporatisation or privatisation of Victorian native forests.
Please sign the petition we have (endorsing the above motions) and or write to Maree Tehan, MLA Minister for Conservation and Land Management.
TIDAL RIVER
WATER QUALITY
If you happen to be visiting Wilsons Promontory in the near future, I suggest you take your own supplies of drinking water for your stay at Tidal River. All taps in the campground have signs advising the water is contaminated and should be boiled prior to drinking, brushing teeth etc. This has been in force since December 31, 1998. There is no indication when these restrictions will be lifted.
Water at other locations on Wilsons Promontory (streams etc) are not affected.
A search of the Parks Victoria website (www.parks.vic.gov.au) failed to turn up any information on this topic.
Chris Jarvis
PRECIPITOUS BLUFF
By Chris Jarvis
In the Christmas - New Year period of 1998, four club members, Therese Ryan, John & Enid Wider and Myself did an eleven day walk to Precipitous Bluff in Tasmania's South West.
Federation Peak and Precipitous Bluff. Both lie in the World Heritage Area of South West Tasmania. Both are a "Mecca" for bushwalkers. Federation Peak, the rocky spire at the end of the Eastern Arthur Range is the more popular. Technically more challenging, and therefore probably more satisfying to climb, it's access time is also shorter, taking parties in good conditions just 21/2 days to reach the Thwaites Plateau camp at it's base via the Eastern Arthurs from Lake Pedder. "Fed's" is surrounded by other rocky spires, which, seen from a distance, such as from Mt.Wellington, makes it harder for the unfamiliar to distinguish from other peaks.
"PB", on the other hand, seen from most angles, stands almost lonely, it's 1100 metre dolerite mass standing like a sentinel above New River Lagoon. It typically takes around four days to get into position for the final climb to the summit, which is itself more of a steep, scrubby scramble rather than a technical climb. It has it's own magical appeal, which we were to learn more of as the trip progressed, and although less popular than "Fed's", to me it became a more satisfying walk.
On Christmas morning, the owner of the Lune River Youth Hostel and local tour operator, dropped us off at the start of the track to Moonlight Ridge. A long climb onto Moonlight Ridge ensued, the weather hot, the forest humid, and the creeks dry. The previous evening one of the locals at the Youth Hostel had told us of the dry conditions they had been having, and of the problems of water shortage we may encounter further on. This played on my mind as we sweated our way up onto the ridge. At last we reached a tarn alongside the track, where we slaked our thirst, had lunch and refilled our water bottles for the long afternoon ahead. After undulating over "Hill One", then "Hill Two", then "Hill Three", then "Hill Four", we found a rough track which took us down to our first camp at Reservoir Lakes.
Reservoir Lakes are two lakes within a glacial cirque, the upper lake having an almost perfectly formed dam wall, the water spilling over a small waterfall and into the lower lake just ten metres away. The camp was pleasant, though not fully sheltered. A thunderstorm rumbled through during the night, disturbing our sleep slightly.
The next day we climbed up to nearby Pigsty Ponds, a group of small tarns 30 minutes away from Reservoir Lakes, with more exposed camping. A little further on we dropped packs and did a side trip to Mt. La Perouse, a large flat topped mountain of sandstone. We sheltered from the wind behind one of many "Summit" cairns, the one we thought to be "it". During our descent, and just minutes after Therese had speculated on what it would be like to descend in poor visibility, the cloud quickly rolled in. Fortunately we had reached an area of easier navigation, and we quickly dropped below the cloud and back to our packs, where we had lunch sheltering on the lee side of a hill.
After lunch the steep climb onto the very exposed Maxwell Ridge began, and a minute after gaining the crest the wind velocity increased, followed by heavy rain which persisted for the remainder of the day. A few hours later we were ensconced in our tents in a very sheltered campsite at Ooze Lake, a picturesque lake in a compact cirque, the outflow forming the headwaters of the Picton River. And so began two things: (1) Practising cooking in the vestibule of the tent, and (2) An extended stay of three nights. The next day the rain had eased to a drizzle, but the strong wind remained. As our next two days of walking were to be on exposed ridges, the strong winds made the prospect of proceeding very unpalatable. We had also provided for two "lay days" in our walk plan in case of bad weather.
To cope with the boredom, we took turns at reading extracts from a book on the South West, which described in some detail the geology of the area, and it was with regret that we had not read this before going up Mt. La Perouse, for all the detail we missed the previous day.
The next day was not as wet, but remained windy, so we decided to prop, again. But by midday the sun was shining, so we emerged from the tents, grateful for an opportunity to dry wet clothes, jackets, and in one case, a wet sleeping bag. We also explored the area in the afternoon.
Tuesday 29, and we were on the move at last, despite the less than perfect weather. We were nearing the point of no return in both time and location, and we needed to get into a position where we could make the decision to either "bag PB" or retreat. Up onto the ridge above the lake, around the rocky spires of Pindars Peak, and down into the scrub on an exposed ridge. Our objective was Wylly Plateau. The track, mostly overgrown but easy to follow, wound it's way through Pandanni and Tea Tree and richea scoparia, the sharp leaves cutting and puncturing exposed hands. The camp sites were on the plateau, small tent sized enclaves cut into the chest high Scoparia, just high enough to shelter the tents from the cold wind. Water was collected from shallow pools, and we were thankful it had rained, otherwise water would have been a big problem as there were no streams nearby.
The next day was more of the same, seven hours of scrub bashing, the track visible in most places at ground level, and confirmed in many places by pieces of blue sleeping mat, torn off a recent predecessor's mat by the scrub. Walking during these two days was mostly a push-pull action. Push the body through, and pull the pack simultaneously as the scrub squeezed both body and pack. At ground level there was the almost constant presence of mud and roots. We were thankful for the cool, damp conditions, for it allowed us to dress fully in Goretex® jackets and overtrousers, which protected us from the scrub without overheating.
During the day we were teased by partially clear weather, which gave us glimpses of New River Lagoon and the South Coast, only six kilometres away.
The evening found us at "PB Low Camp", an exposed, muddy campsite on the end of the Kameruka Moraine at the base of the final climb onto PB, the lower slopes of the final 400 metre climb visible below the low cloud. Therese and I found a site where some flat rocks had been placed in the mud, covered lightly by small branches of Tea Tree, which had been left by a walker a few days ahead of us. Onto this we placed our tent, and had a surprisingly comfortable night, made even better by fatigue. We were to be occassionally reminded of this "preference" for rocks over the next few days.
New Year's Eve dawned, with patches of the rare commodity, blue sky! And progressively getting better! The track took us steeply up the scrubby front of PB, until, near a waterfall, we cleared the scrub and scrambled up into a gully, which gradually levelled as we neared the top. By this time there were only a few cumulous clouds scattered around. PB is not a single, narrow summit, but a large long "summit" area, split by a number of gullies, it's isolation, size and near vertical sides giving it an aura of majesty. We dropped packs near the "High Camp", an exposed, grassy site below the top rim, and headed for the summit cairn twenty minutes away. The views were magnificent! The South Coast. The Southern Range. Pindars Peak. Mt. La Perouse. "Fed's". The lot! The effort had been worth it!
The log book at the summit indicated only around thirty visitors had reached the summit in the past year, but more visitors had probably passed over PB without recording their visit.
Back to the packs for lunch, where we watched two picturesque lenticular clouds form above this magnificent dolerite massive. We still had a long descent ahead of us, so after lunch we moved on. The descent to New River Lagoon was to take seven hours. We stepped off the top into a series of steep rocky gullies, going through a huge amphitheatre of dolerite columns which had a magnificent echo. The traverse along the base of the huge cliffs undulated steeply until we reached the descent spur. Two thirds down the descent limestone was reached, heavily eroded into small ridges and pinnacles, passing around the rims of sink holes, making walking awkward. At 7.00 pm we reached the bottom near the entrance to a large, cavernous underground stream, and nearly an hour later, exhausted, reached camp on the edge of the lagoon. It had been an eleven hour day. We were too tired to enjoy our special New Year's Eve treats we had brought along for the occasion. They could keep until the next day.
New Year's Day. An easy day! We were to rejoin "civilisation" in the form of the South Coast Track, and it's hoards of walkers. The "track" from the base of PB to the coast involved walking IN the lagoon, as the scrub on it's edge is thick and the going too slow. The lagoon is shallow, and for most of the five kilometres varied from shin deep to thigh deep. Initially small slippery rocks on the bottom made the going awkward, but then it became more and more sandy and the walking easier. And with the sun shining we could frequently see the bottom. It was delightful walking.
In mid afternoon we reached the New River Lagoon Campsite on the South Coast Track, near the boat crossing on Prion Beach, where we met our first "other people" for six days. The walk was effectively over.
The next three days was routine as we walked out to Cockle Creek along the popular South Coast Track. It had been a great walk.
Postscript:The area around Mt. La Perouse and Pindars Peak deserves some more attention, probably as a four or five day walk, because of it's fascinating geology and landforms. A visit would involve coming in from Lune River, and setting up camp for two or three days at Reservoir Lakes to explore the area.
A Cirque is a natural amphitheatre, carved out of hills by glaciers. One of the most accessible cirque's in Tasmania is on the Overland Track at Cirque Hut, below Barn Bluff. The cirques on the PB walk, are by comparison, much smaller.
Finally, the lenticular cloud we saw above the summit of PB is a special formation. It is a dense, lens shaped cloud (hence the word lenticular), and is formed immediately above the summits of mountains. In some areas, such as Mt. Bogong and Mt. Cook (the only other locations I have seen these formations), it generally means that foul weather is imminent.
Chris Jarvis
VISITORS
INFORMATION
This version of the club newsletter is adapted for handing to visitors at club meetings.
Welcome to the Essendon Bushwalking Club. We hope that we can offer to you a range of outdoor activities that suit your needs, and that you can become a member of the club for many years to come.
A Brief History ........
We were formed in 1975, and are the major club in Melbourne's north western suburbs. Our membership currently stands at around 150 members.
In 1984 the club became an incorporated association, and also joined the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs.
In 1984 we also became involved in the FVWC's search and rescue group, and have contributed volunteer searchers to most major bush searches since then.
Club programs are issued three times each year, in April, August and December. Leaders volunteer to lead events of their choice, and the Walks Officer assembles the program, negotiating with leaders on oversubscribed dates or venues.
Activities & Venues ......
Throughout the year we try to offer a variety of day walks, weekend walks, base camps, and occasional social events. Grades vary from easy to hard. Refer to the grade defintions inside this newsletter or on the program. There is generally something for everybody, from beginners to hard core seasoned walkers.
During the winter months cross country skiing is popular, from day trips at Lake Mountain, to overnight touring on the Bogong High Plains.
Special events, such as rock climbing, are also offered from time to time.
Most of our events are within reasonable reach of Melbourne. We also run interstate and overseas trips, such as Tasmania, NSW, the Kimberlies, Nepal and New Zealand.
Leaders Training .......
All of our leaders have participated in the club's internal leadership training program, in which leaders are introduced to the general concepts and responsibilities of bushwalking leadership. First aid training, though not compulsory, is strongly encouraged, not only for leaders but for all members. The club also periodically organises navigation training for any member.
We also strongly recommend all members and visitors become Ambulance Subscribers.
How to Join .......
To become a member, you need to do either three day walks or two overnight walks (walks involving camping). You then need to fill in an Application for Membership, pay the membership fee and submit the application to the Secretary.
Your Obligations ......
As a participant in club activities, you are required to:
• Obey the directions of the leader at all times;
• Inform the leader of any ailment or disability which may affect your performance on a club event (discretion is guaranteed);
• Pay any fee required by the club, such as a vistors fee ($5 per event), a car pooling fee, or any other fee linked to an event.
More Information ......
Contact the committee, speak to any leader or member at a club meeting.
WELCOME ABOARD!
Old Man Emu – August 1999 Internet Edition