FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 1

FOOTPRINTS June 2016

Newsletter of the Border Bushwalking Club Inc.

affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria

COMMITTEE

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary

Ian Trevaskis 0425 782 983 Paul David Marie

president@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au vicepres@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au treasurer@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au secretary@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

General Committee: Bernadette, Sandy, Rosemary, Liz, Ira, Ian

CLUB NIGHT

Tuesday, June 7th at 7:30 A presentation by some of our walkers of their recent trek along the Australian Alpine

Walking Trail from Bogong to Benambra AND

De mystifying leadership. This month's club night will be a two part event with experienced leaders giving a brief explanation what is involved in leading a club activity. The aim of this is to show how simple it really is, what is required of you and the support that is available to you. Hopefully this will encourage you to give it a go as we always need new leaders. The second part of the evening will have some of our very experienced and hard core hikers giving an account of the latest section of the AAWT . One of these walkers is a very talented photographer so come along prepared to be inspired.

Where : Senior Citizens, Meeting Room, Civic Centre Complex, Hovell Street, Wodonga (Havelock Street end of car park) Visitors are always welcome at meetings and supper is served afterwards. Club Nights are regularly held on the first Tuesday of the month (except December and January) at 7:30pm. The room is opened half an hour before the start so that members may socialise.

www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

WELCOME

We extend a warm welcome to the following new members:

Michael Courtney

Consuelo Merluzzi

We trust that you will enjoy all that the Club and its members have to offer.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO FOOTPRINTS. Your contributions are keenly sought. If you have been on a club trip please send a short, or indeed long, report to the editor. Photos of outings are also greatly appreciated. Please try to send photos as small files.

Send to: newsletter@borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Deadline for next Footprints is 22/06/16 A huge thank you to all those who submit material.

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 2

Introducing your new president Ian Trevaskis.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT. If you go down to the woods today you’re sure of a big surprise...

It is with some trepidation that I write my first ever President’s Report. As a published author, mainly of fiction, I have to remind

myself that I need to stick to the facts here and not take the reader off on some mystical or fanciful journey to a world peopled

with strange and unusual characters; or follow plotlines that are highly improbable and that could result in gruesome battles

and even bloodshed!

However, the more I think about it, an extended walk in the mountains such as the one that David and Bernadette will be

highlighting at our next Club Night could, for many, be viewed as an adventure in another land; a land where damp mist-filled

valleys could very well hide trolls and ogres; a land where the intense and overwhelming silence is occasionally broken by the

call of evil looking black birds wheeling ominously overhead; a land of verdant untouched forests and bubbling mountain

streams where ancient spirits practice long forgotten rituals; a place where it seems as if the traveler has brushed aside an

invisible curtain and stepped into another time and another dimension far removed from the humdrum of suburbia.

And then there are the ‘strange and unusual characters’ that we sometimes find as our companions on these journeys into the

unknown. These fellow travelers are often the guardians of wise and wonderful stories, they possess skills and powers that

constantly surprise and amaze us; they encourage us not to succumb to an inglorious defeat wrought upon bodies wearied by

the burdens we shoulder; and they sometimes carry with them the magic elixir that at the end of the day will lift our spirits and

cast away our doubts and discomforts.

The four day trek from Camp Creek, up and over Mount Bogong to Taylor’s Crossing near Benambra didn’t include any

gruesome battles (apart from some encounters with snakes) and there was no bloodshed, but it was a journey much like that

described above; a journey filled with much wonder and beauty and involving some ‘strange and unusual characters’.

If you want to see and hear more about this journey come along to our next Club Night. Better still, join us on a walk in the

mountains and experience it first-hand for yourself.

Ian.

(As the newly elected President, and on behalf of all members, I would like to extend a heartfelt

thank you to Warwick for all the hard work and dedication he put in during his stint as President.

Also, a massive thank you to the previous committee members who have volunteered their time

and expertise once again to steer us through another year of adventures.)

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 3

TRIP REPORTS.

MT. JACK The inaugural Glen Creek Loop Walk saw 7 people risk the possible snow , thunderstorms and gale force winds , to discover the delights of the lower foot hills of Mt Jack. And it was worth the risk, with magnificent views of Mudgegonga and surrounding mountains, and no risk of doing a Tim Fisher ! We had a few showers, a little sunshine, and a little cloud cover, which was helpful for the uphill bits. When we started ,we avoided letting the horse out, kept our distance from the cows, and frightened a large mob of kangaroos out of the paddock. After the wonderful views at our first stop, we enjoyed the easy off track meandering, through new wattle regrowth, and made our way, for morning tea, to a small ruin , that still had billies in the fireplace. While the first creek crossing had no water, the next two had a little bit, which made us look for the best place to cross, adding some excitement to the day. After lunch was a slow uphill climb, before walking through the forest and coming back to the main track , another climb, then the home stretch, finishing with Tim Tams and a drink at Scotties Cafe. Pauline.

MT BOGONG TO BENAMBRA WALK APRIL 22ND-25TH A group of 8 completed this section of the AAWT under the fantastic leadership of John Hillard. Marie, Sandy, Ian, Bernadette and John, who had completed Hotham to Bogong in February, were joined by Pam, Chris and David. Once again we had a full moon to light up our long nights. It was bed by 6 on two nights, as our pleasant days became cold, frosty nights. The first day saw us climbing 900 metres up Bogong via the Eskdale Spur. This didn’t seem fair as this day was just getting us back to the AAWT. There was a lot of activity at Cleve Cole Hut as the Bogong Club were gathering for their AGM and working bee. We were glad not to be carrying windows and gas bottles as well as our packs as some of these people were. Also at Cleve Cole we saw a huge stag. There was a lot of talk of venison stew but alas we walked on with dehydrated food still on the menu. Day two involved the Long Spur, a gentle descent until Big River Saddle when the climb to Mt Wills begins. The effort was rewarded by a change in landscape to fantastic granite boulders, amazing views and a first class hut at the end. The hut was very comfortable and a fire was soon giving out cheery warmth. Five of the group opted for hut accommodation that night and there was much talk of mysterious noises in the night; all of human origin. Day three provided more varied walking surfaces including the bitumen of the Omeo Highway for a short time. As we descended to Gill Creek we were greeted by a very contented copperhead who was determined not to leave his territory on the track. It took quite bit of encouragement in the form of missiles before he moved on. We arrived at Gill Creek and determined that it was not a suitable campsite as it was small, dank and screamed of leeches. We were also unsure of

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 4

whether our slithery friend was nearby, plotting revenge. So we collected extra water, crossed the creek and scrambled up the steep bank to begin a long climb to a suitable campsite. We eventually lined our tents long the only flat part of the track for the night. On day four we were glad that we had begun the climb as we continued up for some time before our final descent to Tailors Crossing. The suspension bridge seemed like cheating, as did the lovely picnic area where we had lunch as we waited for our transport. The shuffle that made this trip possible involved 5 cars and one light plane but all was smooth and efficient. Special thanks to Rick and Warwick who provided transport even though they were not part of the walk. Thanks also to John for my joy flight, for putting on the walk and leading so competently. We look forward to the next section of this great track. Bernadette.

BIKE RIDE TO WANDILAGONG. Seven of us rode in perfect weather from the former Eurobin Railway Station to Wandiligong via the Rail Trail Cafe where we enjoyed a warming coffee and cake before continuing on. A sumptuous lunch was had sitting around the pit fire in the spacious grounds at the Wandi Pub before we rode back. An enjoyable day's outing with enjoyable company. To enjoy wonderful photos of this event and great fungi shots, click on the link below. https://www.flickr.com/photos/picklesgoose/albums/72157668627399822

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 5

WILD HORSE CREEK AND SURROUNDS - 21st May May/June can be an underwhelming time for bushwalking, stranded as it is between gorgeous autumn walking in March/April and fresh skiable snow in July/August (hopefully). Debbie’s Wild Horse Creek trip bucked the trend of inactivity for this time, as we clocked up nearly 25 km in beautiful sunshine. Nine walkers departed from Watchbed Creek by 9am on Saturday, pleased that it was warmer than expected, although we did note the pre winter ice that edged the puddles. After visiting Fitzgerald & Kelly huts we trotted down track 107 arriving at a delightful lunch spot near Wild Horse Creek. It was easy to imagine a future weekend camp in this peaceful spot. The return trip, taking the longer, but scenic route via the aqueduct and Marum Point track, landed us back at the car before dark, although the there was a chill in the air & an ache in a few legs! Thanks Deb for organising a great day trip that made the most of all available daylight hours and took me to a few places I had not been to before. But, where were the wild horses. Marie

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 6

WASHINGTON CREEK VIA BON ACCORD TRACK. We all met at the Pioneer Park side of the river near the coffee shop and toilets at 9:30 am. This gave us time for refreshments before heading off. (Trish from Finley, her mum and daughter had managed to find a lovely breakfast café in Harrietville and we were able to meet Margaret and Bella just up the track a bit). We walked approx. 500m to the beginning of the track which was signposted as 4 km one way (the first underestimation of the trip). Although I had memories of the track being essentially flat, it wasn’t exactly! There were a few ‘gentle’ rises to get the heart going, but no one seemed to mind. The track had been cleared recently which enabled us to walk without gaiters and enjoy the scenery. At one point the track appeared to have washed away a bit so we had to lean in and take care. The 5.5 km (according to several trip recorders) took about 2 hours. Lunch was amongst the logs by the East Ovens River. We had hoped to get to Washington Creek itself (we could see it) but the river has changed course evidently according to our only male scout Clayton. Evidently there is lovely bridge to nowhere, stranded by the laws of nature. The way back was easier and we all parted company with the resolve to get together again soon. Katia BUNGALOW SPUR Never doubt my pulling power to get amazing weather on a walk up and down Bungalow Spur to Federation Hut and Little Mt Feathertop. The weather forecast was so wrong - no snow showers, no wind, no rain, no cloud. All we got was sunshine on an amazing autumn day. We walked most of the day with three young guys from Albury who were great company. There was such a positive vibe on the track amongst everyone we came across. Thanks to the seven adventurous members who trusted my weather forecasting ability over the professionals. It was one of the most stunningly beautiful days you could have asked for. Deb Kahn - future weather forecaster.

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 7

NOTICES

The Border Bushwalking Club Fees are now due. Club membership is valid to May 31st. Refer to the BBC Website: www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au/registration or pay by EFT. Please note the new fee schedule: Single member: $40 or $35 concession Family: $70 or $65 concession Each additional family member: $10 Newsletter mailed in post: $23 (emailed is free). Direct Bank Deposit Account Holder – Hume Building Society Account Name – Border Bushwalking Club Inc. BSB 640 000 Account No 111104448 Description: your full name, or first 3 letters of first and last names, e.g. John Brown becomes johbro

ADVENTURE GEAR ALBURY 479 DEAN ST ALBURY 02 6021 6200 www.adventuregearonline.com.au For all your hiking needs whether it be buy or hire. Leaders - Emergency Contact Person (ECP). Leaders are reminded to inform their participants who the ECP for their event is and provide them with relevant contact

details at the time of booking into a walk.

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 8

Dear Club President

BWV recently met with Bradley Fauteux, CEO of Parks Victoria. At that meeting, we emphasised the

importance of the volunteer work we have been doing with Parks Victoria, which is focussed mainly on

tracks and conservation work.

We also made the point that some important tracks are being lost due to lack of maintenance.

He has asked us to nominate up to 10 tracks state-wide, where we would like to see priority given to

remediation work. In 2015 the Bushwalking Tracks and Conservation (BTAC) committee compiled a short

list of “tracks at risk”. We need your input and knowledge, to complete that list, and identify the priorities.

I am therefore requesting that you ask your walks coordinators or walk leaders to tell us about the tracks

in State or National Parks that need some TLC! Ideally, send a short list with a brief outline of the major problems associated with each track.

The BTAC committee, led by Megan Major will then coordinate and review the list, and liaise with Parks

Victoria to hopefully get some priority action. We'll give you feedback on what outcomes we achieve. The next BTAC meeting is Monday, 6

th June, so please get your input in by Friday 3

rd June.

Please send responses to Megan Major

tracks@bushwalkingvictoria.org.au Kind regards

Photo credits this issue:

Pauline

Liz

Deb

Vera

Bernadette

Warwick

Marie

John Cooper

EVER WONDER WHERE TO GO WALKING?

Bushwalking Victoria has this fabulous walk directory with detailed information on about 200 walks in Victoria.

Check it out by clicking on the link below.

http://www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/walks-directory

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 9

FOOTPRINTS JUNE 2016 Page 10

The following is an extract of an article is from "Great Walks" magazine, February-March 2010 and it's well worth reading. Ed.

It's a small world When bushwalking, stop and smell the roses- you'll discover a whole universe under your nose.

Macro photography reveals the micro universe around us Lying prostrate on the forest floor, partly covered in leaf litter, I am only vaguely aware of a startled bushwalker

who has come to a sudden halt, no doubt wondering what to make of the strange sight before her.

Removing my eye from the view finder of my camera I look up at a young woman in her early twenties and hastily

offer some explanation for my horizontal posture.

I quickly drew her attention to a tiny cluster of red mushrooms (Hygrocybe miniata) that I was attempting to capture

on film.

The young lass was quite amazed that she hadn’t noticed any of these exquisite forest gems on her walk along the

Coachwood Nature Trail, one of the many walks in the Megalong Valley situated in the NSW Blue Mountains.

Glancing around I was able to show her several other fungal specimens protruding through the leaf litter.

After a close-up examination, the young lass continued along the track, but now at a more leisurely pace and an

increased awareness of the natural world around her.

This was not an isolated case but one that I frequently encounter during my many, outdoor photographic excursions.

With eyes fixed on the track before them, many bushwalkers fail to scan the ever-changing environment around

them.

These photos reveal just what can be seen right under your nose!

Words and photos_John Cooper

FOOTPRINTS MAY 2016 Page 11

ACTIVITIES PROGRAM

LEADERS reserve the right to change the activity route on the day depending on prevailing conditions and altered circumstances. A walk leader can refuse permission for any person to take part in his/her activity. A list of trip participants must be prepared and the non-member fee (currently $5) should be collected before the start of the trip. This is a requirement of our insurance policy. Without this list participants may not be covered by insurance.

EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSONS (ECPS): Leaders must leave trip details, including a list of participants and their contact numbers with a family member, or if none available, with an ECP. In the event of a delay, the ECP will contact families and decide on the next course of action. PARTICIPANTS (members and visitors) must check with the leader that their fitness and experience suit the walk. Follow the leader’s instructions at all times. Pay own ambulance costs – insurance is recommended (but accidents are rare). BOOKINGS: If you intend participating in any of the activities listed below you are required to personally speak to the Leader no later than the Wednesday prior to a day activity or 7 days prior to an overnight activity or unless otherwise indicated. SMS bookings are not appropriate. Please be aware that leaders have the right to decide the size of the group they will accept for their activities. Activities may become fully subscribed before the general cut-off date. By contacting the leader early you may avoid missing out. FIRST AID KITS: are to be taken by leaders on each walk. BIVY BAGS: The club has bivy bags available for activities where extreme cold may be an issue.

GRADING Grade 1 (Easy) Opportunity for large number of participates, including those with reduced ability to walk/cycle on well- marked and even formed tracks. Formed tracks may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km. Grade 2 (Easy-Medium) Easy activity, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk/cycle easily in natural environments on well-marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km. Grade 3 (Medium) Medium activity with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk/cycle on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20km. Grade 4 (Medium-Hard) Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners. Grade 5 (Hard) Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often indistinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners. Grade 6 (Very Hard) Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to exploratory remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners. Exploratory Is unknown to leader and while every effort has been made to grade the activity appropriately, there may be some unexpected aspects which may increase the difficulty of the walk.

FOOTPRINTS MAY 2016 Page 12

Take a Hike.

Canning Stock Route Leader: David Findlay Phone: 0467 567 250 Bookings by: May 1st

21 May 2016 until 1 Jul 2016 Exploratory

We are planning a trip along the Canning Stock Route in WA commencing on Saturday 21st May and returning on or around Friday 1st of July. A few of us long term friends have been talking about this trip for many years are going to make it happen. We plan to take 4×4 utes and some motorbikes and spend 3 weeks travelling South to North on the Canning Stock Route. From the end we will decide to go home via Perth, head to Broome and Darwin or go out via Alice Springs. A few options as we see how we are going. There are a number of exit points for those who wish to leave before the full five weeks however this is an opportunity to see outback Australia at its best. We have nearly all the gear ready to go and a few spare seats if individuals are interested or if other vehicles are wishing to join us. We are a mature group of adults and plan to drive no longer than 6 hours a day. This is an extended trip with some pretty rough country and people need to be comfortable with the extent of the travel possibly 10,000km and living in close quarters with others. We have a briefing paper to explain our planning and general information, for those who are interested please contact David Findlay on 0457 567 250 for a discussion. Final time for interest must be May 1st.

Cross Country Skiing During Winter Grade 3 Leader: (usually) Sue Cardwell Phone: 02 6056 0501 Bookings: variable. For day trips, by Friday before the day trip; for o/night - depends on trip Trips, overnight and day, are planned with a few days notice snow & weather permitting, via the borderskiers Yahoo site for BBC members. Most trips Grade 3 medium with some hard at times. Can be flexible if beginners. To join this group please email Warwick on activities@borderbushwalking.com.au. NOTE: ski trips are not usually advertised in Footprints or the Club's home website.

Lake Sambell to Lake Kerford -Beechworth Leader: Pauline McLaughlin Phone: (02) 60213767 Bookings by: Thursday, June 2nd

Saturday, June 4th Grade 2

We’ll start at Lake Sambell in Beechworth and walk along the well-marked track through bush land, passing several mine shafts that have been protected by wire until we reach Lake Kerford for morning tea. We’ll retrace our steps and finish with a picnic lunch overlooking Lake Sambell.

Lower Big Walk Highlights Leader: Bernadette Cromarty Phone: 0419241687 Bookings by: Wednesday, June 1st

Sunday, June 5th Grade 3

We will commence at the start of the Big Walk and walk up as far as Marriotts Lookout. At this point we will retrace out steps until we come to Rollasons Junction where we will make a side trip down to Rollasons Falls on our way back. All of this walk is on well formed tracks although there may be some fallen trees or recent erosion to contend with. Much of the walk is steep (equally up and down, not surprisingly)

Mt Pilot off track Leader: Warwick McLachlan Phone: (02) 6025 1323 Number of places: 15 Bookings by: Wednesday, June 8th

Saturday, June 11th Grade 3

FOOTPRINTS MAY 2016 Page 13

This is a walk from the club’s 1980s history. Starting from Yeddonba Picnic area we climb through bush off track to the top of Mt Pilot in Chiltern State Park . After a break on the top we walk due west then veer north west again off track to hit the gravel road back to Yeddonba Picnic area where an Aboriginal rock painting of a Thylacine is visible along a quite interesting cultural heritage interpretive trail (1.5km). A little over 4 km in total but expect not much change out of 4 hours. Lots of steep scrub bashing so garden gloves and long pants/gaiters essential.

Larapinta Trail, NT Bushwalking Overnight - BOOKINGS CLOSEDCamping Leader: Marie Maguire Phone: 0431 210 087

19 Jun 2016 until 13 Jul 2016 Grade 4

I’m planning an extended trip along the remarkable Larapinta Trail (Western MacDonnell Ranges, NT). I’ll be taking my time & having a good look around, so I will be out walking for about three weeks. As there are multiple access points to this trail I will be able to put in a few food drops and it also makes it possible for walkers to join me for a section or two (or more) of the trip, as it suits them. The plan is still evolving but anyone who is interested can email me, mariemaguire [at] bigpond [dot] com *protected email* and I will send you my detailed trip plan.Overall the trip will be “medium” (although there will be a few harder days along the way) and I am factoring in a number of rest days.

Mount Beauty Hill and West Kiewa Power Station Leader: Carol Tonn Phone: 03 57 541 214 Please phone before 9pm Bookings by: Wednesday, June 8th

Sunday, June 19th Grade 2 Easy/Medium 12-15 kms

Starting from Mount Beauty we follow the marked cross country mountain bike trail uphill for about 1 1/2 hours. It is not a steep climb as the bikes go up this trail not down, there are two very short steeper bits once we leave the bike trail (about 100 mtrs). Once at the top it’s gradual downhill to the West Kiewa Power station lookout and 2 waterfalls. We retrace some of the walk before heading back to the cars on different trails. There may also be time to go down the Gorge to the swimming hole at the Canyon. The last 200 mtrs (10 mins) is along the river and you may get wet feet. I suggest a walking pole for those who like an extra bit of balance. (walking the last 200 mtrs will depend on the water level otherwise we will stop where the track enters the river) The walk is on bike trails, foot pads, dirt roads and fire trails and approx 13 kms + 3 kms if we add the Gorge.

The very First Mount Emu Cross-Over Walk Bushwalking Leader: Deb Phone: 0410047884 before 8pm Bookings by: Wednesday, June 22nd

Saturday, June 25th Grade 3 Medium 16 kms

The view across Tawonga and Mt Beauty from the top of Mt Emu is pretty stunning. Mt Emu is adjacent to Mt Bogong but much lower so is accessible during the winter months. Despite this walk being all on 4WD track it is perfect for this time of the year. I have checked out Redbank Track which takes you to the summit of Mt Emu from the opposite direction of our usual ascent. So I would like to try to do this as a cross-over if someone would like to lead from Mountain Creek Road. It will be very straight forward and all on well defined 4WD tracks. One group will walk up Mt Creek Road from the cars before turning at the intersection with Eskdale Spur for the walk to the summit, while the other group will follow Redbank Track to the summit. Lunch for both groups will be on the hang glider launch pad, with the most amazing views across Tawonga and Mt Beauty, before each group continues to walk to the other end of Eskdale Spur from which they started. If no co-leader can be found we will revert to plan B which will be a loop walk from Mt Creek Road along Eskdale Spur to the summit for lunch. The

FOOTPRINTS MAY 2016 Page 14

return walk will follow the access road for the transmission lines. Around 16kms all up.

Bright to Wandiligong return Leader: Katia Bertazzo Co-leader: Tarnia Gatzka Phone: Katia - 0401408853 Tarnia: 0419126282 Maximum number: 15 Bookings by: Friday, June 24th

Sunday, June 26th Grade 1 Easy 11 - 14 kms

We will meet at the Riverside park at 9:30, walk to Wandiligong along the various pathways next to Morse Creek to The Chinese Gardens where we will have lunch. Then we will wander back to Bright for some afternoon tea. Please call Katia or Tania ahead of time. Since its a Saturday feel free to let us know up to the morning of Saturday that you are coming. I will be driving up from Albury.

Cross country Skiing Winter - July Grade 3Leader: Sue Cardwell Phone: 02 6056 0501 Trips are planned with a few days notice snow & weather permitting on the borderskiers Yahoo site. Most trips Grade 3 medium with some hard at times. Can be flexible if beginners. If you wish to join this group please contact the co-ordinator Warwick McLachlan 6025 1323, 0418 673 164

Mt Jack Bushwalking Leader: Deb Phone: 0410047884 before 8pm Final Bookings: Wednesday, July 13th

Saturday, July 16th Grade 4

Finding a walk that is accessible in winter is tricky. Mt Jack, at the back of Dederang fits the bill nicely. Whilst it is all on 4WD track, these tracks are rarely used so we won’t be dodging vehicles all day. The walk is a loop that is accessed via private property and by crossing a number of creeks (depth of water is dependent on weather). On a clear day whilst climbing steeply (700m over 4km) up Billy Hicks Track you can see the main range. This climb will take us to the Mt Jack Track and from here its a bit up, a bit down, and a bit around till we get to the unassuming summit of Mt Jack. Following the North House Creek Track we will descend back to the flatter farmland and the cars. All up about 17km.

Cross country Skiing Winter - August Grade 3 Leader: Sue Cardwell Phone: 02 6056 0501 Trips are planned with a few days notice snow & weather permitting on the borderskiers Yahoo site. Most trips Grade 3 medium with some hard at times. Can be flexible if beginners. If you wish to join this group please contact the co-ordinator Warwick McLachlan 6025 1323, 0418 673 164

Howmans Gap Snow Weekend Leader: Sue Cardwell Phone: 02 6056 0501 Bookings by Friday, July 8th

Friday, August 19th - Sunday August 21st

Ungraded

As easy or as hard as you please. Come & have a great 3 day weekend in the snow- skiing – downhill or cross country, snow shoeing, walking or just lazing around the fire with a good book. Staying at Howman’s Gap Alpine Centre just near the entry gate to Falls Creek. Accommodation 2- 5 bunk bedrooms, single & communal bathrooms & disabled facilities. Large efficient drying rooms & guest fridges available. All meals included from Friday dinner to Sunday packed lunch. BYO bedlinen/sleeping bag, towel, wine & nibbles for around the fire predinner. Gluhwein could be on the menu. Blankets & pillows provided. Cost $247 for 2 nights & 6 meals.

FOOTPRINTS MAY 2016 Page 15

Cross country Skiing Winter - September Grade 3 Leader: Sue Cardwell Phone: 02 6056 0501 Trips are planned with a few days notice snow & weather permitting on the borderskiers Yahoo site. Most trips Grade 3 medium with some hard at times. Can be flexible if beginners. If you wish to join this group please contact the co-ordinator Warwick McLachlan 6025 1323, 0418 673 164

Grampians Wildflowers and Walks Leader: Liz Nilbett Phone: 0408702886

Sunday, October 2nd - Sunday, October 9th

Grampians Peak Trail Grade 4 Wildflower walking: Easy

I am offering a trip to Halls Gap commencing Sunday October 2. This coincides with the annual Halls Gap Wildflower Walkabout. The trip has 3 options to select from: Option 1: Up to 7 days. Arrive October 2 and participate in activities related to the Wildflower Walkabout such as self guided or guided walks and wildflower displays in the town hall. We will also do a variety of day walks to enjoy some of the beauty and stunning features the Grampians National Park offers. Option 2: The Grampians Peak Trail, October 5 – 7. See details below. Bushwalking, grade 4, hard. Option 3: Participating in both of the above options. Please let me know which of the options you are interested in. Accommodation: Halls Gap Lakeside Camping and Cabins. A huge variety of accommodation types is available here. If you wish to camp there are powered and unpowered sites. Go to this website if you wish to explore the options. www.hallsgaplakeside.com Whichever type of cabin you choose, if staying for a week, the proprietors have arranged a very good deal: stay 7 nights, pay for only 5. There is still space in a cabin I have booked. The Grampians Peak Trail. The link below opens a PDF with all the information you need about this walk. http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/662813/Grampians-Peaks-Trail-Brochure.pdf The Grampians Peaks Trail is one of the Walk Victoria’s Icons long distance trails. The first section is now complete and offers a 36 kilometre, 3 day/2 night circuit walk departing from Halls Gap. Be inspired by the spectacular outlook of rugged mountain peaks from the top of Mount Rosea, panoramic views from the Pinnacle Lookout, ancient rock features of the Grand Canyon and the rich cultural history of this truly iconic Grampians landscape. Three day / two night circuit walk Distance: 36.6km total

Australian Alps Walking Track - Walhalla to Mt Hotham Leader: Michael (Lowe) Phone: 03 6334 001 or email: mjlowe263@gmail.com Final bookings: May, 2016

November 5th - November 20th

Grade 5 Hard

This is a two-week trip planned for late next year from the southern terminus of the AAWT to where the track crosses the road near Mt Hotham ski resort. There will be a food drop after the first week, at Rumpff Saddle, on the Jamieson-Licola Road. This food drop will give the chance to do just one week – either start or finish at the saddle. The trip is for four to eight people. This is a 220km walk, mainly on track, through some of Australia’s most spectacular country. Places are full but you may register interest in case of cancellations.

FOOTPRINTS MAY 2016 Page 16

Tasmanian trip ( no vacancies – all spots filled) Bushwalking Leader: Alison and Dick wellard Phone: (02) 60271 622 Maximum participants: 12 Final bookings: May, 2016

November 5th - November 20th

Grade 5 Hard

This is a 4 days/3night walk, sleeping in huts which provide beds and basic cooking facilities. No tents! The cost is about $500 per person for the “Three Cape Walk” Following that it is planned to visit the Mt Field National Park where it is believed huts are available for base camping. The plan is to take vehicles and travel on the Spirit of Tasmania overnight. Volunteers are called for those willing to take vehicles. Club policy on travel expenses, including the cost of carriage of vehicle on ferry, would apply. Numbers are limited to 12. (3 x car loads) First in best dressed. It is anticipated that the trip would be of 14 days duration – home to home.

Disclaimer

All statements and opinions expressed in articles published in ‘Footprints’ are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the

views of the Editor, the Committee or members of the Border Bushwalking Club