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QUEENSLAND

BUSHWALKERS

CLUB Inc.

PO Box 2199

Sunnybank Hills

QLD 4109

Email qldbwc@yahoo.com

Phone No (07) 3341 7509

http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

Newsletter September 2013

The Governor, Mt Kaputar, NSW. Photo: M Hoopmann

ClubNews

2013 Photo CompetitionThe Queensland Bushwalkers Club Photo Competition is onagain. Entries of digital images only. Sorry, no prints.Images must have been taken on a Queensland BushwalkersClub event since the November meeting 2012.

There are 4 categories:Pictorial: Photographs of any broad natural scene. Pictorialphotographs can include for example creeks, seascapes,waterfalls, mountains, rocky outcrops, and cloudsNature: Photographs depicting flora or fauna, excludingdomestic animals. This category should also exclude evidenceof man. Examples of nature photographs are birds, animals,native flowers, forest, fungi, reptiles, insects etcClub Character

: Photographs showing one or more peopleparticipating in a bushwalking type of activity and can behumorous as well as serious.Non-Club Bushwalk: Photographs taken on private walks thatcomply with the Nature or Pictorial categories.

5 entries allowed per category per member (limit of 20 in total).Photos must be saved as a JPEG image file with nocompression. Make them the maximum resolution from yourcamera and they will be resized to suit viewing.The images may be produced from a digital camera or ascanned image of a print or slide.Photos must be submitted on a CD or DVD, or USB MemoryStick (named, which can be returned).Please do not email your entries.

Each entry photo needs to be titled as follows:Name_Title_Location_Category_Image Number.jpgeg. Patricia Kolarski_MtNorman_GirraweenNP_Nature_1.jpgPhotos must be titled this way or the entries cannot be identified.

Hand your entries to Patricia Kolarski or post them to 74 KallistaRoad, Rochedale, 4123 by the November Club meeting 2013.The winners will be announced at the Club Christmas Party.Besides the winners in each category which will be decided by apanel of judges, there will also be the People's Choice award.

Any questions call Patricia on 3341 7509.

Annual General Meeting

The club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Tuesdaythe 6th August 2013. All elected positions were filled and arelisted on the next page. The new committee members arecapable, enthusiastic, and keen to meet members and do what

they can to promote the services of the club. Congratulations tothe new committee members and a huge thank you to theprevious committee for your work over the last year.

Helen McAllister has agreed to take the role of treasurer on aninterim basis. If you would like to nominate yourself or anotherperson for this position, please advise a committee member.

Membership Now Due

Membership is now due for the 2013-2014 financial year and isstill only $30.00 for a whole year. A membership form can bedownloaded from the club website athttp://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/membership

Walks Planning and GPS Training Day 29 Sept 2013

A walks planning day (with social lunch function) will be held at

43 Danyenah St, Loganholme at 2.30pm on 29 September. Socheck the club website for ideas of walks that you could leadand come along. Note that this is not just for leaders!

As well there will be a GPS training session at 12 noon.

2013 Pilgrimage 13-15 September 2013

Toowoomba Bushwalkers are hosting the Pilgrimage this year atCastle Rock Campground, Girraween National Park. Details areat:http://www.bushwalkingqueensland.org.au/pilgrimage.php

If you attend, please also send an email to Helen McAllister atheli.mac@bigpond.com so that QBW has an idea of how manyQBW members are going.

Christmas Party 7-8 December 2013

The high point of our social calendar will again be held on thefirst weekend in December so mark your diaries. This is not tobe missed!! Details will be published soon, but so far the costwill be $50, the theme is 'South Pacific', the venue is BinnaBurra and the disappointment of missing out immeasurable...

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General InformationMeeting Place

Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at7.30pm. There is no club meeting in January.

Meetings are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carland O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street.

Tea/coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting.A coin donation would be appreciated.

MembershipProbationary Membership

A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Memberon his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Riskform. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member.

A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member onhis/her second walk by filling out a membership form and payingthe membership fee.

Ordinary Membership

A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out andsigning a membership form, having a proposer sign the formand handing the form with the membership fee to a committeemember or walk leader.

The proposer may be a friend who is a member of the club, aQBW walk leader, the Membership Officer or one of thecommittee members.

An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or beelected to a committee position.

Members of Another Bushwalking Club

Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated withBushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) andwho are covered by the same insurance do not need to becomea member of our club to go on our walks. However QBWmembers will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

MembersAs at 31 August we have 42 financial members.

QBW Management CommitteePresident Robin Laban 0417 991 149

Vice President Mary Sherlock 3209 8514

Secretary Marion Laban 0405 536 718

Treasurer Helen McAllister 0419 684 319

Outings Officer Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Membership Officer Margie Rae 3395 1838 (H)

Editor Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017

Training Officer John Shera 5546 0381 (H)

Social Secretary Sandy Thomas 3711 4134 (H)

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Supper Convenor Noelene McCay 3889 0264 (H)

Librarian Mary Sherlock 3209 8514

BWQ Rep Anne Kemp 3371 2707

BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Club Equipment

Compasses Topo Maps

UHF Radios Emergency Lights

Steripen First Aid Kits

The above are for use by members at nil cost.

Garmin GPS QBW has 4 GPSs which have a 20 metre contourtopo map of the whole of Australia included.

PLBs with inbuilt GPS QBW has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. ThePLBs will be made available at each club meeting and will needto be returned at the following club meeting.

Back Pack for Hire $5.00 charge

Bivy Bags For Sale $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright

orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag.Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each.

Lightweight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!

Contact Richard on 3345 9543 for any of the above.

Reciprocal Walks with Other ClubsRedlands Bushwalking Club

Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priorityover visitors. Calendar is available at:http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html

Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)

BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubsaffiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQactivities without having to become members of BOSQ or payvisitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader.Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations.Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/

YHA Bushwalkers

Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to threewalks per calendar year. Calendar is available at:http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings

Family Bushwalkers

There is a $5 temporary membership fee per adult.Phone: (07) 3878 3293

Gold Coast BushwalkersGold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary membersfinancial members of bushwalking clubs which are affiliated withBWQ. This dispensation will be at the discretion of theManagement Committee.

Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc

Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. Thenewsletter also contains a full description of the grading systemand a list of Committee members and their contact numbers.

Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au

Special Coming Events

2013 Pilgrimage 13-15 September 2013

Toowoomba Bushwalkers are hosting the Pilgrimage this year.

The Pilgrimage is a great opportunity to meet and walk withmembers of other clubs.

At Castle Rock Campground, Girraween National Park.

Cost $15 for one night or $20 for two nights

More details can be seen on the BWQ website: http://www.bushwalkingqueensland.org.au/pilgrimage.php

Contact: Rodney BradeyPresident Toowoomba Bushwalkers Inc.0417 711 007

Great Noosa Trail Walk 5-7 October 2013Tourism Noosa is promoting this inaugural 3 day event. It costs$150 and places are limited. The walk is supported and the trailpasses through Cooroy, Pomona and Kin Kin. For moreinformation go to: www.greatnoosatrailwalk.com.au.

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Brisbane BushwalkersSnow Trip 28 Sept - 7 Oct 2013

Leader: Peter Lock (BBW) Tel: 3351 1184 / 0419 496 837 orpeter@lock.id.au. More info at:http://picnicpete.com/snowtrip/

Active Outdoors Expo 5 October 2013

The website www.activeoutdoorsexpo.com has moreinformation.

Tasmania's Tarkine Wilderness February 2014

Leader: Patricia Kolarski Tel: 33417509

For further details refer August QBW newsletter.

Otago Rotary Trust New Zealand Tramps 2014

Details of the Otago Rotary Trust 2014 event calendar areavailable at www.otagorotarytrusttramps.org.nz .

Sandakan Ranau Walk, Borneo August 2014

(with TYK Adventure Tours www.sandakan-deathmarch.com/)

I am planning a walk to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo leaving on13th August 2014 and returning 31st August. While we are awaywe will be walking along an approximately 100 km section of theroute that was taken by over 2,400 Australian and Britishprisoners of war who were systematically killed by the Japanesetowards the end of WWII in a series of Death Marches.

The tour is over 12 days combining hard physical effort with

sightseeing, cultural and historical elements. It also has greatflexibility, allowing all trekkers to choose their own level ofphysical challenge each day. Overnight accommodation whiletrekking is basic but comfortable, with good sanitation andbathing facilities, fans and/or air conditioning. We only need tocarry a bum bag or small backpack during the walk.

After the walk the plan is to climb Mt Kinabalu - South-EastAsias highest peak.

The total cost of this program is approximately - 12 day walk$3000 + Mt Kinabalu $350 + airfares and additionalaccommodation and taxis etc. To secure a place we need tobook by paying a deposit of the tour fee by the end ofSeptember 2013.

If you are interested in coming please contact me by email at aileenelliott@bigpond.com

or ring me on 07 54279369 for more detailed information.

Aileen Elliott

Coming WalksAny person wishing to come on a walk must contact the leaderof the walk first. The leader will organise the meeting place andthe car pooling. The leader has full discretion on who can comeon the walk.

Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to aweekend trip. For Wednesday walks, nominations close 9.00pmon the Monday before.

More detailed information is available on the club calendar.

September 20131 Sun Enoggera Reservoir

Patricia Kolarski 3341 7509

1 Sun Coominya to Esk bike rideAileen Elliott 5427 9369

8 Sun Neglected MountainMarion Laban 3805 3300

8 Sun Boondall WetlandsPatricia Kolarski 3341 7509

11 Wed Diana's Bath (D'Aguilar NP)Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

13-15 Fri-Sun Pilgrimage (Girraween NP)

18 Wed Mt Byron exploratory (D'Aguilar NP)Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

21-25 Sat-WedNew England Wilderness WalkNeil Douglas 3875 1090

21 Sat Mt Greville (Aratula)Helen McAllister 38444866

22 Sun Mt Alexander (Beaudesert)Aileen Elliott 5427 9369 after 7pm

28 Sat Noowongbill Lookout (Binna Burra)

Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

29 Sun Walks Planning Day, BBQ & GPS Training43 Danyenah St, Loganholme

October 20135-7 Sat-MonBoonoo Boonoo NP (Tenterfield, NSW)

Patricia Kolarski 3341 7509

5-7 Sat-MonGirraween

Grade: M 6 6

Leader: Neil Douglas Tel.: 3875 1090

Meet: Girraween NP headquarters 9.30 a.m. SaturdayPetrol: $50 (BOSQ payment system)

Map: Hema Girraween NP 1:33 000

Water: 2 litres (camping at water each night)

We'll take advantage of the still relatively novel October longweekend to do a 3-day throughwalk at Girraween. Meeting timewill be somewhat later than usual to allow time to travel up fromBrisbane on Saturday morning - thus avoiding the crowds in thecamping areas on Friday night.

The majority of the walk will be on tracks or fire trails, but therewill be some scunge and rock scrambling as well. From parkheadquarters we take the graded track over Mt. Norman anddown to the Mt. Norman day use area. Then we follow the Mt.

Norman Road north for a couple of km before we turn off tofollow Racecourse Creek to Racecourse Creek Falls. We campat the superb unofficial campsite at the top of the falls. OnSunday we'll head across country to the fire trail just north ofWest Bald Rock, where there'll be an opportunity to climb theRock. From there we follow fire trails north and east for a whileuntil we take off without packs on a side trip to climb Bald Rock -still mainly on fire trails. Returning to packs, we'll findsomewhere suitable to camp on Paling Yard Creek upstreamfrom Underground River. On Monday we'll follow PyramidsRoad north for a while until we pick up the fire trail on thenorthern boundary of the park, following it west into this littlevisited area. A final scunge bash and scramble will bring usback to the starting point by skirting the Pyramids.

12-13 Sat-Sun Cockscomb Point (Border Ranges)Peter Weallans 0429 950352

12 Sat Gap Creek Falls & Palm Grove CrctGerry Burton 3376 9454

18-20 Fri-Sun Black Canyon (O'Reilly's)Richard Kolarski 3341 7509

19-20 Sat-Sun GirraweenJohn & Julie Shera 5546 0381

26 Sat Northbrook Mountain & England Crk FallsDavid Haliczer 0432 901030

27 Sun Commando Track ExploratoryRichard Kolarski 3341 7509

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mailto:peter@lock.id.auhttp://picnicpete.com/snowtrip/http://picnicpete.com/snowtrip/http://picnicpete.com/snowtrip/http://www.activeoutdoorsexpo.com/http://www.otagorotarytrusttramps.org.nz/http://www.otagorotarytrusttramps.org.nz/mailto:aileenelliott@bigpond.commailto:peter@lock.id.auhttp://picnicpete.com/snowtrip/http://www.activeoutdoorsexpo.com/http://www.otagorotarytrusttramps.org.nz/mailto:aileenelliott@bigpond.com

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Past WalksBoyds Butte 20 July 2013

This walk was to check out a new way up Boyds Butte. Insteadof the same route up and down we were planning on doing acircuit and walking along all three of the crags that make upBoyds Butte.

Gil and I drove down to Nerang to meet up with Norm. Whilethere we met up with a group of Gold Coast bushwalkers whowere doing a different walk. After joining up with Norm, the threeof us drove down to the Currumbin Valley and parked at theNational Park picnic area.The first part of the walk is an all bitumen track and passessome lovely cascades in Currumbin Creek. This ended at thesawmill after about a kilometre. We continued on past thesawmill on an old forestry road which took us up alongCurrumbin Creek for a short distance. We crossed CurrumbinCreek near a small tributary.Our route now was along a ridge between Currumbin Creek andthe tributary. There were signs that the ridge had been loggedand soon we came across a disused logging road. Following itup we came across a firetrail which marked the boundary of thepark.Walking up this firetrail took us right up to the ridge on thenortheastern side of Boyds Butte. It was an easy walk but thenext section along the ridge to Boyds Butte was not so easy.The ridge was overgrown and we needed careful navigation tostay on the correct ridge. There were some views to the north

but thick lantana stopped us from walking right on the ridge.Coming to the first crag we skirted round it on the southern side.There did not seem to be a way up it plus the rocks lookedcrumbly. The second crag did have a route up it along a narrowledge which had a fallen branch hindering the way. On top of thesecond crag were some good views. Going on to the third cragwe found the way up and had our lunch.

The normal route back down was just below the third crag andmarked with tape. This made it a lot easier and quicker finding

the way. Coming back to Currumbin Creek and crossing it wemet several other walkers just doing the easy walk to thesawmill. We had our afternoon tea at the picnic area and droveback to Nerang.Many thanks to Norm and Gil for joining me.

Richard Kolarski

Collins Gap - Mount Glennie D/W 29 July 2013

This walk was not as hard as the description suggests.

Eleven starters met in Beaudesert (Maccas) at the nominatedtime of 7.30am. Notwithstanding the showers in the city early inthe morning, the weather cleared quickly and the drive souththrough Rathdowney was picture perfect. The three pooledvehicles arrived on time (8.30 am) at the Collins Gap (Mt.Lindesay) border gate.

It was a leisurely walk through to the old Mt. Lindesay gate (inthe saddle between Mt Lindesay and Mt. Glennie), where westopped for morning tea. Photo shoots back to Mount Lindesaywere good. In this section, there were a couple of steep spotsand a couple of stinging trees to negotiate. No mishaps and nodirty tails to report. We passed the point on the fence wherewalkers leave to climb to Mt Lindesay cliff-face. The track wasobscured by fresh weed growth and it looked likely to beslippery. Circumnavigation of the cliff-base at Mount Lindesay isa possible future walk.

After morning tea we set off at a lively pace for the base ofMount Glennie. The entire walk follows rabbit and border fencesso that it is clear walking and the only obstacles are the varioussteep pinches. Mount Glennie itself provided the exercise for the

day, and the reason for ranking the walk as an F.5. Few cantruthfully say that they didnt grab the rabbit fence for a help-upat some point. We were fortunate that the ground was quite drydespite recent showers.

At the top of the climb we turned left and away from the truesummit of Mount Glennie. (That too is a walk for anotheroccasion). A very relaxed lunch with sunlight but limited viewswas enjoyed against the fence. Fortunately no ticks reported.

The return walk was notable for the steep descent along thefence at Glennie. At the bottom and once into the sunlight, the

team were like horses headed for home. A short rest andregroup at the Old Lindesay road border gate. We climbed thegate at this point and went cockroach for the return to the cars.There was a short shower but not enough to slow the stampedehome.

Back to Maccas for coffee and the end of what was for many afairly long day. A stunning social success, no?

Timings:

Meeting at Maccas in Beaudesert, 7.30am.

Commencement of walk at Collins Gap 8.45 am

Morning Tea at Old Mount Lindesay Road border gate 10.30 am

Lunch on top of Glennie 12.30 pm 1.00 pm

Rest on return to Old Mount Lindesay Road border gate 2.15 pmReturn to Collins Gap 3.35 pm

Return to Maccas 4.45 pmNorm Johnston

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Somerset Trail 10 August 2013

The Somerset Trail is a 13k graded track walk in the Mt MeeForest section of D'Aguilar National Park. Access was viaSamford and Dayboro then along Mt Mee and Sellin Roads intothe park. Four of the group met at Samford shops to car pooland then linked up with two more walkers at the Gantry picnicarea where the old sawmil site is still in evidence.

The track is a circuit walk and after the lead in pathway throughrainforest and piccabeen palms it divides into a loop formation

weaving through a variety of vegetation; dry open eucalyptforest, scribbly gums, hoop pine forest, open grassed areas withrocky outcrops and gullies with small creeks.

There's no chance of getting lost, as the track is well markedand criss-crosses a number of 4 wheel drive dirt roads. Thehalfway point is at the top of cliffs overlooking valleys and ridgeswith views of Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams, a great vantagepoint for our late morning tea break and photo opportunity torecord the fine weather and clear views, and our team spirit.

The track then follows the top of the ridge with the viewcontinuing until we veer back into the bushland and continue theremaining 6 kilometres to the picnic area.

We easily found a table to have our lunch and enjoy the earlyafternoon. Margaret and Noelene then left for their trip andMichael, Margie, Helen and I drove the dirt circuit road whichroughly followed our walk and noted all the pathway crossings,before enjoying the adventure of returning to Dayboro and thebitumen via a 4wd track and ridge through the forest.

Thanks to everyone for coming along. Sandy Thomas

Mt May 11 August 2013

Patricia had put Mt May on the walks calendar, but unfortunatelywas not well enough to make it. However, when she phoned me

the night before, I reassured her that with all the capable peoplegoing, we would be able to find our way without her, and Ivolunteered John as substitute leader.

John & Julie were camping overnight at Cleared Ridge, withRobin & Marion, so I sent Julie a text to let her know, & that wewould still meet at the campground at 8am as originally planned.

Judy and I manage to find our way there thanks to the marvelsof modern GPS technology, although my poor little city-slickercar was complaining about the dirt roads and flashing warninglights at me on the way in. Norm, Bert & Aileen were alreadywaiting when we arrived but there was no sign of the Sheras orthe Labans.

As the meeting time came and went, we were beginning towonder what had happened to the usually punctual crew. Norm

& Bert were just about to drive the cars up for the car shuttle,when we heard the others coming down. Apparently our newChairman had locked his car keys in the tent when packing up.Camping 101 could be the first subject for our new TrainingOfficers.

We set off up the mountain, and although it was a warm day, itwas not overly hot or humid so we made it comfortably to the topof the ridge & stopped for morning tea. On to the next peak,where the views to Lake Moogerah & beyond were obscuredsomewhat by the smoke from burnoffs.

We were making good progress so had time for a longer breakfor lunch at the top of the final peak before descending to thewhere the cars were conveniently waiting at the bottom. As wedid not have to walk down the long & winding road to thecampground, we were finished in 4 hours and drove to Boonahfor coffee before going our separate ways.

Thanks to Patricia for organising the walk, to John for his usualexpert leadership, and to all for their company on the day.

Gerry Burton

Canungra Creek 14 August 2013

Five of us were on this walk on a new way to get to the junctionof East and West Canungra Creeks.

After meeting up at the township of Canungra we drove up tothe start of the walk near Duck Creek Road.We had heard that Bull Ant Spur had been damaged by thestorms earlier this year. We were pleasantly surprised thenwhen we found that the track down it was in very good condition

with no treefalls. At Blue Pool we had a short rest on the rockyslabs there.We crossed West Canungra Creek below the pool getting ourboots wet in the process as the creek was high. We walked ashort distance downstream and then it was then up a ridge as ifgoing to Fountain Falls. After ascending a few hundred metreswe turned left and headed down the ridge between East andWest Canungra Creeks.This section of the ridge had never been done by the Clubbefore and required some navigation. We had to change coursea couple of times as we wandered too far to the right or left butthere were no major obstacles. Finally we arrived down at the

junction after a couple of hours and had a well earned rest.It was a pleasant warm day and we enjoyed a leisurely lunchthere at the creek.

We still had a long way to go though with some rock hoppingback up West Canungra Creek. We found the old walking trackbeside the creek and tried to follow it as much as possible.Treefalls and landslips though slowed our progress. There wasa large treefall just below Stairway Falls. Continuing upstreamwe had to crisscross the creek several times but finally we wereback at Blue Pool.

We had done about seven hours of walking so far but we stillhad to get up Bull Ant Spur. Knowing that this was the lastsection though kept us going. Finally we were back at the cars.It had been a solid day of walking but we all got back safe andsound.

Many thanks to Gerry, Marion, Michael and Ryszard for theircompany.

Richard Kolarski

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Flinders Ranges Simpson Desert Trip 21 June 7 July

On Friday 21st June we set off from Aratula on our giantadventure. Participants were John and Julie in the Forester(White Chook]), Sandy and Michael in the Navara (Bluebird 1)and Mary, Dave and Margie in the Hilux (Condor 1). Robin andMarion were to meet us on Saturday in their Hilux (Robin RedBreast) As it was raining when we left we decided to drivedirectly to our destination of Mt Kaputar. This is a remarkableplace, with the campsite at 1400m elevation and invariably 10degrees or more cooler than the plains below. Fortunately wehad wood for a fire as that night and mornings were very cold.

On Saturday we did some walks and welcomed Robin andMarion, with Margie winning the prize for guessing when theywould arrive. Sunday morning saw us packing up freezing cold,wet tents so we could head off to our next stop of GundabookaNP, south of Bourke.

This is a pleasant little campsite which Michael and Sandy madethe most of by doing a pre dawn walk to watch the sunrise. Afterbreakfast it was off towards the Darling River, which we were tofollow down for 500 km to Menindee Lakes. The road is dirt androughly follows the Darling River passing through Wilcannia andthe Paroo Darling NP. It was about here that the Robin RedBreast left us for a few days as Robin had made an emergencyappointment to see the dentist in Broken Hill. On arriving atKinchega NP we were dismayed to find that most of the

campgrounds were closed so we embarked on a frantic drivearound the park where we eventually found a site with acondemned toilet which Sandy bravely tried out and pronouncedit still useable (just duck under the police tape and watch nothingliving in the cracks in the slab). Next day we drove to Broken Hillto top up on supplies and Julie decided to let SIRI in the iphonefind Woolies for us. Well what a snafu that was! SIRI led theconvoy around on a wild goose chase down Bromide St upChloride St across Sulphide St finally leading us up a dead endin Slag St. After giving her the sack we pulled up a map andfound our way there by ourselves.

After lunch we headed west towards SA (still minus Robin andMarion) intending to approach the Flinders Ranges via thesealed Hawker Orroroo Rd but while we were stopped at Yunta ,Dave spoke to someone who had come across the unsealed

short cut and said it was worth trying. So we turned right atYunta and on to one of the most interesting and enjoyabletracks of our trip. The road was all undulating smooth dirt withinteresting scenery. Camp was made along here beside theroad. A very quiet spot as not a single vehicle passed while wewere there. Next morning we wound our way towards the mainroad and emerged at Craddock just south of Hawker. Here wehad a surprise. As we turned on to the main road, who shouldbe driving along it but Marion and Robin! Then we drove toWilpena info centre and up to a camp at Brachina Gorge.

Next day we climbed the famous St Mary's peak. It is quite astrenuous walk especially if you come back the long way (asSandy, Michael, Mary, Dave and Margie did). Day three of ourcamp had Dave set up the worlds longest camp washing line,

using 50m of Telecom rope. He then proceeded to fill the line upwith hundreds of bits of clothing. Opposite our camp was a largemountain, Hayward Bluff, and Mary set off to climb it. Four hourslater she was back having climbed it and the other one behind itas well. We set off early next day travelling north towards

Oodnadatta and camped just short at the Algebuckina Bridgehaving passed Leigh Creek, Lake Eyre South and William Ck.

Arriving early at Oodnadatta next day we had time to do the 4x4challenge where you drive around a sandy track just outside oftown. It is supposed to prepare you for the Simpson Desert.Despite all the warnings that we would get bogged if we did notlet our tyres down we all managed to get around on our roadpressures. If only the Simpson Desert was as easy as that!Then the road took us up via Hamilton Station and PedirkaRuins to the amazing Dalhousie Springs.

We arrived just after lunch, which is the quietest time and set up

camp at a good spot. The Springs are exceedingly popular butstill worth a visit .It doesnt matter if you swim day or night thetemperature is always around 34 degrees. We were one of thefirst parties to set off next morning. From now on it was allEastbound till we reached Brisbane. It is about 80k of rockycorrugated road before you reach Purnie Bore and the first hintof the desert proper, then another 30k before you must let someair out of your tyres at Wonga Junction. From here it is 300ksand 1200 dunes to the last dune, Big Red. Every year the desertis different, last year it was covered in green vegetation andfootprints and burrows from millions of small mammals. Someyears it is awash with billions of white, yellow, blue and purpleflowers. This year it was dry and soft, the hardest conditions todrive through. There were no little footprints on the dunes thisyear just the occasional abandoned burrow, the remains of a

massive population explosion gone bust. That night we campednear the Coulson track junction at the base of a large dune. Wewalked up the dune in the afternoon to catch the sunset and getthat wonderful feeling of isolation as you look across the tops ofhundreds of dunes.

We continued along the French line next morning and did a sidetrip to the Knolls an important aboriginal landmark. Then wedrove for another hour or so to find another camp in a grove oftrees near a dune. It was onwards next day towards Poeppelcorner for lunch where we managed to take a short cut up thelake to get past some slower convoys. Some of these slowconvoys were struggling to cross the dunes as their vehicleswere overloaded and had too high tyre pressures. Camp wasmade this afternoon not far from Eyre Creek.

We crossed Eyre Creek next morning on our way to the famousBig Red. Just before we got to there we were held up on a duneby some 4WD'ers towing camper-trailers struggling to cross adune (only about their third dune) After speaking to them theysensibly decided to give the idea of a desert crossing a miss.Big Red had its usual welcoming committee of spectators andtourists from Birdsville. We all made it up the dune and parkedon top where we watched the fun as people played around inthe sand. Then we drove to the base of the dune and completedthe rather depressing task of re-inflating our tyres to roadpressures for the 36ks back to Birdsville.

Camp that night was on the banks of the Diamantina in theBirdsville common. We managed to get to Windorah next day tocamp on Cooper Creek where we enjoyed the displays of the

numerous wild birds. Our last night was in the free campgroundat Morven where we were serenaded all night by the large flockof the town geese.

We finally said our goodbyes in the park at Dalby. Thanks toeverybody who came on the trip. I enjoyed every day and wouldbe happy to do a trip with the same group again. John Shera

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QBW ANNUAL REPORTS 2012 / 2013(Cont'd from August newsletter)

Queensland Bushwalkers Club Presidents Report for AGM - August 2013

The AGM is an appropriate time to reflect on the highs and lows of the previous twelve months and thinkabout the next year coming up.

A couple of major events stand out as significant gatherings of club members to enjoy the bush and eachothers company: the Pilgrimage at Canungra organised by the Redlands Bushwalkers Club, and the QBWChristmas party held at Lake Moogerah.

As enjoyable as these major events are, our main activity happens on a weekly basis with small groupsventuring out into the bush to escape from the city, for adventure, to get close to nature, and to challengeourselves physically and mentally. Thanks must go to those who volunteer time and energy to lead walksfor all of us to enjoy.

During the past year we have had a couple of incidents on walks that necessitated emergency services to

be called in to evacuate ill or injured walkers. While these incidents may not have been foreseeable, theyremind us to always take care and look out for each other.

The weather has played a part in curtailing some club activities. Several walks and a base camp had to becancelled in the summer due to heavy rain, which also resulted in a number of track closures for varyingperiods of time. While many have now re-opened, others such Shipstern and Warrie Circuit will remainclosed well into the future.

While some old favourite walks are not available to us, Id like to acknowledge the fantastic work done byRichard in developing the walks database, which has added a number of new walks to the menu. This year,a milestone of 500 walks was passed and Richard tells me he has set his sights on the next 500! I would

encourage any aspiring walk leader to have a look at what is available on the database.

By the end of the 2012-13 year, club membership stood at 82, which was a decline on the previous year. Inany year, there will be a number of new members, and some others will choose to not renew membershipfor their own personal reasons. Last year, more left than joined, but this isnt necessarily a trend, and I hopethe balance can swing a little more the other way in the next year.

Finally, Id like to thank the committee for the extra they have given over the past year to keep the clubgoing. I know there are a few current members who are ready to take a break from committee duties so Idlike to encourage others to take a role for the next year.

Helen McAllister

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