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Illinbah Caves

President Sue Simpson 5546 8781 0414 575 509

Vice President

Brian Watson 5543 1261

watsonpab@bigpond.com

Secretary & Publicity Officer Heather O’Keeffe 3208 6420

dizzycat1@hotmail.com

Committee Members

Treasurer Lynne Lucas 3287 4934

lmlucas@iprimus.com.au

Website Manager Mark Filius 3398 8528

mark@filius.cc

Equipment Officer David Nickson 3287 3312

Editor Denise Bouyer 0417 743 127

kdbouyer@bigpond.com

General Enquiries loganbbw@gmail.com www.bushwalkers.com www.facebook.com/

loganbeaudesertbushwalkers

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Minutes of General Meeting

Logan & Beaudesert Bushwalkers

11th August 2015 Meeting opened at 7.10pm Visitors: Members: Heather O'Keeffe, Sue Simpson, Lynne Lucas, Bruce Ludlow, Regina Harvey, Peter Rice, Gary Logan, Dave Nickson, Jenny Kemp, Sue & Andrew McLeod, Kathy Rouse, Denise & Ken Bouyer, Bob Millen, Bev Schofield, Alice Bennet-Adler and Karen Shaw & Emily Watson Apologies: Malcolm Hill, Brian Watson, Mark Filius, Kathy Rouse, Paulette Watson, Ross Vlahos and Diane Howlin

Minutes of previous meeting:

As per July newsletter. Bev Schofield accepted the minutes as being accurate. Seconded by Peter Rice Business arising from the minutes:

Nil

Treasurer's Report:

Reconciled Balances for the period from 17/08/2015 $3,213.56 ___________________________________________ Plus memberships received $1,745.00 Grant $ 0.00 Bunnings Net Sausage Sizzle $ 0.00 Gold Coast Water Stall $ 515.00 Interest $ .05

------------- $2,260.05 Less Outgoings Kokoda Challenge Team $ 500.00 Insurance $ 727.30 Stationery $ 12.65 Rounding $ 0.02 Gazebo Bag $ 30.00

-------------- $1,269.97 Balance held at end of period $4,203.64

------------- Funds made up of Account Balance $3,701.24 Cash on Hand $ 502.40 Unreceipted Memberships ------------- Reconciled Balances $4,203.64 ------------- Report was not tabled at the meeting

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Incoming correspondence

August newsletter from Brisbane Bushwalkers - tabled

Insurance renewal from BWQ

Thank you email from Tina and Peter Wintour re Kokoda Challenge and the Club donation

Email from Jan Sammons re a walk to Feathertop Mountain Feb or March 2016

Quote from Impact First Aid Training for CPR recertification

Outgoing correspondence

Our newsletter

Application emailed to Scenic Rim Council for a grant for the CPR renewal, due in October

Heather moved that the correspondence be approved. Seconded by Karen Shaw Welcome to our new members: Jenny Davies Bridget & Richard Dennis Diane Howlin Dieter Lacko Anthony Milverton Gail Vascotto Karen Brauer Donna & Graham Cooper Welcome back to Kris and Barry Mann General Business

The Pilgrimage is on this weekend at the Kalbar Showgrounds. Day walks are available for anyone interested

The Bunning Sausage Sizzle will be held on Sunday 13th September. Sue is the coordinator. Sue will be there at the start and Heather will be there at the finish. Morning shift are – Sue, Andrew & Sue McLeod, Diane and Alice. The afternoon shift will be – Heather, Denise & Ken, Bruce Ludlow and Karen Shaw. Diane Howlin has offered to get the sausages, sliced onions can be bought at Ollies

The October long weekend will be at Girraween. Some people will be going on Friday. Everyone to make their own bookings

There is a charity walk on the 10th & 11th Octoberat Ji9mboomba. It’s called Run For Life. Anyone interested in participating please contact Lynne Lucas

A walk has now been scheduled for Saturday 15th August. It will be Neglected Mountain. Heather is the coordinator and Dave will be the leader. Meet in Beaudesert at 7am

The August Club dinner is scheduled for Friday 21st August. Jimboomba House, in the grounds of Hills International School and Golf Course. Meet at 7pm. Coordinator: Brian Watson

The walk scheduled for 22nd August in Cainbable. Sue suggested that we use this walk to practice navigational skills

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Our Christmas camp will be at Lake Cressbrooke (between Esk & Hampton) over the weekend of 5th & 6th December

Heather advised that there is a new phone app available for emergencies. It’s called Emergency Plus and can be downloaded on Iphones or Android phones

Sue advised that in the Great Walks Magazine there is an article stating that the tourism industry in Nepal in back in business. For anyone interested in going May and October are the best months to travel there

A trip to Cape York is being planned for June/July 2016. The trip will probably be organised by Jan & Rob Peter Rice is also interested in doing another desert trip if anyone is interested

The Pizza Walk is confirmed as Saturday 19th September. Brian to be notified by the August meeting at the latest. The walk is still to be decided. Anyone interested in staying at Bigriggen please let Heather know

There is a charity walk on the Gold Coast called Seaway to Seaway. It is held on the 12 September. It is a 35km walk including a section from Point Danger to Currumbin. It is held when the sand sculptures are on display. It’s too close for this year but maybe it can be done in 2016

Lynne gave a brief overview of her and Malcom’s trip to Europe. Apart from the 700km Camino walk done from Portugal to Spain, they also visited Spain, Greece, Croatia and Germany. Walk report and photos to follow

Ken mentioned the historical value of the Shepherd’s Walk and asked if there was a walk related to the Stinson rescue. It is called the Stretcher Track and has been done by the club in the past. However, it’s now very rough and overgrown

Lynne received an email from O’Reilly’s advising that their rangers we out of action at the moment, to conduct any guided walk. They requested someone to help show the walks

On behalf of the club, Sue wished Rob & Jan and Regina good luck for their upcoming trip to Europe and their walk at Mt Blanc

KOKODA CHALLENGE Peter and I would like to thank the Logan & Beaudesert Bushwalkers Club for their generous contribution of $500 which went to the team's fund-raising for Kokoda Youth Foundation. We do appreciate the club providing this money and we again were proud to represent the club as their team for the event. Andrew and Sue again were wonderful support crew for us and we couldn't have succeeded in crossing the finish line without them and our other crew members Donovan Lee and Peta Heffernan. Sue asked during our small celebration we had at the finish line if I would write an article about our challenge experience for the club's newsletter. I hope this is okay and maybe members of the club might be interested in reading it and maybe inspire some to enter themselves one day. Kind regards Tina Wintour Meeting closed at 7.55pm

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Future Walks

Notes for Saturday walkers

If possible, please email or sms your intention to walk to the walk coordinator instead of phoning. The walk coordinator will always reply to confirm that you are listed for the walk and provide you with any necessary details. Please sms at a respectful hour

Alternatively, please phone the walk coordinator between the hours of 6pm to 8pm on the Thursday before the walk

Please check the walks list to see when you have been nominated to coordinate a walk

The weekly walks will also be on the Facebook page which is updated every Wednesday night www.facebook.com/loganbeaudesertbushwalkers

August 2015 When Outing Type Grade Coordinator Phone

Saturday 22nd

Cainbable Falls - O’Reillys meet at Canungra - 7am

D.W. L-4-4 Heather 0432 197 577

Sunday 23rd Saturday

29th Mt May meet at Beaudesert - 7am

D.W. L-4-4 Dave 3287 3312

September 2015 When Outing Type Grade Coordinator Phone

Saturday 5th O’Reilly’s (Brian’s Walk) meet at Canungra – 7am

D.W. M-4-4 Brian

0415 996 266

Saturday 12th Albert River Circuit - O’Reillys meet at Canungra - 7am

D.W. L-5-5 Sue 5546 8781

0414 575 509

Sunday 13th Sausage Sizzle – Bunnings Browns Plains

Sue 5546 8781

0414 575 509

Saturday 19th Pizza Walk and camp at Bigriggen (Heather for camp)

D.W. M-3-3 Brian

Heather

5543 1261 0409 010 436 0432 197 577

Saturday 26th

The Cream Track – Rathdowney meet at Beaudesert - 7am

D.W. M-4-4 Heather 0432 197 577

October 2015 When Outing Type Grade Coordinator Phone

Sat 3rd to Mon 5th

GIRRAWEEN – LONG WEEKEND Castle Rock Camping Area

B.C. Sue

5546 8781

0414 575 509

Saturday 10th

Mt Mitchell, Cunningham’s Gap meet at Beaudesert - 7am

D.W. M-3-3 Peter 5543 2108

0400 260 639

Saturday 17th Golden Staircase, Rathdowney meet at Beaudesert - 7am

D.W. M-4-4

Heather 0432 197 577

Saturday 24th

Binna Burra – Nixon Creek meet at Canungra - 7am

D.W. M-4-4 Sue 5546 8781

0414 575 509

Saturday 31st Denham Reserve – Beechmont meet at Canungra - 7am

D.W. S-2-2 Heather 0432 197 577

Phone numbers for Park Rangers and the web address for park alerts

Binna Burra - 5533 3996 Boonah - 5463 5041

Main Range - 4666 1133 O'Reillys - 5544 0634

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Park alerts can be found on the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing web site

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/index.php

Emergency Numbers if you are unable to get through to 000 use 112 on your mobile phone

Please Note

THURSDAY is the deadline to notify the Coordinator

for through walks, base camps and Saturday walks

FRIDAY is the deadline to notify the Coordinator for Sunday walks

Some walks may be changed at the last minute due to weather or other conditions

PLEASE ensure you contact the coordinator before your chosen walk or check the Facebook page

When car pooling passengers are to pay $7 petrol money to the driver

Make sure these are in your pack Every Week & Every Walk

Hat First-aid Kit Torch Food 1-2ltr Water Watch

Jumper Paper & Pencil Whistle Raincoat Map & Compass Lighter / Matches

Sunscreen Insect Repellent

Walk Grading’s

Walkers Guide: Participants are required to read and understand the Grading System for activities as listed. They should ensure that they are able to complete the listed walk. New members will normally start with two shorter and easier walks with the Club, such as easy terrain, easy fitness, and or short to medium length and progress by one grading step per activity.

Distance S Short - Under 10km M Medium - 10 – 15 km L Long - 15 – 20 km XL Extra Long - 20+ km

Fitness 1 Basic - suitable for beginners, up to 4 hours walking, flat 2 Basic - suitable for beginners, up to 4 hours walking, minor hills 3 Easy - suitable for beginners, up to 5 hours walking, undulating terrain 4 Reasonable level of fitness required -up to 5 hours walking 5 Moderate - up to 6 hours walking, agility required 6 Moderate - up to 6 hours walking, agility required 7 High - up to 8 hours walking, high fitness, endurance and agility required 8 High - up to 8 hours walking, high fitness, endurance and agility required 9 Challenging - up to 12 hours walking, very high fitness, endurance and

agility required

Terrain 1 Smooth, reasonably flat path 2 Graded path / track with minor obstacles

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3 Graded track with obstacles such as rock, roots, fallen debris or creek crossings

4 Rough unformed track or open terrain with obstacles such as rock, roots, fallen debris or creek crossings

5 Rough or rocky terrain with small climbs using hands or rock hopping 6 Steep, rough or rocky terrain with large climbs using hands or rock hopping 7 Climb / descend step rock using hands or footholds, may be some exposure,

good upper body strength 8 Climb / descend near vertical rock with exposure, climbing skills may be

required 9 Sustained climbing or descending of vertical or near vertical rock with

exposure, advanced climbing skills required, good upper body strength Activity

DW Day Walk BC Base Camp TW Through Walk SOC Social Activity S&T Safety and Training Bush Qld Bush Walking Qld FMR Federation Mountain Rescue

Walk Reports

Kokoda Challenge 2015 Team Logan & Beaudesert Bushwalkers

Once again Peter and I were proud to represent the club in the Kokoda Challenge Gold Coast for 2015. We made it all the way to the finish line last year under the leadership of Lyn Lucas with excellent training from Lyn, Malcolm Hill and Andrew McLeod. This year our team included Kelly, our 24 year old daughter and Peter’s sister Josephine Seaton. Kel had youth on her side and Jo had been competing for two years in 5 km, 10 km and up to ½ marathon events. We trained for six months on the hills of the challenge course, also entering the Kokoda Challenge Brisbane 30km event to experience different terrain. Although it was tough we managed to hike 30km in 6hrs 37mins. We didn’t get carried away by this result as it is less than 1/3 of Gold Coast Challenge. The KC15 weekend was going to be a frosty one with the Antarctic Vortex producing a chilly start to the event. We started off at Mudgeeraba Firth Park in 4.5°C but happy to be on our way after hearing the Last Post played. It is a very solemn reminder of our diggers who fought so gallantly on the Kokoda Track in 1942 and whatever discomfort we would feel, was nothing to what they suffered on that track in PNG and their ultimate sacrifice for us as a nation. This physical endurance event is tough but personally rewarding. The camaraderie shown by other competitors, the helping hand or the cheery, quick conversation as you hike along is what it’s all about.

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Our team was progressing particularly well, we were in great spirits, we played music in the evening as we hiked with headlamps on and teams around us enjoyed our playlist too. Our times coming into major checkpoints were as we had planned. Kel’s feet on the other hand were going to complain at some point and it did catch up with her hiking up to the Army land at midnight. We had completed 58.4 km. After a crew stop with some much needed food and hot drinks we pushed on but Kel’s blisters on both feet started to create more havoc as we ate up the miles. After Checkpoint 9 it was time to cross five creeks then approach the biggest hill of the course, this monster leads up to Lower Beechmont. The pain Kel was suffering, not only from her feet, but also because of them, her knees and hip flexor had suffered and climbing that hill took every ounce of courage. The toughest would have quit at the bottom but Kel made it all the way to the top to Syd Duncan Park where a St John’s Ambo had a look at her feet. Kel made the decision that she didn’t think her injuries would allow her to continue and didn’t want to hold us up any more. To watch our daughter go through so much pain over such a long period was very difficult. It was almost my undoing, I had to dig deep to give her a hug and leave her there to be collected by Andrew and Donovan. The three of us pushed on; we had lost time but time had never been our major incentive. Always to get our team of 4 across the finish line had been our goal. We made it down Hellfire Pass, across the ridgeline, up the gully and down to the last major checkpoint around 8 am for a well-earned breakfast. I must say I was a bit emotional when we met up with Kel but she was bright and happy to see us, wearing her thongs. At this point, we only had 18 km to the finish line but my insides wouldn’t let me eat much and I think we all felt the same way. Trying to force food down isn’t easy but your mind knows that it would be foolish to continue on empty. So with a couple of salt tablets and a banana eaten I was ready, we three were ready to move. Having conquered the big grueling hills earlier in the event, it was easier to mow down Mt Nathan straight after our brekky rest stop. A bit of downhill followed, all welcome relief but we know there is one more nasty hill before the final 4 kms to the finish line. During this stage, in the Nerang State Forest, we passed a team, a team that encapsulates the spirit of this event, the spirit of the soldiers on the Kokoda Track all those years ago. One female team member, due to injuries, was walking backwards, two team mates held onto her arms to guide her while the forth led the way. As we passed, we congratulated them on their amazing team spirit and acknowledged that mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice is so much part of this amazing event and we were so proud to be part of it. Once again stuffing emotions down, we moved on to the last big incline. This sandy hill was nastier than I had remembered, tired but not defeated, with a few swear words thrown at it, we made it to the top and to Checkpoint 13 and this marks 4 kms to go. Second wind, or forth wind, we set sail to Checkpoint 14 and that big jumping castle like arch that says FINISH. Finally it was in sight, we three hooked arms and nearly danced over that line

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so happy to have completed the challenge as a family team, but so sad that Kel had to pull out – our time 30hrs 9 mins. The team couldn’t have succeeded without our fabulous support crew Andrew and Sue McLeod, Peta Heffernan (Jo’s daughter) and Donovan Lee (Kel’s partner). They looked after our every need, gave us heaps of encouragement and suffered freezing conditions waiting at each major checkpoint for us to come through. Finally, I would like to thank the Logan & Beaudesert Bushwalking Club for their generous donation of $500, from working the water station at the Gold Coast ½ Marathon. Thank you to everyone who turned up and worked so hard, we do appreciate this contribution that went towards our fundraising for Kokoda Challenge 2015.

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August – Binna Burra

After meeting up at Canungra, the group divided into three groups. Our group of five didn’t see anyone once we descended into the Coomera Valley. Some work had been done to the old sign posts, mainly repainting. A new set of stone steps had been erected on the left as you descend. The steps were there to allow people to better access to the rock face that had petrified trees embedded in it. A new metal sign post had been erected to explain what it was all about. Down we went in quick time to the river. We crossed the river with only Denise slipping in the water. The river was very low so she didn’t really get wet. We picked up the old track on the other side and went along and passed where we turned left up the hill last time. That was the time we turned back half way up the hill due to the storm. Anyway, about 300 to 400 metres on we found some orange tape as a marker that indicated the direction to follow up the next ridge. This ridge was a little easier than the other one we went up last time. It was only the last 50 metres that was really steep and there was a lot of fallen timber to negotiate. There was no rock face to climb going this way. We had smoko on a flat section of the hill about half way up and with sunshine. Once on the top we turned left and followed the ridge to the Noonwongbill Lookout. Lunch was had here and we descended back to the river via the way we went up last time. Afternoon smoko at the river, we had a smart walk back to the cars in 55 min. The time was now 4:50 PM and Ken’s car was the only one there and the whole place was quiet as a mouse. I hope your walk was as exciting!!!!!!!!!! Cheers Brian

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Neglected Mountain – 15 August 2015

Dave led this Saturday walk group, the small team included Lyn, Karen, Jennifer and Anthony. We met at the usual place in Beaudesert and drove to the farm at the base of Neglected Mountain. The club’s last attempt to walk this trail on 27 June 2015 came to an early end as persistent light rain made a rocky outcrop (approximately one third of the way up) a little too dangerous to push on. This climb commenced at approximately 8am with Dave directing the team up the mountain past the old thunderbox and Land Rover. His endless patience, encouragement and consistent support throughout the day was quite remarkable. It was a beautiful day of about 20 degrees (Celsius) with patches of sun and little wind. Climbing through the rocky outcrop went smoothly and traversing the ‘razor back’ (photo attached) saddle between the 2 highest points was a real highlight for some in the team. The view out to Mt Lindsay, Mt Barney and Mt Maroon was astonishing (photo attached). The group enjoyed a lunch stop at about 12 at the top of the now un-neglected mountain and prepared to complete a circuit using the flank opposite Mt Lindsay and Mt Barney to descend back to the waiting cars. The scramble down was good fun as there was no discernable trail and some landmarks were of particular interest e.g. one rock looked a lot like a face (photo attached). The group unintentionally gathered burrs from weeds (possibly Biden’s Pilosa) that could be found as high up as the shoulders of the walkers. The burrs were called many things as they were unceremoniously plucked from clothing and the following are printable examples, sticky beaks and cobblers pegs. The walk provided a great balance of distance, challenging terrain, inclines and declines. Good company and an appreciation for the beautiful landscape, spectacular views and rewarding exertion made it an excellent day out.

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Grampians/Mt Feathertop 2016

Hi everyone

After an enjoyable time in Bright and the 3 day walk last April, most of the group were interested in visiting that area again and having another attempt at Mt Feathertop via the Razorback Ridge, plus some other day walks in the area. I am suggesting we have a trip in either February or March next year with a minimum of 3 days in the area to allow for a good weather day to try Mt Feathertop. We could either stay at Bright, of at the Alpine Motel at Harrietville (next to the cafe with the bacon and egg rolls!) I also got an email from Auswalk which mentioned the newly opened section of the Grampians Peaks trail. When finished it will be a 140k track which they hope will rival the Overland track, but the section which has been completed is a 36km 3 day 2 night circuit walk from Halls Gap. Day 1 is 8.6k to Bugiga camp where there are 12 camping platforms which fit 2 tents per platform. Cost $30.90 per platform. Day 2 is a 13.8km walk to Borough Huts Campground-no details re sites and costs but I will find out. Day 3 is 14.2kms back to Halls Gap. Here is the link to the web page http://www.parkstay.vic.gov.au/grampians-peaks-trail My sister who lives in Ararat near the Grampains says there is a CWA house at Halls Gap which sleeps 7 people for $70 a night (Total $70 , not per person) You don't have to be a CWA person to book it, and there would be other accommodation as well in Halls Gap, so we could do the 3 day walk then stay in Halls Gap for a few more days doing day walks in the Grampians. Heather could you please bring this up at the meeting so we can get some idea of how many would be interested. We will be back from Europe at the end of September so I can't do anything until then but it’s always good to get accommodation organised as early as possible. Probably best to avoid the Easter period as you need to book so far ahead-we are ok with any time in Feb or March so if anyone has any preferences let me know and we can work around those.

Less than 3 weeks to go until we are off to Europe Cheers Jan Sammons

Happy birthday and best wishes

to our club members celebrating

their birthday in August:

Betty Laird, Brian Watson,

Sue Mcleod, Mary Cullen,

Richard Dennis

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Events

Gourmet in Gundy and Malany Food Festival – 13th September

Labour Day weekend – Australian Camp Oven Festival, Millmerran – 4th October

Dingo Creek Jazz Festival (Gympie) - 25th October

Markets

Darlington Markets – Sunday 16th November

Fernvale – Every Sunday – 6am-1pm

Laidley Village Markets – Every Friday

Mt Mee – 1st Sunday – 8am-1pm

Mulgowie Farmers Markets – 1st Saturday of the month – 8am-11am

North Pine – Every Sunday – 8am-1pm

Plainland Markets – Every Sunday

Stanthorpe – 2nd and 4th Sunday

Withcott Community Markets – 3rd Sunday of the month – 9am-2pm