Current and Second Quarter for 2009. See below for
Walk Reports and Photos as they occur

Give a busy person a job to do, and it will be done well. Kay organised two groups with a total of 35 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers on Saturday 4 July, a day of glorious winter sunshine. She has a fulltime job, but she led us on a superb walk along the local coastline, and provided us with a delicious soup and fresh bread lunch.

The medium grade group of 20 made their way from Circuit Beach around the awkward rocks of several headlands to Mosquito Bay, where we indulged in banana bread and lemon tart. The Bakery Cafe served our coffees quick smart, and off we set again on more rocks around more headlands to Malua Bay. Here we met the Easy Grade walkers, led by Lyn, and after an agreeable chitchat over lunch, we set off again for more magnificent views over the headland to Rosedale.

Clear views across the bay to the Budawangs and Pigeonhouse Mountain and down into the aquamarine waters below the cliffs could not be outdone anywhere in the world.
Ainslie  

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Coondella and Serpent Fire Trails
Wednesday 1 July 2009

Hill Climbers: Betty, Ian, Bob, Stan, Ann, Helen and Margaret Photo by Bob Mac Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

There was a ford crossing with crystal clear water, moss covered rocks and logs and the aroma of mint bushes. Looking west was the Great Dividing Range with very blue rugged peaks. A great walk.
Margaret D  

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Mogo Creek and Mogo Forest
Thursday 25 June 2009

No photos or report received.
 

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Mogo State Forest Tracks and Trails
Saturday 20 June 2009

Molly, Kay and Bob Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Mogo car park was busy as 10 bushwalkers arrived looking forward to the 14 kms ahead of us. Karen had promised a walk that had not been done before and was true to her word. We left the car park and the blue sky above was a welcome change as it looked promising for the rest of our day in the forest behind Mogo. Tall Eucalypts and undulating paths were the order of the day and it’s amazing how walking in good company can make the time fly past.

Evidence of logging in the forest was evident on our way back to Mogo but Karen had followed bike trails for a lot of the circuit and this was a lot more interesting than following the main roads. The drizzle held off until we returned to the carpark and the delicious coffees/chocolates to end the day were well received.
Molly  

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Diamond Creek and Falls
Wednesday 17 June 2009

Tree down on the track into the creek Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Molly, Sharon and Donna follow the creek Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Neville descends the rope to the first pool Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	First pool and waterfall on Diamond Creek Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received.  

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Corn Trail - Lower Half and Return
Sunday 14 June 2009

Walkers line the Corn Trail Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Crossing the Buckenboura River Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	One example of the many fungi we find on walks Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Thirty seven walkers including seven visitors explored the lower section of the Corn Trail. The path was well defined following the trail used by pack horse teams in the 1830s. This historic trail was the first trade route between the Buckenbowra Valley farmlands near the coast and the early European settlements on the tablelands near Braidwood.

The route meandered through the gentle elevation of the ridges and valleys of the mountain range. The long crocodile line of walkers enabled a frequent count of numbers and photo opportunities of the group and scenery.

The recent rain had settled the earth with mud patches seldom seen. Filtered views of the coastal ranges, lush eucalypt forests, magnificent cabbage tree palms, tree ferns, lillipilli bushes, colourful fungi on rotting logs, tranquil streams made a very pleasant scene.

The lunch spot was on the Buckenbowra River, which marked the turn around spot back to the cars. Thanks to Geoff and Elizabeth for a wonderful day.
Marilla  

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Bolaro Road and Paradise Creek
Thursday 11 June 2009

	Leaders Mary and Stan Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo		Len Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Fifteen Batemans Bay Bushwalkers enjoyed Mary and Stan's walk in the Paradise Creek area on June 11.

Lovely tall spotted gums were a feature of the day and walkers also had good views across the undulating hills to The Budawangs and The Castle, as well as to the mouth of the Clyde River and out to the Tollgate Islands, at different points along the fire trail.

Then we wended our way down to and along a little creek which joined Paradise Creek with its lovely lichen covered rocks and dark pools. Picking their way along the creek flats, walkers enjoyed the serenity of it complete with a few birds flitting amongst the tall tree canopy above, and before long we'd walked the 14 kilometres, including a hill or two, and were back at the cars feeling good for the exercise and good company.
Pat  

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Spotted Gum and Ryans Creek Roads
Wednesday 3 June 2009

Cancelled due to rain.
 

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Social Weekend in Braidwood
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2009

Braidwood's historic Georgian home, Bedervale Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Kay, Donna, Betty, Ann and Carol with Bedervales owner Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Brian, Bob, Alex, Penny and Gill at Eureka Pizza Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Low cloud, fog, misty rain, and 43 bushwalkers bundled in coats, jumpers, scarves, beanies and gloves made ready for our 9am tour of “Bedervale” homestead, Braidwood. After being welcomed at the front gate by Margaret Royds, the current owner, and divided into four groups, we enjoyed a very informative 2 hour tour of what the National Trust refers to as “one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in Australia”. After wandering through the family home, the old kitchen, cellar, stables, and carriage shed we were treated to a great morning tea.

From “Bedervale” it was straight into Braidwood where most of us checked into our accommodation. By 12.30pm everyone was gathering at the Albion Café for a hearty bowl of soup – perfect for a cold day! All warmed up and well fed we were ready for our 1˝ hr bus tour of Braidwood. Our guide, Tony Shepheard, a member of the local historic society, presented such an informative and entertaining insight into the history of the Braidwood area that perhaps, next time we are driving through Braidwood, it will be easy to recall some of the facts and appreciate the link between Braidwood and the goldfields of Araluen Valley, with the Port of Nelligen and the Clyde River Steamships.

Alas, after the bus tour, it was time for the four "Day Trippers” to head back down the mountain, while the rest of us planned to meet up again at the Eureka Pizzeria for dinner at 6pm. The Pizzeria proved a great venue, we had a room to ourselves, the service was quick, and the pizza tasty. During dinner about 6 members expressed an interest in the walk to Mount Budawang. I think the proposed visit to the Truffle Farm on Sunday morning won over a few of the “possible walkers”.

After dinner many of us wandered across the road to The National Theatre, where the Braidwood Film Club was screening “Goodbye Lenin". Film Club members made us all welcome with an offer of tea/coffee before the screening started. After the film it was time for bed, after a busy day in Braidwood.

Sunday morning, alas after raining most of the night, low clouds lingered with the hint of more to come. Therefore, the walk to Mount Budawang was cancelled. Although a couple of the members were initially disappointed that the walk had been cancelled, after their visit to the truffle farm, this disappointment gave way to great pleasure at being able to see the Sal, the truffle dog, in action.

Quite a few members made good use of the free hour or so on the Sunday morning to explore the local shops, and I know that the Outdoor Shop did a roaring trade, thanks to the bushwalkers! Mid morning, it was time to head out to the countryside, firstly to meet Peter and Kate, truffle farmers. Peter gave us a run down on truffle farming and set a few rules regarding the proposed visit to his farm where we met Sal, their truffle dog. Despite the misty rain at the time, the feedback I have had regarding the visit to the truffle farm has been extraordinary. I think everyone of us felt privileged to have met the family and to have been allowed onto their truffle farm to see Sal in action.

Sal and Peter truffling Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Nancy and Carol admire a very big truffle Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joone, Anna, Ainslie and Penny salivating over a Braidwood truffle Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

It was then back to The Old Cheese Factory for lunch, where we met Gary and Robert Sully who not only spoke to us about the rather unique workshops they present, but delivered a superb luncheon – a great closure to a full weekend in which we not only learnt a little of the history of Braidwood, but we were also given a glimpse into the future of this vibrant town.
Mary  

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Mount Budawang
Sunday 31 May 2009

Cancelled due to rain. Look out for it on the next Program.
 

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Buckenbowra - a River and Farm Road Walk
Thursday 28 May 2009

	Jan goes under the wire at Buckenbowra Farm Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo		Leader Ian checks the flood levels Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

There were 23 bushwalkers present on the day. A lovely walk on Buckenbowra Farm with the owner and dog walking with us. Walking along beside the river we saw so many different coloured and different shaped fungi. We visited the grave and also the home of Mr Thomson who died at only 30 years if age in 1885. There are still four families living on properties in the valley.

Thanks Ian for a wonderful day.
Bev  

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Brou Lake Canoeing
Saturday 23 May 2009

	Leaders Ainslie and Mike Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo		Brou Emus Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

There were only five people brave enough to test the waters of Brou Lake and go kayaking. The weather looked most uncertain, then turned out to be a very pleasant day. We paddled into "Little Brou Lake" - a very beautiful and serene area, accompanied by lots of splashes and jumping from the poddy mullet; then headed up river to do some exploring. We were lucky enough to spy some emus strolling along the banks, also some colourful kingfishers and pelicans were spotted.

After lunch we headed back to the cars as quite a strong headwind was whipping up and making going difficult. A great days paddling - thank you Ainslie and Mike.
Ann  

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Sproxtons Road Extended Circuit
Wednesday 20 May 2009

Walk cancelled due to rain. Look out for it in the next Program
 

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Moruya Riverside Ramble
Sunday 17 May 2009

	Lyn and group beside the Moruya River Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo		Moruya River Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report
 

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Bimberamala Mine
Thursday 14 May 2009

Bob on the Bimberamala River Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ian, leader Val, and Anna Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lora, John and Doug Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

After a rather brisk morning meet at the carpark, winter chill in the air, 15 eager bushwalkers piled into four vehicles and headed off up the various dirt roads of our nearby state forest to join our walk leader Valerie at the trackhead, who would once again lead a great walk, our destination being the Bimberamala Mine.

Once on the track, a steady pace was set with the going mostly a gradual downhill to the Bimberamala River, through stands of stringybarks on the ridges from which distant views of the Castle could also be seen, to lovely lush gullies interspersed with tree ferns. Upon reaching the river, various displays of ballet could be observed as we all tried to cross, some quite spectacularly on rather slippery rocks. Once across the river it was only a short hike to our lunch spot and then via an old bench track to our destination, the Bimberamala Mine.

This reef mine was worked between 1890 and 1915 with a 60m shaft driven to a 100m adit, with a total yield of 93,595.4 g Au (gold) extracted from deep veins in this period. Much evidence of the workings are still apparent today with extensive rock walling still exposed and a 5 head stamper rusting nearby. After much inspection of the area including the adit which was deemed a little unsafe to enter, we left the area as found to the ghosts of a bygone era.

Back on the track again we retraced our steps back to the cars, the 14km hardly noticed having enjoyed such an interesting day. Many thanks again to Valerie.
Lynne  

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South Durras Circuit
Saturday 9 May 2009

Heather the orchid spotter Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Marlene, Jock and Charles Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Marlene and Leader Barry with giant spotted gum Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On a beautiful day with clear blue skies, 12 walkers set out from Benandrah Road, South Durras, heading for Myrtle Beach in a circuitous route through the forest travelling on roads and other tracks. Sprays of blossom dropped from above confirmed that the Spotted Gums were in flower and Heather was at her usual best in spotting tiny orchids high in an Ironbark.

At Myrtle Beach, some disappointment that the cool temperatures prevented the adoption of the local clothing code but the view of the beach and headland with the blue of the water and white wash of the waves was more than compensatory. On the cliff, we had a great view looking back over the headland and the beach we had just walked along.

Circling round the next bay, we looked down on the black sand of the aptly named Darks Beach and stopped for lunch on a rock shelf where we enjoyed a magnificent view of the coast with large waves breaking over the rocks whilst being entertained by birds dive-bombing into the sea for food.

After lunch we proceeded to, and walked along, Emily Miller beach where we were confronted by the less pleasant side of nature in the form of a headless dolphin and a sea eagle washed up on the sand. We continued walking, around Wobbygong Bay, until we reached Wasp Head (known by our leaders as Jock’s Rock after Jock who had initially shown it to them). Here, stunning rock formations in various colours provided nature’s own art gallery. Continuing past the fault line and around the headland, we climbed the stairs for a magnificent view along the coast taking in Durras Mountain, Point Upright, Grasshopper and Wasp Islands.

From here it was a pleasant walk through the forest where rock wallabies greeted us, bounding off if we got too close, and Heather spotted an Elkhorn growing at the base of a Burrawang. A thoroughly enjoyable and varied day of walking was had by all. Thank you Barry and Carol.
Susan  

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Congo to Mullimburra Point
Wednesday 6 May 2009

Sixteen walkers left Congo at 10am on a warm sunny day. We headed south for the 10km return walk, along the Bingi Dreaming Track above the beach. Morning tea was a short, scenic stop on a beach headland, and we continued on over beach and bush for a relaxing lunch overlooking rugged ocean scenery at Mullimburra Point.

We did the return trip using slightly different tracks, arriving back at Congo at 2.30pm after an excellent walk.
Joe  

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Tomaga River Catchment
Sunday 3 May 2009

Donna, Kay and Carol Photo by Karen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Another brilliant south coast autumn morning and 18 Club members joined leader Bob for a walk in Mogo State Forest. This was Bob’s third attempt to put on this particular walk, the previous two being cancelled due to bad weather but today is third time lucky. Parking cars off Dog Trap Road we headed down an old forest track through stately Spotted Gums which are having their best flowering season for a few years, attracting a variety of nectar feeding birds, discarded blossoms on the track the signs of the action up high in the canopy.

The dry forest plants changed to wetter moister species of vines and climbers as we reached our goal of the upper reaches of the Tomaga River – now a dry creek bed with just the odd puddle. We detoured to Dunns Creek Road and morning tea which we had perched on a railing in the sun, along the roadside. Then came the serious part of the walk, exploring the creek bed (rocky in parts) as it snakes its way though the bush. Trying to avoid muddy sections, climbing over and/or under fallen trees, pushing through bracken and grasses and all the time admiring the beautiful lush greenery of the surrounds. hairy psychotria, scentless rosewood and sassafras were three species among many in that area.

After about 2 kms along the creek it was time to head west, up a rather steep section of hill, then to a clearing with a group of conveniently placed logs for an early lunch . Just another kilometre, there are the cars and another great walk was over.
Karen C  

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Carters Creek and Wallaby Road
Thursday 30 April 2009

Report lost in the ether
 

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Durras Lake and Discovery Trail
Wednesday 22 April 2009

Ten enthusiastic walkers attended the walk along the Discovery Trail situated in North Durras. The day was threatened by heavy rain early morning but cleared and we walked in pleasant sunshine. We started off at boat ramp at South Durras, then through the back of the caravan park , across sand dunes and over the flat sand where the lake is at present closed to the sea. Then we proceeded to North Durras to start the Discovery Trail - most of the group had not been there before and we all agreed on the wonder of vast variety of fauna, bird life in the rainforest and the beautiful tall majestic spotted gums. I would suggest it is a great walk to show visitors to this area.

We then walked on bush tracks along the north side of Durras Lake observing some interesting fungi growing on fallen logs, then back to South Durras completing 8 kms. The duration time was almost 4 hours including very pleasant stops for morning tea and lunch. A most enjoyable day and thanks to Len for a great lead.
Ailza  

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Shallow Crossing to Mogood Trig Loop
Sunday 19 April 2009

Six intrepid walkers, including one visitor, set off from our cars parked about 1 km from Shallow Crossing in overcast and at times windy conditions. However before long we were getting patches of sunshine and enjoying the aerobic exercise from walking up a long stretch of gradual uphill and as our leader called them, the “undulations”. Most of this circular walk, with a return section up and back to Mogood Trig, followed roads in Shallow Crossing State Forest with a section in Bimberamala National Park. The spotted gum and burrawang forest with stands of wattle in flower, made a perfect backdrop.

A log off to the side of the track provided a great spot for morning tea and lunch was enjoyed with wonderful views from Mogood Trig. This was reached by a steep pinch, but well worth the effort as there was a great view of the surrounding ranges with Pigeonhouse and The Castle in the distance (and also the approaching rain, cutting short our lunch stop).

We set off again retracing our steps down and continuing on the circuit, most of this being downhill or flat, with very few “undulations”, the rain clearing again, before another shower as we neared the cars. We were lucky enough to see a great example of mistletoe in flower, wallabies, an eagle enjoying the updrafts at our lunch spot, heard the calls of several birds and even saw a small snake (that unfortunately hadn’t quite made it!). Before we returned to Batemans Bay we took a short detour by car to have a look at Shallow Crossing – a very pretty area that just completed the day, along with the drive back along the lovely Clyde River.

This was Rodney’s first walk as Leader – a job well done. Thank you for a great day.
Marilyn  

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