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

Eight true bushwalkers and our leader Len assembled at the carpark in blustery, cool and overcast conditions for what turned out to be a fine walk in the protected Clyde Gorge. After qute a few serious hills to negotiate, we circumnavigated private property and from the top had fantastic clear views of the Castle. The walk settled into off-track undulations through light undergrowth to our lunch destination of Pigeonhouse Creek, nestled below the towering craggy cliffs of Pickering Point on one side and Cambage and Hume Points the other.

On our return leg via the same route we observed a freshwater crayfish in a diminishing pool of water. It is apparent that this creek and others in the area are becoming seriously drought affected. This observation brings it home.
Lynne  

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Tuross Town Beaches and Park Circuit
Wednesday 23 September 2009

John F, John L, Marilla, Ruth and Ian Photo by Claudia Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Six walkers meandered around the hamlet of the Tuross Peninsula. The high tide prevented walking on the coastal sand but the park circuit enabled the group to read and discuss the interpretive signage describing the public reserves, panoramic scenery and land marks from the peninsula.

The Chatham Park coastal nature reserve provided a soft carpet walking track to view the various rain forest species (some of which are at their southern most distribution in NSW) and forget that you are so close to an urban area. Unfortunately large mosquitoes were in the area.

The sky threatened rain but once our group donned ponchos/coats the dark clouds dispersed. Walking along the streets gave us some respite from the strong and gusty wind, while enabling us to view the different home designs and colour from the exotic flora advertising spring.

On completion of the exercise, lunch of fish and chips was enjoyed at O'Briens.
Author unknown  

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Little Forest Plateau - Florance Head and Gaolhouse Pass
Thursday 17 September 2009

Ainslie and Lesley admire pink boronia Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob with a fine view of Pigeonhouse Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bev in Gaolhouse Pass Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Following the meeting at Batemans Bay bridge park through Benandarah, 21 able-bodied enthusiasts proceeded to Mick Ryan Park, Milton for morning tea under a spectacular Moreton By fig tree. Then it was on to our start point under the guidance of Ainslie and Mike. After a brief instruction, two easy walks were outlined broken by a luncheon break.

The first, a wildflower experience of approximately 5 km along Florance Head was enjoyed thoroughly by all. In spite of the dry dusty conditions, native plants were flowering profusely in a vast range of colour and native orchards thriving in rock crevices throughout the plateau. The views to icons such as Pigeonhouse and the Castle were also spectacular.

Following a leisurely lunch perched on the southern extremities of the plateau we returned to the vehicles and travelled to our second walk. This time it was Gaolhouse Pass. What spectacular scenery with a walk into a gorge another highlight for the day.

Our wonderful day concluded with afternoon tea. Tea and scones and citrus tart proved extremely popular. Thanks to Ainslie and Mike for a wonderful day.
Bob M  

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Borang Road to Horse Island Bridge, Potato Point
Saturday 12 September 2009

Charles, Julie and Barry Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Sarah and Bob Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob, Sandra and Helen Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On a fine sunny day, 28 degrees in fact, a bushwalk to Borang Lake, 7kms out from Bodalla was leisurely completed by 33 enthusiasts led by Kay. Continuing her record of providing excellent walks she conducted us through a series of interesting landscapes.

On the way to Horse Island bridge the sharp eyes of a walker spotted a large well-fed snake beside the track, fortunately it decided to slide into the bush in the opposite direction. We stopped near here to take photographs of the river leading into the lake and had morning tea. Some wondered if there were any fish in it.

Further on a bit of active bush bashing along the shores of the lake. Four kangaroos hopped across a paddock and into the distant scrub and joined a lonely emu. A beautiful shrub with yellow flowers in clusters was claimed as a weed, but we are not certain of this. In another place we saw a similar one with creamy white flowers and lovely perfume. Are they the same plant?

Lunchtime found us looking forward to a cup of tea, unexpectedly provided by a friend of Kay’s who opened her house for our use. Everyone settled in comfortable spots around the edge of the lake under the shady gumtrees and enjoyed a cool breeze. Some very large mosquitoes were too friendly, however, a spray of Rid soon fixed them.

We continued the walk back to the cars in a loop so we covered new ground. We walked through bare areas that had been burnt out recently. Slowly we traversed a gently rising hill and noted Wild Mint bushes clothed in royal purple and other shrubs with pungent leaves and flowers still to bloom. Different breeds of grazing cattle were observed in the paddocks and a few isolated houses tucked away in the bush, or on a hill.
Joone  

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Boyd Lookout - Granite Falls
Wednesday 9 September 2009

Carol on the undercliff rainforest walk Photo by Barry Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Wednesday 9th September saw eight bushwalkers get together to walk 21 kilometres commencing at Luncheon Creek Road, just pass the turn off to Bendalong. Ian was our leader.

The walk took in a circuit of various dirt roads that run through the Jerrawangala State Forest and we eventually came to the Boyd Lookout for a brief stop to gaze at the great view. From there we walked the under cliff rainforest walk nearby and that is a special place with all the shade loving palms, orchids, epiphytes etc. as well as sassafras, turpentine and Sydney peppermint trees amongst others.

After that we walked down to Granite Creek Falls, another spectacular place, where we sat on the viewing platform and had lunch. Another treat was the lovely boronias and other wildflowers as we approached Granite Falls. Unfortunately there was no water going over the falls due to the continuing drought.

Ian’s walks prove to challenging but everyone was up to the task and expressed their appreciation to him for taking us to such a lovely area. It was well worth the drive from Batemans Bay.
Barry  

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Trunketabella Gardens
Sunday 6 September 2009

Teresa, Margaret, Jan and Ian Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ruth and Julie Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Marilla, Nancy, Joone and Jan Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Bob, Hugh and Barry Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Nancy admires flowering rock orchid Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Beryl, Sarah and Jill Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On a lovely warm, sunny Sunday morning - what is better than going for a walk with 20 like minded souls around Trunketabella Gardens (means Place of Meeting Waters) in Bodalla.

On arrival we were warmly welcomed by the bellbirds and the owner Isabella. The 15 acres of garden began 27 years ago and have seen many changes over the years - unfortunately the drought has played havoc with the landscape and dams. It still remains a pleasant place to wander for a few hours with good company and friends.

Lyn organised this outing and we were all very appreciative of her efforts. Lunch was enjoyed in the cafe with delicious sandwiches made by the owners, followed by coffee, tea and cakes. Then it was time to purchase a few plants from their well- stocked nursery and wend our way home.
Claudia  

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An Adventure in the Buckenboura Wilderness
Thursday, Friday 2-3 September 2009  

Cancelled due to danger of bushfire
 

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Lawlers Creek Area
Saturday 29 August 2009

Leader Karen with group Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Rock in a tree Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Relaxing on the track Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Golden Pomaderris Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Climbing Clematis Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Heather, Bob and Karen Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Although the weather forecast was, as usual, for gale force westerly winds, nine fearless Bushwalkers braved the conditions to walk in the forests southwest of Bodalla, particularly through the very pretty Lawlers Creek area. Our leader Karen took us on an extended version of the walk, which allowed us to enjoy various wattles species blooming happily, a spectacular view of Mummaga Lake and parts of Brou Lake, the rich forest and big trees in the creek, and the imposing cliff which commands the creek like the bow of a battleship.

While the wind did blow in the treetops, it did not appear to be as strong as expected, so we mostly enjoyed the refreshing breeze that the trees allowed to reach us, and were glad that we had not been deterred.
Bob T  

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BBBW Annual 6 Hour Rogaine
Thursday 27 August 2009  

Five teams competed in the event on August 27 through an interesting part of the Kioloa State Forest.

Bob T's team was the winner on the day by amassing the largest number of points with other teams not far behind, and the last team also feeling they'd done rather well and having had a great day as well.

The Club's Annual Rogaine is a very good opportunity for members to participate in a fun day while at the same time learning a bit more about how to interpret a topo map with the bushland they are walking in.

The day can be as casual as one likes, or competitive, and it's not hard to learn - all members are most welcome to join in and beginners will be with an experienced team leader so they can't get lost.

All the participants on Thursday were very appreciative of the huge effort that Len (and assistant Betty) put into organising the 28 check-off stations (all don't have to be done), the special maps, water stations, and the refreshments tent for the event. And the prizes were a pleasant surprise for the winners.
Pat  

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Holmes Lookout to Clyde River
Wednesday 26 August 2009  

This walk began with replacement leader, Bob T, in place of Marilla on this occasion. On a bright sunny morning with an extremely brisk breeze a small group cheerfully set off with their leader who inspired all present with the excitement of his description of this exploratory walk, in his words, of venturing along exploratory tracks and the promise of a relaxed and wonderful walk. This it proved to be, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks, Bob.

The brisk breeze abated as we moved away from its path into the bush tracks leading down to the water's edge of the Clyde River and noted various landmarks such as Bigg Island, Mays Wharf and Chinamans Point. Also noted and enjoyed were the very small fruit of the Cherry Ballart tree and the flowers of the Brush Kurrajong tree. Our walk finished back at Holmes Lookout where we all admired the beautiful view of Batemans Bay where we all are lucky to live.
Joan  

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Sproxtons Road Extended Circuit
Sunday 23 August 2009

Kay, Heather, Barry and Carol Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Jill and John with Bob Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

18 walkers enjoyed a glorious days outing in bush to the east of Nelligen. A short climb from the start at Sproxtons Road set the group on a good road through the forest. A pair of red tailed black cockatoos was seen in the casuarinas trees. Due to the original track becoming impassable a deviation was made down the power line, which involved a steep decline followed by a large hill. After leaving the power lines the way was relatively easy. Hardenbergia was one of the few flowers seen, the wattles having set seed.

After lunch the walk continued with glimpses of the Budawangs through the trees. Shortly before arriving at our cars a good creek was seen running by the side of the road, presumably a tributary of the Clyde River.
Ted  

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Deep Creek Dam to Dunns Creek Road
Thursday 20 August 2009

Bob and Ian Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Neville, Jill and Rob Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This week fifteen walkers completed a brand new bushwalk described by Ian as a ‘bottler’. The walk had its beginnings based upon reconnaissance for the Club’s 2008 rogaining event. All agreed that the devised route could become a regular walk for the calendar.

From Ridge Road it was gently downhill before morning tea when we stopped to take in the views of Deep Creek Dam and the distant mountains. Then onwards past Mogo Trig to the head of the Tomaga River. Some members remarked how dry the area was and pointed to dry holes that previously held water last year. I found the area which included a sub climate rainforest fascinating and such a contrast to the first half of the walk. A steep climb then brought us to our lunch spot which we enjoyed sitting on fallen logs in glorious sunshine.

An hour later it was an uphill finish to the cars where we congratulated Bob C for planning and leading the way on such a wonderful day.
Jill  

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Eucalypt Trail and Branding Axe Road to Depot Beach
Saturday 15 August 2009  

Saturday 15th August was a perfect day for an easy bush walk led by our grand veteran of the bushwalking fraternity, Jock Cumming, who is still doing things most people his age wouldn’t dream of.

Twenty one people signed on and the first part of the walk was through the Eucalypt Trail which is a nice circuit through grand trees not far past the Mount Agony Road turn off. Many trees have identification plaques which, although weather worn, are quite readable, thus adding extra interest to the spectacle of the great trees.

From there we drove along Mount Agony Road to walk a triangle comprising Mount Agony Road, Parkview Road and Branding Axe Road. These were easily traversed good dirt roads in the midst of national park forest. The weather was glorious and the conversation lively.

The last part of our Saturday walk was through the rainforest circuit at Depot Beach, which inspired the imagination when reading of its link to 50 million years of rainforest history. Finally we came out on to the beach at Depot Beach, enjoyed lunch in marvelous weather while watching a couple of dolphins and a tentative kayaker enter the sea. All in all a lovely time. Thanks Jock.
Barry  

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Wandera State Forest, Mogendoura
Wednesday 12 August 2009

Group with old logged tree Photo by Ted Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Wednesday eight bush walkers enjoyed a pleasant walk through the hills and valleys of the Wandera State Forest. The walk started on a broad graded road following the new pipeline from the Moruya Pumping Station. After lunch on a sunny hilltop the walkers retuned on narrower forest roads with much evidence of logging activities.
Ted  

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Mount Budawang
Sunday 9 August 2009  

Chris led her first walk for the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers successfully up an easy curving track August 9 to Mount Budawang. A rewarding experience in 7kms for nine enthusiasts. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Leaving the Kings Highway, tangled bare branches of trees etched black against the magical frosty landscape and ice filled the depressions on the red dirt road. A mob of kangaroos paced us for a while then made off into the bush. We watched as an old woolly ewe, a lamb and two younger sheep obviously playing hookey from the flock, rocked off over the sedge.

At the car park keen air froze fingers and cheeks. These soon thawed however, once we got into a rhythmic pace up the first incline, about 9 degrees. Red and white bells of epacris shivered gently beside fine leafed ferns. In the gullies grew creamy white everlasting daisies and several species of banksia. There was a dead bandicoot on the track and several chorussing birds followed us all the way.

The view from the top was magnificent - Ulladulla, Pigeonhouse and the Castle in one direction and the Tollgates in the other. On the drive back some went on to Braidwood for lunch and others returned to Batemans Bay.
Joone  

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Ngaityung Falls and Harpers Head
Thursday 6 August 2009

View of the Budawangs Photo by Nev Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Sharon at the freshwater pool Photo by Nev Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mary and Len above the falls Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Wendy, Len, Dennis, Sharon, Nev, Bronwyn, Jan, Mary & Jill Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Eleven walkers set off from the Mt Bushwalker carpark for a 12km walk advertised as fantastic views and unusual vegetation around the south-western end of Little Forest Plateau.

During the morning Len led us to excellent vantage points that provided impressive views of Pigeon House, Talaterang Mtn, Mt Tarn, and the Castle flanked by its Shrouded Gods. After pushing through the unusual vegetation we had a well earned lunch break on the rock ledge at Ngaityung Falls.

After lunch the route was much kinder as we travelled closer to the cliff line over looking Clyde Gorge. Finally at Mt Bushwalker the group took in our last and perhaps one of the best views in the Budawangs. From this lookout the walk back to the cars followed a well marked trail with boardwalks.

No doubt the “unusual vegetation” added interest and challenge! A great walk with lovely company and a walk I would like to see on the calendar again.
Nev  

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Gully Road
Saturday 1 August 2009

Walkers crest a hill on Gully Road Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	View of the ocean from Gully Road Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Ten walkers met at Mogo to drive through pleasant forest roads to start a 13km circuit around Gully and other remote roads. Ian led the group up and down hill with glimpses of distant Batemans Bay and the vivid blue ocean. We were careful to avoid getting close to the many bee hives we passed and saw some being harvested by well protected beekeepers.

At the end of the walk Ian was warmly thanked for leading us and it was agreed that the 2.5km hill we had to climb must have done us all a lot of good. A tired but happy group drove back to Mogo via Nelligen on dusty roads badly in need of a good wetting.
Bob Mac  

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Congo to Tuross One Way
Wednesday 29 July 2009

On the headland above Meringo Beach Photo by Pat Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Wednesday July 29 saw 24 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers split into two groups to walk the newly extended Dreaming Track from Tuross to Congo. The two groups, who began the walk at opposite ends of the track, met up about lunch time and returned car keys to their owners for the trip home.

The group which started from Tuross stopped for lunch at Mullimburra Point and saw a whale on top of the water, spout, then raise his tail and continue on his merry way. Plenty of swans on Meringo Lagoon were a photographers delight.

The track wended its way through a nice variety of native shrubs and gum trees, one a Eucalyptus tereticornis, was quite beautiful. And the pristine beaches we walked along with squeaky clean sand and water lapping the edge, were a delight.

At Bingi Point we took photos of the two old rusty oil tanks of the SS Monaro that was wrecked in 1879 when only three years old. Everyone survived that shipwreck. Beautiful views along the coastline both northwards and south were admired by all.
Pat

On one of the most perfect sunny winter days possible, bushwalkers met at Moruya to divide into two groups for the purpose of a car swap at both ends of the planned walk - one group led by Karen C to walk north from Tuross and the other group led by Bob Mac to walk south from Congo, with a plan to meet for swapping of car keys at a half-way point along the track. Of course, best laid plans by bushwalkers always succeed, as they did this day.

I was in Bob's group which started at Congo. We thoroughly enjoyed descriptions along the Dreaming Track of bushland, plants and history. The magnificent coastal views of bright blue ocean, great rock formations and excitement of the whole group to see sightings of a seal and also whales from Bingie Point really made this day's walk one to remember for a long time.
Joan  

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Donalds Creek Circuit
Sunday 26 July 2009

Leader, Bob with Karen in Donalds Creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Charles and Dennis tackle the creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Donna ready for anything Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A new walk in the southern part of our area saw 14 keen walkers set out from Donalds Creek lower ford. A challenging walk with much climbing over, crawling under seemingly endless logs, weaving through countless bushes and vines and of course rockhopping back and forth over the creek. The creek provided many spots to stop and admire the myriad of mosses and fungi and the endless colours of the water, the water gums and the rocks. A highlight of the walk was being able to stand and watch two king parrots having a bath in the creek oblivious to their 14 onlookers.

Peaceful pool Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Len, Karl, Pat and Bob Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

We continued on to the upper ford where most of the walkers were keen to further explore the creek before having a shortened lunch break. A short (but steep) climb on the road over the ridge and we were back to following the eastern tributary of the creek back to our cars. Despite many stumbles, a few falls and one dunking, the group arrived cheerful at the end of the walk where a heartfelt thanks was made to Bob T for leading us on a thoroughly enjoyable adventure.
Donna  

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South Brooman Forest
Thursday 23 July 2009

Val bakes a Brooman birthday cake Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	for Birthday boy John Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	South Brooman Forest walkers Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On July 23 a very pleasant walk was had by a group of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers when they joined Val for a walk in the South Brooman Forest. There were quite a few native flowers out in bloom including iron bark orchids and some nice yellow wattles seen as the walkers trailed along some eroded narrow tracks.

At lunch time Val surprised everyone with a boiling kettle on a gas cooker for a cuppa which was followed by the "piece de resistance" - a birthday cake for John (with only three candles on it to denote young at heart?).

After lunch the remainder of the walk was then all uphill but we heard lyrebirds rehearsing their repertoire on this section plus a number of little scrub wrens foraging in the undergrowth.
Pat  

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South Arm and Kangaroo Roads, Kioloa
Saturday 18 July 2009

On top of Don Moir Hill Karen, Carol, Bob and Jill Photo supplied by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Eleven walkers led by new leader Charles enjoyed an easy/medium walk in the Kioloa State Forest in sunny weather. Towering gum trees provided a backdrop for patches of rainforest and the fan-shaped Livistona australis (cabbage tree palm). The relatively level walking was interrupted by a climb up to a circular stone wartime coast-watch station.

The return walk after lunch was enlivened by going past bee hives (not unscathed), a snake crossing between leading walkers, and some overgrown bush track, but bushwalkers are used to such incidents and will remember a beautiful walk and the companionship on a perfect sunny Saturday.
Grant  

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Saltwater Creek and Runnyford Road Area
Wednesday 15 July 2009

Lunch Log Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On a bright, cool and sunny morning 8 regular walkers and 1 visitor joined Betty for a varied walk in the Mogo forest. There were a few hills to climb so we all benefited from a good workout. As we gained altitude we got lovely views of the distant Castle and Pigeonhouse mountains. The spotted gum trees were in flower and we passed many bee hives set out to harvest the work of the busy bees. As we wandered through the forest the silence, apart from the walkers' friendly chatter, was broken by a lively, noisy flock of yellow tailed black cockatoos.

Just before the end of our walk Betty led us down to a pretty gully festooned with tree ferns. Thanks to Betty for a great day's walking.
Bob Mac  

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Budawang Wilderness Walk
Sunday 12 July 2009

Heather and Kay among the grass trees Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Women in the Wilderness Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Stan Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

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