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

After a busy walking year, Bushwalkers kicked up their heels at the last scheduled event for 2009 - the annual Christmas Party. Over 100 members turned up at Captain Oldrey Hall in Broulee to celebrate the end of another successful year for the Club. Mary and her social committee had organised another full evening of games, competititons, prizes and entertainment to send off the year with a bang.

Members brought along their favourite bushwalking photos to hang in an impressive exhibition which ranged around the walls. There were three categories - flora/fauna, landscape and general/people, and prizes were awarded to a winner and runner up in each category. I don't know how the judges ever managed to come to a decision with such a wonderful array of fantastic and funny photos on display.

The photo theme continued with competitions to guess where 3 bushwalking shots had been taken, and supply captions for 2 other photos.

Mary and Stan again organised the Great Reindeer Ski Race, this year in the form of a relay. Members had obviously been practising during the year and teams who had concentrated most on distinguishing their left foot from right were very competitive.  

Mary calls for order in the troops Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Reindeers Heather, Lesley and Kay Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Jill hands out the prize money Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Carol, Barry, Bev and Joe Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

After our Christmas meal, John appeared in his other guise as Entertainment Master of Ceremonies to the Stars, to introduce his latest act (apparently direct from Vegas!) - The Desirables. This was their 3rd appearance on the South Coast and they thrilled the crowd yet again with quite indescribable dance routines involving elastic, soup ladles, tin dishes and fright masks.

Home made Christmas cake and coffee and tea finished up the night. Thank you to everyone who made the evening such a success, but especially to Mary and her crew for all their behind the scenes planning and organisation.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. We've got another full Program of bushwalking next year - see you again on the track.
Karen M  

Master of Ceremonies Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The Desirables on their South Coast Tour Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Partygoers Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joone Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

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Ringlands Rotary Walk around Wagonga Inlet
Sunday 6 December 2009  

Leaders John and Jill beside Wagonga Inlet Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A warm day with a cooling breeze provided a fine morning for a beautiful walk around Wagonga Inlet. 15 walkers enjoyed this lovely area with an easy well-marked track to Flying Fox Bay and return. Hyacinth orchids provided a lovely pink display along the route. The rainforest area was looking somewhat stressed, no doubt for lack of water, but we saw large strangler figs with Bird Nest plants high in the treetops as well as a large Stinging Tree.

Morning tea was taken beside the lake at specially provided and marked seats (an apt acronym for South East Australian Tea Stop). Lunch was enjoyed sitting on the bank of the lake with beautiful views across the water. And Bob C now knows the location of the lighthouse in Narooma.
Susan and Alex  

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Take a Walk on the South Side of the Clyde
Wednesday 2 December 2009  

Leader Pat with group at lunch Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Oyster shell beach Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

It was a good piece of exercise, led by Pat, when the Bay Bushwalkers took a walk on the southern side of the Clyde River on December 2. This was interspersed by having a cuppa on a hillside overlooking Chinamans Point, and then further around, lunch down on the waterfront, when the group watched a few hopeful fishermen unsuccessfully trying to catch a fish.

Walking back along the ridge, plenty of water views and a nice breeze was appreciated by all, completed by spectacular views of the Bay from our start and finish point.
Pat  

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Clyde River Shore, with a Hill or Two
Sunday 29 November 2009  

Leader Ian with Dennis and Charles Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Oyster barge and pontoons Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

You might describe it as the “crunchy” walk. The eight walkers were either crunching their way across oyster shells on the flats by the river shore, or they were crunching across dried leaves and branches as they fought their way through nearby tinder-dry forest. The walk was in the area of Chinamans Point, always close to the river but sometimes diverting north up surprisingly steep tracks onto the ridges above the river valley. By the river, the beds of cultivated oysters reminded the group of what a pristine river the Clyde has remained, although the constant roar and rumble of jet-skis, and the buzz of outboards, reminded everyone of how heavily the river is used. Fortunately none of these distractions seemed to worry the crabs scurrying among the mangrove roots.

The group scrambled around small orchids on riverside tree trunks, myrtles in the gullies descending to the river, and even discovered the remains of an old riverside humpy where someone wanting a feast of oysters and a quieter life had once set up quite a permanent home by the riverside. It was a surprise to find such a pleasing walk no more than a few kilometres from “the Bay.”
Rodney  

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North Durras Forest, Lake and Beach
Thursday 26 November 2009

Nine bushwalkers explored several tracks through Murramarang National Park in fine weather last Thursday. Starting at Depot Beach, we walked to the Discovery Trail near Durras Lake to enjoy views of the temperate rainforest and check out old logging artefacts from pre national park days. This well marked public trail is well worth exploring - we saw a monitor lizard, banks of flowering native cymbidium orchids high in the trees, groves of cabbage palms and huge spotted gums.

We continued along the banks of Durras Lake which is very low, passing a large mob of kangaroos sheltering on a shady grassy spot. We then dropped down to North Durras Beach, walking towards the magnificent Point Upright cliffs before heading inland over the ridge and back to our starting point.
Karen M  

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Murramarang National Park - Maloneys Beach to North Head
Saturday 21 November 2009  

The Group on the track Photo by Charles Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A small breeze on Saturday 21 November was welcomed by 11 bushwalkers who assembled for the walk from Maloneys Beach to North Head. After 40 degree heat the day before, the terrain of the walk past several beaches made it interesting and enjoyable.

After a short drive to Maloneys Beach the group started up the National Park trail which for the early part was wide and had lovely views of the Bay. The walk alternated between walking in the bush, usually surrounded by burrawangs and on sandy paths beside the ocean. The last part of the walk was across the rocks to a beautiful rock pool. Morning tea and lunch were both watching the stillness of the ocean and not even the Caretaker who refused to let us walk across his land (instead we walked at water level on the rocks) could spoil the serenity of nature on a sunny day.
Julie  

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North Durras to Point Upright and Return via Depot Beach
Wednesday 18 November 2009

Mike, one of our walk leaders Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob among twisted spotted gums Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Hyacinth orchid (Dipodium punctatum) Photo by Meriel Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Post walk afternoon tea Photo by Meriel Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Under a cloudy sky 16 members and one visitor headed out on our mid week walk in Durras. Parking our cars, we headed north past the entrance to Lake Durras which has been closed to the sea for years. We walked the beach dodging the surging incoming tide which seemed determined to wet our boots and looking at the weathered coastal cliffs with enticing caves below and nature's hanging gardens above. After a welcome stop for morning tea there was the challenge of the steps and track leading 300 feet to the top of Point Upright, and then at the top, fantastic views of brilliant blue sky, sparkling ocean, golden sands and distant mauve mountains, well worth the climb.

Strolling along the track towards Depot Beach we passed strange contorted gums and abundant Macrozamia communis (Burrawangs) with showy male and female cones. Lunch was at the beach with a choice of seating in sun or shade as we wondered who, if any were going to take the plunge and go for a swim. But the sea was rough and the wind cool, so there were no takers. A surprise on the return trip was display of delicate pink hyacinth orchids which had the cameras out in force.

Down to the beach again but this time we walked behind the dunes among the trees and were lucky to spot a family of Yellow Tail Black Cockatoos feeding among the Casuarinas and so back to the start and the end of our walk. One last delight, afternoon tea with luscious cake at our leaders' home – thank you Mike and Ainslie
Karen C  

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Carters Creek Rainforest
Sunday 15 November 2009

Joe with flowering callistemon on Carters Creek Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Brown rainforest frog Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Amazing comeback by burned flowering gum Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Val led nine people on a beautiful rainforest walk on Sunday when they picked their way along Carters Creek and an un-named bubbling little tributary for about four hours before stopping for lunch.

After leaving the fire trail and walking down the ridge to Carters Creek everyone was impressed with how quickly the bush was regenerating after the bad fire in January. Colourful new shoots and flowers were out everywhere and there were even plenty of bird calls to listen to as well. Walkers rock hopped along the creek and saw many trees and plants in flower as well as little ground flowers blooming. Two snake sightings kept the walkers alert, and a brown rainforest frog amazed them with the length of his jumps. Walkers also saw brown Mountain Galaxias (native fish) in the tributary at lunchtime.

After they had returned to the cars Val surprised everyone with a beautiful cake and cold drinks - overall a treat for all who went on this beautiful walk.
Author not credited  

Tomakin Brunch Walk
Sunday 15 November 2009

The second walk offered by Batemans Bay Bushwalkers on Sunday November 15 was an easy Brunch Walk of 8 km along Burri and Bevian Roads down to the Tomaga River at Tomakin. The morning was ideal for walking, the tracks were shaded and the park by the river a pleasant place to end with a social brunch.

It was a small, scenic low-key walk that all 14 participants enjoyed and still had time and energy to enjoy whatever else Sunday had to offer.
Margaret  

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Nargal Lake Area
Thursday 12 November 2009  

The Group on Loaders Beach Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The mid–week walk this week has been to a southern part of the Eurobodalla National Park, known as Nargal Lake. A group of 22 bush walkers set out, heading for Bogola Head. From this headland there is an absolutely spectacular view up the coast, taking in pristine white sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. It was here while having morning tea, that a couple of whale spouts were seen out to sea.

We proceeded south down to Fullers Beach. It was a warm day, but with a slight breeze from the ocean. It was most enjoyable. Nargal Lake is closed to the sea. There is a little water for the black swans in the lake, but it is drying up. We passed around the western end of the lake to a 4 wheel drive track leading us to Loaders Beach and on to a lunch spot overlooking Corunna Lake.

This had been a relatively easy walk, great weather and the company of like minded bushwalkers.
Margaret W  

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Blitz and McCardys Creek Roads
Saturday 7 November 2009  

Charles, Betty, Sharee, Bob, Karen, Robyn, Bev Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The walk last Saturday led by Bob C included the Blitz and McCardys Creek Roads, west of Nelligen and was undertaken in perfect bush walking weather, overcast and cool. Although there were some hills, the upside was fantastic views of blue mountains and a stroll through a shrouded valley.

The trekkers included a visitor; Sharee from Broulee who decided to try the walk and check out the company. Fortunately the group must have passed muster, as Sharee plans to become a new member.
Charles  

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Mummaga and Brou Lakes and Brou Beach
Sunday 1 November 2009

Bob with visitors Patrick and Terry Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	New members Peter & Gayle with Mike & Kathy and Dick Photo by Karen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Red beard orchid (Calochilus paludosus) Photo obtained from the internet because ours didnt come out Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

In fine weather 19 bushwalkers headed down to Mummaga Lake Rest Area to start a 12km walk through the Bodalla State Forest and Eurobodalla National Park. New members Gayle and Peter joined us and we also enjoyed the company of visiting walkers Terry and Patrick. The walk was led by new leader Dick, who had previously meticulously explored the walk so that we didn't set a foot wrong on the day.

We started by walking to Mummaga Lake and spent 15 minutes sitting by the shore enjoying the view and morning tea. Then we headed through the bush to neighbouring Brou Lake, where again we paused on its southern shore to enjoy the cool breeze, the vista and lunch. We completed the circuit by walking southwards along the coastline on a lovely overgrown track lined with yellow flowering narrow leafed starhair bushes. On the track back to the cars, eagle-eyed Karen C spotted a yellow tiger orchid flowering next to an unusual red and green orchid which we hadn't seen before, and which we later identified as a red beard orchid.

Thanks Dick - great walk. Everyone enjoyed it.
Karen M  

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Bevian Road, Rosedale and Guerilla Bay
Thursday 29 October 2009  

Karen, Trish, Marilla, John, Joan, Marilyn, Sandra & Bob at Tranquil Bay Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob, Joan & Marilla Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

14 walkers all agreed today we had a excellent 8km walk with ideal weather, our thanks go to Trish and Paul the leaders.

We walked down Bevian Road passing wetlands, and rural blocks either side of the road, country all so lush and green after the recent rains. Our first stop was morning tea at North Rosedale beach while the dolphins entertained us very close to shore. We then followed the coast with some rock scrambling to Guerilla Bay via Nun's beach and Tranquil Bay and had our picnic lunch at Guerilla Bay.
Lesley  

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Bushwalking in the Corbieres, France
27 September - 9 October 2009

On the Roc de Quercourt, Ariege Molly, Ailza, Mary, Anna, Geoff, Susan, Elizabeth, Ted, Bruce Photo by Rodney Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Picnic among beechwoods near Montaillou Sharon, Susan, Geoff, Elizabeth, Ted, Anna, Ailza, Mary, Bruce, Molly Photo by Rodney Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Above Padern and Cucugnan en route to Chateau Queribus Photo by Geoff Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Twelve walkers from the Club gathered in France in late September for two weeks exploring the hills and valleys of the Roussillon, Corbieres and Ariege regions close to the Pyrenees. The base was Padern in the Aude Department. A few walks started in the village, others involved up to a 90 minute drive. While some walks were through hospitable beechwoods and pasture, others were in tumbling river gorges and across harsh dry limestone country. Many walks included visits to historic Cathar castles, often dramatically situated on pinnacles of rock, or vineyards where harvesting was already in action.

On most days the group walked in sunshine among wild rosemary and thyme, on others they found themselves above early morning clouds looking across to Spain and, on one day, spent the day in cloud navigating by compass through fields of wild crocuses. Every walk encompassed spectacular views across the deep valleys that cut through the region and made moving from village to village so difficult until recent times.

They experienced medieval France when the village water supply failed for two days, and banqueted on local sausages barbequed in the open forecourt of the village post office. Many of the group walked higher and further than they ever thought they could at the beginning. In total the group walked about 130kms in pretty rough country, and in total climbed about 3,300m – not bad for an average age of about 65 years!
Rodney  

A flat bit Photo by Rodney Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Autumn beechwoods Photo by Rodney Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch in the clouds Photo by Rodney Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

And Sharon writes . . . . . . . . .
Last day in France for some, last walk for all. Rodney had warned us .." steep.." Was he bluffing? We climbed in to the cars, our trusty drivers ready to battle with the hairpin bends and wondered :"steep"? Car shuffle completed, we felt reassured. Just a beech forest. But what a beech forest..upward and upward and upward. It was beautiful. Slim silvery trunks, crunchy underneath, misty, very impressionist. A fork in the path and the decision to follow the contour! It all seemed, well, fairly idyllic, or at least manageable until Rodney consulted his compass. It was up that ridge we had to go.

We all have our own recollections of that ridge. Mine was finally reaching the promised open meadow and a cross (that didn't exist). Others have a more 'open air' experience. That feeling one gets when the beech forest gives way to absolutely nothing. Having puffed, panted and dragged ourselves into the open, it was suggested that we walk another 100 metres "or so" for an awesome spot for morning tea. We'd learnt to trust this leader so we agreed. Indeed it was awesome for two seconds until the cloud came in. Still we glimpsed it. We knew that it was there.. Real castles in the distance not just in the air.

Refuelled, refreshed and determined we climbed to the next marker and the next and the next. Encountering some French walkers sheltering in a shepherd's hut I thought we might do the same. Nothing so namby-pamby for the BBBWalkers. We had lunch in the lee of a hill, our backs warmed by some rocky outcrops. Every little while, cloudy curtains revealed the spectacular view below. Much, much further below was beech forest in full autumn glow. Behind us, the abandoned rail tracks, that had fed into the biggest talc mine in Europe. The view bid us stay, but the cold sent us scurrying on our way.

Past meadows full of large creamy coloured cows carrying immense bells, crocus blooming and mountain ash bearing brillant red berries. Past what was left of the talc mine, past a salmon breeding pond drained for the winter and, much much further down, past chestnut forests. Finally the car. A great walk. It both challenged and delighted us.

What a contrast to our first walk. We had puffed and panted on that too, but now we were "fit". The two weeks had zoomed by. We had walked through grape vines, past beautiful "glens", climbed up to and explored ancient and amazing castles. Rodney and Gillian, we thank you for a wonderful two weeks. For all your hard work and preparation -the walks, the shopping, the food, the "mairie" and the cooking. It was simply splendid. And to all those contemplating the trip next year - go go go.”
Sharon  

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Durras Mountain and Strangler Fig
Saturday 24 October 2009

The group under the giant fig Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Giant strangler fig Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Eastern Water Dragon Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Showy beetle beside the track Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Martin relaxing on a fallen forest giant Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Male lyrebird Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Martin, Carol, Kay, Donna and Ted at Pebbly Beach Photo by Helen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Nine keen walkers enjoyed a good work out in the beautiful surroundings of Durras Mountain. First we were walking with wallabies as we took an alternative (and steeper) route to the top of Durras Mountain. Then we were living with leeches as we scrambled down a hidden gulley to an impressive rock wall and giant strangler fig. It was a small piece of lush paradise tucked out of view.

After lunch we returned over the "mountain" and past the remains of the old farm to walk by the coast with a detour to Clear Point. We were fortunate to meet a water dragon, a male lyrebird in full plumage, the resident eastern grey kangaroos and various parrots on the path to Pebbly Beach.
Helen  

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Granite Bluff Road, Monga National Park
Wednesday 21 October 2009

Bob photographing the Monga Waratah Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Doug, Bob, Bob, Elizabeth, Geoff and Bob under the clematis Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob with the Monga Waratah Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On a fine sunny day, seven bushwalkers headed for an old favorite walk in the Monga National Park. The walk was mostly on forest roads and covered a wide variety of vegetation including a large number of tree ferns, for which the area is well known. Wattles were also flowering profusely. As an added highlight the Monga Waratah was in flower along the river.

Fauna sighted included rock wallabies, an echidna and the possible sighting of a platypus. Well, there were ripples in the water.

All in all it was a very enjoyable walk. Thank you Karen C.
Geoff  

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Bendethera Camp
Tuesday-Friday 20-23 October 2009

Bendethera Campsite beside the Deua River Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Wombat neighbour Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Crossing Con Creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	At the entrance to Bendethera Cave Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

First report . . . . .
Kangaroos, wombats and an elusive platypus greeted 13 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers as they settled into their 3 day camp in the picturesque Deua National Park.

Led by Len on day 1 the group followed Con Creek for a time, before beginning the steep ascent to the Bendethera Caves, 750M above sea level. A feature of the walk were the forests of Bendethera Wattle which grows nowhere else in the world and relies heavily on the limestone deposits of the area for survival. Those who explored the Bendethera Caves dropped into the limestone caves by ladder and rope and then by chain up into another chamber which was huge and cathedral-like. There were lots of huge, and some dainty, stalactites, and other formations, with thousands of bats flying around way up above. Overall it was quite amazing. We were quite lucky that the floor was drier than usual and not so slippery underfoot. Those who squeezed into the next chamber were quite elated about the experience.

The following day the walkers were excited to locate one of the four seldom used original bridle tracks which follows the Deua River from Araluen to Bendethera. This path was built around 1860 as a means of transporting stock and goods, since the discovery of gold in the Deua River at Araluen in 1851 had led to the opening up of the area to farming. The group followed the track almost to “Canoolie”, a former property on the Deua, frequently crossing the river along the way. It was a pretty walk again through forests of Bendethera Wattle with the steep walls of the mountain ranges on either side.
Nancy  

Beside the Deua River Photo by Karl Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Crossing the Deua River Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Deua River Valley Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Happy Hour Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Second report . . . . .
The second day's walk followed the Bridle Trail which followed the Deua River towards the farm stations further along the river. Sometimes we were up and over, or around, hills, and many times crossing through the pristine river with its pretty rocks and pebbles and tiny little fish. Along the way we saw some tongue orchids and numerous flowering shrubs and wattles, and a baby red bellied snake that had met its end days before, also a big brown snake's skin he'd shed, but we didn't see him in his new shiny skin. We passed a small smelly cave that had something dead in it - presumably a fox's lair and its leftover food. Beautiful rocky gorges were also seen down stream as we crossed the river. Lunch was not too far short of Canoolie before we retraced our steps back to camp. The three night camp saw everyone enjoying a convivial happy hour around the camp fire, complete with wombats wandering past and kangaroos grazing not far away. The NPWS men installed a new loo seat and an extractor fan (as part of their maintenance program) while we were camped there, which was also much appreciated by everyone. This successful and enjoyable camp was organised by Len.
Pat  

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Cream Crossing and Barkshed Roads
Sunday 18 October 2009  

Log break Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Report not yet received
 

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Byangee Mountain and Car Camp
Friday-Sunday 16-18 October 2009

Wow, what a great walk! Our leader Cliff, together with Lynne, Michael and three visitors met on the Friday evening at Long Gully Flat to camp in readiness for an early start the next day. After a few overnight showers, Saturday dawned bright and clear to everyone's relief. Leaving from Long Gully we proceeded down across the Yadboro River, then up the Byangee track in a northeasterly direction, gaining height and with it increasingly good views until reaching the Castle base. Here the track narrows, skirting easterly along the Castle base under cavenous cliffs and overhangs, one of which fell in one complete slab to form what is now the Cathedral Cave.

After much inspection we continued on to the next feature of our walk, the Castle Arch, again with great views of the surrounding Budawangs, and a fine morning tea stop. From here we then crossed the saddle to the Byangee massif and so commenced some serious climbing up a steep and narrow gully, then with the aid of a rope up an even steeper rocky chute before a final scramble and squeeze though a sort of fissure and then, pop, we were on top.

There are the most outstanding views out across the Clyde Gorge, to the Castle in one direction and east to Mt Talaterang. After a long lunch lying in the sun under azure blue sky mesmerized by the view, we reluctantly returned to camp via the same route. Thanks again to Cliff for such a great walk.
Lynne  

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Spotted Gum and Ryans Creek Roads
Thursday 15 October 2009

Magnificent blue gum forest Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Our leader, Bev, led nine enthusiastic members northwards up the highway and turned right into the Mount Agony Road which leads to North Durras. After a couple of kilometres we parked on the right in a small clearing and walked up the road 100 metres to Spotted Gum Road on the left, leading into the forest. We all appreciated the mild temperature and enjoyed the outstanding bushland full of what seemed taller than the average Spotted Gum, also lush areas of bushland of tropical appearance including tall palms and creepers.

Excitement at one point came from the hurried disappearance of a red belly snake which was a trigger for us all to be aware of staying alert. A log for lunch was hard to find and so we found a pleasant bushy roadside patch to relax before continuing on Ryans Creek Road for our return to the carpark. Thank you from us all to Bev for a very happy and friendly walk.
Joan  

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Three Day Backpack to the Western Budawangs
11-13 October 2009

Val at Admiration Track junction Corang Plateau Photo by ??? Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Len at bottom of conglomerate outcrop on Corang Plateau Photo by ??? Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joe, Val, Lynne, Betty and Nev take shelter from the rain Photo by ??? Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A small party of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers enjoyed a two day trek in the Western Budawangs last week.

Plenty of native flowers and shrubs were blooming and the bush was beautiful from all the recent rain. Views out towards the coast took in the Castle and its surrounding mountains as well as north to the Wirritin Range etc, were photographed. A couple of great profiles on headlands were also admired.

Just after descending near Corang Arch to the valley, a thunderstorm arrived in all its might which got everyone scurrying along towards the designated cave for the night's camp. However a camp fire was soon warming and drying everyone, and still the rain cascaded down the cliff-front in a waterfall in front of us.

Next day the group wound their way through thick scrub along a creek and then past "Many Rock Ribs" and onto the Cascades where lunch was had before everyone hiked up and over the hills and back out to the cars. Beautiful stands of short white gums and rock formations were admired on the way back, and we were surprised to find a thick patch of hail/ice still there on the ground from a previous storm.
Author not credited (can someone let me know which of you hardy backpackers wrote this great report and took the photos - Ed)  

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Buckeridge Lookout and Rainforest
Saturday 10 October 2009

Donna, Kay, Karen and Heather at Buckeridge Lookout overlooking Narooma Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bracket fungus on dead tree Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The glorious Lawlers Creek Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Feeling fit and ready for action, four lovely ladies and I set off to the Bodalla Forest and Buckeridge Lookout for another day in the bush. Leader Kay proved that reading a map upside down is possible, but easily causes confusion between left and right turns. It appears that there’s still a need for Len’s Bush Navigation Course. Fortunately, experienced help was readily available. Being the only male, I kept a profile “lower ‘n a snake’s belly”, as no doubt an “egodectomy” would have been the response to any overt maleness. Apart from all that exaggeration, many birds in song, a variety of wildflowers, the superb view from Buckeridge Lookout, the Rainforest Walk and scintillating company combined to make a good walk most enjoyable.
Bob T  

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Corang Arch
Wednesday 7 October 2009

Cancelled because of bad weather
 

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Quartpot Loop
Sunday 4 October 2009

Cancelled - not enough walkers to ensure a safe walk.
 

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Spring Creek Orchids
Thursday 1 October 2009

The walk to Spring Creek was cancelled due to the hot weather and fire restrictions. The Leader, Betty suggested another walk in the shade of spotted gums with good exits if fire happened.

There were 13 people - unfortunately we didn't see the orchids we would have seen on the Spring Creek walk. The alternative walk was near Cullendulla and on and about Gravel Pit and Wrights Roads. Thank you Betty for giving us a safer walk on this hot day of total fire ban.
Beverley  

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