Kay, Jenny, Lin, Elaine, Glenn and Heather with flowering Pinkwood Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob in deep water Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Waterfall pool Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On the weekend, Bob T led 7 female members on what is, for me, one of the premier walks on the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers' calendar. The circuit walk to Pinkwood Creek is no more than 5km in length, but is graded Hard, because we walk a short distance on tracks, which are very rough, and then the remainder is creek wading through water occasionally thigh deep.

The walk starts about 25km southwest of Moruya off Little Sugarloaf Road, which is a good gravel road running through the Deua National Park. A steep downhill rough track leads to the upper reaches of the Deua River, where we jump into the water and start walking upstream. The Deua here is a narrow rocky stream, contained in a steep sided valley, and shaded predominantly by Pinkwood trees. Our leader Bob timed this walk to coincide with the flowering of these trees, so as we wandered up the river we were gently showered with falling white petals.

Heavy rains over the past couple of years have cleared quite a bit of debris which had built up in the river, so we made quick progress to the junction of Pinkwood Creek, which is still marked by a logjam, but it's not so bad these days.

Pinkwood Creek is less wet than the Deua, but has its moments, notably the wonderful deep pool fed by a waterfall confined in a narrow rock gorge. This section is well nigh impassable and to get around we have to climb the banks through the ferns and then slide back down into the creek at the top of waterfall. Eventually we reach our exit point at an overgrown and indistinct track which leads uphill back to the cars.

This hidden pocket of our Shire is quite magical and otherworldly, and the small amount of effort and energy required to explore it is well worth the rewards.
Karen M

Girls tackle the river Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Weird fungus Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lin and Karen on mossy cascade Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

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Potato Point Area - Forest, Lake and Beach
Thursday 20 March 2014

Lunch at Jemisons Point, Karen, Amanada and Bev Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The mid week walk for Batemans Bay Bushwalkers was an 11km circuit to visit the forests, lakes and beaches south of Potato Point.

It was a pretty warm day for autumn, so members raised quite a sweat tackling the hills and gullies between Potato Point Road and Brou Lake. After a break on the shores of Brou Lake to admire the view, the Bushwalkers headed towards the coast, past Lake Tarouga and its abundance of water birds, to Brou Beach. The beach has been recently scoured by heavy seas, and there are still large pieces of pumice along the shoreline from the eruption of the sea mount near Tonga.

Once again members paused in the shade of Jemisons Point for lunch, enjoying the views south to Dalmeny, Narooma, Montagaue and Mt Dromedary. From there they struck inland back to the start point.

Of course there are plenty of cafes on the drive home north - especially in Bodalla - where a shot of caffeine, and maybe a sugar fix as well, made an excellent conclusion to a most enjoyable day.
Karen M  

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Belowra and Dendrobium Creeks, Budawang Wilderness
Saturday 15 March 2014

Wendy, Betty, Pat, Sharon, Val, Lin and Ian check out the map Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lin, Pat, Val, Sharon, Bob, Betty and Wendy Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Gorge from above Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Secret pool Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Enjoying the moment Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	White water Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Graded 40+. Looks like there's a bit of work involved. But Ian has a knack of taking us to wild and beautiful places. So, even though we may die in the attempt (and there were times when I thought that a definite possibility) all the effort, difficulty and suffering is worth it.

To see mountain gorges, one must descend into them, experience the beauty and wonder, and then climb out. The rugged beauty of the Australian landscape and environment enthrals me.

Ian's knowledge of geology, forestry, trees, vegetation, and environment, which he gives so generously, makes his walks fascinating from start to finish. I hang on every word, and though I may forget some of it, the pictures he paints through his descriptions are like listening to music.

And when a walk has one of the highest gradings on the program, who do we see present for the experience? The most impressive people in our club; very competent ladies, two of whom are 80+ !!! My admiration for their toughness and stamina is humbling in the extreme. I feel privileged and most comfortable in their company.
Bob T

Wild beehive Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Orchid covered rocks Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Birdsnest fern garden Photo by Lin Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

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Durras Lake and Coastal Highlights
Wednesday 12 March 2014

Cancelled due to uncertain weather. However this beautiful walk through Murramarang National Park will be rescheduled next quarter.
 

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Congo Rock Platform and Village
Sunday 9 March 2014

Photographers Kay, Erika and Donna Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Hermit crab Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Congo rock platforms Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Sunday 9 March, 21 intrepid Batemans By Bushwalkers set off from the village of Congo under the expert guidance of our leader, Bob T (once he found the way out to Congo), to explore the rock shelf off the coast of Congo. Those of us who were brave enough to wade across a small channel to get out to an offshore reef were rewarded with a large variety of marine life to explore, including hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea-anemones and even five sooty oyster catchers.

We then proceeded south along the beach for a short distance and then climbed up to explore the village. We found the grave of Maria Thompson who died in 1837 aged just 24 years, and then went on to explore the rest of the village. We found a very well built stone house constructed by an owner builder over a good many years, and then finished up back at our starting point in good time for a leisurely lunch by the water.

A short and very different type of "bushwalk" that was enjoyed by all.
Len  

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Pretty Beach to Kioloa Circuit
Thursday 6 March 2014

Bev, Jill, Mary and Lorelle Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Pretty Beach Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Donna, Lorelle and Susan Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

More than twenty old and new bushwalkers met at the Batemans Bay car-park on an overcast morning, hoping that the previous night’s spotty rain would not return. They were rewarded with a splendid ramble, on a morning that slowly became more and more sunny. By the end, when the group returned to the aptly named Pretty Beach by way of Snapper Point, the sight of the surfies enjoying the waves was a reminder of how warm the morning had become.

Our walk leader had discovered a few days earlier that some of the walking tracks had been closed off, so with confident improvisation, the group headed off down the Beach on a revised route, past the local campsites, and then after returning via sand and rock platforms, we walked up onto the stunning headlands, covered with windswept banksias and studded in the understorey with Westringias. The air was clearing and the views to North and South were spectacular. We scrambled down from the twin headlands of Snapper Point to a lunch picnic on the edge of the woodland, crossed the Pretty Beach caravan park back to our cars, heading home refreshed and invigorated
Rodney  

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Sugarloaf Creek and Pools
Saturday 1 March 2014

Due to wet weather, walk leader Val led an easier walk - details not known. No report received.
Ed  

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Point Upright, Murramarang National Park
Wednesday 26 February 2014

The Bat Cave Photo by Brian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ainslie, Ailza, Mike, Christine, Patrick and Brian Photo by Brian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Hardy souls traverse Point Upright rock shelves Photo by Brian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Dismissive of thunderous weather reports, six walkers set out from North Durras in search of a mid-week adventure. The first stop was at the “bat cave”, where thrill-seekers Patrick and Brian belly-crawled their way deep into the cliff face.

Inside, the cave opened up into a large space, big enough to stand and walk around in, as bats flew around our heads in welcome.

Continuing along the beach, the group paused to admire the flowering swamp lilies (Crinum pedunculatum) before moving onto the broad rock shelf which connects North Durras and Depot Beach. With Point Upright towering above us, we negotiated some slippery surfaces while stopping to wonder at numerous fossils, including a sizeable piece of petrified wood embedded in the rock floor.

Lunch was taken at Depot Beach, before beginning the return trip via the beautiful Burrawang Walk to the top of Point Upright and down once more to North Durras Beach.

The weather stayed mostly fine and our thanks go to Ainslie and Mike for leading a most enjoyable walk.
Brian  

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Cabbage Tree Falls and Rainforest Gully
Sunday 23 February 2014

Peering over the edge Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The perfect morning tea spot Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lin, Betty, Wendy and Sharon enjoy a breather up the big hill Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Most everyone knows Cabbage Tree Creek as they cross it on the Kings Highway at the base of the long climb up the Clyde Mountain. But very few people visit the granite waterfall in its upper reaches, even though it is marked on the Nelligen 1:25,000 map sheet.

Eight Club members, Sharon, Martin, Stan, Wendy, Rob, Betty, Lin and Ian, decided to visit the falls and explore a nearby rainforest creek system. We weren’t disappointed.

The day was fine and mild, perfect walking conditions, but with a smoke haze from the fires in Victoria. We left Misty Mountain Road at GR 710549 (AGD) and bushbashed through light undergrowth eastward down the obvious ridge to the top of Cabbage Tree Creek Falls at 719554.

The falls are impressive, about 50 metres in height, not a direct drop but with a curving dome takeoff and a steep face typical of waterfalls dropping over granite bedrock. The rock was water smooth and easy to explore, especially since the recent dry weather had minimised the water flow over the edge. It was a perfect place for morning tea.

We then skirted the falls to the west and continued a descent to the junction of the two upper arms of Cabbage Tree Creek at 719560. Turning left we ascended the western creek, now in metamorphic rock, and followed a thin corridor of rainforest. The creek bed was not always easy to follow and the bank’s undergrowth was sometimes a little too messy. However, the nearby eucalypt trees were large, the rainforest species improved and the ferns grew larger as we climbed.

After lunch, where Rob won first prize for leeches, we continued to 709556 where, at the junction of two creeks, the rainforest is developed to its full extent. On some Soapy Box trees it seemed the Birds Nest Ferns could be estimated by tonnes – quite impressive.

Then came the hard part. We climbed 250 vertical metres in 400 horizontal - steep enough, but just to slow us down there were one too many Smilex viney patches drawing blood! Nevertheless, we emerged on Misty Mountain Road at 699560 relatively unscathed but rather breathless. From there it was a 2km jaunt back to the cars. We were gone 6 hours.

The falls will be well worth a visit in higher water flow!
Ian  

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Surfside and Cullendulla Ramble
Sunday 23 February 2014

Debbie, Margaret and Susan Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Group at Cullendulla Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Susan, Alex, Ailza, Bruce and Ainslie Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

26 walkers set out on a pleasant sunny day with a cooling breeze to walk along the beaches, tracks and paths in Surfside and Cullendulla. Highlights included climbing the rocky headland at the end of Surfside beach providing great ocean and town views and a great stop for morning tea; the Cullendulla Boardwalk with its lovely views along the creek and where low tide revealed numerous crabs scuttling along in the mangroves while a heron strutted along looking for a feed; a detour along a spit of land with mangroves and she-oaks either side; and the unexpected sight in Surfside of a large Boab tree with its beautifully shaped foliage.
Susan  

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Mundarlow Creek, between Saltwater and Firebreak Roads
Thursday 20 February 2014

Elaine, Geoff, Sharon, Betty and Bob ready for some intensive creek bashing Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

6 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers tackled a difficult 9 km walk today following the dry beds of 2 creeks running through the Mogo State Forest. To make a circuit walk, Walk Leader Betty threw in a few steep hills between the creekbashing to ensure we didn't become too complacent. It was a perfect day for a challenging walk, with a cool breeze after the last night's rain which had washed all the dust off the forest and freshened the air.
Karen M  

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Cullendulla Creek Paddle
Tuesday 18 February 2014

Ian has put together a comprehensive Paddling Program for members who responded to his recent Expressions of Interest in Paddling email. If you want to join this group, please contact the Secretary - contact details can be found on the front page of the Walks Program. In the meantime, here is a report on the Paddling Group's first outing. Ed.

Betty, Stan and Ian Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lin Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

An early start on the Cullendulla Creek and the paddler soon relaxes into the stillness of the morning, and the slow movement of the water as it passes under their kayak.

Spreading out over the first part of the creek, the 8 paddlers observe the tide as it pushes the water into and through the mangroves that line either side of the creek. Along with the many old and broken jetties, now collapsing into the water, perhaps the most interesting remains were the old timber logs that once formed part of a wooden tramway. This historic tramway, now some 100yrs old, used horses to drag wagons of sawn timber from a sawmill that once sat near the South Durras turnoff. From here the logs were taken by barge down into the Bay itself.

With the assistance of an incoming tide, the paddlers were able to explore in amongst the mangroves, weaving their way through clumps of trees and under branches. The final detour before returning to the start point was a paddle up into the smaller tributaries that flow into the Cullendulla Creek.
Mary  

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Malabar Weir, Moruya - canoes and kayaks required
Saturday 15 February 2014

Past the big granite boulders Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Starting to narrow Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Into the creek Photo by Mary Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

With an incoming tide rushing under the weir, one paddler enjoyed a few minutes of “fast water’, before joining the other 11 paddlers all keen to explore the Malabar Creek. Though the creek mouth itself is quite wide, once past a group of large lichen covered granite boulders, that sit high out of the water, the creek starts to narrow. The large mangroves, that edge this early part of the creek, look very healthy indeed, so too do the many young mangrove seedlings spreading out over the mud flats.

It wasn’t long before we were reaching for our rain jackets as soft rain started to fall. Somehow, the narrowing creek with its casuarina overhangs, and the soft rain hitting the water, added to the peaceful atmosphere of its upper reaches. Eventually large fallen timbers barred our way, so a nifty turn around saw the 12 kayaks heading slowly back to the weir.

Despite the rain, and all being a little wet, everyone agreed it had been a great paddle.
Mary  

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Moruya Town and Riverside
Wednesday 12 February 2014

Batemans Bay Bushwalkers Moruya River Side walk led by Bob and Joan proved to be a great success. The 6km was walked at an easy pace allowing all 19 folk who attended to enjoy the beautiful views of the river. While crossing the bridge we viewed a small Banjo Shark and a school of fish, and as we ambled along towards the Hospital we were delighted to enjoy the lovely water garden complete with Lotus and Water Lilly plants, the flowers the size of dinner plates.

Morning tea was taken at one of the many Rotundas provided in the park. The walk continued back to the Bridge and passed all the wonderful Community Facilities, tracking along the banks of this magical river towards Ryans Wetlands, where we saw lots of Sheoaks and wild oyster shells where someone had enjoyed a feed.

Lunch was taken by the river bank and then we returned. We all enjoyed the walk and thank you very much Bob and Joan.
Bruce  

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Currowan Creek Meander - rock pools, riverine forest
Sunday 9 February 2014

Apres walk at Cliff's Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

There were 26 members of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers on Sunday 9 February who could not resist the walk, despite the high temperature and humidity, on Cliff's property along a dry creek bed through lush and shady bushland, which included a large variety of sassafras, coachwood and spotted gum trees in Currowan State Forest.

At conclusion of the walk the group enjoyed the opportunity of a well deserved swim in Cliff's lap pool, followed by a most enjoyable barbecue with delicious salads and warm scones with jam and cream which have become a custom following a walk on this property. The social ending to this walk was enhanced by a most attractive setting of tables under large shade sails and many thanks were given for a wonderful event enjoyed by all, especially those who cooled off with a swim.
Joan  

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Beat the Heat - Barlings Island to Burrewarra Point
Thursday 6 February 2014

Descending onto Franks Beach Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	View north from Burrewarra Point Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Leader Pat formed a "Magic Circle" of 23 Bushwalkers and made sure they were all set to have a pleasant and safe coastal walk from Barlings Island to the Guerilla Bay carpark (via Burrewarra Point).

At 8.00 am it was an early start under a cloudy sky, which cleared as the walk progressed. After the first steep ascent to clifftop above Barlings Beach many outer coverings were removed. The climb was well worth the effort as the view was spectacularly dominated by Mount Dromedary to the South.

We then passed through open forest with many huge old Banksia trees formed in fascinating shapes as they battled against the prevailing winds. Morning tea was taken near Burrewarra Point at a lookout over the ocean.

The path twisted and turned giving ever changing views of the bush and coastline. All too soon the group arrived at Guerilla Bay and warm thanks were offered to Pat for managing such a lovely walk.
Bob M  

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Denhams Three Beach Walk with Sausage Sizzle to Follow
Saturday 1 February 2014

Host Lyn briefs her chef Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ian, Jan, Jan, Margaret, Gerri and Margaret Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Elizabeth and Lesley Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Ailza, Cliff and Bob Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Backyard bursting with bushwalkers Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	BBBW wave Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This annual sausage sizzle in the garden of Lyn and Barry with spectacular ocean views was preceded by an enjoyable walk along three local beaches on a perfect summer's day. The walk attracted 65 members who enjoyed this opportunity to gather and meet again to begin the year ahead of weekly walks and quarterly camps after the Christmas and New Year festivities with family and friends.

On this particular afternoon the beach walks were enhanced with a bonus not seen before by our members - a motorised hang glider with single seat passenger who flew above and along the length of the three beaches much to the fascination of all beach visitors.
Joan  

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Historic Dairy Farm and Cheese Factory at Tilba
Wednesday 29 January 2014

Leader Patrick with Stan, Bob and Marilla Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	In the shadow of Mt Dromedary Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Part of the wetlands Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Brown's cows Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Gerri and Bob Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Tilba farm walk Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Once again historical walks prove popular, with nearly 40 members arriving at Nick and Erica Dibden's historic dairy at Tilba Tilba, which they have owned for around 12 years. Walk Leader Patrick then gathered the throng together and off we set, carefully side stepping the cow pats, we headed for higher ground.

The track took us past a crop of maize, with a fun guessing competition revealing approximately 1.65 million plants flourishing in that one field.

On the very top of the hill sat the impressive mausoleum of the original pioneer family, the Youngs. This was our morning tea stop, and after reading the inscriptions on the memorial it was very easy to reflect on the life of the early pioneers. From here we looked back over the Dibden's pure bred herd of jersey cows, which are known for producing milk high in butter fat and protein.

Soon we were heading off again,this time downhill and alongside a lovely wetland which eventually flowed into Lake Tilba. Another good climb took us up close to the tree line where we had lunch, then it was back down for a tour of the milking shed before heading off into Tilba Tilba to visit the Cheese Factory.

The ABC Cheese Factory opened in around 1891 and was the first cheese co-op in NSW. Finally, with a variety of cheeses in store, the group headed back to Batemans Bay, all agreeing it had been an interesting and informative walk.
Mary  

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Mad Hatters Tea party, Trivia and Fun Afternoon
Sunday 26 January 2014

Mary, Bob and Betty Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ian Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Betty, Stan, Mary, Debbie, Brian, Christine and Laurie Photo by Bob M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Flowerpower Elaine Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Quizmaster Lyn Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Host Lin Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Batemans Bay Bushwalkers turned out on Australia Day bedecked in all manner of mad hats for a Mad Hatters Trivia Afternoon. The venue was Lin & Ian's shady terrace in Lilli Pilli where they welcomed about 50 members for several hours of Australian trivia fun, and an afternoon tea of nostalgic Aussie treats.

There were some very creative hats on display, the best of which won prizes for their flair and originality. The brainiest trivia team also scored some beautiful potted cymbidium orchids grown by our host Lin.
Karen M  

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