October 2015 Next Meeting
Tuesday 10 th November Community Centre Wharf Street Logan Village 7pm
Walk to Castle Rock and Mt Norman
Long Weekend at Girraween President Sue Simpson 5546 8781 0414 575 509
Treasurer Lynne Lucas 3287 4934 lmlucas@iprimus.com.au
Vice President Brian Watson 5543 1261 watsonpab@bigpond.com
Website Manager Mark Filius 3398 8528 mark@filius.cc
Secretary & Publicity Officer Heather O’Keeffe 3208 6420 dizzycat1@hotmail.com
Equipment Officer David Nickson 3287 3312
Committee Members
Editor Denise Bouyer
0417 743 127 kdbouyer@bigpond.com General Enquiries loganbbw@gmail.com www.bushwalkers.com www.facebook.com/ loganbeaudesertbushwalkers
Minutes of General Meeting Logan & Beaudesert Bushwalkers 13th October, 2015 Meeting opened at 7.25pm Visitors: Rodney & Anna Snow Members: Heather O'Keeffe, Sue Simpson, Lynne Lucas, Peter Rice, Gary Logan, Jenny Kemp, Regina Harvey, Ross Vlahos, Bob Millen, Terry Sparks, Sue & Andrew McLeod, Ken & Denise Bouyer, Brian Watson, Anthony Milverton and Karen Roache Apologies: Malcolm Hill, Mark Filius, Dave Nickson, Paulette Watson, Alice Bennet-Adler, Karen Shaw and Bruce Ludlow Minutes of previous meeting: As per September newsletter. Brian Watson accepted the minutes as being accurate. Seconded by Everyone Business arising from the minutes: Nil Treasurer's Report: Reconciled Balances for the period from 13/10/2015 - $4,060.09 ____________________________________________ Plus memberships received Grants Bunnings Net Sausage Sizzle Gold Coast Water Stall Hire refund Interest
$
85.00 $
0.00
$ $
0.00 0.00 0.03
$1,638.15 $ $ 1,723.18
Less Outgoings Rent Sausages Stationery Heather Christmas Party Donations
$ $ $ $ $ $
0.00 220.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
220.00
Balance held at end of period
$5,563.27
Funds made up of Account Balance Cash on Hand Unreceipted Memberships
$5,239.42 $ 323.85
Reconciled Balances
$5563.27
Lynne moved that the report be received. Seconded by Sue McLeod
2
Incoming correspondence • • • • • •
October newsletter Gold Coast and Brisbane and September newsletter from Catholic Bushwalkers Email Wix re renewal of internet Email via Lynne re Kookaburra Park Email from Jan Sammons re the Grampians trip in 2016 - tabled Email from Dan Clearwater re canoeing in NZ Letter from Scenic Rim with a grant of $350 towards the cost of CPR recertification
Outgoing correspondence •
Our newsletter
Heather moved that the correspondence be approved. Seconded by Jenny Kemp General Business • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Sue welcomed our visitors Anna and Rodney Snow The sausage sizzle raised $1,418.15. Everyone voted yes to doing another one in 2016. Application to Bunnings is due by the end of October. They want 3 dates from us. A Sunday would be preferable The monthly dinner will be on Friday 23rd October. Sue asked for a venue and coordinator. Ross suggested Serranos Mexican, in George Street, Beenleigh. He will coordinate the night but Lynne will make the booking Mt Mitchell was a good walk on October 10. There is still evidence of the landslips from 2011, however, they are covered in white flowering weeds now. It was very warm on top and we mostly sat in the shade on the side of the track. Jenny K had decided to stop before getting to the top and while she was on her own she saw a dead koala being eaten by a goanna It’s time for the CPR recertification again. A Sunday will probably suit most people Sue said we need to do something with the fundraising money and suggestion more snake bite kits. Karen said her sister has a large good quality esky to sell. Both ideas are being considered The Christmas Camp is scheduled for the 4th – 6th December. We will have a camp oven dinner. Canoeing, kayaking and fishing are allowed on the lake Regina gave a short report on the trip to Europe that she has just completed with Rob and Jan. Rob’s trip report is forthcoming If you are interested in the Grampian’s trip in 2016, please let Jan Sammons know, ASAP. Bookings have to be made The Saturday walks for the 24th & 31st have been swapped around Heather will distribute the new phone/email list one she has finished updating it Sunday walks were tabled Easter 2016 will be at Lake Moogerah again. Easter is from March 25th – 28th The Jimboomba Times does not have an article on our Club at the moment Mark requested the he purchased 2 more carabiners, they would have been helpful coming down Mt Beerwah. Purchased agreed on. Heather to reimburse Mark Sue commented on the Girraween Camp over the October long weekend, saying what a good camp and good weekend it was Heather advised that Logan & Scenic Rim Councils had contacted her for articles to go in their promotional flyers. Heather has forwarded the info
Meeting closed at 8.10pm 3
Future Walks Notes for Saturday walkers •
If possible, please email or sms your intention to walk to the walk coordinator instead of phoning. The walk coordinator will always reply to confirm that you are listed for the walk and provide you with any necessary details. Please sms at a respectful hour
•
Alternatively, please phone the walk coordinator between the hours of 6pm to 8pm on the Thursday before the walk
•
Please check the walks list to see when you have been nominated to coordinate a walk
•
The weekly walks will also be on the Facebook page which is updated every Wednesday night www.facebook.com/loganbeaudesertbushwalkers
October 2015 When Friday 23rd Saturday 24th Sunday 25th Saturday 31st
Outing Club Dinner, Serranos Mexican Cantina, Beenleigh Killarney Glen meet at Canungra - 7am
Type
Binna Burra – Nixon Creek meet at Canungra - 7am
Coordinator
Phone
Ross
0418 997 600
S-2-2
Sue
5546 8781 0414 575 509
M-4-4
Andrew
0404 480 214
M-4-4
Brian
5543 1261 0409 010 436
Social D.W. D.W.
Turtle Rock
Grade
D.W.
November 2015 Sunday 1st Saturday 7th th
Sunday 8 Saturday 14th
Sunday 15th Saturday 21st Sunday 22nd Saturday 28th Sunday 29th
Flinders Peak Coomera River, Binna Burra meet at Canungra - 7am Mt Bell Yellow Pinch Walk meet at Beaudesert - 7am 4WD day, Glasshouse Mountains
D.W.
M-4-4
Mark
0413 456 832
D.W.
M-3-3
Heather
0432 197 577
D.W.
M-4-4
John
D.W.
M-3-3
Sue
0415 996 266 5546 8781 0414 575 509
SOCIAL
Mark
0413 456 832
Sue
5546 8781 0414 575 509
TBA TBA Aracauria Circuit, Binna Burra meet at Canungra - 7am TBA
D.W.
M-4-4
December 2015 Saturday 5th Saturday 12th Sunday 13th Saturday 19th Sunday 20th
CHRISTMAS CAMP CRESSBROOKE Denham Scenic Reserve Beechmont & BBQ
B.C.
M-3-3
Heather
0432 197 577
D.W.
S-2-2
Sue
5546 8781 0414 575 509
TBA TBA TBA Phone numbers for Park Rangers and the web address for park alerts Binna Burra - 5533 3996 Boonah - 5463 5041 Main Range - 4666 1133 O'Reillys - 5544 0634 Park alerts can be found on the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing web site http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/index.php
Emergency Numbers if you are unable to get through to 000 use 112 on your mobile phone 4
Please Note THURSDAY is the deadline to notify the Coordinator for through walks, base camps and Saturday walks FRIDAY is the deadline to notify the Coordinator for Sunday walks Some walks may be changed at the last minute due to weather or other conditions PLEASE ensure you contact the coordinator before your chosen walk or check the Facebook page
When car pooling, passengers are to pay $7 petrol money to the driver Make sure these are in your pack Every Week & Every Walk
Hat Food Jumper Raincoat Sunscreen
First-aid Kit 1-2ltr Water Paper & Pencil Map & Compass Insect Repellent
Torch Watch Whistle Lighter / Matches
Walk Grading ’s Walkers Guide: Participants are required to read and understand the Grading System for activities as listed. They should ensure that they are able to complete the listed walk. New members will normally start with two shorter and easier walks with the Club, such as easy terrain, easy fitness, and or short to medium length and progress by one grading step per activity. Distance S M L XL Fitness 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Terrain 1 2 3 4 5 6
Short - Under 10km Medium - 10 – 15 km Long - 15 – 20 km Extra Long - 20+ km Basic - suitable for beginners, up to 4 hours walking, flat Basic - suitable for beginners, up to 4 hours walking, minor hills Easy - suitable for beginners, up to 5 hours walking, undulating terrain Reasonable level of fitness required -up to 5 hours walking Moderate - up to 6 hours walking, agility required Moderate - up to 6 hours walking, agility required High - up to 8 hours walking, high fitness, endurance and agility required High - up to 8 hours walking, high fitness, endurance and agility required Challenging - up to 12 hours walking, very high fitness, endurance and agility required Smooth, reasonably flat path Graded path / track with minor obstacles Graded track with obstacles such as rock, roots, fallen debris or creek crossings Rough unformed track or open terrain with obstacles such as rock, roots, fallen debris or creek crossings Rough or rocky terrain with small climbs using hands or rock hopping Steep, rough or rocky terrain with large climbs using hands or rock hopping 5
7 8 9
Climb / descend step rock using hands or footholds, may be some exposure, good upper body strength Climb / descend near vertical rock with exposure, climbing skills may be required Sustained climbing or descending of vertical or near vertical rock with exposure, advanced climbing skills required, good upper body strength
Activity DW Day Walk BC Base Camp TW Through Walk SOC Social Activity S&T Safety and Training Bush Qld Bush Walking Qld FMR Federation Mountain Rescue
Happy birthday and best wishes to our club members celebrating their birthday in October:
Heather O’Keefe, John Soderlund & Bev Schofield
Walk Reports LORD HOWE ISLAND – JUNE 2015 We took the opportunity to go in winter as the package deals are cheaper than summer. It’s an easy short flight from Brisbane less 6
than two hours. It is part of New South Wales so no need for passports. The winter weather low is 14 and highest for summer 26. Although the whole island is only 11kms long, there are a lot of varied walks and tracks to follow ranging from class 2 to class 5. Keeping in mind if it has been raining - which we got a lot of showers and wind, it makes some tracks very slippery and muddy, hence we did not do, as there are some very steep sections. The most accidents that happen on Island are from the walkers falling people falling off bicycles which mainly used here, along with walking, or can hire a car, limited few, and they are quite expensive $75/80 per day. The hospital has only 4 beds so if you need to be helicoptered off the island it is good cover of insurance.
the and are to a at quite expensive and you need a
The toughest climb and yes it's a climb up Mt. Gower class 5 (but to me it should be a 7)? It takes 8 hours to climb as it’s all up 875m of rocks and ropes - no real track as such - so it’s all about pulling up on ropes, and is only accessible with a guide at $70 each. No independent climb can be done. Kentia palms used to be the sole money producer for them exporting the seeds all over the world, this is where they originated, so the island is covered in them and they need these to keep the wind out along with some Norfolk pines. Now they rely on tourism to keep them going but only allow 400 visitors on the island at a time. It is quite expensive to buy goods from the local shops, such as meat, fruit and vegies. Cheese - small block was $12, a packet of kraft slices of 12 was $7. It’s a good idea to take less clothes and leave room for some packets of cereal, soups, noodles, biscuits, etc. Wine and beer can be purchased at "The Liquor Shop" not too bad, compared to the food shops which sell liquor, they varied at $7 extra per bottle. The restaurants are very good not overpriced and great choices. Also there is a Bowling club with good meals. The Golf Club is absolutely beautiful right by the sea, and they have a Friday night only Fish BBQ. There is also a climb out in the ocean in back of the island called Balls Pyramid, but you have to be dropped off by boat, it’s very jagged and rocky, Dick Smith (aviator & adventurer) did it many years ago, (1980) and his boots he climbed in are in a glass case in the local museum. There are lots of little beaches scattered here and there, with nice clean sand, the one at Neds beach, you can stand in the shallow water and feed the fish, lots of different varieties, mullet, rainbow coloured fish, even Galapagos shark, don't feed when you see these!!!! Also available is snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing trips, swimming, glass bottom boat, if its windy boats don't operate, as they can’t go around the island, it’s too rough. A very enjoyable week away, lots of walking, with Marie Mc and we met lots of people from Brisbane. C U SOMEWHERE IN THE GR8 OUTDOORS. ROBYN SMITH
7
3 Walkers Lyn Lucas, Dave Nickson and Brian Watson We met at Jubilee Park at 7 am, took two cars for the car shuttle, drove through Boonah, took the Rathdowney Road then after about 10 kms turned right up the Carneys Creek Road. Another 10 kms and right again up the Heads Road. This is a pretty area even for just a drive. This we found out when about 10 Bikers came roaring passed us. Finally we stopped at a clearing used for our car shuttle. We left Lyn’s locked BMW and motored up the road in my Mazda 3 Diesel. The 420 KN Torque was no problem on the hills and tight corners. We parked in an open field and donned our Boots etc for the steep walk up Wilsons Peak, time 8.30 AM. We crossed the bitumen road, into the rainforest and through a gate to start the ascension of the lower slopes of Wilsons Peak. The leaf littered track followed the Qld- NSW Rabbit Fence. We followed this well maintained fence for a little under 2 hours, always in an upward direction. There was no letting up of the steep grade and as the saying goes, there is only one way and that is up. At a small relatively flat grassy section Dave offered us the option of little lunch or continuing for another 20 to 30 minutes to get to the top of Wilsons Peak. We opted for the latter. We left the fence, followed a narrow track for 10 minutes that traversed the rocky face of Wilson’s Peak. Then Dave showed us a chimney which had to be climbed to reach the summit. Another 10 minutes and we were all sitting on the top looking out at the only view to be had and what a view. You had to be there. After a well appreciated little-lunch stop, we were off back down the Chimney. Then more traversing of the rocky face of Wilsons Peak till we met the Rabbit Fence on the other side of the Peak. Now was the task to descend the steep slope without sliding on one’s rear end. Only Lyn achieved this position. The fence became our main support and often a means of a break system. At one point Dave let out a yell and did a quick reversal up the slope as he had almost stepped on a 2 metre python. The snake was trying to get through the rabbit fence but the holes were too small. Lyn took a long sturdy stick and encouraged it to return to a wood pile of the other side of the track. It took her advice and we never saw it again. The path was now getting a little flatter, thank goodness, but it wasn’t long before we heard Dave ringing another alarm bell. This time it was a 1 metre Goanna. We always made sure Dave was in front to protect and warn us of pending Danger. We were now well down off the peak and onto flat ground. Looking back and up, Wilsons Peak looked rather majestic, towering upwards against the blue sky. It was at this point we left the track to walk through dense bracken down to Wilson’s Creek. The going was rough as there were rocks and fallen timber under the bracken which was difficult to see at times. This Dave found by taking a tumble, no damage but his pride. Lyn and I found a small dry tributary with a flat rocky bed which led to Wilson Creek. Somewhat like the Golden Stair Case for those that have done that walk. Dave said take it if you want and he would see us at the top of the water fall. Lyn and I took the tributary that led us into Wilson’s Creek. The creek was pretty dry most of the time and we followed it down stream. What Dave had not told us was that the creek twisted and turned all over the place. Also that it had had fallen trees, lantana and large water holes for us to negotiate. Very time consuming. The next problem was the Yellow Belly Black snake that stopped us in our tracks. Although I think it could have been a green tree snake, but then I’m no expert. Lyn assured me it was a dangerous snake and we quietly went round it. By the time we caught up with Dave he was half way through his lunch and had boiled the billy. A great lunch spot and for those that did the Easter walks this year, this spot is where we had lunch on the Saturday walk. After lunch we followed a well-worn track through a grassy paddock to the “Veranda.” Dave and I walked the Veranda. This is a ledge half way down a rock face which one traverses with a great deal of care and a good head for heights. Lyn preferred to take the high road and went over the top of the rocky out crop. Down yet another bracken slope on to an old 4WD track, stopped to pick Bush Lemons and 8
back to the car. On inspection Lyn and I both had a tick but Dave was blessed with two. All ticks were successfully removed. Lyn returned us to my car via the steep winding bitumen road. A BMW does not worry about roadside guide posts. If they are in the way, tough, I’m a product of Germany. Finally back at my Red Japanese Mazda, change our gear and headed home. Well I say home, Dave and I stopped off at the Alfred Hotel for the traditional light refreshment or two. WILSONS PEAK 1231 metre By: Brian Watson
By: Anthony Milverton
Pondering guides
Walk on your toes.
The team of David N, Mark and Anthony started assembling in Beenleigh at 5am, 11 October 2015 to walk Mount Beerwah. Arriving at the mountain at 7am, the trek commenced at 7.10. Mt Beerwah is the highest of the 10 volcanic plugs in the Glass House Mountain and casts an imposing presence. It must be declared there was significant trepidation when the author saw the mountain close up. The main trail was closed following a landslide some years ago so an alternate route was necessary. Mark shared out the carabiners and straps and we set out down the road to find the previously reconnoitered substitute trail, it was not marked and was difficult to recognise as the main thoroughfare to the mountain proper. The group (not yet a team) walked for approximately 2 klms before starting the ascent. As we approached the first slabs of inclining rock, the accurate but somewhat brief Facebook description started resonating “some rope work and a bit of a scramble, not too hard though.” Perhaps a look of terror was as apparent as the M1 billboard for Sexpo because it was about this time the tutelage began. Both Mark and David were nonchalant (a good and calming thing), consistently patient and encouraging throughout the day (see photo ‘pondering guides’). The instructions were explained and demonstrated in the style typical of 2 very experienced, practical and capable scrambling/climbing stalwarts. Straps were always freely accessible and no pressure was brought to bear to keep them stowed away. The importance of always planning ahead for foot and finger holds was heavily promoted. The need to have the pointy end of at least 3 of the 4 extremities continuously connected to the rock slabs was made abundantly clear. The other important message was the value of using the front of the foot when walking up or down the rock (see photo ‘walk on your toes’). The credibility of their guidance was evident as no 9
skin was to be lost, there were ongoing smirks of satisfaction, not grimaces of pain. The crew nestled into a ‘shady’ flat spot for morning tea at about 9.15am, a very welcome reprieve from a constant and challenging scramble (see photo ‘David on flat ground’). The best was yet to come. The slabs of rock were plentiful and sometimes at least as big as a double decker bus. They were generally unavoidable however their surfaces were at least course Dave on flat ground and dry. Planning foot and hand holds, ascending and keeping body weight on the toes was the credo. The rugged, weathered, well-polished and thankfully well-rooted trees were a boon to the mentally and physically weary (one of the trio in particular). There were times when this writer was reviewing his choice of ‘walks’ (usually while splayed on a rock face), only to look up to see a colleague standing on what seemed a perilous angle looking on. No doubt Mark or David were continuously assessing if it was time to break out the straps. A conclusion formed that these men must have fingers and toes like the infamous Smeagol. Perhaps they have evolved zygodactyl feet where there are toes pointing back as well as forward. The squad reached the summit and set up for lunch at 11am (see photo ‘the peak’). Out came the duelling gas burners, brewed beverages, a variety of gourmet rolls, plus boiled eggs, fruit and some melted chocolates. The panorama was sensational, gobsmacking and confronting (see photo ‘view 2’) the unspoken burning question on one person’s lips was ‘how the hell do you get down from this’! There were soaring Peregrine falcons, a glider and other small planes, but no helicopters. The descent was no less daunting though gravity was generally helpful. No straps were required and although Mark was clearly impressed with the new carabiners, they didn’t have any work this day. The team arrived back at the magnificent car park to be greeted by a patiently waiting Nissan Pathfinder. By this time there was only one thing on the mind of the most embattled hiker – the social debrief, the expedition post-mortem and of course the well-deserved drink.
The peak
Great company, an extraordinary and successful venture combined with hot seasoned chips and a cold beer made this writer one smug and satisfied hiker.
View 2
And so it came to pass that He, who has enriched the walking experiences of so many in the Club, was co-opted into taking some Saturday walkers on a walk undertaken by relatively few other walkers because of the limitations placed upon what route can be followed. He had introduced us to the Golden 10
Staircase, Illinbah Cave, Montserrat, the Pinnacle, etc. – all within the capacity of many Saturday walkers – thus expanding our walking horizons. Thus at 7.30 a.m. on a Saturday morning, eight of us met at Martin Shields Park at Tallebudgera before travelling in two 4WDs – not necessarily required – to Upper Tallebudgera whence our walk along the historic Cream Track would be undertaken. Brian, Bill and Mindy travelled with me, Boris Burnumov, on my first walk. Jennie, her sister, Gail, and Ken, enjoying a break from wife, Denise who decided she’d had enough of Ken for a fortnight and escaped to Tasmania with her sister, travelled with Dave, He being inimitable in his knowledge of walks in the south-east and insatiable in his quest to discover new tracks. [I think I might have been conned by the leader who insisted that the latest recruit always had to do his first walks report.] We had just arrived at the end of the bitumen and parked just before 8.15 a.m. above the flowing, rocky, tree-sheltered watercourse just below. As we readied ourselves for the experience, a little 4WD pulled up adjacent to our parking site and Dave approached and started talking to the occupants, one of whom, a woman, got out of the vehicle while the male driver stayed inside. These were the owners of one section of the walk and they were updating Dave as to the do’s and don’ts’s of the walking track and of work that the owner was doing on it. Right on cue, the old black part-terrier of which Dave had informed us hobbled over from the last house on the road and checked us out before returning home labouriously.
All ready and all wised-up, we started on our way at exactly 8.30 a.m. through the unlocked gate that reminded walkers that they were on private property. Three creeks of varying water flows and width were crossed along an old dirt road that obviously serviced areas higher up where bananas grew on the hillsides and there were entrances to who knows what. The track followed the creek, initially, with trees on either side. Apart from the expected understorey vegetation, there were plenty of staghorn and elkhorn ferns attached firmly to their host trees and it wasn’t long before Dave drew my attention to the ribbon like streamers that draped from the base of one of the larger stags. This would be of no consequence to most but to me it was of great significance. Here was a huge clump of ribbon fern, Ophioglossum pendulum, something of a rarity and something that I am particularly interested in. Probably a hundred ribbons up to a metre long dangled from the base of the stag. Above, there was another specimen but not so extensive. Before long, in another tree, another stag with another ribbon fern. This was indeed a special place to me. [Ribbon ferns only grow naturally in staghorns and elkhorns. Many people who have them in their gardens do not know that they are there and I have pointed them out to people in the plant world who never realised what treasures they had growing. I have one at home which has a measly two ribbons that have become established but I suspect others are making their way through the elkhorn peat and will eventually become exposed. Surprisingly, they only germinate in the dark.] We continued up what was a 4WD track with palms growing amongst the tall rain forest trees to which there were plenty of staghorns and elkhorns attached with birds nest ferns having established themselves on the rocks below. In places, thick vines grew contortedly from forest floor upwards or is that the other 11
way round. We left the 4WD track and made our way up a steep ridge that was well marked with the usual pink ribbon. This deviation was to avoid using that section of the 4WD track which passed through the property of an owner who was not particularly fussed with people walking on property. The deviation that we were taking was part of the section that the owner to whom Dave had spoken before the walk started was working on. In the thickness of this part of the track we came across the ruins of an old shack made of bush timber and corrugated iron. There were the remnants of an old wood stove scattered around the perimeter. The occupant of this and its purpose are probably lost in history. Observant eyes picked out a bower bird’s bower, well-hidden amongst the bracken and decorated with the usual blue adornments, notably plastic from the bags used to cover the bunches of bananas on the trees we were soon to encounter, blue bottle tops and feathers. We made our way back onto the 4WD track, now on a section where we would not incur the wrath of the uninviting owner. On trees on either side, small staghorns grew within easy reach but left undisturbed by walkers who respected the wishes of property owners to leave them grow in their natural surrounds. Small Pyrossia ferns dotted some of the trees as they climbed upwards towards the sunlight. We made our way up a steep section of the 4WD track passing the bush lemon tree laden with ripe fruit and then reached the banana plantation with the trees growing on the steep sides of the hills and the occasional tree having a large silver on the outside and blue on the inside bag covering a bunch of ripening bananas. Some of the forest trees were covered with as many as ten staghorn ferns of varying sizes coming down their trunks. Obviously conditions were ideal for their initial germination and subsequent growth. The 4WD track levelled out and we were soon overlooking a valley with the banana plantation reaching down the slopes. In all likelihood, we could see the ocean in the distance but it could have low-lying cloud – but it wasn’t. Then it was back up a steep track with, again, staghorns and elkhorns in profusion. Wild ginger punctuated the edges of the road. It started to become overcast as we continued on slowly and steeply and, at 10.05 a.m., our leader called a welcome halt and we sat down for morning tea, surrounded by Dracaena shrubs, on level ground and on the 4WD track. At 10.30 a.m. we were up and off again. Soon we were off the 4WD track onto a narrow, leaf-littered track down which pack-horses carried the cream in the distant past. We had to scramble over logs in places and avoid being caught up on “wait-awhile” vines whose sharp thorns attacked our skin and clothing. Past a forest giant with a hundred or so straw like roots seeking out the ground from which they would gain the sustenance necessary to eventually transform them into the huge strangler fig that would, in time, choke the life out of its magnificent host, we struggled. There were three huge trees in this area slowly having their trunks covered by these allembracing vegetative drapes. We again reached the 4WD track and made our way once more uphill through semi-rainforest with a new, blue, barbed wire fence making its way downhill where there were more star pickets and rolls of wire ready for 12
its continuation. At the top of this slope a new steel gate was being put in and through this we went onto a large open, kikuyu covered space with a large rock cairn in the middle. There was a man there bobbing up and down, fuelling our curiosity. We wondered what he was doing but it eventually dawned on us that he was pulling out fire weed – not that there was much obvious. From this grassy expanse we were able to gain magnificent views of a wide spread of the Gold Coast, far away and far below. Our destination was not far from here but Nature decided that it was going to rain lightly so rain gear had to be put on for the last leg of our walk. I hadn’t bothered to check my rain gear but realised I had two pieces of such in my pack. To my dismay, the two pieces turned out to be two sets of rain pants. Not much upper body protection there, however, I did have a good quality Bunnings poncho given to me several years ago that I carried to use in an emergency so some protection was afforded me – for several minutes. It split at the seams and was virtually useless. Along the 4WD track we continued, climbed over a strong metal gate locked with the heaviest of chains and largest of locks. A closed gate was all that was between us and our intended lunch spot and through this we all went, seeking the shelter shed, which was fortunately vacant, near the top of Goomoolahra Falls. The time was nigh on 12.30 p.m. We’d walked for four hours. It rained heavily but we were safe in our shelter shed refuge eating lunch without there seeming to be any halt to the rain. We were visited by three kookaburras that were anxious to dine with us but they turned up their beaks at any morsel of bread/biscuit offered. One less than hardy member of our party was so over the conditions that she was actually offering other park visitors $100 to drive her back to her car at Tallebudgera. [She couldn’t have been serious, could she?] The rain didn’t stop us all going out to Goomoolahra Falls lookout where Goomoolahra Creek, somewhat replenished by the heavy rain, crashed hundreds of metres to the valley floor below. Conditions weren’t that good but the views over towards the coast were really spectacular even though some were filtered through thin cloud.
The time had come and there was no option but to start the return walk. [Luckily Mindy came to my aid and gave me a light plastic poncho that she carried as a spare and I was protected – or at least my body was but not my arms. Initially we all moved out together, climbed over the strengthened gate and came to the large, open, kikuyu-covered space where we had encountered this fellow digging out fireweed. He was really serious about eradicating this pest because he was still there. The first we saw of movement on our return trip was a Bunnings umbrella top moving about. This wasn’t unusual in itself but, as we got closer, we noticed the weed-picker was crawling around beneath it still pulling out this gazetted pest. On we went through another gate but I seemed to have walked on nonchalantly and left the others in my wake. When I turned aroundthere was no one else in sight even though I could see for hundreds of metres behind. I waited and waited and waited, sang out a few times and then turned back. Eventually some of 13
our group started to appear. Brian had finished up getting a tick on his shoulder and it had to be removed. In the time delayed, a doctor could have performed a heart transplant. Now things started to become tricky. The rain had turned the 4WD track into a slick slope and so great care had to be taken to avoid slipping. This continued for hundreds of metres and everyone was most cautious in their progress. Dave decided that we would leave the 4WD track and take to the bush, something that he had done before and so we followed him along a pink ribbon marked trail that took us over a little knoll that was bedecked with dozens of large birds nest ferns and this area was surrounded by a great number of them, also. Back on the 4WD track again we walked but the road was not as treacherous as it was before our detour. Then it was back to the bush but Ken decided he would follow the 4WD track as his knees were giving him some trouble. Seven of us trekked through the bush and met with Ken again. Down the 4WD track again we trudged now until another detour was taken. This time both Ken and Gail followed the 4WD track while the rest followed Dave over what was to be our last deviation from the main track. Following pink marker tape again, we eventually reached a point the 4Wd where we had nothing but basically downhill walking along its clearly defined route. Across three creeks with a little more water in them and then the entry gate to the car park, we were back at the vehicle and it was 4.35 p.m. We drove back to where the others had parked their vehicles at Martin Shields Park where decisions had to be made as to what all were going to do. Most decided to drive home while a few decided to adjourn to a local tavern to have a run-down on the day’s walk. It was a very interesting walk from several perspectives. *It was used to transport cream by pack horse down to the valley at several stages in history. *A 4WD track followed the Cream Track closely and this was used by the Army during World War 2 to get to an observation post that had been established in the upper level of the track to observe naval movements along the southern coast of the state. *[I don’t know whether 4WDs can still drive from top to bottom but there are some particularly steep pinches that would have to be negotiated – a real challenge when slippery.] *To walk it legally you must get a permit, not from National Parks but the manager of Serenity Farm which is near the top of the walk. *Some property owners in the lower reaches of the Cream Track are agreeable to walkers going through their properties but there seems to be one who takes a totally contrary approach thus causing detours to have to be made occasionally in order to keep the peace. * I am surprised that it is only ten kilometres overall – it certainly seemed much longer. The sign on the gate at the beginning of the article indicates eight kilometres from Springbrook to Tallebudgera Valley – but is that the walk down or the walk down and back. I would certainly do the walk again if all of the stars align. It would have to be cool, preferably dry, with a good rain jacket, just in case. Thanks, Dave, and all of the others for your company. Boris.
For years I had read travel articles on the beauty of Cinque Terre (Five lands) on the Italian Riviera, so when planning a walk across the Swiss Alps, it seemed a good idea to finish with a leisurely holiday in this beautiful part of the world. Hence Rob, Regina and I arrived by train from Switzerland via Milan and Genoa. 14
We had a relaxing train trip for around 6 hours, but as we approached Monterosso the first of the five villages, we thought we had come to the aftermath of a grand final, such were the crowds waiting to get on the train. We realized it was time to position ourselves and our luggage near the door to ensure we were able to get out at the next station Vernazza, as the train was now standing room only, and very packed at that. This was to be a feature of the trains over the next few days, as Cinque Terre is loved by thousands! We arrived at Vernazza and located our room by staggering up 106 steps, but with the benefit of a nearby terrace with glorious views of the Mediterranean. It was going to be hard to tear ourselves away to walk the 12k coastal trail connecting all the towns. The next day we purchased a 2 day pass to walk the coastal trail (there are check points along the way to ensure you have paid) and set off around 10.45 up the many steps towards the next coastal town of Corneglia. It was sunny and the views of the sea and surrounding hills were wonderful. I don’t think we ever ascended more than 200m, but in the heat and with a late start (unable to tear ourselves away from the terrace view!) we found it hard work. After ¾ hr we came to a café with a sign proclaiming “Congratulations-You are half wayrefresh with an orange and lemon juice” which was too tempting to pass up, so we enjoyed a cool drink while gazing out to sea. We arrived in Corneglia about 12.45 and had lunch in the village, while watching the many tourists. The towns have small permanent populations of a few hundred, but over the tourist season this increases to thousands. After lunch we started on the track to Manarola, only to find about 15 minutes into the walk that the trail was closed due to a landslide some time ago, Ok-we will catch the train to Manarola and walk to Riomaggiore we decide. On arriving at Manarola it seemed a good idea to check if that track was open-whereupon we found that too was closed due to a landside, but the inland track was open although it was longer and more difficult. Time to retreat to Vernazza by train and spend the evening with wine and pizza on the terrace! Day 2 saw us heading in the opposite direction towards Monterosso. Although the trails had been busy yesterday, this walk was really really busy! Every couple of minutes we had to stand aside as the trails are narrow and it was necessary to take turns in most places as other walkers came from both directions. It was good to see many older walkers, some with knees strapped up, enjoying the beauty of the trails. By pure luck we had picked the easier way to do this trail, and as we neared Monterosso we came across people puffing their way up the steps we were descending, and asking how much further to the top. Monterosso is the largest of the 5 towns and had many people enjoying what passes for a beach in Italy, ie rocky pebbles! After a coffee stop and some shopping for irresistible tourist items, we had lunch then opted for a ferry ride back to Vernazza as a nicer option than the crowded trains. Day 3 we caught a train to Corneglia to tackle the inland red trail over the mountain. The red trails are free to walk-only the popular coastal trails require a pass. Although it was steeper than the previous two trails, this was probably the nicest of the trails because the track was far less crowded, and the forest was cool and picturesque, and we were high enough in the hills to give an even better view of the sea. We passed vineyards and tomatoes and other vegies growing, and rested at a church at Volastra before descending to Manarola for lunch, enjoying some great views of the pretty village from the hills above. The section between Manarola and Riomaggiore was also steep and not as shady, so we arrived in the town too tired and hot to look around much. A ferry ride back to Vernazza left us feeling relaxed as we enjoyed the view of the town and the castle from the sea. Day 4 was a relax day, with a climb to the castle, some last minute shopping for souvenirs, and a general chill out in this very beautiful part of the world. For walkers, the trails are in good condition (apart from the ones closed), there are plenty of sign posts to keep you from going astray, and there is the option of inland and coastal walks and transport by either train or ferry between the towns. The small towns offer 15
places to eat, snack, have an icecream or browse the interesting shops. Cinque Terre certainly lived up to my expectations as a great place for a holiday. Jan
Events Ginger Food and Flower Festival, Yandina – 18th – 20th January Felton Food Fest (Toowoomba) – 15th February Kenilworth Cheese Festival – 29th March Jazz in the Courtyard, Harrisville – April 12th A World Apart, Mt Barney area – 26th April Yarraman Oktoberfest – May 17th Goomeri Pumpkin Festival – May 24th 16
Boonah Clydesdale Spectacular – 1st June Eat Local Week tasting tables – 28th June Jazz on the Mountain, Bestbrook and Opera in the Bush, Jimbour and Darlington Markets - 19th July Gourmet in Gundy and Maleny Food Festival – 13th September Labour Day weekend – Australian Camp Oven Festival, Millmerran – 4 th October Dingo Creek Jazz Festival (Gympie) - 25th October
Markets Darlington Markets – Sunday 16th November Fernvale – Every Sunday – 6am-1pm Laidley Village Markets – Every Friday Mt Mee – 1st Sunday – 8am-1pm Mulgowie Farmers Markets – 1st Saturday of the month – 8am-11am North Pine – Every Sunday – 8am-1pm Plainland Markets – Every Sunday Stanthorpe – 2nd and 4th Sunday Withcott Community Markets – 3rd Sunday of the month – 9am-2pm Murphy’s Creek Markets – 21st June – 7am – 12:30pm Murphy’s Creek Markets – 21st June – 7am – 12:30pm
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