Family Bushwalkers Inc.

Wed 1 Oct – WEDNESDAY WALK – FBI –Medium.
Leader: Peter W

Wed 1 Oct – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Meg C Meeting time: 9.30am***

Sat 4 Oct – BELLS CREEK, ARALUEN – 6km Easy (5)
Leader: Paul N A beautiful walk in the Araluen area. Walk along idyllic casuarina–lined Bells Creek, occasional boulder-hopping with a waterfall and lookout over the Araluen valley. Suitable for families. Walk may be extended if the weather is kind. Try your hand at gold-panning; you never know your luck. Cars: 220km ($22). Map: Monga. Meet at Q.

Sun 5 Oct – CUUMBEUN NATURE RESERVE 10km Med (8)
Leader: Brian L A short drive from Queanbeyan to a point 1km along the Captains Flat Road. We head off on foot along a fire trail until we get to a creek which will lead us to a lovely gorge. We will follow this gorge for several kilometres for views over Queanbeyan. Cars: 20km ($2) Maps: Bungendore, ACT 1:100,000. Meet at Q.

Sun 5 Oct – MOUNT GUDGENBY – 19km Hard (13)
Leader: Peter W A classic walk from the Yankee Hat car park via former pine forest tracks to Mt Gudgenby and return. About one half on roads. A 750m climb , with scrub patches. I intend to spend enough time at the top to explore the rock formations to the north of the peak. Up via the saddle and down via the spur. Climb: 750m. Cars: 130km ($13). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K, leaving at 8.00am***.

Wed 8 Oct – WEDNESDAY WALK – FBI/CBC – Medium
Co-ordinator: Allan M

Sat 11 Oct – TWIN TINDERRY – 17km Hard (14)
Leader: Max S From Burra Rd follow Mount Allen and Jacobs Ladder fire trails for 4.5km before going off track along a tributary of Michelago Creek to SH 1475 and thence to Twin Tinderry for lunch. Return via West Tinderry Fire Trail. Mostly track with 7km off track. Steep climbs, scrub and fallen trees. Mossy damp creek leading to excellent view. Climb: 950m. Cars: 110km ($11). Maps: Tinderry and Michelago. Meet at K at 8.00am******.

Sat 11 Oct – PUNCHBOWL CREEK & BLYTHBURN COTTAGE – 10km Med (8)
Leader: Trevor B The walk starts in the forest off the Corin Road and proceeds down an old trail alongside Punchbowl Creek to White Horse Flat and thence via open country to Blythburn Cottage. This was the home of a remarkable woman, Elizabeth McKeahnie, who lived there a century ago – hear her story. Return the same way. Climb: 400m. Cars: 70km ($7). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sun 12 Oct – MOUNT COREE – 10km Med (11)
Leader: Eric P The walk starts from the site of the arboretum at Blundells Flat. It will be partly off track through regrowth, with a climb of about 700m to the top, the last bit being quite steep. The route down will be mostly on track. Coree Falls and Devils Peak (off-track) are possible extras. The latter would add in total another 3kms with 300m of climb, the former about 2km and 100m of climb. Cars: 80km ($8). Map: Cotter Dam. Meet at W at 8.00am******.

Mon 13 Oct
Deadline to contact Mary H for the Fri 17-Sun 19 Oct – NAMADGI AND CORONET PEAK PACK WALK

Wed 15 Oct – WEDNESDAY WALK – FBI –Medium
Leader: Doug F

Wed 15 Oct – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meeting time: 9.30am***

Fri 17-Sun 19 Oct – NAMADGI AND CORONET PEAK PACK WALK – Hard (14)
Leader: Mary H. Day 1 We start from Nursery Creek car park, walking to the saddle on track, then up Nursery Creek, across to Rendezvous Creek, and over the ridge to Big Creamy Flats to camp. Day 2 Climb Mt Namadgi with packs, look at the borah grounds, and follow the ridge to the north. Rocky outcrops on this ridge are a highlight. After lunch we will be challenged by thick scrub on the route down to Little Creamy Flats where we camp. Day 3 Climb onto the ridge to the north and walk to Coronet peak. Drop down to the Australian Alps Walking Trail for lunch, after which we have a track slog back to Orroral picnic area. Short car shuffle. Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam. Contact leader by 13 October.

Sat 18 Oct – PIERCES CREEK FALLS – 10km Med (10)
Leader: Doug F From the Pipeline Road we walk up onto Hardy Range and follow along the ridge to near the 1059m trig. Then go down spur to Pierces Creek and downstream to falls. After lunch go downstream a bit then back up across Hardy Range to Pipeline Road and back to cars. Scrubby in places. Climb: 650m. Cars: 50km ($5). Maps: Cotter Dam, Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.

Sun 19 Oct – RENDEZVOUS CREEK AND ROCK PAINTINGS – 13km Easy (7)
Leader: Jillian B From the car park on the Boboyan Road near Gudgenby homestead turnoff we walk on track along the open grassland valley to what’s left of Rowleys hut. Then on to the rock paintings. Returning via a slightly different route across the gently undulating grassland near the outward track. Climb: 200m. Cars: 120km ($12). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Wed 22 Oct – WEDNESDAY WALK – NPA – Medium
Co-ordinator: Mike S

Thu 23 Oct – REMINDER: THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
on Thur 30 Oct at All Souls Church Hall, Chapman at 7.30pm

Sat 25 Oct – GININI FALLS FROM MT FRANKLIN – 12km Med (11)
Leader: Colin B A steady descent from Mt Franklin in the Brindabellas to the Ginini Falls through mostly open bush. Good lunch spot. Climb: 550m. Cars: 160km ($16). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.

Sat 25 Oct – MOUNT CLEAR FROM THE MOUNT CLEAR CAMPGROUND – 17km Hard (12)
Leader: Derek S From the Mount Clear campground we will walk directly east to Mount Clear along the valley bottom and then up a spur. After lunch we may follow fire trails back to the cars. Climb: 550m. Cars: 140km ($14). Maps: Colinton, Bredbo. Meet at K at 8.00am***.

Sun 26 Oct – OLD RAILWAY TRACK NORTH EAST OF YASS – 9km Easy (5)
Leader: Annabel A Follow the former railway track for 3km and return via a bush-clad summit. Short talk on the history of the railway diversion. On the way home optional visit to the Yass railway museum boasting the shortest platform in Australia and possibly the world. Cars: 140km ($14). Map: Gunning 1:50,000. Meet at NL.

Sun 26 Oct – FAMILY WALK – Very Easy
Contact: Val Boreham (6286 4342)

Wed 29 Oct – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meeting time: 9.30am***

Wed 29 Oct – WEDNESDAY WALK – NPA – Medium
Co-ordinator: Mike S

Thu 30 Oct – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
At All Souls Church Hall, Perry Drive, east of Chapman shops, at 7.30pm. Usual business followed by supper.

Thu 30 Oct
Deadline to contact Jillian B to arrange accommodation for the Sat 29-Sun 30 Nov EASY PACK WALK IN THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK

Sat 1 Nov
Deadline to contact Doug F if interested in the Sat 15-Sun 16 Nov WEE JASPER CAR CAMP to look at the geology of the area

Sat 1 Nov – BOXVALE CIRCUIT, NEAR MITTAGONG – 10km Med (9)
Leader: Peter W This walk includes the 40 Foot Falls, the deeply incised Nattai River, a climb up the site of the tramway incline for coal skips, probably some waratahs, some orchids, the route of a historic railway with cuttings and an 80m tunnel. Bring a torch. Some easy walking, 3km over rough tracks, short distances over slippery boulders, a bit up a steep gully, a short climb up a steel ladder. There is a river crossing. Climb:200m (very steep). Cars: 360km ($36). Map: Mittagong. Meet at the Craft Centre Aspinall Street, Watson, leaving at 8.00am******.

Sun 2 Nov – MCQUOIDS HILL MORNING WALK – 7km Easy (6)
Leaders: Bent and Karen J From Kambah Village walk through Kambah towards Mt Arawang and follow the path on the south side to the equestrian trail. Walk this trail to McQuoids Hill, walk up over the hill and back to the cars on a different route. Climb: 150m. Meet at K.

Sun 2 Nov – MT TENNENT FROM BOOROMBA ROCKS – 17km Med (9)
Leader: John W We start at Booroomba Rocks car park, and follow the track east along Booroomba Creek to join the Mt Tennent fire trail. A climb of 400m to the summit for lunch and views. Return by the same route. All on track. Climb: 700m. Cars: 90km ($9). Meet at K.

Mon 3 Nov Deadline to book for CAR CAMP ON THE LOWER GUNGARLIN RIVER from Fri 7-Sun 9 Nov. Please contact Margaret R.

Tue 4 Nov – WALKS PROGRAM MEETING Please attend if you are able to contribute for the Jan-Jun 2009 program. The meeting is from 7.30pm.

Wed 5 Nov – WEDNESDAY WALK – FBI – Medium
Leader: Peter W

Wed 5 Nov – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meeting time: 8.00am***

Fri 7 Nov Deadline to contact Peter T for the CROAJINGALONG PACK WALK from Mon17-Fri 21 Nov

Fri 7-Sun 9 Nov – CAR CAMP ON THE LOWER GUNGARLIN RIVER
Leader: Margaret R Even in drought, this brave alpine stream manages to burble and bubble, with green swards inviting campers. We will walk to various hut sites and ruins, using faint bridle trails. A Friday start allows for two days of medium walks eg: Botheram Plain–Kalkite Mountain–Diggers Creek–Nimmo. Exactly what we can do depends on the number of 4WDs available for access to start points. Fisherpersons, sketchers and etchers also welcome. Approximately 400km round trip. Maps: Kalkite Mountain, Nimmo.

Sat 8 Nov – CORNER HILL, YANUNUNBEYAN RESERVE – 7km Easy (7)
Leader: Olivia D This is a walk to see the very dry forest of this area and the Queanbeyan River in a tranquil setting in the reserved area just upstream from the Googong Foreshores reserve. We start near Corner Hill on Woolcara Lane, and walk to Corner Hill, down to the Queanbeyan River, retrace our steps and do an arc through the forest back to the cars. The forest has almost no scrub, and is relatively easy underfoot. Climb: 260m. Cars: 60km ($6). Map: Captains Flat. Meet at Q.

Sun 9 Nov – SENTRY BOX FROM BRADLEYS CREEK – 12km Med (11)
Leader: Jillian B From the Yaouk Road near Bradleys Creek homestead we go across Bradleys Creek and up a ridge to top of Sentry Box Mountain and then on to Sentry Box Rock. Return via a ridge back to road and hence to cars. Climb: 700m. Cars: 180km ($18). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K at 8.00am***.

Wed 12 Nov – WEDNESDAY WALK – FBI/CBC – Medium
Co-ordinator: Allan M

Fri 14 Nov Deadline to contact Maureen F for the Progressive Dinner on Sat 22 Nov

Fri 14 Nov Deadline to contact Pete T for hard TINDERRY PACK WALK from 1 Dec-3 Dec

Sat 15-Sun 16 Nov – WEE JASPER AREA CAR CAMP
Leader: Doug F This weekend will have a bit of a geological feel to it. The Taemas–Wee Jasper area has a wealth of interesting geological features that tell a fascinating story of life and death in the Canberra region 350million years ago. The story will begin at Uriarra Crossing on Saturday and go along the Mountain Creek Road to Taemas. We will look at some of the interesting rock folding and fossil features. Then move on to Wee Jasper to look at some of the limestone features and Careys Cave. The car camp will be at Micalong Creek Reserve. On Sunday we will look at some of the other cave, fossil and geological sites around the area. Contact Doug F by 1 Nov if interested. Mostly easy walking. Maps: Taemas Bridge, Wee Jasper, Couragago. Meet at W on Sat 15 Nov at 8.45 am***.

Sat 15 Nov – ROB ROY – 8km Easy (7)
Leader: Ken J A walk from the suburb of Banks to a couple of trigs to the south and then to Mount Rob Roy summit at 1099m. Mostly on track and mostly uphill for the first half. Great views over the valleys. Climb: 450m. Cars: 22km ($2). Maps: ACT 1:100 000, Tuggeranong 1:25 000. Meet at K.

Sat 15 Nov – CIRCUITS MOUNTAIN (KNP), UP FROM GOODRADIGBEE RIVER – 20km Medium (11)
Leader: Peter W Starting at ‘Koorabri’ at the southern end of the Brindabella valley, we walk up McLeods Fire Trail to Circuits Mountain. There are 3 crossings of the cold Goodradigbee River each way. Climb: 900m. Cars: 126km ($13). Maps: Brindabella, Peppercorn. Meet at W leaving at 8.00am***.

Sun 16 Nov – GIBRALTAR ROCKS & THE PYRAMID – 9km Med (8)
Leader: John W From the old Tidbinbilla information centre we climb 330m on a track and fire trail to Gibraltar Peak for morning tea, after which we walk on fire trails to Devils Gap. Then there is an optional 175m climb through the bush to the Pyramid. We return on a fire trail to the road. Short car shuffle. Cars: 60km ($8). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.

Sun 16 Nov – FAMILY WALK – Very Easy
Contact: Val B

Sun 16 Nov Deadline to book with Barry M for the Car Camp on Fri 21-Sun 23 Nov – MOUNT JAGUNGAL AND BULLS PEAKS – SNOWY MTNS

Mon 17-Fri 21 Nov – CROAJINGALONG NATIONAL PARK PACK WALK
Leader: Peter T Spend 4-5 days walking the beaches of Croajingalong National Park. There are at least three options open: from Mallacoota to Nadgee Wilderness and climb Howe Mountain; from Mallacoota to Wingan Inlet; from Wingan Inlet to Thurra R. All depend upon the availability of water. Walking will be mainly along beaches and fire trails. River/inlet crossings can be expected. A car shuttle will be necessary for the last two walks and a commercial hiring may be the most convenient. Party will have to be restricted to minimise impact. Call Peter by 7 November (leave your email) as the logistics of this walk are a bit complicated.

Wed 19 Nov – WEDNESDAY WALK – FBI – Medium
Leader: Doug F

Wed 19 Nov – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meeting time: 8.00am***

Fri 21 Nov Deadline to contact John R for Car Camp at THREE MILE DAM KIANDRA on Fri 28-Sun 30 Nov

Fri 21-Sun 23 Nov – MOUNT JAGUNGAL AND BULLS PEAKS – SNOWY MTNS – Med (10)
Leader Barry M Friday drive via Gungarlin River to a hut in the vicinity of Cesjacks Ridge. Overnight stay in hut or camp outside. Saturday walk to Jagungal is 18km return and 450m climb. Ascent to Jagungal is mainly over snowgrass and some light scrub via direct route from Cesjacks Hut to Jacky's Lookout ridge thence to top. Sunday: 14m return to Bulls Peaks. The trip to Bulls Peaks is a mixture of track, snow grass and light scrub. There should be an abundance of sub-alpine flowers on both day trips. Cars: approx $35. Maps: Jagungal 1:25000, Khancoban 1:50000. Book with leader by Sun 16 Nov.

Sat 22 Nov – PROGRESSIVE DINNER – TORRENS–FADDEN–MAWSON–TORRENS – 12km Easy (7)
Co-ordinator: Maureen F Start at Torrens at 4pm for entrée. Walk to Fadden via Farrer Ridge for dinner, then on to Mawson for dessert. We return to Torrens for coffee. About 3 hours walking. Contact Maureen F by 14 Nov for your contribution for the dinner. Please bring torch and BYOG.

Sat 22 Nov – MOUNT TAYLOR MORNING WALK – 7km Easy (6)
Leaders: Bent and Karen J From Kambah Village walk towards Mt Taylor, ascending to the top along the southern path. Descend on the new eastern path and continue on the lower slopes, first North and then South, towards Kambah Village, past the ‘Firetree’. Climb: 200m. Meet at K.

Sun 23 Nov – DEVILS PEAK – 16km Med (11)
Leader: Madeleine H From Blundells Flat climb 500m up a steep fire trail to Mt Blundell, continue along Blue Range and Two Sticks Fire Trail for 6km and then 1.5km through bush to Devils Peak (1310m). Return downhill to Pabral Fire Trail. Climb: 500m. Cars: 80km ($8) Map: Cotter Dam. Meet at W.

Wed 26 NOV – WEDNESDAY WALK – NPA – Medium
Co-ordinator: Mike S

Fri 28-Sun 30 Nov – CAR CAMP THREE MILE DAM KIANDRA – Med
Leader: John R Friday afternoon drive via Cooma and Adaminaby to the Three Mile Dam camping area on the Cabramurra Road. On the Saturday we climb Mount Tantangara and on Sunday morning, Mount Nungar. Return to Canberra via the coffee shop/bakery in Adaminaby. Cars: 400km ($40). Maps: Tantangara, Denison and Cabramurra.

Sat 29-Sun 30 Nov – EASY PACK WALK IN THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
Leader: Jillian B A pleasant walk of about 27km along the coast in Australia's oldest national park. We have the choice of camping or staying at the Youth Hostel on the Saturday night. Please contact Jillian by 30 October so that accommodation at the hostel can be arranged for those who would like it.

Sat 29 Nov – CORIN DAM TO STOCKYARD CREEK – 10km Med (11)
Leader: Max S From Corin Dam car park we climb the track to Stockyard Spur and descend to Stockyard Creek. Walk part of the creek before climbing back to Stockyard Spur track and return to cars. Mostly track with some scrub and fallen trees. Good views and cooler if a hot day. Climb: 750m. Cars: 100km ($10). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K at 8.00am***.

Sun 30 Nov – PINE ISLAND TO KAMBAH POOL – 8km Easy (5)
Leader: Peter A The walk starts at Grounds Crescent, Greenway and follows tracks down to Pine Island. We then walk along the Murrumbidgee to Kambah Pool, with possibly a side trip to Red Rocks Gorge. Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at 2/7 Grounds Crescent, Greenway at 9am*** to sort out the car shuffle to Kambah Pool.

Mon 1-Wed 3 Dec – TINDERRY PACK WALK – Hard
Leader: Peter T This walk is aimed at climbing the three major peaks of the Tinderry Nature Reserve, namely: The Onion, Tinderry Peak and Tinderry Twin Peak. From Tinderry Station, we climb 300m over 6km, to Bluebell Swamp where we locate a base camp. That afternoon we climb The Onion and The Peak. The following day we climb The Twin and the granite peak GR060512 if time permits. Return is via Groggy Ck, subject to owner’s permission to cross private property. Phone Peter by 14 November (leave your email) to arrange transport. Map: Tinderry.

Wed 3 Dec – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meeting time: 8.00am***

Wed 3 Dec – WEDNESDAY WALK – FBI –Medium.
Leader: Madeleine H

Fri 5 Dec – ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BARBEQUE
We will hold the picnic/barbecue at the home of Rene L, Kaleen, from 6pm. BYO food and portable chairs if you have them. Also bring a jumper/jacket. A four-burner barbecue and some wine and juice will be supplied. For enquiries, contact Joy L or Rene

Sat 6 Dec – KOWEN FOREST – 9km Easy (6)
Leader: Brian L From the Burbong Bridge on the Bungendore Road we walk along the Molonglo River to the junction with Glen Burns Creek across grassland and fire trails. We visit the ruins of the William Collier and Glenburn homesteads and one of the earliest European cemeteries in the region. Return along Kowen Forest tracks. Listen for the competition trap shooters at their national range facility near Glen Burns Creek. Cars: 10km ($1). Map: Bungendore. Meet at Q.

Sun 7 Dec – SPINNAKER AND ADJACENT ROCKS – 7km Med (8)
Leader: Allan M We walk from the Honeysuckle Creek campground up the road towards the site of the collimation tower, then along the ridge to the Spinnaker Rock with time to explore. A steep scrubby descent back to a saddle with an exploration of the rock outcrops in the saddle and up the other side before returning to the cars on a footpad and revegetating fire trail. Climb: 250m. Cars: 80km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sun 7 Dec – FAMILY WALK – Very Easy
Contact: Val B

Wed 10 Dec – WEDNESDAY WALK – CBC – Medium.
Co-ordinator: Allan M

Wed 10 Dec – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meeting time: 8.00am***

Sat 13 Dec – SWAMP CREEK GORGE – 9km Med (8)
Leader: Trevor B The walk starts on the Doctors Flat Road at 708998 (WGS84) in Brindabella NP. We follow Pig Hill Trail to cross Swamp Creek. We follow the creek gently upstream for about 3km on an overgrown fire trail to connect with Fire Break Trail and thence back to the road and 1km more to the cars. Climb: 300m. Cars: 60km ($6). Map: Umburra. Meet at W.

Sat 13 Dec – WHITE ROCKS, QUEANBEYAN RIVER – 8km Easy(6)
Leader: Brian L We park at Barracks Flat 3km from Queanbeyan. Cross the Queanbeyan River to visit old lime kilns and the mining area. Possibility of swimming. Cars: 3km ($1).Map: Hoskinstown Meet at Q.

Sun 14 Dec – GORILLA ROCK – 11km Med (9)
Leader: Prue D Starting from the Honeysuckle Creek car park, walk off track to hill 1241, then Gorilla Rock. Explore routes up to hill 1396. Return via Booroomba Rocks and track. Climb: about 450m. Cars: 80km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Wed 17 Dec – WEDNESDAY WALK – FBI – Medium
Co-ordinator: Steve R

Fri 19 Dec Deadline to contact Derek S for the Sat 27-Wed 31 Dec MT JAGUNGAL PACKWALK

Sat 20 Dec – HONEYSUCKLE CAMPGROUND TO BOOROOMBA ROCKS – 11km Easy (6)
Leader: Annabel A We walk from the end of Apollo Road along the foot tracks to Booroomba Rocks for panoramic views, and return the same way. A pleasant walk in open forest. Climb: 340m. Cars: 80km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sat 20 Dec – MT GININI & MT GINGERA – 15km Med (9)
Leader: Colin B From Mt Ginini car park we climb the short ascent to Mt Ginini, then continue south along the ridge, if not too scrubby, to Mt Gingera, from where there are excellent views in all directions. Return along the Mt Franklin Rd. Almost all on fire trails or roads. Cars: 170km ($17). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at W.

Sun 21 Dec – SMOKERS TRAIL AND SQUARE ROCK WALK – 9km Easy (7)
Leader: Trevor B From the Square Rock car park at Smokers Gap we proceed east following tracks along the edge of the forest and across a short section off track to the Smokers Trail car park. We follow Smokers Trail and a short link track to Smokers Flat to join the Square Rock walk and return to the cars. Climb: 300m. Cars: 70km ($7). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sat 27-Wed 31 Dec – MOUNT JAGUNGAL PACK WALK – Med-Hard 54km
Leader: Derek S This is a re-run of the aborted Easter walk, but scheduled over five days instead of four. We start from Round Mountain track head, then visit the summit of Mt Jagungal and search for the old bridle trail between Grey Mare Fire Track and Pretty Plain. Then along Pretty Plain to Wheelers Hut and out along Snakey Plain Fire Track. Contact Derek by Friday 19 December.

Sat 10 Jan-Fri 23 Jan – AUSTRALIAN ALPS WALKING TRAIL MOUNT HOTHAM – MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO PACKWALK
Leader: Derek S The exact dates of this walk will be negotiated with participating walkers. Please contact Derek early if you are interested.

PREVIEW OF COMING EVENTS

2009 KOSCIUSZKO: WEEK’S WALKING Perisher Valley from Sun 4-Sun 11 January 09. Co-ordinator: Judy L Accommodation in a ski lodge. Two walks, medium and easy, to choose from each day. Maximum cost for accommodation for the week: $150 per person. Phone Judy Lejins for details. Allan M will be planning walks.

New Zealand Pack Walking In February 2009, Peter T will walk the Heaphy Track and surrounding area for two weeks. Persons interested in joining him are requested to contact Peter by 8 December. Numbers will have to be limited.

17-31 May 2009 Walking in Slovenia We have a group of 19 and a small waiting list. It will be a 2-week walking holiday at Kranjska Gora and Bohinj in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. If you are interested contact John C.

Drysdale River National Park, Kimberley, WA Peter T is currently negotiating with Russell Willis of Willis’ Walkabouts for a two-week guided trip to the Drysdale NP in May–June 2009 and is looking for adventurous fellow walkers who are willing to explore one of the most remote and isolated Parks in Australia. Apart from the gorges and natural scenery, this region is well known for outstanding indigenous art work along the Carson Escarpment. Access and re-supply will be by helicopter so I expect the cost will be in the vicinity of $4000 dependent upon numbers. Off-track walking in the heat of the Kimberley is offset by experienced guides with good knowledge of the locality, careful control of the route, a slow pace and abundant swims. Nevertheless, this is an area of total wilderness, and you must have the ability to carry a seven-day pack. So that I can negotiate with Russell on price, those interested are requested, without final commitment and as soon as possible, to notify Peter for more details. Those enquiring can be reassured by the fact that this will be Peter’s fifth extended walk in the Far North tropical regions.

Larapinta, Winter 2009 It is proposed to run a trip to the western MacDonnell Ranges and walk sections of the Larapinta trail in mid-late winter 2009, preferably late July/early August. We will be in the area for a week and do 6 one-day out-and-back walks from camping sites. If you are interested contact Ken J by 31 July 2008. There will be a first planning meeting Tuesday 5 August 2008 at 7.30pm, looking at: possible dates; transport to the area and to the walks; camping arrangements and possibly post-trip travel to areas like Uluru.
A good idea of what the Larapinta trail offers can be found at http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/walks/larapinta/index.html with guides to each section of the trail at http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/walks/larapinta/walking.html.
John Chapman has a great site, for many places in Australia as well as Larapinta: http://www.john.chapman.name/nt–lara.html.
Also if you have Google Earth you can study the trail, working from the section guides at the NT Parks site - and a bit of navigation of the satellite view!