PO Box 2199
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
QBW bushwalkers Masquerading at Bigriggen
Club News
From the editor
Welcome to the December newsletter.
This is a bumper edition, which is just as well as there
is no January newsletter so this will have to last you till
February. We have revelations from the Bigriggen
Christmas camp, walk reports – including an
extraordinary tale of woe on the Cronan's Cascades
walk (we are so sorry Bert!) - and several enticing walk
opportunities. There are also some jokes that you may
find entertaining. Note that the summer recess means
the next club meeting is on 7 February 2017.
I wish you all a very safe and merry Christmas season
and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Enjoy your reading and see you on the trail.
Michael H
QBW Christmas Party – Bigriggen Park
18 club members enjoyed a riotous weekend at
Bigriggen Park. Well ok, the fun and frivolity was
mostly confined to inside the hall, but it was a hoot.
Admittedly it got off to a slow start, with most attendees
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Sunnybank Hills
QLD 4109
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No 0478 239384
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
December 2016
Photo: Michael H
in bed by 8pm on the first evening. But there was a
very good reason.
Some intrepid walkers were joining Richard on a long
walk from Collins Gap to Yellowpinch on Saturday. With
weather forecasts of hot temperatures and possible
severe storm, they wanted to get away as early as
possible, which they did. The rest of us had a relaxing
morning over coffee and when I was finally ready, we
set off in convoy to Yellowpinch to walk the creek
circuit. It was quite a warm day.
The creek was flowing well, with the swimming holes in
good condition. We swam at the first hole which
refreshed us for the remainder of the rock hopping to
the Yellowpinch swimming hole where we swam again.
Some demonstrated their dexterity on the rope swing.
A visit to The Shed for coffee gave us a good vantage
point to view the approaching storm. We hightailed it
back to Bigriggen just before the storm front struck.
We were relieved to find that Richard's group had
returned, though they didn't seem to have much to say
about their walk. Perhaps thankful it was over? The
next two hours saw several bouts of hail, some wind,
and plenty of rain. Lightning bolts were frequent and
sometimes very close. We lost power occasionally but
were very thankful for our roomy, dry lodgings. We
found out later that Patricia had tried to drive south to
Bigriggen at the same time as the storm came north. It
looked so ugly that she (wisely) turned around and
sought shelter in Beaudesert!
Undeterred we powered on with our party, tucking into
a great spread of tasty nibblies while we enjoyed a
display of the photo competition entries. This enabled
everyone to choose and vote for their favourite photos
for the People's Choice award. The BBQ was fired up,
drinks uncorked and salads unwrapped ready for a
veritable feast. At Helen's suggestion we put on our
masks and costumes. It was a lot of fun trying to figure
out who had come to dinner! Some participants found
they had to ditch the mask so that they could eat
though...
The photo competition winners were announced, along
with awards for walk leaders and a special
presentation was made to Richard for his services to
club. The Secret Santa provided the usual frivolity and
tested relationships. After the early start to the day, the
hot walks, storm, and mask party, there was little
energy left for dancing or even watching a movie, so
we went to bed.
Some hardy souls rolled off on Sunday morning for a
cycling circuit around Barney View. The mountain
views were magnificent. A last coffee/brunch at The
Shed rounded out the camp and we headed home. A
big thankyou to the organisers of the weekend
(especially Julie, Helen, Gerry and Robin).
Michael H
Walk Leaders
In 2015/16, six walk leaders led six or more walks.
For their efforts, Richard Kolarski, Patricia Kolarski,
Sandy Thomas, Helen McAllister and Marion Laban
each received a bottle of wine. Aileen Elliott received a
box of chocolates. The club is very thankful to these
leaders and all those who led walks for the club, who
made it a successful and enjoyable year of walking.
Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Service Award
Richard Kolarski stepped away from an active role in
the club committee at the annual general meeting in
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August. In recognition of the huge role Richard has
performed in the club in the years to date, the
committee was pleased to present Richard with a
certificate of appreciation at the Christmas Party.
Robin Laban (club president) made the presentation.
This was met with an enthusiastic round of applause
and a very short speech. Thank you Richard!
QBW Photo Competition 2016
The worthy winners of the QBW photo competition
2016 as announced at the Christmas party are:
People's Choice – Mary Sherlock 'Into the Mist'
Green Gully Walk, Oxley Wild Rivers NP
Nature – Nolene McCay 'Garden on the Rocks'
Kepler Track, NZ South Island
Club Character – Patricia Kolarski 'Draining the Boots'
Woodenbong, NSW
Non-Club Walk – Aileen Elliott 'Nelson Falls'
Mt Field NP, Tasmania
Pictorial – Michael Hoopmann 'New England Sky'
Bald Rock NP, NSW
Congratulations to these winners and a big thank you
to all the participants in the competition. It was a
delight to see the many places that people in the club
have walked in the last year and to share in those
adventures. Thank you to Patricia and Helen for
organising the competition and special thanks to Lyn
Kenrick for doing the very difficult task of judging the
winners. Well done all!
The winning photos are displayed on pages 3-5.
New Members
The club currently has 47 paid up members.
We welcome Margie Robbins into the club this month.
Margie was a very enthusiastic participant on the
Christmas camp and we look forward to seeing her on
more walks and activities through the year.
The annual fee is only $30. Send your payment to
Patricia Kolarski or by direct transfer into the club bank
account. Details are on the back page.
People's Choice

Winner: Mary Sherlock 'Into the Mist' - Photo taken on the Green Gully walk, Oxley Wild Rivers NP, NSW
Club Character

Winner: Patricia Kolarski 'Draining the Boots' - Photo taken on the Woodenbong (NSW) camp at Easter

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Nature

Winner: Nolene McCay 'Garden on the Rocks' - Photo taken on the Kepler Track, NZ South Island
Non-Club Walk

Winner: Aileen Elliott 'Nelson Falls' - Photo taken at Mt Field NP, Tasmania

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Pictorial

Winner: Michael Hoopmann 'New England Sky' - Photo taken at Bald Rock NP, NSW

Funnies Q: What is red and smells like blue paint?

Q: How do you keep your sleeping bag from getting A: Red paint.
stretched out?
A: Don’t sleep too long in it!
Q: Why aren’t koalas actual bears?
A: They don’t meet the koalafications.
Q: Why are people who go camping on April 1 always
tired?
A: Because they just finished a March! Q: What do you call bears with no ears?
A: B

Q: How can you tell if a tree is a dogwood?

Q: What’s brown and sticky?
A: By its bark. A: A stick.

Q: What did the pine trees wear to the lake? Q: What starts with E, ends with E, and has only 1
A: Swimming trunks! letter in it?
A: Envelope.

Q: What did the Buddhist ask the hot dog vendor?

Q: Why couldn't the leopard play hide and seek?
A: “Make me one with everything.”
A: Because it was always spotted.

Q: You know why you never see elephants hiding up in

trees? Q: What’s a pirates favorite letter?
A: Because they’re really good at it. A: You think it’s R but it be the C.

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 General News Proposed Walks
Pilgrimage 2017
Glen Rock throughwalk 16-18 Dec T/W
YHA reports that all is going well with plans for
Pilgrimage 2017. Meetings have been held with locals, Mainly for people coming with me to Western Arthurs in
ideas for walks are being discussed and the band is Feb 2017 so that they can check their gear. (The more
booked for the dance. Updates are on their website at rain the better!) However other members welcome. It'll
http://www.yhabrisbanebushwalking.org.au/Publicinfo/ be a walk to the base of Blackfellow Falls and return.
BushBash.html Richard Kolarski (0422 429 717)
Lismore Basecamp 19-23 Dec B/C
Coming Walks I will be staying at Lismore Lake Caravan Park and
doing day walks in the Nightcap Range NP.
Any person wishing to come on a club walk must
contact the walk leader first. The leader will organise They will be "exploratory walks" in the sense that I
the meeting place and car pooling and has full have not done them but I will be following gps track by
discretion on who can come on the walk. If possible the Northern Rivers Bushwalkers Club.
provide leaders with plenty of forward notice if you wish Richard Kolarski (0422 429 717)
to nominate for a walk or to change your plans. Harrys Hut Australia Day weekend 26-29 Jan B/C
Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to The basecamp will include opportunities for walking/
a weekend trip or by 9.00pm on the Monday before kayaking/cycling. The site is accessible by vehicle in
Wednesday trips. dry weather. Please confirm your participation with
Helen Mac by 19 January. Further details will be
More details are available in the club calendar.
provided asap.
December 2016 Helen McAllister (0419 684 319)
2-4 Fri-Sun QBW Christmas Party (Bigriggen) B/C Snow hikes Sept/Oct B/C
Julie Woodyatt 0458 477 332 Members are invited to join a trip to the NSW snow
6 Tues QBW monthly meeting (Buranda) country around late September/early October. The plan
Robin Laban 0478 239 384 is to stay at Jindabyne for a week and do increasingly
11 Sun Albert River Cct (O'Reilly's) D/W more challenging daywalks in the snow. These may
Aileen Elliott 0457 144 012 include Mt Kosciusko, Cootapatamba Hut and Blue
16-18 Fri-Sun Glen Rock throughwalk (Gatton) T/W Lake. Cost may be around $400 per person. It will be
Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717 necessary to confirm your participation by March 2017.
18 Sun Northbrook Gorge via Eagles Nest
(Mt Glorious) D/W
The trip is based on a BBW trip some years ago that
Gerry Burton 0408 793 715 you can see at https://youtu.be/jl9PogQiAuM. For more
info contact Margie Rae at margierae4@gmail.com .
19-23 Mon-Fri Nightcap NP walks (Lismore) B/C
Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717
31-1 Sat-Sun Wyaralong/Mt Joyce (Boonah) KYK/ O/N
Aileen Elliott 0457 144 012 I went in to a pet shop. I said, “Can I buy a goldfish?”
January 2017 The guy said, “Do you want an aquarium?”
7 Sat Baroon Pocket to Kondalilla I said, “I don’t care what star sign it is.”
(Maleny/Montville) D/W
Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
8 Sun Maiala Tracks (Mt Glorious) D/W What do you get when you cross a dyslexic, an
Gerry Burton 0408 793 715 insomniac, and an agnostic?
15 Sun Toolona Creek Cct (O'Reilly's) D/W
Aileen Elliott 0457 144 012 Someone who lays awake at night wondering if there is
a dog.
21 Sat Stairway Falls via Bullant (O'Reilly's) D/W
Gerry Burton 0408 793 715
26-29 Thu-Sun Harry's Hut (Cooloola via Kin Kin)KYK/ B/C
Helen McAllister 0419 684 319 Never criticize someone until you have walked a mile
in their shoes.
February 2017 That way, when you criticize them, you’ll be a mile
7 Tues Club meeting (Buranda) away, and you’ll have their shoes.
Robin Laban 0478 239 384

What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh

How did the hipster burn his mouth? have in common?
He ate the pizza before it was cool. Same middle name.

I told my friend 10 jokes to get him to laugh. Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was
Sadly, no pun in 10 did. cut off? He's all right now

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 Past Walks
Cronan's Cascades 20 November 2016 D/W
This is a fairly short walk with no difficult parts.
However, it was not without its moments.
It began with a happy group of ten meeting up at
Macca’s in Beaudesert. After a shuffle of passengers
we set off for Yellowpinch. All good so far.
On arrival, Bert noticed oil on his back bumper. A check
of the oil levels revealed that all the oil had drained out.
The car had been serviced earlier in the week so not
difficult to work out a possible culprit.
RACQ came to the rescue and towed Bert’s car back
to his home while our now reduced group of nine
continued with the walk. There were quite a few people
out and about which was good to see.
We had a long, restful break at the falls before
wandering back to the cars. Bert’s passengers were
redistributed into other cars and tentative
arrangements were made to get Aileen back to Bert’s
where her car was parked. Coffee at The Shed and
then a drive back to Beaudesert to reunite people with
their cars.
However, as we neared Beaudesert, from the back
seat came “Oh! S***!” Unfortunately, Mary has a habit
of leaving her car keys in whatever car she happens to
be in at the start of a walk. Yes, her keys were now at
Bert’s place in Tarampa! Her car was in Beaudesert.
So, a further redistribution of passengers, and Gerry
headed off to Goodna to meet up with Bert who had
travelled down to collect Aileen. Mary arranged to
collect her car the next day.
The end!!!
Thanks to Noelene, Lynn, Neil, Helen, Mary, John,
Aileen and a special thanks to Gerry for the extra trip to
Goodna. And commiserations to Bert.
Patricia
Bald Rock walks 15-16 Oct B/C
Just three of us enjoyed a magnificent spring weekend
of walking in the Granite country on the state border
near Stanthorpe. John H motored down with his
camper trailer around midday Friday and had first pick
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of the campsites. The campground was still nearly
empty when Sandy and I arrived well into the evening
to find John awake, but ready for bed. We were
entertained by a glider possum while we set up camp.
Saturday morning we set off around 8am on the 14km
Border track. As the name suggests, this fire trail
follows the state border for much of its length to the
north. It leads to a pile of large granite boulders which
provide a broad view across the park, about 5km from
Bald Rock. Along the way we appreciated a variety of
wildflowers. Recent rains also meant the grass cover
was green and plentiful. We noted the changes in the
vegetation types as we walked along, including a
selection of swamp plants where the trail skirts a
marsh.
On our return to camp, we were greeted by a very
polite young man who informed us that he and his 19
mates camped nearby were about to begin a bucks
night celebration. He thought it fair to warn us. He had
chosen that campground because every other time
he'd been there it had been deserted! Luckily we were
tired enough that the noise didn't bother us much at all.
We found out later that a number of them had moved
out along a fire trail to reduce the noise impact, while a
small group spent the night camped on the summit of
Bald Rock. That would have been cold!
Next day, while the lads picked up the pieces, we set
off for a quick shimmy up Bald Rock. It was a clear day
and the views were exceptional. So were the wild
flowers. That walk is only about 3.5 kilometres so we
again set off for another walk to Little Bald Rock. This
walk follows the border to the south and is about 7km.
Little Bald Rock is quite a large heap of granite too,
and we rested awhile on the summit, ate lunch and
watched the cloud patterns across the blue sky. On the
return walk, our peaceful and almost somnambulant
wander along the grassy trail in the warm sunshine
was rudely interrupted by a red bellied black snake
hidden amongst the leaves. Startled by a sudden
Sandy shriek, I miraculously found myself standing
three metres away on the other side of the path. The
snake suddenly awoken, slowly, almost reluctantly,
slithered away while we made our exit.
Back at camp we said our goodbyes to John and
headed homewards. It was a satisfying weekend.
Thankyou John and Sandy for your positive company,
for saving me from imminent danger, and for sharing
my appreciation of a fun gas fire starter.
Michael H
Sights of the Granite Country
(Bald Rock NP)

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Canyons of South West USA with Takeawalk – our trip continues to another National Park – Bryce
Canyon, Glen Canyon
Bryce Canyon was named after rancher Ebenezer Bryce
whose ranch was nearby. We stayed in the hotel Ruby’ Inn,
named by Reuben Syrett who came to the area in 1916 and
saw its potential.
At the canyon we were astounded by its beauty. It is in
southern Utah, and known for the crimson-coloured hoodoos,
which are spire-shaped rock formations. Entering the park
there is a main road which follows the vast Bryce
Amphitheatre, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim
Trail hiking path. There are a few viewpoints which overlook
into the depression. These are at Sunrise Point, Sunset
Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point. We did a 5 km walk
down and down and then back up again.

At the bottom point we lunched. We were entertained by

chipmunks as we tried to eat our lunch. One little bloke was
hanging around hoping for some dropped food. We thought
he was cute but for our guides, he was a nuisance. It was a
great walk and very popular with many languages heard…
French, German and Italian to name a few.
Glen Canyon
After leaving Bryce Canyon, we passed through a town
called Kanab where many western movies were made.
The scenery around lent itself to the genre. The place was
nicknamed little Hollywood. We soon saw the Vermillion
Cliffs. Just past our accommodation Cliff Dwellers, we
started our hike down Cathedral Wash.
The walk was sliding, clambering, climbing and occasionally
actually walking. There were pools of stagnant water which
meant we had to climb around them. The hike was
nevertheless enjoyable because it ended at the Colorado
River where we lunched after a freezing paddle in the water.
The round trip was 2.5 miles or 4 km.

On the way back to our home for the night, we stopped at the
Navajo bridge that put the ferry out of business. It was built
in 1928 and spans the Grand Canyon at a reasonably
narrow spot. A new bridge was built next to it in 1956 and the
old one is now a tourist and pedestrian bridge. We walked
across and had amazing views of the river 500 feet below.
We saw a Californian Condor perched on the cliff under the
bridge superstructure.

Back at “home” we showered, rested and later strolled to the

cliff dwellings and balancing rocks near the hotel. It was just
nearby. The family that operated Lees Ferry lived in the
dwellings made of stones stacked against some of the big
rocks beside the road. Dinner was in the hotel restaurant with
views of the mountains as their colour changed with the
setting sun.

Jim & Julie Woodyatt

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 General Information Club Equipment
QBW Management Committee Compasses Topo Maps
Steripen First Aid Kits
President Robin Laban 0478 239 384
The above are available for loan by members at nil cost.
Secretary Marion Laban 0405 536 718
Contact Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067 to obtain these items.
Treasurer Gerry Burton 0408 793 715
Garmin GPS
Outings Officer Helen McAllister 0419 684 319
5 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole
Membership Officer Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618 of Australia included.
Media Officer Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017 PLBs with inbuilt GPS
Training Officer Vacant 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at
Social Secretary Julie Woodyatt 0458 477 332 each club meeting and will need to be returned at the following
club meeting.
Other Voluntary Positions Contact Gerry Burton on 0408 793 715 to book these items.
Equipment Officer Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067
Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067 Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs
Librarian Nolene McCay 0488 490 264 Redlands Bushwalking Club
BWQ Rep Gerry Burton 0408 793 715 Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priority
over visitors. Calendar is available at:
BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717 http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html
Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)
Insurance Hotline 1300 574 980
BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubs
Meeting Place affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQ
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at activities without having to become members of BOSQ or pay
7.30pm. There is no club meeting in January. visitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader.
Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations.
Meetings are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/
and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. YHA Bushwalkers
Tea/coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three
A coin donation is appreciated. walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at:
http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings
Membership
Gold Coast Bushwalkers
Probationary Membership
Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members
A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member financial members of bushwalking clubs which are affiliated with
on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk BWQ. This dispensation will be at the discretion of the
form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member. Management Committee.
A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on
his/her second walk by filling out a membership form and paying
Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc
the membership fee. Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. The
newsletter also contains a full description of the grading system
Ordinary Membership
and a list of Committee members and their contact numbers.
A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au
signing a membership form, having a proposer sign the form
and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee
member or walk leader. Feature Pic
The proposer may be any current member of the club.
An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be
elected to a committee position.
Members of Another Bushwalking Club
Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with
Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) and
who are covered by the same insurance do not need to become
a member of our club to go on our walks. However QBW
members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.
Payments
Pay fees or other items direct to the QBW club account at:
BSB: 124-057
Account No: 20421276
Account Name: Queensland Bushwalkers Club
Reference: Include your name and what the payment is for –
eg “RSmith member fee”.
Website
Editors pick of the masks at the Masquerade party.
Additional information is available on the club website at URL: Guess who??
https://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

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