SOUTH BEOWA NATIONAL PARK DAY WALKS AND CAMP (LIGHT-TO-LIGHT)

Next activity: 5th October - Little Drom - see program for details

19th to 23rd September

Starting at Boyd's Tower, the north end of the Light-to-Light Walk, our group was rewarded with early glimpses of whales. Several seals, bobbing around near the point, seemed to wave the walkers off as they headed south. This early marine mammal activity only hinted at the fabulous sightings yet to come. Throughout the walk whales abounded all along the coast, sometimes just splashes out towards the horizon but many were satisfyingly close to the shore. Day one's lunch at Mowarry Beach was accompanied by a young calf breaching multiple times close to shore. This calf and its mother then appeared keep the group company for sometime, hugging the coastline as they continued on their way south. Dolphins also joined the show, putting on a synchronised wave surfing display. As they swam, one energetic dolphin, compete with its bigger relatives, by somersaulting clear out out of the water.

The newly improved and rerouted track takes in some of the most picturesque and widly beautiful stretches of coastline anywhere. The walk (approximately 32km) was achieved over three days: day one - Boyd's Tower to Saltwater Creek, day two - Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay and day three - Bittangabee to Green Cape. Taking advantage of being in a group, camp was made at Bittangabee Campground and car shuffles were used to access the start and finish points. The group began to gather on the afternoon before the first walking day to set up a comfortable-as-possible base. Most walkers camped but others (given as this is one of our local walks) joined in for one or more of the days of walking. 

Being spring there was also plenty to look at on shore with colourful spring flowers, including some fabulous purple orchids, as well as the many flowering shrubs. As for birds, more than one lyre bird rushed past through the undergrowth and a sacred kingfisher was spotted jouncing in a tree while eagles soared overhead. Rocks also held interest, their formation was explained and speculation about certain boulder locations were made - evidence of a long ago tsunami?

For those that did camp, on the third evening, Jeff put on a very special evening's entertainment around the camp fire. His rewritten, mostly comedic, song lyrics, made us laugh and think. Accompanying himself on guitar he also covered other songs, several by Bob Dylan - more tunefully playing homage to the great balladist.

The rerouted track was most appreciated on the third day of walking. The old route used to require a 2-3km detour to visit the impressive Pulpit Rock. Now the track passes right by it. In addition, the final stretch of the track is now over some of the most spectacular rock platforms. This allowed the group plenty of opportunity to watch the extravaganza occuring out at sea. As the wind picked up, multiple whales breached in every direction - a calf duo even perfected a synchronised aerial flight. Back on shore, a blow-hole immitating the creatures out to sea, drew our attention back to the land. It wouldn't have been possible to have a more stunningly memorable end to a walk. The lighthouse came into view up the track leading into Green Cape. And so, the walkers made their way down to lighthouse, where a raft of seals greeted them at the southern end - bookmarking the journey.

Many thanks go the leaders, Lyn and Phil - not only for leading the walks but also for so ably organising the multiple car shuffles. Also thanks to those who used their cars for the shuffles and of course to Jeff for a wonderful evening.

                                                            

 

    

                                                        

                                                        

        

    

                                                      

                                                                

                                       

MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK - COWDRY'S/BARONDA HEAD

Next activity: 19th to 23rd September - South Beowa National Park Day Walks and Camp (Light to Light) - see program for details

7th September

This was a wonderfully relaxed walk in the Mimosa National Park. The looped route explored tracks and firetrails in the Nelson's Lagoon/Cowdry's Beach area. Early spring flowers added to the enjoyment of the magnificient open forest. The off-track section out to Baronda Head provided some glimpses of humpback whales for a lucky few who made the journey. The return route, along Cowdry's Beach with its impressive colourful rocks, returned to walkers back to their cars.

Thanks to our leaders of the day, Mark and Marie

SNOWSHOEING - SCHLINK HUT TRACK

Next Activity: 7 September – Mimosa Rocks National Park. See program for details

19th - 22nd August

This Multi Day Event began with dinner, accommodation and a delicious breakfast at the Jindabyne Hotel. Excitement and concerns were shared as walkers packed, repacked, discussed, jettisoned bits and pieces and tried to make the best decisions for lightening their packs, but still making sure that they had everything that was required for three days walking and camping in the snow!

An early morning drive to Guthega Power station, the group loaded up and was off, snowshoes strapped to packs as they climbed the gravel road as it zig-zagged steeply up hill. After morning tea there was sufficient snow to don snowshoes and continue walking - up and up. A beautiful 10km walk in clear conditions passing some of the oldest snow gums in the park, cascading streams, heath and boulder fields - home to rare mountain pigmy possums. It was with relief when White's River Hut came into view, home for the next two nights. Soon tents were erected, water collected from a nearby stream, a fire started and the group enjoyed the warmth and comfort of the hut for a well earned dinner and drinks before retiring to tents for a cosy night's sleep in the snow.

A leisurely start was had the next morning, but soon the group was on its way. It was upwards again for 1.5km to Schlinks Pass, at 1800m this was the highest point of the walk. Next it was 1.5km downhill to Schlinks Hut, also known as the Hilton because its size, built in 1961 for maintenance workers. Lunch was enjoyed in the comfort of the hut and then the trip back to camp was made. Grey skies closed in and mist climbed up the valley as the group took a scenic return trip winding in and out of trees and boulders through the enchanted snowy landscape. Another warm and cosy night was had huddled around the fire enjoying dinner and conversation until it was time to retire to the snow and tents.

The following morning dawned blue and bright, a sparkling winter wonderland. Tents were packed, backpacks filled and the hut was cleaned. The group was once again kitted up, traversing the snow bridge and back down the valley. The Aqueduct Track was the group's alternate route back, a stunning trek winding around the valley's side with many ups and downs. A little side track took the group steeply downhill to Horse Camp Hut where lunch was had. Soon after this, the diminishing snow cover meant snowshoes off and again strapped to backpacks. A tired group made their way back, crossing a creek, climbing up until finally the steep descent back down the valley and the welcome sight of waiting cars. 

A very rewarding and exciting adventure.

Many thanks to leader Jo who went above and beyond with a pre trip packing meeting, ideas and suggestions for preparing for the trip and the sourcing of specialised equipment for many of the group to borrow.