Monday 25 March 2024

SOUTH EAST FORESTS WEEKEND CAMP

 22nd - 24th March

The weekend camp in South East Forests National Park (Coolangubra Section) didn't quite go as planned. Last minute circumstances meant Lyn and Phil had to pull-out of leading the weekend. Delma, however, gallantly stepped up to take the reins. 

The diminished party, now just a group of three, met at Waratah Gully Campground to enjoy a relaxing time around the campfire on Friday evening. On Saturday, the  group headed out to White Rock River Picnic Area on the Imlay Road to start the walk. Following (roughly) a route that aims to follow the ancient Bundian Way, planned but as yet unmarked, the walk passed around a disused quarry and headed into the bush. The anticipated 'fairly open forest' appeared to have grown up considerably. Much of the walk involved negotiating some thick vegetation. Balance was also tested by several creek crossings on top of fallen tree trunks. Nevertheless, the group was up to the challeneges and possibly enjoyed the walk all the more because of them. After a short rest back at White Rocks Picnic Area, the group headed back to camp via a detour to see the Nalbaugh Falls.

Sunday's walk started from the campground and headed up to Pheasants Peak. This walk made use of firetrails but also included cross-country walking (much easier to negotiate vegetation than the previous day) and a short, steep rocky section to the peak. From the peak views, through the open forest and across the surrounding area, were enjoyed.  The group explored more of the surrounding country, finding some beautiful lush areas dominated by ferns. A couple more rocky peaks proved too tempting not to scale.

Thanks to leader of the weekend, Delma and also to Lyn and Phil who had done all the preparation and planning. Phil was a constant virtual companion, assisting Delma, via the GPS data he had sent. Lyn and Phil are hoping to reschedule the weekend for later this year or possibly next - keep an eye out for program updates.

Next activity: 7th April - Mogareeka Walk - see program











Thursday 21 March 2024

SNOWY MOUNTAINS OVERNIGHT WALK – WHEELERS HUT AND PRETTY PLAIN HUT

 16-18th March

This three-day walk in the north end of Kosciuszko National Park visited arguably the two prettiest huts in the Snowy Mountains. Due to a lack of use of some of the trails navigation was more challenging than anticipated. In addition, harder parts of the walk proved to be easier than expected and the easier parts harder.

The first day's walking was along the Snakey Plain Trail, near Tooma Dam, to Wheelers Hut. The next day, from Wheelers Hut to Pretty Plain Hut, was mostly on a single track but included some off-track walking. The relatively flat route followed the Tooma River through Pretty Plain to the hut. The last day was the longest, about 17km, from Pretty Plain, crossed the Tooma River and visited Paton's Hut on the way out before heading back to the head of the track at Tooma Dam. 

Thanks to overnight walk leader, Ray

Next activity: 22nd March-24th March - South East Forests Weekend Camp - see program












Sunday 10 March 2024

PAMBULA TO EAT MERIMBULA

March 10th

It was quite a different kind of day for the BVBWs. However, the late revision to the program proved to be a good decision. Walking from Pambula via the bushland corridor to Fishpen in Merimbula, the smoke from the ongoing control burns could be seen hanging over the hinterland.  

Some great food was enjoyed at Eat Merimbula including wagyu beef sandwich, lobster salad, bug and prawn cocktail, duck confit, ceviche and gelato - with many, many more wonderful looking and smelling goodies on offer. 

There was also time for a refreshing swim or to relax by the water. A breeze had built up which was welcome in the midday heat. While several of the group took advantage of being able to walk just oneway, some returned, mostly along the beach, assisted by a tail-wind. 

Thanks to leaders of the day, Donna and Diane. 

Next activities: 15 March to 17 March (alt 16-18 March) Snowy Mountains Walk
22 March to 24 March - South East Forests Weekend Camp - see program

Wednesday 6 March 2024

CHANGE OF PLANS FOR SUNDAY 10TH MARCH

PAMBULA GOLDFIELDS RESCHEDULED

Due to controlled burns currently being conducted in the Pambula Goldfields area, but also the high temperatures forecast for this coming Sunday, We have decided to change the walk for this week - which we hope might be more suited to the conditions and be a bit of fun.  The Goldfields is being rescheduled for Sunday 8th September. 

Sunday March 10th is now Pambula to Eat Merimbula - see program


Monday 26 February 2024

KAYAKING/CANOEING SKILL DEVELOPMENT EVENT

 25 February


This week BVBWs had the opportunity to have fun on the water and improve their kayaking skills. Launching from Pambula Beach the group followed a route up Pambula River, past Broadwater and into the Yowaka River. Leader Wendy, a qualified and experienced instructor and kayaker provided excellent instruction along the way. Paddling and safety skills were worked on which included: hand placement, different stroke types, deep water entries and eskimo rolls. The beautiful location and warm sunny weather made for an enjoyable day, despite the challenging headwind getting back to the mouth of Pambula River.


Thanks to our leader of the day, Wendy.

Next activity: 10 March - Pambula Goldfields - please see program







Sunday 18 February 2024

CANOEING BLACKFELLOWS LAKE & BEGA RIVER

18 February

A fine day paddling. Exploring Blackfellows Lake, Zecks Lagoon and Bega River. A downstream course between the islands was taken until lunch time, returning back upstream via Humbug Reach to Blackfellows Lake. 

Thanks to leader of the day, Dick.

Next activity: 25 February - Kayaking/canoeing skill development event - please see program.









Thursday 8 February 2024

2024 SUMMER WALK

 21 January          

To start the year several members met at the Lions Park Mogareeka for a leisurely BBQ lunch. After lunch a few enjoyed the easy walk to Moon Bay, a few went for a dip and the others relaxed and enjoyed the lovely warm day.

Thanks to the leader of the day, Peter.

Next activity: 18th February 2024 - Canoeing Blackfellows Lake & Bega River - please see program





HAPPY 2024

Hi folks

If you are returning to this page you will notice a few changes. If  this is your first visit to the page, welcome.

On the main part of this page, you will find reports of what we've been up to this year'. Down the right side you will find records of the activities in previous years.

Please see the 'PROGRAM' page for upcoming events. 

Hopefully you will be able to find any other information you need by clicking on one of the other tabs above. If you can't find what you are after then you can email our secretary - see 'CONTACT US'.

Hope to see you in the 'great outdoors' soon