A NEW BROGO WALK

 Next activity: 16th November - A walk in the Tanja Forest - see program for details

2nd November

 Another wonderful walk in the Brogo River area was blessed with equally wonderful weather. The group was lucky enough to be given permission to explore the forested hillsides and picturesque banks of the Brogo River only accessible through a private property. The route up and down hills and along the flat, followed old tracks, dry creek beds and some off-track walking. The last big fire in the area, in 1953, and the changes that this brought to the area were pondered. As well as the open forest, there was much to appreciate in this rich environment; from a pre-fire survey tree, to magnificient granite bolders and impressive fig trees. Lunch time at the river provided an opportunity for a quick dip to cool down. Close by a water dragon sunned itself on a rock while a number of sacred kingfishers flitted from tree to tree above. This walk in a very special area was bought to a perfect end as the group were invited to join Jeff for a delicious afternoon tea.

Thanks to the leaders of the day Jeff (and for providing afternoon tea) and Robert. (and for sharing his historical knowledge). Special thanks also to the property owners for allowing our visit.

LENNARDS ISLAND - THE LONG WAY

Next activity: 2nd November - A New Brogo - see program for details

19th October

The weather gods provided a wonderful spring day for this longer than usual, 20km, walk. This was an exploration of the area between Cockle-Eye Rickie and Lennards Island taking in some of the less frequented parts of the northern section of Beowa National Park. The walk made use of the fire-trails, fishermans' trails, minor tracks and included an off-track section. Passing through the stately Beowa forest, several stunningly beautiful rocky coastal points were visited via a convoluted route.

Plenty of whales greeted the group at Cockle-Eye Rickie. The group didn't know which direction to look as the whales appeared to compete for attention with multiple breaching. A small group, close in, extended the stop as they impressed with various tail slapping, spyhopping and breaching manoeuvres or just skimming along just below the surface. Whale sightings just never get old, but somehow the group just had to eventually tear themselves away - there was still a lot of walking to do.

Lunch was enjoyed at Lennards Island. The longer distance of the walk did not stop some of the group venturing over onto the island for an additional optional extra circuit of the island itself.

The spring flowers were also a delight. At this time of year each visit seems to be rewarded differently. Among the many flowers spotted on this walk, too numerous to mention, were lots of delicate Fringe Lilies (including a white variation), Milkmaids and two different Orchids - the Tiger Orchid and the rather inconspicous Red Bearded Orchid. Other notable vegetation included a large stand of magnificient Xanthorrhoeas, accessed by the off-section; these plants do not appear widespread in the area.

Thanks to the leader of the day, Donna. Thanks also go to Diane who helped with the walk reccies.

LITTLE DROM

Next Activity: 19th October - Lennards Island - see program for details.

5th October

Right from the beginning of this walk the group was constantly rewarded with picture postcard views of the stunning Tilba valley and coast. From Sherringham Farm a well trodden route led the group uphill through open forest, shady figs, granite tors and elkhorn grottos. A tricky scramble up a knotted rope, led finally to the summit of Najanuga where the group had 360 degree panoramic views to enjoy while having morning tea.

It was then back downhill, heading through rolling pastures, over sand dunes and onto the beach for lunch, where whales and dolphins kept to group entranced. After lunch the group headed back uphill, returning to the cars having enjoyed a great day and a very special walk.

Thanks to our leaders, Robert and Michael, and also to the landholder for generously giving us access to this unique and special place.

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.