THE BLACK RANGE MURDER MYSTERY

 Next activity: Nunnock Swamp - May 4th - see program

6th April

The intriguing name of this walk attracted a curious band of walkers. Heading off into the forest the group were quickly introduced to early clues to help solve The Black Range Murder Mystery. Or were these 'clues' red herrings? Questions were raised. Why was there a water tank covered with netting? What was in there? An animal/animals feeding on 'carrion'? Yabbies? Piranhas? A crocodile? A white pointer? Why was there an abandoned van? Had it been used for a delivery or a getaway? Who could have been driving? Why was there abandoned drums and could they have been used to chemically dispose of unwanted 'evidence'? Could that old carpet have been used to wrap the body for discreet removal? Had a pipe-smoking super-slueth in a deer-stalker hat and caped coat been here first? Were those blood spatters throughout the forest? Did the skull remains of a large herbivore mean anything? The plot thickened. What was this highly suspicous spot? Was this the scene of the crime? Were those branches arranged in a cross by design or happenstance? Was that blood covering this cross and bed of leaves? Whose blood? Had there really been a murder? Conclusions were reached but what happens in the Black Ranges stays in the Black Ranges. Some things must remain a mystery.

Moving on there was a splendid walk to enjoy. This largely off-track walk took a deceptively circuitous route: up and down steep hills, along ridges and via a couple of creek crossings. Magnificent open forest of woollybutts, redgum, bloodwood, blueberry ash and stringybarks and impressive rainforested areas were negotiated. Within the damp rainforest domineering trees competed for attention with a fabulous array of fungi. Hidden among the leaf litter and rocks shaggy with moss and fern were the most eye-catching small bright red mushroom. Could these have been another clue?! 

Thanks to the leaders of the day Jo and Tony.

MOUNT HOTHAM

 Next activity: The Black Range Murder Mystery - 6th April - see program

24th - 28th March

Mount Hotham, Victoria provided a very comfortable and scenic base for three wonderful days of walking (some even squeezed in some cycling). A choice of walking options meant all abilities and preferences were catered for. 

The biggest challenge was on the first walking day; a 23km walk up Mount Feathertop. Some made it to the top (and back) while others chose to turn around sooner. Regardless of the turn around point, the walkers were rewarded with breathtaking views and tested by demanding terrain. For those that did reach the peak, cloud cover obscured the view - this cloud cover seemed to clear almost as soon as the group started descending.

Day two, the Huts Walk, was a shorter at around 12km. This walk visited two historical huts, Derrick Hut and Spargo's Hut. It was hoped to also visit the Silver Brumby Hut on this walk but unfortunately is was closed. A detour up to the top of Mount Loch was also on offer. Although being shorter this walk still included several steep ascending and descending sections. While the full walk returned walkers back to the lodge, those not wishing to walk as far, were again able to choose a shorter out-and-back route.

The plan to to do the Cobungra Ditch Walk on the third walking day had to be abandoned as the area was closed due to deer culling. However, those that had done the full Huts Walk were able to experience some of the ditch - an abandoned water race from old gold mining works. Three short walks were on offer instead: an out-and-back to Brandy Creek Gold Mine site, another out-and-back to Carmichael Falls at Dinner Plain and a loop walk taking in the Dargo Lookout. All three were worth well worth the effort to further expand knowledge and enjoyment of the area.

The accomodation at the Burrumbeep Lodge enabled the group to relax and socialise when not out on the trails. A large southward facing window allowed the magnificent setting to be fully enjoyed. Meals for three of the evenings were jointly catered, with each party being well organised to supply one element of a meal on one of the evenings. Thus, three course gourmet dining (with a different theme each evening - Curry, Italian and Mexican), catering for different dietary needs, were created. On the last evening everyone had the night off and enjoyed a meal at the local pub. On one of the evenings, Peter entertained the group with wonderful music, poetry and story telling; excerpts from an upcoming performance at the Tathra Hotel (5th and 6th April, 4pm to 7pm).

All-in-all a fabulous, varied, well organised few days were greatly enjoyed.

Thanks to the leaders, Ann and Dianne.

WARRATAH GULLY SOUTH EASTS FORESTS NP

 Next activity: Mount Hotham - 24th to 28th March - see program (fully subscribed)

7th-9th March

Despite the threat of Cyclone Alfred bearing down on Queensland which threatened to also bring rain to our neck of the woods, a good contingent headed off to the South Easts Forests for a weekend of camping and walking. In consideration of this less than ideal weather forecast, the planned schedule was swapped around to allow for activities to be completed by early afternoon Sunday. The group gathered on the Friday afternoon and into the evening at the Warratah Gully campsite weekend in the Coolangubra section of the National Park.

Fine weather greeted the campers on Saturday morning for the Pheasants Peaks walk. After taking the Wog Way for a couple of kilometers away from the campsite, an off-track route through thickish bush, and across a tricky water course crossing was tackled. The going became easier, once the group came to more open forest, dotted with many sculptural granite boulders. Flat open walking didn't last long, however, as the ascent up to 'Pheasants Peak' (or so named on certain maps) began. Striking sentinel boulders created a gateway into the upper section of the peak, passing an enigmatic large nest of sticks perched high on one of these rocks. The peak provided a picturesque setting for morning tea and an opportunity to scramble up and explore further, taking in the beauty of the area and the view out to Mount Delegate and the Snowy Mountains. Although, not the official Pheasants Peak this peak was absolutely worth the visit.

Continuing on up and through the forest, took the group to the fire trail that passes the officially marked Pheasants Peak. This peak was a fair bit higher, with an elevation of over 1000m above sea level. It again provided magnificent views, but in the opposite direction, and an opportunity for more fun explorations. The rocky conglomeration created interesting hidden platforms, 'rooms' and caves to clamber through and around. The route back to the campsite, after lunch, mostly took the more conventional route along fire trails. Although a short and easy off-track section at the end delivered the group back to the campsite. Back at the campsite there was an opportuinty either to chill or to take a short drive to Myanba Falls. Of course, pleasant fire-side social gatherings were enjoyed both evenings.

After decamping, everyone drove to the White Rocks Picnic Ground on the Imlay Road for Sunday's Bundian Way walk. From here, just a few cars were taken down the road to the start of the walk. The group entered into the initially open forest through an old quarry site. Three black cockatoos appeared to escort the party through this first stage of the trek. The open forest turned into thicker vegetation as a water course was reached. After some consideration, a spot where a large log provided a bridge was chosen as a crossing point. Whilst some did indeed use the log to cross others, perhaps more sensible, found a way by the log that was possible to cross without testing their balance. All safely across the creek, a spot by the creek ws chosen for morning tea. Here a local water dragon joined the group as it warmed itself in the sun. Carrying on, the route of Bundian pass was followed up the to top of the coastal escarpment. Here, once again, the bush thickened. Eventually the group came to another creek, this one with steep sides. It was then necessary to descended down to the creek for another log crossing. Leaving the creek, the group pushed through thick reeds to more open vegetation until the fire-trail back to White Rocks Picnic Ground was reached. Here lunch was enjoyed and some braved a quick dip the group parted company and headed home. 

The weather gods were clearly with us once again. The Queensland cyclone was downgraded and the only rain experienced by the campers was overnight. Indeed, Sunday tuirned out to be particularly warm and sunny.

Thanks to our leaders of the weekend, Lyn and Phil.