Meetings: Held the 4th Thursday of each month (excluding December), at Leongatha Community House, 16 Bruce Street, Leongatha.

Next Meeting: 22nd October, 2009 at 8.00 pm

Editor’s Report
Thank you to all those people who have taken the trouble to write reports on excursions and thank you to those people who have run them. A couple of activities from our last program had to be cancelled for lack of numbers, and a few others went ahead but with very low attendances. I hope that this just means that our members are very busy with other adventurous activities and not a sign that our group is waning in active membership. There’s a great variety of excursions listed on the latest program, so mark them on your calendar straight away and contact the organiser to register your interest. It’s probably a good idea for people to print off a copy of the Walks Program and pin it in a prominent place. I suspect that some people may be missing activities simply because they forgot, or indeed never read about it in the first place. I see this as a genuine problem of the electronic age.
For the first time I have published a deadline for newsletter contributions (see above). It coincides with the next Committee Meeting. So, if you are the lucky one who is appointed as ‘the reporter’ of an activity, now you know by when you must launch your literary gem into the ether (otherwise known as emailing). Of course, the old-fashioned way of hand-writing your report is still acceptable, but you will probably have to fold it into a paper plane before launching, and I’m not sure how you get it to land in my computer. But hey, Steve reckons that hand-writing is the best and that there used to be an institution called Australia Post, but he’s not sure if they still exist.

President’s Report:
I’m over it!! WIND and RAIN; yes I know we need the rain!! How many times have we heard that statement? But the farm dams around my area are overflowing, and the grass is growing before my eyes.
South Gippsland in spring; it’s hard to plan an out door activity. You need very waterproof boots and coat, and maybe gloves and a beanie. Take a sun hat with a large brim for shade, sunglasses, sunscreen, snakebite kit and that’s just to take the dog for a walk. Don’t get me started about the wind. I read in the local paper we had 8 wind free days in the past few months. Great for sailors!! But it has slowed the magpie attacks. It’s blowing too hard for them to fly let alone dive bomb (Except for those 8 wind free days when everyone was out walking or on push bikes). Then I think we are lucky. We don’t have serious earthquakes/tsunami’s!! Fighting the spring weather is nothing, and from what I hear our club members have been out walking/cycling/kayaking etc - just being prepared for all seasons in one day.
On a more serious note - when leading a group activity - it is important to carry a first aid kit, have an emergency contact number of all participants, and carry a mobile phone just in case of accidents. Otherwise keep it up - nothing beats getting out and being active - better than complaining like me about the wind and rain.
Regards Val

Walk Reports

5 Mile Track to Arch Rock, 2nd Aug ‘09
Michael, Glen, Peter, Rosie & I met outside the Tarwin Lower Supermarket. It was coldish (I was in my shorts - no wonder) & windy. Off we drove to start our walk.
Getting onto the beach and with a tail wind to push us along we knew we would have a head wind to battle against on our way back.
This was a walk that I should have taken my camera on. As we walked along the beach the erosion of the sand cliff faces was amazing and the amount of wash up material was equally amazing.
Glen & Rosie headed off to inspect the washed up goodies for bargains. Was there something good to ‘buy’?
We sped along, spying a seal up on the rocks that quickly slid - should I say scraped - down the rocks (ouch) into the water to make itself scarce. We came across a washed up floating trunk thing that was probably really a fuel tank.
We walked along to the creek outflow on the beach and moved our way onto the dunes for lunch. A few spots of rain fell as we were finishing our lunch. Michael said he was heading off to explore a track across the creek as we finished off our lunch. After a while we could see Michael coming back.
He had found a track worth exploring so off we went. Along we walked and eventually to our surprise came across a hidden cottage with garden set up - wow! We thought that was pretty good and had a sticky beak. We walked on a bit & wow again - came across another one which was even better. Then we came across another one that was better again. These had cared for gardens with daffodils coming up & other flowering plants - A little creek running down below - they were so pretty. There were more of these cottages - some big - some small. One had a sign on the door ‘Close the door because of snakes’.
We walked to the end of the track that they were on, then made our way back to the beach. Once on the beach the wind had increased so we had an incredible head wind to battle against. Very glad to finally get off the beach. We stopped for a drink and nibble & then made our way back to the cars.
Thanks to Rosie, Peter, Glen & Michael for your (as always) good company.
Tim

Bike Ride to Foster - Sept 20th
The bike ride to Foster, organised by the Chiams, started at the Pumphouse Bridge at the Tarwin River with 11 of us, including Cam and his friend from Caulfield (David), Val, Kee and Chris, Ros, Paula and Steve, Peter and Julie. We left at 9.30 and were joined by some jetsetters who were not long home from a trip to Sth. America and the Galapagos Is.( Kerry and David) at Buffalo.
In perfect riding conditions we pedalled through Fish Creek, not even stopping for the usual ‘pit stop coffee’, and on to Foster looking at the magnificent views of Wilson’s Prom and the surrounding farmlands. If you haven’t ridden the rail-trail to Foster it is well worth it for the beautiful views.
Coincidentally, it was lunch time when we arrived at Foster and as Ando’s Bakery was not open on Sundays the ‘mob’ was able to ‘sniff out’ 2 alternative eateries. Some of us went to the ‘Rhythm Cafe’ where some people indulged in the sweet things of life ( muffins and cream/ ice-cream) Others found roll ups, giant foccacias andyummy coffee.
All fuelled up, plenty of sunshine and a slight headwind we rode back towards Meeniyan to complete our 60kms. Some members finished the day with a coffee and a chat at the Homely Cafe in Meeniyan. I really enjoyed the ride because it felt like the beginning of a new season of great outdoors activities after the well-needed wintry weather we’ve had. Thank-you Kee for organising the day.
Julie Johnston

The Avon River Walk - Sept 22nd-23rd
After much organizing and many phone calls, Josie managed to get 10 of us, plus gear, into three cars heading towards the Avon River via Traralgon. As well as organizing everyone she also supplied cake and coffee for morning tea. We now expect this on every walk!
The group consisted of Heather, Ros, Marg W, Pierre, Bailey, Judy, Josie, Peter, Scott & me. Pierre and Bailey are two young men of around twelve years old who carried their own gear, set up their own camp, and were easy to get on with and good company. We managed to keep up with them but only just! Scott is a new potential member, a little older than twelve and also very good company. The rest were the usual unremarkable lot except for Marg who was NICE TO EVERYONE FOR TWO WHOLE DAYS!!! [Thanks for the bribe Marg.]
We unloaded at Dermody’s Camp and headed up stream, however, after a short while Judy began to feel that she wasn’t coping. So Josie went back to base with her and she camped overnight near the cars. Josie very soon caught us up as we were sitting around eating and talking as usual.
A little way along the track a snake decided to cross the path behind me and in front of Heather. The noise was incredible [from Heather not the snake, which was probably scared to death.] We saw another fairly large snake sunbaking on the rocks and we all got the impression again that Heather doesn’t like them.
We arrived at Huggetts Crossing in the late afternoon, set up camp and went for a swim - a very brief one for me - it was freezing. Pierre, Scott and Josie stayed in for a while but Bailey was sensible like me and got out A.S.A.P.
We had a very pleasant evening around a camp fire with a drop of red wine and went to sleep listening to a couple of owls hunting.
The walk back was, as always, shorter than the walk out - I’m not sure why because it was the same track. Beautiful vertical gorges cut by the river through sandstone and conglomerate cliffs, with a few wildflowers scattered around. Nice.
Our couple of days away were topped of by a stop at the Rosedale Bakery and the new huge camping shop in Traralgon.
Thanks to everyone, especially Josie for her impeccable organization. I reckon she filled a 1 GB card taking photos of ‘her’ boys.
Regards Cam.

Kilkunda Walk - Sept 27th
Thank God for our fearless President, Val. On a Sunday in September when the weather was so rough that you wouldn’t let your cat out in it, she refused to cancel the proposed walk through the Kilcunda hinterland. So 6 walkers and 2 dogs met at the foreshore, where the foam and sand were blowing across the highway! We huddled in the shelter shed and watched the wild sea for a while. Waterproof pants and jackets were donned and we headed off into the elements. Dogs and humans battled along and found it to be REALLY exhilarating! The views were spectacular and the last bit was mercifully downhill and down wind, so we arrived back at the cars refreshed and ready to tackle the world, especially after a warming soup and coffee. Go Val!
Annie Chisholm

Toongabbie Bike Ride - Sat Oct 10
Sue, Pat, Val, Petra, Ros, Kaye & Polly
Polly organized an o’nite base camp at Toongabbie Reserve so we gathered Sat. lunch time, Kaye showing off her recumbent bike. Sue’s bike had suffered an exhaust burn so had a flat damaged tyre. We set off on the rail trail towards Glengarry. The trail is very stony and rough, making it very hard for Kaye’s bike, so we all took to the road. Much easier!. Glengarry was tea - (no coffee machine) and food of course. Polly and Sue shared driving a vehicle as we pedalled along a very quiet River Road back to Toongabbie. A great quiet ride. Sue and I needed to return while others stayed for what I believe was a very enjoyable meal at the Glengarry Hotel.
Polly and Pat put up their tents for the night,
Thanks to all for your company and thanks to Polly for organizing a great Sat.
Ros S.

Prom-Circuit-in-a -Day - Oct 3
‘Challenge yourself’ ran the advertisement for Steve Horton’s Prom-in-a-day. So we could’t resist. Some of our favourite places and people and time of the year would be a recipe for a walk.
Little did we expect the wildlife to be so amazing. We watched a huge Southern Right Whale cavorting in North refuge Cove, close to the shore. Then we saw millions of shearwaters flying south from their holiday up near Japan and Alaska - they were all in a row, one behind the other, just above the wavetops between refuge and Sealer’s Coves. They looked a bit tired and we could empathise, becaus eSteve made us walk very briskly.
Two other factors made this trip special. On the way up from Sealer’s we met Linda and her botfriend, Ash. And we found Kev’s boat name ‘Charlie’ engraved into some wood at refuge Cove boat campsite. He says he’s always wanted to sail since the hike with Marg Scarbie and Marion Chalmers years ago, when some yachties delivered freshly baked bread to us on the shore.
Please sign us up for next year, Steve.
Annie Chisholm.

Upcoming Events
Cycling and Camping - October 27th to 29th
Ros is planning 3 days of cycling from to Foster to Walkerville North and then back to Meeniyan via Tarwin Lower. You will camp at Foster Caravan Park and at Walkerville North Camping Ground. Cyclists must carry all their own gear, so panniers will be needed. This is very soon, just the week after next, so contact Ros straight away to be part of this adventure.
Contact: Ros Spratt 5664 2358

3 day Cycling Trip to Orbost
Date: Nov 14th(Sat)/15th(Sun)/16th(Mon) - drive down Friday evening (13th) Activity: 3 days of cycling (including a ride on Monday) Details: Orbost area, Orbost Caravan Park (51 541097) as base camp. Max 20 people Booking Date: Nov 7th Grade: Medium Contact: Mike and Ollie Wellings 0427 723604

Tuesday Walks
Tuesday walks are up and running again, or should that be up and walking again?
Contact Kerry 5664 7440 or Chris 5662 5226 by Monday night each week to find out meeting place.

Walls of Jerusalem - Feb 15th to 23rd
This is an 8-day hike in the Walls of Jerusalem and Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Parks in Central Tasmania. Walking will be mostly on tracks and the total distance about 75 kilometres, plus a selection of side trips (pack free).
It is a bring your own everything trip (water supplied) and will be bakery free. The scenery will be stunning and I am sure we will have a range of Tasmanian ‘summer’ weather. The dates are still slightly flexible.
For further information give Paula or Steve a call. 5674 2980.

Jatbula
Josie is planning a 60 Km (5 days) walk in the Nitmiluk National Park (Catherine, N.T.) from Mon.28th June to Fri 2nd July, 2010. It will be a self guided walk and you will need to be totally independent.
For more details and expression of interest contact Josie on 56 573 305. Limited numbers only.

Wilson’s Prom 20th Birthday Celebration Weekend
With the help of Angela we have booked the thirty bed lodge at the Prom Friday and Saturday nights, 16th and 17th July 2010. As yet we have not decided on a theme or activities. The cost is $50 for two nights. This needs to be paid to Angela ASAP as payment must be made to the Prom. We cannot book your place until the money is received. There are only thirty places.
We can take the lodge over at 2pm on the Friday and leave Sunday before midday.
Chris Chiam 5662 5226

Walk Leaders and Ideas Wanted
If you have ideas for activities then come along to a meeting and put them on the program, or ring our Walks Co-ordinator, Josie (5657 3305) to discuss your idea. We welcome fresh ideas and new leader faces. If you are not confident about leading a walk (or other activity) there are many people who can advise you or even help you run an activity.
 

Combined Gippsland Club Weekend - 21st & 22nd November
The Combined Gippsland Clubs Weekend is to be held on the 21st & 22nd of November at the Nayook Outdoor Education Centre Neerim, approx 15 km from Neerim South and approx 38 km from Drouin
To book your bed please email your booking to: wgbwclub@gmail.com
This is to book for both Friday night & Saturday night or just for Saturday night.
Walks Program: see separate attachment
Pre-booking the walks is possible but booking at the time is fine. Some walks may have a booking limit on them so pre-booking is advised.
Starting time from the Camp: Meeting at 8.30 for an 8.45 introduction to leave at 9.00. Anticipated end of the walks to be around 1.00 pm on the Sunday.
Please Email or post details on any entertainment skills, talents , hidden repertoires from members and they may be put to good use on the Saturday night. Email to wgbwclub@gmail.com
Cost: Nayook Outdoor Education Centre $ 12.00 per day including disposable plates, etc
If staying elsewhere $ 2.00 per day would be appreciated to cover use of disposable plates, bowls, cups & cutlery, BYO Bedding, BYO Salads or Desserts to Share, BYO BBQ Meat, BYO Seats, BYO Drinks
Looking forward to a great weekend. Tim Rothberg 5627 6162
Editor: Tim has sent us lots more information on this weekend. I am including it as a separate mailout, so make sure you check it out. It will be a great opportunity to meet people from other clubs and to participate in some different walks. And Steve Horton has agreed to perform on the Saturday night.

Other News
Kev’s Progress
Many of our members will be interested to hear that Paul and Annie’s son, Kevin, has sailed all the way to New Guinea, in his 28' yacht. He’s had many adventures and misadventures along the way, has had several different crew members and has experienced all sorts of weather and sea conditions.
His success has cost Steve Horton a dinner for 4 at Tsunami Restaurant. Steve foolishly bet Annie that Kev wouldn’t make it, but Kev has proved that he is made of the right stuff and earned his Mum a free dinner for her faith in him. Well done, Kevin, and congratulations to Kev and his proud parents.
Editor

PLB Update
At the August meeting the Club decided to purchase a Personal Locator Beacon to replace the one that had become outdated. The chosen brand and model, KTI Mini-Sat-G, is not yet available, but KTI has agreed to supply us with a competitor’s model (GME) until the Mini-Sat-G comes onto the market, at which stage we will pay the difference and receive the new one. This way we will have a PLB to take with us on the Cup Day Feathertop Walk in a couple of weeks (unlike Tim Holding).
Editor

Walks Program

For the web version of Footprints, the walks program is located on a separate page and is kept up-to-date with changes as they come in.