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

Next Meeting: 22nd Jan, 2009 at 8.00 pm

Editor’s Rambles:
As I settle in here at the computer for the afternoon to put together this last newsletter for 2008, I am listening to the wind and the rain outside. The frogs are singing, the plants are drinking, our tanks are filling - no, overflowing, and our reservoirs and wetlands are being replenished. It’s all good. Unfortunately, the trip tonight to see the shearwaters fly into their nests has been cancelled, but we can always do that another time.
Julie, Val, Chris, Cam, Steve and I returned last Sunday from the Great Vic Bike Ride from Ballarat to Ballarat via the Grampians; 590 km in all and what a great ride it was. I really appreciated the cool, overcast days for riding, although I would have been quite happy not to have the headwinds. Starting the day after we finished, Kerry and Jenny did their own version of the ‘Great Vic’, riding from Ararat to Warrnambool over 5 days. Well done, riders.
The Chisholms deserve a special mention for organising two big events on consecutive weekends. Well done, Chissies! Thanks also must go to the many people who responded to my requests for activity reports.

President’s Report: Christmas is rapidly approaching. Everyone is busy, shopping, cooking, packing for holidays etc-hopefully we can stop occasionally and enjoy ourselves, walking, bike riding, kayaking, swimming or laying about reading and resting.
The last program had many exciting activities - thank you members for suggesting and leading them. I managed to attend a few, enjoying the company and having lots of laughs. (I don’t think I'd ever be conscripted to the armed forces if my shooting score was ever known!!)
The combined clubs weekend at Powlett River was definitely a highlight with over 40 people enjoying our clubs hospitality and the wonderful area around Kilcunda. I've read reports (on the weekend) in other clubs newsletters and we can pat ourselves on the back for our effort. The new Club sign should get a work out for base camps and social functions in the future.
The last committee meeting for 2008 was a friendly occasion with many members and their partners turning up. We relaxed with a BBQ and drinks at Horton’s, a special thanks to Paula and Steve who must have been exhausted after just completing the Great Vic Bike Ride 2 days before (591 kms over 9 days) - Julie and Cam also rode the distance.
Next years program is looking good, the 3 F’s - friendship, fitness and food will still be big in 2009.
In closing I would like to wish all club members and their families a very happy Christmas and safe New Year, don’t forget to Slip,Slop and Slap when in the great outdoors. Next Meeting 22nd January at Leongatha Community House - see you there. Regards Val McDonald

Walk Reports

Tuesday walks have gone into temporary recession over the silly season. Please ring either Chris 5662 5226 or Kerry 5664 7440 and let them know when you would like to resume these in the New Year.
Ed

Lyrebird Walk - Tuesday 14th Oct
Chris, Marg and I travelled to Mirboo North to have a wander around the Lyrebird Walk. The day was cool and sunny, perfect for walking. We started off up the steep hill and walked up to the road where we turned right and continued along the gravel road beside the tree plantations. The views over the hills towards the Latrobe Valley were lovely - emerald hills, trees, tree ferns; and the bush on our right although scrubby had many wildflowers blooming. Reaching a fork in the road, we decided to go left and followed a no through road down the hill. Finishing at a private property we climbed over a couple of locked gates to go down a grassy, shaded lane hoping it would lead us to a trail back to where we’d started from. Alas, we came to a stream blocking our way. More adventurous women may have walked across the fallen tree straddling the creek, but as there seemed to be no track on the other side we retraced our steps. Two dogs from the property were very excited to accompany us and followed us the couple of kilometres to Darlimurla despite much discouragement from us. We were sitting having lunch, watching the dogs in the middle of the road, when to our amazement, a ute pulled up, the driver scooped the smaller dog into the car and then proceeded with the larger dog running along in front of the ute, presumably going back home again (obviously nothing out of the ordinary). Walking along Darlimurla Road we turned back into the bush and were once again into the Lyrebird Walk. We followed a well made path alongside the stream back to the car park. There are many improvements with new tables and seats throughout the walk. Back at Mirboo North we explored the extensive nursery and then went to the bakery to finish off our day with coffee and cake. Thanks Chris for a truly lovely walk.
Lynn

Combined Clubs Weekend at Powlett River
Arriving at the Mouth of the Powlett camping ground late on the Friday afternoon I discovered quite a few members had arrived earlier and had commenced their happy hour. I’d decided to borrow my camper from its foster home and give it a bit of an airing. In my usual daffy way, I positioned it awkwardly and after pegging down the floor, found I had to move it. This was swiftly done by pulling out the pegs and dragging it across the grass to a more suitable location. I had lots of help from Kaye, Val and Sue and appreciated their assistance. Still stuffing around with the annexe, the others left for the Kilcunda Pub for tea and I stayed behind with Ian who had decided on a camp oven dinner. Paul and Annie arrived soon after and fired up their barbecue and the three of us enjoyed our sausages and the campfire. It was a beautiful balmy night and we were very late turning in.
The next morning many more people had arrived and we quickly sorted ourselves out - some for a walk through the Kilcunda Hills with Annie, some to enjoy their kayaks on the Powlett River and a group going to Glen Forbes to experience Paul Spiers’ manmade baby rainforest. This was quite an amazing visit, we drove to the house and after meeting Paul we walked across his lush grassy paddocks, climbed a stile and were suddenly in another world. It smelled sweet and the birdsong was beautiful. We walked along the shady path marvelling at the difference Paul had made to what was once a blackberry infested treeless gully. There was a small clear creek trickling at the bottom of the gully and many young trees and understorey plants shading the pathway through this little forest. We walked and listened to Paul for about two hours as he led us through his reforested areas and across into neighbouring forest areas. A truly remarkable achievement showing just what can be done in a relatively short period of time. It was 18 years since Paul embarked on his planting project.
Back for lunch, we regrouped afterwards and again headed off on the various planned activities. A walk with me along the beach and through bush tracks to the wind farm and back; bike riding with Val to Anderson and return via the Kilcunda Hills and another watery experience for those who wished to launch their crafts on the calm waters of the Powlett. The weather was perfect and at the conclusion of these activities we congregated under the huge tarp provided by Ian Lester and had drinks and nibbles. It was wonderful to mix with members of the other clubs who’d come along to join us and it was a very cheerful bunch of people just having a good time. At some stage the barbecue was fired up and a huge array of salads suddenly appeared on the table - plenty for everyone. We had a great campfire and after dinner Liyin brought out her guitar and we were soon singing bits and pieces of songs we knew. Steve recited his nonsense poems to the hilarity of his audience and not to be outdone, David was also forthcoming with some entertainment. What a great day it had been.
Sunday morning and some of our visitors left and more arrived, only two activities today - the George Bass Walk with Chris and a bike ride with Val. Val took us along the rail trail almost to Wonthaggi, then up gravel roads to the Wonthaggi State Mine where the men became gentlemen and lifted bicycles over the wooden fence to avoid going through the gates and mingling with the large herd of inquisitive black cattle. We had a quick tour of the mine buildings and displays before heading into Wonthaggi for the obligatory coffee and cake. Back on the bikes, we soon returned to the rail trail in the drizzly rain to head back to the camp ground. The walkers arrived soon after and we sheltered in the huge igloo Ian McDonald had provided and finished off the weekend with hot drinks, chocolates, chatter and laughter. What a great weekend, congratulations Annie Chisholm for the effort you put into the planning. Thanks to all who attended - it was the perfect venue and many of our visitors commented on how wonderful it was to have such a choice of activities. Well done everyone!
Lynn
THANKS, EVERYONE!

People from other clubs have been emailing me to say what a warm welcome they got from our club at the Combined Clubs weekend at the Powlett in October. It really was a team effort, and wouldn’t have been so successful without Ian’s huge tarp for shade, Val and Ian’s huge tent for shelter, the stack of firewood brought by various members, the Tai Chi session on the Sunday morning, Steve’s hilarious rendition of ‘Rindacella’ and Liyin’s sing-along around the campfire, the urn and various yummy slices provided by everyone. And that’s apart altogether from the people who led the walks, cycles and kayak expeditions so efficiently; well done SGWAAC members, what a great team!
Annie Chisholm

Shooting Evening
Nov 7th
A very enjoyable evening was had by Val & Ian, Kerry & David, Chris & Kee and I at the Leongatha Rifle Club. Our skills were tried with a .22 shooting bullseye targets with some shooting at the neighbours target, (or was that just to have a few extra shots?). It was a drizzly night but that only affected Rob who had to retrieve the targets from the back wall to be assessed for scoring.
After arriving late (coming from Melbourne) and never having shot a rifle, I shot my round with some very helpful guidance and finished up with the highest score, much to the annoyance of Ian who WAS holding shot.
All enjoyed a cuppa and yummy homemade bikkies by Ros.
A big thank you to Ros & Rob Spratt and the Small Bore Rifle Club.
Sue Marriott

Paddling East Gippsland
Nov 12th & 13th
Kerry, David, Sue, Kaye, Jenny Gurney, Lyn, John A, Pat & Ros.
We arrived at the Caravan Park North Arm, Lakes Entrance Tues afternoon, right on the waters edge, most others were not far behind us, and we were all greeted by over friendly swans,… bit too friendly.
Wed. morning about 10, we set off to paddle up the North Arm past Wyanga Winery jetty. This was a quiet, fantastic place to paddle. I think we will be going back to paddle further up this arm in the future. We returned to the winery jetty. A quick phone call brings the bus to pick us up for lunch, which became a very ‘drawn out’ affair … but we survived.!! And hopefully all enjoyed the casual paddle back to camp.
Wed. evening under a rising full moon a few decided to do a short paddle, just great. The night was fantastic as the full moon shone over the water.
Thurs. we drove to Swan Reach where David & Kerry found a good launching spot on the Tambo River. The wind was a bit challenging but we all managed to paddle to the limestone cliffs, where we found a good spot for lunch. This proved to be a challenging paddle for some, especially those who didn’t have a rudder to help steer in the wind, and some tired muscles as well. Back to the cars and goodbye to Jenny, then off to Stratford for coffee.
Thanks heaps to all those who came along to make a great couple of days away.
Ros S.

Cup Weekend 2008 - Bogong Walk
Five SGWAAC members visited the Victorian Alps on Cup Weekend and what a great trip it was. Paul and Annie planned to have another attempt at the Bogong Circuit, the same trip which had been planned for last year, but which had unfortunately been aborted due to the heavy rainfall which later caused flooding in East Gippsland. Josie, Steve and I looked forward to joining them.
The first part of the trip involved a long drive, but still included the obligatory stop at Mountain Designs in Traralgon. Josie travelled with us making pleasant company and conversation to help pass the hours. Our first night was spent camped in fine weather next to Wallace’s Hut, an easy 500 metre walk from the cars. We enjoyed the use of little luxuries like a picnic table and a bush dunny. An electric light globe and light switch in the dunny was someone’s idea of a practical joke. However, we all tried out the switch just in case. Duh!
Next morning, up at ‘sparrow’s fart’, we took a short drive towards Falls Creek. Leaving our cars at Blue Rock Dam, we set off, our packs laden with 4 days food and gear, northwards towards Warby Corner. Now this was a bit of a surprise to Steve and me. We had thought we were going to drive to Warby Corner and start the walk from there. This first 7 km wasn’t even on our map! Our 13 km day had just turned into 20 km, but we weren’t phased - the walking didn’t look too bad - just gentle ups and downs and along a ridge to Bogong Creek Saddle. Mmmm. How wrong can you be?
When you are used to 1:25000 rogaining maps with 10m contours, a 1:50000 map with 20m contours combined with ageing eyes can lead to quite false conclusions about the terrain. West along the Spion Kopje was just as expected and we reached the start of the Grey Hills ‘track’ in time for an early lunch. Unfortunately, the ups and downs of The Grey Hills were anything but gentle and yours truly struggled along this seemingly never ending last 8 km taking nearly 5 hours. However, the weather was fine and the views magnificent with Big River far below on our right and occasional views of the villages of Falls Creek and Bogong on our left. Many wildflowers were blooming. Mt. Bogong, still with remnant patches of snow, could also be seen to the north. At one stage Paul and Annie followed some strange honking noises to find two deer just off the track, and later, Josie, in the lead, came upon a huge and brightly banded Tiger Snake, a little too close for comfort, but a photo opportunity nevertheless. After summiting Mt. Arthur, we descended steeply for more than a kilometre, eventually reaching the welcome sight of the Helipad on Bogong Creek Saddle. This made for a lovely campsite with lots of water nearby, sunset views of the Alps and a starlit sky to sleep under (exhausted).
Next day, up bright and early again and with renewed energy, we climbed up onto Quartz Ridge and headed northwards towards Mt.Bogong which was now hidden amongst swirling clouds. From Quartz Ridge we were able to look east across the Cairn Creek valley, Granny Spur and Saddleback Spur to the distant T-Spur, our route for the next day. Cliffs to our west afforded us views of Mt.Beauty with Mt.Buffalo beyond. The final walk towards the summit was across snow plain country, devoid of trees and fully exposed to wind from any direction. Our views were now starting to fail as cloud swirled in around us. Lunch in the shelter of the Cairn atop Mt.Bogong turned into a mini birthday party - but we couldn’t light the candles because of the wind. We donned our special party clothes - our warmest jackets and waterproof pants and I was sung ‘Happy Birthday’ in five languages no less - English, Celtic, Spanish, Italian and Italian-English. What a treat! Not everyone gets to celebrate their 58th birthday on the highest point in Victoria amid such great company and linguistic talent.
Continuing across the open snow plain country after lunch, we came upon Simon, a lone walker from Canberra spending two weeks on the Alpine Walking Track, but side-tripping today to visit Mt.Bogong. We reached Cleve Cole Hut early afternoon and what a pleasant surprise it was - benches for cooking, tables for eating at, wood stove for heating and even a shower room with running water. All this was very much appreciated by the 30-odd hikers who had arrived there for the night, especially when rain came before nightfall. After hiking completely by ourselves for the previous 2 days, it was surprising to see so many people. They had arrived there from at least 4 different directions. We shared afternoon tea and a yarn with Simon.
‘A little bit of up, and a little bit of down’, was Paul’s response when asked what the third day would bring. ‘It’s all good’, said Annie. A pleasant stroll on Monday morning brought us to Madison’s Hut Ruins where we rudely awoke Simon. He hadn’t baked the scones yet so we continued along to T-Spur Knob. Then down, down, down an ever increasing gradient to Big River where we lunched in the rain before using the chain to help us cross the river. Now, with wet feet, we climbed up, up, up Duane Spur. A lot of down and a lot of up would have been a better description, Paul. Roper’s Hut was, indeed, a very welcome sight. It was brand new - the original hut had burned down a few years ago. The inside wasn’t yet finished, but the wood stove had been installed and that was all we needed. Simon joined us again for a cup of soup before continuing on a little further.
The final day was a doddle. We awoke to everything frozen, including Paul and Annie’s boots. We marvelled at the patterns and colours in the ice which had formed on all the puddles along the track to Warby Corner. We passed Simon’s tent along the way and woke him up again to say our farewells and wish him well for his 2nd week of walking. A gentle downhill along a pretty track and there were our faithful cars waiting to transport us home.
Thank you to Paul and Annie for taking us a little bit up and a little bit down and a little bit outside our comfort zone.
Yes, Annie, it was all good.
Paula

IT WAS ALL GOOD!
(What REALLY happened on the Cup w/e walk)

This needs to be written so people will appreciate all the good things that happened on the cup weekend walk.

• Sure, we had to walk an extra 7 km before and after the walk, but hey, people pay a fortune to get exercise like that at the gym, and we had lovely views to make it even better
• Maybe it was a little bit cold on the last morning, but the tadpoles still managed to swim around under their covering of ice
• Camping on a helipad may not be recommended, but it really did have nice green grass and lots of sunshine compared to everywhere else.
• The physics lessons were invaluable, especially the one about ‘what goes up must come back down again’ (and again)
• It was super to be able to really assess the water-proofing of our coats and boots
• Another valuable physics lesson was learned about what happens to wet boots when left outside in below zero temperatures!

So folks, get your bookings in early for next year’s cup weekend walk, which promises to be even bigger and better.
Annie

Somewhere in Melbourne Bike Ride
Nov 9th
Another bike ride somewhere in Melbourne suburbia was on and the spring weather was ideal for the ride. We - Kerry, David, Jenny, Val, Ian, Jo, Di, John, Lynn, Alan, Kaisu, Chris and Kee, gathered at Holmesglen Station.
Most of us casually hydrated ourselves with coffee, while others were getting their tyre pressures up to regulation standard. Kerry, with some difficulties, mustered the unruly mob for the usual briefing of the days ride and soon we were off, chasing after the pathfinders, Jenny and David, along Gardiner trail. The initial part of the ride was easy and soon we were stopping for morning coffee break.
Then we were off again taking in the sights of the backyards of the houses. The trail came to a sudden end and we had to find Hays paddock to start our return journey. Scouts were dispatched. ‘Down this way’, yelled someone, but it was a false alarm. We asked a cyclist for direction. ‘Sorry’, he said, ‘I was following you to find my way!!’ We then stopped another two cyclists. Bingo. We were in luck - two locals - and they directed us to Hays Paddock. Unfortunately, the cycling paths there had neither information signs nor directions. We took a punt and cycled along one of the paths which came to an abrupt end after 10 mins. After discussion we decided to cycle up Burke Rd hill. Excitement when someone shouted ‘I found the path!’ Was it Capital Trail?
We pedalled along the path and noted a few familiar sights. Soon we had to have our regulation stop at a Café for a well-earned late lunch break. The official luncheon cafe wasn’t licensed and Ian headed off for a bottle of something to have with lunch. Unfortunately it wasn’t what Val expected, and only Jo’s selfless act of riding back to exchange a bottle of red for a cool crisp white avoided the divorce court for the McDonalds!!
To make this a memorable day Ian had to puncture his tyre as we cycled back to the starting point after lunch. Now heed this warning bike riders in the club-if you carry your one spare tyre for years in your little bike bag that hangs from the bike seat, it can perish or be rubbed on the zip and MAY NOT HOLD AIR, as was Ian’s problem. Fortunately for Ian, Val had a new tube, saving him from a long walk. Thereafter it was pleasant riding back to Holmesglen.
Without dissent we agreed it was a challenging and enjoyable ride. The company and weather were superb. Once again, a big thank you to Kerry, Jenny and David. We await the next bicycle ride somewhere in Melbourne.
The Chiams and Val

Coming Events
Bike and Barge trip Are you interested in cycling from Trier to Frankfurt along the Moselle, Rhine and main Rivers?
Cost: $2090pp (twin share) Dates: 22nd August 2009
Contact Alan and Kaisu Kuhne for further details - 5664 7439 or by email at allan.kuhne@gmail.com

Discover Scuba Phillip Island 21st march 2009
Would you like an introduction to SCUBA diving? 4 hours from a boat, max 8 people - $120pp
Everything supplied inc. light refreshments. Ring Kaye Walton ASAP 56782368 . Must book by march 1st.

Guest Speaker at February Meeting
Pete Wolf from RustHunter Dive Charters will talk to us on SCUBA Diving, 8:30pm Feb 26th Leongatha Community House.

Wilson’s Promontary Lighthouse
Charlie Giliam is hoping to organise another walk to the Lighthouse May 14th and 15th. Give Charlie a ring ASAP if interested.

Recipes
Sue’s Delicious Fat-Free Fruit Cake

• 1 kg mixed fruit
• 2 cups fruit juice or other liquid
• 2 cups sr flour

Soak fruit in juice for 2 hours or longer. Stir in the flour and mix well. Put into a large lined cake tin and bake for 2 hours in the bottom of your oven at 130oC. Remove and leave to cool in the tin.
Options:

• Use Sherry, Brandy, Cointreau or Grand Marnier as part of the liquid
• Wholemeal sr flour can be used or another variety
• Nuts can be added as part of the fruit
• Can be cooked at a higher temp for a shorter time
• Freezes well.

Very nice served warm with custard as a dessert.

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.