FRIEND S NEWSLETTER, SEPTEMBER, 2015

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Iris Meredith Fisher
5 years ago
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Box 192, Portland, 3305 What a busy year it has been for

There has been plenty of activity to keep everyone busy,

!! I d like to thank all the volunteers, the various

s Shed, who have worked on maintaining and improving the

Also, a big thank-you to all of the committee members

And of course none of this would be possible without the

1 FRIEND S NEWSLETTER, SEPTEMBER, P.O. Box 192, Portland, 3305 What a busy year it has been for all of us. There has been plenty of activity to keep everyone busy, and it certainly makes time fly by quickly!!! I d like to thank all the volunteers, the various work crews including the volunteers from the Nelson Men s Shed, who have worked on maintaining and improving the track during the year. Also, a big thank-you to all of the committee members for their support and efforts over the past year. And of course none of this would be possible without the ongoing support, assistance and co-operation. from Don Tumney and his team at Parks Victoria. I wish you and your families a great festive season and safe journey if you are going to travel. President Lou 1

2 F.G.S.W.W. Participated in the 2015 Upwelling Festival Parade Thanks to Rob Bartlett for organising our entry. Bill Golding, Phil Darby & Paul Jones. Rob Bartlett, Frank Coulson & Jan Lovell. 2

3 DATE 2016 WALKING PROGRAM KMS CONTACT January pm start from Portland. Twilight walk. Mallee Camp to Sea Cliff Nature Walk Car Park Evening meal at the Richmond Henty Bistro. 8 Jan February pm start from Portland. Meet others at Casterton V.I.C. at 3.00pm Twilight Walk Casterton Walking Trails Evening meal at Entwined Cafe, Casterton 7 Margaret and Lyn or March Long Walk (250 kms) Bookings now available for 2017/16 Day Walkers are welcome to join in the different sections of this 14 -day walk organise own transport. 250 Gordon Sarah March pm start from Portland Explore some more Annya State Forest Tracks BYO Bush Dinner and, if you d like to stay, your own overnight accommodation 6 Robyn & Alan or April am start from Portland Rocks to Nelson A good beach walk Nobles 13 Rob or May am start from Portland. Cubby s to Cut Out Camp Part of Cobboboonee which we haven t explored recently. 14 Julie Weekend June 17/18 incl Friday Afternoon start Grampians Hall s Gap Based A couple of interesting walks Staying local accommodation. Cost to be advised. Booking and deposit details will be in the GSWW Newsletter. Various Rob or

4 July am start from Portland to meet walkers at Hamilton V.I.C. at Black Range Wild Man Cave. 10 Wendy August am start from Portland North Nelson Track to Sapling Creek Walkers can do the entire walk or choose a shorter alternative Heather September am start from Portland Murrell s Beach Loop Walk. Explore the coastline and bushsome easy climbing involved 6 Brenda October am start from Portland Fitzroy Camp to the Ink Pot Bush scenery and the amazing Ink Pot 14 Jenny or November pm start from Portland Explore Mt Clay Tracks Walkers' End of Year Get Together Evening meal at Heywood Hotel 6-7 Robyn & Alan or A heads up: Rob is thinking of going back to Fiord Land in NZ in 2017 (late February/early March). He wondered if any walkers were interested in joining him for this 10-day adventure. If so please ring him on or Bookings for this interesting part of NZ need to be made well in advance. Keen to do the Long, Assisted Walk? There are vacancies for the Long Walk in 2016, 6th. 19th. March, 2016 $ pp If interested please contact Sarah Sharp. sarah@capenelson.com 4

F.G.S.W.W. WALKING GROUP REPORT FOR OCTOBER. Our nineteen October walkers enjoyed a scenic 10km walk along the Boulevard at Hotspur. Moring tea was at Young s Water Hole beside the Crawford River.

5 F.G.S.W.W. WALKING GROUP REPORT FOR OCTOBER. Our nineteen October walkers enjoyed a scenic 10km walk along the Boulevard at Hotspur. Moring tea was at Young s Water Hole beside the Crawford River. Some walkers observed Koalas and a Wallaby, and there was the beautiful sound of birdsong in the perfect spring air. The last of the season s wild flowers were also in bloom. We all sat on the river bank at "Kingfisher" to eat our lunch then continued on to Hiscock s Crossing and our cars. A special thank you to Julie for driving our back up vehicle. Thanks to Brewster & Walsh Associates & Cathie Cram for the printing of this Newsletter. Final date for contributions to the March, 2016 Newsletter is 16:3:16. Please written contributions & photos to janbill@vic.australis.com.au 5

F.G.S.W.W. WALKING GROUP REPORT FOR OCTOBER. On, 21 November, a group of 42 walkers set out on the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail destination Koroit.

6 F.G.S.W.W. WALKING GROUP REPORT FOR OCTOBER. On, 21 November, a group of 42 walkers set out on the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail destination Koroit. It was a very easy walk of around 6 km and each walker was accompanied by about 1000 flies! We started the walk at the Penshurst-Port Fairy Road intersection with the Rail Trail. The trail was well kept and wide enough for people to walk together comfortably. Although the weather was threatening rain, it stayed away and the overcast sky didn t stop walkers getting quite hot. The scenery was rural farms most of the way, with signs of new plantings of trees and shrubs closer to Koroit. It s obviously a well-used track shared by walkers and cyclists. This was our end of year walk and we had dinner at the Little Thai House in Koroit, a new experience for quite a few of the walkers. A lot of us will be going back for another visit as the meal was great. They catered for all tastes, including a few Aussie-style meals, and not one negative comment was heard. Walkers are looking forward to next year s programme, commencing on 16 January with a twilight walk from Mallee Camp to the Sea Cliff Nature walk car park and evening meal in town. Julie Davies 6

SOME POSITIVE FEEDBACK FOR F.G.S.W.W. Len and Jenny Pearse Sent: Friday, 23 October 2015 Subject: Maroondah Bushwalking Club On Tuesday 23 members from our club completed the GSWW.

I was somewhat staggered that the collection total reached $405.00!

7 SOME POSITIVE FEEDBACK FOR F.G.S.W.W. Len and Jenny Pearse Sent: Friday, 23 October 2015 Subject: Maroondah Bushwalking Club On Tuesday 23 members from our club completed the GSWW. Being impressed with track conditions and the amount of work your volunteers put into maintaining the track, it was suggested we take up a collection and donate that money to the "friends". I was somewhat staggered that the collection total reached $405.00! Donations were from Anne Marsh, Doug Walton, Barbara Heyhoe, Roger Alderman, Bruce and Libby Christison, Len and Jenny Pearse, Brian and Jan Shaddick, Margaret Buckley, Liz Robinson, Noel Cooper, Bill and Jan Incoll, Phil Krone, Sandra Dray, Robbie Griedler, Rosemary Martyn, Ellie Grieve..Len Pearse, Comment from the log-book at Trewalla The most spectacular coast walk in Victoria 7 Nevan Bruton at Upwelling Parade.

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO THE G.S.W.W. Production of a short video promoting the Great South West Walk is under way.

the views. Filming of the cliffs, the forest and the Glenelg River has been completed.

8 HOLLYWOOD COMES TO THE G.S.W.W. Production of a short video promoting the Great South West Walk is under way. Even in this drought year, frequent clouds have tried the patience of our talented film-maker, Peter Corbett. However, we are getting there! We are grateful for the many friends of the walk who have agreed to be the extras who add authenticity and glamour to the views. Filming of the cliffs, the forest and the Glenelg River has been completed. When we have shots of Discovery Bay we can move to the key decisions on the structure of the product. We shall keep you informed! Bill Golding. Peter Corbett filming at Surry Ridge with extras, Deb Jones & Sarah Sharp. Linton Smith & Sarah Sharp at the Parade. 8

9 VALE GEORGE WALLACE. George Wallace was an original. His breezy confidence and chirpy good humour will long be remembered. Resourceful, practical and generous, George was a true friend of the G.S.W.W. The distinctive bridge in Robertson s Road is largely George s work. The frame consists of the metal walkways donated by the Smelter. George had them transported to the site and propped end to end by a crane to form a gable. He then welded the ends together. This quirky little bridge has served us well for 21 years. George had a key role in the construction of the much larger Tim s Bridge. Located on the Surry River, a little down-stream from Ralph s Bridge. For 16 years, Tim s Bridge formed part of Tim s Loop arguably the best short-walk in the Cobboboonee. Having secured a contract to remove redundant telephone poles, George gave us the poles and the $5 he was paid per pole to remove them! The result was the framework of a massive, 90m bridge. Not located strictly on the G.S.W.W. and therefore something of a luxury, Tim s Bridge did not survive the rationalisation of resources that followed the creation of the Cobboboonee National Park. However, we are thankful for the 16 good years. No story about George would be complete without The Yellow Peril. The word peril was inspired by certain challenges that the yellow machine offers drivers, but Gordon insists that it be called The Dumper, a positive name that reflects the splendid value of this incredible machine. Built 60 years ago in Italy, The Dumper was designed to operate on level building sites but George declared it Could climb that ##**^^#!! Wall over there! Accordingly he bought The Dumper, restored it, painted it yellow and delivered it to us on very generous terms. George s belief in his purchase was not misplaced. Over the past 14 years The Dumper has proved its ability to spread gravel efficiently in a variety of difficult locations, including the east and west coasts of Cape Nelson, Cape Grant, Bridgewater Bay and even Cape Bridgewater s rugged west coast. Morev adventures are planned for The Dumper as soon as we have funds for limestone! George has left us many precious memories, not the least of which is his vibrant personality. Bill Golding. 9

BUDJ BIM Tours Guided tours of the Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape Thanks to the Portland Tourist association, as a Committee member of F.G.S.W.

Led by local, Gunditjmara people, we learnt of their rich history and culture.

10 BUDJ BIM Tours Guided tours of the Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape Thanks to the Portland Tourist association, as a Committee member of F.G.S.W.W., I had the opportunity to participate in a tour of the Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area and the Lake Condah Mission. Led by local, Gunditjmara people, we learnt of their rich history and culture. The organisation was excellent and I would highly recommend this tour, not just to tourists, but to local people who may not be aware of the evidence that remains of the settled lifestyle of the Gunditjmara people; eel and fish traps, remnant stone houses, stone aquaculture systems and geographical formations. We observed first-hand the unique nature of the landscape that ensured everything needed for survival, including water, food plants, animals and shelter.jan Tonkin Budj Bim Tours provides 2-hour tours of the Tyrendarra Indigenous Area on the following days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10am 12 noon., 12 noon 2pm. Bookings must be made in advance, $40 for adults, $20 for children under 12. Ph or [03] Weaving fish baskets from the Poongurt grass. An apprentice with the Gunditjmara dancers. 10

11 SHORT WALKS on and around GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK Take one of the many short walks along the 250km Great South West Walk. Enjoy the beautiful native forests, winding rivers, serene lakes wild beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs. Enjoy the walks all year round, every season having its own special attractions and designed for those who wish to enjoy some of the shorter walks along the Great South West Walk and neighbouring areas. The Cobboboonee State Park, Lower Glenelg National Parl, Discovery Bay Coastal Parks taking in Discovery Bay, Cape Bridgewater, Mt Richmond National Park Cape Nelson State Park and Cape Nelson State Park and Cape Grant all include great short walks. For your safety and enjoyment always be walker aware, prepared, and respect the rules and regulations of parks and reserves. Take your guide to 29 short walks, titled SHORT WALKS on and around The Great South West Walk to assist you to identify the common plants and wildlife you will see. Example of short walk included is: Lake Monibeong Loop Walk Map 14 Complete the order form on our website, www: greatsouthwestwalk.com to obtain a copy of the booklet, SHORT WALKS on and around the Great South West Walk. 11

12 WALKING ON ICE, [ Continued from September ]. Dogs were fed just one block of pemmican each last night to last them 24 hours and these high protein, high fat meals, consumed in minutes, led to a new experience for me. Normally navigating out front of the team being unable to r un on this occasion, forced me to ride the sledge, a most undignified position. A salvo of nine farting huskies just feet upwind from me was followed by the sight of individual dogs, dragged remorselessly along by their colleagues, completing their toilet. Not an easy thing to do as this natural activity is best completed at a standstill not at a hundred miles an hour! Kind weather continued this day, good time was made, and Taylor Glacier was reached mid -afternoon. Approximately 100km from Mawson, this is the closest emperor penguin rookery to Mawson birds strong it is a noisy, foul smelling (pardon the pun) but awesome and spectacular place. Long lines of birds make their way to and from the rookery, mothers returning from the sea accessed via tidal cracks many miles away, with dads finally relieved from having incubated their eggs on their feet for many weeks in the harshest, coldest conditions imaginable. One of the wonders of the animal world! Surrounded by sheer ice cliffs, veined with the deepest blue and turquoise colours imaginable, the torn appearance of the glacier, deeply crevassed, the pristine colour of snow and ice, the soft grey down of chicks, fawn and browns of murderous Skua Gulls, the most regal bearing and majestic colours of the emperors, made this an unforgettable place and left one in absolute awe of the glory of nature. Another 2 days of exploring and filming in fine conditions brought us to Fold Island to conduct the headquarters approved count of nominally 400 emperor penguins. Having camped about 1km downwind from this rookery we were nevertheless horrified next morning to find two huskies off their chains covered in blood. Sure enough a trail of 25 to 30 mangled and dead birds were found on the way to this rookery. We did not blame the huskies or the inquisitive nature of penguins, which would readily waddle right up to people or even to dogs, unsuspecting of any ill intent towards them. Huskies on the other hand proved to be very cunning. When resting on a journey during a short break, still in their 5 foot long traces they would quietly shuffle back on their haunches for a line of emperors to approach them and spring forward at an opportune moment, finely judged! It took a lot of vigilance on the handlers part to avoid carnage. Some of these smaller rookeries are thought to be at risk of extinction as there is a quite fine balance between birth and mortality rates. We felt guilty at not having taken sufficient care with the teams. It was no surprise that all huskies were withdrawn from Antarctica some years later. The return journey took another 5 days, this time against the prevailing south easterly winds. Once again jogging in front, conditions changed for the worse. About mid morning white-out conditions set in where the horizon disappears, sky and sea ice seem to have blended together and there is no longer any 12

By keeping the prevailing wind strictly on the right hand side of my face, I knew we would be travelling eastward and parallel to the coast, not out to sea or too close to coastal ice cliffs where

13 definition of the landscape. Eerie, and potentially quite dangerous. Compass headings are useless as there is nothing to focus on! It was decided to move forward and try and hit a small cluster of islands a little closer to the coast but perhaps 25 or 30 kilometres closer to Mawson. By keeping the prevailing wind strictly on the right hand side of my face, I knew we would be travelling eastward and parallel to the coast, not out to sea or too close to coastal ice cliffs where sometimes avalanches occurred. Four and a half hours later a slightly darker, denser outline about 100 metres to the right and ahead was made out! Made camp on this very welcome bit of bare rock, no sooner settled down, conditions improved early evening and were finally able to raise Mawson by radio. Bread has never tasted as good as the freshly baked loaves, kindly served to us on return. I believe this was the main cause of regaining 8kg lost during our 10 day walk on ice. Keith Meerbach F.G.S.W.W. Participated In 2015 Upwelling Festival Parade Graeme White & Paul Jones Julie Davies, Jim Quinlivan, Bill Golding, Deb Jones 13

14 Membership Subscription/Donation Form 2015/16: Date: Name/s: Surname: Contact Details Please advise of any changes: Street No: Street Name: City/Local area: Post Code Phone: Subscription/Donation $ Single Family Concession Corporate * Donation Total Payable $30 $45 $15 $110 $ $ Signed... Dated... CHEQUE (Payable to Friends of the Great South West Walk) No cash payments through the post but may be paid direct to a committee member. DIRECT DEPOSIT: (Include initials and surname) Bank: NAB: Account Name: Friends of the GSWW. Account: BSB NO Please indicate whether you are able to assist by becoming a volunteer on the Great South West Walk. A committee member will contact you to discuss how you may help if you circle the YES. Please refer to the Volunteer page on our website. 14

FRIEND S NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER, 2014

FRIEND S NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER, 2014 www.greatsouthwestwalk.com, P.O. Box 192, Portland, 3305 F.G.S.W.W. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The Annual General Meeting was brought forward by almost two months to July