Peninsula Bushwalking Club Walk Right In! Visitor Booklet Peninsula Bushwalking Club Inc. Club Registration A0005025F ABN 29 630 638 485 Mail Address: PO Box 433, Mornington 3931 Email: contactus@peninsulabushwalkingclub.org.au Internet: www.peninsulabushwalkingclub.org.au 1
Welcome to our club meeting! H opefully you will have been greeted by a member of our club soon after you entered the room who will inform you about some of the procedures of our club. In summary, by the end of the meeting, you will have: Received this visitor booklet (you are reading it right now); Collected our club newsletter, Boots n All, containing our walk and activity program (which can be collected at the back of the hall); Listened to club members describing the details of their upcoming walks this month; Signed up a walk(s) that you want to participate in on the sign-up sheet (which is in a folder on the sign-up table at the back of the hall); Collected the information sheet describing the details of the walk you have signed up for (the note can be found in the same folder as the sign-up sheet); and Been informed by an allocated member on how our club and its monthly meeting work. 2
If you have signed up for a walk(s), we are looking forward to meeting you, and sharing the beauty of walking with you very soon. This booklet is designed to give you some basic information about how our club operates and what is required to become a successful walker. You are welcome to keep a copy of this booklet, but if you decide not to continue walking, please pass this booklet onto another interested person. When the meeting gets under way, you can expect: our President (sitting at the front), to introduce him/herself and welcome all the members and newcomers to the meeting, announcements from the President our Walks Coordinator (also sitting at the front) to ask activity leaders to outline arrangements and details of forthcoming walks; and other announcements may be made by our Secretary or others. There may even be a guest speaker on bushwalking and outdoor activities. We will ask all newcomers (that is YOU) to gather at the end of the meeting for an introductory talk to explain how the club operates, how to join a walk and what you need to get started, etc. Supper is usually provided so stay for a chat and chew. Peninsula Bushwalking Club P eninsula Bushwalking Club commenced in 1979 and has since had many hundreds of successful walks undertaken by numerous enthusiastic members. It is run by a committee of management, open to ideas from our club members. 3
Meetings The club meets monthly on the first Tuesday from February to December (except November - Melbourne Cup Day when the club meets on the second Tuesday) at 8 pm at Mount Martha House (Mount Martha Community & Learning Centre) corner of Dominion Road and the Esplanade, Mount Martha. The Club has a Christmas break each January. The agenda in each meeting includes matters of interest to be raised with members, preliminary details about forthcoming walks, and guest speakers. Supper follows the meetings with an opportunity to meet with walk leaders and to sign up for walks that you would like to participate in. Our Activity Program A Walk Program/Calendar is printed in the club newsletter, Boots n All, which is available at the club meetings. Walks are graded Easy, Medium and Hard depending on length, terrain, duration, etc. They include morning suburban walks, day walks, overnight walks carrying a full backpack for one or more nights, and base camps which involve setting up a fixed campsite and undertaking day walks from that base. Cycling, bushcraft training, indoor climbing, snowshoeing, canoeing and sailing can sometimes also be found on the program. We also host a range of social activities, including a Christmas BBQ, fish n chip night and photo competition. 4
Getting Started The club asks you to participate in three activities before joining. A visitors fee of $3.00 per walk is payable for each of these walks. The visitors fee will grant you a temporary membership of Peninsula Bushwalking Club Inc. only for the duration of the activity you have signed up for. During the activity, you will temporarily be entitled to the rights and benefits of a financial member of Peninsula Bushwalking Club Inc., such as insurance on public liability and (limited) personal injury. On completion of the three walks you will be invited to join the club and pay the annual membership fee. This does not include Ambulance cover. To participate in a walk, please browse through the Walk Program in the newsletter. Start with an Easy graded walk that sounds interesting. Listen to the walk leader talking about the walk; speak with other members and discuss with the walk leader about the suitability of this walk for you. Make sure you ask the leader about transport arrangements, appropriate gear to bring, the degree of difficulty, departure and return times, and what points of interest to expect on the walk, etc. If uncertain, ask for advice about equipment. Borrow before you buy! You can then sign up for walks at the sign-up table on the club night or phone the walk leader to do so (at least one week in advance please, and at least two weeks for base camp and backpacking). When signing up, it is important to collect the information sheet on the walk you sign up for 5
as it tells you all the important information about the walk, such as date, meeting place, starting time and what to bring. By signing up for an activity (walk), you acknowledge the risks and obligations of a temporary member during that particular walk (See Appendix 1, It is important for you to read these risks and obligations prior to joining the activity). If you are unable to attend for whatever reasons after signing up, you MUST contact the leader well in advance (at least 3 days for day walks and one week before base camps and overnight hikes). You may also need to pay any fees for the accommodation booked. What does it cost? Prior to joining: $3.00 per walk visitors fee for each of your three preliminary walks. On joining: Currently $35 per year membership fee. On a walk: your own food costs (BYO food), a share of transportation and accommodation cost (if required). Equipment: For easy day walks you probably have most of the required items at home already. It is best to seek advice, borrow or swap for a day until you think you know what will suit you. The club has some items for hire if required. A list of suggested equipment items along with ideas for suitable food, is on the next page. Keeping in touch The club newsletter, Boots n All, is available at each club meeting night. Listen to and join in discussion at meetings. Chat with those around you and to walk leaders over supper. GO WALKING. This is the best way to enjoy yourself, to make new friends and to keep up with the latest news, ideas and gossip! Bushwalking is an activity for all ages, abilities and interests. Make a start, give it a go. There are plenty of friendly fellow walkers eager to get to know you and to enjoy Australia s magnificent bush. 6
Day walks I f you have signed up for a day walk with us, especially a walk in the bush, and are not sure what you should bring, here are some of the suggestions we strongly recommend. Equipment for a Day Walk Most items you will need for a day walk in the bush can be found at home without the need for expensive purchases. However, make sure that your gear is adequate for the location and weather you are likely to encounter. Definitely Possibly Day Pack Beanie Boots/Sturdy Footwear Gloves Water & wind-proof Jacket Map Woollen socks Compass Trousers (No jeans) Camera Shirt Insect Repellent Pullover Pocket knife Hat Gaiters Water Bottle/Bladder Sunglasses Toilet Paper (in plastic bag) Emergency Blanket (Bivvy) Food Sunblock cream Whistle Fully Charged Mobile Phone 7
First Aid Items Personal Medication / Medical Equipment e.g. (Epipen, Ventolin, Blood glucose monitor) Food for a Day Walk On a day walk weight is generally not as important a factor as on overnight walks. The key considerations are usually food with a high energy content (carbohydrate), lightweight, and plenty of fluid. A salad roll and fruitcake might do but consider at least one lunch and two sets of snacks and one extra snack in case you get lost. Consider the following Water (in sturdy, well-sealed container) (At least 2 Litres and for hot days (high 20s to mid 30s) at least 3 Litres) Sandwiches Snacks Dry Biscuits Muesli Bars Spread (e.g. Jam, Honey, Peanut Butter) and Bread Cabana and Salami Chocolate, Sweets, Lollies Sultanas, Dates, Raisins Dry Nuts Fruits Methods of carrying the above items Try using: Tupperware type lunch box for items that may squash Small Tupperware for margarine and spreads Self-sealing plastic bags Pre-packaged containers of spreads Thermos 8
Important: If you show up with an inappropriate clothing or footwear and/or without sufficient water and/or food on the day, you may not be permitted to join the activity you have signed up for. Running Late Our rules stipulate that we only wait 15 minutes at the appointed starting place for stragglers, if you arrive later than that, and the walk has commenced you must NOT attempt to follow on or catch up. It may seem simple enough to attempt to catch up (even if you know the intended track very well) but it can have, and in fact has had, serious and unfortunate results. Car pooling If you indicate that you need a lift it is your responsibility to contact the walk leader and request help to find a lift. It is not the responsibility of the leader to contact you about this. You will be required to discuss with the driver about how much you need to pay for the fuel used and whether vehicle-running cost and road tolls should be included. The club currently does not endorse any specific rules on how the shared cost is calculated, but the emphasis is that the shared cost must be fair and reasonable. If you consider doing a base camp or overnight backpack and do not know or are not sure what equipment is required, please consult with the 9
leader of the walk. There is also plenty of information available on the Internet. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us. All the contacts can be found in our newsletter. Also, do not forget to visit our website: www.peninsulabushwalkingclub.org.au No matter, what outdoor activity you have signed up for, it is important for you to inform a reliable person, whether your friends or family, about the details of your walk. Information that should be included are the intended hiking route or the region where the hike is held, the time you expect to return and the time considered to be noticeably overdue. You should leave the person with the club s and walk leader s name(s) and contact phone numbers, in case of an emergency. References and Further Reading Books Drake, Peter G. (2006) A practical manual of camping, hiking & wilderness techniques: How to live outside in complete comfort, enjoyment and safety Curtis, Rick. (2007) Collins camping and hiking manual A number of beginner brochures on bushwalking (published by the Bushwalking Victoria) can be downloaded from this link: http://www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/what-we-do/publications/ brochures Useful Links Bushwalking Victoria: http://www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/ Bushwalking Australia: http://www.bushwalkingaustralia.org/ Trail Hiking Australia: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/ 10
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Appendix 1: Acknowledgement of Risks and Obligations of Temporary Members In voluntarily participating in an activity of Peninsula Bushwalking Club Inc (the Club), I am aware that my participation in such activity may expose me to hazards and risks that could lead to injury, illness or death or to loss of or damage to my property. I also acknowledge that I may encounter weather conditions that could lead to hypothermia and being in locations where evacuation for medical treatment may take hours or days. In particular when participating in abseiling or above the snowline activities, I am aware that these activities could expose me to additional hazards and risks, described to me by the activity leader. To minimise risks, I will endeavour to ensure that: 1. Each activity is within my capabilities; 2. I am carrying food, water and equipment appropriate for the activity; 3. I will advise the activity leader if I am taking any medication or have any physical or other limitation that might affect my participation in the activity; 4. I will make every effort to remain with the rest of the party during the activity; 5. I will advise the leader of any concerns I am having or any injury; 6. I will comply with all reasonable instructions of club officers and the activity leader. I have read and understand these requirements. I have considered the risks before choosing to sign this acknowledgement of risk. I still wish to join such activity. I accept that in signing this form I will take responsibility for my own actions and also acknowledge that I have been granted temporary membership of Peninsula Bushwalking Club Inc for the duration of such event only.
Appendix 2: Temporary Member s Emergency Contact & Medical Information Please fill in this form, detach this page and carry it in your pack at all times in a sealed plastic bag. This information is for emergency use only. Name: Telephone: Home Address: Emergency Contact Name: Relationship: Home Address: Telephone (Mobile or Home): Medical Information Medical Condition: Current (Relevant) Medications: Allergies: Medicare Number: Private Health Insurance Fund (name): Ambulance subscriber: Y/N
Edition 1 Compiled by Chris S. Edition 2 Compiled by Matthew Y, and reviewed by John T. Updated on August 2016 Updated on March 2017 Edition 3 Updated on July 2018 Visitor Booklet Version 3.docx