Meetings: All meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month (excluding December); General Meetings at Leongatha Community House, 16 Bruce Street, Leongatha and alternating with Activity Planning Meetings and dinner at venues to be announced.

Activity Meeting March 26 at 6:30pm in the Meeniyan Hotel, followed by dinner

General Meeting Feb 27, 2020 at Leongatha Community House at 8:00pm>

Judy Speedy OAM
Congratulations to Judy Speedy on her award of an OAM for ‘services to the Mirboo North Community’.
As many of you would be aware, Jude’s efforts spread much wider than just Mirboo Nth with this club and the people in it being the recipients of her enthusiasm and dedicated hard work. The whole process of Incorporation was overseen by her as was the writing of the ‘Welcome Pack’ and our ‘Daily Walk’ hand-out, as well as her leading role in the planning and organising of the Combined Clubs activity held at Jack River near Yarram in 2014. She moved the club on to a set of documented procedures which have been invaluable in ensuring that the club operates systematically and through policy rather than otherwise. Many other activities run by the club have benefited greatly from her organisational skills as well as her wide knowledge of activities in the outdoors. So once again - Congratulations on a much-deserved recognition of your community spirit and achievements.

Membership Details Update - First-Aid Qualifications
At the last committee meeting it was discussed that we need to update our membership database. The club recently ran a First Aid/CPR training course and 18 of our members are now newly qualified. Would any other members who have a current first aid training qualification (with any organization) please let me know so our information can be updated.
Robyn Scott
email: daleandrobyn@outlook.com or ’phone: 0408486362

Blue Rock (Willow Grove) Sunday Paddle - Dec 29
Approx. 9.00 we gathered, Avenel, Sue, Yolanda, Andrew, Don, Jean, Pat & Roz A perfect place that looked fantastic, all set for a great day on the water, but very hot.
Paddling through a majestic field of ‘trees’ requiring occasional quick skills to keep the paddle from catching in branches - that could be an interesting result? This waterway is noted for good fishing.
Morning munchies was on a green bank and we found a $1 coin, putting a whole new slant on ‘spend a penny’! As we continued upstream, now into the confines of the Tanjil River, the water level is at a good height so we are able to go further, past the ‘cascades’ to a perfect water race with rockpools at the bank. So we chose to sit in the water on rocks to eat lunch. Completely picture perfect.
Unfortunately, we had to return, and yes, it was very hot, ‘many hatfuls’ of water got us all back to the start, then, too good to miss, we all tipped kayaks to test our rescue skills and do equipment check, paddle floats and pumps. Hottest part of the day was definitely loading the kayaks and by then thousands of flies had found us.
Thank you to Avenel for organising a really fantastic paddle of approx. 20ks.

Roz S.

Two Trails Ride - 6 and 7th Jan 2020
Participants:- Kerry (Leader) & David Baggallay, Ian James, George Bentley, Julie & Alan Coulter, Marg Callanan, Anne & John Abery, Colin Jeffery and Pat Williams.

Due to the catastrophic fires in East Gippsland our trip turned out to be very different from the original plan. Forget about plan ABC or D, I think we ended up on plan Z.
Rugged up in coats and the odd thermal we left Traralgon full of enthusiasm only to have our spirits dampened as thanks to the steady rain overnight the Rail Trail was heavy going.
A regroup and welcome coffee at Glengarry saw us leave the Rail Trail and ride quiet back roads. The rain backed off and left us with perfect riding conditions, no wind which is very rare on the Gippsland plains. A welcome stop in Heyfield meant that we could refuel our bodies. We did look like a crazy lot with wet coats and wrapped up in ‘Granny blankets’ to keep warm.
More back roads after lunch took us to Tinamba where we joined the Rail Trail and were able to appreciate the good solid surface and take in the views over prime agricultural land. The last leg of our journey from Maffra was also on the Rail Trail.
Time to say, ‘Au Revoir’ to Julie and Alan as they chose to return home to farm duties. The rest of us settled into the Stratford Caravan Park, the owners were extremely grateful to have our patronage as many people had to cancel their bookings. Likewise the Pub and coffee shop were also pleased to see us as the holiday through trade had basically ceased.
Our modified Tuesday program saw us ride more back roads into Sale for a splendid ‘Tour De Sale.’ Thanks to Colin’s great leadership we rode out to the Swing bridge, through the wetlands and around Lake Guthridge. After a well earned coffee and cake fix Col insisted we ride over Peterson Bridge into the Herb Guyatt Sanctuary, where I think we rode around in circles - because Col got lost!
With lunch on board we loaded the trailer and Kerry delivered four of us to the Sale Station so we could bus back to Traralgon.
The rest of the crew came back to Traralgon with the car and trailer.
A huge thank you to Kerry for having the tenacity to orchestrate this trip with all the modifications. Thanks also to David who did most of the driving.
All in all we had a thoroughly enjoyable trip and managed to pop a few dollars into a cash strapped community, it just goes to show you can have a great time even if the odds are against you.
Thank you all for your company on our ‘1/4 Trail and Back Roads Ride’
Pat

Mt Baw Baw Overnight Walk - 30 & 31st Jan 2020
It was with some trepidation that I met up with the six fellas who were to be my mentors on a walk from the Village Car park at Mt Baw Baw to Mushroom Rocks and return. The packs the men were carrying were large (say 22kgs) and after introductions (Ian, Les, Robert from Chewton (near Castlemaine), John, Ken and Graham) and after signing in at the Village reception desk, we all proceeded to walk up a ski-tow path. It was fully expected to be warm (Melbourne forecast 41 deg) but we found the path convenient and it took us up to McMillan Track.
As far as I could gauge, the intended trail was to take in McMillan Track and follow the St Gwinear path, pick up the Alpine Track, pass Talbot’s Hut ruins (where water was to be had, we were assured) and on to Mushroom Rocks.
The going was beautiful, sunny and fragrant, and the grassy verges of the track were filled with magenta coloured orchids (hyacinth orchids Dipodium roseum) and Baw Baw alpine daisies (Brachyscome obovate).

The early morning section of the walk	Making our way across Baragwanath Flats
Onward and uoward across Baragwanarg Flats	A junction of signposts

At a junction of signposts, several of our troop discussed the next path and GPS devices were consulted. Some further analysis of the appropriate direction was tested and checked. Now to set the scene for the story of the next part of this walk (just a brief digression). A strange coincidence was revealed to me a few days after this walk.
I was telling my daughter Katie (in London at the moment) about our experiences at Mt Baw Baw and she described her walking trip last year with her trekking group (husband and chums) at this same junction. She described the consultation by her leaders with Google maps revealing a track that cut across wetlands to the Alpine track that was their aim. She said it was called Baragwanath Flats and they got caught in all kinds of scratchy bushes, clambered over rocks and found the way hard-going. From time to time they saw very old signposts showing that they were not lost, and so they persevered on and up. They found water on the Flats and the men in their group valiantly led the way to the Alpine Track somewhere on the other side of the Flats. She said walkers wearing shorts had scratches and many suffered bruises from altercations with the overgrown scrub. She said it was a daunting time for all.
This describes our intrepid team’s experience. Perhaps Google Maps needs to be advised to remove this ancient track from its map, or designate it as now unsupported by Parks Victoria.
Now the day was warming up, and many of us were consuming our water. When John stopped on Baragwanath Flats to take on more water, some of us also filled our bottles and he very kindly donated some puritab tablets as well. After about 2-3 hours we stopped and took in beautiful views of the Flats reaching up and across to McMillan Track and we ate our snacks with relish.
It seemed to me that the Alpine Track meandered here and there through magnificent stretches of snow gums and granite boulders. We reached a significant cairn and a group photo was taken.

The atmosphere was warm and infused with eucalyptus fragrances; the March flies (Tabanus sp.) were joining in the walk to keep us on the go. After a while we came across a massive granite boulder cave that a small family could live in, to get out of the snow in wintry weather.
We pressed on and had lunch, drank more water and kept on going. Some of the group were tiring and with water becoming a pressing concern, Les and Ian went on ahead to confirm that Talbot’s Hut ruins were not too far and the water supply there was abundant and icy cold. We arrived in good time to set up camp and cook our meals. It was a perfect camping spot, with an old chimney (remnants of Talbot’s Hut built in 1907) at which we could set up our camp stoves and stir our saucepans. A quickly flowing stream provided superb water for our return trip.

It would be remiss of me not to mention that I had been given a little hip flask by my husband to carry on this trip, this gesture being encouraged by Graham’s own description of his essential items for his pack including ‘single malt’. Ken also had brought a sampler pack of three fine single malts, so between us we had a whisky tasting of 5 single malts! I believe we all slept very well that night. The odd noise of ‘plopping’ onto our tents, was identified by Les, saying it was eucalyptus nuts or seeds from the Snow Gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) above us.
In the morning we were woken by two birds calling to each other - and I am yet to identify the species, but I have a recording, and will keep readers posted on this. This species was one of only three species that I heard throughout the entire walk - the other two being a grey shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica) and Eastern whipbirds (Psophodes olivaceus). We were on the go by 7.35am and had decided that although we had not reached Mushroom Rocks (possibly another 4 or 5 kms on) we would retrace our steps and return to the Village. This was a good decision because it was forecast to be 42 deg in Melbourne and we wanted to be back in reasonable time to avoid the afternoon heat.
As you may guess, the walk back was the same terrain for the first part, but then we remained on the track which we had not taken the previous day, (as we detoured in order to enjoy the Baragwanath Flats). The track is described as level 3, and is well marked, and well maintained.
Undulating, sunny, superb alpine scenery and trees made it a fabulous morning walk until a black snake slithered onto my right boot, and without stopping slithered around the left boot, by which time it was gone. I fairly jumped a foot or so, thinking I was going to tread on it. Luckily my shout went unnoticed at the back of the walking line. Ian, however, was chastising, telling me I should have warned him earlier, but the snake was long gone for me to say anything. I’m sorry to say that I don’t know if it was a small eyed black snake as it was moving too fast to see its eyes, but I can say it wasn’t a red bellied or a tiger snake, which live in our bush at home.
We walked quite rapidly back to the Village and Les calculated we were travelling at about 3.5 kms per hour. We got back at about 12.30pm and stopped for a lunch at the local pub. I learned a lot from our leaders on the trek, including proper use of walking poles, the importance of adequate water carrying receptacles, such as water bladders, and the importance of terrific camaraderie and great leadership. Thank you all.
Gwen Scheffer

SGWAAC Equipment for Hire
The club has a small but useful range of equipment that is able to be hired by members/non-members at the rate indicated. The backpacks are either Australian or NZ made and are very robust. The Oringi jacket is cut in the style traditionally favoured by Australian and NZ walkers, i.e. much longer than usual.
If you would like more information about any item, or want to hire one or more, do not hesitate to call Josie Lomagno on 0457 045 193

Food dehydrator, trays only. Hire: $5 member/$10 non-member	Metho fuelled stove, ideal for 1 or 2 people Hire: $5/$10	Mont backpac, size S, 68l, wt 2.3kg Hire: $10/$15
Macpac backpack. A larger pack for longer treks, 75/80l, wt 2.5kg Hire:$10/$15	WE pack. Single compartment top loading bag, 90l, wt 3.1kg. Hire: $10/$15	Macpac Microlight single person 3 season tent, wt 1.6kg. Hire:: $10/$15
Macpac very roomy 2 parson, 3 season tent.   Wt 2.3kg Hire: $10/$15	Metzeler self-inflating mattress, 3/4 length, 3cm thick. Wt 0.65kg Hire: $5/$10	Oringi waterproof jacket. Extra long but not for warnth, dries quickly.

Forthcoming Events

Multi-day Paddle
Is anyone interested in a multi-day paddle with overnight camping on the Murray River? Robinvale to Mildura
approx 215 kilometres, 6 or 7 days paddling, one lock; campsites almost all with sandy beaches; Hattah-Kulkyne National Park; red sand cliffs; lots of birdlife.
It is a full day’s drive each way. All camping gear and water would be carried in the kayaks. If interested give me a ring: Steve Horton 0437 894 642

Pannier Ride - Cycle the length of The Great Souther Rail Trail
Date: 14th April 2020 returning 17th April 2020
ITINERY
Tuesday 14th April: start Leongatha and ride to Fish Creek. - 34.3 kms.
Wednesday 15th April: start Fish Creek and ride to Port Welshpool. - 37.8 kms.
Thursday 16th April: start Port Welshpool and ride to Fish Creek. - 37.8 kms.
Friday 17th April: start Fish Creek and ride to Leongatha - 34.3 kms.
TOTAL 144.2 KMS
ACCOMMODATION
FISH CREEK HOTEL - PH: 5683 2404
LONG JETTY CARAVAN PARK - Port Welshpool - PH: 5688 1233
HOTEL MOTEL Welshpool - PH: 5688 1209

Please book your own accommodation asap as places are limited.
At the time of writing this, there were only 3 cabins (sleeping 6) available at Port Welshpool however there is accommodation at the Hotel at Welshpool.
There were plenty of vacancies at the Fish Creek Hotel.
Contact: Zoe Baillie - Mobile: 0429 830 307 Email: hezbaillie@gmail.com.

Goldfields Track Walk - Date: (26) - 29th April
Three one-day walks on the Dry Diggings Track section of the Goldfields track. Base camp/cabin at Daylesford Holiday Park. Walks will be through the Hepburn Springs Regional Park and Castlemaine Diggings Heritage National Park. We will pass many relics of the gold rush era: stone ruins, aqueducts (one still used), alluvial diggings, mine shafts, ‘blowhole tunnel’, puddling machines, mineral springs and historic townships.
Walking: medium/hard. 12 to 18 kilometres per day. Dirt roads to rocky single track. Many short ascents and descents.
Steve Horton 0437 894 642

Grampians Base Camp 2020
Expressions of Interest ASAP are called for this activity. A possible/tentative program is shown below. Term 4 begins 5/10/20, so suggest camp take place 12/10 to 16/10 to avoid the holidays.

Monday 12/10

Drive to Hall’s Gap, arrive late afternoon
Lunch at Ballarat or bacchus Marsh
Venus Baths Loop, 2-3km circuit, 30-60 minutes

Tuesday 13/10

Mt Rosea Loop, 12km, 4-5 hours
Car pool to Rosea campground and take lunch

Wednesday 14/10

Grampiand Garden Loop, 6-7km, 3-4 hours
Early dinner then Fryan’s Creek Loop, 2.5km to watch wildlife come out

Thursday 15/10

Car pool to a number of short walks with waterfalls or scenic vistas.
Reed Lookout, Mackenzies Falls, The Balconies and Boroka Lookout

Friday 16/10

Pack up and drive home

There is also the option of the partially completed 3day/2-night Grampians Peaks trail. We need to book through www.parks.vic.gov.au or at Brambuk or Parks Victoria 131963 to access this option.
The drive from Boolarra to Hall’s Gap is listed at 4.5 hours
Hall’s Gap Caravan Park has a number of accommodation options, from unpowered sites to 3 bedroom cabins sleeping up to 8 people. Phone 5356 4251
Contact Elizabeth Pearce (0400 109 160) for more information and/or to put your name down.

Cycling Adventure - Brisbane Valley Rail Trail - Sunday Aug 9 to Friday Aug 14
Date: 9th to 14th August 2020 - Please note the date change!
Activity: Multi-day cycle
Details: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail - Queensland
Booking: May 2020
Grade: Easy to Challenging
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Accommodation:
Benarkin - 17 Scott Street Benarkin Q - Free Settlers park. Cost: free - (2 nights)
Toogoolawah - Showground - 30 Ivory Creek Rd. Cost: low fee payable to caretaker - (1 night)
Lowood: Showground - 14 Station St. Cost: low fee payable to caretaker. - (3 nights)

Caravans, tents, RV’s suitable for this trip.
Contact: Zoe Baillie 0429 830 307

Expressions of Interest - France Bike/Barge Holiday 2021
I am planning a Bike/Barge Holiday in June 2021 and welcome any members or non-members to join me - 7 night/8 days.
Easy to moderate with daily cycling distances from 30 to 50km - e-bikes are available at extra cost.
Please contact me for more information and I can email you the brochures or you can google Outdoor Travel (Bright) and click on Bike and Barge. Alternately you can contact them on 1800 331 582 and speak with Sue or Martin
Sue Marriott 0400 635 276. Email: sue@suziem.com.au

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.