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 Planning Meeting: July meeting has been cancelled - Please contact Kerry to place activities on te program.

AGM and General Meeting: Thursday August 24, Inlet Hotel, Inverloch. 6:30pm for a meal AGM at 8:00pm

President’s Report
At the AGM most committee positions changed hands. Thanks to the past committee members for their input into the running of the club.
Welcome and thank you to all the present committee members who put up their hands to take on a position.

President - Les Cruickshank Secretary - Robyn Scott Newsletter Editor - Clive Lynn Website - Clive Lynn Publicity - Gayle McHarg

Vice-President - Doug D’Oliver Treasurer - Elizabeth Pearce Walks Coordinator - Ilse Arndt Tuesday Walk Coordinator - Sandra Lewis

Please support the committee members by forwarding newsletter items, suggesting or putting on an activity, leading a walk, forwarding publicity items or attending meetings. Hopefully a change in the weather is just around the corner to make activities even more enjoyable. Although the wind and snow didn’t stop us from having a few good days at Mt Baw Baw thanks to Kate.
Les

Newsletter Editor
As indicated above, Clive Lynn has taken over the role of Newsletter Editor and you are asked to submit all materials/Walk Reports/Photograps etc to him at his email address of clynn@tpg.com.au
When submitting photographs please send the largest file version that you have available to allow maximum flexibility when editing them for inclusion in both the Newsletter and the club website.
Clive

Activity Reports
Kilkunda Circuit - Subday June 25
It was a civilised start at 9.30am for Val’s latest addition to walks and adventures for SGWAAC members. Most at some time have walked the George Bass Walk from Kilcunda to Punchbowl, and many have cycled the rail trail from Kilcunda to Anderson. Since the highway upgrades a number have also cycled the trail from Anderson to San Remo. On Sunday Val combined the lot and took us on a circuit walk from Kilcunda via the Punchbowl, the link road to the highway and back on the trail via Anderson to Kilcunda. All up 18kms.
Heather, Joy, Sandra, Val and Judy together with new member David Lewis made up the party, ready to brave the chilly wind and ready for all weathers foul and fine. As it turned out the stiff breeze leaving Kilcunda was invigorating and it was great fun watching the stormy seas breaking over the rocky coastline. We found a sheltered spot for morning tea before bunkering down at Punchbowl for an early lunch. With such a small group we were happy and able to almost saunter the first part of the walk and soak up the beauty of the coastline. Whilst resting at one of the vantage points that had a beautifully constructed seat as someone’s memorial Val expressed a wish to have some such a seat ready for when she left for the great playground in the sky. It was decided that Val needs to pick the spot and we would then organise a club working bee to get the suitably inscribed job done.
The connecting stretch of the walk was about 2km of stony road or springy grass verge as you chose but we were soon on the sandy gravel trail alongside the highway. The views had changed dramatically to overlooking the expanse of Western Port Bay and by now the wind was at our backs for the homeward leg. This was easy walking with a couple of hills to keep us honest but allowed for companionable chatter along the way. Before long we were at Anderson and the luxury of a flushing loo and then the final 4km up the hill to Kilcunda and sea views on our right.
This proved to be a very scenic outing and once again Val’s happy knack for presenting the well known in a new guise gave us a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Thanks Val for a great day.
Judy Speedy

‘Hairspray’ - Lyric Theatre
A very pleasant night was had by 8 members attending this show. We started with dinner at the McCartin Hotel where Marg Waldron join us. I made a surprise birthday cake for her which was enjoyed by all (recipe at end of newsletter).
Thanks Zoe for organising the night.
Sue Marriott

Katie’s Snowshoe Shuffle - Mt Baw Baw - August 16-17
In the peace and warmth of the Meeniyan pub sometime in April Katie Senko suggested the Club have an outing to Mt Baw Baw in winter and have a go at snow shoe walking instead of the usual doddle on the beach and forest paths. At the time it seemed a great idea, but come the 15th August the forecast was for gale force winds and lots of rain, sleet and snow. (Maybe not such a good idea after all). However, undeterred everyone who signed up to go turned up - Kati’s friends Sally from South Australian, Mandy and David from Melbourne and Club members Kate, Ilse, Gayle, Barbara, Michelle, Les, Heather and Judy.
The South Face Road was in great condition, making the drive up an easy one. A quick stop at the junction with Baw Baw road to collect the mandatory chains and we were on our way again. At the top the weather was pretty miserable and mush more than snow around the village. So we used the time to porter our gear (lots of - we were staying overnight!) to our home away from home, Benbullen Lodge, first time the long way, second time having learned the hard way, the easy way.
Benbullen proved ideal for our sized group and we soon made ourselves at home. The important things first, coffee and lunch, then the plan for the afternoon. With so little snow in evidence from the lodge we decided to do what bushwalkers do and go for a plain old walk instead and chose the trail to the top of Mt Baw Baw. There was a lot more snow on the trail than in the village and though different was a very enjoyable change for walking in. The high markers were easy to follow and our rudimentary map was adequate for the navigating task. The views from the top were stunning and we enjoyed reading all the sign boards along the way and some even managed to summit the cairn at the top of the mountain.
The lodge was a welcome sight as snow began to fall along with the temperature. We settled in by an open fire to happy hour and dinner preparations. Enough food to feed 3 times the number as is usually the case on such outings. During the night we were treated to some wild mountain weather and the next day dawned a veritable fairyland of snow covered hills and trees. Still not enough snow to merit snow shoes but we settled for a couple more walks during the day before cars were prepared with chains and the luggage transfer sorted. Farewell to Baw Baw village and a most enjoyable time together swapping stories, sharing food and becoming pretty nifty at getting in and out of snow gear.
Thanks Katie for all your efforts in organising the time away and ensuring we were safe and comfortable - we had a great time.
Judy

Forthcoming Events

3 Capes Walk - Tasmania
Many club members have already completed this walk and all agree that the scenery is spectacular and the huts make carrying a tent unnecessary. I would like to do it next year, starting 5th March and would appreciate the company of a few other club members.
I have booked myself on the early boat (11.30am) and the late bus for the return (4pm).
If you book on-line please mention my name so we can be allocated together.
You can contact me on 0400 109 160 to discuss if you are interested.
Elizabeth Griffiths

Cotter’s Beach Cleanup
Hi all, Just a friendly reminder that we have our Cotters beach clean-up this Thursday 31st August, meeting at 10am Cotters beach carpark.
Hope to see you there,
Tamara Vekich
Ranger |Wilsons Promontory National Park
M 0427 307 290 |Ph 8427 3251 | E tamara.vekich@parks.vic.gov.au
Parks Victoria Promontory Road Tidal River Vic 3960
www.parks.vic.gov.au

10-Pin Bowling - Sept 15
Where: 10-Pin Bowling Alley in Morwell
When: 15th September at 2:00pm
Cost: $12:00 for 2 games
Time: Finish time 4:00-4:30
We need to confirm numbers by 8th Sept so please contact Les on 0408 595 008 if you want to join in.
Breaking News - Pat Williams has arranged a discount for club members on 16-17 Sept at Kathmandu in Traralgon. You MUST get a voucher via Les to partcipate.

FYI - a non-club activity
Jean, Heather and I are going to participate in a part of the ‘Around the Bay Ride’ 50km total from Alexander Gardens to Altona and return. 8th October, start 7.30, cost $89.00. Google Around the Bay for more info and map. NB this is not a club activity.
Contact Les. On 0408595008 if you want more information

Federation Walks Weekend - Warburton, Oct 27-29
To be held in the Warburton area, the booking period has been extended for one week and you can now book until Thursday September 7th
For all the details and to make booking for accommodation and the many walks, go to:
www.fedwalks.org.au

Combined Gippsland Bushwalking Clubs Weekend - Nov 24-27
This weekend is based at Caringal Scout Camp which is 37km north of Moe. The site has ample inside bunk style accommodation as well as a large grassy area for tents or caravans. The nearby towns of Erica and Rawson also offer accommodation
There is a range of 16 different activities available over the weekend for you to choose from:
Walk Title Grading/Distance Day

1. 1 Explore Historical Walhalla Easy - 5km Sun
2. 2 Knotts Siding to Thomson Station Easy - 10km Sun
3. 3 Tyers Valley Rail Trail - Erica to Tyers Junction Easy - 12km Sat
4. 4 Mt Erica Carpark to Mushroom Rock & Beech Gully Easy - 5km Both
5. 5 Walhalla Goldfields Rail Trail - Erica to Thomson Station Easy/Med - 14km Both
6. 6 Mt St Gwinear to Phillack Saddle Medium - 10km Both
7. 7 Fingerboard Spur to Thomson River bridge Medium - 14km Both
8. 8 Rawson, Horseshoe Bend Tunnel, Walhalla & Train Ride Medium - 14km Sat
9. 9 Rawson to Poverty Point Bridge Medium - 15km Both
10. 10 Walhalla to Maidentown Circuit Medium - 15km Both
11. 11 Mt Erica Carpark to Hobbitland Med/Hard - 13km Sat
12. 12 Mt St Gwinear Carpark to Baw Baw Village & return Med/Hard - 16km Sat
13. 13 Knotts Siding - Coopers Creek Circuit Med/Hard - 17km Sun
14. 14 Walhalla to Thomson Station via Weeping Rocks Hard - 10km Sat
15. 15 East Tyers Walking Track (re-opened) Hard - 8km Both
16. 16 Hike & Bike - Thomson Valley Road to Caringal 7km walk, 20km ride Sat

The closing date for Registration and all payments is Sat October 28th.
Full details of all activities as well as booking and payment options is available on the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club website at:
www.sbwc.org.au and then selecting the ‘Combined Clubs Weekend’ option .

For your pleasure:
The following was found by Carol Elliot in a Welsh gift shop after successfully summiting Snowdon II.

Rambler’s (or Doddler’s) Delight

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.