Escape Magazine - April 1987

ESCAPE

Townsville Bushwalker's Magazine

1st April 87

PRESIDENTS REPORT

This is our first magazine of the year and judging by the calendar there are some interesting walks coming up along with the more traditional ones. Some of the newer ones which look promising are Hellhole Gorge and Yamanie Falls.

Our last walk (Hawkins Creek) became a bit wet (we're still waiting for someone to fill the position of weather forcaster). I believe aerial photos of this creek show future possibilities. Either as a one day or two day walk.

The numbers on day walks lately has been quite large. Maybe the point of splitting into two groups could be discussed.

The Stoney Creek walk (which would involve some abseiling) has be postponed till later in the year. This will allow more people to become proficient in abseiling. Due to the length of the abseiling involved its recomended that only those who have done some abseiling go on the walk. A 100ft drop is no place to learn. The club now has two new 40 metre ropes so hopefully we can get some practice in before then.

It looks as though we have a new venue. Its the environmental room at Vincent State School. This should be central to most people. A couple of our meetings will clash with the W.L.P.S. but Peter and Wendy have offered us the use of their house on those occassions. Thanks to Peter and Wendy and also Graeme and Marion for the use of their house during the interum.

I believe there is no truth in the rumour that some of our members (after national photographic coverage) will be seeking a more glamorous career. As one member said. "Its all behind me".

Our annual pilgrimage to Hinchinbrook Island is just around the corner. Tentative arrangements have been made for the booking of Tekin III. This magnificant island offers a wide range of activities, from lazying in the sun, swimming, fishing, daywalks to slogging up Mt Bowen. Although Mt Bowen is a hard climb the view from the top is beyond superlatives.

On a previous meeting the topic of a first aid kit was discussed. Some of the injuries likely to be encountered on a bushwalk are: sprains, fractures, snake bites and concussion. The nature of these injuries would require a large amount of bandages therefore its suggested that every one carry two good size bandages along with other odds and ends.

DAVID

BUSHWALKERS AND FRIENDS,

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Townsville Bush-walkers Magazine. We publish every second month, and with any luck, on these dates: 3rd June, 5th August, 30th September, and 9th December.

I'd like to encourage all of you to contribute. Articles related to the bush, trip write-ups, drawings, jokes, advertisements, and announcements are all most welcome.

Thank you to those who have contributed to this, our first edition of 1987. Thank you also to Charlie Allen and Peter Morgan who have helped with research and typing.

Happy trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Jae

CLUB MAPS

Our maps are now resident at 46 Brownhill St. Mundingburra. So if you want to have a look at a map, drop around or give me a ring & I'll try to remember to bring it to the next meeting. A list of these maps will eventually be circulated. Thanks to Lin & Les Hyland for storing them for us for so long.

CHARLIE

DIDJAKNOW

Bandicoot is probably a corruption of the Indian 'pandi-kokku' which is a rat found in that country.

Our friend the Taipans name is not of Chinese origin as you might imagine but an Aboriginal word from eastern Cape York.

Jabiru is a Brazilian word originally describing a large South American stork.

Goanna as you may have guessed is an Australian corruption of iguana.

Cassowry is probably from the Papuan words 'kasu weri' meaning horned head.

If you've been away or have somehow missed out on the news (is that possible?), Roz & John (Glazbrook) are now the proud parents of a healthy young boy. I think this came as a bit of a surprise to everyone including Roz. If reading this leaves you feeling a bit bewildered I'm sure she will be glad to tell you all about it.

SOCIAL DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Yes, we have made an official "Social Director" position in the club. I was voted in over ice-creams after our Ethel Creek walk. Everyone thought we should try to get together more and be a little bit more social. Maybe then new members will get to know old members and vice versa. The following two functions were decided upon as regular club events. We hope to hold them once a month.

1. PUB DINNER This will be held on the Friday night before each one-day walk. Members will be reminded at the meeting just before this. I recommend the Metropole Hotel as we can sit outside and people can order their meals whenever they want to and not have to wait for those who turn up later. You can also eat at home and just come for a few social drinks if you like. The next pub night will be 3rd April, anytime after 6:30pm.
2. BARBEQUE I also hope to organize a barbeque once a month, at different houses each time. Please let me know if you would like to play host. The food system for this is that each person brings their own meat or lentil patties, bread if they wish, and a plate to share (eg. a salad, macaroni, nut terrine, quiche, or a sweet). The barbeques will be organized for "off" bushwalking weekends. The next barbeque will be at my house, on Seventh Street in Railway Estate. date and time T.B.A.

Update: The next barbeque will be:
Host: Pinnel
When: Saturday 11th April, 6:00pm (ish)
Where: 55 Carmody St, Hermit Park
Phone: 752332

Marion

PALUMA BUSH DANCE

6TH JUNE

There is a rumour about that numbers will be limited.
Tickets are approx. $10.00.
For more information ring Lindy and Ben Venn on 708-520

BROADWATER CREEK

JANUARY 24-26 1987

Behind Ingham in the ranges of the Herbert Valley is a lovely creek called Broadwater. The morning we set out was after a good rain shower in Townsville so you can imagine my surprise when the rain stopped as we headed north.

In order to get to Broadwater Creek you turn left when you reach Ingham and go inland. You drive along until you see a sign for Broadwater State Forest on your right. You turn onto this road and follow it until eventually it deteriorates into a 4-wheel-drive track. We followed this road until a tree blocked our way. It is only a very short distance from where we stopped to the creek. This was also the first swimming hole, as by then most of the cloud had cleared and the sun was intense. The actual walk was a series of short strolls with pleasant swimming holes inbetween. The camp was a pleasant spot and had plenty of sand for us to pitch tents.

The weather that afternoon gave no indication that it was going to rain. The heat just kept building up and up until finally, at around 3:30 that afternoon, dark clouds started to appear in the sky. Ted was so confident that it wouldn't rain that he bet Anne a beer. For a while it looked like he might be right, but as the wind picked up and lightening split the sky we all ran for cover.

Wouldn't you know it, my tent caught the wind, and it became obvious that I would have to make some hasty modifications if I wanted myself, as well as the fire-wood to remain dry. Luckily Gavin came to my rescue braving the rain to help me fix my tent fly so that the wind wouldn't blow rain into it. The rain came down relentlessly for a good 45 minutes. Finally it abated leaving us free to leave our shelters and prepare our much needed tucker. I slept soundly for close to 11 hours that night.

As I walked up the creek the next morning, I realized how beautiful the surrounding vegetation was. Instead of rainforest, Broadwater Creek is surrounded by eucalypts. This is just as lovely, but much easier to walk through. We didn't go far because of the heat, but we enjoyed some nice, deep swimming holes.

Ted went ahead of me and when I caught up with him he had managed to ascend a large rock. He wanted me to check the water he was going to jump into to make sure it was deep enough. It was and he jumped. After I got out, I noticed a strange green grass-hopper-like insect crawl-ing up the shear, almost vertical, rock-face Ted had been on. When it finally reached a point a few inches from the top, some 15 feet above me, it stopped. Why this strange insect was climbing this rock, and why it stopped so close to the top, is something I doubt I'll ever know.

We went back to the campsite and were ready to go by 1:30. It didn't take long to get back to the cars despite a few swimming stops inbetween.

I used a whole roll of film on this lovely trip and will never forget the fragile tranquility of Broadwater Creek. It is unfortunate to note that this beautiful area is under threat of logging.

BILL KINSEY

HISTORY REPORT

Old records of Townsville N.F.C. Bushwalker's show that in July of 1973 a Mr. Geoff West hired a pack for use on a trip to Cape Cleveland. He did not return until September!!! It seems Cape Cleveland was notorious even in 1973. (Note: The charge for hiring the pack was 15¢.)

!! STOP PRESS !! ......HINCHINBROOK FANS .......

Please be advised that a $10.00 deposit is due tonight, April 1st (no fooling), if you wish to partake and participate in this Easter adventure. The total cost of the trip will be $50.00. This breaks down as follows: $10.00 boat deposit, further $25.00 for boat, $15.00 car transport from Townsville to Cardwell. Parking at Cardwell costs $1.50/night. Payment for this is arranged between the driver and passengers of each car.

This is a 4-day/3-night trip. We leave Townsville early, early, early on the Friday morning and return home on Monday evening. Times, etc. will be arranged at the April 15th meeting.

RELAXATION

The exciting adventures of Harry Kershaw continue-—.

Life - Line - Stuck. This was dreadful news, for we had no other rope, and, if we could not free it, it meant that we would have to climb without. Now, in pot-holing circles, a matter of 80ft, without life-line is considered safety maximum - and this was 2½ times that distance. Our life-liners had not even a short rope, on which to make a loop to assist on the last few feet, which we knew would be the most difficult and dangerous. No, we would have to go it ALONE, and ALL THE WAY.

We also had a personnel problem. Cliff was a tough exponent of many hard potholes, and I was becoming that way, but poor old George was not only somewhat senior in age, and a newcomer, but had the awful affliction of asthma to contend with. Our problem was not getting lighter. So, we quickly evolved a plan. Firstly, George was to get to a dry place, out of the falling drops, to eat and lie down, getting as much rest as possible. I was to have a "go", and if successful, get the lads to shine their lights over, for George's ascent. He was to strip off lighting gear, day pack and all surplus clothing, while Cliff gave him light from below.

And now, dear reader, let us consider what we were about to do. At some time, you will probably have climbed a ladder at the usual angle of 60' to 70' and found it child's play, walking on the rungs, and only keeping balance with the hands. But place that same ladder in a vertical position, and ascent becomes quite a different position. Approximately, one third of body weight is now transferred to the hands, and progress becomes difficult and slow. Your ladder is 18 to 20ft high but our "problem" was 10 times that distance.

I commenced quite well, and at about 50ft, saw the life-line looped and bound tightly round slivers of sharp rock. I even reached across, trying to free the loose end, but it was hopeless. Free of the rock face, the "burden" getting heavier, I made steady, if slowing, progress. But, try as I did, I could not allay the fear of that last few feet - (turned out to be about 20ft in all) When the ladder is clear of the wall, the pot-holer crosses his arms behind the ladder to hold the ropes on opposite sides. This not only gives a more upright position, but takes some weight off the fingers: also the boots fit well and truly across the wooden rungs. Nearer come the lights from above, but also nearer came the rock face, until I had to disengage my crossed hands to scrabble for lesser holds on the ropes, my feet now being pressed out to climb on tippy-toes: all this, of course, making me to lean out more precariously above the abyss. A summoning of will - I knew this would be the "bete noire" - gave me a more frantic attack - I saw nothing but rope and rung before - thought of nothing but that I must hurry before grip ran completely out of my fingers. So absorbed, I never saw the nearing lamp-lights - then, quite suddenly, I was over the square block to feel the comfort of gripping hands, surely safeguarding my panting, heaving body from the dark depths.

Then, when breath returned, another ogre presented itself. Were we, Cliff and I, instructing George to a probable death? Should I, knowing the terrible issue, stop his ascent? But, the die was cast - he was already on his way.

Harry Kershaw.

Will George survive the ascent? Watch for the third and final installment of Harrys adventure in the June 3rd issue of the magazine.

ED M.J.

HAWKIN'S CREEK

MARCH 8

Although the conditions were not the best, Hawkin's Creek was a lovely day walk. We headed north through Ingham and despite threatening rain, decided to continue.

In order to reach the creek we had to follow a dirt road that passed through a small community characterized by barking dogs and hen houses. We followed this track until we came to the creek.

It had only recently rained and care was needed crossing the rocks which had become slippery. It was particularly treacherous as we headed upstream. Every stone I stepped on was mossy and slick with rainwater. I fell into the water several times. The creek offered a few pleasant, deep and cool, swimming-holes, and would certainly have been a great walk had the weather remained fine. We had not gone far upstream when the sky opened and it began to pour. We decided to turn back and to concentrate our energy on the water-holes we had seen.

I've been on too many bushwalks where we had to walk along a stream in the pouring rain, and I know what an unpleasant and disappointing endevour it is. But, wouldn't you know it, as soon as we started to head back the rain stopped. Somebody up there does not like bushwalkers.

Because the weather had cleared, we decided to stop at one of the nicer swimming-holes we had seen and have lunch. We spent the next hour or so swimming and lazing in the weak sun that filtered through the cloud. Dave Whyte hung a rope from one of the nearby trees which gave us a swing over the water. Some people got the hang of it (no pun intended) more quickly than others. I attempted it but found the rope too long and both times I hit the water s-p-l-a-t. I had someone photograph my brave attempt, but I'm not sure I want to see the result.

After lunch we headed back to the cars. It was a good day despite the wet weather.

BILL KINSEY

FIRST AID

THE COURSE

For those of us who have been meaning to do a first aid course for years but have never quite gotten around to it, the opportunity to correct this omission is at hand.

Firstly Mary Jane may have found someone from QATB who is prepared to give some instruction on First Aid relevant to bush walking at one of our meetings. If this eventuates lets all make an effort to attend that meeting.

Alternatively St. Johns Ambulance will be holding their next certificate First Aid course in May. This consists of eight sessions from 7 - 9.30 on Tuesday nights, commencing on May the 5th. The cost is $40 which includes the price of the latest first aid manual. To register for this ring St. Johns 755088 in mid April.

The situation in the club at present, where we are dependant on a few people with a bit of an idea of First Aid is unsatisfactory. Firstly its quite possible that they will be the ones requiring attention & secondly there will be walks which none of these people can attend. Ideally everyone should have a basic idea of First Aid, so please think seriously of doing some sort of course.

THE KIT

If everyone carries a First Aid kit containing the following items, we should be able to handle most situations that we are likely to encounter. This represents neither great expense nor bulk.

1. Stretch bandage. 10cm * 1.5m (x2)
2. Sterile triangular calico bandage. (x1)
3. Range of sterile adhesive dressing strips (Band Aids) including the butterfly type.
4. Safety pins. 3cm. (x2)
5. Sterile non adhesive dry dressings. 5 * 5cm (x2)
6. Sterile non adhesive dry dressings. 10 * 10cm (x1)
7. Roll of adhesive strapping. 1.25cm * 2.5m (x1)
8. Alcohol swabs. (cleaning around wounds). (x4)
9. Satchet of staminade. (x1)
10. Antiseptic powder.

Optional

1. Burn cream.
2. Tweezers & needle.
3. Stingose.
4. Painkillers. (Panadol etc.)

Pack all this in a waterproof indestructible container & your kit should be good for years.

Don't buy a kit of the shelf, they are useless.

CHARLIE