Escape Magazine – August 1987

From the Editor

This issue delivers plenty: Marg’s notes from trekking in Nepal, a three-day push on Thornton Peak, the saga of Yamine Falls, and a search for rock art on Boggy Camp Creek. Thanks to all contributors—keep trip write-ups, photos, puzzles and classifieds coming (deadline 16 September).

Social

• Pre-walk pub night: Friday before each day-walk, 6:30 pm at the Metropole Hotel, South Townsville (beer garden).
• Monthly BYO BBQ: venue rotates—listen out at meetings. Thanks to Peter Morgan for last month’s, and to Peter Liston & Wendy Henderson for the spare lounge room when the usual venue’s unavailable.

Trip Reports

Boggy Camp Creek – searching for rock art

North of Cardwell between Kennedy and Meunga creeks, the party followed a sandy creek that soon turned to wet granite and slippery boulders. Old bridge remnants and a timber line (likely the start of Sullivans Track) helped confirm location.

• Several rock shelters were located, including the logbook’s “Art Gallery”, but paintings ranged from faint to barely discernible—possibly affected by mould, smoke, and increased exposure after track work.
• Above the bridge are attractive pools and a small waterfall (good for a soak, not for swimming).
• Overall: worthwhile as a short exploratory wander; expectations for prominent rock art should be modest.

Thornton Peak (July 1987) – bog, wait-a-bit, and weather

Permits in hand, a team of three set out from the western side after a false start from Thornton Beach.

• Navigation: taped route intermittent; compasses of little use under canopy and in creek lines.
• Terrain: logged country with extensive lawyer vine; long stretches of paperbark/ti-tree/fern swamp; repeated creek crossings.
• Summit push: heavy rain, mud, leeches; reached ~1,000–1,100 m before turning back ~300–400 m below the top due to time and conditions.
• Camp: impromptu bivvy at a flooded creek—smoky fire, space blanket, long wet night.
• Takeaway: serious, slow country that rewards patience and conservative turnaround times.

The Saga of Yamine Falls – June long weekend

Classic Dave Whyte outing: early start, multiple Herbert River crossings (waist-deep for most), cowpads, lantana, croc slides, and fast travel up beautiful Yamine Creek.

• At the falls: attempted “closer look” nearly became an unplanned swim; a steep, gympie-dodging climb to a rocky bivvy had everyone contorting around boulders under flysheets while rain set in.
• Day two: slippery exploration, panoramic viewpoints, and a spirited descent “race” via gullies of loose rock (boulders placed second).
• Final day: downstream exit, lunch and swim at Sword Creek. Verdict—“yet another Dave Whyte Walk”.

Mt Elliott – North Creek to the tops

Cool start from the national park campground. North Creek’s sequence of waterfalls and pools gave steady altitude gains and Cape Bowling Green views.

• Afternoon: from the lookout (tight three-person camp), a push to Mt Elliott’s top—broad rock, little shelter—then back to camp.
• Night: flute music, birthday cake, beanies; minimum ~6 °C.
• Next morning: steep descent to Alligator Creek Falls for lunch and swims, then a scratched-but-happy trudge to camp ahead of night rain. A big, rewarding weekend.

Feature: Trekking in Nepal (by Marg Hayes)

• Why go: incomparable Himalayan scenery—glaciated peaks tower 4,000 m above, villages every few hours, friendly and resilient people.
• Style: below ~3,000 m, expect teahouses (bhattis) with simple bunks and dhal bhat; no need to carry tents unless remote or very high.
• Fitness: tracks are steep—the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it.
• Safety: you can admire the mountains without glacier travel; acute altitude issues usually start >3,000 m.
• Routes walked: Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp—both stunning.
• Tip: go with an open mind and a decent camera—you’ll love it.

Bush skills: quick guide to stings & bites

A condensed refresher drawn from the issue’s first-aid table (always follow current St John/Australian Resuscitation Council guidance):

• Pressure–immobilisation (bandage + splint): most snake bites (land/sea), funnel-web spider, cone shell, blue-ringed octopus.
• Vinegar: box jellyfish and other jellyfish stings (soak liberally).
• Cold pack: red-back spider, scorpion, centipede, bees/wasps/ants.
• Hot water (~45–50 °C, test on uninjured limb): stonefish, bullrout, stingray, fish barbs.
• Start basic life support (DRSABCD, EAR/CPR as needed) and seek urgent medical aid.

Community notices (1987 time capsule)

• Bushdance: Rock Wallaby, 8 pm Sat 15 Aug, PYC Wellington St (Adults $5; 7–12 yrs $2; under 7 free).
• Housemate wanted: vegetarian, conservation-minded; waterbed included; musical instrument a plus.
• Thanks: to Ted & Anne (Paluma Festival camp) and to everyone sending stories, jokes, puzzles and sketches. Artist sought for the mag!

See the full Escape Magazine Sep 87: