1 Aug (Mon) 2022: SPRINGWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL (Meeting) Another fun night to gather together at the General Meeting with your friends and meet new members and to hear about the recent activities during the last 4 weeks, Including the club's attendance in Nav Sheild. This meeting's Guest Speaker will be Rob Inshaw from Summit Gear - Katoomba who will be displaying the various styles of backpacks and associated gear suitable for all types of activities. Gillian, Stephen Fuller & Ros Pickering will be providing supper. BYO vessel for a cuppa to enjoy during the meeting. Please bring a gold coin donation. Limit: 40. Map: . 2-6 Aug (Tue - Sat) 2022: WESTERN BUDAWANGS (M-Exp) Arguably my favourite bush exploration area. Expect a closely packed variety of wondrous overhangs, arches, waterfalls, expansive views and rainforest pockets. Day one: Early start. Drive to Wog Wog then 9km to a small but pleasant camping cave in the Goodsell Basin. Days 2, 3 and 4 are for day pack exploration in the upper Goodsell basin. Day 5: Return via the Scenic Rim Walking Track circa 10km. Limit is size of camping cave. Preference is given to experienced off-track overnighters who have previously expressed interest in exploring this area. . Limit: 5. Map: Corang. 3 Aug (Wed) 2022: LINDEN (E-M) Morning walk to Mt Twiss for views across to Mt Banks and Mt Tomah skyline. The walk starts at Linden Observatory and follows a fire trail to the start of Dawes Creek track. This is mostly a dry walk for a few kms to a scramble up rocks to Mt Twiss lookout. Marnie and Diana are co=leaders Limit: 10. Map: google. 3 Aug (Wed) 2022: SPRINGWOOD (E) Cycle on quiet local streets approximately 15 -20 kms. No real hills. Please advise your riding experience on booking if you have not ridden with me before. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood Street Map. 3 Aug (Wed) 2022: WOODFRORD (E-M) A half day walk: 6km approx: We will take the Turpentine Track through Murphys Glen to Bedford Creek Poole and return. Bring morning tea. Limit: 14. Map: Katoomba. 6 Aug (Sat) 2022: CLIFFS OF MT. HAY (M-H) Spectacular walk that circles Mt. Hay. Walk across Hay to Boorong Crags, then turn west under the cliffs. Some rock scrambling, some off-track, but all scenic. Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON. 6 Aug (Sat) 2022: WILKINSON HILL, N OF GROSE (M) We will walk from Bells Line of Road to a point overlooking the beautiful Grose valley. Most of this walk is off-track but relatively easy as we mostly keep to the top of the ridges and any ascent/descents are quite gentle. About 6 km in total. For those who've walked the adjacent Kamarah Ridge, we'll be able to actually see Kamarah Bluffs and the rock climbing area above Jungaburra Brook. Limit: 10. Map: Mt Wilson. 7 Aug (Sun) 2022: HAT HILL TO BALD HILL, BLACKHEATH (E-M) Rescheduled from 23 July. Approx 6km walk from Hat Hill to Bald Hill and return. Spectacular views at the beginning of the walk from Hat Hill. The track goes through open heath and as well as a small forested section. From Bald Hill there are views into the Grose Valley, across to Mt Hay and Mt Banks, as well as Buramoko Head and Hanging Rock. Once back at the cars there is also the option to drive to the end of Hat Hill Road to Anvil Rock, for more spectacular views, and to look at the Wind Eroded Cave Limit: 12. Map: Blackheath. 10 Aug (Wed) 2022: SPRINGWOOD (E) Cycle on quiet local streets approximately 15 -20 kms. No real hills. Please advise your riding experience on booking if you have not ridden with me before. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood Street Map. 11 Aug (Thu) 2022: MEDLOW PART 3 (M) The third of our explorations of the historic tracks near the Hydro. This time we'll do Maxine's Bower, the Pool site and finish at the 3 Brothers. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 11 Aug (Thu) 2022: PARRAMATTA (E-M, Cycle) Starting near Parramatta Park we will ride along the Parramatta river to Sydney Olympic Park Wharf for morning tea, ride into and around Bicentennial Park and the Brickpit, then head back toward Parramatta for lunch (Albion Hotel just off bike path). This is a shortened version of our normal route to avoid all the lights and hill near Westmead Hospital (approx 30-35km) Limit: 12. Map: Gregory. 13 Aug (Sat) 2022: FIRST AID TRAINING (E) Blaxland Scout Hall. Training organised through 5 Star Training (who did our last training session). Suitable for either refresher or a first timer. There will be an online component which has to be completed before the day. The cost will be subsidised by the club. Book in for more information. (There is a possible alternate date of 20 August, please let me know when you book if you prefer the later date) Limit: 20. Map: maps.google. 13 Aug (Sat) 2022: WISEMANS FERRY (M) (H, kayak) Paddle up the Macdonald River 30 km return with the tide both ways. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Gordon Watson will Co-Lead this paddle. Limit: 8. Map: St Albans. 14 Aug (Sun) 2022: FAULCONBRIDGE MID YEAR BBQ GET TOGETHER. ALL MEMBERS WELCOME Come along to a Sunday afternoon BBQ held in the garden of one of our members.It is an opportunity after all the Covid restrictions to catch up with old friends and to meet newer members of the club. Newer members will finally be able "to put a face to" the leaders' names that appear on the program. It is also an opportunity for newer members to chat to the more experienced leaders and get advice on places to lead walks and how to plan the route etc. The BBQ will be fully catered. Map: Google 14 Aug (Sun) 2022: NORTH HAZELBROOK INTRO WALK AND TALK (E) A short walk in the morning before the club BBQ at 12. A 3km 'almost' loop walk with 5 waterfalls following a lovely creek. There are glow worms in these overhangs at night. Anyone coming to the BBQ afterwards, who lives too far away to go home, can come back to my place in Springwood for a quick cuppa and to refresh. Limit: 15. Map: Katoomba. 15 Aug (Mon) 2022: UPPER GROSE - KAMARAH GULLY (MX) Walk in from the Darling Causeway, down the old mine road, to the mine remains. This road has had a landslip but is still doable. We'll go upstream to the beginning of Koombanda Brook to check out the bottom of this nice canyon. Go back down to Kamarah Gully and proceed up this stunning canyon as far as possible without getting our feet wet before climbing out. Walk over to the cliffs of the Grose River for lunch and then out to the Bells Line of Road where we will have left a car or 2. Participants need to be comfortable with uneven terrain. Limit: 8. Map: Mt Wilson. 17 Aug (Wed) 2022: HAZELBROOK (E-M) A half day walk: 5km approx: From Brook Street we will make our way to the top of the Amphitheatre then descend to the north Hazelbrook water falls circuit in Hazelbrook Creek. Horseshoe, Lyrebird, Lena, Oaklands, Burgess and Glow Worm Nook Falls. Bring morning tea. Limit: 14. Map: Katoomba. 18 Aug (Thu) 2022: AUBURN BOTANIC GARDENS AND PEACOCK GALLERY (E) 3rd time lucky! Wander through a few different gardens during the Cherry Blossom Festival, as well as the Gallery and the Zoo. Limit: 12. Map: Auburn. 20 Aug (Sat) 2022: GALONG CREEK (M) For over ten years now, the Galong Creek Bushcare Group (many of whom are Springwood Club members) has been working hard to revegetate the old Carlons Farm paddocks in Green Gully by planting thousands of trees supplied by the Blue Mountains Conservation Society nursery volunteers. The extended periods of wet weather have delayed our planting schedule and it’s imperative to get the plants from the nursery into the ground before they become too pot-bound! So, we’re reaching out for some extra assistance from Springwood Bushwalking Club members to assist with our planting day in August. We meet from 9:30 am – 3:00pm in Green Gully (exact location to be provided when you register). NPWS provides equipment and morning tea refreshments, but please bring your own lunch. The site is on sloping and uneven terrain, so a good level of fitness is required, but we can always accommodate those needing light duties. In order to participate you’ll need to be registered as a NPWS volunteer and fully vaccinated. To register with NPWS , Click here to sign up! For more details about the day and assistance with registering please contact Monica Nugent monica.nugent@environment.nsw.gov.au phone 0497 618 334 The Galong Creek Bushcare Group meets in Green Gully on the 3rd Saturday each month, so if you can’t make this day in August, you’re always welcome to join another time. Please contact Monica Nugent to book on this activity Limit: 15. Map: Jenolan. 20 Aug (Sat) 2022: KANANGRA-COTTAGE ROCK (M) Enjoy this iconic part of the mountains. Views, history and heaps to explore. Cottage Rock is an isolated pillar, just past Coal Seam Cave. Limit: 12. Map: Kanangra. 21 Aug (Sun) 2022: FAULCONBRIDGE TO FAULCONBRIDGE POINT (MTN BIKE RIDE) (M) Riding from Faulconbridge out to Faulconbridge Point and return. On bitumen to begin with, then undulating (some more so than others) dirt fire trail from locked gate for remainder. Spectacular views overlooking the Grose Valley from the Point. Suitable for mountain bikes. 20km return. Contact me if you'd like to lead a walk in conjunction with this ride - walkers could park closer to the gate and leave earlier - the views are worth it! Mid morning start for the riders. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood. 21 Aug (Sun) 2022: SUN VALLEY TO WARRIMOO INTRO WALK (E) From Sun Valley walk down the fire trail beside pretty Fitzgerald Creek to a very lovely old campsite with amazing rocks for an early lunch. Then continue up to the Fiveways and take a firetrail to a lookout. Finish at Warrimoo Oval. A short car swap is necessary. About 7 or 8 km. This is great area for bike rides. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood. 23 Aug (Tue) 2022: MT YORK TO HARLEY VALE & RETURN (M) A relaxed paced walk on historical tracks. Walk down Cox's Road, the first road across the Blue Mountains, then return via Lockyer's Road. No bitumen roads or motorcars, just fire trails and pleasant bush tracks. The section along Lockyer's Ridge is very attractive. Superb views of the Hartley Valley from Mount York. Distance 10km loop Elevation 382m down and up Limit: 10. Map: HARTLEY. 25 Aug (Thu) 2022: OLD POINT PILCHER TRACK AT MEDLOW (M) Down to the Grand Canyon, then back to Medlow. Historic tracks and a different look at Grand Canyon. Exit via a climb on the construction track. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 27 Aug (Sat) 2022: COLO RIVER, COLO (M) (H, Kayak) Paddling from Colo to Upper Colo and return 24 km. Shallow rapids, fast flowing water and posible portage. Please bring morning tea, lunch and P.F.D. This paddle will be jointly led with Gordon Watson. Limit: 6. Map: Mountain Lagoon. 27 Aug (Sat) 2022: CURRA MOORS TRACK (M) ROYAL N.P. We'll park out on the Moors at the trackhead, then walk out to the coast near Eagle Rock. Great views of coastal cliffs and waterfalls with plenty of time to photograph the abundant wildflowers. Limit: 12. Map: Otford. 7-8 Sep (Wed - Thu) 2022: LUCHETTI FLATS WOLGAN RIVER (M) This is a Friends of the Colo activity. Enjoy an overnight camp down the Wolgan Valley away from the crowds. During the trip we will be checking for and if found, treating weeds like Cape Ivy and Tree of Heaven from between Starlights Creek to the end of Luchetti flats. We will be walking the 8km to Luchetti Flats on the firetrail from the Newnes gate. You don't have to be a member of FoC, but you have to register as an NPWS volunteer. Also once you have registered you will need to do a short online Pesticide Awareness Training. Weed experience an advantage but not essential. Limit: 8. Map: Mt Morgan. 11 Sep (Sun) 2022: WISEMANS FERRY (H, Kayak) Paddle from Wisemans Ferry up Webbs Creek and Doyles Creek, and return. 25km paddling with the tide both ways. Bring morning tea and lunch. This paddle will be jointly led with Gordon Watson. Limit: 8. Map: St Albans. 17-21 Sep (Sat - Wed) 2022: COLO RIVER (H) Help with the ongoing effort to keep serious weeds from spreading up into the Wollemi Wilderness. Walk the T3 track to the Colo River near Tootie Ck to search and destroy occasional lantana and moth vine in the area. Come just for the weekend, or stay till Wednesday, moving downstream to camp. Shared gourmet dinner on the Saturday night. Steep 500m descent and ascent on track. Along the river we'll encounter scrub, deep wades and probably short swims - but there'll be great company and campsites to compensate! This is a Friends of the Colo activity: you don't have to be a member of FoC, but you have to register as an NPWS volunteer. Weed experience an advantage but not essential. Limit: 12. Map: Mountain Lagoon. 25-30 Sep (Sun - Fri) 2022: HIDDEN CREEK, JERVIS BAY (M, Kayak) Five nights camping at Hidden Creek Campsite, Woollamia. This is a lovely secluded campsite in beautiful bushland which overlooks the Currambene Creek. Either tent or caravan on campsites or book your own cabin. Close to good group amenities. Day paddles on the surrounding waterways with opportunities for walking, cycling and swimming. Suitable for hard shell kayaks. Deposit payable upon booking. $100 for the week camping. Usually we have dinner out for one night during the week. Limit: 16. Map: Jervis Bay. 8 Oct (Sat) 2022: WOLLANGAMBE WILDERNESS (M) From Bell, we'll walk out on a ridge towards the Barnacles in a pagoda-studded landscape. Across the creek, to return on a different ridge. Off-track, but not too scrubby! Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON AND WOLLANGAMBE. 13 Oct (Thu) 2022: POOL OF SILOME (M) This walk is a new link track to Sublime Pt. with great views. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 15 Oct (Sat) 2022: WILDFLOWER WALK NEAR MT. BANKS (M) Oronga and Wongarra Ridges to check out what's flowering. Plenty of time for photos. Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON. 22 Oct (Sat) 2022: FIRST AID COURSE - II (E) A second First Aid course will be run for members at Blaxland, with Five Star Training. Oct 22nd has been confirmed with the trainer. Details of how to pay your contribution to the club and then enrol will be sent when you book. On enrolling, you will receive the link to the online training which should be completed before the practical part of the course on October 22. Limit: 16. Map: none. 22 Oct (Sat) 2022: PAGODAS OF THE UPPER GROSE (M) Off-track with big views in an amazing landscape, with heaps of Spring flowers. No scrub! Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON. 27 Oct (Thu) 2022: URBAN BUSHWALK IN KATOOMBA (E) A look behind the drab facade of Katoomba. Town History, Mystery and Painted Facades; visit places you don't know and haven't heard of. Coffee and Cake at the Gingerbread House in the middle of the walk. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba. 29 Oct (Sat) 2022: BATTLESHIP TOPS (M-H-Exp) 3RD TIME LUCKY! We'll do some more exploring in this area on the Eastern side of Kings Tableland, using our previous knowledge. Limit: 12. Map: Jamison. 17 Nov-1 Dec 2022 (Thu - Thu) 2022: WALKING NORTH ISLAND NZ (M-H-Exp) Join my 11th NZ trekking jaunt. Fly in and out of Auckland. Hire a car or two and do a series of overnight plus longer circuit and key-swap walks on the North Island, including the spectacular Tongariro Circuit. Plus some lesser known walks featuring excellent alpine and volcanic scenery. Accommodation will be hotels and DOCs huts. Dates approximate. This is an expression of interest-pending prevailing covid uncertainties. Numbers are limited because accommodation is limited. Limit: 6. Map: North Island NZ.