1 Jan 2020 (Wed) 2020: SPRINGWOOD (E, Ccycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills - dependent on the fire/smoke conditions on the morning Limit: 12. Map: Gregorys. 2 Jan (Thu) 2020: PARRAMATTA PARK TO OLYMPIC PARK BIKE RIDE (E-M) Starting near Parramatta park we will ride along the Parramatta river to Rhodes and return through Bicentennial Park. Morning tea at Parramatta and lunch at Waterview cafe in Bicentennial Park. This is a shortened version of our normal route to compensate for the heat. Limit: 16. Map: Gregory. 4 Jan 2020 (Sat) 2020: BOOKER RD-SHAWS CREEK (M) A short, steep section drops us into Shaws Creek, with a good pool for a cooling swim. Then down the creek to an amazing art site, just near the end of Springwood Rd. Off track, with wet feet possible. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood. 5 Jan 2020 (Sun) 2020: GLENBROOK GORGE (E-M) From Glenbrook visitor centre descend to Glenbrook Gorge and make our way downstream to the Nepean River junction. Opportunities for swimming in some great waterholes. 6km with 100m ascent. If weather and consensus are good we may walk via Mount Portal and Tunnel View tracks which would then be a 2km longer Medium walk. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith. 8 Jan (Wed) 2020: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 12. Map: Gregory. 9 Jan (Thu) 2020: GLENBROOK (M, Road Bike) 50km on cycle ways, back roads and main roads. With an alternative riding option if not comfortable on main roads. Morning tea on the banks of the Nepean River Castlereagh and lunch at Glenbrook. Bring morning tea and or buy lunch. Limit: 16. Map: Glenbrook. 15 Jan (Wed) 2020: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 12. Map: Gregory. 16 Jan (Thu) 2020: KATOOMBA (M) Ride from Katoomba to Glenbrook or until we start getting too wet and hop on a train. Morning tea Wentworth Falls home for lunch. Bring rain gear in case forecast is right. Limit: 12. Map: Google maps . 22 Jan (Wed) 2020: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 12. Map: Gregory. 25 Jan (Sat) 2020: SPRINGWOOD AND SASSAFRASS CREEKS SUMMER PICNIC (E-M) Wiggins track and then along the Victory track to the junction camp site. Laze in the shade or swim in the pool, or both. Leisurely return via either Magdala Creek or the Wiggins track. Introduction talk can be arranged for participating prospective members. 5 to 10km with 200m ascent. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood . 26 Jan 2020 (Sun) 2020: SYDNEY HARBOUR (E) BALMORAL TO THE ZOO. Celebrate Australia Day with a classic harbourside walk. Great views of activities both on and over the harbour. Lots of swims. Bring something with Australian theme to share for morning tea. Wear an Australian flag t shirt. Limit: 15. Map: Maps Me. 27 Jan 2020 (Mon) 2020: VICTORY TRACK - MAGDALA CREEK (M) This is an early morning leg stretch at a moderate rather than relaxed pace. Afterwards bask in the self righteous smugness of having exercised prior to Australia Day getting underway. Victory track to Perch Ponds then up Magdala Creek. All on track. Approx 12km. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood . 29 Jan (Wed) 2020: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 12. Map: Gregory. 1 Feb 2020 (Sat) 2020: WHEENY GAP (M) Where Wheeny Creek punches through the monocline, it creates beautiful waterfalls with plunge pools, which are perfect for summer swimming. Short, but steep walk in on a rough pad. Limit: 12. Map: Mountain Lagoon. 3 Feb (Mon) 2020: SPRINGWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL February General Meeting. David Churches will present: "Antarctica and Torres del Paine National Park". Supper providers: Brian Stevens, Tony Foster and James McIlwraith. 7 Feb (Fri) 2020: LEADERS BBQ If you've ever wondered what leaders do, and especially if you are a leader, this event is for you. Food provided, byo drinks, chair, plates. This event is to say thanks, but also a chance to share ideas. Venue - Springwood. Start 6-6:30. Map: Springwood 7 Feb 2020 (Fri) 2020: GLENBROOK (M) Weeding in the National Park combined activity with NPWS need to bring lots water to drink and food for the day. Limit: 14. Map: Penrith . 8 Feb 2020 (Sat) 2020: BUNDEENA-LITTLE MARLEY (M) From Cronulla, we catch the ferry to Bundeena, then walk along the cliffs to Little Marley, which is great for swimming. 10klms. return. Limit: 12. Map: Royal National Park. 8 Feb 2020 (Sat) 2020: CATARACT RIVER DOUGLAS PARK (H-Exp, Kayak) Exploring the Cataract and Nepean Rivers at Douglas Park 30 km. Limit: 8. Map: Picton. 15 Feb 2020 (Sat) 2020: SAFE RECOVERY LESSON (H, kayaking) A Free three hour Safety Course with Sydney Harbour Kayaks. Using your own kayak is prefered. Kayak hire is $50.00 if required. Strictly limit of 8 with our own instructor on the day. Please see web site for further information, https://www.sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au/ Limit: 8. Map: UBD. 15 Feb 2020 (Sat) 2020: YILEEN CANYON (H) In the Mt. Wilson area, this canyon has 4 abseils up to 45metres. Some short swims, so you will get wet! Not a long canyon, but there is a spectacular section after the first abseil and a dramatic overhang at the end. Bring abseil gear, wetsuit and dry bag. NOT FOR 1ST TIMERS! $5 rope fee applies. Limit: 8. Map: MT. WILSON. 19 Feb-2 Mar 2020 (Wed - Mon) 2020: NEW ZEALAND (M-H) URGENT EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST AS BOOKINGS NEED TO HAPPEN ASAP: Kepler Track New Zealand(4 days) plus potential for one other walk yet to be decided. Join us for one or both walks. Fly Sydney to Queenstown & share rental car. Stay in Huts on track. This is one of NZ's Great Walks - Vast tussock-covered ridgelines and spectacular alpine vistas contrast with peaceful lakeside and valley beech forest in this wilderness adventure. Explore the fascinating Luxmore Caves, Take in alpine tussock grasslands and views of Lake Te Anau. Walk to Iris Burn Falls. (Plageurised from DOC website NZ) Limit: 8. Map: . 22 Feb 2020 (Sat) 2020: BREAKFAST AT BUTTERBOX (M) Capture early morning light on the cliffs of the Grose, whilst enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. Bring something nice to share, plus plates, cutlery etc. Photographers call this time the "Golden Hour", so bring your camera. AN EARLY START! Limit: 16. Map: MT. WILSON. 29 Feb 2020 (Sat) 2020: POOLS OF HEATHCOTE CREEK (M) A short walk brings us to Bondell and Kingfisher Pools. Along the track are other pools, so plenty of spots to swim. Some steep sections. Limit: 12. Map: Waterfall. 2 Mar 2020 (Mon) 2020: AGM ( ) Springwood Presbyterian Church hall. The Golden Boot, Volley and Croc will be awarded. New committee members will be nominated and elected and the President and Treasurer's annual reports will be presented. Catering: Gillian Fuller Limit: 245. Map: . 6 Mar 2020 (Fri) 2020: GLENBROOK (M) Weeding in the National Park at Glenbrook combined activity with NPWS. Need to bring lots water to drink and food for the day. Limit: 14. Map: Penrith . 10 Mar (Tue) 2020: SUPPER IN THE BUSH (E) Everything should have settled down and we can enjoy a much needed get-together, to see the full moon. Bring something to share and your plates, cutlery etc. Venue to be decided nearer the time. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba. 14 Mar (Sat) 2020: BIRRABANG CANYON (M) Birrabang is a walk-through canyon and a great introduction to an amazing landform. You WILL get wet feet! Off-track, with a short, steep climb in and out. Great for wild flowers. Bring a dry bag; maybe thermals, and dry gear to change in to afterwards. Limit: 10. Map: MT. WILSON. 14-15 Mar (Sat - Sun) 2020: COLO MEROO (E) A celebration of 20 years of Friends of the Colo. All present and past FOC volunteers and their families are invited. The main celebration will be on the Sunday, but people can camp for the whole weekend. 2.5km flat walk from the road-head. Possibility of an associated raft trip from Bob Turners to Colo Meroo. Full details yet to be announced, but please register your interest in the meantime. Limit: 0. Map: Mountain Lagoon. 21 Mar 2020 (Sat) 2020: CASTLE HEAD ABSEIL (H) Great views across to Mt. Solitary as we abseil down; 45 metres down a wall. There are another 6 abseils, plus the Leap of Faith! Walk out on the Ruined Castle Track. Bring abseil gear and helmet. Not for beginners! $5 rope fee applies. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison. 28 Mar (Sat) 2020: BACK TO THE BUSH (M) PRINCE HENRY CLIFF WALK; iconic cliff-top walk, all on tracks, with no burnt bush. Views into Jamison Valley, including the terrible scar of the Ruined Castle fire; scenic world to Sublime Point. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 28 Mar-5 Apr 2020 (Sat - Sun) 2020: CANBERRA & HARDEN (E-M, Cycling) Annual SBC Big Ride. We are revisiting an area we rode in 2012 but there are so many ride options and places of interest down there that we may not even repeat the earlier rides. Day rides of about 50 - 90 km on good bike trails and minor roads, mostly well packed gravel or bitumen, some optional rides on side trails with some steeper hills. Camp in campgrounds chosen for good facilities, cabins etc. Shared backup car support. $100 registration fee covers support and a group dinner with excess going to conservation charities. If interested book on and contact leader for payment details. Details of rides and campgrounds to be sent to those interested or booked onto the activity in the program early in the new year. Limit: 24. Map: Canberra and Harden. 3 Apr 2020 (Fri) 2020: GLENBROOK (M) Weeding in the National Park at Glenbrook. This is a combined activity with NPWS need to bring Water to drink and food for the day Limit: 14. Map: Penrith. 6 Apr 2020 (Mon) 2020: APRIL GENERAL MEETING ( ) At Springwood Presbyterian Church hall. Speaker TBD. Supper provided by Sue Ryerson and Peter Curtis. Limit: 100. Map: -. 9-11 Apr (Thu-Sat) 2020: SHOALHAVEN (M, kayak) Three day kayaking trip from Tallowa dam to Fossickers Flat on the Shoalhaven River. Free campsite with toilets, no power or water. Limit: 12. Map: Burrier. 25 Apr (Sat) 2020: NEPEAN RIVER MENANGLE TO CAMDEN (H-Exp, Kayak) Kayaking from Menangle to Camden and return 30km with portage. Limit: 8. Map: Camden. 4 May 2020 (Mon) 2020: MAY'S GENERAL MEETING ( ) At Springwood Presbyterian Church hall. Speaker TBD. Supper provided by Glen Walker Limit: 8. Map: .