1 Dec (Sat) 2018: ERSKINE CREEK- PISGAH ROCK- TIERNEYS TRACK (M) Steep walk down to the best swimming spot in the Blueys. Have fun in the waterfalls, or just relax! Scramble back out to the top. Limit: 12. Map: Penrith. 1 Dec (Sat) 2018: WINDSOR (M, kayak) Kayaking from Windsor towards North Richmond and return. 15 plus km with the tide both ways. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Kurrajong. 2 Dec (Sun) 2018: BALD HEAD, BLACKHEATH (E) A half day trip to a spectacular lookout over the Grose Valley. We start from Hat Hill carpark in Blackheath, follow the track out to Bennett Lookout, and then head over to Bald Head to have a look over the end of Hat Hill Canyon. I'll do my best to keep this walk on tracks and we should be back around lunchtime, to beat the traffic home. We do visit Hat Hill (it's 10 minutes from the cars) There should still be wildflowers in some of the heath we cross. Limit: 8. Map: Mount Wilson, Katoomba. 3 Dec (Mon) 2018: CHRISTMAS SOCIAL - BUY SWAP AND SELL The December meeting will be a combined buy-swap an sell and Christmas Social. Meet at 7 for 7.30 - there will be plenty of time to chat, eat and look for Christmas presents at the buy swap and sell. 3 Dec (Mon) 2018: GRAND CANYON, BLACKHEATH (E-M) We'll start at Evans Lookout with fabulous views of Grose Valley then head down into Grand Canyon to enjoy the relatively easy walk along the Canyon trail (not the lower canyoning route through water). We ascend back to the road via Neates Glen where I plan to have a car waiting. A classic Mountains bushwalk. About 5 km. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba. 5 Dec (Wed) 2018: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 5 Dec (Wed) 2018: SPRINGWOOD (E-M) SASSAFRAS GULLY / PERCH PONDS / MAGDALA CREEK. Once again a slow walk to take in what is around us, so close to civilation. Walking from Springwood down Sassafras Gully Track to Sassafras Creek, Glenbrook Creek, and onto Perch Ponds, then up Magdala Creek and back to Springwood. Bring your swimmers. Limit: 12. Map: Springwood. 6 Dec (Thu) 2018: GLENBROOK - PENRITH (E-M, Bike ride) Bike ride and xmas lunch for Thursday riders. Ride from Glenbrook down thru Lapstone, Knapsack Bridge, Emu Plains to M4 bridge, then thru Tench Reserve down to Nepean R past weir and on to Whitewater Stadium for coffee stop. Then down to Nepean Lakes for a circuit or two, back to new bridge crossing and on to Lewers Gallery café for lunch. Return via zig-zag cuttings to Glenbrook. Limit: 20. Map: Penrith. 7 Dec (Fri) 2018: BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK GLENBROOK (M) Weeding in the National Park at Glenbrook this is a combined activity with NPWS removing invasive weeds. Limit: 14. Map: Penrith. 8 Dec (Sat) 2018: INTRODUCTION TALK AND WALK (E-M) Spend the morning learning how to get the most out of the club and safe bushwalking. We will have a short tea break after an informal one hour talk, and then do a 6km bushwalk. It involves descending 200m into Sassafrass Gully and then walking the rainforest path along Sassafrass Creek to the junction of Sassafrass and Glenbrook Creeks, with its camping area and pretty pool. Swim or paddle and early start if it is going to be hot. We may do a semi off-track visit to the mystery stone cross. Members are welcome to come along for the walk and/or the talk. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood . 8 Dec (Sat) 2018: MOONEY MOONEY TO BAR ISLAND (H, kayak) Kayaking from Mooney Mooney to Bar Island and return, with the tide both ways 20 km. We will then continue on to Brooklyn if conditions are favourable. Please bring morning tea, lunch and spray skirt. Limit: 8. Map: Cowan. 8 Dec (Sat) 2018: PARADISE POOL LINDEN (E-M, steep in part) Walk from north of Linden Station. 45 minute walk, starting with panoramic views north from a historic mountains road. descend down through ancient rocks on excellent steps. A clearly marked trail to the stunning beauty of a sandy beach and deep water pool. Return journey by same route. Planned return 11.30am. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba 8930 - IS. 8 Dec (Sat) 2018: SPIT TO MANLY (M) An iconic walk that's been done before, but there are plenty of swimming spots along the way to cool off in. May go into Crater Cove for lunch. Fish and chips afterwards? Limit: 12. Map: Sydney Harbour and Coastal Walks. 8-9 Dec (Sat - Sun) 2018: RYLESTONE SOCIAL WEEKEND Join a group to support this drought-struck country town. We know the trouble farmers are having, but so are their towns. By staying and eating (and shopping) in Rylstone, we support the town. Markets and a Christmas Carnival on Saturday. May be able to visit some farmers. This activity is in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Wallacia-Mulgoa Valley. Could go there Friday or Saturday. Car pooling to be organised if required. Map: road map 9 Dec (Sun) 2018: FAULCONBRIDGE TO YELLOWMUNDEE (M-H, Scrub) Faulconbridge Point track and Kariwoga ridge. Replenish visitor book and admire great views. Descend to Grose River at junction of Springwood Creek and then downstream to the river gauge and out to shuffled cars at the end of Mountain Avenue. Swimming opportunities in various Grose River Pools. One steep descent and usual river obstacles. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood and Kurrajong. 12 Dec (Wed) 2018: HAZELBROOK (E-M) A half day circuit walk: Lake Road Hazelbrook then to Bedford & Lester Pools & Ken Goolet's unnamed Pool in Bedford Creek. Then Terrance & Victor Falls in Terrance Falls Creek, then on to Adams Lookout & the cars in Lake Road. Bring morning tea. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba. 12 Dec (Wed) 2018: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 13 Dec (Thu) 2018: BELL (M) Mountain bike ride Bell to Lithgow via back roads, then Lithgow to Mt Victoria via Browns Gap rd and Berghofers. This activity will only happen if the weather forecast changes by Wednesday. Morning tea in Lithgow, lunch in Mt Victoria. Limit: 16. Map: Lithgow, Hartley. 15 Dec (Sat) 2018: CHRISTMAS EVENT- BEDFORD CREEK (E-M) Starting at the picnic ground with morning tea; something to share that's Christmassy and present giving. Bring a wrapped present to suit male or female for up to $10. Then we'll walk down to Bedford Creek along a delightful path to a sandy-bottomed swimming hole. Plenty of time to chill out! Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba. 16 Dec (Sun) 2018: BEROWRA WATERS TO BAR ISLAND (H, kayak) Paddle out to bar Island and return 20 km with the tide both ways. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Cowan. 16 Dec (Sun) 2018: ERSKINE CREEK EXCURSION (M) SORRY BUT CANCELLED. LEADER HAS INJURED ANKLE This walk encompasses the best bits of wonderful Erskine Creek. Attic cave visitor book replenishment, Pisgah Rock Descent and a swim in the big pool. Mosey upstream along various rock platforms to replenish the visitor book at Dadder Cave. Return via Monkey Ropes Creek and the side creek route. Plenty of swimming opportunities. Mostly on track with an early start and languid pace to avoid heat impacts. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith. 16 Dec (Sun) 2018: YELLOW ROCK - ABSEIL PRACTICE (E-M, abseiling) Practice your abseil skills in time for the canyon season. Beginners welcome. Any club abseil trips require a helmet - bring a bicycle helmet if you have nothing else. We do have some gear to loan if you're just starting,otherwise bring harness, descender, carabiners and prussik loops if you have them. Or let us know what you need when you book in. Venue may change but will be somewhere close to Springwood-Glenbrook. Rope fee applies. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood. 19 Dec (Wed) 2018: FAULCONBRIDGE (E-M) A half day walk: From Highland Road Faulconbridge, a spur to Linden Creek, a side creek to remains of a Steam Driven Sawmill, then down stream through rain forest to aboriginal spear sharpening groves in Linden Creek, up a spur through Casuarinas to St Georges Crescent. A car shuffle. Bring morning tea. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood. 19 Dec (Wed) 2018: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 8. Map: Gregorys. 23 Dec (Sun) 2018: SPRINGWOOD XMAS BLUDGE (E-M) Get some gentle exercise prior to taking on Santa. This is a classic Blue Mountains walk but without the mountains. No big hills and lots of shady rainforest to appreciate because we will start early and walk the track at a languid pace to avoid heat issues. Sassafrass Gully to the camping site and swimming hole at the junction of Sassafrass and Glenbrook Creeks for a lengthy aquatic morning tea. Visit the Perch Ponds and make our way up gentle rainforested Magdala Creek to Martins Falls and then back to Springwood. All on track. Short car shuffle and small xmas party/picnic at the end. Limit: 14. Map: Springwood . 28 Dec (Fri) 2018: PORT HACKING (E, walk-kayak) Combined walk-kayak. Great if you're a beginner - you only have to paddle one way! Put the kayaks in at Fisherman's Bay, Maianbar, paddle around Yenabili, Red Jacks and Costens points to south West Arm. There are some ruins to explore in places. At the end of South-West Arm Creek, meet the walkers for a swim and lunch at Winifred falls (around 300m upstream from the tidal limit). Return along the track via Anice Falls and Maianbar. Who will take your kayak back? The other party, who does the trip the other way. (Plan B if we don't get enough people is to just do the lot as a kayak trip).High tide is at 13:40, so we'll be paddling with the tide both ways. Limit: 8. Map: Port Hacking. 5 Jan 2019 (Sat) 2019: CREMORNE POINT-BALMORAL (M) Train and ferry. Enjoy the harbour and chance of a swim in 3 locations. Limit: 10. Map: Sydney. 8 Jan 2019 (Tue) 2019: ORONGA CANYON (Exp) Scramble down one branch and back up the other. Expect anything! Bring harness and usual abseil gear, plus wetsuit and dry bag. Some exposure; experienced abseilers only. Limit: 8. Map: MT. WILSON. 8-10 Jan 2019 (Tue-Thu) 2019: BEROWRA CREEK AND HAWKESBURY RIVER (M, kayaking) A three day kayaking trip camping at the Twin Beaches, near Bar Island and exploring the surrounding waterways. Free campsite with toilets no power or water Limit: 6. Map: Cowan, Gunderman. 9 Jan 2019 (Wed) 2019: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 13-20 Jan (Sun - Sun) 2019: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H) Join us for the 7th annual visit to stay at a private ski lodge in the heart of the Snowy Mountains.We are within walking distance of the 10 highest peaks in Australia plus lots of lightly lower peaks.Accommodation in a very comfortable lodge. We need to book and pay for the accommodation as soon as possible. Cost approx. $280 per person. Limit: 21. Map: Perisher, Geehi Dam. 16 Jan 2019 (Wed) 2019: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 19 Jan (Sat) 2019: HAZELBROOK SOUTH (E) The walk starts near the eastern end of Valley Rd Hazelbrook at Heron Place and descends to Bedford Pool steeply on a good track, crosses Bedford Creek there and continues south to Lester Pool that is good swimming. From there, we traverse a rough but quite flat track made nine months ago to another but unnamed swimmable pool, our final destination. We then return. Total time on Saturday morning: 3.5 hours. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba 8930 - IS. 22 Jan 2019 (Tue) 2019: GREAT UNCLE GEORGE CANYON (M) This is a quality canyon, right on our doorstep. 3 or so abseils a couple of swims and a walk down a lovely creek with lots of ferns. Bring harness, wetsuit etc. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba. 23 Jan 2019 (Wed) 2019: GRAND CANYON BY NIGHT (M) Meet in the twilight of a summer evening to experience the wonders of this magical place. Glow-worms, yabbies and other wildlife. Bring something to have for your supper as well as a thermos, plus a torch and warm clothing. Limit: 10. Map: MT. WILSON. 23 Jan 2019 (Wed) 2019: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) ) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hillsDescription of walk: Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 26 Jan 2019 (Sat) 2019: SYDNEY HARBOUR (E) BALMORAL TO THE ZOO. Classic harbourside walk. Great vews of Australia Day activities on harbour. Lots of swims. Wear an Aussie flag T shirt. Bring something Australiany to share for morning tea or lunch. Limit: 12. Map: Maps Me. 27 Jan 2019 (Sun) 2019: SPIT TO MANLY. ICONIC HARBOURSIDE SUMMER WALK (E-M, Salt, sand and sunbur) Train then bus to the Spit. Sandy Bay, Clontarf Beach, Grotto Point, Castle Rock, Dobroyd Point, Forty Baskets Beach, North Harbour, Fairlight and Manly. Your guide has local knowledge of the area and can regale with semi-interesting factoids and tales of yore. Emergency icecream/sorbet or ozzie pie prior to boarding ferry and then return via train. 10km with minor flights of steps. Languid pace with time for swims at our choice of Clontarf, Forty Baskets, Fairlight or Manly baths. Limit: 12. Map: street directory. 30 Jan 2019 (Wed) 2019: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 1 Feb 2019 (Fri) 2019: BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK AT GLENBROOK (M) Weeding in the National park to remove invasive weeds. Combined activity with NPWS Limit: 14. Map: Penrith. 2 Feb 2019 (Sat) 2019: BOB TURNERS TRACK (M) A classic summer walk on a well-made track, with beautiful trees and flannel flowers. Time to swim, relax and explore. Limit: 12. Map: Colo. 2 Feb 2019 (Sat) 2019: LANE COVE NATIONAL PARK (E, kayak) A 10 km return leisurely paddle through the National Park. Suitable for beginners with kayak hire at the boat shed. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Parramatta River & U.B.D.. 3 Feb 2019 (Sun) 2019: COLO RIVER (H-VH, Kayak) Paddle the Colo River from Lower Portland towards the Upper Colo and return with the tide both ways 40km. Limit: 8. Map: Lower Portland. 3 Feb 2019 (Sun) 2019: PLATYPUS LOOP (E-M) Walk around the languid pools of Erskine Creek. Plenty of stops along the way to swim or just enjoy the scenery. Mostly on track or light scrub. Best of all there are no huge hills to negotiate. A nice 5km walk for hot weather with plenty of interesting things to see. Swimming opportunities. 130m climb. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith. 4 Feb (Mon) 2019: FEBRUARY GENERAL MEETING Brian Stevens will give a presentation titled “cycling in the Bergslagen area of Sweden”. 6 Feb 2019 (Wed) 2019: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills. Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 9 Feb 2019 (Sat) 2019: RIVER CAVES (M) If you haven't experienced a Blue Mountains canyon, now is your chance. You may get wet to the waist, so bring swimmers and a change of shoes. Always a wonderful day out. Some off-track! Limit: 12. Map: Rock Hill. 9 Feb 2019 (Sat) 2019: SPRINGWOOD INTRODUCTION WALK AND TALK (E-M) Prospective members: Find out how to get the most out of the club and safe bushwalking practices. Come on an easy-medium entry level standard walk down Sassafrass Gully to the nice pool at the junction of Glenbrook Creek. Early start to beat the heat 5km with a 200m descent and ascent. Rainforest and some rough sections of track. Maybe a steep semi off track section to view the mystery cross. The walk will be punctuated with lots of stops where we go over items in the introduction course, Approx 3 and a half hours. Full members are welcome to come along. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood. 10 Feb 2019 (Sun) 2019: KANUKA BROOK GLENBROOK (M, Scrub, minor scrambli) Classic lower mountains walk. Leave cars at Red Hands Cave carpark. Ridge and spur descent to S bend and its caves, then downstream to the twin creek junction. Swim or relax. Ascend via rough track to fire trail and return 6km and 120m climb. Mostly off-track Limit: 8. Map: penrith . 13 Feb 2019 (Wed) 2019: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills. Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 16 Feb 2019 (Sat) 2019: ERSKINE CREEK- PISGAH ROCK- TIERNEYS TRACK (M) Steep walk down to the best swimming spot in the Blueys. Hope we get there this time, as the road was closed in Dec. Have fun in the waterholes, or just relax! Scramble back out to the top. Limit: 12. Map: Penrith. 16 Feb 2019 (Sat) 2019: LANE COVE TO FIGTREE BRIDGE (E-M, kayak) A leisurely paddle from the Lane Cove National Park to Figtree Bridge and return with the tide both ways. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 12. Map: UBD. 17 Feb 2019 (Sun) 2019: GLENBROOK, BREAKFAST CREEK (M-Exp, Scrub, Cliffs) Make our way down Breakfast Creek to koala corner or the Nepean. Swim, then ascend steeply to the fire trail between Breakfast Creek and the Nepean River to return to cars. 8km half off track. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith. 20 Feb 2019 (Wed) 2019: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills. Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 20 Feb 2019 (Wed) 2019: SUPPER IN THE BUSH (E) We'll find a great vantage point to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and watch the full moon come up. Bring something to share, plates etc. and a torch. Limit: 16. Map: TBA. 24 Feb 2019 (Sun) 2019: BEST OF ERSKINE CREEK (M-H-Exp, Scrub, Cliffs) Previously cancelled due to wet weather. This walk encompasses the best of lower Erskine Creek. Jack Evans Track, Erskine Creek, Ascend spur and cross the ridge. Descend to Dadder Cave, Big Pool, Lincoln Creek, Monkey Ropes Creek, Attic Cave. Replenish two visitor books Limit: 8. Map: Penrith. 27 Feb 2019 (Wed) 2019: SPRINGWOOD (E, Cycle) Easy cycle from Springwood on quiet local back roads - usually about 15 -20km, no real hills. Limit: 8. Map: Gregory. 1 Mar 2019 (Fri) 2019: BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK AT GLENBROOK (M) Weeding in the National park at Glenbrook removing invasive weeds. This is a combined NPWS activity. Limit: 14. Map: Penrith. 9 Mar 2019 (Sat) 2019: 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. 16-31 Mar 2019 (Sat-Sun) 2019: VOLCANOES OF VICTORIA (M) Approx. last 2 weeks in March. Exact dates and itinerary to follow later. A camping safari, checking out the volcanic past. We will start at Mt. Macedon and Hanging Rock, then Mt. Buninyong, a more complex volcano. Mt. Elephant at Derrinallum, has 3 scoria cones and nearby Lake Corangamite is Victoria's largest lake. From here, we'll head to Mt. Eccles N.P. via Mt. Shadwell. At Mt. Eccles, we'll have time to explore maar craters, a lava canal, lava tunnels and a rare natural bridge. After a few days here, we'll head for Port Fairy, following the lava flow for 56klms. to the ocean. Time here to relax and enjoy a causeway walk to the mutton bird sanctuary, before moving on through Warnambool for our last camp near Colac, to explore Lake Purrumbete, one of the world's largest maar volcanoes. After this we'll head home via Geelong and Melbourne for the garden show, which is 2nd in the world to Chelsea. 5 camps and 1 night in a cabin. See Aust. Geog. No. 137. Limit: 8. Map: various. 22-24 Mar (Fri - Sun) 2019: NEPEAN RIVER NORTONS BASIN (M, Kayak) Spend one or two nights at Nortons Basin. 15 km from Tench Reserve Penrith. Saturday we will explore the waterways to Warragamba Dam and Wallacia. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith, Warragamba. 30 Mar to 7 Apr 2019 (Sat-Sun) 2019: SBC ANNUAL BIKE CAMP AND RIDES (E-M, cycling) Camp in two towns out of Sydney with daily rides of about 40 - 90 km. Area to be chosen early in 2019 and campground details will be advised. Limit: 25. Map: To be advised. 1 Apr 2019 (Mon) 2019: SPRINGWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL ( ) Club General Meeting. David Churches will present his 2018 trek in Nepal. Limit: 80. Map: . 6 Apr (Sat) 2019: WALLS PASS-CEDAR CREEK-GOLDEN STAIRS (H) Out near the fire tower on the Eastern side of Narrowneck is a chain going down a 30metre vertical cliff. Then we'll scramble along the cliffs and down the ridge to Cedar Creek. Up to Ruined Castle, along to Golden Stairs and home. Exposure! Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba. 18-20 Apr (Thu - Sat) 2019: SHOALHAVEN (M, kayak) Three day kayaking trip from Tallowa dam to Fossickers Flat on the Shoalhaven River. Free campsite with toilets only. Limit: 8. Map: Burrier. 24-28 Apr (Wed - Sun) 2019: SPLENDOUR ROCK, COX'S RIVER, KANANGRA CREEK (M) walk out to camp at Mt Dingo ready for the dawn Anzac day commemoration. On anzac day, continue on to the Cox's River via Yellow Pup ridge. Camp two nights at Konongaroo clearing and explore Kanangra Creek and maybe the Cox's River. Return the same way, perhaps stopping at the Mobbs Soak alternative campsite on saturday night. Limit: 8. Map: Jenolan.