Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Feasibility Study Update

We met today with Tim Watters, who will be making our short promotional video. We hope to begin filming in February.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

January Walk Four Falls


Walk Report, Four Falls from TW Spur, Sunday 8/1/2012

Early morning rain cleared to a fine cool day, ideal for walking.
Eight walkers met at the corner of Mt. Sabine Road and TW Spur Track, whence they followed the route shown on the ORWTA CD-ROM and proceeded to Yannathan Falls, Upper Cumberland Falls, Galliebarinda Falls and Brunswick Falls in that order, beginning at 9:40.

There was much to see on this extensive walk. All four falls were most attractive with strong flows of water despite the season. Bracket fungi in a variety of sizes and colours were prolific. Many birds were heard, including kookaburras, and some were also sighted.

Although ably led by Jennifer Morrow, the walkers found navigation somewhat difficult, owing to strong growth in the understorey over the past year which had obscured tracks and ribbons. Much fallen timber also lay across tracks, adding to difficulties.

Having visited Brunswick Falls around 4 p.m., the walkers became widely spaced on the climb back to the TW Spur. Unfortunately the frontrunners failed to see the exit to the TW Spur Track and began to descend once more to Yannathan Falls. Before they realized their mistake, the rest of the party exited via the correct route and was surprised not to find the frontrunners at the starting point. Luckily the frontrunners were able to correct their mistake and return to the starting point before emergency services were summoned. Moral: do not get too far ahead of your leader, especially if there is any uncertainty about the route.

It was 7:10 p.m. before all walkers returned to the starting point, making this a long day. It might have been an hour shorter, if not for the navigational error described above, but this rewarding walk is inevitably one of our longest and most demanding.

Afterwards, most of the walkers gathered at Martians' in Deans Marsh and enjoyed the fare provided by the new management.