Saturday 10 July 2016 Mt Nardi, Mulgum Falls Abseil

Participants: Suzi R, Lynn D, Gary W, Dayle O, Peter R, Peter W and Leader Shane M

The day started 8:45 at Googarna Road off Newtons Road Mt. Nardi where the gear was divided up for the carrying. We headed down Googarna 1km through a couple of tree falls to the Mulgum Creek culvert and then another 100 metres to the exit off track. There was quite a lot of new growth thicket at first but this soon opened up as we progressed the 900 metres down the ridge line to the escarpment. We arrived at the top of the falls GDA 274-431 at approximately 9:30.

The group sat beside the creek while Gary and I crossed and looked for the previous anchor point. Unable to ascertain the exact place we decided on a spot that provided as close as possible to a straight line with the valley floor below. We proceeded to rig a pair of sling anchors with the hitch point perfectly in line with our objective. I then harnessed up and took the 100 metre 11mm static rope with me in a leg bag deploying it as I went. A parallel 6mm line was also laid to attach the canvas rope protectors, the line being used for retrieval of the protections at the days end.

After approximately 30 metres I reached the first ledge and was surprised to see how large it was and decided that we should all do the first stage together and aggregate on the ledge in some nice warm sunshine. This would ensure that we were all in sight of each at all times. It was almost midday before we were all on the ledge. I then put out another protection at the cliff edge and dropped off the remaining 50 metres deploying the rope as I went. The second half of that final leg was in a water spray and there was not really anyway to avoid it, it became quite cool down there wet and out of the sun.

It was approaching 2:00 before we were all finally at the bottom. The rope was prepared for retrieval, knots and the bag removed and then we started our climb back. Gary with a couple of ladies in tow, was gone before the rest of us had finished lunch and packing up. We set off in hot pursuit but only found the two ladies and no where near where we were expecting to be. We now forged a new path up the escarpment and back to the top. We all arrived back at the top of the falls without any further fuss. Gary had arrived earlier and already retrieved the main rope and line.

After packing up we headed back to the track at 3:00 and arrived back at the cars on Newtons Road at 4:00. After a few high fives and a bit of a clean up we all drove to the Nimbin Pub for a congratulatory drink. It was a most enjoyable day and shall be repeated often. Shane

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November 2016 : Mt Jerusalem NP, Chowan Creek

Participants: Saturday Tina R, David R, Simon C, Lucy C and Leader Shane M

Saturday started 8:30 at the intersection of the track on South Chowan Road 379-506. We set off along the old timber getting track across the bridge that was to later be our campsite. We followed the track as far as we were able which was in fact almost to the summit of the knoll 381-514. Turning to the north and following the contour we arrived at the source of Chowan Creek. There was barely any water in the the creek and it was obvious due to the polished nature of the rocks in the creek that normally a lot of water comes down that way. We then rock hopped and scrambled down the creek bed for some hours until we reached a large pool at a confluence with another creek 378-511. A rather beautiful spot with a cave at the waterline. Here we had morning tea and relaxed. Up and at it, we were soon at the top of the major falls 376-510, anchors were established and ropes laid with canvas protections. 2 x 70m 9mm Speleo were used and all descended using autoblock self belays. Assembling at the bottom of the falls we then proceeded to scramble and rock hop down the creek for the next few hours until we finally reached the road at the bottom of the hill 372-504. There three of us indulged in a cool refreshing swim while David and I climbed/walked up the road to the top of the hill to retrieve the cars. It was 36 C that day and a real labour. After a respite Tina and David bade farewell and the rest of us returned to the track 379-508 and there we found Tony had arrived and was well established. We then proceeded to pitch tents and set up camp. Unfortunately it was a day of total fire ban so the usual camp fire did not happen. We sat around eating and talking until rather late, 9:00, in total darkness except for the fireflies blinking as they flew past.

Participants: Sunday Lucy C, Tony L, Dani B and leader Shane

Sunday started at about 8:00 when we were greeted by Dani who had just driven in. We packed up camp and drove down to exactly above the falls. Simon left us as he had pressing business at home. Gear was distributed and we scrambled down to the top of the falls. Anchors were set and ropes laid exactly as per the previous day. It was Dani's first abseil so sometime was spent in instruction. Assembling at the bottom we then scrambled up to the verandah below the cliff line and traversed to the cave for a look see. It was then a scramble straight up to the top for a bit of refreshment before returning to the ropes for a second drop. I did not do a second instead opting to retrieve the gear while the others scrambled back to the cars. We then all drove down to the picnic area 372-504 for a swim before departing company around 15:00. A great weekend with a good crew that should be repeated. Shane

Saturday 26th November 2016: Iron Pot Creek, Toonumbar NP

Participants: Saturday Tina R, David R, Steve M, Barbara S, Cam P, Alan G, and leader Shane M

We had all arrived at the Iron Pot Camping Area before dusk on Friday which we hoped would give us an early start on Saturday. Weather was dry and mild and we all slept soundly.

Saturday started 8:30 we left in two cars to drive up to Cox Road intersection with Cob of Corn 741-516 and left the two cars there and made our way down the old disused track to the bridge at 735-513. We dropped down the 5m to Iron Pot Creek on the left side and proceeded along the bank in a vain attempt to keep our feet dry. It did not take long for the inevitable wetting to happen and once resigned to it wading became the norm. Not long after this I found that "hole" mentioned in previous club reports and suffered a laceration to the shin, but it was ably bandaged by Tina. I believe the position of the hole to be 741-851 and should be noted for safety purposes on future walks there. The depth of the hole exceeds 2 meters and is easily obscured by muddy water. Traveling on down stream rock hopping and wading we arrived at the top of a waterfall of 30m plus 743-511 and after some debate we decided to leave the creek via the right bank and contour around to a gully that offered a way down to the base of the falls. Although it was very steep it was managed without any mishap. We regrouped at the base of the waterfall and did the photo thing. Off down the creek rock hopping and wading until we at last reached the gorge or chasm at 752-500. Here the creek had eroded the surrounding sandstone into a quite narrow canyon. Waist depth wading through much of it as the 30m cliffs towered each side. Occasionally the canyon opened up with relatively flat shores before they soared to the heights again. Many a good camping spot in there for future walks. Time was really getting away from us and after a lot of debate as to how far we had actual progressed it was decided that the plan B, escape at the Murray Scrub Loop was to be taken as a safety measure. We exited at 764-468 and made our way vertically 80m up to the graded track. At that point we had traveled 12.3km and it was 5pm so it had been slow going. I left the group on the track and headed off the remaining 8km to camp as fast as I could arriving back at camp at 6:20pm and drove back to the track to pick up the two drivers for the car retrieval. The 20km x 2 drive to retrieve the cars was completed just on dusk.

The total walk had been 20km the 2.4km of foregone creek walking had been replaced with 8km of track and road walking but at least that could have been accomplished with headlights in the dark. An early night was had by weary souls. A most spectacular journey and worth the effort. Shane

Sunday 27th November 2016: Eden Creek Falls, Toonumbar NP

Participants: Sunday Tina R, David R, Steve M, Barbara S, Cam P, Alan G, Scott W and leader Shane M

We had all arrived at the Iron Pot Camping Area on the Friday and were generally quite exhausted from Saturday's adventure. The weather remained dry and mild for most of the day.

At 9:30 we had four cars parked opposite Poor Bullock Road leaving the large van at the entrance to the park. Proceeding down the disused maintenance track we arrived at the first intersection 800-456. Keeping left there is an old forestry sign "EDEN CREEK FALLS" leaning against the undergrowth. Staying on the Poor Bullock Road (overgrown and eroded) we descended to the old picnic area at 804-461 and stopped for a break. Next was the descent to the creek. The track is very indistinct with just the occasional pink ribbon letting you know that there was once a track here. Elevation changes from 578m to 475m and is slippery and steep in places. The creek is narrow and passes over the falls from a rock platform that is perhaps 4m wide to a large deep pool 30m~40m below. We had a break beside the creek here and made an entry in the geocache log found next to the falls. Proceeding by rock hopping upstream perhaps 50m the upper falls came into view. Most spectacular, a jagged face with many twists and turns as the water falls 40m~50m in another pool. Beside the creek sandpaper figs were covered in immature fruit a bit later in the season a feast there for the taking. After a short stop we headed up the steep slope to the right of the falls reaching the cliff line 804-464 and then contouring to the right 15m before once again heading up to the top of the ridge. Proceeding along parallel to the creek it was easy to find a gentle path down to the creek above the top waterfall. The area there is large rock slabs with crystal clear water and at the top of the falls is an infinity pool which Alan found to be perfect for a swim. A half hour break for lunch was taken before we were on the move again. As a change to the usual route it was decided to continue upstream for 50m and try to negotiate the bush up to Poor Bullock by a more direct method. We left the creek at 801-453 and headed to the SW and soon found ourselves in tree falls and the associated tangle of vines and creeper. It was tempting to turn back but we persevered with Alan in the lead. After 25minutes of rather laborious effort we were through and in opener vegetation. We then came across and old logging track and followed it back to Poor Bullock emerging at 796-458. That track has been marked for further exploration. The rest of the walk was just along Poor Bullock and back to the cars. We arrived at the cars at 2:05 a rather short walk but no one complained. David, Tina and Scott headed back down Range Road while the rest of us headed in the opposite direction to Sherwood Lookout for afternoon tea. A lot of Oohs and Aahs at the magnificent views of Lindsay, Barney and Maroon all in a row. At around 3:00 we headed out along Cox Road and back towards civilization what a magic day in good company. Did I mention 3 snakes (2 pythons, 1 brown) and the Flame Trees in full red display. Shane

9th April, 2016: Gold Coast Hinterland Abseil Recce

Participants: Peter W, Gary W, Lynn D, Doug McD, Ray H and Leader Shane M.

The rendezvous was the figtree roundabout at North Tamborine. The morning was coolish with a light breeze and we made our way to the creek and did the tape assisted decent to the first pitch by 9:00. The 100m rope was then anchored and deployed. This first pitch was what had stumped us on the first recce when we were unable to see what was around the corner at about the 40m mark. This time we had ample rope for whatever lay below. We had to protect the rope in the first 20m as there was a lot of sharp rock. At the 35m mark there was a ledge which enabled a breather and a redirection of the rope. The next 20m were wet and slippery but passed with ease. So the impasse had only been 55m and we all grouped at this staging spot ready for the next. The 100m rope was left in place and prepared for retrieval from above at the day's end. After a short scramble the next abseil was 25m, not as thrilling as the first, but good. The next two were 35m each and respectable, each in their own right. A 10m tape decent was then followed by a 15m abseil and we were finally at the confluence of the first creek coming in on the right. The total decent had been 180m of abseiling and all were done using natural anchors with the ropes retrieved on each pitch on the way down. Then started the ascent up the unnamed creek on the right. It was beautiful with waterfalls and swimming pools and definitely worth another look see. We then headed up the steep slope with a few breathers on the way and came out in a back yard! Here we were greeted by an intrigued property owner who wanted to know all about the waterfalls and was most kind in the way out directions. It was then just a short downhill to the waiting cars, and Gary and I then went down to retrieve the first rope. The excellent day ended at 3:30 with a beer in North Tamborine. We made our plans to explore that other creek next time. Also, many thanks to the members of Federation Mountain Rescue who joined us on the day. For the record, this abseil only requires 2 x 70m ropes, and a 3rd as backup. 5 9t

Sunday 7 August 2016: Boomerang Falls Abseil

Participants: Shaya M, Mark M, Leader Shane M

The day started 8:45 at the intersection of Mill Road and Forest Range Road at Whian Whian State Conservation Area. We crossed the road and headed down Boomerang Falls Road. Arriving at the top of the falls we were surprised to find the recent torrential rains had cleared all debris leaving a nicely exposed rock cliff edge. I opted for a more adventurous anchor position than normal. The new launch spot was much closer to the actual flow and gave a more thrilling ride albeit wetter. A single 11mm of 60m length was used and I headed down first. The decent was fantastic and I landed on a ledge just above the pool. Unfortunately there was no way of reaching the shore proper without wading ankle deep through the pool. The piles of debris that had previously been littering the edges of the pool had also been completely removed and nothing remained except for the rock wall at the edges. Mark and Shaya followed me down and the look of glee on their faces told the sheer excitement that they had experienced. Grouping together I led the scramble up the escarpment

through the lawyer vines and fallen trees back to the top. Arriving back it was "Lets do that again" so off we went again. This time on arriving back at the top, it was about 2:00pm Mark opted to go for his third while Shaya and myself packed up the gear. We were then off back to the cars by a different way than usual. This recce of the other road confirmed that the usual way was preferred by far. By 3:00pm we had all parted company after a most enjoyable/thrilling day. Shane

Friday 19 Saturday 20 August 2016 : Kinnanes Falls Abseil

Participants: Gary W, Karl S, Brendan W, Tony L and Leader Shane M

The adventure started with a drive to Koreelah NP camping area west of Woodenbong. With Gary, Karl and myself in one car and Brendan arriving in his car. It was dark when we arrived and Brendan had already set up his camp. After pitching our tents we waited for the arrival of Tony from down south. At 8:30pm when we had just about given up on Tony he arrived after having lost his way. We were all in our sleeping bags within the hour and had a warm, dry night.

Up early we packed up and headed up Head Road to the intersection with Spring Creek Road and turned right and headed for Mt Wilson. By 9:15 we were parked at the base of the mountain. After allocating gear for carrying we crossed Wilson Creek and headed up the track on the ridge line. Something was not right, I could not find the fence line that I remembered. Then the realization that the creek should be on our left not the right. Oh dear - backtrack. Not a problem though and we finally climbing the 1:1 ridge that ends in a verandah/balcony. Carefully navigating a very exposed section we arrived at the top of the creek and kitted up with wetsuits etc.

The first part of the descent was plunging into cold water (bracing) followed by a short piece of canyoning which was a buzz. Arriving at the first abseil of about 10m we found the anchors left by previous persons were of adequate strength and dated at November 2015. The slippery slide into the pool at the top of the first a major abseil was next. The anchor bolts were checked and determined to be adequate, the twin 9mm x 70m were laid down to the next launch site. We left the rope for the top abseil in place as an escape device in case the anchors further down the falls were missing. 50m rope is sufficient for this purpose. The group stayed just below the water slide until it was confirmed that the anchors were intact 55m below. The top rope was then retrieved and all descended and congregated at the shelf 65m above the bottom. The two 70m ropes were then deployed again and one by one we all descended to the bottom. By 2:30 we were all getting out of our cold wet gear and then headed back to the cars. At the cars we were packing the gear when the rain began and we decided that the Woodenbong Pub was the go. So heading off up Spring Creek Road with a bit of site seeing we arrived at the pub for a celebratory ale. All had thoroughly enjoyed the day. It had been a first time for NRBC although several members had done it with other clubs. Thanks to all for being such a competent crew. This was the best day out there, in my opinion. Shane

5th and 6th November, 2016: Abseiling – Leader: Shane - Mt Jerusalem NP, Chowan Creek

Participants Saturday: Tina R, David R, Simon C, Lucy C and Shane M.

Saturday started 8:30 at the intersection of the track on South Chowan Road 379-506. We set off along the old timber getting track across the bridge that was to later be our campsite. We followed the track as far as we were able which was in fact almost to the summit of the knoll 381-514. Turning to the north and following the contour we arrived at the source of Chowan Creek.

There was barely any water in the creek and it was obvious due to the polished nature of the rocks in the creek that normally a lot of water comes down that way. We then rock hopped and scrambled down the creek bed for some hours until we reached a large pool at a confluence with another creek 378-511. A rather beautiful spot with a cave at the waterline.

Here we had morning tea and relaxed. Up and at it, we were soon at the top of the major falls 376- 510, anchors were established and ropes laid with canvas protections. 2 x 70m 9mm Speleo were used and all descended using autoblock self belays. Assembling at the bottom of the falls we then proceeded to scramble and rock hop down the creek for the next few hours until we finally reached the road at the bottom of the hill 372-504.

There three of us indulged in a cool refreshing swim while David and I climbed/walked up the road to the top of the hill to retrieve the cars. It was 36 C that day and a real labour. After a respite Tina and David bade farewell, and the rest of us returned to the track 379-508. There we discovered that Tony had arrived and was well established. We then proceeded to pitch tents and set up camp. Unfortunately it was a day of total fire ban, so the usual camp fire did not happen. We sat around eating and talking until rather late, 9:00, in total darkness except for the fireflies blinking as they flew past.

Sunday started at about 8:00 when we were greeted by Dani who had just driven in. We packed up camp and drove down to exactly above the falls. Simon left us as he had pressing business at home. Gear was distributed and we scrambled down to the top of the falls. Anchors were set and ropes laid exactly as per the previous day. It was Dani's first abseil so some time was spent in instruction.

Assembling at the bottom we then scrambled up to the veranda below the cliff line and traversed to the cave for a look see. It was then a scramble straight up to the top for a bit of refreshment before returning to the ropes for a second drop. I did not do a second, instead opting to retrieve the gear while the others scrambled back to the cars. We then all drove down to the picnic area 372-504 for a swim before departing company around 15:00. A great weekend with a good crew that should be repeated. Shane