The Batemans Bay Bushwalkers have now commenced their final quarter walk program for 2020. The program runs from September to the beginning of December offering four walks per fortnight of various grades – ranging from Easy to Hard. With the easing of some coronavirus restrictions, they have scheduled two camps for this quarter – a paddle camp in the Shoalhaven region and a pack walk of 4 days in the Budawangs.
The first fortnight of the program saw four Medium walks on offer. Rain cancelled the first walk in the Nelligen region, but the next three walks were held in lovely spring weather – perfect for hiking and wildflowers. A medium hike of 8kms in the Bodalla State Forest around Tarourga Road had the bushwalkers going off track while the forest floor is now relatively clear of debris to explore the area. The group found many yellow leopard ground orchids, flying duck ground orchids and came across two red belly black snakes, a goanna and an emu!
The last walks were both in the Long Beach area. Last Saturday, seven members enjoyed a very pleasant 10km hike along the shores of Batemans Bay from Long Beach to Three Islet Point. This walk is only possible at low tide which is required to walk along the narrow shoreline. The walk had some rock scrambling along the shore platform, but the upside was experiencing some interesting geology outcrops with views of Batemans Bay and the Tollgate Islands enhanced by a weekend yacht race with full spinnakers in the fresh breezes.
While on Thursday, 18 hikers walked 10kms from Sea Acres Drive in Long Beach on good tracks through dry open forest down into a forest of tall smooth blue gums (Eucalyptus Saligna) in and around Wrights Creek. Yellow leopard ground orchids were also spotted on this walk.
Bushwalking is a great way to explore our region. To become a member of the club, visit www.baybushwalkers.org.au for details on how to join.
Making their way through a boulder field on the Tarourga Road Spring Walk
Mary Marchant finding a new use for her mask as a hat because she forgot hers!
Walk Leader, Barry Keeley, leading his group around the rock platforms to Three Islet Point at low tide
Yellow Leopard ground orchids have been spotted on a few walks
