Tip
Make sure someone knows where you're going, and what to do if you're late returning from your walk.
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"Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while."
Kin Hubbard (1868-1930)
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|  I hope you're enjoying the bush on these cool, clear days of winter. I
'm just back from enjoying a few days walking and snowshoeing in Kosciuszko, not to rub it in!
Here's a taste of what else has been happing at Wildwalks.
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| At Wildwalks...
We have been very busy in Southern parts of Kosciuszko NP over the past few months, and nearly all of our tracknotes in the area have now been updated. In addition, we have added more new walks for you to explore after the snow melts, but to keep you going in the meantime, you will find some snowshoe tracknotes trickling onto the site over the next week or two.
It was great to meet some of you at the launch of our first book, which is selling well (thanks!). The team here at Wildwalks is busy working on the next book, which will cover the Southern Kosciuszko region. Writing is well under way, and we hope to have it on shelves before the end of the year.
Over the past two months, I have started a regular radio spot called Weekend Walkers Guide, chatting with Scott Levi about a different walk each week. You can catch me each Friday, just before or after the 2pm news on Central Coast ABC local radio (FM 92.5).
In addition to the fun stuff, we have also made a number of performance enhancements to speed up the website. We hope this will improve your Wildwalks experience! Thanks also to everyone who supported us in the apps4nsw competition. While we didn't win, it was an interesting process through which we learned a lot. |
| | Upcoming Events...
Ku-ring-gai Council is hosting a Public Workshop this Thursday 12th August. Guest speakers will present on the night about aspects on Climate Change risk and adaptation, helping the council develop their Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. The event will be held at Ku-ring-gai Council Chambers (Level 3), 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon, starting at 6:30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact Louise Hayward on 02 9424 0172 or email adapt@kmc.nsw.gov.au
Ku-ring-gai Council is hosting its annual Festival of Wildflowers - a free, enjoyable event for the whole family at the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, St Ives on Sunday August 29, 9am to 4pm. A number of expert speakers will give some fascinating talks celebrating the year of Biodiversity. Learn about vegie gardening and purchase native plants, or take a guided bushwalk through the beautiful gardens. Children can meet some native animals at the Taronga Zoo and Australian Wildlife displays, as well as net for tadpoles and enjoy the bushcraft corner. Relax with a devonshire tea, sausage sizzle or a little bush tucker. And be sure to come say hello to me at the Wildwalks stand!
Don't forget the Walk of the Month! We have teamed up with the NPA to provide free guided walks, providing a great way to introduce your friends to bushwalking. In August, we are walking the historic Sydney Harbour's South Head. |
A Spotlight on... Muogamarra Nature Reserve
 The end of winter heralds the start of wildflower season. Muogamarra Nature Reserve (pronounced moo-oh-gah-mah-ra) gives the best natural wildflower display within easy reach of Sydney and the Central Coast. There are at least 6 different walks, ranging from an easy one hour, 2 km loop, to a hard six hour return. Even on the drive in, you will be amazed at the abundance of blooms and the natural, weed-free conditions of this Hawkesbury sandstone environment. Walks allow you to see some interesting geological and historical features up close, and you won't be disappointed by the stunning displays of purple Boronias, pink Eriostemons (wax flowers), as well as diverse pea flowers, delicate orchids, and in September, the Waratahs (pictured).
The park is only open to the public for 6 weekends each year, from now until September 12, 2010. Due to the restricted access, we have not included these walks on the Wildwalks website, but the knowledgeable volunteers offer guided walks (book in advance) or freely loan their laminated interpretive notes for self-guided walks. For more information on guided walks, phone the Kalkari Discovery Centre on (02) 9472 9300. The park entrance is on the Pacific Highway, 3km north of Cowan (opposite 'Pie in the Sky' cafe). Entry to the park costs $10 per adult and $5 per child. |
| A little about... Snowshoeing
 The tracks are covered in the frozen white stuff and it is a great time to walk. Snowshoes are an attachment for your boots that help make walking on snow a real joy. They help you float on the snow, and have crampons (metals prongs) to stick to the icy sections.
Walking with snowshoes takes a little bit more effort than summer walking but it also gives you a lot more freedom to explore.
I have just done some winter-only walks that I will publish on Wildwalks in the next week; this includes the popular Rock Creek Trail - a gentle 3km circuit in Perisher Valley. But many of the walks that you do during the warmer months in Kosciuszko National Park can be done in winter with snowshoes. There are plenty of trails to follow; the main trick to remember is to avoid walking on cross-country ski trails, as this can make it hazardous for skiers. Wilderness Sports can help you with gear hire or guided tours. K7 Adventures can also help with guided showshoe experainces and photographic tours. |
| Thanks for reading. Please e-mail me any news or other information that you think will go well in this newsletter. Until next edition, happy walking.
Sincerely,
Matt McClelland
www.wildwalks.com
matt@wildwalks.com
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