The Department of Conservation and Land Management has released a draft
fire management policy for public comment.

CALM Executive Director Keiran McNamara said the draft policy would update
the Department’s existing policy that was adopted in 1987 and updated in 1997.

Mr McNamara said the draft policy outlined the Department’s approach to the
use of fire, fire suppression and wildfire prevention. The document also
contained an outline of the rationale for the policy and the scientific
principles for fire management the Department had adopted.

Mr McNamara said copies of the draft policy were available on the
Department’s website – NatureBase at http://www.naturebase.net/haveyoursay.
The Muller Report and the proceedings of the community forum on fire were
available on NatureBase under Special Projects.

Copies of the scientific papers presented at the April 2002 forum are
published in a book titled Fire in ecosystems of south-west Western
Australia: impacts and management, edited by Ian Abbott and Neil Burrows,
and available now in libraries.

Submissions on the draft fire policy can be made either in writing, through
http://www.naturebase.net/haveyoursay, or to kerryc@.... Written
submissions should be sent to: The Executive Director, CALM, Locked Bag
104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Bentley, WA 6151 and marked Attention: Fire
Management Policy Review. The closing date for submissions is 30 April 2004.
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

It seems that school groups are out in force in February. Campsites to be
invaded are:

February 20, 2004: Boat Harbour and Gregory Brook

February 21, 2004: William Bay and Tom Road

February 22, 2004: Nerang and Tom Road

February 22, 2004: Boarding House

February 23, 2004: Mt Cooke and Boarding House

February 24, 2004: Nullaki, Monadnocks, and Beedelup

February 25, 2004: West Cape Howe and Beedelup

February 26, 2004: Torbay

February 27, 2004: Hidden Valley

March 16, 17, 23 and 24, 2004: Torbay

Cheers
Andrew




--
http://BackpackGearTest.org : The most comprehensive interactive gear
reviews and tests on the planet


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

CALM are advising that the Mt Clare section (section 45 - 46 of the
Southern guidebook) of the Bibbulmun Track has been reopened.

Regards
Andrew Priest
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

Information for MSR Pocket Rocket owners - see
http://www.recalls.gov.au/recalls_last30days.cfm?rcl_type=recalls_consumer&psa_i\
d=10435
for details of the recall.

Regards
Andrew Priest
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

One for Perth Bushwalker Club members. Advance notice of my next backpack
in the Long Point area, near Walpole.  The walk is planned for March 19 -
21, 2004.  My next planned backpack after this one will be in May. Details
to follow once I work out where I am going :-)

Regards
Andrew


SSSH AT HUSH HUSH BEACH WEEKENDER – 20 km + 300 m

This is a medium paced backpack with a bit of a difference.  We will be
heading off Friday evening to Crystal Springs (Walpole) approximately 400
km south of Perth where we will be camping on the Friday night.  Early
Saturday morning we will break camp to walk into Long Point campsite, our
overnight base for breakfast.  After breakfast we will be donning our day
packs for a day of exploring and swimming.  Expect some off-track walking,
hill and ridge climbing (Poison Hill amongst others) and swimming at Hush
Hush Beach.  On the Sunday we will again don our backpacks for some
off-track exploring along the coast north to Mandalay Beach and the
cars.  Highlight of today will be sightings of the Mandalay ship wreck
(hopefully).  While the kilometres are low for this walk, do expect some
fairly heavy going at times along with the rewards of exploring a small
part of our southern coast.  Expect a later afternoon/early evening return
to Perth.  Expressions of interest to Andrew via email at
<file:///C:/My%20Documents/Perth%20Bushwalkers%20Club/Walk%20Descriptions/mailto\
:Andrew@aushiker.com>Andrew@....


--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Andrew
Thanks for the input on resupply for the Bibbulmum It offers a few options
and is exactly what I need.
Re fuel, I exclusively use a homemade alcohol stove, and have enjoyed how
readily available metho is here in Austalia. Presently residing in the
Northern Territory, it is sometimes difficult to get without the presence of
a purple dye which tends to deposit soot on the pot. Still cheap and
efficient.

Philip

----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Priest" <andrew@...>
To: <aushiker@...>
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 9:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Aushiker] Introduction


> At 01:32 PM 14/02/2004, you wrote:
>
>
> >Having only recently heard of the Bibbulmun Track, I am considering that
> >as an ideal through-hike opportunity which I would like to complete
> >sometime in the near future.
>
> <snip>
>
> >  On some tracks I am able to average distances of 35 km per day and
would
> > welcome any input on resupply strategies for a walk on the Bibbulmun
Track.
>
> Hi Philip
>
> Just to help you on the language, we call thru-hikes end to ends in this
> part of the world :-). Anyway on to more important things.
>
> The Track passes through seven towns - Dwellingup, Collie, Balingup,
> Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, and Denmark as it wonders south. In
> addition food boxes can be left at the North Banister Roadhouse ($5 fee
> applies) and at Donnelly River Village.  It is possible to resupply at
each
> of these towns with the exception of Balingup which is a total SHOCKER for
> food supplies. In fact Donnelly River Village is a better option.
> Alternatively food boxes could be left or posted to oneself at either the
> local post office or tourist bureaus or accommodation (if booked in
> advance). If taking this option, tourist bureaus are recommended as they
> are normally open seven days a week.
>
> As well Kalamunda (Northern Trailhead) has a Coles Supermarket (major
> national supermarket chain) very close by and Albany (Southern Trailhead)
> is also well serviced with supermarkets.
>
> In terms of fuel, sheltie and cannisters are harder to get enroute,
whereas
> metho (alcohol) is pretty readily available in towns. The Fuel Name FAQ is
> worth reviewing to get an understanding of the fuel names here in
> Australia. You will find it at
http://members.iinet.net.au/~mbuckler/fuel/.
>
> Following my end to end of the Track in August - October 2003 I am
> rewriting my Bibbulmun Track notes pages at http://aushiker.com. Very much
> work in progress, but you might find it useful. Go to
> http://aushiker.com/bt_main.htm.
>
> Regards
> Andrew Priest
>
>
> Regards
> Andrew
> --
> Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
> Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
> Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
> Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>  http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/aushiker/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  aushiker-unsubscribe@...
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>  http://au.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

At 01:32 PM 14/02/2004, you wrote:


>Having only recently heard of the Bibbulmun Track, I am considering that
>as an ideal through-hike opportunity which I would like to complete
>sometime in the near future.

<snip>

>  On some tracks I am able to average distances of 35 km per day and would
> welcome any input on resupply strategies for a walk on the Bibbulmun Track.

Hi Philip

Just to help you on the language, we call thru-hikes end to ends in this
part of the world :-). Anyway on to more important things.

The Track passes through seven towns - Dwellingup, Collie, Balingup,
Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, and Denmark as it wonders south. In
addition food boxes can be left at the North Banister Roadhouse ($5 fee
applies) and at Donnelly River Village.  It is possible to resupply at each
of these towns with the exception of Balingup which is a total SHOCKER for
food supplies. In fact Donnelly River Village is a better option.
Alternatively food boxes could be left or posted to oneself at either the
local post office or tourist bureaus or accommodation (if booked in
advance). If taking this option, tourist bureaus are recommended as they
are normally open seven days a week.

As well Kalamunda (Northern Trailhead) has a Coles Supermarket (major
national supermarket chain) very close by and Albany (Southern Trailhead)
is also well serviced with supermarkets.

In terms of fuel, sheltie and cannisters are harder to get enroute, whereas
metho (alcohol) is pretty readily available in towns. The Fuel Name FAQ is
worth reviewing to get an understanding of the fuel names here in
Australia. You will find it at http://members.iinet.net.au/~mbuckler/fuel/.

Following my end to end of the Track in August - October 2003 I am
rewriting my Bibbulmun Track notes pages at http://aushiker.com. Very much
work in progress, but you might find it useful. Go to
http://aushiker.com/bt_main.htm.

Regards
Andrew Priest


Regards
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

Dave Osborne of Perth Bushwalkers Club has added a new walk to his growing
database of Western Australian walks.  The new walk is titled "Serpentine -
Karnet Rock Walk" and details can be found at
<http://www.walkgps.com/Serpentine-Karnet%20Rock%20Walk.htm>.

Enjoy

Regards
Andrew Priest
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

Given the often heated debate around the traps on carrying EPIRB (Emergency
Position Indicator Radio Beacons) I thought this little snip bit at Johnny
Appleseed's would be of interest ...
<http://www.ja-gps.com.au/links3.html#epirbssavelives>.

Regards
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

For those interested, the 4th and final stage of the 2004 X-adventure Raid
Series will now take place from the 3rd to 5th of September and not the
17th to 19th as previously announced.  The race series is being held in the
outback in Western Australia.

More details at http://www.raidseries.com/

Regards
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mike

Thank you for the response, and I will certainly be getting on to those
contacts you gave me.

Cheers

Philip
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mountain Designs Perth" <mtdesign@...>
To: <aushiker@...>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 1:09 PM
Subject: Fw: [Aushiker] Introduction


>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mountain Designs Perth" <perth@...>
> To: <aushiker@...>
> Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 9:55 AM
> Subject: Re: [Aushiker] Introduction
>
>
> > Hi Phillip,
> >
> > One of the best groups to contact re supply points, etc is The Bibbulmun
> > Track Foundation, they have a free advisory service, 08 9481 0551, speak
> to
> > Steve Sertis who's the head gudie for the organisation. Check out the
> > website on www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au . I know what you mean about
weight,
> I
> > own some outdoor stores here in WA and spend most of my time trying to
> talk
> > people out of buying 80 litre packs and wearing mountaineering boots!!
> > Cheers,
> > Mike Wood
> > Chairman, Bibbulmun Track Foundation.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Philip McHugh" <usaphilip@...>
> > To: <aushiker@...>
> > Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2004 1:32 PM
> > Subject: [Aushiker] Introduction
> >
> >
> > > Hi
> > > Have been a follower of two backpacking lists for a few years now:
> > BackpackingLight and a similar one dedicated to through hiking the PCT.
> Only
> > just noticed "Aushiker" at the bottom of one of Andrew Priest's
postings,
> so
> > I thought I would sign on and get the Aussi perspective.
> > >
> > > I am an American who has been living in Australia since 1976. I did
the
> > Coast to Coast Walk in the north of England a few years back, and during
> my
> > return trips to the States I have walked sections of the Appalachian
Trail
> > and am planning to walk the John Muir Trail in California within the
next
> > few years. I mainly reside near the the Snowy Mountains in NSW and,
> > therefore, spend a lot of time walking in that region. The Mt Jagungal
> area
> > is a particular favourite of mine. I also recently completed the Great
> South
> > West Walk in Victoria.
> > >
> > > Having only recently heard of the Bibbulmun Track, I am considering
that
> > as an ideal through-hike opportunity which I would like to complete
> sometime
> > in the near future. Thanks to Ray Jardine and to the input from so many
of
> > the subscribers to the lists that I have followed, I now employ the
> > ultralight approach, restricting my base weight (without food, water or
> > fuel) to around 5kg. On some tracks I am able to average distances of 35
> km
> > per day and would welcome any input on resupply strategies for a walk on
> the
> > Bibbulmun Track.
> > >
> > > Philip
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > > To visit your group on the web, go to:
> > >  http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/aushiker/
> > >
> > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > >  aushiker-unsubscribe@...
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> > >  http://au.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>  http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/aushiker/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  aushiker-unsubscribe@...
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>  http://au.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mountain Designs Perth" <perth@...>
To: <aushiker@...>
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 9:55 AM
Subject: Re: [Aushiker] Introduction


> Hi Phillip,
>
> One of the best groups to contact re supply points, etc is The Bibbulmun
> Track Foundation, they have a free advisory service, 08 9481 0551, speak
to
> Steve Sertis who's the head gudie for the organisation. Check out the
> website on www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au . I know what you mean about weight,
I
> own some outdoor stores here in WA and spend most of my time trying to
talk
> people out of buying 80 litre packs and wearing mountaineering boots!!
> Cheers,
> Mike Wood
> Chairman, Bibbulmun Track Foundation.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Philip McHugh" <usaphilip@...>
> To: <aushiker@...>
> Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2004 1:32 PM
> Subject: [Aushiker] Introduction
>
>
> > Hi
> > Have been a follower of two backpacking lists for a few years now:
> BackpackingLight and a similar one dedicated to through hiking the PCT.
Only
> just noticed "Aushiker" at the bottom of one of Andrew Priest's postings,
so
> I thought I would sign on and get the Aussi perspective.
> >
> > I am an American who has been living in Australia since 1976. I did the
> Coast to Coast Walk in the north of England a few years back, and during
my
> return trips to the States I have walked sections of the Appalachian Trail
> and am planning to walk the John Muir Trail in California within the next
> few years. I mainly reside near the the Snowy Mountains in NSW and,
> therefore, spend a lot of time walking in that region. The Mt Jagungal
area
> is a particular favourite of mine. I also recently completed the Great
South
> West Walk in Victoria.
> >
> > Having only recently heard of the Bibbulmun Track, I am considering that
> as an ideal through-hike opportunity which I would like to complete
sometime
> in the near future. Thanks to Ray Jardine and to the input from so many of
> the subscribers to the lists that I have followed, I now employ the
> ultralight approach, restricting my base weight (without food, water or
> fuel) to around 5kg. On some tracks I am able to average distances of 35
km
> per day and would welcome any input on resupply strategies for a walk on
the
> Bibbulmun Track.
> >
> > Philip
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> > To visit your group on the web, go to:
> >  http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/aushiker/
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> >  aushiker-unsubscribe@...
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> >  http://au.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
>

Hi
Have been a follower of two backpacking lists for a few years now:
BackpackingLight and a similar one dedicated to through hiking the PCT. Only
just noticed "Aushiker" at the bottom of one of Andrew Priest's postings, so I
thought I would sign on and get the Aussi perspective.

I am an American who has been living in Australia since 1976. I did the Coast to
Coast Walk in the north of England a few years back, and during my return trips
to the States I have walked sections of the Appalachian Trail and am planning to
walk the John Muir Trail in California within the next few years. I mainly
reside near the the Snowy Mountains in NSW and, therefore, spend a lot of time
walking in that region. The Mt Jagungal area is a particular favourite of mine.
I also recently completed the Great South West Walk in Victoria.

Having only recently heard of the Bibbulmun Track, I am considering that as an
ideal through-hike opportunity which I would like to complete sometime in the
near future. Thanks to Ray Jardine and to the input from so many of the
subscribers to the lists that I have followed, I now employ the ultralight
approach, restricting my base weight (without food, water or fuel) to around
5kg. On some tracks I am able to average distances of 35 km per day and would
welcome any input on resupply strategies for a walk on the Bibbulmun Track.

Philip

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

At 08:10 PM 09/02/2004, you wrote:
>My qustion would be how far away would you walk away from the snake - 50,
>100 or 200 metres?

We all walked around this snake and where within a metre of it as we did
it. It was not interested in moving on.  It was suggested that it had
recently eaten and was still digesting its food ... it was coiled up only
at its tail.

Andrew

--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

My qustion would be how far away would you walk away from the snake - 50,
100 or 200 metres?

(Whimp when it comes to snakes)

Rob Howes
Geraldton

----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Priest" <andrew@...>
To: <aushiker@...>; "Bibbulmun Track Club"
<bibbulmuntrackclub@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2004 9:40 AM
Subject: [Aushiker] BT - Helena Campsite


>
> Hi Everyone
>
> Just a quick update of a walk from the Hills Activity Centre into Helena
> campsite on the weekend.  A group of eight of us from Perth Bushwalkers
> Club walked into Helena early Saturday evening and back out Sunday
morning.
> A great time was had by all.
>
> Track is in good condition all the way.  Creeks are bone dry as you would
> expect and the gravel is a pain on the hills, but otherwise very nice out
> there indeed.
>
> Ball Creek campsite is clean and tidy. Water tank is about 2/3
> full.  Helena campsite is also clean and tidy, with both tanks being about
> 1/2 full. No sign of nocturnal visitors at the campsite or wrigglers in
the
> water at Helena. Sadly the blue wrens weren't around Sunday morning.
>
> Saw two kangaroos and one snake enroute to Helena on Saturday.  I think
the
> snake was a python ... wasn't interested in moving off the Track at all.
We
> just walked around it. This raises an interesting or trivial question.
Does
> one walk around the front or back of a snake or it doesn't  matter?
>
> Note to CALM/Bibbulmun Track Foundation: No broom or rake at Helena
> Campsite. Why do people take these things?
>
> Hope everyone had a good weekend.
>
> Regards
> Andrew
> --
> Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
> Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
> Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
> Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>  http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/aushiker/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  aushiker-unsubscribe@...
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>  http://au.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>

Hi Everyone

Just a quick update of a walk from the Hills Activity Centre into Helena
campsite on the weekend.  A group of eight of us from Perth Bushwalkers
Club walked into Helena early Saturday evening and back out Sunday morning.
A great time was had by all.

Track is in good condition all the way.  Creeks are bone dry as you would
expect and the gravel is a pain on the hills, but otherwise very nice out
there indeed.

Ball Creek campsite is clean and tidy. Water tank is about 2/3
full.  Helena campsite is also clean and tidy, with both tanks being about
1/2 full. No sign of nocturnal visitors at the campsite or wrigglers in the
water at Helena. Sadly the blue wrens weren't around Sunday morning.

Saw two kangaroos and one snake enroute to Helena on Saturday.  I think the
snake was a python ... wasn't interested in moving off the Track at all. We
just walked around it. This raises an interesting or trivial question. Does
one walk around the front or back of a snake or it doesn't  matter?

Note to CALM/Bibbulmun Track Foundation: No broom or rake at Helena
Campsite. Why do people take these things?

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Regards
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

G'day all,

Yesterday's (Thur 5 Feb) editorial in Melbourne's "The Age" newspaper contains
an informed attack on alpine grazing.  It is good news that there is support at
an editorial level in a major newspaper.  This should make it more likely that
we can get more information into the newspapers and ultimately have this
damaging practice stopped for good.


The Age's editorial

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/02/04/1075853936784.html

Alan


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

The Bibbulmun Track Foundation (no mention of this on CALM's website) is
reporting that the Water Corporation will be opening the Torbay Inlet on
Wednesday February 4, 2004, prior to the professional salmon fishing season
commencing.

It is likely that Torbay Inlet will therefore not be crossable. The
Foundation is suggesting either organising a boat crossing or arranging
transport to get around the Inlet via road.

Based on personal experience, trying to circumnavigate the Inlet is not a
good option!

Regards
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

For those interested, BackpackGearTest.org <http://backpackgeartest.org>
has completed the following product tests during January, 2004.  These
tests are undertaken for no monetary gain by BackpackGearTest.org and are
undertaken in the field by backpackers (hikers, trampers, bushwalkers)
normally over a six month period .  The tester gets to keep the gear at the
end of the test.

Just click on the link to be taken to the test reports.

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .9 First Aid Kit
          <http://www.backpackgeartest.org/adventuremedicalkits/>

Brasslite Duo Stove
          <http://www.backpackgeartest.org/brasslite/>

Tarptent by Henry Shires Squall Tarptent
          <http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tarptent/>

Regards
Andrew Priest
List Moderator
BackpackGearTest.org


--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/


--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



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Hi

For those who are wondering why Yahoo! is experiencing problems delivering
messages at present, see <http://groups.yahoo.com/local/service.html>.

Regards
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

For those interested in Western Australian walks, Dave Osborne has added a
new walk to his growing online resource.  The new walk is rated by Dave as
an easy to medium walk, 12.5 km in length. Dave has labelled this walk,
"Darling Scarp Walk."  Further details at
<http://www.walkgps.com/Darling%20Scarp%20Walk.htm>.

Regards
Andrew

--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

One for Garmin users.  Garmin Garmin has implemented an e-mail list for
notifying users of firmware updates. In the top right corner of each update
page is a link to a sign-up page.  Go to
<http://www.garmin.com/support/download.jsp> and then click on your
product. Take it from there.

Regards
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/

The Department of Conservation and Land Management will begin burning out
unburnt pockets as part of the strategy to contain a fire that has burned
through 200 hectares in the John Forrest National Park on the eastern edge
of the metropolitan area.

The burning will be along Peachy Road in Swan View. The aim of the burning
is to create a wide, low fuel buffer between private property and the fire
edge. This will assist in minimising the risk from flare ups that might
occur in the face of easterly winds tomorrow morning.

The Department also will be lighting up unburnt pockets within the main
fire perimeter. The burning out is part of the strategy minimise the risk
of re-ignition of the fire tomorrow.

Department crews from Mundaring and Jarrahdale are being assisted by local
volunteer bush fire brigades and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority.
More than 60 personnel are involved.

The fire began just after midday in a steep and inaccessible section of the
park north of the Jane Brook and east of Rocky Pool.

Waterbombers and helitaks have been used throughout the day to assist in
containing the fire. Thick smoke from the headfire earlier this afternoon
limited the aerial operations but the bombers were deployed to the northern
side of the fire where a bulldozer was used to work along the flank and
pinch off the front.

The fire now is contained within existing tracks.

CALM's Perth Hills District Duty Officer Kevin Pollock said the control
operations later this evening would mean the final fire size might be as
big as 250 hectares.

"The fire has not threatened private property but we want to ensure the
western edge that is only a few hundred metres from Peachy Road is secure,
especially as we expect gusting easterly winds early tomorrow morning," he
said.
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



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Hi

Probably a bit off topic but worth sharing ... thanks to Gadog on AT-L for
sharing this.

See
<http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/01/21/offbeat.hiking.mistake.ap/index.html\
>
or <http://snipurl.com/3zgs>.

Buen camino
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

Apparently Energizer has developed and is ready to market AAA Lithium
batteries.

http://news.corporate.findlaw.com/prnewswire/20040107/07jan2004180427.html

Cheers
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
Bibbulmun Track End to Ender - 2003
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/ -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lighttrailfood/



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

For those interested, CALM has released a new screensaver, "Fungi of the
South West Forests" (Western Australia).  You can find this one and others
at <http://www.naturebase.net/screensavers/>.

URL is now correct. Sorry about that.

Enjoy
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/
ICQ N0. 38215599
Bibbulmun Track End to End - 2003


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

For those interested, CALM has released a new screensaver, "Fungi of the
South West Forests" (Western Australia).  You can find this one and others
at <http://www.naturebase.net/screensavers/sslink.cgi>.

Enjoy
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/
ICQ N0. 38215599
Bibbulmun Track End to End - 2003


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From the Weather Bureau - see
http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/climate/ahead/20040115T_wa.sh\
tml
for pretty pictures and more links.

Regards
Andrew


The Bureau's seasonal temperature outlook for late summer to mid-autumn, is
neutral for WA as a result of recent temperature patterns in the Indian and
Pacific Oceans.

For the February to April period in WA, the chances of above average
seasonal daytime temperatures are a little over 60% in the far northeast of
the State, but over most areas they're between 45 and 60% (see map). So
with climate patterns like the current, about 5 seasons out of every 10 are
expected to be warmer than average across most of WA, with about 5 out of
10 being cooler.

Outlook confidence is related to the consistency of the influence of
Pacific and Indian Ocean temperatures on seasonal temperatures. During the
February to April period, history shows this influence on maximum
temperatures to be moderately consistent over parts of central and northern
WA, but over most of the State the influence is only weakly or very weakly
consistent (see background information).

Warmer than average nights are favoured over northeast WA. The probability
of above average seasonal minimum temperatures is between 60 and 70% in
this part of the State, while it is mainly between 50 and 60% elsewhere.

History shows the oceans' influence on minimum temperatures in the February
to April period to be moderate to highly consistent in northeast WA, and
generally moderately consistent over the rest of the State, particularly
the populated areas.

--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/
ICQ N0. 38215599
Bibbulmun Track End to End - 2003


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

For those interested Dave Osborne has two more walk descriptions to his
website.  They are:

Victoria Reservoir - Bickley Brook Walk
         
<http://www.walkgps.com/Victoria%20Reservoir-Bickley%20Brook%20Walk.htm>

Lions Lookout - Bickley Reservoir Walk
          <http://www.walkgps.com/Lions%20Lookout-Bickley%20Reservoir%20Walk.htm>

Regards
Andrew Priest
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/
ICQ N0. 38215599
Bibbulmun Track End to End - 2003


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi

For those in the market, Mainpeak have a sale on at present which includes
good discounts on Macpac gear. Details at
<http://www.mainpeak.com.au/sale.htm>.

Regards
Andrew
--
Aushiker: Hiking in Western Australia - http://aushiker.com
President - Perth Bushwalkers Club Inc - http://www.perthbushwalkers.asn.au
Senior Edit Moderator - http://www.backpackgeartest.org
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trekking2/
Moderator - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bushwalking/
ICQ N0. 38215599
Bibbulmun Track End to End - 2003


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]