Information Grading, Gear, Day Pack, Safety
Grading of Activities
Walks are graded according to distance, terrain and condition of the track.
To ensure that members participate in activities appropriate to their capabilities, all activities are graded. Leaders may refuse a member’s request to attend if the leader feels the member will not be able to complete the activity safely. It is recommended that new club members try a progression of walks from easy to medium to hard so that if you wish to participate in a hard walk the ability to complete a medium walk has been demonstrated.
Walks listed in the monthly Walk Talk newsletter are graded according to the chart below. When booking an activity, it is important to check this information with the leader.
Attending a club meeting prior to attending a walk is a good way to meet the leaders.
How to book an activity
Check the calendar in the newsletter for information about the activity including leaders name and contact details.
Contact the walk leader at least 3 days before the activity (unless otherwise stated). If you are unsure about whether you are able to attend until closer to the date it is better to contact the walk leader at least 3 days before the activity to give an indication of numbers then confirm closer to the time.
The walk leader will provide details of when and where to meet, and if car pooling is available. The walk leader will also provide details of what you are to bring in terms of snack, water, possible costs, and time of return. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about such things as:
- What you need to bring – it is important to be prepared for all weather conditions and to include your personal first aid kit
- The terrain/ length of walk/ conditions.
- Whether a car shuffle is needed
- To exchange mobile numbers in case there is a hitch on the morning of the activity.
- Let the walk leader know if you have any time constraints, in which case you may not wish to car pool.
Please feel free to ring the walk leader back if you have any further questions as it is better to come to an activity fully prepared. Some groups like to stop off for lunch / afternoon tea on the return trip.
At the meeting point Visitors are required to fill in a Temporary Members Risk Acknowledgement form, providing contact details in case of emergency. Visitors who are not a member of another Bushwalking Victoria affiliated club are required to pay $5 to cover their insurance for the activity.
Walking Gear
A helpful guide
We all know that our trips around the country can get a bit muddy, and there are constant reminders of the possibility of us transmitting plants, diseases and pests to places where they don’t currently exist –
One of the most important of these is Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamoni). Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea sp.) are particularly susceptible and it is easy to see if Phytophthora is present. Grass Trees that have been attacked have yellow, drooping leaves and eventually completely disintegrate.
So all of us need to be constantly aware of the risks around us:
- Clean and dry boots thoroughly
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- Dishwashing brush and mild detergent is suitable
- The soles can also be brushed or sprayed with “methylated spirits” to ensure sterilisation if you have been walking in a Phytophthora infected area.
- Clean and dry gaiters thoroughly
- Clean and dry walking poles
- Ensure packs are clean and free of plant material between trips
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- Dishwashing brush and mild detergent is suitable
- The soles can also be brushed or sprayed with “methylated spirits” to ensure sterilisation if you have been walking in a Phytophthora infected area.
Do not use the laundry water to water your garden plants or you may end up with Phytophthora in your garden and wonder why your plants are dying!!
Dispose of the water down the sewer, DO NOT put down a storm water drain.
Day Pack
Essentials regardless of location or grade of walk.
- Waterproof parka needs to have a hood and be waterproof and windproof. Gortex or similar are recommended. Lightweight waterproofs are available.
- Trousers. Cotton or wool is comfortable when dry but breathable nylon is preferable as they are comfortable wet or dry and when wet dry quickly. Jeans are unsuitable due to poor wet weather performance.
- Boots. Woven nylon or suede boots are more comfortable than leather but less water resistant. Gortex boots are recommended with good tread. Runners or other lightweight shoes are unsuitable for a lot of the terrain we walk on.
- Food. Make sure you have a hearty breakfast and plenty of water to drink before a walk. During a walk easily digested food is best, and always carry some quick energy food such as dried fruits, chocolate or sweets. Sandwiches or biscuits are suitable. Place in a waterproof container, to avoid squashed sangers.
- Liquid. Most people need one litre for a cool day and 2-3 litres on a hot day. All water found on track should be considered contaminated. A small flask for hot drinks is useful for a cold day.
- ‘Ice Breaker’, Wind Stopper or Jumper. A warm long sleeved top of wool or polar fleece is suitable.
- Hat. Needs a wide brim, to cover ears and back of neck.
- 50+ sun protection cream and lip block stick.
- Insect Repellent. Carry roll on or spray. Salt is good for removing leeches.
- Whistle on a cord.
- First Aid Kit. Carry personal medication and band aids and headache tablets (paracetamol), knee or ankle bandage, triangular bandage, elastic bandage, wound dressing, blister kit such as Compeed, and antiseptic cream.
- Contact details. Carry in bright vial provided by club either attached outside your pack, or easily accessible inside an outside pocket of your pack.
- Optional Extras. Waterproof pants, Gloves, Beanie or Balaclava, Survival blanket, Toilet paper, Compass, Maps, Matches, Nylon cord, Pocket knife, Torch, Trowel, Camera, Notebook and Pencil.
Plastic to sit on. Mobile phone, Cyalume stick.