Sun 10 April 2016 - Day 2: Basic Training, Intro to off track

Post date: Nov 2, 2016 5:20:03 AM

Leader: Bernie Malone

Scribe: Jeff Crane

The training session was attended by 4 members of the Club. When we reached Binna Burra, Bernie went over various elements of Off Track walking and provided an overview of what we could expect from the rest of the day.

We then headed off into the bush to learn and practice observation techniques. Bernie pointed out things we should observe in the bush. After walking for a while and when we were deep in the bush, Bernie told us to find our own way back - which we did. I was personally surprised at how much I could recall.

We then went back to the pavilion for morning tea and to recap on what we had learnt.

After morning tea, we headed off to Split Rock, once again Bernie let us take the lead. We had to locate and follow the pink ribbons that Bernie and Michelle had placed along the track. We managed to do this with only a few problem areas; it was good to have Bernie there to provide assistance when needed. This part of the training gave us a feel for the type of terrain that we may encounter and the obstacles to be negotiated when walking off track.

We had lunch at Split Rock and then retraced our footsteps back to Binna Burra, where Bernie did a final debriefing.

All the participants considered the training extremely well done and that they had gained a good insight into what off track walking was all about. We were all appreciative of the considerably effort that Bernie and Michelle had put in preparing the course and Bernie's excellent job in delivering it.

I believe that all bushwalking members of a club should undertake this training.