Leaving the cars behind, we had a snack stop along the way, where learning to tie a clove hitch was tried with much hilarity. We arrived at Plateau Beech Rest Area's all-weather hut to sort ourselves out again, then walked around the Filmy King Fern Walk Πa short 3 km stroll through some magnificent rainforest. It wasn't till we reached the end of the circular walk that we found a "track closed" sign. By then we'd scrambled over, under and through many large fallen trees along the main track, and even one of the signposted detours to a waterfall proved unreachable for the team. Such a disappointment to see so many major, designated walks in national parks showing signs of lack of adequate maintenance, although the camp area had been mown very recently.

Back at the hut, a dart board and some colouring-in books and textas proved a good idea, as did the contents of "Grumblebum's Lolly Jar".  These were "discovered" in the leader's car, which had been run to the area as back-up in case of emergencies - a precaution where possible for beginners' pack walks.

A couple of the older kids took part in triathlons at home so they and their Mum found the walk far too short. However, the walk itself was only a part of the learning experience - I'm sure even the little five-year old would have made a longer distance (as originally planned). Most succeeded in making a clove-hitch knot to use with tent pegs, and were able to identify several of the major species of trees on the rainforest walk. Hints on packing backpacks, suitable foods, camp hygiene and the best use of self-inflating sleeping mats were only some of the things learned.

Each of the 9 kids was exceptionally well-behaved and disciplined, but still retained all the fun and energy of kids their age. They were keen to learn and quick to pick up information. An essential lesson was "Pick, roll and flick" when leeches were found - no shortage of those!

One thing's for sure - I'd welcome any of those kids on NPA activities. Need I say more?! Thank you, kids, for helping make the whole experience such a success.

In this year's announcements, Jenny Kaberry of Mid North Coast Branch was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to conservation and the environment of the Mid North Coast. Jenny has spent twenty-five years volunteering, mostly for NPA, and has focused especially on bitou bush and lantana eradication, koala conservation, bird observation projects, dune stabilisation, and propagation of endemic plant species for planting out.

She is an inveterate bushwalker, and in recent years has been leading walks for those who cannot do long, unassisted hauls. She says they do half the distance, in twice the time, but have a great deal of fun along the way.

Gwen O'Dea received an OAM in last year's list, also for services to conservation and the environment. Both Gwen and Jenny accepted their medals on behalf of the Mid North Coast Branch of NPA. Like Jenny, Gwen has been an avid bushwalker for many years, and has spent many long hours/days/months dealing with bitou bush at Crowdy Bay NP.

Although temporarily slowed down by knee problems, she is still Bushwalk Convenor for the Branch (in between making costumes for the Port Players).

Congratulations, to Jenny and Gwen!