Report from Saturday:
Well Coomera stream looked very different to last year’s idylic picture below, after the recent flooding. We learnt on our return that Illinbah Track was officially closed but with no sign at the trail entrance we blissfully headed down the valley at 6am.

There were a good many trees down on the eastern/escarpment trail but the real drama was getting back up the river section. The trail normally has 12 river crossings but now huge chunks of the bank had been scoured out and parts of the river flats were littered with lighter debris where water had flowed over the banks.

Consequently big chunks of trail had dissappeared downstream or couldn’t be found. The 15 of us spent lots of time looking for remnant trails, often deciding it was easier to scramble up rocks, gravel and piled-up bush in the river itself. In two places giant trees were wedged in the gorge across the whole width of the river.

We finally emerged at Gwongoorool Pool 3.5 hours after we entered. Quite an adventure - unfortunately no-one was game enough to carry a camera through all those river crossings so you’ll just have to use your imagination, or be there next year…

I can’t finish without mentioning the small team of elite international triathletes who biked up to join us for a weekend on the trails. Little did they know what was in store for them…

Based on the Gold Coast they’d come to Binna Burra for a little variety, but aren’t really allowed to run off-road races due to the risk of injury. Despite one spraining an ankle early on they came through without complaint, and in the evening shared some interesting insights about training and competing at that level.

Tip for the badly leeched: Calamine lotion is great before you go to sleep and if you get severe itching, anti-histamine pills usually help; available from chemists 1 x 180mg per day.

Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk: The map is now on sale at the EPA office 160 Anne Street. Route is from O’Reillys to Binna Burra via the Border Track, enter the Bellbird Track then double back below the Binna Burra bluffs before heading down the valley past the volcanic cone, follow the road down Numinbah Valley then back up to Springbrook. Some camps are still temporary and you should call the rangers at Binna Burra before trying the route; official opening is now expected to be March.

Further information on the Binna Burra in January trails weekend below, if this sounds like something you’d like to try in 2009: 

Information sheet: binnaburrajan2008.doc 

For those who went last year, it will be much the same format. For those who weren’t there, Digger will put out a flyer in the next few days on the Coolrunning link below. Last year, he ran 65km in 4 runs over some of the most spectacular trails in the World.

This is a “non-competative” training week-end with lots of comradiare. All types are runners are welcome, from the very fast to the very slow, to bush walkers. Groups form up depending on fitness and desired distance so there’s something for everyone. Kids are welcome and Binna Burra offers a range of childrens activities (but organise your own baby sitting while you are running).

Affordable accommodation is arranged in shared bunkrooms (each sleeps up to 6 but usually has less) or call the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge on 1800 074 260 to make your arrangements. They offer everything from campsites, the ever-popular safari tents (permanent tents with beds), or luxury at the lodge.

Coolrunning link for updates: http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/