Newcastle Bushwalkers - where are they?

[davidmorr]

Given the number of "youngens" commenting about groups of like aged individuals not being present in the Hunter based clubs, perhaps our Newcastle clubs are looking for an injection of young blood, similar to that which has happened at SWB? It would be a shame to see these clubs decline or go stale when there is obviously some interest in club activities amongst younger Hunter based people.

Any Newcastle based club members have any thoughts on this?

Having read and participated in a number of threads here about this topic, it seems that they young people want something, ie, clubs with young people, but none of them are prepared to do much to make it happen. As I said in the earlier posting, they could make their own club, or they could join a club and hang around long enough that a few others of their age also joined. The existing clubs did not get where they are by the early bushwalkers expecting someone to do it all for them.

I'm in a Newcastle club, and we have been trying for years to get some younger members to pass on skills and places to go. We have tried various strategies but none has worked so far. We need some younger people to help attract other younger people. We need their communication skills. And we need them to *not give up* if things don't immediately go the way they want. Achieving anything worthwhile always takes effort.

(Sorry, this is a bit blunt in hindsight. Maybe could have been worded a bit less confrontationally.)

[davidmorr]

Yes I think I can. Older walkers are more set in their ways and go to bed far too early - often almost straight after eating tea.

This is a generalisation that does not help the discussion. Yes, some older people go to bed early. So do some younger people. And some of us sit up alone watching the fire, wishing mikethepike was there to talk to , but revelling in the experience of being where we are.

(Written by an oldie)

[mikethepike]

mikethepike wrote:Yes I think I can. Older walkers are more set in their ways and go to bed far too early - often almost straight after eating tea.

This is a generalisation that does not help the discussion. Yes, some older people go to bed early. So do some younger people. And some of us sit up alone watching the fire, wishing mikethepike was there to talk to , but revelling in the experience of being where we are.

I'm sorry David that you took my comment to be unhelpful to the conversation but that is my experience and with no exceptions. But despite that, I have great respect for older more experienced walkers. Your wish about my campfire presence is probably a bit rash - it's possibly my campfire presence that has sent everyone off to bed early!

[davidmorr]

Mike, I too find it disappointing when people go to bed early. I'm a night person, and the idea of going to bed before midnight is quite foreign. Fortunately, most of the people I go backpacking with stay up late solving the problems of the world around the campfire. And they are all oldies. So you are just walking with the wrong old people.

Actually, what puzzles me is that people who are very conscious of weight will take an (often thick and heavy) book with them on a backpack, then retire to bed and read for several hours instead of staying up and talking with other people. And this includes young people.

[mikethepike]

I think there is a lot in what you wrote in your last post David that's true. Today I was sitting outdoors in glorious weather having a quiet pub lunch with three old friends I have known for over 40 years (heaven help us!) starting through a common interest in rock, mountains and the bush. We do this twice, maybe 3 times a year, talking mainly about trips done since we last met, books read, a little bit on old times rock-climbers we once knew and ideas about future trips in the bush or overseas (1977 was my last time overseas so I'm lagging there). We rarely if ever talk about gear. Despite this, lunch extends to nearly 4 hours (not a gluttony session like that might sound) and the conversation never lags. Funnily enough, I don't think that any of us have actually walked together.
It surprises me that many people I go now go walking with seem to have little to talk about but instead go to bed early. A light on in the tent suggests they prefer to read, or if no light, I can't help wonder if they're listening to their MP3 or what-ever. I mean the fires still going and its not yet 7.30pm. As I wrote earlier, I sometimes think that I might as well be solo walking as far as out-of-walking-hours company is concerned and that is disappointing. One told me that everything he had to say was said during the day. Maybe so but I tend to spend thew day concentrating on the walk rather than talking though undemanding trail walking can be an exception to this.

[davidmorr]

I mean the fires still going and its not yet 7.30pm.

Wow, that is early. The early-to-bedders I walk with mostly stay up till 8:30 or 9.

As I wrote earlier, I sometimes think that I might as well be solo walking as far as out-of-walking-hours company is concerned and that is disappointing. One told me that everything he had to say was said during the day. Maybe so but I tend to spend thew day concentrating on the walk rather than talking though undemanding trail walking can be an exception to this.

Actually, I find the social interaction to be just as important as the walking. If it wasn't for that, I would probably be doing something else.

In Britain, they seem to be focussed on walking and not much else. So you will have 16 consecutive days of 25-35km/day, but there is not time to stop and look at the wonderful things you are passing, such as a ruined abbey, remains of a Roman villa, even a very scenic landscape. If you stop to take a photo, you will be left behind. But they do talk a lot during the walk, and afterwards in the pub.

[boo7ha]

Hey all,
I just stumbled on this thread. I'm in the 25-35 age bracket and looking for bushwalking groups in Newcastle. There appears to be a couple in Newcastle, is anyone here a member of them?

[LostnConfused]

posted same post twice, ignore this post

[LostnConfused]

Hi
Names Paul,
Just moved here from The Kimberley, I'm sure that I wont find the scenic value of the Kimberley in Newcastle, but Im still keen to explore and see what it has to offer.
I'm 30yo and work in the Mines as a Fitter (Mon-Fri), I'd be keen to meet some of you at a pub and over a few beers plan some trips.
Im of average fitness, but am traning with a PT to increase my fitness for more challenging adventures.
I reside at Cessnock but am willing to travel/drive anywhere.
Also would love to do some overseas trips aswell.
If your keen to meet up, send me a PM and we can sort it from there. It seems there a a few here in that age bracket so we should plan something...

[Mountain Rocket]

posted same post twice, ignore this post

Says a poster with one post.

LostnConfused indeed

[Onestepmore]

Aparrently snoring is the third highest reason couples get divorced (after infidelity and financial stress) and the number one medical reason.
Being overweight has a lot to do with it, as well as respiratory issues.

I'm not sure how I'd cope with snorers while bushwalking, I've never slept that close to large numbers of people while camping, like what you've described on the Overland Track. Probably not very well...earplugs?
I do know that in youth hostels in London in my 20's I would have happily smothered a couple of people with a pillow. The next day was completely ruined from lack of sleep.

Back on track I'd try the University clubs - I'm sure there will be one for Newcastle Uni

Edit
Lol this is so out of context - I missed the fact there was a second page

[LostnConfused]

posted same post twice, ignore this post

Says a poster with one post.

LostnConfused indeed

Not used to having a delay on posts, thought it didn't go through, so I typed it again. It's unlike any other forums I'm on.
All good, the other one came through eventually.... Not sure I like the 12hr delay, but it is what it is.

[LostnConfused]

Unless your a student, it's pretty hard. I've done some research. If a non uni student wants in they have to offer experience that will benefit the club, if you are only a beginner like myself, then they are not interested. I can understand, they are trying to keep their club small with dedicated people.
However if you do meet their criteria, I'm sure it would be a great club.

[Onestepmore]

posted same post twice, ignore this post

Says a poster with one post.

LostnConfused indeed

Not used to having a delay on posts, thought it didn't go through, so I typed it again. It's unlike any other forums I'm on.
All good, the other one came through eventually.... Not sure I like the 12hr delay, but it is what it is.

I think that first posts have to get approval from a moderator first. You shoud be fine now, and have instaposts

And point taken regarding the Uni club situation. i just realised that Hubby and I are eligible for Syd Uni club membership because we're alumni. I had forgotten about that. Blonde moment

[davidmorr]

Unless your a student, it's pretty hard. I've done some research. If a non uni student wants in they have to offer experience that will benefit the club, if you are only a beginner like myself, then they are not interested. I can understand, they are trying to keep their club small with dedicated people.

It's probably not the club that doesn't want you, but the university. I worked at the uni for many years, and was involved with sporting clubs. The issue was that the university funded the activities to some extent, especially related to insurance matters. This funding came from student fees, and they did not want people who were not contributing getting the benefit of what the students had to pay.

So they do not actually rule out non-students and non-graduates, but they have to be something special. They also have to join the Sports Union which used to cost about $40 per year ten years ago. Could be over $100 now.