Don't be deterred

I refer to your front page article entitled "Walk becomes 13-hour ordeal" (Peninsula News, February 11) and hope that this article will not deter anyone who may be thinking of adding bushwalking to their agenda.

I have been leading this particular walk for over six years on behalf of both The Bush Club and the National Parks Association and disagree with Mr. Emery's description of this track as "dangerous" and "non-traversible".

Actually, it's quite an easy walk if one knows where one is going.

It is not a fire trail.

It's a beautiful small track, footpads in parts, but not difficult for experienced leaders.

Your report highlights two important rules.

1. Never take a group into an area that you have not pre-walked and are absolutely confident that you know the way.

2. Never start a walk at 2pm unless you know exactly how long it should take, or unless you intend to stay overnight and are properly equipped to do so.

This particular walk takes 5.5 to 6 hours, with drink and food breaks, with experienced bushwalkers, so Mr Emery's late start was doomed to failure.

Mr Emery criticises the National Parks and Wildlife Service for not maintaining this track, but very little of it is in NPWS territory.

Most of it is in Department of Sports and Recreation territory and one needs permission to walk there.

My advice to anyone thinking of bushwalking is to join a well-established bushwalking club that has experienced leaders who won't lead people into unsafe situations.

Bill Macks Booker Bay