A Sunday afternoon in the Library of the Royal Geographical Society of South

Australia, is scheduled for Sunday 26 February.
The Library is located in the Mortlock Library, one of the world's most
beautiful libraries. It contains over 25,000 volumes and is one of the most
significant collections of rare geographical books and manuscripts in
Australia. It also holds rare books on discovery and exploration with some
dating back to the sixteenth century, examples of early natural history
books (eg two books on Australian insects with hand-coloured illustrations
both published in 1805), early South Australian maps, artefacts including
Colonel Light's level and furniture made by John McDouall Stuart. A tour of
the top gallery of the Mortlock Wing will be included. The gallery, which is
not usually open to public access, includes about 9,000 books, many of which
were originally part of the York Gate Library which the Society purchased in
1905.
Space and numbers are limited. Note that climbing stairs is required.

EXCURSIONS FOR 2023

We are delighted to offer our members exciting and varied excursions this year. There are two extended trips: Broken Hill in May and the Grampians in October. As well, there are two weekend trips. See the programme shown elsewhere in this bulletin. The outline of these extended trips is given below.

Because of the extensive pre-organisation and the booking of accommodation, it is important that, if you intend going on any of these, you sign up soon. You can do this from once you receive this bulletin and email me kymdixon1@bigpond.com or sign up at the forthcoming meeting on the 2^nd February.


Excursion to Southern Fleurieu: Geology by boat and Big Gorge
25/26^th March 2023

The FGC ran a very popular “geology from a boat” in March 2017.
During a 4 hour trip, the boat travelled from Wirrina to Cape Jervis and back – travelling at a pace so to allow us commentate and discuss the cliff formations. The boat can get in close to the cliffs for good sightseeing with photo opportunities.
 
A survey of our members earlier this showed that this was an excursion that members would like to be offered again.
The cost is $70per person. No deposit is need at this stage. Hot tea & coffee will be provided, plus muffins / snacks. There is a maximum 12 people per trip. We will run several trips on the 25^th and 26^th March (morning and afternoon), depending on numbers.

We will run another activity concurrently to round out the weekend. This will be a half day geological walk along “Big Gorge” which is 4km south of Normanville. It is a 3.5km return walk adjacent to the Yankalilla River, on the route of the historic coach road, and the path Colonel William Light walked during his first surveys. It is rated as an ‘easy walk’ and has many aspects, apart from the geology to observe along the way.

So that we can secure the boat booking for that weekend, can you indicate your expression of interest to Kym Dixon (kymdixon1@bigpond.com) or on the sign-up sheet at the February 2^nd meeting.

Kym Dixon

EXCURSION: BROKEN HILL – THE RICHEST LEAD-SILVER-ZINC MINE IN THE WORLD

DATES
· Drive to BH Wednesday 10 May 2023
· Drive to Adelaide Monday 15 May
· 5 nights, 4 full days in BH

LEADERS – Contact Leaders for activities inquiries
· David Grybowski domgrzyb@hotmail.com
· Elizabeth Vines liz@mcdougallvines.com.au
· Mark Dale (Logistics and activities) strathdales@internode.on.net

 OUTLINE AND ACTIVITIES
· Limit of 36 participants – touring 4 days in BH in 3 x 12 person buses with volunteer drivers from the club
· Please commit to attending all activities and travelling on the buses
· Tour of current mining, historic mines and geological sites by David
· Tour of heritage and cultural buildings by Lizzie
· Visits to Geocentre, Miner’s Memorial, Day Dream Mine, Silverton, Living Sculptures, historical synagogue, historical mosque, Trades Hall, walking tour given by BH locals, presentation by mining and social locals, possibly a day trip to Mutawintji National Park for guided tour of Aboriginal art
· TRAVEL TO/FROM BH - Self-drive or club may run a 12 person bus from Adelaide if sufficient interest: see below
· ACCOMMODATION - Book your own: see below
· MEALS – Your own cost - make your own breakfast and packed lunches, most nights will be organised meals at different venues payment organised by club
· COSTS - Accommodation, your meals, club-organised meals, entrance fees, transportation in BH and to/from BH, your share of club costs to be estimated by late Feb · Participants must have use of an email address – all communications by email

ACCOMMODATION – Contact Bob Major for assistance
· Bob Major nahiraranibar@y7mail.com
· Book own accommodation at either BROKEN HILL TOURIST PARK, 142 Rakow Street (Barrier Highway), Broken Hill NSW 2880, located in the extreme northwest of town
o Phone (08) 8087 3841 Quote Field Geology Club of South Australia
o Ensuite cabins -double - $105/night
o Caravan and tent sites - powered -$46/ night, not powered -$35/night
· or STURT MOTEL, 153 Rakow Street, opposite (South of) Tourist Park. They are the same company, Phone (08) 8087 384, Quote Field Geology Club of South Australia, Double room $113/night, Double with Queen bed $137/night
· MAKE YOUR BOOKING ASAP AFTER YOUR PARTICIPATION IS CONFIRMED IN TWO WEEKS TIME
· TOURS WILL START AND END AT THIS PLACE

TRANSPORT TO/FROM BH – Contact Betsy Hausner for assistance
· Betsy Hausner  bchalkhaus@bigpond.com
· Self-drive or if we get a quorum of interest, we may book a 12-person bus
· Declare yourself if you have a ride, need a ride, are willing to give rides and how many, or want to go on the bus - Betsy will help you get a ride

SIGN-UP PROCEDURE
· Express your interest to Kym Dixon kymdixon1@bigpond.com or use the sign-up sheet at Meeting 2 February
· Sign-up period is two weeks after receiving your bulletin by email
· Your participation will be confirmed a few days after that. and a $100 deposit will be required within 2 weeks. If over-subscribed, there will be a waiting list.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
GRAMPIANS EXCURSION OCTOBER 22ND TO 27TH 2023

This 6-day, 5-night excursion is in the planning stage, and we are asking members to register their interest in attending.

The Grampians are a spectacular area offering picturesque panoramas, abundant wildlife, native vegetation, and of course very interesting geology.

They are also a popular holiday destination, especially during Covid times and hence accommodation for a large group is difficult to secure, unless we make a group booking early.

We intend to stay at the Lake Fyans Holiday Park which has a variety of cabins and powered and unpowered camping sites. I particularly need to know how many cabins we need to prebook for the club at least six months beforehand (April 2023). You can visit Lake Fyans Holiday Park at :
https://lakefyansholidaypark.com.au/accommodation/cabins-and-rooms/
Also, we may hire a mini bus for those who need transport if we can find a volunteer(s) to be the driver, who will travel free as an incentive.

So, if you are interested in attending this excursion, please email me. wpbriggs2@gmail.com indicating your accommodation and transport preference. More information will be provided in coming Bulletins.
Peter Briggs.