The Ladakh plateau is in India's northernmost section, part of Kashmir. Bordering Tibet to the east, Ladakh has similar scenery and culture (India's only predominantly Buddhist region). In 2009 Jason Foote spent a month exploring this region, trekking the mountainous Himalayan region from Manali to Leh with a local (and somewhat drunken) horseman as his guide. Hear Jason's experiences, including tales of a few run-ins with the authorities and tips for travellers in this remote but beautiful area.

Buddhist Monastery, Ladakh

Also of interest to anyone interested in trekking Nepal, Himalayan Holidays (guest presenters at last October's Clubnight) are offering YHA Bushwalkers $100 off their November tour - more details.

Another tree planting weekend has been put on the program following the success of last year's event in the fabulous Regent Honeyeater Project in North East Victoria. You may not have heard of the project before, but last year it was ranked in the top 25 ecological restoration projects in Australia. Since the work first started in 1997, 20,082 volunteers have fenced and prepared 414 sites, planted 420,725 seedlings, restoring a total of 1163 hectares of habitat.

The large forest blocks in the region, the old growth trees along many roadsides, and the wooded creek lines which have been the core habitat for our native flora and fauna for decades are now being linked by the project to establish continuous habitat from the Warby Ranges in the north through to the Alpine National Park. It has already been successful. In the latest survey, the project area was found to have more bird species than any other farming district in the state!!

Apart from being a thoroughly worthwhile project, the weekend last year was a lot of fun too. The accommodation in the Scout Hall was fairly basic, but the organisers turned on a really good spread for morning and afternoon teas, a fabulous meal at the Benalla TAFE restaurant on Saturday night, and a massive BBQ for lunch on Sunday. Ray Thomas, the project's director, also provided some fascinating insights into the work of the project.

For more information, come to Clubnight on September 6, or visit the project website www.regenthoneyeater.org.au

Enquiries: Ken 9495 1350

Here's your chance to grab a bargain

YHA Bushwalking is organising a

Gear Buying Day

When: Saturday October 2nd 10am - 4pm

Venue: The Hub (clubnight location) 80 Harbour Esplanade Docklands.

Sellers: Cost is $10 for a table to sell any outdoor gear (tents, sleeping bags, stoves, clothing) that is in good condition. The table can be registered by sending your details to yhabushinfo@yahoo.com.au

Buyers: Entry is free, a web page will be set up with listings of any equipment registered beforehand.

Light refreshments will be provided by the club

The authors of numerous highly-regarded bushwalking guidebooks covering all regions of Australia from SW Tasmania to the Larapinta Trail, John & Monica Chapman will be our guest speakers at the November clubnight.

As well as talking about their experiences and showing a selection of photographs, copies of the latest editions of their books will be available for sale (and autograph!) at a discount to the normal rrp.