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--- 193402 [2015/12/10 12:41] – sbw
+++ 193402 [2015/12/10 13:13] (current) – sbw
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 As Bill Henley had not arrived at this stage, about 7.30 p.m., we decided that we would occupy his cave for some time, at least until the river rose, if it did. We also made use of Bill's bundle of hessian which he leaves at the "Basin" from week to week. Just as we were settled, Gordon Smith arrived, and his position in the cave was such that he was able to keep an eye on the river. Fixing a torch to the roof like a lamp, we made ourselves quite comfortable and prayed that Bill would not come and upset our plans for the night. As is customary with us we sang many of the songs from our repertoire including - "River, stay 'way from Door," which was most appropriate.
-About 12 o'clock we were awakened by Gordon, at least those of us who were asleep, and it was decided that we would have to vacate Bill's cave, as the river was fast rising. Such excitement, I can assure you! As the rain had ceased, temporarily, we just brought our sleeping gear to "Our Home" and dumped it down, having decided to walk around and have a look at the "Basin". This just looked like a mighty ocean, but as it was fairly dark we could not get a very good view. On arriving back at the cave we once again attempted to get comfortable for the balance of the night. But lo! the hessian was gone. Speaking candidly, I was mystified. However, Gordon solved the mystery by discovering some gear some distance away, which meant that B111 had arrived and was transferring his hessian etc. to a higher and drier cave. Thus ended our night's sleep, I think, as it began to rain again and the dry space in the cave was reduced to a minimum. We were quite tickled when one of the boys decided to sleep on the top shelf, but I can assure you he did sleep, which could not be said of some of us. Some were in sitting positions, and I was lying on rock at an angle of 45++++, with a large stone at my feet to prevent me from slipping out into the wet altogether. Thanks to a new sleeping bag of Paddy's, I was at least warm.
+About 12 o'clock we were awakened by Gordon, at least those of us who were asleep, and it was decided that we would have to vacate Bill's cave, as the river was fast rising. Such excitement, I can assure you! As the rain had ceased, temporarily, we just brought our sleeping gear to "Our Home" and dumped it down, having decided to walk around and have a look at the "Basin". This just looked like a mighty ocean, but as it was fairly dark we could not get a very good view. On arriving back at the cave we once again attempted to get comfortable for the balance of the night. But lo! the hessian was gone. Speaking candidly, I was mystified. However, Gordon solved the mystery by discovering some gear some distance away, which meant that B111 had arrived and was transferring his hessian etc. to a higher and drier cave. Thus ended our night's sleep, I think, as it began to rain again and the dry space in the cave was reduced to a minimum. We were quite tickled when one of the boys decided to sleep on the top shelf, but I can assure you he did sleep, which could not be said of some of us. Some were in sitting positions, and I was lying on rock at an angle of 45°, with a large stone at my feet to prevent me from slipping out into the wet altogether. Thanks to a new sleeping bag of Paddy's, I was at least warm.
 At the first signs of dawn we could see the river from 'our door', a most unusual sight, and which meant that Bill's cave was well under water. The water was rushing by at such speed. too. Around we went to the "Basin", so sorry, of course, to vacate our comfortable beds - oh yeah! There were no falls at all; so high was the water that it just poured straight in without a drop. Punchbowl Creek was sending in its share to make the big sea, and where the river and creek met in the middle was a kind of whirlpool. The combined, waters flowed on their way, causing a very fast current.
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 At precisely 2 a.m., the propeller kicked over and the "Eringhi" moved out into the stream. Pyrmont Bridge opened to an imperious toot-a-toot, and the "Eringhi", with its freight of fruitboxes and Bushwalkers, slipped out into a sable and diamond studded night.
-'Twas Jean's first ocean voyage, and she stood near the bridge thoroughly enjoying the lift and fall of the ship as she took her course to the Heads, nosing into a freshening breeze. The more blas++++ ones reclined amidships amid the cargo, or made themselves comfortable in odd corners. The "Eringhi" may be a luxury liner, but not for the passengers.
+'Twas Jean's first ocean voyage, and she stood near the bridge thoroughly enjoying the lift and fall of the ship as she took her course to the Heads, nosing into a freshening breeze. The more blasé ones reclined amidships amid the cargo, or made themselves comfortable in odd corners. The "Eringhi" may be a luxury liner, but not for the passengers.
 Manly was astern when a figure rose from the melee and took a place at the rail. Shortly another followed, and our worthy leader and his wife heaved in unison, while Richard hovered round with cups of water. Off Dee Why, Jean, not to be out of things, also went to the rail. The headwind steadily rose, and the "Eringhi" began ploughing her way through a heavy roll. The remainder of the party slept on till dawn, when Edgar also joined the "hearty" heavers. The following is a sample of the conversation: Richard: "Look at the sky." Jean: "Isn't it (heave) gorgeous" Heave! And the dawn came up.