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Kowmung, Kanangra, Gangerang - glamorous sounding names, especially when one hears many talks by club members who have roamed around these regions. And then, when one stands on Kanangra and looks at the fascinating little peaks of Rip, Roar and Rumble beckoning in the distance, the urge to explore is felt very strongly. But like a painting those places tend to lose their beauty on closer approach, or so John and I decided after wandering around this section of the mountains. | Kowmung, Kanangra, Gangerang - glamorous sounding names, especially when one hears many talks by club members who have roamed around these regions. And then, when one stands on Kanangra and looks at the fascinating little peaks of Rip, Roar and Rumble beckoning in the distance, the urge to explore is felt very strongly. But like a painting those places tend to lose their beauty on closer approach, or so John and I decided after wandering around this section of the mountains. | ||
- | Full of anticipation of interesting sights ahead we struggled out from Katoomba on a glorious sunny morning that promised good weather ahead. We had grabbed a handful of everything in sight, stowed it in a couple of packs, loaded the artillery and cameras and with a twinge of regret, etc., set out to discover each other in the revealing atmosphere of the bush. At this time I was an ardent canoeist not used to carrying a pack on my back. The unaccustomed weight of 70 lbs sappod | + | Full of anticipation of interesting sights ahead we struggled out from Katoomba on a glorious sunny morning that promised good weather ahead. We had grabbed a handful of everything in sight, stowed it in a couple of packs, loaded the artillery and cameras and with a twinge of regret, etc., set out to discover each other in the revealing atmosphere of the bush. At this time I was an ardent canoeist not used to carrying a pack on my back. The unaccustomed weight of 70 lbs sapped |
We managed to scramble on to the bus out to Clear Hill and alighted at a small town called Glen Raphael. we were unable to get tea, bed and breakfast at any of the hotels so we had to pitch the tent. I should say John pitched the tent as I incapable of pitching anything around. When the dinner bell sounded I strolled down the stairs in my tuxedo or torso or something and partook of a goodly meal, forsooth. | We managed to scramble on to the bus out to Clear Hill and alighted at a small town called Glen Raphael. we were unable to get tea, bed and breakfast at any of the hotels so we had to pitch the tent. I should say John pitched the tent as I incapable of pitching anything around. When the dinner bell sounded I strolled down the stairs in my tuxedo or torso or something and partook of a goodly meal, forsooth. | ||
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Next morning we pulled down the tent for the last time and began the long journey to Blackheath. We passed Breakfast and Galong creeks enjoying the scenery all the way. After Galong we were disappointed in the way the river broke up and ran over miles of pink granite. The last few miles of Gibraltar found us tired and cranky as we had to force the pace in order to complete the long journey before nightfall. At Gibraltar Creek we had a late lunch and ate our last food before the monotonous walk up the bridal track into Megalong. And so, our walking ended, we sank into the comfortable seat of a car that conveyed us to Blackheath. | Next morning we pulled down the tent for the last time and began the long journey to Blackheath. We passed Breakfast and Galong creeks enjoying the scenery all the way. After Galong we were disappointed in the way the river broke up and ran over miles of pink granite. The last few miles of Gibraltar found us tired and cranky as we had to force the pace in order to complete the long journey before nightfall. At Gibraltar Creek we had a late lunch and ate our last food before the monotonous walk up the bridal track into Megalong. And so, our walking ended, we sank into the comfortable seat of a car that conveyed us to Blackheath. | ||
- | It was with a pang of regret that I gazed at our last camp on that trip. Towering casuarinas, rocky cliffs and gently murmuring stream created an impression that made me linger in withdrawing the peges that transformed our tent into a crumpled mass of canvas. Perhaps something warned me of things to come. That was my last walk with John. He is now a Prisoner of war in Germany. | + | It was with a pang of regret that I gazed at our last camp on that trip. Towering casuarinas, rocky cliffs and gently murmuring stream created an impression that made me linger in withdrawing the pegs that transformed our tent into a crumpled mass of canvas. Perhaps something warned me of things to come. That was my last walk with John. He is now a Prisoner of war in Germany. |
=====A Little Gossip===== | =====A Little Gossip===== | ||
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The life of an OLD MEMBER is not a happy one, It is these poor unfortunates who must always be a beautiful example and practically regulate their lives with an eye to the effect of such lives on the innocent Prospective. You can tell an OLD MEMBER at once, (not everything, of course, some of them are on the committee) by their apathetic look, and their tendency to lie down under vile accusatIons. The OLD MEMBER is accused of plenty, such as holding opposition meetings on the landing outside when the rest of the members (the really serious ones) are looking after the welfare of the club inside, speculating in land and spending our savings, at the general meeting. They also say an OLD MEMBER is very rarely if ever, seen on official walks and altogether it seems that to be an old member is a term of reproach. Which all leads up to the inescapable fact that a recent official walk was LED, ATTENDED, SUPPORTED and FOLLOWED purely (?) by OLD MEMBERS. Thirteen of them. Of course they may have wanted to talk about someone, but still, they were there. | The life of an OLD MEMBER is not a happy one, It is these poor unfortunates who must always be a beautiful example and practically regulate their lives with an eye to the effect of such lives on the innocent Prospective. You can tell an OLD MEMBER at once, (not everything, of course, some of them are on the committee) by their apathetic look, and their tendency to lie down under vile accusatIons. The OLD MEMBER is accused of plenty, such as holding opposition meetings on the landing outside when the rest of the members (the really serious ones) are looking after the welfare of the club inside, speculating in land and spending our savings, at the general meeting. They also say an OLD MEMBER is very rarely if ever, seen on official walks and altogether it seems that to be an old member is a term of reproach. Which all leads up to the inescapable fact that a recent official walk was LED, ATTENDED, SUPPORTED and FOLLOWED purely (?) by OLD MEMBERS. Thirteen of them. Of course they may have wanted to talk about someone, but still, they were there. | ||
- | Tim Coffey is fit to be " | + | Tim Coffey is fit to be " |
An attempt to rob a member of his carefully nurtured upper lip fungus, on Friday night, was unfortunately a complete failure. He defended the growth so valiantly, the mob were frightened of cutting him. Better luck next time, we hope. | An attempt to rob a member of his carefully nurtured upper lip fungus, on Friday night, was unfortunately a complete failure. He defended the growth so valiantly, the mob were frightened of cutting him. Better luck next time, we hope. | ||
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By Francis Stoddart. | By Francis Stoddart. | ||
- | Geologically speaking, the Murrumbidgee at Wagga Wagga is a rejuvenated river; that is, it flows swiftly but along the winding bed of an old river. It is cutting down its banks along the outside of the wide bends and lovely old trees are falling to a watery death. At one time (they say locally) it was navgable | + | Geologically speaking, the Murrumbidgee at Wagga Wagga is a rejuvenated river; that is, it flows swiftly but along the winding bed of an old river. It is cutting down its banks along the outside of the wide bends and lovely old trees are falling to a watery death. At one time (they say locally) it was navigable |
- | Near Wagga the Murrumbidgee takes a turn westward. Having circled the mountains round Canberra and deserted the foothills of Gundagai, it commences its devious course over the gently descending tableland toward the centre-line of Australia, changing its direction where th Lachlan joins it, and turning towards the great Murray. It would be one of the most wonderful rivers imaginable to canoe along. Its quiet reaches are alive with nature fauna. Running through paddocks where mild-eyed cattle or contented sheep have their residence, and where guns are seldom heard, snares seldom set, it pursues its untroubled way past lovely river gums, green wheatfields, | + | Near Wagga the Murrumbidgee takes a turn westward. Having circled the mountains round Canberra and deserted the foothills of Gundagai, it commences its devious course over the gently descending tableland toward the centre-line of Australia, changing its direction where the Lachlan joins it, and turning towards the great Murray. It would be one of the most wonderful rivers imaginable to canoe along. Its quiet reaches are alive with nature fauna. Running through paddocks where mild-eyed cattle or contented sheep have their residence, and where guns are seldom heard, snares seldom set, it pursues its untroubled way past lovely river gums, green wheatfields, |
Walking along its banks one may startle into flight a flock of sulphur crested cockatoos. Against the sun they wheel and turn again, flying round and round with raucous cries, their yellow underwing feathers glowing in the light and their wild freedom a thing of halcyon beauty. | Walking along its banks one may startle into flight a flock of sulphur crested cockatoos. Against the sun they wheel and turn again, flying round and round with raucous cries, their yellow underwing feathers glowing in the light and their wild freedom a thing of halcyon beauty. | ||
- | Once we came upon a lamb new born. Wet all over and sweetly weak it lay on | + | Once we came upon a lamb new born. Wet all over and sweetly weak it lay on the dew-heavy grass with its anxious |
- | the dew-heavy grass with its anximes | + | |
- | Often on these walks one may stsrtle | + | Often on these walks one may startle |
In spite of the beauty and attraction of the river - strange how water calls to something deep in one -, lovely days can be spent away from its magic in the outlying country. Days on horseback, with the wind boisterous in the ears, the sun burning the face, every muccle elastic in response to the vigorous movement. | In spite of the beauty and attraction of the river - strange how water calls to something deep in one -, lovely days can be spent away from its magic in the outlying country. Days on horseback, with the wind boisterous in the ears, the sun burning the face, every muccle elastic in response to the vigorous movement. | ||
- | There is an experimeetal | + | There is an experimental |
- | One such day was spent bringing in foals and separating them from their mothers. A ticklish job this with only three riders and some fifty or so powerful horses, all just as wild or wild as can be. The horse-man at the farm is amazing. He sits his great black horse as though both were one. When the mob is corralled he goes quietly in among the great nervous animals and gently puts the rope halter over their necks, then over their heads. It __looks__ easy. He leads the mother out and the gate must be shut quickly on the baby who, when he is obstroperous, receives a smart slap on his snowy, chestnut, or sable nose. | + | One such day was spent bringing in foals and separating them from their mothers. A ticklish job this with only three riders and some fifty or so powerful horses, all just as wild or wild as can be. The horse-man at the farm is amazing. He sits his great black horse as though both were one. When the mob is corralled he goes quietly in among the great nervous animals and gently puts the rope halter over their necks, then over their heads. It __looks__ easy. He leads the mother out and the gate must be shut quickly on the baby who, when he is obstreperous, receives a smart slap on his snowy, chestnut, or sable nose. |
Finally all are separated and we round up the mothers and take them down to their paddocks about two miles away. Poor dears. Illogically they think they will find the foals there, and they race about the wide knolls and pine groves crying to them in extreme agitation. It is saddening but anyway they will soon forget. Meanwhile we ride back to deal with the foals. | Finally all are separated and we round up the mothers and take them down to their paddocks about two miles away. Poor dears. Illogically they think they will find the foals there, and they race about the wide knolls and pine groves crying to them in extreme agitation. It is saddening but anyway they will soon forget. Meanwhile we ride back to deal with the foals. | ||
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The gorgeous arab stallion is shut away from all this excitement, but on almost any day one may stop to gaze at him as he races round his high fenced strongly-made corral. He is dappled grey and fine and slender. His whole body is a-quiver with fire and spirit, and he races fleetly round, wheeling and turning with glorious agility, poetry of freedom in motion. | The gorgeous arab stallion is shut away from all this excitement, but on almost any day one may stop to gaze at him as he races round his high fenced strongly-made corral. He is dappled grey and fine and slender. His whole body is a-quiver with fire and spirit, and he races fleetly round, wheeling and turning with glorious agility, poetry of freedom in motion. | ||
- | On another day mustering sheep was in progress. We cantered down the long slope from the hill and fetched the sheep from their paddock, | + | On another day mustering sheep was in progress. We cantered down the long slope from the hill and fetched the sheep from their paddock, |
- | Next they were driven along lanes and other paddocks to a small yard where they were crammed in tightly and shooed in batches through a small race. Here they were seperated | + | Next they were driven along lanes and other paddocks to a small yard where they were crammed in tightly and shooed in batches through a small race. Here they were separated |
We were tired out when, the sun turned fiery red-gold above the western hills bounding the wide valley. Turning homeward we rode slowly up toward the little sharp pointed green hill with its live green pines, and rounded granite boulders, beneath which the farm buildings are grouped among giant gums and hoary peppercorns. The darkening fields were quiet in the clear cold air and the only sound in the stillness came from our horses hooves on an occasional cobble. | We were tired out when, the sun turned fiery red-gold above the western hills bounding the wide valley. Turning homeward we rode slowly up toward the little sharp pointed green hill with its live green pines, and rounded granite boulders, beneath which the farm buildings are grouped among giant gums and hoary peppercorns. The darkening fields were quiet in the clear cold air and the only sound in the stillness came from our horses hooves on an occasional cobble. | ||
- | In a few months now, I shall see again the glorious line of almonds in bloom. They circle the eastern side of the hill and dive down past the orchard into another wide valley. They are old and symmetrical and very beautiful, with palest pure pink chalices centered with dark red, crowded on long stems in | + | In a few months now, I shall see again the glorious line of almonds in bloom. They circle the eastern side of the hill and dive down past the orchard into another wide valley. They are old and symmetrical and very beautiful, with palest pure pink chalices centered with dark red, crowded on long stems in heavenly profusion. |
- | heavenly profusion. | + | |
In the huge cool orchard shed last spring we sank our teeth into icy soft pears, brown-flecked sunny gold, and fountains of extasy. There are tables laden with boxes of almonds all shapes and sizes and conditions. Hard shells, soft shells, ones with the skins on and quantities without. As we munched our fill that day we were shown the specimen room where bottled fruits, olives, pears, peaches etc. stand in tempting array. There is a great copper where the fruit is preserved, and an intricate and interesting grader. | In the huge cool orchard shed last spring we sank our teeth into icy soft pears, brown-flecked sunny gold, and fountains of extasy. There are tables laden with boxes of almonds all shapes and sizes and conditions. Hard shells, soft shells, ones with the skins on and quantities without. As we munched our fill that day we were shown the specimen room where bottled fruits, olives, pears, peaches etc. stand in tempting array. There is a great copper where the fruit is preserved, and an intricate and interesting grader. | ||
- | The olives, clothed with pointed glossy green leaves and loaded with purpling fruit, are contoue | + | The olives, clothed with pointed glossy green leaves and loaded with purpling fruit, are contour |
My year in Wagga has been so crammed with new and educating experiences that I could run on in the foregoing vein for an indefinite wordy space. No doubt after this war long yarns will be spun around the campfires. Perhaps among the tales of derring-do and of overseas marvels there will come a moment when I will be able to communicate the quiet peace of the Murrumbidgee and the beauty of this wide and sunny plateau, in the form of a murmurous lullaby to soothe tired walkers to a well-earned sleep. | My year in Wagga has been so crammed with new and educating experiences that I could run on in the foregoing vein for an indefinite wordy space. No doubt after this war long yarns will be spun around the campfires. Perhaps among the tales of derring-do and of overseas marvels there will come a moment when I will be able to communicate the quiet peace of the Murrumbidgee and the beauty of this wide and sunny plateau, in the form of a murmurous lullaby to soothe tired walkers to a well-earned sleep. | ||
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=====Letters from the Lads and Lasses===== | =====Letters from the Lads and Lasses===== | ||
- | Lettere | + | Letters |
|Jean Ray|C.M.W.| | |Jean Ray|C.M.W.| | ||
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A copy of Bushwalker Songs and Poems came to its final destination today (Posted to Evans Head - last known address). Believe it was posted in January. Old favourites like " | A copy of Bushwalker Songs and Poems came to its final destination today (Posted to Evans Head - last known address). Believe it was posted in January. Old favourites like " | ||
- | You no doubt wonder how I'm progressing in this great country. Final training almost | + | You no doubt wonder how I'm progressing in this great country. Final training almost |
The food question in not too bad. The whole country is under the hoe. Vegetables or hay everywhere. In fact this harvest of fodder has been an all time record. Anyway thanks for the booklet and "Till we meet again", | The food question in not too bad. The whole country is under the hoe. Vegetables or hay everywhere. In fact this harvest of fodder has been an all time record. Anyway thanks for the booklet and "Till we meet again", | ||
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====Bob Savage - 20th July==== | ====Bob Savage - 20th July==== | ||
- | Whilst in Harold Chardon' | + | Whilst in Harold Chardon' |
====Jean Ray 3rd August==== | ====Jean Ray 3rd August==== | ||
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After travelling down to Melbourne, and back to Sydney a lovely snap of Splendour Rock has just reached me from the S.B.W. photogra1hic competition - and you. Many thanks to the unknown photographer and to all concerned. This is one of the spots I have not yet reached under my own steam, and one I am hoping to visit soon. The photograph, now adorning the far from ornamental beams of our box, gives me some idea of the " | After travelling down to Melbourne, and back to Sydney a lovely snap of Splendour Rock has just reached me from the S.B.W. photogra1hic competition - and you. Many thanks to the unknown photographer and to all concerned. This is one of the spots I have not yet reached under my own steam, and one I am hoping to visit soon. The photograph, now adorning the far from ornamental beams of our box, gives me some idea of the " | ||
- | Just recently we received back from England Arnold' | + | Just recently we received back from England Arnold' |
Another point which the Committee may be able to help through its respective clubs. Dr. McLennan of the Botany School, Melbourne University, Carlton N-3 is most anxious to get quantities of Australian fungi. She is testing out all varieties for a drug, peniecillin(? | Another point which the Committee may be able to help through its respective clubs. Dr. McLennan of the Botany School, Melbourne University, Carlton N-3 is most anxious to get quantities of Australian fungi. She is testing out all varieties for a drug, peniecillin(? | ||
- | Just as a mattor | + | Just as a matter |
We have been nearly blown off the Bradfield Ridge this week and the dust is already drifting in onto this paper as I write. It is going to be another " | We have been nearly blown off the Bradfield Ridge this week and the dust is already drifting in onto this paper as I write. It is going to be another " | ||
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The proposed alteration of the Constitution has been carried so that the quorum for a Council Meeting is 5 delegates provided they represent at least three clubs. | The proposed alteration of the Constitution has been carried so that the quorum for a Council Meeting is 5 delegates provided they represent at least three clubs. | ||
- | The year's Annual Conference is to be held on September 31st at 8 p.m. at the Boy Scouts' | + | The year's Annual Conference is to be held on September 31st at 8 p.m. at the Boy Scouts' |
A-reply was received from the National Park Trust to the Federation' | A-reply was received from the National Park Trust to the Federation' | ||
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=====At Our Own Meeting===== | =====At Our Own Meeting===== | ||
- | Three new reembers | + | Three new members |
- | announced that Freda Newman, Bob Banks and Dick Howard had also been admitted, | + | |
- | but were unable to be present. | + | |
- | The Federation decided against the purchase of lot 7 at Era. It was proposed | + | The Federation decided against the purchase of lot 7 at Era. It was proposed by Alex Colley that a motion be discussed at the half-yearly meeting next month, for the purchase of Block 7 by the club, £100 of the purchase price to come from accumulated Club funds and tho balance to be raised by loans and/or gifts from members. A number of members |
- | by Alex Colley that a motion be discussed at the half-yearly meeting next month, | + | |
- | for the purchase of Block 7 by the club, £100 of the purchase price to come from | + | |
- | accumulated Club funds and tho balance to be raised by loans and/or gifts from members. A number of members | + | |
- | not do so. The vendor wanted grazing rights for 10 years with an option for a further period. Ray Kirkby pointed out that it was unlikely that the land would become ours for all time. It might be resumed or the surrounding lands might be | + | |
- | sold to other people and developed, in which case our block would be of little use for camping. Wal Roots pointed out that a large sum was involved and we might | + | |
- | jeopardise our financial position. On the other hand it might be impossible | + | |
- | to develop the surrounding lands without the possession of block 7. Jean Moppett drew attention to the difficulty of policing the area. Irving Calnan said that there was a general encroachment on lands near to Sydney and that Era would be affected in time. He thought that the same amount of money applied to publicity might achieve something more worth while - e.g. the Greater Blue Mountains National Park. Ron Eddes questioned whether many Club members went to Era. On the suggestion of Alex Colley it was decided that anybody willing to help by means of loan or gift should give their name and the amount they were willing to put up to the assistant Treasurer, Joan Moppett, so that the half-yearly meeting would have some idea of whether members were willing to support the proposal. It was decided to put the proposal before the half yearly meeting. | + | |
- | It was announced that, owing to the difficulty of obtaining leaders for walks, the Walks Secretary is trying out a new scheme for the next walks programme. Portion of the tentative | + | It was announced that, owing to the difficulty of obtaining leaders for walks, the Walks Secretary is trying out a new scheme for the next walks programme. Portion of the tentative |
- | =====Your Social | + | =====Your Social |
|17th Sept.|In all probability Dr. Ian Nogbin will not be in Sydney on this date, in which case Miss Dorothy Taylor will lecture us on Wilkie' | |17th Sept.|In all probability Dr. Ian Nogbin will not be in Sydney on this date, in which case Miss Dorothy Taylor will lecture us on Wilkie' | ||
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|6th October|Join with us in matching the jits jittering at the Trocadero.| | |6th October|Join with us in matching the jits jittering at the Trocadero.| | ||
|8th October|Fifth Watercolour Exhibition of Australian Wildflowers.| | |8th October|Fifth Watercolour Exhibition of Australian Wildflowers.| | ||
- | |22nd October|Play Night (would any asiring | + | |22nd October|Play Night (would any aspiring |
=====Waterproof!!===== | =====Waterproof!!===== | ||
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Such a cloth is obviously unsuitable for tents but is good for groundsheets and loose capes which allow good ventilation. Loose fitting jackets and coats are not too bad but tend to ' | Such a cloth is obviously unsuitable for tents but is good for groundsheets and loose capes which allow good ventilation. Loose fitting jackets and coats are not too bad but tend to ' | ||
- | For tents whether " | + | For tents whether " |
- | Given a good "run off" any smooth tightly woven cloth will keep water out without having been treated in any way. Japaras being specially woven for such purposes are of course the bushwalkers choice. An untreated cloth however, while running off the water, nevertheless gets wet and if the wet underside of the cloth is touched, the 'ski't of the wter is broken and a drip starts. Most campers know the trick of running the hand down from the drip to the bottom of the roof which stops the drip. | + | Given a good "run off" any smooth tightly woven cloth will keep water out without having been treated in any way. Japaras being specially woven for such purposes are of course the bushwalkers choice. An untreated cloth however, while running off the water, nevertheless gets wet and if the wet underside of the cloth is touched, the 'skin' of the water is broken and a drip starts. Most campers know the trick of running the hand down from the drip to the bottom of the roof which stops the drip. |
A tent made of water repellent cloth whilst it resists the water for some time, eventually gets wet, but because of the resistance a drip is not so readily started. | A tent made of water repellent cloth whilst it resists the water for some time, eventually gets wet, but because of the resistance a drip is not so readily started. |
194309.1450349683.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/12/17 21:54 by tyreless