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 My discoveries that milk and cream have to be brought from the cows to the city and the factory and that what comes to town on wheels has usually to go back again sounds as silly as the over-simplified story of Newton and the apple. Gradually I realised that throughout the whole of South-Eastern Queensland, dairying was common and that therefore a system of trucks must be used to bring the products to town. One had only to sift the chaff from the grain. My discoveries that milk and cream have to be brought from the cows to the city and the factory and that what comes to town on wheels has usually to go back again sounds as silly as the over-simplified story of Newton and the apple. Gradually I realised that throughout the whole of South-Eastern Queensland, dairying was common and that therefore a system of trucks must be used to bring the products to town. One had only to sift the chaff from the grain.
  
-For the present, however, we were restricted to near-city areas and began to receive offers of lifts though we were safeguarded by other transport arrangements. I suppose I have never been in the position to know whether my Sydney cempatriots would be as hospitable and helpful in similar circumstances but the unsolicited offers of lifts were often hard to refuse. For example - as we were making for the station on an early trip in the Flinders Range we were invited to ride into Ipswich on the top of a load of bagged charcoal. After eyeing the charcoal and our comparatively clean clothes we replied that we would "catch the train, thank you, ever so much" despite the fact that a long wait and a crowded, slow train lay ahead of us. Several times we met the same vehicle and each time the driver begged us to ride with him with such emotion that we wondered whether he thought we were notables in disguise. Of course we might have been useful weights for holding the charcoal on the truck. Finally we had to accept out of consideration for the poor fellow's feelings.+For the present, however, we were restricted to near-city areas and began to receive offers of lifts though we were safeguarded by other transport arrangements. I suppose I have never been in the position to know whether my Sydney compatriots would be as hospitable and helpful in similar circumstances but the unsolicited offers of lifts were often hard to refuse. For example - as we were making for the station on an early trip in the Flinders Range we were invited to ride into Ipswich on the top of a load of bagged charcoal. After eyeing the charcoal and our comparatively clean clothes we replied that we would "catch the train, thank you, ever so much" despite the fact that a long wait and a crowded, slow train lay ahead of us. Several times we met the same vehicle and each time the driver begged us to ride with him with such emotion that we wondered whether he thought we were notables in disguise. Of course we might have been useful weights for holding the charcoal on the truck. Finally we had to accept out of consideration for the poor fellow's feelings.
  
-The first premeditated "hitch" occurred on an occasion when we had missed a bus and an extra nine mile road walk loomed in front of us. Along came an empty truck and, thank Heaven, one of the chaps had been in the Army and was not suffering from paralysis or shyness of the thumb. I cowered by the road as shudders of convential prejudice coursed up and down my spine and doubt whether I would have had the courage to so act even to avoid the long, unexpected walk. Considering that a good-natured driver was only too happy to put us in an empty truck I think that a logician could make out a clear case of idiocy. From right now, in order to help towards the progress of the word "hitch" into the drawing room, I intend to strip it of its semi-respectable inverted commas.+The first premeditated "hitch" occurred on an occasion when we had missed a bus and an extra nine mile road walk loomed in front of us. Along came an empty truck and, thank Heaven, one of the chaps had been in the Army and was not suffering from paralysis or shyness of the thumb. I cowered by the road as shudders of conventional prejudice coursed up and down my spine and doubt whether I would have had the courage to so act even to avoid the long, unexpected walk. Considering that a good-natured driver was only too happy to put us in an empty truck I think that a logician could make out a clear case of idiocy. From right now, in order to help towards the progress of the word "hitch" into the drawing room, I intend to strip it of its semi-respectable inverted commas.
  
 At this stage of my evolution a lift arranged beforehand by inter-change of letters or spoken sentences in a reasonable approximation to the King's English seemed quite legitimate but to express one's hopes and longings by a dumb show enacted with the thumb showed how the Great Public School finishing class that one ought to have attended would have failed to convert the savage underneath. A new world of experience was opening as a new, exciting, tangible world lay just outside our Tantalus grasp. "For all experience is an arch where through gleams that untravelled world that fades for ever and forever as I move" sighed Ulysses and beyond our reach rose peak after peak dimly seen, haunting names which could become haunting memories if only.... At this stage of my evolution a lift arranged beforehand by inter-change of letters or spoken sentences in a reasonable approximation to the King's English seemed quite legitimate but to express one's hopes and longings by a dumb show enacted with the thumb showed how the Great Public School finishing class that one ought to have attended would have failed to convert the savage underneath. A new world of experience was opening as a new, exciting, tangible world lay just outside our Tantalus grasp. "For all experience is an arch where through gleams that untravelled world that fades for ever and forever as I move" sighed Ulysses and beyond our reach rose peak after peak dimly seen, haunting names which could become haunting memories if only....
  
-At last frustration became unbearable so I decided upon a "reconnaissance" trip to a locality near lots of excellent, untouched walking country in order to try to perhaps organise some transport further afield at a later date. I had decided, in desperation, to hitch any trucks - these not being so abashing. However the first vehicle which approached when I was clear of the town was a large sedan so I modestly cast my eyes down. The car stopped, I was invited in and off we went. I happened to mention that Cunningham's Gap was my Nirvana out this way which admission was followed by an overwhelming offer to take me there and pick me up on Monday morning in time for work. I bought extra food at the only shop on the way where, also, my friend "shouted" me afternoon taa before I could do the same for him. Sunday being a perfect day I was able to climb Mt. Mitchell on one side of the Gap in the morning and Mt. Cordeaux in the afternoon though, expecting to be camping at a much lower altitude than 2,500 feet, I nearly froze at night in the Winter breeze and only a miserable fire could be coaxed in the jungle in the Gap. Some of our trips had been so cheap that a certain amount of rivalry, competition and boastfulness had crept in but I now held the record with 20 miles by train, 120 by car, afternoon tea and an unused, return railway ticket for 4/1d.+At last frustration became unbearable so I decided upon a "reconnaissance" trip to a locality near lots of excellent, untouched walking country in order to try to perhaps organise some transport further afield at a later date. I had decided, in desperation, to hitch any trucks - these not being so abashing. However the first vehicle which approached when I was clear of the town was a large sedan so I modestly cast my eyes down. The car stopped, I was invited in and off we went. I happened to mention that Cunningham's Gap was my Nirvana out this way which admission was followed by an overwhelming offer to take me there and pick me up on Monday morning in time for work. I bought extra food at the only shop on the way where, also, my friend "shouted" me afternoon tea before I could do the same for him. Sunday being a perfect day I was able to climb Mt. Mitchell on one side of the Gap in the morning and Mt. Cordeaux in the afternoon though, expecting to be camping at a much lower altitude than 2,500 feet, I nearly froze at night in the Winter breeze and only a miserable fire could be coaxed in the jungle in the Gap. Some of our trips had been so cheap that a certain amount of rivalry, competition and boastfulness had crept in but I now held the record with 20 miles by train, 120 by car, afternoon tea and an unused, return railway ticket for 4/1d.
  
 My notes record a very cheap trip on May Day week-end - a very appropriate time for the working and walking classes - to wit, 40 miles by truck, 60 by train and tram home for 2/2d. My notes record a very cheap trip on May Day week-end - a very appropriate time for the working and walking classes - to wit, 40 miles by truck, 60 by train and tram home for 2/2d.
  
-My having been to Cunningham's Gap quite maddened Frank so he induced me to attempt to hitch there and back a few weeks later. We detrained at Ipswich and almost immediately picked up an Air Force truck which was obviously just about to leave for Amberley to which place we had intended to proceed sedately by bus. After Amberley comes No Man's Land. Four different trucks took us for short stages, one driver had a sense of hunour and enjoyed our beaming smiles when he told us he was going to Warwick and thus through our destination. Had we been less eager we would have noticed that the car was scarcely fit to make the climb - the man whose car once stopped, may never start again, always seems to be the most willing to pull up. All the more to help push perhaps. At nightfall with 20 miles to go we were just about to leave the road to have tea in high dudgeon when two lights appeared over the hill so we decided to give the fellow a chance to prove himself a gentleman. The vehicle was an Army truck on the way to Warwick so we were accommodated.+My having been to Cunningham's Gap quite maddened Frank so he induced me to attempt to hitch there and back a few weeks later. We detrained at Ipswich and almost immediately picked up an Air Force truck which was obviously just about to leave for Amberley to which place we had intended to proceed sedately by bus. After Amberley comes No Man's Land. Four different trucks took us for short stages, one driver had a sense of honour and enjoyed our beaming smiles when he told us he was going to Warwick and thus through our destination. Had we been less eager we would have noticed that the car was scarcely fit to make the climb - the man whose car once stopped, may never start again, always seems to be the most willing to pull up. All the more to help push perhaps. At nightfall with 20 miles to go we were just about to leave the road to have tea in high dudgeon when two lights appeared over the hill so we decided to give the fellow a chance to prove himself a gentleman. The vehicle was an Army truck on the way to Warwick so we were accommodated.
  
 Just before lunch the next day we left the Gap remarking that a lift to Mt. Edwards by lunch time would suit perfectly. Along rolled a limousine in a few minutes the driver took up to Mt. Edwards although the only indication to him of our hopes had been telepathic. Upon resuming after lunch and a diversion up the mountain we had a very barren time until transport just froze and there is nothing more annoying to a hitcher than nothing to hitch! I was just mentally calculating how long it would take to walk 29 miles when, once again just at dusk, salvation came in the form of an American Jeep which took us comfortably back to the station. Very nice (and astonishing) we thought, considering the driver had his girl friend with him. He must have been a careful driver. Just before lunch the next day we left the Gap remarking that a lift to Mt. Edwards by lunch time would suit perfectly. Along rolled a limousine in a few minutes the driver took up to Mt. Edwards although the only indication to him of our hopes had been telepathic. Upon resuming after lunch and a diversion up the mountain we had a very barren time until transport just froze and there is nothing more annoying to a hitcher than nothing to hitch! I was just mentally calculating how long it would take to walk 29 miles when, once again just at dusk, salvation came in the form of an American Jeep which took us comfortably back to the station. Very nice (and astonishing) we thought, considering the driver had his girl friend with him. He must have been a careful driver.
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 It must not be assumed that hitching does not require technique. This weekend, for example, our limousine episode caused us furiously to think with the result that we put out a new method of attack for sedans which will give some idea of the psychological problems which have to be grappled with. Having gathered that a sedan is approaching from behind the best idea is not to look around until the driver is sufficiently close to be able to see you clearly. Then look back with quick expectancy giving the impression that you would have possibly hitched, had the vehicle been a broken-down truck but with a sedan it is different. This display of humility and sense of proportion has a good effect on the driver, puts him on his mettle and seems to afford him an opportunity to improve his reputation and show he can be decent to the lower economic orders. One should also watch the face of the driver out of the corner of the eye because most of them like some assurance, even the slightest, that you will not refuse a lift if they do stop. If the driver wears this look of "What about it?" you reply with a sharp forward movement of the head and a lift of the eyebrows which removes all doubt. It must not be assumed that hitching does not require technique. This weekend, for example, our limousine episode caused us furiously to think with the result that we put out a new method of attack for sedans which will give some idea of the psychological problems which have to be grappled with. Having gathered that a sedan is approaching from behind the best idea is not to look around until the driver is sufficiently close to be able to see you clearly. Then look back with quick expectancy giving the impression that you would have possibly hitched, had the vehicle been a broken-down truck but with a sedan it is different. This display of humility and sense of proportion has a good effect on the driver, puts him on his mettle and seems to afford him an opportunity to improve his reputation and show he can be decent to the lower economic orders. One should also watch the face of the driver out of the corner of the eye because most of them like some assurance, even the slightest, that you will not refuse a lift if they do stop. If the driver wears this look of "What about it?" you reply with a sharp forward movement of the head and a lift of the eyebrows which removes all doubt.
  
-Unfortunstely the milk lorry position was not so satisfactory as few times were convenient. However, I heard of the most useful truck which leaves Beaudesert at 3.30 a.m. on Saturday morning and terminates only a few miles, as the crow flies, from O'Rei11ys'. NeVerthelees while everyone knew of the truck nobody knew the driver nor where he was to be found so one weekend I set out to find him by hook or by crook. The trip began badly with a late goods train, resulting in the formulation of a plan which consisted of lying across the middle of the road to sleep as it was most unlikely that  another vehicle would happen along this road between the hours of 1 a.m. when I would be crawling to bed and 4.30 when I expected the truck. As thick, ground mists greeted me on the five miles from the station to the town I abandoned this idea. Instead I slept beside the road with both ears cocked hoping, at the sound of an engine, to rise out of the mists in my sleeping bag like a wraith - one to cause the use of the brake, not the accelerator. Nature, however, asserted herself and at 6 a.m. I woke to find myself in situ, with a heavy cold the only compensation for failing to embark on a hard trip.+Unfortunately the milk lorry position was not so satisfactory as few times were convenient. However, I heard of the most useful truck which leaves Beaudesert at 3.30 a.m. on Saturday morning and terminates only a few miles, as the crow flies, from O'Rei11ys'. NeVerthelees while everyone knew of the truck nobody knew the driver nor where he was to be found so one weekend I set out to find him by hook or by crook. The trip began badly with a late goods train, resulting in the formulation of a plan which consisted of lying across the middle of the road to sleep as it was most unlikely that  another vehicle would happen along this road between the hours of 1 a.m. when I would be crawling to bed and 4.30 when I expected the truck. As thick, ground mists greeted me on the five miles from the station to the town I abandoned this idea. Instead I slept beside the road with both ears cocked hoping, at the sound of an engine, to rise out of the mists in my sleeping bag like a wraith - one to cause the use of the brake, not the accelerator. Nature, however, asserted herself and at 6 a.m. I woke to find myself in situ, with a heavy cold the only compensation for failing to embark on a hard trip.
  
 A fortnight later Frank and I wanted to catch this truck and, being a holiday weekend, we knew that WE MUST NOT FAIL. We had gained the additional information that before leaving town the driver picked up meat at a certain shop and our precarious transport having landed us in the town at a late hour there seemed to be only one course - to sleep in front of the door of the shop in order that the driver could not go without us even if only because he broke his neck as he fell over us. The town was deserted, we would be leaving at 3.30 a.m. there couldn't be a misadventure. But one cannot think of everything. Scarcely were we in bed than a dance finished in some other part of the town and the dancers began to wander home. We pretended to be asleep as we were inspected and discussed from various distances having a glorious time listening to the comments. Several Americans - we could tell only by the speech - approached very closely but then with a "Agh. Aussies!" they hastily retreated! A fortnight later Frank and I wanted to catch this truck and, being a holiday weekend, we knew that WE MUST NOT FAIL. We had gained the additional information that before leaving town the driver picked up meat at a certain shop and our precarious transport having landed us in the town at a late hour there seemed to be only one course - to sleep in front of the door of the shop in order that the driver could not go without us even if only because he broke his neck as he fell over us. The town was deserted, we would be leaving at 3.30 a.m. there couldn't be a misadventure. But one cannot think of everything. Scarcely were we in bed than a dance finished in some other part of the town and the dancers began to wander home. We pretended to be asleep as we were inspected and discussed from various distances having a glorious time listening to the comments. Several Americans - we could tell only by the speech - approached very closely but then with a "Agh. Aussies!" they hastily retreated!
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 by Alex Colley. by Alex Colley.
  
-It sometimes hapnens that canoeists, beceuse of the lack of water "canike" long distances, and walkers have been known to push cars along with them for miles, but we claim to be the first to take our skis for a walk. A word is plainly necessary to describe this new pastime, but as no English term has yet been included in the dictionaries perhaps the well known Russian word "walkski" is the best to describe our holiday.+It sometimes happens that canoeists, because of the lack of water "canike" long distances, and walkers have been known to push cars along with them for miles, but we claim to be the first to take our skis for a walk. A word is plainly necessary to describe this new pastime, but as no English term has yet been included in the dictionaries perhaps the well known Russian word "walkski" is the best to describe our holiday.
  
 In April the mountains had been whitened by a foot of snow and again in May there was a good fall. Then something went wrong with the air currents. Week after week I waited and watched the mountains through my office window (not __all__ the time - of course) hoping a cold westerly would cover the mountains in cloud and lift to reveal deep snow. But it never happened. Sometimes clouds would settle for a day, and for a few weeks there was a thin cap on the top of Gingera - never a real fall. By August I had decided there wouldn't be any fall. Spring was in the air - the birds had no doubt about it. However our arrangements were made and we decided that a walk would be fine anyway. But we couldn't bring ourselves to leave our skis behind, so they went with us. In April the mountains had been whitened by a foot of snow and again in May there was a good fall. Then something went wrong with the air currents. Week after week I waited and watched the mountains through my office window (not __all__ the time - of course) hoping a cold westerly would cover the mountains in cloud and lift to reveal deep snow. But it never happened. Sometimes clouds would settle for a day, and for a few weeks there was a thin cap on the top of Gingera - never a real fall. By August I had decided there wouldn't be any fall. Spring was in the air - the birds had no doubt about it. However our arrangements were made and we decided that a walk would be fine anyway. But we couldn't bring ourselves to leave our skis behind, so they went with us.
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 =====October News.===== =====October News.=====
  
-Just to offset the tough conditions imposed by the Railway Comissioners, the Clerk of the Weather looked kindly on all holiday makers for the 6 hour week end. This annual endurance test fixture, Holiday Handicap-Christmas Elimination Trials is we think, designed by the Railways, not as a staff entertainment as we had supposed, but to test the strength of their rolling stock and the fortitude of travellers generally. Most Bushwalkers passed the fortitude test brilliantly. We did hear of a couple who having passed the Barrier Trials, failed miserably in the Boarding test. No doubt the S.B.W. Committee will deal with the two members who proved so spineless and we expect to hear of their tratsference to the Non-Active list. Of oourse they weren't Old members.+Just to offset the tough conditions imposed by the Railway Commissioners, the Clerk of the Weather looked kindly on all holiday makers for the 6 hour week end. This annual endurance test fixture, Holiday Handicap-Christmas Elimination Trials is we think, designed by the Railways, not as a staff entertainment as we had supposed, but to test the strength of their rolling stock and the fortitude of travellers generally. Most Bushwalkers passed the fortitude test brilliantly. We did hear of a couple who having passed the Barrier Trials, failed miserably in the Boarding test. No doubt the S.B.W. Committee will deal with the two members who proved so spineless and we expect to hear of their transference to the Non-Active list. Of course they weren't Old members.
  
 A large party debouched-on to Honeymoon Bay and enjoyed ideal conditions, they say. But there were no fish. Silly to expect to fish we say. A large party debouched-on to Honeymoon Bay and enjoyed ideal conditions, they say. But there were no fish. Silly to expect to fish we say.
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 The Commission's policy is an over-all one, to cater for all community needs for the multiple service provided by forests - from timber supply to forest recreation. In Queensland, for instance, both National Forests and National Parks are managed and protected by one authority, viz. the Queensland Forest Service, each for its dedicated purpose. The Commission's policy is an over-all one, to cater for all community needs for the multiple service provided by forests - from timber supply to forest recreation. In Queensland, for instance, both National Forests and National Parks are managed and protected by one authority, viz. the Queensland Forest Service, each for its dedicated purpose.
  
-Even managed forests contribute amenity, as for instance, although in Europe the primitive Oak and Beach forests no lenger exist, the man-made pine woods still occasion poeny. The New South Walet policy, however, would be to retain primitive areas within the pattern of protected woodlands.+Even managed forests contribute amenity, as for instance, although in Europe the primitive Oak and Beach forests no longer exist, the man-made pine woods still occasion poeny. The New South Wales policy, however, would be to retain primitive areas within the pattern of protected woodlands.
  
 The Bush Walking Clubs could help best by defining areas of scenic content worthy of retention in the primitive." The Bush Walking Clubs could help best by defining areas of scenic content worthy of retention in the primitive."
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 Am getting to see more of London, bit by bit. During a walk yesterday evening the number of churches either built by Wren or in his style was most obvious. So far they are the most pleasing features of London architecture I have seen. Some of them are only shells now but their bell-towers are generally intact and front view they look complete. St. Clemens is just in front of Australia House - you know, Oranges and Lemons the bells of St. Clemens. That's what's wrong with London - most of its charm derives from the history and literature of the place rather than from its nature. Remember the early scenes in Pygmalion - some church pillars in front of a market place. We passed by that yesterday - a dirty smellful place like Haymarket. Am getting to see more of London, bit by bit. During a walk yesterday evening the number of churches either built by Wren or in his style was most obvious. So far they are the most pleasing features of London architecture I have seen. Some of them are only shells now but their bell-towers are generally intact and front view they look complete. St. Clemens is just in front of Australia House - you know, Oranges and Lemons the bells of St. Clemens. That's what's wrong with London - most of its charm derives from the history and literature of the place rather than from its nature. Remember the early scenes in Pygmalion - some church pillars in front of a market place. We passed by that yesterday - a dirty smellful place like Haymarket.
  
-Saw some fruit barrows yesterday. Peaches at 4- __each__ - not such wonderful peaches either. Grapes at 1/6 per __quarter__ lb. I bought a couple of them and they were quite good. Spme small apples were more reasonable at 8d a lb.+Saw some fruit barrows yesterday. Peaches at 4- __each__ - not such wonderful peaches either. Grapes at 1/6 per __quarter__ lb. I bought a couple of them and they were quite good. Some small apples were more reasonable at 8d a lb.
  
 I still expect to be back in Australia by the end of the year. I still expect to be back in Australia by the end of the year.
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 ---- ----
  
-LETTERS FROM THE LADS AND LASSES +=====Letters From The Lads And Lasses.=====
-Chas. Jones. New Guinea,11.8,44, I wish to express my thanks to you for the number of papers and r iagazines I consistently receive from your committee, The arrival of my own club meq3azine is always pe rticularly welcome as in it I am able to read of the doings of the club and its members among places I know. +
-Sometimes of an evening in thet'quiet half hour before darkness falls I leah against the tent pole and contemplate the surrounding scene so different from the +
-places featured in the "Bushwalker". Seldom I am afraid, does my walking instinct +
-drive me to climb the hills which lie around us. The native villages in the hills are the cause of several disturbances and walking in those parts is frowned upon. +
-At present I an camped i a huge valley flanked by incredible steep kunai +
-covered hills. I always thought the elopes of Mr,Mouin were steep but the slopes around here -Bxcer'd them. +
-The valley itself is of interest to geologists but in thep bsence of +
-Grace Edgecombe I am a lay=tn to such a huge subject. The river flow has reversed +
-many times I think and the valley has been tilted laterally I think making the river run over what was previously the side of the valley. It is this lateral tilting which is the cause of the terrifically steep hill sides. +
-Recently I had to survey a line for a road around one bluff which jutted +
-out into the river. Whilst on this job I learned the truth of some wise acre'+
-observation that there are only two types of hills in New Guinea, "perpendicular", +
-they go straight down and "slantindicula" they lean outwards! +
-Scrambling around the bluff itself was no mean feat as I soon discovered. Accompanied by'a'felenatives I began the journey but after a while I decided there was no future ,in that form of entertainment. No sir! When the natives too failed to gain -a grip I decided (having in the meantime mentally checked +
-the fact that I was :net wearing Bushwalker badge) to beat a strategic withdrawal. +
-Later by dint of ropes and toe holds we managed to get around the offending rock face but I am sure many walks programmes will come and go before I join +
-a "rock climbing" walk. +
-Earlier in my stay in New Guinea I was fortunate to spend a while in the area around Wau, Edie Creek and Bulolo. As you may know this area lies roughly +
-eighty miles south of Lae and shout thirty miles inland from Salamau on the coast. +
-- Pre-war this (,):::.oa was accessible only by plap e and was considered the "garden of New Gunea". Wau itself is about 4,000 feet above the sea and enjoys a delightful climate. In apnearence it is like some parts of the South Coast around Jamberoo, Robertson and Cambewarra. Massive ranger: flank the basin in +
-which Wau nests and it is on one such range to the west of Wau that Edie Creek +
-lies. +
-+
-As one begins the ascent the famous trail is seen along which the +
-Japs made their near-victorious drive on V;1au in the beginning of last year, Further east can be seen the gaps in the tree line where Australian batteries "plastered" the Jan batteries brought up from Salamau. +
-Further up the road, before it Swings west into the die Creek valley, one can see the broad Diarkham valley around Nadzab and Lae, We were fortunate on most occasions in that we had clear days in which to appreciate the view, +
-At Edie Creek begins the now famous Bulldog road on which this company had the honour, dubious. Or otherwise, of working. A triumph of mants ingenuity and tenacity of purpose it gives no indication of the forces involved in its beginning at Edie Creek. Like an old rutted by-way in a country shire it winds its way westward to cross the Owen Stanleys at 9800 feet to penetrate the weird mossy forest and finally to wind its way along the sides of precipitous gorges till it finally reaches Bulldog on the Lakakamu River which eventually flows into the Gulf of Papua north of Moresby, +
-This narrow, dangerous road was to be the life line of Australia had the push on Lae and Nadzab failed last September. As the fortunes of war so decided the Bulldog Pod was never destined to play that part. +
-I am afraid I have let my head go as the lads would say, 'Still it, would have been a poor shbw had I baltily stated my thanks in one sentence so I hope my. literary rneanderings have not taken up too much of what must be valuable time to' you, +
-Up here with time on one 's hands at night the pen and letter feature large in our lives, Once upon a:time I used to write about one letter a month, since being in the army and up here in particular, I. have developed that form of activity to an annoying (to the addressee) degre e, +
-Jaok Adams - England. - 28.6.44, Gla d to hear from you and now I know that my mail to the B,5 ,C,, is up to date, Noted many interesting items about fellow bushwalkers but must admit that I have not had the pleasure of meeting many of them - shall no doubt make up for that on return to a "Sunburnt country". Though we have had a week of glorious weather about a month ago, in which I went swithrning three days running, it has been dull and wet quite often which has held up our flying. Managed to get a few more ops in to Duisberg and Dartmond, bombing marshalling yards in the Ruhr or "Happy Valley", Boulo gne gun batteries, +
-6" guns at Ouistreham at dawn on D-Day, bombing just before H-Hour. We could see the invasion fleet creeping in beneath the broken cloud and were proud +
-to give them ahand. Returning from a quiet leave to blast Le l_lavre docks and +
-R.yardb at Valen ceinnes and now that Jerry is sending ove-r (rocket  +
-propelled bombs) we have Concentrated on their launching sites,: One daylight' raid' was quite a novelty. 4 more ops to do and tour com-r)lete d. Did you get +
-away to. Beecroft Peninsula? +
-LEcLagfinati. 3 -tiolust,. Writing once again to let you know that am most definitely in the land of the living and. will be for some. considerable timq. Here's the reason, tour completed 7th July with 3 mining, 15 German and 11 +
-French targets. Post-tour leave of 14 d-Jys. Perthshire was really splendid. +
-Fine weather and good grull and I thougsht strawberries as big as two bob and real ice cream was almost too much for thy constitution so long deficient Of ouch luxuriet.3! Tried my hand at bit of climbing and really appreciated a scramble over Mt.Blair sca:.?ing.. a stag_ en route, probably owing to my scant shorts and finally a Magnificent panorama of loch's, valley of Glenisla and the wild and +
-woolly highlands of Glenslea.  +
-12, +
-,+
  
 +===Chas. Jones. New Guinea, 11.8,44.===
 +
 +I wish to express my thanks to you for the number of papers and magazines I consistently receive from your committee. The arrival of my own club magazine is always particularly welcome as in it I am able to read of the doings of the club and its members among places I know.
 +
 +Sometimes of an evening in that quiet half hour before darkness falls I lean against the tent pole and contemplate the surrounding scene so different from the places featured in the "Bushwalker". Seldom I am afraid, does my walking instinct drive me to climb the hills which lie around us. The native villages in the hills are the cause of several disturbances and walking in those parts is frowned upon.
 +
 +At present I am camped in a huge valley flanked by incredible steep kunai covered hills. I always thought the slopes of Mt. Mouin were steep but the slopes around here exceed them.
 +
 +The valley itself is of interest to geologists but in the absence of Grace Edgecombe I am a layman to such a huge subject. The river flow has reversed many times I think and the valley has been tilted laterally I think making the river run over what was previously the side of the valley. It is this lateral tilting which is the cause of the terrifically steep hill sides.
 +
 +Recently I had to survey a line for a road around one bluff which jutted out into the river. Whilst on this job I learned the truth of some wise acre's observation that there are only two types of hills in New Guinea, "perpendicular", they go straight down and "slantindicula" they lean outwards!
 +
 +Scrambling around the bluff itself was no mean feat as I soon discovered. Accompanied by a few natives I began the journey but after a while I decided there was no future in that form of entertainment. No sir! When the natives too failed to gain a grip I decided (having in the meantime mentally checked the fact that I was not wearing Bushwalker badge) to beat a strategic withdrawal.
 +
 +Later by dint of ropes and toe holds we managed to get around the offending rock face but I am sure many walks programmes will come and go before I join a "rock climbing" walk.
 +
 +Earlier in my stay in New Guinea I was fortunate to spend a while in the area around Wau, Edie Creek and Bulolo. As you may know this area lies roughly eighty miles south of Lae and about thirty miles inland from Salamau on the coast.
 +
 +Pre-war this area was accessible only by plane and was considered the "Garden of New Guinea". Wau itself is about 4,000 feet above the sea and enjoys a delightful climate. In appearance it is like some parts of the South Coast around Jamberoo, Robertson and Cambewarra. Massive ranges flank the basin in which Wau nests and it is on one such range to the west of Wau that Edie Creek lies.
 +
 +As one begins the ascent the famous trail is seen along which the Japs made their near-victorious drive on Wau in the beginning of last year. Further east can be seen the gaps in the tree line where Australian batteries "plastered" the Jap batteries brought up from Salamau.
 +
 +Further up the road, before it swings west into the Edie Creek valley, one can see the broad Markham valley around Nadzab and Lae. We were fortunate on most occasions in that we had clear days in which to appreciate the view.
 +
 +At Edie Creek begins the now famous Bulldog road on which this company had the honour, dubious or otherwise, of working. A triumph of man's ingenuity and tenacity of purpose it gives no indication of the forces involved in its beginning at Edie Creek. Like an old rutted by-way in a country shire it winds its way westward to cross the Owen Stanleys at 9800 feet to penetrate the weird mossy forest and finally to wind its way along the sides of precipitous gorges till it finally reaches Bulldog on the Lakakamu River which eventually flows into the Gulf of Papua north of Moresby.
 +
 +This narrow, dangerous road was to be the life line of Australia had the push on Lae and Nadzab failed last September. As the fortunes of war so decided the Bulldog Road was never destined to play that part.
 +
 +I am afraid I have let my head go as the lads would say. Still it would have been a poor show had I baldly stated my thanks in one sentence so I hope my literary meanderings have not taken up too much of what must be valuable time to you.
 +
 +Up here with time on one's hands at night the pen and letter feature large in our lives. Once upon a time I used to write about one letter a month, since being in the army and up here in particular, I have developed that form of activity to an annoying (to the addressee) degree.
 +
 +===Jack Adams - England - 28.6.44.===
 +
 +Glad to hear from you and now I know that my mail to the B.S.C. is up to date. Noted many interesting items about fellow bushwalkers but must admit that I have not had the pleasure of meeting many of them - shall no doubt make up for that on return to a "Sunburnt country". Though we have had a week of glorious weather about a month ago, in which I went swimming three days running, it has been dull and wet quite often which has held up our flying. Managed to get a few more ops in to Duisberg and Dartmond, bombing marshalling yards in the Ruhr or "Happy Valley", Boulogne gun batteries, 6" guns at Ouistreham at dawn on D-Day, bombing just before H-Hour. We could see the invasion fleet creeping in beneath the broken cloud and were proud to give them a hand. Returning from a quiet leave to blast Le Havre docks and R. yards at Valenceinnes and now that Jerry is sending over R.P.B. (rocket propelled bombs) we have concentrated on their launching sites. One daylight raid was quite a novelty. 4 more ops to do and tour completed. Did you get away to Beecroft Peninsula?
 +
 +__And again on 3rd August.__ Writing once again to let you know that am I most definitely in the land of the living and will be for some considerable time. Here's the reason, tour completed 7th July with 3 mining, 15 German and 11 French targets. Post-tour leave of 14 days. Perthshire was really splendid. Fine weather and good grub and I thought strawberries as big as two bob and real ice cream was almost too much for my constitution so long deficient of such luxuries! Tried my hand at a bit of climbing and really appreciated a scramble over Mt. Blair scaring a stag en route, probably owing to my scant shorts and finally a magnificent panorama of lochs, valley of Glenisla and the wild and woolly highlands of Glenslea.
 +
 +----
194411.txt · Last modified: 2017/11/28 12:44 by tyreless

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