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--- 194506 [2016/01/13 14:16] – tyreless
+++ 194506 [2016/01/14 08:32] (current) – tyreless
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 No - in fact, quite ordinary. It seems we shall have to start again.
-It was mid-afternoon as eight rather ordinary males reached the top of
+It was mid-afternoon as eight rather ordinary males reached the top of the grassy saddle. The sun had long since disappeared, submerged in cloud. There was a distant peal of thunder and the clouds had already settled on the neighbouring mountain like the extra fat lady subsiding into the tram seat just vacated by the extra small school-boy. All of which means that a storm was brewing and brewing fast, the clouds were heavy, the thunder more insistent and there were some spots of rain.
-the grassy saddle. The sun had long since disappeared, submerged in cloud.
-There was a distant peal of thunder and the clouds had already settled on the neighbouring mountain like the extra fat lady subsiding into the tram seat just vacated by the extra small school-boy. All of which means that a storm was brewing and brewing fast, the clouds were heavy, the thunder more insistent and there were some spots of rain.
 The eight men stopped. Should they camp on the green sward below as recommended by the "Old Master Max" or should they go on for another hour or so and make a hole in that eighteen miles to be covered the next day? Here, at least, was a chance for one of those arguments for which "The Wizard" and his "Shadow" are so famous (or should I say infamous?).
@@ Line 139: / Line 137: @@
 As the Nobles were setting out on a tough walk of several miles last Sunday they were offered a lift by the Northern Suburbs Ambulance. The professional eye of an ambulance man instantly recognises "the sore-distressed". However, at this stage, they were not sufficiently tired to lie down in an ambulance but later bitterly regretted the hasty refusal.
-BOUDDI WORKING BEE
+=====Bouddi Working Bee=====
 by One of the Bees.
-History tells us that the colonisation of Australia was due' to the loss of the American Colonies which caused the need for another penal settlement for England's convicts, Now it will be claimed by some that, had it not been for the timely help of those same American Colonies, it is doubtful whether Governor Marie Byles would have had the opportunity to found her Penal settlement at Bouddi Natural Park on 28th and 29th of April last,
-For no worse crime, in most instances, them grumbling on account of having to work slightly longer hours since the war at greatly enhanced rates of pay, 150 people were summarily transported to work for nothing on improvements to the Park. The transported even included four children whose only crime (which in these enlightened days would be classified merely as an error of judgmelnt) was the choice of Bushwalkers as parents.
+History tells us that the colonisation of Australia was due to the loss of the American Colonies which caused the need for another penal settlement for England's convicts. Now it will be claimed by some that, had it not been for the timely help of those same American Colonies, it is doubtful whether Governor Marie Byles would have had the opportunity to found her Penal settlement at Bouddi Natural Park on 28th and 29th of April last.
-The First Fleet arrived on Friday night and l'Inded at Killcare. Do hot imagine, however, that these people suffered additional privations. Apart from the fact that they had Saturday morning off from work at home and were not expected to go more than "dead slow" in the new colony before Sunday, they were able to pounce upon the local shops and, locust-likeldevour all the luxuries in short supply.
-With the arrival of the multitude of minor offenders on Saturday afternoon, the site of the settlement began to seethe with people. Tiny Beach, the chosen spot, is only a small, sandy indentation but on the cliffs above the beach is a comparatively large area of flat groundsuitable for camping. The tents grew in two, more or less, parallel rows with a street between - a long, long row like the main street of a country town. Upon first coming upon the rising village one thought "This is the largest congre,ation of tents I have seen for a long time", But after a few paces, a bend in the road would reveal another "straight" of tents and then a tree would be found to be screening still a further cluster: on and on the street wound bewilderingly. Indeed it outgrew the available camping space and at least one satellite township had to be cot/I.:lanced in a neighlpouring valley which looked out over the sea while the original settlement spread right to the very cliffs in romantic, if rather exposed, positions. Yet even these communities did not contain the whole population for a race of supermen, I believe, established themselves at Maitland Bay. The latter are veld to have been aristocrats guilty of trifling offences such as too great familiarity with the ancestral butler.
+For no worse crime, in most instances, than grumbling on account of having to work slightly longer hours since the war at greatly enhanced rates of pay, 150 people were summarily transported to work for nothing on improvements to the Park. The transported even included four children whose only crime (which in these enlightened days would be classified merely as an error of judgment) was the choice of Bushwalkers as parents.
-Hight. A mellow moon gazed kindly into the amphitheatre of beach with black galleries facing a stage of white sand, The crowd ranged around the fire, set on the beach and burning redly. The atmosphere was of smugglers
-relaxing in some inaccessible cove knowing that excisemen and worries could
+The First Fleet arrived on Friday night and landed at Killcare. Do not imagine, however, that these people suffered additional privations. Apart from the fact that they had Saturday morning off from work at home and were not expected to go more than "dead slow" in the new colony before Sunday, they were able to pounce upon the local shops and, locust-like, devour all the luxuries in short supply.
-both be banished but over the tiers of faces arched one solitary tree/
-curving and flowing with Oriental grace woven in a tapestry. Yet this was no. place for solitary meditation: the recurring hiss of the surf as it flung itself on the sands induced an eir of expectancy, of excitement, of awareness. And, as the evening passed in song and reminiscence, each one present knew that he had been privileged to participate in a ceremony in uniquely beautiful surroundings,
+With the arrival of the multitude of minor offenders on Saturday afternoon, the site of the settlement began to seethe with people. Tiny Beach, the chosen spot, is only a small, sandy indentation but on the cliffs above the beach is a comparatively large area of flat ground suitable for camping. The tents grew in two, more or less, parallel rows with a street between - a long, long row like the main street of a country town. Upon first coming upon the rising village one thought "This is the largest congregation of tents I have seen for a long time". But after a few paces, a bend in the road would reveal another "straight" of tents and then a tree would be found to be screening still a further cluster: on and on the street wound bewilderingly. Indeed it outgrew the available camping space and at least one satellite township had to be commenced in a neighbouring valley which looked out over the sea while the original settlement spread right to the very cliffs in romantic, if rather exposed, positions. Yet even these communities did not contain the whole population for a race of supermen, I believe, established themselves at Maitland Bay. The latter are said to have been aristocrats guilty of trifling offences such as too great familiarity with the ancestral butler.
-After pleasure cometh. pains Who could have been so pesAmistic as to predict that a wicked cloud would, with enveloping tentIcles, crush the moonlizht and pour torrents on the peaceful caieears? However, instead of having to remove mountains wit the bare hands as on any such usuel occrlrion
-there were at hand in -,.nticipation of the next re.7's sho,e1sImattocks, tomahawks, adzes, crowbars, forks, hammers, axes-so one just had to choose the most suitable instrument for devieting an incipient river.
+Night. A mellow moon gazed kindly into the amphitheatre of beach with black galleries facing a stage of white sand. The crowd ranged around the fire, set on the beach and burning redly. The atmosphere was of smugglers relaxing in some inaccessible cove knowing that excisemen and worries could both be banished but over the tiers of faces arched one solitary tree, curving and flowing with Oriental grace woven in a tapestry. Yet this was no place for solitary meditation: the recurring hiss of the surf as it flung itself on the sands induced an air of expectancy, of excitement, of awareness. And, as the evening passed in song and reminiscence, each one present knew that he had been privileged to participate in a ceremony in uniquely beautiful surroundings.
-Saturday night's signs of growing Democr cy must hove irk,d the autocratic
-Governor so on Sunday, at an early hour, she once again very firmly seized
+After pleasure cometh the pain! Who could have been so pessimistic as to predict that a wicked cloud would, with enveloping tentacles, crush the moonlight and pour torrents on the peaceful campers? However, instead of having to remove mountains with the bare hands as on any such usual occasion there were at hand in anticipation of the next day's work, shovels, mattocks, tomahawks, adzes, crowbars, forks, hammers, axes - so one just had to choose the most suitable instrument for deviating an incipient river.
-the reins of Government, But every detail of the numerous jobs which hod to be done and adequate chain-gangs to perform them had been arranged
-meticulously. Clearing tracks, mending tanks, planting trees, making fire-
+Saturday night's signs of growing Democracy must hove irked the autocratic Governor so on Sunday, at an early hour, she once again very firmly seized the reins of Government. But every detail of the numerous jobs which had to be done and adequate chain-gangs to perform them had been arranged meticulously. Clearing tracks, mending tanks, planting trees, making fire-places, erecting signposts, repairing fences were a few of the tasks which were carried out with speed increased by the knowledge that the sooner it was over the sooner one could relax.
-places, erecting signposts, repairing fences were a few of the tasks which were carried out with speed increased by the knowl-dge that the sooner it
-was over the sooner one could relax.
+Every previous colonising venture seems to have failed miserably on account of some unthought-of difficulty but not Bouddi. Let me remark on two aspects.
-Every previous colonising venture seems to have failed miserably on
-account of some unthought-of difficulty but not Bouddi. Let me remark on two aspects.
+In order to ensure an unfailing water supply at Tiny Beach a dam was designed to span the trickle which managed not to evaporate before reaching the sea. Bags of cement were carried down from the road on the backs of mole convicts (of the worst type and sentenced to hard labour) on Saturday night and left at hand, for the rearing of the great wall. Strangely enough the dam was completd despite the fact that the builders relaxed occasionally by flinging cement at each others faces. Though a great improvement was noticed in the faces this was not the object of the gathering.
-In order to ensure an unfailing water su,:lply at Tiny Beach 3 dam was designed to span the trickle which managed not to evaporate before reaching the sea. Begs of cement were carridown from the road on the becks of mole convicts (of the worst type and sentenced to hard labour) on Saturd':ly hi7ht and left at hand,for the rering of the,great wall. Strangely enough the
-dam was comj3letd despite the fact that the builders relaxed occo sion-lly
+The Intelligence, Stand erect with awe and respect. Where would we be without the Intelligence? Where, indeed? The President of a well-known club was allotted the task of keeping up the lines of communication and, as those working away from the headquarters toiled, they lived in constant fear of this euphemistic Gestapo. Would she gallop by, riding side-saddle on a white charger, with hair streaming in the wind? Or would she pedal up the track, head bent down in groaning effort, on a Japanese bike? We did not see her so we presume no transport was arranged.
-by flinging cement at each others faces, Though a great improvJment noticed in the faces this was not the object of the gathering.
-The Intelligence, St-nd erect with awe and resp-ct. Whre would 72 be without the Intelligence? Where, indeed? The President of e well-known club was allotted the task of keeping up the lines of comflunic,tion ,nd, e those working away from the h,adqu'irters toiled, they lived in conetint fear of this euphemistic Gestapo. 'Mould Ehe gallop by, riding oide-sdrae on a white charger, 1Nith heir streaming in th_ v,ind? Cr v'oule she p_del UP the track, head bent dowel in groaning effort, on a J - n se bike? ue :id not see her so we presume no transport err-Ang d.
+So successful was the colony and so nostalgic did the Governor become for her precious files, her ponderous tomes, her bills of costs and costs to Bill that she granted everyone a pardon on Sunday night or only one, unnecessary condition - that they return every year for BOB Day.
-So successful was the colony end so nostic did the Govrnor become for her precious files, her ponderous tomes, her bills of co,ts and costs to Bill that she granted everyone a narden on Sunday ni-ht or only one, unnecessary condition - that they return every year for BOB Day.
-.
+=====Our Absent Friends=====
-:1)8,CCCAL'eLaalglf(,,:a la-r(filfa]a_ELnikkf:00.YLLU:23-tra,,Q2,L,wa'L,
-O YOUR OPTOMETRIST
-@
-F. GOOMAN M.I.O.
-Optometrist Ind Optician .
-C.) 20 Hunter Street SIdney, Tel: B3438
-C;..)
-(0, (F)
-@- Modern Methods of Eye Examination. and Eye Training @
-Careful Spectacle Fitting
-ET?
-@
-Fixing an appointment will facilitate the resarvetion
-,
-of time for giving you proper attention, but should
-' you be unable to ring us beforehand, your visit will
-e be welcome at any time you may choose to call.
-C (D
-ElaCEC(Tr'nt_Ta_a.'f=CCIA tIKO''',Cak OuiGXfl
-OUR ABSENT FRIENDS
 During the month we have received letters from the following:
-Ninian Melville Les Douglas Bob Savage Goof Pigeon
-Bill Burke Frank Ricketts- -Deuce Simpson Gordon Upton,
-(z fLinville appreciate those letters of yours
-as, apart from the "Bushwalker" which I receive more or less regularly, yours is the first letter that has given me any news of the club and its personalities for many months and it is like a flshback to the "Old Days of the Blue Gum, Araluen and Shoalhaven", so I hope it won't be long before I hear from you in the future.
-could do with a few cheers in the way of letters as these days I don't even bother to expect them, except for duty letters of course. So when I do get one, rather a lars e ceremony with offerings to the aircraft that drops it from the blue is the order of the day and everyone else in the section cheers for me. Ap rt from that I am extr:mely satisfied here more satisfied than anywhere else, as a matter of fact, with no worries and as fit as is possible.
--
-Give my congrats to Edna. Your description of the Raunion brings back
-fond memories of past Reunions in peace time at Leonav etc. TugFie's trip has the earmarks of a wild and wondrous time but the thought of Tumut isn't very nice for the man on the land, a most disheartening job under present circumstances.
-Well I'll go into my dance now and try and give you some of the "G.G." of
+Ninian Melville, Les Douglas, Bob Savage, Geof Higson, Bill Burke, Frank Ricketts, Bruce Simpson, Gordon Upton.
-this place,
-As for the Solomons I supnose by now I'm as wise as the next bloke but as for following in that gentleman's (or was he) footsteps I'll decline gracefully,
+====Geoff Higson - Bougainville 10.4.45.====
-I have been here five months now and am extremely contented. We have
-.
+I appreciate those letters of yours as, apart from the "Bushwalker" which I receive more or less regularly, yours is the first letter that has given me any news of the club and its personalities for many months and it is like a flashback to the "Old Days of the Blue Gum, Araluen and Shoalhaven", so I hope it won't be long before I hear from you in the future.
-wandered over a great area and done a lot of things. No doubt you heva rd about "thoae brave commandos" in many a garbled newspaper account. e SDRIGtimes get them sent to us and they are quite a 6,Jod laugh.
-We have always lived under fair conditions duo to us having a large number of natives working with us and when we want'anything clone "C)rriht now leepoee you like workin' house blong me". That's all there is to it. :lthough we are stuck right out in the Nips, to see us during the day you'd think we were in the middle of Hyde Park, Pretentious intelligence offices (two of) and Sig, offices as large as life. Huts evirywhere and all the time we wonder why"Nile" doesn't have a go at us instead of us having to e;o. out ncl find him, Where this place is,used to be an old native clearing and it has waving oaims and
+could do with a few cheers in the way of letters as these days I don't even bother to expect them, except for duty letters of course. So when I do get one, rather a large ceremony with offerings to the aircraft that drops it from the blue is the order of the day and everyone else in the section cheers for me. Apart from that I am extremely satisfied here - more satisfied than anywhere else, as a matter of fact, with no worries and as fit as is possible.
-jungle scenery and a reelly beautiful sc,ne of o mountain which must remain unnamed. We haye about 50/50 sunshine and rain, a little more sun perhaps and the general apparel is a "1-lap" which just covers the nether quarters and
-of course boots. So we work and 7lay ( very little of) making the most of life. I am in ch-rge of the Int.Section under the Skinper and sve the taxpayers
+Give my congrats to Edna. Your description of the Reunion brings back fond memories of past Reunions in peace time at Leonav etc. Tuggie's trip has the earmarks of a wild and wondrous time but the thought of Tumut isn't very nice for the man on the land, a most disheartening job under present circumstances.
-no end of coin as I am still only a trooper - but one of these days?
-I have m naged to grab myself a couple of Nips but at the momerib I am under
+Well I'll go into my dance now and try and give you some of the "G.G." of this place.
-a cloud (shades of former cloys) and I don't go out on patrol probably because
-if they find me and I get killed they may not be able to collect. It'll all
+As for the Solomons I suppose by now I'm as wise as the next bloke but as for following in that gentleman's (or was he) footsteps I'll decline gracefully.
-blow over soon I hope and I can get amongst the fight again and pip a few more of them. The trouble is we've got to go out and look for them and
-we're sometimes wondering for days around their bock areas looking for them,
+I have been here five months now and am extremely contented. We have wandered over a great area and done a lot of things. No doubt you have read about "those brave commandos" in many a garbled newspaper account. We Sometimes get them sent to us and they are quite a good laugh.
-So much for the little brown bathplugs.
-The areas we have been in have had considerable native and Jap gardens of
+We have always lived under fair conditions due to us having a large number of natives working with us and when we want anything done "Orriht now 'spose you like workin' house blong me". That's all there is to it. Although we are stuck right out in the Nips, to see us during the day you'd think we were in the middle of Hyde Park. Pretentious intelligence offices (two of) and Sig. offices as large as life. Huts everywhere and all the time we wonder why "Nip" doesn't have a go at us instead of us having to go out and find him. Where this place is, used to be an old native clearing and it has waving palms and jungle scenery and a really beautiful scene of a mountain which must remain unnamed. We have about 50/50 sunshine and rain, a little more sun perhaps and the general apparel is a "lap-lap" which just covers the nether quarters and of course boots. So we work and play (very little of) making the most of life.
-kau kau, corn, melons, pawpaws and what have you in the tropical line and
-many and delicious were the feeds we enjLoyed,
+I am in charge of the Int. Section under the Skinper and save the taxpayers no end of coin as I am still only a trooper - but one of these days?
-The photography up here has been rather god but the results disappoLnting due to fungus growing in the film after exnosure, Funny it doesn't touch
-the unexposed film but once exosed, unless developed immediately th- film is ruined in a few days, So it went on, disappointment after dire-e eointment for months and some really good shots ruined. Now we have a tank and. ven a
+I have managed to grab myself a couple of Nips but at the moment I am under a cloud (shades of former days) and I don't go out on patrol probably because if they find me and I get killed they may not be able to collect. It'll all blow over soon I hope and I can get amongst the fight again and pip a few more of them. The trouble is we've got to go out and look for them and we're sometimes wondering for days around their back areas looking for them. So much for the little brown bathplugs.
-sunlight enlarger and we have turRed out some extra good negative e letJly. We work at a temperature of 80-85r for a formalin bath before develn,vieent
-fixes the hardening. The printing isn't worth it up here so I have my first
+The areas we have been in have had considerable native and Jap gardens of kau kau, corn, melons, pawpaws and what have you in the tropical line and many and delicious were the feeds we enjoyed.
-batch ready to send down to be printed. If anything is worth sending I'll a.0 a
-little reciprocal trading by sending you a photo of somethin7 of intlrest -
+The photography up here has been rather good but the results disappointing due to fungus growing in the film after exposure. Funny it doesn't touch the unexposed film but once exposed, unless developed immediately the film is ruined in a few days. So it went on, disappointment after disappointment for months and some really good shots ruined. Now we have a tank and even a sunlight enlarger and we have turned out some extra good negatives lately. We work at a temperature of 80-85 degrees for a formalin bath before development fixes the hardening. The printing isn't worth it up here so I have my first batch ready to send down to be printed. If anything is worth sending I'll do a little reciprocal trading by sending you a photo of something of interest - not may ugly dial.
-not may ugly dial.
-I notice yeu are still keeping I.C.I. poor using, up their envelo,ees - and
+I notice you are still keeping I.C.I. poor using up their envelopes - and time I expect - but they can stand it for the poor boys "mopping-up" up north. If anyone tells you that Dunk, tell them for me that calling it that doesn't make a bullet any softer or a grenade any less effective. Perhaps the Jap doesn't know its mopping-up - evidently his education has been neglected. One more thing before I go. Here is the latest news - stop press in the late final extra - Right off the rollers or straight from the C.O's moustache. I have been nominated for a military intelligence school, about the only one I have ever wanted to do. It is at Southport, Queensland and starts the end of June. After that I'll probably get more leave so all in all its something to look forward to and my ugly mug may show its features around the Clubroom down in the not so far future. etc. etc.
-time I expect - but they cm stend it for the pe r boys "eoyein-f-un" up
-north. If anyone tells you that Dunk, tell th:i for me that calling it that
+=====Guouogang=====
-doesn't make a bullet any softer or o grenade any lese of:ective. Perhaps the Ja e doesn't know its mo-nin;-u,-) evidently his eduction has been
-neglected, One m-ro thing b,fore 1 go. Here is the latest news - stop press in the late final extra - Right off the rell2rs or E.froieht from the 0.0's moustache. I have been nrein,ted for a milit ry int:llic;ence school, about the only one I have ever wonted to do, It is at (nieuth-ort,Que nslond and starts the end of June, After that I'll nrobobly ,z-et more leave so all in all its something to look forward to and my ualy mug may show its features around the Clubroom down in the not Co far future1 etc. etc.
-GUOUOGANG
 by Laurie Rayner.
-It all st,-t-d bck in 1941 when J-ay and I -oer:J into the iloi)e4etrab1e mist on top of Guouogon,,; in an elide your to find th riaht ridge leading to the Zanangra PLiver. After a sort delib,r7ttion (without map end/or
-compass) we agreed on the course and -olungd into the rist. Following first a short and stee-) ridge to a ully nnd then fie-hting our way through dense undergrowth for hours, we arrived at 1,st on the banks of - believe it or not - the Cox aver.
-Now, as you may remember, this incident caused quite a controversy in the club because, accordinc, to the map, we should have climbed at least one intervening ridge to rrive at this noint. Some "nasty folk" even sug-
-gested that we did climb this ridge in a delirious state due to the effect of the stinging trees. To settle this dispute was our object l'ist King's
-Birthday weekend and to achieve this result we had to find a ride leading
-in an unbroken line from Konangaroo Clearing right to the top of Guouogang,
-As Leon and I set out from Katooelba Station for Correl Swao p we seemed to be on the wrong track. That nie.;ht, this usually quiet path was like a thoroughfare, walking partiee everywhere. The c-,epe,ite reminded u.E. of a reunion and there was fun around th- campfires in which we dare not narticipate as we hoped for an early departure next mor-rline,,
-This we achieved, ar-ived at ClJar Hill quit: early and 1-joyd the view which seems to lose none of ite ch-rm by le c-):ein7 faeliliar,'PLfter. descending the ladders, our net led us up and ov,r the intervening mountains eventually to Splendour 2ock which was our first opnortunity to study our chances. The ridge was there all right, but was "there not a
-break in it just where it should join the main mase of the mountain? Anyhow, we shall see for ourselves tomorrow; let us get on now with today's walk, for the shadows are already lengthening. Over rocky Yellow Dog and the Yellow Pup Ridge we dropped to the Cox. It was dark now and our idea of crossing on some rocks was not feasible so we had to unlace our boots and - boy, was it cold! But we were soon warm again at the cheery fire after 'Ditching camp at Konang,roo and discussing the morrow - whether or not we
-should take rucksacks was the main argument. After many pros and cons
-it was decided to shoulder them.
-In the morning, we started our leng climb with an easy slope which became pretty steep as we arproached the crest of the ridge. This ridge commences about a mile upstream on the Cox above Konangaroo and lee ds through three saddles, one of them a veritable bridge or knife edge. The rocks at this point fall sheer down to thl Kanangra River. The vie7es
-along are beautiful; on one hand, Mt.Morilla and Paralyser, on th: -)th r, Mts. Jenolan and queahgong. One lovely grass-tree covered rock plltfnrn
-provided an excellent view, both of our route of the previous day end
-right back to Medlow Bath.
-As we rushed on to the mountain we moved into thick mist which seems
-to bo,my fate on Guouogang, Lunch-time was cold and cleelly but we were
-warmed inwIrdly by the exl)eri nce and satisfaction gained on our feur hour climb. Our luck was not entirely out, however, as we were fortunate to observe the unique dancing of a lyre bird; it imitated all the well-known bird calls and this drew our attenti in to its cinding ground.
-,
-The mist still blotted out any view so we decided to follow some wallaby tracks down a very steep shale ridge droioping from the second peak of Queahgong to Mumbedah Creek. This we reached by sunset and camped at its
-unction with the Jenolan Aver. The conversation that night was exclusively of "our" ridge which became easy and well graded as the ni:ht wore on
-A late st,rt next morning c used us to put on speed to make Medlow Bath via the Jenolan River Gorge, though it seem d e-Isy folio ing upon our success of 1-.he day before. We followed the footprints of Ty,rty along the Cox River and up the Six Foot Track and lost thqm only as we cut across to the charming little church at Mealong. This day was misty too but it did not diminish the loveliness of th valley. Everything seined to cheer us - the moist, glittering gum leaves, the low clouds, even the
-pools on the road. As we plodded up th72 well graded track to the to of the cliffs at the Hydro, the view of Megalong shrouded in darkness w-,E; the finale to one of my best walks in the Blue 11:ountains.
-CAMPING IN THE RAIN
-Dramatis Personae
-"The Old " (still c-ena:,red) - John Johns n, 'jr-win:; old disgracefully,
-"The Curly Headed Boy - Colin Lloyd, whom we h-lve sen rw u - boy and man - these two yvIrs.
-More discerning peoT)le describe Ray Kirkby as like a young larch - rather than emaciated.
-As for Frank Lyden Wizard, cure thyself !
-Poor, old Bill Cosgrove - when he's too old to walk he'll at 1st an opportunity to talk.
-Mr.Edward McKinnon, budding ARCHIT7CT, who, we opine, will be ni7?ped in the bud.
-We idly wonder vhethar Ray Dargan will be as buxo.?,1 when he h ls our years and cares.
-Mr.John Hunter is employed by Imperial Chemicals etc etc. who hvwe discovered the Philosopher's Stone which turns baser metals into gad.
-BACKYoIRD BalrALKING
-+
-Apart from birds there are few wild animals which survive the overpowering destructive forces which accompany close sottlerilent, but on any common of the outer suburbs of London rabbits are squirrels may be soen. Stranfs-ly enough (or is it?) their o- or'ite numbers of the marsapial family, b3nacoots and possums frool eLt suburban g-rdens. The bondicoot is a somewhat secretive f l]ow for though his piglike grunts often betray him his erstwhile ,rooroonco is generally only Lnown by his burrowing for Lho insects and ;.rubs he lives on The possum on th,, oth3r hand is a merry chao-,, or Rs merry as tho preEence of cats and dogs and the unioredictoble will allow. Each year a ossu. ilakes a nest of twio2_;s in the
-creeper [2;rowing on th ig11 of the houseInd th. 1vfc fun the nest is tr,caLtlerr, to th end of the guttl:ing hich is under th.
-eaves. There a ,orooloi oft,n be un El:,-ing throuh the vinter
-day, but at n-Lht he joins his cobbors to a noi hbours dustbin
-whoso lid is ins cure (we to th, dustbin). Thrl they top off the 1,00l uth wottlo ceods, gum 111)ts (whatuvLr th,y do oat) und then hunger s J:icofied, hey retire to th- flat roof of our vurandoh for fun and ;faros. Judging by the noise they make the have a number of favourite games, Swinging from the ovarhanc;in..3 branches of the wattle tree and Lnding ,ith a bum on th roof is one, some form of hop-scotch or leap frog in another and (most spectacular of all) is
-P sort of glissade down th ;teep tiled slopes ending with a hondsloring over the c.).uLtoring and a double roll on tho flat roof. Special gn.1-1 nights are held when the moon is full and o good time is had by all except for those un-orodiotable humans who o re trying to slee,) below. But then of course if folks will insist on sleeping all night and working all day when all good possums are in bed, what can they expect?
-PADDY PALLIY,
-(Still makes) =
-Camp Gear for Walkers,
-George Street,
-SYDNEY. 'Phone B3101.
+It all started back in 1941 when Ray and I peered into the impenetrable mist on top of Guouogong in an endeavour to find the right ridge leading to the Kanangra River. After a short deliberation (without map and/or compass) we agreed on the course and plunged into the mist. Following first a short and steep ridge to a gully and then fighting our way through dense undergrowth for hours, we arrived at last on the banks of - believe it or not - the Cox River.
+Now, as you may remember, this incident caused quite a controversy in the club because, according to the map, we should have climbed at least one intervening ridge to arrive at this point. Some "nasty folk" even suggested that we did climb this ridge in a delirious state due to the effect of the stinging trees. To settle this dispute was our object last King's Birthday weekend and to achieve this result we had to find a ridge leading in an unbroken line from Konangaroo Clearing right to the top of Guouogang.
+As Leon and I set out from Katoomba Station for Corral Swamp we seemed to be on the wrong track. That night, this usually quiet path was like a thoroughfare, walking parties everywhere. The campsite reminded us of a reunion and there was fun around the campfires in which we dare not participate as we hoped for an early departure next morning.
+This we achieved, arrived at Clear Hill quite early and enjoyed the view which seems to lose none of its charm by becoming familiar. After descending the ladders, our path led us up and over the intervening mountains eventually to Splendour Rock which was our first opportunity to study our chances. The ridge was there all right, but was there not a break in it just where it should join the main mass of the mountain? Anyhow, we shall see for ourselves tomorrow; let us get on now with today's walk, for the shadows are already lengthening. Over rocky Yellow Dog and the Yellow Pup Ridge we dropped to the Cox. It was dark now and our idea of crossing on some rocks was not feasible so we had to unlace our boots and - boy, was it cold! But we were soon warm again at the cheery fire after pitching camp at Konangaroo and discussing the morrow - whether or not we should take rucksacks was the main argument. After many pros and cons it was decided to shoulder them.
+In the morning, we started our long climb with an easy slope which became pretty steep as we approached the crest of the ridge. This ridge commences about a mile upstream on the Cox above Konangaroo and leads through three saddles, one of them a veritable bridge or knife edge. The rocks at this point fall sheer down to the Kanangra River. The views all along are beautiful; on one hand, Mt. Morilla and Paralyser, on the other, Mts. Jenolan and Queahgong. One lovely grass-tree covered rock platform provided an excellent view, both of our route of the previous day and right back to Medlow Bath.
+As we rushed on to the mountain we moved into thick mist which seems to be my fate on Guouogang. Lunch-time was cold and clammy but we were warmed inwardly by the experience and satisfaction gained on our four hour climb. Our luck was not entirely out, however, as we were fortunate to observe the unique dancing of a lyre bird; it imitated all the well-known bird calls and this drew our attention to its dancing ground.
+The mist still blotted out any view so we decided to follow some wallaby tracks down a very steep shale ridge dropping from the second peak of Queahgong to Mumbedah Creek. This we reached by sunset and camped at its junction with the Jenolan River. The conversation that night was exclusively of "our" ridge which became easy and well graded as the night wore on.
+A late start next morning caused us to put on speed to make Medlow Bath via the Jenolan River Gorge, though it seemed easy following upon our success of the day before. We followed the footprints of Tim's party along the Cox River and up the Six Foot Track and lost them only as we cut across to the charming little church at Megalong. This day was misty too but it did not diminish the loveliness of the valley. Everything seemed to cheer us - the moist, glittering gum leaves, the low clouds, even the pools on the road. As we plodded up the well graded track to the top of the cliffs at the Hydro, the view of Megalong shrouded in darkness was the finale to one of my best walks in the Blue Mountains.
+=====Camping In The Rain=====
+====Dramatis Personae====
+"The Old ......." (still censored) - John Johnson, growing old disgracefully.
+"The Curly Headed Boy" - Colin Lloyd, whom we have seen grow up - boy and man - these two years.
+More discerning people describe Ray Kirkby as like a young larch - rather than emaciated.
+As for Frank Lyden - Wizard, cure thyself!
+Poor, old Bill Cosgrove - when he's too old to walk he'll at last have an opportunity to talk.
+Mr. Edward McKinnon, budding Architect, who, we opine, will be nipped in the bud.
+We idly wonder whethar Ray Dargan will be as buxom when he has our years and cares.
+Mr. John Hunter is employed by Imperial Chemicals etc. etc. who have discovered the Philosopher's Stone which turns baser metals into gold.
+=====Backyard Bushwalking=====
+Apart from birds there are few wild animals which survive the overpowering destructive forces which accompany close settlement, but on any common of the outer suburbs of London rabbits are squirrels may be seen. Strangely enough (or is it?) their opposite numbers of the marsupial family, bandicoots and possums frequent suburban gardens. The bandicoot is a somewhat secretive fellow for though his piglike grunts often betray him his erstwhile presence is generally only known by his burrowing for the insects and grubs he lives on. The possum on the other hand is a merry chap, or as merry as the presence of cats and dogs and the unpredictable human will allow. Each year a possum makes a nest of twigs in the virginia creeper growing on the wall of the house and when the leaves fall the nest is transferred to the end of the guttering which is under the eaves. There a possum may often be seen sleeping through the Winter day, but at night he joins his cobbers to raid a neighbour's dustbin whose lid is insecure (we refer to the dustbin). Then they top off the meal with wattle seeds, gum nuts (whatever they do eat) and then hunger satisfied, they retire to the flat roof of our verandah for fun and games. Swinging from the overhanging branches of the wattle tree and landing with a bump on the roof is one, some form of hop-scotch or leap frog is another and (most spectacular of all) is a sort of glissade down the steep tiled slopes ending with a handspring over the guttering and a double roll on tho flat roof. Special gala nights are held when the moon is full and a good time is had by all except for those unpredictable humans who are trying to sleep below. But then of course if folks will insist on sleeping all night and working all day when all good possums are in bed, what can they expect?
+Paddy Pallin
+(Still makes) Camp Gear for Walkers,
+George Street, Sydney. 'Phone B3101.