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+ | THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER. | ||
+ | Ungar aro. | ||
+ | A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, C/- Ingersoll Hall, 256 Crown St., Sydney. | ||
+ | No. 231 FEBRUARY, 1954 Price 6d, | ||
+ | Editor: Jim Brown, 103 Gipps St., Sales & Subs.: Jess Martin | ||
+ | Drummoyne. Typed by Jean Harvey Production and Business Manager: Brian Harvey (JWI462) | ||
+ | CONTENTS. | ||
+ | Page | ||
+ | Editorial - That Caves May Continue 1 | ||
+ | Sanitarium Health Food Shop (Advertisement) 3 | ||
+ | At the January General Meeting 3 | ||
+ | Kurrajong Bus Service Timetable 4 | ||
+ | Scenic Motor Tours (Advertisement) 5 | ||
+ | The Wetterhorn Fiasco by Leon Blumer 5 | ||
+ | Siedlecky' | ||
+ | Experiments in Eradication of Mistletoe 10 | ||
+ | Leica Photo Service (Advertisement) 11 | ||
+ | Bus hwalking in a Pilgrim Land, by Marie B. Byles 13--- | ||
+ | The Farther Country, by Jim Brown 14 | ||
+ | Federation Notes - January, by Allen A. Strom 17 | ||
+ | Paddy' | ||
+ | | ||
+ | EDITORIAL. | ||
+ | That Caves Mav Continue | ||
+ | In the magazine for January a contributor, | ||
+ | At first it appeared that our writer had a case with which we could sympathise. We could visualise the cam) spot being | ||
+ | 2. | ||
+ | buried, slowly but inevitably, under an increasing stack of this excretion, until parties were compelled to carp an a random heap of rubbish - fearful thought. We have, however, indulged in a little research whibh, to a mind trained to mpreciate the importance of regeneration, | ||
+ | It appears that the chemical used by covers' | ||
+ | The whole picture now takes on a different aspect. Instead of blanking out the camping spot near Mammoth Cave, the spelios are taking care of the future. Over a number of geological aeons, the discarded lime from their lanterns will be washed by rains down the valley of Jenolan River, forming into new outcrops of limestone: weathering, erosion (and other spelios) will play their Part in the development of new series of caverns. The uncharitable will insist, of course, that present day " | ||
+ | and anti-social action: but to people accustomed to pas;', several | ||
+ | hours doing battle with one small crevice in the rocks it is plain that time is a trifling consideration. | ||
+ | We see, too, the absurdity of using candles for cave illumination a subject recently brought under our notice at a General Meeting. Apart from the hazard created when the floors of caves are coated with a slippery film of drips of paraffin wax, we are unaware of any useful results which may accrue from disposed candle stubs, Which would simply become a fire risk about the carp spot. | ||
+ | To date our technical experts have not been able to advise us on by-products of discarded torch cells which probably abound in the lino deposits an the camping ground. It is very interesting to conjecture that, a few milliards of years away, the discovery of fossilized torch batteries in the new Lower Jenolan cave series may throw some light on the primitive forms of illumination used in the Early Atomic Age. | ||
+ | ilm.....aserwammsasummanau | ||
+ | IT IS NOT GIVEN TO ANY OF US to know what will happen at the Annual General Meeting next month. Lest this marks cur second-last Magazine we should like to say riThank Your' to the contributors, | ||
+ | Very sincerely, | ||
+ | Jim Brown. | ||
+ | illiMIL1011....ICYLINME. | ||
+ | One man tent. Contact | ||
+ | Gladys Fall, JA7011. | ||
+ | 3. | ||
+ | FOR THOSE DRY RIDGES. | ||
+ | THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE | ||
+ | ..... for CANNED PINEAPPLE JUICE | ||
+ | SELECT FROM THESE FOR YOUR FOODLIST: | ||
+ | APPLE RINGS DRIED PEACHES _GOLDEN SULTANAS | ||
+ | APRICOT ROLLS RAW AND ROASTED PEANUTS | ||
+ | BRAZIL KERNELS RAISINS CRYSTALLISED FRUITS | ||
+ | PEANUT BUTTER HONEY CASHEWS DRIED FIGS FRUIT NOUGAT | ||
+ | WHEATFLI1KE AND VITAWEAT BISCUITS | ||
+ | THE ' | ||
+ | 13 HUNTER STREET, SYDNEY | ||
+ | AT THE JANUARY GENERAL MEETING. | ||
+ | January meetings, with quite a few of the long holiday trippers still abroad, have a reputation for being quietish, and this year was no exception. We welcomed Tine Koetsier and Prank Burt, also " | ||
+ | When the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed, | ||
+ | Brian Harvey observed that each tree in the proposed Memorial Grove waE to be named for an ex-serviceman and the Club had lost two members during the War. The President said he understood that the actual names of men would not be used, but the name of the donating body would be displayed. Jean, Harvey then moved that Federation be urged to join in the tree-planting proposal, and the motion was adopted. | ||
+ | Skipping briskly through reports, we came to Conservation, | ||
+ | Came the momentous decision an a site for the Annual Re-Union, and a chorus declaimed "Woods Creek" | ||
+ | 4. | ||
+ | eliminated from the ballot, and left only Woods Creek. It was announced that Kevin Ardill was convenor of the Reunion Committee, an moved and resolved that he be given authority to book whatever bus transport from Richmond we should require. | ||
+ | Only one item to be dealt with, for Sheila Binns moved that arrangements be rade to book the same hall for next year's Christmas Party. This was carried without hesitation, and we closed another 25-minutes meeting at 8.30 p m. | ||
+ | BUS SERVICE - KURRAJONG TO RICHMOND. | ||
+ | (Only a=77771776-76-75=Te-17===own below.) | ||
+ | (Data from David Ingram.) | ||
+ | FRIDAY: Buses leave Richmond at: 5.50 p m. (Kurrajong Heights) 7.20 p m. (Kurrajong Heights) 9.55 p m. (Kurrajong) | ||
+ | H | ||
+ | Heights) Heights) Heights) Heights) Heights & | ||
+ | Bilpin) | ||
+ | " 10.40 a m. (Kurrajong Heights). | ||
+ | " 9.5 a m. (Kurrajong | ||
+ | 10.55 a m. (Kurrajong 1.20 p m. (Kurrajong 3.20p m. (Kurrajong 4.50 p m. (Kurrajong | ||
+ | 6. 5 p m. (Kurrajong | ||
+ | SATURDAY: | ||
+ | SUNDAY: | ||
+ | RETURN BUSES ONSUNDAY P.M. LEAVE KURRAJONG HEIGHTS AT -- | ||
+ | 1.10 p m., 4.55 p m. and 7.20 p m. (Kurrajong 20 minutes later.) | ||
+ | 110 | ||
+ | FREE ADVERTISEMENT. | ||
+ | 'Bring things nearer - clearer - with the Anderson sealed beam, and say "Wuff - Wuff" at every pretty lass who passes. | ||
+ | 0 | ||
+ | Give a party enough rope and they' | ||
+ | 0I | ||
+ | KEEP IN TOUCH. You won't be regarded as " | ||
+ | 5. | ||
+ | THE WETTERHORN FIASCO. | ||
+ | By Leon Blumer. | ||
+ | This is mainly a story of how not to climb mountains. Even people of more sense or experience may tahe heed from this article, | ||
+ | We were an unsafe party from the start. Don, the supposedly experienced climber (over 60 peaks, old chap!), Brian and I both comparative novices but full of enthusiasm. Don was the stumbling block, about 35, with a false idea of his awn importance, wanting to dominate newcomers but with insufficient courage to carry plans through to a final conclusion. | ||
+ | It had already been snowing steadily for two days and nights, Whilst in the Gleckstein Hut we eked out our provisions, knowing that if the weather did not clear next day we would have to descend to Grindelwald. The snow was piling up on the mountain and to climb even a day after this was considered by the hut-keeperfs daughter to be sheer folly. She, at least, was certain that we should give the mountain the benefit of the doubt until a few days sun cleared the rocks. As for us, we went to bed that night with mixed motions. | ||
+ | At 1.0 a m. it had stopped snowing and became colder, but still rather doubtful. At 3.0 asm4 there were a few stars showing, so 4.30 a m1 found us stumbling up the rocky path in semi-darkness and a | ||
+ | IF YOU ARE GOING PLACES CONTACT | ||
+ | SCENIC MOTOR TOURS, RAILWAY STEPS | ||
+ | KATOOMBA. | ||
+ | DAILY TOURS BY PARLOR COACH TO THE WORLD FAMOUS JENOLAN CAVES AND ALL BLUE MOUNTAIN SIGHTS. | ||
+ | TRANSPORT BY COACHES FOR PARTIES OF BUSH- WALKERS TO KANANGRA WALLS, GINKIN OR OTHER SUITABLE POINTS BY ARRANGEMENT, | ||
+ | FOR ALL INFCRHATION | ||
+ | OX 60 KATOOMBA TEL- -2PHOfl6OKATOBA. | ||
+ | 411111111MIMMINIMUM.1111.11=11M.=1 | ||
+ | 6. | ||
+ | slight morning mist. I had been given the honour of leading by friend Don, who placed himself second and Brian third. We reached a small glacier and the rope was produced, more like Alpine line and of doubtful strength. We grimly went about the business of tying on. Roping up is like getting married in sickness and in ' | ||
+ | We crossed the small glacier, then up a steep snow slope with an avalanche Groove down the centre. Over the small berg-schrund we then attacked the first rock face overhanging that side of the glacier. This was the end of a steep buttress descending from the west face and all these rocks were plastered with new snow and ice. Judging from the appearance of the cliff above, we were goinr_; to have some fun that day. 1l'o one voiced opinions, but Don knew the way cold we would be fairly safe. Hadn't he climbed it the previous year? | ||
+ | We reached a part an the buttress where the normal route crosses a couloir, climbs some difficult rocks below a V-shaped gendarme and reaches the bottom of a great gully, the key to this west face. Here Don assured us that we could continue further up the buttress to the wall above, and traverse right to the ridgebordering the great gully. This didnft sound right, the face above looked very steep and was still in cold shadow. As I steadily kicked steps upward my fears increased, but Don seemed to be in earnest and as yet there were no suggestions of returning because of had conditions. | ||
+ | It was cold work, the sun's light transparent ice an the top of the wall hold now had to be cleared of snow and was pressing. Occasional small rocks tinkle down past us. We paused, very in case of a slip by someone. We must loose ice-bound slabs and then attemptshining silver through the | ||
+ | . As the face steepened, every we were conscious that time and icicles were' beginning to alert, ready for instant action traverse 200-feet across the to gain the ridge. | ||
+ | I led 30.feet across a small deep avalanche groove, losing my hat during this difficult move. It righted itself and quickly rolled on its brim down the slabs. Just an old felt hat gathering. speed -- I wonder? | ||
+ | The climbing now became spectacular, | ||
+ | We moved off reluctantly, | ||
+ | '7. | ||
+ | Here I managed to gain a few feet above Don's head, trying hard to prevent rocks pulling out and numbed fingers from losing their grir One foothold disintegrated and rattled down into the abyss, then there was Don's voice again saying the rocks were loose (so obvious) and that we were climbinr dangerously. I managed to come dorm slowly to the small platform and then there developed one of those fierce arguments likely to occur in any ill-assorted party in a dangerous situation. We were snarling at each other' | ||
+ | I resumed the lead reluctantly, | ||
+ | On reaching a small col at the foot of a steep snow slope we took a much needed rest. Valuable time had been lost an the face and we were lucky to be above it. The Monch, Jungfrau and Eiger were now standing above a sea of mist and it was warm - too warm. Very fine weather in the Alps usually requires a cold breeze. I wondered Whether we would remain alive to see the dayls end. We were a rather tightlipped bunch now. | ||
+ | I led up the 600-ft. snow ridge, over some ice-glazed rocks and across a steep couloir to below a formidable-looking cornice about 5-ft. high. Here the others belayed securely While I flogged and cut with the axe. Huge chunks slithered down the slope. I could have enjoyed myself on this fine pitch, but the mall voice inside me was too insistent. Up through the gap and the summit snow plunged gently downward into sheer space 7,000 feet towards Grendelwald. I sat down rather shakily on the axe head, looped the rope around it and brought up the others. We hardly dared to stand, such was the feeling of floating space. Here the usual photographs were taken and after a while we climbed down through the hole in the cornice and descended slowly and carefully, Don insisting we face inwards. Evidently the steepness was too much for even his tried nerves. | ||
+ | We had lunch on the previous resting place, each person quietly concerned with hit own thoughts. The warm, heavy mist had now risen to the lunch spot, and I dreaded going down the couloir. It was 2.30 p m., the worst time of the day. | ||
+ | a, | ||
+ | It was difficult to keep balance an the snowy slabs and it was imperative we mustn' | ||
+ | We climbed :cross a very steep snow-bank and peered dea:ly into the 3100m0 At that critical moment, the mist cleared s af=" | ||
+ | I led across, conscious that we were near the end of our patience and skill. It was precarious balance climbing in the slippery loose slabs, sometimes just the boot nails and the shaft pick supplying the necessary stante. I tried to put the incident of the rolling rocks out of my mind, but couldn' | ||
+ | Then we were there - at last - moving as quickly as possible down the buttress. We were still in danger of stones above, but the worst part was over. The rest was normal climbing until we reached the snow slope below the buttress. Here Brian accidentally started an avalanche, but was held by the rope. | ||
+ | A sharp trot across the glacier and down the rough Path brought us to the hut about 6.0 p m. - it was a welcame sight. The warden had arrived and was pleased to see us, the warden' | ||
+ | We made a cryptic entry in the log-book " | ||
+ | 9. | ||
+ | The Sub-committee on Bush Fires had concluded its deliberations at the home of Alex Colley. Supper was served, and, as the members rose and ' | ||
+ | The Sub-committee: | ||
+ | YOUTH (AGAIN) TRAPPED EU GAVE. Admiral Anderson' | ||
+ | SUCH IS FAME- Arewe so famous, or is it just super-efficiency on FEF-FEIT of the P.M.G. Department? A letter from New Zealand, addressed "Colin Putt, S.B.W." | ||
+ | BUSHWALKERS REQUIRING TRANSPORT | ||
+ | FROM BLACKHEATH | ||
+ | RING WRITE OR CALL | ||
+ | SIEDLECHY' | ||
+ | 116 STATION STREET, BLACKHEATH. | ||
+ | 2 4 HOUR SERVICE | ||
+ | BUSHWALKERS arriving at Blackheath late at night without transport booking can ring for car from Railway Station or cd11 at above address - IT'S NEVER TOO LATEI | ||
+ | 'PHONE B' | ||
+ | OR BOOK AT MARK SALON RADIO SHOP - OPP. STATION. | ||
+ | IMPORTANT TRANSPORT NOTICE. | ||
+ | 10. | ||
+ | EXPERIMENTS IN ERADICTION OF MISTLETOE. | ||
+ | (Taken from "Main Roads" - dated March 1953 - Information extracted by David Ingram.) | ||
+ | Tests for the eradication of mistletoe on roadside trees by the application of hormone sprays have recently been carried out by the Forestry Commission of N,S.W. and the Department of Main Roads, in co-operation. | ||
+ | Surveys previously made by the Forestry CornLission revealed that along roadways, in parklands, water catchment a.:1:Eas and private Property which have been partly cleared, mistletoe infestation was moderate to intense, and seemed to be increasing-from year to ycar. The distribution of mistletoe is highest in the northern tablelands, and follows the coastal and tableland strip, diminishing in the southern part of the State. Mistletoe attacks not only Eucalypts, Casuarinas and scrub woods but also such trees as the Cypress and Kurrajong. | ||
+ | Mistletoe, a member of the loranthaceae family, is a | ||
+ | parasite, deriving deriving water and mineral salts from its host tne,while synthesising its own carbohydrates in the same way as ordinary green leaf plants. | ||
+ | Birds, flying foxes and Possibly possums and koala bears are usually the disseminators of the mistletoe seed, which is covered with a mucilaginous substance Which enables it to adhere to the bark of trees. The seed establishes itself in an axial area at the junccn of two or more branches and penetrates the bark by means of a root- | ||
+ | like structure. This root taps the host tree for water and minerals in solution, so that the branch beyond the mistletoe is deprived of | ||
+ | food and eventually dies. The mistletoe thus appears fixed finally at the end of the branch. | ||
+ | Mistletoe shows definite seasonal response. In the Sydney area | ||
+ | flowering takes place in November-December, | ||
+ | January-February. | ||
+ | The normal life of mistletoe an Eucalypts is computed at | ||
+ | approximately ten years under favourable conditions. One host tree | ||
+ | may support twenty or more separate mistletoes all in a state of healthy development. The most notable effect on the host tree is | ||
+ | loss of vitality, disfigurement, | ||
+ | There are two possible reasons for the prolixity of mistletoe on roadside trees; first, such trees are most accessible to birds bearing the seeds, and seccndly, mistletoe is dependent on a good supply of sunlight in order to carry out its process of photosynthesis, | ||
+ | Control Measures. | ||
+ | -----77-75777E177 Commission had carried out earlier investigations, | ||
+ | In 1949 the Forestry Commission approached the Department of Main Roads with a view to collaboration on further tests on mistletoe eradication by the use of hormone sprays. | ||
+ | On main road No.154 from Kingswood. to Bowmants Creek in the Municipality of Penrith, eucalypts on the roadside showed considerable infestation of mistletoe, arid these trees were selected for the purpose of the tests. | ||
+ | The tests were carried out on 8th November 1949 under the direction of the Division of Wood Technology of the Forestry Commissim The Division of Wood Technology supplied the chemicals and directed the mixinp; and spraying. The Department of Main Roads provided transport and labour, and carried out the spraying, except for knapsack spraying which was carried cut by the Division of Wood Technology. | ||
+ | Spraying equipment, apart from the knapsack spray, was lent by the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. This consisted of a power- operated spray with a 150-gallon tank with an agitator for the purpose of keeping the spraying solution moving and preventing the settlement of chemicals. | ||
+ | 11. | ||
+ | PHOTOGRAPHY ! ! | ||
+ | You press the button, we'll do the rest ! | ||
+ | or | ||
+ | Leica films | ||
+ | deserve the best SERVICE | ||
+ | LEICA PHOTO SERVICE | ||
+ | 31 Macquarie Place | ||
+ | SYDNEY N.S.W. | ||
+ | 12. | ||
+ | A' | ||
+ | About one-quarter of a gallon of spray was sufficient to treat one tree. Four different treatments were used an four separate sections of the road :- | ||
+ | 1. (Trees No.1 - 72) 0.3 per cent, solution of 2:4D sodium salt plus a wetting agent in proportion of 1 pint to 50 gallons, | ||
+ | 2. (Trees No.73 - 108) a proprietary' | ||
+ | 3. (Trees No.109-112) 0.2 per cent, solution of 2:4D Ethyl Ester 20 per cent. plus 2:4t5T Butyl Ester 20 per cent. | ||
+ | 4. (Trees No.113-126) 0.2 per cent, solution of 2:4:5T Ester Concentrate. | ||
+ | Inspection of the area three weeks later showed a marked withering of the mistletoe.. In some cases the foliage was drying and falling from the plants. There was no withering of the host trees. | ||
+ | No difference in results was observable from the four different treatments used; each was equally effective. At this inspection it was noticed also that some colouring agent in the solution was necessary to ensure consistent spraying. | ||
+ | A further inspection in July 1951, revealed va ftations in the " | ||
+ | These tests have contributed valuable information on the control of this pest. The Division of Wood Technology of the Forestry Commission is continuing research in the application of hormones at ground level by means of pastes. | ||
+ | Glowing with virtue, BrianfAnderson left the bookshop, clutdhing his First Aid Book. After all, if he was going to Tasmania with just one companion it was only reasonable that one should swot up on the vital knowledge. You never knew. Your mate might not have a clue if aa accident happened. Now, Ted v:eavers 0.. struth! He was a permanent ambulance officer. | ||
+ | Continuing the Anderson saga (does no one else do anything worth reporting in this show?) - it is understood that he committed the ultimate breach by leaving a member of his party alone at a critical moment of the Arethusa Gorge trip. In detail, it was aatside the pub at Emu Plains. ' | ||
+ | 13. BUSHWALKING IN A PILGRIM LAND. | ||
+ | By Marie B. Byles. "Green grow the rushes, 01" | ||
+ | How many bushwalkers who sing this song realise that the first bushwalhers, | ||
+ | My first stopping place was Rajgir, thidh is a pilgrim centre for those of many different religions. Hindus, Moslems, ains and Buddhists have shrines and temples there, mony of them 2500 years old, and generally situated near the top t of hills - if bushwalkers bag - trig stations, pilgrims bag temples, and it is amazing how women in saris down to their ankles trip up those hills for this purpose: Most of the Ganges basin consists of Perfectly flat lard cut up into small fields bounded bt. low mud walls serving as footpaths arid with villages every mile or so, and each village with its mango grove. But occasionally there are hills, like the Warrumbungles geologically, | ||
+ | Those really tough Tibetans, I mentioned, sleep out in the open wrapped in their big cloaks, and cook their own meals like bushwalkers But the wealthier Tibetans, as well as the pilgrims from other countries, prefer to make use of a dharmasala, a guest house for religious purposes (satemething like the medeaeval monastery) and this is what I have done, though, unlike others, I have often taken my sleeping bag and slept under a mango tree. Most pilgrims bring their own servants to cook for them, but those travelling alone, like myself find it easier to arrange with the dharmasala servant to do the cooking and also the buying of the food in the village. Every guest brings his own bedding and spreads it an the string bed or wooden bed that is provided. Very superior I have felt with my lightweight " | ||
+ | My last place of pilgrinage was Lumbini where the Buddha was born, and to reach it, I partly rode and partly walked twelve miles along the foot of the mighty Himalayan peaks. I was most fortunate, for it rained and cleared the air of dust, so that when I woke at Lumbini' | ||
+ | ' And do these pilgrims have their "Green grow the rushes, 0!"? Yes, but, as they chant in Tibetan, Pali or Sanscrit, I do not know what they sing. I only know that their chants are often very haunting and sometimes strangely beautiful. | ||
+ | 14. | ||
+ | THE FARTHER COUNTRY. | ||
+ | (Based an a trip carried out in Feb./ | ||
+ | A best-seller written by Nevil Shute several years ago and titleC | ||
+ | The Far Country" | ||
+ | The ranges east of Mansfield form the watersheds for a number of rivers: the Delatite and Howqua flowing into the Goulburn: the King, Rose, Catherine and Dandongadale, | ||
+ | From all these main tops, and quite a number of the lesser summits superb views are to be had. As a purely selfish reaction, I liked the scenery as well as that of the Lake St.Clair-Cradle Mountain Reserve in Tasmania, but perhaps I was prejudiced by reason of the agreeable camping conditions. I certainly preferred this country to all of the Kosciusko Alpine area, with the exception of the views of the west face from Townsend Lad Twynam, Whidh the Victorian scene rather resembles in grandeur. A tilted rock' | ||
+ | As a result, the walking is much more " | ||
+ | A certain amount of time must be allowed for pathfinding if unfamiliar with the ground as, in some places, it cculd mean a bad delay if the track were lost. Because of heillt variations, the vegetation is subject to much wider change than that encountered an Kosciusko plateau. Up to 4,000-ft. there is normal forest cover, with much wattle and similar rubbish: from 4,000 ft. to about 4,500 ft. a more open forest with woolly butt and snow grasses, and light law cover of one of the red-and.: | ||
+ | 15. | ||
+ | shrubbery: while the top levels, above about 5;200-ft, are generally tree-less or with scattered stunted snow gum. | ||
+ | Tater supply is a greater problem than in our local alps, where every little hollow has its stream, every gentle vale a strong creek. Probably because the snow fall is lighter, and certainly because of the steep slope of the ground, run-off is rapid, and it may sometimes be necessary to descend quite a distance to find water. By the end of a dry st1mmer, only main streams and certain permanent springs are flowing, and the latter may be trampled by the cattle Which graze on the highlands during summer. | ||
+ | Camp sites are often dictated by water supply, and it would be unwise to press on from a sure spring late in the afternoon. Otherwisc camping conditions are generally excellent, with soft couches of snow- grass and abundance of dry snow gum for firewood. The region above thtree-line is so limited in extent that one need never fear being caught out on a completely exposed place. | ||
+ | Like the Kosciusko country, it is summer time walking caantry. Without local weather reports, it would be chancy to walk there before November or after the end of March. The weather on the high points then resembles May in the Blue Mountains. | ||
+ | Our trip, deliberately planned to be easy, was | ||
+ | Day 1: Car from Mansfield to Mt. Buller. Camp near Ivor Whittaker Memorial Lodge. Afternoon went to summit, generally viewing lay-out of country (about 2 miles). | ||
+ | Day 2: Alons, jeep track to Mt. Sterling (descent 11200-ft., ascent 1:300-ft.): over Memorial Hill: camp near Hearne' | ||
+ | Day 3: Descent to King River (descent 2,000-ft.) Mislaid track and | ||
+ | had bad trip in thick scrub. On River for lunch. Camped | ||
+ | 1 mile downstream near King River Hut (6 miles for day). 22y_i: Ascended to Cobbler Plateau (about 1,800-ft.) At Cobbler Hut | ||
+ | for lunch. Picked up stores left for us (5 miles for day). | ||
+ | 5L In the morning without packs to Mt. Cobbler and back to Hut. | ||
+ | (8 miles - ascent and descent about 1,800-ft.) | ||
+ | Day 6: South across Cobbler Plateau to Mts. Koonika nad Speculation. (about 8 miles - ascent of over 2,000-ft.) | ||
+ | Day 7: Over Speculation and Cross Cut Saw to Mt. Howitt and Macalist- | ||
+ | . | ||
+ | ar Springs (ascents totalling 2,700-ft. - about 6 miles - a | ||
+ | short but rugged day with heavy packs - no water en route). Day 8 Rest day at Macalister Springs. Walked a little way toward | ||
+ | -- Hewitt Hut - appears to be a fairly flat ridge far to south. Day_ 9: Over Mt. Howitt, Big Hill: Magdala: No.1 Divide to camp near | ||
+ | Mt. Lovick (The Cairn) (about 8i miles - ascents of 2:500 ft.) 21/12: Over The Cairn, descent 2:300-ft., an to Sixteen Mile Creek, | ||
+ | Howqua River and Ritchie' | ||
+ | 11: Doirn the Howqua about 6 miles (only 2-4 hours walking). | ||
+ | Day 12: Down the Howqua to Fry's Homestead (about 5 miles - many fords bout 2i hours walking). | ||
+ | Day 13: Out to Merrijig (8 miles). Car to Mansfield. | ||
+ | With the except ion of the stage from Mt. Speculation for about | ||
+ | 3-4 miles across the Cross Cut Saw, we were on cattle pads all the way, sometimes blossoming into main stock routes. It was good walking, and | ||
+ | 16. | ||
+ | easy on feet and footwear. A.little care in pathfinding needed in places where cattle have congregated near water cv sadd7. On the south end of Cross Cut Saw and again near Mt. Magdala the cattle tracks form useful sidlings which avoid topping every minor summit. Cross Cut Saw, by the way, is a kind of extended and peaky Narrow Neck, dropping into steep valleys on each flank. | ||
+ | Flies were pestilential an the Howqua, and wite numerous enough on the highlands also. Perhaps the warm, dry weather we met caused them to be more active than usual. | ||
+ | MAPS: The map we used was one produced by the Victorian Mountain TFEEpinc Club, which has made a study of this particular area. It was entirely adequate, a mott admirable job of tapping and kept well up to date. Copies of this, and adjoining naps, may be obtained from Stuart Brookes, of the V.M.T.C., 34 Orange Grove, Camberwell, E.6: Victoria, and cost approximately 3/. to 3/6d. each. A refer-11(e copy of the maps, donated by the V.M.T.C., is held in the Clubts =.) library. The sheets concerned are :- | ||
+ | 1. Watersheds of King, Howqua, Jamieson and Macalister Rive. (the sheet used on our trip). Scale 1 inch to 100 chains (apz)rox.). | ||
+ | 2. Macalister River Watershed - Scale 1 inch to 2 miles. Covers most of the area we were on, but in less detail, and a 1a2ce regionto the south and east. | ||
+ | 3. Snowy Plains (track from Howitt Hut to Lain Tarli Karns and Mt. Wellington - south from the region we traversed). Scale 1 inch to 1 mile. | ||
+ | 4. Ben Cruachan and Environs showing trails smith from Mt.Wellington. Scale 1 inch to 1 mile. | ||
+ | STORES: Mansfield is a town of reasonable size (notwithstanding the comment by a citizen of Sheffield, Tasmania (I) inscribec3 on the wall of the Gents Public Lavatory nMansfield is a. hicks town". 77iere is | ||
+ | also a store at the timber settlement of Mirimbah at the f.,:ct. Jf: Mt. Duller; | ||
+ | Mr. Bennie, who has a property on the Rose River Mt. Cobbler, will arrange to take stores up to Goner flu horses. He should be written in ' | ||
+ | t | ||
+ | by pack isigned | ||
+ | weight | ||
+ | freight | ||
+ | Mr. Fred Fry: of Howqua Homestead, will also undertake :;Lmilar jobs. I daresay parcels would have to be nailed to him C/- Merrijig, via Mansfield. He would be able to pack stores to part of | ||
+ | Howqua River, or to Howitt Hut, 7 miles muth-east of tale mountain of that name aid 6 miles from Macalister Springs. | ||
+ | c.)w | ||
+ | TRANSPORT: If entering the region from Cobbler side, tho approach 77117Sr7rom wangaratta through Whitfield. For a party of any size it would probably be best to hire a car at Wancaratta. | ||
+ | To come in to Buller or the Howqua River, Benalla is the detraining point. A 'bus leaves Benalla for Mansfield at 7.45 p m. daily, excluding Sunday, returning from Mansfield at 8.30 in the | ||
+ | 17. | ||
+ | morning. Distance 40 miles, fare 9/- single, 15/. return (don't know currency of return tickets). Several hire care proprietors at Mansfid or Mirimbah will do the Mt. Buller trip,and would probably go most of the way to Howqua in good weather. Our man charged 4.10.0 for the Mansfield-Mt. Duller trip. | ||
+ | Owing to delays involved in 'bus travel, a party with little time to spare may be advised to hire a car right through from Benalla (67 miles to Buller, 52 to Merrijig). There is a 'bus service from Mansfield to Mirimbah (beyond Merri jig and at the foot of Duller), and at certain tiMes this plies as far as the top of Duller, but the servio is infrequent, and enquiry should be made before relying on this. | ||
+ | MIINIMIDNII=m1711M116414101M117.1=0 | ||
+ | FEDERATION NOTES - JANUARY. | ||
+ | By Allen A. Strom. | ||
+ | 1954 EUSHWALKER BALL: Organiser wanted, Any volunteers? Phone W32528. | ||
+ | FRAZER PARK: Wyong Shire Council will investigate the quarrying of EFFver an the Park. | ||
+ | MORTON PRIMITIVE AREA: The Fauna Protection Panel approved of the Te7=-7177-7-1=-hs a Faunal Reserve in 1950. The Federatian hos asked that the Panel proceed with the routine necessary to have the dedication completed. | ||
+ | BUNGONIA GORGE: The Mines Department has agreed that mining pursuits a*E-77nr4=757ve interfered with the panorama from The Lookdown. They say that certain conditions embodied in the Mining Leases will prevent the destruction of the Gorge. The Federation is not satisfied with the conditions and will attempt to obtain improvements. | ||
+ | BARREN.GROUNDS AND BUDDEROO: The local M.L.A. has agreed to assist in EnTE's the area dedicated as a National Park. The finding of two rare species of birds .. the Bristle Bird and the Ground Parrot .. on the Barren Grounds, has prompted the Federation to ask the Fauna Protection Panel to have that area dedicated as a Faunal Reserve. | ||
+ | BOUDDI NATURAL PARK: About one third of the Park was destroyed by fire 377717777-rgcenber 21st. A brochure has been prepared and printed giving the location of the Park and outlining the aims of the trustees. Copies readily available from A. Strom (WB2528). Volunteers for work parties and patrols within the Park are still urgently required. | ||
+ | KARIONG PARK PROPOSAL: The District Surveyor says that he should be FET-677-EM a recommendation about the area shortly. The Lands Department has been awaiting a report before taking any aotion. The next visit to the area will be on the weekend, February 19,20,21. You are invited to come and bring your friends. Contact A.W. Dingeldei at | ||
+ | UA2983. KEDUMBA | ||
+ | Trespon' | ||
+ | $' | ||
+ | -** | ||
+ | ' | ||
+ | / | ||
+ | , | ||
+ | VA | ||
+ | I | ||
+ | Here is a copy of letter recently | ||
+ | received by Paddy. | ||
+ | Some short time ago you repaired a Paddymadeirucsac for me which, purchased about five years ago, was beginning to show signs of slight strain on two seams. | ||
+ | Your store refused payment for this service on the grounds that the seams should not have started, and I feel prompted to thank you for this excellent spirit, which is nowadays so rarely found. | ||
+ | My rucsack has in recent years done unfailing, duty in many parts of the world unc'er all manner of conditions, from the Cuillins of Skye to Kosciusko, from the Austrian Dolomites to the mountains of Ceylon. | ||
+ | Incidentally, | ||
+ | V:ith good wishes to you and your organisation in 1954. | ||
+ | 0 | ||
+ | STOP PRESS: Triple hob-nails now in stock. | ||
+ | PADDY PAWN | ||
+ | Lightweight Camp Gear | ||
+ | 201 CASTLEREAGH St SYDNEY | ||
+ | M2678 | ||
+ | 4,00- | ||
+ | 4111 117' | ||
195402.txt · Last modified: 2018/07/05 12:49 by tyreless