195511
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After a flying (or running) tour of Melbourne we flew to Hobart, there to be met by Fay Peterson, Mr. Peterson and Melva Stocks. A hectic night of sorting food and gear, eating scollops, slide showing, having baths and talking. We eventually ended in deep sleep, so deep I still wonder what that alarm clock sounded like. However, without too much of a rush we were ready in good time to catch the special bus from Franklin Square to Hastings caves, together with 30 other bods. | After a flying (or running) tour of Melbourne we flew to Hobart, there to be met by Fay Peterson, Mr. Peterson and Melva Stocks. A hectic night of sorting food and gear, eating scollops, slide showing, having baths and talking. We eventually ended in deep sleep, so deep I still wonder what that alarm clock sounded like. However, without too much of a rush we were ready in good time to catch the special bus from Franklin Square to Hastings caves, together with 30 other bods. | ||
- | The weather was cloudy and overcast, but the occasional views of snow-capped peaks like Picton and the Nartz Mts. thrilled us no end. Eventually the bus stopped for a few minutes and we got out to stretch our legs. Dot and Garth took this a stage further and suggested a run down the road, consequently the bus was picking up odd groups of runners for the next mile or so, with Dot and Garth leading the field. Another stop at Dover Hotel, and we finally arrived at the Forestry hut just past the Chalet and Thermal pool soon after 11 a.m. We chose the hut, some camped out, and some chose the table tennis room of the Chalet. We lunched, than about 1.30 started up the road towards the Caves. At a bridge just before the end of the road we turned off to the right, and in the rain climbed up through the wet rain forest and tree ferns for a few hundred feet to the Wolf Hole. This is quite a hole, about 100 ft. deep, mostly vertical except for the funnel-shaped mouth for about 20 or 30 ft. Heavily covered with vegetation, it makes you wonder how many more undiscovered caves there must be in the area. It has been descended a few times, but is still largely unexplored. Nearby is the Cub Hole, a rabbit sized burrow opened out by the Caverneers, which looks as though it might link up with the Wolf Hole. | + | The weather was cloudy and overcast, but the occasional views of snow-capped peaks like Picton and the Hartz Mts. thrilled us no end. Eventually the bus stopped for a few minutes and we got out to stretch our legs. Dot and Garth took this a stage further and suggested a run down the road, consequently the bus was picking up odd groups of runners for the next mile or so, with Dot and Garth leading the field. Another stop at Dover Hotel, and we finally arrived at the Forestry hut just past the Chalet and Thermal pool soon after 11 a.m. We chose the hut, some camped out, and some chose the table tennis room of the Chalet. We lunched, than about 1.30 started up the road towards the Caves. At a bridge just before the end of the road we turned off to the right, and in the rain climbed up through the wet rain forest and tree ferns for a few hundred feet to the Wolf Hole. This is quite a hole, about 100 ft. deep, mostly vertical except for the funnel-shaped mouth for about 20 or 30 ft. Heavily covered with vegetation, it makes you wonder how many more undiscovered caves there must be in the area. It has been descended a few times, but is still largely unexplored. Nearby is the Cub Hole, a rabbit sized burrow opened out by the Caverneers, which looks as though it might link up with the Wolf Hole. |
Back down the track a bit and off a few hundred yards to the side we came to the main interest of the afternoon, the King George Caves. A small unimposing hole in the ground leads down a wire ladder to a mudslide and a passageway. This eventually leads to the main chamber about 20 ft. high by 20 ft. wide with a large red and white tooth-like stalactite hanging from the centre. Through this runs a small creek. There were some nice formations off in side grottos and even Dot was duly impressed - less mud and no blowflies like Bungonia. Lots of photos were taken of all, sorts of odd things. Passages were explored and wetas and spiders collected, Lots of people think caves are dead, but far from it. First of all we found wetas - brown grasshopper-like creatures which abound in some sections of caves. They live off small flies and insects which wander in, and off the vegetation which grows round the entrance. Hunting wetas is quite a sport as they jump considerable distances and if you're not quick you can chase them quite a way, The spider we found on a stalagmite; it was quite as large as the huntsman spiders round Sydney. Nearby was a hole in the mud which could have been its home. We finally enticed him into a kodachrome tin. While we concentrated on photos and collecting insects, some others of the party did a bit of exploring through a long muddy squeezeway. | Back down the track a bit and off a few hundred yards to the side we came to the main interest of the afternoon, the King George Caves. A small unimposing hole in the ground leads down a wire ladder to a mudslide and a passageway. This eventually leads to the main chamber about 20 ft. high by 20 ft. wide with a large red and white tooth-like stalactite hanging from the centre. Through this runs a small creek. There were some nice formations off in side grottos and even Dot was duly impressed - less mud and no blowflies like Bungonia. Lots of photos were taken of all, sorts of odd things. Passages were explored and wetas and spiders collected, Lots of people think caves are dead, but far from it. First of all we found wetas - brown grasshopper-like creatures which abound in some sections of caves. They live off small flies and insects which wander in, and off the vegetation which grows round the entrance. Hunting wetas is quite a sport as they jump considerable distances and if you're not quick you can chase them quite a way, The spider we found on a stalagmite; it was quite as large as the huntsman spiders round Sydney. Nearby was a hole in the mud which could have been its home. We finally enticed him into a kodachrome tin. While we concentrated on photos and collecting insects, some others of the party did a bit of exploring through a long muddy squeezeway. | ||
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Well, there we were, all snugly ensconsed in the Chalet. Built of rough hewn native timber, Waldheim fits as naturally into its surroundings as grey lichen on a rock. Each year its aging frame leans a little closer towards the earth which is its home. Some day, perhaps soon, it will fall to pieces, but when it has become one with the dark mould of the beech forest floor we will think of it as of a dear dead friend....... We slept with our mattresses on the floor in front of a big fire and dreamed of what tomorrow might bring forth. | Well, there we were, all snugly ensconsed in the Chalet. Built of rough hewn native timber, Waldheim fits as naturally into its surroundings as grey lichen on a rock. Each year its aging frame leans a little closer towards the earth which is its home. Some day, perhaps soon, it will fall to pieces, but when it has become one with the dark mould of the beech forest floor we will think of it as of a dear dead friend....... We slept with our mattresses on the floor in front of a big fire and dreamed of what tomorrow might bring forth. | ||
- | Up at 6.30. Snow lit the kitchen range. We had breakfast, cut lunches, and were away by 8.30 bound for Cradle Mountain. We tramped along muddy tracks in shifting mist and low cloud, and over huge snow drifts 30 ft. deep from which we could see a gleam of lakes in the distance. We practiced cutting steps up snow slopes at steep angles and kicking up and down snow faces and over a cornice. Keith knew all the tricks and Garth was pretty to watch, but Snow, new to all this, was like a gawky young puppy. As we approached Kitchen Hut all we saw of it was the chimney poking through the drift. Snow gambolled ahead and with great exuberance dropped himself down the chimney. The next thing we hear is a wail from down under the snow, "I can't get out!" We dragged him out, and as it was only 11 o' | + | Up at 6.30. Snow lit the kitchen range. We had breakfast, cut lunches, and were away by 8.30 bound for Cradle Mountain. We tramped along muddy tracks in shifting mist and low cloud, and over huge snow drifts 30 ft. deep from which we could see a gleam of lakes in the distance. We practiced cutting steps up snow slopes at steep angles and kicking up and down snow faces and over a cornice. Keith knew all the tricks and Garth was pretty to watch, but Snow, new to all this, was like a gawky young puppy. As we approached Kitchen Hut all we saw of it was the chimney poking through the drift. Snow gambolled ahead and with great exuberance dropped himself down the chimney. The next thing we hear is a wail from down under the snow, "I can't get out!" We dragged him out, and as it was only 11 o' |
There were photographs to be taken while the sun lit up the snowy peaks and shining lakes, then the mist came sweeping over and we began the descent. We had great fun glissading down the steep snow slopes, and so back to Kitchen hut. Inside the hut Keith had worn a deep circular track in the snow that had drifted inside, as he stamped round for several hours waiting for us to return. We pulled him out through the chimney then followed our trodden tracks over the snowfields towards home. In the deepening twilight our eyes followed down Marion' | There were photographs to be taken while the sun lit up the snowy peaks and shining lakes, then the mist came sweeping over and we began the descent. We had great fun glissading down the steep snow slopes, and so back to Kitchen hut. Inside the hut Keith had worn a deep circular track in the snow that had drifted inside, as he stamped round for several hours waiting for us to return. We pulled him out through the chimney then followed our trodden tracks over the snowfields towards home. In the deepening twilight our eyes followed down Marion' | ||
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- | LETTER FROM SNOW IN TASMANIA | + | =====Letter From Snow In Tasmania.===== |
- | Dear Geoff 0, Judy, Bushwalkers and Bono, | + | |
- | I followed up two days behind Keith, Dot and Garth. The worst thing that happened was I left my camera behind when I changed into the Spirit of Progress at Albury. Discovered my loss in Melbourne | + | |
- | and spent half the day on the telephone tracking it down. Arranged | + | |
- | to have it sent on to Sheffield. Good plane trip over to Tassi. Got train to Western Junction and arrived just as the others got in from' Hobart. Packs, skiis, stocks, ice axes and 4 huge cases of foodl Are we going to eat all that? On the train we pushed all the food Into our packs, then found Keith' | + | |
- | recess. "Leave it in the passageWay," | + | |
Waldheim Chalet | Waldheim Chalet | ||
- | 17, The young guard came in to talk to us. He likes his job, "You | + | |
- | meet such beaut people - like you," he says. That means us. | + | Dear Geoffo, Judy, Bushwalkers and Bono, |
- | "I suppose you never get train sick," said Dot. "Not me," says he "But one of our boofay girls gets sick every time she travels on | + | |
- | this train; she's too loose in the bogy; you feel her give every | + | I followed up two days behind Keith, Dot and Garth. The worst thing that happened was I left my camera behind when I changed into the Spirit of Progress at Albury. Discovered my loss in Melbourne and spent half the day on the telephone tracking it down. Arranged to have it sent on to Sheffield. Good plane trip over to Tassi. Got train to Western Junction and arrived just as the others got in from Hobart. Packs, skiis, stocks, ice axes and 4 huge cases of food! Are we going to eat all that? On the train we pushed all the food into our packs, then found Keith' |
- | time you change down." I must have looked surprised, because Dot nudged me and muttered, " | + | |
- | We got out at Sheffield and loaded everything into our taxi. We made a few purchases at the shops, then headed for Cradle Reserve. The driver said they had been having heavy falls of snow and we would | + | The young guard came in to talk to us. He likes his job, "You meet such beaut people - like you," he says. That means us. "I suppose you never get train sick," said Dot. "Not me," says he "But one of our boofay girls gets sick every time she travels on this train; she's too loose in the bogy; you feel her give every time you change down." I must have looked surprised, because Dot nudged me and muttered, " |
- | probably have to walk the last 6 or 7 miles - and our gear weighin, | + | |
- | from 50 to 85 lbs. Hell! Approaching Cradle the road was deeply covered with snow, but another car had made a track through it which we followed right to the Chalet after all. Thank Gods Mac the Rang,: | + | We got out at Sheffield and loaded everything into our taxi. We made a few purchases at the shops, then headed for Cradle Reserve. The driver said they had been having heavy falls of snow and we would probably have to walk the last 6 or 7 miles - and our gear weighing |
- | We are roughing it pretty well - hot and cold water, | + | |
- | way up so he returned to the hut. Dot, Garth and myself continued. Garth and Dot just seemed to eat it up, but I felt uneasy. Reached | + | We are roughing it pretty well - hot and cold water, |
- | the top of the ridge after climbing up the couloir and went along thf, top of the ridge to the summit cairn. A few photographs in the mist | + | |
- | and down we went, Practised stopping with ice-axes on way. Learnt | + | __Tuesd..... Sorry, |
- | a bit and had tons of fun, We returned to Kitchen to find Keith | + | |
- | inside and unable to get out. After extracting Keith we wandered down to the Chalet to have a - wait for it - hot bath: We drew straws to see who would have the first, but I was having a spell of bad luck and drew the last. Mac the ranger said we were the first | + | __Thursday__. Still raining! We decided to brave the elements and go and have a look at the cirque. Climbed Marion' |
- | to climb Cradle in winter, so when I'm old with a corporation and a | + | |
- | red nose I'll tell my grandchildren how I climbed Cradle in August. After a sumptuous 3-course meal we placed mattresses on the floor | + | __Friday__. Still rain, sleet, wind and snow. Heaven help us if we had had to camp in my tent without tent pegs. Slept in till 8.30 and didn't leave till 11 a.m. Mac gave us the rowlocks and key of the boat on Dove Lake so we rowed up the lake to climb Little Horn. Nearly lost Garth at Honeymoon Island - sprawled onto the bottom of the boat like a performing |
- | around the fire and listened to the fourth chapter of "The Day of the Triffids," | + | |
- | Tu/kiay. Sorry, | + | -- -- -- -- 0 |
- | We were ma7T-Uf-TUTF-EUf-Uound. Dot went for an 8-mile run in her swimsuit while I cooked some Foo Chow. Keith had made a chocolate | + | |
- | sponge and Dot two custard puddings. God help us when me start on | + | / |
- | the dehy. The weather improved so Garth and I went for a stroll to Dove Lake, Just as we arrived the late evening sun shone on Little | + | 0-- -- -- -- -- |
- | Horn with Cradle tucking its head in the mist - a superb photo - yes we didn' | + | |
- | 18. | + | * I bumped |
- | not hut - to a mighty hot bath. After such a big dinner we had no room for tea, so we went to London to see how the Triffids were making out. Garth would read a chapter then would enquire if anybody hungry - Keith is always hungry. Dot would read the next chapter - still nobody hungry (excluding, of course, Keith). I would read the next chapter until, by 8 o' | + | |
- | Thursday. Still raining; We decided to brave the elements and go and have a look at the cirque. Climbed Marion' | + | X Garth landed on his back here |
- | Lake. "You can't get wetter than wet," said I, and promptly slipped | + | |
- | and fell into the lake. Did not get everything | + | As you can see, we rowed four times as far as we should. Four wet, cold and weary climbers returned to the luxury of the Chalet where we spent the evening drying wet clothes and reading Triffids. |
- | away," said Garth. A couple of chapters of Triffids before tea. | + | |
- | After every chapter we would give our own ideas on what would happen | + | __Saturday__. The weather clearing at last - Didn't I say it would fine up? After a late start we managed to reach Kitchen hut at midday. Could see Barn Bluff for the first time this week. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to cross the cirque to the Bluff, so a traverse of Cradle it would be. Two hours to the summit with ice faces near the top - had to cut steps in places. Back along the ridge to a couloir half way to the end, and down we went. Keith and I used the rope for practice for the first time - then we glissaded down to Kitchen hut in a matter of minutes. Glissading is a wonderful |
- | next, but every time we would be proved wrong. Keith went to bed early leaving us talking and drinking tea till 1 a.m. | + | |
- | Friday. Still rain, sleet, wind and snow. Heaven help us if we had | + | __Sunday__. Woke up with Keith, who did not have to get up as he was going to have a day of rest, prodding me in the back saying, "Get up Snow. It's either 5 o' |
- | had to camp in my tent without tent pegs. Slept in till 8.30 and didn't leave till 11 a.m. Mac gave us the rowlocks and key of the boat on Dove Lake so we rowed up the lake to climb Little Horn. Nearly lost Garth at Honeymoon Island - sprawled onto the bottom of | + | |
- | the boat like a performing | + | At Railton we lost Dot and Garth who had to get the plane at Devonport. When you have lived together as a group for a period |
- | giving excellent climbing. In mist and snow we beat a hasty retreat back to the boat, and of course I got the faulty rowlock and landed | + | |
- | flat on my back with the oar bashing my nose as well. Here is our a | + | This letter started off to be just a couple of lines, but like Topsy it just grew. However I will close now, hoping you are all well. See y' later hot pertater, SNOW. |
- | course across the lake f"-; x Garth landed on ' I 1 i/ fZ I was bumped | + | |
- | his back here. As you can see, we rowed four times as far as we should. Four wet, cold and weary climbers returned to the luxury of the Chalet where we spent the evening drying wet clothes and reading Triffids. | + | =====Good Gracious, Here Comes Christmas!===== |
- | Saturday.. The weather clearing at last - Didn't I say it would fine up? After a late start we managed to reaah Kitchen hut at middc,. | + | |
- | Could see Barn Bluff for the first time this week. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to cross the cirque to the Bluff, so a traverse of Cradle it would be, Two hours to the summit with ice | + | Most of us will never cease to be startled when we first see in some shop window "__NINE |
- | 193 | + | |
- | faces near the top - had to cut steps in places. Back along tho ridge to a couloir half way to the and, and down we went. Keith and I used the rope for practice for the first time - then we glissaded down to Kitchen hut in a matter of minutes. Glissading is a wonderfu: | + | Well, here stands Paddy like Father Time, hour glass and scythe complete, (but without the forelock), to remind you that by the time you read this it will be __SEVEN |
- | Sunday. Woke up with Keith, who did not have to get up as he was c_flin' | + | |
- | confused as to where Barn Bluff was, but found it in the same posItioe | + | About 2,000 Boy Scouts go forth this year from N.S.W. alone to the Jamboree to be held in Melbourne, and there will be a corresponding pressure on all camping Equipment. Bushwalkers will therefore be wise to secure their requirements early. |
- | Plodded up the lower slope towards the rock, then as if by the tolech | + | |
- | Frenchman' | + | |
- | perfect everywhere in sight (our pessimistic friend told us it couldn be fine in the N.W.), and it seemed too soon when we had to retre,-:c. | + | |
- | The sun had been shining for a couple of hours turning the hard cl-dsp | + | |
- | and sometimes we thought we would never see Garth again. Under th.: | + | |
- | to have a " | + | |
- | suggested he might be too weak to crawl out of it, so I went down to give him a hand. After that a mad rush to pack up and catch our taxi | + | |
- | to Sheffield where we slept the night under some fir trees in a cow paddock. Every bird in the district must have been roosting in tH.,.)se | + | |
- | trees - it was not only super, it was superphosphate | + | |
- | At Railton we lost Dot and Garth who had to get the plane at Devonport. When you have lived together as a group for a period | + | |
- | This letter started off to be just a couple of lines, but U. re Topsy it just grew. However I will close now, hoping you are all weL See y' later hot pertater, SNOW. | + | |
- | GOOD GRACIOUS HERE COMES CHRISTMAS! | + | |
- | Most of us will never cease to be startled when we first see in some shop window "NINE WEEKS TO | + | |
- | Well, here stands Paddy like Father Time, hour glass and scythe complete, (but without the forelock), to remind you that by the time you read this it will be SEVEN WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS. | + | |
- | ,bout 2,000 Boy Scouts go forth this year from N.S.W. alone to the Jamboree to be held in Melbourne, and there will be a corresponding pressure on all camping | + | |
- | Equipment. Bushwalkers will therefore be wise to secure their requirements early. | + | |
Primus Petrol Stoves, 21 oz. 49/- | Primus Petrol Stoves, 21 oz. 49/- | ||
+ | |||
Melbourne type one-man tent 4/19/6 | Melbourne type one-man tent 4/19/6 | ||
- | Imported aluminium | + | |
- | screw-top tins 4/6 | + | Imported aluminium screw-top tins 4/6 |
Phone: BM2685. | Phone: BM2685. | ||
- | PAWN Lightweight Camp Gear | ||
- | 201 CASTLEREAGH St SYDN EY | ||
+ | Paddy Pallin Lightweight Camp Gear, 201 Castlereagh St, Sydney |
195511.1454552732.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/02/04 13:25 by tyreless