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**CONTENTS** | **CONTENTS** | ||
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|Commemoration Service at Splendour Rock - Ron Knightley |10| | |Commemoration Service at Splendour Rock - Ron Knightley |10| | ||
|Musical Accompanenment By Pluto The Ex-Mariner |19| | |Musical Accompanenment By Pluto The Ex-Mariner |19| | ||
- | |The Hundre. | + | |The Hundred |
|Where Have The Walkers Gone? (Paddy' | |Where Have The Walkers Gone? (Paddy' | ||
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====== At Our May Meeting ====== | ====== At Our May Meeting ====== | ||
- | As the President was unable to be at the meeting, Vice-President Brian Harvey occupied the Chair. The members too sat in chairs - new green metal ones with arm rests - for which we expressed our thanks to the Rationalist Society. They are a strong job, but, though the crashes which punctuate our gatherings were no longer heard, they were not conductive to slumber, and a certain | + | As the President was unable to be at the meeting, Vice-President Brian Harvey occupied the Chair. The members too sat in chairs - new green metal ones with arm rests - for which we expressed our thanks to the Rationalist Society. They are a strong job, but, though the crashes which punctuate our gatherings were no longer heard, they were not conductive to slumber, and a certain |
- | The meeting opened with a welcome to new member Eileen Taylor. Irene Pridham, another new member, sent her apologies for being unable to attend. Margaret Ryan, our new Hon. Assist. Sec., couldn' | + | The meeting opened with a welcome to new member Eileen Taylor. Irene Pridham, another new member, sent her apologies for being unable to attend. Margaret Ryan, our new Hon. Assist. Sec., couldn' |
In correspondence a letter from Allen Strom requested a donation to the Stead Memorial Fund to be set up for the foundation of a conservation scholarship, | In correspondence a letter from Allen Strom requested a donation to the Stead Memorial Fund to be set up for the foundation of a conservation scholarship, | ||
Line 86: | Line 85: | ||
Which is not a tale of Scottish cloth, but rather of clottish sloth. | Which is not a tale of Scottish cloth, but rather of clottish sloth. | ||
- | One of the delights of having an outer suburban cottage is in growing a garden which reminds you enough of the bush so that you don't have to go walking and can stay at home to grow a garden which reminds you of the bush, etc., but it' | + | One of the delights of having an outer suburban cottage is in growing a garden which reminds you enough of the bush so that you don't have to go walking and can stay at home to grow a garden which reminds you of the bush, etc., but it' |
- | The weeds across the garden grew in wildest profusion. 'Twas hard to pick just what was what | + | |
- | Which weeds were flowers and which were not | + | The weeds across the garden grew \\ |
- | So perfect the confusion. | + | in wildest profusion. |
- | I grabbed my pitchfork firm in hand and started off with | + | 'Twas hard to pick just what was what\\ |
- | relish. | + | Which weeds were flowers and which were not\\ |
+ | So perfect the confusion.\\ | ||
+ | I grabbed my pitchfork firm in hand \\ | ||
+ | and started off with relish.\\ | ||
What matter if I dig up plants, | What matter if I dig up plants, | ||
- | For is not life just full of chance | + | For is not life just full of chance\\ |
And other things as hellish? | And other things as hellish? | ||
- | But mmeone | + | |
- | decision, She tied a ribbon round each plant | + | But someone |
- | And round I think too some that aren't | + | and reached a quick decision, |
+ | She tied a ribbon round each plant\\ | ||
+ | And round I think too some that aren't\\ | ||
To guide my sure incision. | To guide my sure incision. | ||
- | She must have left her glasses off by error in her load, For nowhere can a flower be seen Just row onrow of waving green - | + | |
+ | She must have left her glasses off \\ | ||
+ | by error in her load, \\ | ||
+ | For nowhere can a flower be seen \\ | ||
+ | Just row on row of waving green\\ | ||
Varieties of weed. | Varieties of weed. | ||
- | We'll have to start again from scratch to build our garden | + | |
- | fair With lawns of concrete coloured green, | + | We'll have to start again from scratch |
- | Which thoughtless people think obscene, | + | to build our garden fair \\ |
- | But in which weeds are rare. | + | With lawns of concrete coloured green\\, |
- | The rest can be of rocks and pots with cactuses and stuff, No mowing lawn, no digging weed, | + | Which thoughtless people think obscene,\\ |
- | From all back-breaking labour freed,. | + | But in which weeds are rare\\. |
- | 'CAUSE I HAVE HAD ENOUGH14 | + | |
+ | The rest can be of rocks and pots \\ | ||
+ | with cactuses and stuff, | ||
+ | No mowing lawn, no digging weed,\\ | ||
+ | From all back-breaking labour freed,\\ | ||
+ | CAUSE I HAVE HAD ENOUGH | ||
====== In Tasmania' | ====== In Tasmania' | ||
+ | |||
Frank Rigby | Frank Rigby | ||
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Such was the scene witnessed by a circling eagle the morning that Joan, Arthur, Henry and I set out from Lake Pedder to trek to Mt. Anne. Fortunately, | Such was the scene witnessed by a circling eagle the morning that Joan, Arthur, Henry and I set out from Lake Pedder to trek to Mt. Anne. Fortunately, | ||
- | A clump <If small trees, practically the only shelter on the plain, afforded us a shady lunch spot where we could let our restless spirits wander over the sharp peaks and dips of the Arthur Range. For the moment it was enough to admire from afar, but inwardly I knew the Arthurs would bring me back to Tassie some other day. Replenished, | ||
- | (or was it rum cocoa) and discussed plans for Anne, dark, clouds' | ||
- | had been transformed into a distinctly ominous one. But that's so typical of the South-West; changes in the weather for better | ||
- | or worse can occur with such frightening speed. ' However, the weather did not seem to matter then, not when bodies as tired as ours were being called to that haven of tents and sleeping bags we had come to appreciate so much | ||
- | But in the morning it was a different story - the low and threatening cloud ceiling took the edge off our enthusiasm. The mountains which had surrounded us in alltheir glory the previous day had suddenly ceased to exist. Eliza' | ||
- | appeared into a forbidding sea of grey less than half-way up its length - the conditions were ngt exactly promising for an exposed | ||
- | high camp but our hopes woulf be dashed, Our plan was to carry two days food up to a spot just underneath the top of | ||
- | Mt. Eliza, a recognised campsite from which the Mt. Anne plateau | ||
- | can be comfortably explored. So, stringing up the excess food and gear from a tree, we set off Up the ridge and reached our objective after a steady two hour climb. Several members of the Launcestqn Walking Club were already encamped, straining at the leash for an attempt on Anne at the first break in the weather. As the first bout of icy rain stung our faces we carved two tent sites out of the small dead timber which covers the ridge at this point. might mention the necessity of placing a stout log across the bottom end of the tent to prevent sleeping bodies from sliding out of cover down the 30g slope. A biting, southerly provided a hint of what conditions could be like in prolonged bad weather. Later in the afternoon the swirling all-around-east gave some sign of breaking and a two-club party hurried to the tops, but it was all so much wishful thinking; once or twice the murk thinned out to give us tantalising glimpses of great boulder-Rtrewn glopes and | ||
- | plunging ridges; there was nothing for it but to return to camp with fingers crossed for the day to come. | + | A clump of small trees, practically the only shelter on the plain, afforded us a shady lunch spot where we could let our restless spirits wander over the sharp peaks and dips of the Arthur Range. For the moment it was enough to admire from afar, but inwardly I knew the Arthurs would bring me back to Tassie some other day. Replenished, |
- | After tossing | + | |
- | I can ever remember, I awoke to Arthur' | + | But in the morning it was a different story - the low and threatening cloud ceiling took the edge off our enthusiasm. The mountains which had surrounded us in all their glory the previous day had suddenly ceased to exist. Eliza' |
- | As it was barely five o' | + | |
- | the tent's flap but it was worth it. From a pale but clear sky | + | After tossing |
- | above the freshly-risen sun slanted down to wake up the landscape spread beneath our camp like a huge relief map. We looked down here and there onto the tops of fleecy clouds, clouds that were to gradually dissolve as a promise of warmth grappled with the chill morning air, and there up above was the peak of Anne, | + | above the freshly-risen sun slanted down to wake up the landscape spread beneath our camp like a huge relief map. We looked down here and there onto the tops of fleecy clouds, clouds that were to gradually dissolve as a promise of warmth grappled with the chill morning air, and there up above was the peak of Anne, waiting so calmly for us. There also close at hand were the Tassie crew, already well advanced with breakfast. The challenge or the shame, I'm not sure which, was overpowering - I shed my sleeping bag and jumped out of the tent with a whoop (This article has not yet been corrected by my companions who may hold their own opinions). |
- | waiting so calmly for us. There also close at hand were the | + | |
- | Tassie crew, already well advanced with breakfast. The challenge | + | Equipped with one only day pack a very excited party started off for what promised to be a day of days. As we climbed higher, wide panoramic views to the south and west began to open up and even Frenchman' |
- | or the shame, I'm not sure which, was overpowering - I shed my sleeping bag and jumped out of the tent with a whoopl | + | of the plateau, four pairs of eyes were suddenly held spellbound by the magnificent sight of Federation Peak playing hide and seek with a line of low horizon clouds. It was then that I became convinced that one day I would have to plan a trip to Federation - once seen it could never be forgotten. Indeed, in the excitement of recording this thrilling scene four times over with the tele lenses, we almost forgot that Mt. Anne, so close at hand, was still to be climbed. Fortunately, |
- | Equipped with one only day pack a very excited party started off for what promised to be a day of days. As we climbed higher, wide panoramic views to the south and west began to open | + | high regions of Tasmania, improved with age and by nine o' |
- | up and even Frenchman' | + | |
- | of the plateau, four pairs of eyes were suddenly held spellbound by the magnificent sight of Federation Peak playing hide and seek | + | Lunchtime saw a very entranced party satisfying their scenic appetites with what surely must be one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. From the rocky eastern edge of the plateau our gaze shot down plummeting precipices into the lovely blue depths of Judd' |
- | with a line of low horizon clouds. It was then that I became convinced that one day I would have to plan a trip to Federation - | + | the lake the incredibly steep slopes of Mt. Sarah Jane, completely covered by the densest and greenest mantle of vegetation (something for the tigers) I have ever seen, rose up nearly to our own level. Far beyond the southern tip of the Charm and some intriguing hanging lakes cradled in their own circle of mountains, the sheer slab of Federation Peak dominated the razor-sharp horizon of the Arthur |
- | once seen it could never be forgotten. Indeed, in the excitement | + | |
- | of recording this thrilling scene four times over with the tele lenses, we almost forgot that Mt. Anne, so close at hand, was still | + | The rest of the day was spent in leisurely exploring the many interesting features of this remarkable mountain mass. Wild flowers there were a-plenty and of course Henry and Arthur were in their element while Joan and I contented ourselves with trying to photograph the landscape at large. Finally, after almost twelve hours of exposure in that brilliant sunshine, it was no hardship to return to our high camp and think about the inner man, for we had had our fill in overflowing measure. At twenty minutes to nine we sipped coffee and watched with wonderment as the sun, distorted into the shape of a fiery ten gallon hat, sank into the ocean fifty miles to the south-west. It had been OUR day from beginning to end, and as the full moon peeked over Mt. Anne, we slid into our sleeping bags to sleep the sleep which only the great outdoors |
- | to be climbed. Fortunately, | + | |
- | high regions of Tasmania, improved with age and by nin o' | + | The next morning it was time to be off the mountain. Only three days remained of our trip, the three days it would take us to walk out to Maydena. Only the continuing spell of fine weather tempered our regret at leaving Mt. Anne behind. And so, quietly, each engrossed in his own thoughts, we descended the ridge and looked back, and looked back again. At Condeminion Ck. the gear was recovered and the loads reorganised - ah, that loathsome lump was getting lighter at last and it was not hard to take. Lunch and a well-earned bath at Huon Crossing |
- | along the tops towards our objective, there was so much to see on every side and so many tempting visions for our caneras | + | apictures, the colours improved no end after the first impetuous shots and we graciously gave Kodak a second dividend.) " |
- | I'd rather not say how long it took to cover those two miles. I | + | |
- | remember looking back at one stage and seeing a tiny figure on the skyline darting from one edge of the plateau to the other. | + | How well I remember our first encounter with the enemy. Previously we had enjoyed our arguments with the local walkers on long trousers versus shorts for Tassie bushwalking. "Wait till you strike our bauera," |
- | Poor Henry, his photographic impulses just would not let him come on. Eventually we were together again, climbing up among the | + | |
- | crumbling dolerite columns of which Mt. 1.nne is made; and what a | + | |
- | terrific thrill to stand upon that summit on such a dayl Just about everything that was worth seeing in southern Tasmania could be seen and appreciated; | + | |
- | blue sky. Just to complete the picture, we were again visited by | + | |
- | our old friend Lloyd Jones of the P_ero Club. He flew the Cessna | + | |
- | over from Lake Pedder and buzzed us a friendly twice, skimming | + | |
- | over our heads so low that we could easily enjoy the astonished expressions on the faces of his tourist passengers. That !plane | + | |
- | covered the distance from Pedder to Anne in five minutes flat, a journey that would take we bushmalkers | + | |
- | achievement behind us. | + | |
- | Lunchtime saw avery entranced party satisfying their scenic | + | |
- | appetites with what surely must be one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. From the rocky eastern edge of the plateau our gaze shot down plummeting precipices into the | + | |
- | lovely blue depths of Juddfs | + | |
- | the lake the incredibly steep slopes of Mt. Sarah Jane, completely covered by the densest and greenest mantle of vegetation (something for the tigers) I have ever seen, rose up nearly to our own level. Far beyond the southern tip of the Charm and some intriguing hanging lakes cradled in their own circle of mountains, the sheer slab nf Federation Peak dominated the razor-sharp horizon of the Lrthur | + | |
- | The rest of the day was spent in leisurely exploring the many interesting features of this remarkable mountain mass. Wild flowers there were a-plenty and of course Henry and Arthur were in their element while Joan and I contented ourselves with trying | + | |
- | to photograph the landscape at large. Finally, after almost twelve | + | |
- | hours of exposure in that brilliant sunshine, it was no hardship to return to our high camp and think about the inner man, for we had had our fill in overflowing measure. At twenty minutes to nine we sipped coffee and watched with wonderment as the sun, distorted into the shape of a fiery ten gallon hat, sank into the | + | |
- | ocean fifty miles to the south-west. It had been OUR day from beginning to end, and as the fullmoon | + | |
- | slid into our sleeping bags to sleep the sleep which only the great outclors | + | |
- | The next morning it was time to be off the mountain. Only three days remained of our trip, the three days it would take us | + | |
- | to walk out to Maydena. Only the continuing spell of fine weather tempered our regret at leaving Mt. Anne behind. And so, quietly, each engrossed in his own thoughts, we descended the ridge and looked back, and looked back again. At Condeminion Ck. the gear was recovered and the loads reorganised - ah, that loathsome lump | + | |
- | was getting lighter at last and it was not hard to take. Lunch and a well-earned bath at Huon Crossing | + | |
- | out ait Mt. Anne again for the last tiz,3 its peak ablaze in the low rays of the evening sun. Spread over a respectable period of about | + | |
- | three hours, it was a pleasure to engage in a marathon eating effort of six " | + | |
- | were a masterpiece of bushwalking economy. The one trouble was that we burnt too many of them when the lot of us raced out on two | + | |
- | occasions to take pictures of the sunset. (Like all sunset | + | |
- | a. | + | |
- | pictures, the colours improved no end after the first impetuous shots and we graciously gave Kodak a second dividend.) ":;' | + | Those last two days were really enjoyable for their variety - good solid track (?) walking through country that was always delightfully changing its character. There were the cool damp myrtle forests with their vines and mosses and their atmosphere of great age and decay; (how can we forget the stumbling over the interminable trees fallen across the track); there were the open button grass plains with their quartzite outcrops, the stretches of green forest where giant ferns formed a canopy above the track and the pleasant interlude of gum trees with good burning wood, and of course, not forgetting the patches of unspeakable Tasmanian mud to make life interesting. Personal incidents and laughs were two bob a dozen with a party of such character as ours and we revelled in the life - it was bushwalking |
- | trip", breathed Joan with a sigh as we bedded down onto a soft | + | All too soon we found ourselves surrounded by the signs of civilisation, |
- | mattress of cut bauera, little dreaming that on the morrow we would be cursing this innocent looking shrub as we pushed through it along the track, | + | |
- | How well I remember our first encounter with the enemy. | + | |
- | Previously we had enjoyed our arguments with the local walkers on | + | |
- | long trousers versus shorts for Tassie bushwalking. "Wait till | + | |
- | you strike our bauera," | + | |
- | but after braving it for a few hundred yards in shorts, we were forced to admit defeat. It was then that Arthur could not find | + | |
- | his trousers; every nook mad cranny of the " | + | |
- | examined but although the oaths became more bloody, still no long pants were forthcoming. It was a shorts job for Arthur that day, | + | |
- | and a rather painful one at that. Only when he went to bed thrt | + | |
- | night did he unearth his precious pants - right down in the bctL,,pm | + | |
- | of his sleeping bag cover. I have steadfastly refrained | + | |
- | setting down in print the muffled language which filtered out from | + | |
- | the inside of his tent that night. | + | |
- | Those last two days were really enjoyable for their variety - good solid track (?) walking through country that was always delightfully changing its character. There were the cool damp myrtle forests with their vines and mosses and their atmosphere of great age and decay; (how can we forget the stumbling over the interminable trees fallen across the track); there were the open button grass plains with their quartzite outcrops, the stretches of green forest where giant ferns formed a canopy above the track and the pleasant interlude of gum trees with good burning wood, and of course, not forgetting the patches of unspeakable Tasmanian mud to make life interesting. Personal incidents | + | |
- | and laughs were two bob a dozen with a party of such character as | + | |
- | ours and we revelled in the life - it was bushwaking | + | |
- | by the signs of civilisation, | + | |
- | It was here that the famous Tasmanian | + | |
- | unexpectedly and so unstintingly to glorious hot baths and home- cooked food. Civilisation would indeed have been hard to take without such compensations. | + | |
- | i nd so our trip had ended, as end they all must; that is except for the hundreds of colour ilides and the bragging and the endless story-telling and the reminiscenses, | + | |
- | was concerned, it had only just begun. THE END | + | |
- | L.NYONE WP.,NT A BAG? | + | |
- | The sleeping variety. Standard length Paddymade sleeping | + | |
- | bag in good order - 4. See Eric Pegram or ring XB04401. | + | |
+ | And so our trip had ended, as end they all must; that is except for the hundreds of colour slides and the bragging and the endless story-telling and the reminiscenses, | ||
====== Your Walking Guide ====== | ====== Your Walking Guide ====== | ||
- | Walk No. | + | Walk No.\\ |
- | 5. interest of this walk is the Davies Canyon Section with rock scrambling and some rope work might be necessary. The walk back to Katoomba is river and track walking. Cost - 52/2. | + | 57. interest of this walk is the Davies Canyon Section with rock scrambling and some rope work might be necessary. The walk back to Katoomba is river and track walking. Cost - 52/2.\\ |
- | 58 An easy walk through the scenic | + | 58 An easy walk through the scenic |
- | added attraction of the famous "glow worm tunnel" | + | 59 A good test walk through country that deserves more attention, All types of walking with kodachromatic |
- | 29/5. | + | views makes a camera an essential. Cost - 22/2.\\ |
- | 59 It good test walk through country that deserves more | + | 60 "The Mount Solitary Test Walk". An excellent walk for prospectives who have done little or no mountain trips. A medium climb of 2,000 feet, then a good track to Katoomba. Excellent views of Cox and Kedumba Valley. Cost - 22/2.\\ |
- | 59 attention, All types of walking with kodachromatic | + | 61 A pretty walk along creek and river.\\ |
- | views makes a camera an essential. Cost - 22/2. | + | 62 A good Grose River trip with the ever popular Blue Gum Forest. Rock scrambling along river. Walk would be accepted as a test walk. Cost - 26/-.\\ |
- | 60 "The Mount Solitary Test Walk". An excellent walk for prospectives who have done little or no mountain trips. A medium climb of 2,000 feet, then a good track to Katoomba. Excellent views of Cox and Kedumba Valley. Cost - 22/2. | + | 63 rock climbing trip to the famous Three Sisters. A combined climbing weekend with the Sydney Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club and the Sydney Rock Climbers. Cost - 22/2.\\ |
- | 61 A pretty walk along creek and river. | + | 64 A typical Admiral Trip in the Glenbrook area. The walk would be interesting. Cost - 12/3.\\ |
- | 62 A good Grose River trip with the ever popular Blue Gum | + | |
- | Forest. Rock scrambling along river. Walk would be | + | |
- | accepted as a test walk. Cost - 26/-. | + | |
- | 63 | + | |
- | I. rock climbing trip to the famous Three Sisters. A combined climbing weekend with the Sydney Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club and the Sydney Rock Climbers. Cost - 22/2. | + | |
- | 64 L typical Admiral Trip in the Glenbrook area. The | + | |
- | walk would be interesting. Cost - 12/3. | + | |
65 A good test walk in the Shoalhaven area and Bungonia Gorge. Walk includes two 2,000 feet climbs with | 65 A good test walk in the Shoalhaven area and Bungonia Gorge. Walk includes two 2,000 feet climbs with | ||
- | panoramic views. Cost - 37/5. | + | panoramic views. Cost - 37/5.\\ |
- | 66 L medium test walk through the lower Grose River with | + | 66 A medium test walk through the lower Grose River with some ridge walking. Cost 16/3.\\ |
- | ,. some ridge walking. Cost 16/3. | + | 67 A scenic walk in the Hawksbury |
- | 67 A scenic walk in the Haw6sbury | + | |
- | WALK NO. 65 JULY 4-5-6 SHOLLMVEN R-BUNGONIL | + | |
- | LEADER - Ron Knightley. This walk will NOT go as per programme, as transport will, be by car, from Sydney to Long Point and back. Numbers will be limited - first come, first booked. The Saturday is rough and tough, with about 4,000 feet of uphill and 2,000 feet down. Sunday is easier, with a mere 2,000 feet down and up. Moderate walkers need not be scared, ' | + | |
- | LIKE TO THROW OTHER PEOPTRIS WEIGHT AROUND? | + | |
- | Then COMB to the Judo Display on the 25th June and see how it's done. A collection will be taken to assist a fund for purchasing Judo Mats. | + | |
- | pTPIISE NOTE: This is an alteration to the Social Programme where 25th June is marked as a Members Slide Night, | + | |
- | 11. | + | |
- | ====== | + | WALK NO. 65 JULY 4-5-6 SHOALHAVEN BUNGONIA\\ |
+ | LEADER - Ron Knightley. This walk will NOT go as per programme, as transport will be by car from Sydney to Long Point and back. Numbers will be limited - first come, first booked. | ||
+ | **LIKE TO THROW OTHER PEOPLE' | ||
+ | Then come to the Judo Display on the 25th June and see how it's done. A collection will be taken to assist a fund for purchasing Judo Mats. | ||
+ | |||
+ | PLEASE NOTE: This is an alteration to the Social Programme where 25th June is marked as a Members Slide Night. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====== The Smoke of Their Passing ====== | ||
by Puffing Billy (Old Member, retired) | by Puffing Billy (Old Member, retired) | ||
" | " | ||
- | "Vist?" said the driver. " | + | |
+ | "What?" said the driver. " | ||
He had a point there. Albeit the gutters of Blackheath had overflowed as we stepped into, the cab and the fording of Megalong Creek had been an astro-nav. job, we were quite dry in the oar. Purring smoothly it bore us southwards toward Carlon' | He had a point there. Albeit the gutters of Blackheath had overflowed as we stepped into, the cab and the fording of Megalong Creek had been an astro-nav. job, we were quite dry in the oar. Purring smoothly it bore us southwards toward Carlon' | ||
- | Came the hill by the church. | ||
- | union rules. Opening the d3or and putting his head out to see | ||
- | the way, the driver let the vehicle run back down the hill It would have been alright if only they'd built the road whe. the rear wheels Went; but alas; the road Went round a corner tliat we didn' | ||
- | Not being registered for bushwalking, | ||
- | not to further calls upon its energy and refused to budge, despite the pushing of four puffing males. | ||
- | There was, horever, no trace of concern on the driver' | ||
- | face, for he knew that behind us were two' | ||
- | of the wetting to come. | ||
- | They soon caught up, and there was Brian Harvey, Jack Gentle, Ernie French, Bob O'Hara and all, high and not-so-dry debogging the | ||
- | bomb. | ||
- | Back on the road, we piler. in once more and were soon being | ||
- | disgorged from the taxis at the top of the road down to Carlon' | ||
- | Rain gone; no-one missing yet all was well. We waved a-cheer to our driver friends and sauntered off into the night. | ||
- | The road-bash down the hillwas merely an appetiser. In | ||
- | Green Gully we found Ron Baker fossicking around with a trch. He was apologising profusely to a cow.: "You don't really =Lc-0k | ||
- | like Brian. Wrong shape, side on. But it's hard to tell from | ||
- | behind." | ||
- | two of them they'd not only organised a cupatea at the houso, but | ||
- | beds fOr the whole party. | ||
- | Jack Gentle as part of the whole party. ' He had to be content with a tot of rum and a lcose floorboard while the rest of us had a tot of rum and soft mattresses. | ||
- | . Early on Anzac Day, our energetic leader was stirring us up and chattering away about moving:off at eight o' | ||
- | enough, by 8.30 or 9.30 we were strung out up the slope like Carlon' | ||
- | 12, | ||
- | In front - out in front, mark you - was me. Me, who's | ||
- | waked a thousand miles on test walks and always at the rear on the pretext of whipping in the stragglers; MB, who's worn out the toes of a hundred boots through treading on the heels of the second-last member of the party; MB, whose standing instruction' | ||
- | that's where I'll be tomorrow." | ||
- | Two lengths away were Pam Baker and Audrey Kenway; a short | ||
- | head to John Luxton and Peter Cummings, Bob O'Hara and John Proud- foot; with half a furlong to Col Ferguson; three lengths to a bunched up field of Jack Gentle, Margaret Ryan, Isobel Wilkie, | ||
- | Eileen Taylor, Canada Dry and Beryl Collins; closely followed by Ron Baker, Ernie French and Jean HarVey, with the Leader tailed off last. | ||
- | Lt the gate I counted them through and slipped into my accustomed position, whipping in the straggling leader. | ||
- | The day was cool and the pace a killer. You couldna hear | ||
- | the footsteps for the swishing of the bushes, and it wasn't long | ||
- | before I was finding my way, not by the sight of the party in front, | ||
- | but by the smoke of their passing. They were doing at least a | ||
- | mile and a half to the hour - or an hour and a half to the mile, I forget which. | ||
- | Unerringly the leader guided the flock along the Black Dog | ||
- | track and rested at the cross roads under Debert' | ||
- | Lunch at the top of the Faithful Hound was quite civilised, | ||
- | really, Ron Baker being the only one to drink his tea straight from the billy. He claimed that he'd forgotten his mug but we | ||
- | suspected lightweight tactics. | ||
- | Some Federation officials, accompalied by a group of Y.H.L.C.C. | ||
- | types, arrived as we- were leaving and blithely took over our campfires. They, too, were headed for Splendour Rock and we idly | ||
- | wondered if they'd try the same cunning trick at nightfall. | ||
- | Onwards and upwards went the leader, followed by the six hundred, tailed up by John Clubfoot and me. He'd caight on - it's | ||
- | so much cleaner when other bods have wiped all the dew from the bushes and the carbon black from the stumps. | ||
- | Black Horse Gap was7ur next breather. It's a steep little | ||
- | scramble to a short-tail like MB, and by the time I caught up I | ||
- | was wondering if the wreath I was carrying for the morrow' | ||
- | service might be used for MB instead. Ernie French took it from | ||
- | me for the Wombat Parade stretch - apparently he felt more in need of it than I. | ||
- | Jean Harvey led the girls along the Parade, and after a | ||
- | discreet interval we males followed. Wombat Parade is so called for two very good reasons - first, because there' | ||
- | of the presence of wombats, and second because the boulders are | ||
- | so big that you feel as if your legs are as short as a wombat' | + | Came the hill by the church. |
- | Lt the drop into Warrigal Gap the cliffs are broken up into a steirway; only it was built in Gargantua and us Liliputians had no ropes. Is Margaret' | + | |
- | The girls regained their dignity down in the saddle and swung up on to the flat top of Merrigal with true bushwalker rhythm. As we intended | + | Not being registered for bushwalking, |
- | by sheep and cattle. Well? ..? | + | |
- | A few short steps brought us to the col, and yours truly remembered too late a long-forgotten lesson; always be in front at the end of the day. Having slipped once again into the | + | Rain gone; no-one missing yet all was well. We waved a cheer to our driver friends and sauntered off into the night. The road-bash down the hill was merely an appetiser. In Green Gully we found Ron Baker fossicking around with a torch. He was apologising profusely to a cow.: "You don't really look like Brian. Wrong shape, side on. But it's hard to tell from behind." |
- | 13-4, | + | |
- | rearguard position, there was no place left for my tent, in which | + | Early on Anzac Day, our energetic leader was stirring us up and chattering away about moving off at eight o' |
- | I had graciously offered to shelter Pam Baker and Audrey Kenway. | + | |
- | I was just contemplating the problem of pitching camp over a clump of Xanthorreae when the two girls started hollering that theytd | + | Two lengths away were Pam Baker and Audrey Kenway; a short head to John Luxton and Peter Cummings, Bob O'Hara and John Proudfoot with half a furlong to Col Ferguson; three lengths to a bunched up field of Jack Gentle, Margaret Ryan, Isobel Wilkie, Eileen Taylor, Canada Dry and Beryl Collins; closely followed by Ron Baker, Ernie French and Jean Harvey, with the Leader tailed off last. At the gate I counted them through and slipped into my accustomed position, whipping in the straggling leader. |
- | already reserved a site in the executive suite - in among Brian and Jean, Canada, Ron Baker and Col Ferguson. I suggested that | + | |
- | it might be better to put up with the Xanthorreas but, chivalrous to the end, acceded to the girls' request. | + | The day was cool and the pace a killer. You could not hear the footsteps for the swishing of the bushes, and it wasn't long before I was finding my way, not by the sight of the party in front, but by the smoke of their passing. They were doing at least a mile and a half to the hour - or an hour and a half to the mile, I forget which. |
+ | |||
+ | Unerringly the leader guided the flock along the Black Dog track and rested at the cross roads under Debert' | ||
+ | really, Ron Baker being the only one to drink his tea straight from the billy. He claimed that he'd forgotten his mug but we suspected lightweight tactics. Some Federation officials, accompanied by a group of Y.H.L.C.C. types, arrived as we were leaving and blithely took over our campfires. They, too, were headed for Splendour Rock and we idly wondered if they'd try the same cunning trick at nightfall. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Onwards and upwards went the leader, followed by the six hundred, tailed up by John Clubfoot and me. He'd caught on - it's so much cleaner when other bods have wiped all the dew from the bushes and the carbon black from the stumps. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Black Horse Gap was our next breather. It's a steep little scramble to a short-tail like me, and by the time I caught up I was wondering if the wreath I was carrying for the morrow' | ||
+ | of the presence of wombats, and second because the boulders are so big that you feel as if your legs are as short as a wombat' | ||
+ | |||
+ | At the drop into Warrigal Gap the cliffs are broken up into a stairway; only it was built in Gargantua and us Liliputians had no ropes. Is Margaret' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The girls regained their dignity down in the saddle and swung up on to the flat top of Merrigal with true bushwalker rhythm. As we intended | ||
+ | |||
+ | A few short steps brought us to the col, and yours truly remembered too late a long-forgotten lesson; always be in front at the end of the day. Having slipped once again into the rearguard position, there was no place left for my tent, in which I had graciously offered to shelter Pam Baker and Audrey Kenway. | ||
+ | I was just contemplating the problem of pitching camp over a clump of Xanthorreae when the two girls started hollering that they' | ||
I had to admit that the site was roomy and comfortable; | I had to admit that the site was roomy and comfortable; | ||
As it was only mid-afternoon, | As it was only mid-afternoon, | ||
- | Having caught on, I was first back in carp and soon had the fire coked up. Perhaps at this juncture I could slip in a serious word of commendation for my carping | + | |
- | she had discovered. Before long, even Irish pronounced the dammed water fit for human consumption - only she didn't define " | + | Having caught on, I was first back in camp and soon had the fire coked up. Perhaps at this juncture I could slip in a serious word of commendation for my camping |
- | A starlit evening was spent in quiet yarning by the campfire - culture, lotteries, theology and Dormie' | + | |
- | into the down. Thc bench order was; Audrey, Pam, me. All slept well except Audrey - the tent was abdulled and Pam spent the night,. | + | A starlit evening was spent in quiet yarning by the campfire - culture, lotteries, theology and Dormie' |
- | rolling in Audrey' | + | |
- | with Audrey pushed out to shiver under the stars. The next night we reversed the order and put Pam on the outside - so she rolled the other way and pushed us both out. How's that for gratitude? | + | The leader' |
- | The leader' | + | |
Dawn found us flannel flowers pounding the same path and just as the sun rose into a cloudless sky we witnessed the simple but impressive commemoration service. It would be sacrilege for one so flippant as I to attempt the description of this moving ceremony, so I'll leave it for someone more coherent. | Dawn found us flannel flowers pounding the same path and just as the sun rose into a cloudless sky we witnessed the simple but impressive commemoration service. It would be sacrilege for one so flippant as I to attempt the description of this moving ceremony, so I'll leave it for someone more coherent. | ||
- | Back to Merri-merrigal for breakfast, | + | |
- | 14. | + | Back to Merri-merrigal for breakfast, |
- | 15. | + | |
- | peaceful about a fag in the calm sunshine of early morning an John Stubfoot and I awoke from our reverie to find that all the others had dispersed into the bush. As their packs had gone | + | Now, you who've been on Blue Dog will remember that there' |
- | with them, we divined that the dispersion was permanent. So we up packs and after fem. | + | |
- | Now, you who've been on Blue Dog will remember that there' | + | John Bumblefoot reached the saddle first and he was looking quite worried as I caught up.\\ |
- | a little timbered saddle about ten yards across, just before you | + | " |
- | get onto the ridge proper, to swing right and than left, hoping that you have n't swung too far right or too far left - last time I was there I swung too far left and did four of Merrigal Creek' | + | " |
- | waterfalls before darkness caught me. I didn't know then that | + | " |
- | the fourth one was the last one and that the Cox was flowing quietly just round the bend from the boulders on which I tried to sleep. | + | |
- | John Bumblefoot reached the saddle first and he was looking quite worried as I caught up. | + | In front : Horrors! What if we took a wrong turn and got lost? S R would search the rearguard positions and I wouldn' |
- | " | + | "Oh, come off it," said I. "We couldn' |
- | " | + | "We better make sure," said John. " |
- | " | + | |
- | In front J Horrors1 That if we took a wrong turn and got lost? S R would search the rearguard positions and I wouldn' | + | |
- | before my eyes. Or was it an enigmatic smile? | + | |
- | "Oh, come off it," said I. "We couldn' | + | |
- | crossed just down the gully' | + | |
- | "We better make sure," said John. " | + | |
As the echoes of our cries died away, faint calls came back. " | As the echoes of our cries died away, faint calls came back. " | ||
"Ditto ditto," | "Ditto ditto," | ||
- | We cooeed again. | + | |
- | " | + | We cooeed again. " |
- | "No, up there," | + | "No, up there," |
- | that two other parties were also converging on Blue Dog? | + | |
- | We yelled yet again. | + | We yelled yet again. "Over there" we cried together, both pointing east - we knew, because the response had sounded like a public address system, butchers' |
- | "Over there j," we cried together, both pointing east - we knew, because the response had sounded like a public address system, butchers' | + | |
- | Soon we were with them once again, metaphoric tails between | + | Soon we were with them once again, metaphoric tails between our legs - and whether it was by accident or design know not, but when we got mobile again someone else was guarding the rear. Up and down, along, around, about - a half hour of this kind of progress and we were looking down on the Breakfast Creek Cox River junction. Like terriers after a snake the party began the long drop down the Blue Pup. Something went wrong, though, because by the time Irish and I had done a hundred |
- | _ | + | |
- | our legs - and whether it was by accident or design know not, but when we got mobile again someone else was guarding the rear. | + | As the first lady down, Irish was rechristened the Greyhound and there was an impish gleam in her eyes when the misguided ones began trickling in a few minutes later.\\ |
- | Up and down, along, around, about - a half hour of this kind of progress and we were looking down on the Breakfast Creek CoxRiver | + | "What happened to you?" she asked with studied innocence.\\ |
- | the long drop down the Blue Pup. Something went wrong, though, because by the time Irish and I had done ahundred | + | " |
- | Ls the first lady down, Irish was rechristened the Greyhound and there was an impish gleam in her eyes when the misguided ones began trickling in a few minutes later. | + | |
- | "What happened to you?" she asked with studied innocence. | + | As we munched lunch a whirlwind passed along the bank, over Breakfast Ck., and disappeared |
- | " | + | " |
- | Sufficient to sq7 that the Blue Pup was renamed the Blue Bitch - Ed.) | + | It was Michael Elfick with some S.T.C. confreres, setting a Hilltop-to-Katoomba record - over the hundred miles in two days. I made a mental note never to be following an Elfick sortie. |
- | Ls we munched lunch a whirlwind passed along the bank, over Breakfast Ck., end disaPpeared | + | |
- | " | + | At the Harry' |
- | It was Michael Elfick with some S.T.C. confreres, setting | + | |
- | a Hilltop-to-Katoomba record - over the hundred miles in two days. I made a mental note never to be following an Elfick sortie. | + | I must have had aquatic amnesia, for my mind is a blank until 4.45 p m., when John Sorefoot and I were to be seen lounging |
- | At the Harry' | + | |
- | to travel, eat and sleep in my wet dads, even when pushed out into the cold by Pam. | + | Having picked the site I departed up the creek to gather firewood. |
- | I mast have had aquatic amnesia, for my mind is a blank until 4.45 p m., when John Sorefoot and I were to be soen loungingg' | + | |
- | "Of course," | + | |
- | first in camp tonight, and my tent goes right there on that lush patch of lawn." | + | |
- | Having picked the site I departed up the creek to gather firewood. | + | |
- | were to rest. Foiled again. | + | |
Breakfast next morning was interrupted by the rugby league whistle and the public address system. | Breakfast next morning was interrupted by the rugby league whistle and the public address system. | ||
- | " | + | " |
- | They did, too; Ron Baker and Col Ferguson up Gnlong | + | |
- | Last again, I trailed them to the bottom of the Six Foot track where I found cups of tea all ready a-boiling. | + | Last again, I trailed them to the bottom of the Six Foot track where I found cups of tea all ready a-boiling. The long, steady trudge up to the Megalong |
- | The long, steady trudge up to the Megdong | + | |
- | quickly I hit the front. Onward and upward, stride by stride, | + | Well, no - not quite. As I cleared the trees at the top of the track I became conscious of someone breathing down my neck. It was Beryl Collins, flimsiest-looking of the prospectives, |
- | and I was soon out of sight of all the rest. Of all the rest? | + | |
- | Well, no - not quite. As I cleared the trees at the top of the | + | At the causeway we found Ron and Colin, fire going and tea ready. I had to admit that Brian' |
- | track I became conscious of someone breathing down my neck. It | + | |
- | was Beryl Collins, flimsiest-looking of the prospectives, | + | By the time us males and the two girls reached Explorers' |
- | At the causeway we found Ron and Colin, fire going and tea ready. I had to admit that Brian' | + | |
- | non. Not only had he organised this advance preparation, | + | |
- | There was room for some of the girls as well, Eileen Taylor, having sprained her ankle, was first priority. Then Pam Baker discovered that she had to catch an early train; then | + | |
- | Canada - well, now, let's be frank about this. Let's admit that Isobel Wilkie and P.udrey | + | |
- | By the time us males and the two girls reached Explorers' | + | |
- | a pub, it not - it's a cafe; but it was just as good as, because Brian' | + | |
the presence of The Law at an adjacent table we were soon washing down our fillets mignon with beer and hock. | the presence of The Law at an adjacent table we were soon washing down our fillets mignon with beer and hock. | ||
- | The walk was over; but if you think this is the end of the story you're wrong. It goes on for a long time yet - | + | |
- | hilarity every time we meet in the club; chuckles over kodachromes at odd times; and I still haven' | + | The walk was over but if you think this is the end of the story you're wrong. It goes on for a long time yet - hilarity every time we meet in the club; chuckles over kodachromes at odd times; and I still haven' |
- | seeds out of my sox. In fact, the story is probably just | + | |
- | beginning, because I give notice of a motion at the next Annual General to appoint Messrs. Baker and Fergumn | + | |
And I'm sure that all my companions on that trip will carry with acclamation (magno clamor) my vote of thanks to an excellent leader. | And I'm sure that all my companions on that trip will carry with acclamation (magno clamor) my vote of thanks to an excellent leader. | ||
- | 18. | ||
====== Commemorative Service at Splendour Rock ====== | ====== Commemorative Service at Splendour Rock ====== | ||
- | |||
On the morning of 26th April, just as the sun rose clear above the cloud sea in the valley of the Cox, Federation President Paul Driver led an assembly of bushwalkers in a moving ceremony to mark the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the memorial plaque at Splendour Rock. | On the morning of 26th April, just as the sun rose clear above the cloud sea in the valley of the Cox, Federation President Paul Driver led an assembly of bushwalkers in a moving ceremony to mark the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the memorial plaque at Splendour Rock. | ||
- | Brian Harvey had prepared an order of service which, although | ||
- | of beautiful simplicity in the bushwalker fashion, paid adequate tribute to those who fell in World War II so that we who remained might still enjoy the hills they knew and loved so well. | ||
- | With nearly a hundred walkers massed at the Rock, Paul opened the service with this address ;- | ||
- | "Today we are assembled here to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the unveiling of this Bushwalkers' | ||
- | due to time and distance, we are perhaps a little late, but nevertheless not lacking in the Anzac Spirit. Today therefore is OUR | ||
- | Anzac Day. | ||
- | When War came in 1939, the response to the call from the Bushwalking Movement was truly magnificent. We do not know | ||
- | exactly how many joined the Armed Services, but we do know that at the peak period there were no less than 172 men and women serving | ||
- | their King and Country. | ||
- | It is gratifying to have so many young people present and | ||
- | to see a new generation of walkers at this Service. Some of those | ||
- | here today probably barely remember the catastrophe that tore the world apart from 1939 to 1945, but those young persons come with the same sincere feelings as those who fought and suffered during those dark years. | ||
- | On the back of the Order of Service you will find th6 names of those who did not return. When reading those names you will notice that some of the Clubs to which these men belonged are no longer operating, but I feel that those Clubs are here today and are represented by the new Clubs which have come into being over the intervening years, | ||
- | f,nzac Day is a day of commemorative thought for the past | ||
- | and for the realistic consideration for what may be ahead in the | ||
- | near future - for ourselves, our friends and the fellow-people in other lands, and for our children and their children in times to come. | ||
- | Let us therefore commemorate today those Bushwalkers from | ||
- | our Clubs, the unknown Bushwalkers and the citizens of Lastralia who died at a time when the happiness and security of their loved ones, and of their homeland, was endangered. We honour them and | ||
- | we also honour those who gave them birth and grieve with those who have suffered by their death, | ||
- | 19. | ||
- | Today we also commemorate those who were hurt in mind or body, those who suffered at the hands of an un-Christian enemy and who went to war as young men aid returned as old. Ands | ||
- | last but not least, those of our Armed Forces who were not harmed by the ravages of war in which they were active participants, | ||
- | Realising that all people of all countries must suffer from war and knowing that there is no such reality as victory, we must really try to work to avoid future wars whilst at the same time necessarily preparing ourselves to defend our decent way of | ||
- | We think back today to our own Bushwalkers who died in the service of their country and hope that the sacrifice they made was not in vain. Let us determine that we will do all in our power to make this a better world, this country a better country and ourselves better individuals aid that the time may come when wars will be but a distant memory." | ||
- | Brian Harvey, Stan Cattier (C.Y.W.) and Ron Knightley assisted in the service, and all present joined in singing "Abide With Me" and "0 God, Our Help In Ages Past". | ||
- | laurel wreath was laid onthe plaque, and a tin containing a substantial log book was installed to mark the occasion. | ||
- | "At the going down of the sun, and in the morning" | ||
- | ====== Musical ====== | + | Brian Harvey had prepared an order of service which, although of beautiful simplicity in the bushwalker fashion, paid adequate tribute to those who fell in World War II so that we who remained might still enjoy the hills they knew and loved so well. |
+ | |||
+ | With nearly a hundred walkers massed at the Rock, Paul opened the service with this address - | ||
+ | "Today we are assembled here to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the unveiling of this Bushwalkers' | ||
+ | Anzac Day." | ||
+ | |||
+ | "When War came in 1939, the response to the call from the Bushwalking Movement was truly magnificent. We do not know exactly how many joined the Armed Services, but we do know that at the peak period there were no less than 172 men and women serving their King and Country. It is gratifying to have so many young people present and to see a new generation of walkers at this Service. Some of those here today probably barely remember the catastrophe that tore the world apart from 1939 to 1945, but those young persons come with the same sincere feelings as those who fought and suffered during those dark years. On the back of the Order of Service you will find the names of those who did not return. When reading those names you will notice that some of the Clubs to which these men belonged are no longer operating, but I feel that those Clubs are here today and are represented by the new Clubs which have come into being over the intervening years, Anzac Day is a day of commemorative thought for the past and for the realistic consideration for what may be ahead in the near future - for ourselves, our friends and the fellow people in other lands, and for our children and their children in times to come." | ||
+ | |||
+ | "Let us therefore commemorate today those Bushwalkers from our Clubs, the unknown Bushwalkers and the citizens of Australia who died at a time when the happiness and security of their loved ones, and of their homeland, was endangered. We honour them and we also honour those who gave them birth and grieve with those who have suffered by their death. Today we also commemorate those who were hurt in mind or body, those who suffered at the hands of an un-Christian enemy and who went to war as young men and returned as old. And last but not least, those of our Armed Forces who were not harmed by the ravages of war in which they were active participants, | ||
+ | Realising that all people of all countries must suffer from war and knowing that there is no such reality as victory, we must really try to work to avoid future wars whilst at the same time necessarily preparing ourselves to defend our decent way of life" | ||
+ | |||
+ | "We think back today to our own Bushwalkers who died in the service of their country and hope that the sacrifice they made was not in vain. Let us determine that we will do all in our power to make this a better world, this country a better country and ourselves better individuals aid that the time may come when wars will be but a distant memory." | ||
+ | |||
+ | Brian Harvey, Stan Cattier (C.Y.W.) and Ron Knightley assisted in the service, and all present joined in singing "Abide With Me" and "0 God, Our Help In Ages Past". A laurel wreath was laid on the plaque, and a tin containing a substantial log book was installed to mark the occasion. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "At the going down of the sun, and in the morning" | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====== Musical | ||
- | | + | By Pluto The Ex-Mariner |
- | certain member wishes to record that the Barrington | + | A certain member wishes to record that the Barrington Tops trip on the Easter weekend was one of the most enjoyable ever under the direction of a "Snowy leader above the snowless |
- | Tops trip on the Easter weekend was one of the most enjoyable ever under the direction of a "Snowy leader above the snowless | + | |
The member carried an eighteen ounce portable radio in the pocket of his pack. Being some 500 feet above the main party on the 3,000 foot climb to the Barrington Trig, the member decided to rest. (REST was a necessity as he was somewhat suffering from altitude lassitude.) | The member carried an eighteen ounce portable radio in the pocket of his pack. Being some 500 feet above the main party on the 3,000 foot climb to the Barrington Trig, the member decided to rest. (REST was a necessity as he was somewhat suffering from altitude lassitude.) | ||
Line 439: | Line 322: | ||
Looking over the second member' | Looking over the second member' | ||
- | + | On the Sunday night at 7.30 p m. (1930 hours Admiral | |
- | On the Sunday night at 7.30 p m. (1930 hours Ldmird | + | |
Unfortunately the little portable radio was a victim of the dew and had an inconvenient bout of laryngitis, and could only speak in whispers. The member is still hazy as to how he got his injuries (crushed ankles, broken ribs and cracked cranium, etc.) He is still wondering whether they were caused by weight of members or weight of opinion? | Unfortunately the little portable radio was a victim of the dew and had an inconvenient bout of laryngitis, and could only speak in whispers. The member is still hazy as to how he got his injuries (crushed ankles, broken ribs and cracked cranium, etc.) He is still wondering whether they were caused by weight of members or weight of opinion? | ||
- | P.S. The trip was a " | + | P.S. The trip was a " |
- | Snow for the BLRE facts. Who ended up in the Myn River instead of the Williams. Who nearly followed them but tcok to the jungle instead. Who --- well, never mind. Who's going to write up the story? It was a good trip. | + | |
====== The Hundred Miler ====== | ====== The Hundred Miler ====== | ||
Line 451: | Line 331: | ||
Mick Elfick | Mick Elfick | ||
- | The rail motor slid to a stop and the few locals wasted no time in scurrying off towards the warm lights of their houses. After waiting what seemed an eternity while John fixed up his battered headlamp, we splashed down the muddy road towards Coates Farm, | + | The rail motor slid to a stop and the few locals wasted no time in scurrying off towards the warm lights of their houses. After waiting what seemed an eternity while John fixed up his battered headlamp, we splashed down the muddy road towards Coates Farm. |
- | By the time we had reached the farmhouse our " | + | By the time we had reached the farmhouse our " |
- | fact we were now travelling in a circle and about 20 minutes later | + | |
- | we stepped back on to the road leading to Hilltop. It took us | + | At six the next morning we set out across the wet paddocks and had little trouble in picking up Starlight' |
- | another 25 minutes hard walking before we finally reached the farm for a second time. This time we took no chances, but knocked on the door and asked which way we should go. | + | |
- | At six the next morning we set out across the wet paddocks and had little trouble in picking up Starlight' | + | After this we sped on downstream, stopping for about five minutes at the Alum River before pushing on to Shea's Creek for lunch. About half a mile before the creek we were amazed to see footprints coming towards us on the road then turning back downstream. Apparently Mick Perryman and his party, who were walking from Picton to Katoomba, had followed this timber road and started to walk upstream - what a blunder! |
- | Flat. Somewhat taken aback to find no John or Fred, I called out | + | |
- | to them - the echoes replied - then assuming that they were ahead of me, I was just about to charge off in hot pursuit when the echoes behind me called out some very harsh words indeed - so I sat down and waited. | + | |
- | After this we sped on downstream, stopping for about five minutes at the Alum River before pushing on to Shea's Creek for lunch. About half a mile before the creek we were amazed to see footprints coming towards us on the road then turning back downstream. Apparently Mick Perryman and his party, who were walking from Picton to Katoomba, had followed this timber road and started to walk upstream - what ablunderl | + | |
- | stream | + | |
- | to slowly crawling back the ten or twelve -by m)ild | + | |
no wonder he took a while to catch up. | no wonder he took a while to catch up. | ||
- | The other side was a sheer delight for our battered feet - beautiful open couch paddocks, uncluttered with fences or hard roads. Unfortunately we were forced, by a bend in the river, to re-cross about a mile downstream and to save wasting time we | + | |
- | cut back on to the old road and on to the Bimlow Bridge. From here we followed the road until it started to curve left towards the township, then we cut diagonally across the paddocks to the right towards the Wollondilly, | + | The other side was a sheer delight for our battered feet - beautiful open couch paddocks, uncluttered with fences or hard roads. Unfortunately we were forced, by a bend in the river, to re-cross about a mile downstream and to save wasting time we cut back on to the old road and on to the Bimlow Bridge. From here we followed the road until it started to curve left towards the township, then we cut diagonally across the paddocks to the right towards the Wollondilly, |
- | We were halfway across the paddock when John noticed some men who were standing near a landrovcr | + | |
- | mate continued for perhaps two minutes, then tired of playing ostriches, we decided to put on a bold front and stride out as if | + | We were halfway across the paddock when John noticed some men who were standing near a Landrover |
- | we owned the place. Well, we certainly precipitated some action by this for we had hardly gone ten yards before we heard shouts and yells from the direction of Bimlow and then the sounds of a land | + | |
- | rover being started up. These obnoxious sounds caused a dramati6 | + | We reached the Cox about 5.30 p m. (or, for the Admiral' |
- | change in our walking appearance - one moment we were shuffling along, moving our feat like they were tender hunks of lend - the next all that could be seen were three frantically dynamic figures | + | |
- | tearing across the paddocks. Taking the thirty foot bank at a | + | Once again impatience |
- | jump we slid down to the river, crossed it in two or three wild bounds and heeded | + | the Cox, which formed a lake over 300 yards wide at this point. From here on it was definitely a boat trip for half a mile at least, but having no boat we were reluctantly forced to climb up and over the ridge and by-pass the inundated section of road. It was dark before we regained the level ground |
- | We reached the Cox about 5.30 p m. (or, for the irldmiralts | + | |
- | benefit, 1750 hours) and as we topped a small rise, John suddenly dropped down and signalled Fred and myself to do likewise. | + | Our food dump was located without too much trouble. Fortunately the clouds permitted a fair amount of moonlight to filter through, and after collecting the tins we pushed on, crossed the Cox at McMahons, cut straight over the next hill and back to the river again. This short stretch was most unpleasant to say the |
- | " | + | least. Since the land has been cleared, every obnoxious weed imaginable and several |
- | Once again impatience | + | |
- | casual air, we walked past this ferocious array of power - especially the dog - bid the men good evening, then walked on to | + | The morning was damp and foggy and the valley wreathed in mist was really out of this world, but by the time we had reached Commodore Hut, the first rays of the sun had spirited away our grey world and brought back the colour to the countryside. The Policemam |
- | find that the road continued straight down under the waters of | + | |
- | the Cox, which formed a lake over 300 yards wide at this point. | + | |
- | From here on it was definitely a boat trip for half a mile at least, but having no boat we were reluctantly forced to climb up | + | |
- | and over the ridge and by-pass the inundated section of road. | + | |
- | It was dark before we regained the level ground | + | |
- | Our food dump was located without too much trouble. Fortunately the clouds permitted a fair amount of moonlight to filter through, and after collecting the tins we pushed on, crossed the Cox at lucMahons, cut straight over the next hil aid back to the | + | |
- | river again. This short stretch was most unpleasant to say the | + | |
- | least. Since the land has been cleared, every obnoxious weed | + | |
- | imaginable and several | + | |
- | straw, and after reaching the Cox we camped at the first driftwood | + | |
- | 22, | + | |
- | 23. | + | |
- | heap, lit a huge fire, ate our food and spent a glori*us | + | |
- | The morning was damp and foggy and the valley wreathed in mist was really out of this world, but by the time we had reached Commodore Hut, the first rays of the sun had spirited away our grey world and brought back the colour to the countryside. The Police/ | + | |
- | flew upstream with Freddy leading by about half a mile. | + | |
- | By now the various parties had drifted down from Splendour Rock to the Cox and our conversations with them seemed to give us the necessary moral stimulent | + | |
- | We caught Mick & Co. at Harry' | + | |
four hours start on us, they were somewhat startled to see us round the bend, so after getting a brief account of our trip they headed off upstream at high speed while we devoured the contents of our food dump. | four hours start on us, they were somewhat startled to see us round the bend, so after getting a brief account of our trip they headed off upstream at high speed while we devoured the contents of our food dump. | ||
- | These food dumps were a mixed blessing - for while the contents were looke forward to longingly and consequently acted as a great stimulcnt | + | These food dumps were a mixed blessing - for while the contents were looked |
itis, whilst neither Fred nor myself seemed to be able to stir ourselves to get moving at my great speed. | itis, whilst neither Fred nor myself seemed to be able to stir ourselves to get moving at my great speed. | ||
It was dark by the time we reached the Megalong. After loosing the track, we blundered across seemingly endless undulating paddocks before striking the road. Not knowing exactly where we were at this stage, we thought that we were then too high up, so we wandered all the way back down again before cutting across and striking the short cut which led us back on to the Six Foot Track. | It was dark by the time we reached the Megalong. After loosing the track, we blundered across seemingly endless undulating paddocks before striking the road. Not knowing exactly where we were at this stage, we thought that we were then too high up, so we wandered all the way back down again before cutting across and striking the short cut which led us back on to the Six Foot Track. |
195806.1459917382.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/04/06 14:36 by kennettj