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195912

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The Sydney Bushwalker

A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers. The N.S.W. Nurses' Association Rooms, “Northcote Building”, Reiby Place, Sydney. Box No.4476 G.P.O. Sydney. Phone JW1462.

No.300 December 1959 Price 1/-

EditorDon Matthews, 33 Pomona Street, Pennant Hills. W3514
ReproductionBrian Anderson
Sales & SubsAudrey Kenway
Business ManagerBrian Harvey
Typed Jean Harvey

Contents

Editorial 1
Social Notes 2
Put Your Best Foot Foremost - Kath McKay 3
At Our October Meeting - Alex Colley 4
Yengo - Jim Brown 5
Fashion Parade - Clarice Morris 8
Sanitarium Health Food Advertisement 7
Hatswell's Taxi & Tourist Service (Advertisement)9
The Walkers' Burden 9
Wee Jasper - Gwen Seach 12
Paddy's Advertisement 13
The Tinderrys - Mike Peryman 15
Rabbits in the Snow- Country 16
Swimming Guide

Help Yourself

There is a wealth of walking country within easy train, or motor distance of Sydney, even if it does get too hot for hard walking during summer. In recent months S.B.W. a have mixed visits to the Brindabellas, Wee Jasper and the Tinderry's with exploratory trips around. Ettrema and in the Northern Blue Mountains (the latter by the Seasoned Labyrinth Types) and a fair sprinkling of all types of Blue Mountain trips, Over the Christmas period there will be parties down the Kowmung and other streams, and to New Zealand, Tasmania and Kosciusko. For those who can't get away, there's a selection of swimming trips designed to keep the walker cool and contented. During this t;I:rne of relaxation, why not brush up your knowledge of Sydney' a hinterland. Professor Griffith Taylor' s “Sydn eyside Scenery” is the best book written on the subject, to date, It gives a birdseye view of many of cur walking areas, including Canberra and Kosciusko, and should suggest new places to visit and features to look for. Read it and be inspired: Then turn to our excellent Club Map File, and -while you're there look up the Magazine Index - there' s something been written about most places.

Social Notes

- Edna Garrad. The only social event for January is the slide night to be provided by Brian Harvey and Bill Rodgers on the 27th January, covering trips to the Castle mountain area. This will be good'. (See Page 8 for details.) In the meantime we hope that members' private social erg agement s during the Christmas Festivdties will be very happy ones. Experienc e has shown that club attendances over the December and early January periods are usually low as 340 many folks are on holidays. We have some interesting evenings to look forward to in the New Year, including a talk by Palmer Kent on Japan. The older meMb ers will reneniber his very entertaining lectures same years ago. Palmer was in Jan in 1932 when he did a walking trip across the main islaad, and was there again in the recent typhoon, so he Should have plenty of material. Another highlight will be Bob Savage' s slides on India and Kashnair, which those who have already seen then describe as the “tops”. Hoping to see you all at the Christmas Party'.'. A CHANGE ON THE WAIKING PEOGRAMNE: Bruce McInnes' walk far December 12-13 - Waterfall - Era - Waterfall will now be going on December 19-20. Wed es 0-UESS WHERE 1NE READ THIS ?

A search party recently had to clamber down “an almost sheer 22144 foot mountainside at Gov ett' s Leap trudge through al To st impassible boggy tracks and overhanging undergrowth along the snake-infested Rodriguez Pass”. This country sure is rugged I. GOING TO TASMANIA SOMETIME ? The S.W. Tasmnnian talk (Brown Peryman and Co.) was well attended and well received. Slides and comet ary gave a horribly clear picture of the scrub bashing in this area. For those interested in the S.W., see the “TAMAN IAN TRAMP” DECRIBER 1222 (Journal of the Hobart Walking Ciao.) Article s, maps and photos on Federation Peak, Port Davey; advice on air drops and food supplies et c. .. 76 pages full of interest'. See also the HX.C. letter of advice to thos e walking in Tasmania for the first time. Both available from Paddy,

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Kath McKay

The oft-quoted saying that an army marches aa its stomach might also apply to bushwalkers; but it is undoubtedly true that the most important things in the walking life are - feet. Given good feet, you can' go anywhere, but the tiniest blister, the smallest abrasion can cause acute discomfort and the whole man is undone, Recently a sharp stabbing pain afflicted one. toe. Aha, I thought, a corn: and b ought a bottle of wondrous liquid guar ant to cure the mo et stubborn corn. Or callus. Humming lightly to myself : “Don' t be oarney,' don't be callous, .laber alles:” I set about opening the phial.. First, ham ever, I paused to read the literature enclosed. “Important” it said. “Read Carefully. Now that you have made up your rind to use our corn cure, we feel certain that you, 'will never again use razors, files, knives, or those most aggravating and inflming salves, plasters or corn-pads”. Well, I never had, but let it pass. (I use scilsoors.) I read on “Watch your footwear: The same yarns will return if you continue to wear tight or badly-fitting shoes.” I had never been gLi i lty of wearing tight shoe s, but perhaps mine were a little sloppy “For they Were large boots, large 'boots ..” “Herring boxes without topees …” What followed shook me considerably, “Beware of Lockjaw and Blood Poisoning”: said the pamphlet. “Shun the menaces of dangerous razors and knives for paring corns. Give a moment' s thought to the great risks you run in cutting than with these instruments and exposing yourself to the danger of infection and blood poisoning.” To think of such possibilities in treating a simple corn: Oh gentle reader, exercise the utmost caution when dealing with these vital matters. Keep walking aid put your best foot foremost.; I5ut let'inc close with this warning rhyme: 0 stricken maid, :Seek not the aid Of corn-pad, salve ar plaster Of any sort, You' 11 simply court The -worst kind of disaster. Bushwalker'i (male) Shun knife and file, Of razor blades beware: Be sure to “treat Your preCious feet With kindness and with care Feet,. believe' me , :.Are V.I.P., .To treat 'em rough forbear, For sure as eggs You suffering legs Won't grow another pair.

At Our October Meeting

Alex Colley

One new member, Roy Craggs, was welcomed by the President at the start of the meting, and after that, routine business was soon disposed of.

From the Walks Secretary we learned of the hazards that had beset walkers during October. Jack Perry's party from Kanangra had considerable difficulty in crossing the Cox. On Bill Rodger' s trip from Picton to Hilltop nothing worse than rain was encountered, but David Ingram bad been unable to cross the Georges River on his Sunday walk and had had to cut out part of it as a result. Only 26 members had ventured on official walks, together with 12 prospectives and 2 visitors.

Room stewards who volunteered for the month were Brian Harvey, Len Young and Bill Ketas.

The President drew attention to the fact that, whereas we formerly had only one ash-brag (reserved for Mr. Knightley), we had now, thanks to Jack Wren, a plentiful supply, which would be placed, and,he ventured to hope, replaced, near the door. The President again told us that several t- -w Club officers, including a Secretary and Assistant Secretary would be required next year. The meeting then embarked upon a prolonged is cus sion as to whether we should mis-spell the Club's rime in the 'phone book for the benefit of prospective prospectives. It was generally agreed that anyone silly enough to want to go bushwalking might find us under “Bushwalkers” (one word) but would be flummoxed if we qo peared under “Bush Walkers” (two words). It was decided (with three dissentients) that we should appear under “Bushwalkers”, Brian Harvey informed us that we were now listed in the Pink Pages, next to “Clubs Coursing and Kennel”, under the7grouping “Clubs Bushwalking”. Frank Ashdown then brought up the subject of free nights on the Social Programme. Half the nights on the programme were free, he said, and he wanted to know who decided that so many free nights should be placed on the programme. Edna Garrad explained that, in addition to Committee nights, now called free nights, it was Committee's policy to provide two free nights, which, after careful consideration, were usually placed on the programme at times when the math era would probably want to discuss plans for trips - i e. before holiday breaks. It was hoped more time for conversation would help to promote social activity. In December and January there were so many on holidays that there was no purpose in arranging any special activity on some nights. A number spoke against the motion, which eventually emerged as a resolution that the general meeting should determine the number of free nights. Colin Putt was dubious of the mathematics of determining the number of free nights by a “yes-no” system of voting. Jim Hooper said that the purpose of the Club was to talk. Frank, in reply, said that he meant no reflection on Edna, btt he thought the Club should say what it wanted. The motion was put, and lost. Complaints were voiced by Ron Knightley - that there was too much formality at meetings - and by Snow Brown - that somebody had placed all the spare Club song -books under his bed. It transpired that what was wanted was someone to bind the songbooks and, at Kath Brown' $ suggestion, it was decided to enlist the aid of Malcolm McGregor. Kath offered to help, so as to have the songbooks, which had entailed so much work, available to members. The meeting closed about 9.30 p m. when members moved across Pitt Street to the “Satellite” and went right on talking.

Yengo

Jim Brown

A full two years before - yes, exactly two years to the very weekend - in the goodly company of Binnsie and The Admiral, I set out to reach Big Yengo.

The story of that ill-omened journey has been told before. It rained and rained and rained and we never left the car. It was, I considered All Hooper's Fault.

What, you don't know where Yengo is? Then you have never walked in that peculiar country north and east of the Colo River because from every high point you can see the big table-topped basalt mountain towering far above the flanking ridges, and although Yengo is only 2,200' in height, it dominates by a full thousand feet everything for miles around. Approximately west of Newcastle, and perhaps thirty miles inland, it lies just east of the MacDonald River, not far off the road that runs from Windsor to Singleton by way of Central Colo and Putty. If you want more data, have a look at the map in the Club collection called Mount Yengo.

To my mind there are two logical approaches to the mountain. One is via the Putty Road mentioned heretofore: and the other is by the stock route that travels west from the Old Northern Road near Wollombi, and eventually ends on the grassy shoulders of the mountain. The latter is the easier, but longer, so I elected to go via the Putty Road - MacDonald River route. After the publication of my confessions of the previous abortive jaunt, Dorothy Lawry sent me 'from New Zealand an account of a trip to Yengo in company with other S.B.W. members, back in the 1930's. It made me wonder whether I had been optimistic in hoping to get to aid from the mountain in the limited space of a normal two day weekend,. However, there was the counter eviden ce of the nap. It was only eight, miles down the Macdonald River frail the 16oad bridge, then abott three miles of ridge involving an ascent of maybe 1,700' Surely the Macdonall River couldn't be worse than mile an hour going. It's grimly cold at 5.0 a m. on an A'ugust noming, and in the hollows along the road to Windsor the headlights bounced back off pockets of mist; it was very soupy in the Hawkesbury Valley, and the 'three miles from Windsor to Wilberforce were made miserable by the dazzle from headlights of a following car, but once I was rising on to the ridges between Wilberforce and Central Colo, the air cleared and there was promise of a lovely late winter' s day. The Colo was cold-black and smoky in the pearly morning light and there was heavy frost: my gloved hands were numb on the wheel up through Colo Height s, and then the sun came up and made the day brilliant. At seventy five miles from home I ran on to the gravel road, and at a hundred and three I crossed the Macdonald and stopped on the grassy patch at the roadside. A brief halt to drain the radiator and drink tea from a thermos flask, and at eight o'clock I wet my feet in the first numbing crossing of the river. The Macdonald at this point flows between grassy shores, with undulating slopes rising to timbered hills: the wattles were vivid against the wintry blue sky. Only two or three inches of water, rippling a sinuous course over the sandy bed, and seldom occupying more than half the width of the watercourse. For about an hour it was easy going: crossings were frequent but the open grassed banks a delight. My socks aid sandshoes filled up with coarse river sand till there was no more space, and because the water was so cold I plodded along on feet that had m real sensation. 6. Almost three miles down from the mad, the river changes. I still can't be sure whether it changes rapidly or by degrees: I know that I suddenly realised that I was more often on the sand of the river bed (and frequently splashing down the shallow stream) than on dry banks. A little further on, with the shores becoming less hospitable, rock strewn and grown with patches of dense shrubbery, I gave away all pretence of trying to follow the banks, and simply splashed down the river. It was very shallow, and only rarely did one sink above the ankle in sand, but it was bitterly cold, and my feet and legs remained a fragile purple tint all morning. At. 10 a m., at the junction of Howes Valley Creek I decided I was a fool to keep my shoes and socks on, so wrung them out and put them on my pack, and went on barefoot it was much better, and I continued to make l miles an hour down the middle of Macdonald River, passing Pipeclay Creek, Yokey Creek, and, finally coming at midday to Yokey Swamp Creek, All the way from Howes Valley Creek the Macdonald passes through a shallow but quite rough valley with good. enough river-bed walking, but rough, slow banks- if you want to go dry-shod. I lunched opposite the outflow of Yokey. Swamp, left some non-essential gear wrapped in a groundsheet, put on footwear again, and at 1.30 started up the ridge to the east. A few rocky ledges and some thick vegetation slowed me down at first, but within 15 minutes the ridge was clear ahead, and in just over half an hour I breasted a rise where the spur flattened out: there she was - off to my left and ahead - Big Yengo, a thousand feet up, ita steep grassy shoulders crotched in a lazy sleep of golden afternoon. For twenty minutes or so the ridge was almost flat, then the forest thinned cut, and I was puffing at the steady incline. Whenever I stopped to get my wind (and that was often) I found tIB horizon widening, and long before I reached the sivermi t trig I was looking to Kurrajong Heights (and was it Mount King George?) in the south and south west, to the other big basalt tops of Tyan Pic, Uraterer, Coricudgy, Monundilla in the west, and away, awaY' to the clear blue towers of Barrington in the north. Fran the top when I arrived at 3.0 p m. I could glimpse the ocean, but found the views of known ground to the west so enthralling I forgot to try to identify any easterly landmark: it must have been there, but I can't even. recall seeing Mount Warramolong, inland from Morisset. No wonder, I thought , no wonder Yengo crowds the skyline when you look at him from, say, over then. Just before four o'clock I left the top: rather reluctantly, I left it, wondering if d carried up enough gear to camp overnight , and deciding that I couldn't camp without water, and the only promising gully was too far down.

The short winter day closed down as I camped in an. abominable place on sand: that' s all you can: find, on that part of the Macdonald. Just as well the night was mild. Frosty sand would make a. abockIng bed, even with the thin sprinkling of dry leaves and bracken I raked up. Came the brilliant Sunday morning, and I decided my feet were too sand-papered to do an ,mstream canter along the Macdonald, so I took to the ridges. Apart fran a certain amount of navigational it they were undistinguished dry, barren looking spurs, but they served to bring me to the road, from miles south of the bridge, before 11.0 a m. I wasn't inclined to cavil even at four miles of dusty roadbash: getting to Big Yengo was a warm and consoling sensation inside.

to extend the Ordinance Maps of Barrington - From Padd,y. Pallin & Robinson' 3 4/- Queensland” by the Q.N.PA, -Fram Allen Strom 3/6d. N.P.A. PUBLICATIONS. liBarrington Nor-W.1r ziap 8,nd Gloucester Tops. “The National Parks of Recently reprinted and again available from bookshops - “Native Australian Plant s - Their Propagation and Cultivation”. - A.M, Blombery..

HURRAH FOR THE INAGG3 who have moved into their new home at Como. The angophora overharging the back verandah is to be fitted with a tarzan type rope ifthich will take Geoffrey- to the comparative safety of the bush in one leap. A horde of 5.13 W' s descended on than the other Saturday night, surrounded the house to prevent escape, and providel the doings fa' a house warming parby. STOP PRESS 1. New addition to the above household - One Son.

Fashion Parade

Clarice Morris

This has nothing to do with the House of Dior or with Helena Rubenstein, in the general sense, But have you ever thoight what a source of inspiration bushvralkers, especially their nocturnal appearance, cc uld provide for leaders in the fashion and beauty worlds? If a fashion-conscious designer caught a glimpse of some irospectives taking to the track for the first time, I'm sure he would dash to his drawing board and with a few strokes here and there suggest some attire not only comfortable, but also functional and attractive. I remenber my own experience as a raw prospective on the trip up Glenb rook Gorge. I arrived for the day in low lace-up kid shoes with kromhyde soles, and a woollen skirt. It poured all afternoon. While I hopped like bandy wallaby from rock to rock, shivering when rain trickled down. my collar, Kath Brown enlightened me on the correct and practical attire fcr bushwalking, plus additional advice on what to wear to bed, By the end of the walk the soles were off DTI- shoes and Iry knees chafed - so I took her advice about, what to wear on the track . but to bed ah, that s a personal choice: That's where the fun begins. Kath's bedtime story was recalled during the recent holiday weekend. I sat watching a very experienced walker prepare for retiring. On went ski-pants, extra jumpers, night-cap and gloves. A -whole chapter could be written on the nocturnal disguise of bushwalk-ers for some people swear by three pairs of sox, others by hot water bottles, while the head-warmer brigade are a crowd on their own. Some snuggle down into hooded sleeping bags and look like Sherpas on the upper slopes of the Himalayas. Some favour balaclavas, others hark back to a bit of fur like cavemen ancestors, while many look as though they have the mumps - not to mention the ski- cap fans who like to look both warm and attractive. A couple of years ago on a trip with another club, on which four S.B.W' s were present, I took stockinette pyjamas, as it was a two week trip. The first night I dressed for bed in my unaccustomed finery. The next night. I couldn't ,find the legs anywhere. Not wanting to sound suspicious or negligen t, I didn't say anything to my sleeping companions - but I kept my eyes open, and wondered. On the 12th day of the trip one of the females sleeping nexb to me said: “I believe I must've been wearing your pyjama pants all this time”. She did wash then so they were clean to takL., home - but that was the end of pyjamas for me. Now I sleep in slacks. On receiving an advance copy of Paddy Pallint s “Bushwalking Around Sydney” today, I thought I'd see that that experienced walker had to say on the subject of clothing for tent-life. Not a word, unless he refers doliquely to this subject of individual choice in the words a “large supply of humour and commonsense”, for unless you're warm at night, bushwa lking the next day may lose its invigorating appeal. So whether you wear unmention ables, or swear that, being nude is being next to Nature, go od sleeping Happy dreams'.

KINGS OF THE CASTLE DI JANUARY. Following a move stemming from Milton, the prospects of the formation of. a National Park in The Castle-Mt. Renwick - Mt. Pigeon House Area, should add interest to the slides to be shown by Brian Harvey & Bill Rodgers on 27th January. Earlier probes by Alex Colley and Jim Brown to the west of The Castle have resulted in an easier, faster and more interesting approach. Come See for yourself

The Walkers' Burden

Local walkers, if so inclined: can travel super-lightweight (18-20 lbs total?) during most of the year, but walking and climbing in a cold climate is a very different kettle of fish. The classic “Bushwalking and Camping” handbook covers local requirements adraira bly. For those going South, the Melbourne University Mcuntaineering Club $ 30-page “Report, on Equipmen t (1952) gives a comprehensive treatment on what to take compares different types of equipment, and is god reading as well (e g. .”towel, soap, toothbrUsh, comb have been carried at times..” The Butler-Putt New Zealand party is using the following list of gear, printed here by courtesy of the organisers. Our only comment is that none of the items seem tasty enouga to eat with the edible candles. it 0 pirr LIST. Pack To carry at least 55lbs. Waterproof, preferably with watertigh sleeve in top. Sleeping -bag With wool or down hood. Sleeping -bag car er Heat-sealed plastic, or light oilskin, 18 ins,. longer than sleeping bag. EQUIPIENr LIST (Cont? da_) Waterproof, not just shaverpro:..S. Knee length, drawstrings at face and waist, double cloth on shoulders, arms long enouga to pull hands inside. One or two, all wool, buttoning at wrist und neck, roomy en.)-4-?;h to wear over sweater. (2 shirts if no padded jacket.) Rool-neck, sleeves must come down to thumb-joint, bott an. of sweater to come at least 10 ins, below waist. Preferably greasy wool. Tough cotton shorts or bathing trunks. Tear resistant - (sane Alpine scrtio similar to S Tasmania). Lightweight - optional depending on quality of long trousers. Tight-woven, wirrIproof, , all wool. High waist, no side pocket s, ankle buttons. Legs large enoLgh to pass boots through. Greasy wool (not gloves), must come at least 4 ins, above wrist. Waterproofed cotton. A loose fit over wool mitts. Must overlap these by at wrist. Knitted wool, to overlap r_al-neck sweater by at least 4 ins. Heavy-quality. wool. Take at least 4 pairs plus darning equipment. Vibram type rubber sole. The boot must have at least two full decks of sole le ather and tie stiff type of upper (not available in Australia) to support crampon straps. Suggest buy in N.Z. Must be a close fit to be snowproof. Down, kapok, or plastic. foaia il1ed. Only needed if using snow- caves or tent-camps above- 6,000' ft. . Heavy head, long spike on handle. Handle in Al condition. Long spike 10 or 12 pointers,. leather straps. Eckerstien model preferred. 120 ft. of 1 in. circ. nylon to each two people. At least one each. 30 ft. of -1“ manilla. At least one to four people. 2 or 3 large ones. Parka Shirt( s) Sweater Shorts Long woollen pants Long trousers Mittcf Windproof mitts Balaclava Hat Socks Boots Ankle puttees or gaiters Padded Jacket Axe Crampons Rope Sling and Karabiner Waist rope Primus and fuel container Aluminium food tins Jp]ENr LIST (Cant '4J Alkathene food bags 6 Billy One, 3 to 4 pint. Mess-tin or equivalent, aluminium. Knife Bowee or carving type. Spoon Waterproofed matches 2 Boxes Snow-goggles 2 pairs Lamp Electric cycle lamp, lightweight , carbide lamp, or candle lantern, (edible candles). 2 oz. of Kiwi wetproof, castor oil, or brake fluid. Plenty of elastoplast and bandages, Savlon or acriflavine, A.P Codein tablets, needles and threads, mag. sulphate. Dimethyl Pthalate, soap. Carry 3 spare sets of bootlaces (preferably nylon), assorted string and cord, wire, etc. Sun lotion Lip salve or lipstick Hat (Optional) Should be waterproof, with dhinstrap. Underclothes (Optional) “String” daglet is best. According to newspaper reports, 811 Americans were shot dead in 1958 in mistake for mild game, One character fired at a movement in the scrub and found he'd killed his wife! As the accident happened after sundown, he was fined for shooting out of season. A farmer painted the letters COff on his cattle in the hope of p rot ecting them fram hunters mho thought they were moose. Our ezperiences with shooters are few but frightening - ask Jack Gentle. Our only hope is that shooters after rabbits will fire low and only slightly damage any walker s in the line of fire. If there are only coW s abo ut , watch out Boot dressing Compass First Aid Outfit

Wee Jasper

- Gwen Seach. Now the long weekend had come at last So tiwas off to Wee Jasper Caves - quick fast Of course caving is a thing fa. a specialised mob But still the S.B.W. really do a good job. We were all on our way by seven-fifteen Happy, excited and feeling very keen. Lindsey had never been caving before And didn't quite know what was in store. Goulb urn we found all studded with ligtL $ Making this town really quite a nice sight For the Lilac Festival was now in full swing And to squeeze through the cars you'd need to be thin. The next fifteen minutes drinking Coffee were spent While I ducked off to speak to a friend I'd a cup of tea there, and patted the cat And when I got back still they sat. Just out of Yass we camped that night, And all went right until it was light For we were all awakened by voices “Wakey wakey” , and such like noises. To Wee Jasper town, that day we went And to the Post Office we were sent To look at t1B map therein of the cave Some great time of course this did save. We reached the caves - oh'. what a sight, All clad in gear ready to try our might. The rubbish was the first thing to negotiate And then down the hole to our fate. Dawn into the bowels of the earth we went All doubled up and kind' er bent This first cave was dry when we arrived And the formations of course, were not alive. The second cave we were to erster In my opinion was much, much better This was called the “Fourth Extension” And this cave at least took Snow' s attention. For the very nex:E, day down the ladder t we went Snow with his camera - we kaew what this meant Of course this photography caused quite a delay So in the cave for lunch we did stay. 12. . 13 ; ID? ilielanswolonwassmgoesdiomemseletiamtiorieslasomonwasmosiviat 015PA Whilst recovering from Christmas this year, think of your intrepid pals over in the New Zealand Alps, for they will be sure to spare you a thought at Era and possibly each -will envy the other.

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE, ALL AT PADDY'S SEND YOU CHRISTMAS GREETINGS A.ND WISH YOU HAPPY WALKIM- FOR 1960. Just in time for Christmas - “Kiwi” hooded, oilskin., zipp front, knee length parkas; considered by experienced walkers to be an indispensable section of their gear. Wonderful value at E6.10. O. Weight 1 lb. 12 ozs. Rock Climbers Gear - Nylon climbing rope in quarter, half and full weighb sizes, also nylon abseil slings. Manilla climbing rope and abseil slings, carabiners and pitons, piton hammers and ice axes, tricounis, clinkers and Sherpa soles. Plastic Air Beds - a new line for that camping holiday and fun on the beach. Economically priced and very strong, easily repaired if damaged. 1+5/- to 60/-. Weight 2 lbs. A Portable Gas Stove that weighs only 1* lbs. complete with a disposable cylinder. Stove 57/6, Cylinders to give 3 to 4 hours cooking 7/11d. each. Now available - A long awaited book by Paddy “BUSHWALKING AROUND SYENEY” containing 24 one day walks and 12 camping trips around Sydney - EV6d, per copy. New edition of “Bushwalking and Camping”, price 5/- ready December. PLENTY OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS AT PADDY'S. PADDY PAWN CZ lightweight camp Gear 201 CASTLE REACH St SYDNEY BM2685

There was hot stewed fruit for all of us Which was prepared with not mu h fuss It wasn't a balanced diet Iraight add But it all vent down of course, me lad. That afternoon we joined the S.S.S. To enter a cave which was rather a mess 75 feet of ladder we descended in all And thank goodness none of our bodS'didjal This ladder was all very well to do down But to come up, was not so easy we found So when we were down, a good idea would be To look around to see what we could see. On a conducted tour tle others were led But Judy and I wouldn't go we said For it would be fun to look around To see what else could be found. So after this very exciting day We slept well that night I'd like to say With six:tired bodies in a two man tent There was no space at all to rent. The next day brought forth beautiful sunshine So off to see how many unnamed caves we could find But this did not eventuate to much And won we were thinking of what was for lunch. The Signature Cave was one of two left So down we hopped into that cleft To find the hole the S.S.S. had blasted And searching for this, about twenty- minutes it lasted. 15. This hole went from the Signature to Punchbaffl The excitement of findirg it, from the 3.3,8. we stole For they had been searching for almost two days And that goes to shay it' s not experience that pays. But all in all we had a wonderful time And tea Monday night, we really did dine For at Mittagong we had a good dish. But that snoky smell we really did miss.

The Tinderrys

Mike Peryman

After spending a wet and misty Easter in the Brindabellas catching glimpses of elusive peaks, I decided that my luck could not be that bad again so set out for the neighbouring Tinderrys on the October long weekend.

I got together a motley crew of old faithfuls and a few good clean white ants and thus equipped proceeded to attack this impressive range.

The Tinderrys, which lie east of the Murrumbidgee River at Michelago - are that jagged massif one sees from the Canberra-Coma Road - about 20 miles in length, running almost due north/south with about 5 miles of granite tops over 5000'. An. added attraction is that its Eastern boundary is the trout “filled” Queanbeyan River.

When at last we got cracking on Saturday, it was to face an overcast sky, floating around our peaks and when the time came to leave the cars at the foot of the range, the sky had dropped a further 1000' and the bold decision was made to reverse the planned trip, i e. to go down to Queanbeaon and climb (xer the high peaks on Monday. Even the white ants agreed to this, thus saving themselves a climb a low

We set off up a good third class road that crossed the range at a most convenient saddle, and from the saddle we mnaved southward along the Tinderrys and climbed above the tree line to behold an expansive view to the South and West. The broad valley of the Murrumbidgee could 'be easily traced; the Brindabellas and Scabby Range were clothed in low cloud; the main south range was obliterated but Mt. Dromedary and Brown Mountain shed through due south; to the east a dirty grey black wall covered our valley and beyond. In order to get a decent view to the north, where I knew Curruckbilly and. the Budawang Range to lie, we proceeded around the knoll of a spur and finally, atop this spur, gazed into the murky wilds to the north and pointed out proudly “See that - that' s Currockbilly, just there to the right one inch, that Pidgeon House - over to the left more, that's The Peak - no, I don't need a map to show what' s what. Know it? Of course, like the back of my hard. Direction. by ccmpass, what rot t What s that you say, I'm pointing south we st? Ridiculous, you've dropped your compass - see over the that' s the headwaters of the Shoalhaven - Eh: Tv D compasses sham its south west Squad about face; Forward march'. (Aside - These minor blues happen to all of us cc casionalay ) With the party now moving downwards and in an easterly direction, there were no questions when a lunch stop was called. There is no shortage of water at all; springs, high marshes and small brooks provide excellent high (4,000') camps. The next, dqr was scent walking along the banks of the Queenbeyan River. This river has several prominent features : (1) trout, (so we're told); (2) its tortuous ; (3) it' s suit able to canoe; (4) it' s Entering into the true adventurous spirit of bushwalking and after a few painfT4 enaersions it was found that (1) you can't see troub in muddy water. (2) The Amy Ordinance Surveyors were more wise than some party members, who stuck rigidly to the manders of the river and threw all their knowledge of woodsy lore to the wind. (Thoughts for the day – You don't, have to be in the water to be wet, or, Should one always take notice of the leader.). (3) Time did not allow us to follow this aspect up, but an excellent road crossing is at Adienbilly Creek and there should be canoeable rapids and good camp spots between the re and London Bridge Caves.

By Monday the weather was trying to improve and on the climb up from our Groggy Creek camp impressive glimpses towards the Tinderrys rewarded us. Finally our goal was won. Tinderry Pic, altitude 5,310', the sky overcast but clearing, visibility 200 all toward the South and West. While on top, over the clicking of camera shutters, the cry was heard “Over the and (to the Southwest) as all eyes and cameras followed the moving finger the clouds were seen to lift, until the main range in the vicinity of Jagungal appeared, glistening white with fresh snow.

Moving off across this granite ridge another aspect of the range became apparent. The huge granite tors and slabs afforded opportunities for the pseudo “rockies” and at times we would progress amidst the boulders only to find ourselves in a blind canyon with walls 20' 30' high and we would have to retreat for 50 yards to go up another passageway, but as these wanderings were amongst the delicate pastel granite shadings even the white ants did not complain.

Shortly afterwards we were back on the road again.

Rabbits in the Snow

- CaJNTRY. During last year, CSIRO printed a Division of Plant Indust/7 Technical Paper : “The Grazing factor and the maintenanc e of Catchment Valuesin The Australian Alps” by A.B. Costin, This concise and comprehensive. study has photos of places imam to many walkers, and references for further reading. Briefly it was concluded that “present day grazing is not compatible with the preservation and improveme rib of catchment values, The possibilities for making it so are limited to a smll fraction of snow country mainly below 4500' Here grazing by cattle would in general be preferable to grazing by sheep More recently, The Journal of the Soil Conservation Service of N.S.W. (April 1959) states that Rabbits do not usually invade a healthy dense sward of snowgra,ss, but favour short cropped or burnt sward with some bare ground. They survived at fairly high 17. altitudes because each year the habitat became more suitable to theca; and have reached 4,500' with a few even higher. Depth of snow prevents 7) ermanent warrens above To ciliate from the Journal: ITIn the Snowy Catchment, by working with nature, the vegetation cover can be greatly improved so that it gradually approaches that condition obtaining originally. The soils, heaths and bogs will become progressively wetter and the catchment will improve as a source of usable water. As these changes develop, the area also becomes less suitable habitat for rabbits and they will become much less of a problem in this region than. they have been in the last forty years.” DECENSER 20 DECEEBER 25-26-27- 2. SU= GUIDE. The Rudolph Cup. Here's your chance to win a prize combining utility arid beauty. Contact David Brown for details. When. asked for a description of the event (for this page) the Organiser' s only reply was “Arrr, Mighty:” Christmas at Era. Enquire in Clubroom aboub parties going. JANUARY 1 - 2 - 3 New Year at Era. JANUARY 8-9-10 Heathc ot e - Lake E cke rsley - Heathc ote. Gocd camping, freshwater swimming, only a few miles walk from Station. Leader: Eileen Taylor. JANUARY 9-10 Waterfall - Heathcote Creek - Heathcote. Pleasant easy walking: swimming holes along the oreek. Leader: Kevin Ardill. JANUARY 16-17 Campbelltown O'Hare' s Creek - Campbellto-wn. Easy walking, good swimming hole on O'Hare's Creek. Leader: Dick Childs. JANUARY 17 JANUARY 24-25-26 Hawkesbury River - Bus to Broukland Hawkesbury River Dam. - bus back to station. Swimming, wildflowers. Leader: Miriam Steenbohm, and for the LUG WEEKEND Waterfall - bus to Governor Game I.00kout - easy walk along tops to Scueezehole - camp Burning Palms above Ranger's Hut. Swimming and surfing - bus back from Ga rie. Leader: Jean Harvey. A useful map far most of the above walks is the TOURIST MAP OF PORT HACKING DISTRICT (mounted coo- kept in the Club Map Cupboard). 18. Good News: Pat and Ian Wood are back in Sydney after a couple of years in Canberra. The Admiral' s Anniversary boat race from Cowan Creek to Wiseman' s Ferry was held recentay, but no one seems willing to say much about it. Snow Brown is said to have fallen asleep within five minutes of pushing off, leaving his landlubber shipmates to navigate throLgh the Hawkesbury labyrinth. There's also a wild (?) yarn going around that the same 'ooat didn.' t rise with the tide on the Saturday night. If only they'd had the Rudolph Cup with them, bailing out would bave been much faster: Admiral Anderson, we regret, was not a. starter. FOR SALE Pair Selby Golf Shoes, Size 4., as new. 23 or offer. - Georgina Langley. Eric Pegran writes: Scotland. I didn't great place. So are The other four pages those who think they “Just got back from following. Booky (John Bookluck) around catch -ap with him. but had a terrific time. It' s really a the Scotsmen:” (of inimitable Pegram humour) may be read in manuscript by might understand it. Enquiries to the Editor. Ross Laird, working in New Guinea, is exploring on a I embretta in his spare time. “It was good to see Ron Knight'ley up here and was I surprised. I suppose a person shou2d be prepared to meet S.B.Iir s just about anywhere. in the world.

Last Thursday I jumped on ny trusty Larnbretta and drove 46 miles into the wilds of New Guinea to visit some friends (I met than originally on the Oronsey going to England) who've been in. the Territory for 20 years and run an Experimental Farm. Spent aUxrificday being chased by death adders. The road to Erap (?) takes you ova” the war famous Nadzab airstrip - immense: There were 4,000 planes parked on the 18 runways in 1946. There's not much there now, apart from great expanses of concrete and sealing, and even that is gradually being covered by Kunai grass. Kunai is amazing stuff. Fran a distance, mountains appear to be covered with beautiful lawns right to the summit, but on closer inspection you find the Kunai growing up to 12 feet higi. It looks like crdinary grass but so much bigger IT

EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Railways Department has asked us to point out to readers that in connection with their advertisement inside the back cover of this Magazine, that the extension of the electrification to Gosford will come into effect on the 23rd January next.

195912.1460095407.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/04/08 16:03 by kennettj

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