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A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, The N.S.W. Nurses' | A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, The N.S.W. Nurses' | ||
- | === 312 DecemberR | + | === 312. December |
|**Editor**|Don Matthews, 33 Pomona Street, Pennant Hills. WJ3514| | |**Editor**|Don Matthews, 33 Pomona Street, Pennant Hills. WJ3514| | ||
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---- | ---- | ||
- | ===== Summern | + | ===== Summer |
The first programmed walks for 1961 will be on the weekend 13-14-15th January. Christmas, and the two weekends following, will find S.B.W' | The first programmed walks for 1961 will be on the weekend 13-14-15th January. Christmas, and the two weekends following, will find S.B.W' | ||
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Know ye that the Chief Priest of this Tribe is chosen on the Ides of March when the corn is harvested and Sirius, the sparkling one, is in the zenith, and there is much joy and acclamation and pilgrims come from afar, yea, even Oatley, to feast long through the night, sometime known as reunion, though so great are the deeds wrought on this night in prose and verse that many a member of lesser standing would wonder that he were not at the games of Olympus and be overcome by his own pitiful unworth. | Know ye that the Chief Priest of this Tribe is chosen on the Ides of March when the corn is harvested and Sirius, the sparkling one, is in the zenith, and there is much joy and acclamation and pilgrims come from afar, yea, even Oatley, to feast long through the night, sometime known as reunion, though so great are the deeds wrought on this night in prose and verse that many a member of lesser standing would wonder that he were not at the games of Olympus and be overcome by his own pitiful unworth. | ||
- | And it came to pass that as the Chief Priest whom some knew as St. Clair or simply Red Ron, sat plying his craft, fashioning with nimble fingers many a curved throwing stick - for on the morrow was there not to be great celebration and jousting and competition and veily a huge sacrifice to the gods who dwell at the mouth of the Grose, yea even one whole sheep - there appeared a Vision wondrous clad in cloth of Grenfell and serene. | + | And it came to pass that as the Chief Priest whom some knew as St. Clair or simply Red Ron, sat plying his craft, fashioning with nimble fingers many a curved throwing stick - for on the morrow was there not to be great celebration and jousting and competition and verily |
Now the Chief Priest was much alarmed and in perplexity and fear gazed intently upon the brown flask from which he had been supping, muttering to himself the while " | Now the Chief Priest was much alarmed and in perplexity and fear gazed intently upon the brown flask from which he had been supping, muttering to himself the while " | ||
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"Now hear ye this - it shall be that all those who seek to join your tribe - and may they be as numerous as the sheep in the field, yea, even as the rock' | "Now hear ye this - it shall be that all those who seek to join your tribe - and may they be as numerous as the sheep in the field, yea, even as the rock' | ||
- | And they shall be known as prospectives and shall labour even unto carrying for your faithful followers and most especially for the priest who leads and brewing their broth and drawing their water and pitching their tents and seeing that their bodies are made at ease even as the only man on that island so famed by minstrels with their lutes, against the day when they too may enjoy the privilege and blessing and adulation of Full Membership - and these will be Good Things, and ththe packmaker shall wax fat and the coffers of the tribe than be full and overflowing and there wilt be great joy." | + | And they shall be known as prospectives and shall labour even unto carrying for your faithful followers and most especially for the priest who leads and brewing their broth and drawing their water and pitching their tents and seeing that their bodies are made at ease even as the only man on that island so famed by minstrels with their lutes, against the day when they too may enjoy the privilege and blessing and adulation of Full Membership - and these will be Good Things, and the packmaker shall wax fat and the coffers of the tribe than be full and overflowing and there wilt be great joy." |
Thus saying, the Vision vanished and took up his appointed station in the temple of stone in the oasis known as Katoomba where weary wayfarers may gorge on flesh and eggs and drink their fill, yea, even malt and hops, so that He might the better hear more of the great deeds being wrought - (" | Thus saying, the Vision vanished and took up his appointed station in the temple of stone in the oasis known as Katoomba where weary wayfarers may gorge on flesh and eggs and drink their fill, yea, even malt and hops, so that He might the better hear more of the great deeds being wrought - (" | ||
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There was one, David, who knew the flowers all by name, and who oft before had entranced the Council with his rhetoric and wit but on this occasion he spoke solemnly thus: | There was one, David, who knew the flowers all by name, and who oft before had entranced the Council with his rhetoric and wit but on this occasion he spoke solemnly thus: | ||
- | "I foresee great trouble for verily an uninitiated may perform all these deeds with great fortitude and fine exampleand | + | "I foresee great trouble for verily an uninitiated may perform all these deeds with great fortitude and fine example and may yet prove a viper in the bosom and a thorn in the flesh. Truly, I beg ye, therefore, before any such may pin the garland on they have salt rubbed in their wounds before the elders of this tribe, yea, even the Chief Priest and his Chief Scribe and the lesser priests and scribes and soothsayers some call Committee and they shall prove their worth by word as well as deed and, further, should they make many marks on many scrolls to prove their spirit strong" |
And as he thus spake the doorway to the inner sanctum was thrown aside as the leaves by the gale and there entered a member well revered for his powers of speech and the generosity of the time he would devote to this art, and such were his magic powers of persuasion that a voice called at once, yea, before he even uttered yet a word "Move the motion be put" and it was, and carried, and there was again great rejoicing save with the late member who smote his chest and tore his hair and waxed sore displeased that he be not heard. | And as he thus spake the doorway to the inner sanctum was thrown aside as the leaves by the gale and there entered a member well revered for his powers of speech and the generosity of the time he would devote to this art, and such were his magic powers of persuasion that a voice called at once, yea, before he even uttered yet a word "Move the motion be put" and it was, and carried, and there was again great rejoicing save with the late member who smote his chest and tore his hair and waxed sore displeased that he be not heard. | ||
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---- | ---- | ||
- | CAVING AT CLIEFDEN. | + | === Sanitarium Health Food Shop and Vegetarian Café. === |
+ | |||
+ | Summer Camps. | ||
+ | |||
+ | the Saitarium food products are ideal for the hot weather. Dried fruits. Nuts. Lighweight. Biscuits. Delicious tinned fruit juices. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 13 Hunter St., Sydney. BW1725. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Caving At Cliefden. ===== | ||
- Bob Duncan. | - Bob Duncan. | ||
- | The leader | + | The leader |
- | "How do we get to the caves from here?" asked George. "Down there I er er | + | "How do we get to the caves from here?" asked George. "Down there I er er think" replied Helen, pointing in a most unlikely direction. "But naturally you asked the bloke" I said. " |
- | think" replied Helen, pointing in a most unlikely direction. "But naturally you asked the bloke" I said. " | + | |
- | George' | + | George' |
Ahead lay a big limestone hill and over this the Beluba River; we scattered over the hill looking for holes. Heather soon found one and with George, Snow and Lyndy, disappeared into it. The rest of us explored the hillside for other likely looking entrances, and having catalogued these, made camp and had lunch on the river bank. | Ahead lay a big limestone hill and over this the Beluba River; we scattered over the hill looking for holes. Heather soon found one and with George, Snow and Lyndy, disappeared into it. The rest of us explored the hillside for other likely looking entrances, and having catalogued these, made camp and had lunch on the river bank. | ||
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After lunch we all went down another hole. This led a long way down through rock fall, very tricky, but with Evelyn' | After lunch we all went down another hole. This led a long way down through rock fall, very tricky, but with Evelyn' | ||
- | Caves are muddy so we all jumped into the Beluba River for a cleansing | + | Caves are muddy so we all jumped into the Beluba River for a cleansing |
- | It was heavenly camping under the red river gums; the ground was soft, the birds were nesting in every tree, the stars were just beginning to peep through the twilight | + | It was heavenly camping under the red river gums; the ground was soft, the birds were nesting in every tree, the stars were just beginning to peep through the twilight |
- | I awoke next morning to the sweet singing of the galahs and craws and Evelyn' | + | I awoke next morning to the sweet singing of the galahs and crows and Evelyn' |
- | This time we got into a quite extensive system with a dead fox, plenty of squeezes, mud in spots, plenty of bats, and plenty of first class formations. There was gallery after gallery of helectites. It was mighty sitting on our backsides taking the mud slides like cave bears, galloping through the big caverns like woggIydonts, crawling into the small holes like wombats and standing around saying | + | This time we got into a quite extensive system with a dead fox, plenty of squeezes, mud in spots, plenty of bats, and plenty of first class formations. There was gallery after gallery of helectites. It was mighty sitting on our backsides taking the mud slides like cave bears, galloping through the big caverns like wogglydonts, crawling into the small holes like wombats and standing around saying |
- | ooh-ah" | + | |
- | We reached Snow's place at Katoomba at 8.03 p m. I had been asleep but the gears in my grey matter began turning slowly. "8.03 p m. is satellite time" and looking up' | + | We reached Snow's place at Katoomba at 8.03 p.m. I had been asleep but the gears in my grey matter began turning slowly. "8.03 p m. is satellite time" and looking up at the sky, sure enough, there was the satellite as plain as the nose on Snow's face. We all stood on the footpath gawking and Mrs. Brown rushed up and down the street rousing her neighbours and yelling "Good old President Eisenhower" |
Then we got back into the van for the last leg of the journey home to Sydney. | Then we got back into the van for the last leg of the journey home to Sydney. | ||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Hatswell' | ||
+ | |||
+ | For all your transport from Blackheath contact Hatswell' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Booking office: 4 doors from the Gardners Inn Hotel (look for the neon sign). | ||
+ | |||
+ | Speedy 5 or 8 passenger cars available. Large or small parties catered for. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Fares: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Kanangra Walls: 30/- per head (minimum 5 passengers) | ||
+ | * Perry' | ||
+ | * Jenolan State Forest: 20/- per head (minimum 5 passengers) | ||
+ | * Carlon' | ||
+ | |||
+ | We will be pleased to quote trips or special parties on application. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Pictures in the papers... === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Colin Putt - for being leader of a ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Denis Gittoes - for travelling to work by canoe on Trainless Tuesday - complete with brief case and neatly furled umbrella. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | === In a canyon... === | ||
- | PICTURES MIME PAPERS... | ||
- | Colin Putt - for bing leader of a | ||
- | expedition to climb hithc,vto unzcaled pc4aks in New (31-,lina. Can't say he happy about the honour (of having his picture taken). | ||
- | Denis Gittoes - for travelling to work by calioe on Trainless Tuesday complete with brief case and neatly furled umbrella. | ||
- | IN A CANYON | ||
Hay Creek Canyon lured 13 starters into its dark and frigid depths. We hear stories of Snow Brown standing under a waterfall for two hours as abseilers were helped on their way, and of water which was cold enough to walk on if only the ice hadn't been moving so fast. | Hay Creek Canyon lured 13 starters into its dark and frigid depths. We hear stories of Snow Brown standing under a waterfall for two hours as abseilers were helped on their way, and of water which was cold enough to walk on if only the ice hadn't been moving so fast. | ||
- | | ||
- | George Grey's party descended Jerrara Creek, but by | ||
- | which route? They spent Saturday night camped halfway down (shades of Danae Brook | ||
- | Congratulations to Judy Nagg and Richard Redfern, married on 26th November. | + | ---- |
+ | |||
+ | George Grey's party descended Jerrara Creek, but by which route? They spent Saturday night camped halfway down (shades of Danae Brook). | ||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | Congratulations to Judy Wagg and Richard Redfern, married on 26th November. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | ===== The Wanderings Of A Bull Moose (Continued). ===== | ||
- | THE WANDERINGS OF A BULL MOOSE. | ||
- | ---(6-orr-binued) | ||
- Eric Pegram. | - Eric Pegram. | ||
- | Pressing on down the more picturesque part of the castle-studded Rhine to Kan then across to Hamburg and a much too short visit to Denmark and Sweden before returning to Bremerhaven and the QSS " | + | Pressing on down the more picturesque part of the castle-studded Rhine to Koln then across to Hamburg and a much too short visit to Denmark and Sweden before returning to Bremerhaven and the QSS " |
- | The ship which called at Amsterdam, London, two Frenchand | + | The ship which called at Amsterdam, London, two French and one Irish port was loaded with immigrants of a mixture of nationalities. English lessons were being conducted for those (and there were quite a few) with language difficulties on board alternatively by a " |
It was interesting to watch the way in which people of different nationalities on board behave in different circumstances. For instance, in the leisure period you'd find the young well-built Germans out on the bow (the pointed end) of the ship doing vigorous PT - the Englishmen playing bridge in the lounge - the returning Canadians, mostly servicemen, in the bar telling army type jokes while the Frenchmen coupled with wine bottle and female found a cosy corner and whispered in an attentive ear. | It was interesting to watch the way in which people of different nationalities on board behave in different circumstances. For instance, in the leisure period you'd find the young well-built Germans out on the bow (the pointed end) of the ship doing vigorous PT - the Englishmen playing bridge in the lounge - the returning Canadians, mostly servicemen, in the bar telling army type jokes while the Frenchmen coupled with wine bottle and female found a cosy corner and whispered in an attentive ear. | ||
- | Nearing the end of the Atlantic crossing I was asked to write an article for the ship's paper on the North American courting customs - why I was asked remains a mystery - but it seems they wanted a humorous article (I guess I fit there 0.K) to show the young men, who outnumbered all others on board, the different courting approach and to slow down their sometimes over enthusiastic lovemaking. So with the help of a young Canadian lass at the dining table we compiled an article which even tickled the German' | + | Nearing the end of the Atlantic crossing I was asked to write an article for the ship's paper on the North American courting customs - why I was asked remains a mystery - but it seems they wanted a humorous article (I guess I fit there O.K) to show the young men, who outnumbered all others on board, the different courting approach and to slow down their sometimes over enthusiastic lovemaking. So with the help of a young Canadian lass at the dining table we compiled an article which even tickled the German' |
- | And then at last Blizzardly Cold Canada, the land of the lumberjacks, | + | And then at last Blizzardly Cold Canada, the land of the lumberjacks, |
You know, before I came to Canada I thought a Red Indian was a Communist from South East Asia? | You know, before I came to Canada I thought a Red Indian was a Communist from South East Asia? | ||
- | The Canadians are just getting over the season. This is the time of the year then all true men come to life and the annual urge (some throw back from colonial days) to be outdoors roughing it, fishing and hunting for his food, holds him. This urge sends them rummaging through basements and disposal stores for camping gear, studying fishing charts and overloading their cars with every conceivable gadget ever invented by money-hankering business men. | + | The Canadians are just getting over " |
Then off into the country they shoot. Outboard motors, tents, guns and wives all jammed in together. The man undergoes an instant change. From the once easy going pleasant man about the house he becomes the rough unshaven pioneer ready to meet the challenge of the elements and the mild outdoors. The wives, who are pampered all year and who would prefer to be miles away trying on hats or sipping coffee in an air-conditioned bar are disregarded. They, however, bear up well as they know the season soon passes, but in the meantime they endure cooking over smoky fires, being eaten by all sorts of bugs and looking after children who are bent on decapitating one another with a tomahawk. | Then off into the country they shoot. Outboard motors, tents, guns and wives all jammed in together. The man undergoes an instant change. From the once easy going pleasant man about the house he becomes the rough unshaven pioneer ready to meet the challenge of the elements and the mild outdoors. The wives, who are pampered all year and who would prefer to be miles away trying on hats or sipping coffee in an air-conditioned bar are disregarded. They, however, bear up well as they know the season soon passes, but in the meantime they endure cooking over smoky fires, being eaten by all sorts of bugs and looking after children who are bent on decapitating one another with a tomahawk. | ||
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When the holidays end and the family returns home, the wife gives a sigh of relief that it's over for another year, the children look forward to food other than baked beans lightly daubed with mosquito repellent and the male, dirty, scarred, and bearded returns to the city with his subconscious basic desire to be a rugged pioneer satisfied for another year - such are Canadians. | When the holidays end and the family returns home, the wife gives a sigh of relief that it's over for another year, the children look forward to food other than baked beans lightly daubed with mosquito repellent and the male, dirty, scarred, and bearded returns to the city with his subconscious basic desire to be a rugged pioneer satisfied for another year - such are Canadians. | ||
+ | ---- | ||
Did you hear about the American who thought a guided missile was an island where girl guides camped? He also thought a monsoon was a Scottish youth. | Did you hear about the American who thought a guided missile was an island where girl guides camped? He also thought a monsoon was a Scottish youth. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
A pamphlet says the dormitories of the Youth Hostel is the best place for youngsters to make friends. | A pamphlet says the dormitories of the Youth Hostel is the best place for youngsters to make friends. | ||
+ | |||
What Bunkum (?) | What Bunkum (?) | ||
" | " | ||
+ | |||
What Double Bunk' | What Double Bunk' | ||
- | DAY WALKS. | + | ---- |
- | JANUARY 15TH | + | |
- | JANUARY 22ND | + | ===== Day Walks. ===== |
+ | |||
+ | === January 15th. === | ||
Waterfall - bus to and from Garie Beach - Era Beach. | Waterfall - bus to and from Garie Beach - Era Beach. | ||
+ | |||
This outing involves a short walk of about 1 mile each way around the base of the cliffs from Garie bus terminus to Era Beach for surfing and general relaxation. | This outing involves a short walk of about 1 mile each way around the base of the cliffs from Garie bus terminus to Era Beach for surfing and general relaxation. | ||
- | 9.20 a m. electric train Central - Sutherland where | + | |
- | CHAME for rail motor to Waterfall. | + | 9.20 a m. electric train Central - Sutherland where change |
- | Tickets: Waterfall Return at 5/9, plus 5/- return bus fares. | + | |
Leader: Frank Leyden. | Leader: Frank Leyden. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === January 22nd. === | ||
+ | |||
Heathcote - Heathcote Creek - Waterfall. 8 miles. | Heathcote - Heathcote Creek - Waterfall. 8 miles. | ||
- | There are good swimming holes along most of this route and | + | |
- | some will be used for just that. Traverses part of the Heathcote Primitive Area. | + | There are good swimming holes along most of this route and some will be used for just that. Traverses part of the Heathcote Primitive Area. |
- | 8.50 a m. Electric train Central - Sutherland where | + | |
- | MAME for rail motor to Heathcote. | + | 8.50 a m. Electric train Central - Sutherland where change |
- | Tickets - Waterfall Return at 5/9d. | + | |
- | Naps: Camden Military or Part Hacking Tourist. | + | Maps: Camden Military or Part Hacking Tourist. |
Leader: Pam Baker. | Leader: Pam Baker. | ||
- | 12. | ||
- | DAY WALKS (CONTINUED) | ||
- | FEBRUARY 5TH Glenbrook Glenhrook Gorge - Nepean Lookout - Euroka -Glenbrook. 11 miles. | ||
- | A rock hop down the gorge where there are some nice waterholes. | ||
- | - Also excellent swimming at the Nepean River Junction. | ||
- | A scramble up to the Nepean Lookout, then a routine summer walk to Glenbrook. | ||
- | 8.54 a m. Mt. Victoria train from Central Steam Station to Glenbrook. | ||
- | Tickets: Glenbrook Return at 13/4d. | ||
- | Nap: Liverpool Military. | ||
- | Leader: Em French. | ||
+ | === February 5th. === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Glenbrook - Glenbrook Gorge - Nepean Lookout - Euroka - Glenbrook. 11 miles. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A rock hop down the gorge where there are some nice waterholes. Also excellent swimming at the Nepean River Junction. A scramble up to the Nepean Lookout, then a routine summer walk to Glenbrook. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 8.54 a.m. Mt. Victoria train from Central Steam Station to Glenbrook. Tickets: Glenbrook Return at 13/4d. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Map: Liverpool Military. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Leader: Ern French. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Walk 20. (Barrett, Gray & Seach). ===== | ||
- | WALK 20. BARRETT, GRAY & SEACH | ||
- Gwen Seach. | - Gwen Seach. | ||
Much of the success of the 1960 Walking Trial was due to the preparation and organisation by Malcolm McGregor. | Much of the success of the 1960 Walking Trial was due to the preparation and organisation by Malcolm McGregor. | ||
- | At our Wednesday night meeting, Malcolm produced 30 envelopes, which contained details of the trips to be taken, and on the envelopes was written a few clues to the walks, such as distance and type of country. From this bundle of well prepared trips, trip No 20 appealed to us. Distance | + | At our Wednesday night meeting, Malcolm produced 30 envelopes, which contained details of the trips to be taken, and on the envelopes was written a few clues to the walks, such as distance and type of country. From this bundle of well prepared trips, trip No. 20 appealed to us. |
+ | |||
+ | * Distance: | ||
+ | * Roughish and a fair bit of up and down. | ||
+ | * You can do it all but don't get hooked. | ||
- | With bated breath, Lyndsey, Helen and I waited for the appointed time to open our well chosen envelope. | + | With bated breath, Lyndsey, Helen and I waited for the appointed time to open our well chosen envelope. Suddenly Malcolm' |
- | Suddenly Malcolm' | + | Loud utterances of - "Err--!". "Where is it?" " |
- | Loud utterances of - "Err--:". "Where is it?" " | + | |
- | "I will make up a food list and phone you, to tell you what to bring", | + | "I will make up a food list and 'phone you, to tell you what to bring", |
Friday night saw Lyndsey, Bill and myself safely to Megalong Creek crossing, our appointed camp-site. The only mishap that occurred was when Bill took his eyes from the road to admire one of the fairer sex pitching a tent, and this necessitated us to clamber out of the car and push it out of a rather large rut. | Friday night saw Lyndsey, Bill and myself safely to Megalong Creek crossing, our appointed camp-site. The only mishap that occurred was when Bill took his eyes from the road to admire one of the fairer sex pitching a tent, and this necessitated us to clamber out of the car and push it out of a rather large rut. | ||
- | There was no daylight next morning when we were awakened from our slumbers by the thump: thump! thump! of Malcolm' | + | |
+ | There was no daylight next morning when we were awakened from our slumbers by the thump! thump! thump! of Malcolm' | ||
| | ||
- | Lyndsey sat up in her sleeping bag ,and blinked in the darkness for a moment, then rolled over me and proceeded to walle. | + | Lyndsey sat up in her sleeping bag and blinked in the darkness for a moment, then rolled over me and proceeded to wake John Logan-berry. John did not respond to all this pounding, thumping and rolling of his thin wiry body, but just lay there, cool and calm until Lyndsey gave up from lack of energy (such self-control he has). She then quickly slipped on a pair of brown coloured sandshoes which were worn out in the uppers and made a fast dash across to the already blazing fire. Ben Esgate had patiently coaxed this fire to life with specially selected dry bark, amidst great competition and as he was the only one to succeed the campers came from all directions to rob him of it. |
- | The whole camp was soon aroused and Lyndsey and I went in search of Helen Barrett, the third member of our team. Helen was to come up with CFI Doherty, so we looked around for his green Dodge. Yes, there it was, half hidden by the scrub on the opposite side of the creek. | + | The whole camp was soon aroused and Lyndsey and I went in search of Helen Barrett, the third member of our team. Helen was to come up with Carl Doherty, so we looked around for his green Dodge. Yes, there it was, half hidden by the scrub on the opposite side of the creek. |
As we approached the car, a slight movement in the boot attracted our attention away from Carl, who was removing article after article from his pack. | As we approached the car, a slight movement in the boot attracted our attention away from Carl, who was removing article after article from his pack. | ||
"Who is that?" we asked. | "Who is that?" we asked. | ||
- | " | + | |
+ | " | ||
We took a closer look and were amazed to see there were two bodies crammed into the boot of the Dodge. I have heard of people sleeping in peculiar places, out never in my life have I seen two people sleeping in the boot of a car. | We took a closer look and were amazed to see there were two bodies crammed into the boot of the Dodge. I have heard of people sleeping in peculiar places, out never in my life have I seen two people sleeping in the boot of a car. | ||
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After a hearty breakfast of 2 hard-boiled eggs and a mouthful of pineapple juice we packed up our packs and were eager to depart on our gruelling 24 mile trip. | After a hearty breakfast of 2 hard-boiled eggs and a mouthful of pineapple juice we packed up our packs and were eager to depart on our gruelling 24 mile trip. | ||
- | Malcolm was there with his watch as we lined up on the starting line. The count down began : five - four - three - two - one - GO. We were off. We had started off by running to make a spectacular start "just for the rebords" but after about fifty yards Ive slowed down to a steady walking pace. | + | Malcolm was there with his watch as we lined up on the starting line. The count down began : five - four - three - two - one - GO. We were off. We had started off by running to make a spectacular start "just for the records" but after about fifty yards we slowed down to a steady walking pace. |
+ | |||
+ | After following the Six Foot Track for about 1 mile we turned off and proceeded over dry undulating grassland till we reached the junction of Megalong Creek and Cox River. It would have been nice to linger here for a while under the cool trees and watch the river cascading over the smooth rocks as she hurried by. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Time would not allow us this pleasure so we bounded up the winding Cox's River at a good pace, making light work of the rocks and trees which were in our way. The sun shone on us from a sky of unclouded blue, and what little wind there was served only to make conditions more agreeable. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 12 o' | ||
- | After following the Six Foot Track for about 1 mile we turned off and proceeded over dry undulating grassland till we reached | + | 12.15 and we had made our departure after a hurried lunch of three slices of bread and honey, as we still had the harder half of our journey to complete. It was still raining - a cold steady, drizzle that slanted from the west, as we made our way up the well worn sheep track towards the homestead, from where our long road bash would begin. |
- | 12 o' | + | On reaching the fork in the road at Cullenbenbong, the rain had stopped, and a burst of glorious sunshine filled |
- | 12.15 and we had made our departure after a hurried lunch of three slices of bread and honey, as we still had the harder half of our journey to complete. It was still raining. - a cold steady, drizzle that slanted from the west, as we made our way up the well worn sheep track towards | + | We plodded |
- | On reaching the fork in the road at Cullenbenbong, | + | " |
- | We plodded our way up the steep winding road, and on reaching the saddle I looked over and was horrified at what I saw. "Wait a minute" | ||
"No, we haven' | "No, we haven' | ||
+ | |||
"I am sure we have" I persisted, as I ran to catch up with her. | "I am sure we have" I persisted, as I ran to catch up with her. | ||
+ | |||
"The road goes through that gate there and down the other side" she said as I pulled at her pack to force her to stop. | "The road goes through that gate there and down the other side" she said as I pulled at her pack to force her to stop. | ||
+ | |||
"Yes, I can see that" I answered, " | "Yes, I can see that" I answered, " | ||
+ | |||
"Are you sure of that?" | "Are you sure of that?" | ||
+ | |||
"Yes, look there; that is the flat bend that we walked around before lunch. I think we had better have a look at the compass." | "Yes, look there; that is the flat bend that we walked around before lunch. I think we had better have a look at the compass." | ||
Lyndsey fished around in her pack and produced a small old compass, and Helen set it up on the map, and studied it. Lyndsey and I looked on with interest. | Lyndsey fished around in her pack and produced a small old compass, and Helen set it up on the map, and studied it. Lyndsey and I looked on with interest. | ||
+ | |||
"You are right, you know, Gwen" she admitted, then started to laugh. "Guess what? - we are walking 180 degrees off course" | "You are right, you know, Gwen" she admitted, then started to laugh. "Guess what? - we are walking 180 degrees off course" | ||
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With bent backs and aching muscles we steadily plodded up - up - up, stopping occasionally to gain breath, and admire the view. The darkness was closing in on us, and from the top of the ridge it was a quick run back along the road to Carlon' | With bent backs and aching muscles we steadily plodded up - up - up, stopping occasionally to gain breath, and admire the view. The darkness was closing in on us, and from the top of the ridge it was a quick run back along the road to Carlon' | ||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Paddy Made. === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Where will you all be at Christmas? Perhaps on an alpine peak, a sunny beach, holding down a tent in a torrential gale, toiling up a mountain pass, abseiling down a cliff face. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Wherever you are, all at Paddy' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
===== The Kokoda Trail. ===== | ===== The Kokoda Trail. ===== | ||
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The Trail starts in Papua near Round Falls 20 miles from Port Moresby and is marked by a Monument to the men involved in action there. It ends at Kokoda about 80 miles away and is also marked by monuments, one a tribute to the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels", | The Trail starts in Papua near Round Falls 20 miles from Port Moresby and is marked by a Monument to the men involved in action there. It ends at Kokoda about 80 miles away and is also marked by monuments, one a tribute to the "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels", | ||
- | Eighty miles of Trail which commences very rough, then plunges into the heart of the twisted, tortured, Owen Stanley Ranges. The trail is of native origin and takes the highest and longest ridges and the deepest gorges. To get a mental picture of the trail, imagine Badgery' | + | Eighty miles of Trail which commences very rough, then plunges into the heart of the twisted, tortured, Owen Stanley Ranges. The trail is of native origin and takes the highest and longest ridges and the deepest gorges. |
+ | |||
+ | To get a mental picture of the trail, imagine Badgery' | ||
Shortly after I arrived in Port Moresby I met an Australian chap in the "Snake Pit Saloon" | Shortly after I arrived in Port Moresby I met an Australian chap in the "Snake Pit Saloon" | ||
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Each of us obtained a bearer to help carry our supplies as we realised heavy packs would doom our efforts. John's boy was a well educated native about 20 years named Gani Hamou. My boy's name was Lucano Namu (he was about 18 years old). | Each of us obtained a bearer to help carry our supplies as we realised heavy packs would doom our efforts. John's boy was a well educated native about 20 years named Gani Hamou. My boy's name was Lucano Namu (he was about 18 years old). | ||
- | On October 30th an Austrian friend, Carl, drove us out to the Monument. We started walking at 8.30 a m. and toiled up the Golden Stairs (named after the famous Katoomba Stairs). At the top of the ridge we took the wrong turn and by lunch time we realised we were wrong. We found a rubber plantation house and asked directions, We turned back along our original path and camped 5 miles short of the Kokoda Trail that night. | + | On October 30th an Austrian friend, Carl, drove us out to the Monument. We started walking at 8.30 a.m. and toiled up the Golden Stairs (named after the famous Katoomba Stairs). At the top of the ridge we took the wrong turn and by lunch time we realised we were wrong. We found a rubber plantation house and asked directions. We turned back along our original path and camped 5 miles short of the Kokoda Trail that night. |
- | We broke camp at 7.00 a m. on October 31st and located the correct track at 9.00 a m. This place is known as Owen's Corner. From here the Trail descends down to the Laloki River, crosses the river and rises to Uberi, a native village on the south side of Tmita Ridge. The village was deserted so we had lunch and pressed on. Two miles later we found the villagers clearing jungle in preparation for new gardens. The natives were very friendly; they are Koiaries and live all along the trail almost to Isurava, where Oirakavas are settled. We bought fruit from these natives. I tried to pay them in Kuku (trade tobacco) but they are all Seventh Day Adventists therefore take no stimulants. However, we had 50/- worth of silver in case of such a thing happening. | + | We broke camp at 7.00 a.m. on October 31st and located the correct track at 9.00 a.m. This place is known as Owen's Corner. From here the Trail descends down to the Laloki River, crosses the river and rises to Uberi, a native village on the south side of Imita Ridge. The village was deserted so we had lunch and pressed on. Two miles later we found the villagers clearing jungle in preparation for new gardens. The natives were very friendly; they are Koiaries and live all along the trail almost to Isurava, where Oirakavas are settled. We bought fruit from these natives. I tried to pay them in Kuku (trade tobacco) but they are all Seventh Day Adventists therefore take no stimulants. However, we had 50/- worth of silver in case of such a thing happening. |
- | The Trail from here rose very sharply for 3 miles to 2,700 feet at a pass where we rested a short time until we were attacked by and a large bloodsucking fly. These flies grow to an inch long and are terribly vicious. They brought us much distress. Any insect or leech bites in this country usually become infected and form painful ulcers. | + | The Trail from here rose very sharply for 3 miles to 2,700 feet at a pass where we rested a short time until we were attacked by leeches |
+ | |||
+ | The track dropped sharply for 3 miles to a river then followed the river bed for 2 miles in the water most of the time. We camped 50 yards from the river that night within hearing of Iorabaiwa village. The track rose very steeply to the village and we were too exhausted to make the climb. Unfortunately our campsite was situated over an old ammunition dump which became all too clear to us when the fire exploded, scattering billies everywhere. A very upsetting situation I can assure you. There were no volunteers to douse the fire so we sat well back and shivered in the cool night air until the fire ceased to erupt. In the morning investigation of the area showed evidence of many sunken holes presumably filled with ammunition. We found several 4" mortar bombs and Australian and American rifle cartridges scattered on the ground. Just imagine what would have happened if our fire had been over a 4" mortar bomb! | ||
- | The track dropped sharply for 3 miles to a river then followed the river bed for 2 miles in the water most of the time. We camped 50 yards from the river that night within hearing of Iorabaiwa village. The track rose very steeply to the village and we were too exhausted to make the climb. Unfortunately our campsite was situated over an old ammunition dump which became all too clear to us when the fire exploded, scattering billies everywhere. A very upsetting situation I can assure you. There were no volunteers to douse the fire so we sat well back and shivered in the cool night air until the fire ceased to erupt. In the morning investigation of the area showed evidence of many sunken holes presumably filled with ammunition. We found several tl!' mortar bombs and Australian and American rifle cartridges scattered on the ground. Just imagine what would have happened if our fire had been over a 4" mortar bomb: | ||
This area is thick rain forest and during the night luminous fungus lies every where and fireflies flitter all over the place. The fireflies were drawn to our fire and I felt unhappy to see these beautiful little creatures winking lights extinguished by harsh flames. So far we had not encountered any mosquitoes. | This area is thick rain forest and during the night luminous fungus lies every where and fireflies flitter all over the place. The fireflies were drawn to our fire and I felt unhappy to see these beautiful little creatures winking lights extinguished by harsh flames. So far we had not encountered any mosquitoes. | ||
- | November 1st: Left camp at 7.30 a m. and arrived Iorabaiwa village at 8.00 a m. Once again the village was completely deserted. We took 2 pawpaws and left 2/- inrayment. No water in this place and we only had 1 quart between four. The day was very hot and we started to climb up to 3,200 feet. The track was steep and the sun blazed mercilessly and there was no cover along the track, only short Ednai grass. At 9.30 we reached a rest house which I later discovered was Army H.Q. during a phase of the war. No water here either and our supply was gone. The heat was absolutely terrific now. We reached the top one hour later and ten minutes later we found natives in a garden, who gave us sugar cane as they had no water. One old chap here accepted Trade Kdku as payment for fruit. We stopped at a small creek for lunch, crossed a river shortly afterwards and once again climbed up a ridge to a mountain summit about 8 miles away at 4,000 feet. This may not seem a very steep grade but the track winds up and dawn innumerable gullies each one a hell in itself. | + | November 1st: Left camp at 7.30 a.m. and arrived Iorabaiwa village at 8.00 a.m. Once again the village was completely deserted. We took 2 pawpaws and left 2/- in payment. No water in this place and we only had 1 quart between four. The day was very hot and we started to climb up to 3,200 feet. The track was steep and the sun blazed mercilessly and there was no cover along the track, only short Kunai grass. At 9.30 we reached a rest house which I later discovered was Army H.Q. during a phase of the war. No water here either and our supply was gone. The heat was absolutely terrific now. We reached the top one hour later and ten minutes later we found natives in a garden, who gave us sugar cane as they had no water. One old chap here accepted Trade Kuku as payment for fruit. We stopped at a small creek for lunch, crossed a river shortly afterwards and once again climbed up a ridge to a mountain summit about 8 miles away at 4,000 feet. This may not seem a very steep grade but the track winds up and down innumerable gullies each one a hell in itself. |
- | Rain started at 4.30 p m. so we camped because we were once again exhausted and Luciano had breathing difficulties and dizziness. I think this was due to him being a coastal boy. After I pitched the tent the rain stopped and again we had no water. We sent the boys to look but an hour later they returned and their answer was Ranu Lasin (no water). A little rain at night left us i cup of water between four! | + | Rain started at 4.30 p.m. so we camped because we were once again exhausted and Luciano had breathing difficulties and dizziness. I think this was due to him being a coastal boy. After I pitched the tent the rain stopped and again we had no water. We sent the boys to look but an hour later they returned and their answer was "Ranu Lasi" |
- | November 2nd: Arose at 5.30 a m. and drank our pitiful supply of water. Heavy cloud restricted visibility. There was no water for breakfast and so we decided to push on to Nauro village first. We were not sure just how far Erauro | + | November 2nd: Arose at 5.30 a.m. and drank our pitiful supply of water. Heavy cloud restricted visibility. There was no water for breakfast and so we decided to push on to Nauro village first. We were not sure just how far Nauro was because we couldn' |
- | Within an hour we were on a small rise overlooking | + | Within an hour we were on a small rise overlooking |
Nauro is a lovely village of about 30 grass huts set in two neat rows facing each other about 100 feet apart and the Village Mission Church on a small rise at the end between the two rows. The people are wonderful and we handed around some sweets amongst the children. We hired four carriers to the next village of Menari because we were all feeling a bit knocked up. The lack of water had had a bad effect as one perspires very freely and the moisture must be replaced as quickly as possible. We had been drinking from untreated creek water although we had not drunk water from large and therefore certainly polluted rivers. | Nauro is a lovely village of about 30 grass huts set in two neat rows facing each other about 100 feet apart and the Village Mission Church on a small rise at the end between the two rows. The people are wonderful and we handed around some sweets amongst the children. We hired four carriers to the next village of Menari because we were all feeling a bit knocked up. The lack of water had had a bad effect as one perspires very freely and the moisture must be replaced as quickly as possible. We had been drinking from untreated creek water although we had not drunk water from large and therefore certainly polluted rivers. | ||
- | We rested up until 10 a m. then with the native carriers bearing our packs we set out once more, this time with light hearts and very much lighter feet. The natives sang and waved as we left and we called back "Barmahute Moodbye"). The land was level far about 3 miles; this was the riverside country of the Brown River. We crossed this river by means of a log jam. John fell in and lost his watch so my boy quickly dived into the fast water and recovered it. Shortly afterwards we passed a native heading | + | We rested up until 10 a.m. then with the native carriers bearing our packs we set out once more, this time with light hearts and very much lighter feet. The natives sang and waved as we left and we called back "Barmahuta" |
- | We arrived in Menari at 3 p m. and received a warm welcome and another deluge of fruit and vegetables, which consisted of taro, yam, sweet potato are cooking bananas. Our residence here was a well constructed hut which is used by the Government Patrols. By now we desperately required a good bath and our clothes were pretty high too. John and I washed in an ice cold river while the bays washed our clothes. The boys were worth their weight in gold. They washed, cooked and cleaned up for us. Besides that they made the trip much more pleasant by warning us of stinging plants and insects. They also showed us some methods of living off the jungle. With a little knowledge the jungle loses some of its hostility and at times is very hospitable. | + | We arrived in Menari at 3 p.m. and received a warm welcome and another deluge of fruit and vegetables, which consisted of taro, yam, sweet potato are cooking bananas. Our residence here was a well constructed hut which is used by the Government Patrols. By now we desperately required a good bath and our clothes were pretty high too. John and I washed in an ice cold river while the bays washed our clothes. The boys were worth their weight in gold. They washed, cooked and cleaned up for us. Besides that they made the trip much more pleasant by warning us of stinging plants and insects. They also showed us some methods of living off the jungle. With a little knowledge the jungle loses some of its hostility and at times is very hospitable. |
The evening meal was entirely native food and most delicious. With a small feast under our belts we thought about turning in. The Hut has a wooden floor and is not too smooth. John moaned that the floor was very uncomfortable to sleep on, but I didn't worry - we bushwalkers are tough, we're used to these things. Besides I had a short Li-lo! | The evening meal was entirely native food and most delicious. With a small feast under our belts we thought about turning in. The Hut has a wooden floor and is not too smooth. John moaned that the floor was very uncomfortable to sleep on, but I didn't worry - we bushwalkers are tough, we're used to these things. Besides I had a short Li-lo! | ||
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November 3rd: A late start because our clothes were slow to dry in this humid air. Again we had hired bearers, a worthwhile proposition at 1/- each per hour one way. I'm not sure if this is good bushwalking and perhaps some will condemn this practice; if any do I invite them to come up sometime and have a go at the Kokoda Trail. I'll go as guide. | November 3rd: A late start because our clothes were slow to dry in this humid air. Again we had hired bearers, a worthwhile proposition at 1/- each per hour one way. I'm not sure if this is good bushwalking and perhaps some will condemn this practice; if any do I invite them to come up sometime and have a go at the Kokoda Trail. I'll go as guide. | ||
- | At 9.30 a m. we all moved off through the village, looking far all the world like an African Safari. Next stop Efogit | + | At 9.30 a.m. we all moved off through the village, looking far all the world like an African Safari. Next stop Efogi, |
- | five hours, but our bearers wished to return to their own village before dark so they ran down the mountains and trotted up them. John and I couldn' | + | |
(To be continued). | (To be continued). | ||
+ | ---- |
196012.1558495593.txt.gz · Last modified: 2019/05/22 13:26 by tyreless