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 Don't miss these two talks! Don't miss these two talks!
  
-|October 18th|Mr. Charles Casperson will speak on C.J. Dennis (of The Sentimerrbal Bloke") fame.|+|October 18th|Mr. Charles Casperson will speak on C.J. Dennis (of The Sentimental Bloke") fame.|
 |October 25th|Mr. L.G. Harrison (better known as "Mouldy" to S.B.W's) will give an illustrated talk on a visit to Russia. Mouldy usually sees __everything__ on his trips and this should be a most entertaining evening.| |October 25th|Mr. L.G. Harrison (better known as "Mouldy" to S.B.W's) will give an illustrated talk on a visit to Russia. Mouldy usually sees __everything__ on his trips and this should be a most entertaining evening.|
  
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 The plan was to ski from the chairlift top at Thredbo to Seaman's or Lake Albina huts on the Kosciusko main range. Ted Smith and I left Thredbo village at lunch time Saturday and climbed with skis and picks up and over the Ram's Head range and down onto the upper reaches of the Snowy River. The plan was to ski from the chairlift top at Thredbo to Seaman's or Lake Albina huts on the Kosciusko main range. Ted Smith and I left Thredbo village at lunch time Saturday and climbed with skis and picks up and over the Ram's Head range and down onto the upper reaches of the Snowy River.
  
-The weather, perfect up till now, began to close in with light winds and snow closing the visibility to a couple of hundred yards. At this stage we decided to turn back to Thredbo for the night, as this type of weather usuallv heralds several days of unpleasant conditions. As we slowly climbed back on to the Ram's Head range the visibility dropped progressively as the day ended. It was almost dark as we crested the ridge, and we could barely see the snow poles which were less than one hundred yards apart. We skied and stumbled slowly down into the valley, stumbling because we could not define the surface on which we were sliding. Following the snow poles became very difficult and when they led us into broken rocky country we left them and made our own way down.+The weather, perfect up till now, began to close in with light winds and snow closing the visibility to a couple of hundred yards. At this stage we decided to turn back to Thredbo for the night, as this type of weather usually heralds several days of unpleasant conditions. As we slowly climbed back on to the Ram's Head range the visibility dropped progressively as the day ended. It was almost dark as we crested the ridge, and we could barely see the snow poles which were less than one hundred yards apart. We skied and stumbled slowly down into the valley, stumbling because we could not define the surface on which we were sliding. Following the snow poles became very difficult and when they led us into broken rocky country we left them and made our own way down.
  
 were tired by now and moving downhill was very uncomfortable, so we decided to hole up under a large leaning slab of rock which we had found just above the tree line. After an hour of work, scraping a hollow beneath the boulder, leaning our skis against it then covering the skis with branches and lumps of snow, we had a fair windbreak with a small roof affording us protection from the wind-driven snow. were tired by now and moving downhill was very uncomfortable, so we decided to hole up under a large leaning slab of rock which we had found just above the tree line. After an hour of work, scraping a hollow beneath the boulder, leaning our skis against it then covering the skis with branches and lumps of snow, we had a fair windbreak with a small roof affording us protection from the wind-driven snow.
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 Our first camp was near Berg Lakes with a view across to two glaciers tumbling down from high up on the North-west face of Robson - no gentleness in this ice, only the jagged and rugged grandeur born of tremendous and unpredictable forces. As we sipped our bedtime cocoa beside the campfire, the setting sun, suddenly released from the overcast, turned a horizontal band of rock and snow on the mountain above into a fiery corridor; the famous alpine glow, final act of the dying sun. Our first camp was near Berg Lakes with a view across to two glaciers tumbling down from high up on the North-west face of Robson - no gentleness in this ice, only the jagged and rugged grandeur born of tremendous and unpredictable forces. As we sipped our bedtime cocoa beside the campfire, the setting sun, suddenly released from the overcast, turned a horizontal band of rock and snow on the mountain above into a fiery corridor; the famous alpine glow, final act of the dying sun.
  
-At Berg Lake we found a Chalet and a base camp for abaut thirty members of the Seattle Mountaineering Club, some of whom were attempting both Robson and Whitehorn. But much more important we found Robson Glacier. The snout of this glacier is a little Alpine wonderland in it self. The Robson River, here at its birthplace, gushes forth through a huge canyon of pure ice. Ice caverns, with depths of coldest blue and all manner of curious formations, range about the glacier foot. With the  aid of cut steps in the first few yards it is quite easy to mount  the glacier and quite safe to walk up its gentle slope when the ice is free of snow. Many crevasses scar the surface and one can only guess at the awful depths. The ice here is probably some hundreds of feet thick.+At Berg Lake we found a Chalet and a base camp for about thirty members of the Seattle Mountaineering Club, some of whom were attempting both Robson and Whitehorn. But much more important we found Robson Glacier. The snout of this glacier is a little Alpine wonderland in it self. The Robson River, here at its birthplace, gushes forth through a huge canyon of pure ice. Ice caverns, with depths of coldest blue and all manner of curious formations, range about the glacier foot. With the  aid of cut steps in the first few yards it is quite easy to mount  the glacier and quite safe to walk up its gentle slope when the ice is free of snow. Many crevasses scar the surface and one can only guess at the awful depths. The ice here is probably some hundreds of feet thick.
  
 During our short stay in this area the swirling mists occasionally revealed the upper part of Robson, to give us tantalizing glimpses of great masses Of rock and ice towering thousands of feet above us. As one famous mountaineer has put it, "Robson is-one of the great mountains of the world, in every sense of the word". In this mood, its defences certainly would repel all comers. To the west a lofty and challenging cone of a mountain played hide and seek with the clouds - that would be Whitehorn, the sharpest peak I have yet seen in the Rockies. During our short stay in this area the swirling mists occasionally revealed the upper part of Robson, to give us tantalizing glimpses of great masses Of rock and ice towering thousands of feet above us. As one famous mountaineer has put it, "Robson is-one of the great mountains of the world, in every sense of the word". In this mood, its defences certainly would repel all comers. To the west a lofty and challenging cone of a mountain played hide and seek with the clouds - that would be Whitehorn, the sharpest peak I have yet seen in the Rockies.
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 - "Social Reporter". - "Social Reporter".
  
-On the Wednesday before the Ball "the Buthies" contingent numbered 16. An urgent message from Federation asked whether the number could be stepped up as the largest party booked to date was 2. The Social Secretary and her helpers got busy, and by 10.30 p.m. the S.B.W. party numbered 23. Not up to last year's total of 40 odd, but the absence of several regular dancers, who were skiing in the Alps, was noticable.+On the Wednesday before the Ball "the Bushies" contingent numbered 16. An urgent message from Federation asked whether the number could be stepped up as the largest party booked to date was 2. The Social Secretary and her helpers got busy, and by 10.30 p.m. the S.B.W. party numbered 23. Not up to last year's total of 40 odd, but the absence of several regular dancers, who were skiing in the Alps, was noticeable.
  
 The evening papers of the great day, Friday 15th September, announced that deliveries of beer to hotels had been suspended. This caused a minor flurry amongst those who like liquid refreshment at this type of social function. However, any such fears were groundless and refreshment was in moderate supply. The evening papers of the great day, Friday 15th September, announced that deliveries of beer to hotels had been suspended. This caused a minor flurry amongst those who like liquid refreshment at this type of social function. However, any such fears were groundless and refreshment was in moderate supply.
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 __A memo to prospective members__. We know you're keen to do test walks, but why not have a really relaxing day in the bush, sometime? Watch the Walks Programme or seek advice from those "in the know" (Club officials) as to when these delightful excursions are to take place. __A memo to prospective members__. We know you're keen to do test walks, but why not have a really relaxing day in the bush, sometime? Watch the Walks Programme or seek advice from those "in the know" (Club officials) as to when these delightful excursions are to take place.
  
-CHLILLTEI PRYDE+=====Charlie Pryde.===== 
- B.G. Harvey. + 
-Old hands will be sorry to hear that Charlie Pryde, -whose happy 80th birthday we reported incur August issae, passed away on 20th September, after a very short +B.G. Harvey. 
-Charlie joined the Club about 1930 and did many trips when there were few or no maps, and none of the gear as we know it today. A quiet arid unassuming peisonality, he was for many years the offic ial Club Historian, an office Tkiic h lapsed when he relinquished it. + 
-His daughter Betty (now in U.S.A.) later joined the 5.1-3.W. and nothing gave them both greater pleasure than to have crowds of busbies at their home for social evenings. No doubt Charlie often looled back on those drys with Teleasant memories, as he did on the evenings in the more recent years when we entortedned him withKodachrazie transparencies of the country in c thich he used to roam in his younger days. +Old hands will be sorry to hear that Charlie Pryde, whose happy 80th birthday we reported in our August issue, passed away on 20th September, after a very short illness. 
-lathough he loved the ,':Lustralian bush, I thinl: hie ho rt often strayed back to his native Ireland. He is a loss to both countries; :=Ind we extend our sympathy to his son and two daughters who suovive him. + 
-DAY WALKS+Charlie joined the Club about 1930 and did many trips when there were few or no maps, and none of the gear as we know it today. A quiet and unassuming personality, he was for many years the official Club Historian, an office which lapsed when he relinquished it. 
-OCTOBER 22 Glenfield Georges River  Long Point,  Minto. 12 Miles. + 
-This -walk will -visit some attractive reacheS of the Georges River to the north of Bushwallmrs'Basin. The country is mainly unspoilt. 8.25 a m. Goulburn train from Cenbral Steam Station to GaNFIELDTiclots:ant() Return at 6/9d. +His daughter Betty (now in U.S.A.) later joined the S.B.W. and nothing gave them both greater pleasure than to have crowds of bushies at their home for social evenings. No doubt Charlie often looked back on those days with pleasant memories, as he did on the evenings in the more recent years when we entertained him with Kodachrome transparencies of the country in which he used to roam in his younger days. 
-Map: Camden + 
-Leader: David Ingram. +Although he loved the Australian bush, I think his heart often strayed back to his native Ireland. He is a loss to both countries; and we extend our sympathy to his son and two daughters who survive him. 
-OCTODZR 29-11\TaterfP.1J Dloola Falls  Audley. 8 Miles. + 
-An ideal gallop for new members: ;passes through the Western portion of the Royal National Park. There are to groups of aboriginal rock carvings adjacent to the track. +=====Day Walks.===== 
-8.50 a m. Cronulla train from Cenbral Electric Station to SU-MR:LANDCHIME THERE for rail motor to Waterfall. + 
-Tickets: Waterfall Return at 5/9d. +|October 22|Glenfield Georges River Long Point Minto. 12 Miles. This walk will visit some attractive reaches of the Georges River to the north of Bushwalkers' Basin. The country is mainly unspoilt. 8.25 a.m. Goulburn train from Central Steam Station to GlenfieldTicketsMinto Return at 6/9d. Map: Camden Military. Leader: David Ingram.| 
-Map: Pert Hacking Tourist or Military. +|October 29|Waterfall Uloola Falls Audley. 8 Miles. An ideal gallop for new members: passes through the Western portion of the Royal National Park. There are two groups of aboriginal rock carvings adjacent to the track. 8.50 a.m. Cronulla train from Central Electric Station to SutherlandChange there for rail motor to Waterfall. Tickets: Waterfall Return at 5/9d. Map: Pert Hacking Tourist or Military. Leader: Dick Child.| 
-Leader: Dick Child. +|November 5|Glenbrook - Glenbrook Gorge Nepean Lookout - Euroka Clearing Glenbrook. 12 Miles. A rock hop down the Gorge followed by a scramble up to Nepean Lookout, then some scrubby sections to Euroka, an excellent camping spot. 8.20 a.m. Lithgow train from Central Steam Station to GlenbrookGlenbrook Return at 13/9d. Map: Liverpool Military. Leader: Ern French.| 
-NOMDELR 5 + 
-Glenbrook Glen'orook Gorge  Nepean Lookout  Evaelm Clearing  Glenbrook. 12 Miles. +=====Paddy Made.===== 
-A rock hop dam the Gorge followed 'cfey a scramble up to I\Tepean Lookout, then some scrubby sections to Euroka, an excellent camping spot. 8.20 a m. Lithgow train from Central Steam Station to CLENBROOK. + 
-C-lenbrook Return at 13/9d. +what would the bushwalker have owning to science? 
-Map: Liverpool Military. + 
-Leader: Ern French. +|Terylene Tents 2 Man "A"|£12.2.3d.| 
-.VVI-111.T WOULD TIE aSSI-fitf.ALK.ER OWDE1- T.0 SCIEHCE ? +|Aluminium Billies|from 7/9d.| 
-Aluminium Billies from 7/9d. t(- +|Aluminium Screw Top Containers|1/4d., 1/11d., 2/1-, 2/6d.| 
-Aluminium Screw Top Containers1/4d., 1/11d., +|Unbreakable Plastic Torches|17/-.| 
-2/1-, 2/6d. +|Unbreakable Plastic Food Containers|2/8d., 2/lid 3/3d., 5/6d.| 
-Unbreakable Plastic Torches17/-. +|Plastic Bags|5d. and 6d.| 
-Unbreakable Plastic Food Containers2/8d., 2/lid 3/3d., 5/6d. +|Plastic Water Bottles|2/9d., 4/9d.| 
-Plastic Bags5d. and 6d. +|Baby Tin Opener -Army Style|1/2d.| 
-Plastic Water Bottles2/9d., 4/9d. +|Cycle Torches|12/3d.| 
-Baby Tin Opemr ',.rmy Style1/2d. +|Cenovis Lemon and Lime Powder|3/9d. per tin.| 
-Cycle Torches12/3d. + 
-Conovis Lemon and Lime Powder3/9d. per tin. +Paddy Pallin Pty. Ltd. Lightweight Camp Gear
-PADDY PAWN IPZ: + 
-Lightweight Camp Gear 201 CASILEREAGP St SYDNEY +201 Castlereagh St Sydney. BM2685. 
-BM2685 + 
-14.  +=====Kowmung Cavalcade - Part I.===== 
-Kokuum caimciDE - + 
-PAR.T I., +Since 1933a good deal has been written about the Kowmung River Gorge between Tuglow Falls and Church Creek. 
- .Since 1933 a good deal-has been -written abnat the Ko-w-m..4: River Gaige between Tuglow Fallsand Church Creek. + 
-The main attractions in this stretch of river are Tuglow Falls, Liorong Falls, Morong Deep and Rudder's Rift. +The main attractions in this stretch of river are Tuglow Falls, Morong Falls, Morong Deep and Rudder's Rift. 
-The lore sent day technique of Kowmunging is to leep to the river all the way: that is, to talk or rock hop when possible and swira with waterprciof pack on back when necessary.. This is pleasantin good weather when the water is not too high, but can be difficult (and hazardous) with a strong flow during or shortly after rainG (e g. _The 1960 Christmas Kowmung trip was slowed considerably by high water and had to sidle in parts of the Deep, but me dz) er s of the same party found the same stretches quite easy in Februaz7 on Colin Putt's weekend Cowmando trip when the water was a foot or so lower.) + 
-It  +The present day technique of Kowmunging is to keep to the river all the way: that is, to walk or rock hop when possible and swim with waterproof pack on back when necessary. This is pleasant in good weather when the water is not too high, but can be difficult (and hazardous) with a strong flow during or shortly after rain. (e.g. The 1960 Christmas Kowmung trip was slowed considerably by high water and had to sidle in parts of the Deep, but members of the same party found the same stretches quite easy in February on Colin Putt's weekend Commando trip when the water was a foot or so lower.) 
-Tofollow the development of Kowmunging, we present a selection of impressions during 30 years, all p-eviously recorded in The S.B.W. + 
- To introduce the serie sexcerpt s from +---- 
-THE IrCANIZEC + 
-- Ken 'Meadows& Neil Schafer. The S.B.W. April 1953). +To follow the development of Kowmunging, we present a selection of impressions during 30 years, all previously recorded in The S.B.W. 
- "The first Upper Kowmung trip recorded in the magazine shows  the walkers to be hardened b-uShmen (and women). Unprepared for s7,7imminEthc almeet impenetrable bush, blackthorn and sheer rock faces made their dy a torture. Ni7-ht brought little relief because the inhospitable rocky campsites coaDelled1_1...near:for-table sleep -without the shelter of tents. + 
-Later parties were more suit ably equipped to cope with the conditions encounteree - Many stretches of the river required to be swum. 'This they did, f loatiit their packs in-their groundsheets in the orthodox manner, but, where it was possible, the 'parties preferred to climb round the rocky pools, +To introduce the seriesexcerpts from... 
-Christmas 1952 saw us doing the Upper lbw-Li:lung the easy way. From "infortstion received" we knew the -type of courxtry and were able to prepare rear that would minimise the 'difficulties and male the trip one that any average walkers, provided they can swim, can undertake -without undue difficulty. + 
-The Kowmung has inich to offer in the way of variety from the walking point of viewThe types of country 'which have to be traversed may be broadly classified under three heading-a, viz., walking, rock hopping and swimming.  Let us tow consider each of these in turn. +=====The Kowmung The Easy Way.===== 
-Parts of the Upper Kowmung are very pleasant from the straight walldng angle-.Long stretches of grassy river banks broken with areas of bracken and the familiar casuarinas are met between the lower end of the Morong Deep and the upper and of the last granite gorge, and also from this last, gc r ge until the junction of the Kowniung + 
-15. +- Ken Meadows & Neil Schafer. (The S.B.W. April 1953). 
- with the ColeS River. Rate of progress on this type of terrain is generally good and can be improved by crossing the river When necessary, far easier going on the opposite bank. + 
-In contrast with these grassy banks are those sections of the river -Which, although almost a gorge, do not exhibit the really steep sides of a true gorge. Here we have banks consisting of river worn boulders and long shelves of eranite rocks. These shelves vary from river level to heights of up to twenty or more feet e:'Dove the river itself. On this type of terrain it is possible to proceed at a fairly goodrate,:as-there is very little obstruction from plant growth, etc. When on these sections 'of the river it is better te d'7) a little elementary rock climbi perhaps necessitating the lowering of packs, rather than go to higher level and encoanter dense undergrowth which will impede Dr7ress+... "The first Upper Kowmung trip recorded in the magazine shows the walkers to be hardened bushmen (and women). Unprepared for swimmingthe almost impenetrable bush, blackthorn and sheer rock faces made their day a torture. Night brought little relief because the inhospitable rocky campsites compelled uncomfortable sleep without the shelter of tents. 
-Finally, we come to thoselr.,arts where grassy links and even rock shelves cease to exist. Here we have the true gorge. These g-pites are typified by sffInr-th granite rock faces, rising almost perpendicularly from water level to varying heights where they degenerate into very steep slopes, generally well covered in vegetation and nostly of the prickly variety. + 
-The river itself in these sections is generally a series of fairly long, deep pools, connected by rapids or smal waterfalls. On encountering gorges of this type +Later parties were more suitably equipped to cope with the conditions encountered. Many stretches of the river required to be swum. This they did, floating their packs in their groundsheets in the orthodox manner, but, where it was possible, the parties preferred to climb round the rocky pools
- the walker has the alternative of two courses of action. He can Climb to a high + 
-levelon to the steeply sloping sides and battle with the undergrowth of small trees, bushes etc. until he is able to drop back to the river level, or, he can take to the river and swim through these pools until he is able to return to dry land once noreEkparience has shown us, and some of our predeceassars that t1is latter course of action is the better in the long run. If the swimming is gone about in the right way it can be such less timeconsuming and far lsss arduous than eltaitalg to heights of several humdreds of feet above river level. +Christmas 1952 saw us doing the Upper Kowmung the easy way. From "information received" we knew the type of country and were able to prepare gear that would minimise the difficulties and make the trip one that any average walkers, provided they can swim, can undertake without undue difficulty. 
-... One of the most essential requirements for a Kowmung trip is suitable footwear. Hobnail boots may be quite adequate for the section where grassy river banks predominate, but then the smooth granite rock:is encountered and when swimming is necessary, they are mnrse than useless. found that the most suitable type of footwear was either sandShges with a good tread or sneck:ers with Kromhyde + 
-Both of these grip well on smooth rock surfaces even when the latter have a slopeof up to 40 degrees. Furthermore, they both stand up well to long immersion in water and dry out fairly quickly. +The Kowmung has much to offer in the way of variety from the walking point of viewThe types of country which have to be traversed may be broadly classified under three headings, viz., walking, rock hopping and swimming. Let us now consider each of these in turn. 
-When swimminE is necessary it is advisable not to remove your shoes as you may have to walk for some distance before again entering the wieter: hence once more s'andhoes or sneakers being much lighter than boots metke swimming auch easier. TA point of regarding sandShoes is to have a size larger than normally worn as the constant immersion in water tends to cause some Shrinkage+ 
-Another important aspect is the means of water proofing the pack for the swimming sections, qe foand that an inner bag made from oiled japara or other suitable waterproof material into mhich most of one's gear is placed and securely tied -is the most satisfactory. Plastic tends to tear or be readily punctured and it is not advisable to make use of this. A frameless pack is better than a framed one, being much lighter. The inner waterproof bag saves the walker the trouble of wrapping a +Parts of the Upper Kowmung are very pleasant from the straight walking angle. Long stretches of grassy river banks broken with areas of bracken and the familiar casuarinas are met between the lower end of the Morong Deep and the upper end of the last granite gorge, and also from this last gorge until the junction of the Kowmung with the Cox'River. Rate of progress on this type of terrain is generally good and can be improved by crossing the river when necessary, for easier going on the opposite bank. 
- groundsheet around his pack in the conventional manner, alSo he need not remove the pack from his back:but is ready to swim whenever necessary, the pack acting as a buoy + 
-16. +In contrast with these grassy banks are those sections of the river which, although almost a gorge, do not exhibit the really steep sides of a true gorge. Here we have banks consisting of river worn boulders and long shelves of granite rocks. These shelves vary from river level to heights of up to twenty or more feet above the river itself. On this type of terrain it is possible to proceed at a fairly good rate, as there is very little obstruction from plant growth, etc. When on these sections of the river it is better to do a little elementary rock climbing, perhaps necessitating the lowering of packs, rather than go to higher level and encounter dense undergrowth which will impede progress. 
-supporting the swimmer. + 
-One of the most important considerations of all is keeping the pack weight down. This is best done by carefully selected food iter-ts-Wherever 'possible light, but nourishing and sustaining, meals would be in order. +Finally, we come to those parts where grassy banks and even rock shelves cease to exist. Here we have the true gorge. These gorges are typified by smooth granite rock faces, rising almost perpendicularly from water level to varying heights where they degenerate into very steep slopes, generally well covered in vegetation and mostly of the prickly variety. 
-....During the whole trip we never found ourselves at loss for a good camp site, wood and, of course, water, being plentiful. ,7hen the general nature of the terrain was rocky, isolated flat grassy patches present themselves as potential camping spots. Even in these rocky sections it is possible to find adequate sleeping room with the tent acting as a fly if it cannot be properly pitched. + 
-Anol now with the Pioneer'+The river itself in these sections is generally a series of fairly long, deep pools, connected by rapids or small waterfalls. On encountering gorges of this type the walker has the alternative of two courses of action. He can climb to a high level on to the steeply sloping sides and battle with the undergrowth of small trees, bushes etc. until he is able to drop back to the river level, __or__, he can take to the river and swim through these pools until he is able to return to dry land once moreExperience has shown us, and some of our predecessors that this latter course of action is the better in the long run. If the swimming is gone about in the right way it can be much less time consuming and far less arduous than climbing to heights of several hundreds of feet above river level. 
-71-ROUGH TIE GRN1rE GORGES+ 
-Farr7 Savage. +...One of the most essential requirements for a Kowmung trip is suitable footwear. Hobnail boots may be quite adequate for the section where grassy river banks predominate, but then the smooth granite rock is encountered and when swimming is necessary, they are worse than useless. We found that the most suitable type of footwear was either sandshoes with a good tread or sneakers with Kromhyde sole. Both of these grip well on smooth rock surfaces even when the latter have a slope of up to 40 degrees. Furthermore, they both stand up well to long immersion in water and dry out fairly quickly. 
-(The S.B.W., February 1933).. + 
-Jenolan Caves to Yerranderie via Cr'uncil Chambers Ck., the Hollaffiers, Tuglow and Upper Kowmung Rivers.+When swimming is necessary it is advisable not to remove your shoes as you may have to walk for some distance before again entering the water: hence once more sandshoes or sneakers being much lighter than boots make swimming much easier. point of interest regarding sandshoes is to have a size larger than normally worn as the constant immersion in water tends to cause some shrinkage. 
 + 
 +Another important aspect is the means of water proofing the pack for the swimming sections. We found that an inner bag made from oiled japara or other suitable waterproof material into which most of one's gear is placed and securely tied is the most satisfactory. Plastic tends to tear or be readily punctured and it is not advisable to make use of this. A frameless pack is better than a framed one, being much lighter. The inner waterproof bag saves the walker the trouble of wrapping a groundsheet around his pack in the conventional manner, also he need not remove the pack from his back but is ready to swim whenever necessary, the pack acting as a buoy supporting the swimmer. 
 + 
 +One of the most important considerations of all is keeping the pack weight down. This is best done by carefully selected food items. Wherever possible light, but nourishing and sustaining, meals would be in order. 
 + 
 +....During the whole trip we never found ourselves at loss for a good camp site, wood and, of course, water, being plentiful. When the general nature of the terrain was rocky, isolated flat grassy patches present themselves as potential camping spots. Even in these rocky sections it is possible to find adequate sleeping room with the tent acting as a fly if it cannot be properly pitched. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +And now with the Pioneer's... 
 + 
 +=====Through The Granite Gorges.===== 
 + 
 +Harry Savage. (The S.B.W., February 1933). 
 + 
 +Jenolan Caves to Yerranderie via Council Chambers Ck., the Hollanders, Tuglow and Upper Kowmung Rivers. 
 Three o'clock on the last day of October found us toiling up the road on the Oberon side of Jenolan Caves. On our backs were sixty pound packs containing food, home and home comforts for what we anticipated would be a ten days' walk. Three o'clock on the last day of October found us toiling up the road on the Oberon side of Jenolan Caves. On our backs were sixty pound packs containing food, home and home comforts for what we anticipated would be a ten days' walk.
-At siX o'clock we were sit-bing by our fire at the old saw mill about three miles out from Jen olan. A typical mountain mist had clothed the gully in a blanket of -white, and although but a few hundred yards off the road to civilisation one could almost imagine oneself alone in a world apart. As the rays of the setting sun struggled to reach us through the enveloping mist a score of Koolct burras took -up residence in the trees above and took it in turns to laugh - presumably at us. + 
-A daybreak start had been decided on, but day did not break in the normal sense of the word, it cam in the shape of a waterfall and the rain held us up. Just before nira we se-b off hoping that the rain had not been enough to register a rise in the rivers. +At siX o'clock we were sitting by our fire at the old saw mill about three miles out from Jenolan. A typical mountain mist had clothed the gully in a blanket of white, and although but a few hundred yards off the road to civilisation one could almost imagine oneself alone in a world apart. As the rays of the setting sun struggled to reach us through the enveloping mist a score of Kookaburras took up residence in the trees above and took it in turns to laugh - presumably at us. 
-Our objective and the main feature of the trip was to reach the foot of ilorong Falls which fall a distance of fifteen hundred feet from the Boyd Plateau into the Kowmung River, and a rise would be fatal to our purpose if not to ourselves. liany have tried to reach the foot of these falls, which, owing to their inaccessibility, have become almost a legend among those viho leave the beaten track, but owing to flood waters and the impassable state of the granite gorge into which they fell, the attempt has always been given up and a detour made. + 
-.:Ifter following the Kanangra Walls road along the Boyd Plateau for a distance of about half a mile, a cat was made off to the right into the head of Council Chambers Creek, and we were at the fronE door of the trackless country. The going at the start had been more or less easy; but gradually the undulating slopes merged into steep and almost precipitous sides, and lurch time found us in the H6llan1er8 River which is formed by numerous creeks like the one we came down, all draining off +A daybreak start had been decided on, but day did not break in the normal sense of the word, it came in the shape of a waterfall and the rain held us up. Just before nine we set off hoping that the rain had not been enough to register a rise in the rivers. 
-17. + 
-the Boyd Plateau. it ten past thr-ee w came to the junction of Budthingeroo Creek with the HollandersA little farther domt a party of trout fishermen was met but they appeared to be having most indtCferent luck. +Our objective and the main feature of the trip was to reach the foot of Morong Falls which fall a distance of fifteen hundred feet from the Boyd Plateau into the Kowmung River, and a rise would be fatal to our purpose if not to ourselves. Many have tried to reach the foot of these falls, which, owing to their inaccessibility, have become almost a legend among those who leave the beaten track, but owing to flood waters and the impassable state of the granite gorge into which they fell, the attempt has always been given up and a detour made. 
-At the next bend the last of the open spaces was Ieft behind and the Follanders canyon, a dismal, dank, precipitous place extending for about six miles was entered, the malls in most places sloping right down into the water leaving just a footway - sometimes. + 
-That night the tent was pitched on a sloping shelf just above the river. +After following the Kanangra Walls road along the Boyd Plateau for a distance of about half a mile, a cut was made off to the right into the head of Council Chambers Creek, and we were at the front door of the trackless country. The going at the start had been more or less easy; but gradually the undulating slopes merged into steep and almost precipitous sides, and lurch time found us in the Hollanders River which is formed by numerous creeks like the one we came down, all draining off the Boyd Plateau. At ten past three we came to the junction of Budthingeroo Creek with the HollandersA little further down a party of trout fishermen was met but they appeared to be having most indifferent luck. 
-amoke about 2 a m., feeling rather cold and upon a thorough investigation discovered that ln.,y head alone was in the tent and my feet just out of the river. We clipbed out of the tent at 'six as the sun climbing over the steep ridge called the buShland to life and another day. It was a bematiful morning, not a cloud in the sky. + 
-Setting off again the canyon wasfound to become steeper and rougher still, necessitating a great number of crossings, quite a few of them being extremely difficult. In all, twenty-three crossings were made on the Hollanders, and at eleven ofdlock: when we reached the granite gorge we were tired and worn. This gorge, -which is virtually a rift through a granite mountain, made river walking absolutely Impossible and a detour over Bull Lilt Ridge was necessary, coming down on to the TUglaw about half a mile above the Falls. Lunch was eaten on the Tuglaw Rive'and then two rather weary -walkers made their way downstream till one of the masterpieces of Nature -.Tuglaw Falls - was reached. +At the next bend the last of the open spaces was left behind and the Hollanders canyon, a dismal, dank, precipitous place extending for about six miles was entered, the walls in most places sloping right down into the water leaving just a footway - sometimes. 
-The river bends in an S curve through reddish granite, straightens out again + 
-and then plunges over the triple falls throh a grey and white granite chasm, which appears to be carved from a solid block of stone by some mighty hand. Looking down through these wonderful falls, the Kowmum. Valley could be seen for below, laid out like a distaht green carpet. The next point was to jet domb into the valley of the Kowmung River which is formed by the merginE cf the two streams, the Hollanders and the Tuglow. After a terribly hard climb we reached the floor of the valley and made camp for the night.+That night the tent was pitched on a sloping shelf just above the river. I awoke about 2 a.m., feeling rather cold and upon a thorough investigation discovered that my head alone was in the tent and my feet just out of the river. We climbed out of the tent at six as the sun climbing over the steep ridge called the bushland to life and another day. It was a beautiful morning, not a cloud in the sky. 
 + 
 +Setting off again the canyon was found to become steeper and rougher still, necessitating a great number of crossings, quite a few of them being extremely difficult. In all, twenty-three crossings were made on the Hollanders, and at eleven o'clock when we reached the granite gorge we were tired and worn. This gorge, which is virtually a rift through a granite mountain, made river walking absolutely impossible and a detour over Bull Ant Ridge was necessary, coming down on to the Tuglow about half a mile above the Falls. Lunch was eaten on the Tuglow River and then two rather weary walkers made their way downstream till one of the masterpieces of Nature - Tuglow Falls - was reached. 
 + 
 +The river bends in an S curve through reddish granite, straightens out again and then plunges over the triple falls through a grey and white granite chasm, which appears to be carved from a solid block of stone by some mighty hand. Looking down through these wonderful falls, the Kowmung Valley could be seen far below, laid out like a distant green carpet. The next point was to get down into the valley of the Kowmung River which is formed by the merging of the two streams, the Hollanders and the Tuglow. After a terribly hard climb we reached the floor of the valley and made camp for the night. 
 Just after tea we were treated to one of the most picturesque sunsets I have ever seen. The dying sun worked around the hillside into the chasm that makes the Tuglow Falls, using this spot as if an outlet from the valley. There were just enough clouds to tinge the walls of the falls a rosy pink as the sun slowly sank in its granite picture frame, lighting the clouds higher and higher till it sank, leaving nothing but the roar of the falls, the murmur of the streams and the cool evening breeze. Just after tea we were treated to one of the most picturesque sunsets I have ever seen. The dying sun worked around the hillside into the chasm that makes the Tuglow Falls, using this spot as if an outlet from the valley. There were just enough clouds to tinge the walls of the falls a rosy pink as the sun slowly sank in its granite picture frame, lighting the clouds higher and higher till it sank, leaving nothing but the roar of the falls, the murmur of the streams and the cool evening breeze.
-Early morning found us out of bed and inspecting the falls of Tuglow and the lower end of the granite gorge of the Hollanders River. At ten o'clock our backs + 
-were turned to the campsite and a course set downthe kowmung River. The going was particularly hard owing to the young wattle and kanuka scrub vhich continually rebuffed, tore and beat us. Just before lunch we reached the Tuglomljmestone outcrop situated on the second bend of the gridiron - splendid sight; a mighty lump of stone presenting a Sheer face to the river. This outcrop is reliuted to be honeycombed to the extreme and most dangerous. As WO were most intent on the completion of our trip we admired this marvellous sight from a eistance. The beginning of the granite gorge into which the river Hbrong falls was reached an hour or so after lunch. The river was absolutely impassable and we were forced high up on to a ridge on the right overlooking the river. +Early morning found us out of bed and inspecting the falls of Tuglow and the lower end of the granite gorge of the Hollanders River. At ten o'clock our backs were turned to the campsite and a course set down the Kowmung River. The going was particularly hard owing to the young wattle and kanuka scrub which continually rebuffed, tore and beat us. Just before lunch we reached the Tuglow limestone outcrop situated on the second bend of the gridiron - splendid sight; a mighty lump of stone presenting a sheer face to the river. This outcrop is reputed to be honeycombed to the extreme and most dangerous. As we were most intent on the completion of our trip we admired this marvellous sight from a distance. The beginning of the granite gorge into which the river Morong falls was reached an hour or so after lunch. The river was absolutely impassable and we were forced high up on to a ridge on the right overlooking the river. 
-lg. + 
-Abend in the river brought us down and me came off the ridge at a point vhioh marks a wonderful example of the beauty of Nature's work. The river after boiling and bubbling through a myriad of amall cascades, splits snoothly round an immense granite island in the middle of the river. Crossing, it was again necessary to take to the hillsides, but with no appreciable success as we were forced dovn a most sudden slide ankle deep in granite gravel to miss a sheer bluff. +A bend in the river brought us down and me came off the ridge at a point which marks a wonderful example of the beauty of Nature's work. The river after boiling and bubbling through a myriad of small cascades, splits smoothly round an immense granite island in the middle of the river. Crossing, it was again necessary to take to the hillsides, but with no appreciable success as we were forced down a most sudden slide ankle deep in granite gravel to miss a sheer bluff. 
-From the divide between Horse Gully and Tuglaw Hole Creeks our first view 6T Yorong Falls was gained, the late sun making the big fall look like a silver thrad on a brown tapestry. The walls of the Kownung gorge, particularly on the eastern side are tharvellous. One could net under any pretext call them beautiful, but theyare grand, inspiring and immense, dropping in places for easily a thousand feet into the river and but a degree or two out of the perpendicular. + 
-Tuglow Hole Creek is practically as much a gorge as the Kaumung and i8 like a Dore's illustration of "Demte's Inferno". The wells are ')are and barren, the creek small and moving with but -a faint murmur. Th?, frogs sr47: their discordant song, keeping time with the crickets and locusts, and the fire, thidh was of necessity small, threw only enough aight to give the whole business a grotesque air. +From the divide between Horse Gully and Tuglow Hole Creeks our first view of Morong Falls was gained, the late sun making the big fall look like a silver thread on a brown tapestry. The walls of the Kowmung gorge, particularly on the eastern side are marvellous. One could not under any pretext call them beautiful, but they are grand, inspiring and immense, dropping in places for easily a thousand feet into the river and but a degree or two out of the perpendicular. 
-The early morning sun found us up and at work again. While we agreed that it mould be impossible to make the falls fully laden, there was just a chance that the way might be possible if one vent empt:Thanded and was prepared to take a ehance. Immediately after breakfast we began the journey,, carrying only the camera, axe and scaling rope. The camera vas 'wrapped in oiled silk as we were intent on reaching + 
-the falls even if it entailed a swim. When only a few hundred yards damn the Kowmuhe the walls closed right in and a sheer rock climb of several hundred feet was neoessar to get over the pinch. The rope was extremely useful and practically essential. With steep granite cliffs above and below we started off around the hillside. The going was horribly tough and rougheto say nothing of being dangerous. The hillside, covered with loose Stones and gravel, pitted with slide holes and watercourses, was almost perpendicular. +Tuglow Hole Creek is practically as much a gorge as the Kowmung and is like a Dore's illustration of "Dante's Inferno". The walls are bare and barren, the creek small and moving with but a faint murmur. The frogs sang their discordant song, keeping time with the crickets and locusts, and the fire, which was of necessity small, threw only enough light to give the whole business a grotesque air. 
-At a quarter to eleven a descent was made into the river down a steep, treacherous slide of loose gravel. This brought us out on to a stretch of shell pink granite several huAldred feet long, over which the water played as it vent ever onward to the sea. Continuing on downstream for a little -way our eyes were suddenly confronted with the most welcome sight of the trip  the tail end of Moronc Ftlla. The upper fall is not visible from the river and a climb of about four hundred feet had to be undertaken. It was hard work but well rewarded. Falling sheer f.#' hundreds of feet in an immense bridal veil the water gathers again in a big granite basin;then down a series of steep deep cascades to halt, momentarily, in a long pink groove before continuing its course down the last twisted fell of about two hundred feet to swell the waters of the KawmunE River. + 
- We diamond blazed a tree td the left of the 'Dig fall and felt mighty proud 'while doing so, for we believe ourselves to be the first to ever reach the foot of these marvellous Falls.+The early morning sun found us up and at work again. While we agreed that it would be impossible to make the falls fully laden, there was just a chance that the way might be possible if one went empty handed and was prepared to take a chance. Immediately after breakfast we began the journey, carrying only the camera, axe and scaling rope. The camera was wrapped in oiled silk as we were intent on reaching the falls even if it entailed a swim. When only a few hundred yards down the Kowmung the walls closed right in and a sheer rock climb of several hundred feet was necessary to get over the pinch. The rope was extremely useful and practically essential. With steep granite cliffs above and below we started off around the hillside. The going was horribly tough and rough, to say nothing of being dangerous. The hillside, covered with loose stones and gravel, pitted with slide holes and watercourses, was almost perpendicular. 
 + 
 +At a quarter to eleven a descent was made into the river down a steep, treacherous slide of loose gravel. This brought us out on to a stretch of shell pink granite several hundred feet long, over which the water played as it went ever onward to the sea. Continuing on downstream for a little way our eyes were suddenly confronted with the most welcome sight of the trip the tail end of Morong Falls. The upper fall is not visible from the river and a climb of about four hundred feet had to be undertaken. It was hard work but well rewarded. Falling sheer for hundreds of feet in an immense bridal veil the water gathers again in a big granite basin; then down a series of steep deep cascades to halt, momentarily, in a long pink groove before continuing its course down the last twisted fall of about two hundred feet to swell the waters of the Kowmung River. 
 + 
 +We diamond blazed a tree to the left of the big fall and felt mighty proud while doing so, for we believe ourselves to be the first to ever reach the foot of these marvellous Falls. 
 (To be continued) (To be continued)
-GONGRATULLTIONP to Richard and Judy. Redfern (7agg) on the birth of a daughter. 
  
 +----
 +
 +Congratulations to Richard and Judy Redfern (Wagg) on the birth of a daughter.
196110.1456898078.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/03/02 16:54 by tyreless

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