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196112

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THE SYDIEf BUSHWALKER A month4r bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, The N.S.W. NUrses' Association Rooms, “Northcote Building”, Reiby Place, Sydney. Box No.4476 G.P.O., Sydney- Mone JW1462. 3214. DECLIBE2 1961 Price 1/-. Editor: Don Matthews, 33 Pomona Street, Renroductioni Denise Hull Pennant. Bills. rJ7j3514. Sales & Stbs.: Eileen Taylor Bu siness Manager: Brian Harvey. Typed by Jean Harvey. CONTENTS. Page Walker's Christmas - Gear lga g 1 Social Calendar 2 At Our November Meeting - Alex Colley 3 An Omitsion - Eath MCE4' 3 Come to Kuring-gat Chase, - “The Gent in the Tent” Ot the Sense of the Meeting - “Thornigbah 6 Kowmung Cavaldade Farb III. 8 “Floatingthr Kommine - Bill Hall (Reprint) 01, Hatswellts Tad. & Tourist Service (Advertisement) 11 Paddy-ts Advertisenent 13 Pubcraft Alex Colley Tales of the North Shore - “Taro” 16 Faux: Pas - John Bookluck Comirg Social Events WALKERS? CHRISTMAS. (With acknovredgment to Geof Nagg, who wrote it in 1958. We printed thi last Christmas and will probably do the same temt year because it reminds us-(and you too, we hope) of all those rugged Christmas trips we 'yedone with feIlow S Walkers' Christmas, Christmas cheer, Cold tinned plading, Hot tinned beer. h '0 2. Han and chicken (sausage) too, Or perhaps a D.V. stew. Bad luck that the sweets you brought were Made un fit. to eat by water. So a nut we try to crack, Place upon a rock are whack 7 First blow, nothing: cursing louder - Second blow, it 's crushed to powder. Still the dinner's not a failure - Tastes like the Hotel Australia. miMI. IS WISH OUR READERS .,ZD FRIMS A 1LTLPEY CHRISTMAS illZ) GOOD CAMPIIV. While you're relaXing at 'Era, or _swimming through the Koimung, or eloring in the Alps, remember' that the Editor needs 'matters of interest' for next year's S.B.W. magazines: in fact right now he needs about 18 pages for the January issue. How about it? SOCIAL CALUID AR. DEC 0111; 20TH Fivap NIGHT. Come_in and i'nfr e last minute ar_rangements fcr that ChristmaS trip, or ju st, to _natter. DECE1BEi. 27TH JANatia 3RD JillUARY 10TH Club closed. Committee meeting, but don't let this 1oep you-. away. A good chance to earbash your friends about your latest epic walk. General Meeting. WATCH THE CLUB 1DTICE BOLED 1,02 FUETHER DETAILS. PAST HAPPELTINIS: On Novetber 22nd .Keith Renwick led an absorbed audience- through the -wonderland of Central Australia.. This was the record of an unusual bus trip which several 3.B.N's enjoyed recently. Fine photography and colour. 3. AT OUR NYTEN&ER MEETING. - A. Colley. Five new meMbers - Sandra Montague, Sheila Tadman, Peggy Wbolhouse, Bill Rowlands and Ramon U'Brien - Were welcomed at the start of the meeting. In correspondence was a copy of a letter sent by the Secretary of Federation to the Fire Prevention Officer-at Katoomba, saying that there was no evidence that bushwarkers were resnonsible for the cutting of fence-wires at Nedlow Gap. The - officer was invited to the S. and R. mekehd at the Colb where he could witnss for himself the “impecoabilitr of ourbehaviour”. 2L lettet' was received also-from the Secretary of the Bouddi-Trust, saying that the Trust agreed with the construC:tion of a-fire trail to Mount Bouddi. The Trust also recognised the neb-essity of proving to-the Lards Department that ma/V. people USed and-enjoyed the park. BV-making the park accessible tic. the motorist other important area S” might be gained for the park and it might be less vulnerable to dangers from other sources. The Trust was 'always glad to receive any suggestions and thoughts that conservationists had to offer. Heather Joyde than told us that the S.B.W. were among-Federation's most consisteht carrespondenEs. Why couldn't the delegateS pass on our views? There appeared no good reason for writing letters, beyond habit, and it was decided to avoid letter writing where possible. Heather told us of Colin Putt's good work at the S. and R. weekend. Jack Gentle also offered thanks to those Mho helped at the Blue Gum working bee. Nilf Hilder reported that despite a rather hot weekend all objectives, except the finding of Barron's Pass, had been achieved on his 6-hour meehand walk. The Timbolina Trig had been burnt down, but on the disc some pencilled names were partly legible. They were the namet of an S.B,W.,party that had visited the trig in 1944 ;. Tom Herbert, Charlie Pryde, Dorothy Lawry, Wal Roots and Phil White. There were - two starters on Roy Cragg's Nattai walk, and 15 on Bob Godfrey's map reading venture down Angoroms Creek. The party had reached the Colo successfully, but didn't attempt the 87R-13e or more trip down to Hungry Way Creek. Jack:Gentle had led a party of 10 along the Cox and up the White Dog track. John White and two prospectives had a good weekend around the Narrow Neck. Peninsula and reported that the climbing tree was still imposition. There were 15 starters on David Ingram's day walk in the Heathcote reserve. The S. & R. weekend on the Colo had been remarkably well organised. It started with introductory talks by Nin Melville and Heather Joyce and covered first aid, wet crossings, safety in canoes, survival in the bush, bush rescue, ground to air communication, caveing and Safety in caves, and aqualung under water Operations. Colin Plitt gave a talk on safety and equipment in the snow and another on cliff rescue work, and Paddy Pallin talked on snow equipment. Room stewards were then elected and the meeting closed just after 9 o'clock. AN OVESSION. Dear Editor, I did not mention in my account of Nbuldy's lecture on travels in Russia that a nicrophore was used for the firSt-time in the Club's history. It was a great success and every syllable was clearly heard. W apologies are therefore due to the instigator of the scheme, Tare, and to the owner of the microphone, Hek Carruthers. Yours etc., (Sgd.) Kath McKay. FOR AN OUTING WITH A NAUTICili FLAVOUR THE RUDOLPH CUP. SUNDAY 17TH DECEYBER 1961 AT HACEIM RIVER AND/OR KANGAROO aiEEK AT OH NEAR AUDLET. (ROELL NATIONAL PARK) Wet trip guaranteed. Swimming costumes necessary. Lieribers of Rowing Clubs will be handicapped. Here's your chance to win possession of the Rudolph Cup for 1962. The Rudolph Cup, for those uho don't Nnow, is a Trophy full of Tradition, and utilitarian as well.. DAY WALKS. Wtch the Notice Board and see the new Walks Programme for details. COLE TO KURING-GAI CHASE. “The Gent in the Tent”. Following on the proclamation of about 35,000 acres of the South Coast and Hacking River Valley as a Nadonal Park in 1888, pressure was exerted on the Governthent of the day by far sighted residents of the growing North Sydney that a sirrrilai; area be set aside for the use and -r-ecreation of the residerts of the Northern Suburbs. In 1893, furing-gai Chase, of much the same area as National Park, came into being in a wonderful region of scrubby sar3stone ridges, rising to a height of 750 ft. above sea level, intersected by heavily indented bays and creeks running from the Hawkesbury River and Pittomter in a Southerly direction, and situated between 20 and 25 miles North of the G.P.C. in Sydney. How far sighted the early advocdtes for-a Northern-National Park were, has tiE,en amply demonstrated in the years-after the 'firer when stburbia has pushed out, in ma ny cases right to the Chase boundary.- Up to the present, the Trut appointed to administer the Chase has managed to keep large areas in a natural state There, in 5. season, the glory of CiL.Ir unique wildflowers riots across the ridges in profusion and rEtive animals of several varieties inhabit the secluded spots. For /4etidents and visitors, 'the area represents. a eplendid_breathing. s pace,,. with good motor, roads and picnic facilities for those .vto deSire. them; llre trails and tracks for equestrians and ocbasionally walkers, who may be glad to use them to. traverse 8 particularly thick patch-of scrub..

In t1 early days of _It's existence, the Trust soon got 'ousy cons tr u cting access- roads and tr-acks. The access tracks lryere nd chiefly lv manual labour and were 'designed to Permit walking to various beauty spots by ladies weP,ring length arid longer Skirt,s, and gentlemen in their Sunday salts. The result they were from 2 to 3 ft., wide, well graded and complete -with steps- where nece8s rtry. I. do not propose to list the various access tracks throtighout_ the Chase, 'but to confine-my remarks to those in the Lovett Bay, Pittwater, sector of the Chase. In those days, I'fb. told, the principal methods of approach to :Pitttater Were from Manly TiVharf by horse bus or coach to Mona Arble-6 Newport, or by train to Hawkesbat -River-r-Station and steam launefi. to Barrenjoey (Palm Beach) and Newport. This method'. of travel was slow, so that, after undertaking the j ourn e y , -visitors usually stayed a few days and had time to.,explore the surroundings. 79.e:- Trust constructed stone wharves in various bays off Pittwa-ter, and from these, tracks were made to local beauty spots. - Fornt1 rust's -wharf at Lovett Bay (served by rev-Liar ferry. from Church Point) a track runsalong the for-eshore to _a sheltei^ shed, ,where it divides, one continuing up the Bay to Poolaey's Glen then -up and over the West_Head Road and down to Coal - and Candle Creek; the other climbs up to the Flagstaff Lookout, 400 ft. above sea level, whence a cairrEd route leads North-Westerly to the West Head Road. With the increasing use of mcitor cars and water craft for -Itirel:enT recreation, the decrease in the number of walkers, plu=s the rather steep bus and ferry fares to and from Church Point, the use of these tracks has declined.- The Trust is aware of this fact and aim knows that most of it is revenue comes from parking- fees paid by motorists rho - use the roads constructed by it. Consequently, the tracks have not been maintained and have been allowed to become choked by grass, ferns and young trees. The local residents say that the Trust is re-constructing the West Head Road to P., standard suitable for 1-do-tor traffic, with the result that these trP.clm_ and V.-05e from Towler's Bay e and Mackerel Peachwill-shortly become our onlye.Ins of reching the West Head Peninsula free froia motor- traffic. . _ -c You will have read in tl-b October issue abrut the-wridIng bee to be organised by John White on llth-12th Novernber-1961 -with-a view to 1-'e-opening the Lovett 2,r y tracks. The party assembled at Church Point on-the Saturday morning and I:Ae, quite an executive ring in the Personnel, the Sebretary, the-AssiStant Secretary, the Assistant Treasurer and 0..zr tireless member, who has done to much good work in this area, Mrs. Stoddart. The Trust's Ranger for 'Pittwater provided the tools, sn there was no delay in Starting,_ except for a. cup of tea. One type of implement was of particular-lue, the head was shaped like a hoe on one tide and a rake on the other. Desigred for use by bushfire fighters, it proved ideal: for the -v-i-drk were to do. Permanent residents keep the *track clear from the Lovett Bay fei4ry wharf to the washed out creek to the 1(4-e_st, but from. that point to the shelter shed, it was mostly _clearing undergrb-wtb. and a fete small trees. It was a thrill-to see' the well made track emerging from the overgrowing grass and bracken. As a larger team than we had will be required to make much impression on the Pockl ey's Glen tracks, we conceiabrated. on the Flagstaff track, As this is the one used by most bushwallors to reach the 6. Lookout and the tops. By tea time, Johnts new, sharp axe had done some good work on fallen trees where necessary, and, we hx1 a couple of hundred -yazds–ef—the straeli cleared, including the first set of stone steps. Durizx and After tea, the local fireflies put on one of the best displays I've ever seen. Their resemblance to small lighted planes flying around the shelter shed had a defirit-e fairylike touch: The following tiorning, Bill Rowlands ca tie over in the first ferry to J.ere a hand, but the Secretary had to leave soon after. By midday; the track was open to the cliff line; -where a flight of stone steps-leads up into a aide- creek and the going is easy from there to the tops. Considering the small number present, the work performed was amazing. No wonder we were a bit stiff and 'tired after it, but we had the satisfaction of seeing a start made in re-opening a track -which ill be of considerable use to bushwalkers generally. There is still much to be done to restore the upper part of the Flagstaff track to it'S-foriiier glory and t5 re-opell the Pockley Glen trabic with it's famous flight of 30 or more steps matie from batur at ston0. From Decembet t6 March, the weather it not really-suitable for “labour of late” track clearing, so 7ohn 'White has programmed another working fed fac–24.-th-25th March, 1962, and David Ingram has put on a day - walk on 25th March, Starting from Lovett Bay, in thU hope that some Z5f the dAy-walkers. can give a hand before lunch Sat then inspect thetracks and the sterling wrifk done-; as well as the tops beyond -during the _afternoon, returning On the 6 p m. -ferry. More details in subsecie ent issues. Don't be scared that the work will NS hard. The picnic atmosphere adds to the enjoytent and the surroundings are extremely pleasant. Come and. see what i-S being–done to help burselves to keep open a pleasant means of access to one of our favourite -walking areas. .11011=srmles…wwwwwl.NONIID ON ME SSE OF THO MEETING. - Thornigbah. Any sTna115 society, such as ours, can with a little contemplation be seen as -a small democracy. There is a remaricable body of history lax)iin as the Clarke Papers which -describes the genesis of our present day larger democracy from the small democracies existing in the loosely described Puritan churches at the time of the Cromwell revolution. The papers deal with the deliberations of a small group of men met to find some way of governing England “justly after the successful conclusion of Cromwell's revolt. All present, Cromwell, Ireton his most successful genera, and the elected representatives of several regiments were experienced in the small independent church governments of the time and had found them sati-afying in the broadest sense, though they found almost immediately that severe, almost impossible- - difficulties arose when they attempted-to apply their experiences to a larger govern- rent. There arosetwo schools of thought separated by what theetiperience of the small units of governments had meant to them, what it had to offer and what was essential in that experience. Om school of thougat were impresded with what it felt like to be govefhed—so as to make everyone feel equal =I active, and when it is felt to be working proper]y the decisions and actions are felt to be the decisions and action's of each 'matter. What made their form of goverment so precious is that it is their government and must th-drefore be preserved at all costs. While they can retain the feeling that it is their governmert they can give their consent and be content. It was quickly 7. Pointed out that this wculd mean consent to each parbi-culam—aztj_an-which would be impossible and would on lead to anarchy., Cromwell on the other hand was more concerned with the conditions under which sizh a happy result could be achieved. For this man of greater practical experience and ability, consent was a result and not a condition. The church units were very small, they all very muth moved by the same spirit, being voluntary organisations and even when they grew somewhat larger when all could not contribute to the debate they could produce the sense of the meeting. But the limits of this are zocn reached and the size of the organisation soon prohibits the type of organisation ala3 goverment which was the original insoiration. Before this limit is reached most members have ceased to take part in the discussion and have ceased to contribute anything to the sense of the meeting.. The real government is in the hands of the committee and even the pretence of direct government, is given up. There is then an undue emphasis on the element of consent, over the element of discussion and somethiig has to be done about it. A. democracy, even the smaller type we enjoy, must be based on the assumption that we can agree on common action which yet laves each of us within the movement to lead his own life; if we really respect one another's person,- alltywe” can find a common framework or systemof rights and consents in which the free normal life of the individual is possible. How that can best be obtained can be discovered by diScussion-in which the one- sidedness of particular views can be eliminated and a principle of common action be discovered -which each can feel does justice to his personality, by toleration and recognition of differences based on the belief that we may all contribute to the government combined mtth insistence that individual views be submitted to the criticism of open discussion: The narrowness and-onesidedness of each person's VieliTis are corrected, and yet, given good faith, something mayemerge which each can recognise as holding the truth he stood- for and is seen to serve the purpose of the society better than anyone conceived for himself. This is of coursean ideal and sue', agreeMent is rare. Such a consenting democracy, as ours is, assumes that each member has something to contribute if it can be got out of him. It does not far orp moment as same that what each member contributes is of equal value or is even rele=t, All this of course is rather allegorical. In our small society we have the le-LLers2 ac the temperameat they represent,. They are the people who would have a world inside and outside our range of persuasion which mould be the ideal world for bush- walking. I don't know what to call them. Impossibilists is too severe a word fol, them for they hold their views sincerely. There are the Primitives, those who can and do find satisfaction in the wildflowers, the virgin bush, whether it is a scribbly ,gtza-growing at the end of their street or A rock lily on a quartzite slab deep in Ettreme Gorge. There is something of the primitive in each of us yet I don't feel it is a happy choice of words. There are the Wilderness boys for whom an area i-s violated beyond all possible future affection if a fire trail is pushed along a ride. All of us have memories of “a scarce seen trail… ”. There mast be something of ti:3 wilderness in -6ach of us or we wouldn't go near the mountain holly on the Colo or the eternal slipperymess of Galong. We have people Tho belieVe in the perfectibility Of man-and of society (I have heard them). We balre ei5icures and those who know good beer flied where it is to be had. Some believe in a corporate image of ourselves vfeidh must Show us as approaching perfectibility, others-of a time whet a fireside could embrace all the members end a true spontaneous democracy was as we= as the gloving fire. 8. - Perhaps we have grown too big, we meet in elegant surroundings, we live in an era of public relations and massive search and rescue operations. Perhaps it is not the age for the small and the friendly. It may be the age for the dicta, for conformity and consenting compromise. Wisely I think we have left the running of the club to the committee. Nb work was 'ever accomplished at a large meetings no examining of prospectives, none of the every day matters -which bog down large neetings can be dore at general moetints. But let us insist that matters of policy, of differences in expected behaviour and the vital things that affect the sense of the meeting are not subject to thedelegated consent. The replacement of discussion by announcement, even by presidential announcement, is a denial of the satisfaction when all feel they are equal and eqUally active in the government of the club. For all our proud size and influence, our present affluence and apparent calm, we must not abandon the true spirit and principle an -Which our small democracy is based. The true spirit implies faith in each other, but a reasoned faith. KOWMUNG CAVALCADE. PART III. In October; we introdUced The History of the KowmUng, and Started with the first S.B17. trip “Through the Granite Gorges” (1933) by Harry Savage. This was concluded in the NoveMber issue. The fir'st all-sTrimmirg Kowmung trip recorded in the S.B.W. was led by Gordon Smith at Christmas 1938-1939. To quote Grace Noble - …“As to this being a tqirst dawn the Upper Ebwmbre trip, I feel it is alvve dangerous to make such a claim - but at least I pretty-sure we were the first S.B.W. party to travel the length of the Kovmdng from the Hollander-Tuglow junction actually-calor in the river - as distinct-from other parties who had followed it's course from a route well up on the ridges… Besides Gordon, the original starters from Ginkin were Jack: Debert, Bill Hall, Roley Cotter, Reg Alder, Alex Collqr, Edgar Phillips, and two friends of Alex. The Tigresses were represented by Hilma Galliott Dot English and Nary Stoddart. At the tailend, of coarse, came the Rabbits - Clare Kinsella and myself. We spent the first few days in a deceptively easy ramble from Ginkin to Ebrong Fails, where we said goodbye to Dot and Alex and his friends, who had only the - Christmas part of the holiday. This left the experimental part of the trip - down the Morong Deep an so on to Yerranderie - to be done before New Year, when we had to pickup some more meabers of the trip and get rid of myself. This may not sound much, but when you consider that we did ncb yet know whether one could maRe a pack float in a reasonably water-tight condition for any considerable distance, or even how far we were likely to have to float them, it was enough to cause a few misgivinzs (to the rabbits, at any rate). 9 And now to 1010 .61 FLOATIM DOM TEE =mum. CBRISIMS - Bill Hall. (From The S.BX., March 1939). At a reasorable hour on Friday night, 23rd Deceniber, 1938, fifteen of us tumbled from the train and wove our may through the curious crowds that seem always to throng the sib-Way at Katoamba Station. Some went to the cafes to satisfy tho - hunger so peculiarly and continuously a part of those who walk; the rest shouldered their packs and made off along the Great Western Road to the water reservoirs - there to sleep through the night. On Saturday at the appointed hour of 5 a m. the two cars drew up and our packs were soon stowed aboard, and we were off far Ginkin, which was as far as the cars could take Us. We then took the bridletrack down to the Tuglow River, there stopping for a late brealdast, which we stared with hordes of flies. . We followed 'the 'rive to where its water dros over the fall and merges with that Of the Hollanders' to form-the Kowmung River, and then Box-Creek was reached me stopped again-,-because the grassy flat at-the juncti6n was to be our base,cnmp for two days. From here the beauties of Chardon 's Canyon and Dungalla Falls were explored, and the Christmas provisions with which we had so liberally provided ourselves were consumed. The weather had been all that could be desired, and on Monday When camp was - broken and an early start made at-6.45 a m..it'still held. The way was through coni,- parativredy easy county, the river meandering by glorious wooded flats and twisting in huge hairpin bends, cvvox. whie b we climbed, cutting Q' distance. Frdm the tops of these ridges we obtained wonderful views oZ the rangeS rollibg in terraces from either sLde down upon us. There-was always life.0aIonk the rijer-, an occasional -4,umbat, duck, ar shag. In the water, too, though more d6 furtheF down, stre&m, vi re'fish and eels. Forcing our through the blackthorn and briar we were discovering the going becoming much harder. The blackthorn in particular was very- trying, the spikes digging into the flaah and, if not extracted immediately, they rotted and festered. The wretchedness, however, was often broken by the beauof frequent patches of white daisies which grew along the banks. When -Tuglaw Hole Creek was reached a halt ma-6 called far lurch. After eating and swimming, me picked our may over Water-wain granite boalders through scrub to a canyon. Here the way seemed barred: There appeared nothing else to do but to go up and over the cliffs at either side, or - as we had heard of the etploits of a - previcua party - to float our packs through. We had come prepared for this latter proSpect and rubber floatshad been 'brought in anticipation of carrying our eear over the Water. A raft was made by lashing together light pieces of timber, the rubber surf o-planes were placed on it, and on top of these the packs. It was Succesa, fal, but took too long to construct, and, as events turned oat, at the gorges we had to smin through later, there mss a.sarcity of suitable-timber, so the idea of rafts as abandoned and the wrapping of Obundsheets ovel-1 our packs was reaorted to. Two other pools were swum in this manner this-same day, -Kren though one or-two of the pack a received a slight metfing,-it'mas pronouno-ed most Lidcessful. From the last pool, 'which was about 75 yards long, the party reached Yorong Falls, and slit up, 10. some camping on tire Kormmg, and, the otha-s on creek above the Falls, thus making their walk to Jenola,n Caves shorter for the next day. The night proved very wrirm and-all at the-river camp slept badly, portly owing 1:,o the heat and partly to the poor camping ground. Bracken and scrub had to be cleared and soil levelled to make possible the abdulling of a tent. At 6.30 a.. on Tuesday 'morning we were off, and - jumping from rock to rock - ceme to the firet casuarinas, and then to a-pool bounded at the top by z'igantic granite bdulders and at -the sides by walls round whioh it was impossible to scrP,Eble. The packs were lowered dawn and, this pool once swam, we were faced another, and immediately-a third, dcwn to which air gear was handed in relays, and then, coming to the ledge *here our packs were deposited, we'had the thrill of sliding down-a thort, greasy, granite slope into the huge pothole of water, seemingly bottomlese, in which our whole bodies wereitmereed, and clambering out of this one, went instantly into another. The packs rea,ched:i they were floated across and a rest was called for on a little 'sandy beach.-; A`.cuPle went ahead tO,:reconnoitre, and reported a waterfall preventing further prcgress. It was impossible to climb dam, and nothing was left but, sidle our way over the mountainside'. This proved most exhausting and very dangerous, so we-re'frained Prom going to o,high. Our flesh was torn by the “Spikes from the blackthorn and briar; we had to pickour way over fallen timber; a tremenlou s amount bf energy was needed, for 'foothold was difficult on the Steep sides, covered as they were with loose, slippery, granite gravel. It was quickly discovered tlnt the safe -way to descend was to sit and slide, risking the tearing of our Clothing. ViTc:rn out at the bottom of the slope we swam and lunched. Continuing the p-erpetual rockhopping, at which we had become experts, for the tops-of the weatherworn granite builders gave safe footholds, we came in the late afternoon to another pool. Some swam their packs through, but one went round the side and, repOrting an easily negotiable animal track swam the 80 yards back and, with two others, carried packe over, but the track evaded Us and the going was ,S5 dangerous that we resolved never to sid le the ridges again, but to floAt every Force - a resolve which was adhered to. -A-e sembling again and wor”LdIng downstream amid xerote6, dasaarina,s and blaciAhorn, a surprisingly good campsite was found above a vnterfa11,-6.-b 6.30 1.m. but t1.-.eprt awing to the humid night again slept badly; and wa;F: aroused-early to pitch tents because a thunderstorm had developed; Not much rafn was received-thnuFh Spite of all the lightning, and the thunder which was bare177 a-nrwk” of the falls. Leaving at 8 a m. on Wednesday a nd -E.i2,0 waterfall over a natural causeway, and edging our way round a ledge, we reached-a tree that grew out from the bottom.; Down this we slid,, Our pacirA first being Towered. We were faced now with another pool of about 120'yards-long and, quickly covering oU:r packs, swam them through, noticing a great number of roclailies growing on the sheer wale'. Here a scare rzu_lted from one of the mal e memberS of the party beginning to cholie and splutter an leaving his pack, grasping hold of a nitch in one of the walls.- Think- ing he had cramp, a couple of other's. to his assistance, only t6 discover that, in laughing at )111G litunourous remark, he swallowed so well water that he had to rest. However, he quickly recovered and resumed the swim. Then, helping one another over an awkward ledge, we came upon two other walkers who, through the fatiguing -zork entailed -in-climbing over each gorge, had taken days to do what we had acconplt5ted one. They accompanied us for a few miles, duribg which another po ol was floated, arri we very quickly showed therf-how to a:1,-e their way round the granite to get to this pool, and then to swim their gear throurt,hGrey quaa-tzit.- was taking the place of the granite when we lunched between Landrigan and M&JisonT s Creeks. It was hot, baal soon the party was strung out to Werong Here the two walkers left u a”; they were to camp overnight and climb Misery Ridge early next morning. It is worth mentioning tlEtt it was possible here to resufae the wearing of heavy boots, and We were most pleased. The banks rryw were followed along intermittent cowpads, through scrub and thorns, to make camp in Rudder's Rift. Lea-ving a-b 7.15 a th. Thursday morning, an immediate floating of packs Was made - our eleventh for the trip. l'iralidng had become easier and a-considerable distance had b-e-c..,n coveY.ed when all progress seemed barred for another waterfall dropped down from in front of us:' Remembering Our reolve of but no days earlier hot to climb again, we constated,- 82-r1 decided tolower ofif. packs dovei the 12 feet on ropes, then to jump Over after-them'and float theth through. This was exciting. Scanning the water amcioUsly far rooks.; we leapt. -It eeembd an intertniriable time before we came to the surface, but -on-riaiig we turned, and facing the rotk down which 0-zi pack was air eady beibg lowered, raised a hand to let it geritly “on tb the water, then, unfastening the rope and watching it whisked up to lower anbther turned and swam and pushed 'our pack down stream. How far we 'knew not a bend in the river blocked the view. This floating proved a fitting finale, for it was FOR liLL YOUR TRANSPaia FROM BIACEEELTH CONTACT IIATSITT-17 S TIE & TOURIST SERVICE 11VRITE, WIRE-OR CALL AI HOUR - DAY OR NICHT BOOKIM OFFICE: L. doors from Gardners Inn Hotel (LOOK FOR THE MON SIGN) 'PHONE: Blackheath 1174.59 or V1151 SPEEDY 5 or 8 PASSENCER CARS AUTTABLE IARG:1 02 SULL P;RTIES CATERED FOR FlatESt KaNANIRAla&us 30/- per hea d (Minimum 5 passengers) FERRrS LOOKDOWN 414- ” “ ii n JENOLLN STATE FOREST_ 20/- fl TI CARLONIS FARM 12/6 T1/4NE WILL BE PLEASED TO QUOTE TRIPS OR SPECIAL PARTIES ON APPLICATION. 12. to be our last and vas 250 yards long, divided -as it was into three parts. L narrow natural causeway, across which the packs had to be lifted-; separated the first and second pools, and a shallow of greasy granite stones (over which we dragged our StoEachs, propelling the packs before us) was between the second and third. Some gear received a wetting 'so, during lunch1 we dried both if. and our tents, which mere wet from the rain of the preidaus night. By the Irimr, thiS day it had ben more 'or les continuously raining, not heavily, but that light,-misty stuff so common to our mountain regions, thaking the freedom from flies sOnemtt pleasant. The flies had been most annoying, and we Had been unable to wear our flyveils because the thickness -of their weave restricted vision, and made them too danerrJus to wear when jumping from rock to rock. We were now entertained by a lyrebird, and were delighted with its excellent mimicking. The birds were very-plentiful, the bellbirds in /particular being cpmmon. Walking along the coupads, Waterfall and Lannigan's Creeks were soon 'passed. Now by numerous prosnect holes, past where the Boyd Rance gently slopes to the Ebmmumg, and within a couple of miles of Church Creek we camped. We had observed a difference in the rock formation since lunch and conglomerate rock had become very ;prevalent. - The next day, Friday, was an easy one. From Church Creek we we to Yerranderie and procured more provisionsThese made 2501bs.'food for the whole trip. A couple of youthful hunters gave us some rabbits, too; and after stewing. them all the afternoon and night they were found edible for breakfast next. morning. Some of the party -went home from Yerranderie, and on Saturday wemere joined by another four people, (The-a.I.rivars included Dot English (Butler). The return party brought ice cream back from Yerranderie, and' later a Photograph-entitled “Dot eating ice creath on the KowmuzIg” which appeared in The Bushwalker 117,15 “greeted with jeers of derision as an obvious fake”…Ed.) and after they had breakfasted we were again on our way down the noW-peacefUl and tranquil Kowmung - still 7assing the dilapidated huts of prospector s, in ruinsalongside the fallen-in pros.)Ect holes, test holes, Which, ndw long deserted, must have at one time been the fos sic kerS hope- of an eldorado. The -pace of the- party was quickening and the walking on the-Cow/5ads excellent. It had rained early in the morning but, rapidly clearing, the sUn burst through; and brought with it the irrit-d'Ung plague 'of flies. Christie” t Creek was reached, and we thought of the 'explorer, Barallier, -whose attempt to cross the – mountains was repulsed by the precipitous walls of this creek a short distance from the Kowmung. . The open river banks were gradually giving way to cliffs; hundreds of feet high, as we were now entering the Bulga-Denis Canyon. If ever impressi-ft and inspiring riverscenery i to be witness on any of our mountain streaMs, it is here. The sheer, rugged grandeur of the mountain walls rising from the water's edge was wonderful. The track, running along narrow banks, continually crossed and recrossed the stream. The grey stone wails edged on “either side by dark green vegetation, rose first oh one side and then on the other. Through groves of watergum and wattle, across a large flat of eucalyptus saplings, we came to the end of the Canyon, where the sides were broken and wading somewhat reminiscent of Jenolan River was resorted to. Again the peaceful river with the grazing cattle reflectd in the placid waters - but the appeal of Bulga-Deris was strong. We swam and, loitering, we lunched early Let us hope that old Jupiter Pluvius has had his turn r and that old Sol Shinius is polished up and ready to give of his best for the Christmas and New Year break. Paddy's daelves are loaded up with all catping. –necessities, and many gadgets which may not be so necessary but are mighby convenient. There are lots of plastic items which never Ot into the Price Lists, ani many camp stoves, from a humble'Canned heat tin and stand (2/-) to Twin Burner Porta-Gas stoves and cylinders at L15.18. 6d. If ya i have thought of swimming with pack in some deep canyon or scrub swimming in the -damp South West of Tasmania we have Outsize p6lythene bags 24.' x 4.E' at 2/6d. They're expendable, but mightyusefUl. Christmas Cards. Faddy has none bub suggests some of your friends would appreciate a copy of “The Bushlualker” at 3/-. 14- on a, grassy bank, are conversed of rabbits and -their questionable. value as a - sustaining-.-breaidElst food.- -Hughes' -Hut cane quickly _pre as left in the rear, and rnt long after that Gingra-Creek-,and New Year's EVe.Ivere. reached together. Camp wa-S made nnd after ,tea our ,NewYear's celebratiOns were held, and the evenini'Of SOrig' poetry and -ready Witticisms near the d-L-ing embers. of fires was immensely e,njoyed..- We deemed always to be up early. Dawn would break about 4 a and the vor7 earliest birds would begin their song, quiakly followed by the other's. By five o'clock the light, and the life of the bush, together with the never-ending annoyance of the flies, made it desirable to be up are doing. On Sunday We were on the. trnck by 7.30 a m and, after frequent swims and the killing of the only snake for the trip.:although we sat halfLa-dozen of them in all, We reached the CoXi-s River. _A the foot of the Cedar Road, soon after leaving camp, on the very banks of the Kawmung River, we had seen mot cr cars, and the sight had depressed -us fcr we had considered this river oars; and as TA] e passed their deserted camping 'spot(they had departed very early) we noticed their litter and wondered how far cars would ultimately encroach on the Kolivmung, and how much they would disfigure this area with their rubbish and vandalism. 'Camp was made this night at the junction of Cedar Creek and Cox 's River, and at 6.45 a m. on Monday marning we boinrnerr ed the last Stage of our walk. We ,:followed Cedar Creek and climbed to the Ruined Castle, sltirting the landslide to the coal mine, and thence to Katoomba - and home again to bricks, mortar and steel, but Still we visualize the Kowmunt, a waterway not yet ruined by man in his struggle for existence, are his avarice for wealth. =., ,,m…………..1=1. Kowmung Cavalcade continues next month with anothr historical gem “Thrills, Spills are _Chills in the Kowmungu , by Paddy Pallin. . . _ - Alex Colley. “For years the typical country pub was exa:ctly what upst people expected 'it to be, a public drinking place vcrhich bred a sturdy race of bushwalkers and interstate hitch-hikers equipped vatth a billy, a sleeping bag, soap, to-wel and toothbrush and used to “roughing it”. - From a recently published newspair article on Motels. _Now, all you members and prospectives who have drowsed around the campfire while I told you how to be crafty in the bush, forget all that stuff ,about camping on theground in a little tent. The bushal1r of 1961, cradled right, behind the bar, doe an '-b need to clutter his -mind with any of that nonsense. If he had to cross the bush en route to the m_xt pub he couldn't - stand the screeching of the birds, the howling of the wind,.in'the trees and-sthe si&rb of all those leaves. Worse still he might, have to drink water. But now, -happily, ha need never set foot in the bush at all, since there are 'roads connecting every pub with every other pub. 1. A IMOTED '; -41 1 s< nfl n rr KAToom ft, -Fyorr,:i or-an ci 177 e CIO Ks enii den 4P' POCTON 16 Better still, he needn't even walk. On every road there are cars, moving both mays, and so long as he can beat the interetate hitch-hikers to it, sooner or later one going his way mill pick lalm up. Still4a few hints mightn't go amiss. Select-your camp 'sites carefully. Sample -the beer first.-. Inspect the ceiling of your root far water stains and loose plaster. Then make surethere's a fireplace are enaugh'eurniture to boil that billy. Examine the'water-jaa the jug. If there's 'dust on it, ring for the manager. :What kind of pack? You don't:need one for that gear. Take a big billy and stuff the sleeping bag, soap, towel and toothbrush inside it -1Lgrcundsheet, did you say? Quite unnecessary:- Tut yrk.11” sleeping bag on the bed and you'll7oe perfectly insulated from..FrOund m6istUre..-..;So long as ycu thumb your lifts from the pub Verandah no raindrop need evertouch you. . Footwear? Hobnails don't grip on wet barroomfloOrs and rubbers squeak on the linoleum. Since,you'll never have to walk-anyway, be as comfortable at possible. Near carpet slippers. Food for pub walking? They got to protide meals at the -Dub, so just stick to the list and don't take any. You'd have nowhere to Put it anyway. First aid are snakebite outfit? Not neeessary. If in trouble call an ambulance. If you do see any snakes they mill be pink ones with purple spots, and they won't bile. Map and compass? Don't waste your money. Go- to the nearest service station and they will give you an adequate map for free. Then just read the road signs and you'll never get lost. But I mn't bore you with further details, because our sturdy race won't have to rough'it much longer. Read the *next sentence: “But as the nation became more affluent, more and more cars appeared on the road and those who drove them 'were willing and Ole to pay for comfortable overnight stops. The idea of motels at first cat on slowly, but throughout 1957, l958. and 1959 it spread rapidly”. So, unless you are totally lacking in affIuerce, throw the billy and the sleepily bas, on the rubbish heap with the rest of your walking gear. Theh get into your car, step on the accelerator, and make for a motel. Better take your toothbrush, thaw”-, they mightn't provide one. .1110. TALES OF THE NORTH SORE. - “Taro”. It should be readily conceded that few people are much concerned with the ea-Tly history of their particular locality. The North side-is ribh in stories, but on asking of the n3any S.B. doubluse living there yields no infarmetion. So - after research extending over many minutes, here is the fruit of it. Any doubting the authenticity can go along to the Mitchell Library, and they will discover corroboration of these carroborees completely absent. 17. It is the place names that tell the real story, of why they were given. Take Killara In that Darticular district, an old abo. chief had an incurable -habit of collectinz the young lubras - the ryung bucks became restive - somehow things did not seem quite right. So they held secret meetings and decided that big chief Ara must be put in his place. The unanimous dedision was to kill Ara and lo - they did - and the immediate result was a steep rise in the marriage rate, and thus the name was -tprrt. Nowconsider Turramurra The sitaation was exactly the same as at Kiliara, but the bucks feared to-makz the move. Some wanted to wait till the next 8-hour day. Some said wait a week. The King was due to return the following day, he was away on a honeymoon with his latest takeover. But a bUnch of impatient bucks began to chant and carried the day. Tu morra, tu murra turra murra, they sang - and danced till far into the night. When the octo. ant returned, flushed with victory - something happened - for he was never seen again, and the immediate result was, the marriage rate soared, and the chant became the place name. And Warrawee - (that slightly alcoholic name). The situation there vas exactly as Eillara - same monopolistic capers, same discontented bucks. Same protest meeting, but much more impetuous. Warrawee waiting far, rose to a deafening chorus. _So they fell on the chief and by sheer weight of numbers - delivered him to his ancestofs. And the Immediate result was - a steep rise in the marriage rate, and nobody has s) far dared to ellane the name of Wamawee. EUt Normathurst Now here is a tale indeed - quite the reverse of the others. This is all about the most harmonious tribe in Australia. The 3atg Chief here had a most interesting pedigree. One of his ancestors - with a colonial contihgerL fcught alongside Henry V at Agincourt - rations ran out and, to save his life: he chewed raw - the leg of a frenchie which of curse gave him a the percentage of Norman blood. On his return to his abo. throne he staggered the tribe by leaving the lubras to the bucks (probably some strain of gascon chivalry). His choice lay with the Elderlies - weather beaten. But alas - before long this proved fatal, and great was the lamentation - they declared a week's-holiday and-gave him a magnificent funeral and - greatest compliment of all - a hearse: Yes, Norman was hearseds- and to this day the moaning of the crones can be heard in the land. I hope the se tales may- in spire research in other members of the Club - much oil is waiting to be struck. FAUX. 18. uck. - John Bookl Scottish' lass of held back a Below the keel the ocean f&l rned. I was homeward bound. -.viewing slides of her homeland 'of thich' I boasted ITra seen urSt. 'slide. It was marked “Road to the Isles” track. “Did you go along the Road to the Isles”? “Yes, and rye- been along all- three loch t” as in 'the song”, I added assuredly. “Yo a've been along Loch Arbor” she enquired with a quizzical look. “Yes” “Congratulatione , she replied giving me her hand mhile her large 'orown, - eyes and oval face smiled. As I took her warm hand my eyes failed to. meet hers and my srnile waned to firmer lines. There was no Loch Arbor. No wonder I couldn't find it on the map. However, I still tell the English I've been along Loch rbor. N.P.A. CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR 1961. This year's card shows, in colour, coastal scenery in The Royal. National Park (from the clriginal by Helen Barrett). Price Also available are some of last year's Please your friends and hell-) publicise the work of the 'National Parks Assce iation. COMING SOCIAL EMTS JANUARY 17TH: Paul Driver Tall give an illustrated talk on his overseas trip. JANJARY 24.TH: John Freeman will talk on Ants. JANUARY 31ST: Mr. Charles Ca sperson will speak on C.J. Dennis. THE 1961 “BUSHWALICER” ANNUAL VAGAZITE. Far the-convenience of :those readers rho ont co them . Clubroom so frequently; we are- forwattling an Order Form which' can be used to have the Annual -posted home, or perhaps to an interested friend as a Christmas Gift. Just fill in ma', and address and enclose Postal Note for 3/- it's postfree: 1/3d. each 10/- for 8. 15/- for 12. card of Et. CurrOcRbilly.

196112.1338176009.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/03/04 11:03 (external edit)

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