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TIE SOME BUSHWALKIER. A monthly buUetin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, The N.S.W. Nurses' Association Rooms, “Dbrthcabe Building”, Reiby Place, Sydney. BcxN41.4476 G.P.O., Sydney. 'Phone J1V1462. 325 JANUARY 1962 Price Edit': Don Matthews, 33 Pomona Street, Pennant Hills. WJ3514. Business, Mamgert Brian Harvey. Reproduction: Denise Hull – Saes & Subs.: Eileen Taylor Typed by Jean Harvey. I. maTENrs. Page Social: Calendar 2 At Our-December Meeting - A. Colley 3 The Christmas Party - By- our “Boole]. Reporter”. 4 Arinual SwiMaarg Ca-rnival - 1962 6 From Boulder - Robert A. Duman Reports from the U.S.A. 7 Just a Tree - “Taro” 8 Day Walks 9 How Rugged Can You Get? 10 Hatswell's Taxi & Tolirist SerVice (Advertisifment) 11 Federation Report far Novenber - Brian Harvey 11 What Happened at Christmas? Pa.'ddy's Advertisement - 13, Somme Cavalcade - Part 1V - Thrills, Spills & Chills in the Kowmurg - Packbr Pallin 14 “They, (Mallory and Irvine) did not forfeit their lives in vain. But men will live in vain, however secure and comfortable their way of existence, if they allow the apirit of adventure to die in their 'souls. For such there can be no more progress in penetrating the sttongholds of Nature and of the Spirit; they will live like fat cattle and die no better. 'Half the charm of climbing mounbailis is born in visions preceding this mperience - visions of what is mysterious, remote, inaccessible', declared *- Mallory. And on all the other planes of cur life, it is this urge-to explore, to realise the vision, to adventure far and go always a little further, that alone justifies man's hope of all fullness of living: the unfolding and fulfilment of all the powers of his soul. This adventurous spirit must xxt be permitted to die if vianTs true way and end is not to be betrayed in a general softening of will and deprivation of purpose” W.H. Murray - The Story of Everest 1921 - 52.
SOCIAL._
JABUART 172H Paul Driver “07sierzoas (5.1.11). trat,eci.).
JAM-AM' 24Th John Freeland- - -I'Ant!, Bull _and otherwise:.
JANUARY 31ST _ Mr. -C a sper s on 7 – C.J. -Dennis
2811-1,- -Colin-Putt ” New -Guinean the 1961 -N. Expedition.
Heinrich Harrer (author of Seven Years in Tibet: and The White Spider) was in Sydney during December, staying with Colin Putt to get information on Mt. Carstenz in New Guinea.
On Comnait,t,ee Meeting night, December an, about, fifty S.B01N-'s were entertained by an unscheduled talk given by Hr. Harrel-, who -told of ad-ventures in Tibet and other places ildth rare wit and modesty. To say that the audience was spellbound 5.s an underst,at,ement
On the weekend 9-10th December Cohnled a wall party'- including, his 'visitor, on a favourite S.B.T. trip - Carlon's, Breakfast Creek, Cox's River,' Galcing Creek (not to the Snowy Mountains' as reported in the pepixiar press)…:
THE LOI\D 1NEEKEND. Australia Day January- 27-28,-29. -, Waterfall = Burning. Palms
I,
,
SPITIEBASHID,G,' ObASTAL SCE=.
-T.
LEADER.: JACK GENTLE ML6121 (H)
LA6Q41 (B). 8;30 A..K. TRAIN TO IIVATEPTA17,.-. Easy walk to Campsite:
-
For further 'details see Leader_ and the Pert Hacking Tourist Map in the Cupboard.
.
KIAMA. TAXI TO CARRINGTON FAT.,TiS -TEMA - RETURN ITIE SAEE WAY:. THRILLING GORGE SCENERY,
SWPIqNG IN CRIStig, POOLS
AND
BLACKBERRIES GALORE.
Steep drop from Carrington Falls cln. to Upper Kangaroo River. Mostly medium walking
to corafcrtable Base Camp at Yeola.,
.
LEADER,: FRANK =MEN UA0791, Ex-t 771.
TRAIN: 5.45 P.M. TO ICIAMA. MAP: IiIAMA.
3.
AT OUR DECEMBER MEErl-NG.
_ Colley. -
There were no neck members presehr at the start of our meeting, 'out one old member, Ron Knightley, ha-d-returned from farawaY plaOes and was Welcomed back by the President. Several- other old members; still faraway, sent us Christmas cards. They included Ken: Lewis, Dorothy Lawry, Margaret Ryan and Sheila Binns.
The Treasurer-its Report revealed that, even r–ar the close of the financial year subs still rolled in. TheY totalled 13 for the -month, contributing to ottr bank balance of l1.17. 5d. Our Social Secretary reported mixed financial results on the social front. The auction sale had been a success, netting 15 for the Club. But the same amount had been lost on the dance because, although we catered
for 80 and provided our own supper, only 60 turned up. Pam was rather-puzzled by
this - would the Club prefer a Small pt,rty in the Club room? However the response to Jack Gentle 's vote of thanks to Pam for organising the dance, and also the very enjoyable supper, left no doubt that those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Ron Knightley attributed the low attendance to the purely unpredibtable nature of bushwalker s. The President said that complaints had been registered that many of the items brought to the bnction sale could be regarded as rubbish. It had been suggested that the auctioneer migat be empowered in the future to decide what was worth auctioning.
Our Walks Secretary reported that Snow Brown's Da nae Brook trip had been made after heavy rain. However, after five rather long abseils the 8 starters -found the rest mainly rock hopping. Some magnificent cedars were found along the creek.. On the Sunday the party returned via Crafts Walls. Brian Harvey and Frank Ashdown's
boat trip from Bobbin Head had been altered to 1 day and had been attended by 9 Starters. ,Ern French's Glenbrook Gorge trip had been attended by one member. Ern reported that the fire trail now extended from the end of Glenbrook Road to the cause. It was therefore now Continuous through to WoOdford. Will's trip from.
the Road had attfiacted tl-r ee -Starters. The Water Board ha'd centIy 'e-
surveyed Bullee trig. Colin Putt's rook-:climbitig instfuctional to PeriVe Lookdown and Lockley's Pylon attracted 9–starter-S', but 'Bob Gcdff'ey's swimming. boating–a nd walking trip to -Glenbrook and. Erskine Creeks ran foul of the rain and The four starters holed up in a cave under the flying fox at Glenbrook Creek, from which they watched the water rise. Jim Brown's trip to Stanvvell Tops on the lath also had rain trouble. Because of a landslide, causing train cancellation, the ti-d_p didn't get under way till 11.15 a m. By -the 17th the valkgrs had had the rain, and there were no starters on Ben Esgate's trip, nor on Lynette White's camping and swimming trip to Camd en, which wculd have provided plenty of swimming, but no camping. However by the 26th the waters were receding, and Irene Pridham's walk to Burning Palms was well attended.
Next the President welcomed a newly arrived new member - Pat Dalton.
Federation report revealed that considerably better sales of the Fetleration magazine would be requir ed if its cost were to be covered. Federation deletes then told us that it had been decided to atk each club to take on a specific responsw…4-.t.A.-.,- at the Federation Reunion. It was pr oposed that the 8.13.w. the cleaning
up of the campsite. This initiated a long debate which was only reSolveor +,he
affirmative by the Chairman's casting vote. Jack Wren said that our responsibiii ty should only be to organise the cleaning up, since it was not known in advance-how maw S.B.W. members wculd turn up and there could. be a repetition of last year, when
OiB or two S.B 11V members had to build a camp fire at Burning Palms. Prank Ashdown pointed out that many who voted on the issue wou ld n t be there anyway. Snow Brown said that some jobs had to be allotted beforehand, or- they wouldn't be organised, and it was understood that the Club responsible didn't have to do the job it8elf; but merely see that it was carried out with the help available. Another, school of thought was tisre should be no mess to clean up after a bushwal:ker 's camp, partiallarly a Federation Reunion. It was decided that the S.B. W. would undertake the job, but another motion, moved by. Kath Brown, requested Federation delegate to point out that, although we were undertaking the Sob of cleaning up, this did not excuse Clubs leaving dirty camp sites. ,
Next our ow il Reunion CommitEee was appointed. It included Bill Rodgers, Jack Gentle, Bob Godfrey and Pam Baker.
Discussing- the pr oVision or-camping gear for pro&-pectives, Frank Ashdown. said that it was bray practical to provide tiuc-ksacks and groundsheets arid these onlr fcr the first couple of trips downe by a-prospective. got of the- other eqUipment was easily obtained..- there via s. no need,: for -instance, to ovide billi6s. Sleeping
bags required laundering, or inner bags, which bad to be washed and dried.
_
The subject of “ruthing for the door” after social functions, without waiting for announcements, was then btought up. It was pointed out that this usually occurred only when the functions went, on after 10 p m., but a motion by Kath Brown that social functions end before 10 p m. was defeated.
It was decided that we imuld not concede to a request to write a letter of- thanks to the builders of a memorial in Queensland to Ludwig Leichhardt. Jim Brotin was of the opinion that we should-al:a at a standard of pathfinding somewhat higher than that attributed to the explorer.
On Frank AShdown's motion it was decided to delete the question as to the occupation of prospectives from the membership form.
After the _election of room stewards, the meeting closed at 9.35 p m.-
THE CHRISMEAS PARTY.
By “Our Social Reporter”.
Well: the grand Christmas Party for 1961 has come and gone again. The North Sydney Cbuncil Chambers was the rendezvous and the date was Friday December 8th.
This year, the Social Secretary decided to dd the catering herself and by
7.45 p m. Pam, assisted by Jack Geritl-e,-David Ingram, Bob O'Hara, Ron Knightley and Mrs. Stuart Brooks, was hard at work directing operations such as the 'opening of tins, filling up plates, laying tables anzi putting out glasses. The supper was a triumph of ingenuity in that /.lything which wasn't eaten or used, except the drinidr glasses,'could be consigned to the garbage can.
A feature of the “do” was the number of members from away back who turned up. Dorothy and Len Webb and son Alan, Flo (Allsworth) and David McKinnon, Lola and Jack Manson [John Manson] and Peter and Mrs Price came along and Tom and Jean Moppett were accompanied by daughters Nancy and Katherine. Ron Knightley fresh from Worcester Park, Surrey, was in excellent “Mahratta Avenue form” - and had Stuart Brooks to keep him company.
The the of the evening was “By The Sea”, or as Pam expressed it, an invitation to 'tear cool, comfortable clothing and; as the night was warn, we were glad of opportunity to do just tist. Peggy Woolhouse, well camoufla ged as “the wrecie, Pat Dalton and Bill Rowlands were the only mw members to turn up after the recent influx of “newies”
At about. 9.30 p m., a curiously garbed creature crept into the room under a large umbrella. Dancing was temporarily suspended until we explored further. Whisk away the umbrella and Edna Stretton stands revealed in a pink and white striped neck.- to knee, complete with bathing oap and bow, black stockings and slippers. A real 1910 edition. What an entrance, Ed; You really stopped the show. After much deliberation, the expensive (?) prizes were awarded to Molly and Bill Rodgers as the Prawn and the Fisherman.
The evening was an undoubted success - how could it be otherwise when every- body present knew most of the other dancerS! On the more Serious side, financially, it was another flop. The number of admissions paid was 66, but the Social Secretary had estimated her costs on the conservative figure of 80.
' Let's face it! Nothing pays far the lossess ex-Oef5t the Membership Sulpsci-iptions and, unless a lot More interest i6 taken in the functions where. payment of a reasonable admission charge is -inVolved, thee “flings”ust be discontinued. I say Irmust” because the loss on this function will absorb any profit from The recent highly succe-S-S.ful auction. In addition; we s-bill haven't been able to-purchase a new duplicator. How urgent this is becoming is demonstrated by the fact that the production ten recently Spent 2, bights struggling with the present monster in an effort to produce a neW tOng book, whereas it should have all been completed in one night together with a re-run of “Hints to Prospective Members”.
The Social Secretary has asked specially that her thanks be conveyed to all helpers who did their bit to make the function a success.
FEBRUARY L;..TH WOCDS CREEK &PRIM-WOOD CREEK - WOODS CREEK. Leader Alex Colley.
This will go by private transport Ithich Will leave Turramrra Station at-11.40 a tri. on Saturday 3rd February:: The 10.55 a m. electric from Wynyard Teal get -Starters to Turramurra by 11.32 -a m. in time to get on the Land Rover. Accommoddtion is at present litited to 7. In the unlikely event, of a rush of starters th'e“ fir st 7 will be selected. Others can come if they have their own transport. About L. of the 6 miles are pretty rough.
a
b.
ANNUAL SWIMMING C,RITIVAL 1962. AT LAZE ECIERS' LEY,
a wide sandy bend of the Woronora River,
ON 10-11TH FEBRUAHT. HOW TO GET Thhiq.E.
The official trainIfor Saturday is the 8.30 a m. to Heathcote. The leader fcr this- party will be announced later.
For the Sunday trip Brian Harvey will meet the party from the 8.20 a m. train at Heathcote Station at 9.14 a m.
If you can't catdh the official trains, see-any seasoned Club
member for directions or ring official leader after 4th February - 48-1462.
Easy 2 mile walk from Heathcote Stations mostly along the unused Water Board Road.
There are two Annual Trophies to be won -
The Henley Memorial Cup for higlest point score. The Man delberg Cup Mixed Relay Handicap.
Everts will be :-
Men's Open Championship Women's Open Championship Men's Breaststroke
Women's Breaststroke - Mired Relay Race
:.._Teams Race
Long Plunge Gent a Long Plunge - Ladies Peanut Scramble.
The point score will be decided on the open races, breastroke and long plunge,
Prospective members and visitors are welcome, but cannot be awarded places in races.
See Notice Board for fixther details.
7. FROM BOULDER.
Robert A. Duncan reports from the U.S.A. High Altitude Observatory,
Boulder, Colorado,
6th October, 1961. -
“I am writing from rem quarters; a bloke from work who has gone to New Zealand for 6 months has bequeathed me his house, a large moddrn 3-bedroom job on a mesa overlooking Boulder, with the-Mountains as a backdrop. It is very - luxurious and much more than I can properly use. Coming here will put up my cost of living, as, with winter coming, heating a house of this. size will cost a packet; also it will involve ne in sweeping the floor and changing the Sheets once a month Whether they need it or not, and sundry other chores such as shovelling the shOw from the garden path; but for good or ill, I have moved in. Fortunately, there is no canary to feed.
Autumn has arrifed in Colbrado and the tree colours are fantabulous. The localt, moistly Easterne'rs in origin0-deprecate therd-saying that New England iS much better but still it's colossal as far as I am concerned and I am taking lots of photos.
The mountains are under heavy snow now, and last Saturday I had my first experience of an-avalanche. I gat onto a patch where there W-ds about a foot of powder snow on top of a hard glaze, and the whole lot just took off with me down the hill. I finished up bouncing acroSs glazed rock at the bottom of the slope, but didn't suff-dr any injuries apart from bruises. However I can see that avalahches are- a danger. This snow looked just like the rest of the snow.I had been tramping through all day……”
1st December.
“I'm “marking over Christmas. There's a mighty-trip costing only 60 dollars going through Indian country in Mexico and with a climb of Pop-the-cat-in-the-Kettle en roate-,- but I've decided that I -waste so much time as it is in skiing, climbing and choir singing that I have to draw the line somewhere, and that I'd better not go…..
Tell Stitt that my 400 dollar car is still going well I use it to go -
siding each weekend and have a permanent arrangement with a women's dormitory at the University to fill any vacant seats. The car has only one trouble; the heater doesn't work properly, and at 55 below this causes the passengers to grumble, especially the one next to me, as she has a permanent job rubbing frost off the
windscreen
.11.11
From the Launceston :Walking Club's Bulletin :-
“NARCISSUS HUT. This-has been burnt crown.- NO rdrtEeil details are known at the moment”. The Secretary anticipates further information shortly.
NEW aiNU BOOK. A new collection of Club songs, supplementary to the books already issued, is now available from Audrey Kenway at 1/- per copy. The “Jages are not board into book form and are intended to be added to your red covered Song Book.
Al/All-ARM NOW FROM PADDY -
“THE TASlad','JIAN TRA1P” NUIVBER 15.
Magazine of the Hobart Walking Club contains :-
“TiAo articles on the Port Davey area complete the coverage of thiswonderful rtgion, our first long article being in the last issue No.14: The geology and the flora of the area are described.
When the 'distinguished mountaineers Sir Fdmund. Hillary and George Lolire visited Tasmania, walkers from many States damped With them in the mountains-. The pleasa_re,3 they fcund in the Tasmanian scene are recorded.
Binoculars may become standard equipTent after reading “Birds and Bushwalking”.
Will _
we change our diet after reading “Food for Thought”?
Two authoritativ6 articles complete with maps, describe mans in the South Coast and Mount, Anne areas.
The 1-eat wave last simmer is graphically described in an account of “An Alpine Day”. Read “Take Care of Your Axe” to learn that it's your friend, not an enemy. Take your copy home to discover and enjoy the remaining eleven shorter articlos.”
The price is 3/-, postage 5d. extra.
JUST A TR.
= Taro.
Just a Tree - and millions there be Evolution's greatest experiment
They tould dover the Earth, given liberty But far man, Nature's only delinquent.
Mho looks at a Tree looks-at leaves, And -a beatuiful sight it is to soe, Wh-ere every twig its may it weaves
Sure knowing and finding its place to be.
Only walkers of the bush, to pause 0 'night
Know all its secret elusive beauty.
As the campfire fountains it's dancing light,
Behold! … trunk and limb! … sculptured anatomy!
Only walkers of the bush Accepting all gifts from Find Nature's riches - From Iffbispering creek to
- So self contaiTnd, storn to dew,- -
for so 'tis ordained, boundless view.
Mn intle mad surge of progress and gain, To caanter the folly of man's domain,
Hold fast to the peace and balm the bush brings, Sling on yo r pack all Nature sings:
=wrasmildlMC.A.
DAY MHO.
9.
JANUARY 14TH
(Contributed).
Layvale - Burning Palms - Era. 6 miles.
An ideal summer excursion to our favourite sarfing beaches.
If you didn't have-very good surfing conditions dyer Christmas why not ti'y again on January 14th? Ron doesn't say how he'll get b-ack, but, at a gueSs, it willThe bu-d-from G-arie Beach to Waterfall. Train: 8.38 a m. Wollongong train from Central Steam Station. Tickets:- Lilyvale Rettirn at 7/3d.
Map: Port Hacking TourisE.
leader: Ron KMightley.
JANUARY 21ST Emgadine - Woroncra River - Sutherland. 9 miles.
This-wala should arrive at the–Woronora River where the fresh - water cascades into the tidal reaches (Sabagul crossing) near 2 or 3 good swimming pools. After the met Sumuer we've had, some Mosquito repellant might make conditions more comfortable. Train: 8.50 a m. Cronulla Train from Cehtral Electric Station.
CHAINGE AT SUTHERIAND for rail motor to Engadine. Tickets: Engadine RetUrn at 4/9d.
Map: Port Hacking Tourist. .
Leader: Bill Rowlands,
FEBRUARY 11TH Heathcote - Heathcote.Creek Echersley. 5 miles. To join the Swimming Carnival.
If you can't dome for the -weekend, come down for the day: Good swimming, competitive and otherwise, and plenty of fun. Train: 8.20 a m. Cronulla train from Central Electric Station -
CHANGE AT SUTHERLAND for rail motor to Heathcote.
(Not 8.30 a m. train as shown in the Programme).
Tickets: Heathcote Return at 5/3d.
Map: Port Hacking Tourist or Camden. Military.
Leader: Brian Harvey.
10
HOW' RUGGED CAN YOU GET?
Ektracted from
The Railway Guide
of
New South Wales.
(For the use of Tourists, Excursionists and other s)
Third Edition
1886.
MOUNT HAY.
'For long after the opening of the Main Western Road, Mount Hay was supposed
to be inaccessible, until that indefatigable explorer, Court Strzelecki successfully crossed the ravines-and ascended the summit. 'Some idea', says Sik. Thomas Mitchell in his -work on Australia, 'may be formed of the intricate character of the noffiltain ravines in the neighbourhood, f'rom-the difficulties exPerienced by the surveyors in endeaVturing-to obtain access to Haunt Hay. Mr. Dixon, in an unsuacessful attempt, penetrated to the Valley-of the Grose, until then unvisited by ma h; and when he at length emerged from the ravine-6 in Which he had been IDwildered for 4.days he r, thanked God (to use his own words in an of letter) that he had found his way out of them…'
Even Court Strzelecki tells us that in the course -of his researches he was engulfed in the endless labyrinth of the lmost mfbteraneous gullies of Mt. Hay, and was unable-to extricate himself ard his men until after days of incessant fatigue, danger and starvation.
'But, he adds, the ascent of Mt. Hay, when these difficulties are once surmounted, repays richly the exertions and fatigues thigh it entails.
BLUE GUM FOREST.
“From “Perry's Lookdown”, the track is continued past 'Docker's Ladder', down to a place calledthe' 'Gap' and so on to 'Junction Camp' in the “Gorge of the Grow.,2 properly so called, 2,150 feet below the Blackheath platform, but noordinary viSitor should on any account attempt to visit these last named spots without a thoroughly competent guide…”..
JAKEESON ULM( .
From the foot of the cliffs sloped away for hundreds of feet further, a huge. talus - for one must use the -geological term as no other is available - all over— grown with forest, and this ran down into the depths of the valley, the broad floor of thidh was all covered with small ranges of hills like the blue storm tossed billows of a-mighty sea. But in the midst of the valley right before us rises a massive hill, level with the gound-we stand on ..-this-is-the Solitary, but it's savagely isolated, inaccessible look, and its genef al-confotmation … reminded us of views we had seen of the great unscaleable mountains of Roraima, on the borders of British Guiana.
FOR ALL YOUR TRANSPORT FROM BIACEMATH
COBTEACT
HATSINELL'S TAX.I & TOURIST SERVICE.
RING, -WRITE, WIRE CR CALL
ANY HOUR - DAY OR NIGHT
'PHONE: Blackheath 1459 or W151 BOOKING OFFICE: 4. doors from Gardners Inn Hotel. (LOOK FOR THE NEON SIGN)
S.PDY5 or S CARS AVAILABLE
LARGE OR agALL, PARTIES CATERED FOR
FEDERATION REPORT FOR NOVEMBER.
AIIMMiliM101==1111
- Brian Harvey.
MINING LEASE IN GROSE VALLEY. It was resolved to -write to the Mines D-dpartment requesting that any damage to the bushlands in the s-darch for coal be reduced to
a mininata and that if possible the Blue Gum Forest Area be left intact from shaft- sinking/ etc. and access roads.
1961 BUSHWALEER ANNUAL. The Publications Committee expressed deep concern at the slow sales. The S.B.W. undertook to distribute order forms through its monthly-
.: magazine as a meats of stimulating sales to those -who do not frequent the Club roam
to maim cash purchases, or alternatively, as a means of a Christmas gift to an – interested friend. Federation is at present very much out of pocket and all walkers are requested to purchase at least or copy.
WED DOG 18DUNT.AINS. Mr. Paul Barnes reported a meeting with the Water Board in an efideavcur to maim arrangements for the Search and Rescue Section to be in -brie position to obtain a key to the locked road gates when searches are in progress in this area, for the admission of vehicles usefUl for S 8c. P. purposes. Good hopes are held for success.
SEARCH EE RESCUE SECTION. The Section report6d unprecedented interest in the-last demonstration weekend. It was estimated nVal ly 300 *alkers-dnd friends were present on the Sunday. Mr. Melville is to be congratulated on his organisation of the demonstrations.
FARES: KANA.NGRA WALLS
FERRY'S LOOEDOWN
JENOLAN STATE FOREST
.CARLON'S FARM
30/- per head (Minimum 5 pa ssengers)
) /
4/ n It tt n it
20/ ” !I I/ It It
12/6 ” It II It Ti
WE WILL BE PLEASED TO QUOTE TRIPS OR SPECIAL PUTIES ON
APPLICATION.
12.
BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TRUST. The news was received with regret that, Mr–; Nlyles D'unphy has retired from the Trust as he has reached the maximum age permitted by the Trustees Act.
HEATHCOTE PRDITTIVE AREA. Mr. Geoffrey Wagg was nominated by the Federation to fill a vacancy on the Trust.
SENICR VICE PRESIDENT. Mr. Hampttead as elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. David “Snow” Brown.
OVERDUE 'PARTY The S8z. R Section reported that -b. recent party changed the route of their trip without advising parents and their Club, And when overdue much inbonvenience was caused. The section made an appeal to all walkers to acquaint parents with change of plans.
WARATAH FESTIVAL. The Publicity Section is investigating the possibility of the Federation entering a float mxt year.
FEDERATION ANNUAL RE-UNION. Club delegates are asked to submit to the January Meeting suggestions for a venue for the 1962 Re-Union.
INHAT HAPPENED AT CI-MISTY/1S?
J
Alex Colley, Bill Cosgrove and Kevin Dean followed Ettreme Creek do-vans-tread– from end to end (5 days). Weather mostly fine - delightful cliffy gorge scenery in the upper part with grassy flats further down.
Frank Leyden and party of five spent 10 days on and around the Kowmung. Water very high and running strongly. More details of this later, we hope,
Jack Wren's party, also in the Kowmung area.
-The Esgat6, Brown, Joyde party cif seven spent 6-days in the Coolamen Cave e. - Goodradigbee area Caveing, walking, swimming and soaldng up the am.. Weather mainly good - Trout biting well.
Frank Young's party, also in the Coolamen area.
- Twenty or so S.B.W's and camped the Neftr Year 'Weekend at the pool above Carrington Falls and from all accounts had a wow of a time. Weather mostly drizzly.
More S.B.W's visited Peter and Rae Page for a New Year Re-Union. Weather mostly wet.
Others at Era - no details.
As`
re
r iv-
'
- 'WHAT IS “NIPOFOLIE”?
C
4
It is a foldable, transparent, soft, flexible, plastic dheet which 6an be bent and cr;easd and which will not break or show scratches. Furthermore; “mipofolie” is immure against climatic conditions and time. It is resistant to acids, alkali , oil, perspiration and sea water: It gives the 'widest protection against tearing, corroding and dirt. illy map or document this miracle material is attached to is equally immune and will last almost indefinitely despite limitless handling under the roughest conditions. ' Satcple. pieces are available at Paddy's to-see before you invest in the most terrific map protection ever'. Make your precious maps last all your walking days.
It can be drawn on with soft coloured pencils and can easily be wiped clean Iffithcut leaving any trace.
e have some VERY interesting new contour maps vailable of Burragorang, Yerranderie and Ulladulla eas in the very handy scale of 1 in 25,000. sk to see them. They're fascinating.
OUR BEST wasns TO ALL FOR THE 1011TYEAR. PADDY PALLIN PTY. LIMITED.
410vs, ALT&
,..1911111i1Pr
\V
4
rf4IMP4Ropi atiMON4
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PADDY PAWN IZ
Lightweight camp Gear
2ot CASTLEREAGH St SYDNEY
8M Z68
14.
.KOWMUNG, CAVALCADE. 'PART 1V.
'..iVe-.'cotitirile..the story of the Kowtrung Paddy's account of 1ds. Easter 1939 'Swimming through the gorges' trip.
THRILLS, SPILLS AND CHILLS IN THE KOWMUNG.
- Paddy PalLin. (First printed in the S.B.W. February, 1940).
Tales of “Tigers” swimming down the Kowmung fir ed my itagination and I ga ted longingly at the map. If only it could 'be done ovel:'-“Easter! Outward transport to the Kariangi,a Road was easy and nets_ that, theDobeft-Smiths were-doing aT.-
Yerranderi4ie trip made return transport - _ 7.Y -
from Yerranderie to Camden Possible. Jack Watson (Rover Rambler t–) 7:3eard-me-
thii-
a nd joined in. rex-Smith and I have a standing engagement-for Easteirtrips. The idea was broarthed to Pail Howard. He wavered (I think there was ,a girl in it) but fell.
So it was tHat Jack, -Lex, Paul and I-found ourselves on the viay to Jenolan CaVes'on the Thursday before 'Easter. Hearing that 1fany others were bound Kanangrawards, ire had schemed to be out at Cunyngliamets before the mob. We got a flying statt from Blackheath, 'had a di'eanalake drive through'the misty moonlit gorges of Jenolan and then alas the car broke down on Oberon Hill and we Fiad the galling experience of seeing one car after another, all packed frith walkers, pass on. We spent hours sucliing the vacu-um feed and milking petrolV ott of the tank. Then some bright laddie cane along, tightened a nu-b on the battery, and off we went.
About a mile from the turn-off we struck mud and the driver refused to go further, so we were ejected into the stilly night, to proceed under our own power. We -walked five miles along tl-B broad highway which seemed so out of place on the lonely Ka,nargra Main. We reached Cunynghatae is and camped at 3.30 a m.
At 7 a m, we rose reluctantly. Camped around us were about 100 walkers. Was there ever such a crowd there before? Packs up and away at 8.30 a m.
Left the track at Raley Whalen's hut and had lunch where Pfeffer's Trail
cros ses the Boyd. We fcurri the going gcod down the left bank for a couple of miles. Crotsed over, after a false alarm found the Tuglow Lookout and then descended into the Kowliun,g Valley.
Having seen numerous photbgraphs of Moron g Falls rhacl,' a mental picture of a thin ribbon of water falling down-a cliff. -Kriowitig tIllt -the Board was-running high I expected to see a goEid-fall, but I was hardly prepared fa: what Meti4ofir gaze as we rounded the shoulder- of the hill during' the descent. WoNds,428.444:16`edf ite that, thundering avalanche of water. VI an hear it still. Paul vitht-to Vjthe foot of the first terrific fall and: he was dwarfed to insignificance be-Sides its immensity. The rest of us took photographs. I went mad and took about a dozen shots.
To get across was the -next job. We descended to what appeared to be. the usual era ssing bit. it looked impossible… Decided to. descend to the Kovimung and 'cross it.
15.
After one hour ol' laborious rock climbing and lowering packs on ropes, we landed on top of a sheer 30 foot cliff mith deep water 'below. Ruefully we scrambled back and tackled thiCfalls again. Found a pool-with the water cascb:ding in one side - - and out of the other. It was dUffk; the cold water swirled darkly. We tied up our packs with foreboding and wdterproofing. We stripped ao4y, entered reluctantly and emirged shivering but triumphant. Half a mile downstream We found-that sufficed for a campsite on the steep mountainside and fax weary walkers fed and slept.
Next day(Saturday) we sidled for a while lookirig for an opportunity to descend to the water. At last we got don and eagerly tied up our packs Lathe 37,6? proofed bags we had fetched. We al66 donned the' nmammaen as we soon christ-
ened them. We had realised that the water would be cold-andlinew the River iduld
lob high, ,Therefore to minimise risk we h-dd devised-floats consi-Sting of an ()Min, ar.71Pmgy balloon placed in -677”z9” tucker -bag. Two df th&se were attached to the back by means of tapes tied rauhff-the chest. They mere very successfa and-their buoyancy was s4Eficient to support head and shouldei4s out of the wate14-without effort. (Wherlmt in use between swims two sets were quite easily carried in a Japara bucket aung behind the rucksack.)
1,6 negotiated our first rapid and swam a pool. It was easy. The hart job was a rApid; which swung:round-Abend. I led the 'way. Imagine my horror when I found I IAA entered a pool surii-ounded by steep rocks and nob ten yards away a twi:n2ainewinking line of water, the top (as we found afterwards) of a 30 foot waterfall.
I yelled but the noise of the water drowned my-voice and round the corner came Paul. He raged to reach a little bay on the other side of the pool and there he was trapped by the swift current. By dirt of hanging on to slippery rocks-I - managed to get on to a ledge and get back thence I had come: and told the others what had happened. We crossed the river, rescued Paul and found it impossible to descend the waterfall. After battling our way upstream agaEn, we managed to find a way up the steep cliffs which rose on each side of the river.
Niorong Deep! How little words can convey. I had heard walkers talk of lEwong Deep in hushed tones. I even knew that four miles was good going for a day's walk, but Nbrong Deep has to be seen to be believed. It's rough. It's tough. But it's great stuff. You feel that here is a man's job to battle through. Cliffs to scale, ledges to negotiate, steep mountain sides, thickets to break through.
We sidled for the rest of the morning and had lunch at Peatfield Creek junction.
After lunch we idled down the left-bank for over-A ffli16 of fairly ,easy-going. Then steep cliff 'S bared the way: It took-us half an-houf”-to dross the-river,
after mhidY we got our pa6ks-int-o the' Vater and sikiam one or t'lluo easy pools.- Then re
had anothei” thrill. 'After lowering our packs over-a ledgd alohgside a-waterfall I
got ahead of the party and launched my peck in what gpeared to be a, log, stilt flowing pool. The rochs on each side Were granite morn smooth by ages of flowing waters/ I had a great feeling of power as the Slightest effort seemed to “send me forward at great speed. Suddenly I wa-S made to realise that I was but flotsamas I tumbled swiftly over a cascade. There was little danger 'as the water flowed smoothly in a we -dhannel of clean-rocks. I had no sooner recovered from the first than I was hurled into a second and a third cascade. I enjoyed the spills and emerged chuchling.
16.
-Pulling into the -shore, I qaickly opened up-my pack: ptied out some of the mater, got out my canBra and malted for the thee's. -I as rewarded with two gdod shots. One was of Lex, felt hat pulled firmly (lb= over his eyes, taking the rapid feet first, The laugh was on me for it was then I realised I had lost my glasses in the excitement.
The next bit was a ticklish ohe requiring the negotiating of slippery rook - ledges 20 ft. above the swift water. Then another itroblam. We came to the top of a fall. Thirty feet below us was a lovely pool foue or five hundred yards long. There was an easy ramp dawn to it - on the other side of the river. Here the mhole river flowed through two narrow channels; we crossed the first and stood debating ways and means of crossing thesecond - a Stift flowing; deep channel with a waterfall a few yards-down-Stream. Then the hero inPaul spoke and said, “Well, I suppose my life's not worth much.- Gimthe that rope”. In he plunged, taking a rope with him; -a few powerful strokes, a tense moment, a mighty-he-ate, and Paul was aver. The rest was easy. We floated the packs over and then erased and descended the ramp. It was getting dusk as we%smam the pool and it was eerie swimming in the now silent waters between steep rock walls. We were all shivering violently with cold when we emerged. Rapids aheadd-and SD we sidled on the steep right bank. By great good fortune we stumbled on the only flat spot for miles around and camped. There was only room for one tent, and so the four of us squeezed into it after drying out things which had got wet.
Next morning-(Sundaj-) we found that we *ere camped near a high waterfalla littIe upstream from Hatrahan's Creek junction. We had the choide Of crossing the river and testing the possibility of descending-to-the gorge below or sidling. As the chance of-descent seemed small and the river crossing was not easy, le deolded to sidle. Three hours later, four tired trampers had lunch half -d mile downstream. Here we had our first conference on the possihlity of making Yerranderie in tine. We eedided that it was just possible.
-41=2r lunch thegoing was good (in comparison); we croSsed Werong Creek and had once again to climb out of the valley. The magnificent red granite bluff of Rudder's Rift now came into view and we descended into the rift and Worked our way along the river's edge to Wedgetail Bluffs. Here-we camped and after dfnner; anXioudly scanned naps again to find our chances of getting to Yerranderie on the morrow. We deoided to make a dawn start. Porridge was put on and eggs placed in water beside tie huge fire we had lit.
liorday sawIls up by daylight. The fire we had left must have died down r6pidly far, alas, the -porridge and eggs were ram We ate them nevertheless and got away at 7 a m.
The map seemed t indicate that most-of the rough stuff was over, but alter -walking a few hundred yards te were confronted with the choice of swimming or climbing.- The morning ”%Rs cold and bleak and we decided to climb.- How our-I-5oor thighs protested and lung laboured as we bent our backs to clamber up the rocky mountainside. Yerranderie began to seem a distant mirage.
Down to the water again ard half the party swam round an outjutting rock. The others climbed over. This as the only swimming we did this day. Past the obstacle it Was easy going fOr a-while and spirits began to rise, Soon', however, we were confronted with towering '-611:iffs Our hearts sank:. On Myles Dunphy's map
we saw the inscription Hatchers High Sidling“. Uncomfcrtable words: We toiled
up again. The going was not as bad as it looked, however, and at 11 a m. we reached the river again.
- The litter had by now driopped considerably. Nevertheless crossings were still slow and arduous. Suddenly, hOwever-, the cha-fActer of the valley chringed and wefcund out selves walking in what we had Hitherto considered typical 1.6wmung country. The Kowmung of casuarina-and pleasant,–graskr flats. -1Ale gaickened our pace and rejoiced at the level turf beneath our feet, At 1 p m. we arrived at LanniganIs Creek junction.
– After a hasty lunchWe set off again at 1.40. Despite t1 nettles which warmly caressed our knees; the ferhy lcveliriess of thi d valley, tranquil in the afternoon sun, was balm to our spirits after the austere grandeur of the rugged gOrges we had traversed till ncw We had arranged that the lorry should not -wait for us after 5.30 p m. Maybe he would wait till 6 p m: and we might just do it. We made good pace up Lannigan's Creek and arrived at'Colong Caves at 3 p m.
Then cane thegrind-up Green Gully to the ridge. What fools we were to think we could reach -:Yerranderie in time. The effects of three days hard going began -to tell. and weary limbs rebelled. We plodded slowly on towards a top which seemed ever to recede. Suddenly-we reached the top. The afternoon was cool; the track easy,- and soon we were striding-along as though we did not know -what weariness meant. We felt like giants refreshed. Colong Saddle - a little hesitation-in Colon Swamp - -picked up the track again-througn Topalli Gap. The pace got -better and better. Soon Jack and Paul, who had been rearing at the bit, could restrain themselves no longer and decided to trot into Yerranderie. Iffx and I walked.
The two trotters arrived in Yerranderie at 6.5 p m. to find that the lorry' had left five minutes earlier. Lox and I arrived ten minutes later. I will pot distre'ss you with the harassing tale of the next three hours of garbled messages and fish-tic phone calls. Suffice it to say that we chartered a car and overtook the lorry at ffollondilly Bridge at 9 p m.
The party had been there si-nce 5 p m. and -the' lorry sine 6.30. The delav meant, that many- of them would arrive beck in tol-un too late to-cotch-their-usLial connectioniS for home, but, one and all were sportsmen. and never a word of reproach did we hear.
Thus a memorable trip was brought to a-successful conclusion by the friendly co-operation and kindly forbearance of fellow walkers.
lg.
TEE RUDOLPH CUP - 1961.
About fifteen starters manned 3 rowing boats and one canoe in what proved
the most 'colourful' Rudolph Cup ever.
_
Some competitors are still trying to remove the colour.
We think that Snow Brown's boat actually won, but seeingSnow was the judge, the final resting place of the Cup is somewhat in doubt.
WET A111D RUGGED.
JANUARY 19-20-21 Kanargra Road - Dungalla Btights Chardon Canyon - Morong Falls - Boyd Range - Kanangra Road.
20 Niles - Very Rough. -
A-chance to see the -wonderful Gorge country of the Upper Kommung. (See also Towmung Cavalcade inrecent issues of the S.B.W. for a description bf the area).
Packs Should be light and waterproof. Starters must be able to swim with pack:
Leader: Wilf Hilder 1B3144 (H) Private Transport.
Maps: Blue Mountains and Burragorang Tourist and itles'Dunphy's Kanangra Tops.
FEBRUARY 2-3-4 Shoalhaven River - Exploration of Block Up area - Tolwong Mine.
Another swimming-with-pack trip. -
River gorge scenery - she-er walls of the Blockup which is impassible except by wfter.
- —Leader: Wilf Hilder 1B31 (H) Private Transport:
Map: Sketch Map of-Bungonia and The Block Up and Yalittal Military Map.
&
FEBRUARY 16-17-18 Mountain Lagoon - Colo Rivet - Tootie Creek - Mountain Lagoon. A little trodden area Uth rugged -tidge and gorge scenery. “Leader: Stuart Brooks JU4343 (H). Private Transport. Map: St. Alban's.