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-A MIDWINTER NIGHT WITH A VET PACK,  by "DORMAN LONG".
+===== A Midwinter Night With A Wet Pack. =====
-%hen Robert Louis Stevenson set about the composition of his essay on
-"A Night among the Pines", it was with purposes far different from those I have in mind now when I begin to describe the recent misadventure which befell me.
+by "Dorman Long".
-Whereas that master of English fiction wished to imbue his readers with some of the glamour of romance attending a warm night spent beneath murmuring pine-trees, I hope, on the other hand, with all the altruistic fervour of which I am capable, to warn fellow walking-enthusiasts, lest they should, consciously or unconsciously, Imitate my dreadful example.
-It all happened on "Peter" Page's official trip last Bank Holiday weekend,
+When Robert Louis Stevenson set about the composition of his essay on "A Night among the Pines", it was with purposes far different from those I have in mind now when I begin to describe the recent misadventure which befell me. Whereas that master of English fiction wished to imbue his readers with some of the glamour of romance attending a warm night spent beneath murmuring pine-trees, I hope, on the other hand, with all the altruistic fervour of which I am capable, to warn fellow walking-enthusiasts, lest they should, consciously or unconsciously, imitate my dreadful example.
-from Hartley Vale along the Grose River to Blackheath (intended, but Mount
-Victoria, actually). And here I take the opportuniV of condemning the selection of the upper reaches of the Grose River for a pleasure-trip. If you are of so acetic a type of mind as to think:that your daily peccadilloes demmd some
+It all happened on "Peter" Page's official trip last Bank Holiday weekend, from Hartley Vale along the Grose River to Blackheath (intended, but Mount Victoria, actually). And here I take the opportuniV of condemning the selection of the upper reaches of the Grose River for a pleasure-trip. If you are of so acetic a type of mind as to think that your daily peccadilloes demand some occasional, self-inflicted, personal chastisement, - if, that is to say, you wish to do yourself a "gross" injustice, - then you will tackle the portion of the Grose River we traversed in the right spirit. But for recreation it should certainly be tabooed from the programme of every self-respecting bush-walker.
-occasional, self-inflicted, personal chastisement, - if, that is to say, you wish
-to do yourself a "gross" injustice, - then you will tackle the Portion of the Grose River we traversed in the right spirit. But for recreation it should certainly be tabooed from the programme of every self-respecting bush-walker.
+There were three of us in our party, a young man whom I knew by the nickname of "Davey" being the third member. When we started out on the Sunday morning, having camped the night near Hartley Vale Station, our grentest trouble was in keeping to the track. No doubt, in the early days of the Colony, before the railway line over the Blue Mountains was laid, a regular track enabled setters to couple East with West. But since that time it has become overgrown with lawyer vines, brambles, and creepers of all descriptions. Had Dorothy Lawry and some of the other naturalists of the Club been with us, they would have been able to tell us the correct, botanical names; but, as it was, we found our vocabulary large enough to describe them the while they tore us to pieces. I differed from my companions in my attitude toward these monarchs of the wilds; they donned every stitch of clothing they had, in order to protect their flesh; I, on the contrary, with the blood of Scottish ancestry flowing through my veins, went with limbs bare, and preferred the via crucis (the way of physical pain) to the expense of new clothes afterwards. Somehow or other I for a while got ahead of my two mates, and, becoming tired of the ceaseless massacre, decided to try my luck on the river itself. Here we assembled, and prepared for lunch at three o'clock.
-There were three of us in oUr party, a young man whom I. knew by the nickname of "Davey" being the third member. %hen we startodout bn the Sunda;,- morning, having cdmped the night near Mrtley.Vale "Station, our grentest 'trouble was in keeping to the track. No doubt, in the early-days-of'the Cblopy,'before the railway Tine over the Blue Nbuntr'dns ims laid, a regular traCk enabled setters to couple Eat with Weet. But sine that time it has become overgrown with
-lawyer vines; brambles., and creepers of. all descriptions. Had porothy_Lawry. and some of the other naturalists of the Club beeri with us, they would have been able to tell us the correct, botanical. names; but, as it was,' we found our vocabulary
+Epicureanism was the primary cause of my subsequent mishap. My Liking for fried sausages and onions for dinner is notorious amongst Club members. But never again. While I was engrossed in the task of imparting a uniform browness to the sausage skins, and an even degree of softness to the onions, "Peter" remarked that we had only about an hour and a half of sunlight left before dark, but I was too busy with my gustatory images to take much notice of the time. So perfect was my cooking that I felt like Dives, with my two friends each a Lazarus, sniffing at my sumptuous table. Then, when I was engaged in the process of consumption, the leader declared that "Davey" and he would move on, stating that he intended to camp at the junction with Creek Mount Victoria, and asking me to follow on within ten minutes. I replied that I would finish the day's journey even if I had to use my torch or lamp. Little did I dream that the river, to which I had turned for salvation from the thorns, was going to turn out so treacherous!
-large enough to. describe them the while they tore us to pieces. I differed from my dOmpanions in w attitude :toward these monarchs of the wilds; they donned
-every Stitch of Clothing they had, in order to protect their flesh; I,. on the contrary, With the blood of Scottish ancestry flowing through my'din,s,, went with limbs bare, and preferred the :via crucis (the way of physidaI pain) to theexpense of neW'clothes afterwards : Somehow or other.I for a while got ahead of myHtwo  mates, and, becoming tired of the ceaseless massacre, decided to try my luck on the river itself. Here we assembled, and prepared.'for lunch at three o'clock.
+It must have been half an hour, after the conversation last referred to, before I had everything packed, and was ready to start again. This time I made it my policy to keep to the river, sometimes hopping from rock to rock, and at others wading through the water, with my boots and socks on. My feet were certainly chilled, but I took comfort from the thought that I had a dry pair of socks in my pack, and that a comfortable night's sleep would be assured me. For a while I made great progress, and became hopefull of soon regaining my comrades; but all of a sudden the river changed its tactics. Gigantic boulders began to confront me. To climb up one was only to find as steep a drop on the other side. Moreover, the fastly vanishing daylight brought "Peter's" warning anew to my ears. At length I came across a very narrow defile, to get through which with my pack on my back would be impossible. Accordingly took it off, lifted it up on to the rock in front of me, and then turned aside to examine the next corner for likely footholds. No sooner had I begun my investigation than I henrd a dull, scraping sound, followed by a resounding splash; and, on looking up, my pack had disappeared from view. It had fallen into the river! Desperately I mounted a rock, from which I located the pack, floating in a rectangulnr basin of water, surrounded on all sides by precipitous crags. To recover it was going to present a problem. And yet I could not bear to sacrifice it because many pays would have to come and go before I replaced the lost equipment. Besides, abandonment would mean the frustration of all "Paddy" Pallin's efforts to convert a prototype into an up-to-date model; and, like some Gothic cathedral, that rucksack was still in a stage of transition. Accordingly I made my way to that corner of the basin nearest my pack. Readers can quite well imagine my anxiety, as I slid over the rock and held on to the top ledge, lest I should fall into the water and wet the sparse clothing left dry on me. That morning "Peter" had assessed the weight of of my pack at forty-six pounds. I shall leave to physicists the estimation of what it weighed after immersion. As it was, I had gradually to drag it up the steep incline; and, while in the act, my memory was serving up to me an anecdote my mother told me before I left home the previous day, about a young man who died in a fortnight through spraining the muscles of his heart during a camping trip. At last the pack was on the top ledge, when it was safely restored to my back. But now I felt as though I were a miniature Atlas, with the world suddenly hoisted on to my shoulders. In the last, remaining vestiges of twilight, I tried to continue my journey.
-icureanism was the primary cause of my sUbSequent mishap.. 11:9-licing for fried sausages and onions for dinner is notorious amongst Club members. But never again. While I was engrossed in the task of imparting E.1 uniform bromness to the sausage skins, and an even degree of softness to the onions, "Peter" remarked that we had only about an hour and a half of sunlight left before dark, but I was too busy with my gustatory images to take much notice of the time. So perfect was my cooking that I felt like Dives, with my two friends each a Lazarus,. sniffing at my sumptuous table. Then, when I was engaged in the m'ocess of -  ' consumption, the leader declared that "Davey" and he would mave on, stating that he intended to camp at the junction with Creek Mount, Victoria, and asking me to follow on within ten minutes. I replied that I would finish. the day's journey (wan. if I had to use my torch or lamp. Little did I dream that the river, to which I had turned for salvation from the thorns vas going to turn out so treacherous!
-.
+"Troubles come not singly, but in shoals", Shakespeare once made one of his characters say. So I found in my case. The tremendous burden of my rucksack was rendering further walking an arduous ordeal. In fact, so uncertain was my balance that I was groping and crawling more than walking. As for climbing, that required a sustained, Herculean effort, and I was becoming more and more fatigued. To make matters worse, a thunder-storm came over, and I was forced to take refuge from the heavy rain beneath my waterproof sheeting, while I planned what I had best to do under the circumstances. Of course, it was not pitch-dark. There was but one course open to me, if I wished to avoid contracting a severe chill, and that was to keep on moving till I reached the others' camp, even though it took me all night. But when I found my torch, the feebleness of the light it gave reminded me that I had not renewed the battery. So I looked for matches, in order to light my small hurricane-lamp, but water had even penetrated the tin in which I kept them, and they were ruined. The rain having ceased, I proceeded; but, while the torch-light illumined my immediate footsteps, I could not tell where my more remote ones would lead me. Once, when I was about to step forth into an abyss, I realised the danger I was in. While I was thus on the verge of despair, I noticed a gleam ahead of me, as of a dying camp-fire. At first I thought it a mere hallucination, a chimera of my distorted fancy. But as I approached nearer, those glowing embers became realities to me: they were so wonderfully protected from the rain, too, being in a small cave, with a substantial heap of dry firewood neatly piled alongside. Needless to say, I decided to spend the night here.
-It must have been half an hour, after the conversation last referred to, before 1' had everything packed, and was ready to start again. This tithe I made it my policy to keep to the river, sometimes bopping from rock to rock, an&at others wading through the water, With my boots and socks on. my feet were certainly chilled, but I took comfort from the thought that I had a dry pair of socks in my pack,: and that a comfortable night's sleep would be assured me. For a while I made great progress, and became hopefull of soon regaining my comrades; but all of a sudden the river changed its tactics. Gigantic boulders began to confront me. To climb up one was only to find as steep a drop on the other side. Moreover, the fastly vanishing daylight brought "Peter's" warning anew to my ears. at length I cameacross a very narrow defile, to get through which with my patk on my back would be impossible. ccordingly took it off, lifted it up on to the rock in front of me, and then turned aside to examine the next corner for
-' likely footholds.- No sooner hod I begun my investirti6n than I henrd a dull, scraping sound, followed by a resounding eplrish',. add, on looking up, my pack had disaPpeared from view. It had fall6n ifito the river': Desperately I mounted a rock, from which I located the pack, floating in'a-rectangulnr basin of water, surrounded on all sides by precipitous crags. To reOover it was going to'present a problem. +.nd yet I could not bear to sacrifice it because many IDays would have to come and go before I replaced the lost ecuipment. Besides, abandonment would mean the frustration of all "Paddy" Pallinis efforts toconvert a prototype into an up-to-date model; and, like some Gothic cathedral, that rucksack was still in a stage Of transition. Aocordingly I made my way to that corner of the basin nearest my pack. Readers can quite well imagine my anxiety, as I slid over the rock and held on to the top ledge, lest I should fall into the water and-wet the sparse. clothing left dry on me. That morning "Pete/0' had assessed the weight of
+first thought, as I commenced to convert the cinders into a blazing fire, was that "Peter" and "Davey", having surmised the predicament I was in, had prepared the fire for me, and had then moved on, in order to complete the distance. With a heart full of thanks, I breathed beatitudes upon them, - yes, and upon our Bush Walkers' Club, too, seeing that it was an institution which could inculcate such divine foresight in its members. I did not worry about any tea that night, nor about cleansing my teeth. My sole concern was to get my belongings as dry as possible for the morrow. Later on I improvised a bed for myself, by means of the waterproof sheeting, with the wet tent drawn over me for a counterpane. In spite of the rain, I managed to doze off into a very brief sleep; but my slumbers were soon terminated with the sight of a brilliant reflection, visible through my tent. Lifting the counterpane, I noticed that my blanket, which I had placed close to the fire, was igniting at the corners. I jumped up, but my bare feet almost failed to support me, so numb with the cold they had become. Moreover, I was resolved to spend the rest of the night either sitting or standing beside the fire. Each time I felt myself going of to sleep, I would bring myself to with the recollection of the fate of my blanket. Towards dawn, I sank back from sheer exhaustion, and fell asleep, a modern Jacob, on a bed of stones.
-If my pack at forty-six pounds. I shall leave to physicists the estimation of what it weighed after immersion. 11S it was, Iliad gradUally to drag it up the steep incline; and, while in the act, my memory was serving up to me an anecdote my mother told me before I left home the previous day, e-tout a young man who died in a fortnight' through spraining the muscles of his heart during a camping trip. At last the pack was on the top ledge, when it was safely restored to py back. But now I felt as though I were a miniature Atlas, with the world suddenly hoisted on to my shoulders. In the last, remaining vestiges of twilight, I tried to continue r,:ly journey.
-"Troubles come not singly, but in shoals", Shakespeare once made one of his
+As soon as day broke I hastily packed up - which was no easy task, considering that the textiles had swollen so much overnight as a result of their saturation. Nor did I worry about the lawyer-vines, or the rents they inflicted on my clothing; but I made a human tank of myself, and forged onwards with but one purpose in view, to make up the leeway of distance. Very welcome was the smoke I could see arising from "Peter's" camp near Creek Mount Victoria. But more welcome still was the breakfast they gave me on arrival, and the furnace they created helped all the more quickly to dry my accoutrement. However, my mind was soon disabused as to the "divine foresight" of "Peter"; for, when I mentioned to him the incident of the fire already prepared for me, his answer was that, although his nickname was "Peter" , he was not the Angel Gabriel. From then on we did not unduly bustle ourselves, but proceeded along Creek Mount Victoria, and finished up at Mount Victoria.
- characters say. So I found in my case. The tremendous burden of my rucksack was rendering further walking an arduous ordeal. In fact,. so uncertain was my balance that I was groping and crawling more than walldng. As for climbing, that required a sustained, Herculean effort, and I was becoming more and more fatigued. To make matters w6rse, a thunder-storm came over, -And I was forced to take refuge from the heavy rain beneath my waterproof sheeting, while I planned what I had
-: best to do under the circumstances. Of course, it wa not pitch-dark. There was but one course open to me, if I wiShed to avoid contrnctint a severe chill, and that was to keep on moving till.I reftChed the others' camp, even though it took me all night. But when I found my torch, the feebleness of the light it-gave /*minded me that I had not renewed the battery. 'So I looked for matches, in order to light my small hurricane-lamp, but wdter had even penetrated the tin in
+Thus concludes this chapter in my life's history. One thing stands out clear, - that I am somehow peculiarly gifted with a tutelary deity, an amicus certus in re incerta, who always comes to my assistance in my darkest adversity. In conclusion, if anything has been learnt from reading of my narrative, I shall be well pleased with the knowledge that I have achieved something toward the perfection of New South Wales bush walking.
-which I kept them, and they were ruined. The rain having ceased, I proceeded; but, while the torch-light illumined my immediate footsteps, I could not tell
-.
+----
-where my move*remote ones would lead me. Once, when I was about to step forth into an abyss, I realised the danger I was in. While I was thus on the verge of despair, Tnoticed a gleam ahead of me, as of a dying camp-fire. At first I thought it a mere hallucination, a chimera of my distorted. fancy. But as I approached nearer, those gloving embers became realities to me:: they were so
-wonderfully protected from the rain, too, being in a small cave, with a substan-
+=== Paddy Made. ===
-tial heap of dry firewood neatly piled alongside. Needless to say, I decided to - spend the night here.
-first thought, as I commenced to convert the cinders into a blazing fire, was that "Peter" and "DaVey", having'surmised the predicament I was in, had prepared the fire for me, and had then moved on, in order to'complete the distance.
+__Fishing__:
-With a heart full of thanks, I breathed beatitudes upon them, --yes, and upon our Bush Walkers' Club, too, seeing that it was an institution which could irculcate such divine foresight in its members. I did not worry about -any tea thf,t night, nor about cleansing my teeth. My sole concern was to get my belongings as dry as possible for the morrow. Later on I improvised a bed for myself, by means of the
-waterproof sheeting, with the wet tent drawn over me for a counterpane. In spite
+A walker/fishing enthusiast has persuaded us that walkers in general should not pass up the chance, so often unwittingly passed by, to dangle a line and per chance add a succulent morsel to the morning or evening meal. In case you agree with him, we have a selection of suitable light fishing tackle to add more interest to some walks. Have a look next time you're in the shop.
-of the rain, I managed to doze off into a very brief sleep; but 117 slumbers were soon terminated with the' sightof a brilliant reflection, visible through my tent. Lifting the counterp-lne, I noticed that my blanket, which I had placed close to
-the fire, was igniting at the corners. I jumped up, but my bare feet almost failed to support me, so numb with the cold they had become. Moreover, I was
+__Hexamine__:
-resolved to spend the rest of the night either sitting or standing beside the fire.
-Each time I fat myself going of to sleep, I w-iuld bring myself to with the recollectiOn of the fate of my, blmket. To*_121;ds sank back from sheer
-exhaustion, and fell asleep, a modern Jacob, on a bed of stones.
-As soon as day broke I hastily packed up - which was no dasy task, considering
-that the textiles had swollen sb much overnight as a result of their saturation. - Nor did I worry about the layer-vines, or the rents they inflicted on my clothing l but I made a human tank of myself, and forged onwards with but one purpose in view, to make up the leeway of distance. -Very welcome was the smoke I could see arising frot "Peter's" camp near Creek: Moun-E, Victoria. But more
-welcome still was the breakfast they gave me on arriVal, and the furnace they created helped all the more quickly to dry my. accoutrement. 'However, my mind was soon disabused as to the "divine foresight" ,of "Peter" ; for, when I mentioned to him the incident of the fire already prepared for me, his answer was that, although
-his nickname was "Peter" , he was not theAngel Gabriel. From then on we did not
-unduly bustle ourselves, but proceeded along Creek Mount Victoria, and finished up at IffpuntVIctoria.
-*Thus concludes this chapter in my life's history # One-thing'stands out clear, - that I,am sailehow peculiarly gifted with a tutelary deity: an amicus certus in re incerta, who always comes to my assistance in uni darkest adversity. In conclusion, if anything has been learnt from reading of my narrative, I shall be well pleased with the knowledge that I have achieved something toward the perfection of Nev South Wales bush. walking. _
-_awirliglinei
-m%41011110-
-A VON
-i
-FISHIEG:
-A walker/fishing enthusiast has persuaded us that walkers in general should not Pass up the chance, so often unwittingly passed by to dangle a line and per chance add a succulent morsel to the morning or evening meal. In case you agree with him, we have a selection of suitable light fishing tackle to add more interest to some walks. Have a look next time you're in the shop.
-HECAMINE:
 A very special purchase enables us to offer solid fuel tablets at a give away price. A real lifesaver on wet trips. 1/9 per packet while they last. A price which cannot be repeated.
-LARGE PLASTIC  BAGS:
-Originally we bought these to store away  winter clothing but some thoughtful customer pointed out how useful they would be fOr walkers and we now have them available at 2/6. Size 48" x 241.
+__Large plastic bags__:
-KIWI JACKETS:
-An improved model fi4oth the-6riginal, awfirthle again after a, temporry Shnrtage. All press  studs heavily reinforced. Price' - E710.0.
+Originally we bought these to store away  winter clothing but some thoughtful customer pointed out how useful they would be for walkers and we now have them available at 2/6. Size 48" x 24".
- PADDY PAWN tP
-ttd. Lightweight Camp Gear
+__Kiwi jackets__:
-CASTLE REAGH Si SYDNEY
-BM2685
+An improved model from the original, available again after a temporry shortage. All press studs heavily reinforced. Price - £7.10.0.
-. DA/ liLLKS
+Paddy Pallin Pty. Ltd. Lightweight Camp Gear.
+Castlereagh St., Sydney. BM2685.
+----
+===== Day Walks. =====
 (Contributed)
-FEBFEARY 18. Turramurra -; bus to Bobbin Head - launch trip on Cowan Creek and tributaries.
-These periodical cruises down Cowan Creek are already famous and comment seems superfluous. The scenery is grand. Brian will be back from holidays during the first week in February. Let him know ELIRLY if you intend to go so that sufficient boats may be ordered. ;.
+=== February 18. ===
-.10 a m. train Central Electric Station to Turramurra via Bridge. 8.50 a m. bus Turramurra - Bobbin Head -
-Tickets: Turramurra return@ 4/3, plus return bus fare. Boat -hiring charges extra.,
+Turramurra - bus to Bobbin Head - launch trip on Cowan Creek and tributaries.
+These periodical cruises down Cowan Creek are already famous and comment seems superfluous. The scenery is grand. Brian will be back from holidays during the first week in February. Let him know early if you intend to go so that sufficient boats may be ordered.
+.10 a.m. train Central Electric Station to Turramurra via Bridge. 8.50 a.m. bus Turramurra - Bobbin Head.
+Tickets: Turramurra return @ 4/3, plus return bus fare. Boat hiring charges extra.
 Leader: Brian Harvey.
 Map: Hawkesbury River Tourist or Broken Bay Military.
-MARCH 4.
-MARCH
+=== March 4. ===
-Church Point - launch to Lovtt Bay - The Flagstaff - Topham
-Trig - America Bay - Soldiers Print LonEnose Point -
+Church Point - launch to Lovett Bay - The Flagstaff - Topham Trig - America Bay - Soldiers Print - Longnose Point - Lovett Bay. 10 miles.
-Lovett Bay. 10 miles.
-Could be scratchy in parts. Gaiters recommended. This is
+Could be scratchy in parts. Gaiters recommended. This is the first Club walk to use the track recently cleared by Club members between Lovett Bay and The Flagstaff. Lovely views of Pittwater and Broken Bay.
-the first Club walk to use the track recently cleared by Club members between Lovett Bay and The Flagstaff. Lovely views
-of Pittwater and Broken Bay.
+.30 a.m. ferry to Manly. Or 8.45 a.m. Palm Beach bus from Wynyard. Change at Mona Vale. 9.12 a.m. bus Manly to Church Point, Route No. 157.
-.30 a m. ferry to Manly. Or 8.45 a m. Palm  Beach bus from
-Wynyard CHANGE at Mona Vale.
-.12 a m. bus Manly to Church Point, Route No. 157. -
 Tickets: Cash fares will amount to about 11/-.
 Leader: Bill Rowlands.
-Nap: Broken Bay Military for preference.
-Waterfall - Moola Falls - Heathcote. 9 miles.
+Map: Broken Bay Military for preference.
+=== March 11. ===
+Waterfall - Uloola Falls - Heathcote. 9 miles.
 An ideal trip for new members traversing the South - Western portion of National Park. At least 2 sets of aboriginal carvings in the Uloola Falls area.
-.50 a m. Cronulla train from Central Electric Stntion to Sutherland. CH.1.INGE at Sutherland for rail motor to faterfall. Tickets:. Waterfall return@ 5/9.
-Leader: Dick. Child.
+.50 a.m. Cronulla train from Central Electric Station to Sutherland. Change at Sutherland for rail motor to Waterfall.
+Tickets: Waterfall return @ 5/9.
+Leader: Dick Child.
 Map: Port Hacking Tourist.
-&JUR= SUND.LZ LLc. 10th - 11th March 1962,
-As Jon Gossage is in New Zealand, Wilf Hilder is arranging a walk to replace that shown on the progn:mme. See Wilf for details.
+=== Saturday - Sunday walk. 10th - 11th March 1962. ===
-BITS AND PIECES. This month's prize for imaginative writing from the Dailies: Topic: (Toughening up exercise for the army). "Wild ashland Mountains.
-in the Great Dividing-Range, 22 miles west of the Putty Road, a wilderness (the Range, that V is, not the Putty Road) so crisscrossed by cliffs and ravines
+As Jon Gossage is in New Zealand, Wilf Hilder is arranging a walk to replace that shown on the programme. See Wilf for details.
-that V a man's progress is slowed to a tile in five hours ... only shelter will be
-the caves in the mountains (i e. overhangs) - if the numerous dingoes, wallabies and red-bellied black snakes that inhabit the district haven't beaten the troops
+----
-to them."
+=== Bits and Pieces. ===
-THE COMMON
+This month's prize for imaginative writing from the Dailies: Topic: (Toughening up exercise for the army). "Wild Bushland Mountains.... in the Great Dividing Range, 22 miles west of the Putty Road, a wilderness (the Range, that is, not the Putty Road) so crisscrossed by cliffs and ravines that a man's progress is slowed to a mile in five hours.... only shelter will be the caves in the mountains (i.e. overhangs) - if the numerous dingoes, wallabies and red-bellied black snakes that inhabit the district haven't beaten the troops to them."
+----
+===== The Common. =====
 Ray Kirkby.
-A few weeks ago I had a'couple of hours to fill in one Sunday morning. As it was mild flower time I decided to seek some out and remembered having passed many a time a large area of bush near Roseville Bridge. This area Prea seamed the nearest and likeliest fcr the short time available to me.
-At the top of the bill above the bridge I made some enquiries.
-" Yes. That's a Reserve out there and if you take the first road to the right arid so on and so on and so on and so on .. you come to the Common."
-redvas excited at the prospect of seeing flowers but when I was. directed to the Common ; yes, Common --the adventure acquired for me an historical- romantic character.
-efter-driving along a couple of aurburban streets, I shot into an appalling rubbish dump though even here I could descry brilliant clumps of tetratheca between the mounds ofxubbish.- J got- out of the dump as soon as possible and enquired from the first person as to the whereabouts of the Common. "That", said my informant pointing where I had just been "is the Common'.
-To recoil was my first reaction, but my titne. was limited and if I were to go travelling around looking for some unspoiled place I Should probably finish up seeing nothing. The rubbish would =tend only as far as vehicles could get in soI parked the car and set off.
-!'et, first the rubbish Was o thick thet few living thin& had a chance to grow - the most spectacular were the car parts and the car, some amost whole. But I-spied a magnificent red gr'evillea to which I hurried. The ground was '
-wet and soggy 'as there had beeh. recent rain hit I was able to stand and admire
-the grevillea, foot dry on a roll of linoleum, not the best but euite serviceable. , Past the old Chairs, the worn guttering, the decaying clothing, the path
-began to deteriorate and the 'Surroundings to improve. Finally in a rocky section through wattles out in flowr the rubbish ceased and I was able to enjoy boronia4 grevilleas and sti"etches of suave casuarinas, most satisfying though
-no flowers brightened the greenness. Even through all this area there were
-frequent signs of upheaval where purveyors of flagging had been &Ling, perhaps stealing, their wares. However most of the scars had' healed so that they mere no longer offensive. Some remains were piCturesque having the appearance of ruins of sandstone temples or miniature Stonehenges. Down in these half-dark gullies, the boronia ledifolia shone with individual brilliance.
-It vas time to climb back to the plateau znd I knew that I was getting
-near civilization again when in the centre of a rock flanked by boronia, solitary, lay a chamber-pot - in good order, -too. ,klorth salvaging.
-The sun had warmed up and now the puddles and soggy rubbish gave off a putrid, steamy odour which disgusted, 7 disgusted me? ehy? Millions of years
-.
-ago on the steamy shares of a stagnant puddle, I am told that the first life began to begin. 2,nd, if the rocks of those times cr,uld think, they would equally have deprecated the revolting mess remaining from the ineffectual and unsuccessful efforts of uatter to make itself into a living thing. And in such a place as this, perhaps we shall see the birth of a man more suited to these technological times, more in harmony with his 'surroundings. -
-If we shall'trvel through space, is not this cyclinderblock more dUrable than my capricious heart? The tibiA and fibula are delicate, brittle travesties when the life" force could incorporate these iron bedstead legs. NO raucous voices cnn break the silence when fitted with thesemufflers and the unnecessarily delicate mechanism. of the eye will be replacedby this more serviceable glass. There mill' 'Still be eyes-of many different colours bat in Australia brown eyes will predominate. NO time will be wasted on-,hairdressers for these springs -mill give LIB unchanging permanent waves, the skin you'll love to touch will be sponge rubber and the lips, the. lips you press
+A few weeks ago I had a couple of hours to fill in one Sunday morning. As it was wild flower time I decided to seek some out and remembered having passed many a time a large area of bush near Roseville Bridge. This area seemed the nearest and likeliest for the short time available to me.
-IN 'A NUTSHELL
+At the top of the hill above the bridge I made some enquiries. "Yes. That's a Reserve out there and if you take the first road to the right and so on and so on and so on and so on.... you come to the Common."
+I was excited at the prospect of seeing flowers but when I was directed to the Common - yes, Common - the adventure acquired for me an historical-romantic character.
+After driving along a couple of suburban streets, I shot into an appalling rubbish dump though even here I could descry brilliant clumps of tetratheca between the mounds of rubbish. I got out of the dump as soon as possible and enquired from the first person as to the whereabouts of the Common. "That", said my informant pointing where I had just been "is the Common".
+To recoil was my first reaction, but my time was limited and if I were to go travelling around looking for some unspoiled place I should probably finish up seeing nothing. The rubbish would extend only as far as vehicles could get in so parked the car and set off.
+At, first the rubbish sas so thick thet few living things had a chance to grow - the most spectacular were the car parts and the cars, some amost whole. But I spied a magnificent red grevillea to which I hurried. The ground was wet and soggy as there had been recent rain but I was able to stand and admire the grevillea, foot dry on a roll of linoleum, not the best but quite serviceable.
+Past the old chairs, the worn guttering, the decaying clothing, the path began to deteriorate and the surroundings to improve. Finally in a rocky section through wattles out in flower the rubbish ceased and I was able to enjoy boronias, grevilleas and stretches of suave casuarinas, most satisfying though no flowers brightened the greenness. Even through all this area there were frequent signs of upheaval where purveyors of flagging had been getting, perhaps stealing, their wares. However most of the scars had healed so that they were no longer offensive. Some remains were picturesque having the appearance of ruins of sandstone temples or miniature Stonehenges. Down in these half-dark gullies, the boronia ledifolia shone with individual brilliance.
+It was time to climb back to the plateau and I knew that I was getting near civilization again when in the centre of a rock flanked by boronia, solitary, lay a chamber-pot - in good order, too. Worth salvaging.
+The sun had warmed up and now the puddles and soggy rubbish gave off a putrid, steamy odour which disgusted - disgusted me? why? Millions of years ago on the steamy shores of a stagnant puddle, I am told that the first life began to begin. And, if the rocks of those times could think, they would equally have deprecated the revolting mess remaining from the ineffectual and unsuccessful efforts of matter to make itself into a living thing. And in such a place as this, perhaps we shall see the birth of a man more suited to these technological times, more in harmony with his surroundings.
+If we shall trvel through space, is not this cyclinderblock more durable than my capricious heart? The tibia and fibula are delicate, brittle travesties when the life force could incorporate these iron bedstead legs. No raucous voices cnn break the silence when fitted with these mufflers and the unnecessarily delicate mechanism of the eye will be replacedby this more serviceable glass. There will still be eyes of many different colours but in Australia brown eyes will predominate. No time will be wasted on hairdressers for these springs will give us unchanging permanent waves, the skin you'll love to touch will be sponge rubber and the lips, the lips you press....
+----
+===== In A Nutshell. =====
 A brief history of "The Sydney Bushwalker".
-JUNE 1931, the first issue of "The Bushwalkei4H published as a private venture by Marjorie Hill (Editor), Brenda White, Rene Browne, Dorothy. Lawry and Niles Dunphy, who each contributed 10- as nucleus-of a working fund. Published every two months. ' bout 16-18 pages
-th AUGUST 1932, adopted by the Club as "The Sydney Bushwalker". j-)urnal devoted to matters of interest to members of the Sydney Bushwolkers, Sydney, N.S.W. and continued every 'twn months until January 1937. Some issues were missed when the 4'/Innuals" Were being printed.
+June 1931, the first issue of "The Bushwalker" published as a private venture by Marjorie Hill (Editor), Brenda White, Rene Browne, Dorothy Lawry and Miles Dunphy, who each contributed 10/- as nucleus of a working fund. Published every two months. About 16-18 pages.
-JANU4Y 1937, the first annual subscription.  The magazine became a Quarterly. DECEMBER 1937; by popular deurnd appeared the first of "The Sydney Bushwaker" in its present form, printed ca..1 the. duplicator, with a over
-designed by Alan Rigby.
+th August 1932, adopted by the Club as "The Sydney Bushwalker". A journal devoted to matters of interest to members of the Sydney Bushwalkers, Sydney, N.S.W. and continued every two months until January 1937. Some issues were missed when the "Annuals" were being printed.
-WE HAVEN'T MISSED A MONTH SINCE THEY:.
-THE..LONG I'VEEKEND. Yebla:  (Upper Kangeroo River) Frank Leyden. had 16 on his camping trip. The weekend was 'rnerciorrtblo' for leChes and ,blackberribs :-.plenty of both. pleasant camp despite the rain.
+January 1937, the first annual subscription.  The magazine became a Quarterly.
-ELTE112E_EalEs : 27 at the camp led by Jack Gentle. Good swimming although fine on Monday
-_c=1/200LEa 11s : 'N1Dt'orised brigade cdmp. 8 plus sitors plus children "Now we've seen ever7thing"-, writes our repofter, "a group of bushwalkers including two ex-presidents, sitting around the camp fires in canvas chairs under
+December 1937, by popular demand appeared the first of "The Sydney Bushwaker" in its present form, printed on the Club duplicator, with a cover designed by Alan Rigby.
-umbrellas!"
-_
+We ahven't missed a month since then!
-There were more SEW' s camped* dingmt the hill at The Page's place,
+----
+=== The Long Week-end. ===
+__Yeola__:  (Upper Kangeroo River). Frank Leyden had 16 on his camping trip. The weekend was memorable for leeches and blackberries - plenty of both. A pleasant camp despite the rain.
+__Burning Plams__: 27 at the camp led by Jack Gentle. Good swimming although fine on Monday only.
+__Carrington Falls__: Motorised brigade camp. 8 plus visitors plus children. "Now we've seen everything", writes our reporter, "a group of bushwalkers including two ex-presidents, sitting around the camp fires in canvas chairs under umbrellas!"
+There were more SBW's camped down the hill at The Page's place.
+----
 .
 KONMUNG CAVALCADE (concluded)