THE SYDNEY B:7SHWAIKER
A monthly-bulletin of matters 'of interest to
the Sydney Bushwalker 9 The N.S.W. Nurses t
Association Roohls "Northcote Building,"
Reiby Place, Sydney.
'Box No. 4476, GPO, Sydney. 'Phone M1462
Editor Bob Duncan, CSIRO, Camden. Camden 69251 (B Business Manager Alex Colley.
AUGUST 365 Price 1/
C O N T E N T S.
Editorial 2 Monthly Report July 3 Sweetie Nuggetheart 3 Letter from Dot Butler 4 Day Walks 6 Paddy's Ad. 7 Magazine Reminiscerces 8 Diary of a Doctor 9 Knot for You George Gray 11 A.S.M.E. 12 Famous Historic Walks II. 13 Federation Report 16 Social Notes 17 Sweetie Nuggetheart 18 Mt. Equipment Ad. 19 Klimpton Ad. 20
2. The Sydney Bushwalker August, 1964.
EDITORIAI.
Many bushwalkers are skiers and are therefore concerned at the complete breakdown in transport to Smiggins and Perisher,thiS winter. Last-weekend (July 18) Garth and Margaret Coulter and their children-Aided to go to Perisher for three days skiing. Thoy spent all ,day Saturday waiting for transport but retired to a motel at Berridalo Saturday night. On Sunday they rejoined the queues and reached Perisher by nightfal3 On Monday Garth waded for two hourki and then bagan the day-long journey back to Waste Point.
The Park Trust is the scare-goat for a great deal of criticism, much of it unfair and unappreciative. One is therefore loathe to add to those attacks. But on the question of transport they do seem to be at fault. The 10 miles or so of road to Smiggins is guarded by about half a dozen snow ploughs plus a couple of bulldozers and graders; it is inconceivable that this armada cannot cope with the problem. One can only conclude that it is inactive while the snow falling and that only when the storm is over does it charge, like Don Quixote, at the accumulated and consolidated snow banks.
In America, whole status receive wore snow than Kosciuskop yet these areas are inhabited and the airfields, highways, secondary roads and suburban streets are kept open. One might think that, this was achieved by great expertise, an abundance of expensive and sophistacted machinery, and an infinate highway budget, but this is not so. In most areas there is perhaps one simple snow plough or street brusher per 50 miles of road and this continuously patrols its section whenever snow is falling. Used this way few storms have any chance of getting ahead of it.
There ia a second fly in the ointment at Perisher A privaie firm has “monopoly on public tran9p:,rt into the aren. 'Ella firm has interest in making cenditions for motorists as intolerable as PoOsible and in pretending that only tracked vehicles can negotiate the trip, Because they-axe not confined to roads, those snowcats are destroying vegetation in the early part of the season. 1”e would not like to see Kosciusko become one large car park, and we sympathise with much of the Trust's policy. But if cars Ire to be kept out a reasonable bus service should be provided.
Congratulations to Arnold and Gisela Fleischmann on the /arrival of their daughter - Helen Marion. 2. The Sydney Bushwalker August, 1964. THE JULY GENERAL MEETING.
The July general meeting was short andipeaceful. Miss Heather Joyce sat in the Chair, Mr. David Balmer read the minutes and correspondence, and Elizabeth, look- ing absolutely scrumptious, took a few notes. We got a pamphiet.fram Allan Strom about the faunal ravages of feral cats. Committee decided to ask for 2 dozen more, and for advice on possible practical solutions,
Another letter, from Mr. Rarikin, told us that the land on the Duea River is leased until March. The meet- ing moved to reply to Mr. Rankin, saying we will write again in January regarding a possible lease or purchase, and asking as an apparent afterthought about the terms of the option.
Gladys Roberts, John Powell and David Ingram vol- unteered as room stewards, and the meeting then closed at 8.50 p.m.
Letter from Dot Butler.
Greetings to all moinon Freunden, mes amis, my friends.
Having aquired a passport with a pAle-eyed replica of myself peering forth from it, a groat wad of tickets, “Point of Departure - Sydney: Destination - Sydney” (in other words right round the world), a World Health Booklet to tell the world I have boon dealt with Smallpox, typhoid and cholera-wise, not to mention a visa for Russia,9 we sot off from Sydney, first stop Wellington N.ZJ Here I left Ira to attend. Banking Conferences while I took off for the South Island to attend Sue Coombe's wedding. Sue (ex-S.D., and Sydney University ByWalkers) came on our N.Z.L.C. Instruction Course, Xmas 19639-met a handsome young local lad in the snow, and has now become the wife of a sheep property owner. The wedding was one of the biggest social events in the district, hundreds of guests and a whacko wedding-breakfast on the lawn in a giant marquee.
There was, of course, the preliminary of being made mad-and-wife in the local church. The groom wore an impeccably cut tailed suit in a. now char toning, neatly offset on either side with the new matching narrow lapels. Nice symmetrical pockets gave a focus of interest to the coat His shoes were in black - very faphionable - and his tie,was a delicate shade of grey. His hair was neatly set in a casual-looking, off-one-eye His striped trousers demonstrated the Italian influence with their new 16“ cuffs, while his white shirt set off the rest of the outfit to the beat advantage. White gloves9 and a lovely white carnation buttonhole completed the picture of sartorial elegance.
The bride wore a simple dress of lEnery 'Iggins just you White. We fed on wild geese which old man Hamilton himself had shot, and wild rod lobsters which his Maori gardner had caught, and frozen mutton from his own frozen lambs in his own frozen pastures - Sue is now partly responsible for the welfare of 6,000 sheep, feeding up and down the stoop snow-covered ranges.
I left the South Island and headed north whore I rejoined Ira and we toured towards Auckland, spending a day at Chateau Torgariro and climbing Ruapehu (by chairlift). I must say the luxury of the Chateau was a bit different from our last time there when we camped out among the grey wacki boulders under the beech trees and had our bath in the snow-fed rill nearby. (Ask George Grey and Snow about it).
From N.Z. we flew to Fiji where we arrived at midnight and left 20 minutes later so I can't tell you much about that, except that it's hot.
Next stop was Honolulu. The Kahala Hilton Hotel was a great monster down the far end of the island, with its own coral sand beach set with palm trees. All very Gaugin-ish.
Beach-side properties with glorious gardens of trees, lawns, orchids and flowering shrubs would set you back s5op,000 dollars (about 250,000). r'aikiki beach wouLl come about 50th on the list compared with our beaches.
First port of call on the Americm continent was Vancouver - probably the only place in the world whore you can be skiing on the snow-covered mountains and five minutes later be swimmino in the sea. While Ira conferred with representatives of the Bank of Canada I hired a push- bike and cycled all round and through Stanley Park - some hundreds of acres of natural forest land - beeches and elms and native pines haunted by grey squirrels and almost completely surrounded by beaches as it is practically island. Vancouver in the summer is the nearest thing to perfection a Sydney person could hope for - in winter it might he a bit wet and cold, but plenty of snow.
After 3 days of perfect weather we boarded the Canadian Pacific for the long trip right across Canada from West to East (3,000 miles) I spent most of my time up in the Viewer's Dome - all glass, including the roof so you can see the snow-covered tops of the mountains and the sky. Compared with the Mount Cook area in N.Z. the Rockies appear much older and word- down, and although thousands of feet higher, there wasn2t one we saw from the train that wouldn't be a walk over. Spruce and willow forests clothe the foothills and all is green and lush. After two nights in the train, we stopped off at Banff, a picturesque little alpine resort. One day we rent to the top of Sulphur Mt. (7,500 ft) - the easy way, in a gondola skyway, which soared up over the forest and deposited us at the beginning of a walking track through patches of snow and a bit of rock scrambling to the summit. A big-horned sheep took off when he saw us coming.
We climbed down the mountain - down a zig-zag track through beautiful forest carpeted with 'elue orchids.
Into the train again iind several days across the endless prairies to Ottowa, the capital, established in the 1600s and full of picturesque old buildings. Some 14 miles out is Gatineau Park, .75;,000 acres of nature_ forest and 40 lakes, which is still being added to as the National Capital Commission resumes adjacent freehold properties. 70 stayed at the forest lodge of the Deputy Manager of theBank of 0-.nafla.- a charming big cabin with views of Lake Meach, viewed through a foY.est of silver birch, maple and pines. The temperature was 96 and we spent a lot of time swimming and canoeing in the lake, and after 5 near—fatal drownings I mastered the art of water-skiing and sped round the lake like an expert. The family we were with were outstanding in that all 6 wore athletic.
There has been no rain since we left home. The temperature is distinctly Summer - “hot all the way through to Australia” is what they say here. Tomorrow we leave for Montreal and the U.S.A. I'll send another instlment later.
Dot.
NEW MEMBERS, FOR WHOM THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED IN PARTICULAR, SHOULD NOTE THAT.THEY ARE REQUIRED TO ADVISE THE LEADER OP ANY WALK OF THEIR INTENTION TO ATTEND. NOTIFICATION. SHOULD BE GIVEN NOT LATER THAN THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO THE WALK, PREFERABLY AT TM CLUB'S WEEKLY MEETING.
AUG.16 Waterfall - Uloola Falls - Audley - ferry to Cronulla. 8 miles. A pleasant walk along the Western Spine of the Royal National Patk… Some of the early wild flowers should be in bloom particularly at Uloola Swamp. It will b necessary to maintain a reasonable pace to.catch 3.30 p.m. ferry from Audley to Cronulla. .Ttains NOTE CORRECT TIME 8.50 a.m. Cronulla train from Central Electric Station. CHANGE AT SUTHERLAND for rail motor to Waterfall. Tickets: Waterfall return @ 6/- plus ferry fare about 4/-. Map: Port HIcking Tourist or Port Hadking Military. Leader: Dick Child.
AUG. 23 Windsor - bus to Scheyvillo Cattai Creek - Long Swamp - Cataract Creek - Scheyville. 12 miles, The country around. Cattai Creek is different from that encountered on most of our Walks, but it usually turns on a good display of wattle at this time of the year. Train: .9 a.m. Blacktown train from Central Electric Station CHANGE AT BLACKTOWN for rail motor to Windsor. Tickets: Windsor Military or Hawkesbury River Tourist. Leaders David Ingram. Leader will meet party at Windsor Station.
AUG.30 Brooklyn - Oporto Bay - Edwards Trig. - Cole Trig. - Cowan. 12 miles. The scrub could be thick in parts and there is some hilly country on this walk. The area is noted for the wild flower display that occurs about this time each year. Good views over the Hawkesbury River. Train: 8.30 a.m. Wyong train from Central Steam Station. Tickets: Hawkosbury River return @ 12/3. Maps Broken Bay Military or Hawkesbury River Tourist. Leader: Evelyn Elfick.
SEPT.6 No walk offered for new programme at time of going to press.
SEPT.13 Wondabyne Kariong Trig - Lyre Trig - Koolwong. 8 miles. This is a special wild flower walk through the recently created Brisbane Waters National Park. The walk is intentionally shorter than usual to enable some study of the blooms. Trains 8.30 a.m. Wyong train from Central Steam Station. Travel in the rear carriage as Wondabyne platform is short. Tickets: Koolewong return @ 16/- Maps Gosford Military or Hawkesbury River Tourist. Leader: David Ingram.
WHERE IS ALL THE WALKSNG GEAR? y
Well, we must admit the place seems full of ski gear and skiers these days,
but
we havent forgotten our friends the walkers and olimbers If you don't see walking.gear when you look JVVV casually around, press on to the walkerb end of the shop. It's quieter here and you can look through maps) club notices, publications or select your requirements inwaking and climbing gear from the best available.
P.S, We have just landed some special P.A. Carabiners and Pitons and climbing accessories.
t)\
114ile
PADDY PALLIN PTY. LTD. 109.A. Bathurst Street, Sydney. BM2685.
PADDY P LLIN VDri Lightweight Camp Gear
.,.,441.u.sombwreammtwigmoZ6ft.mameataft.-i.lemPry 8. The Sydney Bushwalker August, 1964 =h161..1……momumamgmm…….rprProury… MAGAZINE RYAINISCIiiNCES,
Alice Wyborn.
Way back in the dark.days of. '42, I became coproducer of the magazine, with Yvonne Rolfe, well known to older Club members.
We had trouble in gettin articles for the mgazine at times. Most members not away with the S.rvices, wore caw:lit up in associated wartime activities, and our Arno for ralking trips was not so plentiful We had a lot of correspondence with the Lads and Lassies (members) over- seas, and this was in the capable hands of “Denny” (Tin DuncoMbe). One of our most prolific writers was Bill Burke (whorels all that literary talent now Bill?) .
. he old machine was kept at Yvonne's home at Bardwell Park, and would cart the paper over there per bike and s7oand a day - usually the Wednesday or Thursday before the Friday tho macazine was due out, in the old Hamilton Strcqat ClubroomSi
That old machine was certainly tempermntal. If it didn't play up in the morning, mo.usually finished up having a fight with it before the day was out. Sometimes in .disgust we would: give it a good kick or punch which seemed to make it change-It's mind and behave.
Then there was: the.axpiting journey to and fraM Bardwell Park.- leaving home early in 'the mrning, ride.throUdh'the peaceful rural -areas of Mortdale, Forest Road and Stoney CrookRcia.d.' Sometimes I would be forced to walk the bike behind a herd of e.aiy cows - yes it really was countryside in thosQ dVs.!
Ever bedh attgoked 'on abike by six dogs at. once?
Another time after a particularly frustrating day with the old machine I loft for home just on dark - a cold winter's evening, and after a couple of miles along the old gravel road that was thn Stoney Creek Road, the old bike developed a 119.d flat tyre, which forced me to wheel the thing home the rest of the way laden with a huee pile of magazines. Allan was 'home long before me, and frantically wondering what had happened - there being no telephones to get in-touch 'in those days.
Then there was thej(day on rdturning home late in the afternoon, I was caught in the open by a' severe summer hailstorm. With the Nags. safely covered with a Paddymade ground-sheet, like the old saying - the mail must go through - so did the magazines - to be taken into the clubrooms by Allan on the Friday. They were enjoyable days - and we liked having first chance of reading the latest,reports of the Lads and Lassies9 and the partnership of Yvonne and' myself auvoloped into a firm friendship.
DITY OF L DOCTOR.
Monday.
When I opened the surL.ery door this morning young John Batdun crawled in on his hands and knees in a most extraordinary pesture.
“What's your trouble”; I sail, ''Cave crouch' 3 he ,gTuntod, “went caving last wool:ond and nk-d- can't stand u-,2,” “Kum said you cou:A recommend an osteopath to me”, “That will not be noccosaryy I replied, lifting him onto the examination lz:ble. 10.16eldn,l; on his thighs and pressing firmly, with my rands on Both shoulclel-s, I attempted to straighten his spine. Very Mao improvement Enl ;Icy of pain resulted. Tkmmination soon revealed the laicnem, his beard woo caught in his trouser zip' evilcntly the result cf ne37-tiatin sque:,,zeholo.
It is not generally realised how many troubles cm be causod by unsatisfactory or poorly adjuste(1 clo-fting. In tILes3 days of pointed shoes, stovepipe trousers, and string sin7lets, it is doubly necessary to ensure that no part of the body is strained, twisted, or ensnared in any way.
Tuesday.
“Congratulations: said to young Mrs. Mary Loililags this afternoon when she wr;lked into the surgery.
“No need,” she replied, “Ate a tin of fizzle guzzle or the lonn: walk last weekend, thinking it was glucose. Had a `1,; nk this morning, and now I've blown u-).” “Treatment for -bloat”, I said, “is more usually the province of the votinarian2 but I think I can your case.”
In past years bloat was usually treated by punctuvirw the stomach wall with a sharp knife; so alloydn- tN) ontrpped gases to escara. Now it is known that grasping ane, firmly pullin out'the trvngue will usually result in the gas escaping via the mouth. This treatment plus a sharp peach in the solar plexus prove a effective in Y.ary's or-se Used in moderation “fizzle guzzle” or health saline is a valuable additicn to the bushwalkers pack. Yost bacteria are killed by no digestive Juices; health saline added to drinking water from 6ontaminated streams stimulates the flow of these juices.
Wednesday.
The first person to see me today was Patsy Potholer, “You look fit and healthy”, I said. Moll I don't fool it,” she rel,liod, phd stripping off her blouse she revealed an ugly red band of blisters encircling her waist.
“Aha,” I said, “A classic example of shingles or herpes zostra. A virus infection of your nerves is the culprit. Tradition has it that when the band completely encircles the waist the victim dies, but tradition is wrong, and you have nothing to fear. The condition usually cures itself, but it is now claimed that these new methothioglauconate pills will speed the process. Try one,” I said, “popping it down her throat.”
“You're wrong you know”, Patsy replied “Stinging nettles; Oolong's lousy with em, and my sweater was a bit short on the trip last weekend. I'll wear a shirt next time.”
I tapped her shoulder as she turned to leave, “The methothioglauconate pill, Five guineas please.”
Properly used, stinging nettles are an inv.I.luable aid to the bushwalker. They may be eaten, and beside reducing the weight of food which must be carried, supply essential vitamins to the diet. Cooked, they are said to taste like curried spinach.
Thursday.
V4en I saw the Junior Surgeon this morning his face glowed like a stop light. “Acne resea”, I opined. “No9” he replied “Foot n Mouth Disease; everytime I open my mouth I put my foot in it. When I told nurse, I wanted to see her more intent, how was I to know she was a bush walker.”
It is not known why embarrassment causes dilation of the capillary It has been suggested that the augmented blood flow was originally a preparation for combat.
Friday.
Bracket fungus found growing on e_oad stumps was the accepted preventative medicine amongst bushwalkers last century for the malady which has been variously known as Starlight Shudders, tremor fatalis, and Glassner's Disease. No cases have been reported since 1870, when Glassner showed that it was caused by fungus poisoning.
THE MAGAZINE STAFF I. Mrs. Shirley Dean.
Shirley lived at 30 Hannah Street, Beecroft and can usually be seen at Club meetings. Besides looking after Kevin and four young children, Shirley is one of the hardest working members of the magazine staff. She worries people for reports and adds, really the editor's job, and types all 20 pages of it. Then she often lends a hand in putting it together. You can take advantage of Shirley's zest for work by writing reports of all your walks.
KNOT FOR YOU? George. Gray
I have come to the conclusion that bushwalkers. generally, have no aptitude for tying the right knot. On a recent trip no member of the party could tie a suitable loop around their waists when they were belayed up a small cliff scramble.
After eight times tying a bowline in the end of the rope and throwing it down while each in turn wiggled in and snugged it up, I have decided to write this article. Anybody can tie a knot that will hold if ho makes it.with enough twists and turns extra half hitches etc. but wait till he comes to untie it aft::' it has boon strained and perhaps is wet.
The requirments of a not are that (I) It won't slip (2) It is easy
to untie (3) it does not s iously imparc the strer th of the rope ( a rope is weaker at any poin whore a knot is tied). Tuditional knots have those properties and one s h knot-is the bowline s. own below.
About four foot from pass t'M end around then behind the main the end of the rope. your waist and: put it rope, around it and back form a loop and hold it thrOugh the loop you through the loop in your in your left hand have-in your left hand left hand.
A.S.M.E.
The name means .AUSTRALIAN Star AOUTAINS EXPEDITION and stands . for the strong endeavour of six young Australians to reach an unknown, limestone area in New Guinea.
The Star Mountains fold over the centre part of New Guinea near the border and reach a height of 1,200 ft. There is every possileility that the world's greatest caves may be found within these-unexplored ridges and peaks.
The aim of the expedition is to wke an entry march of two weeks with a carrying force Of twenty porters supported by air drops to the flanks of the Stars. After that we will have about two months in which to traverse the mountains? survey the regions geography (for the area is a 'blank space' on the map) and set up camps from which to base attempts on cave systems. To add to the usefulness of the exploration we intend to carry out preliminary scientific work in the following fields: topography gelological and cave surveys and with the assistance of the Scuth Australian Museum, a cave fauna collection. While the expedition's final results will be invaluable to a major British scientific investigation of the Star Mountains planned for 1966? the A.S.M.E. is s:'lely Australian, privately organized and a unique adventure in the tradition of Shipton's 'small expeditionsl.
The total costs of the expedition will not exceed EA3,000 but, at a pinch, we will run it for EA 1300 with all this sum contributed by the six members. However whatever money is raised will be spent on further additions of scientific equipment to our gear. This will greatly enhance the scientific value of the venture.
Please send all enquiries to Tom Hwalar, 23 Burrawong Rd, Avalon
(official N.S.W. representative (4'
THE LEGION OF THE LOST.
Too bad that Heather Joyce, and others, spent so much time looking for Denise Hull on David. Brown's recent instructional walk, when Denise was safely in camp on the Cox's River near Breakfast Creek where she should have been.
FAMOUS HISTORIC TALKS II.
The First and Second Ascents of Mt. Banks.
Gordon Smith. 1934.
All Bushwalkers of course knowlit..King George that massive mountain on the northern side of the Grose River facing Govett's Leap Creek. The first known ascent was made on 30th September this year by a number of 'the viz; Jeane Friars, Jessie Martin, Gordon Mannell and myself. Contrary to its own expectations, the parttmanaged to find a way' up and, reached the Trig Station after six hOurs. Unable to find the track back to the 'Grose River from the Bell road, they wore .forced to camp at the head of a gully, and: to spend a con, hungry and thirsty night. The next morning the landscape was draped with a light mantle of snow. Owing to the services of Mr. Pearce who lived at the first habitation, the party reached the Grose again and arrived at camp in the Blue Gum Forest to find that four search parties were eel-dying the adjacent country.
Unfortunately no camera was taken on this trip, so I decided to do it again. The first available weekend was 25/26th November. The proposed itinerary was more ambitious than the previous occasion, for I reasoned that with a fast moving party, the climb, return to the Blue Gum and the walk back to the station could be accomplished in one day. Our proposed number was reduced somewhat at the last moment and only three of us, viz; Joan Fitzpatrick, “Jock” Kaske and myself caught the 5.30 a.m. train on the Saturday.
We had risen early 4 am. and in consequence were a little drowsy. I detached two seats from their framework and made an impromptu bed on the floor. The train was slow and we dozed a little. The country- side appeared ,unfamiliar suddenly, and imagine Our horror when we discovered we were on the Richmond line. Alighting at Riverstone, after much delay we ultimately reached Penright. Finding the most sandy spot on the platform we spread a groundsheet and emulated Bondi. Owing to the absence of any beach inspectors there was no audible comment on my missing shirt.
The 8.53 a.m. from town duly arrived, packed chockablock and we were,forcod to spend cur time cn the carriage platform, more or less comfortable but collecting occasional' cinders we changed later and the sight of Joan in a well ventilated pair of sky blue Shorts -caused some consternation 'in the hearts of some elderly maidens 0) - who had been “eyeing,us off” for some time.
Leaving Leura at 12 noon, lunch was taken near a dairy 24 miles out. Gilbert Taylor and George Dibley had arranged to wait for us here, but their presence was hardly expected at this late hour. The day was rather hot and sultry as we progressed along the Mt. Hay track, passing through most uninteresting country. Although none of us had been in that direction before, the dome of Mt. King Gerrge lay in-our line of vision all afternoon. Vie did branch off a little too seen, and in consequence had to cross a gully but f-und Lecklay Pylon without much difficult. Here we had a little trouble findinfP the correct spot where the track descends, and much time was wasted. The slopes seemed to be endless, and the evening shadows lay heavily upon the leaf-strewn carpet of tho Blue Gun Forest when we reached our destin- ation. Here we found Gilbert, George an quite a number of Pushwalkers camped. Anticipating an early night we 7ithdrow tc a distance of some hundred of yards and pitched the tent.. hftor a dip preparations were made for tea.
At 9 p.m. we crawled into our bs P.M I slept im-elediately. Probably the strains of “Danny Boy” e,nd ten thcusand other melodies, were wafted along by the breezes at all sorts of ungodly hours in the: morning; but I hoard not, Morpheus and I were ce-tenting.
The first twitter of the birds woke me. Joan and 'leek locked so “dead to the world”, so comfortable that I haln't the-heart to wake them for some time The breakfast was nearly ready before they stirred and even then the lazy so-and-so's maintained the horizontal poSition as long as possible.
At 6.25 a.i i. we left carrying one small pack with two cameras, a torch, first-aid kit and compass, matches, chocolates, raisins and fifty feet of rope.. The ascent of the extremely stoop foothills of the mountains was laborious but otherwise almost without incident; almost I say for during one “breather”, much to my sorrow, but somewhat to the merriment of the others I was bitten on the right cheek by a bull dog ant.
After an hour we reached the base of the cliffs and skirted these until we were beneath the cliffs which :dresented the only posbible route to the top. Immediately it was necessary to follow 'a ledge and zig- zag back. Afterwards it was possible as a rule to follow the cleft upwards. In places sturemy little suckers afforded fine handholds and at times we climbed with an occasional empty void ca some hundreds of feet close by, the going never looked very danci':erous. The rope was kept handy but not used mugheewhen short rock climbs of tan feet or so entered the progrlmme it ,was a Aiffererit prosition. Usually Jock stood on my shoulders scrambled' up and made fast the rope9 Joan and I followed in that order? Once when we wore all standing on a fnur foot ledge spying out the best way up, Jock tried to have “forty winks”. Suddenly he swayed and very nearly lurched sideways into the depths below. On another occasion a large rock crashed down from above and hurtled past his leg. Taking an occasional photo we made steady progress and reached our last obstacle, .a high rock with sharply inclined .top surface, slippery and bare, Fortumtely there was no drop beneath us at that point, so we were able to experiment, Joan sat on my. shoulAers and jock after standing on her shoulders managed to wrimle up. Joan kept one leg straight and I pressed her up a couple of foot above my head After a short struggle with the rope we both in turn joined Jock..
The cleft for the moment was impassable a tremendous boulder barred our way., Taking. great care we wriggled around a short ledge, aV6iding with our eyes the thousand feet of blue haze that yawned beneath. Now we were.nearly.on the top with nothing difficult ahead.
A.tiny pool of crystal water invit.-d the attention of our' parched throats. We lay clown.- relieved, and made a vicious attack on the chocolate and raisins. Some while later we emerged from the shady fissure.to the hot blaze of a mountain's. summer sun. The trig was not in sight and we 'pushed on towards the first crest cf the range, grazing downwards to the Valley of the Grose which lay on our left. Our cooees were heard by Hec Carruthers at campy and his replies were clear enough. I'm afraid we wasted considerable time taking photos and in contemplation of the grand vista exposed to our view, Surmounting several crests of the range, the trig was at last visible and, treading warily through prickles we reached the cairn, in 4 hours 35 minutes,
More photos followed and than it became necessary to think of the return journey.. Jock selected a likely looking gully some few miles away- and we followed the track from the trig to the Bell road. After a miles or two of road no track- turning off was visible; and we decided to follow a ridge in the direction of the Grose. When some distance along this, Jock suggested descending to the gully on our right and suddenly hey presto! in front of us lay a well defined and cut track. Our stocks soared high again. -
Walking more quickly we followed the track which gradually descended and meandered firSt through a beautiful green gully comparable to the Rodriguez Pass, an6' later along the side of the Grose River but high up. In a delightful little angle of the track was some shade and a,rocky pool offered ah op:oAnity to slake our thirst. Joan and Jock scorned my suggestion of ch-,colato but I wolfed a full'quarter of a pound.
Later the track wls overgrown with prickly Lushes and lawyer vine, so that- at last ih desperation-we headed for the river, crossed and followed the track on the southern bank. Speeding; up again we reached campiati 2:55.p.m. A dip apiece made a world of difference, and,-'after consuming my-share of nine'eggs, bacon and etceteras, I felt almost a new woman. Time flew and when everything was radked, the watch said 4.20 p.m. There was a little more than three hours to catch the last train 7.30 pm. An average of four miles an hour was maintained along Govett's Leap Creekl,–but when after the Junction the track commenced to wind steadily upwards, our pace slackened, On the zigilag to Govetts Leap my thighs felt like lead. There was no time for more thdn a .6ouple of very brief rests and our second gears certainly gave us hell. At the Look Out only 35 minutes remained4 Once err-the flat again we quickened our pace and had the pleasure of seeing the train in sight as we reached the station.
FED7RATION InPORT - JULY 1964.
Search and Rescue. There were several alerts during tho past month, but:no searches were necessary. 101 attended. the S08c R, Demonstration at turingai Chase on 18-19th. July. Members of two clubs, who have recently done the St. 'John2s First Aid Course, gave demonstrations of their prowess. On 24th August 1964, S & R. Contact Men frot. all- Clubs will meet in the Big Sister Room, Scot Chambers, Hosking Place, (Federation's Meeting Room) to discuss the demonstration to be .hold during October next. Any person with interesting ideas for the demon- stration will be welcome.
Annual Ball. Friday, llth September 1964. 8.30 p.r . - .2 a.m. Paddington Town Hall. . Tickets 22/6 each. Attention was drawn to the fact that the Ball runs longer than most. Club Members, who are non-dancers, will be welcome, also, to assist with the running of the function. Ideas for decOration and posters axe required., Bost. decorated table competition will take place.
Annual %Lim, was held at the conclusion of the Monthly Meeti.
President Nino Melville. Senior Vice Pres. Stan Cottier. Junior Vice Pros. Bill Moore Secretary Graham Mitchell Treasurer Terry Thomas.
Details of the varinu positions filled will be included. in the next 'Federation Bulletin.
Affiliation Fees, It was resolved that the Affiliati6n Fee payable to Federation by member clubs will be.:1/- per member -with La minims m of RA.
'Film A film night has bean, arranged by the .itucSack Club. on, eidnesdgy 9th- September 1964 Anz.a.c .House z.n aid of-: the SoUth-.!1-Indian 'Ocean ExpeditiOn to Heard Island, .011.1.wft111,…M.,=mn
DATJS T04UMEMBER
11th September- TIOBRATION BALL'.
27th November – Sydney Bushwalker Christmas Party.
SOCIAL NOTES FOR AUGUST.
There will be an alteration in thc social programme for August. Denise Hull will be unable to present “Arnhem Land” on 19th, for the very good reason that she will be enjoying a holiday in the snow. However Len Hanke who was unable to visit us last month will be at the Club in the place of Denise to present “From Coast to Mountain”. Len Hank is well known as a member of N.P.A. and will be telling us about Nadgee and Barrington.
We are having films on 26th - three in fact. “Sea Ro7.6.” is an impression of an overnight voyage Mslbourne to Davenport, Tasmania, on the vehicular ferry, “Princess of Tasmania”. “Diavolezzn” takes us for a trip a5oard the “Dirlvolezzc” Cable Railway, Switzerland. Scenes include views from the railway which aro just short of breathtaking. “The Cattle Carters” is the story of a 800 mile trip in which cattle are moved from a large property in North Australia to the railhead for shipment to southern and overseas markets.