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-December, 1966 The Sydney Bushwaiker +=====The Old Black Billy.===== 
-THE OLD BLACK BILLY.+
 Alice Wyborn. Alice Wyborn.
-On a beautiful day a few weeks ago, I rested against a rock-with half closed eyes. We had been scrambling about all morning and now after + 
-a pleasant lunch I was relaxed. All round were the sounds and scents of early spring, with a blue sky overhead where small clouds scudded by. +On a beautiful day a few weeks ago, I rested against a rock with half closed eyes. We had been scrambling about all morning and now after a pleasant lunch I was relaxed. All round were the sounds and scents of early spring, with a blue sky overhead where small clouds scudded by. What a perfect day! In this somnolent state my eye caught sight of the thermos flask sitting on a rock nearby. Now what was a thermos flask doing out here in the bush? Well we have got into the habit of carrying our tea in one for the mid-day snack, and I must admit that on some occasions it is a jolly good idea, especially as on this day, when one is perched on a rocky rampart several hundred feet up from the creek bed. 
-What a perfect day! In this somnolent state my eye caught sight of the thermos flask sitting on a rock nearby. Now what was a thermos flask doing out here in the bush? Well we have got into the habit of carrying cu."tea in one for the mid-day snack, and I must admit that on some occasions it is a jolly good idea, especially as on this day, when one is perched on a rocky rampart several hundred feet up from the creek bed. + 
-As I looked at its bright blue cover, my thoughts turned ,to my very +As I looked at its bright blue cover, my thoughts turned to my very early bushwalking days when the old billy was a symbol of the great outdoors. Yes, in those days with two girl friends, we would set out for a day's walk with a small military pack and a billy for tea carried in the hand. The funny part was that none of us drank tea at home! It was just part of the adventure to boil the billy and __always__ cook sausages on a forked stick. At this time I was living with my parents in a mid-western town, and so our walking was very limited - there were no mountains - only the rolling plains and low hills typical of that part of the country, but we had wonderful days together. Of course we did not camp out - I don't suppose that even entered our heads. We would get up very early and be on our way before sunrise and not return home till it was setting. It was here in 1929 that I had a great experience, in that my Father took me with him on a two day business trip to the Coonamble-Tooraweenah area, and so I had my first view of the Warrumbungles - little did I know then, that some 15 years later I would actually be bushwalking in the area, which has become so well-known now. In those days, no one took much notice of them - they were there - and just part of the landscape. Another thing which made the trip a great thrill for me, was that my Father allowed me to drive the car from Dubbo to Coonamble. Of course I did not have a license then, but I had been driving with him for about twelve months on various occasions, and I was quite confident. The roads were only gravel in places, mostly they were sandy tracks, but I loved every minute of it, and we stopped by the road and boiled the billy each lunchtime. The night was spent at the hotel in Coonamble and we were up and away again early the next morning. 
-early bushwalking days when the oldbilly was a symbol of the great outdoors. Yes, in those days with two girl friends,' vie would:Set out fol. a day's walk + 
-with a small military pack and a billy for tea carried in the hand. The +had another girl friend whose parents had a sheep and wheat property out between Gilgandra and Eumingerie. I often stayed out there for a week in the school holidays but could never induce her to go walking with me. Being farmers, the only walking they did was down to the horse paddock to catch a horse for riding whenever they went anywhere - and so we would go out for a day's riding, and the old billy would go along too - tied onto the saddle with a piece of string. Maybe the thermos is a modern touch, but it is also very handy on a day trip, so we are sure to go on using it. But it can never really take the place of the old black billy. 
-funny part was that none of us drank tea at home! It was just part of the + 
-adventure to boil the billy and 2:12._vai_.s cook sausages on a forked stick. At +---- 
-this time I was living with my parents in a mid-western town, and so our walking was very limited - there were no mountains - only the rolling plains and low hillja, typical of that part of the country., but we had wonderful days together. Of course we did not cam out - I don't suppose that even entered + 
-our heads. We would get up very early and be on our way before sunrise and not return home till it was setting. It was here in 1929 that I had a great experience, in that my Father took me with him on a two day business trip to the CoonaMble-Tooraweenah area, and so I hadmy first viewof the Warrumbungles - little did I know then, that some 15 years later I would actually be bushwalking in the area, which has become so well-known now. In those +=====One More Month.===== 
-days, no one took much notice of them - they were there - and just part of +
-the landscape. Another thing which made the trip a great thrill for me, was that my Father allowed me to drive the car from Dubbo to CoonaMble. +
-Of course I did not have a license then, but I had been driving with him for about twelve months on various occasions, and I was quite confident. The roads were only gravel in places, mostly theywere sandy tracks, but I +
-lovedevery minute of it, and we stoppedby the road and boiled the billy each lunchtime. The night was spent at the hotel in CoonaMble and we were +
-up and away again early the next morning. +
-hadalother girl friend whose parents had a sheep and wheat property out between Gilgandra and Eumingerie. I often stayed out there for a week in +
-the school holidays but could never induce her to go walking with mee Being +
-farmers, theonly walking they aid was down to the horse paddodk to catch a horse for riding whenever they went anywhere - and so we would go out for a day's riding, and the oldbilly wouldgo along too - tied onto the saddle with a piece of string. Maybe the thermos is a modern touch, but it is also +
-very handy on a day trip, so we are sure to go on using it. But it can never really take the place of the old black billy. +
-6The Sydney Bushwalker December, 1966 +
-ONE MORE MONTH +
 "Observer" "Observer"
-"There comes a time in every man's life  " Looks like that time has come for Bob Duncan, bachelor and Club Character of long sta,ding; and who's the plucky girl - physicist Roslyn Sorensen. Bob and-Roslyn plan to marry in Melbourne in February and S.B.W will be represented by Snow Brown as best man. Best Wishes to Bob and Roslyn from the Club. + 
- m.....+"There comes a time in every man's life ...." Looks like that time has come for Bob Duncan, bachelor and Club Character of long standing; and who's the plucky girl - physicist Roslyn Sorensen. Bob and Roslyn plan to marry in Melbourne in February and S.B.W will be represented by Snow Brown as best man. Best Wishes to Bob and Roslyn from the Club. 
 + 
 +---- 
 Conversation on recent trip: Conversation on recent trip:
-Barry: "Don, how about finishing off my Instant Don: "No thanks, mate" + 
-Snow: (in amazement): "Did everyone hear that? Don: "Thoever called Instant Pudding'food' mu +Barry: "Don, how about finishing off my Instant Pudding?" 
-It's taken a long time to discover that there is stomachs + 
-.....1=MMEIMMENII+Don: "No thanks, mate" 
 + 
 +Snow: (in amazement): "Did everyone hear that? Finch has refused food!" 
 + 
 +Don: "Whoever called Instant Pudding 'food' must be off his rocker." 
 + 
 +It's taken a long time to discover that there __is__ something our Don can't stomach! 
 + 
 +---- 
 Recent Conversation in Clubroom: Recent Conversation in Clubroom:
-refused food;" his rocker.", + 
-our Don canll +Member A: "Notice anything odd about the November magazine?" 
-Puddifig?" + 
-Finch has st be off +Member B: "Seemed to be a bit smaller than usual." 
-something + 
-Member A: "Notice anything odd about the November magazine?" Member B: "Seemed to be a bit smaller than usual." +Member A: (Obviously a mathematician): "Yes, and I've done a simple calculation - exactly 50% of it was the work of only two contributors". 
-Member A: (Obviously a mathematician): "Yes, and I've acne a simple calculation - exactly 50% of it was the work of only two +
-contributors".+
 Member B: "Don't the other members do anything interesting to write about?" Member B: "Don't the other members do anything interesting to write about?"
-Member A: "We should talk!" + 
-It's a long road that hath no turning. After seven long years, the National Parks Bill goes before State Psrl4ment this month. One might say that the Age of Enlightenment has just about begun. +Member A: "__We__ should talk!" 
-Nice to see that the Swimming Carnival (February 18-19) has made a comeback on the Summer Walks Programme which has just been issued. Both as a lot of fun and as a social week-end, it ussd to be a winner - congrats to Kath Brown for radkin g the initial move. + 
-December, 1966 The Sydney. Bu.Shwalker 7. +---- 
-A. black day in the life of all bushwalkers was November 26, when a fine young woman lost her life in a freak drowning accident in the Kowmung River near Morong Falls while on a S.U.B.IL trip. Wendy "Foxe." Butler, 20, daughter of popular S.B.T. member Dorothy and ex =mbar Ira, had been on many jaunts with S.B.W. as a visitor, andbush walkers who had grown to know and admire her felt it as a personal tragedy. One could sense the tremendous amount of sympathy, not always expressed in so many words among S.B.17. members for the bereaved family.+ 
 +It's a long road that hath no turning. After seven long years, the National Parks Bill goes before State Parliament this month. One might say that the Age of Enlightenment has just about begun. 
 + 
 +Nice to see that the Swimming Carnival (February 18-19) has made a comeback on the Summer Walks Programme which has just been issued. Both as a lot of fun and as a social week-end, it ussd to be a winner - congrats to Kath Brown for Making the initial move. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +A. black day in the life of all bushwalkers was November 26, when a fine young woman lost her life in a freak drowning accident in the Kowmung River near Morong Falls while on a S.U.B.W. trip. Wendy "Foxa" Butler, 20, daughter of popular S.B.W. member Dorothy and ex-member Ira, had been on many jaunts with S.B.W. as a visitor, and bush walkers who had grown to know and admire her felt it as a personal tragedy. One could sense the tremendous amount of sympathy, not always expressed in so many words among S.B.W. members for the bereaved family. 
 + 
 +---- 
 On Wednesday December 7, Jean Wilson presented Alan with their 3rd daughter. On Wednesday December 7, Jean Wilson presented Alan with their 3rd daughter.
-MINIalmennimwomp + 
-SOCIAL NOTES+---- 
-There really arentt any so this is just a reminder that: DECEMBER 21st is a Free night while the Clubroom will be CLOSED on DECEMBER 28 and JANUARY 4. + 
-am owmaramm +====Social Notes.==== 
-SO YOU ARE PLANNING TO DO SOMETFING INTERESTING OVER THE CHRISTMAS + 
-NEW YEAR PERIODMAYBE THE COASTTHE MOUNTAINSLAMINGTONTARRUMBUNGLESKOSCIUSKOERATASMANIANEW ZEALAND etc. +There really aren'any so this is just a reminder that: 
-WHATEVER AND rTHEREVERREMEMBER THAT EVERYONE ELSE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR WHAT HAPPENED+ 
-YOU COULD TELL THEM THROUGH THE CLUB MAGAZINE. +December 21st is a Free night while the Clubroom will be closed on December 28 and January 4. 
-=11+ 
-Is your entry in the Members' List uptodate? Any changes would be welcomed by the Secretary, without delays +---- 
-8. The Sydney Bushwalker December, 1966 + 
-EXPLORATIONS OF SOME NE7 WALKING COUNTRY.+So you are planning to do something interesting over the Christmas - New Year periodMaybe the coastthe mountainsLamingtonWarrumbunglesKosciuskoEraTasmania, New Zealand, etc. 
 + 
 +Whatever and whereverremember that everyone else would like to hear what happened
 + 
 +You could tell them through the Club Magazine. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +Is your entry in the Members' List up-to-date? Any changes would be welcomed by the Secretary, without delays! 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +=====Explorations Of Some New Walking Country.===== 
 Phil Butt. Phil Butt.
-On Friday, 16th September an illustrious party of,S.B.T.'s set off + 
-for a wilderness experience  our revered President, 3 members and one pospective. +On Friday, 16th September an illustrious party of S.B.W.'s set off for a wilderness experience our revered President, 3 members and one pospective. 
-Good time was made out along the old New as railway on the Friday night to just past the site of the Newnes Prison Farm which seems to be + 
-making some progress. The old Sawmill has been burnt down, so the +Good time was made out along the old Newnes railway on the Friday night to just past the site of the Newnes Prison Farm which seems to be making some progress. The old Sawmill has been burnt down, so the intrepid members of the party camped out while lesser ones succumbed to the comforsts of the back of a Holden Panel Van. 
-intrepid members of the party camped out while lesser ones succumbed to the comforsts of the back of a Holden Panel Van. + 
-The Saturday morning sky threatened snow, which fortunately aid not fall on the party. They were soon on the Mt. Cameron road which, it was +The Saturday morning sky threatened snow, which fortunately did not fall on the party. They were soon on the Mt. Cameron road which, it was decided, was impassable to all but the most daring Land RoversSome clearing has been done at Mt. Cameron and a field ploughed; several wallabies were enjoying the lush grass on the basalt capped mountain. The hut is in reasonable condition and there is water in some 44 gallon drums, but none in the southwards flowing creek, at least for some 200 feet down in the present dry times. 
-decided, was impassable to all but the most daring Land RoversSome + 
-clearing has been done at Mt. Cameron and a field ploughed; several wallabies were enjoying the lush grass on the basalt capped mountain. The hut is in reasonable condition and there is water in some 44 gallon drums, but none in the southwards flowing crook, at least for some 200 feet down in the present dry times. +The President demonstrated that he was an expert in wire tightening on fences almost at the expense of the fence at Mt. Cameron. 
-The President demonstrated that he was an expert in wike tighteningon fences  almost at the expense of the fence at Mt. Cameron. + 
-The track tp Permanent water, as shown on the 7allerawang map is often difficult to follow but the campsite, when finally reached, is very wort7cwhi1e with an abundance of wood and water, in fact, eminently suitable +The track to Permanent water, as shown on the Wallerawang map is often difficult to follow but the campsite, when finally reached, is very worthwhi1e with an abundance of wood and water, in fact, eminently suitable for a Reunion. Ascents of Tambo Limb, which is basalt capped, and Pommell Hill were made, and from the latter a fine view of the mountains in the Mt. Munundilla area was had. 
-for a Reunion. Ascents of Tambo Limb, which is basalt capped, and Pommell Hill were made, and from the latter a fine view of the mountains in the Mt. Munundilla area was had. + 
-On Sunday, away to an early start under clear skies, little time was lost in finding a pass across Nayook Creek, ana straight up the other side. Once up on the tops, the party had its full share of wilderness+On Sunday, away to an early start under clear skies, little time was lost in finding a pass across Nayook Creek, ana straight up the other side. Once up on the tops, the party had its full share of wilderness experience through dense scratchy sandstone scrub, and headed straight for Deep Pass. This col, defended by sheer sandstone walls was successfully attacked, and another relatively short march brought the party safely to the Presidential vehicle. 
-experience through dense scratchy sandstone scrub, and headed straight for Deep Pass. This col, defended by sheer sandstone walls was successfully attacked, and another relatively short march brought the party safely to the Presidential vehicle.+
 This area is ono well worth visiting many times over, and offers a wide range of trips all the year round. This area is ono well worth visiting many times over, and offers a wide range of trips all the year round.
-Report on walk Rocky Top  Landrigans Creek  Megalith Ridge  Kowmung River  VonnIs Holding  Cockerills Lookout  Venn's Holding  rerong + 
-Creek  Kowmung River 7. Steps of Sorrow  Lost Rock  Rocky Top on October 28-29-30 with 5 members. +Report on walk Rocky Top Landrigans Creek Megalith Ridge Kowmung River - Venn'Holding Cockerills Lookout Venn's Holding - Werong Creek Kowmung River Steps of Sorrow Lost Rock Rocky Top on October 28-29-30 with 5 members. 
-The route down Megalith Ridge to the Kowmung is a somewhat elusive + 
-Then you require gear for walking anc=1-camping +The route down Megalith Ridge to the Kowmung is a somewhat elusive one to pinpoint, but affords excellent views of the last stretch of the Morong Deep. From the Hanrahans Creek saddle it was possible to see the Kowmung rushing through its gorge at a fearsome pace. Although the river level was up, crossing was no problem. 
-rheL+ 
 +Packs were left at the campsite at Venn's Holding on Werong Creek and the party assailed Cockerills Lookout. All previous steep hills in everyone's experience paled into insignificance before the almost vertical ridges up to Cockerills. Fortunately there was very little scrub on the ridge. The view from the summit, which is a trig point, takes in the lower Kowmung Valley, the Yerranderie and Mt. Colong area and Mt. Jellore was visible on the horizon. There is a visitors' book in a tin in the trig cairn. A road from the thriving metropolis of Jaunter comes to within a few yards of the summit. 
 + 
 +Sunday morning was spent exploring Werong Creek. As far as the party went, the creek is relatively level with one pool a deep wade even for the longest legs. It is rather reminiscent of Galong Creek, though the surrounding cliffs and ridges are more impressive. l 1/2 hours walk upstream the party came upon the site of some old workings, 3 adits in the right hand bank, in various stages of decay, hand hewn into the tough quartz in search of gold and copper. There was a quantity of tools still lying around including a wheelbarrow still in reasonable condition. 
 + 
 +The Steps of Sorrow seemed aptly named - their steepness almost causing tears of anguish and suffering. This would be an extremely difficult ridge to locate coming down and there is a large cairn possibly misplaced on the rise before Mt. Misery, not on the mountain itself. The Lost Rock view was up to its usual standard despite heavy afternoon haze and a setting sun. 
 + 
 +A most enjoyable weekend - Cockerills Lookout should be a must on everyone's programme. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +=====Paddy Made.===== 
 + 
 +Seasons Greeting from paddy Pallin and staff. 
 + 
 +When you require gear for walking and camping, remember... 
 Paddymade gear has been developed for Australian conditions by bushwalkers. It has been continuously improved over 36 years by incorporating the suggestions of many active walkers. Paddymade gear has been developed for Australian conditions by bushwalkers. It has been continuously improved over 36 years by incorporating the suggestions of many active walkers.
 +
 It is practical, tough and backed by a reliable name. It is practical, tough and backed by a reliable name.
 +
 You'll get service with Paddymade. You'll get service with Paddymade.
- There walkers meet  
-P.S. A new edition of "Snowy Mountain Talks" is  now available. 
-PADDY PAWN CZ Lightweight Camp Gear 
-  
-BMZ685 
  
-The. Sydner u- ly4.ker +Paddy Palling PtyLimited
-. . Decemb,9riq9.66: + 
-10. +109 Bathurst Street
-one to pinpointbut affords excellent Vi6i;'of the last stretch of he ,Morong Deep. From the Hanrahans Creek saddle it was possible to 'seejthe + 
-.KowOung ru shing:through its gorge at a fearsome pace. Although the:riVer level was up, crossing was no problem. +Where walkers meet  
-Packs wore left at the campsite at Venn's Holding,on,WerOilg.Creek and the party assailed Cockerills Lookout. All previous sto'ep- hills iji everyone's experience paled into insignificance before the almost vertical ridges up to Codkerills. Fortunately There was very little scrub on the ridge. The view from the summit, which is a trig point, takes in-Jhe lower Kowmung Valley, the Yerrandorie and Mt. Colong area and Mt. aellore wat + 
-visible on the horizonThere is a visitors' book in a tin in the trig cairn. A road from the thriving metropolis of Jaunter comes to within a +P.S. A new edition of "Snowy Mountain Talks" is now available
-few yards of the summit. + 
-Sunday morning was spent exploring Werong Creek. As far as the +---
-' party went, the creek is relatively level with one pool a deep wade even for + 
-the longest legsIt is rather reminiscent of Galong Creek, though the surrounding cliffs and ridges are more impressive. l hours walk upstream the party came upon the site of some old workings, 3 adits in tte right +====Answers to crossword on page 3.==== 
-- hand bank, in various stages of decay, hand hewn into the tough quartz in search of gold and copper. There was a quantity of tools still lying around including a wheelb4rrow still in reasonable condition. + 
-The Steps of Sorrow seemed -.ptly named their steepness almost +===Across:=== 
-causing tears of anguish and suffering. This would be an extremely diffio+ 
-ult ridge to locate coming down and there is a large cairn possibly misplaced on the rise before MtMisery, not on the mountain itself. The Lost Rock view was up to its usual standard despite heavy afternoon haze  +1. Barrington; 7. Rea; 8. Oslo; 10. Usurp; 12. Mac; 13. Her15. Hats; 17. Grose; 19. Lo; 20. NE; 21. Clamber; 24. Ostrich; 26. Ra28, Re; 29. Anvil; 30. Leap32. Fog; 34. Men: 35. Aorta; 36. Nose; 37. Tie; 39. Lighthouse. 
-and a setting sun. + 
-A most enjoyable weekend - Codkerills Lookout should be a must +===Down:=== 
-on everyone's programme. + 
-ANSVIERS TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE 3. +1. Blue Gum; 2. Imp; 3. No; 4. Gate; 5. Noah;  Tops; 9. Scale; 11. Upon; 14. Reach; 16. Tor; 18. Sect21Cliff22. Turn; 23. Foliage; 24. Ore; 25. Seams; 27. Aver; 30. Lynx; 31. Peel; 33.: Oath; 35. Ash38. It. 
-AeROSS: 1. Barrington; 7. Rea; 8. Oslo; 10. Usurp; 12. Nadi'+ 
-13. Her15. Hats; 17. Grose; 19. Lo; 20. NE; 21. Clamber; 24. p1Strichi 26. Ra28, Re; 29. Anvil; 30. Leap32. Fog; 34. Men: 35. Aorta; 36. Nose; 37. Tie; 39. Lighthouse. +---- 
-DOWN: 1. 'Blue Gum; 2. Imp; 3. No; 4. Gate; '1\34h;..  Tops; 9. Peale; 11. Upon; 14. Reach; 16.Tor; 18. Sect:: 21Cliff22. Turn; 23.4o4age;', + 
-24. Ore; 25. Seams; 27. Aver; ':30.,.Tarx;:::31;'Vo-e1i 33.: Oath; 35. Ash+====North From Wanganderry.=====
-+
-38. It.+
  
-December, 1966 The Sydney Bushwalker 11. 
-NORTH FROM 7ANGA1DERRY. 
 Jim Brown. Jim Brown.
-If my grandchildren  should I have any  ask (1) what I did during the War, and (2) what I did when President Johnson visited Sydney, I shall have no difficulty in answering the latter question. In accord with the principle of "getting far away from LBJ" I was groping my way gingerly out along the divide between the Tollondilly and Nattai Rivers north of Wanganderry. + 
-It was a projo et that had been in cold storage for years and years, ever since I had ledmy first programmed walk for the Club over the gap between the Tollondilly and Nat-tai  the pass variously known as The Getover, Travis' Pass and Beloon Pass. In the absence of sign posts, blazed trails and the like, it had taken two reconnaissance trips to find the gap from the Nattai side, and I was immediately taken with the notion of using it as access to the 7anganderry Plateau, then continuing south to the Tombeyan Caves Road at Trangandorry+If my grandchildren should I have any ask (1) what I did during the War, and (2) what I did when President Johnson visited Sydney, I shall have no difficulty in answering the latter question. In accord with the principle of "getting far away from LBJ" I was groping my way gingerly out along the divide between the Wollondilly and Nattai Rivers north of Wanganderry. 
-Well, that was back in '47, and in all that time the idea had + 
-never got beyond a iroposal. I knew that a party from the Club had been along the divide some years ago as part of a long holiday weekend jaunt, and on a day walk a few months ago, I asked Frank Loyden about itHis reply was not really encouraging, and he inferred that it was a slow, slugging march through very dense scrub. He advised wearing gaiters, and I said that in thick scrub I preffered long trousers. "If so," he said, "Don't wear old worn out ones. They want to be pretty strong."  +It was a project that had been in cold storage for years and years, ever since I had led my first programmed walk for the Club over the gap between the Wollondilly and Nattai - the pass variously known as The Getover, Travis' Pass and Beloon Pass. In the absence of sign posts, blazed trails and the like, it had taken two reconnaissance trips to find the gap from the Nattai side, and I was immediately taken with the notion of using it as access to the Wanganderry Plateau, then continuing south to the Wombeyan Caves Road at Wanganderry. 
-He did add, however, that there should be some quite interesting scenery, now that Lake Burragorang fills the Tollondilly valley. I got the impression any views likely to be found would scarcely 'be worth the labour. This rather discouraging intelligence had, if anything, the reverse effect + 
-on me. And, strangely enough, coupled with the newly released maps of the area, it provoked me into tackling it the wrong way round. From the navigatorangle it is always easier to follow a ridge towards its junction with the +Well, that was back in '47, and in all that time the idea had never got beyond a proposal. I knew that a party from the Club had been along the divide some years ago as part of a long holiday weekend jaunt, and on a day walk a few months ago, I asked Frank Leyden about itHis reply was not really encouraging, and he inferred that it was a slow, slugging march through very dense scrub. He advised wearing gaiters, and I said that in thick scrub I preferred long trousers. "If so," he said, "Don't wear old worn out ones. They want to be pretty strong."  
-main range, because the side creeks and side ridges all converge. Going "out" + 
-along a ridge is always fraught with the possibility of veering off on a aeries of side spurs. So the sensible way of doing the Wanganderry Plateau is from Beloon Gap south to TanganderryPervcrsely, I went north from +He did add, however, that there should be some quite interesting scenery, now that Lake Burragorang fills the Wollondilly valley. I got the impression any views likely to be found would scarcely be worth the labour. This rather discouraging intelligence had, if anything, the reverse effect on me. And, strangely enough, coupled with the newly released maps of the area, it provoked me into tackling it the wrong way round. From the navigator's angle it is always easier to follow a ridge towards its junction with the main range, because the side creeks and side ridges all converge. Going "out" along a ridge is always fraught with the possibility of veering off on a series of side spurs. So the sensible way of doing the Wanganderry Plateau is from Beloon Gap south to WanganderryPerversely, I went north from Wanganderry seeking the Gap. 
-Tanganderry seeking the Gap. + 
-Departure from the deserted farm at the head of Burnt Flat Creek +Departure from the deserted farm at the head of Burnt Flat Creek was at 7.40 a.m. on the Saturday and the going over pasture and a couple of richly grassed hills was very pleasant for a mile or two. At the second basalt knob I could see the scrub beginning to crowd in on the ridge ahead, and decided to get out my compass in readiness. Then I remembered digging it out on the pack half a mile back, intending to slip it into my trousers pocket. Either I had left it lying in its tan leather case on top of a pile of the brown basalt rocks which were all over the place, or it had fallen from my pocket. The chances of recovery didn't seem so bright, but that compass had sentimental value for me. 
-was at 7.40 a m. on the Saturday and the going over pasture and a couple of + 
-richly grassed hills was very pleasant for a mile or two. At the second basalt knob I could see the scrub beginning to crowd in on the ridge ahead, and decided to get out my compass in readiness. Then I remembered digging it out on the pack half a mile back, intending to slip it into my trousers pocket. Either I had left it lying in its tan leather case on top of a pile of the brown basalt rocks which wore all over the place, or it had fallen from my podket. The chances of recovery didn't seem so bright, but that compass had sentimental value for me. +To start with, I had for almost four years accounted for that compass on the monthly stocktake of binoculars and compasses returned by an Infantry Brigade Headquarters; then in 1946 I had purchased at a disposals place for £2 one of the very compasses I had recorded for yearsSince then it had guided me across miles of Blue Labyrinth in the days before fire trails, in mist along the Talaterang range, and on several jaunts in the most obscure ridges of the Northern Blue Mountains. I even knew its individual error about 1/2° east so it was worth trying to find it
-12. The Sydney Bushwaiker December, 1966 + 
-To start with, I had for almost four yea-2s accounted for that compass on the monthly stocktake of binoculars and compasses returned by +This part of the story ends on a happy note because I found the compass in ten minutes and was back to my pack in another five. Fortunate, too, because once the scrub closed in it was never out of my hand, and for three hours it was consulted at intervals of two or three minutes. 
-an Infantry Brigade Headquarters; then in 1946 I had purchased at a + 
-disposals place for E2 one of the very compasses I had recorded for years Since then it had guided me across miles of Blue Labyrinth in the days +The Wanganderry Plateau is the trunk divide from which the ridge runs out to Paddy's Peak and I had heard it was not by any means easy navigation. It is flat, fairly wide and covered with open forest and underbrush; on its eastern side spurs lead off toward the Nattai valley as thick as a porcupine'quillsBetween 8.30 and 11.30, in spite of cautious progross, I found myself off-course on three occasions. Each time, as the bearing of the ridge veered too much to the east, I turned back and picked up the right range, and in total, lost little more than half an hour. 
-before fire trails, in mist along the Talaterang range, and on several jaunts in the most obscure ridges of the Northern Blue Mountains. I even knew its individual error  about east  so it was worth trying to find it + 
-This part of the story ends on a happy note because I found the compass in ten minutes and was back to my pack in another five+By 11.30, however, the trickiest part of the pathfinding was almost over. I emerged on a rocky area, with the creek between the divide and Paddy's Peak forming a ravine on the west, while the head of Album River flowed towards the Nattai in a rocky cleft to the east. The crown of the ridge was narrow and obvious, its fretted sandstone wearing into domes and minarets rather like parts of the Northern Blue Mountains. At that time it was a veritable flower garden, with massed pale pink boronia the only place I have seen better is on the Barren Ground. 
-. Fortunate, too, because onco the scrub closed in it Was never out of + 
-my hand, and for three hours it was consulted at intervals of two or three +From the western rim, too, there was a magnificent view, with the glittering sheet of water to the north, the paddocks around Jooriland, and beyond them timbered ranges rising to the peaky tops around Yerranderie. Paddy's Peak, so spectacular from the west or north, was revealed as just another sandstone plateau with a knobby point. Unfortunately there was a good deal of haze despite a fair mild south-west wind. 
-minutes. + 
-The 7anganderry Plateau is the trunk divide from which the ridge +I had carried a 30 oz plastic water flask in anticipation of a dry stage along the divide, but the naked sandstone had weathered into a series of good water holes, filled with the rain of the previous days. I halted here for lunch, and concluded from the map that I was just about to leap from the Mittagong one-inch map to the Nattai two-inch survey. 
-runs out to Paddy's Peak and I had heard it was not by any means easy + 
-navigation. It is flat, fairly wide and covered with open forest and underbruzh; on its eastern side spurs lead off toward the Nattai valley ns thick as a porcupines quillsBetween 8.30 and 11.30, in spite of caut5.bus rrogross, I found myself offcourse on three occasions. Each time, as the bearing of the ridge veered too much to the east, I turned back and picked up the right range, and in total, lost little more than half an hour. +The easy open going over bare smooth sandstone continued for almost a mile, then the ridge widened, and it was back to the Mulga. Where the garden had been mainly boronia and spider flower in the morning, I was now in an eggs-and-bacon region, with shrubs laden with yellow and red pea flowers crowding together, the air sharp-sweet with its scent, and the whole bush humming with bees. 
-By 11.309 however, the tEif&:ioc,part of the pathfinding was almost over. I emerged on a rocky area, with the creek between the divide and Paddy's Peak forming a ravine on the west, while the head of Album River flowed towards the Nattai in a rocky cleft to the east. The crown of the ridge was narrow and obvious, its fretted sandstone wearing into domes and minarets rather like parts of the Northern Blue Mountains. At + 
-that time it was a veritable flower garden, with massed pale pink boronia  the only place I have seen bettor is on the Barren Ground. +The growth was denser, too, much denser, and in places one had to contest every steepSpeed dropped dawn to something like a mile an hour, and remained so for the next 2 1/2 hours. Somewhere along this stage the knees of my trouser-legs were ripped open they were neither new pants nor by any means worn out until then. 
-From the western rim, too, there was a magnificent view, with the + 
-glittering sheet of water to the north, the paddocks around Jnoriland, and beyond them timbered ranges rising to the peaky tops around Yerranderie. Paddy's Peak, sp spectacular from the west or north, was revealed as just another sandstone plateau with a knobby point. Unfortunately there was a +I headed a few small steep gullies leading to the western side, and at 3 p.m. the divide narrowed and I was again on bare rock a spine of sandstone along the Wollondilly rim, where deep gullies cut in from the Nattai side. The views in the mellow afternoon light were very lovely and I decided well worth the toil: unfortunately the distance was still hazy. 
-good deal of haze despite a fair mild southwest wind. + 
-I had carried a 30 oz plastic water flask in anticipation of a +My relief at the re-appearance of the open rock was short-lived, because the divide which had been mercifully level to this point, began to saw-tooth up and down. The going was slow, with abrupt rocky slopes and deep growth in the saddles, but as compensation there were non-stop views over the golden-green Wollondilly valley. An hour produced only 1200 yards of progress. 
-dry stage along the divide, but the naked sandstone had weathered into + 
-a series of good water holes, filled with the rain of the previous days. I +Then the ridge went up, widenod and stablised again, and for a short way the vegetation thinned out. There were lookdowns into shadowy green gulfs on the Nattai side, with the slanting sunlight falling on the ridges leading down beside Album River and Martins Creek: off to the south Jellore was a dull green cone. 
-halted here for lunch, and concluded from the map that I was just about to leap from the Mittagong oneinch map to the NattaitWe-inch survey. + 
-December 1966 The Sydney Bushwalker 13. +As I lileared the last 500 ft descent into Beloon Gap the bush clamped in again and I was driven over to the rocky Wollondilly rim, dropping quite steeply into the saddle with its cairn marker and the reverse slope rising abruptly towards Beloon Trig. It was just after 5 p.m. as I reached the gap. 
-The easy open going over bare smooth sandstone continued for almost a mile, then the ridge widened, and it was back to the Mulga. + 
-Where the garden had been mainly boronia and spider flower in the morning, I was now in an eggsandbacon regions with shrubs laden with yellow and +I remembered I still had an untouched flask of water, carried all the way from Wanganderry. All the way? Well, only 9 or 10 miles, but representing nine hours fairly steady effort. I took a sip and was about to pour out the rest when I reasoned, no, I could break a leg going down the pass, and what a fool I'feel then. I put the flask back into the pack and started down into the setting sun. The rest of the trip, which was quite straightforward, has no part in this chronicle. It was all open enough to allow me to wear shorts much more comfortable than long trousers with the knee caps abraded out. And, finally, I did drink my carried water, which was a good deal cleaner than the bulk supply down in the valley. 
-red pea flowers crowding together, the air sharpsweet with its scent, and the whole bush humming with bees. + 
-The growth was denser, too, much denser, and in places one had +---- 
-to contest every steepSpeed dropped dawn to something like a mile an +
-hour, and remained so for the next. 2i hours. Somewhere along this stage +
-the knees of my trouserlegs were ripped open  they were neither new parts nor by any moans worn out  until then. +
-I headed a few small steep gullies leading to the western side, and at 3 p m. the divide narrowed and I was again on bare rock  a spine of sand- +
-stone along the Wollondilly rim, where deep Gullies cut in from the Nattai side. The views in the mellow afternoon light were very lovely and I decided well worth the toil: unfortunately the distance was still hazy. +
-My relief at the reappearance of the open rock was shortlived, because the divide which had been mercifully level to this point, began to saw.-tooth up and down. The going was slow, with abrupt rocky slopes and deep growth in the saddles, but as compensation there were nonstop views over the goldengreen 7ollondilly valley. An hour produced only 1200 yards of progress. +
-Then the ridge went up, widpnod and stablised again, and for a short way the vegetation thinned out. There were lookdowns into shadowy green gulfs on the Nattai side, with the slanting sunlight falling on the ridges leading down beside A13.-um River and Martins Creek: off to the south Jellore was a dull groan cone. +
-As I lileared the last 500 ft descent into Beloon Gap the bush clamped in again and I was driven over to the rocky I:Tnllondilly rim, dropping quite steeply into the sdd.1e with its cairn marker and the reverse slope rising abruptly towards Beloon Trig. It was just after 5 p m. as I reached the gap. +
-I remembered I still had an untouched flask of water, carried all +
-the way from 7Tanganderry. All the way? Well, only 9 or 10 miles, but +
-representing nine hours fairly steady effort. I took a sip and was about to +
-pour out the rest when I reasoned, no, I could break a leg going dawn the pass, and what a fool va feel then. I put the flask back into the pack+
-and started down into the setting sun. The rest of the trip, which was +
-quite straightforward, has no part in this chronicle. It was all open +
-enough to allow me to wear shorts  much more comfortable than long trousers +
-With the knee caps abraded out. And, finally, I did drink my carried wateii, which was a good deal cleaner than the bulk supply down in the valley. +
-14. The Sydney Bushwaiker December, 1966 +
-. . -+
 --WITS:THE GOURMETS AT ERA. (Version 1) --WITS:THE GOURMETS AT ERA. (Version 1)
 by "A...Gormanaiser":2 by "A...Gormanaiser":2
196612.txt · Last modified: 2016/08/19 14:01 by tyreless

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