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 |**Editor**|Frank Rigby, Unit 5, 52 Market St., Randwick.| |**Editor**|Frank Rigby, Unit 5, 52 Market St., Randwick.|
 |**Business Manager**|Bill Burke, Coral Tree Dr. Carlingford. 8711207.| |**Business Manager**|Bill Burke, Coral Tree Dr. Carlingford. 8711207.|
-|**Typist**|Shirley D3an, 30 Hannah St., Beecroft.|+|**Typist**|Shirley Dean, 30 Hannah St., Beecroft.|
 |**Sales and Subscriptions**|Neville Page, 22 Hayward St. Kingsford. 343536.| |**Sales and Subscriptions**|Neville Page, 22 Hayward St. Kingsford. 343536.|
  
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 The Treasurer being away, there was no financial report and. Walks Report covered quite an array of well-attended trips in October, together with several that failed for lack of starters - notably on the weekend of the U.S. President's visit. The Treasurer being away, there was no financial report and. Walks Report covered quite an array of well-attended trips in October, together with several that failed for lack of starters - notably on the weekend of the U.S. President's visit.
  
-Federation's items have been published in the November magazine and by the time this is published, any social items mentioned will be old hat. Parks and Playgrounds matters referred mainly to suburban areas, especially the master plan for Ashton Park which looked likely to be thoroughly de-bushed under corrent proposals.  It had been stated that land released for home-building in Warringah Shire would not be an area classified as green space. The report by Myles Dunphy on Colong Caves area had been received.+Federation's items have been published in the November magazine and by the time this is published, any social items mentioned will be old hat. Parks and Playgrounds matters referred mainly to suburban areas, especially the master plan for Ashton Park which looked likely to be thoroughly de-bushed under current proposals.  It had been stated that land released for home-building in Warringah Shire would not be an area classified as green space. The report by Myles Dunphy on Colong Caves area had been received.
  
-Marching on to General Business, it was first announced that the Club Room wruld be closed on 28th December and 4th January. Dot Butler asked that the members of the Australian section of the N.Z. Alpine Club be permitted to amalgamate their Christmas Party with ours, as was done last year when it seemed that there would be insufficient SBW to make a good event of it. Frank Ashdown desired to know if the NZAC were aware of the existence of the Australian detachment, and Dot assured him that about 75 of the Kangaroos would be visiting the Kiwis this summer, after which we agreed to the merger of the parties.+Marching on to General Business, it was first announced that the Club Room would be closed on 28th December and 4th January. Dot Butler asked that the members of the Australian section of the N.Z. Alpine Club be permitted to amalgamate their Christmas Party with ours, as was done last year when it seemed that there would be insufficient SBW to make a good event of it. Frank Ashdown desired to know if the NZAC were aware of the existence of the Australian detachment, and Dot assured him that about 75 of the Kangaroos would be visiting the Kiwis this summer, after which we agreed to the merger of the parties.
  
 Alex Colley mentioned the Volunteer Bush Fire Fighting proposals, adding that an article in the "Sun Herald" mentioned that ten walkers had already offered their support. They were not members of this Club, and he was still seeking additional volunteers before submitting details to the Parks Services people. Alex also moved that a letter go to the Colo Council, pointing out that the proposed road into Woods Creek would remove one of its main charms for scouting and walking organisations - also carried. Alex Colley mentioned the Volunteer Bush Fire Fighting proposals, adding that an article in the "Sun Herald" mentioned that ten walkers had already offered their support. They were not members of this Club, and he was still seeking additional volunteers before submitting details to the Parks Services people. Alex also moved that a letter go to the Colo Council, pointing out that the proposed road into Woods Creek would remove one of its main charms for scouting and walking organisations - also carried.
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 1. Navy glue near Banks. (4-3)\\ 1. Navy glue near Banks. (4-3)\\
-2. A representativ6 dovil (3)\\+2. A representative devil (3)\\
 3. Not endless anon surely? (2)\\ 3. Not endless anon surely? (2)\\
 4. A crab has only one (4)\\ 4. A crab has only one (4)\\
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 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. 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.+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 used to be a winner - congrats to Kath Brown for Making the initial move.
  
 ---- ----
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 ---- ----
  
-EXPLORATIONS OF SOME NE7 WALKING COUNTRY.+=====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 prospective. 
-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 comforts 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, and 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 one 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 Pallin 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 led, my 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. 
-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 it, His 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."  
-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 
-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 Tanganderry. Pervcrsely, I went north from 
-Tanganderry seeking the Gap. 
-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 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. 
-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 
-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 
-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. 
-. 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 
-minutes. 
-The 7anganderry 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 underbruzh; on its eastern side spurs lead off toward the Nattai valley ns thick as a porcupines quills, Between 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. 
-By 11.309 however, the tEif&:ioc,t 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. 
-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 
-good deal of haze despite a fair mild southwest wind. 
-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 oneinch map to the NattaitWe-inch survey. 
-December 1966 The Sydney Bushwalker 13. 
-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 
-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 steep, Speed 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) 
-by "A...Gormanaiser":2 
  
-,(Theilowfamous Gormet at Eraorganised and led:It"that +If my grandchildren - should I have any - ask (1) what I did during the Warand (2) what I did when President Johnson visited SydneyI 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. 
-Gastronomical Genius, Owen Marks,made such an impact that =tiffocounts + 
-i 7 +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. 
-of the doings were forthcoming 'Editor).+ 
 +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 it. His 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."  
 + 
 +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 Wanganderry. Perversely, I went north from Wanganderry seeking the Gap. 
 + 
 +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. 
 + 
 +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 years. Since 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. 
 + 
 +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. 
 + 
 +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's quills. Between 8.30 and 11.30, in spite of cautious progress, 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. 
 + 
 +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. 
 + 
 +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. 
 + 
 +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. 
 + 
 +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. 
 + 
 +The growth was denser, too, much denser, and in places one had to contest every steep. Speed 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. 
 + 
 +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 toilunfortunately the distance was still hazy. 
 + 
 +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. 
 + 
 +Then the ridge went up, widened and stabilised 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. 
 + 
 +As I neared 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. 
 + 
 +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'd 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. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +=====With The Gourmets At Era. (Version 1)===== 
 + 
 +by "A Gormandiser
 + 
 +(The now famous Gourmet Week-end at Era, organised and led by that Gastronomical Genius, Owen Marks, made such an impact that __two__ accounts of the doings were forthcoming Editor). 
 There was much conjecture about Owen Marks' Gourmet Weekend held recently at Era. Lunchtime saw quite a number of tents already in possession of the "hill" area, so, as the party started to trickle in, it was decided to camp on the flat so as to keep together. It was inclined to rain during the afternoon, so it looked as tho' abdulled tents would have to be used for the judging. There was much conjecture about Owen Marks' Gourmet Weekend held recently at Era. Lunchtime saw quite a number of tents already in possession of the "hill" area, so, as the party started to trickle in, it was decided to camp on the flat so as to keep together. It was inclined to rain during the afternoon, so it looked as tho' abdulled tents would have to be used for the judging.
-The leader led his party down the hill, and arrived about 2.30 very much the worse for wear with an "Eski" ice box, plus a very large cardboard box. Apart from Judy and Neville, whom hewas eating with, the contents of his pack were taboo to the rest of the party. By sunaown, we + 
-had grown to a party of about 24. +The leader led his party down the hill, and arrived about 2.30 very much the worse for wear with an "Eski" ice box, plus a very large cardboard box. Apart from Judy and Neville, whom he was eating with, the contents of his pack were taboo to the rest of the party. By sundown, we had grown to a party of about 24. 
-Luckily for us at this time the rain cleared off, leaving us a + 
-clear run to display our "goodies" on the ground. And now we saw the  apparition of Owen, Neville and Judy, complete with long, handpainted. hostess Skirts and Indonesian hats, which had to be manipulated by skilful +Luckily for us at this time the rain cleared off, leaving us a clear run to display our "goodies" on the ground. And now we saw the apparition of Owen, Neville and Judy, complete with long, hand-painted hostess skirts and Indonesian hats, which had to be manipulated by skilful hands as they strode from one entry to another in the circle of tents. Betty Farquhar joined the expert panel, to add her wisdom to their ignorance. Ern made an immaculate waiter, complete with arm serviette and pink tie made from genuine toilet paper, and would have done justice to the "Chevron"
-hands as they strode from one entry to another in the circle of tents. Betty Farquhar joined the expert panel, to add her wisdom to their ignorance. Ern made an immaculate waiter, complete with arm serviette and pink ti made from genuine toilet paper, and would have done justice to the "ChevrOti"; + 
-Isla and Herbert brought their meta stove and served soupl and other delicacies with eclat. Four competitors cooked on the sotwhich +Isla and Herbert brought their meta stove and served soup and other delicacies with eclat. Four competitors cooked on the spot, which meant they collected quite a few marks for their zeal. 
-meant they collected quite a few marks for their zeal. + 
-Once the meal was judged, the hungry competitor was allowed to devour it, or offer the crumbs or a taste to the hungry horde gathered around. +Once the meal was judged, the hungry competitor was allowed to devour it, or offer the crumbs or a taste to the hungry horde gathered around. It was just one long meal that went on for hours. Raymond's Brains were quite unique, and everybody assured him it was their favourite dish, done and served just as he had garnished it. Chickens with all the trimmings were popular. Each table was set up with table cloth, floral decoration of local weeds etc., silver plate was much in evidence, and most tables boasted a cocktail wine, served in fine wine glasses. Neville, self-appointed wine tasternever missed an opportunity, with the result that towards the end of the judging, he seemed to be suffering from the affects of his imbibing. 
-It was just one long meal that went on for hours. Raymond's Brains were + 
-quite unique, and everybody assured him it was their favourite dish, done +Owen was cooking his huge fish wrapped in Alfoil, and, as by this time most of the party had digested all the other dinners, we all congregated round him to see his entryAs organiser, it was queried whether he could rightly competebut the rest of the Judges as well as the surrounding company gave way because of the prospect ahead of even a bit of his goodies. The fish was duly displayed complete with garnishes and a neat little baby fish of cucumber quite a hit on its own. Judy, Neville and Owen had quite a job to enjoy their fish meal with so many spectators, and had to offer bits of fish to the hungry ones. The large cardboard box was opened next, and proved to be a huge pavlova, centred with a red jelly, surrounded by strawberries and pineapple pieces. At this stage all the company retired to arm themselves with mugs, plates and tools of trade. When Owen and Co. gave the word, the horde rushed in, and Pavlova, jelly, strawberries etc. disappeared. Jean Seagert trying to stock up for her trans-Siberian trip, just wasn't in the race, even tho' Owen had taken pity on her and given her the cardboard box with the remnants on it. She unfortunately had no spoon with which to scoop it out, and had to stand by and watch the more fortunate ones literally take the pavlova out of her hands, leaving her only the box to lick. By this time we were all interested in the "Eski", so Owen opened up a large icecream cake, coloured and shaped as a Boree log with coloured flowers on it. We all made short work of that too. 
-and served just as he had garnished it. Chickens with all the trimmings were + 
-popular. Each table was set up with table cloth, floral decoration of local +A circle was formed and the judges gave their decision, with comments on the entries. Owen's library is now short of many interesting and informative books. One member was reading Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" and is now an authority on the Canning Industry of America. While Isla and Herbert are studying "The Sino-Indian Boundary Question". The next morning Frank was seen at the leader's tent reading from a Mormon Bible, but is not likely to be converted. 
-weeds etc., silver plate was much in evidence, and most tables boasted a cocktail wine, served in fine wine glasses. Neville, selfapointed winO tazter,'ncver, missed an oprortunity, with the result that towards the end of the jpaging, he seemed to be suffering from the affects of his imbibing. + 
-Owen was cookinghis huge ,fish wrapped in Alton, and, as by thig5 time most of the party had digested all the other dinners, we all congregated +The Vaiseys had arrived in the meantime and we had no difficulty in persuading Margaret to fill up on icecream pavlova etc. and wind up with fried sausages. What a mixture! 
-round him to zee his entry As orgpmiser, it was queried whether he could rightly compete/but the rest of the Judges as well s- ,139,8urrolnad42 + 
-December, 1966 The Sydney Bushwalker 15. +Then we invited a few bods from round about, struck up our 4-piece orchestra a la Latin America, and had a pleasant singsong of folk songs for an hour or so. We finished up with a set of "Strip the Willow" dance, followed by the "Hoki Poki". 
-company gave way because of the prospect ahead of even a bit of his goodies. The fish was duly displayed complete with garnishes ana a neat little baby fish of cucumber quite a hit on its own. Judy, Neville and Owen had quite a job to enjoy their fish meal with so many spectactors, and had to offer bits of fish to the hungry ones. The large cardboard box was opened next, anc. proved to be a huge pavlova, centrea with a red jelly, surrounded + 
-by strawberries and pineap:le pieces. At this stage all the company retired to arm themselves with mugs, plates and tools of trade. When Owen and Co. +Feasting, wining, singing and dancing finished at midnight. Everybody voted Owen's Gourmet Weekend an annual event from now on. 
-gave the word, the horde rushed in, and Pavlova, jelly, strawberries etc. + 
-disappeared. Jean Seagert  trying to stock up for her transSiberian trip, just wasn't in the race, even tho' Owen had taken pity on her and given her the cardboard box with the remnants on it. She unfortunately had no spoon with which to scoop it out, and had to stand by and watch the more fortunate ones literally take the pavlova out of her hands, leaving her only the box to lick. By this time we were all interested in the "Eski", so Owen opened up a large icecream cake, coloured ana shaped as a Doree log with coloured +---- 
-flowers on it. We all made short work of that too. + 
-A circle was formed and the judges gave their decision, with comments on the entries. Owen's library is now short of many interesting and informative books. One member was reading Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" and is now an authority on the Canning Industry of America. Mile Isla and Herbert are studying "The SinoIndian Boundary Question". The next morning Frank was seen at the leader's tent reading from a Mormon Bible, but is not likely to be converted. +=====With The Gourmets At Era. (Version 2)===== 
-The Vaiseys had arrived in the meantime and we had no difficulty in persuading Margaret to fill up on icecream pavlova etc. and wind up with fried sausages,. What a mixtures +
-Then we invited a few boas from round about, struck up our 4piece orchestra a la Latin America, and had a pleasant singsong of folk songs for an hour or so. We finishea up with a set of "Strip the Willow" dance, followed by the "Hold. Poki"+
-Feasting, wining, singing and dancing finished at midnight. Everybody voted Owen':Gourmet Weekend an annual event from now on. +
-WITH THE GOURMETS AT ERA (Version 2)+
 by Ivy Painter. by Ivy Painter.
-After the really hilarious and most enjoyable gourmet weekend at Era with Owen Marks a Number One Gourmet, it was arTeed that this must not pass without some mention being made of what prove an historical event  historical in that (it is hoped) it may go down on record as the precedent to future annual events of similai aature+ 
-16. The Sydney Dushwaiker December, 1966 +After the really hilarious and most enjoyable gourmet week-end at Era with Owen Marks a Number One Gourmet, it was agreed that this must not pass without some mention being made of what prove an historical event historical in that (it is hoped) it may go down on record as the precedent to future annual events of similar nature
-Most of us arrived at Era on Saturday afternoon, having been detained_ by the voting. The weather was anything but promising. A steady drizzle greetedus at Waterfall, and conditions aia not improve as the day progressed. Altogether, it was a dismal prospect  and no Owen! As we reviewed the situation, the rain cleared as though to greet Owen and his entourage coming arouna the hill, loaded like mules, bedecked in oriental garb along with black umbrella. Then ensued much speculation as they proceeded to unpack the weird and wonderful assortment of goodies  the obviously most spectacular being the great fish + 
-tied on the side of Owen's gear. This was to prove the least spectactular, however, as other packages were produced. This certainly did not came under the category of a lightweight camp. +Most of us arrived at Era on Saturday afternoon, having been detained by the voting. The weather was anything but promising. A steady drizzle greeted us at Waterfall, and conditions did not improve as the day progressed. Altogether, it was a dismal prospect  and no Owen! As we reviewed the situation, the rain cleared as though to greet Owen and his entourage coming around the hill, loaded like mules, bedecked in oriental garb along with black umbrella. Then ensued much speculation as they proceeded to unpack the weird and wonderful assortment of goodies the obviously most spectacular being the great fish tied on the side of Owen's gear. This was to prove the least spectacular, however, as other packages were produced. This __certainly__ did not come under the category of a light-weight camp. 
-After settling in and much hilarity, we all set about the serious business of displaying our culinary skill. The desire to bedeck our table with flowers was suppressed. Bracken sufficed. Others were more ingenious, having gahoreashells and succulents from the beach for decoration and catiale bases. Owens prol:aration proved to be a laborious one, as each time he produced another extravaganza, there were wild whoops of delight with everyone descending on him en masse, only to be ordered 'to hell out of it.'+ 
 +After settling in and much hilarity, we all set about the serious business of displaying our culinary skill. The desire to bedeck our table with flowers was suppressed. Bracken sufficed. Others were more ingenious, having gathered shells and succulents from the beach for decoration and candle bases. Owen's preparation proved to be a laborious one, as each time he produced another extravaganza, there were wild whoops of delight with everyone descending on him en masse, only to be ordered 'to hell out of it.' 
 Neville Page, claiming to be a connoisseur of some degree of good food and wine, acted as official judge. His costume was of dubious mixture, purporting an Eastern sage, methinks, but with the great dignity befitting his serious task, which he performed with much ceremony. Neville Page, claiming to be a connoisseur of some degree of good food and wine, acted as official judge. His costume was of dubious mixture, purporting an Eastern sage, methinks, but with the great dignity befitting his serious task, which he performed with much ceremony.
-Everyone had entered into the spirit of the occasion. I'm still wondering was Frank responsible for the red bow on the wrongend of the Ashdown chicken, prepared by Jean and so attractively garnished with coloured onions, olives etc. Also noticed Don Woods & Co, sampling Elsa and Herb Papakellas' fondue, served in traditional continental style from bronze brazier, with appropriate sauces, wine  the,works. I must get that reciepe of brains in batter from Ramon U'Brien, whose tablesetting would do any hostess proud. Ern Farquahars' Cannibal servers added just  the right interest to his salad platter and a striking contrast to Bet's Royal Dalton coffee cups. Late comers, Meriel Sternbedx and friend, produced 'a meal in a minute' in the form of a mixed grill with all the trimmings. Roe and I prepared our chicken camp fire style  alfoil in the coals, aided and abetted by the flies. All the while our gallent gourmet leader was plying his gastronomical skill in cooking and displaying that great fish. 'Twas told me ;a an Indonesian concoction. There was the Chef's Sukarno cap to prove it. We loved the pseudo baby fish, the figs, the wine, and oh that tablecloth! But most of all we loved the'Boree Log' and the pavlova filled with molded jelly, strawberries and cream. This, an icecream"Boree Log", packed in 5 lbs of, dry ice, came all the way from Sydney. Mat a man! + 
-December, 1966 The Sydney Bushwalker 17. +Everyone had entered into the spirit of the occasion. I'm still wondering was Frank responsible for the red bow on the wrong end of the Ashdown chicken, prepared by Jean and so attractively garnished with coloured onions, olives etc. Also noticed Don Woods & Co, sampling Elsa and Herb Papakellas' fondue, served in traditional continental style from bronze brazier, with appropriate sauces, wine the,works. I must get that recipe of brains in batter from Ramon U'Brien, whose table-setting would do any hostess proud. Ern Farquahars' Cannibal servers added just the right interest to his salad platter and a striking contrast to Bet's Royal Daulton coffee cups. Late comers, Meriel Sternbeck and friend, produced 'a meal in a minute' in the form of a mixed grill with all the trimmings. Ros and I prepared our chicken camp fire style alfoil in the coals, aided and abetted by the flies. All the while our gallant gourmet leader was plying his gastronomical skill in cooking and displaying that great fish. 'Twas told me was an Indonesian concoction. There was the Chef's Sukarno cap to prove it. We loved the pseudo baby fish, the figs, the wine, and ohthat tablecloth! But most of all we loved the 'Boree Log' and the pavlova filled with molded jelly, strawberries and cream. This, an ice-cream "Boree Log", packed in 5 lbs of, dry ice, came all the way from Sydney. What a man! 
-Prizes were,won-by all Any contributions of discard books, censored or otherwise, will be gladly accepted for future gourmet prizes. After prizegiving, our friends from neighbouring camps joined our campfire sing-song. Doug Worth with Tambourine, Don Woods with bongos and Russ Delbridge and his guitar added a really professional touch. I must not fail to mention the Chinese lanterns that hung gaily from the'ient poles, adding a really festive air. + 
-Sunday morning and a typical gourmet's 'Morning after the Feast Before'  lazing on the beach. The surf was really good, cold andinvigorating on a very hot day. +Prizes were won by allAny contributions of discard books, censored or otherwise, will be gladly accepted for future gourmet prizes. After prize-giving, our friends from neighbouring camps joined our campfire sing-song. Doug Worth with Tambourine, Don Woods with bongos and Russ Delbridge and his guitar added a really professional touch. I must not fail to mention the Chinese lanterns that hung gaily from the tent poles, adding a really festive air. 
-As though to add the final touch of excitement to the weekend, Don Woods put on a display of snake charming  much to the delight of a + 
-group of scouts, who first gave the alarm of 'Snake, Snake'. For many moons to come, your scribe will carry the memory of the gallant Sydney +Sunday morning and a typical gourmet's 'Morning after the Feast Before' lazing on the beach. The surf was really good, cold and invigorating on a very hot day. 
-Busbies streaming dawn on that unsuspecting reptile, which now, I believe, abides with Don's friend in Blackheath. Should anyone doubt my story, the + 
-Farquhars have slides to confirm it.+As though to add the final touch of excitement to the week-end, Don Woods put on a display of snake charming  much to the delight of a group of scouts, who first gave the alarm of 'Snake, Snake'. For many moons to come, your scribe will carry the memory of the gallant Sydney Bushies streaming down on that unsuspecting reptile, which now, I believe, abides with Don's friend in Blackheath. Should anyone doubt my story, the Farquhars have slides to confirm it. 
 With this we made our farewells, endorsing an earlier suggestion that the S.B.W. must endeavour to have bigger and better gourmet weekends in future. With this we made our farewells, endorsing an earlier suggestion that the S.B.W. must endeavour to have bigger and better gourmet weekends in future.
-For your information, twenty eight in all attended the camp  
-twelve members and sixteen prospectives. 
-18. The Sydney Dushwaiker December, 1966 
-FEDERATION REPORT  NOVEMBER, 1966  
-Conservation: Report of meeting held on 3rd November. It was resolved 
-in ptincipal that a letter of protest be sent to the Blue Mountains National Park Trust if an application to put a road9,pump and pipeline 
-to the Tollangambie River from Mt. Wilson seemed likely to be approved. However, it is still hoped that the application would_ be refused. 
-A letter has been sent to the Premier of Tasmania supporting the South West Committee. 
-Volunteer Bushfire Fighting  The Operations Officer of the National Parkt 
-Service has appealed for volunteers for bushfire patrolling and fighting. 
-All Clubs were asked in ,a determineC.effort to muster volunteers on the theme: "Good for Parks, Federation and Clubs." 
-Tracks and Access: 
-Ribertson Pass is now cleared. The track is in good condition except for ladders up the cliff. Lindemans Pass from the bottom of Robertsons Pass to bhe base of Sublime Point is to b. cleared soon. 
-Search and Rescue: 
-On 23rd 23rd October, a party of three walkers met with a mishap when one of 
-the party fell 30 feet down a rock slope while trying to scale an apparent 
-break in the cliffs about 1 mile south of Perry's Lookdown. One of the three reported to Blackheath Police Station while the other stayed with the injured member. When found by a rescue party the injured person was 
-not seriously hurt and was able to walk out. The search was conducted. by the Police and members of S & R. 
-Maps: 
-It was reported that quite a number of provisional and final 1:319680 maps have been printed by the Lands Department in the Apsley, Mt. Kaputar, Barrington, Gloucester Tops, Namoi and nraidwood areas. 
-A new edition of Gunduner (Second Edition) has been published 
-A map of Colong Caves by 'fob Bettie of Normanhurst is now available,' 
-------- 
-Decedher, 9 1 9 6 6. . The 4T-lney 13u,shwa1ker 19. 
-OBITUARY 
-Wendy Butler died. at the age of twenty on the 26th November 1966 when cascading in the Kowmung River. Her foot became jammed in a crevice at the bottom of a cascade and despite frantic efforts of her companions, She drowned. 
-Wendy was educated at Hornsby GirligLi High School where she excelled in 
-outdoor activities and matriculated to enter Sydney University to study Medicine. 
-She was a keen member of the Sydney University Bushwalkers and was elected the first female Senior Vice President. The first girl across the line in the 
-first of the University's 50mile walks was Wendy. In the spirit of conservation- 
-ism a campsite would never be left unclean when Wendy was on the trip. Her singing brought joy and entertainment to all who heard it 
-With the encouragement of her mother, Dorothy, she made several climbing 
-trips to New Zealand where she climbed more for the aesthetic qualities of the activity than to satisfy the egoistic drives from which we all suffer to some extent. She climbed in the Matuki, Darran, Tasman and other areas. Wendy 
-was treasurer of the Australian Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club. 
-Amongst her Tasmanian trips were included Federation Peak both in summer and winter, and a traverse of the %stern Arthurs. Probably the most successful winter trip in Tasmania made by mainlanders was colea by her last winter. 
-Her rockclimbing included a first ascent in the Budawangs. Possibly her  greatest contribution to the climbing and walking fraternity was the confidence 
-she inspired in others, especially the girl members of her club. 
-Wendy was nicknamed by her family and known by all as "Foxa". A simple 
-lave of nature dominated her personality, She was interested in fauna and 
-flora of Australia and New Zealand, and in particular had an avid interest in birds and her father's orchid growing hobby. Her curiosity was not only restricted to the bush, but in this age of chronic specialization she looked and wondered at almost everything, from neyrreaaons for cats licking their fur to why semitrailers have pendant lights, In fact amongst other reasons, because she felt Medicine was narrowing her interests, she gave up her course not long 
-before her passing. 
-At this time of sorrow the temptation is too great not to be drawn into rationalising, To the parents who worry every time their sons and daughters go climbing or walking, I adk. you to remember that you have never seen the grandeur and splendour of mountain scenery; nor heard the roar of waterfalls; nor swum between the messy walls of a canyon; nor felt the thrill of exposure on a rock climb and the smooth firm rock; nor experienced the friendship fostered. by the outdoors nor witnessed the sun set behind icy peaks in a kaleidoscope of colour. Risk of life and chance of limb is the price we pay for these priceless experiences, so refreshing in a world of artificiality. Without bad there is no good. Without death there is no appreciation of life. The editor of a New Zealand. Alpine Journal once said that we tena to extend the notion of the reality of death into everyday life encouraging us to live out the important issues and put aside trivialities. Grief is such a terribly egocentric thing. 
-20 The Syaney Dushwalker December, 1966 
-I think it is a fitting tribute to Wendy to seize the opportunity to say the following: In our present society, so full of false values, we have exaggerated the roles of masculinity and femininity to such an extent that we are conditioned to believe that because of supposed biological handicaps:a woman is not "feminine" unless she is physically weak and helpless, unintelligent,and totally dependent on the male: Behind a facade of overemphasis on sexual attraction we have lost the idea that sensitivity is a criterion of femininity. In the words of a psychologist, we have failed to recognise the presence of the opposite sex in each of us. A woman who takes up the supposedly masculine: challenges of walking and climbing is therefore often considered not "feminine". Wendy was an example of a truly feminine person  this must surely be the greatest tragedy of her untimely death. 
-7hy she should so ironically die while being assisted by two of her warmest admirers, God only knows. 
-.Sincere sympathy is extended to Dorothy, Ira, Rona, Wade and Norman. P.S.H. 
-Dorothy and Ira Butler and family- most sincerely thank all walking and Climbing clubs and their members for the assistance they have given over the past sad time, both in rescue work on the Kowmung and their presence at the funeral, and for the cards, flowers and messages of sympathy they have sent to show their sorrow at the loss of Wendy. 
-"It is not growing like a tree 
-In bulk, doth make Man better be; 
-Or standing long an oak, three hundred year, To fall a log at last, dry, bald and sere. 
-A lily of a day 
-Is fairer far in May 
-Although it fall and die that night; 
-It was the plant and flower of Light. 
-In small proportions we just beauties see;  And in short measures lifeltay perfect be." 
-.(The Noble Nature" Ben Johnson) 
-An Eritalth  
-No fairer flower e,er wailtea t'e bush, than rend-y, Flower Dorothy. Taro. 
  
 +For your information, twenty eight in all attended the camp - twelve members and sixteen prospectives.
 +
 +----
 +
 +=====Federation Report - November, 1966.=====
 +
 +===Conservation:===
 +
 +Report of meeting held on 3rd November. It was resolved in principal that a letter of protest be sent to the Blue Mountains National Park Trust if an application to put a road, pump and pipeline to the Wollangambie River from Mt. Wilson seemed likely to be approved. However, it is still hoped that the application would be refused.
 +
 +A letter has been sent to the Premier of Tasmania supporting the South-West Committee.
 +
 +Volunteer Bushfire Fighting - The Operations Officer of the National Parks Service has appealed for volunteers for bushfire patrolling and fighting.
 +
 +All Clubs were asked in a determined effort to muster volunteers on the theme: "Good for Parks, Federation and Clubs."
 +
 +===Tracks and Access:===
 +
 +Robertson Pass is now cleared. The track is in good condition except for ladders up the cliff. Lindemans Pass from the bottom of Robertsons Pass to the base of Sublime Point is to be cleared soon.
 +
 +===Search and Rescue:===
 +
 +On 23rd October, a party of three walkers met with a mishap when one of the party fell 30 feet down a rock slope while trying to scale an apparent break in the cliffs about 1 mile south of Perry's Lookdown. One of the three reported to Blackheath Police Station while the other stayed with the injured member. When found by a rescue party the injured person was not seriously hurt and was able to walk out. The search was conducted by the Police and members of S & R.
 +
 +===Maps:===
 +
 +It was reported that quite a number of provisional and final 1:31,680 maps have been printed by the Lands Department in the Apsley, Mt. Kaputar, Barrington, Gloucester Tops, Namoi and Braidwood areas.
 +
 +A new edition of Gundungra (Second Edition) has been published.
 +
 +A map of Colong Caves by Bob Battie of Normanhurst is now available.
 +
 +----
 +
 +=====Obituary.=====
 +
 +Wendy Butler died at the age of twenty on the 26th November 1966 when cascading in the Kowmung River. Her foot became jammed in a crevice at the bottom of a cascade and despite frantic efforts of her companions, she drowned.
 +
 +Wendy was educated at Hornsby Girls' High School where she excelled in outdoor activities and matriculated to enter Sydney University to study Medicine. She was a keen member of the Sydney University Bushwalkers and was elected the first female Senior Vice President. The first girl across the line in the first of the University's 50-mile walks was Wendy. In the spirit of conservationism a campsite would never be left unclean when Wendy was on the trip. Her singing brought joy and entertainment to all who heard it.
 +
 +With the encouragement of her mother, Dorothy, she made several climbing trips to New Zealand where she climbed more for the aesthetic qualities of the activity than to satisfy the egoistic drives from which we all suffer to some extent. She climbed in the Matuki, Darran, Tasman and other areas. Wendy was treasurer of the Australian Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club.
 +
 +Amongst her Tasmanian trips were included Federation Peak both in summer and winter, and a traverse of the Western Arthurs. Probably the most successful winter trip in Tasmania made by mainlanders was co-led by her last winter. Her rock-climbing included a first ascent in the Budawangs. Possibly her greatest contribution to the climbing and walking fraternity was the confidence she inspired in others, especially the girl members of her club.
 +
 +Wendy was nicknamed by her family and known by all as "Foxa". A simple love of nature dominated her personality. She was interested in fauna and flora of Australia and New Zealand, and in particular had an avid interest in birds and her father's orchid growing hobby. Her curiosity was not only restricted to the bush, but in this age of chronic specialization she looked and wondered at almost everything, from new reasons for cats licking their fur to why semi-trailers have pendant lights. In fact amongst other reasons, because she felt Medicine was narrowing her interests, she gave up her course not long before her passing.
 +
 +At this time of sorrow the temptation is too great not to be drawn into rationalising. To the parents who worry every time their sons and daughters go climbing or walking, I ask you to remember that you have never seen the grandeur and splendour of mountain scenery; nor heard the roar of waterfalls; nor swum between the messy walls of a canyon; nor felt the thrill of exposure on a rock climb and the smooth firm rock; nor experienced the friendship fostered by the outdoors nor witnessed the sun set behind icy peaks in a kaleidoscope of colour. Risk of life and chance of limb is the price we pay for these priceless experiences, so refreshing in a world of artificiality. Without bad there is no good. Without death there is no appreciation of life. The editor of a New Zealand Alpine Journal once said that we tend to extend the notion of the reality of death into everyday life encouraging us to live out the important issues and put aside trivialities. Grief is such a terribly egocentric thing.
 +
 +I think it is a fitting tribute to Wendy to seize the opportunity to say the following: In our present society, so full of false values, we have exaggerated the roles of masculinity and femininity to such an extent that we are conditioned to believe that because of supposed biological handicaps a woman is not "feminine" unless she is physically weak and helpless, unintelligent,and totally dependent on the male. Behind a facade of overemphasis on sexual attraction we have lost the idea that sensitivity is a criterion of femininity. In the words of a psychologist, we have failed to recognise the presence of the opposite sex in each of us. A woman who takes up the supposedly masculine challenges of walking and climbing is therefore often considered not "feminine". Wendy was an example of a truly feminine person - this must surely be the greatest tragedy of her untimely death.
 +
 +Why she should so ironically die while being assisted by two of her warmest admirers, God only knows.
 +
 +Sincere sympathy is extended to Dorothy, Ira, Rona, Wade and Norman.
 +
 +P.S.H.
 +
 +----
 +
 +Dorothy and Ira Butler and family most sincerely thank all Walking and Climbing clubs and their members for the assistance they have given over the past sad time, both in rescue work on the Kowmung and their presence at the funeral, and for the cards, flowers and messages of sympathy they have sent to show their sorrow at the loss of Wendy.
 +
 +"It is not growing like a tree\\
 +In bulk, doth make Man better be;\\
 +Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,\\
 +To fall a log at last, dry, bald and sere.\\
 +A lily of a day\\
 +Is fairer far in May.\\
 +Although it fall and die that night;\\
 +It was the plant and flower of Light.\\
 +In small proportions we just beauties see;\\
 +And in short measures life may perfect be."
 +
 +("The Noble Nature" Ben Johnson)
 +
 +----
 +
 +__An Epitaph __
 +
 +No fairer flower e'er walked the bush, than Wendy, Flower of Dorothy.
 +
 +Taro.
 +
 +----
196612.1471487717.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/08/18 12:35 (external edit)

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