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196911 [2016/02/28 20:19] – [Denise Hull's Wedding] kennettj196911 [2016/04/23 09:34] (current) – [Once Upon a Time] kennettj
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 |Mt. Equipment Ad |18| |Mt. Equipment Ad |18|
 |The Men Who Never Were -Thornigar |19| |The Men Who Never Were -Thornigar |19|
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 |**BUS.MGR.**| Bill Burke, Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford | |**BUS.MGR.**| Bill Burke, Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford |
 |**TYPIST**| Christa Younger, 71 Yarran Rd, Oatley.| |**TYPIST**| Christa Younger, 71 Yarran Rd, Oatley.|
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 Every month a growing number of Walks leaders announce the results of their own trips - a much more interesting way of presenting these vital statistics. Of the September activity it was recorded that David Cotton's Cox River trip was a pleasant jaunt in good weather and Sheila Binns day walk from Waterfall started with 26 and increased to 29 owing to three people having trouble with cancelled trains: very good wild flowers were reported. Every month a growing number of Walks leaders announce the results of their own trips - a much more interesting way of presenting these vital statistics. Of the September activity it was recorded that David Cotton's Cox River trip was a pleasant jaunt in good weather and Sheila Binns day walk from Waterfall started with 26 and increased to 29 owing to three people having trouble with cancelled trains: very good wild flowers were reported.
  
-The following week-end Bob Younger's 15 pilgrims over Mt. Solitary finished in a windblown snow storm, and refuged in Wentworth Falls Railway Station to recover. It was rather milder for David Cotton's day walk amongst the bees and wild flowers at Darke's Forest: on the same day eleven people on David Ingram's day walk over Scouter's Mt. found it "nice and scratchy", again with good wild flowers.+The following week-end Bob Younger's 15 pilgrims over Mt. Solitary finished in a wind blown snow storm, and refuged in Wentworth Falls Railway Station to recover. It was rather milder for David Cotton's day walk amongst the bees and wild flowers at Darke's Forest: on the same day eleven people on David Ingram's day walk over Scouter's Mt. found it "nice and scratchy", again with good wild flowers.
  
-Pat Harrison reported that a party of 15 went out on his Nullo Mt Pomany trip:they were unable to got down into Wedden Valley but a pleasant trip was had. John Holly's St. Helena party of I9 including 11 prospectives) passed through some areas severely burned out last summer, but found St. Helena itself unscathed.+Pat Harrison reported that a party of 15 went out on his Nullo Mt Pomany trip: they were unable to get down into Wedden Valley but a pleasant trip was had. John Holly's St. Helena party of 19 including 11 prospectives) passed through some areas severely burned out last summer, but found St. Helena itself unscathed.
  
-Mike Short took over Barry Wa11ace's Nattai River trip and reported numerous snakes. The area around Starlight's track is recovering well from last year bushfires. Finally David Ingram topped the poll with 42 people on his Wondabyne walk. They were, he said, very well behaved so no one got astray.+Mike Short took over Barry Wallace's Nattai River trip and reported numerous snakes. The area around Starlight's track is recovering well from last year bushfires. Finally David Ingram topped the poll with 42 people on his Wondabyne walk. They were, he said, very well behaved so no one got astray.
  
 Wilf Hilder, on Federation matters, said a Committee had been set up to consider Reunion sites. Suggestions were invited, and information of suitable sites would he made known to member Clubs. The price of military maps had risen to 75c a copy. Owing to a burning coal seam nearby, the pass on Black Billy's Head in the Narrow Neck Megalong area, was rather obscure at present. Wilf Hilder, on Federation matters, said a Committee had been set up to consider Reunion sites. Suggestions were invited, and information of suitable sites would he made known to member Clubs. The price of military maps had risen to 75c a copy. Owing to a burning coal seam nearby, the pass on Black Billy's Head in the Narrow Neck Megalong area, was rather obscure at present.
  
-Coming to General Business Phil Hall said he felt some members were unaware of the Club's relationship to the Nature Conservation Council. To have a representative on the executive body of the Council, a membership of 400 people was necessary. Thus the Club!s delegates could attend conferences, but not executive meetings.+Coming to General Business Phil Hall said he felt some members were unaware of the Club's relationship to the Nature Conservation Council. To have a representative on the executive body of the Council, a membership of 400 people was necessary. Thus the Club's delegates could attend conferences, but not executive meetings.
  
 Len Scotland had a couple of queries: first, if a member resigned during the year, was the magazine still forwarded until the period of subscription expired? Second there was the question of proposals to improve road access to the Kangaroo Valley property. In response to (1) the President said, no, there was a subscription but on resignation all communication ceased: regarding (2) there was as yet no firm proposal for road entry. Ho mentioned, however that the Management Committee would visit the land on November 1st, and invited any interested members to come along and see the property. Len Scotland had a couple of queries: first, if a member resigned during the year, was the magazine still forwarded until the period of subscription expired? Second there was the question of proposals to improve road access to the Kangaroo Valley property. In response to (1) the President said, no, there was a subscription but on resignation all communication ceased: regarding (2) there was as yet no firm proposal for road entry. Ho mentioned, however that the Management Committee would visit the land on November 1st, and invited any interested members to come along and see the property.
  
 The time was 8.55, no one had anything to add, and we closed down. The time was 8.55, no one had anything to add, and we closed down.
- 
  
 ====== Taro ====== ====== Taro ======
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 One could elaborate at great length upon those attributes which prompted his friend, Bernie Peach (here with us today) to write recently: "Taro was quite a remarkable man in many ways and I feel that something irreplaceable has gone out of our lives. He was so utterly different in thought and action from the majority and I found the alertness of his mind remarkable for a man of his years. He reminded me somehow of an Australian pioneer mixed up with poetry, music and other talents, all thrust into the 20th century in one man - W.H. Tarr. The unobservant saw only his eccentricities, the observant saw a man who missed genius by very little." (Unquote). One could elaborate at great length upon those attributes which prompted his friend, Bernie Peach (here with us today) to write recently: "Taro was quite a remarkable man in many ways and I feel that something irreplaceable has gone out of our lives. He was so utterly different in thought and action from the majority and I found the alertness of his mind remarkable for a man of his years. He reminded me somehow of an Australian pioneer mixed up with poetry, music and other talents, all thrust into the 20th century in one man - W.H. Tarr. The unobservant saw only his eccentricities, the observant saw a man who missed genius by very little." (Unquote).
  
-Then Taro's beloved push bike "The Bluebird" (something like 50 or 60 years old!) and upon which, up to not many years before his death he used to ride 100 miles every birthday; it might be to Bulli or to the Blue Mountains, It was a fixed-wheel job and of his return journey down the mountains he'd say to me+Then Taro's beloved push bike "The Bluebird" (something like 50 or 60 years old!) and upon which, up to not many years before his death he used to ride 100 miles every birthday; it might be to Bulli or to the Blue Mountains, It was a fixed-wheel job and of his return journey down the mountains he'd say to me :
  
  
 +"Boy what a thrashing my legs got as I came down Lapstone on the fixed wheel!". And also his famous bike and side-car "The Royal Enfield" full of such gadgets as only Taro could contrive. He installed a brake which when in the "on" position, positioned a spike protruding through the seat which when he sat in the saddle would give no uncertain reminder that the brake was on. But one of his shall we say cutest gadgets was a list of reminders which enabled him to check that he had all the necessaries before setting off on a day or weekend trip. This was a panel containing the names of most of the things he would require, for instance, pack, billy, matches, boodle, as he called money, tent, sleeping bag and so on, with a shutter against each item, and as he placed each in his pack he would close the shutter until he had gone through the lot and of course he would then know he was fully equipped.
  
-noy 771.1, -t a thrashing my lees got (1,s I came clown 2-J,7-:.psto::e on uho 
-\  
-fioit w eel:" Ancl also 'Isis famous 'O12 'siat-:,-ca-n "riiiie Royal 
-Arifiel?? ( .1.11 of such .gadgets as only Taro could. contrivo, Ele 
-, . 
-i tal ea 4 ,"trake 'which when in the no,:.c' pcsl-cion, posined a sp ke. protruding through the seat which wh.J:11 he sat :n tho sa'adL., t. 
-w? ld ,g Ig.,, 4.i no uL,certain romiader that tDe brq,ko was or.,4 Lot 1 - him 
-oho of his, shall 1 say, cutost gadts, was a lis31;,of r(4.11].nca-s .which enabled him to checic that he haa all the necessas beforc pet+ing off on a (-1f or woelcoa tri7, 'This ve4,-a"panei conta:.n:ing Vae names of Most of the things ho wo-.2.1d,. raui:.-,J, for..instanoe, 
-fack, bl_lly, match6s, boodle, as he calloa monc7, tont, Fleoping ag a4 so on, with a shutter against cach 7i.t,_;r. an,1 eo 12:-) -,1.1_aped each n las'pack la4 would close the sbuttor until 11, llal :7on-_,. t1=)uL;h he )..ot .(1_ of co. .So he rrouid th' n im...m L,.., was fully 0--,.1.1tDp 
-f r 
- ' 1 
-\ 
- 4n sol we mu t,t 1,.i,a1,-6 it al; that 1f,..-15 ;:5 l'c f'.(:,..A7 ..ww:' 
-o,her ao, plat althougl, TaIo's 1-,0iily r..c:-_v_ncr: is ..:oi; w.j.',1] -Lis 
-he sprit of the man will always r,,,mcln an.1 t:.:t h.., will z-jw.a7s 
-o truL ir4 along with  his Tarc-117.acau lack 0:: 1-_Lz 1):.,;ck, t31 cc,ntructed you 7111 rmeillber c?,. .', to h.:sv,..: e2.s7 acocm-J t;) sut,h t'-lic_s s,h s watch, his pencil and paor F.,rq, f= quick use if n:,a,,,,iii- 
-arY,.his s.,nake-bite outfitZ Let, .;7i )vo2 bt3.:2cLa Ltat 
-(:) Taois caiibre cannot l'eaDly dopart from 1;::- anrl t conolufc7- 
-by r0eaing part of my tribute ,50 hi,.] in :::i.c, 3,..F:,77, Yagazln:. 
-" 4.s not 4. as of 71LRL'TLI., T,=.0, but walk on '.fal-Jo ar-1 may tlw tact  pver b(:C,Dmo easier!" 
-3 / 
-ou34 aiaimem or T71-, is wiillig to , otIntL2. c.1,7):L:.o of tt,..! yank7-241sl*aiker maazine or who knows of a suyniy 
-:Oniac utt'()693155 (E)) Man .Th_gy (39274.1 (E)) hee will IDe f6pwardod to intorested-1Yoraries such as the 1-ationa1, Library Cjanberra. 
-Any person 'intereotea in selling two fram..) -paek:3 iLeo ontac-b . rube McGrath, Dept: of ChemL=Ary, Uni-Jurs-ity of 
-$ydneY or ring 6608741. . . 
  
 +And so we must leave it at that. I feel, as no doubt many other people do, that although Taros's bodily presence is not with us, the spirit of the man will always remain and that he will always be trudging along with us with his Taro-made pack on his back, so constructed you will remember to have easy access to his watch, paper and pencil and for quick use, if necessary of his snake bite outfit. Let us ever be reminded that one of Taro's calibre cannot really depart from us and I conclude by repeating part of my tribute to him in the SBW Magazine : "It is not a case of Farewell Taro but walk on Taro and may the track become ever easier"
  
 +--------------------
 +
 +Would any walker who is willing to donate back copies of the Sydney Bushwalker or who knows of a supply please contact Phil Butt or Joan Rigby. They will be forwarded to interested libraries such as the National Library in Canberra. 
 +
 +
 +Any person interested in selling two H Frame packs please contact Bruce McGrath, Dept of Chemistry, University of Sydney or ring 6608741.
  
 ====== Now Fades the Last Steak of Snow ====== ====== Now Fades the Last Steak of Snow ======
  
  
-Don Mathews. Illuminated by Helen Gray,+Don Mathews. Illuminated by Helen Gray.
  
-There is an entry, in the logbook of Mawson's summing up the bulk of a season which, though snow fell early and late was on the whole, pretty dismal. The entry claimed a rocord for skiing from Kiandra, ON GRASS, and was dated mid,-August.+There is an entry, in the logbook of Mawson's summing up the bulk of a season which, though snow fell early and late was on the whole, pretty dismal. The entry claimed a record for skiing from Kiandra, ON GRASS, and was dated mid-August.
  
-I had given up all hope of a spring teuz for this year After that perfect day on Jagunal in September la-it year T. could har/ly expect another so soon. Early in August George Cray, Phil Hall andGriff the Gra toured in the Valentine Area but 'bad weather prevented a climb of Jagurcilana they wore full of enthusiasm for another trip if the snow was any good. The mid-:optom-cer falls seemed to fix that aspect but one by one George's starters out until he was loft with two last minute sGalwartsz/Rigby and myself. +I had given up all hope of a spring tour for this yearAfter that perfect day on Jagungal in September last year could hardly expect another so soon. Early in August George Gray, Phil Hall and Griff the Grub toured in the Valentine Area but bad weather prevented a climb of Jagungal and they were full of enthusiasm for another trip if the snow was any good.  The mid-September falls seemed to fix that aspect but one by one George's starters out until he was left with two last minute stalwarts, Rigby and myself.
  
 After snatching a few hours sleep at Berridale we stopped at Sawpit Creek for breakfast and soon the ground was covered, with three lots of gear and food and waxes, Then the comedy routine began. Look atim, lookatim, cried George as excited as I have ever soon him, pointing at me. Where's his food. After snatching a few hours sleep at Berridale we stopped at Sawpit Creek for breakfast and soon the ground was covered, with three lots of gear and food and waxes, Then the comedy routine began. Look atim, lookatim, cried George as excited as I have ever soon him, pointing at me. Where's his food.
  
-Admittedly I hadn't brought the dehydrated garbage that George had requested_ but I had a large hunk of home-cooked oornbeef instead and I'd taken the precaution to weigh my comestibles in case of the usual accusation that "he has hardly any food". There wore seven pounds, all very nourishing. Ample. +Admittedly I hadn't brought the dehydrated garbage that George had requested but I had a large hunk of home-cooked corn beef instead and I'd taken the precaution to weigh my comestibles in case of the usual accusation that "he has hardly any food". There eore seven pounds, all very nourishing. Ample. 
-7Te polished off Digby's fresh eggs because George had a tin of powdered stuff which was the equivalent of umpteen dozen fresh ones, and used all my porridge, and this, of course worried Geo. rge even more. I suppose we could have been snowed in for a week but this was unlikely. Finally we convinced him that we were carrying equal weights,akad that we had enough for any contingency, +We polished off Digby's fresh eggs because George had a tin of powdered stuff which was the equivalent of umpteen dozen fresh ones, and used all my porridge, and this, of course worried George even more. I suppose we could have been snowed in for a week but this was unlikely. Finally we convinced him that we were carrying equal weights, and that we had enough for any contingency, 
-k( + 
-r. +Then the wax business started. I was taking only two wazos, The others looked askance, They were after subtle shades of perfection in their waxing and were not to be put off. I saw the Klisterwax go in and with a sigh of relief put my own back in the car. As it was, only used one of my two but it was was nice to know the others were available if needed. 
-- the car. As it was I only used one of my two, but it + 
-Then the wax business started. I was talc- +After all this we were late leaving Munyang the prospect of the twelve miles to Mawsons, mostly uphill  
-/ ing only two wazos, The others looked askance, +was not particularly inviting. We crossed the bridge and walked up the road towards the flume, At about 5000' we were able to put skis on. Digby had the right combination of wax and energy and disappeared up the hill at a great rate, then after a few hundred vertical feet we reached the flume terrace. This runs, nominally downhill to within half a mile of White's but with soft snow and many undulations was just a plod. 
-T4by were after subtle shades of perfection in their + 
-'axing and were not to be put off. I saw the Klisterwax go in and with a sigh of relief put my own back in +It was nearly three by the time we reached White'on a cloudless and very hot afternoon. The temptation to stay overnight and spend the afternoon scooting around without Packs was almost irresistible, but somehow we conned each other into pressing on. At the Schlink Hilton, the SMA hut, about a mile north of Schlink Pass, we turned right and climbed through the short gum tree grove into the wide gently sloping valley that runs parallel to the Kerries, west of the main ridge. We call it Two Mile Creek for some reason or other, though it is nearer to three miles, possibly because it conjures up a hopeful picture of a two (or three) mile skate on the return trip. Usually, of course, the snow is soft and the skate
--"I was nice to know the others were available if needed. +
-After all this vie were late leaving Munyang the prospect of the twelve miles to Mawsons, mostly +
-was not particularly inviting. We crossed the bridge and walked up the road towards the flume, At about 5000' we were able to put skis on. Digby had the right combination of wax and energy and disa.Ppearad up the hill at a great rate, then after a fey hundred vertical feet we -.reached the flume terrace. This runs, nominally, downhil]. 'Gt..: within half a mile of White's but with soft snow and many undulations was just a plod. +
-It was nearly three by the time we reached White's, ona cloudless and very hot afternoon. The temptation to stay overnight and spend the afternoon scooting around without Packs was almost irresistible, but somehow we conned each other into pressing on. At the Schlink Hilton, the SMA hut, about a mile north of Schlink Pass, we turned right and climbed through the short gam tree grove into the wide gently sloping valley that runs parallel tore Kerries, west of the main ridge. Vio call it Two Mile Crook +
--T +
-for some reason or other, though it is nearer t T +
-CA +
-three miles, possibly because it conjures up \ N, a hopeful picture of a two (or three) mile +
-skate on the return trip. Usually, of course, the snow is soft and the skate+
 becomes a gentle glide, which is none the less pleasant. becomes a gentle glide, which is none the less pleasant.
-By now the Violet Klister was well, and to ease my fatigue, I s photographs. Digby, fortunately, so the slog was endurablo. Then,working 
-toped frequently for 
-needed an occasional cigarette 
-at last, over the horizon, peeped 
  
-the reluctant lion. Out came my camera. u7hat",sai:1 George, "You've got about thirty views of Jagungal at home alread. That didn'MatterThis was now. There was the scone, and the moment, not just the mountain had to be captured on film. The shutter gave a satisfying thunk. I nicked up my pack with a groan and we slid down the Hawson Maze, a tangle of nag-es which is only confusing until you have made your mistakes0 we had made ours on earlier trips, so thore was nothing to do but try -to slow down the s'kis as they accelerated on the hardening snowo +By now the Violet Klister was well, and to ease my fatigue, I stopped frequently for photographs. Digby, fortunately, needed an occasional cigarette so the slog was endurable. Then,working at last, over the horizon, peeped the reluctant lion. Out came my camera. "What",said George, "You've got about thirty views of Jagungal at home already". That didn'matterthis was now. There was the scene, and the moment, not just the mountain had to be captured on film. The shutter gave a satisfying thunk. I picked up my pack with a groan and we slid down the Mawson Maze, a tangle of ridges which is only confusing until you have made your mistakes. We had made ours on earlier trips, so there was nothing to do but try to slow down the skis as they accelerated on the hardening snow.
-Later that .ovoning, a facetious suggestion that we should to for a moonlight tour was met with oLrtain apathy, but in fact it was light enough and calm enough to have made off for Jagungal and watch the sunrise from its summit. The morning was again clear and calm and we made a very leisurely start. Grass was showing on the northern slope to Valentine, which was mostly wide open and Georg,: headed for some rocks upstream whore ho made a Ir-y crossing I crossed half a mile downstream on tho remnants of a snow bridge and Digby managed it lower down still- Personal challoni7e9 this TiVOT orossins. +
-The natural route to Iagungal arproxfmatos, oz,i4n map, a straight line from the apex of the Big Bend +
-on the Valentino to the soutia facing bowl of tho mountain itself, and is a delightful lope along the Valley at about 5,800' o 6,000' with very little effort required. +
-flows due south for half a mile. The surface +
-+
-lk "- A +
-until the final half hour climb. We crossed the Rocky Plains Creek at the point whore it+
  
-was of mattfinish ice ju4'; thick enough to ski +Later that evening, a facetious suggestion that we should go for a moonlight tour was met with a certain apathy, but in fact it was light enough and calm enough to have made off for Jagungal and watch the sunrise from its summitThe morning was again clear and calm and we made a very leisurely startGrass was showing on the northern slope to Valentinewhich was mostly wide open and George headed for some rocks upstream where ho made a dry crossing I crossed half a mile downstream on tho remnants of snow bridge and Digby managed it lower down stillPersonal challenge this river crossing.
-Downstream was a pond about sixty feet N +
-'across, beyond the jumble of rocks at the far +
-+
-....0 the stream dropped and rumbled out of \ si, tt. Upstream the narrow ribbon of ice was N.,-0,077th, +
-,.... 1...if +
-A) .t?',re and there at the c ,es and the water ; '''"..7,7 -''Ote& aid gurcd quietly. A fE.m more days of +
-i, \ \ +
-N, \ , +
-sunshine and Preety Plains/Creek would co openjlpart from patches of grass on the higher banks of the crock,. the route was well Covered. We stopped on +
-riSe at the halfway mark and looked back at the steep western slopes of the Main Range, a narrow 1).3c1 of creamy tinge which contrasted with the ultra,whiteness of the Test of the snow.+
  
-The summit of Jagungal was remarkably calm and we were able to sit there in comfort and soak up the panorama. To the south,the area around Grey Mare hut, at about 5200', looked +The natural route to Jagungal approximates on the map, a straight line from the apex of the Big Bend 
-rather bare, but the Grey Mare Range was well covered and I wished that we had an extra day to +on the Valentino to the south facing bowl of the mountain itselfand is a delightful lope along the Valley at about 5,800to 6,000' with very little effort required until the final half hour climbWe crossed the Rocky Plains Creek at the point where it flows due south for half a mileThe surface was of matt finish ice just thick enough to ski on. Downstream was a pond about sixty feet across, beyond the jumble of rocks at the far end, the stream dropped and rumbled out of sightUpstream the narrow ribbon of ice was open here and there at the edges  and the water swished and gurgled quietly. A few more days of sunshine and Preety Plains Creek would be openApart from patches of grass on the higher banks of the creek, the route was well coveredWe stopped on a rise at the halfway mark and looked back at the steep western slopes of the Main Range, a narrow bead of creamy tinge which contrasted with the ultra whiteness of the rest of the snow.
-explore its length and to see, close up, the Goehi Gorge and the western slopes. +
-There was instead the immediate pleasure of the descent of the and bowlGeorge headed for the knob to the south west of the trig, and we thought for a moment that he was going to take it straight, but he changed his mind when he saw the bottomless pit beneath him and joined Digby and I in traversing to the limit to get the most cut of the run. The snow was soft and turning, at times, a little uncertainAt one stage we marvelled at George's novel technique of skiing on his stomach with the soles +
-of his skis warming in the sun and at the same time clearing his beard as it bulldozed through the snow, but as George explained, he discovered it quite by accident and isn't sure that he could do it again. Back at Valentino Digby's crossing was still intact but George and I spurned it and chose to wade the river about one mile further upThe thaw was really on+
-rie sat in the hut in the mid afternoon slurping billy after billy of tea prior to wood gathering and ski-fixingwith satisfying feeling of accomplishment. Now it could rain or blow or snow and we wouldn't mind. It didn't. The moon shone again, and at intervals we'd wander out -Ind gaze at the ghostly glory of the slopes and then creep back inside to warm up Again. .+
  
-The next morning there was a smoke haze in the air, and later +The summit of Jagungal was remarkably calm and we were able to sit there in comfort and soak up the panoramaTo the south, the area around Grey Mare hut, at about 5200',looked rather bare, but the Grey Mare Range was well covered and I wished that we had an extra day to explore its length and to see, close up,the Geehi Gorge and the western slopes.
-a brisk wind blowing clouds over to shield our sunburnt nosesIt +
-would have been a blustery day en the slopes, but our valley was sheltered and still very hot. Sure enough the snow en Two (or Three) mile Crook was soft and we slid gently down. rear White's the soft +
-snow was interspersed with hard patches where trees overhung the road formation. The acceleration on these was remarkable to beholdas was the sudden jerk with which we ploughed into the soft stuff again. +
-non& the flume we plodded on and shortly after the start of the downhill the snow became very patchy77e, persevered for a while but the scrape of rock on skis became too much to stand. The grass and rocks won out and it was all over,+
  
 +There was instead the immediate pleasure of the descent of the and bowl. George headed for the knob to the south west of the trig, and we thought for a moment that he was going to take it straight, but he changed his mind when he saw the bottomless pit beneath him and joined Digby and I in traversing to the limit to get the most cut of the run. The snow was soft and turning, at times, a little uncertain. At one stage we marvelled at George's novel technique of skiing on his stomach with the soles of his skis warming in the sun and at the same time clearing his beard as it bulldozed through the snow, but as George explained, he discovered it quite by accident and isn't sure that he could do it again. Back at Valentine Digby's crossing was still intact but George and I spurned it and chose to wade the river about one mile further up. The thaw was really on.
 +
 +We sat in the hut in the mid afternoon slurping billy after billy of tea prior to wood gathering and ski-fixing, with a satisfying feeling of accomplishment. Now it could rain or blow or snow and we wouldn't mind. It didn't. The moon shone again, and at intervals we'd wander out and gaze at the ghostly glory of the slopes and then creep back inside to warm up again. 
 +
 +The next morning there was a smoke haze in the air, and later a brisk wind blowing clouds over to shield our sunburnt noses. It would have been a blustery day on the slopes, but our valley was sheltered and still very hot. Sure enough the snow on Two (or Three) mile Crook was soft and we slid gently down. Near White's the soft snow was interspersed with hard patches where trees overhung the road formation. The acceleration on these was remarkable to behold, as was the sudden jerk with which we ploughed into the soft stuff again. From the flume we plodded on and shortly after the start of the downhill the snow became very patchy. We, persevered for a while but the scrape of rock on skis became too much to stand. The grass and rocks won out and it was all over.
  
 ====== Once Upon a Time ====== ====== Once Upon a Time ======
  
  
-After leaving late from Sydney due to somebody's inability to read railway indicators, the Toziborn bucket arrived at Budthing- +After leaving late from Sydney due to somebody's inability to read railway indicators, the Woziborn bucket arrived at Budthingaroo Clearing during the early hours of Saturday morning. The contents of the vehicle extracted themselves and upon finding a suitable nic curled up for limited sleep. Doone Wyborn was supposed to lead this walk. However, as Doone was working at Cootamundra at the time D. Finch was for some unknown reason elected leader. The rashness of this decision first became apparent at 5.30 a.m. Saturday morning when the aforementioned leader lit a fire, started on breakfast and of course, expected everyone else to do the same. It was not use protesting and before long all of the party was up, with the exception of the Wyborns who lay in bed until five minutes before departure time and were then fifteen minutes late. Gerry Sinzig and John Powell rolled up at 8 a.m. just in time to help Rosso with his breakfast. Dot Butler had a bit of trouble sewing up a leaking flea-bag while the Fon sewed the only button back onto his shorts
-, aroo Clearing during the early hours of Saturday morning. The contents of the vehicle extracted themselves and upon finding a suitable nic curled up for limited sleep. Doone Tyborn was supposed to lead this walk. However, as Doone was working at Cootamundra at the time D. Pinch was for some unknown reason elected leader. The rashness of this decision first became apparent at 5.30 a.m. Saturday morning when the aforementioned loader lit a fire, startedon breakfast andof course, expected everyone else to do the same-. It was not use protesting and before long all of the party was up, with the exception of the 7yborns who lay in bed + 
-' Until five minutes before departure time and were then fifteen minutes 16,te. Gerry Sinzig and John Powell rolled up at 8 a).m. just in time to help Roso with his breakfast. Dot Butler had a bit of trouble sewing up a leaking flea-bag while the Pen sewed the only button back onto his shorts.+The first car finally rolled off at 8.15 and the second at 8.16 with all its doors open. The convey turned off the Kanangra Road along a fire trail at 056065 - after travelling along this trail for about one mile a junction was reached at 064079 (Kanangra L.D.) 
 + 
 +After leaving the cars and walking for about a mile a spot of navigational trouble on the part of the leader was sorted out after somebody pointed out that the map was upside down. The general direction of the map was determined and after a short distance horizontal and 600 ft. vertical the party arrived at Sally Coop Creek. The party started rock hopping down the creek. It wasn't very long before a few short swims and a small jump were necessary. The rock hopping developed into scrambling with dampness in between times. While crossing some large rock slabs the white ants mentioned lunch. The leader, however, being wise to the ways of bludgers etc. ignored the remarks and pushed on to the first abseil.
  
-The first car finally rolled off at 8.15 and the second at 8.16 with all its doors open. The convey turned off the Kanangra Road along firetrail at 056065-after travelling along this trail for about one mile junction was reached at 064079 (Kanangra L.D.)+The first abseil is actually one large drop of about 155 ftbroken up into two sections one (the first) of 65 ft and one of 90 ft. The first waterfall falls into a pool. Between the Pool and the second fall is a rock shelfThe plan was to have lunch on this shelf. The abseil rope was duly set up. The camera enthusiast had a field day getting people to pose in mid abseil. That with Margaret and her new camera Gerry and Rosso all clicking away, one lady abseiler had her photo taken with her tongue out. However, fortunately, or unfortunately, for her, whichever the case may be, the photo didn't turn out. The abseil was accomplished by all without too much trouble although the last bit was problem i.e. how to tread water and unclip sling at the same timeThe Fon had the right idea as last man down he simply climbed down to an acceptable level and jumped.
  
-After leaving the cars and walking for about a mile a spot of navigational trouble on the part of the leader was sorted out after somebody pointed out that the map was upside dawnThe general direction of the map was determined and after short dis- +After lunch, which was a leisurely affair except for the hardworking bludgers, the second part of the fall was attemptedInitially the rope was put down dry sectionAfter Rosso went down he decided that this would never do so he repositioned the rope through the waterfall,a much safer abseil he assured the rest
-tance horizontal and 600 ftvertical the party arrived at Sally +
-Coop -Oreek. The party started rock hopping down the creek. It wasn't very long before a few short swims and a small jump were necessary. The rock hoPping developed into scrambling with damp- +
-ness in between times. Thile crossing some large rock slabs the white ants mentioned lunch. The leaderhowever, being wise to the ways of bludgers otc. ignored the remarks and pushed on to the first abseil. +
-The first abseil is actually one large drop of about 155 ft. broken up into two sections one (the first) of 65 ft and one of 90 ft. The first waterfall falls into pool. Between the Pool and the second fall is a rock shelf. The plan was to have lunch on this shelf. The abseil rope was duly set up. The camera enthusiast had a field day getting people to pose in mid +
- abseil. That with Margaret and her new camera Gerry and Rosso all clicking away, one lady abseiler had her photo taken with her +
-tongue out. However, fortunately, or unfortunately, for her, which- +
-ever the case may be, the photo didn't turn outThe abseil was +
-accomplished by all without too much trouble although the last bit+
  
-was a problem i.e. how to tread water and unclip a sling at the same time. The Fon had the right idea as last man down he simply climbed down to an acceptable level and jumped. +Unable to do anything about this predicament the rest were forced to got wet much to the hysterical delight of Rosso clicking away from the rocks with his cameraWhen it came time to pull the rope down there were few anxious moments until the knot came downNow there was only Rosse's rope caught up. Enthusiasm waned until Rosso cunningly pointed out that both ropes would be needed to get out of the canyon and down it came.
-After lunch, which was a leisurely affair except for the hardworking bludgers, the second part of the fall was attemptedInitially the rope was put down a dry sectionAfter Rosso went down he decided that this would never do so he repositioned the rope through the waterfall  a much safer abseil he assured the rest+
  
-Unable to do anything about this predicament the rest were forced to got wet  much to the hysterical delight of Rosso clicking away from the rocks with his cameraWhen it came time to pull the rope down there were few anxious moments until the knot came downNow there was phly Rosse'rope caught up. Enthusiasm waned until Rosso cunningly pointed out that both ropes would be needed to get out of the canyon and down, it came.+While walking 400 yards to the next abseil the party frightened a wallaroo which raced back up the narrow canyon to come head on with RossoThe terrified animal tried to jump up the side and in doing so fell and broke hind legThe poor creature was left to it'no doubt unpleasant destiny.
  
-While walking 400 yards to the next abseil the party frightened a wallaroo which raced back up the narrow canyon to come head on with RossoThe terrified animal tried to jump up the side and in doing Oo fell and broke hind leg. The poor creature was left to it'no +At the next abseil we found some spikes which we were told by one old enough to know were put there by Putto before the birth of Phil ButtThese spikes were given a miss in preference to a piton of less respectful vintage. From this piton an abseil directly into the gully was attempted at a point 50 ft. from the bottom and 20 ft. from the end of the rope. It was decided to try different tack. The different tack was to traverse around a ledge and step across an airy fairy gully with somebody pushing against the chest of the stepping person. Then a scramble down loose dirt covered with nettles, a small cliff covered with hard holds, a walk across a log covered with moss and onto a rock ledge. Here several billies of Rosso'party-aid helped to revive the party.
-doubt unpleasant destiny.+
  
-At the next abseil we found some spikes which we were told by +After a couple more bombs the party arrived at the last abseil before the camp site for the night. The old manila sling from a trip early this year (1968) was still in the piton. It was replaced with a nylon sling. A few people climbed down the rope hand over hand while Dot climbed around a ledge, slid down a tree and arrived at the bottom in an avalanche of leaves, dirt and a cloud of dust.
-one old enough to know were put there by Putto before the birth of +
-Phil Butt. These spikes were given a miss in preference to a piton of less respectful vintage. From this piton an abseil directly into +
-the gully was attempted at a point 50 ft. from the bottom and 20 ft. +
-from the end of the rope. It was decided to try a different tack. The different tack was to traverse around a ledge and. step across an airyfairy gully with somebody pushing against the chest of the stepping person. Then a scramblo down loose dirt covered with nettles, a small cliff covered with hard holds, a walk across a log covered +
-with moss and onto a rock ledge. Here several billies of Rosso's party and helped to revive the party. +
-After a couple more bombs the party arrived at the last abseil +
-before the camp site for the night. The old manila sling from a trip early this year (1968) was still in the piton. It was replaced with a nylon sling. A few people climbed dawn the rope hand over hquid while Dot clirxibed around a ledge, slid down a tree and arrived at the bottom in an avalanche of leaves, dirt and a cloud of dust. +
-The camp site was about 200 yds. further down the creek and 'Is on an island in the creek. A convenient rock shelf for the fire with a 2 ft drop to grass for sleeping on, plenty of firewood and easy to get water made a very pleasant camp. Dirty people went for a swim. After tea a group centring around Rosso discussed some of the horror movies and told jokes. Most people went to bed about+
  
-9 r m.9 while a small group went hammer and tongs until the wee hours. The three favourite topics each got a bash until the origin of the universe and the theory of evolution with religious overtones promoted some lively conceptions.+The camp site was about 200 yds further down the creek and was on an island in the creek. A convenient rock shelf for the fire with a 2 ft drop to grass for sleeping on, plenty of firewood and easy to get water made a very pleasant camp. Dirty people went for a swim. After tea a group centring around Rosso discussed some of the horror movies and told jokesMost people went to bed about pm while a small group went hammer and tongs until the wee hours. The three favourite topics each got a bash until the origin of the universe and the theory of evolution with religious overtones promoted some lively conceptions.
  
-The leader was up early at 5.15 - partly to the disgust and partly to the amazement of the party. The consequence was that an advance party moved off at 7.00 a.m. while the tailenders7yiporns9 of course, moved off at 7.45 a.m.+The leader was up early at 5.15 - partly to the disgust and partly to the amazement of the party. The consequence was that an advance party moved off at 7.00 a.m. while the tail endersWyborns of course, moved off at 7.45 a.m.
  
-After the usual run of small drops the party came to a large pool where the bombers bombed and the rest climbed around. Some people went up for a second bomb while super spoon climbed up a large true trunk over the water with predictable results when she arrived at the moss covered section. Trundled off to the 215 ft fall marked on the Kanangra Sheet. It is possible to sidle this fall to the left. However, an abseil down to a low ledge was favouredFrom the ledge a short sidle to the left and down through some scrub to the bottom where a large pool was used for cooling off while waiting for the end to catch up. Soon after this pool one more jump and then THE jump of about 45 ft. The rope was set up around a doubtful rock belag for use as a hardline by the less adventurous types who preferred to climb down instead of jumping. The Butler boys jumped and after some coaxing a few others followed. The really keen types wont back for seconds. However, there weren't many of them. Then the real drama of the jump started. Lindsey and Margaret who had climbed down and had watched the jumpers from the warm rocks decided that it looked easy. It always does from the bottom. They climbed around the rocks and up the rope. Then they looked down. The Pen started pulling up and coiling the rope - a storm of protests when it was almost thrown over. Gerry, who was sunbaking on a rock, became the custodian of the rope just in case the girls changed their minds. +After the usual run of small drops the party came to a large pool where the bombers bombed and the rest climbed around. Some people went up for a second bomb while super spoon climbed up a large tree trunk over the water with predictable results when she arrived at the moss covered section. Trundled off to the 215 ft fall marked on the Kanangra Sheet. It is possible to sidle this fall to the left. However, an abseil down to a low ledge was favouredFrom the ledge a short sidle to the left and down through some scrub to the bottom where a large pool was used for cooling off while waiting for the end to catch up. Soon after this pool one more jump and then THE jump of about 45 ft. The rope was set up around a doubtful rock belay for use as a hardline by the less adventurous types who preferred to climb down instead of jumping. The Butler boys jumped and after some coaxing a few others followed. The really keen types went back for seconds. However, there weren't many of them. Then the real drama of the jump started. Lindsey and Margaret who had climbed down and had watched the jumpers from the warm rocks decided that it looked easy. It always does from the bottom. They climbed around the rocks and up the rope. Then they looked down. The Pen started pulling up and coiling the rope - a storm of protests when it was almost thrown over. Gerry, who was sun baking on a rock, became the custodian of the rope just in case the girls changed their minds.
-After standing on the edge for five minutes or so a conversation between Margaret and Lindsay was after the style of - You go first then I will - No you go then I will - no you etc. Ten minutes of indecision. Then Margaret asks Pen to go first after bit of bartering he extracts a promise from Margaret that she will jttralP after him and a promia from Lindsey that she would try to. A second or two to balance on the edge, a jump, a splash, a head it 4s all over. Seconds pass. Margaret moves to the edge tenses itts now ornever. It's now A falling body of blue and white with a Folden streamer, a splash, a head, a short swim to the rocks and al:1 eyes are on Lindsey leaning against the cliff. She toves for- +
-rd to balance in mental conflict on the edge. Gerry finishes coiling tho rope. She relaxes and leans back against the cliff amongst shouts of encouragement and sighs of disappointment. Moving forward again,balancing on the edge, a hush, a jump and facial expressions of indescribable emotions - she descends into the ranks of the bombers. Gerry thro:Ps the rope to the Pan treading water in the+
  
-middle of the pool. Then Gerry with a cry of Geronamo hops off his rock and into the water as if he were just getting into a bath.+After standing on the edge for five minutes or so a conversation between Margaret and Lindsay was after the style of - You go first then I will - No you go then I will - no you etc. Ten minutes of indecision. Then Margaret asks Pen to go first after bit of bartering he extracts a promise from Margaret that she will jump after him and a promise from Lindsey that she would try to. A second or two to balance on the edge, a jump, a splash, a head it's all over. Seconds pass. Margaret moves to the edge tenses it's now or never. It's now a falling body of blue and white with a golden streamer, a splash, a head, a short swim to the rocks and all eyes are on Lindsey leaning against the cliff. She moves forward to balance in mental conflict on the edge. Gerry finishes coiling tho rope. She relaxes and leans back against the cliff amongst shouts of encouragement and sighs of disappointment. Moving forward again, balancing on the edge, a hush, a jump and facial expressions of indescribable emotions - she descends into the ranks of the bombers. Gerry throws the rope to the Fon treading water in the middle of the pool. Then Gerry with a cry of Geronamo hops off his rock and into the water as if he were just getting into a bath.
  
-A sidle and a slide down loose tart around the next fall brought the party up to Than who had missed out on the drama at the jump. After three or four easy miles around small falls and a fast rock hop behind Dave the party arrived at Kanangra River junction. A rest was deolarod in the absence of any dissenters i.e. the leaderThen up the Kanangra River, through Whalania Chasm to the slippery dip where lunch was had. The pool at the bottom was not very deep and it was not possible to free slide all the way without killing oneself. Alas, Lee, Ross and John were determined to get a slippery dl-e. They worked out a system of sliding down head first with the ro'De twisted through a crab for a brake and a sling around our ankle attached to the crab. Fortunately it 'Forked. +A sidle and a slide down loose dirt around the next fall brought the party up to Joan who had missed out on the drama at the jump. After three or four easy miles around small falls and a fast rock hop behind Dave the party arrived at Kanangra River junction. A rest was declared in the absence of any dissenters i.e. the leaderThen up the Kanangra River, through Whalania Chasm to the slippery dip where lunch was had. The pool at the bottom was not very deep and it was not possible to free slide all the way without killing oneself. Alas, Lee, Ross and John were determined to get a slippery dip. They worked out a system of sliding down head first with the rope twisted through a crab for a brake and a sling around our ankle attached to the crab. Fortunately it worked.
-The 1-)arty moved on up the river about 1 p.m, with the WYborns last as usual0 On top of the big aterfall an afternoon teabreak was declared in the absence f any dissenters etc.......After two hours the -,:arty move,: off aA3ain.:,bout a mile further up a likely ridge was followed to the tus. A bash through scrub then onto lush grass under tall timber to the firetrail.. A mile or so along the firotrail to-the cars and the end of another mighty trip.+
  
-Mighty trippers in er.er of the length of their little fingers wore g Ilan Kerns, Ross Templeton, Lefoy, John Kitchener, Lawrence Quaken, Joan Rigby Idnasey Gilioy9 Margaret and Ross Wyborn, Dot Butler, John.1-owell9 Gerry Sinzig, Don Finch, Dave Rostrom.+The party moved on up the river about 1 p.m, with the Wyborns last as usualOn top of the big waterfall an afternoon tea break was declared in the absence of any dissenters etcAfter two hours the party moved off again. About a mile further up a likely ridge was followed to the top. A bash through scrub then onto lush grass under tall timber to the fire trail. A mile or so along the fire trail to the cars and the end of another mighty trip.
  
 +Mighty trippers in order of the length of their little fingers were : Alan Kerns, Ross Templeton, Leroy, John Kitchener, Lawrence Quaken, Joan Rigby, Lindsey Gilroy, Margaret and Ross Wyborn, Dot Butler, John Powell, Gerry Sinzig, Don Finch, Dave Rostrom.
  
 ====== Denise Hull's Wedding ====== ====== Denise Hull's Wedding ======
196911.1456651190.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/02/28 20:19 by kennettj

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