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--- 197306 [2017/07/04 14:56] – tyreless
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 A reminder that the Annual Subscription was due and payable at the Annual General Meeting last March. If you are still unfinancial please get your money in soon!
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 Please note that Meryl Watman's telephone number has been changed to 570-1831.
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 As the confidence of some increased they took the rapids in the sitting up position. There was a reasonable water flow through the long pools and paddling was only occasionally necessary. Good time was made to Breakfast Creek where we had lunch. Dot then found that her pack waterproofing wasn't altogether satisfactory - her sleeping bag was a sodden mass.
-The heat of the day - about 80º - was then really apparent and all took to the water with enthusiasm after lunch. The rebel female trio at this time declined our offer to change the trip to a walk up to Splendour Rock.
+The heat of the day - about 80ยบ - was then really apparent and all took to the water with enthusiasm after lunch. The rebel female trio at this time declined our offer to change the trip to a walk up to Splendour Rock.
 On the river again and everyone was riding in the sitting-up position - all we needed would have been umbrellas to complete the picture of a flotilla of King Farouks riding in style. This was bushwalking at the ultimate - moving over all at slightly faster than a normal walking pace, yet being able to savour the scenery to the fullest degree. The banks of the Cox, following the recent rains, were at their most beautiful - where is there a river in this state to equal these parts of the Cox?
@@ Line 120: / Line 120: @@
 The rapids above the Merrigal Creek junction provided ample sport - the competition to stay on one's lilo, pack and all. Don scored badly - he managed to came off 5 times in this rapid.
-As the afternoon shadows lengthened the number still lilo-ing diminished to four. Then we came to a rapid with a 45º bend, about a mile upstream of Kanangaroo. I was first down and was promptly thrown off at a 3 - 4 foot fall followed by a pressure wave of the some height, on the bend. Don fared somewhat better, losing only his pack. We then started to return to repeat the run down, this time without packs, when just on the bend my youngest daughter Cathy (aged 10) came hurtling down this section to be thrown off at the fall. She disappeared momentarily in the pressure wave and then surfaced, looking rather startled. Don was first to her and she was dragged out of the pool below the rapid.
+As the afternoon shadows lengthened the number still lilo-ing diminished to four. Then we came to a rapid with a 45ยบ bend, about a mile upstream of Kanangaroo. I was first down and was promptly thrown off at a 3 - 4 foot fall followed by a pressure wave of the some height, on the bend. Don fared somewhat better, losing only his pack. We then started to return to repeat the run down, this time without packs, when just on the bend my youngest daughter Cathy (aged 10) came hurtling down this section to be thrown off at the fall. She disappeared momentarily in the pressure wave and then surfaced, looking rather startled. Don was first to her and she was dragged out of the pool below the rapid.
 We reached Kanangaroo without further event and camped in a delightful location under the small casuarinas on the bank of the Kanangra River. The next morning saw the flotilla set forth again. The weather was again perfect and in this stretch of the river to White Dog there are fewer rapids. Confidence reigned supreme and we proceeded in raft formation - the lilos joined together. Down the rapids we careered - often coming to grief with much hilarity. However when there were no large obstacles in the rapids we had greater stability in the raft formation.
@@ Line 176: / Line 176: @@
 ----
-IT'S A SHALL WORLD ISN'T IT?
+=====It's A Small World Isn't It?=====
-Neville Page. Athens, 3rd May 1973.
- It was about 7.30 p m. last night when I ducked out of our hotel to post a letter and to change some travellers cheques at the bank. We had only arrived. back in Athens at 5 p m. that afternoon after a 5 day trip to Epidaurus, Olympia, etc., and Lesley was back at the hotel taking a preAimner snooze. Walking down Athinas Street, with the Agora on my right, T passed the streetsellers peddling their sunglasses and Turkish coffee, lottery tickets and ballpoint pens. The rush hour was just beginning to build up as people finished work and hurried off to catch bus or train, then all of a sudden out of the myriad of faces, two stood out which I recognized. I couldn't believe my eyes: it was Dot and Alan Pike. What a surprise,
+Neville Page.
-What a coincidence. They wore just as taken aback as was I. It's a
-wonderful experience to see a familiar face when you're so far from home. Dot and Alan changed direction and the three of us went off together to give Lesley the surprise of her life.
+Athens, 3rd May 1973.
-Ue sat ourselves down and had a long talk about what had trqnspired ince we had last seen each other back in Sydney, and then we set off to Omonia Square for food and more talk. And oh, what a story they had to tell.
-The Sydney Bushwalker Editor should act at once to secure exclusive pdb-
+It was about 7.30 p m. last night when I ducked out of our hotel to post a letter and to change some travellers cheques at the bank. We had only arrived back in Athens at 5 p.m. that afternoon after a 5 day trip to Epidaurus, Olympia, etc., and Lesley was back at the hotel taking a pre-dinner snooze. Walking down Athinas Street, with the Agora on my right, I passed the street-sellers peddling their sunglasses and Turkish coffee, lottery tickets and ballpoint pens. The rush hour was just beginning to build up as people finished work and hurried off to catch bus or train, then all of a sudden out of the myriad of faces, two stood out which I recognized. I couldn't believe my eyes: it was Dot and Alan Pike. What a surprise; what a coincidence. They were just as taken aback as was I. It's a wonderful experience to see a familiar face when you're so far from home. Dot and Alan changed direction and the three of us went off together to give Lesley the surprise of her life.
-lishing rights. They started their wanderings at Teheran in Iran, and then
-travelled through Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey. The story included tales of walks through deserts, of Middle East border clashes, of bedsheets that
+We sat ourselves down and had a long talk about what had trqnspired since we had last seen each other back in Sydney, and then we set off to Omonia Square for food and more talk. And oh, what a story they had to tell. The Sydney Bushwalker Editor should act at once to secure exclusive publishing rights. They started their wanderings at Teheran in Iran, and then travelled through Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey. The story included tales of walks through deserts, of Middle East border clashes, of bedsheets that hadn't been washed for three months or more, of fights with an Arab hotel keeper (when he locked up their passports and lost the key). Then there was the story of the visit to a museum when they met all the school children who wanted to touch Dot. They probably thought she was a goddess because of her blonde hair. Then there were the gypsies, and how Alan got covered with yoghurt when the wheel fell off the jeep. The stories went on and on. We talked about people, about food, we compared notes about hotels and red tape; the bus which carried people at the front and sheep at the back and on tho roof. When we'd worn out our welcome at the restuarant we retired to a coffee house where we ate yoghurt and drank coffee; and talked some more. We didn't finish but the time was getting late so we bade each other farewell and made our ways to our respective hotels.
-hadn't been washed for three months or more, of fights with an Arab hotel keeper (when he locked up their passports and lost the key). Then there was ihe story of the visit to a museum when they met all the school children who
-wanted to touch Dot. They probably thought she was a goddess because of her
+Dot and Alan sail to Rhodes today and we're flying to Istanbul, so we probably won't see them again till we're back in Australia, and there'll be more stories to tell. It's a small world, isn't it?
-blonde hair. Then there were the gypsies, and how Alan got covered with
-yoghurt when the wheel fell off -the jeep. The stories'went on and on. 'le talked about people, about food, we compared notes about hotels and red tape; the bus which carried people at the front and sheep at the back and on tho oof. 17hen we'd worn out our welcome at the restuarant we retired to a
+----
-aoffee house where we ate yoghurt and drank coffee; and talked some more.
-W.e didn't finish but the time was getting late so we bade each other farewell and made our ways to our respective hotels.
+=====Walks Secretary's Notes For July.=====
-Dot and Alan sail to Rhodes today and we're flying to Istaribul,.so we
-Probably won't see them again till we're back in Australia, and there'll be more stories to tell. It's a small world, isn't it?
-***************
-Page 9
-, 7, 8 July:
-, 8 July:
-THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER. June, 1973.
-WALKS SECRMARY'S NOT7S FOR JULY.
 by Wilf Hilder.
-Nevillo Luto lo 3;:udi:':,z, this classic test walk to Bindoo),. :woncry in this great area
-bring yoar concl ca,i,ture the breathtaking Tomat
+|July| |
-Falls C J'OT ,fC hi2_11C1I'l3C.1 foot sheor. Long climb up
+|6,7,8|Neville Lupton is leading this classic test walk to Bindock. Tremendous scenery in this great area - bring your camera and capture the breathtaking Tomat Falls - over five hundred foot sheer. Long climb up Bindook Mountain but on well graded stock track - glorious views from the top.|
-Bindook 73',..rt on well riTaded stock track gloriov's vfo0 from tho tor,.
+|7,8|Saturday morning, start for Alan Fall's medium Blue Gum trip. Down well-worn track from Perry's after enjoying the great views - with good graded track thru Syncarpia and Neatrs Glrn to the tops. Lush campsite and singalong campfire Saturday night. Please boil all water before drinking in this area. Maps 1:31,680 Katoomba, Mt. Wilson.|
- Saturav -J.:.ornir,. start for Alan Fall's medium Blue Gum trip. DeT:i, track from Perry's after enjoying
+|Sunday 8|Barry Zieren's bound for West Head on this easy walk. Good tracks to the Basin with excellent views. Tracks along foreshores to Great Mackerel Beach - a terrific lunch spot.|
-the groat 777itb, good ozaded track thru Syncarpia and Yeatos Gln to the tops. Lush campsite and singa-
+|13,14,15|Ski touring this weekend with Rod Peters as head man - and it's mighty Jagungal's turn to be conquered. For those who aren't fit enough for this hard tour a good weekend's practice can be organised at Schlink Hilton. All the party __must__ carry waterproof parkas __and__ waterproof overtrousers. Please book early.|
-long camp-21:23 '':4:,turday niht, Please boil all water
+|Sunday 15|Uncle Sam Hinde is great white father on this medium safari to Burning Palms. Good tracks all the way with a long climb up from the beach on a graded track. Excellent scenic views from the cliff tops.|
-beforehLn a:l'oa. Maps 1:319680 Katoomba, Mt. Wilson.
+|20,21,22|Back to Newnes weekend with Jim Vatiliotis as your guide (ard Jim Gale as mine host at Newnes). Good tracks along old Newnes Railway to Mt. Wolgan Station complete with reversing triangle for locomotives. Long climb up to Constance Gorge and then drop in to Rocky Creek for exploration.|
-Sunday 8 July:. Barry ZiOLD: D;)11nd fo Tc t Zoaa on this easy walk. Good tl'acko to 3:2.0 aTh wf th excellent views. Tracks along forozho::-oc to Groat Mackerol Poach a terrific lunch s;ot
+|20,21,22|Downhill skiing weekend at Perisher - get all the good oil from Dave Rostron.|
-,14,15 July:
+|Sunday 22|Bouddi at long lost - with Carl Beck as leader. This scenic traverse of this coastal gem is long overdue. Tracks most of the way on this special medium walk. Bring your colour camera.|
-Ski touring tliis weekend with Rod. Peters as head man and .ts Jaural'c -1.1rn to be conquered. For
+|27,28,29|Another ski tour - Jagungal the mighty from the east with jumping John Campbell as banner bearer. This sneaky attempt on the Big Bogong is leaving from Eucumbene - an easier way than most. In fact, it might be your last chance at __this__ peak for the season. Waterproof parkas and overtrousers are a __must__. Practice skiing can be organised at Cesjacks Hut.|
-those who oa1. f,i2 this hard tour a good
+|27,28,29|Barry Wallace leads this test walk to Splendour Rock from Carlons. Tracks all the way except on Blackhorse Ridge and Brown Dog. Magnificent views from the high tops. Lush campsite on the Cox complete with singalong campfire.|
-wookend,'s practice can bc organised at Schlink Hilton. All the 7art:: 1:17A a="-L' wuto=oof parkas AND waterproof overtrot,2,:.rs. Plea2o book early.
+|Sunday 29|West Head - this time with Carl Bock in the lead on this special medium walk. Blazed track to Bairne Trig and the Basin with excellent views and aboriginal carvings. Good tracks and views back to the cars.|
-Sunday 15 July: Undo ri I 1) I X_;.12 C tcte father on this medium
-safari to LTTiJ Good tracks all the way with
+----
-a long olir lb boac.:h on a graded track. Ex-
-collent the cliff tops.
+Anyhow, have a programme - a spring programme - best value in Sydney today. Well, Wilf's still at it - flogging off walks on the next programme, best time of the year for walking or ski touring - wildflowers and spring snow. Do yourself and your club a good turn - LEAD a walk soon.
-,21,22 July: Back to N0')';= ,1:1(011c1 with Jim Vatiliotis as your guide (ara Jim ao as mo ho;:21; at 1Twnos). Good tracks along old No:nos TaLlay le Mt. 7;'olgan Station complete with
-reversing for icocotiv'es, Long climb up to
+----
-Constance c kog_:, and then drop in to Rocky Creek for exIoloration,
-,21,22 July: Downhill skiing weekend at Porishor get all the good oil from Dave Ro,T.tron.
+=====The Save Colong Bulletin.=====
-Sunday 22 July: Bouddi at long lost with Car:. Bock as loader. This
-scenic traverse of this coastal gem is long overdue.
+Last year, as one wilderness area after another was threatened with various forms of development, the Colong Committee formed itself into a National Wilderness Society. It is now fighting for the preservation not only of Mount Armour, but of Bungonia Gorge, Barbers Creek, the Boyd Plateau, Lake Pedder, the Top End National Park, the Wollongambe Wilderness, the Cox Valley, the Deua/Tuross area, the Wiangarie Rain Forest and any other threatened area brought to its notice.
-Tracks most of the way on tLLis special medium walk. Bring
-your colour caulo7:-a.
+For those who would like to follow this running battle with cement companies, public utility authorities, the Forestry Commission, private developers and anybody else who threatens our few remaining wilderness areas, the Save Colong Bulletin is the one publication which prints the campaigns in detail. It is published bi-monthly, and a yearly subscription costs $2, payable to the Hon.Treasurer, The Colong Committee, 3rd Floor, 18 Argyle Street, Sydney N.S.W. 2000.
-Page 10 THE SYDNEY BUSHVIALKER June, 1973.
-,28,29 July: Another ski tour - Jagungal the mighty from the east with jumping John Campbell as banner bearer. This sneaky
+If anyone would like to add a donation to the $2, they can be assured that it will be put to good use in financing the publications of the committee and the costs the committee incurs in preparing submissions and sometimes, where essential, in paying consultants, for the purpose of presenting our case before the various inquiries on environmental issues.
-attempt on the Big Bogong is leaving from EucuMbone - an
-easier way than most. In fact, it might be your last chance at this peak for the season. Waterproof parkas and overtrousors are a must. Practice skiing can be organised at Cesjacks Hut.
+Two copies of recent Bulletins have been placed on the Club noticeboard.
-,28929 July: Barry Wallace leads this test walk to Splendour Rock from
-Canons. Tracks all the way except on Blackhorse Ridge
+----
-and Brown Dog. Magnificent views from the high tops. Lush campsite on the Cox complete with singalong campfire.
-Sunday 29 July: West Head - this time with Carl Bock in the lead on this
+=====More Letters From Dorothy & Alan Pike.=====
-special medium walk. Blazed track to Bairno Trig and the Basin with excellent views and aboriginal carvings. Good tracks and views back to the cars.
-Anyhow, have a programme - a spring programme - bext value in Sydney
+Tehran. 8/3/73.
-today. Well, Wilf's still at it - flogging off walks on the next programme, best time of the year for walking or ski touring - wildflowers and spring
-snow. Do yourself and your club a good turn - LEAD a walk soon.
-*********Xxxx**
-THE SAVE OOLONG BULLETIN.
-Last year, as one wilderness area after another was threatened with
-various forms of development, the Colong Committee formed itself into a
-National Wilderness Society. It is now fighting for the preservation not only of Mount Armour, but of Bungonia Gorge, Barbers Creek, the Boyd Plateau,
-Lake Pedder, the Top End National Park, thc Wollongambe Wilderness, the
-Cox Valley, the Deua/Tuross area, the Wiangarie Rain Forest and any other threatened area brought to its notice.
-For those who would like to follow this running battle with cement companies, public utility authorities, the Forestry Commission, private
-developers and anybody else who threatens our few remaining wilderness
-areas, the Save Colong Bulletin is the one publication which prints the campaigns in detail. It is published hi-monthly, and a yearly subscription costs $2, payable to the Hon.Treasurer, The Oolong Committee, 3rd Floor,
-Argyle Street, Sydney N.S.W. 2000.
-If anyone would like to add a donation to the $2, they can be assured
-that it will be put to good use in financing the publications of the committee
-and the costs the committee incurs in preparing submissions and sometimes,
-where essential, in paying consultants, for the purpose of presenting our case before the various inquiries on environmental issues.
-Two copies of recent Bulletins have been placed on the Club noticeboardi
-********
-Page 11 THE SYDNEY BUSHWILLICER June 1973.
-MORE LETTERS FROM DOROTHY & ALAN PEKE.
-Tehran.
-/3/73s
 Dear Everyone,
-Well, today we got up early and after breakfast, went in search of the Museum of Archeology. Once again, as we got into the crowded city streets a young "Can-I-help-youn came along, this time a student of
-politics and he told us about a lady in Australia who had had 9 babies.
+Well, today we got up early and after breakfast, went in search of the Museum of Archeology. Once again, as we got into the crowded city streets a young "Can-I-help-you" came along, this time a student of politics and he told us about a lady in Australia who had had 9 babies. It made headlines in the Teheran papers, he said, so we agreed that it was amazing (although we couldn't remember it). The museum was very interesting for us, and also for a group of schoolchildren, boys and girls about 12 or 13 years old. They forgot about all the glass cases, and crowded around us all the time, staring at Dot, and laughing at us. Even the teachers and museum men couldn't stop them, until they took them to a different floor.
-It made headlines in the Teheran papers, he said, so we agreed that it was amazing (although we couldn't remember it). The museum was very interest-
-ing for us, and also for a group of schoolchildren,boys and girls about 12
+After the museum, we had lunch - soup, tea and bread, total price 21 rials (21 cents Aust) for the two of us. The soup was cooking in a big copper pot on the foot-path. He gave Dot a taste as we went past, so we went into a dirty little room, and sat down at a ricketty table. Another man gave us bread out of a hessian bag. The soup would have been good, except that he put sour goats milk on it. Well, it's cheap enough.
-or 13 years old. They forgot about all the glass cases, and crowded around us all the time, staring at Dot, and laughing at us. Even the teachers and museum men couldn't stop them, until they took them to a different floor.
-After the museum, we had lunch - soup, tea and bread, total price
+In the afternoon we saw the Crown Jewels of the Shah, which are quite impressive, a huge room full - but not really interesting. Tomorrow we catch the bus to Isfahan.
-rials (21 cents Aust) for the two of us. The soup was cooking in a big copper pot on the foot-path. He gave Dot a taste as we went past, so we went into a dirty little room, and sat down at a rickotty table. Another man gave us bread out of a hessian bag. The soup would have been good, except that he put sour goats milk on it. Well, it's cheap enough.
-In the afternoon we saw the Crown Jewels of the Shah, which are quite
+Shiraz. 13/3/73.
-impressive, a huge room full - but not really interesting. Tomorrow we catch the bus to Ispahan.
-Shiraz.
+Isfahan was very interesting and beautiful. The mosques are incredibly beautiful with all the inlay tile work on them. In the (covered) bazaar we saw how the tiny shops made bread, crystallised sugar, and even watched a man make a felt hat, starting from little pieces of fluff. Isfahan still very cold - (6,000 ft) so we bought coats of sheepskin. Yesterday took bus to Shiraz (400 miles for $1.40 each and free glucose sweets and free soft drinks in super tourist coach - we were the only non-locals). The coaches are covered with curtains, tassels and pompoms and look like an ancient camel caravan. Today we went to Persepolis, which as you know from Paddy, is just fabulous. Has been very dry up till now, cracked skin, nose-bleeds etc. for us both.
-/3/73.
-Isfahan was very interesting and beautiful. The mosques are incredp.
+Baghdad, Iraq. 19/3/73.
-ibly beautiful with all the inlay tile work on them. In the (covered) bazaar we saw how the tiny shops made bread, crystallised sugar, and even watched a man make a felt hat, starting from little pieces of fluff.
-Isfahan still very cold - (6,000 ft) so we bought coats of sheepskin.
+Here we are in Iraq, land of three revolutions since 1957 when they shot the King and his relatives and Iraq became a republic. However, we have found no evidence of such violence and indeed it is hard to believe of such happy, friendly people, and the only reminder of the country's hostilities to Israel and perhaps Iran is presence of soldiers (much like Iran) toting rifles and bayonets.
-Yesterday took bus to Shiraz (400 miles for $1.40 each and free glucose
-sweets and free soft drinks in super tourist coach - we were the only
+Crossing the border from Abadan in Iran to Basra in Iraq was really quite a feat. We first took 2 taxis and a bus to get to Korramshire and then another taxi to a desolate outpost called "Shelamahire", which was the Iranian border. After getting through the customs we were rather unsure what to do next, as the Persians hadn't been across the border and couldn't tell us how far to the next place, but indicated (sign language) that Iraq was ahead and that we should start walking. So we marched off into the flat desert of nothingness except for a few palm trees in the distance and a line of telegraph poles. Presently we came across a notice that said "Basra 20 km", which is about 12 miles, and our hearts sank at the prospect of walking that far with packs and no shade. However, after about 2 miles walking we came to some low buildings of mud bricks, which turned out to be the Iraqi customs and border (apparently there is a neutral zone between countries - we weren't game to take a photo).
-non-locals). The coaches are covered with ovrtains, tassels and pompoms and look like an ancient camel caravan. Today we went to PersepOlis, which as you know from Paddy, is just fabulous. Has been very dry up till now, cracked skin, nose-bleeds etc. for us both,
-Baghdad, Ira.
+We walked past the army and went into the "custome office" where we spent about 1 1/2 hours while the customs man examined our passports and particularly our visa which we had got in Australia. He was apparently very unsettled by our presence and was scared of doing the wrong thing and letting us in if we weren't allowed. He was very puzzled by the word "tourism" in the visa which was the described reason for our visit. He said that "tourism" was a French word so how come it appeared in an Australian visa. The problem was that the visa didn't actually say "Australia", only said "issued at Canberra" which the man hadn't heard of. Also he wanted to know if Australia had broken off relations with Iraq because we had no embassy there. (He was a consul in United Arab Republic embassy). We had to impress upon him that it never had an embassy; Canberra was Australia's capital city and that tourism was an English word. It didn't help that he only had about 10 words of English himself. Eventually we got everything sorted out and he was all smiles and wanted to know (so does everybody else) since we ware married, where were all our little ones? Being Alan's age himself he was very proud of his six children.
-/3/73.
-Here we are in Iraq, land of three revolutions since 1957 when they shot the King and his relatives and Iraq became a republic. However, we have found no evidence of such violence and indeed it is hard to believe of such happy, friendly people, and the only reminder of the country's
+Well, after waiting another half hour, a taxi took us 10 miles or so to the to the town, travelling all the way in clouds of dust and about 4 soldiers in the car too, singing their heads off (all wailing eastern type music) and laughing and having a great old time. We arrived at a punt where we changed taxis and waited for the punt which only took two cars at a time. I forgot to mention that through all this we had a money problem. We didn't want to change money unnecessarily in Iran and we got to the border after much wangling, with about 50 cents. Once in Iraq we had no money (Iraqi dinars) and it was a Friday, which is like a Sunday in Sydney and so all banks closed. The taxi wanted 2 dinars (about 4 dollars anerican) to take us from the customs (20 kms) to Basra and we could only scrape together about 3 dollars using Iran and Australian money. Fortunately we were saved by a kind young man (one of three others crossing the border in the time we were there) from Kuwait who gave us 2 dinars (as a "welcome" present he said) and so we got to Basra. Once across the river by punt, the taxi took us way out of town, much to our dismay, (he spoke no English) and deposited us at a huge hotel beside the Iraqi Airways airport. It was called the Shalt-al-Arab and there we were, hobnobbing with all the wealthy businessmen, Russian spys and airlines staff and eating 4-course meals and still not a cent (Iraqi) to our names.
-hostilities to Israel and perhaps Iran is presence of soldiers (much like Iran) toting rifles and bayonets.
-Page 12 THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIIMR June9 1973.
+We spent the day around the hotel. There was a nice little park nearby on the river (Euphrates) where we met a group of young schoolgirls. They could speak a little English and we had a great conversation as they fed us on date cakes and pumpkin seeds. A soldier came along (armed to the teeth) and tried to join in but he was much ridiculed by the girls. We spent the night at the Arab hotel. It was a strange place. All very upper class English, but in fact rather untidy and in much need of paint and repairs. Next day the banks opened, so we went into the town which was absolutely terrible, got some money and bought train tickets to Baghdad for the night train. We had quite a long talk to an Englishman (motor-bike salesman) that afternoon at the hotel. It was good to talk to someone who could understand us for a change.
-***********************
-MOUNTAIN
+The train trip to Baghdad was a nightmare but we survived it. Found a cheap but passable hotel in the centre of town and now are having a look around. Baghdad has the most fantastic museum. We will probably stay a week or two more in Iraq then fly to Lebanon and then Eqypt.
-**.xf-.*******44-***********
-EQUIPMENT*************XXXX****
+----
-********XXX***********
-* * * * * * * * * *
+=====Social Secretary's Notes.=====
-IF YOU ARE
-BUYING OR HIRING HIRING OR BUYING
-GEAR FOR
-WALKING  CAYT.ING CLIMBING CANOEING
-WALKING e. CAMPING , CLIMBING  CANOEING
-TTE.= OF
-MOUNTAIN EQUIP=
-Alexander Street9 Crow's Nest 2065 (On the cornea- of Falcon Street) Telephone 439-3454.
-for
-.:LIPYDOWN STRTIPING BAGS
-HIGH LOAD PACKS (Weight 3 lb. 10 oz)
-AND ALL TEE OTHER THINGS YOU COULD POSSIBLY 1\T}TED
-* * * * * * * * *
-Page 13 _5HE SYDNEY BUSHUALKER Juno, 1973.
-Crossing the border from Abadan in Iran to Basra in Iraq was really
-quite a feat. We first took 2 taxis and a bus to get to Korramshire and
-then another taxi to a desolate outpost called "Shelamahire", which was the Iranian border. After getting through the customs we were rather unsure what to do next, as the Persians hadn't been across the border and couldn't tell us how far to the next place, but indicated (sign language) that Iraq was ahead and that we should start walking. So we marched off into the flat desert of nothingness except for a few palm trees in the distance and a line of telegraph poles. Presently we came across a notice that said "Basra
-km", which is about 12 miles, and our hearts sank at the prospect of malking that far with packs and no shade. However, after about 2 miles walking we came to some low buildings of mud bricks, which turned out to be the
-Iraqi customs and border (apparently there is a neutral zone between countries we weren't game to take a photo).
-We walked past the army and. went into the "custome office" where we spent about hours while the customs man examined our passports and particularly our visa which we had got in Australia. He was apparently very unsettled by our presence and was scared of doing the wrong thing and letting us in if we weren't allowed. He was very puzzled. by the word "tourism" in the visa which was the described reason for our visit. He said that "tourism" was a French word so how come it appeared in an Australian visa. The problem was that the visa didn't actually say "Australia", only said "issued at
-Canberra" which the man hadn't heard of Also ho wanted to know if Australia
-had broken off relations with Iraq because we had no embassy there. (He
-was a consul in United_ Arab Republic embassy). We had to impress upon him that it never had an ombassy3 Canberra was Australia's capital city and
-that tourism was an English word. It didn't help that he only had about
-words of English himself. Eventually we got everything sorted out and he was all smiles and wanted to know (so does everybody else) since we ware married, where were all our little ones? Being Alan's ago himself he was very proud of his six children0
-oll after waiting another half hour, a taxi took us 10 miles or so
-to the toMn, travelling all the way in clouds of dust and about 4 soldiers in the car too, singing their heads off (all wailing eastern type music)
-* and laughing and having a great old time. We arrived at a punt where we changed taxis and waited for the punt which only took two cars at a time. I forgot to mention that through all this %,e had a money problem. We didn't want to change money unnecessarily in Iran and we got to the border
-after much wangling, with about 50 cents. Oncr, in Iraq we had no money (Iraqi dinars) and it was a Friday, which is like a Sunday in Sydney and so all banks closed. The taxi wanted 2 dinars (about 4 dollars anerican) to take us from the customs (20 kms) to Basra and we could only scrape together about 3 dollars using Iran and Australian money. Fortunately we were saved by a kind young man (one of three others crossing the border in the time we were there) from Kuwait who gave us 2 dinars (as a "welcome" present he said) and so we got to Basra. Once across the river by punt, the taxi took us way out of town, much to our dismay, (he spoke no English) and deposited us at a huge hotel beside the Iraqi Airways airport. It was called the ShaltalArab and there we were hobnobbing with all the
-Page 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1973.
-wealthy businessmen, Russian spys and airlines staff and eating 4-course meals and still not a cent (Iraqi) to our names.
-We spent the day around the hotel. There was a nice little park nearby on the river (Euphrates) where we met a group of young schoolgirls. They could speak a little English and we had a great conversation as they
-INNi us on date cakes and pumpkin seeds. A soldier came along (armed to
-the teeth) and tried to join in but he was much ridiculed. by the girls.
-We sport the night at the Arab hotel. It was a strange place. All very upper class English, but in fact rather untidy and in much need of paint and repairs. Next day the banks opened, so we went into the town which was absolutely terrible, got some money and bought train tickets to Baghdad for the night train. We had quite a long talk to an Englishman (motor-
-bike salesman) that afternoon at the hotel. It was good to talk to
-someone who could understand us for a change.
-The train trip to Baghdad was a nightmare but we survived it. Found a cheap but passable hotel in the centre of town and now are having a look
-around. Baghdad has the most fantastic museum. We will probably stay a week or two more in Iraq then fly to Lebanon and then Eqypt.
-********XXXX*XXX
-SOCIAL SECRETARY'S NOTES.
 by Elaine Brown.
-On June 27th Mouldy Harrison was to give a talk and show slides on
-"Gardens Around the World". Mouldy unfortunately for us will be in Canada and has transferred his evening to the 17th October. Frank Taeker has agreed to give a talk and show slides on New Guinea on 27th. Frank as
-you all know is a very good photographer so this should be an interesting evening.
-On July the 18th we have "The Concert". Those of you who missed the
-great actors at The Reunion will have another chance to see the Club's talent.
-e have had numerous requests for Dot Butler to repeat the Andean Expedition slide night. This falls on the 15th August - these slides are first class and can be seen again and again.
-e also had requests for Jim Brown to show his slides of steam trains
-po on August 22nd_ Jim will give us an evening "An End to Steam Locomotives"; August 29th we are having a slide competition. Members are asked to
-bring along 6 of their best slides spotted on the bottom left hand side and with their names on. Er. Don Mackenzie, President of the Warringah Camera Club, will be the judge. Could you please hand the slides in
-before 8 p m. on the night of judging.
-***********#
+On June 27th Mouldy Harrison was to give a talk and show slides on "Gardens Around the World". Mouldy unfortunately for us will be in Canada and has transferred his evening to the 17th October. Frank Taeker has agreed to give a talk and show slides on New Guinea on 27th. Frank as you all know is a very good photographer so this should be an interesting evening.
+On July the 18th we have "The Concert". Those of you who missed the great actors at The Reunion will have another chance to see the Club's talent.
+We have had numerous requests for Dot Butler to repeat the Andean Expedition slide night. This falls on the 15th August - these slides are first class and can be seen again and again.
+We also had requests for Jim Brown to show his slides of steam trains so on August 22nd Jim will give us an evening "An End to Steam Locomotives".
+August 29th we are having a slide competition. Members are asked to bring along 6 of their best slides spotted on the bottom left hand side and with their names on. Mr. Don Mackenzie, President of the Warringah Camera Club, will be the judge. Could you please hand the slides in before 8 p.m. on the night of judging.
+----