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THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER A monthly bulletin of matters of ht crest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, Box 4476, G. P.O. Sydney, N. S.W. 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.30 p. m. at the Wireless Institute ui1ding, 14 Atchison Street, St Leonards Enquiries concerning the Club should be ref erred to Mrs. Marcia Shappert - tel 30. 2028. 31* * *4,444 * EDITOR: NEVILLE PAGE 14 Br ucedal e Ave Eppi ng Telephone 8&3739 BUSINESS MANAGER: BILL BURKE 3 Coral Tree Drive Car lingf or d Tel ephone 871. 1207 DU P LI CA TOR OPERA TORS: Peter Sca ndr et t, Owen Marks, George Cray 10ic,101,31010N Typist: Kath Brown AUGUST 1976 Editorial 2, The Old Buffers Tackle the Barrallier Mystery Paddy Pallin 4. The ally General Meeting Dot Butler 8. Picnic Reunion Notice 10. Alp Sports Ad 11. Impressions of the Pennine lAay Peter Harris 12. Mountain Equipment Ad 14. More In Sorrow than in Anger - Where Have Allthe Prospectives Gone Shirley Dean 15. Sou'West of the Sou'West - Part 3 Frank Rigby 16, Paddy's Ad 18. Bushwalker Bob Len Newland 19. Walks Notes Len Newland 19. Notice of Half Yearly General Meeting 21. Federation Notes Len Newland 22. August 1976 T'IY.1FY Paze 2. ININI*1….. \ 0 / 7einu a conservat:Lonist, and aware of the frequent criticism of conservationists as a body of emotional althoumh well-intentioned but irrational do-,7oo'ders, one attempts to retain one's calm and lcric as much as possible in dIscussin environmental issues0 occasions however, one is overcome by a swellinel tide of extreme cneer at the absolute stupidity of mankind, result:,n in violent and blasphemous outburst. . Such was the case last week when talking. .with a friend about a forthcomime trip to !ewnes. rost bushwalkers have - been to the 7olecn Valley at some time, and know it as a beautiful valley where once existed the mn:,ng works *nd township for the extraction and processing of oil shale. 7t is also a pleasant and relaxing place for family camping and the starting point for some interestine walks c1earby to lewnes itself, and halfway up the hill, are some disused railway tunnels which have always been worthwhile Visiting to witness the beauty of countless low worms residing there. n discussion with my friend last week he told me he had been advised that two despicable individuals with a motor -43-14<e hod tied brrulches to the back of their machines, set them a1iht, and driven throuph the tunnels and thereby killed off most of the insect life (i e. the glow worms). will probably take some years for the colony to reqenerote. Unfortunately 7, have not yet had an opportunity to verify the story, so its truth cannot be vouched -for. However, whether true or, false, the story serves only to hi,ehlight the menace beine presented by offrond machines end vehicles and their. owners.. iA;, our last monthly eeneral meetin we discussed Federation's proposed policy on wilderness areas. - Conservation 3,ecretary Llex Colley pointeT1 out that the -policy made no mention of machines and their intrusion on nature, and proposed that our delevates raise the matter at the next Federation meetirw. Policy should be that vehicles anti machinesbe absolutely excluded from wilderness areas, 'Dut it is not an easy task. Trail bikes and four wheel drive vehicles (mini and maxi) are pro.1ifcrotiri t a friohtening rote0 this is portly explained by the rapidly increasing pace ofcity life and the consequent desire to get away from the rot. race. Dut we must beware that the increased use of offroad vehicles does not occJr at the expense. of the io iust 1976 TEE- SYLEY n5IMAUE 7)aoe 3. environment. /n enquiry is under way regardin the use of off-road vehicles, and we as users of wilderness areas, should make our viewpoint known - individually as a club, collectively throtnh Federation, and usino whatever means and media are at our disposal. If we don't, we will witness further destruction and desecration of the lands and forests which are already so diminshed. June this year we used, for the first time, the flannel flower design which appars on pare one of this magazine n that issue,. we mode on incomplete and incorrect reference to the artist0 wish now to complete the acknowledgement. The artist's name is Lonore. olker, freelance commercial artist, who is not a member of the Sydney 3ush Halkers but who has kindly consented to our usinq her design. Thank you Lenore, for what we think is a beautiful piece of work. * * * * *.* * OEXT rT1TE'S (7,:E!7; The /SC may have the '7,00d1es, but we can do even better than that. ,ext- month we have for you= -Iventurer, Spiroin ';ojinak:,tas, otherwise known as don0 Secretary, writint-, about the L'aue -;reaks. Fresh from the northern tip of , ustralin comes news from our footloose philosopher, )wen [arks writing about life at “eipa and on Th!Jrsc'ay :1.slan(4. ecently returnee world wvn-lerez eter. Harris, writing about ' journey into the ,,ustrclian hips”. ote to iuthors Loo not assume from the above that the Editor no longer needs any articles. 'othin q is on the plate for October. it takes a while to write an article; some have taken years, so start writinc now. 'emember, o good magazine depends on -you. A'Igus t %ILL_ Piape THE SYDNEY BUSHNLKER THE OLD BUFFERS TACKLE THE BARRALLIER MYSTERY. . by. Paddy, Pallin. For years I have wondered exactly where Barrallier got to in his attempt in 1802 to cross the mountains to the west of Sydney. I knew of CaMbage's 1910 theory of where his route lay, and I well remember Ray Mitchell's (now Mr. Justice. Else Mitchell) enquiries into the subject culminating in a paper read before the Royal Australian Historical Society in 1938. One day, I thought, Itll get a copy of BarNallier's notes from the Mitchell library, and look into it myself, but alas I never got around to it. But when the Old Buffers were discussing where to spend a few days around Anzac Day the name Yerranderie cropped up and Ken said, “We ought to try and trace Barrallierls route while we are there.” In addition, unlike me, Ken aid something about it, and in due course the postman delivered copies of Barrallier's Journal and CaMbagels address to the R.A.H.S, together with an admonition that we study them and be ready for a verbal examination on arrival in camps Paul followed suit with copies of Ray Miteheills addreas to the R.H.A.S. in 1938. Eventually after $5 per car had been paid to MT. Lang we established camp on the Tonalli River a mile or two west of Yerranderie. There were Ken, Paul, Reg, :Edmund, Rex and 19 and we discussed the problem and decided to have a look at the country from the top of Yerranderie Peak next day. Briefly, the mystery is as follows:- 23rd. November 1802 4 p m. Barrallier left the Nattai Wollondilly junction (after coming down the Nattai). 8 p m. arrived at “my huts” (erected on a previous journey) “on the border of a large creek”. 24th November. Proceeded on journey which is described in somewhat confusing detail, and then “at 7 o'clock I arrived at the summit of another hill. from where I noticed 3 openings, the first to the right towards N59 301W, the one in front of me which appeared very large was 1 from me, and. the third S35aW. This discovery gave me a great deal of hope ”. Later in the log he states the distance covered until today is (apparently from Nattai Wol1ondi1l junction otherwise the direction makes no sense) 570W 7 miles 575 Vi 13 miles N76W 2 miles 531aff 5i- miles S36W miles. These total 29i- miles traversed in excessively hot weather through “country full of brushes over hills which stooa in all directions”, and this distance was covered in 1 day plus 4 hours! 25th November. Went through the “Western passage” which he says was a further 17 miles (after apparently resting from noon to 3 p m. because' of the heat). 26th November. 5 p m. arrived at a large river “between two chains of high mountains which give only one part of its banks an accessible space”. He went north for one hour and arrived at the junction of a “rather large stream” where he camped. 27th November. He decided to follow up this stream which came from the West. Page 5, THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER August, 1976. 28th November. Found the going too hard and turned. back. The first attempt at figur:_rHg all this out was apparently made by CaMbage who traced his journey as followss- 23rd November. Left Nattai junction 4 P.m. Camped 8 p m. 24th November. At noon passed South Peak (This is over 12 miles air distance from the junction and would call for about 18 miles walking distance, which would be a remarkable feat in such tangled confused country as Barrallier describes). The hill from which he took the bearings is identified by CaMbage as Alum Hill. 25th November. Crossed Colong Creek (only 1 mile ahead) at noon. Went through what has been named in acknowledgement of CaMbagels theory “Barralliers Pass”, and camped in Bindook Swamp. 26th November. Got to the hurruin Ranges, went down Waterfall Creek and reached the Kowmung 5 p m. Went upstream “for more than an hour” and reached Christy's Creek which defeated him and he turned back on 28th. (Anyone who has traversed the Kowmung will know it takes considerably longer than “more than an hour” to go from Waterfall Creek to Christy's Creek.) The glaring discrepancies in Cambage's theory would not be noticed in 1910 when maps were crude and very few people except stockmen had traversed the area, but by 1938 the area was becoming well known to many bushwalkers, and it was natural that someone whould hunt around for another theory, and Ray Mitchell took up the problem. Ray agreed that the final point of the journey was Christy's Creek but disagreed on the route by which Barrallier reached it. His theory was in short that the hill from which Barrallier took the bearings was not Alum Hill, but “tLe eminence at the foot of the large sandstone outcrop called the Peaks”(i c. Yerranderie Peak) and that the three gaps mentioned were Kowmung Gap, Byrnes Gap and “Pulpit Rock” (probably Bull Island Gap). This cuts out a lot of the weaknesses in Cambage's th_ory and certainly Byrnes Gap tallies closely with the description of the Gap through which the explorer went. Moreover the logical conclusion is that he reached the Koumung via Church Creek (or Cedar Creek) from which it would have been reasonably easy to reach Christy's Creek in “over an hour”. Mitchell's theory cuts out a number of difficulties in Cambage's but itself poses new problems. Mitchell states “These are the openings to which reference is made in the journal, and their respective positions approximate to the bearings given by Barrallier”. In fact the bearings are as followss- Actual magnetic bearings from Peak Mine dump near Yerranderie under Bartlett Head (Yerranderie Peak) Bull Island Gap 21e \ 1 ) lo Byrnes Gap 334go \ Included angle 992 Kowmung Gap 282 I Page h. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976, Barrallier's Bearings Bull Island Gap 300i o ) Byrnes Gap 270 \ Included angle = 85V o Kowmung Gap 215 ) The difference between the two outside bearings in Mitchell's case is 99i compared with 85i for Barrallie. But even more alarming is the actual difference in the bearings 81 in the case of Bull Island Gap and 67 in the case,gf Kowmung Gap, Byrnes Gap instead of being “west” is nearly North 334- It is hard to believe that a competent surveyor would make such ar error, and his map gives no hint of such a deviation. Well, we looked at maps, read and reread the journal and historical papers and talked round the subject, but as Omar Khayam says “we ever came out of the door by which we' entered in”. We decided to try and collect more facts by visiting significant places in the area. First we decided to climb Yerranderie Peak and look the area over. We busily took bearings and then admired the view picking out significant landmarks. Then we made the interesting descent to Coal Seam Gap, and thence back to camp. Next day we climbed Mt. Oolong where I had an assignment to put a new visitors' book into the trig cairn on behalf of the Kameruka Club. I wasn't quite prepared for the 15't. cairn of very neatly finished stone too neatly for my fancy not enough toe holds. However the book was duly signed and placed in position. We descended to the causeway from which if CaMbage's theory were correct Barrallier got the view of “a plain as vast as the eye could reach”. He estimated the ground before him was “hardly less than l mile lower than the sugarloaf summit% Mt. Oolong is only 3454ft. No such plain was visible and certainly not 5,000ft, below us. We looked at Roaring Wind Point from which (per CaMbage theory) the explorer “heard a noise resembling the roaring of the waves when breaking upon the rocks of the shoLe”. Next day we went to Alum Hill from which he (per Cambage) saw the three passages or gaps. If we had had no doubts before, this would have scotched the whole theory. CaMbage could never have stood on Alum Hill as we did, His gaps must have been theorised from maps because there is absolutely no gap whatsoever visible and nothing to make an explorer think a way through was possible. Although we queried Mitchell's selection of viewpoint we felt that his suggestion that Byrnes,Gap was used was correct. Barrallier's description fits it well ”…. the passage formed by a perpendicular out in the mountain the profiles of which, north and south were of immense height (a Tittle hyperbole) and presented to the eye a majestic aspect“. We therefore decided to visit the gap to see what we could see. First of all we decided to look for the cave “large enough to contain 20 men”. For a couple of hours we searched but had no success, but were convinced after pushing through scrub and climbing over rocks that Barrallier would have done well to cover 8 to 10 miles a day, which is What he would have done to reach here in the time he took. Page 7. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. After lunch we decided to climb Axehead Mt. as Barrallier must have done if he came this way. From here he saw “at a distance (of) 40 miles a range of mountains much higher than those we had passed… From where I was I could not detect any obstacle right to the foot of these large mountains”. When we got to the top we could certainly see the high mountain range in the distance, but the Kowmung Valley was clearly to be seen; the day, however, was especially clear whereas when our explorer was there, they had had heavy rain and a southerly wind was blowing. The scramble up this mountain was the most rewarding of all we had done to date from a scenic point of view. From the rocky top We had a magnificent cycloramic view under perfect condition of visibility. Just below us was the spectacular Bull Island Gap and the cliffs of the Tonalli Range terminating in the dramatic Tonalli Peak. To the east was Lake Burragorang, and beyond were the walls shining in the afternoon sun, west were the ranges beyond the Kowmung, and to the south the many peaks of the Yerranderie area. A great spectacle. Next dayj disgraced myself and led the party to Mt. Moore instead of to Mt. Meier where we hoped to go through “Barrallier's Pass” (CaMbage theory). However it was very pleasant on Mt. Moore when we found a tiny tarn cu,rrounded by the greenest of green velvet moss, and so they forgeive mel Well, what did we discover? Our positive findings were mainly negative, if that's not too Irish. I decided that Barrallier may have been a good surveyor (he made an excellent map of the Hunter River) but he was a poor bushman and explorer. He set off on this trip on 22nd November and on the 24th when he had just passed a mountain he had nearly climbed on a previous trip (probably Tonalli Mountain), he found his “provisions were reduced to a small quantity of flour and some pickled pork”. Luckily one of his soldiers shot a 12 lb. ee1. He mentions passing several streams, but never says in which direction these were flowing, and when he followed a stream he does not say whether he was going up or downstream. Even allowing for the rough country he was passing through his estimate of distances was wildly out, and as will be seen from examples quoted he vastly over-estimated heights. On a later journey he estimated Bonum Pic to be 11 miles high. Since returning from this trip the problem has exercised my mind, and I have had the maps laid out on a table and studied them from time to time, and I think I have the solution to the puzzle which very nearly gives the right answers. It works out on the maps, but does it work out on the ground? Another trip to Yerranderie is called for. * * * * * * * * Page A. THE SYDNEY BUSHTIT.ALKER August, 1976. THE JULY GENERAL MEETING. by Dot Butler. With your usual rePorter Jim Brown in bed with the lflu and step-in man Spiro away skiing, it fell to my lot to take notes of the meeting. Just two hours back from the sub-equatorial heat of Arnhem Land I shivered so much in the unaccustomed cold that, despite wall heaters going at full blast, my notes are barely transcribable. However I will do my best. Though rain spattered on the tin roof and an icy wind howled outside twenty-five stalwarts gathered by 8.30 and our charming President Helen Gray declared the meeting open, with apologies from Spiro who was much better occupied (and more suitably clad than 19 we hope) on the snowy slopes of Perisher. Three new members were welcomed s Jill Houghton, David Sowden and Michael Ryan. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed and as there was no business arising we passed on to Correspondence In, which covered acceptances from Jose Martin and Edna Garrad of their Honorary Membership for sterling services rendered to the Club over many years. An acknowledgement was also received from the MacDonnell Ranges Committee of our donation of $50 to aid their work for the projected National Park. The Treasurer reported an increase in our working funds from $1,576.97 to a closing balance of $1,664.53. Jim Vatiliotis gave a very full Federation Report. Much of his information is included in the Federation Newsletter which was enclosed in your July magazine so there is no need to reiterate it here. Additional news is that there were two rescues, one at Kanangra and one in the Budawangs (two boys). It appears that too many searchers turned out, Federation will try to make some arrangement whereby each Club Search & Rescue contact man will be given a target which it will not be necessary to exceed. An S. & R. Practice was announced for the forthcoming week-end at Mountain Lagoon and it is hoped that some S.B.I-fes attended. As regards Camping Permits in National Parks, Federation will try to arrange with the National Parks & Wildlife Service for permission and permit number to be obtained by phone, thus obviating the need for the leader to go in to headquarters to pick it up. The N.P.77.L.S. till not be making any purchase of land at Yadborough. For publicity purposes, pamphlets on Bushwalking may be published. Federation Ball (Fancy Dress) will be held on 17th September at Chatswood. In addition to a pop band they will also get the Bush Band if possible. Tickets available at the Club Room. And now we pass to Walks Reports. On the June Holiday week-end Bob Younger led 10 in the Batts Camp/Yerranderie/Mt.Colong region. Map and compass work was demonstrated to the one prospective, presumably by the 9 members, so he had better be good when he comes up for his Page TiE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. map-reading test. Mr. Lang will allow cars through his property for a fee of 85 per car. The same week-end Helen Gray's Base Camp in the Budawangs attracted 44 people. (During the telling of this report, suggested accompanying music: muted oboes in a plaintive minor key.) To begin with IT RAINED. They couldn't find tha camping cave. The cave they did find was very small with a floor at 45 slope. There were day walks which involved progress down a very scrubby scratchy creek. On the credit side, there were fireworks each night. Debit or credit (? - we can't decide which) four didn't turn up but the leader found them on the last day. And on departure Jill's car had to be pushed to get it started. Ah well, as Paddy's ad. says, “It's the tough ones you remember.” Two Sunday walks on 13th (Mary Braithwaite to Cowan Creek/Berowra and Ray Carter to Burning Palmstiaterfall) reported a good range of wildflowers. On June 18/19/20 Barry 7:allace's Vane & Cheese 1:alk down tlhe Cox attracted 12 Sydney Belly 7lorshipers. They camped from lunch time Saturday till lunch time Sunday (you should never exert yourself on a full stomach!) and even a bit of rain didn't dampen the festive cheer. The two Sunday walks - Meryl ':iatman's in the Waterfall area and Kath Brown's to Burning Palms were as usual - “Nothing happened” but all enjoyed themselves. June 25/6/7 Dave Rostron reported a pretty rough trip in the Newnes area while Victor Lewin's Sunday assault of The Fortress brought out 20 Stormtroopers. 'July 2/3/4 Hans Beck's party of 5 to Blue Gum experienced veTY9 very cold weather (it had snowed a few days earlier). Permits must be obtained from the Blacisheath Ranger Station and a report is required after the party comes'out. Hans reported on the defacing “improvements” in the Forest. (Let usstand and have two minutes silence for the passing of the old Blue Gum Forest!) Pat McBride 'a ski trip in the Twynham/liatson's Crags high country changed its route. The 7 members (I prospective) camped in the snow, 8” fell on Saturday night. Tigers all. In warmer climate Margaret Reid led 37 to Cowan/Berowra Creek with a walk through the very pleasant Muogamarra Reserve as an encore. July 9/10/11 found Ray Hookway's party base-camped at Alrly with day trips to Patoney's Crown and Tyan Pic. David Cotton reporte the trip TREMENDOUS, with mysterious great sheets of plastic lying around. (Has someone been trying to tio up Tyan Pic?) Let Neil Brown's Mystery Trip remain a mystery. 7:hy spoil a good story? (Neil found himself down to lead a trip before he knew where it was going, which shows the persuasive powers of the 7:alks Secretary.) En route they had (not scroggin stops) oyster stops! Tony Marshall had 9 (at least at the start - another mystery!) on his Blue Gum Forest trip. And now back to earth and General Business. It was pointed out that at the September Half-Yoarly Meeting we will be discussing the Club's 50th Anniversary and ways to celebrate it (other than getting Page ip. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. drunk). Wg will confer with the Dungallas, they being the pioneers of the Club. Peter Miller, alias the Stone Horse, announced that there were 5 to the pre-General Meeting dinner and the next will be held at the Stoned Crow at Crows Nest. The meeting terminated at 9.05 giving everyone time, as Jim Brown had advocated the previous July, to go home and prepare thoir Income Tax returns. * * * * * * * * o ( i 1t) 0 \ rtf)'Lid I , e rr r- c This is the historic date for a combined get-together of the Dungalla Club and the Sydney Bush Walkers. The Dungallas, as everyone knows, are the early members of our Club, and a great opportunity is being offered for the swopping of old and new stories. Bring any interesting photographs you may have of our walking country. MEETING PLACE: The Kuring-Gai Wildflower Garden, Mona Vale Road, St. Ives. TIME: The gates open at 10 a m., so any time after that. CARS: A parking fee is charged if cars are brought into the grounds. EATING FACILITIES: Camp fires are not allowed, but cups of tea may be obtained from a kiosk, or a barbecue may be rented. You can always bring a Thermos of courses LEADERS: Helen Gray - telephone 86-6263 Ray Kirkby - telephone 95-4936, fr \\It t I tp, IV\ HOW TO GET THERE: 1,ut (3-4,ecf01-1 5-tri -14-1(nriC y This is a particularly good year for wildflowers. There are a number of walks of varying distance in thepark. Let us have a good roll-up. The older members have many interesting tales to tell of the “old days”. age, I THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. Lr) ) * Box 553 P.O., Christchurch, Newealand * FOR THE CHEAPEST GEAR IN AUSTRALASIA We have a prompt mail order service to Australian customers FREE POSTAGE ON ALL ORDERS. Below is a list of some of the gear we stock - prices quoted in New Zealand dollars (NZ $1 A $o.83). We prefer payment by bank draft in New Zealand currency. Typhoon Oilskin parkas - standard model $ 21.00 (all sizes) deluxe model 24.00 Cagoules, newprena-coated nylon 18.40 Zip parkas, newprene-coated nylon 23.00 Long woollen socks 4.50 Short woollen socks 2.75 Jumpers, 100% natural black greasy wool 20.00 Jumpers, pure wool, fair-isle patterns 19.00 Balaclavas, pure wool 2.40 Hats, pure wool9 fair-isle patterns 2.75 Light woollen shirts, check patterns 9.50 Ranger, heavy wool shirts, check patterns 14.50 Mountaineer, heavy wool shirts, checks and tartans 17.00 Trousers, woollen tweed 14.50 Day sacks, from 15.00 K-2 double wall tents 94.00 K-2 special medium rucksacks 72.00 K-2 special merge rucksacks 74.00 K-2 standard medium rucksacks 69.00 K-2 standard large rucksacks 70.00 K-2 intermediate rucksacks 55.00 K-2 junior rucksacks 42.00 K-2 bivouac rucksacks 16.75 K-2 Aarn I climbing and ski-touring pack 58.50 K-2 Aarr II pack 51.00 Wintest nylon tents from 37.00 Mountain Mule rucksackss Featherlite standard - large 58.00 Heavy Duty standard 61.00 Heavy Duty super 67.50 Expedition standard 58.00 Expedition super 63.50 Mammoth 77.00 Fairydown Everest sleeping bags - prices on application Everest Mummy sleeping bags Twenty Below sleeping bagr, A 11 Explorer sleeping bags If AND MUCH MORE - WRITE FOR A PRICE LIST (Address above) Page 12. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. IKERESSIONS OF THE PENNINE WAY. by Peter Harris. This is a critio1. article on walking in England. Those of you with noble Englieh birth will no doubt defend your “delightful moors” and “interesting peat bogs” and be proud of your “national parks”. And those of you who have heard about the “lovely walks” along the long- distance footpaths will have, at some time or another, expressed some interest in undertaking one or two of these “delightful” walks. The solution is a simple one - Don't bother! Actually I've almost finished walking along the 270 mile Pennine Way - and each wakening morning brings renewed promise to evacuate at the next village. Well, after almost 6 months of non-stop walking through Tasmania, New Zealand, Nepal, India and now England, my pack is so affixed upon my back that I elected to walk the Pennine Way “heavy”. Even with such a handicap, and almost senile after so much walking, and getting as fat as a pig, the Pennine Way becomes a simple slog. Always there is a cairn ahead, or a road going on for miles, or stone walls beside the “track”. But always a cairn. I'm glad it's nearly over. To think that anyone actually would consider walking the entire length of England, from ,Lands End to John O'Groats, defies imagination. When I was asked my opinion of the Pennine Way, by a very interested Englishman, I baffled him with place- names by replying that it would be like walking 270 miles around Canons Farm. Actually Canons Farm is too good for the Pennine Way. More accurate would be 270 miles, in ever increasing concentric circles, around the pig-sty at Carlons. But then it's really not misty or rainy for weeks on end up at Carlons, and there are a few trees to stop the chill wind. And there really isn't any packed campgrounds with screaming kids coming inside your tent when you're dressing, nor dogs sniffing your porridge which you've thoughtlessly left to cool outside the tent. And the pigeons at Canons don't fly away with your socks and underpants which you have again thoughtlessly hung outside the tent on a guyrope - which really is an absurd appendage of tent ecitipment. If cars don't run over it and knock down your tent - the kids will. There are one or two more notable features along the route - well I suppose there's really only one - Malham Cove, in the Yorkshire Dales “national park”. Believe it or not, but the crest of the park is the head of a sheep! If you feel inclined to see a waterfall which you'd normally-by-pass if it was in New Zealand, you can pay 4 p. to the innkeeper of the Green Dragon Hotel, and pass through the reception counter and out the back to England's highest waterfall (above ground), Hardraw Force (90 ft.). For added thrills you can -walk behind the fall on the right hand side and emerge on the loft (or vice versa). Sheep counting is a popular way to pass time (and deter myopia) whilst walking. There is also bull-dodging in the fields, and leaping over sloppy heaps of fly-ridden prairie cakes through the meadows. The ultimate in excitement is to leap six consecutive mounds, leap-frog Page 1 3 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Augusta 1976. a bull, then “slalom” through at least 20 sheep before the next stile. For this amazing feat score 20 points. If it is raining heavily, or if the bull has a ring in his nose, double the score. The scenery ie really nothing to write home about, hence this article is not really a constructive one Wainwright 's Pennine Way Companion is quite useful - take some coloured pencils and you can colour in the sketches whilst you're holed-up in a cave somewhere waiting for the snow to stop. There is no escape anywhere from people, all out to “enjoy” the English countryside. Gird up your loins as they have never been girded up before because the Pennine Way is a penance for sins. There must be something good about the Pennine Ways you say? There is. At frequent intervals, like about three times a day, you can drown your sorrows and obliterate the memory of that last mile, with a pint (r two of ale from one of England's quaint pubs And English pubs ARE better than Aussie pubs. Well, I can't think of anymore to write. There wasn't much to write about anyway. When you “do” the Pennine Way, have a happy time. Take lots of money for beer'. You won't see me there - I've had enough. * * * * * * * * * (or Belly Worshippers, to borrow a term from Dot Butler) Dinner before the September General Meeting will be at ABDUL'S LEBANESE RESTAURANT It is on the corner of Cleveland Street ande Elizabeth Stree, City. Meet at 6,00 'pm.. We need more girls as so far only Helen. Rowan has graced these dinners with her…presence. Suggestions wanted for Other' cheap and interesting places to eat. Page 1 4 THE SYDNEY BUSIE.TALKER August, 1976. 17 Falcon Street, Crows Ne t7065 ph. 439-2454 $ 21.70 49.50 67.00 DOWN CLOTHING: VESTS DUVETS sewn through with hood double constr ction wi h hood They feature double zip closure pockets-and h ronts dwarmer9 snap overlap ockets. 24.30 14.50 17.85 TYPHOON OILSKIN PARKAS Sizes SM, N., OS TYPHOON OILSKIN 0 aTROUSERS ALL SIZES MOUNTAINEER. WOOLSH LARGE RANGE OF PACKS SLEEPING BAGS BY FAIRY MOUNT P.ADD OWN IN DES OUR SALE ON LAST EAR'S LESS 10% 0 OF CR T YE RICESII1 SS COUNTR KIS IS STILL ON RING FOR 0 LIST !!! * * Car you a full range of high quality gear for: USHWALKING I./WIT-WEIGHT CAMPING SKI TOURING CUM 81NG CANOEING Page 1 5 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. MORE IN SORROW THAN IN ANGER…… WHERE HAVE ALL THE PROSPECTIVES GONE? by Ms. Dean. June 11, 12, 13, 14. Bat's Camp Barrallier Pass Oolong Station Tonalli Gap Yerranderie Mt. Colong Colong Caves Bat's Camp. Present: Bob Younger.(leader), Michael Faulkner, Jim.Vatiliotis, Frank Rigby, Rosemary Edmonds, Gem Gagne, Helen Rowan, Fay Smith, Joan Rigby, Shirley Dean. The decision as to which walk to go on at the Queen's Birthday weekend was relatively simple. The walk to Wog Wog Mountain with Helen Gray gathered families, relations, children together at a base camp with all its attendant atmosphere and I'd worn that hat at Easter. So putting on the hat of mature experienced. bushwalker, I decided to test that role on the walk to Yerranderie. Also the symbol beside the walk on the programme intrigued me was it a composite of the female/male symbol gone wrong (what were the bushwalkers coming to); however on enquiry it was explained as meaning a test walk, and that I know is something entirely different. I thought by wearing my mature/ experienced hat it would mean that if there were any difficulties on the walk there would be eager, willing prospectives to help me on my way. But that theory had to be discarded early Saturday morning when all the party assembled at Bat's Camp 4 men (including I prospective), 6 women. So I put on-my Liberated Women's hat and with hindsight and afterthought, have decided that I'll wear it whenever I A walking. As I have not been walking on official trips for some time it was interesting watchinc the dynamics of the group, male and female, coping with the leader. Yearly everybody had their own maps, compasses; nearly everyone thoroughly checked all navigational decisions, nearly everyone had a voice in making decisions as to which way to go, nearly everyone decided on the camp site, where to light the fire, etc. Very democratic indeed. In fact if I'd realised how much times had changed from the old authoritarian leadership days of the 50's I'd have brought my own campass and map as well. The party did allow the leader to express at least one of his preferences. Not getting his feet wet meant that we circled the swamp near Bat's Camp so as to need some careful navigational expertise by all to finally pick up the track about t- mile from Rocky Point. Not getting his feet wet meant that we climbed high into Tonalli's Gap and picked up the telephone line tmile from it. Not getting his feet wet meant some of the party accompanied him over Yerranderie Peak instead of taking the track down to the road and crossing some very small creeks. All very tolerant. The highlights of the trip were the fine, sunny, windless days, - the clear, fullmoon nights. The camp fire at Oolong Station at which Page 16 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. all cooked/ate/talked together and those most affected by the light of the moon, walking to the top of the cleared land and looking back over to Barrallier's Pass. The radiance of the moonlit sky in the early hours of Monday morning and the side trip to Chiddy Obelisk later in the morning - a fine piece of rook the other side of the Kowmung Gap. On Monday afternoon an amusing rationalising discussion took place. Earlier in the month a two-day walk over the same route was led by Bill Burke and 17 others. As the Queen's Birthday trip was programmed similarly,was it in essence the same- if one counted the side trip to Chiaay Obelisk as an extra half-day and the fact that as everybody knows democracy takes longer to organise than a dictatorship? Was it one of those trips? I know how I voted - how would you? * * * * * * * * THE SOU'-WEST OF THE SOU'-WEST - PART 3. by Fraiolk Rigby. (The last episode ended in an emergency camp on a side spur of the South-West Cape Range, with Joan and I giving thanks for the end of some quite nasty weather.) Day 7 (now reckoned by the campsites) dawns with lots of promise in the cool air washed clean by the deluge of Day 6. Anxious to put the length of the range behind us before Huey can play his next trick, we are early away. Along the treeless tops with the west coast below on our right and the south coast starting to show on our left, for we are approaching the very corner of Tasmania. We pass one of our rock shelters of the previous day - yesterday it was a haven, today it does not rate a second glance. By mid-afternoon we are standing in the brilliant sunshine near the trig on Mt. Karamu, gazing in awe at all that surrounds us. Surely this must be one of the grandest vantage points anywhere. Karamu is not high, only 439 metres, and yet it is commanding. Just by turning around through full circle, a'panorama of infinite variety and beauty unfolds in all directions. But I cannot help facing the South- West Cape, rocky, fascinating and yes - inviting, thrusting out into the ocean, the last land this side of Antarctica. From a broad low saddle at the base of Karamu2 the Cape rises to a summit at 240 metres, the great slabs on the wester sideplunging at a steep angle straight into the sea. Beyond the summit the promontory falls away unseen, but by previous accounts we know that one must abseil to reach the end. It is difficult to wrest the eyes from this challenging feature, even for the view up the west coast - Window Pane Bay now in the middle distance, then Port Davey and beyond; inland the mountains, plains and patches of forest, the soft hues of the Tasmanian wilderness. But it is the other coast that is especially striking, that succession of bays and rocky headlands; and is that South Cape on the horizon? If so, we are seeing the length of the Tasmanian south coast at one glance. Page 1'7. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August 9 1976 To the Cape or not, that is the question now. We have been told the return trip from Karamu takes five hours. This means an exposed camp somewhere down there in the saddle, and although the weather is fine now we are longing for security after certain recent experiences. Besides, we have lost a day etc,, etc. We opt instead for Wilson Bight, our first bay on the south coast. It is perhaps a cowardly, layman's decision, but at least there's something left for next time. Our campsite, just off the beach beside a small stream, is suitable compensation. From Wilson Bight to Cox Bight, our start and finish point, is a mere nine miles as the crow flies. But we are not crows (although on occasions it would have been handy) and not in such a hurry, so it takes us four days, including a rest day at Ketchem Bay. The route is a wee bit tricky, slow in parts but interesting, and the rewards are many. Behind each bay is a strip of dense bush and if you find the cut track through to the beach you are home and hosed if not, you are in trouble, like our approach to Ketchem Bay. Try as we might, we could not discover the track (no markings) and so set about bashing our own (no qachete). After one hour in time, 200 yards in distance and a plethora of nasty words (no long pants) we reach our destination. (I must confess it was Joan who had the hard yakka because on this occasion she was wearing the pants, no metaphors intended.) The unmarked routes from bay to bay across the intervening hills follow the clear leads for the forest is to be shunned like the devil, but a couple of compulsory creek crossings would test even the tigers. Although this part of the coast is not often walked, there are cut campsites at Wilson Bight, Ketchem Bay, Hidden Bay and New Harbour, and all very welcome too. Ketcheal Bay is a little gem of a place. The precious days pass and prospect gradually gives way to retrospect. In the outside world '75 gives way to '76, a non-event when all that matters is sunlight and landscape, fitness and a feeling of belonging, a satisfied appetite and a sound night's sleep. On Day 11 I stand again on the crest of New Harbour Range, the very same spot on which I had stood five years before when this trip was first conceived. Far below on the eastern side, rank upon rank of rollers march endlessly towards the long curving beaches of Cox Bight. And those tiny moving specks on the beach must surely be human beings! It is incredible that this part of Tasmania is not even in the touth-West National Park. Every member of the State Parliament ought to have his nose rubbed in its natural beauty before he is paid a cent of his salary. Perhaps only then will the Australians of the 21st century be able to enjoy what I have enjoyed in the 20th. (Maps: Old River and South-West Cape, 1100,000) P.S. Many thanks to Phil Butt for the valuable information passed on to me as the result of his own experiences in tbisgem of wilderness. * * * * * * * * * THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August5, 1976 Lightweight bushwalking and camping gear. Page 1 9 Dan't be lumbered with a winter bag in summer Our new 'Supertight' summer weight bags are nearly half the packed size and weight (2113s) of our regular sleeping bags. Nylon covering, superdown filled. Packs into 9“ length x 514” dia, Can also be used during winter as an “inner-bag”. Kiandre model: Pillow flap, hooded bag. Well filled. Compact, warm and lightweight. Excellent for warmer summer nights and times when carrying weight can be reduced. Approx 3%lbs. Hotharn model: Superwarm hooded bag made for cold sleepers and high altitudes. 'Box quilted' with no 'through' stitching. All bags can be fitted with zippers and draught resisting overlaps. Weight 4%lbs. Everything for the bush- walker, from blankets and air mattresses, stretchers, boots, compasses, maps, books, stoves and lamps to cooking vere and rooze cloicd dehydrated foods. 'A' TENTS One, two or three man. From 2% to Valbs. Choice of three cloths. Supplied with nylon cords and overlapped doors. No walls. WALL TENTS Two, three or four man. From 3% to 43/21bs. Choice of three cloths. Supplied with nylon cords and overlapped doors. BUNYIP RUCKSACK This `shapedirucksack is excellent for children. Use- full day pack. Weight 14ozs. SENIOR RUCKSACk. A single pocket, shaped rucksack. Suitable for overnight camping. Weight 1%lbs, BUSHMAN RUCKSACK Has sewn-in curved bottom for extra comfort in carrying. Will hold 30Ibs. 2 pocket model 11/41bs. 3 pocket model liAlbs. PIONEER RUCKSACK Extra large bag with four external pockets and will carry about 40lbs of camp gear. Weight TAlbs. 69 LIVERPOOL ST. SYDNEY 26-2686 61-7215 The summer w(Ika programme is now available, so think about those walks you want to lead, WALKS FOR SEPTEMBER. August, 1976. THE SYDLET BUSTIN-AMER Page 19. pUSHWAIKER-BOB … and then he said, 'I can see the season's first warata-a-a-ahJ WALK NOTES. by Len Newland. Phone 43-2419 (B) TEST 'ULM Geptember 3,4,5 - Sunday 5 Sunday 19 Brogerls Creek - Mt. Ulrich - Budaroo Gerringong Falls - Broger!s Creek. Leader is Brian Hart, but you will have to contact Fazely Read at the club or on 90 1081. South Coast surroundings. Hawkedbury River Rocky Ponds - Wondabyne Trig - Myron Brook tfondabyne with Jim Brown. Mainly track. Plenty of wild, flowers. A busy day. Govett's Leap - Pulpit Rock - Hat Hill - Anvil Rock - Perry's Iockdown Bluegum Forest - junction Rock - Govott's Leap. 41 good test walk with all that spectacular Blue Mountains scenery, including Bluogum while it still stands. See Vic. Lewin, Page 20, THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. TEST WALKS (Cont.) Soptombor 24,25,26 Carlon's Farm - Carlon's Crook - Blackhorso Ridge - Wombat Parade - Morimerigal - Splendour Rock - Blue Pup - Cox's Rivor Tinpot Track - Carlon's Farm. This is a very popular area within tho club, on the rugged wostorn side of the Blue Mountains. Fazoly Road leads. DUNGALA DAY. September 11 - Dorothy 'Butler and Ray Kirkby are your contacts for a delightful day in Ku-Ring-gai Wildflower Garden. Details elsewhere, BASE CAMP. September 17,18,19 - Airly. Saturday - Airly Turret and. the Diamond Mine. Sunday - Airly Shale Mining ruins and Black Mountain. David Cotton, who is loader and therefore biased declares that this is an Extra Good Trip. It's full of historical interest, too. DAY WALKS. September 5 - Tony Denham loads a walk on this day, but details are not to hand at this writing. (I now hear Bundeena Otford). 12 - Waterfall - Morey Track - Myuna Creek - Woronora Trig - Heathcote Creek - Heathcote. David Ingram loads this walk in the unique south coast bush.

19 - Hornsby - Tunic's Creek. John Noble leads. I know nothing of the area either.. - 7:hy not go there and find out? 26 Tahmoor Barge River - Mermaid Pool - Pot Holes Crossing 7 IarriMbirra Sanctuary - Bargo. John Holly leads this walk on tracks along creeks down the cliff to Mermaid Pool, and the walk includes two wild life sanctuaries. 26 - Mt. Colah Calna Creek - Berowra Creek - Lyrobird Creek - Mt. KU-Ring-Gai. Neil Brown follows up his recent “Mystery Trip” with another walk in the area. The last one was reported to be excellent. Page 21. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER August, 1976. THE SYDNEY BUSITALKERS. (Founded BOX 4476 G.P.O.SYDNEY 2001. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVENs That the Hc,lf-Yearly General Meeting of the Sydney Bush Walkers will be held on Wednesday, 8th September, 19769 at the :areless Institute of Australia9 14 Atchinson Street, St, Leonards at 8.00 p m. AGEND A. 1. Apologies. 2. Welcome to new members. 3. Minutes of the General Meeting held on Wednesday, 11th August, 1976. 4. Correspondence. 5. Treasurer's Report. 6. Federation Report. 7. Walks Report. 80 Determination of the venue of the 1977 Annual Re-Union and election of Convenor(s). 9. Discussion of Motion foreshadowed at the July General Meeting by Kath Brown, the motion beings- “That members be invited to bring forward ideas and suggestions to the Half-Year17 General Meeting as to how the Club may best celebrate its 50th Birthday in 1977”. 10. Constitutional Amendments. (No notices have been received by the Secretary as to proposed Constitutional Amendments as at 11/8/76). 11. General Business. 12. Announcements s (a) 17alks. (b) Social. (Sgd.) SPIRO HAJINAKITAS. Hon. Secreta2. Page 22 THE SYDNEY BUSE:ALKER August, 1976. FEDERATION NOTES. by Len Newland. Now that the Federation Newsletter is included with the Club Magazine the bulk of what was formerly included in this article is now appearing in that Newletter. However, I think that there are one or two points worth noting here. The current problem with incursions into the Bluegum/Grose area is of course, the requirement of entry permits. A new problem has cropped up however, to wit, that on a number of occasions the N.P.'J.S0 has run out of permits to issue. Federation are currently approaching N0PS0 with a view to making arrangements by telephone, using a permit number obtained thereby. Some discussion has arisen over the N.P.A.'s idea of producing a Sketch map of part of the western Blue Mountains. Arguments included: that such efforts would lead to increased usage of the area, which in turn would lead to degragation of the wilderness characteristics, and that map sales, on the other hand, could be used as a point in increasing public and official awareness of the usage of the area as wilderness. “Cyalume” lighting has been reported as satisfactory emergency lighting in the caving situation. The recent Search and Rescue practice was a success. Further details should appear in the Newsletter. Federation are preparing a Wilderness Use policy. This is for two purposes: (1) As a guide to Federation in their dealings on wilderness usage questions; (2) As a voluntary guide for those using the wilderness. The five points dealt with in the policy ares (1) Garbage disposal and hygiene; (2) Construction and use of navigational aids; (3) Contruction and use of permanent shelters; (4) Use of resources; (5) Florce,,fauna ang geology. It is stressed that these points are by no means exhaustive. Suggestions are wanted from meMbers regarding additional points and opinions on any or all of the points considered. Now, the Annual General Meeting held on July 20th. Annual reports appeared in Vol.1 1\To08 of the Newsletter, and reading between the lines, Federation feel that, while no major achievements occurred during the year, they are somewhat better organised than previl sly. The elections were held and the results will no doubt appear in Vo161 No.9 (included I hope with this issue). It should be noted however, that out of approx- imately 15 positions, only one was contested. Members will recall that last year Federation was in trouble, because the old committee stood down and a number of positions had no candidates. Since committees normally stand for about two years, the same problem will probably come up again next year, even though all went smoothly this year. Finally, some dates- or;(-6 Bali 17th September 1976 September 16th 1977 L -2–lorstration October 16/17th “ October 15/16th ” March 26/27th Practice July 16 17th “

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