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 Although the 50th anniversary celebrations are over, the occasion and its meaning have not been forgotten. In fact, the events of October have sparked off a good deal of thought and discussion amongst members new and old. This has been particularly noticeable in recent contributions to the magazine, both in the November issue and the present Although the 50th anniversary celebrations are over, the occasion and its meaning have not been forgotten. In fact, the events of October have sparked off a good deal of thought and discussion amongst members new and old. This has been particularly noticeable in recent contributions to the magazine, both in the November issue and the present
-one. The editors thought it would be appropriate to continue in this vein and we have therefore +one. The editors thought it would be appropriate to continue in this vein and we have therefore included two trip stories of bygone days in this issue. The articles are actually a couple of selections which just missed making the anniversary magazine due to lack of space. Both the stories come from past editions of the Sydney Bushwalker.
-included two trip stories of bygone days in this issue. The articles are actually a couple of selections +
-which just missed making the anniversary magazine due to lack of space. Both the stories come from past editions of the Sydney Bushwalker.+
  
 The year is now drawing to a close, and what an eventful year it has been 1977 will be remembered as a real milestone in the history of the club, and when our young members are old perhaps they will recall the good-old-days of '77 and the fiftieth birthday. The year is now drawing to a close, and what an eventful year it has been 1977 will be remembered as a real milestone in the history of the club, and when our young members are old perhaps they will recall the good-old-days of '77 and the fiftieth birthday.
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 ====Reflections after Fifty Years==== ====Reflections after Fifty Years====
-by Joe Turner+by Joe Turner (joined 1927)
  
-When, twenty-five years ago, Kath McKay wrote the poem (appended below) "Twenty-fifth Birthday", published in "The Sydney Bushwalker" No.215, October 19527 the "Silver Anniversary Issue", one could perhaps be forgiven for asking oneself, "What will the next 25 years bring?" Well, reflecting now, 25 years later, the Club has had its trials and tribulations; we've had our "off" periods when it seamed unlikely that there ever would again be a batch of "prospectives" to fully conform to the Club's (in the view of some) stringent conditions and become fully fledged so as to be admitted to membership; our finances have been a bit in the doldrums; at the Annual Meetings there would be a dearth of "takers" for the many Executive positions to be filled, the Walks Secretary would report a lack of starters to fill the Walks Programme; and in general the wails of the "prophets" referred to by Kath mayagain have been heard, "The Club is doomed" - "The Club is slowly dying"+When, twenty-five years ago, Kath McKay wrote the poem (appended below) "Twenty-fifth Birthday", published in "The Sydney Bushwalker" No.215, October 1952, the "Silver Anniversary Issue", one could perhaps be forgiven for asking oneself, "What will the next 25 years bring?" Well, reflecting now, 25 years later, the Club has had its trials and tribulations; we've had our "off" periods when it seamed unlikely that there ever would again be a batch of "prospectives" to fully conform to the Club's (in the view of some) stringent conditions and become fully fledged so as to be admitted to membership; our finances have been a bit in the doldrums; at the Annual Meetings there would be a dearth of "takers" for the many Executive positions to be filled, the Walks Secretary would report a lack of starters to fill the Walks Programme; and in general the wails of the "prophets" referred to by Kath may again have been heard, "The Club is doomed" - "The Club is slowly dying". 
-But here we are, another twenty-five years later, able to echo Kath's assertion, "We are not wholly dead". "Wholly" indeed! - Not even partly! Nor -has the 'bus (or perhaps the car) yet discontinued "disgorging us for Era" - that is to say, some of us, while others of us (and these must include many who, although perhaps regrettably for us "oldies" left behind, have taken off for more distant tracks "Beyond") shall, let us hope, always be there in spirit, to "totter down the track and see draw nearer the dunes, the valley, Peter Page's hill, our troth with the bushflowers, each springtime to renew" - lovely words! + 
-And so, having been spared to enjoy, after 50 years, yet another Re-union, this S.B.W. Member would like to place on record, not merely +But here we are, another twenty-five years later, able to echo Kath's assertion, "We are not wholly dead". "Wholly" indeed! - Not even partly! Nor has the bus (or perhaps the car) yet discontinued "disgorging us for Era" - that is to say, __some__ of us, while others of us (and these must include many who, although perhaps regrettably for us "oldies" left behind, have taken off for more distant tracks "Beyond") shall, let us hope, always be there in spirit, to "totter down the track and see draw nearer the dunes, the valley, Peter Page's hill, our troth with the bushflowers, each springtime to renew" - lovely words! 
-a "reflection", but his conviction (to paraphrase Kath's words) that not only "...Jong may....", but "..long shall the others who came after, walk the bush tracks, seek out the life that's free, meet perils...." and whatever, even if "....mingled at times with mild profanity"+ 
-Joe Turner (joined 1927).+And so, having been spared to enjoy, after 50 years, yet another Re-union, this S.B.W. Member would like to place on record, not merely a "reflection", but his conviction (to paraphrase Kath's words) that not only "...long may....", but "..long __shall__ the others who came after, walk the bush tracks, seek out the life that's free, meet perils...." and whatever, even if "....mingled at times with mild profanity".
  
  
 __Twenty-Fifth Birthday__ __Twenty-Fifth Birthday__
  
-A quarter century! The years are flying - Where are the prophets who so oft have said: +A quarter century! The years are flying - 
-"The Club is doomed". "The Club is slowly dying"? Believe me, we are not yet wholly dead.+Where are the prophets who so oft have said: 
 +"The Club is doomed". "The Club is slowly dying"? 
 +Believe me, we are not yet wholly dead. 
 Still when the bus disgorges us for Era Still when the bus disgorges us for Era
-Our hearts leap with the old remembered thrill As, tottering down the track, we pee draw nearer The dunes, the valley, Peter Page's hill. +Our hearts leap with the old remembered thrill 
-Our mileage is not much:, as speedsters reckon; 70 pause more often to adMire the view; +As, tottering down the track, we pee draw nearer 
-But still we hobble'out, when bushflowers beckon, Our troth with them each springtime to renew. +The dunes, the valley, Peter Page's hill. 
-Yearly we cut fresh Jnotches in the tally + 
-Of mountainpeaks we shall not climb again; +Our mileage is not much, as speedsters reckon; 
-Heights are for YouthBut we have still the valley, The sunlit Qox, Eureka in the rain. +We pause more often to admire the view; 
-Long may that Youth, and others who come after, Walk the bush tracks, seek out the life that's free, Meet perils, scars - andhakea - with laughter (Mingled at times with mild. profanity). +But still we hobble out, when bushflowers beckon, 
-And while we celebrate, not yet quite blotto, We would exhort them this all things above: To keep the good old independent motto Of S.B.W. - We won't be druvl +Our troth with them each springtime to renew. 
-KATH MCKAY. Written 1952.+ 
 +Yearly we cut fresh notches in the tally 
 +Of mountain peaks we shall not climb again; 
 +Heights are for YouthBut we have still the valley, 
 +The sunlit Cox, Eureka in the rain. 
 + 
 +Long may that Youth, and others who come after, 
 +Walk the bush tracks, seek out the life that's free, 
 +Meet perils, scars - and hakea - with laughter 
 +Mingled at times with mild. profanity). 
 + 
 +And while we celebrate, not yet quite blotto, 
 +We would exhort them this all things above: 
 +To keep the good old independent motto 
 +Of S.B.W. - We won't be druv! 
 + 
 +Kath McKay. Written 1952.
  
 ====PaddyMade==== ====PaddyMade====
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 by Lesley Page by Lesley Page
  
-AO "Your coach is about to depart for a scenic circle tour of Kalianna Ridge, Monolith Valley, Mt. Owen, Bibbenluke Walls, Corang Trig, Cockpit Swamp, Wog Wog Track and Yadboro River", announced coach captain, Charlie Brown, "Executive and economy classes catered for." +"Your coach is about to depart for a scenic circle tour of Kalianna Ridge, Monolith Valley, Mt. Owen, Bibbenluke Walls, Corang Trig, Cockpit Swamp, Wog Wog Track and Yadboro River", announced coach captain, Charlie Brown, "Executive and economy classes catered for." 
-There were twentyfive bodies that set forth Saturday morning. The day promised to be full of climatic contrasts. At 5.30 am our faithful leader awoke us; the air was warm and balmy. At 7.00 we were slogging our way up Kalianna Ridge, whilst Charlie kept mumbling about his + 
-executive class tour and his economy class tour. I wonder what class Kalianna Ridge fell into? +There were twenty five bodies that set forth Saturday morning. The day promised to be full of climatic contrasts. At 5.30 am our faithful leader awoke us; the air was warm and balmy. At 7.00 we were slogging our way up Kalianna Ridge, whilst Charlie kept mumbling about his executive class tour and his economy class tour. I wonder what class Kalianna Ridge fell into? 
-The party reached the top in good time. On our way up we greeted students from the Naval College, and a couple with a toddler on Dad's back. The view was magnificent looking backwards and ahead. The sky was clear. We walked along the tops to the saddle where photographs were taken of nearly twenty five pimples on a rock. The Brown Clan was called together by clansman Snow Brown sirelalicre were five of us. + 
-Don't you remember my maiden name was Brown? Mutterings again came from the leader Charlie Brown about executive tour and economy class and preferential treatment had been given to the selected few. Ftzeley Reid had a little badge saying 0.I.0. DISCIPLINE, and another badge floated around the chosen few saying was it SECOND 0.I.0.? I was told that it was to be circulated amongst those who wore blue. I wore blue, what was wrong with me? +The party reached the top in good time. On our way up we greeted students from the Naval College, and a couple with a toddler on Dad's back. The view was magnificent looking backwards and ahead. The sky was clear. We walked along the tops to the saddle where photographs were taken of nearly twenty five pimples on a rock. The Brown Clan was called together by clansman Snow Brown since there were five of us.  Don't you remember my maiden name was Brown? Mutterings again came from the leader Charlie Brown about executive tour and economy class and preferential treatment had been given to the selected few. Fazeley Reid had a little badge saying O.I.C. DISCIPLINE, and another badge floated around the chosen few saying was it SECOND O.I.C.? I was told that it was to be circulated amongst those who wore blue. I wore blue, what was wrong with me? 
-Down into a little gully we caterpillared, discovering our first well earned drink.. waters Then proceeded on to the Monolith Valley, aah, it is still majestically beautiful, a reward for such a climb0 But no time to dilly dally, so on We walked, eventually stopping at a creek shadedby tall trees and rocks. Truly-bliss except for the bugs present. The leader cracked the Whip. On we walked to the other side of Mt.Owen, coming to stop for lunch in an overhang. The day was warm but hard to believe that back home in Sydney it was very hot. Special teas were offered at lunch with Twinings well represented. The party pressed on a little further. Walking became easier as we crossed from Mt. Owen alongside BibbenlUke Walls. + 
-That balmy forecast of the morn changed into a thunderstorm with +Down into a little gully we caterpillared, discovering our first well earned drink.. water! Then proceeded on to the Monolith Valley, aa-h, it is still majestically beautiful, a reward for such a climb. But no time to dilly dally, so on we walked, eventually stopping at a creek shaded by tall trees and rocks. Truly-bliss except for the bugs present. The leader cracked the Whip. On we walked to the other side of Mt. Owen, coming to stop for lunch in an overhang. The day was warm but hard to believe that back home in Sydney it was very hot. Special teas were offered at lunch with Twinings well represented. The party pressed on a little further. Walking became easier as we crossed from Mt. Owen alongside Bibbenluke Walls. 
-mist and lightning. Charlie declared that he knew a cave to shelter from the storm, however we spent time backtracking in the storm only to find no cave. Spiro found it only to discover that it was inhabited. by boy scouts and not us. After scrambling back to the track, we continued to where our tour leader believed there were camping caves. Scouter u were sent out. Meanwhile Ray Hookway's Minties were demolished by all The scouts reported back and a suitable cave with wood, water and snuggly sleeping accommodation was selected. Dinner was cocked in relays, Spiro commenting on the quality of everybody's meats. Mine had gone green! + 
-Page 8. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Docember7 1977. +That balmy forecast of the morn changed into a thunderstorm with mist and lightning. Charlie declared that he knew a cave to shelter from the storm, however we spent time backtracking in the storm only to find no cave. Spiro found it only to discover that it was inhabited. by boy scouts and not us. After scrambling back to the track, we continued to where our tour leader believed there were camping caves. Scouters were sent out. Meanwhile Ray Hookway's Minties were demolished by allThe scouts reported back and a suitable cave with wood, water and snuggly sleeping accommodation was selected. Dinner was cooked in relays, Spiro commenting on the quality of everybody's meats. Mine had gone green! 
-Afterwards, everyone settled beside the fire or snuggled into their sleeping bags nearby. The night grew black and the stories became even bluer until nodding herds fell asleep. + 
-Morning dawned misty. Off we trotted into the gloom. Gone were the beautiful views although it was cool walking. A quick pace was sot as it was going to be a long day. We paused on top of Corang Peak then on and on we walked through the mist until we hopped over a farmers fence to have morning tea beside his creek. Rod Peters again offered his lemon-scented tea which was rushed whilst the end of the line went a-begging. +Afterwards, everyone settled beside the fire or snuggled into their sleeping bags nearby. The night grew black and the stories became even bluer until nodding heads fell asleep. 
-Now came the tricky bit of the trip. We walked across Cockpit Swamp, fortunately quite dry. We were seeking the bridle track to take us down --no'Idaeavo"Arver^tina ile'flafiaT-a-tin-can-as-mahcormInftT thibT was so soupy it wouldn't matter what one had left. After a few wrong moves, whoopees came from the front that we had found the track.+ 
 +Morning dawned misty. Off we trotted into the gloom. Gone were the beautiful views although it was cool walking. A quick pace was set as it was going to be a long day. We paused on top of Corang Peak then on and on we walked through the mist until we hopped over a farmers fence to have morning tea beside his creek. Rod Peters again offered his lemon-scented tea which was rushed whilst the end of the line went a-begging. 
 + 
 +Now came the tricky bit of the trip. We walked across Cockpit Swamp, fortunately quite dry. We were seeking the bridle track to take us down to Yadboro River Charlie had left a tin can as a markerThat mist was so soupy it wouldn't matter what one had left. After a few wrong moves, whoopees came from the front that we had found the track. 
 Down, down, down we went. The soupy mist disappeared to leave us with a dull day. We had lunch by Yadboro River, thence an easy walk along the river back to the cars. We reached the cars at about 4.30 pm, or to be correct, 5.30 pm Summer Time. Down, down, down we went. The soupy mist disappeared to leave us with a dull day. We had lunch by Yadboro River, thence an easy walk along the river back to the cars. We reached the cars at about 4.30 pm, or to be correct, 5.30 pm Summer Time.
 +
 A really good walk and not as hard as suspected. A really good walk and not as hard as suspected.
  
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 Don't forget that the Club Xmas Party will be held on Wednesday 21st in the Clubroom. Drink and music provided. Please bring a glass and a plate of party food. Also any photos of the 50th Birthday celebrations as these will be put on display for the evening. Don't forget that the Club Xmas Party will be held on Wednesday 21st in the Clubroom. Drink and music provided. Please bring a glass and a plate of party food. Also any photos of the 50th Birthday celebrations as these will be put on display for the evening.
  
-January 18th. If you cast your mind back to July you might remember that Fred Lind showed us a few of his slides of the Kali Gandaki area of Nepal. Alan Fall, who went there in January 19777 is going to give us a much more expanded showing of this remarkable area. Come along, all you Nepal fans!+__January 18th.__ If you cast your mind back to July you might remember that Fred Lind showed us a few of his slides of the Kali Gandaki area of Nepal. Alan Fall, who went there in January 1977, is going to give us a much more expanded showing of this remarkable area. Come along, all you Nepal fans!
  
-Januaxy_25th.. After the popularity of the last Members' Own Slide Night, we've included one for January's programme. Some people may have slides of the 50th Anniversary weekend and their Christmas trips (if the processing is fast).+__January 25th.__ After the popularity of the last Members' Own Slide Night, we've included one for January's programme. Some people may have slides of the 50th Anniversary weekend and their Christmas trips (if the processing is fast).
  
 +====SBW Magazine 1938: Tiger for a Day==== 
 +by Clare Kinsella
  
-AW Pools rush in where angels fear to tread. I was the fool this day +Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. I was the fool this day but many a time, as I hung over a breathtaking drop, or slipped, shuddering, across a slimy rock, I felt that I might at any moment join those diffident angels and rather regretted that I had lately neglected my practice on the harp.
-but many a time, as I hung over a breathtaking drop, or slipped, shuddering, across a slimy rock, I felt that ,I might af ny mament join those aLffident angels and rather regretted that I had lately neglected my practice on the harp. +
-How I fell for the trip even now I cannot understand. Some one said, "How about coming to Blackheath next weekend. We're going on Friday night. It'll be an easy trip." My rabbit mind registered the ward "easy", there was no gypsy about so there was no warning for me to heed. We left on Friday 11th November and slept at the top of Govett's Leap, and early on Saturday morning walked down to the unnamed creek on Rodriguez Pass. Here we lazed the day away, eating stupendous meals and swimming many swims in the creek pools. +
-On Saturday evening we were joined by other folks most of them sensible people who knew they were of the earth and were quite content to keep their feet on it. Up to this time I had really not given any thought to Sunday's project and it was only when I heard some of the planning for the next day, with frequent mention of the word "rope" that I felt that perhaps now was the time to say "Thanks, I think I'll stay behind". It was really Alex who unKnowingly decided for me. While they were counting up those who intended to do the trip, some kind creature enquired whether Clare would +
-be able to manage it. Alex, with reckless confidence el:claimed, Oh,Clare's all right, you whould have seen her climbing on our Cambewarra trip". Foo7. that I was, my chest puffed out with pride and I let Alex's recommend,- ation make up my mind. I decided to go. +
-As Jack Debert was one of the party it is superfluous to say we were awake early and had. breakfasted and were ready to leave long before respectable people had opened their eyes to the Sabbath. alma Galliot, Edna Garrad and I set off before the others and waited for them where the creek narrowed to a waterfall which plunged into a wide, rockbound pool. When the others joined us we left the creek and struck up the ridge. Although it was so early, it was already hot and I puffed and panted considerably as I struggled on, and secretly congratulated myslef when I found I was not the last arrival at the top. (I was the rabbit out with the tigers which is just about the same as the fox trotting along with the hounds.) Here we had to clamber along single file at the foot of a tall cliff face with a considerable drop to the creek below on our left. There were a few slippery places where Gordon Smith warned us to be careful but I felt that it was quite easy and went on unconcerned. +
-We qt last came to a halt and Dot, who was in the lead, said we could go no further. Our track along the-cliff face was broken by a waterfall (Arethusa Falls) which came in on our right. At the extreme edge of it was a small but stout tree with wide spreading branches, We waited here while Dot, with consummate ease, skinned up to reconnoitre. After some little time she returned and said we would have to follow suit, it would+
  
-====Tiger for a Day====  +How I fell for the trip even now I cannot understand. Someone said, "How about coming to Blackheath next weekend. We're going on Friday night. It'll be an easy trip." My rabbit mind registered the ward "easy", there was no gypsy about so there was no warning for me to heed. We left on Friday 11th November and slept at the top of Govett's Leap, and early on Saturday morning walked down to the unnamed creek on Rodriguez Pass. Here we lazed the day away, eating stupendous meals and swimming many swims in the creek pools. 
-by Clare Kinsella+ 
 +On Saturday evening we were joined by other folk, most of them sensible people who knew they were of the earth and were quite content to keep their feet on it. Up to this time I had really not given any thought to Sunday's project and it was only when I heard some of the planning for the next day, with frequent mention of the word "rope" that I felt that perhaps now was the time to say "Thanks, I think I'll stay behind". It was really Alex who unknowingly decided for me. While they were counting up those who intended to do the trip, some kind creature enquired whether Clare would be able to manage it. Alex, with reckless confidence exclaimed, "Oh, Clare's all right, you would have seen her climbing on our Cambewarra trip" Fool that I was, my chest puffed out with pride and I let Alex's recommendation make up my mind. I decided to go. 
 + 
 +As Jack Debert was one of the party it is superfluous to say we were awake early and had breakfasted and were ready to leave long before respectable people had opened their eyes to the Sabbath.  Hilma Galliot, Edna Garrad and I set off before the others and waited for them where the creek narrowed to waterfall which plunged into a wide, rockbound pool. When the others joined us we left the creek and struck up the ridge. Although it was so early, it was already hot and I puffed and panted considerably as I struggled on, and secretly congratulated myself when I found I was not the last arrival at the top. (I was the rabbit out with the tigers which is just about the same as the fox trotting along with the hounds.) Here we had to clamber along single file at the foot of a tall cliff face with a considerable drop to the creek below on our left. There were a few slippery places where Gordon Smith warned us to be careful but I felt that it was quite easy and went on unconcerned. 
 + 
 +We at last came to a halt and Dot, who was in the lead, said we could go no further. Our track along the cliff face was broken by a waterfall (Arethusa Falls) which came in on our right. At the extreme edge of it was a small but stout tree with wide spreading branches. We waited here while Dot, with consummate ease, skinned up to reconnoitre. After some little time she returned and said we would have to follow suit, it would be easy going once we scaled the tree. 
 + 
 +Easy! It didn't take me long to realise that Dot's definition of the word and my own were just a little different!  Phillip Bronowski who had accompanied us thus far, allowed us in turn to clamber barefooted onto his shoulders and thence entwine ourselves in the tree's branches. When I reached this haven Dot, who was somewhere up near the sky, called down to me: "Now Clare just put your right foot on this ledge, give me one hand and hang onto the rope with the other". I glanced up and saw a slight indentation in the rock some feet above me. I wondered what dictionary Dot used and then, as I essayed this Gargantuan stretch at an angle of 89.9 degrees, I wished fervently that the Lord had provided me with elastic legs.  However I scrambled up with no grace and a few grunts and joined Dot, Doris, Edna, Hilma and Alex at the entrance to a narrow canyon with a turbulent creek twisting among the rocks. Jack and Gordon soon joined us, Phillip shook each of us by the hand, bade us farewell and - there we were! 
 + 
 +There was no earth in the canyon, only rocky slimy slippery rock. About 15 feet above us, there were ledges where ferns and small bushes began while far above towered the great trees and the sky was blue and serene. 
 + 
 +We went for a few yards along the side of the stream, stepping most carefully on the slippery surface, slinking along narrow shelves with a hand that was a mere ripple in the rock. We came to a rock face lying at an angle of 45 degrees and skidded up this onto a shelf where shrubs and a few flowers grew. We couldn't get past this so decided we'd have to turn back and swim the creek. On the way down I was overcome by an overwhelming panic. My teeth began to chatter and my knees to shake. I could neither go on nor go back and I expected my feet to fly from under me at any moment. My heart just flew into my mouth and I was afraid it might be chopped into mincemeat by my chattering teeth so forced it back to its normal position and went on down. Luckily at this point I was alone. From now on my mind was a confused mass of impressions with a few incidents and feelings standing out in relief. 
 + 
 +I know that I slipped and slithered over slimy rocks feeling that the next moment I might be walking up the Golden Stairs. I know that I scrambled and jumped, swam through icy cold water, pushing my pack wrapped in a ground sheet before me. I know that we laughed and joked and ate chocolate with considerable relish. I remember once jumping onto Gordon's shoulders with the light grace of an elephant. Gordon took it with a calm nonchalance that I envied. After negotiating a difficult spot I couldn't bear to look back at the person who followed for always I could hear that sickening crash on the slippery rock. I heaved myself up over rocks which only flies were ever meant to climb, always helped and encouraged by Dot, who drawled comfortingly above the constant tumult of the water, "Come on, you're doing splendidly". I must have been a sa trial to her. She was splendid. 
 + 
 +We had lunch on a rock the size of a pocket handkerchief and it was decided that we could go no further and would have to return. We had advanced about 700 yards in 7 hours. 
 + 
 +The sun had gone and it was extremely cold, the water icy and the canyon seemed to be enveloped in a stygian gloom. Once I tied my pack carelessly and as it turned over and over when swimming it through the creek, the water seeped in adding pounds to its weight.
  
 +At last we reached the tree - Doris and Hilma were already down. Dot popped her head up and said, "Come on, we'll show these men we can get down without a rope". Edna went first and as I waited I was for the second time overcome with panic, my knees shook and my stomach turned like a paddle wheel, I felt an overwhelming desire to burst into tears. Instead I burst into song and pitted my puny voice against the tumult of the falls. Then the thought came to me that I at least could hear my own voice weak though it might be, I could control my actions but the waterfall rushed on insentient; this reflection calmed me and an "I am the captain of my soulish" feeling came over me. All the same I longed for Alex to come with the rope. He didn't, and I got down the tree without mishap. I've heard of returning exiles kissing the soil of their native land. When I felt earth beneath my feet again I felt glad but didn't kiss it, instead I sat on it whenever possible. Narrow ledges which I had disregarded in the morning now appeared terrifying risks. I took them sitting down with the result that when we got back to the camp spot I had no seat in my pants, and I just didn't care.
  
-be easy going once we scaled the tree. +The Horse Track was never ending to methe tigers of course took it like an early morning strollWe just caught the last train at Katoomba after a neck to neck race in a car from Blackheath. The trip was officially over but it wasn't over for me for many a long day or night. For long after I had only to close my eyes and pictures would rush before me with kaleidoscopic variety, precipitous drops, hurtling falls, forming and reforming, always different, always the same. But now I have settled down to a quiet life. I feel that I have "lived" I have been a tiger for a day!
-Easy! It didn't take me long to realise that Dot's definition of the word and my own were just a little different: Phillip Bronowski who had accompanied us thus far, allowed us in turn to clamber barefooted onto his shoulders and thence entwito, ourselves in the tree's branches. When I reached this haven Dot who was somewhere up near the sky, called down to me. "Now Clare just put your right foot on this ledge, give me one hand and hang onto the rope with the other". I glanced up and saw a slight indentation in the rock some feet above me. I wondered what dictionary Dot used and then, as I essayed this Gargantuan stretch at an angle of 89.90, I wished fervently that the Lord had provided me with elastic legs. However I scrambled up with no grace and a few grunts and joined Dot, Doris, Edna, Hilma and Alex at the entrance to a narrow canyon with a turbulent Greek twisting among the rocks. Jack and Gordon soon joined us, Phillip +
-shook each of us by the hand, bade us farewell and - there we werel +
-. There was no earth in the canyon, only rocky slimy slippery rock. About 15 feet above us, there were ledges where ferns and small bushes- +
-'began' while far above towered the great trees and the sky was blue and serene. +
-We went for a few yuids along the side of the stream, stepping most carefully on the slippery surface, slinking along narrow shelves with a hand that was a mre ripple in the rock. We came to a rock face lying +
-at an angle of 450and skidded up this onto a shelf where shrubs and a few flowers grew. We couldn't get past this so decided we'd have to turn +
-back and swim the creek. On the way down I was overcome by an overwhelming panic. My teeth began to chatter and my knees to shake. I could neither go on nor go back and I expected my feet to fly from under me at any moment. My heart just flew into my mouth and I was afraid it might be chopped into mintlitest by my chattering teeth so forced it back to its normal position and went on down. Luckily at this point I was alone. From now on my mind was a confused mass of impressions with a few incidents and feelings standing out in relief. +
-I know that I slipped and slithered over slimy rocks feeling that the next moment I might be walking up the Golden Stairs. I know that I scrambled and jumped, swam through icy cold water, pushing my pack wrapped in a ground sheet before me. I know that we laughed and joked and ate chocolate with considerable relish. I remember once jumping onto Gordon'd shoulders with the light grace of an elephant. Gordon took it with a calm nonchalance that I envied. After negotiating a difficult spot couldn't bear to look back at the person who followed for always I could hear that sickening crash on the slippery rock. I heaved myself up over rocks which only flies were ever meant to climb, always helped and encour- +
-aged by Dot, who drawled comfortingly above the constant tumult of the water, "Come on, you're doing splendidly". I must have been a saclavial to her. She was sO3endid. +
-We had lunch on a rock the size of a pocket handLerchief and it was +
-Page 11*. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER December, 1977. +
-decided that we could go no furter and would have to return. We had advanced about 700 yards in 7 hours. +
-The sun had gone and it was Oxtromely cold, ,the water icy and the canyon seemed to be enveloped in a stygian gloom. Once I tied. my pack carelessly and as it turned over and over when swimming it through the creek, the water seeped in adding pounds to its weight. +
-At last we reached the tree Doris and. Hilma were already down. Dot Popped her head up and said, "Come on, we'll show these men we can get down without a rope". Edna went first and as I waited I was for the second time overcome with panic, my knees shook and my stomach turned like a paddle wheel, I felt an overwhelming desire to burst into tears. Instead I burst into song and pitted my puny voice against the tumult of the falls. Then the thought came to me that I at least could hear my own voice weak though it might be, I could control my actions but the waterfall rushed on insentient this reflection calmed me and an "I am the coptain of my soulish" feeling came over me. All the same I longed for Alex to come with the rope. He didn't, and I got down the tree without mishap. I've heard of returning exiles kissing the soil of their native land. When I felt earth beneath my feet again I felt glad but did n! - kiss it, instead I sat on it whenever possible. Narrow ledges which I had disregarded in the morning now appeared terrifying risks* I took them sitting down with the result that when we got back to the camp spot I had no seat in my pants, and I just didn't care. +
-The Horse Track was never ending to methe tigers of course took it like an early morning strollWe just caught the last train at Katoomba after ledk to neck race in a car from Blackheath. The trip was officially over but it wasn't over for me for many a long day or night. For long after I had only to close my eyes and pictures would rush before me with kaliedescopic variety, precipitous drops, hurtling falls, forming and reforming, always different, always the same. But now I have settled down to a quiet life. I feel that I have "lived" I have been a !!iger for a day;+
  
 ===="SUCKED UP'==== ===="SUCKED UP'====
197712.txt · Last modified: 2019/03/22 10:41 by vievems

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