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 =====The Sydney Bushwalker.===== =====The Sydney Bushwalker.=====
  
-A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers, Box 4476 G.P.O., Sydney, 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.30 pm at the Wireless Institute Building, 14 Atchison ptreet, St. Leonards. Enquiries concerning the Club should be referred to Ann Ravn, Telephone 798,8607.+A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers, Box 4476 G.P.O., Sydney, 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.30 pm at the Wireless Institute Building, 14 Atchison Street, St. Leonards. Enquiries concerning the Club should be referred to Ann Ravn, Telephone 798,8607.
  
 |Editor|Helen Gray, 209 Malton Road, Epping, 2121. Telephone 86,6263| |Editor|Helen Gray, 209 Malton Road, Epping, 2121. Telephone 86,6263|
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 by Bill Gamble. by Bill Gamble.
  
-My first walk with the Club was in June last year - Bundeena to National Park Station via Deer Pool and a few other points. The leader was Roy Braithwaite. In July I was to meet him again on a Sunday walk when 42 prople trailed him from Cowan to the pub at Broolyn. We met again over Easter when I joined his Round Mountain walk in Kosciusko National Park. His party was small. Besides me, there was one other Club member - his son-in-law Guy Vinden. +My first walk with the Club was in June last year - Bundeena to National Park Station via Deer Pool and a few other points. The leader was Roy Braithwaite. In July I was to meet him again on a Sunday walk when 42 people trailed him from Cowan to the pub at Broolyn. We met again over Easter when I joined his Round Mountain walk in Kosciusko National Park. His party was small. Besides me, there was one other Club member - his son-in-law Guy Vinden. 
  
 Members who were unable to join the walk through lack of transport, or decided that the high country was no place to be in the autumn missed a good walk in fine weather. Also, it was an opportunity to be in the company of a man who has had a walking affair with the Kosciusko area extending back more than 30 years. There was plenty of time to talk and hear a little about the Snowy Mountains before the National Park was formed. The relationship between the summer stock routes and today's walking tracks became apparent and the impact on those routes during the construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme could be appreciated. It all seemed much clearer with Roy's comments along the way. Members who were unable to join the walk through lack of transport, or decided that the high country was no place to be in the autumn missed a good walk in fine weather. Also, it was an opportunity to be in the company of a man who has had a walking affair with the Kosciusko area extending back more than 30 years. There was plenty of time to talk and hear a little about the Snowy Mountains before the National Park was formed. The relationship between the summer stock routes and today's walking tracks became apparent and the impact on those routes during the construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme could be appreciated. It all seemed much clearer with Roy's comments along the way.
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 All walks have to start and end somewhere. For the purposes of this account, Bradleys Hut alongside the highway just short of Round Mountain is as good a place as any. It was after 9.00 pm on Thursday, 16 April, before we reached the hut. The night was cold and clear. The hut colder and drafty to boot. We decided to bivvy inside and slept close to the fire. We were glad when morning came. All walks have to start and end somewhere. For the purposes of this account, Bradleys Hut alongside the highway just short of Round Mountain is as good a place as any. It was after 9.00 pm on Thursday, 16 April, before we reached the hut. The night was cold and clear. The hut colder and drafty to boot. We decided to bivvy inside and slept close to the fire. We were glad when morning came.
  
-By 8.15 am an Good Friday we had left the Round Mountain trailhead with Jagangal our destination, via Farm Ridge. The route was by turns clear and unclear, although undoubted. We inspected Round Mountain Hut and found it to be much the same as the others we would pass (but not use) along the route, the log hut at Pretty Plain excepted. The Tumut River was crossed with dry feet and lunch stop was alongside a small creek just down from the old stock yards where Farm Ridge Hut was once located. Our little world of silence was broken by a trail bike - a couple of people, and out looking for stray cattle so they said - but we were soon left to ourselves and saw no one else until the following day.+By 8.15 am an Good Friday we had left the Round Mountain trailhead with Jagungal our destination, via Farm Ridge. The route was by turns clear and unclear, although undoubted. We inspected Round Mountain Hut and found it to be much the same as the others we would pass (but not use) along the route, the log hut at Pretty Plain excepted. The Tumut River was crossed with dry feet and lunch stop was alongside a small creek just down from the old stock yards where Farm Ridge Hut was once located. Our little world of silence was broken by a trail bike - a couple of people, and out looking for stray cattle so they said - but we were soon left to ourselves and saw no one else until the following day.
  
-Shortly after passing O'Keefe's Hut and now in the 'shadaw' of Jagungal, we left our packs alongside a small meteorological hut and scrambled up a ridge to be sitting on the trig point at 2061 metres shortly before 4.00 pm. Above the bush line, scrambling on rocks, it was cold and windy. We wasted no time in entering our names in the log book and then hastily descended a few metres to a sheltered place on the lee slope for a snack and to enjoy the view. As an expatriate New Zealander used to high ridges above the bush line, I found the surroundings somewhat reminiscent of other places across the Tasman. Briefly, I felt quite nostalgic. The long view to an Australian landscape and Roy's reminder that a campsite had yet to be found brought me back to Kosciusko. We descended quickly on much the same route as we came up, and found a flat, grassy campsite among the snow gams just off the track, about 2-3 minutes walk from the met. hut where we retrieved our packs. Water came from a small creek flowing down a gully from high on Jagungal. It was after sunset before we had finished evening meal, but the full moon which was to follow us during the walk made cleanup chores easy. We retired from a warm camp fire and awoke to a freezing dawn.+Shortly after passing O'Keefe's Hut and now in the 'shadow' of Jagungal, we left our packs alongside a small meteorological hut and scrambled up a ridge to be sitting on the trig point at 2061 metres shortly before 4.00 pm. Above the bush line, scrambling on rocks, it was cold and windy. We wasted no time in entering our names in the log book and then hastily descended a few metres to a sheltered place on the lee slope for a snack and to enjoy the view. As an expatriate New Zealander used to high ridges above the bush line, I found the surroundings somewhat reminiscent of other places across the Tasman. Briefly, I felt quite nostalgic. The long view to an Australian landscape and Roy's reminder that a campsite had yet to be found brought me back to Kosciusko. We descended quickly on much the same route as we came up, and found a flat, grassy campsite among the snow gums just off the track, about 2-3 minutes walk from the met. hut where we retrieved our packs. Water came from a small creek flowing down a gully from high on Jagungal. It was after sunset before we had finished evening meal, but the full moon which was to follow us during the walk made cleanup chores easy. We retired from a warm camp fire and awoke to a freezing dawn.
  
-On Saturday morning we pushed south beyond Jagungal, on open plain at first then through rolling snow graas country to reach Grey Mare Hut for lunch. We stopped for a late morning snack at Back Flat Creek below the hut and had intended to go farther before lunch, but the diversions were many. Twenty-nine years had elapsed since Roy's last visit and there waa much for him to rediscover in the remains of the gold mining operation in the gully up behind the hut. Notes within the hut reminded users that rats were the permanent residents, and that a copperhead snake frequented and/or lurked about the toilet out back. In the warm sun we surveyed the rolling country to the east and had lunch.+On Saturday morning we pushed south beyond Jagungal, on open plain at first then through rolling snow grass country to reach Grey Mare Hut for lunch. We stopped for a late morning snack at Back Flat Creek below the hut and had intended to go farther before lunch, but the diversions were many. Twenty-nine years had elapsed since Roy's last visit and there was much for him to rediscover in the remains of the gold mining operation in the gully up behind the hut. Notes within the hut reminded users that rats were the permanent residents, and that a copperhead snake frequented and/or lurked about the toilet out back. In the warm sun we surveyed the rolling country to the east and had lunch.
  
 From Grey Mare Hut we cut across on a rather indistinct lateral track to join the Grey Mare trail coming up from the south end of the Park, in the process disturbing three or four emus browsing. We followed the trail through to the turnoff to Pretty Plain Hut. The fork is unmarked and the track does not pick up clearly for about 100 metres. A cairn or other sign would be useful to pick up the fork. All I would suggest for those coming, as we did, from Grey Mare Hut is to be alert for a steep descent through Mountain Ash into a saddle which climbs again steeply to the west. On the far side of this short saddle is a small snow grass meadow and the track runs north down the western side. For those coming up from Pretty Plain there should be no doubt. From Grey Mare Hut we cut across on a rather indistinct lateral track to join the Grey Mare trail coming up from the south end of the Park, in the process disturbing three or four emus browsing. We followed the trail through to the turnoff to Pretty Plain Hut. The fork is unmarked and the track does not pick up clearly for about 100 metres. A cairn or other sign would be useful to pick up the fork. All I would suggest for those coming, as we did, from Grey Mare Hut is to be alert for a steep descent through Mountain Ash into a saddle which climbs again steeply to the west. On the far side of this short saddle is a small snow grass meadow and the track runs north down the western side. For those coming up from Pretty Plain there should be no doubt.
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 Before lunch, Roy led the unclean into the cold waters of the Tooma; Guy followed less enthusiastically - the third member who does not believe in washing on walks (the natural oils must be left on the skin to protect one from the cold) lighted the fire then, reluctantly, washed his feet. Which proved to be quite unnecessary as we were obliged to cross the Tooma River after lunch and it was more than knee deep! Before lunch, Roy led the unclean into the cold waters of the Tooma; Guy followed less enthusiastically - the third member who does not believe in washing on walks (the natural oils must be left on the skin to protect one from the cold) lighted the fire then, reluctantly, washed his feet. Which proved to be quite unnecessary as we were obliged to cross the Tooma River after lunch and it was more than knee deep!
  
-Up the ridge on the other side, we passed another party having lunch and then followed an easy trail to the fork with the Round Mountain track. Actually, it was a road to the old Thiess construction village and obviously built to take heavy trucks. Nevertheless, new growth on the old road was prodigious aad will certainly destroy the route for vehicles if the trees are left to grow. It may make progress for the walker a little difficult too.+Up the ridge on the other side, we passed another party having lunch and then followed an easy trail to the fork with the Round Mountain track. Actually, it was a road to the old Thiess construction village and obviously built to take heavy trucks. Nevertheless, new growth on the old road was prodigious and will certainly destroy the route for vehicles if the trees are left to grow. It may make progress for the walker a little difficult too.
  
 As we climbed away from the snow-grass-covered flat at the fork, there was a transition to gums, then into a magnificent stand of mountain ash, far grander than that encountered the previous day for a short distance before turning off on to the Pretty Plain track. On a flat saddle on Out Station Spur covered with a mature stand of these trees we camped. It was a fine campsite. On a grassy flat among the tall trees the light was filtered and the air still. A red sunset added to the light show, and we sat back from the task of cooking evening meal to sip on a brew and watch the light change in the trees. Roy declared it one of his best campsites and noted the place for future reference. And this time, water was running no more than 3-4 minutes walk away on the east side of the saddle. As we climbed away from the snow-grass-covered flat at the fork, there was a transition to gums, then into a magnificent stand of mountain ash, far grander than that encountered the previous day for a short distance before turning off on to the Pretty Plain track. On a flat saddle on Out Station Spur covered with a mature stand of these trees we camped. It was a fine campsite. On a grassy flat among the tall trees the light was filtered and the air still. A red sunset added to the light show, and we sat back from the task of cooking evening meal to sip on a brew and watch the light change in the trees. Roy declared it one of his best campsites and noted the place for future reference. And this time, water was running no more than 3-4 minutes walk away on the east side of the saddle.
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 Convinced that Monday's walk would be easy graft, we lingered at the campsite and did not leave until around 9.00 am. Without much thought, we wandered down the old road talking, and convinced that the route would be undoubted. I suppose it is, when one goes the right way - we went the other and ended up in some of the thickest scrub-bashing any of us had got into for some years. It did not relent until we reached a short track which took us to the highway about 12.30 pm. Convinced that Monday's walk would be easy graft, we lingered at the campsite and did not leave until around 9.00 am. Without much thought, we wandered down the old road talking, and convinced that the route would be undoubted. I suppose it is, when one goes the right way - we went the other and ended up in some of the thickest scrub-bashing any of us had got into for some years. It did not relent until we reached a short track which took us to the highway about 12.30 pm.
  
-This is not the place for a confessional. Suffice to say we got ourselves far enough off the route for it to be necessary to sit down and discuss our lot. We decided to turn the morning into a cross-country navigation exercise instead of backtracking, even if it meant a bit of a sciub-bash in the process. It was possible to establish our position exactly and also where we wanted to go - Round Mountain. Our route, in a shallow arc to the east, took us up and along a thickly tree-covered ridge skirting some steep gullies. About two hours later, maintaining a compass route, we emerged on a low ridge at a small hut below Round Mountain. With time pressing and satisfied with our route-finding efforts, we stopped playing games and dropped onto a short track and were soon out on the highway and walking back to the car at the Round Mountain trailhead about a kilometre away. Back at Bradley's Hut we stopped to have a light lunch, a brew, and tidied ourselves for the drive back to Sydney.+This is not the place for a confessional. Suffice to say we got ourselves far enough off the route for it to be necessary to sit down and discuss our lot. We decided to turn the morning into a cross-country navigation exercise instead of backtracking, even if it meant a bit of a scrub-bash in the process. It was possible to establish our position exactly and also where we wanted to go - Round Mountain. Our route, in a shallow arc to the east, took us up and along a thickly tree-covered ridge skirting some steep gullies. About two hours later, maintaining a compass route, we emerged on a low ridge at a small hut below Round Mountain. With time pressing and satisfied with our route-finding efforts, we stopped playing games and dropped onto a short track and were soon out on the highway and walking back to the car at the Round Mountain trailhead about a kilometre away. Back at Bradley's Hut we stopped to have a light lunch, a brew, and tidied ourselves for the drive back to Sydney.
  
 Club members should be on the alert in future for a walk in the Snowy Mountains with Roy Braithwaite - it is an interesting combination. Club members should be on the alert in future for a walk in the Snowy Mountains with Roy Braithwaite - it is an interesting combination.
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 The Shoalhaven arm is in direct contrast to the Kangaroo arm. The scenery immediately changed from rolling park-like country to very steep hillsides with unclimable cliffs above. We found a small sandy campsite left by a big flood and off-loaded the gear. We looked at the gear, the river and the cliffs and pondered on the horrors of having to walk out from such a location - nobody offered to go first. The Shoalhaven arm is in direct contrast to the Kangaroo arm. The scenery immediately changed from rolling park-like country to very steep hillsides with unclimable cliffs above. We found a small sandy campsite left by a big flood and off-loaded the gear. We looked at the gear, the river and the cliffs and pondered on the horrors of having to walk out from such a location - nobody offered to go first.
  
-George and Tony paddled up to where the Shoaihaven runs into the dam and spent some time shooting the rapids. Fiona, Robert and myself went as far as Grey's Point and returned to camp rather worn out.+George and Tony paddled up to where the Shoalhaven runs into the dam and spent some time shooting the rapids. Fiona, Robert and myself went as far as Grey's Point and returned to camp rather worn out.
  
 The view from the campsite was quite remarkable with the steep hillsides plunging down into the water and the cliffs above. It was a perfect night for sleeping out followed by a glorious sunrise. The view from the campsite was quite remarkable with the steep hillsides plunging down into the water and the cliffs above. It was a perfect night for sleeping out followed by a glorious sunrise.
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 I can see the white mist\\ I can see the white mist\\
 Shrouding the trees.\\ Shrouding the trees.\\
-The smoke is drifiing\\+The smoke is drifting\\
 Up from the fires\\ Up from the fires\\
 As the bushwalkers are\\ As the bushwalkers are\\
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 A kaleidescope of tents\\ A kaleidescope of tents\\
-Is scatterd around\\ +Is scattered around\\ 
-And eyerybne enjoys\\+And everyone enjoys\\
 The stillness of the bush.\\ The stillness of the bush.\\
 The sun s shining\\ The sun s shining\\
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 |Jim|In a debate an payment of shire rates, it was suggested that if we classified it as a "cemetery" or "seminary" we wouldn't have to pay.| |Jim|In a debate an payment of shire rates, it was suggested that if we classified it as a "cemetery" or "seminary" we wouldn't have to pay.|
 |Bob|And one member said if we called it a seminary, farmers would think it was a stud property.| |Bob|And one member said if we called it a seminary, farmers would think it was a stud property.|
-|Dot|Meanwhile, a party doing Claustral Canyon was joined by a stray dog, which had to be lowered down the waterfalls in a pack. It was reported the dog didn't enjoy abseiling and at the end of the trip was suttering from "Claustralphobia".|+|Dot|Meanwhile, a party doing Claustral Canyon was joined by a stray dog, which had to be lowered down the waterfalls in a pack. It was reported the dog didn't enjoy abseiling and at the end of the trip was suffering from "Claustralphobia".|
  
 (End of year 1970) (End of year 1970)
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 To be continued... To be continued...
  
 +=====The April General Meeting.=====
  
-THE APRIL GEiER-AI:MEETING.  
 by Barry Wallace. by Barry Wallace.
 +
 The meeting began at about 2023 with 30 or so members present and the President in the chair. There were no apologies so we welcomed new member James Field in the traditional way and moved on to the Minutes of the previous meeting. These were read and received. The meeting began at about 2023 with 30 or so members present and the President in the chair. There were no apologies so we welcomed new member James Field in the traditional way and moved on to the Minutes of the previous meeting. These were read and received.
-Correspondence brought requests for transfer to non-active status from Jacqueline Bruen and Fran Christie, a N.P.W.S. circular relating to the proposed plan of management, and access for, the Morton National Park, and the usual outgoing letters to new members. Matters arising saw the meeting eiect Alex Colley to co-opt members to a committee which is to produce recommendations on the proposed plan of management. + 
-, The Treasurers Report indicated that we had started the month with $2248.43, spent $323.08, earnt $478.00 and ended, the month with $2403.35.. The Coolana account closing balance was $31.28 after payment of rates. +Correspondence brought requests for transfer to non-active status from Jacqueline Bruen and Fran Christie, a N.P.W.S. circular relating to the proposed plan of management, and access for, the Morton National Park, and the usual outgoing letters to new members. Matters arising saw the meeting elect Alex Colley to co-opt members to a committee which is to produce recommendations on the proposed plan of management. 
-, The Federation Report indicated that the Sydney Rock Climbers Club is withdrawing from Federation and that F.B.W. will provide no further financial aOsistance to the proposed vala Rivers Club. It appears that there will be no significant action on the S.W. Tassie issue until next summer and that there will be no moves on mining under national parks until after the N.S.W. Government elections. F.B-.W. intend to issue a newsletter in May and are ibeking volunteers to help with production. The Ball survey is now complete and the format of the Ball will be in accordance withthe survey results. + 
-The Walks Report began with the Reunion, held over the weekend of 13,14,15 March. The weather was fine and warm, and about 130 people attended. We are promised a full report in the magazine. David Cotton's 9-day ramble on Wallemi Creek failed to start. Over the weekend 20,21,22 Bill Burke led +The Treasurers Report indicated that we had started the month with $2248.43, spent $323.08, earnt $478.00 and ended the month with $2403.35. The Coolana account closing balance was $31.28 after payment of rates. 
-people on his Megalong Valley7Cox's River trip in fine weather with "no problems". Peter Harris had 16 starters on his Ettrema Wilderness walk and Ian Debert had 13 people on his 2-day trip on the Upper Grose. Of the day walks, Tony Marshall led 8 people on his Upper Grose trip and we have no report on Ann Brown's Stanwell Park trip. + 
-The weekend of 27,28,29 March saw Pat McBride lead 9 people on his +The Federation Report indicated that the Sydney Rock Climbers Club is withdrawing from Federation and that F.B.W. will provide no further financial assistance to the proposed Wild Rivers Club. It appears that there will be no significant action on the S.W. Tassie issue until next summer and that there will be no moves on mining under national parks until after the N.S.W. Government elections. F.B.W. intend to issue a newsletter in May and are seeking volunteers to help with production. The Ball survey is now complete and the format of the Ball will be in accordance with the survey results. 
-Budawangs walk. The walk was described as good, although there.was some shortage of water on Warre Head. Gordon Lee's rock climbing day was cancelled but his abseiling instructional attracted 10 starters. Peter Miller's KOwmung trip was described as flbeaut", with 5 people attending. Bob Younger's day walk in the Royal National Park attracted 13 members and 11 prospectives with the water being described as O.K. There was no report on Peter 8argeant's West Head walk. + 
-Ray Hookway's Crown Mountain - Tyan Pic walk over .3,4,5 April attracted 12 starters on a weekend that turned out a rather mixed bag of weather. There was no report of Peter Christian's programmed Marley to Otford walk +The Walks Report began with the Reunion, held over the weekend of 13,14,15 March. The weather was fine and warm, and about 130 people attended. We are promised a full report in the magazine. David Cotton's 9-day ramble on Wollemi Creek failed to start. Over the weekend 20,21,22 Bill Burke led people on his Megalong Valley-Cox's River trip in fine weather with "no problems". Peter Harris had 16 starters on his Ettrema Wilderness walk and Ian Debert had 13 people on his 2-day trip on the Upper Grose. Of the day walks, Tony Marshall led 8 people on __his__ Upper Grose trip and we have no report on Ann Brown's Stanwell Park trip. 
-but Jim Brown had 10 starters on his Glenbrook Creek walk. Jim had to modify the walk somewhat due to flooding in Glenbrook Creek.+ 
 +The weekend of 27,28,29 March saw Pat McBride lead 9 people on his Budawangs walk. The walk was described as good, although there was some shortage of water on Warre Head. Gordon Lee's rock climbing day was cancelled but his abseiling instructional attracted 10 starters. Peter Miller's Kowmung trip was described as "beaut", with 5 people attending. Bob Younger's day walk in the Royal National Park attracted 13 members and 11 prospectives with the water being described as O.K. There was no report on Peter Sargeant's West Head walk. 
 + 
 +Ray Hookway's Crown Mountain - Tyan Pic walk over 3,4,5 April attracted 12 starters on a weekend that turned out a rather mixed bag of weather. There was no report of Peter Christian's programmed Marley to Otford walk but Jim Brown had 10 starters on his Glenbrook Creek walk. Jim had to modify the walk somewhat due to flooding in Glenbrook Creek. 
 There was no General Business and after the announcements, the meeting closed at 2110. There was no General Business and after the announcements, the meeting closed at 2110.
-* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * + 
-Page 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER May 1981 +---- 
-The Club has received the following letter from SUTHERLAND BUSHWALKING CLUB; + 
-P.O. Box 250, SUTHERLAND. 2232. +The Club has received the following letter from Sutherland Bushwalking Club: 
-May, 1981. To all Federated Bushwalking Clubs, + 
-The Sutherland B.W.C. has chartered a coach to take a club party to the Warrumbungles National Park on the October long weekend. Itas anticipated . that about 20 seats will be available for other clubs to use. +P.O. Box 250, Sutherland. 2232. 
-. Details of transport are as follows:- + 
-* Cost - $30.00 per seat. This covers coach, driver and a small allowance for postage and paper work but no profit. +May, 1981. 
-*. Coach departs from Sutherland 6.30 pm on Friday October 2nd. Pick ups will be arranged accoreing to requirements of passengers - probably + 
-Parramatta about 7.15 pm. +To all Federated Bushwalking Clubs, 
-* Arrival at Camp Blackman about 3.0 am. + 
-* Return from the park at 1.0 pm Monday, arriving back at Sutherland by 10.0 pm. +The Sutherland B.W.C. has chartered a coach to take a club party to the Warrumbungles National Park on the October long weekend. It is anticipated that about 20 seats will be available for other clubs to use. 
-* Local transport in the coach can be. arranged e.g. for a day walk in the vicinity of Mt.Naman or Tonduron Spire.+ 
 +Details of transport are as follows:- 
 + 
 +* Cost - $30.00 per seat. This covers coach, driver and a small allowance for postage and paper work but no profit. 
 + 
 +* Coach departs from Sutherland 6.30 pm on Friday October 2nd. Pick ups will be arranged according to requirements of passengers - probably Parramatta about 7.15 pm. 
 + 
 +* Arrival at Camp Blackman about 3.0 am. 
 + 
 +* Return from the park at 1.0 pm Monday, arriving back at Sutherland by 10.0 pm. 
 + 
 +* Local transport in the coach can be arranged e.g. for a day walk in the vicinity of Mt. Naman or Tonduron Spire. 
 Points to consider:- Points to consider:-
 +
 1. Private transport would cost at least the same. 1. Private transport would cost at least the same.
-2; Provision of a driver allows you to plan through' trips using coach . pick up at the other end.+ 
 +2. Provision of a driver allows you to plan through trips using coach pick up at the other end. 
 3. The distance would be prohibitive for a 3 day weekend without driver so the worst of the crowds from Sydney can be avoided. 3. The distance would be prohibitive for a 3 day weekend without driver so the worst of the crowds from Sydney can be avoided.
-The Sutherland Club would prefer members of your club to organize their own walks at the Wa.srumbungles. There is plenty of time to include this trip in your program of trips for October. It does place a strain on our club's resources if we have to provide the trip leadership as well as the coach seFvice. Please do not hesitate to discuss possible plans with either Joy Scott 52090750 or Don Rice 528,4095. + 
-BOokings. +__Walks__. 
-Deposits of at least $10 per seat required after July 27th. Balance to be paid by 1st September. + 
-PLEASE SEND A STAMPED, SELF. ADDRESSED ENVELOPE AND PHONE NUMBER. Block club bookings will be most welcome on the same basis. +The Sutherland Club would prefer members of your club to organize their own walks at the Warrumbungles. There is plenty of time to include this trip in your program of trips for October. It does place a strain on our club's resources if we have to provide the trip leadership as well as the coach service. Please do not hesitate to discuss possible plans with either Joy Scott 520,0750 or Don Rice 528,4095. 
-NOTE: + 
-The Walks Secretary would be glad to hear of any club member who would +__Bookings__. 
-be prepared tO lead a S.B.W. trip to the Warrumbungles for the October holiday weekend, making use of this coach transport.+ 
 +Deposits of at least $10 per seat required after July 27th. Balance to be paid by 1st September. Please send a stamped, self addressed envelope and phone number. Block club bookings will be most welcome on the same basis. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +__Note__: 
 + 
 +The Walks Secretary would be glad to hear of any club member who would be prepared to lead a S.B.W. trip to the Warrumbungles for the October holiday weekend, making use of this coach transport. 
 + 
 +----
   
-Page 15 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER May, 1981. +=====Travelling With Children In India - Part 3.===== 
-TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN IN INDIA  +
-PART 3. +
 by Marcia Shappert. by Marcia Shappert.
-We had to get up at 4.45 am to catch the 6 am train from Columbo to Poloanaruwa, where we would then catch another bus to Sigiriya, the ancient 
-PJ had bought a digital watch duty free, so this was one time when we really depended on the alarm. We crept out of the house where we had been paying guests, and got to the train station just as it was getting light. (We had several of these very early morning starts, and the kids never complained once. I guess they were as curious to find out what the - next town held for us as we were.) 
-_Trains in Sri Lanka are something elseLL You can't book seats, so it's push and shove with all the many Sri Lankans who always are travelling. We became more experienced as the weeks wore on, but this first experience with the trains was one to remember. As the huge old steam train came rolling into the station, a porter who noticed how lost we looked said to - 
-follow him closely and he would help us to get seats....for a price. Before 
-the train stopped he jumped onto it and held four seats for us, which Was quite a job. . He was a bit put out that we didn't follow him "closely", but had waited for the train to almost come to a stop before we jumped on. Once we got on however, the trains were a lot more comfortable than the Indian trains. 
-We arrived in Polonnaruwa about 1 pm really tired and hot. A little 
-boy attached himself to us, insisting he would help us get a bus for the 
-2t hour trip to Sigiriya. He stuck to us like a leech; even going witb.us to a greasy spoon for lunch. After much discussion between us we decided we really were too tired to make the effort to get to Sigiriya. We checked 
-into anice little lodge and rented bikes to ride to the ancient sites at 
-Polonnaruwa. PJ and I each had a bike and Jenny rode on the back of Craig's. We missed the turn-off into the ancient sites so went in the exit instead. This the kindly gateman let us do, but only with the understanding that we came out that way again so the main gatekeeper wouldn't know we had been let 
-in without paying the entrance fee. PJ pooped out about this stage and said 
-he would sit under the tree and wait for us. The three of us continued on into the site and were really fascinated with the ruins. 
-There were three Buddhas carved from a. huge rock face, the Recumbent Buddha is 44' long, the Standing one 23' high; the seated figure is slightly smaller and once had golden finger nails. Dense jungle now covers much of the splendour of Polonnaruwa which dates back to 368 A.D. We strolled around the remains of the Palace, the Royal Bath and a massive "stone book". It must have been really something way back then. 
-After about 45 minutes to one hour we rode back to where PJ should have been waiting, but he wasn't there. After talking with the gatekeeper, who said PJ had gone into the site, we decided that since it was getting dark I should wait for PJ to come back while Craig and Jenny cycled to the bike shop in case he was there. Another man came along and talked to the gatekeeper and then told me that he would send the gatekeeper into the site to look for PJ. He came back with the news that PJ had gone out the "in" 
-Page 16 TI E SYDNEY BUSHWALKEn May, 1981. 
-gate. Poor man. I think he was :worried:he wula now lose his job. 
-as feeling rather angry as I pedaled back to the bike shop, only to see PJ standing out in front. He explained that he waited "hours" for us and then started looking for us. By this time the front gate was closed, so 
-we couldn't pay the entrance fees or explain the situation. We were leavi4g the next morning, so PJ agreed to cycle over early and pay the fee. As it 
-turned out the next morning, everyone knew what had happened and were not angry at PJ and thought him rather nice to make the effort to explain the situation. 
  
-It was at a little street stand across from the bike shop that we had our fill of "egg hoppers". I had been raving about these for the past five years, since I had last been in Sri Lanka. They're made in a hemisphere Shaped pan. A thin batter is poured in and swirled around the pan. When this is slightly 000ked an egg is dropped into the centre. They really are delicious and we all ate our fill for 70c4:. +We had to get up at 4.45 am to catch the 6 am train from Columbo to Polonnaruwa, where we would then catch another bus to Sigiriya, the ancient city. PJ had bought a digital watch duty free, so this was one time when we really depended on the alarm. We crept out of the house where we had been paying guests, and got to the train station just as it was getting light. (We had several of these very early morning starts, and the kids never complained once. I guess they were as curious to find out what the next town held for us as we were.) 
-The 4-hour bus .ride to Anuradhapura was hot and dusty, but we all got seats. At one point 'though, Craig, who was sitting in the seat just behind the driver, had to stand When a Buddhist monk claimed the seat. . That one + 
-reserved for Monks. +Trains in Sri Lanka are something else!! You can't book seats, so it's push and shove with all the many Sri Lankans who always are travelling. We became more experienced as the weeks wore on, but this first experience with the trains was one to remember. As the huge old steam train came rolling into the station, a porter who noticed how lost we looked said to follow him closely and he would help us to get seats....for a price. Before the train stopped he jumped onto it and held four seats for us, which was quite a job. He was a bit put out that we didn't follow him "closely", but had waited for the train to almost come to a stop before we jumped on. Once we got on however, the trains were a lot more comfortable than the Indian trains. 
-We stayed at a nice little "paying guest" place for $8.50 for the four of us for bed and breakfast. (Sri Lanka is much more expensive to travel in than India. We didn't see the grinding poverty we saw in India, however, The people, in general, looked much more prosperous than in India, and many + 
-wore Western clothes.)+We arrived in Polonnaruwa about 1 pm really tired and hot. A little boy attached himself to us, insisting he would help us get a bus for the 2 1/2 hour trip to Sigiriya. He stuck to us like a leech, even going with us to a greasy spoon for lunch. After much discussion between us we decided we really were too tired to make the effort to get to Sigiriya. We checked into a nice little lodge and rented bikes to ride to the ancient sites at Polonnaruwa. PJ and I each had a bike and Jenny rode on the back of Craig's. We missed the turn-off into the ancient sites so went in the exit instead. This the kindly gateman let us do, but only with the understanding that we came out that way again so the main gatekeeper wouldn't know we had been let in without paying the entrance fee. PJ pooped out about this stage and said he would sit under the tree and wait for us. The three of us continued on into the site and were really fascinated with the ruins. 
 + 
 +There were three Buddhas carved from a huge rock face, the Recumbent Buddha is 44' long, the Standing one 23' high; the seated figure is slightly smaller and once had golden finger nails. Dense jungle now covers much of the splendour of Polonnaruwa which dates back to 368 A.D. We strolled around the remains of the Palace, the Royal Bath and a massive "stone book". It must have been really something way back then. 
 + 
 +After about 45 minutes to one hour we rode back to where PJ should have been waiting, but he wasn't there. After talking with the gatekeeper, who said PJ had gone into the site, we decided that since it was getting dark I should wait for PJ to come back while Craig and Jenny cycled to the bike shop in case he was there. Another man came along and talked to the gatekeeper and then told me that he would send the gatekeeper into the site to look for PJ. He came back with the news that PJ had gone out the "in" gate. Poor man. I think he was worried he would now lose his job. I was feeling rather angry as I pedalled back to the bike shop, only to see PJ standing out in front. He explained that he waited "hours" for us and then started looking for us. By this time the front gate was closed, so we couldn't pay the entrance fees or explain the situation. We were leaving the next morning, so PJ agreed to cycle over early and pay the fee. As it turned out the next morning, everyone knew what had happened and were not angry at PJ and thought him rather nice to make the effort to explain the situation. 
 + 
 +It was at a little street stand across from the bike shop that we had our fill of "egg hoppers". I had been raving about these for the past five years, since I had last been in Sri Lanka. They're made in a hemisphere shaped pan. A thin batter is poured in and swirled around the pan. When this is slightly cooked an egg is dropped into the centre. They really are delicious and we all ate our fill for 70c. 
 + 
 +The 4-hour bus ride to Anuradhapura was hot and dusty, but we all got seats. At one point though, Craig, who was sitting in the seat just behind the driver, had to stand when a Buddhist monk claimed the seat. That one reserved for Monks. 
 + 
 +We stayed at a nice little "paying guest" place for $8.50 for the four of us for bed and breakfast. (Sri Lanka is much more expensive to travel in than India. We didn't see the grinding poverty we saw in India, however. The people, in general, looked much more prosperous than in India, and many wore Western clothes.) 
 + 
 +We started walking from our "house" to the Sacred Bo Tree (2,000 years old). Both PJ and Jenny pooped out this time, so we left them sitting along the side of the road watching all the monkeys who were running around. (We would never leave the kids like that here, but we felt quite safe doing it there.) They were given strict instructions not to move. When we got back about an hour later, they said they had a lovely time talking with all the people who asked them where their parents were and watching monkeys. 
 + 
 +The next morning we took a three hour taxi tour of the more distant ruins - all very interesting, but after seeing one stupa you've seen them all. We spent the afternoon shopping in the local bazaar for Christmas presents for each other as we didn't think there would be any shops at Wilpattu where we'd be heading the next day, December 24th. 
 + 
 +Wilpattu Hotel, near the national park, was very "touristy", but we enjoyed every minute of it. We had a lovely room with a balcony overlooking a crocodile infested river. The kids thought it was great! We did see some crocs, but we also watched the monks from the monastery across the river bath in it. They must have known how many crocs there were, or were fearless. 
 + 
 +PJ can testify to the good fishing. He caught a few using only bread as bait. The help all made a great fuss over the children and they were put in charge of feeding the tortoises. These tortoises ate green chillies! - and really seemed to enjoy them. 
 + 
 +While the kids were out rafting on the river with someone from the hotel, Craig and I decided to have a walk. As we were passing one mud hut, a young man invited us in. The hut had several rooms, with a thatched roof. The furniture was built right into the walls of mud. It all looked very primitive, except that they turned on a transistor radio blaring loud as soon as we walked in. (This happened quite often in our travels and we never figured out why they always had to be so laud.) They made us a cup of tea and although their English was very limited, made us very welcome. They were delighted when I asked if I could take their photo and all ran to change from the native clothes they were wearing into Western ones. I felt it would have been a better photo in their native clothes. 
 + 
 +We decided to decorate our room for Christmas, and so collected lots of flowers (mostly frangipani) and strung them on thread we hung across the room from the fan to the mosquito netting. Craig put up the stars and streamers we had bought for the occasion in India. We still had lots of flowers left, so I made an arrangement to hang on the front door. I also made an arrangement for the table on the balcony. It all looked pretty and smelled beautiful. 
 + 
 +The kids wake up early the next morning so we sat an the balcony and watched the sun come up while we exchanged Christmas gifts. 
 + 
 +That afternoon we took a jeep safari into the park itself. More like a forest than jungle - similar to Chitwan National Park in Nepal. We saw lots of spotted deer, an eagle, mongoose, lots of birds, but not a spotted leopard, which the park is known for. We did see fresh paw marks though. It will certainly be a Christmas we'll always remember. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +As Ann Ravn, the S.B.W. 'phone contact, and Marcia Shappert her predecessor, can tell you, some unusual 'phone requests and enquiries have come their way. Ann rang your editor a few nights ago to report on her most recent 'phone call. A film producer rang to ask if S.B.W. could supply a stand-in stunts-woman willing to climb along a ledge 10" wide and 100' above the ground, for $200. The only requirements were that the woman looked 26 years old and be slim, 5' 7" high, and brown hair. Ann and I were immediately attracted to the $200 but agreed we were both too old, too big, too tall and too fair and dark respectively. (And we'd possibly fall off.) We thought of Dot Butler but she is too short, and besides she was out of town.
  
-We started walking from our "house" to the Sacred Be Tree (2,000 years old). Both PJ and Jenny pooped out this time, so we left them sitting along the side of the road watching all the monkeys who were running around. (We would never leave the kids like that here, but we felt quite safe doing it there.) They were given strict instructions not to move. When we got back about an hour later, they said they had a lovely time talking with all the - people who asked them where their parents were and watching monkeys. 
-The next morning we took a three hour taxi tour of the more distant ruins - all very interesting, but after seeing one stupa you've seen them all. We spent the afternoon shopping in the local bazaar for Christmas presents for each other as we didn't think there would be any shops at Wilpattu where we'd be heading the next day, December 24th-. 
-Wilpattu Hotel, near the national park, was very "touristy", but we 
-enjoyed every minute of it. We had a lovely room with a balcony overlooking 
-aH crocodile infested river. The kids thought it was great: We did see 1 some crocs, but we also watched the monks from the monastery across the river 
-bathain it They must have known how many crocs there were, or were fearless. 
-PJ can testify to the good fishing. He caught a few using only bread' 
-as bait. The help all made a great fuss over the children and they were put in charge of feeding the tortoises. These tortoises ate green chillies: - and really seemed to enjoy them. 
--THE-SYDNETBUSEWLIKER May, 1981. 
-, 
- 'While the kids were out rafting on the river with someone from the 
-hotel, Craig and I decided to have a walk. As we were passing one mud hut, 
-a young man invited us in. The hut had several rooms, with a thatched roof. The furniture was built right into the walls of mud. It all looked very primitive, except that they turned on a transistor radio blaring laud as soon as we walked in. (This happened quite often in our travels and -te never figured out why they always had to be so laud.) They made us a 
-Cup of tea and although their English was very limited, made us very welcome. They were delighted when I asked if I could take their photo and all ran 
-to change from the native clothes they were wearing into Western ones. I felt it would have been a better photo in their native clothes. 
-We decided to decorate our room for Christmas, and so collected lots Of flowers (mostly frangipani) and strung them on thread we hung across the room from the fan to the mosquito netting. Craig put up the stars and streamers we had bought for the occasion in India. We still had lots of 'lowers left, so I made an arrangement to hang on the front door. I also made an arrangement for the table on the balcony. It all looked pretty and smelled beautiful. 
-The kids wake up early the next morning so we sat an the balcony and watched the sun comeup while we exchanged Christmas gifts. 
-That afternoon we took a jeep safari into the park itself. More like 
-a forest than jungle - similar to Chitwan National Park in Nepal. We saw' jots of spotted deer, an eagle, mongoose, lots of birds, but not a spotted leopard, which the park is known for. We did see fresh paw marks though. 
-It will certainly be a Christmas we'll always remember. 
-* * * * * * * * * * * 
-As Ann Ravn, the S.B.W. 'phone contact, and Marcia Shappert her predecessor, can tell you, some unusual 'phone requests and enquiries have come their way. Ann rang your editor a few nights ago to report on her most recent 'phone call. A film producer rang to ask if S.B.W. could supply a stand-in stunts-woman willing to climb along a ledge 10" wide and 100' above the ground, for $200. The only requirements were that the woman looked 26 years old and be slim, 5/ 7" high, and brown hair. Ann .and .I were immediately attracted to the $200 but agreed we were both too old, too big, too tall and too fair and dark re: spectively. (And we's possibly fall off.) We thought of Dot Butler but she is too short, and besides she was out of town. 
 Unfortunately, this magazine has gone to print too late to publicise the job, so to all you females, who missed out on an easy $200, keep your eyes and ears open, a similar job may come up sometime. Unfortunately, this magazine has gone to print too late to publicise the job, so to all you females, who missed out on an easy $200, keep your eyes and ears open, a similar job may come up sometime.
-* * * * * * * * * * * + 
-Page 18 THE SYDNEY BUSAWALKER May, 1981. +=====Social Notes For June.===== 
- ./1111MIIMM11.111MIIIIIIIIMI + 
-SOCIAL NOTE'S- FOR JUNE. +by Peter Miller. 
-by Peter Miloer. + 
-----/1--.171;1114ethlesa2.11-32-2&. +====Wednesday, 17th June: Slides of Russia and Asia.==== 
-Slides of Russia and Asia.  + 
-Peter Dyce will show slides of Russia and. Asia. Peter has travelled extensively and the slides cover a wide variety of places and experiences. +Peter Dyce will show slides of Russia and Asia. Peter has travelled extensively and the slides cover a wide variety of places and experiences. 
-DINNER before the meeting will be held at Chehades Lebanese Restaurant, 270. Pacific Highway, Crows Nest at 6.30 pm. + 
-Wednesday, 24th June.  +Dinner before the meeting will be held at Chehades Lebanese Restaurant, 270 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest at 6.30 pm. 
-Members Slide Night Mid-Winter Feast. + 
-The ever popular stand of the Social Secretary - members' slide night - is on again. This time the emphasis is on slides of members. Funny slides, serious slides, action shots, inaction shots are all 'welcome. Other slides may be shown as well as slides of members.+====Wednesday, 24th June: Members Slide Night Mid-Winter Feast.==== 
 + 
 +The ever popular stand of the Social Secretary - members' slide night - is on again. This time the emphasis is on slides of members. Funny slides, serious slides, action shots, inaction shots are all welcome. Other slides may be shown as well as slides of members. 
 As this Wednesday is the closest to the shortest day and therefore the middle of winter we will celebrate with a grand supper, a mid-winter feast like they have in the Antarctic. Please bring along a plate of something interesting to eat and the club will provide the drinks. As this Wednesday is the closest to the shortest day and therefore the middle of winter we will celebrate with a grand supper, a mid-winter feast like they have in the Antarctic. Please bring along a plate of something interesting to eat and the club will provide the drinks.
-* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
-CONGRATULATIONS to Christine and Craig kustin on the birth of their first child, a boy, DANE. 
-ENGAGEHERT.' Club member Debbie McInnes, a,student nurse, has 
-announced her engagement to Tony Odium, a student doctor. Congratulations: 
-REMEMBER! Friday, 29th May. at Ashfield Town Hall. 'Dot Butler's Anniversary "DO". 
--,:******-,..,******-y,,*,,************-..k.*******.***********....:****** 
  
 +----
 +
 +__Congratulations__ to Christine and Craig Austin on the birth of their first child, a boy, Dane.
 +
 +----
 +
 +__Engagement.__ Club member Debbie McInnes, a student nurse, has announced her engagement to Tony Odlum, a student doctor. Congratulations!
 +
 +----
 +
 +__Remember__! Friday, 29th May at Ashfield Town Hall. Dot Butler's Anniversary "DO".
198105.txt · Last modified: 2016/03/23 09:31 by tyreless
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