198210
Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Both sides previous revisionPrevious revisionNext revision | Previous revision | ||
198210 [2019/02/08 12:24] – tyreless | 198210 [2019/02/08 14:43] (current) – tyreless | ||
---|---|---|---|
Line 55: | Line 55: | ||
The Committee was created in 1968, when the Metropolitan Portland Cement Co. (a subsidiary of A.P.M.) proposed to mine 50 million tons of limestone at Mount Armour. A mining lease was granted over the area, which intruded far into the proposed Kanangra-Boyd National Park and had previously been a reserve for the preservation of Colong Caves. The Sydney University Bushwalkers called a meeting to oppose the mining, at which I represented the S.B.W. At this meeting a Committee was formed to carry on the campaign. I was co-opted by the Committee in 1969 and have worked with it since, becoming Hon. Secretary in 1976. | The Committee was created in 1968, when the Metropolitan Portland Cement Co. (a subsidiary of A.P.M.) proposed to mine 50 million tons of limestone at Mount Armour. A mining lease was granted over the area, which intruded far into the proposed Kanangra-Boyd National Park and had previously been a reserve for the preservation of Colong Caves. The Sydney University Bushwalkers called a meeting to oppose the mining, at which I represented the S.B.W. At this meeting a Committee was formed to carry on the campaign. I was co-opted by the Committee in 1969 and have worked with it since, becoming Hon. Secretary in 1976. | ||
- | Another " | + | Another " |
The Committee was soon drawn into the fight to preserve other wilderness areas such as Bongonia (limestone mining), Lake Pedder (hydro dam), Wollongambe wilderness (gas pipe line), Kakadu (uranium mining) and the Eden forests (woodchipping). It became evident that __all__ wilderness areas were threatened by development of one sort or another so the Committee was formed into a national wilderness society. In order to give it financial and legal standing, it became a limited company in 1973. It has no members, except its directors, but it has more of these than the B.H.P., or perhaps any other company - 25 in all. It has a large number of supporters, many of whom have been with it since the early days, who subscribe to the Colong Bulletin (now in its 73rd issue) and provide funds. Any supporter is welcome at its fortnightly meetings, and is eligible to be made a director if keen enough to attend regularly. This form of organisation has proved very effective. Those interested to participate in work and decisions do so. No time is wasted carrying inactive members. | The Committee was soon drawn into the fight to preserve other wilderness areas such as Bongonia (limestone mining), Lake Pedder (hydro dam), Wollongambe wilderness (gas pipe line), Kakadu (uranium mining) and the Eden forests (woodchipping). It became evident that __all__ wilderness areas were threatened by development of one sort or another so the Committee was formed into a national wilderness society. In order to give it financial and legal standing, it became a limited company in 1973. It has no members, except its directors, but it has more of these than the B.H.P., or perhaps any other company - 25 in all. It has a large number of supporters, many of whom have been with it since the early days, who subscribe to the Colong Bulletin (now in its 73rd issue) and provide funds. Any supporter is welcome at its fortnightly meetings, and is eligible to be made a director if keen enough to attend regularly. This form of organisation has proved very effective. Those interested to participate in work and decisions do so. No time is wasted carrying inactive members. | ||
Line 65: | Line 65: | ||
Most of the Blue Mountains is now national park, though some logging will go on until next April. The State Government has announced its intention of creating a narrow strip along the Queensland Border as a national park, though this is no substitute for a wilderness park. The Australian Government has created a Kakadu National Park, though it will be little more than a surround to three enormous uranium mines which will remove some 20 billion dollars' | Most of the Blue Mountains is now national park, though some logging will go on until next April. The State Government has announced its intention of creating a narrow strip along the Queensland Border as a national park, though this is no substitute for a wilderness park. The Australian Government has created a Kakadu National Park, though it will be little more than a surround to three enormous uranium mines which will remove some 20 billion dollars' | ||
- | The Border Ranges park remains the Committee' | + | The Border Ranges park remains the Committee' |
- | Although many of the members of the Committee, such as Charles Culberg (Treasurer, ex S.B.W.), Milo Dunphy, Jim Somerville and Ian Land are bushwalkers, | + | Although many of the members of the Committee, such as Charles Culberg (Treasurer, ex S.B.W.), Milo Dunphy, Jim Somerville and Ian Land are bushwalkers, |
---- | ---- | ||
Line 83: | Line 83: | ||
A rather battered party arrived to share the hut for the night - they had come from Kiandra and were on their way to Kosciusko. | A rather battered party arrived to share the hut for the night - they had come from Kiandra and were on their way to Kosciusko. | ||
- | In the morning I left with them and accompanied them as far as Consett Stephen Pass. There I stopped on the eastern ridge and made for the Pondage. After lunch, just past the Pondage on Farm Creek, I headed up the track to Illawong Lodge. Here I came across two Queenslanders who didn't know a great deal about the country so I shepherded them to a previously used campsite just off Spenser' | + | In the morning I left with them and accompanied them as far as Consett Stephen Pass. There I stopped on the eastern ridge and made for the Pondage. After lunch, just past the Pondage on Farm Creek, I headed up the track to Illawong Lodge. Here I came across two Queenslanders who didn't know a great deal about the country so I shepherded them to a previously used campsite just off Spenser' |
It had been showering on and off all day, but now it decided to get at it in earnest. I pitched my tent just off the road near the gate and after eating my next day's lunch for tea, bedded down. | It had been showering on and off all day, but now it decided to get at it in earnest. I pitched my tent just off the road near the gate and after eating my next day's lunch for tea, bedded down. | ||
Line 105: | Line 105: | ||
At 3.15 pm I was back at Whites. I couldn' | At 3.15 pm I was back at Whites. I couldn' | ||
- | I must confess that I have changed my mind in regard to huts in the Park. Whites River Hut which would have the highest usage of any in the Kosciusko National Park was in the best condition for many years, that is, the hut surounds; actually it was comparable to the first time I saw it in 1968. Naturally firewood is scarce in the area and the hut is 14 years older and 14 years more neglected and vandalised. I fear the Kosciusko Huts Association has not been entirely successful. As I have observed, little has been done tp maintain this hut in the last four years. | + | I must confess that I have changed my mind in regard to huts in the Park. Whites River Hut which would have the highest usage of any in the Kosciusko National Park was in the best condition for many years, that is, the hut surrounds; actually it was comparable to the first time I saw it in 1968. Naturally firewood is scarce in the area and the hut is 14 years older and 14 years more neglected and vandalised. I fear the Kosciusko Huts Association has not been entirely successful. As I have observed, little has been done to maintain this hut in the last four years. |
Whites River Lurgy. Maybe I have a cast iron stomach but since 1968 I have spent approximately 396 hours (16 1/2 days) in or near Whites and must have drunk dozens of litres of Whites River water during that time. At no time have I or anyone associated with me ever suffered from the dreaded Lurgy. The rumour has even got as far as Victoria, so please don't spread this disgusting story. | Whites River Lurgy. Maybe I have a cast iron stomach but since 1968 I have spent approximately 396 hours (16 1/2 days) in or near Whites and must have drunk dozens of litres of Whites River water during that time. At no time have I or anyone associated with me ever suffered from the dreaded Lurgy. The rumour has even got as far as Victoria, so please don't spread this disgusting story. | ||
Line 123: | Line 123: | ||
On the 2nd the wind had gone into the west so I expected good weather for the next four days. At 8.00 am I left for all stations north. Up over Gungarten and on up the Kerries heading for Mawson' | On the 2nd the wind had gone into the west so I expected good weather for the next four days. At 8.00 am I left for all stations north. Up over Gungarten and on up the Kerries heading for Mawson' | ||
- | I had lunch at Mawson' | + | I had lunch at Mawson' |
No matter from which direction you approach the Big Bongong it dominates the landscape for kilometres. A majestic lump of rock, the delightful green apron on its southern approach always a satisfying sight. | No matter from which direction you approach the Big Bongong it dominates the landscape for kilometres. A majestic lump of rock, the delightful green apron on its southern approach always a satisfying sight. | ||
Line 137: | Line 137: | ||
Met some people at Valentine' | Met some people at Valentine' | ||
- | Since I had completed most of a scheduled 4-day walk in 2 days, after starting a day late I had a day up my sleeve. It wasn't difficult to put the day in, cleaning up the hut, doing a few minor repairs, talking to visitors and hating | + | Since I had completed most of a scheduled 4-day walk in 2 days, after starting a day late I had a day up my sleeve. It wasn't difficult to put the day in, cleaning up the hut, doing a few minor repairs, talking to visitors and hating |
- | After having been in the mountains for so long you are apt to forget that up here at 6,000' the humidity is very low and it's an awful shock to the system when you get to Jindabyne and the more " | + | After having been in the mountains for so long you are apt to forget that up here at 6,000' the humidity is very low and it's an awful shock to the system when you get to Jindabyne and the more " |
With the right approach it is not difficult country. Precautions have to be taken. Weather changes can and do occur almost without warning. Even in high summer it can snow, hail, sleet or rain severely, so it is necessary to carry light blizzard gear. Do NOT plan a trip with the intention of using a hut each night, rather be prepared to camp: it will change the direction of your thinking. | With the right approach it is not difficult country. Precautions have to be taken. Weather changes can and do occur almost without warning. Even in high summer it can snow, hail, sleet or rain severely, so it is necessary to carry light blizzard gear. Do NOT plan a trip with the intention of using a hut each night, rather be prepared to camp: it will change the direction of your thinking. | ||
Line 191: | Line 191: | ||
Sunday morning saw the party split. Frank did more of what he had started the previous day. Joy and Ian eventually succumbed to the warm sand and sun alongside the Nattai - a contrast from the bitter cold of New Zealand' | Sunday morning saw the party split. Frank did more of what he had started the previous day. Joy and Ian eventually succumbed to the warm sand and sun alongside the Nattai - a contrast from the bitter cold of New Zealand' | ||
- | For most, there was time for an extended morning tea (and, for some too, a wash in the chilly water) at the confluence of Wanganderry Creek and the river, and then a short stroll to a long lunchbreak at McArthurs Flat prior to the uphill walk on Starlights Track. The day was warm and before eating Don, Jenny and Bill dipped briefly in the pool adjacent to the flat - any briefer it was noted and they might not have even got wets! Somehwere | + | For most, there was time for an extended morning tea (and, for some too, a wash in the chilly water) at the confluence of Wanganderry Creek and the river, and then a short stroll to a long lunchbreak at McArthurs Flat prior to the uphill walk on Starlights Track. The day was warm and before eating Don, Jenny and Bill dipped briefly in the pool adjacent to the flat - any briefer it was noted and they might not have even got wets! Somewhere |
Hans, Deirdre and Bill began their walk up Starlights Track, Don, Jenny and Victor lingered by the river until word arrived with Frank that Joy and Ian were sunbathing and would come out on their own later. So, for most, it was a reasonably early fish - around 4.45 pm at Camelot. Certainly, members missed the more strenuous part of the programme with the deletion of the scramble to Surveyors Crag, but that did not detract from a pleasant weekend walk through an attractive valley. For the record, the party met no other walkers. | Hans, Deirdre and Bill began their walk up Starlights Track, Don, Jenny and Victor lingered by the river until word arrived with Frank that Joy and Ian were sunbathing and would come out on their own later. So, for most, it was a reasonably early fish - around 4.45 pm at Camelot. Certainly, members missed the more strenuous part of the programme with the deletion of the scramble to Surveyors Crag, but that did not detract from a pleasant weekend walk through an attractive valley. For the record, the party met no other walkers. | ||
Line 239: | Line 239: | ||
Belinda McKenzie brought us down to reality, "Where are you going to find all the marble?" | Belinda McKenzie brought us down to reality, "Where are you going to find all the marble?" | ||
- | Owen Marks offered to adcept | + | Owen Marks offered to accept |
Once the club was informed, everyone was keen and members kept on making suggestions to improve the building of it. The logistics were gone into and it was realized that even if all the club members worked through their Xmas hols it would take some time, but the incentive was there. Gordon Lee offered his Nile Grass Palm orchestra to serenade the builders which worried some of us, because as we all know, when Gordon plays all noise and activity must cease, but as Bill Gamble pointed out, we would be able to drown him out, and so we agreed. | Once the club was informed, everyone was keen and members kept on making suggestions to improve the building of it. The logistics were gone into and it was realized that even if all the club members worked through their Xmas hols it would take some time, but the incentive was there. Gordon Lee offered his Nile Grass Palm orchestra to serenade the builders which worried some of us, because as we all know, when Gordon plays all noise and activity must cease, but as Bill Gamble pointed out, we would be able to drown him out, and so we agreed. | ||
Line 245: | Line 245: | ||
David Cotton and Fiona Moyes were in charge of providing snacks, both being Superior Cooks, but the tragedy that occurred during the capping process was partly due to their peculiar choice of menu. (More about that in a later report.) And to the surprise of everybody Ray Hookway, out of the goodness of his heart, decided to dress as a clown to make the workers happy and add colour to the Western Wastelands, as he called the area. | David Cotton and Fiona Moyes were in charge of providing snacks, both being Superior Cooks, but the tragedy that occurred during the capping process was partly due to their peculiar choice of menu. (More about that in a later report.) And to the surprise of everybody Ray Hookway, out of the goodness of his heart, decided to dress as a clown to make the workers happy and add colour to the Western Wastelands, as he called the area. | ||
- | In a later magazine, we shall go into the building stage more clearly; tell of the small problems that kept on cropping up; of how Ainslie Morris got lost whilst exploring the base and was found by Yvonne Kingston; of .how the American spies in our club dobbed us in to the C.I.A. and of how the millionaire friend of Owen Marks offered us $5,000,000 to fly a jumbo around it. Tony Marshall offered to be logistic controller but was embarrassed by his great gaffe when Barbara Bruce did her Dance of the Seven Veils on opening day. He only gave her six. But I am disclosing too much too soon. More in the coming months. | + | In a later magazine, we shall go into the building stage more clearly; tell of the small problems that kept on cropping up; of how Ainslie Morris got lost whilst exploring the base and was found by Yvonne Kingston; of how the American spies in our club dobbed us in to the C.I.A. and of how the millionaire friend of Owen Marks offered us $5,000,000 to fly a jumbo around it. Tony Marshall offered to be logistic controller but was embarrassed by his great gaffe when Barbara Bruce did her Dance of the Seven Veils on opening day. He only gave her six. But I am disclosing too much too soon. More in the coming months. |
[ Cartoon of pyramid ] | [ Cartoon of pyramid ] | ||
Line 267: | Line 267: | ||
Barrie met us at Sawpit Creek camping area after a week of downhill skiing, which gave him the edge on us as evidenced by some nice telemarks displayed on our practice slope above Perisher on Sunday morning. We felt ready to set off at lunchtime, and started our foot slog from Guthega Power Station up the road for 2 km to make our first camp on snow grass. As we were only at 1,400 metres we were pleased to see a few patches of snow. | Barrie met us at Sawpit Creek camping area after a week of downhill skiing, which gave him the edge on us as evidenced by some nice telemarks displayed on our practice slope above Perisher on Sunday morning. We felt ready to set off at lunchtime, and started our foot slog from Guthega Power Station up the road for 2 km to make our first camp on snow grass. As we were only at 1,400 metres we were pleased to see a few patches of snow. | ||
- | On Monday we took the Horse Camp turnoff and the aqueduct track on the west side of Munyang River. It had patchy snow along it, so it was skis on, skis off, right up to Schlink Pass, where the snow cover was consistent. We became very proficient over the following days at clicking bindings into place as we steppped | + | On Monday we took the Horse Camp turnoff and the aqueduct track on the west side of Munyang River. It had patchy snow along it, so it was skis on, skis off, right up to Schlink Pass, where the snow cover was consistent. We became very proficient over the following days at clicking bindings into place as we stepped |
This made it slow going after our second camp at the weather station at 1,739 metres, this time on snow. A groundsheet is essential to prevent wet edges to sleeping bags. It was here that Barrie was sick, so the Tuesday was made more difficult for him by lack of snow along the Valentine' | This made it slow going after our second camp at the weather station at 1,739 metres, this time on snow. A groundsheet is essential to prevent wet edges to sleeping bags. It was here that Barrie was sick, so the Tuesday was made more difficult for him by lack of snow along the Valentine' | ||
Line 293: | Line 293: | ||
---- | ---- | ||
+ | ===== Mt. Kinabalu - August 1982. ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Brian Holden. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If by some unfortunate twist of fate you find yourself in Sabah (one time crown colony of British North Borneo) you can escape the humidity, pollution and general dreariness for a couple of days by climbing Mt.Kinabalu. Standing alone only about 50 km from the sea and rising to 13,455 ft (4101 m), the mountain must be one of the most majestic on earth. | ||
+ | |||
+ | You first must get to Koto Kinabalu which is the capital of Sabah. This should be no problem as public transport is both plentiful and cheap. Check with the National Parks Office in the centre of town for advice on how best to make the two-hour trip to the Park Headquarters and also to arrange accommodation within the park. With luck you will get abed in the hostel at $7 per night. A guide is compulsory at $14 for the two days but you can share the cost with others you will meet at the Park H.Q. (elevation 4,800 ft). | ||
+ | |||
+ | Starting from Park H.Q. at 7 am the climb is a leisurely one and by 3 pm you will have arrived at a superb hut providing 79 bunks and flush toilets. This hut is at 11,000 ft. At 3 am the next morning your guide will get you up for the final three hour push to the summit. You may be able to get an explanation as to the necessity of scrambling up ladders and ropes by torch-light - we couldn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The steepest part of the climb starts right at the backdoor of the hut. One literally steps out of bed at 3 am on to a track equivalent to climbing out of Blue Gum, and it's a bit of a shock to the system. With luck you will get a clear view from Lowe's Peak which is the true summit by a few feet. There are several peaks on top of the mountain which had been climbed for 30 years before the true summit was identified. | ||
- | MT. KINA3ALU - August 1982. | ||
- | by Brian Holden? | ||
- | If by dome unfortunate twist of fate you find yourself in Sabah (one time crown colony of British North Borneo) you can escape the humidity, | ||
- | pollution and general dreariness for a couple of days by climbing Mt.Kinabalu. | ||
- | Standing alone only about 50 km from the sea and rising to 13;455 ft (4101 m), the mountain must be one of the most majestic on earth. | ||
- | Yau' | ||
- | This should be no problem as public transport is both plentiful and cheap. | ||
- | Check with the National Parks Office in the centre of town for' | ||
- | best to make the two-hour trip to the Park Headquarters and also to arrange | ||
- | accommodation within the park. With luck you will get abed in the hostel at $7 per night. A guide is compulsory at $14 for the two days but you an | ||
- | share the cost with others you will meet at the Park H.Q. (elevation 4,800 ft). | ||
- | | ||
- | 3 pm you will have arrived at a superb hut providing 79 bunks and flush toilets. This hut is at 11,000 ft. At 3 am the next morning your guide will get yaa | ||
- | up for the final three hour push to the uammit. You may be able to get an | ||
- | explanation as to the necessity of scrambling up ladders and ropes by torch- | ||
- | light - we couldn' | ||
- | however, will be back at Park H. Q. by 1 pm. | ||
- | The steepest part of the climb starts right at the backdoor of the | ||
- | hut. One literally steps out of bed at 3 am on to a track equivalent to, | ||
- | climbing out of Blue Gum, and it's a bit of a shock to the system. With | ||
- | luck you will get a clear view from Lowels Peak which is the true summit by | ||
- | a few feet. There are ' | ||
Now comes the hard part - mustering up the courage to once again face the lowlands of Sabah. | Now comes the hard part - mustering up the courage to once again face the lowlands of Sabah. | ||
- | * * * * * * * * * * | + | |
- | THE HALF-YEARLY GENERAL MEETING | + | ---- |
+ | |||
+ | ===== The Half-Yearly General Meeting. ===== | ||
There were about 30 members present when the president called the meeting to order at around 2015. Apologies were advised from Fazeley Read, Ainslie Morris and John Jennings. New members Vicki and Henri Endrickson were welcomed in the traditional way. | There were about 30 members present when the president called the meeting to order at around 2015. Apologies were advised from Fazeley Read, Ainslie Morris and John Jennings. New members Vicki and Henri Endrickson were welcomed in the traditional way. | ||
- | The minutes were read and received and the correspondence to and from Dunlop was read to the meeting in accordance with a previous motion. Correspondence comprised a letter from Stan Cottier explaining that although he will be retiring from the Royal National Park advisory committee he will remain as a ranger at Burning Palms, a questionnaire on club activities from FBW and a copy of the FBW Search and Rescue -annual report. The meeting agreed to pass the questionnaire to the walks secretary for completion and return. | ||
- | Page 16 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER October 1982 | ||
- | The treasurer' | ||
- | closing balance in the Cool-aria account was $25.03. | ||
- | The walks report began with the report of a walk to Mt Colong and bagk over the weekend of 13,14,15 August. Spiro Hajinakitas was leader and there | ||
- | were eight starters enjoying good weather but rather dry conditions. Barry Wallace' | ||
- | There seemed to be some confusion about Peter Hislop' | ||
- | did not turn up and the remnant who did were not good at improvisation. Len Hewland' | ||
- | at some wayside snack bar. Jim Brown, on the other hand, had 23 starters and a rather keen stray dog. Unfortunately no one could produce a copy of the program to read him the riot act about dogs on walks. | ||
- | Over the weekend of 27,28,29 August Ian Debert reported 13 people on his Berambing walk .,.. which went to Newnes. George Walton 's trip that se weekend was cancelled due to the leader being injured at work. Sandy Johnson reported 12 starters and beaut weather on his day walk that same weekend. Bill Hall's Wednesday 1st September walk attracted six people. | ||
- | The following weekend, 3,4,5 September, saw Don and Jenny Cornell leading a party of 20 people on their Kowmung River trip in fine but cool weather.' | ||
- | and then terrorised the rest of the party by thundering down the slop off theirnear flank. Frank Taeker' | ||
- | pioblems. There was no report of Peter Christian' | ||
- | Wondabyne trip enjoying the wildflowers and feeding the Kookaburras. | ||
- | Federation report indicated that an FBW committee is to investigate the possibility of purciasing land for conservation purposes, that CMW have indicated that they expect to become more active in Federation matters and that Sydney Uni Bush Walkers are now members of Federation. There is concern in Federation at the NSW government' | ||
- | Then followed the selection of a site and convener for the 1933 re-union. Coolana and Spiro were the winners, in that order. General business brought a motion that we write to NPWS congratulating them on track restoration works carried out On Kanangra Tops. Passed. | ||
- | So then it was just a matter of the announcements, | ||
- | 2102. | ||
+ | The minutes were read and received and the correspondence to and from Dunlop was read to the meeting in accordance with a previous motion. Correspondence comprised a letter from Stan Cottier explaining that although he will be retiring from the Royal National Park advisory committee he will remain as a ranger at Burning Palms, a questionnaire on club activities from FBW and a copy of the FBW Search and Rescue annual report. The meeting agreed to pass the questionnaire to the walks secretary for completion and return. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The treasurer' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The walks report began with the report of a walk to Mt Colong and back over the weekend of 13,14,15 August. Spiro Hajinakitas was leader and there were eight starters enjoying good weather but rather dry conditions. Barry Wallace' | ||
+ | |||
+ | There seemed to be some confusion about Peter Hislop' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Over the weekend of 27,28,29 August Ian Debert reported 13 people on his Berambing walk... which went to Newnes. George Walton' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The following weekend, 3,4,5 September, saw Don and Jenny Cornell leading a party of 20 people on their Kowmung River trip in fine but cool weather. It seems a large but unstable rock initially tripped up and mauled Peter Miller and then terrorised the rest of the party by thundering down the slop off their near flank. Frank Taeker' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Federation report indicated that an FBW committee is to investigate the possibility of purchasing land for conservation purposes, that CMW have indicated that they expect to become more active in Federation matters and that Sydney Uni Bush Walkers are now members of Federation. There is concern in Federation at the NSW government' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Then followed the selection of a site and convener for the 1983 re-union. Coolana and Spiro were the winners, in that order. General business brought a motion that we write to NPWS congratulating them on track restoration works carried out on Kanangra Tops. Passed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | So then it was just a matter of the announcements, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- |
198210.txt · Last modified: 2019/02/08 14:43 by tyreless