Established June 1931

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 Cahill Community Centre (Upper Hall), 34 Falcon Street, Crows Nest. Enquiries concerning the Club should be referred to Ann Ravn, telephone 798-8607.

by David Rostron

I've expanded on the glories of the Blue Breaks and particularly the Axehead Range to many walkers - in fact to anyone who was patient enough to listen to the spiel. In describing the area and views I usually become quite nostalgic. I was last on the Axehead at Easter '79 so the yearning to return was becoming quite strong and I was virtually compelled to place it on the programme for the June Long Weekend, 1983.

As we headed towards Jenolan Caves on the Friday evening I wondered if we would reach Kanangra Walls, let alone the Axehead. The blizzard/snow storm started near Hampden and continued until we started the descent to Jenolan Caves. Back on top again and we were again driving in a blizzard with 5cm of snow on the road. The odd stars which were visible encouraged us to believe the weather could improve.

We arrived at Kanangra to find Jim Percy's Mazda plastered with snow (he had arrived at 5:00 pm). We had intended to stop at the Coal Seam Cave that night but I felt my reputation as a fine weather walker could be at stake. We decided the Kanangra Cave was to be the venue, followed by an early start and breakfast at the Coal Seam Cave with Jim and Jo.

We waited at the car park for the other vehicles, to make up our party of eleven:- Wendy and Steve Hodgman, Janet Waterhouse, David Lewis, John Redfern, Spiro Hajinakitas, Malcolm Steel, John Reddel and Jim Percy and Jo Van Sommers.

The others needed no encouragement to stop at the Kanangra Cave and we edged our way there, across snow and ice. Two bodies in the cave were quickly identified as Jim and Jo who had set off across the Walls, couldn't find the track turn-off in the blizzard and returned to the Kanangra Cave.

Conditions were cool that night - Jim recorded 0⁰ C on his gauge and there was considerable wind chill factor. However daylight saw little cloud so we were compelled to emerge from warm bags (for a few only) and struggle to get a fire going. Instead of a 7:30 am start from the Coal Seam Cave we struggled out of the Kanangra Cave at 8:15 am.

The wind was very strong on top and everyone appeared to have all their gear on - what an array of beanies, gloves and long pants! Jim reported 1⁰ C on the tops as we tiptoed carefully across the ice and snow covered rocks in brilliant sunshine. There was a very brief photographic stop at the track junction and then a gallop to the Coal Seam Cave. What joy - pushing through the snow and ice covered casuarina scrub. It was a little warmer down off the Walls and we had a disrobing stop at the Bullhead Range track junction. The top of the range to Cambage Spire has been burnt and the track is not always apparent. Again a very brief stop in the cool wind on top of the Spire and then a run down to the Kowmung, arriving at 11:23 am - about 2 hours behind schedule.

It was delightful sitting in the sun on the banks of the Kowmung with the temperature at an incredible 10⁰. The river was at a normal level and looked magnificent as it sparkled and danced across the rocks of the rapid just below the Christies Creek junction. After years of drought the visual experience of this area was like “Paradise Revisited”.

I gave the party the option of an early lunch an the Kowmung (many had collected firewood - a not too subtle form of persuasion), or lunch on Butcher's Creek in l¹/₂ hours. They opted for the latter, and I was a bad loser in the popularity stakes when we eventually reached the creek, 2¹/₂ hours later at almost 2:30 pm.

Over a brief lunch the next option was discussed - camping on one of the streams forming the head of Butchers Creek or carrying water up onto the Axehead Range for a high camp. I had read of a cave 300 metres from the southern end (Gander Head), and on the eastern side, which had been used by the Kamerukas in adverse weather conditions some years before. With the temperature at lunch being 5-6⁰ and the strong westerly still blowing, the cave appealed to all so it was then a race for the Axehead, two kilometres away.

Where the road crossed the third creek, wine skins were filled and with heavy packs it was slow toil up the 200m of Gander Head. (Our airy perch on the ridge of the Axehead provided a magnificent panorama.) The late afternoon sun highlighted the golden rocks of the Burragorang Walls with Yerranderie Peak and Bonnum Pic standing out in stark relief.

The cold westerly kept us moving and we sidled the first series of rocks on the eastern side. These were 300-500 metres from Gander Head but there was no sign of a cave. We followed the crest to the next rocks which extend over about 200 metres. Sidling was difficult on the east (the normal route is partly on the top and then the west), and the overhangs, visible from a distance, had floors which would only accommodate one or two people. When nearly to the end of this section we came upon a possible 6-person overhang. However the floor shelf was only approximately 3m wide, to the end of a 6m drop. Nearby were a number of places where one or two people could bed down and with some excavation the cave was made habitable.

The cave is about 1 km north of Gander Head. There were no old fireplaces along this section so we assumed the Kamerukas' fire had been covered by sandstone dust. We soon organised ourselves into a timber chain gang, passing pieces up the steep slope and cliff over about 15m to the shelf. A large sleeping platform was levelled and the fire was soon roaring on the only possible location - some rocks adjoining the back wall. Because of the narrow shelf only five to six could stand around thstand alongside the finishing line which is crowded with men and women. We are to be given the names of the finalists who arrived long before we did. Andrew Lloyd, a 23 year old man has won the race in 42 minutes. Second is Zephaniah Ncube from Zimbabwe-and third is David Forbes. Fourth is Rhonda Mallinder and fifth is Moira Xane.

A little 3 year old is jut crossing the finishing line and his dad is pushing the empty pusher so that he can walk to the finish of the race. Here come all the clothes on a trolley and there are also champagne bottles and glasses so that the runners can celebrate after the race. Two men a lady in a wheelchair and she is enjoying it all. Michael Cleary, Minister for Sport, says: “What a wonderful success this race has been. We give credit to the Sun who organised it and handled an extra 8,000 entrants this year.”

Andrew Lloyd who ran a wonderful race is receiving a large cup and trophy with an athlete on it. Andrew says, “I would like to thank every one involved today, it was fantastic to share in the race. I hope you enjoyed yourself, I did.” Zephaniah Ncube from Zimbabwe says, “I have been in races in the past and I enjoyed this one. I have competed in the Commonwealth Games. Congratulations to those who participated.” David Forbes says, “It is not where you start it is where you finish.” A young man is running past us with a flag which reads “I am going to finish dead last,” and he is the last athlete in the City to-Surf race with 33,708 official athletes.taking part.

Several:members of Sydney Bush Walkers took part in the race and they included Barbara Holmes and Evelyn Walker … walking,. Jo Van Sommers, Owen Marks (number 18,032); Bob Hodgson, Jim Percy and others unknown. Mrs. Marks and Owen invited members of Sydney Bush Walkers who ran in the race or who were onlookers to their home after the race and a good time was had by all. A special welcome was given there to Jenny Hodgson, the new baby daughter of Margaret and Bob.

by Bill Gamble

In March, 1983, a Club walk on the autumn programme went to Arthurs Pass National Park in New Zealand. Two members (Brian Holden and Bronwyn Stow) and a visitor (Steve Tremont) flew from Sydney to join the leader (Bill Gamble) for nine days of walking in the park. The introduction to the park and the first days of the walking are contained in the article which appeared in the August issue of the magazine. This article covers the programmed walk in the ==== Leader: Peter Harris Great Western Tiers and Central Plateau (2 weeks) ==== ^ Day ^ Geographical Points along the Route ^ Distance ^ | 1 | Sydney - Devonport - Higgs Track - Lady Lake | (2 km) Uphill | | 2 | Lady Lake - Lake Lucy Lang - Lake Nameless | (6 km) | | 3 | Lake Nameless - Lake Johnny - Lake Chambers - Lake Douglas - Forty Lakes Peak - Lake Nameless | (6 km) Day walk | | 4 | Lake Nameless - Ritters Track (Central Plateau) - Pencil Pine Tarn | (9 km) | | 5 | Pencil Pine Tarn - Lake Gwendy - Turrana Heights - Turrana Bluff - Mersey Crag - Pencil Pine Tarn | (15 km) Day walk | | 6 | Pencil Pine Tarn - Lake Butters - Ritters Track - Zion Gate -Mt. Jerusalem - Gate of the Chain - Pool of Siloam - Walls of Jerusalem | (12 km) | | 7 | Circuit of Walls of Jerusalem | (5 km) | | 8 | Pool of Siloam - Damascus Vale - Lake Ball - Lake Toorah | (9 km) | | 9 | Lake Toorah - Chinamans Plains - South Ling Roth Lake | (10 km) | | 10 | South Ling Roth Lake -Mountains of Jupiter - Lake Payanna | (5 km) | | 11 | Lake Payanna - Lake Athena - Lake Pallas - Orion Lakes | (5 km) | | 12 | Orion Lakes - Traveller Range - Du Cane Gap - Lake Marion | (17 km) | | 13 | Lake Marion - Narcissus River - Lake St. Clair | (20 km approx.) | | 14 | Spare Day | | | 15 | Lake St. Clair - Hobart - Sydney | | | Leader: | Peter Harris | Total kilometres | = | 95 | | | 88-3637 (H) | Plus day walk km | = | 26 | | | | Total kilometres | = | 121 | | Grade: | Medium - | Average per day | = | 8 (15 days)| | | Extended walk | | | | | Maps: | Mersey 1:100,000 (Map No.81149 Tas.) | | | Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park Map | - All food must be carried (13 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners). Two food parties will function. - Members of party must be equipped to expect snow. - The plateau is mostly clear of vegetation; some heathland; some richea scrub around some lakes, including Lake Payanna and Mountains of Jupiter. Gaiters are advisable. - Camping areas are limited - maximum of 4 tents (8 people). Space remaining for 5 people. - The party is democratic, but in the event of a conflict of interests the leader's decision is final and must be abided. ===== A Matter of Perception ===== by Don Matthews Kath Brown was having a surprise birthday party. Not for me to disclose which one, but it was an event to be celebrated. Nor do I intend to describe the scene at that happy gathering at the Duncans'. I do however feel the need to record the S.B.W.'s tangible-appreciation of the enormous amount of effort that Kath and Jim have put into Club affairs and of the discreet way in which they have helped new chums, both in the clubrooms and on the track. I also felt the need to add my own personal thanks for their companionship over many years by reciting a birthday ode at the party. There are some people who can speak with eloquence, dignity, and feeling at the drop of a hat, and there are some of us whose attempts at opera end up as overtures and whose best efforts at serious verse end up as doggerel. As I stood under the shower an the morning of the party washing my shirts and socks, it suddenly struck me that I had better get moving on the ode. The last time I wrote one it was Owen who threw out the challenge. He rang me at work at lunchtime on that occasion. “I want,” he demanded, “fourteen lines of the worst drivel you've ever written. I want it by eight o'clock tonight.” I was hugely flattered. “If” I replied, “I can think of something in the time it takes to eat my cheese sandwich, then O.K., but otherwise you're on your own.” Somehow the cheese sandwich worked. On this occasion, however, the white heat of inspiration was not so evident, and it took six cups of tea, but the germ of an idea had been floating around in the back of my head for some time. It was all to do with assimilation. When I went on my first day walk with the S.B.W., one of the tough lady walkers eyed me speculatively and muttered darkly, “Hmph, they'll burn you off. They're a tough lot.” I wasn't unduly worried at this because I'd been around the bush for long enough to look after myself, but I was a trifle concerned when, during the following week, the tough lot declined my presence on a weekend 'Walk Of quite moderate proportions. “Oh well,” I thought, “after all, they are a tough lot”. Next week I tried again, and_very tentatively approached the Browns about their weekend walk, whose proportions seemed much the same. No problems! I was welcomed with open arms and never looked back. So the ode for Kath is based on fact, and it is dedicated to both Kath and Jim, because I'm sure that's the way Kath would prefer it. ==== Birthday Ode ==== | Some score and ten short years ago | | When some of us were young | | And walking, for a pastime, | | We had only just begun, | | I ventured out to Coal Nine Creek | | In apprehens-iun. | | | | I'd joined the S.B.W. | | I thought I knew it all. | | They looked me up and down_they did | | Those fellows who stood tall. | | “You can't go on this walk or that, | | You're far too bloomin' small.” | | | | But then I met some wiser folk | | Their name - you've guessed? - was Brown. | | “Just come with us,” they volunteered, | | “Erase that worried frown. | | Come for a walk to Coal Mine Creek | | From Perry's Lookout - down:” | | | | I grabbed my pack, my hobnailed boots, | | My bag of Terry's meal. | | The leader gazed upon my load, | | And said “How does it feel? | | It looks a little high to me, | | Adjust it to your keel. | | Try sneakers too, instead of boots, | | The benefits are real.” | | | | So down I went to Coal Mine Creek; | | The Tigers? they were there, | | But nicely held in rein by those | | Who took some thought and care | | And hardly ever lost a soul - | | They always got them there. | | | | So if you think the going's tough | | Be patient, and you'll find | | That someone has the long term view, | | The proper state of mind, | | And certainly will wait for you | | If you are all behind. | | | |Now let us drink a toast or two | |To friends of some renown | |Whose talents we should add include | |The use of verb and noun - | |A toast in grape or orange juice | |To Kath, and to Jim Browns | So we drank our toasts, and listened while Kath responded with eloquence, dignity and feeling. And this at the drop of a hat, because it was a genuine surprise party. Wonderful! ===== City to Surf in Forty Two Minutes ===== by Nancye Alderson We are standing at the top of William Street near the entrance to the Kings Cross tunnel and we can see thousands of athletes lining up at College Street to take part in the thirteenth annual Sun City to Surf race of 14 km to Bondi Beach. The runners who think they will make the distance in less than an hour are in front. The next group think they will finish in 70 minutes, and finally the people who think they will take 90 minutes or more. The favourite runner today is Zephaniah Ncube from Zimbabwe. A crowd is waiting for the athletes to go past and there is a sense of anticipation and excitement. It is a brilliant day and the sun is warm on our backs. The Hare Krishna wearing their pale pink flowing robes are playing their shrill instruments on the side of the road. It is 9:55 am, only 5 minutes to go before the race starts. Far away in the distance I can hear a pipe band playing. Two minutes to go now. Here they come, they are off and running down William Street and what a pace! A sea of petiple is moving like a great wave and the crowd behind me are pushing to get a better view. Now the athletes are coming up the hill and whistles and a horn are blowing. The police cars, the Sun car and trucks carrying the gear belonging to people in the race are just cruising past us. Here are the athletes stepping it out up the hill, the majority are men of all ages and they look pretty fit to me. Dressed in red, white, green, blue or gold shorts and tops it is an amazing sight. Several men running past are wearing earphones. As they go through the King's Cross tunnel the athletes are calling out and there is an echo of calls and whistles. I can't believe it, they are still coming by in thousands. What a kaleidoscope of colour and people, large and small, young and old, we can't see the end of the group from Town Hall yet. They are running, jogging, ambling, cruising, wheeling, pushing and walking. There aren't too many girls, just a sprinkling. Two young men are passing in wheelchairs, it is a mighty effort for them coming up this hill. A group of six men and women is just going past carrying a cloth poster reading “HCF Budget Cover” and another poster says “G'Day Sydney”. Each athlete has a number pinned to the front of his or her chest and number 25,003 has just passed. A fee of $4 has been paid by entrants and the Spastic Centre receives part of the proceeds. A few girls are walking here, I expect the hill is too much for them. I feel dizzy watching the crowd as they move up and down. And still they come. One man has his girl friend an his shoulders and he is jogging along energetically. The girls are coming now, they are in the group which will take more than 90 minutes. The road is littered with plastic garbage bags and T-shirtS which people have worn in the race until they warm up and then thrown onto the roadway. There's a black and white dog on a lead and he has a number too. A man has a trolley with a cattle.' dog on it and he is blowing a horn, there is a sign attached to the trolley and it says “Spirit of Australia”. Number 27,000 has just passed us. Here canes a group called “Sedgwick” and they have a red banner. The tail end is coming up now, and there are another two dogs an leads, they are basset hounds. Two ladies with pushers are going past and I see there are quite a few baby entrants. There goes an army man with his rifle, he is racing along. Now the ambulances are driving past, four of them, and a few mini buses including the Spastic Centre bus. Suddenly it is all quiet, everyone has gone through the tunnel, in 15 minutes the athletes have all passed us. Well, it's over at this end. What a marvellous spectacle… wait a minute, an English taxi is coming along and it has a sign which reads, “Follow me to health and fitness”. Here we are at the finishing line and the athletes are looking rather different to when they first started. There is a lot of perspiration and tiredness showing as they come around a bend in the road to the finishing line. What amazes me is that everyone is still keeping up a very steady pace at the end of 14 km. A man is going past wheeling two little children fa pusher and there goes the man pushing his lawn mower with his lady friend sitting on top of it. A partially blind man, number 7,290, is just passing and also the man piggy-backing his girl friend, he still is running energetically. He has done well, he has been running 1 hour 45 minutes carrying a person weighing about 8 stone on his shoulders. I can tell by the expressions on faces there are people feeling exhausted. Three little boys about 6 years old and two boys on roller Skates are going past. An alsatian with his number on his back is passing and so is the HOP Budget group.' Numbers 28,970, 29,218, and 29,466 are just going by. A man dressed as a nun is runninga long, he looks a bit silly dressed in that outfit and wearing a pair of sandshoes. Now we are near the finishing line with its photo finish camera and the runner's check. Gold-banners add to the colour and spirit of the day and the officials