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198411 [2014/12/16 11:18] – kclacher198411 [2014/12/21 09:46] (current) – kclacher
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 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. 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.
  
-|EDITOR:  |Ainslie Morris, 45 Austin Street Lane Cove, 2066 Telephone 428,3178  | +|Editor  |Ainslie Morris, 45 Austin Street Lane Cove, 2066 Telephone 428,3178  | 
-|BUSINESS MANAGER:  |Bill Burke, 3 Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford, 2118 Telephone 871,1207  | +|Business Manager  |Bill Burke, 3 Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford, 2118 Telephone 871,1207  | 
-|PRODUCTION MANAGER:  |Helen Gray  | +|Production Manager  |Helen Gray  | 
-|TYPIST:  |Kath Brown  | +|Typist  |Kath Brown  | 
-|PRINTERS:  |Phil Butt and Barbara Evans.  |+|Printers  |Phil Butt and Barbara Evans  |
  
-==== NOVEMBER, 1984. ====+==== November 1984 ====
  
 | |  |   Page| | |  |   Page|
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 |Obituary - Peter Price  | |  11| |Obituary - Peter Price  | |  11|
 |Social Notes for December   |Roger Browne   |  12| |Social Notes for December   |Roger Browne   |  12|
-|Reminder from Committee  | |  12|+|**Reminder** from Committee  | |  12|
  
-===== THE MINI MINI REVISITED. =====+===== THE MINI MINI REVISITED =====
  
-by Ben Esgate.+by Ben Esgate
  
 (An account of the walk of 14, 15, 16 September - As told to Dot Butler.) (An account of the walk of 14, 15, 16 September - As told to Dot Butler.)
  
-__Steak or Chicken?__\\   +**Steak or Chicken?**\\   
-The party, consisting of Dot Butler, Bill Hall, Ainslie Morris, Mike Reynolds and myself as leader, arrived at Blackheath station at 9.52 pm. A taxi took us to the camping site on the western side of the Divide at its junction with Black Range at 3,600 ft. We emerged to a rather cool atmosphere, including low cloud and drizzle. Three of us elected to camp on the concrete floor of an old shelter shed, which was rather __stable__, to say the least. After Dot had manufactured a bed out of an old armchair we all settled down to spasmodic sleep.+The party, consisting of Dot Butler, Bill Hall, Ainslie Morris, Mike Reynolds and myself as leader, arrived at Blackheath station at 9.52 pm. A taxi took us to the camping site on the western side of the Divide at its junction with Black Range at 3,600 ft. We emerged to a rather cool atmosphere, including low cloud and drizzle. Three of us elected to camp on the concrete floor of an old shelter shed, which was rather **stable**, to say the least. After Dot had manufactured a bed out of an old armchair we all settled down to spasmodic sleep.
  
 We were greeted at daylight, not by the noise of young birds, but by a very hoary frost. Without too much difficulty a fire was finally lit and breakfast disposed of. I, at this stage, decided to extend the walk by one km to avoid pine trees. The route involved following the main spur of the Black Range for 4 km, thence on an old fire trail in a NE direction, skirting the perimeter of Beefsteak Creek, thence into the rather deep chasm of the creek. In the early days Beefsteak Creek was known as the White Leghorn. It is believed an old fossicker had a camp at the head of this creek and had some white leghorn fowls which used to run wild in the bush and were occasionally seen by timber cutters. We were greeted at daylight, not by the noise of young birds, but by a very hoary frost. Without too much difficulty a fire was finally lit and breakfast disposed of. I, at this stage, decided to extend the walk by one km to avoid pine trees. The route involved following the main spur of the Black Range for 4 km, thence on an old fire trail in a NE direction, skirting the perimeter of Beefsteak Creek, thence into the rather deep chasm of the creek. In the early days Beefsteak Creek was known as the White Leghorn. It is believed an old fossicker had a camp at the head of this creek and had some white leghorn fowls which used to run wild in the bush and were occasionally seen by timber cutters.
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 We crossed Beefsteak Creek and replenished our water supply, then climbed out on to the main spur leading east, which leads to the junction of Beefsteak Creek and the upper reaches of Little River. The descent into this region was rather tortuous, down a very narrow, interesting quartzite rock spur. An abrupt halt was called from the rear as Mike had driven a rather large piece of wood into his finger, which necessitated surgical attention. However, after 20 minutes of fingers, thumbs and knives, the pressure was removed but not the splinter. Eventually the junction was reached through a canopy of southern rainforest deep in the gully. We then followed the base of Little River for another 2 km to the lowest crossing of a fire trail. We were now 10 km from our start. Now up the firetrail, over another small range (name unknown), and eventually reached Waterfall Creek. We had lunch at a rather majestic spot overlooking the main chasm of Little River and a huge face of granite rock over which the waterfall poured. At this stage we were roughly half an hour behind because of Mike's operation. We crossed Beefsteak Creek and replenished our water supply, then climbed out on to the main spur leading east, which leads to the junction of Beefsteak Creek and the upper reaches of Little River. The descent into this region was rather tortuous, down a very narrow, interesting quartzite rock spur. An abrupt halt was called from the rear as Mike had driven a rather large piece of wood into his finger, which necessitated surgical attention. However, after 20 minutes of fingers, thumbs and knives, the pressure was removed but not the splinter. Eventually the junction was reached through a canopy of southern rainforest deep in the gully. We then followed the base of Little River for another 2 km to the lowest crossing of a fire trail. We were now 10 km from our start. Now up the firetrail, over another small range (name unknown), and eventually reached Waterfall Creek. We had lunch at a rather majestic spot overlooking the main chasm of Little River and a huge face of granite rock over which the waterfall poured. At this stage we were roughly half an hour behind because of Mike's operation.
  
-__On the Table.__ \\ +**On the Table** \\ 
 Lunch over, we proceeded to climb to Table Rock (or, as it is now known, South Gibraltar Rock) overlooking Kanimbla Valley. With some difficulty we climbed to the top of a small cliff face of conglomerate sandstone, and from this we obtained a wonderful panoramic view, from a different angle, from Katoomba to Kanangra Walls. The cameras were busy clicking. We had climbed since breakfast approximately 1,600 ft. Lunch over, we proceeded to climb to Table Rock (or, as it is now known, South Gibraltar Rock) overlooking Kanimbla Valley. With some difficulty we climbed to the top of a small cliff face of conglomerate sandstone, and from this we obtained a wonderful panoramic view, from a different angle, from Katoomba to Kanangra Walls. The cameras were busy clicking. We had climbed since breakfast approximately 1,600 ft.
  
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 carbines for many years, but no one ever got hit. It ended probably when Butfields bought the Kiangatha Homestead from Dysons (Dyson maintaining only the area of Coxs River known as Dysons Flats). Now the feuding parties were too far away to see each other. As I knew both the Dwyers personally I can understand this, as old Ned was always likely to get somebody into trouble. carbines for many years, but no one ever got hit. It ended probably when Butfields bought the Kiangatha Homestead from Dysons (Dyson maintaining only the area of Coxs River known as Dysons Flats). Now the feuding parties were too far away to see each other. As I knew both the Dwyers personally I can understand this, as old Ned was always likely to get somebody into trouble.
  
-__Murdering to the Coxs.__ \\ +**Murdering to the Coxs**\\ 
 We now turned east from the main spur to look for a campsite in the fading light. We found a wonderful spot in Murdering Creek gully - lots of wood and a beautiful spring oozing out of the granite rock. Everyone gratefully came to rest. Dot busily converted herself into a scrub turkey. Having built a monstrous mound of bark and leaves she proceeded to erect her tent over it, leaving little room for the turkey. We now turned east from the main spur to look for a campsite in the fading light. We found a wonderful spot in Murdering Creek gully - lots of wood and a beautiful spring oozing out of the granite rock. Everyone gratefully came to rest. Dot busily converted herself into a scrub turkey. Having built a monstrous mound of bark and leaves she proceeded to erect her tent over it, leaving little room for the turkey.
  
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 We then proceeded up the Six Foot Track towards the Megalong Creek junction. The track was in its original state except for water erosion on it over probably a century of use. Everybody was very excited by the rugged splendour of that particular zone of the Cox, the water cascading through the great granites, with campsites galore. This beautiful vista will cease to exist once the second dam gets built in Kanimbla Valley several miles upstream from this area. The dam will reduce the main flow of the Cox. The bed of the river will be used as a pipeline. We then proceeded up the Six Foot Track towards the Megalong Creek junction. The track was in its original state except for water erosion on it over probably a century of use. Everybody was very excited by the rugged splendour of that particular zone of the Cox, the water cascading through the great granites, with campsites galore. This beautiful vista will cease to exist once the second dam gets built in Kanimbla Valley several miles upstream from this area. The dam will reduce the main flow of the Cox. The bed of the river will be used as a pipeline.
  
-__Shades of Yesteryear.__\\  +**Shades of Yesteryear**\\  
 I now decided to pick up the original route, which meant crossing some private territory for half a kilometre to Pulpit Hill Creek, and I prevailed on the party not to be too raucous so as not to attract the attention of the owners. We proceeded up to the Megalong Public School where Carley Brown used to teach, and the little Uniting Church which I built 43 years ago to replace the old mud building which had fallen to pieces (this building is mentioned in the Blackheath Historical Society's book). Everybody was feeling reasonably fit so we decided to proceed to the Back Creek, a tributary of Megalong Creek, via Mary Ann's Tableland. (Mary Ann was the great-grandmother of Mrs. Gordon Boyd, the present property owner of most of the country on the west side of the Coxs towards Gibraltar Rocks. They are very wonderful people who do not frown upon sensible entry to their land.) I now decided to pick up the original route, which meant crossing some private territory for half a kilometre to Pulpit Hill Creek, and I prevailed on the party not to be too raucous so as not to attract the attention of the owners. We proceeded up to the Megalong Public School where Carley Brown used to teach, and the little Uniting Church which I built 43 years ago to replace the old mud building which had fallen to pieces (this building is mentioned in the Blackheath Historical Society's book). Everybody was feeling reasonably fit so we decided to proceed to the Back Creek, a tributary of Megalong Creek, via Mary Ann's Tableland. (Mary Ann was the great-grandmother of Mrs. Gordon Boyd, the present property owner of most of the country on the west side of the Coxs towards Gibraltar Rocks. They are very wonderful people who do not frown upon sensible entry to their land.)
  
 We had lunch on the Back Creek and it was decided to continue up the spur as originally planned to climb the Sentinel, and so out of the valley on to the tableland west of the Explorers Tree, Katoomba. The rise was comfortable, though steep. We reached the base of the cliffs. Bill took one look at it and decided that climbing was not for him and retraced his steps to go out via Nelly's Glen. Having picked the climbing route I climbed up and was dismayed to find that the shale ledge had deteriorated through weathering and was uncomfortably dangerous. I returned down and we decided to skirt the Sentinel Point to the south side where there is a thick scrubby entrance into the Gap, roughly 30 ft wide. This little exercise, traversing the steep side, caused us 20 minutes delay. Then, under my direction, Dot went round a narrow Ledge and pronounced it "cat's meat" (a New Zealand mountaineer's term meaning just too easy). So we climbed up through a narrow vertical channel to arrive at the spikes placed in the cliff face by me about 1937. It was possible to climb the cliff without spikes, but one would need no encumbrances. I threw a 35 ft cord down after I had climbed up, snigged the packs up, and all climbed up with safety. Mike and Ainslie found a small notebook planted under some stones which had a couple of entries dated 1981 and 1983. We had lunch on the Back Creek and it was decided to continue up the spur as originally planned to climb the Sentinel, and so out of the valley on to the tableland west of the Explorers Tree, Katoomba. The rise was comfortable, though steep. We reached the base of the cliffs. Bill took one look at it and decided that climbing was not for him and retraced his steps to go out via Nelly's Glen. Having picked the climbing route I climbed up and was dismayed to find that the shale ledge had deteriorated through weathering and was uncomfortably dangerous. I returned down and we decided to skirt the Sentinel Point to the south side where there is a thick scrubby entrance into the Gap, roughly 30 ft wide. This little exercise, traversing the steep side, caused us 20 minutes delay. Then, under my direction, Dot went round a narrow Ledge and pronounced it "cat's meat" (a New Zealand mountaineer's term meaning just too easy). So we climbed up through a narrow vertical channel to arrive at the spikes placed in the cliff face by me about 1937. It was possible to climb the cliff without spikes, but one would need no encumbrances. I threw a 35 ft cord down after I had climbed up, snigged the packs up, and all climbed up with safety. Mike and Ainslie found a small notebook planted under some stones which had a couple of entries dated 1981 and 1983.
  
-__Over the Top to Katoomba.__\\  +**Over the Top to Katoomba**\\  
 By now we were on top of the main cliff line. We ascended a small spur of about 200 ft. Dot, on arrival, decided to weed out some seedling pines that were growing in the sand. I pointed out that she may have to stop here for some time as we were on the edge of a pine forest consisting of about a million trees) which had failed completely. Hopefully the native bush will regenerate as there are some beautiful stands of white mountain ash (Eucalyptus Oreades) along the southern escarpment of this plateau. These trees only grow in the Blue Mountains and this is only one of the very few which had withstood the onslaughts of man and fire. Fire destroys them very easily. By now we were on top of the main cliff line. We ascended a small spur of about 200 ft. Dot, on arrival, decided to weed out some seedling pines that were growing in the sand. I pointed out that she may have to stop here for some time as we were on the edge of a pine forest consisting of about a million trees) which had failed completely. Hopefully the native bush will regenerate as there are some beautiful stands of white mountain ash (Eucalyptus Oreades) along the southern escarpment of this plateau. These trees only grow in the Blue Mountains and this is only one of the very few which had withstood the onslaughts of man and fire. Fire destroys them very easily.
  
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 Ainslie, Mike and I went for a snack at Papadino's, but my mouth was far too dry to masticate my food, so that was that. However, we joined the next train and parted at Central with me en route to Dot's place to pick up my Mighty Mouse to travel home, as trains are infrequent on my line. All agreed we had had a very successful and enjoyable trip, involving a distance of 45 km and 4,500 ft of climbing. Ainslie, Mike and I went for a snack at Papadino's, but my mouth was far too dry to masticate my food, so that was that. However, we joined the next train and parted at Central with me en route to Dot's place to pick up my Mighty Mouse to travel home, as trains are infrequent on my line. All agreed we had had a very successful and enjoyable trip, involving a distance of 45 km and 4,500 ft of climbing.
  
-__MANY THANKS__  to Frances Longfoot, a new member, who was very helpful in producing last month's magazine.+**Many thanks** to Frances Longfoot, a new member, who was very helpful in producing last month's magazine.
  
-===== THE FLOWER PEOPLE. =====+===== THE FLOWER PEOPLE =====
  
-by Jim Brown.+by Jim Brown
  
 No, this has nothing to do with Hippies or Alternative Life Style folk, who opted out of the Rat Race from the 1960s onward .... No, this has nothing to do with Hippies or Alternative Life Style folk, who opted out of the Rat Race from the 1960s onward ....
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 It does appear, however, that between about 1800 and 1850 there were three main ways in which to have a newly found Genus of Australian wild flowers named after you:- It does appear, however, that between about 1800 and 1850 there were three main ways in which to have a newly found Genus of Australian wild flowers named after you:-
  
-__1. The Easy Way.__\\  +**1. The Easy Way**\\  
 To be an aristocrat, and an amateur botanist, like George of Blandford, Baron Hake or the Countess of Hardenberg. You then financed, sponsored or supported a tame botanist who went out to Australia and did some of the first bush walking. Most of these enthusiastic amateurs themselves took care to stay in Europe, but one notable exception was Colonel William Paterson, for whom the Purple Flag Iris (Patersonia) was named. This is almost certainly the same Colonel Paterson who was the senior military officer in the fledgling colony of N.S.W. at the time Governor Bligh was deposed, and who then became the de facto Lieutenant Governor until Lachlan Macquarie was appointed. Since Paterson was commandant of the N.S.W. Corps (The Rum Corps), perhaps his deepest regret was that the various native plants he examined were quite unsuitable for distillation into fermented liquor. To be an aristocrat, and an amateur botanist, like George of Blandford, Baron Hake or the Countess of Hardenberg. You then financed, sponsored or supported a tame botanist who went out to Australia and did some of the first bush walking. Most of these enthusiastic amateurs themselves took care to stay in Europe, but one notable exception was Colonel William Paterson, for whom the Purple Flag Iris (Patersonia) was named. This is almost certainly the same Colonel Paterson who was the senior military officer in the fledgling colony of N.S.W. at the time Governor Bligh was deposed, and who then became the de facto Lieutenant Governor until Lachlan Macquarie was appointed. Since Paterson was commandant of the N.S.W. Corps (The Rum Corps), perhaps his deepest regret was that the various native plants he examined were quite unsuitable for distillation into fermented liquor.
  
-__2. The Middle Path.__\\  +**2. The Middle Path**\\  
 Be a keen practising botanist or a well-known writer on the subject - someone that the field botanist would either respect or wish to cultivate. The following catalogue takes account of just a few of the species that borrowed the names of people in this category: Be a keen practising botanist or a well-known writer on the subject - someone that the field botanist would either respect or wish to cultivate. The following catalogue takes account of just a few of the species that borrowed the names of people in this category:
  
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 |Darwinia (The Scent Myrtles)  |and named, of course, for that notorious iconoclast, Charles Darwin.  | |Darwinia (The Scent Myrtles)  |and named, of course, for that notorious iconoclast, Charles Darwin.  |
  
-__3. The Hard Way (Do it Yourself).__ +**3. The Hard Way (Do it Yourself)**\\  
 The most distinguished of this group was unquestionably Sir Joseph Banks, who accompanied James Cook on the voyage of the Endeavour, visiting the East Coast of Australia in 1770, and took back to Europe specimens of a wholly new range of plants. It is perhaps worth noting that they came to "Botany Bay" at the end of April, a time when few of our bush flowers are in bloom, but many of the Banksias are, including both the "Hairpin Banksias" (B. Ericifolia and B. Spinulosa), the Coast Honeysuckle (B. Integrifolia), the little Banksia Marginata, and even a few residual flowers of the Grand-daddy Banksia (B. Serrata). The most distinguished of this group was unquestionably Sir Joseph Banks, who accompanied James Cook on the voyage of the Endeavour, visiting the East Coast of Australia in 1770, and took back to Europe specimens of a wholly new range of plants. It is perhaps worth noting that they came to "Botany Bay" at the end of April, a time when few of our bush flowers are in bloom, but many of the Banksias are, including both the "Hairpin Banksias" (B. Ericifolia and B. Spinulosa), the Coast Honeysuckle (B. Integrifolia), the little Banksia Marginata, and even a few residual flowers of the Grand-daddy Banksia (B. Serrata).
  
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 Then there is the Hon. C. F. Greville, an English gentleman and botanical enthusiast who, I am informed, took his favourite flower called Emma with him when he went out to Italy to assist his uncle, who was British Ambassador to the Court of Naples. On arrival, Emma, with an eye to the better chance, married the uncle, Sir William Hamilton. Later a British naval squadron visited Naples in pursuit of the French fleet which had gone to Egypt, and Emma transferred her affections to the commodore, one Admiral Horatio Nelson. If this outrageous tale be true, the Hon. C. F. Greville has two claims to historical fame. Since our marvellous "Spider Flowers" and "Toothbrush Flowers" (Grevillea) are named for him, I know which fame I would have preferred if I had been in his shoes. Then there is the Hon. C. F. Greville, an English gentleman and botanical enthusiast who, I am informed, took his favourite flower called Emma with him when he went out to Italy to assist his uncle, who was British Ambassador to the Court of Naples. On arrival, Emma, with an eye to the better chance, married the uncle, Sir William Hamilton. Later a British naval squadron visited Naples in pursuit of the French fleet which had gone to Egypt, and Emma transferred her affections to the commodore, one Admiral Horatio Nelson. If this outrageous tale be true, the Hon. C. F. Greville has two claims to historical fame. Since our marvellous "Spider Flowers" and "Toothbrush Flowers" (Grevillea) are named for him, I know which fame I would have preferred if I had been in his shoes.
  
-(FOOTNOTE: In case any purist or perfectionist may happen to read this. It is intended as an "entertainment" - to quote Graham Greene - and should __NOT__ be taken too seriously. The names of the various Genera of plants, +(**Footnote**: In case any purist or perfectionist may happen to read this. It is intended as an "entertainment" - to quote Graham Greene - and should **not** be taken too seriously. The names of the various Genera of plants, and the names of the people who are remembered by them are correct as given by books in my possession. The rest of the essay contains a good deal of conjecture, hearsay and plain old-fashioned garbage.)
-and the names of the people who are remembered by them are correct as given by books in my possession. The rest of the essay contains a good deal of conjecture, hearsay and plain old-fashioned garbage.)+
  
-===== LOTS BETTER THAN WE'D PLANNED. =====+===== LOTS BETTER THAN WE'D PLANNED =====
  
-by Barbara Evans.+by Barbara Evans
  
 "There's a cave at the foot of the cliff line." A cheerful voice rang across Kanuka Brook. There was rustling among the saplings and a smiling Roger Browne stepped into view. "We can have our fire at the rocky end and at the other there's a flat sandy floor big enough to sleep eight." A quick check on our fingers confirmed that we were seven. Big enough. The alternatives were a very small spit of sand by the creek, and a few scattered stony spots. "There's a cave at the foot of the cliff line." A cheerful voice rang across Kanuka Brook. There was rustling among the saplings and a smiling Roger Browne stepped into view. "We can have our fire at the rocky end and at the other there's a flat sandy floor big enough to sleep eight." A quick check on our fingers confirmed that we were seven. Big enough. The alternatives were a very small spit of sand by the creek, and a few scattered stony spots.
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 We filled waterbags and scrambled a hundred feet or so up through thick scrub. Wood was plentiful and in minutes flames were illuminating the golden honeycomb roof. There were cups of tea and nibbles all round; then Roger went out to climb the ridge above, while the rest of us lazed and chatted and chuckled (and sometimes winced) at Simon Parkin's punning wit. Opposite us the country had a remarkably vertical look about it, and as we contemplated it, I, a somewhat un-trepid leader, tried not to worry about the morrow. We filled waterbags and scrambled a hundred feet or so up through thick scrub. Wood was plentiful and in minutes flames were illuminating the golden honeycomb roof. There were cups of tea and nibbles all round; then Roger went out to climb the ridge above, while the rest of us lazed and chatted and chuckled (and sometimes winced) at Simon Parkin's punning wit. Opposite us the country had a remarkably vertical look about it, and as we contemplated it, I, a somewhat un-trepid leader, tried not to worry about the morrow.
  
-You see, we were in the WRONG PLACE. My original idea had been to saunter along St. Helena Ridge from the Duckhole and camp in the volcanic neck. However, St. Helena has been spoiled by frequent pony camps, and when Brian Bolton (in the clubroom) had mentioned a beautiful camp spot in Kanuka Brook, I happily altered our proposed route. Brian pointed on the map to the junction of Kanuka Brook and Goonaroi Rill. He had described a cave, a beach and a grassy flat for the tents. The next day, he'd explained, we would climb the ridge, go a bit to the left and find an exit slot in the cliffs. It sounded pretty straightforward.+You see, we were in the **wrong place**. My original idea had been to saunter along St. Helena Ridge from the Duckhole and camp in the volcanic neck. However, St. Helena has been spoiled by frequent pony camps, and when Brian Bolton (in the clubroom) had mentioned a beautiful camp spot in Kanuka Brook, I happily altered our proposed route. Brian pointed on the map to the junction of Kanuka Brook and Goonaroi Rill. He had described a cave, a beach and a grassy flat for the tents. The next day, he'd explained, we would climb the ridge, go a bit to the left and find an exit slot in the cliffs. It sounded pretty straightforward.
  
 All confidence, we set out from the Duckhole, enjoying the walk past the deep clear pools and pale beaches of Kanuka Brook. Shortly after lunch we came to a looping north/south bend. At the top of the bend sat a party of Mt. Druitt walkers. They were in a cave by a beach, on the opposite bank their tents stood on a grassy flat. It was exactly as Brian had described - except that there was no creek junction. Could there be two such perfect campsites? You guessed! The country grew more precipitous, and an hour later, at the junction of Goonaroi Rill, there was no site to speak of, and as for an exit route, the ridges were composed entirely of overhangs which, with the aid of a plumbline, had been placed precisely one above the other. All confidence, we set out from the Duckhole, enjoying the walk past the deep clear pools and pale beaches of Kanuka Brook. Shortly after lunch we came to a looping north/south bend. At the top of the bend sat a party of Mt. Druitt walkers. They were in a cave by a beach, on the opposite bank their tents stood on a grassy flat. It was exactly as Brian had described - except that there was no creek junction. Could there be two such perfect campsites? You guessed! The country grew more precipitous, and an hour later, at the junction of Goonaroi Rill, there was no site to speak of, and as for an exit route, the ridges were composed entirely of overhangs which, with the aid of a plumbline, had been placed precisely one above the other.
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 The remainder of the walk went according to programme: lunch in St. Helena; magnificent views at Bunyan Lookout; a scratchy slither through mountain holly down to Glenbrook Creek and the rock of the twenty third psalm. A pleasant track took us to Western Creek for afternoon tea. Roger and Simon swam here, but Bill, Vicky and I were content to join Cathy and Judy Longfoot in a well earned rest on a shady rock. Shortly after 3.30 pm we recrossed Glenbrook Creek and continued along the track, branching right at the Perch Ponds for a brisk walk up the gentle incline of Magdala Creek to Springwood. The remainder of the walk went according to programme: lunch in St. Helena; magnificent views at Bunyan Lookout; a scratchy slither through mountain holly down to Glenbrook Creek and the rock of the twenty third psalm. A pleasant track took us to Western Creek for afternoon tea. Roger and Simon swam here, but Bill, Vicky and I were content to join Cathy and Judy Longfoot in a well earned rest on a shady rock. Shortly after 3.30 pm we recrossed Glenbrook Creek and continued along the track, branching right at the Perch Ponds for a brisk walk up the gentle incline of Magdala Creek to Springwood.
  
-Had the walk gone as planned we would have enjoyed one of those heavenly weekends, so lazy that they are a bit embarrassing to talk about. As it was we Altered the schedule, went to the wrong place, and providentially had an excellent walk - in fact it was LOTS BETTER THAN WE'D PLANNED!+Had the walk gone as planned we would have enjoyed one of those heavenly weekends, so lazy that they are a bit embarrassing to talk about. As it was we Altered the schedule, went to the wrong place, and providentially had an excellent walk - in fact it was **lots better than we'd planned**!
  
-===== NEW MEMBERS & ADDRESSES. =====+===== NEW MEMBERS & ADDRESSES =====
  
 Please add the following names to your Membership List:- Please add the following names to your Membership List:-
-|DAVIS, Greta,   |4A/8 Bligh Place, Randwick, 2631 Phone 398,4053  | +|**Davis**, Greta,   |4A/8 Bligh Place, Randwick, 2631 Phone 398,4053  | 
-|MAXWELL, Stuart,   |8/8 Munro Street, Berry's Bay, 2060 922,5075  | +|**Maxwell**, Stuart,   |8/8 Munro Street, Berry's Bay, 2060 922,5075  | 
-|PAYNE, Carol,   |Bush House, 21B Baldwin Street, East Gordon 2072 498,8995  | +|**Payne**, Carol,   |Bush House, 21B Baldwin Street, East Gordon 2072 498,8995  | 
-|SCHEMBRI, John,   |8 Hamel Crescent, Earlwood, 2206 55,3611  | +|**Schembri**, John,   |8 Hamel Crescent, Earlwood, 2206 55,3611  | 
-|SIMANKEVICIUS, Almis,   |10 Vista Street, Greenwich, 2065 439,7812  | +|**Simankevecius**, Almis,   |10 Vista Street, Greenwich, 2065 439,7812  | 
-|SOMMER, Libby,   |2/63 Muston Street, Mosman, 2088 969, 1283  | +|**Sommer**, Libby,   |2/63 Muston Street, Mosman, 2088 969,1283  | 
-|VERSCHUER, Anne,   |243 Norton Street, Leichhardt, 2040 560,1773  |+|**Verschuer**, Anne,   |243 Norton Street, Leichhardt, 2040 560,1773  |
  
-===== THE CHANGING SOLE OF SKI TOURING. =====+===== THE CHANGING SOLE OF SKI TOURING =====
  
-by Tom Wenman.+by Tom Wenman
  
 Alas, the language of the ski tourer will never be the same again. The question, "What wax are you using?" no longer forms part of the traditional greetings which cross-country skiers exchange when they meet. The development of the waxless ski has in fact eliminated a whole topic from the ski tourer's conversation. No longer in the various mountain huts of the Snowy's or in small clusters of tents perched in sheltered spots are the merits of the day's performances analysed in such demanding terms, and the strengths and weaknesses of particular waxes or the method of their application discussed with such fervour. The no-wax ski has done away with all this and the serrated roar of waxless soles scraping over the snow can be heard all over the mountains. Alas, the language of the ski tourer will never be the same again. The question, "What wax are you using?" no longer forms part of the traditional greetings which cross-country skiers exchange when they meet. The development of the waxless ski has in fact eliminated a whole topic from the ski tourer's conversation. No longer in the various mountain huts of the Snowy's or in small clusters of tents perched in sheltered spots are the merits of the day's performances analysed in such demanding terms, and the strengths and weaknesses of particular waxes or the method of their application discussed with such fervour. The no-wax ski has done away with all this and the serrated roar of waxless soles scraping over the snow can be heard all over the mountains.
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 Some years ago when I first ventured into the mountain environment as a climber, the change from nailed boot to composition 'commando type' sole was in progress. In a similar way to the application of wax on skis, the variation of nail patterns was something of an individual choice. The 'commando type' sole put an end to all that, and once and for all established a standard pattern for everyone - well all that is except those hardy tigers who from stocking feet drifted off into very technical composition soles which relied entirely on friction. One beautiful day I remember watching and listening to the then Chief Guide of England's Lake District leading a client up a climb. The poetry of motion, as without a pause he selected each hand and foot hold, was matched by the steady click of nail on rock, and a more perfect combination for all the senses could not be imagined. Some years ago when I first ventured into the mountain environment as a climber, the change from nailed boot to composition 'commando type' sole was in progress. In a similar way to the application of wax on skis, the variation of nail patterns was something of an individual choice. The 'commando type' sole put an end to all that, and once and for all established a standard pattern for everyone - well all that is except those hardy tigers who from stocking feet drifted off into very technical composition soles which relied entirely on friction. One beautiful day I remember watching and listening to the then Chief Guide of England's Lake District leading a client up a climb. The poetry of motion, as without a pause he selected each hand and foot hold, was matched by the steady click of nail on rock, and a more perfect combination for all the senses could not be imagined.
  
-With the composition-sole boot, no longer do we have the discussion on the relative merits and placing of ring clinkers, tricounis and so on. Similarly with the advent of the waxless ski part of the mystique of the sport had gone. However, on turning back the pages of ski touring history even further, we find that skiers once made their own wax. Here is one such recipe: 13 ozs of Stockholm tar, 1 oz Beeswax, 2 oz Resin and (wait for it!) 1/2 oz of MELTED GRAMOPHONE RECORD!+With the composition-sole boot, no longer do we have the discussion on the relative merits and placing of ring clinkers, tricounis and so on. Similarly with the advent of the waxless ski part of the mystique of the sport had gone. However, on turning back the pages of ski touring history even further, we find that skiers once made their own wax. Here is one such recipe: 13 ozs of Stockholm tar, 1 oz Beeswax, 2 oz Resin and (wait for it!) 1/2 oz of **melted gramophone record**!
  
 Now theirs was a mystique indeed with an even more esoteric topic of conversation for those early devotees of the sport. I suppose they in their turn could also have looked somewhat critically at someone who purchased ready-made ski wax with instructions on its use! Now theirs was a mystique indeed with an even more esoteric topic of conversation for those early devotees of the sport. I suppose they in their turn could also have looked somewhat critically at someone who purchased ready-made ski wax with instructions on its use!
  
-===== OBITUARY. =====+===== OBITUARY =====
  
 We have learned that Mr. Peter Price, an active member of this Club in the late 1940's and early 1950's, died suddenly in August. On Saturday 27th October, in a private ceremony attended by his immediate family and his closest bushwalking friends, his ashes were scattered over the Grose River valley from Anvil Rock. We have learned that Mr. Peter Price, an active member of this Club in the late 1940's and early 1950's, died suddenly in August. On Saturday 27th October, in a private ceremony attended by his immediate family and his closest bushwalking friends, his ashes were scattered over the Grose River valley from Anvil Rock.
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 ===== SOCIAL NOTES FOR DECEMBER ===== ===== SOCIAL NOTES FOR DECEMBER =====
  
-by Roger Browne.+by Roger Browne
  
 |December 5   |Committee Meeting.  | |December 5   |Committee Meeting.  |
 |December 12  |General Meeting.  | |December 12  |General Meeting.  |
-| |DINNER before this meeting at Cheezie's Carvery, upstairs at 116 Willoughby Road, Crow's Nest. Meet outside at 6.30 pm sharp. Late arrivals ask for the Sydney Bush Walkers. BYO. $6 fixed price includes roast and salads.  | +| |**Dinner** before this meeting at Cheezie's Carvery, upstairs at 116 Willoughby Road, Crow's Nest. Meet outside at 6.30 pm sharp. Late arrivals ask for the Sydney Bush Walkers. BYO. $6 fixed price includes roast and salads.  | 
-|December 19  |CHRISTMAS PARTY. Bring a plate of party food.  The Club supplies cask wine, beer and fruit juice.  |+|December 19  |**Christmas Party**. Bring a plate of party food.  The Club supplies cask wine, beer and fruit juice.  |
 |December 26   |Clubroom closed.  | |December 26   |Clubroom closed.  |
 |January 2  |Clubroom closed.  | |January 2  |Clubroom closed.  |
  
-===== REMINDER FROM COMMITTEE.  =====+===== REMINDER FROM COMMITTEE  =====
  
-The President brings to your attention that __IT IS ESSENTIAL__  to notify the leader of __DAY WALKS__ as well as weekend walks if you wish to go on the walk. +The President brings to your attention that **it is essential** to notify the leader of **day walks** as well as weekend walks if you wish to go on the walk. 
  
-Large numbers have turned up on some recent day walks without notification and this is __NOT TO OCCUR__. Please phone the leader as requested.+Large numbers have turned up on some recent day walks without notification and this is **not to occur**. Please phone the leader as requested.
  
-__CLUB AUCTION.__ +**__Club Auction__**
  
 The Club Auction, held on 10th October, raised $221 for Club funds. The Club Auction, held on 10th October, raised $221 for Club funds.
  
-__LOST BY KEN GOULD.__+**__Lost by Ken Gould__**
    
-Lost: 1 litre Al. "SIGG" flask. Finder please phone 498-4467.+Lost: 1 litre Al. "Sigg" flask. Finder please phone 498-4467.
  
198411.1418689099.txt.gz · Last modified: 2014/12/16 11:18 by kclacher
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