198502
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This was my second journey down the Franklin (and my fourth trip into south-west Tasmania in as many years) but, nevertheless, | This was my second journey down the Franklin (and my fourth trip into south-west Tasmania in as many years) but, nevertheless, | ||
- | Once food, clothing, raft repair kit, people repair kit and numerous other miscellaneous pieces of equipment have been assembled, the task is then to compress them, and their numerous layers of plastic coating, into a water-proof home brew barrel and a ruck sack. If there are any leaks you can be sure that the river will find them. All is then secured to the raft and coverd | + | Once food, clothing, raft repair kit, people repair kit and numerous other miscellaneous pieces of equipment have been assembled, the task is then to compress them, and their numerous layers of plastic coating, into a water-proof home brew barrel and a ruck sack. If there are any leaks you can be sure that the river will find them. All is then secured to the raft and covered |
The trip takes around 14 days to complete but this can vary considerably according to weather conditions. The slightest rain can flood the river' | The trip takes around 14 days to complete but this can vary considerably according to weather conditions. The slightest rain can flood the river' | ||
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After three days on the river, our party reached the Irenabyss (which means 'chasm of peace' | After three days on the river, our party reached the Irenabyss (which means 'chasm of peace' | ||
- | In the course of our first three days on the Franklin, the cliffs that flanked us had grown - or, more correctly, we had dropped. The roar of rapids provided a constant reminder that the river was dropping into an ever deepening series of ravines - each one more spectacular than the last - as it carved its way through Tasmania' | + | In the course of our first three days on the Franklin, the cliffs that flanked us had grown - or, more correctly, we had dropped. The roar of rapids provided a constant reminder that the river was dropping into an ever deepening series of ravines - each one more spectacular than the last - as it carved its way through Tasmania' |
- | Each rapid, where the path is difficult or obscured, must be scouted before a decision is made as to how it would be best negotiated. This process invariably involves much rock climbing and scrambling through thick vegetation before a suitable vantage point can be reached. Then the deliberations begin as each member of the party attempts to predict where the river will take him and the potential pitfalls that such a course might present. Early in the trip, this process takes some time as the Franklin gives most rafters considerable cause for hesitation. But, of necessity, everyone soon learns how to assess a rapid. Usually, one of the more reckless of the party announces that he will 'give it a go' and the others reserve | + | Each rapid, where the path is difficult or obscured, must be scouted before a decision is made as to how it would be best negotiated. This process invariably involves much rock climbing and scrambling through thick vegetation before a suitable vantage point can be reached. Then the deliberations begin as each member of the party attempts to predict where the river will take him and the potential pitfalls that such a course might present. Early in the trip, this process takes some time as the Franklin gives most rafters considerable cause for hesitation. But, of necessity, everyone soon learns how to assess a rapid. Usually, one of the more reckless of the party announces that he will 'give it a go' and the others reserve |
From the Irenabyss, the river opens out slightly and the rapids appear less daunting as the rafter has become more adept at manoeuvring his bobbing yellow craft. This is grand river rafting country. There are no major portages to dampen the exhilaration generated as you glide through the rushing waters. The 25 kilometres to the Great Ravine is easily covered in two days. | From the Irenabyss, the river opens out slightly and the rapids appear less daunting as the rafter has become more adept at manoeuvring his bobbing yellow craft. This is grand river rafting country. There are no major portages to dampen the exhilaration generated as you glide through the rushing waters. The 25 kilometres to the Great Ravine is easily covered in two days. | ||
- | The Great Ravine is the most spectacular of the Franklin' | + | The Great Ravine is the most spectacular of the Franklin' |
The Great Ravine is followed by two more long gorges before the last major rapid, Newlands Cascades, is reached. Newlands Cascades is a rapid that sends every rafter' | The Great Ravine is followed by two more long gorges before the last major rapid, Newlands Cascades, is reached. Newlands Cascades is a rapid that sends every rafter' | ||
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I picked my way down the north slope scree trying to follow the faint route trodden by many summer backpackers and soon to be obliterated by storms and snow. Packed snow dropped well down into the basin below, and I wanted to avoid having to kick my way across the snow with its icelike consistency. It was difficult to scuff the surface let alone kick steps. With an iceaxe it would have been an interesting glissade and a quick descent. The key to the route was a spur of loose rock between two snowfields, and once descended it left me with a small crossing of the packed snow of about thirty yards. | I picked my way down the north slope scree trying to follow the faint route trodden by many summer backpackers and soon to be obliterated by storms and snow. Packed snow dropped well down into the basin below, and I wanted to avoid having to kick my way across the snow with its icelike consistency. It was difficult to scuff the surface let alone kick steps. With an iceaxe it would have been an interesting glissade and a quick descent. The key to the route was a spur of loose rock between two snowfields, and once descended it left me with a small crossing of the packed snow of about thirty yards. | ||
- | As soon as I reached flat ground in the first small meadow offering some protection from the approaching bad weather, I erected the tent and cooked supper promptly. No time had been wasted. In less than an hour I had dropped over 800' and made camp (in mild conditions it would have been a delight to have descended much more slowly and stopped frequently to enjoy the surroundings). Already the pass and nearby peaks were shrouded in mist and cloud. By 7.00 pm the camp was as secure as I could make it. For a while I walked around in the fading light taking in as much as was left to be seen of the upper Cameron basin. Then the prospect of a warm sleeping bag entided | + | As soon as I reached flat ground in the first small meadow offering some protection from the approaching bad weather, I erected the tent and cooked supper promptly. No time had been wasted. In less than an hour I had dropped over 800' and made camp (in mild conditions it would have been a delight to have descended much more slowly and stopped frequently to enjoy the surroundings). Already the pass and nearby peaks were shrouded in mist and cloud. By 7.00 pm the camp was as secure as I could make it. For a while I walked around in the fading light taking in as much as was left to be seen of the upper Cameron basin. Then the prospect of a warm sleeping bag enticed |
- | Next day the walk continued across the mountains in cold rain and sleet, driven by the wind and a subborn | + | Next day the walk continued across the mountains in cold rain and sleet, driven by the wind and a stubborn |
Map reference: Mt. Angeles quadrangle 1:62500 (US Geological Survey) | Map reference: Mt. Angeles quadrangle 1:62500 (US Geological Survey) | ||
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===== The Annual General Meeting And The Annual Reunion. ===== | ===== The Annual General Meeting And The Annual Reunion. ===== | ||
- | The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 13th March. Among the business of the meeting will be the election of Office-Bearers and Committee. Each year all official | + | The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 13th March. Among the business of the meeting will be the election of Office-Bearers and Committee. Each year all official |
The Annual Re-union, held on the weekend following the A.G.M., is a social gathering, overnight camping of present, past and prospective members. The incoming President is inaugurated in a simple ceremony at the Saturday evening campfire, and there is usually a programme of campfire singing and short sketches. Clean (though sometimes off-beat) humour is the aim. Supper is provided by the Club. On Sunday morning there is a damper-making competition using the ashes of the previous night' | The Annual Re-union, held on the weekend following the A.G.M., is a social gathering, overnight camping of present, past and prospective members. The incoming President is inaugurated in a simple ceremony at the Saturday evening campfire, and there is usually a programme of campfire singing and short sketches. Clean (though sometimes off-beat) humour is the aim. Supper is provided by the Club. On Sunday morning there is a damper-making competition using the ashes of the previous night' | ||
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---- | ---- | ||
- | "YOU SHOULD ENJOY THIS NEXT BIT " | + | ===== "You Should Enjoy This Next Bit..." |
- | by Tony Cunneen. (Reprinted by permission from The National Times in | + | |
- | " | + | by Tony Cunneen. |
- | Some adventure tours have to be viewed carefully. I'd always | + | |
- | wanted to be a mountaineer, | + | (Reprinted by permission from The National Times in " |
- | At the Plas Y Brenin Centre for Mountain Activities I enrolled in one week of sheer terror called Introductory Rock Climbing. As with any adventure, all parameters of daily existence' | + | |
+ | Some adventure tours have to be viewed carefully. I'd always wanted to be a mountaineer, | ||
+ | |||
+ | At the Plas Y Brenin Centre for Mountain Activities I enrolled in one week of sheer terror called Introductory Rock Climbing. As with any adventure, all parameters of daily existence are changed, not the least of which lies in your trust of language. | ||
Now the subtle suggestion can mask a horrible alternative. When the brochure says: " | Now the subtle suggestion can mask a horrible alternative. When the brochure says: " | ||
- | Plas'Y Brenin is set in the Welsh mountains near Snowdon. Each day rock climbing students are taken to various cliffs then, accompanied by an instructor, begin their fearful ascent. | + | |
- | On the second day a dour Scot took myself and another student in the team up a gloomy gash of wet rock in the Cwm Idwal and introduced it as The Devil' | + | Plas Y Brenin is set in the Welsh mountains near Snowdon. Each day rock climbing students are taken to various cliffs then, accompanied by an instructor, begin their fearful ascent. |
- | It's got some nice exposure." | + | |
- | made a climb " | + | On the second day a dour Scot took myself and another student in the team up a gloomy gash of wet rock in the Cwm Idwal and introduced it as The Devil' |
- | found out. | + | |
- | Scared out of my wits, trying to move from a bridge position to a balanced hold on a bulge of rock I realised that I was now in an " | + | Scared out of my wits, trying to move from a bridge position to a balanced hold on a bulge of rock I realised that I was now in an " |
- | was "nice exposure" | + | |
- | I knew now that the words of the instructor were heavy with implication and should be interpreted as such. These experts use a private | + | I knew now that the words of the instructor were heavy with implication and should be interpreted as such. These experts use a private system for grading climbs. What follows is a handy guide for climbing novices so that you can make sense of this system. Climbs can be: |
- | system for grading climbs. What follows is a handy guide for climbing | + | |
- | novices so that you can make sense of this system. Climbs can be: | + | |
" | " | ||
+ | |||
" | " | ||
+ | |||
" | " | ||
+ | |||
" | " | ||
- | Then there are those wry comments made, while actually climbing: " | + | |
+ | Then there are those wry comments made, while actually climbing: | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
" | " | ||
+ | |||
"This is pretty strenuous for a Grade 4 climb" - We've come the wrong way. | "This is pretty strenuous for a Grade 4 climb" - We've come the wrong way. | ||
- | On occasions more specific descriptions of the rock conditions are given: "A bit fingery" | + | |
+ | On occasions more specific descriptions of the rock conditions are given: | ||
+ | |||
+ | "A bit fingery" | ||
"A bit slimy" - Like glass. | "A bit slimy" - Like glass. | ||
+ | |||
" | " | ||
+ | |||
"Good exposure" | "Good exposure" | ||
+ | |||
" | " | ||
+ | |||
"Open to the weather" | "Open to the weather" | ||
+ | |||
" | " | ||
- | Page 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER February, 1985 | + | |
- | As we, the novices, struggled to sort out our equipment, we heard a number of comments regarding our handling of belays, runners, slings | + | As we, the novices, struggled to sort out our equipment, we heard a number of comments regarding our handling of belays, runners, slings and ropes: |
"Your belay is loose" - You might fall. | "Your belay is loose" - You might fall. | ||
+ | |||
"Look at that bloody belay" - I might fall. | "Look at that bloody belay" - I might fall. | ||
+ | |||
There is a subtle scale of implied criticism used in the teaching of handling equipment in the proper and safe manner. Our instructors used the socratic method - teaching by asking questions. | There is a subtle scale of implied criticism used in the teaching of handling equipment in the proper and safe manner. Our instructors used the socratic method - teaching by asking questions. | ||
+ | |||
"Are you happy with that?" - You're wrong. | "Are you happy with that?" - You're wrong. | ||
+ | |||
"Are you quite happy with that?" - If you move you'll fall. | "Are you quite happy with that?" - If you move you'll fall. | ||
+ | |||
"Are you really quite happy with that?" - If you move we'll all fall. | "Are you really quite happy with that?" - If you move we'll all fall. | ||
+ | |||
Then finally there are the instructions and exhortations delivered while you are actually climbing. | Then finally there are the instructions and exhortations delivered while you are actually climbing. | ||
+ | |||
"Well I suppose you could do it that way" - Never do it that way. | "Well I suppose you could do it that way" - Never do it that way. | ||
- | "Sort yourself out" - You're upside down. "Keep your head" - Stop screaming. | + | |
- | "That would be most unethical" | + | "Sort yourself out" - You're upside down. |
+ | |||
+ | "Keep your head" - Stop screaming. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "That would be most unethical" | ||
+ | |||
+ | "Think carefully" | ||
"That was a bit of a mistake" | "That was a bit of a mistake" | ||
+ | |||
"I think he's having a wee bit of trouble" | "I think he's having a wee bit of trouble" | ||
+ | |||
" | " | ||
+ | |||
"A bit dicey" - Hitting the bottom. | "A bit dicey" - Hitting the bottom. | ||
- | Soon we took refuge in such expressions ourselves: "Can I just think about this a bit" - I'm stuck. "This rope's tangled" | + | |
- | Well, we all survived. As well as learning about climbing we | + | Soon we took refuge in such expressions ourselves: |
- | learnt about ourselves. For this all credit is due to the young, dedicated and talented staff of Plas Y Brenin, whose climbing ability was matched only by their mastery of the understatement. | + | |
+ | "Can I just think about this a bit" - I'm stuck. | ||
+ | |||
+ | "This rope's tangled" | ||
+ | |||
+ | Well, we all survived. As well as learning about climbing we learnt about ourselves. For this all credit is due to the young, dedicated and talented staff of Plas Y Brenin, whose climbing ability was matched only by their mastery of the understatement. | ||
Once, as I clambered, quivering with fear over one of those very severe climbs at Tremadog I was greeted by a cheery "That was fun" from my instructor. I thought he must have gone a different way from me. | Once, as I clambered, quivering with fear over one of those very severe climbs at Tremadog I was greeted by a cheery "That was fun" from my instructor. I thought he must have gone a different way from me. | ||
- | * * * * * * * * *.* | + | |
- | ST. JOHN AMBULANCE FIRST AID CERTIFICATE COURSE. | + | ---- |
- | * Need to RENEW your St.JOhn Ambulance First Aid Certificate? | + | |
- | (It expires after 3 years) | + | ===== St. John Ambulance First Aid Certificate Course. ===== |
- | Need to get one because you are on the Search | + | |
- | volunteers? (It is compulsory for insurance cover) | + | * Need to RENEW your St.JOhn Ambulance First Aid Certificate? |
- | * Need to upgrade | + | |
- | confident in its use on bushwalks? | + | * Need to __upgrade__ |
- | YES? Then come to our Club' | + | |
- | on 13th and 14th April. (Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 5 pm). | + | Yes? Then come to our Club' |
- | The EXAM is on the following Wednesday, 17th April, 6 - 8 pm. | + | |
- | VENUE: 6 Hunt Street, Surry Hills. (Train to Central or Museum Stations) | + | Venue: 6 Hunt Street, Surry Hills. (Train to Central or Museum Stations) |
- | COST: $47. Send your cheque (made out to St. John Ambulance) to AINSLIE MORRIS | + | |
- | In the Clubroom or post to 45 Austin Street, Lane Cove, 2066. | + | Cost: $47. Send your cheque (made out to St. John Ambulance) to Ainslie Morris |
- | February, 1985. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 15 | + | |
- | OBITUARY.- MYLES DUNPHY | + | ---- |
- | (From The Sydney | + | |
- | - Joseph Glascott..7 Environment Writer) | + | ===== Obituary - Miles Dunphy |
+ | |||
+ | (From The Sydney | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Myles Dunphy, conservationist. === | ||
Myles Joseph Dunphy, regarded as the father of conservation in N.S.W., died on Wednesday, aged 93. | Myles Joseph Dunphy, regarded as the father of conservation in N.S.W., died on Wednesday, aged 93. | ||
+ | |||
In his lifetime, Mr. Dunphy saw his dream of a system of national parks throughout the State come true. More than 50 years ago he began exploring and mapping important natural and wilderness areas - and agitating for their preservation. | In his lifetime, Mr. Dunphy saw his dream of a system of national parks throughout the State come true. More than 50 years ago he began exploring and mapping important natural and wilderness areas - and agitating for their preservation. | ||
+ | |||
His efforts to publicise and protect natural areas in N.S.W. equated those of John Muir, the great advocate of wilderness preservation in the United States. | His efforts to publicise and protect natural areas in N.S.W. equated those of John Muir, the great advocate of wilderness preservation in the United States. | ||
+ | |||
Mr. Dunphy was born in Melbourne in 1891, the eldest son of an Irish immigrant, but he spent most of his boyhood in Kiama on the N.S.W. South Coast where his exploration of the beautiful countryside stimulated his love of nature and bushwalking. | Mr. Dunphy was born in Melbourne in 1891, the eldest son of an Irish immigrant, but he spent most of his boyhood in Kiama on the N.S.W. South Coast where his exploration of the beautiful countryside stimulated his love of nature and bushwalking. | ||
+ | |||
A holiday at Katoomba in 1910 began a life-long love affair with the Blue Mountains, which he and his bushwalking friends systematically mapped. | A holiday at Katoomba in 1910 began a life-long love affair with the Blue Mountains, which he and his bushwalking friends systematically mapped. | ||
- | In 1914 he was a founding member of the Mountain Trails Club, | + | |
- | the first wilderness walking group in Australia and later he was joint founder of the largest N.S.W. bushwalking club, Sydney Bush Walkers. | + | In 1914 he was a founding member of the Mountain Trails Club, the first wilderness walking group in Australia and later he was joint founder of the largest N.S.W. bushwalking club, Sydney Bush Walkers. |
In articles on Mr. Dunphy, Mr. Pat Thompson, of the Colong Committee and Mr. Jim Somerville, of the Nature Conservation Council, have recorded two events in the early 1930s which turned his interest to bushland preservation. | In articles on Mr. Dunphy, Mr. Pat Thompson, of the Colong Committee and Mr. Jim Somerville, of the Nature Conservation Council, have recorded two events in the early 1930s which turned his interest to bushland preservation. | ||
+ | |||
In 1931 members of Sydney Bush Walkers visiting the magnificent Blue Gum Forest on the Grose River were horrified to learn that a farmer was about to cut it down and plant walnut trees. The club eventually saved the forest by raising funds and buying the lease which it handed over to the Crown. Redgum, an early conservation correspondent for the Herald, publicised the campaign. | In 1931 members of Sydney Bush Walkers visiting the magnificent Blue Gum Forest on the Grose River were horrified to learn that a farmer was about to cut it down and plant walnut trees. The club eventually saved the forest by raising funds and buying the lease which it handed over to the Crown. Redgum, an early conservation correspondent for the Herald, publicised the campaign. | ||
- | Two years later, the scenic Garrawarra coastline south of Sydney was threatened with development. Mr. Dunphy led a campaign which | + | |
- | Page 16 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER February, 1985. | + | Two years later, the scenic Garrawarra coastline south of Sydney was threatened with development. Mr. Dunphy led a campaign which saved the area and it was later added to Royal National Park. |
- | saved the area and it was later added to Royal National Park. | + | |
- | In 1923, after watching conservation developments in the United States, Mr. Dunphy helped form the National Parks and Primitive Areas Council of which he became secretary. Over the next 25 years this | + | In 1923, after watching conservation developments in the United States, Mr. Dunphy helped form the National Parks and Primitive Areas Council of which he became secretary. Over the next 25 years this council spearheaded the movement for park reservations. |
- | council spearheaded the movement for park reservations. | + | |
- | The council' | + | The council' |
Kosciusko, Morton, Warrumbungle, | Kosciusko, Morton, Warrumbungle, | ||
- | Mr. Dunphy was a life member of the Australian Institute of Architects and served on the Geographic Names Board of N.S.W. He | + | |
- | qualified as an architect in 1923 and taught architecture at Sydney Technical College and N.S.W. University until he retired at 71. | + | Mr. Dunphy was a life member of the Australian Institute of Architects and served on the Geographic Names Board of N.S.W. He qualified as an architect in 1923 and taught architecture at Sydney Technical College and N.S.W. University until he retired at 71. |
- | Last year, the International Union for Conservation of Nature awarded Mr. Dunphy the Packard International Merit Award for his long and distinguished service to conservation causes. The union | + | |
- | makes only one such award every decade. | + | Last year, the International Union for Conservation of Nature awarded Mr. Dunphy the Packard International Merit Award for his long and distinguished service to conservation causes. The union makes only one such award every decade. |
Mr. Dunphy is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Oatley, and his sons Milo, who has carried on his conservation work as director of the Total Environment Centre and vice-president of the Australian Conservation Foundation, and Dexter, Professor of Business Administration at N.S.W. University. | Mr. Dunphy is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Oatley, and his sons Milo, who has carried on his conservation work as director of the Total Environment Centre and vice-president of the Australian Conservation Foundation, and Dexter, Professor of Business Administration at N.S.W. University. | ||
+ | |||
A private family funeral was held yesterday at Woronora crematorium. | A private family funeral was held yesterday at Woronora crematorium. | ||
- | MYLES DUNPHY | + | |
- | Bushwalkers over the years have been very grateful for the many maps that Myles compiled and drew - e.g. the well-known Gangerang Wild Dog Mountains map and the Tomat - Bindook Yerranderie map. | + | ---- |
+ | |||
+ | Myles Dunphy | ||
+ | |||
+ | Bushwalkers over the years have been very grateful for the many maps that Myles compiled and drew - e.g. the well-known Gangerang Wild Dog Mountains map and the Tomat - Bindook | ||
The Club extends its sympathy to Mrs. Dunphy and his sons Milo and Dexter. | The Club extends its sympathy to Mrs. Dunphy and his sons Milo and Dexter. | ||
- | *****# | ||
+ | ---- |
198502.txt · Last modified: 2019/02/22 13:20 by tyreless