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198509 [2014/05/08 21:23] – [DAVID ROSTRON'S 1985 CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN TRIP.] simon198509 [2014/05/10 20:55] (current) – [THE FEDERATION OF BUSHWALKING CLUBS (NSW) - SEARCH & RESCUE.] simon
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 by Keith Docherty. by Keith Docherty.
  
-Brian Bolton was a disappointed man. The Walks Programme of the +Brian Bolton was a disappointed man. The Walks Programme of the Sutherland Bushwalking Club contained a walk along the Six Foot Track from Jenolan Caves to Katoomba for Queen's Birthday weekend. Brian had been looking forward to participating but when he contacted the leader he was told he was too late - the limit of seventeen had already been reached. In the hope of organising a private walk he telephoned Frank Woodgate but Frank had family commitments and was unable to get away for the weekend.
-Sutherland Bushwalking Club contained a walk along the Six Foot Track from Jenolan Caves to Katoomba for Queen's Birthday weekend. Brian had been looking forward to participating but when he contacted the leader he was told he was too late - the limit of seventeen had already been reached. In the hope of organising a private walk he telephoned Frank Woodgate but Frank had family commitments and was unable to get away for the weekend.+
  
 I had planned to spend the weekend fishing the Cox's River because the trout fishing season ended at midnight on the Monday. I am quite content to fish by myself but, having spent a week alone in May fishing the Cox's, I thought it would be nice to have a companion for this trip. I called Frank Woodgate and he said that Brian might be interested in going with me. I called Brian and we decided to combine our plans. We would walk the Six Foot Track from Jenolan Caves to the Cox's River, then turn downstream so I would get a chance to do some fishing before going up Breakfast Creek to Canons. We invited Steve Lengakis and Elisabeth Ratcliff to come with us so we had a party of four. I had planned to spend the weekend fishing the Cox's River because the trout fishing season ended at midnight on the Monday. I am quite content to fish by myself but, having spent a week alone in May fishing the Cox's, I thought it would be nice to have a companion for this trip. I called Frank Woodgate and he said that Brian might be interested in going with me. I called Brian and we decided to combine our plans. We would walk the Six Foot Track from Jenolan Caves to the Cox's River, then turn downstream so I would get a chance to do some fishing before going up Breakfast Creek to Canons. We invited Steve Lengakis and Elisabeth Ratcliff to come with us so we had a party of four.
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 Our original plan was to drive to Carlons, leave one car there then use the other to return to Katoomba where we could catch a bus to Jenolan Caves. However, one of Brian's workmates wanted to explore the Blue Mountains in his VW Combi but he didn't have much money for fuel. He jumped at Brian's offer of $10 from each of us if he would go with us to Carlons, then drive us to Jenolan Caves. Our original plan was to drive to Carlons, leave one car there then use the other to return to Katoomba where we could catch a bus to Jenolan Caves. However, one of Brian's workmates wanted to explore the Blue Mountains in his VW Combi but he didn't have much money for fuel. He jumped at Brian's offer of $10 from each of us if he would go with us to Carlons, then drive us to Jenolan Caves.
  
-We met Brian and his workmate in Katoomba Street very early on Saturday morning and proceeded to Canons. The VW had some mechanical trouble in the Megalong Valley but this was eventually overcome and, after hiding a supply of water near where we intalded to camp, we reached Jenolan Caves shortly before noon.+We met Brian and his workmate in Katoomba Street very early on Saturday morning and proceeded to Canons. The VW had some mechanical trouble in the Megalong Valley but this was eventually overcome and, after hiding a supply of water near where we intended to camp, we reached Jenolan Caves shortly before noon.
  
-The weather was beautiful and no signs remained of the heavy snow +The weather was beautiful and no signs remained of the heavy snow that had fallen earlier in the week. We did some exploring around Jenolan Caves and ate our lunch in the Devil's Coachhouse, with the sun streaming down on us, before walking the 9 km through the lyrebird-noisy bush to our campsite near Forestry Headquarters.
-that had fallen earlier in the week. We did some exploring around Jenolan Caves and ate our lunch in the Devil's Coachhouse, with the sun streaming down on us, before walking the 9 km through the lyrebird-noisy bush to our campsite near Forestry Headquarters.+
  
 The night was very clear, with a surprising amount of light from a thin crescent of moon. We were a happy party, sitting around a cheerful campfire and discussing everything under the sun: especially what a mistake the cancellation of the Sutherland Bushwalking Club's walk had been and what a roasting Brian and Maurie would give the leader at the next club meeting. I was asked if I could guarantee trout for dinner on the following night and I said I could if they walked fast enough for us to get well down the river before dark. I had never seen trout above Flaggi Clear and I hoped to be able to camp near the Jenolan River where trout are plentiful. The night was very clear, with a surprising amount of light from a thin crescent of moon. We were a happy party, sitting around a cheerful campfire and discussing everything under the sun: especially what a mistake the cancellation of the Sutherland Bushwalking Club's walk had been and what a roasting Brian and Maurie would give the leader at the next club meeting. I was asked if I could guarantee trout for dinner on the following night and I said I could if they walked fast enough for us to get well down the river before dark. I had never seen trout above Flaggi Clear and I hoped to be able to camp near the Jenolan River where trout are plentiful.
  
-Daylight brought another beautiful day and we were soon walking. down the Black Range Fire Trail to the pluviometer where we had morning tea. As we started to walk again a fleet of 4WD vehicles passed, leaving a cloud of dust and petrol fumes. We then began to meet groups of people and one female cyclist who had started the walk from Katoomba. They all looked very tired and Brian did nothing to improve their spirits when he jokingly told them that knee-deep snow covered the road near Jenolan.+Daylight brought another beautiful day and we were soon walking down the Black Range Fire Trail to the pluviometer where we had morning tea. As we started to walk again a fleet of 4WD vehicles passed, leaving a cloud of dust and petrol fumes. We then began to meet groups of people and one female cyclist who had started the walk from Katoomba. They all looked very tired and Brian did nothing to improve their spirits when he jokingly told them that knee-deep snow covered the road near Jenolan.
  
-The scenery became quite pretty after we crossed LittleRiver and there were some fine views of the high country across the Cox's River. We had lunch in a sheltered spot beside Murdering Creek where it was warm enough to sunbathe, then walked down the final steep stretch of the fire trail to the Cox's River. As usual the river flats were rich in bird life with red-browed finches and rainbow birds being the most noticeable.+The scenery became quite pretty after we crossed Little River and there were some fine views of the high country across the Cox's River. We had lunch in a sheltered spot beside Murdering Creek where it was warm enough to sunbathe, then walked down the final steep stretch of the fire trail to the Cox's River. As usual the river flats were rich in bird life with red-browed finches and rainbow birds being the most noticeable.
  
 The river was a milky colour but not much more than knee deep where we crossed. A couple of people from another party fell as they were crossing and one girl had some difficulty climbing out because her tight, wet jeans restricted her movements. The other lady went to all the trouble of changing into fresh, dry clothing before she realised she was on an island-and had two more stretches of river to cross. Despite some banter from Brian I did the decent thing and carried her over. I think she was a bit surprised when a stranger offered to carry her across, but how could I leave such an attractive looking lady in distress? The river was a milky colour but not much more than knee deep where we crossed. A couple of people from another party fell as they were crossing and one girl had some difficulty climbing out because her tight, wet jeans restricted her movements. The other lady went to all the trouble of changing into fresh, dry clothing before she realised she was on an island-and had two more stretches of river to cross. Despite some banter from Brian I did the decent thing and carried her over. I think she was a bit surprised when a stranger offered to carry her across, but how could I leave such an attractive looking lady in distress?
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 Our party was much slower than I had hoped and it became obvious that we wouldn't get below Flaggi Clear before dark. I therefore suggested that we camp at the mouth of Tinpot Creek where there are good flat areas, plenty of firewood and good drinking water. Our party was much slower than I had hoped and it became obvious that we wouldn't get below Flaggi Clear before dark. I therefore suggested that we camp at the mouth of Tinpot Creek where there are good flat areas, plenty of firewood and good drinking water.
  
-At Black Jerry's Ridge I was well ahead of theothers and decided to try a few casts for trout. Despite the milky colour of the water a trout was rising to floating insects close to the bank a short distance upstream. A cast in that direction brought a satisfying thump as a small but very active brown trout hit my lure. I landed it just as the others were passing, and I gave it Elisabeth to carry while I tried to catch more. Alas, it was not to be. I fished every likely looking spot on the way to Tinpot Creek without success.+At Black Jerry's Ridge I was well ahead of the others and decided to try a few casts for trout. Despite the milky colour of the water a trout was rising to floating insects close to the bank a short distance upstream. A cast in that direction brought a satisfying thump as a small but very active brown trout hit my lure. I landed it just as the others were passing, and I gave it Elisabeth to carry while I tried to catch more. Alas, it was not to be. I fished every likely looking spot on the way to Tinpot Creek without success.
  
 I had expected to see a fire burning at Tinpot Creek but to my surprise the others weren't there. An examination of the sand and dust showed no sign of their footprints so I walked back up the Cox's and found them camped above Galong Creek. I had expected to see a fire burning at Tinpot Creek but to my surprise the others weren't there. An examination of the sand and dust showed no sign of their footprints so I walked back up the Cox's and found them camped above Galong Creek.
  
-We cooked the trout by wrapping it in tinfoil and burying it in the hot ashes of the fire. There was only enoughfor everyone to have a mouthful as entree. Steve complained that it was a brown trout after I had been telling them about the big rainbow trout in the Cox's. I disclaimed all responsibility for only catching one small brown trout because the party hadn't walked fast enough for us to camp below Flaggi Clear.+We cooked the trout by wrapping it in tinfoil and burying it in the hot ashes of the fire. There was only enough for everyone to have a mouthful as entree. Steve complained that it was a brown trout after I had been telling them about the big rainbow trout in the Cox's. I disclaimed all responsibility for only catching one small brown trout because the party hadn't walked fast enough for us to camp below Flaggi Clear.
  
 Next morning I set off at 7.50 am. The others were to follow at Next morning I set off at 7.50 am. The others were to follow at
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 We lingered so long over lunch that we had to hurry up Breakfast Creek to reach Carlon's before dark. There were complaints from Maurie that his pack weighted 46 pounds with the trout he was carrying, but we still managed to get up Carlon's Creek in daylight. We lingered so long over lunch that we had to hurry up Breakfast Creek to reach Carlon's before dark. There were complaints from Maurie that his pack weighted 46 pounds with the trout he was carrying, but we still managed to get up Carlon's Creek in daylight.
  
-At Carlon's we celebrated the completion of a very successful walk +At Carlon's we celebrated the completion of a very successful walk with an icecream. We had enjoyed three days of glorious weather, wonderful companionship and splendid fishing.
-with an icecream. We had enjoyed three days of glorious weather, wonderful companionship and splendid fishing.+
  
 Back in Sydney we had to cook our trout. I don't know how Steve and Elisabeth prepared theirs but, on the advice of Ben Esgate, Maurie and Denise deep-fried theirs. Brian Bolton's was baked and I marinated mine in lemon juice then steamed them - delicious! The brown trout was the best I've ever tasted. Back in Sydney we had to cook our trout. I don't know how Steve and Elisabeth prepared theirs but, on the advice of Ben Esgate, Maurie and Denise deep-fried theirs. Brian Bolton's was baked and I marinated mine in lemon juice then steamed them - delicious! The brown trout was the best I've ever tasted.
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 I went on a walk the other day \\ I went on a walk the other day \\
 With a bloke called Finch, it was 64 K, \\ With a bloke called Finch, it was 64 K, \\
-An' I thought to meself, "That's a bloody long way, But o' course 'E's a Ryebuck Leader."+An' I thought to meself, "That's a bloody long way, \\ 
 +But o' course 'E's a Ryebuck Leader."
  
 If we don't walk a tally by Sunday night \\ If we don't walk a tally by Sunday night \\
 The whole darn' party'll be in the ... \\ The whole darn' party'll be in the ... \\
 be in strife, \\ be in strife, \\
-An' we'll never pull our volleys on to climb another height, But 'course 'E's a Ryebuck Leader.+An' we'll never pull our volleys on to climb another height, \\ 
 +But 'course 'E's a Ryebuck Leader.
  
 Well, we set off at dawn for the Pipeline Pass \\ Well, we set off at dawn for the Pipeline Pass \\
 When the frost was inches thick on the grass, \\ When the frost was inches thick on the grass, \\
-An' I thought to meself, "'E can st  no \\+An' I thought to meself, "'E can st .... no \\
 I thought to meself, "I'm glad mine ain't brass, \\ I thought to meself, "I'm glad mine ain't brass, \\
 But o' course 'E's a Ryebuck Leader." But o' course 'E's a Ryebuck Leader."
  
-"Ere 'ave you ever walked with that there nice young couple, Steve an' Jenny Brown between well, they turns up with only one pair o' shorts between 'em "'Ullo," I thought to meself, "We'll soon see who wears the pants in this family," an' sure enough Steve walks in 'is undies +"Ere 'ave you ever walked with that there nice young couple, Steve an' Jenny Brown .... well, they turns up with only one pair o' shorts between 'em .... "'Ullo," I thought to meself, "We'll soon see who wears the pants in this family," an' sure enough Steve walks in 'is undies ...." 
        
 Oh, we walked on the tops an' the going was rough, \\ Oh, we walked on the tops an' the going was rough, \\
 An' I thought to meself, "Thank Gawd we're tough," \\ An' I thought to meself, "Thank Gawd we're tough," \\
-But our knees began to creak 'cause we weren't tough enough, For the poor ol' Ryebuck Leader.+But our knees began to creak 'cause we weren't tough enough, \\ 
 +For the poor ol' Ryebuck Leader.
  
-"Yair, well it was about this time, that there Carol Bruce an' that Vicki Cheeseman decided theinknees were too creaky  Though I thought to meself, "If they 'adn't ate all them avocados for lunch.... if they'd shared 'em around a bit like, well they probably would o' felt better"  any'ow they went off on a short cut to the Wolgan, an Roger Browne, 'e went with 'em so's 'e could finish 'is argument with Carol +"Yair, well it was about this time, that there Carol Bruce an' that Vicki Cheeseman decided their knees were too creaky .... Though I thought to meself, "If they 'adn't ate all them avocados for lunch.... if they'd shared 'em around a bit like, well they probably would o' felt better" .... any'ow they went off on a short cut to the Wolgan, an Roger Browne, 'e went with 'em so's 'e could finish 'is argument with Carol .... 
  
 Any ow... \\ Any ow... \\
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 Or 'e won't be a Ryebuck Leader." Or 'e won't be a Ryebuck Leader."
  
-"Ere, 'ave you walked with that nice young feller, that there Matthew Walton'?  'E loves to sing 'e does; sings all the time.... +"Ere, 'ave you walked with that nice young feller, that there Matthew Walton'? .... 'E loves to sing 'e does; sings all the time.... knows all the words .... don't know none o' the tunes .... but 'e sings all the time."
-knows all the words don't know none o' the tunes  but 'e sings all the time."+
  
 Well, we woke in the mornin' all stiff an' sore, \\ Well, we woke in the mornin' all stiff an' sore, \\
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 It's the bloody ol' Ryebuck Leader. It's the bloody ol' Ryebuck Leader.
  
-"An' our leader looks at us that mornin' like Napoleon lookin' \\ +"An' our leader looks at us that mornin' like Napoleon lookin' at 'is troops retreatin' from Moscow .... only I reckon Napoleda's blokes would o' been in better nick .... an' e says 'We're goin' to turn around an' walk back to Glen Davis "
-at 'is troops retreatin' from Mdscow only I reckon Napoleda's. \\ +
-blokes would o' been in better nick an' e says 'We're goin' to turn around an' walk back to Glen Davis "+
  
 At the sound o' them words we was different blokes, \\ At the sound o' them words we was different blokes, \\
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 'Till Carol's crowd arrived rather late in the day, \\ 'Till Carol's crowd arrived rather late in the day, \\
 An' we all got together an' we went our merry way \\ An' we all got together an' we went our merry way \\
-With our good oil Ryebuck Leader!!!+With our good ol' Ryebuck Leader!!!
  
 ===== NOW WHAT? ===== ===== NOW WHAT? =====
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 * Is quiet * Is quiet
  
-__Symptoms__: Feels cold and tired and says she/he wants to rest. \\ +__Symptoms__: Feels cold and tired and says she/he wants to rest. 
-(1)What is your assessment of the signs and symptoms? \\+ 
 +__Test__ \\ 
 +(1) What is your assessment of the signs and symptoms? \\
 (2) What is your immediate action? \\ (2) What is your immediate action? \\
 (3) What is your treatment of the patient? \\ (3) What is your treatment of the patient? \\
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 by Bill Gamble. by Bill Gamble.
  
-On Jim Laing's walk of 17/18 November, 1984 (Newnes Zobels Gully - Constance Gorge - Rocky Creek - Wolgan River - Newnes) the party of twelve parked its vehicles under the trees on the campgound about a quarter mile beyond the Newnes Hotel and then walked back passed the pub (which was not open for a beer), crossed the Wolgan River on a log conveniently placed there by Nature, and strided along the route of the old railway at the leader's inimitable pace (why does he have to go so fast so early - we didn't have a train to catch - or am I just getting older and feeling it!). Otherwise it was quite a pleasant half-hour to get into the mood for Zobels Gully.+On Jim Laing's walk of 17/18 November, 1984 (Newnes - Zobels Gully - Constance Gorge - Rocky Creek - Wolgan River - Newnes) the party of twelve parked its vehicles under the trees on the campgound about a quarter mile beyond the Newnes Hotel and then walked back passed the pub (which was not open for a beer), crossed the Wolgan River on a log conveniently placed there by Nature, and strided along the route of the old railway at the leader's inimitable pace (why does he have to go so fast so early - we didn't have a train to catch - or am I just getting older and feeling it!). Otherwise it was quite a pleasant half-hour to get into the mood for Zobels Gully.
  
 The gully was a bit of a heat trap so it was pretty hot in the sun of a brilliantly fine day, and humid too after recent heavy rains. Jim would have nothing of the direct route into Constance Gorge and took us up a side gully with an interesting scramble on a rock face so that we could all be hot and sweaty for a morning tea break above the gorge. The gully was a bit of a heat trap so it was pretty hot in the sun of a brilliantly fine day, and humid too after recent heavy rains. Jim would have nothing of the direct route into Constance Gorge and took us up a side gully with an interesting scramble on a rock face so that we could all be hot and sweaty for a morning tea break above the gorge.
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 Having gone about as high as we could go without a sky hook, Jim insisted that we go down for lunch to some idyllic spot in the top of Constance Gorge. Which we did via a neat bit of rock scrambling. Jim was right, of course, he did have an idyllic lunch stop in mind, shortly below, the point where water started to flow rather than puddle in the gorge. Who can deny warm sunlight filtering through the trees on to a sheltered place beside clear, running water and the smell of smoke in the air as the billies boil for a brew? Having gone about as high as we could go without a sky hook, Jim insisted that we go down for lunch to some idyllic spot in the top of Constance Gorge. Which we did via a neat bit of rock scrambling. Jim was right, of course, he did have an idyllic lunch stop in mind, shortly below, the point where water started to flow rather than puddle in the gorge. Who can deny warm sunlight filtering through the trees on to a sheltered place beside clear, running water and the smell of smoke in the air as the billies boil for a brew?
  
-After lunch there really wasn't much choice of route. Either we continuO, down the gorge to join Deanes Creek (which comes in on the true right) and reach the Wolgan River or up it to return to Zobels Gully.+After lunch there really wasn't much choice of route. Either we continued down the gorge to join Deanes Creek (which comes in on the true right) and reach the Wolgan River or up it to return to Zobels Gully.
 The cliffs on both sides held us to a narrow route as we headed down. The heat of the afternoon was tempered by the shade of the profuse growth in the gorge and the ample flow of water in the stream. Jim omitted to tell us about the quicksand, but then I suppose he figured we were going to find out for ourselves in good time and probably did not want to spoil our lunch; and, anyway, he said it is not as bad as it can be in parts of the Wolgan River. As to whether that was meant to be relative or reassuring, or both, I am uncertain. Most of the time we walked along the streambed and paid its price in quicksand - up to knee deep on average and sometimes a little more, prompting the occasional squeal or yell depending on the gender of the member affected. The cliffs on both sides held us to a narrow route as we headed down. The heat of the afternoon was tempered by the shade of the profuse growth in the gorge and the ample flow of water in the stream. Jim omitted to tell us about the quicksand, but then I suppose he figured we were going to find out for ourselves in good time and probably did not want to spoil our lunch; and, anyway, he said it is not as bad as it can be in parts of the Wolgan River. As to whether that was meant to be relative or reassuring, or both, I am uncertain. Most of the time we walked along the streambed and paid its price in quicksand - up to knee deep on average and sometimes a little more, prompting the occasional squeal or yell depending on the gender of the member affected.
  
 No promises were made about idyllic campsites though, and in the late afternoon we camped at the fork of the second significant creek coming in on the true left. The place was cool, dank and very cramped, but it was blessed with plenty of good water and a reasonable supply of downed timber. Evening meal and happy hour combined seemed a rather protracted affair. This was probably understandable given the poor light in the gorge and the limitations of space. By 11.00 pm a few tired heads returned to their No promises were made about idyllic campsites though, and in the late afternoon we camped at the fork of the second significant creek coming in on the true left. The place was cool, dank and very cramped, but it was blessed with plenty of good water and a reasonable supply of downed timber. Evening meal and happy hour combined seemed a rather protracted affair. This was probably understandable given the poor light in the gorge and the limitations of space. By 11.00 pm a few tired heads returned to their
-tents and the billness of the night descended finally. Remarkably, there was only one report of a leech - given the damp conditions they should have Overrun the camp.+tents and the stillness of the night descended finally. Remarkably, there was only one report of a leech - given the damp conditions they should have overrun the camp.
  
-Sunday, notably, saw the party away shortly after 8.00 am without coercion and into a deepening, tumbling Deanes Creek. As had been the case on the previous afternoon there were stops to swim (or, rather, dip in some reasonable-sized pools) and a little more quicksand to boot. After morning tea most of the party (not always at one with the leader as to his intentions at this stage) sidled and pushed its way uphill on the true left (about where Deanes Creek comes out of its gorge to meet the gorge of Rocky Creek) to break out of the scrub and traverse high for awhile before descending through open forest to an early lunchstop by deep, cool pools about a mile short of the Wolgan River. Thus some pretty nasty scrub and more - difficult terrain was avoided by dint of Jim's local knowledge.+Sunday, notably, saw the party away shortly after 8.00 am without coercion and into a deepening, tumbling Deanes Creek. As had been the case on the previous afternoon there were stops to swim (or, rather, dip in some reasonable-sized pools) and a little more quicksand to boot. After morning tea most of the party (not always at one with the leader as to his intentions at this stage) sidled and pushed its way uphill on the true left (about where Deanes Creek comes out of its gorge to meet the gorge of Rocky Creek) to break out of the scrub and traverse high for awhile before descending through open forest to an early lunch stop by deep, cool pools about a mile short of the Wolgan River. Thus some pretty nasty scrub and more - difficult terrain was avoided by dint of Jim's local knowledge.
  
 At the Wolgan River we intersected a fire trail and soon the race was on, for awhile that is - one could almost suggest that some members had picked up a whiff of cold, amber fluid drifting down the valley from the Newnes Hotel. However, the heat of the day was well and truly up, and now exposed fully to the sun's pitiless rays most members wilted, and the party succumbed to a slower pace and an afternoon swim in the Wolgan. Lying in water about a foot deep with a fast current was almost a body massage. And the water temperature hovered on the cool side of lukewarm. At the Wolgan River we intersected a fire trail and soon the race was on, for awhile that is - one could almost suggest that some members had picked up a whiff of cold, amber fluid drifting down the valley from the Newnes Hotel. However, the heat of the day was well and truly up, and now exposed fully to the sun's pitiless rays most members wilted, and the party succumbed to a slower pace and an afternoon swim in the Wolgan. Lying in water about a foot deep with a fast current was almost a body massage. And the water temperature hovered on the cool side of lukewarm.
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 by Ainslie Morris. by Ainslie Morris.
  
-A Sydney Morning Herald report on 10 August 1985 gives us some +A Sydney Morning Herald report on 10 August 1985 gives us some good news (yes, for a change!). The Commonwealth Employment Programme - C.E.P. - has 27 unemployed people building a workshop in preparation for a new visitors' centre at Blackheath. 
-good news (yes, for a change!). The Commonwealth Employment Programme - C.E.P. - has 27 unemployed people building a workshop in preparation for a new visitors' centre at Blackheath. +
  
-Walking tracks, visitors' centres and the restoration of historc buildings have benefited, and as well, the Hartley Historic Courthouse has a new tourist guide, Maurice Cratchley. Restoration of the village of Hartley was instigated and originally carried out voluntarily by old friends of mine, Arthur and Iris Paradaens.+Walking tracks, visitors' centres and the restoration of historic buildings have benefited, and as well, the Hartley Historic Courthouse has a new tourist guide, Maurice Cratchley. Restoration of the village of Hartley was instigated and originally carried out voluntarily by old friends of mine, Arthur and Iris Paradaens.
  
 Iris gathered oral history in the 1960s and published books on the Hartley and Blue Mountains area. Now she is National Parks Controller of C.E.P. projects there. She says, "The system of recording vegetation cover, moisture levels and topography of bushland areas throughout the mountains was leading the world in computer analysis of bushfire forecasting". Iris gathered oral history in the 1960s and published books on the Hartley and Blue Mountains area. Now she is National Parks Controller of C.E.P. projects there. She says, "The system of recording vegetation cover, moisture levels and topography of bushland areas throughout the mountains was leading the world in computer analysis of bushfire forecasting".
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 __INSTRUCTIONS__: You are a member of a space crew originally scheduled to rendezvous with a mother ship on the lighted surface of the moon. Due to mechanical difficulties, however, your ship was forced to land at a spot some 200 miles from the rendezvous point. During landing, much of the equipment aboard was damaged, and, since survival depends on reaching the mother ship, the most critical items available must be chosen for the 200-mile trip. Below are listed the 15 items left intact and undamaged after landing. Your task is to rank order them in terms of their importance to your crew in allowing them to reach the rendezvous point. Place the number 1 by the most important item, the number 2 by the second most important, and so on, through to number 15, the least important. __INSTRUCTIONS__: You are a member of a space crew originally scheduled to rendezvous with a mother ship on the lighted surface of the moon. Due to mechanical difficulties, however, your ship was forced to land at a spot some 200 miles from the rendezvous point. During landing, much of the equipment aboard was damaged, and, since survival depends on reaching the mother ship, the most critical items available must be chosen for the 200-mile trip. Below are listed the 15 items left intact and undamaged after landing. Your task is to rank order them in terms of their importance to your crew in allowing them to reach the rendezvous point. Place the number 1 by the most important item, the number 2 by the second most important, and so on, through to number 15, the least important.
  
-Box of matches// +Box of matches\\ 
-Food concentrate// +Food concentrate\\ 
-50 feet of nylon rope Parachute silk// +50 feet of nylon rope Parachute silk\\ 
-Portable heating unit Two 45 calibre pistols// +Portable heating unit\\ 
-One case dehydrated Pet milk// +Two 45 calibre pistols\\ 
-Two 100 lb tanks of oxygen// +One case dehydrated Pet milk\\ 
-Stellar map (of the moon's constellation)// +Two 100 lb tanks of oxygen\\ 
-Life raft// +Stellar map (of the moon's constellation)\\ 
-Magnetic compass// +Life raft\\ 
-5 gallons of water Signal flares// +Magnetic compass\\ 
-First aid kit containing injection needles// +5 gallons of water\\ 
-Solar-powered FM receiver-transmitter//+Signal flares\\ 
 +First aid kit containing injection needles\\ 
 +Solar-powered FM receiver-transmitter\\
  
 ANSWERS NEXT MONTH! ANSWERS NEXT MONTH!
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 WARM UP SLOWLY. WARM UP SLOWLY.
  
-Never try to speed it up by rubbing hands and feet, or using hot water bottle. This could take blood from the "core" (heart, brai stomach, etc.) to the extremities where blood is not so essential.+Never try to speed it up by rubbing hands and feet, or using hot water bottle. This could take blood from the "core" (heart, brain stomach, etc.) to the extremities where blood is not so essential.
  
 (b) Make a fire if possible and give the casualty a warm sweet drink. NO ALCOHOL. (b) Make a fire if possible and give the casualty a warm sweet drink. NO ALCOHOL.
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 The following is from Ted Lovegrove's article "Death from Exposure", which analysed the loss of life of a 15-year-old boy in the Cradle Mountain area of Tasmania in an early summer blizzard. The following is from Ted Lovegrove's article "Death from Exposure", which analysed the loss of life of a 15-year-old boy in the Cradle Mountain area of Tasmania in an early summer blizzard.
  
-Fatigue, Physical Exhaustion +Fatigue, Physical Exhaustion + Anxiety, Mental Stress + Reduction in Core Temperature --> Death from Exposure
- +
-Anxiety, Mental Stress +
- +
-Reduction in Core Temperature +
- +
-Death from Exposure+
  
 1. For mountain walking or skiing, no person under 16 1/2 years of age if carrying a pack should go. 1. For mountain walking or skiing, no person under 16 1/2 years of age if carrying a pack should go.
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 __The managerial setting__: The actions of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in managing national parks are an important determinant of the setting. Wilderness is characterised by the minimum of regulation, facilities and services. __The managerial setting__: The actions of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in managing national parks are an important determinant of the setting. Wilderness is characterised by the minimum of regulation, facilities and services.
  
-Opportunities for wilderness experiences will be provided by,' designating wilderness areas over all or part of a national park. Such designation prescribes the recreation setting and the management emphasis as being to protect such opportunities for wilderness experiences as that area may have to offer. Any wilderness areas designated in a plan of management will be declared under subsection 59 (1) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974, as soon as possible following the adoption of the plan. They will thereby be subject to section 61 of the Act, as well as to the provisions of the plan.+Opportunities for wilderness experiences will be provided by, designating wilderness areas over all or part of a national park. Such designation prescribes the recreation setting and the management emphasis as being to protect such opportunities for wilderness experiences as that area may have to offer. Any wilderness areas designated in a plan of management will be declared under subsection 59 (1) of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974, as soon as possible following the adoption of the plan. They will thereby be subject to section 61 of the Act, as well as to the provisions of the plan.
  
 The prescription for wilderness management for an area has the effect within that area of adding the following objective to those specified for that park or part of a park: \\ The prescription for wilderness management for an area has the effect within that area of adding the following objective to those specified for that park or part of a park: \\
 * To maintain the opportunities for wilderness experiences in relatively large expanses of land with essentially natural character. * To maintain the opportunities for wilderness experiences in relatively large expanses of land with essentially natural character.
  
-Within designated wilderness areas, the following management guidlines will operate: \\+Within designated wilderness areas, the following management guidelines will operate: \\
 * Wherever possible wilderness areas will include complete catchment areas to protect nature conservation values and viewsheds. \\ * Wherever possible wilderness areas will include complete catchment areas to protect nature conservation values and viewsheds. \\
-* Activities that conflict with opportunities for wilderness experience of-the highest possible quality will not be permitted. \\+* Activities that conflict with opportunities for wilderness experience of the highest possible quality will not be permitted. \\
 * Wilderness area will be maintained as free as possible from signs, trailmarkers and other management devices. \\ * Wilderness area will be maintained as free as possible from signs, trailmarkers and other management devices. \\
 * Fire management practices in wilderness areas shall be in accordance with the adopted fire management plan. \\ * Fire management practices in wilderness areas shall be in accordance with the adopted fire management plan. \\
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 * Essential management tracks will be rehabilitated to as near to a natural condition as possible, consistent with the need to utilise them periodically for essential management operations. \\ * Essential management tracks will be rehabilitated to as near to a natural condition as possible, consistent with the need to utilise them periodically for essential management operations. \\
 * Other sites of disturbance including those which arise because of management works will be rehabilitated to as near to a natural state as practicable. \\ * Other sites of disturbance including those which arise because of management works will be rehabilitated to as near to a natural state as practicable. \\
-* The use by private or commercial interests of any form of motorised transport (including the landing of aircraft) willnot be permitted. \\+* The use by private or commercial interests of any form of motorised transport (including the landing of aircraft) will not be permitted. \\
 * Motorised transport operated by any agency, except for essential management or rescue operations, will not be permitted. * Motorised transport operated by any agency, except for essential management or rescue operations, will not be permitted.
  
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 The following national parks are recognized as including potential wilderness areas and it is proposed to investigate these to establish boundaries for the purposes of declaration if this proves to be warranted. The following national parks are recognized as including potential wilderness areas and it is proposed to investigate these to establish boundaries for the purposes of declaration if this proves to be warranted.
  
-Blue Mountains/Wollemi NationalParks \\+Blue Mountains/Wollemi National Parks \\
 Kanangra Boyd/Blue Mountains National Parks * \\ Kanangra Boyd/Blue Mountains National Parks * \\
 Deua National Park \\ Deua National Park \\
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 New England National Park * \\ New England National Park * \\
  
-Certan national parks in the Western Region of the Service may have wilderness areas worthy of declaration. The application of the wilderness concept to arid and semi-arid lands needs to be further considered but these areas will be investigated with the intention of recommending any such areas after such further consideration of the special problems of wilderness recreation in semi-arid and arid climates. This may require qualification of the management guidelines outlined above.+Certain national parks in the Western Region of the Service may have wilderness areas worthy of declaration. The application of the wilderness concept to arid and semi-arid lands needs to be further considered but these areas will be investigated with the intention of recommending any such areas after such further consideration of the special problems of wilderness recreation in semi-arid and arid climates. This may require qualification of the management guidelines outlined above.
  
 Willandra National Park * \\ Willandra National Park * \\
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 Many of these areas are within national parks which are currently subject to the preparation of a plan of management (indicated by an asterisk (*)). Wilderness areas proposed in a plan of management once adopted will be declared as wilderness under section 59 as a matter of high priority. Many of these areas are within national parks which are currently subject to the preparation of a plan of management (indicated by an asterisk (*)). Wilderness areas proposed in a plan of management once adopted will be declared as wilderness under section 59 as a matter of high priority.
  
-In those other national parks listed aboVe which are not currently nor likely to be in the foreseeable future subject to the preparation of a plan of management, a comprehensive investigation will be undertaken of potential wilderness areas and suitable areas declared under section 59(1) of the Act.+In those other national parks listed above which are not currently nor likely to be in the foreseeable future subject to the preparation of a plan of management, a comprehensive investigation will be undertaken of potential wilderness areas and suitable areas declared under section 59(1) of the Act.
  
-The management guidelines accord closely with those adopted by the Colong Committee. The Committee has strongly advocated the protection of complete catchment areas, particular instances being Nadgee, Deua-Wadbilliga and +The management guidelines accord closely with those adopted by the Colong Committee. The Committee has strongly advocated the protection of complete catchment areas, particular instances being Nadgee, Deua-Wadbilliga and Kakadu. "Activities that conflict with opportunities for wilderness experience" would no doubt include not only vehicular use but motor boats, helicopters, hunting and any other damaging activity. The closing and rehabilitation of tracks is another management essential we have for long sought. By far the most significant guideline is the uncompromising exclusion of all vehicles. Vehicles, and the firearms and litter they so often carry, are undoubtedly the worst destroyers of the wilderness experience.
-Kakadu. "Activities that conflict with opportunities for wilderness experience" would no doubt include not only vehicular use but motor boats, helicopters, hunting and any other damaging activity. The closing and rehabilitation of tracks is another management essential we have for long sought. By far the most significant guideline is the uncompromising exclusion of all vehicles. Vehicles, and the firearms and litter they so often carry, are undoubtedly the worst destroyers of the wilderness experience.+
  
-There are several aspects on which we would hope for more specific policy. The designation of wilderness under section 59(1) of the N.P.W.S. Act will take place as soon as possible following the adoption of the plan. Management plans take years to prepare and in the meantime roading, resorts and other development might take place in a wilderness. The object of section 59(1) is to preserve wilderness until the management plan has been approved. There also seems to be a contradiction between the commitment to "Management operations on foot or skis" and the retention of tracks "essential for management". Which kind of management requires tracks and what kind of tracks? In these days a track is usually a vehicle track. Gfice a track is made it is virtually impossible to exclude unauthorized use. It provides access for destructive elements and probably gives rise to more fires than its use can prevent. Unless carefully maintained, at considerable cost, vehicle tracks become channels for erosion.+There are several aspects on which we would hope for more specific policy. The designation of wilderness under section 59(1) of the N.P.W.S. Act will take place as soon as possible following the adoption of the plan. Management plans take years to prepare and in the meantime roading, resorts and other development might take place in a wilderness. The object of section 59(1) is to preserve wilderness until the management plan has been approved. There also seems to be a contradiction between the commitment to "Management operations on foot or skis" and the retention of tracks "essential for management". Which kind of management requires tracks and what kind of tracks? In these days a track is usually a vehicle track. once a track is made it is virtually impossible to exclude unauthorized use. It provides access for destructive elements and probably gives rise to more fires than its use can prevent. Unless carefully maintained, at considerable cost, vehicle tracks become channels for erosion.
  
-The guidline of "fire management practices in wilderness in accordance with the adopted fire management plan" begs the question rather than describes policy, though it if means that the N.P.W.S. alone determines fire management practice within the boundaries of national parks, this is a plus. A firm statement that wilderness, designated as such or not, will not be used for the creation of firebreaks, as it has been in the past, would have been more to the point. It is well proven that most fires start, not in wilderness, but in developed areas, and that is where the fire breaks should be made, though it may be impossible to avoid making some breaks on the wilderness margins.+The guideline of "fire management practices in wilderness in accordance with the adopted fire management plan" begs the question rather than describes policy, though it if means that the N.P.W.S. alone determines fire management practice within the boundaries of national parks, this is a plus. A firm statement that wilderness, designated as such or not, will not be used for the creation of firebreaks, as it has been in the past, would have been more to the point. It is well proven that most fires start, not in wilderness, but in developed areas, and that is where the fire breaks should be made, though it may be impossible to avoid making some breaks on the wilderness margins.
  
 The goal of declaring no fewer than three wilderness areas a year gives some assurance of progress, though we would like to see quicker progress. The rate of progress would not matter so much if section 59 were used BEFORE wilderness areas were designated in management plans. The goal of declaring no fewer than three wilderness areas a year gives some assurance of progress, though we would like to see quicker progress. The rate of progress would not matter so much if section 59 were used BEFORE wilderness areas were designated in management plans.
- 
 ===== SOCIAL NOTES. ===== ===== SOCIAL NOTES. =====
 by Bill Holland. by Bill Holland.
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 High Value items will be sold on owner's behalf with the Club receiving 20% commission. Owners may put a reserve price on these items. High Value items will be sold on owner's behalf with the Club receiving 20% commission. Owners may put a reserve price on these items.
  
-Earlier in the month, on October 9th, we have a Wine, Cheese and Patt night. The Club wiItsupply standard cask wine, fruit juices, coffee and other refreshments but it is up to you to bring along cheese, pate and cheese dishes, and if you wish quality wines more suitable for the discerning bush- walker. Please label your offering and, preferably, describe the type of cHeese (district, age of cow and-expiry date), type of pat 4 (particularly if home made) or class of wine (district, vintage, height of hill, etc.) There will be prizes for the best presented, most unusual, best poetic description and most boring.+Earlier in the month, on October 9th, we have a Wine, Cheese and Pate night. The Club will supply standard cask wine, fruit juices, coffee and other refreshments but it is up to you to bring along cheese, pate and cheese dishes, and if you wish quality wines more suitable for the discerning bushwalker. Please label your offering and, preferably, describe the type of cheese (district, age of cow and expiry date), type of pate (particularly if home made) or class of wine (district, vintage, height of hill, etc.) There will be prizes for the best presented, most unusual, best poetic description and most boring.
  
-16th October is a Members' Slides Night. Bring along a batch of slides - bushwalking or other - that you Would like to show your fellow Club  members. DINNER before the meeting at - "Curry Bazaar" Restaurant, 334 Pacific Highway, Crow's Nest. BYOG.+16th October is a Members' Slides Night. Bring along a batch of slides - bushwalking or other - that you would like to show your fellow Club members. DINNER before the meeting at - "Curry Bazaar" Restaurant, 334 Pacific Highway, Crow's Nest. BYOG.
  
 On the 23rd October, Peter Christian presents an audio/visual "Pidgeon House to Snowbound Kosciusko". On the 23rd October, Peter Christian presents an audio/visual "Pidgeon House to Snowbound Kosciusko".
  
-===== REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING 419/85. =====+===== REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING 4/9/85. =====
  
 The Environment Centre has a new address (temporarily). It is:- 57 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. The Environment Centre has a new address (temporarily). It is:- 57 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney.
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 Time: 8.30 am start Saturday morning. Campfire Saturday night. Time: 8.30 am start Saturday morning. Campfire Saturday night.
  
-Directions: Drive to Campbelltown and head south on the Appin Road. +Directions: Drive to Campbelltown and head south on the Appin Road. Turn left into Woodland Road and continue to Wedderburn Road (T intersection). Turn right and continue until you can turn left into Victoria Road, watch the S.& R. signs.
-Turn left into Woodland Road and continue to Wedderburn Road (T intersection). Turn right and continue to L4saght's Road (T intersection). Turn right and continue until you can turn left into Victoria Road, watch the S.& R. signs.+
  
 Contact: Tony Parr 666-5984 (H), 666-8943, X 2511 (B)-for further details. Contact: Tony Parr 666-5984 (H), 666-8943, X 2511 (B)-for further details.
  
198509.1399548191.txt.gz · Last modified: 2014/05/08 21:23 by simon
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