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+===== Tantangara To Brindabells. =====
-TANTANGARA TO BRINDABELLA
-LEADER: DON FINCH
 by Janet Waterhouse.
-PARTY MEMBERS: Don Finch (Little Hitler), Wendy Aliano (Choir Leader),
-David Rostron (The Man with $1.13), Bill Burke (Quarter Master), Barry Wallace (Butter Custodian), Lynne Jones (Neat as a Pin), Joan Cooper (Phantom Fly Charmer), Steve Brown (The Pritikin Kid), Janet Waterhouse (Scribe).
+__Leader__: Don Finch.
+__Party Members__: Don Finch (Little Hitler), Wendy Aliano (Choir Leader), David Rostron (The Man with $1.13), Bill Burke (Quarter Master), Barry Wallace (Butter Custodian), Lynne Jones (Neat as a Pin), Joan Cooper (Phantom Fly Charmer), Steve Brown (The Pritikin Kid), Janet Waterhouse (Scribe).
 An account of our trip 21st February to 2nd March, 1986, written from copious suggestions en route from a variety of party members.
-PART 1 - The Grass-seed Plains.
-Friday: We congregated in dribs and drabs on the Friday night at Don's sister's place in Canberra. With usual clarity in communication between our party's members, we discovered that no-one was quite sure of just when David, Lynne and Bill were expected or whether in fact they had collectively managed to acquire the correct address, so after a little contention over who should have the comfort of the couch, the rest of us retired anyway, the trio successfully waking the entire household just as we'd drifted off to sleep.
+=== Part 1 - The Grass-seed Plains. ===
-Saturday: Peaceful slumber was shattered at 0545 with David and
-Barry discussing the time and by the time they had decided that it really was too early to get up the rest of us were awake anyway (Ah, the bliss of communal living!).
+__Friday__: We congregated in dribs and drabs on the Friday night at Don's sister's place in Canberra. With usual clarity in communication between our party's members, we discovered that no-one was quite sure of just when David, Lynne and Bill were expected or whether in fact they had collectively managed to acquire the correct address, so after a little contention over who should have the comfort of the couch, the rest of us retired anyway, the trio successfully waking the entire household just as we'd drifted off to sleep.
+__Saturday__: Peaceful slumber was shattered at 0545 with David and Barry discussing the time and by the time they had decided that it really was too early to get up the rest of us were awake anyway (Ah, the bliss of communal living!).
 The next two hours were occupied with packing and repacking, sacrificing the need for such things as personalized maps, cameras, surplus clothing, etc. none of which seemed to help lighten our packs at all. Joan worried whether her ankle would stand up to the walk, I wondered if I would cope with the weight for a walk longer than any I'd ever been on, Wendy skited about how light her pack was, while David went around lifting one pack at a time looking knowing and making us nervous.
 Procrastination and deliberation were halted by Don's summons to the backyard for BBQ'd bacon and eggs and shortly afterwards our bus (Canberra Charter Coaches) arrived.
-By 1030 we had been safely deposited at a point where the Snowy Mountains Highway crosses Alpine Creek Fire Trail (DENISON: 428246). This was after a brief stop in Cooma for fussy David to buy a toothbrush, having declined the offer of a secondhand one. His funds were thus reduced to $1.13. Despite
-our heavy packs it really was too early to have lunch, so we set off along the peaceful fire-trail to be quickly confronted by two trail-bike riders. We chatted for a while, listened to advice about what lay ahead, and hoped our escape from civilization would not be interrupted too often.
+By 1030 we had been safely deposited at a point where the Snowy Mountains Highway crosses Alpine Creek Fire Trail (Denison: 428246). This was after a brief stop in Cooma for fussy David to buy a toothbrush, having declined the offer of a secondhand one. His funds were thus reduced to $1.13. Despite our heavy packs it really was too early to have lunch, so we set off along the peaceful fire-trail to be quickly confronted by two trail-bike riders. We chatted for a while, listened to advice about what lay ahead, and hoped our escape from civilization would not be interrupted too often.
-After lunch at Alpine Creek, we followed the track and then a ridge leading to Tantangara Mountain, entrusting Bill with the task of finding a suitable campsite. We had a magnificent view from the summit (DENISON: 412288), apart from the entertainment provided by Don as he hung by his toe nail's from high on the trig with the other three machos hanging from the sides like angels on a Christmas charm. To the east was Lake Eucumbene, to
-south Mounts Gudgenby and Tabletop, and to north "beckoning" Tantangara Reservoir and our destination for Tuesday, swimming and fishing.
+After lunch at Alpine Creek, we followed the track and then a ridge leading to Tantangara Mountain, entrusting Bill with the task of finding a suitable campsite. We had a magnificent view from the summit (Denison: 412288), apart from the entertainment provided by Don as he hung by his toe nails from high on the trig with the other three machos hanging from the sides like angels on a Christmas charm. To the east was Lake Eucumbene, to south Mounts Gudgenby and Tabletop, and to north "beckoning" Tantangara Reservoir and our destination for Tuesday, swimming and fishing.
-Whilst we frolicked on our mountain top and Lynne and Wendy showed their equally interesting navigational abilities, Bill blazed a trail around the edge of Boggy Plain, selecting a campsite nestled amongst yellow everlasting daisies and wombat holes, beside a creek inundated with swarms of what fortunately turned out NOT to be "giant mosquitoes". We whiled away
-Page 8 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER May, 1986.
+Whilst we frolicked on our mountain top and Lynne and Wendy showed their equally interesting navigational abilities, Bill blazed a trail around the edge of Boggy Plain, selecting a campsite nestled amongst yellow everlasting daisies and wombat holes, beside a creek inundated with swarms of what fortunately turned out __not__ to be "giant mosquitoes". We whiled away the rest of the afternoon chatting and chasing the fading sun around camp. Some of the lads tried their hand at fishing, Barry attempting to provide fish for breakfast to justify having forgotten his porridge ration.
-the rest of the afternoon chatting and chasing the fading sun around camp. Some of the lads tried their hand at fishing, Barry attempting to provide fish for breakfast to justify having forgotten his porridge ration.
 Around the campfire, David's attempts to stimulate discussion on as many controversial issues as possible led to only mixed success, so we sauntered off to bed to ponder our week ahead.
-Sunday: We awoke to David's enthusiastic cracking of sticks, the rest of the porridge party quickly realising that they had been pipped at the post for lightening their load. Breaking camp we continued to skirt Boggy Plain, gazing out on an expanse of tussock grass and the occasional outcrop of interesting boulders until a long-abandoned mine where Wendy
-enthusiastically handed out our scroggin and nut allotments. Feeling a
+__Sunday__: We awoke to David's enthusiastic cracking of sticks, the rest of the porridge party quickly realising that they had been pipped at the post for lightening their load. Breaking camp we continued to skirt Boggy Plain, gazing out on an expanse of tussock grass and the occasional outcrop of interesting boulders until a long-abandoned mine where Wendy enthusiastically handed out our scroggin and nut allotments. Feeling a trifle chilly we hurried on to explore Gooandra Hut (Tantangara: 387369), some party members proving their superior eyesight and navigational abilities. Reunited with David, Barry and Steve who tried hard not to appear put out (but argued the point anyway) we continued to our lunch spot.
-trifle chilly we hurried on to explore Gooandra Hut (TANTANGARA: 387369), some party members proving their superior eyesight and navigational abilities. Reunited with David, Barry and Steve who tried hard not to appear put out (but argued the point anyway) we continued to our lunch spot.
-That afternoon we continued north, crossed the Murrumbidgee where there was at least enough water to bath if not actually swim, and established camp on a nearby treed hillside (RULES POINT: 402427). Fishing was again attempted, this time with Joan's assistance, but still to no avail, while Steve charged up the nearest high hill. The rest of us mooched around camp watching airline vapour trails form overhead, picking grass seeds from our socks for the umpteenth time that day, and basically revelling in the escape from society whilst Wendy prepared a magnificent repast.
+That afternoon we continued north, crossed the Murrumbidgee where there was at least enough water to bath if not actually swim, and established camp on a nearby treed hillside (Rules Point: 402427). Fishing was again attempted, this time with Joan's assistance, but still to no avail, while Steve charged up the nearest high hill. The rest of us mooched around camp watching airline vapour trails form overhead, picking grass seeds from our socks for the umpteenth time that day, and basically revelling in the escape from society whilst Wendy prepared a magnificent repast.
 With dinner over and the light beginning to soften on the tussocky hills a great sense of peace and freedom began to sweep over us. David produced two song books and the choir took over. Despite quite an interesting mixture of musical ability, participation was with great gusto climaxed in a frantic Hokey Pokey dance, during which one of Barry's gaiters nearly met a firey fate.
-Monday:, The morning started early for everyone (except Don and Wendy) with 9/10 low cloud, 10C and David fighting off nightmares which he blamed on the rum from the previous evening, but we all knew better.
-During the preparation and consumption of hot tea, porridge and
+__Monday__: The morning started early for everyone (except Don and Wendy) with 9/10 low cloud, 10°C and David fighting off nightmares which he blamed on the rum from the previous evening, but we all knew better.
-various comestibles, a disturbing mystery became apparent. After about five counts, the searching of numerous packs, tents, groundsheets and one or two unsuspecting persons it emerged as a sustainable fact that Lynne's wooden spoon had disappeared overnight. However, as we were leaving, Barry fell over the said spoon and received an appropriate award from Lynne. It is strongly suspected that Barry concealed the spoon solely with that amorous reward in mind.
-After wisely donning gaiters, for those of us who had them, the party moved off across a saddle into Dairyman's Creek and took a long gentle ascent through delightful alpine forest to a point adjacent to Dairyman's Saddle.'' We had begun to think we had the place to ourselves for we had sighted very little in the way of native or feral animals. About half way up the creek, as we were proceeding along an open area of snow grass following a faint animal track, Barry suddenly spotted another track-user approaching. A large grey fox, completely unaware of our presence, was trotting slowly down the track checking out the edges for food. At 30 metres, realizing his
+During the preparation and consumption of hot tea, porridge and various comestibles, a disturbing mystery became apparent. After about five counts, the searching of numerous packs, tents, groundsheets and one or two unsuspecting persons it emerged as a sustainable fact that Lynne's wooden spoon had disappeared overnight. However, as we were leaving, Barry fell over the said spoon and received an appropriate award from Lynne. It is strongly suspected that Barry concealed the spoon solely with that amorous reward in mind.
-peril, he dashed off into the adjacent forest.
-Descending a long easy ridge down to Dairyman's Plain we lunched at a creek junction, where we first really noticed Joan's attraction for flies. Arriving early at Muffler's Creek, our destination for the day (RULES POINT: 474448), to avoid the optional side-trip to Mount Nattung (RULES POINT:452469) we spent the afternoon vascillating between campsites strategically placed
+After wisely donning gaiters, for those of us who had them, the party moved off across a saddle into Dairyman's Creek and took a long gentle ascent through delightful alpine forest to a point adjacent to Dairyman's Saddle. We had begun to think we had the place to ourselves for we had sighted very little in the way of native or feral animals. About half way up the creek, as we were proceeding along an open area of snow grass following a faint animal track, Barry suddenly spotted another track-user approaching. A large grey fox, completely unaware of our presence, was trotting slowly down the track checking out the edges for food. At 30 metres, realizing his peril, he dashed off into the adjacent forest.
-May, 1986. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 9
-on knolls on either side of the creek, carting 5 litres Df water ballast each to avoid launching ourselves on a ballistic trajectory whilst crossing the tussock in the creek bed.
+Descending a long easy ridge down to Dairyman's Plain we lunched at a creek junction, where we first really noticed Joan's attraction for flies. Arriving early at Muffler's Creek, our destination for the day (Rules Point: 474448), to avoid the optional side-trip to Mount Nattung (Rules Point:452469) we spent the afternoon vascillating between campsites strategically placed on knolls on either side of the creek, carting 5 litres of water ballast each to avoid launching ourselves on a ballistic trajectory whilst crossing the tussock in the creek bed.
 The Pritikin-powered Steve, refusing to be involved in this idiocy, climbed Nattung.
-Reunited after a couple of hours' stubborn procrastination, we established camp and soothed our troubled brows with liquid refreshment. Don, having lost heart with tickling imaginary trout, turned his hand to the snaring of rabbits from where we suspected he had a dress-circle view of the ladies performing their ablutions. After dinner, despite our weakened
-state from the day's activities and good food, we summoned enough energy to sing and approximate dances such as the Flying Hora, Zorba the Greek and imitate Lynne's impressive representation of the Conga, the dance floor having been prepared for such a purpose.
+Reunited after a couple of hours' stubborn procrastination, we established camp and soothed our troubled brows with liquid refreshment. Don, having lost heart with tickling imaginary trout, turned his hand to the snaring of rabbits from where we suspected he had a dress-circle view of the ladies performing their ablutions. After dinner, despite our weakened state from the day's activities and good food, we summoned enough energy to sing and approximate dances such as the Flying Hora, Zorba the Greek and imitate Lynne's impressive representation of the Conga, the dance floor having been prepared for such a purpose.
-Tuesday: Once again the phantom prestidigitator struck at breakfast time whisking away my porridge-coated mug which had been volunteered by
-Someone as a ladle. After a brief but futile search, it was assumed that
+__Tuesday__: Once again the phantom prestidigitator struck at breakfast time whisking away my porridge-coated mug which had been volunteered by Someone as a ladle. After a brief but futile search, it was assumed that David, missing from the scene, had hidden it with hopes of claiming a due reward. Assuming use of David's mug as a replacement I was confronted by an "innocent" and indignant David who pointed out the porridge-coated mug atop a "washing-up" tree.
-David, missing from the scene, had hidden it with hopes of claiming a due reward. Assuming use of David's mug as a replacement I was confronted by an "innocent" and indignant David who pointed out the porridge-coated mug atop a "washing-up" tree.
-The terrible truth about Tantangara Aeservoir was realised that morning as we came over a rise to spy a car drivipg across the plain where the lake should have been. The lads comforted themselves by picking large dandelions, David chanting "She loves Me' - she loves me not", Don "Yes they will - no they won't", Barry doing a count down got to 4 (am or pm?) whilst Bill simply proved that he had the most efficient lungs for blowing all the seeds
+The terrible truth about Tantangara Reservoir was realised that morning as we came over a rise to spy a car driving across the plain where the lake should have been. The lads comforted themselves by picking large dandelions, David chanting "She loves Me - she loves me not", Don "Yes they will - no they won't", Barry doing a count down got to 4 (am or pm?) whilst Bill simply proved that he had the most efficient lungs for blowing all the seeds away. (Superior? or was it all those years of extra practice at blowing out birthday candles?).
-away. (Superior? or was it all those years of extra practice at blowing
-out birthday candles?).
+During morning tea at Old Currango Hut (Rules Point: 50548q), while we were eating Tim-tams, David tried to instill some enthusiasm for climbing Mount Bimberi into the slothful party. Some of the party thought he was frothing at the mouth again and wanted to give him a sedative, but much to David's surprise and alarm he had two takers. However on reaching the campsite I saw the folly in my enthusiasm. Unfortunately for David the Pritikin-powered Steve was still keen.
-During morning tea at Qtd Currango Hut (RULES POINT: 50548q), while we were eating Tim-tams, David tried to instill some enthusiasm for climbing Mount Bimberi into the slothful party. Some of the party thought he was frothing at the mouth again and wanted to give him a sedative, but much to David's surprise and alarm he had two takers. However on reaching the campsite I saw the folly in my enthusiasm., 1 Unfortunately for David the Pritikin-powered Steve was still keen.
-Camp that night was selected and enforced by Don (Little Hitler) after the brief flowering of Monday's democracy, despite Joan's close encounter with what appeared to be a yellow-bellied black snake and a swarm of bull-, ants which were ceremonially toasted. Whilst Bill, Joan and Barry guarded camp and made the rice (white) dessert Don, Wendy, Lynne and I climbed Howell's Peak (RULES POINT: 549514). As we trudged off across a lboggy rough tussocky plain in what was an unusually hot and listless afternoonlI felt relieved not to be struggling to keep up with David and Steve. When we reached our peak, the trig which Wendy had so clearly spotted fromthe plain was found lying on the ground....very fitting for how we felt.
+Camp that night was selected and enforced by Don (Little Hitler) after the brief flowering of Monday's democracy, despite Joan's close encounter with what appeared to be a yellow-bellied black snake and a swarm of bull-ants which were ceremonially toasted. Whilst Bill, Joan and Barry guarded camp and made the rice (white) dessert Don, Wendy, Lynne and I climbed Howell's Peak (Rules Point: 549514). As we trudged off across a boggy rough tussocky plain in what was an unusually hot and listless afternoon I felt relieved not to be struggling to keep up with David and Steve. When we reached our peak, the trig which Wendy had so clearly spotted from the plain was found lying on the ground.... very fitting for how we felt.
-Back at camp we washed and supped late waiting for the return of The Terrible Two, who wandered in at dusk after a successful 28 km and 3000 ft of climbing through scrub to the top of Bimberi in just 6 hours. At first we didn't recognize them, David dressed in his under-pants, gaiters and shoes, and Steve in nothing but shorts and shoes. None the less they were
-welcomed and spoiled by the service of four hand-maidens (including Barry)
+Back at camp we washed and supped late waiting for the return of The Terrible Two, who wandered in at dusk after a successful 28 km and 3000 ft of climbing through scrub to the top of Bimberi in just 6 hours. At first we didn't recognize them, David dressed in his under-pants, gaiters and shoes, and Steve in nothing but shorts and shoes. None the less they were welcomed and spoiled by the service of four hand-maidens (including Barry) and suitably wined and dined. It was a subdued party around the fire that night.
-and suitably wined and dined. It was a subdued party around the fire that
-night.
+__Wednesday__: The morning dawned fine with the promise of a perfect day. A carpet of mist flowed out acrosS the plain where the lake should have been, the mountains in the distance peeping through above the mist. The less than musical dawn chorus of crows and kookaburras had told us nothing of the magic and tranquility of the scene now before us.
-Wednesday: The morning dawned fine with the promise of a perfect
-day. A carpet of mist flowed out acrosS the plain where the lake should
-Page 10 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER May, 1986.
-have been, the mountains in the distance peeping through above the mist. The less than musical dawn chorus of crows and kookaburras had told us nothing of the magic and tranquility of the scene now before us.
 Wency and I pampered ourselves by washing our hair in warm water. What luxury!
 During the course of the morning the wholemeal macaroni of the previous night began to take its toll on each one of us. Yes, Barry, it was just as well we didn't have brown rice for dessert as well!
-As the mountains melted into a blue haze we set off eagerly for the long awaited swim in the cool deep pools of Cave Creek. After road-bashing our way across the tumbling plain past Bill Jones Hut we spied the rocky crags of the creek. To our dismay the creek bed was totally dry. Most of the party hurried on whilst Joan, Wendy, David (who accompanied us for at least 10 metres) and I took time out to explore a cave, 'Cave Four' (RULES POINT: 400555), reputed to have been the most impressive in the Coolaman system prior to vandalism.
+As the mountains melted into a blue haze we set off eagerly for the long awaited swim in the cool deep pools of Cave Creek. After road-bashing our way across the tumbling plain past Bill Jones Hut we spied the rocky crags of the creek. To our dismay the creek bed was totally dry. Most of the party hurried on whilst Joan, Wendy, David (who accompanied us for at least 10 metres) and I took time out to explore a cave, 'Cave Four' (Rules Point: 400555), reputed to have been the most impressive in the Coolaman system prior to vandalism.
 For Wendy and me it was our first experience of caving and with Joan's enthusiasm and confidence spurring us on we sumped the cave, taking our fill of the clear, cool water at the end of the chamber. As we explored we found many of the formations to be still alive and admired examples of stalagtites & stalagmites, flowstone, shawls and straws so delicate and fragile. On our retreat and disappointed at the others' apparent disinterest, we sped along the rocky creek bed until we found the rear-guard.
 By the time we reached the picnic area at Coolaman the billy was on the boil and we gratefully threw ourselves into the freezing waters of the creek and wondered from what underground haven it had sprung.
-After lunch we trekked off to Coolamine Homestead (PEPPERCORN: 5075789) where the highlight was the double-bunger loo ('The 2-holed long-drop'), and David was tempted by the only apple on an old gnarled tree. The homestead is under reconstruction for tourism. When the long-awaited cloud to shade our journey arrived our beloved leader was examining the long-drop to see if it was in working order, and so in the scorching afternoon we trekked off across another long dusty plain to another grass-seed infested campsite beside a burbling brook at least 2 inches deep (PEPPERCORN: 517594).
-Our intrepid "junior member", the Pritikin Kid, once again put us all to shame by climbing the highest mountain peak in the area, Mt. Jackson (PEPPERCORN: 540614), attempting unsuccessfully to lure me with the promise of a real 'snail haven' and leaving David tied to the apron strings. Don provided the afternoon's entertainment ("Nothing notable" - Joan) by bathing from a billy on centre stage. Joan and I found a totally secluded little bend in the creek nestled in deep tussock grass with enough water to wash
+After lunch we trekked off to Coolamine Homestead (Peppercorn: 5075789) where the highlight was the double-bunger loo ('The 2-holed long-drop'), and David was tempted by the only apple on an old gnarled tree. The homestead is under reconstruction for tourism. When the long-awaited cloud to shade our journey arrived our beloved leader was examining the long-drop to see if it was in working order, and so in the scorching afternoon we trekked off across another long dusty plain to another grass-seed infested campsite beside a burbling brook at least 2 inches deep (Peppercorn: 517594).
-and ladled copious quantities of cool water over ourselves. It was so blissful lying sunning ourselves, with no flies to bother us, that only after continuous dinner summons did we reluctantly return to camp.
-After our feast on black-eyed beans no one seemed inspired for song or dance, so we played charades at which Lynne excelled. The night was capped off with Bill's charade of "No Nickers", Don's "Holy Bible", Wendy's "Naked. Ape" and David's "Female Eunuch". The party retired early in fear and trembling of the anticipated effect of the black-eyed beans, while I sat on longer under a clear and starry sky watching deep shadows shorten into
+Our intrepid "junior member", the Pritikin Kid, once again put us all to shame by climbing the highest mountain peak in the area, Mt. Jackson (Peppercorn: 540614), attempting unsuccessfully to lure me with the promise of a real 'snail haven' and leaving David tied to the apron strings. Don provided the afternoon's entertainment ("Nothing notable" - Joan) by bathing from a billy on centre stage. Joan and I found a totally secluded little bend in the creek nestled in deep tussock grass with enough water to wash and ladled copious quantities of cool water over ourselves. It was so blissful lying sunning ourselves, with no flies to bother us, that only after continuous dinner summons did we reluctantly return to camp.
-silhouettes as a full moon topped the trees. The embers of another friendly fire glowed warmly, softly crackling like crumpling foil. The bush was alive with the sound of chirping crickets and frogs and only faintly could I distinguish the gentle slumbering of my companions.
-TO BE CONTINUED.
+After our feast on black-eyed beans no one seemed inspired for song or dance, so we played charades at which Lynne excelled. The night was capped off with Bill's charade of "No Nickers", Don's "Holy Bible", Wendy's "Naked Ape" and David's "Female Eunuch". The party retired early in fear and trembling of the anticipated effect of the black-eyed beans, while I sat on longer under a clear and starry sky watching deep shadows shorten into silhouettes as a full moon topped the trees. The embers of another friendly fire glowed warmly, softly crackling like crumpling foil. The bush was alive with the sound of chirping crickets and frogs and only faintly could I distinguish the gentle slumbering of my companions.
-May, 1986. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 11
-BEN ESGATE - A LIVING EPITAPH.
+To be continued.
+----
+===== Ben Esgate - A Living Epitaph. =====
 by Charlie Brown.
 Having been brought up (or kicked and told to get up) in the Blue Mountains by a kindly but firm mother and a firm but inadvertantly kind father (the boy should stay at home and chop wood instead of bushwalking if he wants exercise), it was with some joy that at the tender age of thirteen that I first met Ben Esgate while illegally fishing for trout at the Blue Hole (Govetts Creek).
 During those wild days when an Elvis record cost ten shillings there was no way I was going to spend five bob on a trout licence. I was most relieved after being engaged in conversation by this tough looking bushman and his dog to find that he wasn't the Resident Fishing Inspector, about to lock me up, or worse.
-Vague introductions were made after discussing the weather and the
-state of the Tristania (whoever she might be!) and the dialogue commenced:-
+Vague introductions were made after discussing the weather and the state of the Tristania (whoever she might be!) and the dialogue commenced:-
 - So you're Jack Brown's youngest?
 - Uh yeah (who the hell are you?)
 - Ben Esgate, this is Jingles. (Indicates the dog)
 - Uh g'day. (The dog nodded and smiled)
 - What are you fishing for?
 - Uh dunno. (He still looks like a Fishing Inspector!)
 - We should go for a walk someday.
 Thus ended the first meeting.
-Little did I know that he had just come UP Arethusa Canyon, later to become a well-known abseiling trip - well you meet strange people in the bush!
-Several months later in mid July the phone rang and the voice of my nemesis suggested - no insisted - that I should forego chopping wood and take a stroll over Guouogang the coming weekend. Being an agile halfback in Katoomba High's footy team I realised I should have been at Lithgow for the knockout comp. - But being a true son of the Mountains, with a low threshold of pain and few brains I opted for the Big One. A supplementary factor was that the winds of winter had made me unfit for football with a vile dose of the 'flu, and managed as it turned out to have infected Ben
+Little did I know that he had just come __up__ Arethusa Canyon, later to become a well-known abseiling trip - well you meet strange people in the bush!
-as well. Jingles however was OK, having had his distemper shots long ago.
+Several months later in mid July the phone rang and the voice of my nemesis suggested - no insisted - that I should forego chopping wood and take a stroll over Guouogang the coming weekend. Being an agile halfback in Katoomba High's footy team I realised I should have been at Lithgow for the knockout comp. - But being a true son of the Mountains, with a low threshold of pain and few brains I opted for the Big One. A supplementary factor was that the winds of winter had made me unfit for football with a vile dose of the 'flu, and managed as it turned out to have infected Ben as well. Jingles however was OK, having had his distemper shots long ago.
 So it began - bogged on Megalong Road in pouring rain - the long struggle over a snow-covered Mount Jenolan - a freezing night on the side of Guouogang with the water freezing in the billy beside the fire - over the top the next morning and back up the Cox's to the car. Two and a half people crazed with influenza and adrenalin, deliriously beating through the bush.
 Jingles never caught the 'flu and Ben and I both recovered from it, but I never recovered from Ben - a virulent infection that remains with me to this very day. Since then we have shared some really great times, and who knows that given a schooner or two I may be persuaded to share them, but in the meantime - why the epitaph?
 The Old Devil looks as though he may live forever, having celebrated his 72nd birthday by leading a walk in his beloved Blue Mountains recently, so while I may not be alive to provide the necessary words on his gravestone, I do it now:-
-Here's to you Ben.
-Old walkers never die -
+Here's to you Ben.\\
-In fact they don't even have the courtesy to slow down
+Old walkers never die -\\
-**********##
+In fact they don't even have the courtesy to slow down....
-THE SYDNEY BUS WV 'Li=
- VICTORIA ROAD GLADESVILLE, 2111 PHONE (02) 817 5590 HOURS - MON.-FRI. 9-6
+----
-THURS. 9-8
-SAT. 9-4
+=== Canoe & Camping. ===
-(PARKING AT REAR OFF PITTWATER ROAD)
-A LARGE RANGE OF LIGHTWEIGHT, QUALITY, BUSHWALKING Et CAMPING GEAR
+ Victoria Road, Gladesville, 2111. Phone (02) 817 5590. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Thurs. 9-8, Sat. 9-4. (Parking at rear off Pittwater Road).
- LIGHTWEIGHT FOOD FOR BACKPACKERS AND CANOEISTS
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+A large range of lightweight, quality, bushwalking & camping gear:
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- INFORMATION SERVICE FOR CANOEISTS AND WALKERS
+  * Lightweight food for backpackers and canoeists
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-WE STOCK THE LARGEST RANGE OF CANOEING GEAR IN N.S.W.
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-QUALITY TOURING CRAFT OF ALL TYPES HIGH QUALITY, PERFORMANCE COMPETITION CRAFT
+  * Information service for canoeists and walkers
- A HUGE RANGE OF PADDLES FOR ALL TYPES OF CANOEING  WETSUITS  SURF SKIS
+  * Knives
- ALL TYPES OF SPRAY COVERS  WIDE RANGE OF JACKETS & CAGS  FACE MASKS
+  * Compasses
- FOOTWEAR  MANY TYPES OF BUOYANCY & LIFE VESTS  HELMETS
+  * Survival gear
-May, 1986. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 13
+We stock the largest range of canoeing gear in N.S.W.
+Quality touring craft of all types. High quality, performance competition craft.
+  * A huge range of paddles for all types of canoeing
+  * Wetsuits
+  * Surf skis
+  * All types of spray covers
+  * Wide range of jackets & cags
+  * Face masks
+  * Footwear
+  * Many types of buoyancy & life vests
+  * Helmets
+----
 ANYONE INTERESTED IN A TRIP TO PARADISE?.
 by Marion Lloyd.