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-THE 1988.. RE-UNION  by Helen Gray+===== The 1988 Re-Union===== 
 + 
 +by Helen Gray 
 After the success of the 60th Anniversary Re-union at Coolana it was surprising that only 50 turned up at the 1988 Annual Re-union; even more surprising when you consider how perfect the weather was. However, let me add that what we lacked in numbers we made up for in quality! After the success of the 60th Anniversary Re-union at Coolana it was surprising that only 50 turned up at the 1988 Annual Re-union; even more surprising when you consider how perfect the weather was. However, let me add that what we lacked in numbers we made up for in quality!
-Our Social Secretary, Ian Debert, and his trusty offsider, Joy Hynes, have showed no sign of slowing down after being the driving forces behind the 60th's festivities, for theyimmediately started working when they arrived, building the campfire and cleaning and decorating the hut. (No small task; non-bushwalkers have been using our hut and the floor was littered with cigarette butts,cans, and assorted rubbish.) + 
-There was a rumour circulating that Kath and Jim Brown wouldn't be coming. Impossible! "They've been to every re-union for decades," said one old-timer. "Of COURSE they'll tome." But it was true. That night as the campfire was lit, Barbara Bruce announced that Jim was very sick and unable to come. However, they were with us in spirit. Jim's illness hadn't stopped him from writing a sketch for us which sent-up our new Constitution (or, more specifically, the language of all constitutions). Mike Reynolds read Jim's part and Tom Wenman read Mike Reynold's part, occasionally causing some confusion but not distracting from the humour and wit of Jim's writing. +Our Social Secretary, Ian Debert, and his trusty offsider, Joy Hynes, have showed no sign of slowing down after being the driving forces behind the 60th's festivities, for they immediately started working when they arrived, building the campfire and cleaning and decorating the hut. (No small task; non-bushwalkers have been using our hut and the floor was littered with cigarette butts, cans, and assorted rubbish.) 
-The -singing solos were first rate. Thank you Tom Wenman, Barbara Bruce, Dot Butler, Mike Reynolds, Don Matthews and Geof Wagg, and an extra thanks to Barbara and Geof for leading the sing-songs.+ 
 +There was a rumour circulating that Kath and Jim Brown wouldn't be coming. Impossible! "They've been to every re-union for decades," said one old-timer. "Of COURSE they'll come." But it was true. That night as the campfire was lit, Barbara Bruce announced that Jim was very sick and unable to come. However, they were with us in spirit. Jim's illness hadn't stopped him from writing a sketch for us which sent-up our new Constitution (or, more specifically, the language of all constitutions). Mike Reynolds read Jim's part and Tom Wenman read Mike Reynold's part, occasionally causing some confusion but not distracting from the humour and wit of Jim's writing. 
 + 
 +The singing solos were first rate. Thank you Tom Wenman, Barbara Bruce, Dot Butler, Mike Reynolds, Don Matthews and Geof Wagg, and an extra thanks to Barbara and Geof for leading the sing-songs. 
 After a handful of Presidents-Past wished Barrie Murdoch well for his further year in office, we adjourned to the hut for supper. What a supper. Laid out on tables - with tablecloths! - was a veritable feast of cakes. The President led the cheers for the two cooks, Spiro Hajinakitas and Christine Austen. After a handful of Presidents-Past wished Barrie Murdoch well for his further year in office, we adjourned to the hut for supper. What a supper. Laid out on tables - with tablecloths! - was a veritable feast of cakes. The President led the cheers for the two cooks, Spiro Hajinakitas and Christine Austen.
-Sunday morning came round and with it the damper competition. The President, as judge, was unable to decide an outright winner, and a tie for first was given to two youngsters, Steven Clacher and Joshua-Greentree(Josh's mother Dawn had become a member on the previous Wednesday). The winners looked on with pride (and disappointment?) as their winning efforts were devoured by the enthusiastic onlookers. + 
-The Swimming Carnival was deferred until the next re-union, as a strong chilling wind +Sunday morning came round and with it the damper competition. The President, as judge, was unable to decide an outright winner, and a tie for first was given to two youngsters, Steven Clacher and Joshua Greentree (Josh's mother Dawn had become a member on the previous Wednesday). The winners looked on with pride (and disappointment?) as their winning efforts were devoured by the enthusiastic onlookers. 
-on the water resulted in a marked lack of interest. Eating and talking occupied the rest of a very relaxed day and concluded a most enjoyable weekend.+ 
 +The Swimming Carnival was deferred until the next re-union, as a strong chilling wind on the water resulted in a marked lack of interest. Eating and talking occupied the rest of a very relaxed day and concluded a most enjoyable weekend. 
 P.S. Good news. With the help of new medication, Jim has made a speedy recovery. P.S. Good news. With the help of new medication, Jim has made a speedy recovery.
-* * * * * * * * * * + 
-THE  ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING  by Barry Wallace +---- 
-The meeting began at 2012 with around 40 plus persons present and the President presiding. There were apologies from those whose name was legion, but the call for new members, in this case one John Chapman, brought no response. We had more luck with two retries from the previous meet:J.1-lb as Dawn Greentree and Richard Brading came forward for welcome.+ 
 +===== The Annual General Meeting. ===== 
 + 
 +by Barry Wallace 
 + 
 +The meeting began at 2012 with around 40 plus persons present and the President presiding. There were apologies from those whose name was legion, but the call for new members, in this case one John Chapman, brought no response. We had more luck with two retries from the previous meeting as Dawn Greentree and Richard Brading came forward for welcome. 
 The minutes of the previous A.G.M. were read and agreed upon, only those with very good recall being in any position to argue in any case. The minutes of the previous A.G.M. were read and agreed upon, only those with very good recall being in any position to argue in any case.
-Correspondence comprised: the minutes of the F.B.W. February meeting, a letter from Jack and Edna Gentle protesting at the inclusion of the invirovote leafletwith the recent magazine, from Morag Ryder detailing some of the vicissitudes of the black art of offset printing, from Tony Marshall re the premature release of unaudited financial statements with the Annual Reports, from the Committee to Stan Madden requesting a report on the Club's offset printer, from the Committee to Jack and Edna Gentle, to new member John Chapman, from Ron Knightley expressing surprise and regret at the inclusion of political comment with and in the magazine, from Barry Zieren advising of his resignation from membership due tvAchangesin + 
-Page 8 The Sydney Bushwalker April, 1988 +Correspondence comprised: the minutes of the F.B.W. February meeting, a letter from Jack and Edna Gentle protesting at the inclusion of the invirovote leaflet with the recent magazine, from Morag Ryder detailing some of the vicissitudes of the black art of offset printing, from Tony Marshall re the premature release of unaudited financial statements with the Annual Reports, from the Committee to Stan Madden requesting a report on the Club's offset printer, from the Committee to Jack and Edna Gentle, to new member John Chapman, from Ron Knightley expressing surprise and regret at the inclusion of political comment with and in the magazine, from Barry Zieren advising of his resignation from membership due to changes in interests, and lastly a letter from Stan Madden advising that it is not yet time to take the printer out and beat it to death with rocks. 
-interests, and lastly a letter from Stan Madden advising that it is not yet time to take the printer out and beat it to death with rocks. + 
-Correspondence was received. Matters arising saw decisions that a letter be written to Ron Knightley, and a recommendation that the incoming Cbmmittee examine the various options available for printing the magazine.+Correspondence was received. Matters arising saw decisions that a letter be written to Ron Knightley, and a recommendation that the incoming Committee examine the various options available for printing the magazine. 
 Next came the Annual Reports, with advice that copies of the Financial Report, with the changes required by the Auditor, were available; a mia-culpa from the President, and a letter to the Auditor apologising for the error and assuring him that there will be no repetition. With that matter resolved, the reports were taken as read and accepted. The Financial Report was also accepted. Next came the Annual Reports, with advice that copies of the Financial Report, with the changes required by the Auditor, were available; a mia-culpa from the President, and a letter to the Auditor apologising for the error and assuring him that there will be no repetition. With that matter resolved, the reports were taken as read and accepted. The Financial Report was also accepted.
-Three procedural motions were then passed. These established the methods of voting and permitted the election of officers to proceed concurrent with the business of the general meeting'. You will have read the results of the election in last month's magazine, the main item of remark was that we filled eleven positons before we needed to vote.+ 
 +Three procedural motions were then passed. These established the methods of voting and permitted the election of officers to proceed concurrent with the business of the general meeting. You will have read the results of the election in last month's magazine, the main item of remark was that we filled eleven positons before we needed to vote. 
 Then came the Treasurer's budget for the coming year and a recommendation as to the level of subscription. After some confusion and one or two emphatic speakers in favour we agreed to hike the subs by around 25% in view of the coming necessity to replace the printer and possibly move into the use of a P.C. Then came the Treasurer's budget for the coming year and a recommendation as to the level of subscription. After some confusion and one or two emphatic speakers in favour we agreed to hike the subs by around 25% in view of the coming necessity to replace the printer and possibly move into the use of a P.C.
 +
 Still holding the floor, the Treasurer presented the March report. It seems we started out with $1982, received $205, spent $1351 and closed the month with $836. Still holding the floor, the Treasurer presented the March report. It seems we started out with $1982, received $205, spent $1351 and closed the month with $836.
-Then, while the sound and fury of election franzy raged around us, came that eye of the storm; the Walks Report. This began at the weekend of 12,13,14 (and for one party at least, 15) February with Oliver Crawford leading another of his extended rambles around the Wollongambe. There were 11 on the trip and it was a cold, damp, drear weekend. David Rostron's hard overnight walk to the Colo did not go, and Alan Mewitt has not been heard from about his Wondabyne to Wondabyne epic although there are persistent rumours that it did go. Of Errol Sheedy's Cronulla to Bundeena walk there was no word.+ 
 +Then, while the sound and fury of election frenzy raged around us, came that eye of the storm; the Walks Report. This began at the weekend of 12,13,14 (and for one party at least, 15) February with Oliver Crawford leading another of his extended rambles around the Wollongambe. There were 11 on the trip and it was a cold, damp, drear weekend. David Rostron's hard overnight walk to the Colo did not go, and Alan Mewitt has not been heard from about his Wondabyne to Wondabyne epic although there are persistent rumours that it did go. Of Errol Sheedy's Cronulla to Bundeena walk there was no word. 
 Kenn Clacher's Bell Canyon trip, scheduled for 19,20,21 February was deferred one week. It seemed to work O.K., they, all 5 of them, reported fine hot weather. Meanwhile, back at the weekend, David McIntosh led 11 on his Wollemi Creek trip, Joe Marton reported a party of 26 on his Glenbrook Creek walk and Belinda McKenzie cancelled her exploratory walk to Erskine Creek. Kenn Clacher's Bell Canyon trip, scheduled for 19,20,21 February was deferred one week. It seemed to work O.K., they, all 5 of them, reported fine hot weather. Meanwhile, back at the weekend, David McIntosh led 11 on his Wollemi Creek trip, Joe Marton reported a party of 26 on his Glenbrook Creek walk and Belinda McKenzie cancelled her exploratory walk to Erskine Creek.
 +
 Over the weekend of 26,27,28 February Les Powell had to cancel his Shoalhaven River bludge walk for lack of starters, but Jim Percy soldiered on through the heat from Badgerie's Lookout with his party of 5, and Margaret Reid set a gentler pace for the 9 who attended her Lawson to Lawson walk on the Sunday. Over the weekend of 26,27,28 February Les Powell had to cancel his Shoalhaven River bludge walk for lack of starters, but Jim Percy soldiered on through the heat from Badgerie's Lookout with his party of 5, and Margaret Reid set a gentler pace for the 9 who attended her Lawson to Lawson walk on the Sunday.
-The 4,5,6 March saw the return of cooler wet conditions as Ben Esgate led his party of 5 westward from Medlow Bath to clearing conditions, the Six Foot Track, and the ripe blackberries. All just a few days short of Ben's 74th birthday! Belinda McKenzie cancelled + 
-her Mill Creek circuit walk, but Jim Percy reported 10 starters on his somewhat rainy Waterfall to Heathcote walk. The F.B.W. Reunion, conducted that same weekend, was poorly attended and of Ralph Pengliss' Sydney Harbour walk there was no report. All of which brought the Walks Report to a close.+The 4,5,6 March saw the return of cooler wet conditions as Ben Esgate led his party of 5 westward from Medlow Bath to clearing conditions, the Six Foot Track, and the ripe blackberries. All just a few days short of Ben's 74th birthday! Belinda McKenzie cancelled her Mill Creek circuit walk, but Jim Percy reported 10 starters on his somewhat rainy Waterfall to Heathcote walk. The F.B.W. Reunion, conducted that same weekend, was poorly attended and of Ralph Pengliss' Sydney Harbour walk there was no report. All of which brought the Walks Report to a close. 
 The Federation Report revealed that F.B.W. are preparing to respond to the Katoomba N.P. Plan of Management, and that the Kowmung committee require photographs of the river and some dedicated volunteers. The S & R radios appear to be working well and pagers have been purchased. The Federation Report revealed that F.B.W. are preparing to respond to the Katoomba N.P. Plan of Management, and that the Kowmung committee require photographs of the river and some dedicated volunteers. The S & R radios appear to be working well and pagers have been purchased.
 +
 General Business brought yet more reproof over the matter of the envirovote leaflets, this time in the person of Peter Stitt. Peter has a secret question for you to ask the candidates, but one of the penalties for not attending this meeting is that you were not there to hear what it is. The meeting agreed that in future the financial year will run from January to December. It is expected that this will ease the pressure of preparing and distributing Annual Reports and the Financial Report in time for the A.G.M. in March. General Business brought yet more reproof over the matter of the envirovote leaflets, this time in the person of Peter Stitt. Peter has a secret question for you to ask the candidates, but one of the penalties for not attending this meeting is that you were not there to hear what it is. The meeting agreed that in future the financial year will run from January to December. It is expected that this will ease the pressure of preparing and distributing Annual Reports and the Financial Report in time for the A.G.M. in March.
 +
 Then it was just a matter of the announcements (don't forget folks, subs are NOW due and payable), and the President closed the meeting with the traditional "Let us re-une!"    at 2222. Then it was just a matter of the announcements (don't forget folks, subs are NOW due and payable), and the President closed the meeting with the traditional "Let us re-une!"    at 2222.
-* * * * * * * * * + 
-April, 1988 The Sydney Bushwalker Page 9 +---- 
-"SEE  YOU  SUNDAY FORTNIGHTMUM!" + 
--by Brian Harvey+===== "See You Sunday FortnightMum!" ===== 
 + 
 +by Brian Harvey 
 Prior to the Second World War, and still emerging from the Great Depression with its dismal wages, bushwalkers could not afford today's luxury holidays, so they had to make the most of their two weeks' vacations at low cost enjoyment. I recall Norbert Carlon saying that one free-lance walker, a school teacher, privileged to be awarded six weeks holidays, spent his entire time down on the Cox River, having first laid-in caches of non-perishables, relying on his 22 rifle for rabbit stew, with the occasional eel cooked in the hot ashes. Prior to the Second World War, and still emerging from the Great Depression with its dismal wages, bushwalkers could not afford today's luxury holidays, so they had to make the most of their two weeks' vacations at low cost enjoyment. I recall Norbert Carlon saying that one free-lance walker, a school teacher, privileged to be awarded six weeks holidays, spent his entire time down on the Cox River, having first laid-in caches of non-perishables, relying on his 22 rifle for rabbit stew, with the occasional eel cooked in the hot ashes.
-And so it came to pass that SBW member Ron Eddes and myself-were very justifiably granted our two weeks leave commencing noon on 14th May, 1938 (after working the usual Saturday morning) that is, exactly 50 years ago next month, both still here but no so hale and hearty! Oh, me knees! We had decided we would undertake a 15 days easy trip, involving carrying an initial load of 45 meals, a feat probably beyond the present generation which would have to arrange aerial food-drops. Using Paddy's book and relying on our earlier experience we + 
-knotted out a rough menu and calculated weights and quantities therefrom. Naturally dehydrates were the keynote but we did include a couple of tins of Imperial Beef Loaf and a variety of 'Peck's spreads, two billies of well-cushioned fresh eggs. There was a large hunk of bacon from which rashers were cut in the morning, leaving the rind on and which was cut off at night -to be boiled up in the stew billy as a tasty stock. We had two blocks of pemmican from Paddy's which he had imported from New Zealand, being an excess of requirements of the Lincoln Ellsworth South Pole Expedition. This consisted of powdered dried steak mixed with vegetable oil, packed in foil. On opening it gave off the rich aroma of blood-and-bone dust which fortunately disappeared on being added to a stew, especially if a curry one! Pemmican was devised centuries ago by the North American Indians and stored for their hard winters. Of course, today one has dried meat. Packaging was always a problem as plastic bags had not been invented; sugar, for example, was carried in a smelly oiled japara bag. I utilised gunny sacks but Ron got away without them. +And so it came to pass that SBW member Ron Eddes and myself-were very justifiably granted our two weeks leave commencing noon on 14th May, 1938 (after working the usual Saturday morning) that is, exactly 50 years ago next month, both still here but no so hale and hearty! Oh, me knees! We had decided we would undertake a 15 days easy trip, involving carrying an initial load of 45 meals, a feat probably beyond the present generation which would have to arrange aerial food-drops. Using Paddy's book and relying on our earlier experience we knotted out a rough menu and calculated weights and quantities therefrom. Naturally dehydrates were the keynote but we did include a couple of tins of Imperial Beef Loaf and a variety of 'Peck's spreads, two billies of well-cushioned fresh eggs. There was a large hunk of bacon from which rashers were cut in the morning, leaving the rind on and which was cut off at night -to be boiled up in the stew billy as a tasty stock. We had two blocks of pemmican from Paddy's which he had imported from New Zealand, being an excess of requirements of the Lincoln Ellsworth South Pole Expedition. This consisted of powdered dried steak mixed with vegetable oil, packed in foil. On opening it gave off the rich aroma of blood-and-bone dust which fortunately disappeared on being added to a stew, especially if a curry one! Pemmican was devised centuries ago by the North American Indians and stored for their hard winters. Of course, today one has dried meat. Packaging was always a problem as plastic bags had not been invented; sugar, for example, was carried in a smelly oiled japara bag. I utilised gunny sacks but Ron got away without them. 
-On arrival at Katoomba we weighed our loads - mine was 601 pounds (27 kilos) and Ron's 55 pounds (25 kilos), mine being the heavier due to the tent and a tripod. A taxi deposited us at the Explorers' Tree and we staggered down Nellie's Glen to camp on the Old Pub Site where local coal miners had caroused many years ago.+ 
 +On arrival at Katoomba we weighed our loads - mine was 60½ pounds (27 kilos) and Ron's 55 pounds (25 kilos), mine being the heavier due to the tent and a tripod. A taxi deposited us at the Explorers' Tree and we staggered down Nellie's Glen to camp on the Old Pub Site where local coal miners had caroused many years ago. 
 Following the Six Foot Track we were next day overtaken (THAT would not have been very difficult) near Little River by a private SBW party comprising Harold and Win Chardon, Dorothy Lawry, Grace Edgecombe (Noble to you) and Frances Ramsay, all to camp together that night at Jenolan River Junction. Leaving the quintette, Ron and I proceeded up Jenolan River to turn left into Mumbedah Creek which was well marked by the old Mountain Trails Club's blaze of three vertical bells in vertical line which good old Myles Dunphy had chiseled into a she-oak. Following the Six Foot Track we were next day overtaken (THAT would not have been very difficult) near Little River by a private SBW party comprising Harold and Win Chardon, Dorothy Lawry, Grace Edgecombe (Noble to you) and Frances Ramsay, all to camp together that night at Jenolan River Junction. Leaving the quintette, Ron and I proceeded up Jenolan River to turn left into Mumbedah Creek which was well marked by the old Mountain Trails Club's blaze of three vertical bells in vertical line which good old Myles Dunphy had chiseled into a she-oak.
-We were soon confronted by a huge steer with horns resembling motorbike handle-bars, and when we yelled at him, he made off up a slope at an amazing pace for he was lean and apparently in "good nick". Later, I spoke to Norbert Carlon about him and he said the beast was a well- known pest and should be liquidated as he possessed some magic charm which enticed marketable cattle away from the Cox. Finally we arrived at the spot where the creek narrowed to a sharp "V" to become a steep cascade Of moss-covered rocks, non-negotiable with heavy packs, and called it a day. + 
-The time had arrived to "take to the hills" and not knowing where or when we would strike water, we drank lots of tea at breakfast, to take-off up a ridge which we hoped would lead us on to Moorara'Heights (now called a Buttress). It was an excellent ridge to follow and possesses two small saddles which obviously were used as cattle winter camps, these animals staying above the frost-line to feed in winter and dropping down every 3/4 days to replenish their tanks at a stream. After lunch, we ran into mist and light rain and made a crest which we judged was the highest point and sought for a saddle which was so marked on the one-mile-toan-inch map as connecting the Heights to the Main Divide Plateau. With visibility nil we descended a couple of likely-looking spots but retreated as we were loth to needlessly lose height so arduously gained, so camped on a little flat near unlimited firewood. We caught additional water from the tent "roof", lit a roaring fire which reflected its heat back to us from a huge log and settled in with loads of tucker and water. The mist formed an eerie blanket with no sounds so that we were really in a white-out, but not lost. +We were soon confronted by a huge steer with horns resembling motorbike handle-bars, and when we yelled at him, he made off up a slope at an amazing pace for he was lean and apparently in "good nick". Later, I spoke to Norbert Carlon about him and he said the beast was a well-known pest and should be liquidated as he possessed some magic charm which enticed marketable cattle away from the Cox. Finally we arrived at the spot where the creek narrowed to a sharp "V" to become a steep cascade of moss-covered rocks, non-negotiable with heavy packs, and called it a day. 
-Page 10 The Sydney Bushwalker April, 1988+ 
 +The time had arrived to "take to the hills" and not knowing where or when we would strike water, we drank lots of tea at breakfast, to take-off up a ridge which we hoped would lead us on to Moorara Heights (now called a Buttress). It was an excellent ridge to follow and possesses two small saddles which obviously were used as cattle winter camps, these animals staying above the frost-line to feed in winter and dropping down every 3/4 days to replenish their tanks at a stream. After lunch, we ran into mist and light rain and made a crest which we judged was the highest point and sought for a saddle which was so marked on the one-mile-to-an-inch map as connecting the Heights to the Main Divide Plateau. With visibility nil we descended a couple of likely-looking spots but retreated as we were loth to needlessly lose height so arduously gained, so camped on a little flat near unlimited firewood. We caught additional water from the tent "roof", lit a roaring fire which reflected its heat back to us from a huge log and settled in with loads of tucker and water. The mist formed an eerie blanket with no sounds so that we were really in a white-out, but not lost. 
 Peering from the tent next morning, we were most gratified to learn that we were actually camped on the lip of the desired saddle which was much deeper than we anticipated. The mist lifted and we crossed over to discover some very old blazes on trees which took us in the desired south-westerly direction, knowing that we must cut the old Kanangra Track somewhere, our goal being the Walls. We emerged from the pleasant open forest right at Cunningham's cattle-man's hut where the Track intersected Budthingeroo Creek and were astonished to find the Kanangra Road had just reached there. After a late lunch we walked down the Track and the day being mighty cold with early darkness, we camped in a grove of trees and were glad of a big fire as we did not carry slacks to save weight. Tough. Peering from the tent next morning, we were most gratified to learn that we were actually camped on the lip of the desired saddle which was much deeper than we anticipated. The mist lifted and we crossed over to discover some very old blazes on trees which took us in the desired south-westerly direction, knowing that we must cut the old Kanangra Track somewhere, our goal being the Walls. We emerged from the pleasant open forest right at Cunningham's cattle-man's hut where the Track intersected Budthingeroo Creek and were astonished to find the Kanangra Road had just reached there. After a late lunch we walked down the Track and the day being mighty cold with early darkness, we camped in a grove of trees and were glad of a big fire as we did not carry slacks to save weight. Tough.
 +
 It was pleasant easy walking along the old Kanangra Track which was a relic of the days when horse-drawn vwhicles bore campers out to the Dance Floor Cave, winding in and out amongst trees, fallen logs and rock outcrops, in places almost indiscernible, and naturally much longer than the present road. We arrived at the big cave at lunch-time and settled in for a few days, dragging down lots of firewood. The crystal-clear drip that is the cave's water supply today, is in the same spot as it was fifty years ago, when it fell into a small pool thoughtfully hacked out by some person, in the solid rock. All the heavy supporting round wood beams of the dance floor were there and in one we noted the carved names of old SBW identities, Charlie Pryde and Laz Pura, Charlie being remembered for Pryde's Prospect rock out in the "Dogs". It was pleasant easy walking along the old Kanangra Track which was a relic of the days when horse-drawn vwhicles bore campers out to the Dance Floor Cave, winding in and out amongst trees, fallen logs and rock outcrops, in places almost indiscernible, and naturally much longer than the present road. We arrived at the big cave at lunch-time and settled in for a few days, dragging down lots of firewood. The crystal-clear drip that is the cave's water supply today, is in the same spot as it was fifty years ago, when it fell into a small pool thoughtfully hacked out by some person, in the solid rock. All the heavy supporting round wood beams of the dance floor were there and in one we noted the carved names of old SBW identities, Charlie Pryde and Laz Pura, Charlie being remembered for Pryde's Prospect rock out in the "Dogs".
-The weather was fine and packless we wandered about the Tops, inspecting the Falls, taking photographic gems and drinking in the magnificent scenery, relaxing in the sun. One evening we were alerted by female coo-ees and down the track to the cave came Dorothy Lawry and Grace Edgecombe who had ascended Krunglebungle Track after leaving their mates. It appears they, too, had carried a bag of water to the heights and no sooner there than Grace stepped back on it and they lost the lot. Much chagrin and questionable expressions! Then we heard motor-bike engines and two riders came down, imbued with high hopes they could ride through to the then lovely Burragorang Valley, their maps showing a dotted track. After being shown the commencement of the rocky track from the cave, theyrapidly changed their plans, and after camping with us made off for the back road to Wombeyan Caves and beyond. + 
-The next morning I witnessed the most magnificent "lake" of mist. It lay about 500 feet below us in the Deep and extended right up to Blackheath. There was a white dome over Mount Dingo, Solitary an island, and away out beyond Camden and round to Tonalli was just one great white tablecloth caught up in,a silvering morning sun. Cameras clicked and I set up my tripod for a silhouette at Kanangra Head. Setting the 30 seconds self-timer, I took off to make thescene, and slipping, fell heavily, badly spraining my left wrist and removing several layers from my left knee, but nevertheless was recorded on the celluloid. It was ironic that at that moment an official SBW party, camped on Breakfast Creek, was roundly cursing the rain as they cooked breakfast! And we in brilliant sunshine!+The weather was fine and packless we wandered about the Tops, inspecting the Falls, taking photographic gems and drinking in the magnificent scenery, relaxing in the sun. One evening we were alerted by female coo-ees and down the track to the cave came Dorothy Lawry and Grace Edgecombe who had ascended Krunglebungle Track after leaving their mates. It appears they, too, had carried a bag of water to the heights and no sooner there than Grace stepped back on it and they lost the lot. Much chagrin and questionable expressions! Then we heard motor-bike engines and two riders came down, imbued with high hopes they could ride through to the then lovely Burragorang Valley, their maps showing a dotted track. After being shown the commencement of the rocky track from the cave, they rapidly changed their plans, and after camping with us made off for the back road to Wombeyan Caves and beyond. 
 + 
 +The next morning I witnessed the most magnificent "lake" of mist. It lay about 500 feet below us in the Deep and extended right up to Blackheath. There was a white dome over Mount Dingo, Solitary an island, and away out beyond Camden and round to Tonalli was just one great white tablecloth caught up in a silvering morning sun. Cameras clicked and I set up my tripod for a silhouette at Kanangra Head. Setting the 30 seconds self-timer, I took off to make the scene, and slipping, fell heavily, badly spraining my left wrist and removing several layers from my left knee, but nevertheless was recorded on the celluloid. It was ironic that at that moment an official SBW party, camped on Breakfast Creek, was roundly cursing the rain as they cooked breakfast! And we in brilliant sunshine! 
 Our morning enjoyment was dampened when at lunch-time the mist swirled up and we were engulfed in misty rain, too, and this continued for the next five days, the girls making off for Katoomba via Hughes Ridge and Clear Hill, whilst we moped in the cave, hoping for a weather break, whilst I nursed a stiffened knee and painful wrist. Our morning enjoyment was dampened when at lunch-time the mist swirled up and we were engulfed in misty rain, too, and this continued for the next five days, the girls making off for Katoomba via Hughes Ridge and Clear Hill, whilst we moped in the cave, hoping for a weather break, whilst I nursed a stiffened knee and painful wrist.
-Fed up, Ron and I decided our luck was out and that we'd give up our cherished plan and make for civilisation and dry feet. On the Tuesday we broke camp and proceeded down Hughes Ridge and camped near some singing cascades on the Kowmung - one could easily imagine there + 
-were female voices in the nightcoming from the tumbling waters. The river was softly beautiful in the light rain and on rounding bends we often disturbed mobs of walleroos feeding on the moist grasses. We were thankful when making camp at the Kowmung Junction to find firewood which had been-thoughtfully stacked against a tree by the girls. Once again, Grace, many thanks for the second time in fifty years! You must be ageing too! +Fed up, Ron and I decided our luck was out and that we'd give up our cherished plan and make for civilisation and dry feet. On the Tuesday we broke camp and proceeded down Hughes Ridge and camped near some singing cascades on the Kowmung - one could easily imagine there were female voices in the nightcoming from the tumbling waters. The river was softly beautiful in the light rain and on rounding bends we often disturbed mobs of walleroos feeding on the moist grasses. We were thankful when making camp at the Kowmung Junction to find firewood which had been-thoughtfully stacked against a tree by the girls. Once again, Grace, many thanks for the second time in fifty years! You must be ageing too! 
-Ron decided to go home to mother and her pumpkin scones and to courageously report having burnt out the feet of sox she had knitted. I would spend the final four days at the Carlon homestead. We walked up to the White Dog Creek Junction and struck up to the right on the well-graded ridge, on which the only tracks were those of wombats and roos, to gain Medlow Gap. Ron left me at the Black Dog Track for Katoomba via Narrow Neck whilst I proceeded along that track to Carlons where I arrived very cold and wet, clad only in shorts and cape-groundsheet, keeping my packed shirt dry. Soon I was wrapped round a bowl of delicious hot soup before a roaring fire in the hearth in the company of Norbert and three young men who were dressed as + 
-April, 1988 The Sydney Bushwalker Page 11 +Ron decided to go home to mother and her pumpkin scones and to courageously report having burnt out the feet of sox she had knitted. I would spend the final four days at the Carlon homestead. We walked up to the White Dog Creek Junction and struck up to the right on the well-graded ridge, on which the only tracks were those of wombats and roos, to gain Medlow Gap. Ron left me at the Black Dog Track for Katoomba via Narrow Neck whilst I proceeded along that track to Carlons where I arrived very cold and wet, clad only in shorts and cape-groundsheet, keeping my packed shirt dry. Soon I was wrapped round a bowl of delicious hot soup before a roaring fire in the hearth in the company of Norbert and three young men who were dressed as for the South Pole, expressing amazement at the entry of an unshaven apparition out of the mist and rain, stained with bushfire charcoal. 
-for the South Pole, expressing amazement at the entry of an unshaven apparition out of the mist and rain, stained with bushfire charcoal.+
 As luck would have it, the Friday dawned clear and sunny, a time to wash filthy clothes and revel in Mrs. Carlon's cooking, also drying gear. On the morrow the men expressed a wish to see some local topography so I took then down Breakfast Creek, had a look at lower Jenolan River and back up Galong Creek to Canons, all proving they had good legs. Sunday, the 15th day, after lunch it was up the Devil's Hole to Katoomba and the train, with the prospect of another twelve months work from the morrow. As luck would have it, the Friday dawned clear and sunny, a time to wash filthy clothes and revel in Mrs. Carlon's cooking, also drying gear. On the morrow the men expressed a wish to see some local topography so I took then down Breakfast Creek, had a look at lower Jenolan River and back up Galong Creek to Canons, all proving they had good legs. Sunday, the 15th day, after lunch it was up the Devil's Hole to Katoomba and the train, with the prospect of another twelve months work from the morrow.
 +
 I must mention here that our catering supplies were ample and in the knowledge of a shortened trip, we had doubled our rations over the last three days - and still had a little excess! All of which proved you can plan everything but the weather! Well, it was worth a try just for the prospect of fifteen days sheer enjoyment of the wild places. My total walking distance was estimated at 185 km. And the cost, dear readers, including return train fare, was two pounds eight shillings per head, or $4.80. How about that??? Did someone mention inflation??? I must mention here that our catering supplies were ample and in the knowledge of a shortened trip, we had doubled our rations over the last three days - and still had a little excess! All of which proved you can plan everything but the weather! Well, it was worth a try just for the prospect of fifteen days sheer enjoyment of the wild places. My total walking distance was estimated at 185 km. And the cost, dear readers, including return train fare, was two pounds eight shillings per head, or $4.80. How about that??? Did someone mention inflation???
-HISTORIC ADDENDUM + 
 +=== Historic Addendum. === 
 I made mention of the new Kanangra Road, then about halfway to the Walls, a tourist road for which there was no apparent clamour. I made mention of the new Kanangra Road, then about halfway to the Walls, a tourist road for which there was no apparent clamour.
-The story came out post-war that it was really a defence project. It must be remembered that in the late thirties the Berlin/Rome/Tokio Axis was becoming more belligerent and so it seems the Intelligence had gained information that Japan had plans on invading Australia and which, in fact, nearly came to pass but for the United States Navy. The industrialised Wollongong Area would have been a prize, so it seems a "scorched earth" strategy was adopted in that all the Illawarra cattle were to be driven to Camden, thence to the then BUrragorang Valley, over the Cedar Road, up Gingra Ridge to Kanangra Tops. Up to 1938 the only access to the Tops was by an old steel ladder to the left of the Dwice Floor Cave, reaching to the edge of the escarpment, this being replaced by a stony ramp blasted from the solid rock. This would have enabled cattle to be driven to Oberon and the Bathurst Plains. + 
-Before the creation of the road, walkers had to rely on service cars from Katoomba or Blackheath which transported holiday-makers tothe Caves House so that it was always midafternoon before one was deposited at the turn-off, so that one-and-a-half days were involved before the Walls were reached, a stark contrast to today's Friday night convenient starts. Another problem was that the Jenolan Caves Road was a single carriage-way, with "down" traffic to the Caves from midnight to noon, and "up" from noon to midnight, completely preventing any Friday night excursions. Oh! the lucky walkers of today! Or are they??? Everything too easy!!! Skill no longer required - maps like street directories - fire trails to follow - pre-cooked meals - light-weight nylon flies - detailed route books - pressure stoves - helicopter searches and evacuations! Softly, softly!!! +The story came out post-war that it was really a defence project. It must be remembered that in the late thirties the Berlin/Rome/Tokio Axis was becoming more belligerent and so it seems the Intelligence had gained information that Japan had plans on invading Australia and which, in fact, nearly came to pass but for the United States Navy. The industrialised Wollongong Area would have been a prize, so it seems a "scorched earth" strategy was adopted in that all the Illawarra cattle were to be driven to Camden, thence to the then Burragorang Valley, over the Cedar Road, up Gingra Ridge to Kanangra Tops. Up to 1938 the only access to the Tops was by an old steel ladder to the left of the Dwice Floor Cave, reaching to the edge of the escarpment, this being replaced by a stony ramp blasted from the solid rock. This would have enabled cattle to be driven to Oberon and the Bathurst Plains. 
-* * * * * * * * * +Before the creation of the road, walkers had to rely on service cars from Katoomba or Blackheath which transported holiday-makers to the Caves House so that it was always mid-afternoon before one was deposited at the turn-off, so that one-and-a-half days were involved before the Walls were reached, a stark contrast to today's Friday night convenient starts. Another problem was that the Jenolan Caves Road was a single carriage-way, with "down" traffic to the Caves from midnight to noon, and "up" from noon to midnight, completely preventing any Friday night excursions. Oh! the lucky walkers of today! Or are they??? Everything too easy!!! Skill no longer required - maps like street directories - fire trails to follow - pre-cooked meals - light-weight nylon flies - detailed route books - pressure stoves - helicopter searches and evacuations! Softly, softly!!! 
-THEATRE PARTY + 
-"BREAKING THE CODE" - by Hugh Whitemore.+---- 
 + 
 +===== theatre Party. ===== 
 + 
 +"Beaking the Code" - by Hugh Whitemore. 
 The real-life subject of this play is Alan Turing, the mathematical genius who fathered the modern computer and cracked the German Enigma code during the war, thereby winning Churchill's acclaim as one of the principal architects of allied victory. BUT, his private life came close to destroying him. The real-life subject of this play is Alan Turing, the mathematical genius who fathered the modern computer and cracked the German Enigma code during the war, thereby winning Churchill's acclaim as one of the principal architects of allied victory. BUT, his private life came close to destroying him.
-Theatre - Nbithside Theatre, Killara. + 
-Date Tuesday, 17th May, 8.15 pm.+Theatre - Northside Theatre, Killara. 
 + 
 +Date Tuesday, 17th May, 8.15 pm. 
 Price - Theatre party price $16:20. Student/pensioner $11. Price - Theatre party price $16:20. Student/pensioner $11.
-Phone 909 3671 for tickets as soon as possible. FAZELEY READ+ 
-THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER +Phone 909 3671 for tickets as soon as possible. Fazeley Read
-265 VICTORIA ROAD GLADESVILLE, 2111 PHONE (02) 817 5590 HOURS - MON.-FRI. 9-6 + 
-THURS. 9-8 +---- 
-SAT94 + 
-(PARKING AT REAR OFF PITTINATER ROAD+=== Canoe & Camping. === 
-LARGE RANGE OF LIGHTWEIGHTQUALITYBUSHWALKING Et CAMPING GEAR + 
- LIGHTWEIGHT FOOD FOR BACKPACKERS AND CANOEISTS +265 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)
- COLD WEATHER PROTECTION CLOTHING AND RAINGEAR + 
- MAPSBOOKS AND LEAFLETS +large range of lightweightqualitybushwalking & camping gear: 
- INFORMATION SERVICE FOR CANOEISTS AND WALKERS + 
- KNIVES  COMPASSES  SURVIVAL GEAR +  * Lightweight food for backpackers and canoeists 
-WE STOCK THE LARGEST RANGE OF CANOEING GEAR IN N.S.W. +  * Cold weather protection clothing and raingear 
-QUALITY TOURING CRAFT OF ALL TYPES HIGH QUALITYPERFORMANCE COMPETITION CRAFT +  * Mapsbooks and leaflets 
- HUGE RANGE OF PADDLES FOR ALL TYPES OF CANOEING  WETSUITS  SURF SKIS +  * Information service for canoeists and walkers 
- ALL TYPES OF SPRAY COVERS  WIDE RANGE OF JACKETS CAGS  FACE MASKS +  * Knives 
- FOOTWEAR  MANY TYPES OF BUOYANCY LIFE VESTS  HELMETS +  * Compasses 
-April, 1988 The Sydney Bushwalker Page 13+  * Survival gear 
 + 
 +We stock the largest range of canoeing gear in N.S.W. 
 + 
 +Quality touring craft of all types. High qualityperformance competition craft. 
 + 
 +  * 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 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 SURVEYING CDOLANA by Dot Butler SURVEYING CDOLANA by Dot Butler
 There are two camping areas favoured by the mob at Re-unions, one being down on the river flats in the company of wandering jew and grass ticks, the other up on the terrace above the hut in the comforting company of George Davison's ashes, scattered under his memorial tree in 1983. The Davison Tree, the biggest by far on the property, seems to . spread its mighty arms further and further each year. In like manner, tales of old Dave proliferate throughout the years. There are two camping areas favoured by the mob at Re-unions, one being down on the river flats in the company of wandering jew and grass ticks, the other up on the terrace above the hut in the comforting company of George Davison's ashes, scattered under his memorial tree in 1983. The Davison Tree, the biggest by far on the property, seems to . spread its mighty arms further and further each year. In like manner, tales of old Dave proliferate throughout the years.
198804.txt · Last modified: 2019/04/01 12:53 by tyreless

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