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198912 [2015/12/17 10:46] kennettj198912 [2016/01/21 07:52] (current) – [More on the Commercial Walking Tours in the Nattai Area] kennettj
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-The Sydney Bushwalker+**The Sydney Bushwalker** 
 Established June 1931 Established June 1931
-ARIL se4cw 
 A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Incorporated, Box 4476 GPO, Sydney 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.45 pm at the Ella Community Centre, 58a Dalhousie Street, Haberfield (next door to the Post Office). Prospective members and visitors are invited to visit the Club any Wednesday.  A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Incorporated, Box 4476 GPO, Sydney 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.45 pm at the Ella Community Centre, 58a Dalhousie Street, Haberfield (next door to the Post Office). Prospective members and visitors are invited to visit the Club any Wednesday. 
 +
 To advertise in this magazine please contact the Business Manager. To advertise in this magazine please contact the Business Manager.
-EDITOR Morag Ryder, Box 347 PO, Gladesville 2111 Telephone 809 4241 
-BUSINESS MANAGER Anita Doherty, 2 Marine Crescent, Hornsby Heights,Telephone 476 6531 2077 
-PRODUCTION MANAGER Helen Gray Telephone 86 6263 
-TYPIST Kath Brown 
-ILLUSTRATOR Morag Ryder 
-PRINTERS Kenn Clacher, Les Powell, Barrie Murdoch 
-DECEMBER 1989 
  
-While the Billy Boils  The Editor +|**EDITOR** |Morag Ryder, Box 347 PO, Gladesville 2111 Telephone 809 4241| 
-Suspension of Train Service - South Coast Line What Else Were We to Do? +|**BUSINESS MANAGER** |Anita Doherty, Marine Crescent, Hornsby Heights,Telephone 476 6531 2077| 
-"Wildthings Around Sydney" +|**PRODUCTION MANAGER** |Helen Gray Telephone 86 6263| 
-A 70 km Jaunt to Jagungal +|**TYPIST** |Kath Brown | 
-Another Bastion Has Tumbled +|**ILLUSTRATOR** |Morag Ryder| 
-More on the Commercial "Walking" Tours in the Nattai Area +|**PRINTERS** |Kenn Clacher, Les Powell, Barrie Murdoch |
-Blue Mountains for World Heritage +
-Federation Notes +
-Portrait of a Climber - Part 1 +
-"See the Bungles with Russell's" +
-The November General Meeting +
-Food for Extended Walks +
-Footnotes+
  
-Advertisements  +**DECEMBER 1989**
-Canoe & Camping - Gladesville & Kogarah Bay  +
-Kakadu - Wet Wonderland  +
-Eastwood Camping Centre  +
-Blackheath Taxis & Tourist Services+
  
 +|While the Billy Boils  The Editor |2 |
 +|Suspension of Train Service - South Coast Line | |
 +|What Else Were We to Do?  Joan Rigby | 3 |
 +|"Wildthings Around Sydney"  Judy O'Connor | 4 |
 +|A 70 km Jaunt to Jagungal  David Rostron |5 |
 +|Another Bastion Has Tumbled  Jim Brown | 6 |
 +|More on the Commercial "Walking" Tours in the Nattai Area  Alex Colley| 7|
 +|Blue Mountains for World Heritage  Alex Colley| 9|
 +|Federation Notes| |
 +|Portrait of a Climber - Part 1  "Clio" | 10|
 +|"See the Bungles with Russell's"| |
 +|The November General Meeting  Barry Wallace | 15|
 +|Food for Extended Walks  Carol Bruce |17 |
 +|Footnotes | |
  
-Joan Rigby 3 +Advertisements \\ 
-Judy O'Connor 4 +Canoe & Camping - Gladesville & Kogarah Bay \\ 
-David Rostron 5 +Kakadu - Wet Wonderland \\ 
-Jim Brown 6 +Eastwood Camping Centre \\ 
-Alex Colley 7 +Blackheath Taxis & Tourist Services\\
-9 "Clio" 10 +
-13 +
-Barry Wallace 15 +
-Carol Bruce 17 +
-18 +
-+
-12 +
-14 +
-16+
  
  
  
-**While The Billy Boils** +====== While The Billy Boils ====== 
  
 Well, its that time of year again when stores go into a selling frenzy trying to boost their profits, and people go into a buying frenzy trying to boost their egos. The tonnages of tinsel and piles of plastic Santas set me thinking about Christmasses past. The exciting ones, all toys and candlelight, when a child. The dreary ones when a teenager, spending most of my time trying to escape drunken bores. Expensive ones, frantic ones, and some very lonely ones. Well, its that time of year again when stores go into a selling frenzy trying to boost their profits, and people go into a buying frenzy trying to boost their egos. The tonnages of tinsel and piles of plastic Santas set me thinking about Christmasses past. The exciting ones, all toys and candlelight, when a child. The dreary ones when a teenager, spending most of my time trying to escape drunken bores. Expensive ones, frantic ones, and some very lonely ones.
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 **Wilderness Calendars For 1990**  **Wilderness Calendars For 1990** 
 +
 From Alex Colley Henry Gold's wilderness calendars, complete with 13 beautiful colour photographs, phases of the moon, and spaced date tabulations to enable noting of engagements; are now available, costing $9. From Alex Colley Henry Gold's wilderness calendars, complete with 13 beautiful colour photographs, phases of the moon, and spaced date tabulations to enable noting of engagements; are now available, costing $9.
 will be bringing them into the Clubroom. will be bringing them into the Clubroom.
  
  
 +====== What Else Were We to Do ======
 + 
 by Joan Rigby by Joan Rigby
  
-Bushwalking wisdom recommends at least four walkers in a party, but for thirty years Frank and I have done much of our walking on our own. We have had some scares, turned aside when with a larger party we would have pushed on, and agreed that if an accident fieeiped then was the time to make decisions. A few weeks ago we had to do just that.+Bushwalking wisdom recommends at least four walkers in a party, but for thirty years Frank and I have done much of our walking on our own. We have had some scares, turned aside when with a larger party we would have pushed on, and agreed that if an accident happened then was the time to make decisions. A few weeks ago we had to do just that.
  
-The Sara River is a pretty stream, northeast of Guyra and rAning into the Guy Fawkes. With rocky granite sections, pools, cascades and Casuarina edged banks it could be described as a small Kowmung-like river. +The Sara River is a pretty stream, northeast of Guyra and running into the Guy Fawkes. With rocky granite sections, pools, cascades and Casuarina edged banks it could be described as a small Kowmung like river. 
  
 It was the second afternoon of a leisurely 3-day walk, and after a cool and rainy morning the weather was clearing and the open tree-lined banks were a pleasure to walk. I was about 100 metres ahead of Frank when I paused to check off the next river bend on the map and to look for a crossing place. Another few seconds and I would have moved on but instead felt, in the same instant, a movement by my feet and a sharp rap against my leg. A quick look at the snake still half-coiled beside me, and I stepped back, called to Frank and reached for the stretch bandage kept in my pack pocket. As Frank covered the last few metres at a run I started to bandage my leg from just below the knee towards the four little bloodspots on my skin. This was possibly the only action we did "according to the rules". It was the second afternoon of a leisurely 3-day walk, and after a cool and rainy morning the weather was clearing and the open tree-lined banks were a pleasure to walk. I was about 100 metres ahead of Frank when I paused to check off the next river bend on the map and to look for a crossing place. Another few seconds and I would have moved on but instead felt, in the same instant, a movement by my feet and a sharp rap against my leg. A quick look at the snake still half-coiled beside me, and I stepped back, called to Frank and reached for the stretch bandage kept in my pack pocket. As Frank covered the last few metres at a run I started to bandage my leg from just below the knee towards the four little bloodspots on my skin. This was possibly the only action we did "according to the rules".
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-"WILDTHINGS AROUND SYDNEY" by Judy O'Connor+====== "Wildthings Around Sydney====== 
 + 
 +by Judy O'Connor
  
 When people ask me why I like bushwalking, I invariably say it's because of the swimming. Never has the water felt so refreshing and welcome as when I first plunged into a lake during a mountainous walk in a heat wave as a prospective member many years ago. I've never forgotten. When people ask me why I like bushwalking, I invariably say it's because of the swimming. Never has the water felt so refreshing and welcome as when I first plunged into a lake during a mountainous walk in a heat wave as a prospective member many years ago. I've never forgotten.
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 As well as plants, the book gives detailed descriptions of birds, animals, acacia, banksia, ferns, palms, cycads, fungi, lichens, mosses, grasses, orchids, rainforests, water plants, sedges, weeds  and trees. One of the book's best features, for people like me, is that it's colour-coded for easy identification. In other words, if you see a pink flower, you simply look up the pages in the book shaded pink on the bottom, and they'll contain all the pink flowers you're likely to see. Similarly, yellow flowers are listed on pages with yellow colouring on the bottom of the page (there's even a section on mixed colours). As well as plants, the book gives detailed descriptions of birds, animals, acacia, banksia, ferns, palms, cycads, fungi, lichens, mosses, grasses, orchids, rainforests, water plants, sedges, weeds  and trees. One of the book's best features, for people like me, is that it's colour-coded for easy identification. In other words, if you see a pink flower, you simply look up the pages in the book shaded pink on the bottom, and they'll contain all the pink flowers you're likely to see. Similarly, yellow flowers are listed on pages with yellow colouring on the bottom of the page (there's even a section on mixed colours).
  
-Of added interest is a section by author and actor Barnum Barnum on the Aboriginal legends which surround many of Australiala wildflowers. For example, Barbum Barnum tells the story of how the Waratah got its name, the origin of the black duck and how the Gymea Lily was created according to Aboriginal legend. The book is liberally sprinkled with additional miscellaneous information, such as which plants or animals are natives, and which animals and insects bite. There's even a code for which plants you can eat (but the authors hasten to add a word of caution about doing so).+Of added interest is a section by author and actor Barnum Barnum on the Aboriginal legends which surround many of Australian wildflowers. For example, Barbum Barnum tells the story of how the Waratah got its name, the origin of the black duck and how the Gymea Lily was created according to Aboriginal legend. The book is liberally sprinkled with additional miscellaneous information, such as which plants or animals are natives, and which animals and insects bite. There's even a code for which plants you can eat (but the authors hasten to add a word of caution about doing so).
  
 The book has been written by a team of experts in their field - botanists, wetland consultants, foresters and other specialists. As they say, Sydney's crown jewels are not its Opera House, tall buildings and fine homes, but the bushland and coastline are what make it one of the most interesting nature areas in the world. The book has been written by a team of experts in their field - botanists, wetland consultants, foresters and other specialists. As they say, Sydney's crown jewels are not its Opera House, tall buildings and fine homes, but the bushland and coastline are what make it one of the most interesting nature areas in the world.
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-A 70 KM JAUNT TO  JAGUNGAL +====== A 70 Km Jaunt To Jagungal ====== 
 +  
 by David Rostron by David Rostron
  
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 Then followed some reasonably rapid skiing across the Rolling Grounds. Walking uphill on the firm surface was faster than skiing so the boards were off and on many times. We had our first glimpses of distant Jagungal on the horizon - will we or won't we make it? Turn-around time was to be 12 noon unless we were within a very short distance of the summit. Then followed some reasonably rapid skiing across the Rolling Grounds. Walking uphill on the firm surface was faster than skiing so the boards were off and on many times. We had our first glimpses of distant Jagungal on the horizon - will we or won't we make it? Turn-around time was to be 12 noon unless we were within a very short distance of the summit.
  
-The outstanding memories are of that morning's skiing - a fast run down through the trees above Schlink Pass, rapid skiing along the road towards Geehi Dam, a lovely relaxed descent of Duck Creek over 3-4 km, crossing Valentine River and then the delightful undulating terrain dotted with trees between lsalentine River and the foot of the mountain. (Is there a more beautiful snowscape than our rolling hills with their unique snowgum cover?) It was on this section that we again saw our Mecca from a distance of 5-6 km. It certainly made the pace quicken. There was to be no turning back before the summit. Unfortunately the snow for the final 350 m ascent had softened slightly. It was still faster to walk but the energy expenditure rate was at a high level as we slowly plodded up the last slope.+The outstanding memories are of that morning's skiing - a fast run down through the trees above Schlink Pass, rapid skiing along the road towards Geehi Dam, a lovely relaxed descent of Duck Creek over 3-4 km, crossing Valentine River and then the delightful undulating terrain dotted with trees between Valentine River and the foot of the mountain. (Is there a more beautiful snowscape than our rolling hills with their unique snowgum cover?) It was on this section that we again saw our Mecca from a distance of 5-6 km. It certainly made the pace quicken. There was to be no turning back before the summit. Unfortunately the snow for the final 350 m ascent had softened slightly. It was still faster to walk but the energy expenditure rate was at a high level as we slowly plodded up the last slope.
  
 The magnificent view and a cool wind greeted us on the summit at 12.20 pm. It was the intention to lunch there but a flat rock by the creek below had more appeal. The run down Jagungal's south ramp is usually a ski-tourer's delight but there were sections of breakable crust. Instead of continuous rythmical telemarks there was some apprehension as we broke through and plopped on every tenth to twentieth turn. The magnificent view and a cool wind greeted us on the summit at 12.20 pm. It was the intention to lunch there but a flat rock by the creek below had more appeal. The run down Jagungal's south ramp is usually a ski-tourer's delight but there were sections of breakable crust. Instead of continuous rythmical telemarks there was some apprehension as we broke through and plopped on every tenth to twentieth turn.
-The return route was via Mawson's Hut (2.45 pm arrival and another rest), the Kerries, past Schlink Hut and then back up to the Rolling Grounds with surfaces becoming icy.  
  
-We had anticipated a good half-moon overhead as our "late ticket home". However, cloud began to pour over from the west and when night fell we still had a third of the Rolling Grounds to cover. A return via Whites River and Munyang was contemplated but then dismissed.+The return route was via Mawson's Hut (2.45 pm arrival and another rest), the Kerries, past Schlink Hut and then back up to the Rolling Grounds with surfaces becoming icy. We had anticipated a good half-moon overhead as our "late ticket home". However, cloud began to pour over from the west and when night fell we still had a third of the Rolling Grounds to cover. A return via Whites River and Munyang was contemplated but then dismissed.
  
 When there was no moon we had a few interesting navigational moments and I managed to disappear over the edge of a few snow runnels (miniature cornices) with drops up to about 3 metres. Then we were back amongst the old tracks on the final section leading to the ridge. We managed to ski about the first 100 vertical metres of the descent, but the trees, steepening slope and corrugated icy tracks compelled us to walk the remainder down to the Dam Wall. No joy on this section as we periodically broke through the crust and sank up to half a metre. Don broke a stock in one of these incidents. When there was no moon we had a few interesting navigational moments and I managed to disappear over the edge of a few snow runnels (miniature cornices) with drops up to about 3 metres. Then we were back amongst the old tracks on the final section leading to the ridge. We managed to ski about the first 100 vertical metres of the descent, but the trees, steepening slope and corrugated icy tracks compelled us to walk the remainder down to the Dam Wall. No joy on this section as we periodically broke through the crust and sank up to half a metre. Don broke a stock in one of these incidents.
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-ANOTHER BASTION HAS TUMBLED +====== Another Bastion Has Tumbled ====== 
 + 
 by Jim Brown by Jim Brown
  
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 Of course, we were well aware during our occupancy that the hall was unattractive, and various attempts were made to find something nicer,but in the Post-War period accommodation was hard to find. In any case walkers look on things quite differently to most other folk, and find their greatest happiness in environments that many would consider uncomfortable, primitive, if not downright frightening and dangerous. So we put up with Ingersoll Hall and instead we bitched about other things.... for instance in the Chronic Opera of 1954, dealing with gripes at a General Meeting, we had one speaker complaining:  Of course, we were well aware during our occupancy that the hall was unattractive, and various attempts were made to find something nicer,but in the Post-War period accommodation was hard to find. In any case walkers look on things quite differently to most other folk, and find their greatest happiness in environments that many would consider uncomfortable, primitive, if not downright frightening and dangerous. So we put up with Ingersoll Hall and instead we bitched about other things.... for instance in the Chronic Opera of 1954, dealing with gripes at a General Meeting, we had one speaker complaining: 
-"We have lectures on our fauna, and we dance amongst the fleas.  
-We have fun-and-games some evenings, and a pair of annual sprees.  
-We have photo exhibitions, but there's one thing gets our spleen.  
-What ain't we got?  A beaded screen." 
  
-Just to show we were still aware of its shortcomings, the Chronic Opera of the 1958 Reunion opened with two "old members" returning to walking after a few years lapse. The scene was set in 196- something, and on meeting at the door of the Club Room, one peers in and says: +"We have lectures on our fauna, and we dance amongst the fleas\\  
-"This place has hardly changed at the dirt and stains still on the wall. +We have fun-and-games some evenings, and a pair of annual sprees.\\  
-New walkers  New talkers. The same old Hall. See the old tables there that often fall? +We have photo exhibitions, but there's one thing gets our spleen.\\  
-And in each frame  A shattered window held by faith alone  +What ain't we got?  A beaded screen."\\ 
-Or maybe dust and cobwebs  Still the same - It's just the same as ever I have known."+ 
 +Just to show we were still aware of its shortcomings, the Chronic Opera of the 1958 Reunion opened with two "old members" returning to walking after a few years lapse. The scene was set in 196-  something, and on meeting at the door of the Club Room, one peers in and says: 
 + 
 +"This place has hardly changed at the dirt and stains still on the wall.\\ 
 +New walkers  New talkers. The same old Hall. See the old tables there that often fall?\\ 
 +And in each frame  A shattered window held by faith alone \\ 
 +Or maybe dust and cobwebs  Still the same - It's just the same as ever I have known."\\
  
 In writing the words for this song, I got myself into a great bind. The melody I chose came from a real opera, a scene in which the hero is shown a portrait of the heroine, and declares "Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schoen", which translates roughly as "This semblance is bewitching fair". I admit to some deliberate irony in using this tune for my parody, but the trouble was that no one else had any idea of the tune, so I had to sing it at the Reunion campfire - a tenor aria transposed into my bath-tub baritone as I went along. Not so well received, I'm afraid. In writing the words for this song, I got myself into a great bind. The melody I chose came from a real opera, a scene in which the hero is shown a portrait of the heroine, and declares "Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schoen", which translates roughly as "This semblance is bewitching fair". I admit to some deliberate irony in using this tune for my parody, but the trouble was that no one else had any idea of the tune, so I had to sing it at the Reunion campfire - a tenor aria transposed into my bath-tub baritone as I went along. Not so well received, I'm afraid.
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 +====== More on the Commercial Walking Tours in the Nattai Area ======
  
-MORE ON THE COMMERCIAL "WALKING" TOURS IN THE NATTAI AREA.   
  
 These letters were sent to several regional newspapers from the Club. These letters were sent to several regional newspapers from the Club.
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 The Sydney Bush Walkers Club regrets that the Nattai Foundation, which is promoting large scale organised tours along a route between Mittagong and Katoomba, is claiming the support of bushwalkers. The so-called "Barrallier Track" bears no relation to Barrallier's route, which was east- west, not north-south. It traverses two of the State's most scenic wilderness areas, both nominated under the Wilderness Act, in which members of this club have been walking for over 60 years, leaving the natural environment as we found it. The Sydney Bush Walkers Club regrets that the Nattai Foundation, which is promoting large scale organised tours along a route between Mittagong and Katoomba, is claiming the support of bushwalkers. The so-called "Barrallier Track" bears no relation to Barrallier's route, which was east- west, not north-south. It traverses two of the State's most scenic wilderness areas, both nominated under the Wilderness Act, in which members of this club have been walking for over 60 years, leaving the natural environment as we found it.
  
-The Nattai Foundation has already degraded wilderness by the use of blue markers, paint +The Nattai Foundation has already degraded wilderness by the use of blue markers, paint on rocks and the slashing of native flora. It plans to put in 12 bridges, concrete fireplaces, water tanks, 7 large huts, 6 radio posts and four-wheel-drive access for support. It even plans to remove trees from a number of campsites on which a total of up to 960 persons will be camped every night. These "improvements" spell the destruction of yet more of the State's dwindling wilderness remnants.
-on rocks and the slashing of native flora. It plans to put in 12 bridges, concrete fireplaces, +
-water tanks, 7 large huts, 6 radio posts and four-wheel-drive access for support. It even +
-plans to remove trees from a number of campsites on which a total of up to 960 persons will be +
-camped every night. These "improvements" spell the destruction of yet more of the State's +
-dwindling wilderness remnants.+
  
-Bushwalking is above all a self-reliant recreation. Every participant carries his or +Bushwalking is above all a self-reliant recreation. Every participant carries his or her complete requirements. This Club does not admit members until they are reasonably competent walkers and have a knowledge of map reading and first aid. This ensures that safety levels are high, but this will not be so for the "new chums" on the "Barrallier Track".
-her complete requirements. This Club does not admit members until they are reasonably competent walkers and have a knowledge of map reading and first aid. This ensures that safety levels are high, but this will not be so for the "new chums" on the "Barrallier Track".+
  
 Conducted, commercially oriented tours, with marked tracks, "improved" campsites and vehicular support, bear no relation to bushwalking, a term originated by this Club. Conducted, commercially oriented tours, with marked tracks, "improved" campsites and vehicular support, bear no relation to bushwalking, a term originated by this Club.
-Yours faithfully, 
-ALEX COLLEY (A. G. Colley 0.A.M.) 
-Hon. Conservation Secretary." 
  
 +Yours faithfully,\\
 +ALEX COLLEY (A. G. Colley 0.A.M.)\\
 +Hon. Conservation Secretary.
 +
 +
 +====== Blue Mountains World Heritage ======
  
-BLUE MOUNTAINS FOR WORLD HERITAGE  
 by Alex Colley by Alex Colley
  
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 O The site is of ample size to function as an ecologically self-contained unit. O The site is of ample size to function as an ecologically self-contained unit.
  
-If World Heritage listing is achieved, it will be the culmination of a campaign originated in the early thirties by Myles Dunphy's Greater Blue Mountains National Park proposal. The +If World Heritage listing is achieved, it will be the culmination of a campaign originated in the early thirties by Myles Dunphy's Greater Blue Mountains National Park proposal. The Blue Mountains National Park in the central Blue Mountains was created in 1957. In 1968 the Colong Committee commenced its seven year campaign to save the Kanangra Boyd wilderness from becoming the site of a roaring limestone quarry and a large pine plantation. When that was achieved it worked for the addition to the park of the rest of Myles' proposal.
-Blue Mountains National Park in the central Blue Mountains was created in 1957. In 1968 the Colong Committee commenced its seven year campaign to save the Kanangra Boyd wilderness from becoming the site of a roaring limestone quarry and a large pine plantation. When that was achieved it worked for the addition to the park of the rest of Myles' proposal.+
  
 The Greater Blue Mountains National Park now exists in fact, though not in name. Along the way the Colong Committee (now Foundation) conducted successful campaigns against mining, a gas pipe line, a dam on the Colo, power lines and other developments. World Heritage listing would afford international recognition and national protection of the area. The Greater Blue Mountains National Park now exists in fact, though not in name. Along the way the Colong Committee (now Foundation) conducted successful campaigns against mining, a gas pipe line, a dam on the Colo, power lines and other developments. World Heritage listing would afford international recognition and national protection of the area.
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-FEDERATION NOTES+====== Federation Notes ====== 
  
 Federation Meeting Place. The President has been authorised to hire a hall at Burwood Primary School commencing January 1990. Federation Meeting Place. The President has been authorised to hire a hall at Burwood Primary School commencing January 1990.
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-PORTRAIT OF A CLIMBER +====== Portrait of a Climber ====== 
-PART (NE BY 'CLIO' 'Canoeing, Climbing and War'.+ 
 + 
 +PART ONE: 'Canoeing, Climbing and War'. 
 + BY 'CLIO' 
  
 I was met at the door by a small and frail-looking man with longish white hair. I had come to ask him about his activities in his youth, especially about his canoe trip down the Shoalhaven River many years ago. I was met at the door by a small and frail-looking man with longish white hair. I had come to ask him about his activities in his youth, especially about his canoe trip down the Shoalhaven River many years ago.
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 As an interview - it was inconclusive. Whilst mentally alert, he was unable to recall dates or activities other than in general terms. He maintained neither diaries nor photographs of his outdoor activities. My inquisition was also punctuated by.his disappearance into the depths of the house to attend to his bed-ridden wife. As an interview - it was inconclusive. Whilst mentally alert, he was unable to recall dates or activities other than in general terms. He maintained neither diaries nor photographs of his outdoor activities. My inquisition was also punctuated by.his disappearance into the depths of the house to attend to his bed-ridden wife.
  
-I came away with a high regard of that gentlemanand with the resolution to find out +I came away with a high regard of that gentleman and with the resolution to find out more.
-more.+
  
-Eric Payten Dark was born on June 231889, the youngest of three children of an Anglican clergyman who, through ill health, had been forced to retire from the ministry to settle on twenty hectares near Mittagong. Rev. Joseph Dark still did the occasional relief preaching and would be regarded as a fundamentalist - only religious books were read in his house on Sundays. He profoundly believed that every comma in the bible was put there personally by God.+Eric Payten Dark was born on June 23 1889, the youngest of three children of an Anglican clergyman who, through ill health, had been forced to retire from the ministry to settle on twenty hectares near Mittagong. Rev. Joseph Dark still did the occasional relief preaching and would be regarded as a fundamentalist - only religious books were read in his house on Sundays. He profoundly believed that every comma in the bible was put there personally by God.
  
 As a child Eric Dark chronically suffered from an allergic asthma and when he was about ten or twelve years old the family doctor advised his parents to allow the boy to 'run wild' and not attend school. Thus he spent the next two years shooting hares and exploring the hills and gullies around Mittagong by pony. As a child Eric Dark chronically suffered from an allergic asthma and when he was about ten or twelve years old the family doctor advised his parents to allow the boy to 'run wild' and not attend school. Thus he spent the next two years shooting hares and exploring the hills and gullies around Mittagong by pony.
-His education was not entirely neglected for he had several tutors. When he was almost fifteen his father enrolled him at Sydney Grammar School where, because of his desire to go to university and having no knowledge of Latin, he was placed in the lowest class. The fact that he was two or three years behind his confreres, worried him and inspired him to get ahead, so he became a bit of a swat'.+His education was not entirely neglected for he had several tutors. When he was almost fifteen his father enrolled him at Sydney Grammar School where, because of his desire to go to university and having no knowledge of Latin, he was placed in the lowest class. The fact that he was two or three years behind his confreres, worried him and inspired him to get ahead, so he became a bit of a swat.
  
 Whilst waiting for the result of the Senior Public Exam he was offered, but turned down, a scholarship to Oxford. Although not exactly an agnostic, he already had a good many doubts and thought that at the end of those three years he would not have been able to sign the Thirty Nine Articles. He did no revision at university until five weeks before the exams, managing to scrape through each year. However, in his fourth year he found an interesting subject and decided to settle down and study. Whilst waiting for the result of the Senior Public Exam he was offered, but turned down, a scholarship to Oxford. Although not exactly an agnostic, he already had a good many doubts and thought that at the end of those three years he would not have been able to sign the Thirty Nine Articles. He did no revision at university until five weeks before the exams, managing to scrape through each year. However, in his fourth year he found an interesting subject and decided to settle down and study.
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 Carrying a fortnight's food, two rifles and more ammunition than they ever needed, they elected to enter via the Endrick River. Unbeknown to them there was a hundred metre waterfall within the first kilometre and it took them eight days of portage to bypass these falls and travel the sixteen kilometres down to the Shoalhaven. The Endrick is not normally a canoeing stream and there were drought conditions prevailing. "We began to become sceptical of there being a thing called the Shoalhaven River." Carrying a fortnight's food, two rifles and more ammunition than they ever needed, they elected to enter via the Endrick River. Unbeknown to them there was a hundred metre waterfall within the first kilometre and it took them eight days of portage to bypass these falls and travel the sixteen kilometres down to the Shoalhaven. The Endrick is not normally a canoeing stream and there were drought conditions prevailing. "We began to become sceptical of there being a thing called the Shoalhaven River."
  
-The Shoalhaven was only slightly better, with the river just oozing between stones, although there were some canoeable stretches. One evening as.they were about to make camp, they saw a man dashing into the water and killing a goanna because the goannas were always raiding his larder. He was Sivewright, who was prospecting a claim, and directed them to Bungonia for extra rations. Interestingly, his site developed into the Tolwong Copper Mine, c.1909-13.+The Shoalhaven was only slightly better, with the river just oozing between stones, although there were some canoeable stretches. One evening as they were about to make camp, they saw a man dashing into the water and killing a goanna because the goannas were always raiding his larder. He was Sivewright, who was prospecting a claim, and directed them to Bungonia for extra rations. Interestingly, his site developed into the Tolwong Copper Mine, c.1909-13.
  
 This was probably the first long distance recreational canoe trip in New South Wales - possibly Australia. This was probably the first long distance recreational canoe trip in New South Wales - possibly Australia.
 +
 Dr. Dark had an insurance policy mature when he turned 21 and he gave this to Ralph Blacket to purchase a timber holding at "The Vines" in the Budawang Range. Ralph, the grandson of the famous architect Edmond Blacket, later became a forester but gave this up when he felt that he wasn't being recognised for his contribution. He eventually inherited his father's property at St. Georges Basin and became quite well off. Dr. Dark had an insurance policy mature when he turned 21 and he gave this to Ralph Blacket to purchase a timber holding at "The Vines" in the Budawang Range. Ralph, the grandson of the famous architect Edmond Blacket, later became a forester but gave this up when he felt that he wasn't being recognised for his contribution. He eventually inherited his father's property at St. Georges Basin and became quite well off.
  
 The last year or two of school and the first three years of Dr. Dark's university vacations were spent outdoors. He does not appear to have taken many walking holidays, although Easter 1909 was spent walking from Picton to the Burragorang Valley, through to Wombeyan CAves, and back to Mittagong. Another trip commenced near the Block-up on the Shoalhaven, down to the Kangaroo River, and returning to Mittagong via Fitzroy Falls. The last year or two of school and the first three years of Dr. Dark's university vacations were spent outdoors. He does not appear to have taken many walking holidays, although Easter 1909 was spent walking from Picton to the Burragorang Valley, through to Wombeyan CAves, and back to Mittagong. Another trip commenced near the Block-up on the Shoalhaven, down to the Kangaroo River, and returning to Mittagong via Fitzroy Falls.
  
-As a boy, he had his first experience of rockclimbing in the headwaters of the Nattai. He saw a ledge running up one side of an eight metre waterfall and decided to tackle it. About halfway up there was a difficult patch which made it very awkward to turn round, and so he pushed on to the top. He did no more climbing until the Shoalhaven canoe trip when there was a bit of rock scrambling - presumably round the Endrick Falls. "I found that I liked using my hands and feet on rough rock. That was the beginning of it really - it must have been sort of instinct."+As a boy, he had his first experience of rock climbing in the headwaters of the Nattai. He saw a ledge running up one side of an eight metre waterfall and decided to tackle it. About halfway up there was a difficult patch which made it very awkward to turn round, and so he pushed on to the top. He did no more climbing until the Shoalhaven canoe trip when there was a bit of rock scrambling - presumably round the Endrick Falls. "I found that I liked using my hands and feet on rough rock. That was the beginning of it really - it must have been sort of instinct."
  
 The Shoalhaven became very popular with Dr. Dark who, with a few mates, used to camp at the mouth of Tallowal Creek and scramble around Billy Bulloo's Canyon. He had been fascinated by an atlas picture of Mount Lindesay, and in 1910 boarded a train for a shooting contest in Brisbane. Alighting at Tenterfield he cycled to Wilson's Peak which he climbed, then walked along the crest of the McPherson Range to the foot of Mount Lindesay. As there was little time left for climbing, he returned the following year to The Shoalhaven became very popular with Dr. Dark who, with a few mates, used to camp at the mouth of Tallowal Creek and scramble around Billy Bulloo's Canyon. He had been fascinated by an atlas picture of Mount Lindesay, and in 1910 boarded a train for a shooting contest in Brisbane. Alighting at Tenterfield he cycled to Wilson's Peak which he climbed, then walked along the crest of the McPherson Range to the foot of Mount Lindesay. As there was little time left for climbing, he returned the following year to
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 Dr. Dark recollected that when he climbed for the first time since Mount Lindesay, he became giddy. He suffered from middle ear trouble which occasionally caused severe vomiting and prevented him from climbing. Dr. Dark recollected that when he climbed for the first time since Mount Lindesay, he became giddy. He suffered from middle ear trouble which occasionally caused severe vomiting and prevented him from climbing.
  
-Osmar White (journalist, and author of 'Australia for Everyone') had as a youth injured his hand rolling boulders down a talus slope (c.1926). Dr. Dark showed an interest in Osmar's activities with the First Katoomba Rover Scouts, who were hiking and scrambling in the rough terrain of the Blue Mountains. Dr. Dark showed them how to use a safety rope for shoulder belays. Said Eric White "It was then that I gained the impression that he had at least a nodding acquaintance with the more sophisticated techniques of British and European rockclimbers. Geroge Finch's 'Making of a Mountaineer' became our bible."+Osmar White (journalist, and author of 'Australia for Everyone') had as a youth injured his hand rolling boulders down a talus slope (c.1926). Dr. Dark showed an interest in Osmar's activities with the First Katoomba Rover Scouts, who were hiking and scrambling in the rough terrain of the Blue Mountains. Dr. Dark showed them how to use a safety rope for shoulder belays. Said Eric White "It was then that I gained the impression that he had at least a nodding acquaintance with the more sophisticated techniques of British and European rockclimbers. George Finch's 'Making of a Mountaineer' became our bible." 
  
 Next month - "THE BLUE MOUNTAINS". Next month - "THE BLUE MOUNTAINS".
  
  
-"SEE THE BUNGLES WITH RUSSELL'S"(and come out Alive - Alive 0) (Sung to the tune of 'Cockles & Mussels')+====== "See The Bungles With Russells====== 
 + 
 +(and come out Alive - Alive 0) (Sung to the tune of 'Cockles & Mussels')
  
 In Darwin's fair city, where the jets land so pretty,  In Darwin's fair city, where the jets land so pretty, 
-We first set our eyes on our Captian Will-is,  +We first set our eyes on our Captain Will-is,  
-And he drove the Pajero, o'er tracks deep in furrow, To the Bungles, to the Bungles, to the Bungles we go. +And he drove the Pajero, o'er tracks deep in furrow,  
-Down the highway we wheeled-0, accompanied by Chris-0, Pajero with trailer and Patrol in tow,+To the Bungles, to the Bungles, to the Bungles we go. 
 +Down the highway we wheeled-0, accompanied by Chris-0,  
 +Pajero with trailer and Patrol in tow,
 All wheeled down the Stuart, to Katherine to camp, All wheeled down the Stuart, to Katherine to camp,
 To the Bungles, to the Bungles, to the Bungles we go. To the Bungles, to the Bungles, to the Bungles we go.
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-PUT ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE    +**PUT ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE **   
  
 On JANUARY 10th, when the Clubroom is closed a SOCIAL NIGHT. will be held at Obelisk Beach (Sydney Harbour). Bring FOOD, lights, insect repellant, and celebrate summer by the light of the moon! On JANUARY 10th, when the Clubroom is closed a SOCIAL NIGHT. will be held at Obelisk Beach (Sydney Harbour). Bring FOOD, lights, insect repellant, and celebrate summer by the light of the moon!
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-THE NOVEMBER GENERAL MEETING  by Barry Wallace+====== The November General Meeting ====== 
 + 
 +by Barry Wallace
  
 The meeting began at around 20.31 with around 25 members present and the President in the chair. Samples of the latest Gestetner machine's art were laid out in ordered ranks on a nearby table awaiting their moment. There was an apology from Jeff Niven, and no new members for welcome. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received, with no matters arising. The meeting began at around 20.31 with around 25 members present and the President in the chair. Samples of the latest Gestetner machine's art were laid out in ordered ranks on a nearby table awaiting their moment. There was an apology from Jeff Niven, and no new members for welcome. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received, with no matters arising.
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 The weekend also saw Jan Mohandas lead a party of 22 on his gourmet weekend at Glenbrook. It would seem there was a bit of an epidemic of er .. flu in the early hours of Sunday morning. A number of people were reported to be afflicted.  The weekend also saw Jan Mohandas lead a party of 22 on his gourmet weekend at Glenbrook. It would seem there was a bit of an epidemic of er .. flu in the early hours of Sunday morning. A number of people were reported to be afflicted. 
  
-Alan Mewett's report of his Brooklyn to Wondabyne walk was reported as illegible. There were +Alan Mewett's report of his Brooklyn to Wondabyne walk was reported as illegible. There were 22 starters but none of the usual detail. Reports that Alan is in training to be a doctor were denied.
-22 starters but none of the usual detail. Reports that Alan is in training to be a doctor +
-were denied.+
  
-The weekend of 4,5,6 November saw Kenn Clacher and a party of 6 hanging around Thurat +The weekend of 4,5,6 November saw Kenn Clacher and a party of 6 hanging around Thurat Rift on his weekend abseiling trip. Morrie Ward reported 16 people and dense scrub on spire head on his Barrington Tops rainforest walk. He neglected to mention just how many of the party were truly impressed by the section of fire trail at the end of the walk. Ian Debert reported 16 people at Coolana that weekend. They painted the hut and had a fine hooley, despite the disappointing roll-up. 
-Rift on his weekend abseiling trip. Morrie Ward reported 16 people and dense scrub on spire +
-head on his Barrington Tops rainforest walk. He neglected to mention just how many of the +
-party were truly impressed by the section of fire trail at the end of the walk. Ian Debert +
-reported 16 people at Coolana that weekend. They painted the hut and had a fine hooley, +
-despite the disappointing roll-up. +
  
-Jan Mohandas, well into recovery by this time, led 12 +Jan Mohandas, well into recovery by this time, led 12 starters in warm to hot conditions on a Colo well filled by recent rains - to close the Walks Report for the month.
-starters in warm to hot conditions on a Colo well filled by recent rains - to close the Walks Report for the month.+
  
 The Treasurer's Report indicated that we spent $1135.13, received $236.00 and closed the month with a balance of $2,164.91 in the current account. As a result of last month's motion the Coolana funds have been invested in SAFA Bonds. A further motion that we invest the conservation funds, totalling around $1,500, in Telecom Bonds for periods of around two years at 15% was carried. The Treasurer's Report indicated that we spent $1135.13, received $236.00 and closed the month with a balance of $2,164.91 in the current account. As a result of last month's motion the Coolana funds have been invested in SAFA Bonds. A further motion that we invest the conservation funds, totalling around $1,500, in Telecom Bonds for periods of around two years at 15% was carried.
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-FOOD FOR EXTENDED  WALKS+====== Food For Extended Walks ====== 
 Extracts from an article by Carol Bruce Extracts from an article by Carol Bruce
  
-How much to take? A good guide is BOO to 1000 grams per day. A sample of the breakup +How much to take? A good guide is BOO to 1000 grams per day. A sample of the breakup is as follows:
-is as follows:+
 Breakfast 80 - 100 g Breakfast 80 - 100 g
 Lunch 250 - 300 g Lunch 250 - 300 g
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 Scroggin 150 g Scroggin 150 g
  
-8OO grams may not be sufficient unless the evening meal is made up of complex carbohydrates. An important point to remember is that cereals, nuts and seeds are eaten with legumes to provide complete protein. In other words, wheat, barley, corn, rice, millet, nuts and seeds are eaten with either dried beans or lentils. Alternatively, use a small amount of animal protein, such as cheese, milk, fish or salami.+800 grams may not be sufficient unless the evening meal is made up of complex carbohydrates. An important point to remember is that cereals, nuts and seeds are eaten with legumes to provide complete protein. In other words, wheat, barley, corn, rice, millet, nuts and seeds are eaten with either dried beans or lentils. Alternatively, use a small amount of animal protein, such as cheese, milk, fish or salami.
 Fresh meat can be used for only the first 2 days. Carry salami and cheese in muslin or cheesecloth, allowing it to breath. Best cheeses are Romano, Pecorino and Parmesan. They keep well and do not go oily in hot weather. Soft fruit and vegetables are easily mangled in the pack - put them in your billy. Fresh meat can be used for only the first 2 days. Carry salami and cheese in muslin or cheesecloth, allowing it to breath. Best cheeses are Romano, Pecorino and Parmesan. They keep well and do not go oily in hot weather. Soft fruit and vegetables are easily mangled in the pack - put them in your billy.
-Scrogoin: put your favourite mix in small bags, varying it a little for each day. +Scrogoin: put your favourite mix in small bags, varying it a little for each day. Drinks: use Tang (or other flavourings) instead of plain water. Milo, peppermint and lemon tea instead of the usual tea and coffee.
-Drinks: use Tang (or other flavourings) instead of plain water. Milo, peppermint and lemon +
-tea instead of the usual tea and coffee.+
  
 Try out recipes for the long trip on a weekend walk. Don't make them at home, it isn't the same as cooking over a campfire. An important hint is to repack all foodstuffs into resealable bags - commercial packaging is bulky and heavy. Try out recipes for the long trip on a weekend walk. Don't make them at home, it isn't the same as cooking over a campfire. An important hint is to repack all foodstuffs into resealable bags - commercial packaging is bulky and heavy.
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 1 tsp dry basil 1 tsp dry basil
 1 tsp dry oregano 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp dry oregano 1 tsp black pepper
 +
 1. Soak vegetables, bean curd 1. Soak vegetables, bean curd
 2. Discard water. 2. Discard water.
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 3. Add tomato mix to pasta and finish cooking. 3. Add tomato mix to pasta and finish cooking.
  
-FOOTNOTES+**FOOTNOTES**
  
 ANOTHER KOSCIUSKO TRIP (not on Walks Program)  ANOTHER KOSCIUSKO TRIP (not on Walks Program) 
 +
 From Wednesday 27th December to New Year's Day. LEADER: GEORGE MAWER. Munyang Power Station - Brassy Mountains - Jagungal - return via Dickie From Wednesday 27th December to New Year's Day. LEADER: GEORGE MAWER. Munyang Power Station - Brassy Mountains - Jagungal - return via Dickie
 Cooper Bogong to Guthega Pondage. MEDIUM. Daylight driving and sight- Cooper Bogong to Guthega Pondage. MEDIUM. Daylight driving and sight-
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 FOR 15 LUCKY PEOPLE! FOR 15 LUCKY PEOPLE!
-The very best of the Nepal treks - The Mount Everest Remote Approach Trek. Far from the tourist hordes, 5 weeks in the world ultimate High Country with Jan Mobandas. The time, October/November 1990. Tour operators are Wilderness Expeditions. + 
-Ring Jan early to make sure you don't miss out!+The very best of the Nepal treks - The Mount Everest Remote Approach Trek. Far from the tourist hordes, 5 weeks in the world ultimate High Country with Jan Mobandas. The time, October/November 1990. Tour operators are Wilderness Expeditions. Ring Jan early to make sure you don't miss out!
  
 LOST PROPERTY  LOST PROPERTY 
-fawns + 
-A grey)jacket bearing label MEMBERS ONLY was left in the Clubroom on +A grey fawn jacket bearing label MEMBERS ONLY was left in the Clubroom on the night of Peter Tresseder's lecture. Apply to the New Members Secretary (or it may be sold at the next Auction!).
-the night of Peter Tresseder's lecture. Apply to the New Members Secretary (or it may be sold at the next Auction!).+
  
 NEW ZEALAND IS CALLING  - and George Mawer is going - for 3 weeks during February/March 1990. Routeburn Track, Milford Track, touring and sight seeing. Campervans being considered. NEW ZEALAND IS CALLING  - and George Mawer is going - for 3 weeks during February/March 1990. Routeburn Track, Milford Track, touring and sight seeing. Campervans being considered.
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 So now am I going to spend the Christmas holidays? All being well, I should be walking from Kiandra to Mt. Bimberi with Ian Rannard. If it's as good as his walk from Mittagong to Katoomba, I'll be the happiest person around. Ed. So now am I going to spend the Christmas holidays? All being well, I should be walking from Kiandra to Mt. Bimberi with Ian Rannard. If it's as good as his walk from Mittagong to Katoomba, I'll be the happiest person around. Ed.
- 
198912.1450309578.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/12/17 10:46 by kennettj

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