199112
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Leader: Jan Mohandas | Leader: Jan Mohandas | ||
- | Participants: | + | Participants: |
It was crisp & cold when we emerged from our tents at 4.45 am; but it promised to be a clear fine day. The bad news comes from Morrie; Jan does not want a fire lit, he obviously fears we might sit around it too long. Am I really going to walk 55 km without a cup of coffee!? Dave saves the day, he has a stove. | It was crisp & cold when we emerged from our tents at 4.45 am; but it promised to be a clear fine day. The bad news comes from Morrie; Jan does not want a fire lit, he obviously fears we might sit around it too long. Am I really going to walk 55 km without a cup of coffee!? Dave saves the day, he has a stove. | ||
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Another bogging was in a long incline of dry sand so a sudden jump into a roll on was not possible. When in a jam one has to calm down to give the male logic free rein. Everything possible has to be thought of to ensure success before the next attempt is made to break out of the trap. Sand was scooped away and bits of timber laid down in front of the wheels. Once the vehicle got moving a heavy bloke clung onto the roof rack and bounced like a bronco-buster on the back bumper. This gave the back wheels more bite until clear. The 4WD was an American vehicle with the obligatory 300 horses under the bonnet, a few of which had apparently turned to glue since the date of manufacture. The American wisdom that there was no substitute for cubic inches was shown up for what it was worth. The reality is that there is probably no substitute for Japanese design. | Another bogging was in a long incline of dry sand so a sudden jump into a roll on was not possible. When in a jam one has to calm down to give the male logic free rein. Everything possible has to be thought of to ensure success before the next attempt is made to break out of the trap. Sand was scooped away and bits of timber laid down in front of the wheels. Once the vehicle got moving a heavy bloke clung onto the roof rack and bounced like a bronco-buster on the back bumper. This gave the back wheels more bite until clear. The 4WD was an American vehicle with the obligatory 300 horses under the bonnet, a few of which had apparently turned to glue since the date of manufacture. The American wisdom that there was no substitute for cubic inches was shown up for what it was worth. The reality is that there is probably no substitute for Japanese design. | ||
- | When Preston Foster was pursuing his man over snow he strapped onto his boots those things which look like tennis racquets. When we find the going tough in sand we spread our feet by letting out more air. We aimed to keep down to 15 psi. This pressure rises with the temperature of the sand and friction. From time to time the driver has to ask himself if the going appears to be getting tougher and, if it is, does the pressure need further reduction. If too much air is expelled minor adjustments upwards are by means of a compresor | + | When Preston Foster was pursuing his man over snow he strapped onto his boots those things which look like tennis racquets. When we find the going tough in sand we spread our feet by letting out more air. We aimed to keep down to 15 psi. This pressure rises with the temperature of the sand and friction. From time to time the driver has to ask himself if the going appears to be getting tougher and, if it is, does the pressure need further reduction. If too much air is expelled minor adjustments upwards are by means of a compressor |
- | The engine works very hard in soft sand. Overheating is a constant threat - especially in warm weather. Now that is another source of drama. You know you have been travelling in sand for too long and you watch that damn needle move on its inexorable climb. | + | The engine works very hard in soft sand. Overheating is a constant threat - especially in warm weather. Now that is another source of drama. You know you have been travelling in sand for too long and you watch that damn needle move on its inexorable climb. It is like a re-run in reverse of Jimmy Stewart' |
One of our vehicles had a dual system of petrol/gas. Tuning such a combination is a compromise. Performance was not brilliant and there were numerous stoppages due to vapour locks when running on petrol. While on the subject of performance; | One of our vehicles had a dual system of petrol/gas. Tuning such a combination is a compromise. Performance was not brilliant and there were numerous stoppages due to vapour locks when running on petrol. While on the subject of performance; | ||
- | The lowest fuel cost was associated with a diesel-powered vehicle with large enough tanks to fill up on the mainland where fuel was 30 cents/litre cheaper. | + | The lowest fuel cost was associated with a diesel-powered vehicle with large enough tanks to fill up on the mainland where fuel was 30 cents/litre cheaper. I thought the price of fuel was a rip-off but we were in isolation and we could no more expect a fair deal than Gary Cooper could when he was south of the border and the bandidos controlled the water supply. |
The barge round trip costs $30 for a car and $15 for a trailer. In addition there is a $15 entry permit. Food, ice, fuel and alcohol are available on the island at several points. As a holiday venue the popularity of the island is on the boil. Enough toilet paper to attend to over 300,000 bums makes the one-way trip each year and the island' | The barge round trip costs $30 for a car and $15 for a trailer. In addition there is a $15 entry permit. Food, ice, fuel and alcohol are available on the island at several points. As a holiday venue the popularity of the island is on the boil. Enough toilet paper to attend to over 300,000 bums makes the one-way trip each year and the island' | ||
- | Sitting in the queue to get onto the two barges during a holiday period must give all waiting the screaming heebees - nearly all. The love of the mere company of their 4WD would be sufficient to sustain a few in the queue. During the summer holidays driving on the beach would be like white water rafting with frustration replacing the exhilaration. Two opposing streams of vehicles zig-zagging to avoid depressions, | + | Sitting in the queue to get onto the two barges during a holiday period must give all waiting the screaming heebees - nearly all. The love of the mere company of their 4WD would be sufficient to sustain a few in the queue. During the summer holidays driving on the beach would be like white water rafting with frustration replacing the exhilaration. Two opposing streams of vehicles zig-zagging to avoid depressions, |
Some of the single-car-width inland roads are two-way. As a crest has to be charged at there would be a big bang if somebody was charging up the other side. And when two vehicles meet on a narrow, level road, one does not simply back up to let the other pass if there is no firm ground to back onto or when one has a trailer in tow. Situations open to head on smashes should be eliminated but I do think situations which simply increase the odds of an altercation should be preserved. There is far too much simpering wimpish pleasantry in this country. We need more good old-fashioned biffo. | Some of the single-car-width inland roads are two-way. As a crest has to be charged at there would be a big bang if somebody was charging up the other side. And when two vehicles meet on a narrow, level road, one does not simply back up to let the other pass if there is no firm ground to back onto or when one has a trailer in tow. Situations open to head on smashes should be eliminated but I do think situations which simply increase the odds of an altercation should be preserved. There is far too much simpering wimpish pleasantry in this country. We need more good old-fashioned biffo. | ||
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Our two trailers made 4WD movement in sand a lot harder than what might otherwise have been. They added the kind of hard-to-define drag you feel in your innards when you have been driving for some hours with your mother-in-law in the back seat. A fourth vehicle without passengers would have been a better idea to remove the need for one of the trailers. | Our two trailers made 4WD movement in sand a lot harder than what might otherwise have been. They added the kind of hard-to-define drag you feel in your innards when you have been driving for some hours with your mother-in-law in the back seat. A fourth vehicle without passengers would have been a better idea to remove the need for one of the trailers. | ||
- | Travelling solo is asking for trouble and, when in convey, CB radio is handy. The system must be of high quality in all member vehicles. Repeat requests for clarification or failure to contact at all in a tense situation was vaguely like the frustration a man feels trying to reach his boofhead solicitor after the postie has delivered a bombshell from the sinister stirrer representing his wife. | + | Travelling solo is asking for trouble and, when in convey, CB radio is handy. The system must be of high quality in all member vehicles. Repeat requests for clarification or failure to contact at all in a tense situation was vaguely like the frustration a man feels trying to reach his boofhead solicitor after the postie has delivered a bombshell from the sinister stirrer representing his wife. |
A 4WD man might be tough but it does not follow that is insensitive. When exposed to nature - and the island was really something - hairy-chested four-wheelers can wax poetical in mood as much as anyone. | A 4WD man might be tough but it does not follow that is insensitive. When exposed to nature - and the island was really something - hairy-chested four-wheelers can wax poetical in mood as much as anyone. | ||
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by Jim Brown | by Jim Brown | ||
- | Back about 1937 - some ten years before I became enslaved by SBW - I bought my first copy of the Blue Mountains/BUrragorang | + | Back about 1937 - some ten years before I became enslaved by SBW - I bought my first copy of the Blue Mountains/Burragorang |
- | Since my early walking had included some trips into the Burragorang Valley I was especially intrigued to see a " | + | Since my early walking had included some trips into the Burragorang Valley I was especially intrigued to see a " |
- | I was not to know at the time that some earlier SBW had gone that way, and had provisionally called the gap in the cliffline " | + | I was not to know at the time that some earlier SBW had gone that way, and had provisionally called the gap in the cliffline " |
- | Having once put the trip on the program, I had to do something about finding the pass on the ground. I enquired at Paddy' | + | Having once put the trip on the program, I had to do something about finding the pass on the ground. I enquired at Paddy' |
Most of my nearest Club cronies were studying Diploma Courses at Technical Colleges and were unlikely to be walking in September/ | Most of my nearest Club cronies were studying Diploma Courses at Technical Colleges and were unlikely to be walking in September/ | ||
- | Saturday' | + | Saturday' |
- | Two months later, now complete with teeth, I led the official walk. Since many of my mates were still examination-bound, | + | Two months later, now complete with teeth, I led the official walk. Since many of my mates were still examination-bound, |
- | Having now "got over" from both sides, I still found the pass beckoning me, and in August 1950 with another party of four came down from Couridjah, up the Nattai and over the Pass. This was a more medest jour6ey, however, and 'we were content to go down to Upper Burragorang to catch the Sunday afternoon bus back to Camden. | + | Having now "got over" from both sides, I still found the pass beckoning me, and in August 1950 with another party of four came down from Couridjah, up the Nattai and over the Pass. This was a more modest journey, however, and we were content to go down to Upper Burragorang to catch the Sunday afternoon bus back to Camden. |
- | I now gave The Getover a rest for a few years, but in 1961, after the flooding of Burragorang, | + | I now gave The Getover a rest for a few years, but in 1961, after the flooding of Burragorang, |
- | Shortly afterwards the new 1;31680 maps of the region became available, and I was startled to see the name " | + | Shortly afterwards the new 1:31680 maps of the region became available, and I was startled to see the name " |
- | Finally, I went over the gap in February 1981. I won't tell you where I had been, because I shouldn' | + | The next time to the Getover was Trip Number 4 1/2 - the half because I approached the pass along the divide between |
- | So I'mnot.entirely surprised that some bushwalkers; without a detailed map of the locality, may not be sure if they could find Beloon Pass, a.k.a. Travis' | + | Finally, |
+ | |||
+ | So I'm not entirely surprised that some bushwalkers, without a detailed map of the locality, may not be sure if they could find Beloon Pass, a.k.a. Travis' | ||
===== It Had To Happen One Day.... ===== | ===== It Had To Happen One Day.... ===== | ||
- | Forget about the map and compass; a Japanese electrical company is now marketing a battery operated Global Direction Finder. Named PYXIS, (any relation to pixies?) the manufacturers claim it will "tell you the distance and direction to your destination ... display your path from point of departure to current position. It is accurate to within less than 100 metres ... weighs 590 grams and has a detachable antenna unit." | + | Forget about the map and compass; a Japanese electrical company is now marketing a battery operated Global Direction Finder. Named PYXIS, (any relation to pixies?) the manufacturers claim it will "tell you the distance and direction to your destination... display your path from point of departure to current position. It is accurate to within less than 100 metres... weighs 590 grams and has a detachable antenna unit." |
It seems all this is achieved because pixie, sorry - PYXIS, is linked to 24 satellites worldwide, and has a 4 channel receiver which uses the nearest 4 satellites to give you a position reading. Just enter the required data and away you go! The price wasn't mentioned - it might be an inhibiting factor.... | It seems all this is achieved because pixie, sorry - PYXIS, is linked to 24 satellites worldwide, and has a 4 channel receiver which uses the nearest 4 satellites to give you a position reading. Just enter the required data and away you go! The price wasn't mentioned - it might be an inhibiting factor.... | ||
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It was a cliff-hanger, | It was a cliff-hanger, | ||
- | There was present in our midst one Garry McDougall who wished to address the gathering on "The Heritage of Australian Walking", | + | There was present in our midst one Garry McDougall who wished to address the gathering on "The Heritage of Australian Walking", |
- | The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and received with the only matter arising being a note that the painting being raffled is now on display in the club-rooms. | + | The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and received with the only matter arising being a note that the painting being raffled is now on display in the club rooms. |
Correspondence brought a letter from Telecom Australia telling us that June Bhattacharya, | Correspondence brought a letter from Telecom Australia telling us that June Bhattacharya, | ||
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The Walks Report was next, with Carol reporting. Over the weekend 11,12,13 October George Walton' | The Walks Report was next, with Carol reporting. Over the weekend 11,12,13 October George Walton' | ||
- | Over the weekend | + | Over the weekend |
- | Over the weekend 26,27 October there were no details of the Confederation first-aid course, but Jan Mohandas reported 24 people having a good time despite some rain on his Gourmet Weekend. The abseiling weekend attracted 26 who progressed to overhanging abseils | + | Over the weekend 26,27 October there were no details of the Confederation first-aid course, but Jan Mohandas reported 24 people having a good time despite some rain on his Gourmet Weekend. The abseiling weekend attracted 26 who progressed to overhanging abseils in the course of the day under Kenn Clacher' |
- | November 1,2,3 saw Tom Wenman leading a party of 16 on his Gingra Creek, Kowmung River trip. It was reported as a good walk even if Ainslie did sprain an ankle. There was no report of Denis Gardener' | + | November 1,2,3 saw Tom Wenman leading a party of 16 on his Gingra Creek, Kowmung River trip. It was reported as a good walk even if Ainslie did sprain an ankle. There was no report of Denis Gardener' |
The weekend of 9/10 November saw Bob Younger leading a party of two along easy fire trails and through thick scrub in Morton National Park. Brian Holden had 6 on his Barbers Creek, Shoalhaven River walk which Les insisted on describing in rather more detail than we felt we needed. There was no report of Errol Sheedy' | The weekend of 9/10 November saw Bob Younger leading a party of two along easy fire trails and through thick scrub in Morton National Park. Brian Holden had 6 on his Barbers Creek, Shoalhaven River walk which Les insisted on describing in rather more detail than we felt we needed. There was no report of Errol Sheedy' | ||
- | It Was with some difficulty that we persuaded Carol not to report on the walks for the coming weekend. | + | It was with some difficulty that we persuaded Carol not to report on the walks for the coming weekend. |
- | The Conservation Report brought news of Terry Metherill delivering a good speech in the N.S.W. Parliament in supriort | + | The Conservation Report brought news of Terry Metherill delivering a good speech in the N.S.W. Parliament in support |
The Confederation Report indicated that Stan Cottier has written warning that the owners of huts in the Royal have proposed that the huts be given Heritage Listing in an effort to preserve them and the associated leases. | The Confederation Report indicated that Stan Cottier has written warning that the owners of huts in the Royal have proposed that the huts be given Heritage Listing in an effort to preserve them and the associated leases. | ||
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===== A Worthy Call ===== | ===== A Worthy Call ===== | ||
- | The Club has received a very sad, yet inspiring, letter from John Poczynek, a prospective member, written on behalf of **June | + | The Club has received a very sad, yet inspiring, letter from John Poczynek, a prospective member, written on behalf of **June |
- | Sadly, June has developed acute myeloid leukaemia, and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. According to John, "Our Girl June" as she is affectionately known among her workmates at Telecom, sought help from her brother, sister and some long lost cousins living overseas, but all proved incompatible donors. Her only hope now lies in being matched with one of the 12,000 registered bone marrow donors in Australia. Tests have been carried out, said John, but so far a suitable donor has not been. found. | + | Sadly, June has developed acute myeloid leukaemia, and is in need of a bone marrow transplant. According to John, "Our Girl June" as she is affectionately known among her workmates at Telecom, sought help from her brother, sister and some long lost cousins living overseas, but all proved incompatible donors. Her only hope now lies in being matched with one of the 12,000 registered bone marrow donors in Australia. Tests have been carried out, said John, but so far a suitable donor has not been found. |
June, who is married with two children, is not seeking sympathy or compassion for herself but is making a plea to her workmates and fellow bushwalkers to consider registering as bone marrow donors. | June, who is married with two children, is not seeking sympathy or compassion for herself but is making a plea to her workmates and fellow bushwalkers to consider registering as bone marrow donors. | ||
- | The chances of finding | + | The chances of finding |
- | On behalf of all SOW members, we wish "Our Girl June" success in finding 'a suitable donor and greatly admire her selflessness in thinking of others at a time like this. | + | For more information for this very worthy cause contact NSW Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (Linda Guzowski, phone 229 4318) or ring John Poczynek on (047) 21 2995 for more details |
- | Editor | + | On behalf of all SBW members, we wish "Our Girl June" success in finding a suitable donor and greatly admire her selflessness in thinking of others at a time like this. |
+ | |||
+ | Editor. | ||
===== A Day At The Circus - A Phantasy ===== | ===== A Day At The Circus - A Phantasy ===== | ||
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by " | by " | ||
- | " | + | " |
- | Janla was seething and boiling with rage and resentment over her experience and sought the best cure that she knew. She was soon out in the wild bush and off the track to arrive at her favourite tree. Sitting down, Janla leaned against the tthe which:seemed to have grown to fit her body and laid her cheek against the smooth creamy bark. The soothing effects of this and the background sound of the bush soon soothed and fortified her and she went into a trance-like doze. | + | Janla was seething and boiling with rage and resentment over her experience and sought the best cure that she knew. She was soon out in the wild bush and off the track to arrive at her favourite tree. Sitting down, Janla leaned against the tree which seemed to have grown to fit her body and laid her cheek against the smooth creamy bark. The soothing effects of this and the background sound of the bush soon soothed and fortified her and she went into a trance-like doze. |
- | Janie awoke suddenly. It was early evening | + | Janie awoke suddenly. It was early evening |
- | Janie was exhilarated by her experience. She also realised that her knife, a gift from a bushwalker friend, had been given special | + | Janla was exhilarated by her experience. She also realised that her knife, a gift from a bushwalker friend, had been given special |
- | Janie thought she was having a nightmare! There was a loud knocking sounding as if it was coming down a tunnel. Half awake she struggled to the front door which sounded as if it was banging in the wind. Fearful.of bad news she opened the door. She knew no more as she was grabbed and a pad soaked' | + | Janla thought she was having a nightmare! There was a loud knocking sounding as if it was coming down a tunnel. Half awake she struggled to the front door which sounded as if it was banging in the wind. Fearful of bad news she opened the door. She knew no more as she was grabbed and a pad soaked |
- | + | ||
- | Janla was dragged from the truck and down into the bush. A dark shape came hurtling through the air straight for the jugular of the leading abductor. The second one went down under a snarling pack of dingoes and was soon still. Janie was amazed at the unexpected rescue. Before janla could ponder on her predicament she noticed that her knife was lying beside her hand and glowing in invitation. Janie quickly wriggled about to cut her bonds,. Her rescuers had vanished! | + | |
+ | Janla was dragged from the truck and down into the bush. A dark shape came hurtling through the air straight for the jugular of the leading abductor. The second one went down under a snarling pack of dingoes and was soon still. Janla was amazed at the unexpected rescue. Before Janla could ponder on her predicament she noticed that her knife was lying beside her hand and glowing in invitation. Janla quickly wriggled about to cut her bonds. Her rescuers had vanished! | ||
===== For Sale ===== | ===== For Sale ===== | ||
+ | |||
==== Books Of Interest To Bushwalkers - Second Hand " | ==== Books Of Interest To Bushwalkers - Second Hand " | ||
- | "The World of Olegas Truchanas" | + | "The World of Olegas Truchanas" |
" | " | ||
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"Colo Wilderness" | "Colo Wilderness" | ||
- | PRICES TO BE NEGOTIATED | + | **Prices to be negotiated** |
===== Fire Bans ===== | ===== Fire Bans ===== | ||
- | As we know, all weather predictions for the coming summer are for a long, dry summer, which means frequent fire bans and potentially dangerous walking condition' | ||
- | SBUI walks leaders and members have always acted responsibly and sensibly in fire ban conditions, but it is the feeling of the Committee that, in the event of a fire ban, serious consideration should be given by individual leaders as to whether the walk should go ahead. Given that, when there is a fire ban, the government and fire authorities warnings advise people NOT to walk in the bush, we, as a responsible bushwalking club, should consider aligning our program to match these warnings. | + | As we know, all weather predictions for the coming summer are for a long, dry summer, which means frequent fire bans and potentially dangerous walking conditions. |
+ | |||
+ | SBW walks leaders and members have always acted responsibly and sensibly in fire ban conditions, but it is the feeling of the Committee that, in the event of a fire ban, serious consideration should be given by individual leaders as to whether the walk should go ahead. Given that, when there is a fire ban, the government and fire authorities warnings advise people NOT to walk in the bush, we, as a responsible bushwalking club, should consider aligning our program to match these warnings. | ||
Editor | Editor | ||
- | |||
===== Social Notes ===== | ===== Social Notes ===== | ||
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Keith Sherleck has been invited to draw the winning ticket for a lucky bushwalker to receive his painting. If you haven' | Keith Sherleck has been invited to draw the winning ticket for a lucky bushwalker to receive his painting. If you haven' | ||
- | The Club will be closed from after the party until the 15th January. But don't forget. to add Obelisk | + | The Club will be closed from after the party until the 15th January. But don't forget to add Obelisk |
Later, in January The Wilderness Society will talk to us followed the next week by a Safety and Leadership Workshop for all members to attend. | Later, in January The Wilderness Society will talk to us followed the next week by a Safety and Leadership Workshop for all members to attend. | ||
- | JANUARY | + | |January |
- | + | |January | |
- | 8th Club closed - BB Q at Obelisk Beach, off Chowder Bay Road, Mosman from 6.30 pm. BYO food and drink. Contact Fran Holland (484 6636) or Ian Debert (982 2615) for details. | + | |January |
- | + | |January | |
- | 15th GENERAL MEETING | + | |January 29th|Safety & Leadership Workshop| |
- | + | ||
- | 22nd WILDERNESS SOCIETY | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 29th SAFETY & LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP | + | |
- | + | ||
- | * We will be meeting for dinner at Maharaja Palace, Indian Restaurant, 1 Broughton Street, Kirribilli at approx;.- 6.30 pm (22nd Jan). NOTE: This month it is the 4th Wednesday. | + | |
===== Don't Get Lost! ===== | ===== Don't Get Lost! ===== | ||
- | The new membership list will be printed in January. Would all those people who have changed address or phone numbers (or got married with a new name) PLEASE LET THE CLUB KNOW, either in writing to Rox 4476 GPO Sydney 2001, or by phoning Fran Holland (484 6636) or Barry Wallace, Membership Secretary (436 1313 during business hours). | ||
+ | The new membership list will be printed in January. Would all those people who have changed address or phone numbers (or got married with a new name) **please let the Club know**, either in writing to Box 4476 GPO Sydney 2001, or by phoning Fran Holland (484 6636) or Barry Wallace, Membership Secretary (436 1313 during business hours). |
199112.txt · Last modified: 2016/04/20 14:19 by tyreless