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 +=====The Stone Bridge.=====
  
-PAGE 12 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER JANUARY - 993 
-THE STONE'BRIDGE 
 by Pat Harrison by Pat Harrison
-(The author, Pat Harrison, a long-time member of the Catholic Walkers, also joined SBW for some years in the 1960s and early 1970s. He + 
-specialised in trips into the less-often visited parts of our local mountains, and regularly proved he was a first-rate pathfinder. +(The author, Pat Harrison, a long-time member of the Catholic Walkers, also joined SBW for some years in the 1960s and early 1970s. He specialised in trips into the less-often visited parts of our local mountains, and regularly proved he was a first-rate pathfinder. 
-The area mentioned is on the southern 'side of the Hunter River valley, with Doyles Creek flowing from the divide between the Hunter and Macdonald River systems, and entering the Hunter near Jerry's Plains, west of Singleton.)+ 
 +The area mentioned is on the southern side of the Hunter River valley, with Doyles Creek flowing from the divide between the Hunter and Macdonald River systems, and entering the Hunter near Jerry's Plains, west of Singleton.) 
 There is a natural arch in the sandstone cliff alongside Doyle's Creek which had tantalised me for years. At last I had to see it. I soon learnt that access was a problem, particularly the walk up Doyle's Creek, the way I had hoped to go. All creatures are territorial, including landowners whose stock have been disturbed, and worse, by the thoughtless few. Doyle's Creek and Appletree Creek therefore were definitely not access routes. There is a natural arch in the sandstone cliff alongside Doyle's Creek which had tantalised me for years. At last I had to see it. I soon learnt that access was a problem, particularly the walk up Doyle's Creek, the way I had hoped to go. All creatures are territorial, including landowners whose stock have been disturbed, and worse, by the thoughtless few. Doyle's Creek and Appletree Creek therefore were definitely not access routes.
 +
 The flu put paid to a weekend walk planned for October to see the arch and the nearby Aboriginal Cave, but my cousin Geoff and I were still well enough to do a day of reconnoitring instead; and glad we were that we did because good results came of it The flu put paid to a weekend walk planned for October to see the arch and the nearby Aboriginal Cave, but my cousin Geoff and I were still well enough to do a day of reconnoitring instead; and glad we were that we did because good results came of it
-The reconnaissance being a Cook's Tour. by 4WD, I decided to say 'Good day' to a member of the old battalion whose property we would pass on our journey. Being a landowner, his knowledge of the surrounding country and of another matter was the sword which cut the Gordian Knot of access. 
-The day's touring thereafter was plain sailing and included a visit to the Aboriginal Cave and its stencils in Appletree Creek. A log book here indicates that the Cave's location was brought to notice about 90 years ago by a surveyor who was exploring Ap'pletree Creek; Needless to say, the overhang has a steel mesh across its front to protect the stencils from 'civilisation'. We came home with first-hand information of all access routes - mileages, road conditions, and knowledge of four possible walking routes to the arch. 
-The following Saturday we were out of bed by 3.00 am, on our way by 4.00 am, and walking by 8.00 am. We followed Little Oaky Ridge to its end, dropped down to the cliff-line immediately above Doyle's Creek, then sidled our way upstream until we founda way into Doyle's Creek. From the cliff edge as we sidled we could see the arch on the far side of the creek. The scrub during this sidling was high, tangled, and scratchy. Doyle's Creek itself was adorned with the,usual junk and campsites were scarce.' 
  
-When in Doyle's Creek and getting close to Where the arch ought to be it is necessary to keep eyes open because'of intervening trees. The arch is a couple of hundred feet above creek level and a few hundred yards above the junction of Long Rocky Creek and Doyle's Creek.The arch is on the true left, that is, the southern side where Doyle's Creek has an east-west direction. +The reconnaissance being a Cook's Tour by 4WD, I decided to say 'Good day' to a member of the old battalion whose property we would pass on our journey. Being a landowner, his knowledge of the surrounding country and of another matter was the sword which cut the Gordian Knot of access. 
-Immediately below the arch two shaky saplings have been placed against the sloping cliff to assist theclimb through the arch to the higher ground on the other side, but care is needed because some skin could be lost by+ 
 +The day's touring thereafter was plain sailing and included a visit to the Aboriginal Cave and its stencils in Appletree Creek. A log book here indicates that the Cave's location was brought to notice about 90 years ago by a surveyor who was exploring Appletree Creek. Needless to say, the overhang has a steel mesh across its front to protect the stencils from 'civilisation'. We came home with first-hand information of all access routes - mileages, road conditions, and knowledge of four possible walking routes to the arch. 
 + 
 +The following Saturday we were out of bed by 3.00 am, on our way by 4.00 am, and walking by 8.00 am. We followed Little Oaky Ridge to its end, dropped down to the cliff-line immediately above Doyle's Creek, then sidled our way upstream until we found a way into Doyle's Creek. From the cliff edge as we sidled we could see the arch on the far side of the creek. The scrub during this sidling was high, tangled, and scratchy. Doyle's Creek itself was adorned with the usual junk and campsites were scarce. 
 + 
 +When in Doyle's Creek and getting close to where the arch ought to be it is necessary to keep eyes open because of intervening trees. The arch is a couple of hundred feet above creek level and a few hundred yards above the junction of Long Rocky Creek and Doyle's Creek. The arch is on the true left, that is, the southern side where Doyle's Creek has an east-west direction. 
 + 
 +Immediately below the arch two shaky saplings have been placed against the sloping cliff to assist the climb through the arch to the higher ground on the other side, but care is needed because some skin could be lost by sliding down the slope. A better war to the top of the arch is to go upstream, get above the cliff-line, then walk along the shelf to the arch. 
 + 
 +A good look around, a lengthy lunch, and we were back at the vehicle by 4.30 pm. There was no flowing water in Doyle's Creek - or in Appletree Creek the previous Saturday - only cloudy pools, the cloudiness possibly caused by the yabbies we noticed. 
 + 
 +The walk back along the ridge was a delight, the wildflowers and the Sydney Red Gums being glorious. Flannel Flower blooms were as big as saucers and their stems reached to our chests. The flowers of other plants were not as obtrusive but made a really wonderful display. There was also a small ground-hugging plant which formed a mat amongst the junk on the bank of the creek. It had a pale blue-and-white flower and was probably a Violaceae. Small white Daisies with yellow centres, Indigoffera. A small pink-flowering plant, golden Buttercups, Bluebells. A superb golden yellow flower on a straight stem about 25 cm high with straight, thickish, fleshy leaves about 3 cm long and a delicate fringe around the button-like shape of the flower - possibly some kind of Craspedia. 
 + 
 +Partictilarly noticeable was the colour of the leaves of the Sydney Red Gums which were numerous throughout the whole area About half the foliage of most trees was a lovely reddish colour, presumably indicating the flush of spring in their growth. None of the other trees, which included Stringy Barks, Bloodwoods and Grey Gums had similar variation in their foliage. 
 + 
 +Distant views of the arch are seen not only from the opposing cliff-line on Doyle's Creek, but also from the end of Little Oaky Ridge. If Australia takes tourism to its ultimate (witness Ayer's Rock), perhaps in years to come there will be a road along the ridge and charabancs will take Japanese tourists to view the arch without their having to walk more than a few yards; to say nothing of encountering the scrub below the ridge! 
 + 
 +This walk was well worth the waiting. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +====Short Notice - Kimberley-Kakadu Odyssey Special.==== 
 + 
 +Trip starts with an amphibious plane drop off and pick up from incomparable Mitchell and King George Falls areas, visiting local gorges with pristine Aboriginal burial and art sites. 
 + 
 +Visits also to Litchfield / Gregory National Parks and Carr Boyd Range Gorges.
  
-JANUARY 1993 THE SYDNEY-BUSHWALKLR PAGE 1 
-Alidtfig down the sl4e. k better war to the top of the arch is to go upstream, get above the cliff-line, then walk along the shelf to the arch 
-.good look around, a lengthy' lunch, and.,we were back at the vehicle.- by 430 pm. There was no flowing water in Doiyle's Creek - or in Appletree 
-Creek the previous Saturday - only cloudy pools, the cloudiness possibly 
-, ,  
-caused by the yabbies-we noticed , 
-The walk back along the ridge was a delight, the wildflowers and the SYdneY, ip(1 Gals being glorious. Flannel Flower blooms, were as big as saucers and their stems reached to our chests. The flowers of other plants were not as obtrusive but made a really wonderful display. There was also a small ground-hugging plant which formed a mat amongst the junk on the bank of the creek. It had a pale blue-and-white flower and was probably 
-a Violaceae. Small white Daisies with yellow centres, Indigoffera. A 
-small pink-flowering plant, golden Buttercups, Bluebells. A superb golden yellow flower on a, straight stem about 25 cm high with straight, thickish, fleshy leaves about 3 cm long and a delicate fringe around the button-like shape of the flower - possibly some kind of Craspedia. 
-Partictilarly noticeable was the colour 'of' the leaves of the Sydney Red Gums which were numerous throughout th whole area .About half the 
-foliage of most trees was a lovely reddish colour, presumably indicating the flush-of spring in their growth. None of the other trees, which included Stringy Barks, Bloodwoods and Grey Gums had similar variation in their foliage. 
-Distant views of the arch are seen not only from the opposing cliff- 
-line on Doyle's Creek, but also from the end of Little Oaky Ridge. If Australia takes tourism to its ultimate (witness Ayer's Rock), perhaps in years to come there will be a road along the ridge and charabancs will take Japanese tourists to view the arch without their having to walk more than 
-a few yards; to say nothing of encountering the scrub below the ridge! 
-This walk was well worth the waiting. * * * * * 4f. 
-SHORT NOTICE - KIMBERLEY-KAKADU ODYSSEY 5PECIAL. 
-Trip starts with an amphibious,plane drop off and pick up 
-from incomparable Mitchell and King George Falls areas, visiting local gorges with pristine Aboriginal burial and art sites. 
-Visits also to Litchfield/Gregory National Parks and Carr Boyd Range Gorges. ' 
 Optional Ord River/Carlton Gorge speedboat trip. Optional Ord River/Carlton Gorge speedboat trip.
-Bungles or extensive Kimberley Coast flights.+ 
 +Optional Bungles or extensive Kimberley Coast flights. 
 Trip finishes with Kakadu Highlights "the easier way". Trip finishes with Kakadu Highlights "the easier way".
-Party limit strictly 5. Period approx mid-late April '93 
-fOF1-21 'weeks. Price on application.. 
-Please contact leader PETER CHRISTIAN no later than 3rd week 
-arY '93. Phone 4761312' 
-%_ 
-ja tiote: This -trip format will be 
-oporttinity 
-, 
  
-+Party limit strictly 5Period approx mid-late April '93 for 2 1/2 weeks. Price on application. 
-QBBJ. + 
-Butter Conc'entrate +Please contact leader Peter Christian no later than 3rd week February '93. Phone 476 1312
-ACT + 
- National Maps +__Please note__This trip format will be a "once only" opportunity
-Vic + 
- Outgear +---- 
- Backpacks Accessories + 
- Feathertop Wool Shirts +=====The December General Meeting.===== 
- Giant Trees Dried meals +
-NSW +
- $leeping Bags J & H, Mont, Romans Rainwear - Mont, J& Superior +
- Day Packs High Tops, SummitGear +
- ;Bonvtrick Caving Ladders +
- Hole:proof :pc Undies 14 Socks +
- Trailblazr Hats Dl3 +
-C n,yon bags+
- TAS- +
-Blundstone Boots +
-WA +
- Wilderness Equipment +
-Backpacks +
-Goretex clothing ,-/Cycle Panniers +
-SA +
-, Rossi B +
- Fl+
-1. +
-ts +
-ers Baby Carriers +
-EASTWOOD AWING CENTRE +
-3 Trelawney St (PO Box 131) Eastwood NSW 2122 +
-PHONE us AY +
-Bee +
-JANUARYY-1993 THE SYDNEY BUSHWA.LKER PAGE 15 +
-THE DECEMBER GENERAL MEETING -+
 by Barry Wallace by Barry Wallace
-It was around 2016 and there were some 16 or so members present, if one searched diligently in the corners of the room, when the meeting was called to order. There were apologies from Bill and Fran Holland and + 
-Lorraine Bloomfield. +It was around 2016 and there were some 16 or so members present, if one searched diligently in the corners of the room, when the meeting was called to order. There were apologies from Bill and Fran Holland and Lorraine Bloomfield. 
-New members Shirley Hicks, Patrick Bradley, Maurice Smith and Louise Vernon were called for welcome and the Minutes of the previous meeting were read and received. There wers'no matters arising so we moved on to the Correspondence. There was a letter from your magazine Editor indicating that she will be moving to Melbourne for her work and will therefore no longer be available as Editor. There were letters to our new members advising them of their success and to our Hon. Solicitor, Barrie Murdoch, requestingthat he review the details fo the arbitrator's decision on the damages claim and advise whether the Club needs to make changes in light of the statements made in the decision. There was also a letter to ,Natural Areas Ltd requesting that., they issue share script to the Club reflecting our equity in the organisation. Matters arising saw mention that Spiro Hajinakitas has agreed to take on the Editor's job until the elections in March.+ 
 +New members Shirley Hicks, Patrick Bradley, Maurice Smith and Louise Vernon were called for welcome and the Minutes of the previous meeting were read and received. There were no matters arising so we moved on to the Correspondence. There was a letter from your magazine Editor indicating that she will be moving to Melbourne for her work and will therefore no longer be available as Editor. There were letters to our new members advising them of their success and to our Hon. Solicitor, Barrie Murdoch, requesting that he review the details fo the arbitrator's decision on the damages claim and advise whether the Club needs to make changes in light of the statements made in the decision. There was also a letter to Natural Areas Ltd requesting that they issue share script to the Club reflecting our equity in the organisation. Matters arising saw mention that Spiro Hajinakitas has agreed to take on the Editor's job until the elections in March. 
 The Treasurer's Report disclosed an income of $1,245 for the month, outgoings of $2,187 and a closing balance of $679. The Treasurer's Report disclosed an income of $1,245 for the month, outgoings of $2,187 and a closing balance of $679.
-The Walks Secretary was off attending a work function so Morrie Ward did the decent thing and presented the walks reports. We began at the weekend of 13,14,15 November with a no report for Laurie Quaken's walk + 
-"TheSix-Foot Track, the bludge way". Oliver Crawford reported a party of 12 on his Budawangs walk which was not to program for some reason. Ian Debert had a total of 10 starters broken up into at least two parties in overcast conditiongnhis day-and-a-half "Yalwal Gourmet Weekend under the Full Moon". Of the day walks Zol Bodlay reported a party of 9 enjoying lots of swimming on his Glenbrook area trip, and MaUrie Bloom's cycling trip went-but no details were available-. There was also a Morrie Ward Barrington area weekend walk which had been deferred from the weekend before. They had 7 walkers enjoying (?) a harder than average Sunday, and that after they had truncated the walk due to slow going on the Williams River. If arriving at the cars at 2250 means anything it was also a long day. +The Walks Secretary was off attending a work function so Morrie Ward did the decent thing and presented the walks reports. We began at the weekend of 13,14,15 November with a no report for Laurie Quaken's walk "The Six-Foot Track, the bludge way". Oliver Crawford reported a party of 12 on his Budawangs walk which was not to program for some reason. Ian Debert had a total of 10 starters broken up into at least two parties in overcast conditions on his day-and-a-half "Yalwal Gourmet Weekend under the Full Moon". Of the day walks Zol Bodlay reported a party of 9 enjoying lots of swimming on his Glenbrook area trip, and Maurie Bloom's cycling trip went but no details were available. There was also a Morrie Ward Barrington area weekend walk which had been deferred from the weekend before. They had 7 walkers enjoying (?) a harder than average Sunday, and that after they had truncated the walk due to slow going on the Williams River. If arriving at the cars at 2250 means anything it was also a long day. 
-Next up was the weekend of 20,21,22 November with Les Powell leading a party of10 on a water-impeded trip down Ettrema Creek on the Saturday. It got worse when the rain set in that night and the party availed themselves of some local knowledge provided by Frank Rigby (hi Digby),to cut and run via a little used but substantially more direct route out, up an unnamed creek. Greta James's Instructional Weekend went but there were no details to report. Dick Weston in a late report exclusive to this article led 8 souls on his Valley of the Waters day-trip to lunch in a cave to escape the rains, which also fell on the unjust no doubt, exposing their trembling white flesh to the rapacious appetites of the local leech hordes. Kenn Clacher's abseiling instructional produced no report, but Alan Mewett had 8 plus 1 starters enjoying a spot of swimming on his Marra Marra N.P. day walk. + 
-The,weekend of 28,29 November saw an outbreak of Saturday-start weekend walks. First came Ian Debert's Tootle Creek/Colo River bludge which was cancelled. Wilf Hilder's Great North Walk (GNW) stages 16 and 17 saw train/ bus confusion start the leader off one hour before the rest of the party. +Next up was the weekend of 20,21,22 November with Les Powell leading a party of 10 on a water-impeded trip down Ettrema Creek on the Saturday. It got worse when the rain set in that night and the party availed themselves of some local knowledge provided by Frank Rigby (hi Digby) to cut and run via a little used but substantially more direct route out, up an unnamed creek. Greta James's Instructional Weekend went but there were no details to report. Dick Weston in a late report exclusive to this article led 8 souls on his Valley of the Waters day-trip to lunch in a cave to escape the rains, which also fell on the unjust no doubt, exposing their trembling white flesh to the rapacious appetites of the local leech hordes. Kenn Clacher's abseiling instructional produced no report, but Alan Mewett had 8 plus 1 starters enjoying a spot of swimming on his Marra Marra N.P. day walk. 
-It was of little impact, however, 'for the leader got lost in a new subdivision which had sprung up across the GNW and was sitting enjoying a midday repast + 
--- +The,weekend of 28,29 November saw an outbreak of Saturday-start weekend walks. First came Ian Debert's Tootle Creek / Colo River bludge which was cancelled. Wilf Hilder's Great North Walk (GNW) stages 16 and 17 saw train/bus confusion start the leader off one hour before the rest of the party. It was of little impact, however, for the leader got lost in a new subdivision which had sprung up across the GNW and was sitting enjoying a midday repast of humble pie when the party arrived. It took the combined skills of the party and no small amount of what they chose to call intuitive navigation to restore them all to the true GNW. Despite threatening weather which kept the party on edge throughout the walk it did not rain during daylight hours. The Saturday campsite was at a Scout camp which provided hot showers at a reasonable charge. Sunday saw an early start deliver the party to the end of 300 km of total walking by 1510. Tony Maynes led 12 on his Waterfall to Engadine day trip with lots of swims along the way. Peter Yardley's Walford Creek trip had 10 starters and went to program and Zol Bodlay reported 15 on his Colo River walk. 
-PAGt-Tb THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER JANUARY-1993 + 
-of humble pie when the party arriVed-- It took the combined skills of the-party and no small amount of what they Chose to call intuitive naigation to restore them all to the true GNW. Despite threatening weather which kept the party on edge throughout the walk it did not rain duringdaylight hours. The Saturday campsite was at a Scout camp which provided hot showers at a reasonable charge. Sunday saw an early start +December 5,saw Laurie Quaken repulsed yet aganin in his efforts to conquer the more relaxed aspects of the Six Foot Track. His walk was cancelled. Then followed a pair of no reports with Peter Miller's Otford to Burning Palms being the first victim and Ray Turton'Illawarra Range trip the twinDick Weston, in a report which now looks most suspicious when compared to certain other facts, led a party of two on his Kanuka Brook walk through threatening conditions to shelter from the rain over lunch in a cave. No, Virginnia, don't believe it's me. But it is the end of the walks report. 
-deliver the party to the end of 300 km of total walking by 1510. Tony + 
-,ynestled 12 on his Waterfall to Engadine day trip with lots of swims along theway, Peter Yardley's Walford Creek trip had 10 starters and went to 17Pgr4T and Zol-.Bodlay reported15 on hiS,colo'River walk. +Conservation Report brought news that Gladys Roberts, a senior member of the Club, has made a generous donation to the Club Conservation Fund via the ACF. (One can only hope there is no relationship between this and the broken leg reported last month.) The Mount Genowlan/Mount Airlie mining saga grinds on and they __have__ started re-screening "Yes, Minister". 
-December 5,saw Laurie,Quaken repulsed yet aganin his efforts to con quer_the more relaxed aspects of the Six Foot Track. His walk was cancelled,.. Then followed a pair of no reports With Peter Miller's Otford to urning Palms being the first victim and Ray Turton'Il1awarra Range trap the twinDick Weston, in a report which now looksmost suspicious when compared to certain other facts, led a party of two on his Kanuka Brook walk through threatening conditions to shelter from the rain over lunch in + 
-a cave. No, Virginnia, don't believe it's me. But it is the end of +The Confederation Report was next with news that Bateman's Bay Walking Club have joined the Confederation, that the Port Hacking Advisory Committee is again active and that Confederation are grappling with the vexed question of just what, for the purposes of the mediaconstitutes an "experienced walker". One might almost fear the effects of attempting to impose precision on a beast to whom it is so foreign a concept. Search and Rescue group have purchased a new trailer and volunteers are still sought for the show at Darling Harbour in the new year. In celebration of the silly season there was a letter from some well-meaning soul recommending the utilisation of brightly coloured helium filled balloons for lost bushwalker parties. 
-the walks report. + 
-ConservatiOn.Report brought news that Gladys Roberts, a senior member of the Club, has made a generous donation to the Club Conservation Fund via the ACF. Pne can only hope there is no relationship between this and the broken leg reported'last months) The Mount Genowlan/Mount Airlie mining sagagrinds on and they have started re-screening "Yes, Minister"+There was no General Busines and apart from mention of the binding into sturdy volumes of the archival copies of the Club magazine, and encouragement of all those present and others to search diligently for volunteer/conscript Office Bearers for the coming year, there seemed no reason not to close the meeting. So that's what Ian did, at 2111.  
-The Confederation Report was next with news that Bateman's Bay Walking Club have joined the Confederation, that the Port Hacking Advisory Committee is again activeand that Confederation are grappling with the vexed question ofiust what, for the purposes of the mediaconstitutes an "experiencedwalker". One might almost fear the effects of attempting to + 
-impose precision on a beast to Whom it is so foreign a concept. Search +---- 
-and Rescue group have purchased a new trailer and volunteers are still sought for the show at Darling Harbour in the new year. In celebration of + 
-the silly season there was a letter from some well-meaning soul recommending theutilisation of brightly coloured helium filled balloons for lost bush- walker parties. +=====The "LandslideCyclorama Point Clio Answered.===== 
-- +
-There was no General Busines and apart from mention of the binding into sturdy volumes of the archival opies of the Club magazine,and -encouragement of all those present and others to search diligently for volunteer/conscript Office Bearers for the coming year, there seemed no reason not to close the meeting. So that's what Ian did, at 2111.  +
-JANUARY 1993 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 17 +
-THE "LANDSLIDECYCLORAMA POINT - CLIO ANSWERED-+
 by Geoff Grace by Geoff Grace
-It. would appear that' KatooMba mining. history is not as well known as it could be. Are there" others like Clio (The Sydney Bushwalker,IDe.,92) who are unaware that mining was conducted in the Katoomba area and believe that! more likely explanation of the "Landslide" at cyclorama Point is erosion ofilihderlying'shaleS? 
-.Ample historical evidence exists of miningin the Katoomba area and there is no doubt that the results, of such mining were the primary cause of the "Cyclorama Landslide". 
-* Traces remain of. the failed aerial ropeway to mine sites at the Ruined Castle. 
-* The inclined railway was built specifically to haul shale and coal out of the Jamison Valley. It is now the "Scenic Railway". 
-* The present walking track to the Ruined Castle follows the route of the primitive railway along which, commencing approximately in 1891, horses pulled skips of shale from the Ruined Castle area for transfer to the inclined railway. 
-*. A short distance from the lower end of the "Scenic Railway" is a heavily barred entrance to mine workings. 
- A.tunnel was driven under Katoomba cliff lines and through Narrow Neck 
-to allow straight line haulage of shale mined in the Megalong Valley to a point near the lower end of the inclined railway. 
-- - 
-"ThiS is not a natural landslide, but is a result of the coal mining behind 
-- 
-the cliff here: A man-made erosi'OVoUthe supporting coal layer resulting 
-iria 'Sudden (by geological standard) removal of the support under hundreds- of thousands of tonnes of rock. That section of the mine was abandoned in June 1930 when raising of the floor and lowering of the ceiling indicated 
-that substantial rock movements were ,imminent. As was normal mining practide the props were removed to,allow the tunnels to collapse, and the section was forgotten. Six months later Arthur Mellor who worked at the mine discovered a 6 inch crack at the top of the cliff. The next day they went back to investigate and it had widened to '6 feet. The crack was measured at more than 300 feet deep. Six more tension filled months passed until it had 
-Slipped completely into the valley. It didn't topple over as was commonly expected but slid into the valley. The first fall on January 28 1931 at 
-4am causing 'heavy rumblings' and mild earth ttemors. It fell in three 
-sections. On January 28th, May 2nd and June 20th 1931.7 
-Surface subsidence resulting from underground mining is a Serious issue. Not only can it cause general surface subsidence but, as with Cyclorama pint, it can cause major cliff falls. Observe the massive cliff falls associated with the Burragorang Valley mining. The Pagodas near the Oapertee Valley could be under threat from mining subsidence. 
-Notwithstandini assurances from mining engineers (whose side are they on?) 
-T believe that mining should not be allowed in, or under, our National Parks. 
-Interesting information about Katoomba area mining is given in a publication of the Blue Mountains travel Association "The Blue Mountains Weekly" 
-July 1978. Regarding the landslide, it states:- 
-, 
-***-X7******** 
-PAGE 18 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER J A N1.1A.R Y 199.3 
-esday.6th' January ntil about 8 pm. from each of the lot of talk about toves, lights . 
-An enjoyale 
-f visitors who 
-THE BARBECUE at Obelisk Bay was held on Wedn despite the rain which delayed the coOking,u About 12 people attended, including someone Xmas-New Year holiday trips, so there was a bushwalking. No swimming - a bit cold. S and liquid refreshments wero all brought. evening4as had by all, including a coupie o may become prospective members in due course 
  
-VACANCIES FOR OFFICE BEARERS!  +It would appear that Katoomba mining history is not as well known as it could be. Are there others like Clio (The Sydney Bushwalker, Dec '92) who are unaware that mining was conducted in the Katoomba area and believe that a more likely explanation of the "Landslide" at Cyclorama Point is erosion of underlying shales? 
-At the Annual General Meeting in March there will be an opportunity for new office bearers several people will not + 
-be seeking re-election. These include the Treasurer, the +Ample historical evidence exists of mining in the Katoomba area and there is no doubt that the results of such mining were the primary cause of the "Cyclorama Landslide"
-Editor and the Secretary. George and Christine Floyd are + 
-of on a long overseas trip (bon voyage!) so the Club's secretarial work will be looked after by the Committee and also by Joy Hyn6s, a sort of "stand-In secretary". Thank you, Joy. +  * Traces remain of the failed aerial ropeway to mine sites at the Ruined Castle. 
-One of the mast:beauti 1 Andean parks in South America +  * The inclined railway was built specifically to haul shale and coal out of the Jamison Valley. It is now the "Scenic Railway"
-Walkabouts will spend about ten days trekking through this spectacular park as a part of our five-week tour to southern Chile and Argentina beginning in December 1.993. On our last trip we enjoyed magnificent Views of huge glaciers, snow-covered mountains, beautiful lakes, dense forests and Si,mny meadows covered in wild flowers. We walked through herds of guanacos and watched condors soaring abOve. It was the high point of a trip full of high points. +  * The present walking track to the Ruined Castle follows the route of the primitive railway along which, commencing approximately in 1891, horses pulled skips of shale from the Ruined Castle area for transfer to the inclined railway. 
-This tour is unlike any other on the market The itinerary is not rigidly fixed. If some place is especially nice, wehave the flexibility to spend extra time there. You pay only $950 for the guide for the full five weeks. Everyone, including the guide, shares the rest of the expenses. If you have a few extra days, you can include a visit to Easter Island in the itinerary. If you have a few more weeks, you can include our Amazon basin wilderness expedition. +  * A short distance from the lower end of the "Scenic Railway" is a heavily barred entrance to mine workings. 
-Willis's Walkabouts , +  * A tunnel was driven under Katoomba cliff lines and through Narrow Neck to allow straight line haulage of shale mined in the Megalong Valley to a point near the lower end of the inclined railway. 
-. 12 Canington Street, Mahler NT 0810 + 
-Phone (089) 85 2134 +Interesting information about Katoomba area mining is given in a publication of the Blue Mountains Travel Association "The Blue Mountains Weekly" July 1978. Regarding the landslide, it states:- 
-Fax (089) 85 2355+ 
 +"This is not a natural landslide, but is a result of the coal mining behind the cliff here. A man-made erosion of the supporting coal layer resulting in a sudden (by geological standard) removal of the support under hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rock. That section of the mine was abandoned in June 1930 when raising of the floor and lowering of the ceiling indicated that substantial rock movements were imminent. As was normal mining practide the props were removed to allow the tunnels to collapse, and the section was forgotten. Six months later Arthur Mellor who worked at the mine discovered a 6 inch crack at the top of the cliff. The next day they went back to investigate and it had widened to 6 feet. The crack was measured at more than 300 feet deep. Six more tension filled months passed until it had slipped completely into the valley. It didn't topple over as was commonly expected but slid into the valley. The first fall on January 28 1931 at 4 am causing 'heavy rumblings' and mild earth tremors. It fell in three sections. On January 28th, May 2nd and June 20th 1931." 
 + 
 +Surface subsidence resulting from underground mining is a serious issue. Not only can it cause general surface subsidence but, as with Cyclorama Point, it can cause major cliff falls. Observe the massive cliff falls associated with the Burragorang Valley mining. The Pagodas near the Capertee Valley could be under threat from mining subsidence. 
 + 
 +Notwithstanding assurances from mining engineers (whose side are they on?) I believe that mining should not be allowed in, or under, our National Parks. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +__The barbecue__ at Obelisk Bay was held on Wednesday 6th January despite the rain which delayed the cooking until about 8 pm. About 12 people attended, including someone from each of the Xmas-New Year holiday trips, so there was a lot of talk about bushwalking. No swimming - a bit cold. Stoves, lights and liquid refreshments were all brought. An enjoyable evening was had by all, including a coupie of visitors who may become prospective members in due course. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +====Vacancies For Office Bearers!==== 
 + 
 +At the Annual General Meeting in March there will be an opportunity for new office bearers several people will not be seeking re-election. These include the Treasurer, the Editor and the Secretary. George and Christine Floyd are off on a long overseas trip (bon voyage!) so the Club's secretarial work will be looked after by the Committee and also by Joy Hynes, a sort of "stand-in secretary". Thank you, Joy. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +====Torres del Paine National Park.==== 
 + 
 +One of the most beautiful Andean parks in South America
 + 
 +Walkabouts will spend about ten days trekking through this spectacular park as a part of our five-week tour to southern Chile and Argentina beginning in December 1993. On our last trip we enjoyed magnificent views of huge glaciers, snow-covered mountains, beautiful lakes, dense forests and sunny meadows covered in wild flowers. We walked through herds of guanacos and watched condors soaring abOve. It was the high point of a trip full of high points. 
 + 
 +This tour is unlike any other on the market The itinerary is not rigidly fixed. If some place is especially nice, we have the flexibility to spend extra time there. You pay only $950 for the guide for the full five weeks. Everyone, including the guide, shares the rest of the expenses. If you have a few extra days, you can include a visit to Easter Island in the itinerary. If you have a few more weeks, you can include our Amazon basin wilderness expedition. 
 Write for full details. Write for full details.
  
 +Willis's Walkabouts
 +
 +12 Carrington Street, Millner NT 0810. Phone (089) 85 2134. Fax (089) 85 2355
 +
 +----
199301.txt · Last modified: 2016/09/27 12:54 by tyreless

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