199302
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28.12.92: Crossing the Murrumbidgee was cold but uneventful. A strong wind was blowing, following the cool change the night before. We wandered alongside Tantangara Reservoir for the day to reach Old Currango Hut in the afternoon. This historic hut from the 1870's has been well restored and old magazines lining the walls have been preserved with perspex. My favourite was a wartime article lambasting Hitler for depriving oppressed peoples of their vitamins. Camp was made on nearby Charlies Creek where Michele and Ione set up their now-famous hairdressing salon. | 28.12.92: Crossing the Murrumbidgee was cold but uneventful. A strong wind was blowing, following the cool change the night before. We wandered alongside Tantangara Reservoir for the day to reach Old Currango Hut in the afternoon. This historic hut from the 1870's has been well restored and old magazines lining the walls have been preserved with perspex. My favourite was a wartime article lambasting Hitler for depriving oppressed peoples of their vitamins. Camp was made on nearby Charlies Creek where Michele and Ione set up their now-famous hairdressing salon. | ||
- | 29.12.92: Our journey took us along the aptly-named Mosquito Creek Fire Trail to Cooleman Plain, a limestine | + | 29.12.92: Our journey took us along the aptly-named Mosquito Creek Fire Trail to Cooleman Plain, a limestone |
30.12.92: Two walkers munching breakfast at Pockets Hut were somewhat surprised at our party of 19 rolling up at 8.30 am. This was a comfortable hut in the 1930's with electric lights, hot and cold running water, bath and shower, and a Rolls Royce parked in the garage. All long gone. We passed a pump house where water is diverted from the Goodradigbee River into Tantangara Reservoir by an aquaduct and from there to Lake Eucumbene as part of the hydro-electric scheme. Over the next hill is Oldfields Hut, ugly at first sight but with an old-world charm on closer examination and in the shade of beautiful Black Sallee trees. | 30.12.92: Two walkers munching breakfast at Pockets Hut were somewhat surprised at our party of 19 rolling up at 8.30 am. This was a comfortable hut in the 1930's with electric lights, hot and cold running water, bath and shower, and a Rolls Royce parked in the garage. All long gone. We passed a pump house where water is diverted from the Goodradigbee River into Tantangara Reservoir by an aquaduct and from there to Lake Eucumbene as part of the hydro-electric scheme. Over the next hill is Oldfields Hut, ugly at first sight but with an old-world charm on closer examination and in the shade of beautiful Black Sallee trees. | ||
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When Ian shouts "Tea break" we do as we're told. | When Ian shouts "Tea break" we do as we're told. | ||
- | Chorus: Dinki-Di, Dinki-di -\\ | + | Chorus: Dinki-Di, Dinki-Di -\\ |
I hope you don't think I would tell you a lie. | I hope you don't think I would tell you a lie. | ||
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===How I Failed My First Test Walk.=== | ===How I Failed My First Test Walk.=== | ||
- | The problem now became: How do I join the bushwalkers? | + | The problem now became: How do I join the bushwalkers? |
Well, I had exhibited plenty of self-reliance and stamina in the bush; but that had not been in this local-style __vertical__ bush. My quest for the holy grail of bushwalking was therefore put on the back-burner for three years (to be truthful, my studies kept my head well down, betimes). In this time I started saving my pennies until I could join the dawn queues at Paddy' | Well, I had exhibited plenty of self-reliance and stamina in the bush; but that had not been in this local-style __vertical__ bush. My quest for the holy grail of bushwalking was therefore put on the back-burner for three years (to be truthful, my studies kept my head well down, betimes). In this time I started saving my pennies until I could join the dawn queues at Paddy' | ||
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Stuart and I had no doubts. We knew to turn south and regarded the antagonists with silent astonishment. When, still shouting, they moved off northward, we just had to go, too. | Stuart and I had no doubts. We knew to turn south and regarded the antagonists with silent astonishment. When, still shouting, they moved off northward, we just had to go, too. | ||
- | Three kilmetres | + | Three kilometres |
At about 5 pm, we reached Audley with three footweary prospectives at the tail, viewing the final climb with very little enthusiasm. But, lo! a passing vehicle and, a reflex action of Stuart' | At about 5 pm, we reached Audley with three footweary prospectives at the tail, viewing the final climb with very little enthusiasm. But, lo! a passing vehicle and, a reflex action of Stuart' | ||
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In Tasmania popular areas such as the Western Arthurs are subject to over-use and permits will soon be introduced. | In Tasmania popular areas such as the Western Arthurs are subject to over-use and permits will soon be introduced. | ||
- | The bridge at the Endrick River crossing is now a concrete 4-lane structure and the Tianjara bridge is soon to get the same treatment. It appears plans are afoot to make the Neriga-Sassafras a major road. | + | The bridge at the Endrick River crossing is now a concrete 4-lane structure and the Tianjara bridge is soon to get the same treatment. It appears plans are afoot to make the Nerriga-Sassafras a major road. |
On a recent TV program the Government promoted the tourism aspects of the National Horse Trail without properly representing the environmental side as the trail does intrude into wilderness areas. | On a recent TV program the Government promoted the tourism aspects of the National Horse Trail without properly representing the environmental side as the trail does intrude into wilderness areas. | ||
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Nevertheless it took until lunch time from the lake's edge to arrive at the pass. From the pass you have splendid views down into the Rio Upano Valley and most remarkable vistas of Volcan Sangay Which is active: the trail leads through dense jungle skirting the base of the volcano within striking distance. The trail at first is well defined between huge boulders and usually little icy streams run through the trail. Many of these streams, betray their volcanic origin: a strong mineral content and brown or yellowish colour. Nevertheless there is no shortage of water all the way to Macas. As you descend into the valley you start peeling, first your gloves and raincoat and then jumper. You are now passing through thick jungle which is interrupted only by the torrential streams coming down and which become bigger and fiercer the further down you come. As soon as you find that you are not on the main trail never use a short cut, always go back until you arrive at the spot where you went astray. | Nevertheless it took until lunch time from the lake's edge to arrive at the pass. From the pass you have splendid views down into the Rio Upano Valley and most remarkable vistas of Volcan Sangay Which is active: the trail leads through dense jungle skirting the base of the volcano within striking distance. The trail at first is well defined between huge boulders and usually little icy streams run through the trail. Many of these streams, betray their volcanic origin: a strong mineral content and brown or yellowish colour. Nevertheless there is no shortage of water all the way to Macas. As you descend into the valley you start peeling, first your gloves and raincoat and then jumper. You are now passing through thick jungle which is interrupted only by the torrential streams coming down and which become bigger and fiercer the further down you come. As soon as you find that you are not on the main trail never use a short cut, always go back until you arrive at the spot where you went astray. | ||
- | After spending the third night in a jungle clearing perched on a slope (which I suspect was cleared some time ago by squatters) I came across the first signs of the approaching | + | After spending the third night in a jungle clearing perched on a slope (which I suspect was cleared some time ago by squatters) I came across the first signs of the approaching |
- | The fourth night I spent in an abandoned hut. Tha trails leading onto the clearing were mostly peccary trails and "off limits" | + | The fourth night I spent in an abandoned hut. The trails leading onto the clearing were mostly peccary trails and "off limits" |
The villagers told me the hut I slept in was all that was left of the abandoned village of Zufliga. Also an area with frequent sightings of pumas. They had killed a puma here recently. | The villagers told me the hut I slept in was all that was left of the abandoned village of Zufliga. Also an area with frequent sightings of pumas. They had killed a puma here recently. | ||
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---- | ---- | ||
- | FEBRUARY 1993 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 15 | + | =====The January General |
- | THE JANUARY GENERAL MEETING | + | |
- | by Barry Wallsce | + | |
- | There were some 17 or so members present at around 2029 when the President in the chair called the gathering to order, or what passes for it on such occasions, and-got:the meeting under way, There were apologies from Fran Holland Dick Meston and Kern Clacher and there were no. new members to weicome | + | |
- | nomatters, | + | |
- | . . | + | |
- | Correspondence brought a letter from solicitors acting for our insurance | + | |
- | | + | |
- | tagthLiesYgAttAKtlearing 3HAT hearing on 15 Jaquarv 14.11 | + | |
- | 1.@ | + | |
- | set a hearing life.; pr65-6751-fin June '- | + | |
- | The Treasurer' | + | |
- | The Walks Secretary then took the floor, or as much of it as was ceded | + | |
- | to him by the ever-muttering rabble in the back row, and presented the Walks Report. We began at the weekend of 11,12,13 December With a no report for George Mawer' | + | |
- | . | + | |
- | and Peter Christian mentioned a party of 3 with 20 apostles on his Firefly | + | |
- | .Canyon odyssy/ | + | |
- | and sunny if breezy conditions with lots of swimming for his Bundeena to Bundeena via D661- Pool day walk, and there Was no report of Geoff McIntosh' | + | |
- | The weekend of. 18,19,20 December saw Ian Wolfe cancelling his canyoning . _trip down East ' | + | |
- | b'' | + | |
- | conditons, swimming and cave siteVisits with paintings. Tony Mayne' | + | |
- | :Hthat they were all under the st7ictOStcOnt, | + | |
- | Over the Christmas Period we had Ian Rannard heading north from Kiandra, leading his Kosciusko area walk with a party of 19, enjoying fine weather on a trip reported as having gone well, while George Walton was heading south from Kiandta leading his Kosciusko area walkat about the same time With a party of 9, enjoying similar ' | + | |
- | to say it was worth' the long drive/bus ride. Geoff Dowsett is reported to have hada:party numbering: | + | |
- | 'Of the not-so-extended walks Zol Bodlay' | + | |
- | . led by Wilf Hiider with a party of One.. It was a fiercely hot day and there were mutinous elements abroad it seems, as the party deviated from the programmed walk, but proclaimed Glenbrook Creek to be O.K. Jim Callaway reported a partyof 5 on a walk from Otford to Werrong on the 27 December. | + | |
- | Over the weekend of 8,9,10 January Ian Wolfe had a party of 8 enjoying | + | |
- | , | + | |
- | :Warm conditions and good scenery on his Bungonia canyoning and abseiling weekend. David Rostron led a walk down Morong Deep, but as is sometimes the way of it with David' | + | |
- | doing it again, on. his own walk this time, with a party of.10 negotiating some.,. doubtful rightsofway on the stage from Meadowbank Ferry terminal to Seven, Hills station. | + | |
- | Conservation Report noted that Alex will, write N.P.W.S. who are said to be in the throes of formulating a Plan of Management for the new Nattai National Park to encourage them to consider our views on the following | + | |
- | matters: (a) Resuthe and eliminate inholdings as far as possible. | + | |
- | (b) Close all:roads except maintained park roads. (c) Restrict or eliminate issue by:the Water Board of access permits for. vehicular access to Yerranderie. | + | |
- | (d) Eliminate sewage 'and partially treated effluent infloWs:to the river.. | + | |
- | (e) Manage State Recreational Areas within the park as national park areas. | + | |
- | (f) Eliminiite the remaining marked ,trail sections between Mittagong and, Katbomba.' | + | |
- | , The Confederation Report confirmed our worst fears; insurances and the definition of visitors are still matters of profound' | + | |
- | Thetp was no General | + | |
- | NE******** | + | |
- | | + | |
- | !MORAN RIVE | + | |
- | I April 25 - M. 1993 | + | |
- | Situated just to the south of the Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley, the | + | |
- | ,Morn River is one of the least known and least accessible wilderness areas in | + | |
- | Australia. It is also one of the most incredibly beautiful. The river gorges seem to go on forever. Aboriginal art sites, shady monsoon forest waterfalls, abundant wildlife, good fishing - this area has it all Although this will be only our fourth visit, the Moran has a greater percent of repeat visits than any other area we viSit. | + | |
- | Two weeks is not enough to do justice to this magnificent area Our trip lasts three. We will beat the problem of accessibility by using a combination of helicopters and light aircraft to get us to and from the walk and to set down a food drop at our halfway point Although long distance helicopter rides are very expensive, we are sokeen to ensure that this trip goes ahead that we are offering a substantial advance purchase discount to anyone booking before 10 March. 0.6 A Lk:- '40 | + | |
- | Write or phone for our 16 page brochure and ask for the Moran | + | |
- | A River trip notes. cr. | + | |
- | | + | |
- | 12 Carrington Street Miler NT 0810 Tel (089) 852134 Fax (089) 852355 | + | |
+ | by Barry Wallace | ||
+ | |||
+ | There were some 17 or so members present at around 2029 when the President in the chair called the gathering to order, or what passes for it on such occasions, and got the meeting under way. There were apologies from Fran Holland Dick Meston and Kern Clacher and there were no new members to welcome. The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and received with no matters arising. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Correspondence brought a letter from solicitors acting for our insurance company indicating that Frances Drew will be continuing her action for damages with a hearing before a magistrate. A hearing on 15 January will set a hearing date, probably in June or July this year. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Treasurer' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Walks Secretary then took the floor, or as much of it as was ceded to him by the ever-muttering rabble in the back row, and presented the Walks Report. We began at the weekend of 11,12,13 December with a no report for George Mawer' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The weekend of 18,19,20 December saw Ian Wolfe cancelling his canyoning trip down East Christie' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Over the Christmas Period we had Ian Rannard heading north from Kiandra, leading his Kosciusko area walk with a party of 19, enjoying fine weather on a trip reported as having gone well, while George Walton was heading south from Kiandra leading his Kosciusko area walk at about the same time With a party of 9, enjoying similar weather and some large snowdrifts along the way. Despite the 52 cars in the parking area at Round Mountain they encountered few people once they cleared the fire trails and even enjoyed the luxury of an expired food drop near Grey Mare Hut. Maurie Bloom led a party of 16 on a walk in the Victorian Alps. They all enjoyed the walk and even managed to say it was worth the long drive/bus ride. Geoff Dowsett is reported to have had a party numbering around 20 on a far south coast walk near Nadgee Faunal Reserve but no details, other than an aggrieved letter from N.P.W,S., are available at time of writing. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Of the not-so-extended walks Zol Bodlay' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Over the weekend of 8,9,10 January Ian Wolfe had a party of 8 enjoying warm conditions and good scenery on his Bungonia canyoning and abseiling weekend. David Rostron led a walk down Morong Deep, but as is sometimes the way of it with David' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Conservation Report noted that Alex will write N.P.W.S. who are said to be in the throes of formulating a Plan of Management for the new Nattai National Park to encourage them to consider our views on the following matters: (a) Resume and eliminate inholdings as far as possible. (b) Close all roads except maintained park roads. (c) Restrict or eliminate issue by the Water Board of access permits for vehicular access to Yerranderie. (d) Eliminate sewage and partially treated effluent inflows to the river. (e) Manage State Recreational Areas within the park as national park areas. (f) Eliminate the remaining marked trail sections between Mittagong and Katbomba. The Report also indicated that the proposed Paint-ball war games development on the Marra Marra N.P. boundary has been unanimously rejected by Hornsby Council. There was mention from the floor that while we had all been watching other threats to the Nattai N.P., the Mittagong bypass had done significantly more damage to the Nattai catchment than all of the other threats taken together. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Confederation Report confirmed our worst fears; insurances and the definition of visitors are still matters of profound uncertainty with that august body. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There was no General Business apart from a brief farewell and thank you for so many things to George and Helen Gray who are moving to Woodhill, and a Bon Voyage to George Floyd who is setting off to South America for three' months. After that it was just a matter of the announcements and the meeting closed at 2131. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Moran River: April 25 - May 15 1993.==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Situated just to the south of the Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley, the Moran River is one of the least known and least accessible wilderness areas in Australia. It is also one of the most incredibly beautiful. The river gorges seem to go on forever. Aboriginal art sites, shady monsoon forest waterfalls, abundant wildlife, good fishing - this area has it all. Although this will be only our fourth visit, the Moran has a greater percent of repeat visits than any other area we viSit. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Two weeks is not enough to do justice to this magnificent area. Our trip lasts three. We will beat the problem of accessibility by using a combination of helicopters and light aircraft to get us to and from the walk and to set down a food drop at our halfway point. Although long distance helicopter rides are very expensive, we are so keen to ensure that this trip goes ahead that we are offering a substantial advance purchase discount to anyone booking before 10 March. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Write or phone for our 16 page brochure and ask for the Moran River trip notes. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Willis' | ||
+ | |||
+ | 12 Carrington Street Miler NT 0810 Tel (089) 852134 Fax (089) 852355. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- |
199302.txt · Last modified: 2016/09/28 15:25 by tyreless