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199302 [2016/09/28 15:01] tyreless199302 [2016/09/28 15:25] (current) tyreless
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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 region with sinkholes and a wedge-tail eagle circling above. After passing the remains of the Mount Black mine we descended into the Cave Creek gorge. The frequent creek crossings kept us cool and there was time to explore Cooleman Cave by torchlight. Lunch was followed by a hot climb out over a ridge near Black Mountain to descend into a pretty clearing where a herd of brumbies galloped by our campsite.+29.12.92: Our journey took us along the aptly-named Mosquito Creek Fire Trail to Cooleman Plain, a limestone region with sinkholes and a wedge-tail eagle circling above. After passing the remains of the Mount Black mine we descended into the Cave Creek gorge. The frequent creek crossings kept us cool and there was time to explore Cooleman Cave by torchlight. Lunch was followed by a hot climb out over a ridge near Black Mountain to descend into a pretty clearing where a herd of brumbies galloped by our campsite.
  
 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? Enquries led me to a dingy shop above Wynyard station, run by one Paddy Pallin. This legendary gentleman explained that the best club for me would be the Sydney Bush Walkers; but it was tough, elitist and not unduly welcoming to foreign, inexperienced youths. Everyone who joined must first demonstrate self-reliance and stamina in the bush and must also exhibit some undefined and variable quality called "compatibility".+The problem now became: How do I join the bushwalkers? Enquiries led me to a dingy shop above Wynyard station, run by one Paddy Pallin. This legendary gentleman explained that the best club for me would be the Sydney Bush Walkers; but it was tough, elitist and not unduly welcoming to foreign, inexperienced youths. Everyone who joined must first demonstrate self-reliance and stamina in the bush and must also exhibit some undefined and variable quality called "compatibility".
  
 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's to buy, first, a rucksack and, second, a willesden tent. For a sleeping bag, I stitched up an old eiderdown rescued from a scrap-heap at home. Later, I queued for a Paddy "Alpine", therein to freeze through the wakeful winter nights in the frosty Blue Mountains valleys. Not for us, these new-fangled, space-age box-quilted eiderdowns or imitation reindeer fur; rated for comfortable slumber in ambient temperatures down to minus something, weighing less than two kilos and occupying less space than a dehydrated snack! In those days, a Paddy "Alpine" was __the__ sign that you had "arrived". Preferably with a few blizzard stains and ostentatious repairs upon it.  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's to buy, first, a rucksack and, second, a willesden tent. For a sleeping bag, I stitched up an old eiderdown rescued from a scrap-heap at home. Later, I queued for a Paddy "Alpine", therein to freeze through the wakeful winter nights in the frosty Blue Mountains valleys. Not for us, these new-fangled, space-age box-quilted eiderdowns or imitation reindeer fur; rated for comfortable slumber in ambient temperatures down to minus something, weighing less than two kilos and occupying less space than a dehydrated snack! In those days, a Paddy "Alpine" was __the__ sign that you had "arrived". Preferably with a few blizzard stains and ostentatious repairs upon it. 
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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 we ran - and I do mean ran, because their aim was to overtake Edna. Then another pause on the track. Puff, puff, puff from the prospectives: argue, argue, argue among the members. We're going the wrong way, they at last decided. Back we ran, four kilometres to a creek-side and the astonished faces of Edna and the rest, just finishing lunch. "Where on earth have you all been?" cried the other members. "Leader moving off!" cried Edna.+Three kilometres we ran - and I do mean ran, because their aim was to overtake Edna. Then another pause on the track. Puff, puff, puff from the prospectives: argue, argue, argue among the members. We're going the wrong way, they at last decided. Back we ran, four kilometres to a creek-side and the astonished faces of Edna and the rest, just finishing lunch. "Where on earth have you all been?" cried the other members. "Leader moving off!" cried Edna.
  
 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's thumb found us zooming up it in an open truck. As we passed the worthy leader and her brood, we waved cheerily to them. Some waved back; but the redheaded lady gave us a shock/horror glance, swiftly followed by a "We don't own them," sort of look. 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's thumb found us zooming up it in an open truck. As we passed the worthy leader and her brood, we waved cheerily to them. Some waved back; but the redheaded lady gave us a shock/horror glance, swiftly followed by a "We don't own them," sort of look.
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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 civilitation. Undomesticated cattle roaming in the forest, more tree trunks over wild rivers serving as primitive bridges and annoyingly more side trails branching off. However my snese of direction always kept me on the right trail.+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 civilisation. Undomesticated cattle roaming in the forest, more tree trunks over wild rivers serving as primitive bridges and annoyingly more side trails branching off. However my sense of direction always kept me on the right trail.
  
-The fourth night I spent in an abandoned hut. Tha trails leading onto the clearing were mostly peccary trails and "off limits" unless you are prepared to come face to face with one of these animals of the pig family. From here the trail improves considerably leading steep down into the Rio Upano Valley near the riverbed which is unfordable. The trail remains on the south side of the river and you have to ford some medium-sized tributaries. At midday I encountered some villagers from Pueblo Alshi.+The fourth night I spent in an abandoned hut. The trails leading onto the clearing were mostly peccary trails and "off limits" unless you are prepared to come face to face with one of these animals of the pig family. From here the trail improves considerably leading steep down into the Rio Upano Valley near the riverbed which is unfordable. The trail remains on the south side of the river and you have to ford some medium-sized tributaries. At midday I encountered some villagers from Pueblo Alshi.
  
 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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 =====The January General Meeting.===== =====The January General Meeting.=====
  
-by Barry Wallsce+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. 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.
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 The Treasurer's Report was next, regaling us with tales of monetary splendour. We acquired income of $2,657 for the month, spent $2,690 and the bank balance was $1,729. The Treasurer's Report was next, regaling us with tales of monetary splendour. We acquired income of $2,657 for the month, spent $2,690 and the bank balance was $1,729.
  
-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's walk in the Budawangs. Zol Bodlay reported a party of 7 and fine weather with swimming for his Saturday day wa1k on Brisbane Waters N.P. and Peter Christian mentioned a party of 3 with 20 apostles on his Firefly Canyon odyssy/clash/ftxture abseiling trip. Errol Sheedy had 14 starters and sunny if breezy conditions with lots of swimming for his Bundeena to Bundeena via Deer Pool day walk, and there was no report of Geoff McIntosh's Du Faurs Creek li-lo trip.+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's walk in the Budawangs. Zol Bodlay reported a party of 7 and fine weather with swimming for his Saturday day wa1k on Brisbane Waters N.P. and Peter Christian mentioned a party of 3 with 20 apostles on his Firefly Canyon odyssy/clash/fixture abseiling trip. Errol Sheedy had 14 starters and sunny if breezy conditions with lots of swimming for his Bundeena to Bundeena via Deer Pool day walk, and there was no report of Geoff McIntosh's Du Faurs Creek li-lo trip.
  
-The weekend of 18,19,20 December saw Ian Wolfe cancelling his canyoning trip down East Christie's Creek due to excess water. We are assured it will be re-scheduled, so stay in touch with Ian if you want to be in the swim, so to speak. Zol Bodlay's Saturday day walk saw a party of 10 enjoying fine conditons, swimming and cave site visits with paintings. Tony Mayne's Stanwell to Otford walk went to program, also with a party of 10, and Wilf, setting out on the perilous walk west through the wilds of Sydney, reported 8 starters on the stage through Annandale and Glebe Point. Jean Kendall had a great mob of around 27 on her Otford to Bundeena walk, but insisted that they were all under the strictest control throughout.+The weekend of 18,19,20 December saw Ian Wolfe cancelling his canyoning trip down East Christie's Creek due to excess water. We are assured it will be re-scheduled, so stay in touch with Ian if you want to be in the swim, so to speak. Zol Bodlay's Saturday day walk saw a party of 10 enjoying fine conditions, swimming and cave site visits with paintings. Tony Mayne's Stanwell to Otford walk went to program, also with a party of 10, and Wilf, setting out on the perilous walk west through the wilds of Sydney, reported 8 starters on the stage through Annandale and Glebe Point. Jean Kendall had a great mob of around 27 on her Otford to Bundeena walk, but insisted that they were all under the strictest control throughout.
  
 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. 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.
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 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's walks, no details are available. Kenn Clacher's Claustral Canyon / Bell Canyon trip was deferred, and Zol Bodlay's Colo day walk was declared a "crocks walk" with Les Powell sporting a broken arm (in-line roller blades or something, I think they said), and Heather Finch hobbling along with a crook back. What disabilities the other 6 starters had to qualify them for the walk we were not advised. Wilf was out there doing it again, on his own walk this time, with a party of 10 negotiating some doubtful rights-of-way on the stage from Meadowbank Ferry terminal to Seven Hills station. 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's walks, no details are available. Kenn Clacher's Claustral Canyon / Bell Canyon trip was deferred, and Zol Bodlay's Colo day walk was declared a "crocks walk" with Les Powell sporting a broken arm (in-line roller blades or something, I think they said), and Heather Finch hobbling along with a crook back. What disabilities the other 6 starters had to qualify them for the walk we were not advised. Wilf was out there doing it again, on his own walk this time, with a party of 10 negotiating some doubtful rights-of-way 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) 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) Eliminiite 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.+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. The Confederation Report confirmed our worst fears; insurances and the definition of visitors are still matters of profound uncertainty with that august body.
199302.txt · Last modified: 2016/09/28 15:25 by tyreless

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