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A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to-the Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, Box 4476 GPO, Sydney 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening* at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourh000d Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milson's Point Railway Station). Visitors and Prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager. *The Clubroom will be closed over Xmas/New Year period. EDITOR George Mawer, 42 Lincoln Rd, Georges Hall 2198 Telephone 707 1343 BUSINESS MANAGER Joy Hynes, 36 Lewis St, Dee Why 2099 Telphone 982 2615(H), 888 3144 (B) PRODUCTION MANAGER ' Fran Holland, Telphone 484 6636 TYPIST & LAY-OUT Kath Brown ILLUSTRATOR Morn Ryder PRINTERS Kenn Clacher, Kay Chan, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell iHRE* DECEMBER 1993 Page A Christmas Message from the President 2 “Stored Water” 'Jim Brown 2 Hill Top to Kanangra.6 Days - July 1993 James R. Oxley 3 The Annual Re-Union . “The Lean Bean” 7 From the Clubroom Maurice Smith 9 The November General Meeting Barry. Wallace .13 Book Review - “The Life & Journeys of Barrallier 1773-1853” Jim Brown. 15 Social Notes John Hogan 16 xxicx Advertisements Alpsports 5 Eastwood Camping Centre 6 Blue Mountain Outdoor Clothing Specialists 11 Mountain Equipment 12 Willis's Walkabouts 14 PAGE 2 THE BUSHWALKER DECEMBER 1993 .CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Out calendar year is just about over and a few of us are looking foiward to the extended Christmas walks, which have become so popular over the years. Other people are doing different things - socialising, meeting old friends, or just having Christmas with the family. Whatever you are doing I wish you all the best for a safe and Happy Christmas, and of course a great New Year of walking. IAN DEBERT - President.. “STORED WATER”
by Jim Brown Sydney newspapers have. recently contained sundry articles concerning the polluted condition of the Nepean/Hawkesbury River systems. Back about 1960 walkers were alerted to this probability by the announcement that, with the expected filling of the new Warragamba Dam that year, rangers would be patrolling its catchment area and penalties would be imposed on people found within 2 miles (about 3 km) of the “stored water”. In a Reunion sketch we examined what could be expected to befall a walking party detected within the “forbidden ground”. It included two songs, one for the chorus, and one for the Ranger which went:- “Once ,a walking party tramping down the. River Cox Camped in the shade of a water gum tree, - And they sang as they swam and waited till the billy boiled, 'Who'll have a dip in stored water with me?' Dip in stored water Down came a Ranger, note book in his Sweaty hand 'Caught you polluting the water!' cried he - 'And you've not paid the rates on the water in that billy, can. .You're up for the use of stored water, you see.' Use of stored water Tune: Waltzing Matilda. You are not camped where 'you oughter, At least two miles away. You are poaching on stored water And the penalty must pay. From the sewerage farm at Leura, From the gutters of Moss Vale, We have drawn this water purer Than the' snowupon the gale. But to practice these ablutions In this brew that Sydney swills May produce untold pollutions, Filling the City, with ills! Tune: Mary of Argyle. DECEMBER 1993 THE SYDNEY B-USHWALKER PAGE 5 We came together near Hill Top-. The party comprised, Peter Lafferty, Bob Milne, Geoff Grace, Morella Hogan, Bill Capon and myself. It rained as we set camp on the first night after a pleasant walk along fire trails; much by torch light. On the next day, overcast, there was an easy walk up Belloon Pass with fog on the other side. Wollondilly River was low at the ford. The. frost-browned grasslands around Wollondilly were a pleasant contrast to the unbroken, dark forest that lay ahead. Large mobs of kangaroos scattered at our passing and, from the ridge tops, wild cattle ruminated on our passing. The water level at the first night's projected camping spot was very low. It looked unhealthy so. we 'dropped down and spent the evening wandering along Byrnes Creek looking for puddles and calling for rain. Bill said later that had considered Wollondilly - but who wants to drink sewerage and such a long way to cart it? Fog and light rain continued *on the following day as the party moved through undulating woodland. There followed a sharp ascent of a hard ridge to Bill's pass; a crack in the rock that would lead to Tonalli Tablelands. Bill, Peter and Bob set the ropes up the 60 foot high opening while the rest had lunch. Smart navigation led to a special destination on Bob Higgins Creek, There we slept under clean overhangs with waterfalls and rum and lemon barley water sending us to sleep. I had never been to Lacys Creek before but it certainly had plenty of leeches in the cold, wintry water.. Heavy vegetation on the banks often forced our retreat to the thigh high cold. All seemed happy to leave water, leeches and lawyer vine for the much greater exertion of the ascent to Bimlow Tableland. It was a steep climb, but near the top the party had a long and difficult traverse around the base of a cliff. We spent scarce time looking for thebreak that Bill knew was there.. Lush ferns and other green material slowed our way as we groped along a well- 145y aimc RE RE “Dr Aiw1tA_ PAGE 4 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER DECEMBER 1993 concealed 'wombat walk'. It was a relief when we found the pass and to find water and another clean overhang. After removing -some determined Lacys leeches, the rum and lemon barley water went down easily, but there was no waterfall to drown the leader's snoring! Bimlow Walls gave a very hard- day's walk. We had to keep to the cliff line as best we could and when we strayed'too far, we got into trouble. Impassable rock formations forced our way into lawyer vine and other harsh scrub that exacted blood toll for , our passing.' Bimlow's - scrub reduced our progress to a pace of one kilometre per hour. The continual fog robbed U.S of any compensating views.. It was late when we fled Bithlow Walls for rain and a sloping camp spot. On the fifth morning, Green Wattle Creek presented a beautiful display. We reached a long, narrow Burragorang bay as pelidans, alarmed, rose from the sleek, black 'water. On yellow banks, Casuarina bowed to the water. A dull morning sky, grey-blue trees flowed down Bimlow Walls, wreathed in scattered fog. Ringed by a sea of green, we crunched * * *through dead, rbro wn, water grass. We rounded a bend and flocks of grey ducks, alarmed by our arrival, rose into the air. As they passed our watch spot, the only sound was the beat of their wings and spent food falling to the water. Hundreds of yellow eyes watched the watchers: mood, primordial. The ascent of Black Coda Mountain- was steeper than the others; climaxed' by a traverse, slightly reminiscent of the climb to Bimlow. More flesh flew as we scrambled over a mix of rough scree, fern and lawyer vine. Our lunch spot on Broken- Rock Range became a Chinese laundry as our gear flapped in a generous breeze. The view from the end of the Range was magnificent, made more so by a welcome sun. Our last camp was under, a cool, clear moon after a long, but comparatively gentle climb from Butchers Creek to the top of Scotts Main Range. Time had become a problem so it decided to take the Gingra Track rather than go to Kanangra by way of Gingra Creek. The sun shone after a splendid walk with splendid company. * * * 1045-1047 Victoria Rd, West Ryde NSW 2114 Ph: (02) 858 5844 We specialise in the latest light weight gear for your outdoor adventures. Whether you require Tents, Backpacks, Sleeping bags, Rainwear, Stoves, Abseiling gear or Accessories, we carry the best brands. Macpac, J&H, Berghaus, Scarpa, Outgear, Trangia, M.S.R., Jan sport, Bluewater, Edelrid, Petzl, S.R.T. We offer you personalised knowledgeable service to help you purchase the correct equipment for your needs, naturally we offer the best prices too. Advice is only a phone call away. X-Country Skiers We stock the latest range of skis, boots bindings, & poles, for backcounny and telemark skiing. BACKCOUNTRY SKI HIRE A Ma cpac - Tents - Backpacks - Sleeping bags A J&Il - Rainwear A Trangia - Stoves A Thermarests A Bivvy Bags Special picesfir club members. Week or weekend rates. MAIL ORDER CATALOGUE AVAILABLE DISCOUNT FOR CLUB MEMBERS wlow Your 'One Stop Adventure Shop WINIIIIIMIIINNIMINI 11111MINNIMMIIIIIIIIII 1.” Neemmor inewromr Nom. “werrormi arromir . …mom sommor , …imm. 4…p …..m.. …….. 3 Trelawney St (PO Box 131) Eastwood. NSW 2122 QBB f\ Butter Concentrate Ge ACT National Maps VIC Outgear Backpacks Accessories Feathertop Wool Shirts Giant Trees Dried meals NSW Sleeping Bags J & H, Mont, Romans Rainwear Mont, J & H, Superior o Day Packs High Tops, Summit Gear Bonwick Cavin,g Ladders Holeproof Undies 4 Socks Trailblazir Hats DB 5tuff Canyon bags TAs. Elundstone Boots WA Wilderness Equipment Backpacks Goretex Clothing V Cycle Panniers SA . * Rossi B ts yrrdraBaby Carriers EASTWOOD CAMPING CENTRE DECEMBER 1993 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE /
Reunion Scenes 1994 b The Lean Bean” The weekend of October, 23 and 24, saw a smallish number of &kW,/ members attend the 1993 reunion at Cpolana in perfect weather. Our President and First Lady were unable to attend as they were several thousand kilometres north. Apologies were also received from other long standing members, including Bill and Fran Holland, Spiro Hajinakitas - Some of this report might be considered to Stretch the truth, while other members might wonder why they aren't “Mentioned in dispatches”.. It is a matter of luck and my erratic memory for this Weekend. Les Powell was conoerned that he had come to Coolana on the wrong weekend, as he was the only member present for quite some time. However, he was eventually joined by other members during the course of Saturday afternoon, thus allaying his fears. Talking of John Hogan, he was seen on Saturday afternoon wearing just a pair of ,Volleys while weilding his chainsaw to clear some fallen branches and trees: Perhaps there is a name which reflects his propensity for this strange. activity. Louise (“totally orgasmic) Verdon a member who lives in the Wollongong area, arrived in time to pan-fry her chops, eat, debate with Les Powell the best outdoor activity for Maximum thrills, and then return home, as she had a very early start at work the next morning. Bill Bourke was seen for a while on Saturday afternoon and evening, but seems to have disappeared during the night. Should we have called for a search party for him? Members were reluctant to move from a campfire near the tents on the upper level, to the “official” bonfire on the lower level between the shelter and the river, Eventually, the lure of a larger fire won over, the members. Several of the children of members were given the honour of igniting the large bundle of branches and logs. While the bonfire was burning, Dot Butler regaled us with how the property came to be acquired,. some of its history, including how the pionic shelter” came to built and the hard work of members to-build the shelter. Several musical numbers followed including a request for Torn Wenn= to exercise his skilled vocal, chords. Toni of course complied. As the niq,ht wore on, members gradually drifted way to their tents I understand that several members were Still singing and imbibing well into the early hours of the morning. PAGE 8 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER DECEMBER 1993 The honour of being the first to rise on Sunday morning I believe belongs to Les Powell, who was out and about by about 5 a tre, he was joined shortly after by Tony Holgate's children. Tony was not able to appear for another hour or so, as he, it is reported, had been among ;hose who did not retire until the early morning hours, Around 6,30 am, a lady member came over to the group of members cooking their breakfast, and berated the assembled members about the amount of noise being made which was disturbibe her sleep. She then retired back to her tent for several hours more sleep When next she was seen, the same lady members. wae noted eating breakfast around the fire at around 1-0 a m., along with many othermembers. Meanwhile, various other members, were engaging in water based activities, starting with our esteemed Social Secretary. John Hpgare who after sleeping in the open near the embers of the bonfire (allegedly he couldn't walk up the hill to find his tent)., after a self-reported very late retirement, arose at a very, early hour to go canoeing toviards the Hampden 'Pridge, Just as well that there were no water police with random breath testing gear on hand, Also seen Was Maurice Smith, the “From The Clubroom” reporter last seen slowly paddling his way up the river checking out the water worthiness of his brand new lilo. Dot and several other ladies organised the children and other willing participants to make up the batches of damper. These were duly placed in the hot ashes of the bonfire.. After an agonisingly long period the billies were removed from the ashes and the contents removed, Dot then donned her judges hat and after &difficult judging process which had the onlookersaarging her to make a decision, as they were all anxious to eat their share of the dampers; a decision was made in favour of a damper made by , one of the children. Whereupon, all members were invited to sample the ,delights of the damper's, about Sin all. After the usual bushwaiker feeding frenzy had subsided, with only a few blackened bits of damper left over, various members strolled down to the river to indulge in more energetic activities to burn off the calories put on eating damper, A mcds swimming race Was held; it was across the river and return. Four members started (and finished), with the winner being Dick Weston, followed by Tony Holgate. Very good recuperative powers were shown by one swimmer considering his close encounter with a bottle of red wine. the previous night, John Hogan took Dot for a long ride down the elver in his canoe, Dot was quite happy about this, as John did all the work.- The canoe was extremely popular with the children Of several mei-fibers of the, club. Around midday we were organised into gathering up the dried bracken in thel,front of the picnic shelter: This was all thrown on the ashes which quickly consumed the debris. M,embers gradually started drifting off home shortly efterWarcis after a pleasant relaxing weekend among congenial company. Hope to see you there next year. DECEMBER 1993 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 9 FROM. THE CLUBROOM By Maurice Smith KEN CLACHER AND THE FORTHCOMING SINKER ACTIVITIES With summer rapidly approaching it was timely for Ken Cla-cher to enlighten a fair size crowd in the clubroom on the evening of 20 October on the gear and the techniques we nee4 for the safe summer- activities of canyoning and abseiling, With the appropriate strong ernp,hasis on safety training and experienced leaders we can be sure that Ken and other leaders for these activities will have plenty of starters for the summer activities coming soon. in fact, by the time you read this, the first few of those activities imay even have taken place. To whet our appetite even further; Ken showed some delightful slides of various canyon and filo activities from recent summers. These 'slides have so inspired me that I am looking forward with anxious anticipation to the start of those activities. I hope to see you on track, river, rope,' or whatever. Wf._il. NFORD.RA A smaller than usual crowd of members indulged in Oliver Crawford's Crazy' Whist night on the evening of 27 October. Oliver, as our MC. (Master of Cards, that is) taught us the everchanging rules of Crazy Whist. We had an enjoyable evening. playing cards and scoring points, with the highest point scorer being awarded a brown paper wrapped prize.. The package had the appearance of a bottle of wine, perhaps to be consumed on the next wine and cheese Weekend. A fun night was had and I got to see my fellow members in a new light when involved in a competition. No, I'm not a' sore loser, even though John Hogan, our social secretary, and I vied for right to possess the wooden spoon, ultimately won by John. Thanks for organising it Oliver, –” MACPAC AND SPICES This 'month I faced two interesting challenges when I sat clown at my computer keyb oard to write this column. The first problem was how to describe the visit of Mr. IVIacpac (alias Dan Collison) without being an unpaid advertisement. for Macpac bushwalkin equipment,' Our guest speaker is the Australian manager for Macpac, which is based in New. Zealand. Dan was Visiting Macpac's Australian retailers and talking with groups such as ours; obtaining feedback on the performance of their products and ideas for new features for the next models of existing products, For a supplier to provide a lifetime warranty on all their products speaks volumes for their confidence in the product design and manufacture quality control, PAGE 10 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER DECEMBER 1993 It seems that club members were also very intereSted in what Dan ha cl to say is there was a very good attendance at the meeting, with standing room only for the late corners, Dan displayed the new season models of Macpac's products and spoke very knowledgeably about the entire range of gear sold, how it is manufactured and used by users such as the club members who push equipment to the limits. Thanks for spending the evening with us Dan and we look forward to seeing you again some other time The second probiem was how to describe delicate taste sensatiOns.16rovided fo,u by our IY-idian born member Jan Mohandas without being. an advertisement for an InCian restaurant Jan had a large number of members in attendance to sample the' food which he cooks when out on bushwalks, using no more than two billies and a campfire. The secret is in premixing the spices and herbs at home before setting off on a walk and planning their use in your cooking, To show the tsste achieved, Jan had pre-cooked several large pots of tasty Indian food and the members who were fortunate to be present all had the opportunity to sample each dish. For quite a while the meeting room looked as if it were the banquet room of a Well liked Indian restaurant, as members ate their samples, with some coming back for seconds. Jan provided the recipes for his dishes and I imagine that there will be quite a large number of walkers who start experimenting now that they know how easy it is to achieve the lovely tastes shown to us by Jan, Thanks for the tasty evening Jan. A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR to all SW members from the magazine workers The traditional bush-shirt is an essential garment for the Australian bushwalker. 100% Australian in soft rnerino wool, the bush-shirt is generously cut for a roomy comfortable fit. With closed-front design, zip neck and long tail you are assured of many seasons of hard wear. Sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 in red or blue. Exceptional value at only $94. The “Stormboy” jumper is a classic alpine garment. Comfortable and attractive, the “Storrnboy” retains a hint of lanolin to enhance the wool's natural ability to repel water. Made from pure merino wool the “Stormboy” is perfect for winter walks in the Blue Mountains when its misty and damp. In natural or navy blue, the “Stormboy is exclusive to Blue Mountains Outdoor Clothing Specialists. Sizes 12, 14, 16 only $114; 18, 20, 22, 24 only $129. ORDER NOW OR ASK FOR OUR FREE COLOUR CATALOGUE (B.MOCS gladly offer a full refund or exchange if goods returned unused) Phone or fax orders to: (047) 588 734 or mail (postage free) to: Reply Paid 8, B.MOCS, PO Box 5, Woodford, NSW, 2778 * Please add $5 for freight' & pkg. All garments shipped by certified mail * Cheques payable to “Blue Mountains Outdoor Clothing Specialists”, or circle Mastercard I Visa / Bankcard No. Cardholder Name Expiry date Signature Please send me No Garment type Size Colour , NAME ADDRESS PH OUTFITTERS FOR THE SERIOUS BUSH WALKER SYDNEY 291 SUSSEX STREET (CNR. BATHURST) PH: (02) 264 3146 or (02) 267 3639 FAX: (02) 264 2645. CHATSWOOD 272 VICTORIA AVENUE .(OPP. CHATSWOOD CHASE CAR,PARK) PH: (02)419 6955 THE LEADING SPECIALISTS.. .BUSHWALKING PACKS All sizes 40-85 litre capacity. The best designs to Suit your back. MACPAC, WE., OUTGEAR & SOUTHWIND. RAINSHELLS Jackets, o'trousers & capes. Goretex, Milair, MVT, Nylon, MONT, WE., INTERTREK & PETER STORM. THERMAL UNDER & OUTER WEAR Polypropelene, Chlorofibre, polartech, PolarItte & Polarplus. PROPEL, EVERWARM, PETER STORM, SNOINGUM,. MACPAC, MONT & INTERTREK. DOWN SLEEPING BAGS From super-lightweight travel to expedition use. MACPAC, MONT, SALEVVA, J&H & ROMAN. FOOTWEAR For Trekking, Travelling, Bushwalking, Ski Touring &Climbing. Synthetics or leather. MONTELLIANA, LA ROBUSTA, LA SPORTIVA, BUNYlp, MERREL & VASOUE. AMM MOM ,MM =ME IMMIN MOM mom mom umm mm mom mm NEWSLETTERS EQUIPMENT CATALOGUE PRODUCT UPDATES I PLUS - YOUR CHANCE TO WIN EXCITING PRIZES! I Please send me info on: o TRAVEL PACKS 0 SLEEPING BAGS I FOO71NEAR n WARM WEAR RAINWEAR o TENTS o POLIES 1 POSTTb: MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT . 291 SUSSEX ST, SYDNEY 2000.Ph: (02) 264 3146 II L. mem mom mom ms omm immm mom ems =ill mum mm mem mum mom mem mum mem mm mem mom mm mum mm Wountain Equipment The leading specialists in lightweight outdoor equipment. eYES, I WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED ON MOUNTA/N EQUIPMENT'S MAILING LIST! NAME- ._ ADDRESS: . The weekend of 29/30/31 October saw atotal of 6 walks scheduled. Bill Capon led 8 walkers through scrub on his Budawangs trip down Freemans Creek. THE SYDNEY BUSHW.ALKER DECEMBER 1993 PAGE 13 THE NOVEMBER''GENERAL MEETING by Barry Wallace It was around 2015 when the President in the chair gonged the gong and called the 17 or so members present to order. There were apologies from Joy Hynes, George Mawer and Patrick James. New members Chris Wong and Brian Beavan were welcomed to membership and the Minutes of the previous general meeting were read and received with no matters arising. Correspondence brought a post card from an Unidentified correspondent located at Macalu(?), apparently working with some group there whom they appeared to think would be familiar to us- If anyone can shed light on that, please put us out of our mystery. The 'matter. of the fence along the railway at Glenbrook got another. mention. It seems there will be no great problem as an alternative walking track already exists from near the road bridge to the existing track. At present it does involve walking through some bush but there is a body of opinion which holds this to be no great obstacle for bushwalkers. There were two letters from Natural Areas Ltd, one relating to our request for issue of script dovering our investment and asking for a copy of our, certificate of incorporation and street address, and one advising us of the intention to carry out weeding on the block of land Unfortunately this letter was received too late for any action on our part. The matter of the copy of our certificate of incorporation is in hand and this will be furnished. A letter has been sent to Natural Areas Ltd advising them of the delays imposed by mail clearance times and general meeting Schedules. . We also received a copy of a letter from the Budawangs Committee to Chris - Harcher regarding the problems of access to the Clyde River and requesting restraints be placed on sub-divisions which are contributing to the problem. The Club resolved to write to the Minister supporting the Budawangs Committee and to pass information on the the Confederation for further action.. We also received a letter from a Mr. J. Sorenson asking for advice of possible jobs in the leisure industry. If only we knew. A letter has been sent to Mr. George Souris regarding the closureof part of the Great North Walk near Hornsby. There were no further matters arising from the correspodnence. -
The Treasurer's Report indicated that we spent $1;422 and ended the month with a balance of $4,753. The Walks Report began with the advice that no details were available for David Rostron's ski tour over the period 16/23 October. , Over the weekend of 16/17 October, Jan Mohandas cancelled his gourmet weekend at Kanuka Brook due to lack of starters. The walk went however, in another area, as a day walk, involving cave crawls, swimming and gourmet food the leader was Zol Bodlay and there were 12 starters, not one of whom was Jan, and even if one had been, it's unlikely he would have recognised his own walk. Bronny Niemeyer, still high on caffeine, reported 26 at lunchtime on her Harbour Foreshores walk. The following weekend saw the Club Reunion at Coolana. There were around :25 or so people enjoying perfect weather and it was described 'as “a most enjoyable occasion. Tony Maynes had a party of 21 rock-hopping around from Waterfall to Otford. Conditions were pleasant but the water was reported as too cold for , enjoyable swimming.. Morag's walk off-track around Glenbrook Creek area was described as easy despite one of the party taking a fall at one stage. Again the water was described as cool and there was no swimming. PAGE 14 THE -SYDNEY BUSHWALKER DECEMBER 1993 It was an excellent walk with 5 large waterfalls and several smaller ones. Greta James cancelled. her Kowmung River (Introduction to walking) due to a lack of starters. Dick Weston's “wine and cheese”. in Kanuka Brook went, led by Frank Woodgate with Dick Weston(?). Zol Bodlay led a patty of 7 on his Marra Marra National Park Saturday day walk in sunny conditions. The water in the pristine pool was cool however, and there was little swimming. Maurie Bloom had 28 starters, some of whom were Sutherland Bushwalkers,on his bicycle ride in thePicton Lakes area. Conditions were reported as pleasant but cool. Tony Holgate's rock scrambling, abseiling trip at Lindfield had 12 or 13 bodies depending on when you counted them. Ian Wolfe's crosscountry skiing wilderness ramble from 4 to 7'November went, but the lack of snow turned it into a walk for the 6 skiers who turned out. Over the weekend of 5,6,7 November Jim Rivers led 6 starters on his Morton' National Park walk in fine conditions, and Eddie Giacomel's Kanangra walk, led by Tony Holgate, was cancelled. Of the day walks, Errol Sheedy had 15 starters and no other details for his Engadine to Heathcote walk, and Vic Lewin led 13 in fine conditions on his trip from Loftus to Heathcote. All of which brought the Walks Report to a close. Conservation Report indicated that Natural Areas Ltd have decided to pay for professional assistance in weeding the block at Wheelers'Creek and will attempt to have dumped car bodies and fridges removed. The South East Forest Preservation Bill was defeated through the good offices. of the Niles. Thanks Fred, thanks Elaine. The Labor Party has asked for a list of proposed areas for preservation a National Parks. The opinion was expressed that there is little hope-for any real progress in conservation under the present State Government. There was no general business so after the announcements, the meeting closed at 2136.' DISCOUNT BUSHWALKING HOLIDAYS Leave the traffic, telephones and stress of the city behind. Enjoy an extended wilderness experience with a small group of like minded people. Plan ahead. If you can help us, we will help you with a discount. 20% discount if you boGk and pay 4 months in advance. 10% discount if you book and pay 2 months in advance. 10% discount if you book as part of a group of ten or more. 5% discount if you book as part of a group of five or more. Ask for our new 1994-95 program. w ALI” tl p. WILLIS'S WALKABOUTS 12 Carrington Street Milner NT 0810 Phone (089) 85 2134 Fax: (089) 85 2355 DECEMBER 1993 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER' PAGE 15 BOOK REVIEW - “THE LIFE AND JOURNEYS OF BARRALLIER7 1773 - 1853” by ANDY MACQUEEN Jim Brown Andy Macqueen opens the Preface to his “Life and Journeys of Barrallier” with some questions: <1) “What was a Frenchman doing in the British Army and how did he come to be exploring in New South Wales.”? (2) “Why was he appointed by Governor King as 'AN AMBASSADOR TO THE KING OF THE MOUNTAINS'”? They are valid questions, bearing in mind that France and Britain were at war for most of the years between 1795 and 1815: and that the regimental commander of the NSW Corps had forbidden the- utilisation of military, personnel on exploratory missions. Even before readingAn-rtyMacqheen's tale, I Already had some answers to' both questions. (1) Following the:Revolution of 1789, France was divided for some years between Republican and Monarchist factions (Funny, but I seem to: have heard of similar arguments somewhere recently)'. Some Royalists ultimately sought refuge even with the archenemy England 7 rather than face a short, sharp encounter with the invention of another Franchman, Msieu Guillotin. (2) If there had been an ICAC in 1802/3, Governor King may not, have been adjudged guilty of corruption, but he had certainly connived at inventing a fictional local sovereigh; to enable him to outflank the military edict. Andy Macqueen's book delves quite deeply into the life of the young Frenchman and gives much detail of his exploratory work in NSW in 1800/1802. He is not the first bushWalker to find Barrallier a fascinating subject. Myles Dunphy was obviously familiar with the contents of his journals, and the names of several aborigines who either accompanied him or were encountered on his journeys are given to prominent features in the maps drawn by Myles (mostly in the Kanangra/Boyd area Goondel, Gogy; Wallarra, Bungin, and also one nicknamed 'The Tonsure'). In 1957 Dot Butler wrote an absorbing summarT/53EBarrallier's travels in the Southern Blue Mountains which appeared in our Club' magazine. In 1976/7 there were accounts by Paddy Pallin who, in company with walker friends, had sought to clarify, some of the 'doubts about Barrallier's routes in the Yerranderie area.. 'Since these gigantic frois in the bushwalking pond saw fit to write' of Barrallier, I felt even a tadpole might have a little croak, and in August 1980 our magazine published an. article in which I Suggested that Barrallier, may have broken out of the' mountain barrier that encircled the infant colony if he had kept to the high ground west of-Yerranderie, where the prominent ridge west from.Bindook/Batsch Camp area leads direct to pleasant country on the Main Divide south from Oberon, not much more than a day's march from where he stood. Andy Macqueen's book includes several appendices, with a few extracts (translated into English)from Barrallier's trip journals, but most importantly he has read and interpreted them with the mind and eye of a bushwalker. Indeed, in a few instances where he dissents from the previously accepted Barrallier routes, he has investigated them personally. Such a case is,the way into the Nattai Valley from the Depot Camp south of Oakdale. It has generally been believed this followed Sheehy's Creek (Nattai Pass), but Andy is of the opinion Barrallier followed the next major creek to the north' (Gillan's Creek) and describes his own exploratory walk by that route. PAGE 16 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER .DECEMBER 1993 It has been believed Bartallier's Party continued beyond Byrne's gap down to the Kowmung River,. and then turned up Christy's- Creek because it 'seemed 'to-offera route to the west. Andy accepts this and considers Barrallier's . party was frustrated by the series of 'waterfalls in Wheengee:Whungee Creek, one. of the headwaters of Christy's Creek, and withdrew to his Depot Camp. Jliremarkable coincidence here, because in the week I received the book for review, we read of Wheengee Uhungee Creek in Sydney newspapers (the first mention- ever in the media of this stream?) when the bodies of two yoUng airmen were found there, a few kilometres from their'wrecked aircraft. - It is'eaSy to understand why Barr-billet's journeys have captured the imagination of bush walkers over the years…. the man himself was one of the first European bush walkers in Australia, but of CourSe h'eflidn't know it. B2101 could he?. It was 125 years later that a gathering of respectable. Sydney citizens decided to call themselves “The Sydney Bush Walkers” and invented the term we now regard as “the name Of the game”. The book may be obtained from bookshops or. direct from A. Macqueen, 3g Bee Farm Road, Springwood 2777 $14.95 plus $3.00 postage. * * * * * * * * *,* * * by John Hogan Where has the year gone? It can't'be Christmas, already! Well, I guess it is arid our Christmas Party is upon us once again. Several of our recent activities have not attracted as many members as we might have expected, but I'm sure you won't let us down for the big event on December 15th. The Club will supply refreshments and you are simply asked to bring along a. plate filled with some imaginative goodies and I promise you a very enjoyable evening! I wish each and every one of you a safe and happy Christmas and those of you who are walking have a ball! Our first activity in the New Year will be the traditional beach barbecue at Obelisk Beach on January 5th. We trust that the weather will be a lot kinder than the past couple of years but if not we will rig up some shelters and have a great time anyway. We will have the barbecues available, just toss in 'some food and drinks…. and a towel! The following week, the 12th, the Clubrooms will not be available so we are”: going to walk across The Bridge and do a bit of a “pub crawl” around The Rocks. If you haven't yet tried the “home brew” at the “Lord Nelson” you have a treat in store! Meet us outside the Clubrooms at 6 pm. . Then on the 26th we have the AustraliaDay holiday so again there will not -1jea. meeting; 'but there will be a day walk conducted by Zol Bodlay,and Tony Holgate:rwill lead. an evening walk.: If you can make it along please refer to the program or contact the respective. leader. ' Take care and have a wonderful Christmas. *Good, walking!: *)E4* SOCIAL NOTES