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 **The Sydney Bushwalker** is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, Box 4476 GPO Sydney 2001, To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager.
-Editor: George Mawer, 42 Lincoln Road Georges Hall 2198, Telephone 707 1343
+|Editor| George Mawer, 42 Lincoln Road Georges Hall 2198, Telephone 707 1343|
-Business Manager: Joy Hynes, 36 Lewis Street, Dee Why 2099, Telephone 982 2615(H). 888 3144 (B)
+|Business Manager| Joy Hynes, 36 Lewis Street, Dee Why 2099, Telephone 982 2615(H). 888 3144 (B)|
-Production Manager: Fran Holland
+|Production Manager| Fran Holland|
-Editorial Team: Barbara Bruce, Bill Holland, Jo Robertson & Maurice Smith
+|Editorial Team| Barbara Bruce, Bill Holland, Jo Robertson & Maurice Smith|
-Printers: Ken Clacher, Kay Chan, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell
+|Printers| Ken Clacher, Kay Chan, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell|
 **The Sydney Bush Walkers Incorporated** was founded in 1927. Club Meetings are held every Wednesday everting at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milson s Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday.
-President: Greta James
+|President| Greta James|
-Vice-President lan Debert
+|Vice-President| Ian Debert|
-Public Officer: Fran Holland
+|Public Officer| Fran Holland|
-Treasurer: Tony Holgate
+|Treasurer| Tony Holgate|
-Secretary: Maureen Carter
+|Secretary| Maureen Carter|
-Walks Secretary': Morrie Ward
+|Walks Secretary| Morrie Ward|
-Social Secretary: John Hogan
+|Social Secretary| John Hogan|
-Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace
+|Membership Secretary| Barry Wallace|
-New Members Secretary: Bill Holland
+|New Members Secretary| Bill Holland|
-Conservation Secretary: Alex Colley
+|Conservation Secretary| Alex Colley|
-Magazine Editor: George Mawer.
+|Magazine Editor| George Mawer|
-Committee Members: Denise Shaw & Maurice Smith
+|Committee Members| Denise Shaw & Maurice Smith|
-Delegates to Confederation: Wilf Hilder & Ken Smith
+|Delegates to Confederation| Wilf Hilder & Ken Smith|
-In This Issue
+| |**In This Issue October 1994**| |
-October 1994
+|2| All You Need To Know (about bushwalking)| |
-All You Need To Know (about bushwalking)
+|2| Notices| |
-Notices
+|3| From The Clubroom |Maurice Smith|
-From The Clubroom Maurice Smith
+|5| K to K in a Day |David Trinder|
-K to K in a Day David Trinder
+|6| From Kanangra Walls |Allan Wells|
-From Kanangra Walls Allan Wells
+|9| in the Snowies|Ian Wolfe|
- Ian Wolfe in the Snowies
+|10| You Should Enjoy The Next Bit| |
-You Should Enjoy The Next Bit
+|12| Wilderness Lost The Colong Bulletin| |
-Wilderness Lost The Colong Bulletin
+|13| General Meeting Notes |Barry Wallace|
-General Meeting Notes Barry Wallace
+|14| An Uncertain Prospect |Tom Wemnan|
-An Uncertain Prospect Tom Wemnan
-Advertisers: 3 Willis's Walkabouts
+| |**Advertisers** |
-Mountain Equipment
+|3 |Willis's Walkabouts|
-Pyrenees Adventures
+|4 |Mountain Equipment|
-Alpsports
+|7 |Pyrenees Adventures|
-Eastwood Camping Centre
+|8 |Alpsports|
-Paddy Pain-
+|11 |Eastwood Camping Centre|
+|15 |Paddy Palin|
 ====== From The Editor ======
@@ Line 101: / Line 101: @@
 Tea and coffee will be served.
 For further information contact John Hogan 02 725 1890.
-THIEVES ARE ACTIVE AT A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS AND KANANGRA BOYD NATIONAL PARKS.
+====== Notice ======
-THEY ARE PARTICULARLY ACTIVE DURING LONG WEEKENDS WHILST CARS ARE LEFT UNATTENDED
-IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION OR HAVE BEEN ROBBED FROM ANY LOCATION IN THESE OR OTHER NATIONAL PARKS
+Thieves are active a a number of locations in the Blue Mountains and Kanangra-Boyd National Parks.
-PLEASE CONTACT:
+They are particularly active during long weekends while cars are left unattended. If you have any information or have been robbed from any location in these or other National Parks please contact:
-THE CONFEDERATION OF BUSHWALKING CLUBS
+The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs
-GPO BOX 2090 SYDNEY NSW 2001
+GPO Box 2090 Sydney NSW 2001
-OR
+Or
-PHONE/FAX (02) 548 1228
+Phone/Fax (02) 548 1228
 ====== From The Clubroom ======
@@ Line 130: / Line 131: @@
 ===== The Burragorang Valley =====
-Athel Molesworth.
+Athel Molesworth
-Newcastle Bushwalkers Club.
+Newcastle Bushwalkers Club
 "There are still bushwalkers who remember the beauty of the Burragorang Valley before it went under, the waters" writes Alex Colley (July '94 SBW mag)
@@ Line 144: / Line 146: @@
 September 1994
 David Trinder
@@ Line 172: / Line 175: @@
 ====== From Kanangra Walls ======
+By Allan Wells
-Gingra Track-Campagnoni PassTi-Willa-Cloudmaker-Kanangra Car Park
+Gingra Track - Compagnoni Pass - Ti Willa - Cloudmaker - Kanangra Car Park
-th 28th August 1994
+-28th August 1994
 Jan Mohandas (leader), Tony Creighton, Maureen Carter, Jean Kendall, David Carter, David Thurston, Allan Wells.
-Allan Welli.
-We gathered at Kanangra car park at 830 after a cool night spent at Boyd River Crossing for some of us and a long drive from Sydney for the others. After introductions and greetings we headed off for Kanangra Walls on a beautiful clear: morning, stopping at the usual lookout spot to take in that magnificent gorge scenery of Kanangra. Falls, Thurat Spires etc, that one never seems to -tire of. We were soon heading down through Gordon 'Smith Pass and on to Crafts Walls Where we had morning tea. Sidling around to the eastern end Of the walls we pushed on to Pages Pinnacle where some of us climbed that massive boulder while the others had another shbrt break. The views to the south from here are outstanding with flat topped Mt: Colong
-Yerranderie Peak, Byrnes Gap, The Axehead and Broken Rock Range easy to identify. Easy walking down Crafts Ridge brought us to the Gingra and Gabes creek junction at 11:45 am and lunch at a campsite roughly below 4th Top on the Gingra Range around 12:30. I've been told you can still find pockets of Red Cedar trees in the higher reaches of Gingra Creek., missed
-by the timber getters who put in the road only as far as the junction with Gabes Creek early, this century.
-After lunch we continued down a very dry Gingra. Creek, at times walking on the old road with its dry stone walling, till we reached our campsite for the night amongst a stand of young Casuarinas on the bank opposite Ti Willa buttress (around 4pm I think). This is a lovely spot marred only by cow and horse droppings which are now a problern in this whole area i e. cows and horses. A hearty happy hour with a special brew (courtesy of Torn) was enjoyed after some miscreants were finished playing chasings with a few trout in 'a small pool nearby. For me one of the highlights of bushwalking is sitting around the campfire at light engaged in happy conversation about many and varied topics including past walking trips. This night was no exception. s
-After dinner Tony, Dave and I were kept busy boiling and cooling water in order. to have three litres each to carry for the next day. Thank goodness for Tom's large billy and our wine skins. By the time we'd finished everyone else had 'hit the sack'.
-An early rising and breakfast saw us departing around 7am, heaving and 'straining up Ti Willa buttress to reach a huge cave at the base of the cliff where we had a break before edging our way around to the east and up the spikes and chain of Ron Compagnoni's Pass. A small climb onto Ti Willa. Hill for Morning tea Where we noticed a lot of smoke haze in the distant gullies and valleys.
-It was now our privilege to savour the delights of Ti Willa scrub. Amazingly I didn't hear one profanity uttered as we pushed through, trying to stick to "the track". On the climb up towards Cloudmaker we stopped at a rocky knoll which afforded superb views to the south and west to the Gangerang Range, Crafts Walls etc. To the south rose a large column of smoke somewhere near. Yerra nderie, from what I hoped was a well contained hazard reduction. Another short rest on the top of Mt Cloudmaker with a strong, pleasant, cooling breeze but no visitors book in the aluminium container! Lunch was in the saddle at the bottom of Cloudmaker, having observed another fire in Megalong Valley on the way down. I was informed the following night, while firefighting at Mt York, that a number of bushfire brigades had been called to fight a fire in Galong creek that weekend.
-. After lunch the walk along the ridge was quite pleasant till we came within view of Mt Berry. "Oh woe, woe and thrice woe!" and _similar expletives were muttered by yours truly. Maureen and David had warned me of this! Jan said I must learn to love climbing to enjoy it. "I do love climbing. I do, I do !"
-kept telling my heart, lungs and legs but they weren't having a bar of it. After Mt Berry the rest of the walk was over familiar territory, having walked it the day before_ We arrived back at the cars which had not been broken into or damaged, much to the relief of their' owners, by :5:30. A most enjoyable trip, thank you, Jan. p
-====== Trip Reports ======
+We gathered at Kanangra car park at 8:30 after a cool night spent at Boyd River Crossing for some of us and a long drive from Sydney for the others. After introductions and greetings we headed off for Kanangra Walls on a beautiful clear morning, stopping at the usual lookout spot to take in that magnificent gorge scenery of Kanangra Falls, Thurat Spires etc, that one never seems to tire of. We were soon heading down through Gordon Smith Pass and on to Crafts Walls where we had morning tea. Sidling around to the eastern end of the walls we pushed on to Pages Pinnacle where some of us climbed that massive boulder while the others had another short break. The views to the south from here are outstanding with flat topped Mt Colong, Yerranderie Peak, Byrnes Gap, The Axehead and Broken Rock Range easy to identify. Easy walking down Crafts Ridge brought us to the Gingra and Gabes creek junction at 11:45am and lunch at a campsite roughly below 4th Top on the Gingra Range around 12:30. I've been told you can still find pockets of Red Cedar trees in the higher reaches of Gingra Creek missed by the timber getters who put in the road only as far as the junction with Gabes Creek early, this century.
+After lunch we continued down a very dry Gingra Creek, at times walking on the old road with its dry stone walling, till we reached our campsite for the night amongst a stand of young Casuarinas on the bank opposite Ti Willa buttress (around 4pm I think). This is a lovely spot marred only by cow and horse droppings which are now a problem in this whole area i.e. cows and horses. A hearty happy hour with a special brew (courtesy of Tom) was enjoyed after some miscreants were finished playing chasings with a few trout in a small pool nearby. For me one of the highlights of bushwalking is sitting around the campfire at light engaged in happy conversation about many and varied topics including past walking trips. This night was no exception.
+After dinner Tony, Dave and I were kept busy boiling and cooling water in order to have three litres each to carry for the next day. Thank goodness for Tom's large billy and our wine skins. By the time we'd finished everyone else had 'hit the sack'.
+An early rising and breakfast saw us departing around 7am, heaving and straining up Ti Willa buttress to reach a huge cave at the base of the cliff where we had a break before edging our way around to the east and up the spikes and chain of Ron Compagnoni's Pass. A small climb onto Ti Willa Hill for morning tea Where we noticed a lot of smoke haze in the distant gullies and valleys.
+It was now our privilege to savour the delights of Ti Willa scrub. Amazingly I didn't hear one profanity uttered as we pushed through, trying to stick to "the track". On the climb up towards Cloudmaker we stopped at a rocky knoll which afforded superb views to the south and west to the Gangerang Range, Crafts Walls etc. To the south rose a large column of smoke somewhere near Yerranderie, from what I hoped was a well contained hazard reduction. Another short rest on the top of Mt Cloudmaker with a strong, pleasant, cooling breeze but no visitors book in the aluminium container! Lunch was in the saddle at the bottom of Cloudmaker, having observed another fire in Megalong Valley on the way down. I was informed the following night, while firefighting at Mt York, that a number of bushfire brigades had been called to fight a fire in Galong creek that weekend.
+After lunch the walk along the ridge was quite pleasant till we came within view of Mt Berry. "Oh woe, woe and thrice woe!" and similar expletives were muttered by yours truly. Maureen and David had warned me of this! Jan said I must learn to love climbing to enjoy it. "I do love climbing. I do, I do!" I kept telling my heart, lungs and legs but they weren't having a bar of it. After Mt Berry the rest of the walk was over familiar territory, having walked it the day before. We arrived back at the cars which had not been broken into or damaged, much to the relief of their owners, by 5:30. A most enjoyable trip, thank you, Jan.
+====== Trip Reports ======
 Ian Wolfe
-. 28/7-1/8 4 day Hut Crawl. Not enough snow to do the trip as progranimed yet again !. However a very acceptable, compromise was provided to the eight participants. Up over the Rolling Grounds to .Schlink. Hilton on day 1 in a strong
- wind and limited visibility: Over -the' Kerries to lYlawsons for lurich and a tour around the Cup and
+. 28/7-1/8 4 day Hut Crawl. Not enough snow to do the trip as progranimed yet again! However a very acceptable, compromise was provided to the eight participants. Up over the Rolling Grounds to Schlink Hilton on day 1 in a strong wind and limited visibility. Over the Kerries to Mawsons for lunch and a tour around the Cup and Saucer on day 2. Snowed overnight so down to Valentines and then up Duck Creek to camp at Whites in lovely new Snow on day 3. Down the road to the Aqueduct at horse Camp and then back to the Penstocks to end the trip on day 4.
- Saucer on day 2. Snowed overnight so down. to Valentines and then up Duck Creek to camp at Whites in lovely new Snow on day 3 Down the road to the Aqueduct at horse Camp and then back to the Penstocks to end the trip on day 4.
-. 2. 1 cancelled the long Vic trip
+. I cancelled the long Vic trip as my Spy reported that there was only, "slush" on The Dargo High Plains. Instead the 4 of us conducted a 7 day "K to K". Perfect weather, perfect snow, climbed every mountain and were on Kossie for arvo tea on day 5. Spent the last 2 days touring around Kossie. Then out for a day off before going back 'up' for 3 days. Dug a snow cave at the top of Twin Valleys and toured as a wind down.
- as my Spy. reported that there was only, "slush" on The Dargo High Plains. InStead the 4 of. us conducted a 7 day "K to k". Perfect weather, perfect snow, climbed every mountain and were on Kossie
- for arvo tea on day 5. Spent the Iasi 2 days touring around Kossie. Then out for a day off before going back 'up' for. 3. days. Pug a snow cave at the top. of Twin Valleys and toured as a wind down..
+. 15-19/9 Trip as planned with 5 participants. Had Grey Mare Hut to ourselves. Great day trip to Grey Mare Mountain Skiing in the sun on day 2. Day 3 had limited visibility but we skied through the murk to Grey Mare, Bogong and Rocky Bogong to be rewarded by slightly clearing weather. The ski out on day 4 was very cold and resulted in the diesel in our vehicle waxing up. This enforced a stay of an additional night in Cesjacks Hut before we could get the "beast" mobile.
-. 15-19/9 Trip as planned with 5 participants.. }-1".,ad Grey Mare Hut to ourselves. Great day trip to Grey Mare Mountain Skiing in the sun on day 2. Day. 3 had limited visibility -but we skied through the murk to Grey Mare. Bogong and Rocky Bogong-..to be rewarded by slightly clearing ' weather. The ski out on day 4' wasvery cold and resulted in
- the diesel in our vehicle waxing up.. This enforced a stay of an additional night in Cesjacks Hut before we could get the "beast" mobile..
+. 29/9-3/10 Skied into Illawong and then to the "arc of tree" to Camp before doing a side trip to Mt Anderson and Pounds Creek. Day 2 was lovely and saw us climb up onto the range and ski out to the end of Watsons Crags. Came home via Blue Lake and the Snowy River. Rained cats and dogs that night leading to a. foot of snow disappearing and turning the remnant into soggy mush. This (plus a damp sleeping bag) induced us to ski out that afternoon and return home a day early (at least we had one great day and one OK day).
-. 29/9-3/10 Skied into "Illawong and then. to the "arc of tree" to Camp before doing. a- side trip to Mt Anderson and Pounds Creek:: Day. 2 was lovely and saw us climb up onto. the range 'and ski out to the end of Watsons Crags. Came homevia Blue Lake and the Snowy River. Rained cats and dogs that night leading to a. foot of snow disappearing and turning the remnant into soggy mush. This (plus a damp sleeping bag) induced us to ski but that afternoon and return, home a day early (at least we had one great day and one.OK day).
 Given the rain and the poor state of the thin show cover the likelihood of my November trip going is low.
@@ Line 204: / Line 210: @@
 Jan Mohandas
-Several Sydney. Bushwalkers, members of their families and friends came t6 help 'and support the Walkers who participated in the. Kanangra to Katooniba walk on the 10,th. September 1994 a nd the six foot track walk' Katoornba to Jenolan House' on the 17th September 1994. The -walkers were assisted at different stages 'by providing them with drinks (fruit juices, coffee tea and water) and food (fruits, biscuits, cakes and other items), massage for aching legs, transport, and above all encouragement and cOmpany.. It would have been difficult to conduct thee two day walks without thededication' of the people- who came to help and suppon the walkers.
-On behalf of all the walkers who participated in these walks, I would like to thank everyone who came to help and support and express my Sincere appreciation for' their, dedication. The weather was very kind to us and everyone had a wonderful time.
+Several Sydney Bushwalkers, members of their families and friends came to help and support the Walkers who participated in the Kanangra to Katoomba walk on the 10th September 1994 and the six foot track walk Katoomba to Jenolan House on the 17th September 1994. The walkers were assisted at different stages by providing them with drinks (fruit juices, coffee tea and water) and food (fruits, biscuits, cakes and other items), massage for aching legs, transport, and above all encouragement and company. It would have been difficult to conduct these two day walks without the dedication of the people who came to help and support the walkers.
-. The Jenolan :House is an excellent place to spend an evening among friends after a walk, have a fabulous dinner, wander around to enjoy the surroundings, have a good night's sleep and take your time to relax with a hearty breakfast.
-As it is becoming difficult to get accommodation at The Jenolan House for a single night during the winter months, next year's Six Foot track walk will be on the Saturday,. 2nd September 1995. Several rooms 'have been booked for single night's accommodation (dinner and breakfast the next morning) for Saturday 2nd September. 1995. Those who are already planning to do the walk next year and stay at - The Jenolan House or those who do not wish to. walk but would like to come and stay at The Jenolan House next year may let me know their intention so that more rooms can be booked if necessary. 0
+On behalf of all the walkers who participated in these walks, I would like to thank everyone who came to help and support and express my sincere appreciation for their, dedication. The weather was very kind to us and everyone had a wonderful time.
-The Wombat
-As we splash along the track eyes alert and ears pinned back
+The Jenolan House is an excellent place to spend an evening among friends after a walk, have a fabulous dinner, wander around to enjoy the surroundings, have a good night's sleep and take your time to relax with a hearty breakfast.
-You will have seen those queer square turds
-And thought, but not expressed in words
+As it is becoming difficult to get accommodation at The Jenolan House for a single night during the winter months, next year's Six Foot track walk will be on the Saturday 2nd September 1995. Several rooms have been booked for single night's accommodation (dinner and breakfast the next morning) for Saturday 2nd September 1995. Those who are already planning to do the walk next year and stay at The Jenolan House or those who do not wish to walk but would like to come and stay at The Jenolan House next year may let me know their intention so that more rooms can be booked if necessary.
-The strain of such a defecation boggles the imagination
-This is not done to entertain us the Wombat has an oblong anus
+====== The Wombat ======
-So should your slumbers be disturbed by shrieks and cries don't be perturbed
-Eyes closed, teeth clenched and racked in pain
+As we splash along the track eyes alert and ears pinned back\\
+You will have seen those queer square turds\\
+And thought, but not expressed in words\\
+The strain of such a defecation boggles the imagination\\
+This is not done to entertain us the Wombat has an oblong anus\\
+So should your slumbers be disturbed by shrieks and cries don't be perturbed\\
+Eyes closed, teeth clenched and racked in pain\\
 The wombat has just crapped again.
- NMOSIMMMIIMI
-====== Campfire Thoughts ======
+====== Campfire Thoughts ======
 Jim Brown
-This fire by night-
-Voices lifted in song-
-Be memories bright-
-That may bear you through days too long, .
-Not here the passions of bygone years,
-Not here the sadness, the pain, the fears,
-Come peace enwrap us round
-As does the leaping light,
-Come peace new, faund communion of song by night.
+This fire by night-\\
+Voices lifted in song-\\
+Be memories bright-\\
+That may bear you through days too long, \\
+Not here the passions of bygone years,\\
+Not here the sadness, the pain, the fears,\\
+Come peace enwrap us round\\
+As does the leaping light,\\
+Come peace new, found communion of song by night.\\
-====== "YOU SHOULD ENJOY THIS NEXT BIT" ======
-(Reprinted by permission from The National Times in "Tandanya" - Adelaide Bushwalkers 'Magazine -
+====== "You should enjoy this next bit" ======
- June/August 1984). Tony Cunneen,
+(Reprinted by permission from The National Times in "Tandanya" - Adelaide Bushwalkers Magazine -
-Some adventure tours have to be
+ June/August 1984).
- viewed. carefully. I'd always wanted tei be a 'mountaineer, so I did some push-ups, jogged around the block a few times then barrelled off to North Wales.
-At the Plas Y Brenin Centre for Mountain Activities I enrolled in one week of sheer terror called Introductory Rock Climbing. As with any adventure, all parameters of, daily existence are changed, riot the last. of which lies in your trust of language.
+Tony Cunneen
-Now the subtle suggestion can mask a 'horrible alternative. When the brochure says: "Candidates are advised to bring wetsuits," what it really Means is that people who fail to bring wetsuits will find themselves having to Survive Arctic conditions in their underpants..
-Plas Y Brenin is set in the Welsh mountains near Snowdon. Each day rock climbing students are taken to Various cliffs then, accompanied by an instructor, begin their fearful ascent.
-. On the 'second day a dour Scot took myself and another student in the team up a gloomy gash of Wet rock in the'''. Cwm Idwal and introduced it as The DeviPs Staircase. Then he growled: "I think yell find this interesting. It's got some nice exposure." I was intrigued by this description. What made a climb "interesting"? What 'constituted a "nice exposure"? I soon found out
+Some adventure tours have to be viewed carefully. I'd always wanted to be a mountaineer, so I did some push-ups, jogged around the block a few times then barrelled off to North Wales.
-Scared out of my wits; trying to nrOVe from, a bridge position to a balanced hold on a bulge of rock I realised that I was now in an "interesting" position. The -fact that there was a drop of 200 feet or so below me was "nice exposure".
-I knew now that the words of the instructor were heavy with implication and should be interpreted as such. These experts use a private system for grading climbs. What follows is a handy. guide for climbing novices So that you can make sense Of this system. Climbs can be
+At the Plas Y Brenin Centre for Mountain Activities I enrolled in one week of sheer terror called Introductory Rock Climbing. As with any adventure, all parameters of daily existence are changed, not the last of which lies in your trust of language.
-Interesting" - Scary. - "Technical" - 'Terrifying
-"Sustained". - Terrifying for a very long period of time.
+Now the subtle suggestion can mask a horrible alternative. When the brochure says: "Candidates are advised to bring wetsuits" what it really means is that people who fail to bring wetsuits will find themselves having to Survive Arctic conditions in their underpants.
- "Thoughtful" - A spiritual state of mind rarely reached by other people except perhaps passengers on trans-Pacific flights who have just been told that the. plane has run out of fuel in flight.
+Plas Y Brenin is set in the Welsh mountains near Snowdon. Each day rock climbing students are taken to various cliffs then, accompanied by an instructor, begin their fearful ascent.
+On the second day a dour Scot took myself and another student in the team up a gloomy gash of wet rock in the Cwm Idwal and introduced it as The Devil's Staircase. Then he growled: "I think yell find this interesting. It's got some nice exposure." I was intrigued by this description. What made a climb "interesting"? What constituted a "nice exposure"? I soon found out.
+Scared out of my wits; trying to move from a bridge position to a balanced hold on a bulge of rock I realised that I was now in an "interesting" position. The fact that there was a drop of 200 feet or so below me was "nice exposure".
+I knew now that the words of the instructor were heavy with implication and should be interpreted as such. These experts use a private system for grading climbs. What follows is a handy guide for climbing novices so that you can make sense Of this system. Climbs can be
+  * "Interesting" - Scary
+  * "Technical" - Terrifying
+  * "Sustained" - Terrifying for a very long period of time.
+  * "Thoughtful" - A spiritual state of mind rarely reached by other people except perhaps passengers on trans-Pacific flights who have just been told that the plane has run out of fuel in flight.
 Then there are those wry comments made, while actually climbing:
-"You'll enjoy, this next bit" Nothing in your -entire life will be worse than the next few moments
+  * "You'll enjoy, this next bit" - Nothing in your entire life will be worse than the next few moments
-'You'll find the next 10 feet quite thOughtTprovoking". - You'll need supernatural powers to get any. further.
+  * 'You'll find the next 10 feet quite thought-provoking" - You'll need supernatural powers to get any further.
-"This is pretty strenuous for a' Grade 4 climb" - We've come up the wrong way.
+  * "This is pretty strenuous for a Grade 4 climb" - We've come up the wrong way.
-On occasions, more specific descriptions of the rock conditions are given: 7A bit finger/ - You'll have to claw your, way up using your fingernails. and teeth.
-"A bit slimy" - Like glass;
+On occasions, more specific descriptions of the rock conditions are given:
-"It's rather steep" - It's an overhang "Good exposure" - A long drop. "Unprotected" - No rope
+  * "A bit finger" - You'll have to claw your, way up using your fingernails and teeth.
-"Open to the weather" A blizzard "Dubious rock" - An avalanche.
+  * "A bit slimy" - Like glass;
+  * "It's rather steep" - It's an overhang
+  * "Good exposure" - A long drop.
+  * "Unprotected" - No rope
+  * "Open to the weather" - A blizzard
+  * "Dubious rock" - An avalanche.
 As we, the novices, struggled to sort out our equipment, we heard a number of comments regarding our handling of belays, runners, slings and ropes:
-"Your belay is looSe" - You might fall
+  * "Your belay is loose" - You might fall
-"Look at. that bloody belay" - I might fall
+  * "Look at that bloody belay" - I might fall
 There is a subtle scale of implied criticism used in the teaching of handling equipment in the proper and safe manner. Our instructors used the Socratic method - teaching by asking questions.
-"Are yon happy with that?" You're wrong
+  * "Are you happy with that?" - You're wrong
-"Are you quite happy with that?" If you move you'll fall.
+  * "Are you quite happy with that?" - If you move you'll fall.
-"Are you really quite happy with that?" 7 If you move we'll all fall.
+  * "Are you really quite happy with that?" - If you move we'll all fall.
- . Then finally there are the instructions and 'exhortations delivered while you are actually climbing.
-"Well I suppose you could do it that Way" - Never do it that way.
+Then finally there are the instructions and exhortations delivered while you are actually climbing.
-"Sort -yourself out" - You're upside down.
+  * "Well I suppose you could do it that way" - Never do it that way.
-"Keep your head" Stop' screaming.
+  * "Sort yourself out" - You're upside down.
-"That would be most unethical" - Don't use the tree.
+  * "Keep your head" - Stop screaming.
-"Think Carefully" - Pray
+  * "That would be most unethical" - Don't use the tree.
-"That was a bit of a mistake" - Did you hurt yourself?
+  * "Think Carefully" - Pray
-"I think he's having a wee bit of trouble" - I think he's dead
+  * "That was a bit of a mistake" - Did you hurt yourself?
-"Coming unstuck" - Falling,
+  * "I think he's having a wee bit of trouble" - I think he's dead
-"A bit dicey" - Hitting the bottom
+  * "Coming unstuck" - Falling,
+  * "A bit dicey" - Hitting the bottom
 Soon we took refuge in such expressions ourselves:
-. "Can I just think about this a bit" - I'm stuck'
+  * "Can I just think about this a bit" - I'm stuck
-"This rope's tangled" - I've tangled the rope.
+  * "This rope's tangled" - I've tangled the rope.
-Well, we. all survived. As well as learning about climbing we learnt about ourselves.. For this all credit is due to the young, dedicated and talented staff of Plas Y Brenin, whose climbing ability was matched only by their mastery of the understatement.
- Once, as I clambered, quivering with fear over one of those very severe climbs, at Trernadog I was greeted by keheery "That was fun" from my instructor. I. thought he must have gone a different way from rne.
+Well, we all survived. As well as learning about climbing we learnt about ourselves. For this all credit is due to the young, dedicated and talented staff of Plas Y Brenin, whose climbing ability was matched only by their mastery of the understatement.
+Once, as I clambered, quivering with fear over one of those very severe climbs, at Trernadog I was greeted by cheery "That was fun" from my instructor. I thought he must have gone a different way from me.
-====== WILDERNESS LOST ======
+====== Wilderness Lost ======
+In March 1985 the Colong Committee (now the Colong Foundation) comprised largely of bushwalkers, asked the then Minister for Conservation, Bob Carr, to introduce a Bill for a Wilderness Act. In an address to the S.B.W. in their club room on Jan. 22nd 1986, be announced his support for the Act. A Wilderness Study Group, comprising representatives of the Colong Foundation, the National
+Parks Association, The Federation of Bushwalking Clubs and the National Parks and Service, was appointed to frame the provisions of the Act. The Group recommended that any individual or organisation should be able to nominate a wilderness area, for the nomination to be assessed by the NPWS, and a period for submissions on the assessment. Since the State's wilderness areas were already well known to bush-walkers and nature lovers this was a realistic means of identifying and evaluating wilderness.
+Four years later no areas had been declared under the Act, a situation which might have continued indefinitely had not Terry Metherell, who had resigned from the Liberal Party, proposed to introduce a Wilderness (Declaration of New Areas) Bill, which might have resulted in the defeat of the Government. This enabled Tim Moore, Minister for the Environment to announce a timetable for the assessment of the 10 areas which had been nominated and a period for the receipt of submissions on the nominations, which had been made by the Colong Foundation, the Wilderness Society and the Confederation of Bush Walking Clubs. The NPWS made only minor changes to the nominated areas and in some cases added to them. The total area assessed was 800,000 ha. Between 70 and 80 per cent of submissions were in favour of the assessed areas except in the case of Goodradigbee, a 4WD preserve, where only 54% were in favour.
-In March 1985 the Colong Committee (now the Colong Foundation) comprised largely of bushwalkers, asked 'the then Minister for Conservation, Bob Carr, to introduce a Bill for a Wilderness Act. In. an address to the S.B.W. in their club room on Jan. 22nd 1986, be announced his support for the Act. A Wilderness Study Group, comprising representatives of the Colong Foundation, the National
-Parks Association, The Federation of Bushwalking Clubs and the National' Parks and
-Service, was appointed to frame' the provisions of the Act.: The. recommended
-that any individual or organisation should be , able to nominate a wilderness area, for the nomination to be assessed by the NPWS, and a period for submissions on the assessment. Since the State's wilderness areas were already well known to bush-walkers and nature lovers this was a realistic means of
-identifying and evaluating
-wilderness.
- Four years later no areas had been declared under the Act, a situation which might have continued indefinitely had not Terry. Metherell, who had resigned from the Liberal Party, proposed to introduce a Wilderness (Declaration of New Areas) Bill, which might 'have resulted in the defeat of the Government This enabled Tim Moore, Minister, for the Environment' to announce a timetable for the assessment of the 10 areas which had been nominated and a period for the receipt of. submissions on the nominations, which had been made by the
-Colong Foundation, the Wilderness Society and the Confederation of Bush Walking Clubs. The NPWS made only minor changes to the nominated areas and in some cases added to them. The total area assessed
-'vas 800,000 ha. Between 70 and 80 per cent of submissions f*ere in favour of the assessedareas except in the case of Goodradigbee, a 4WD preserve, where only 54% were in favour.
 A year later, on Dec. 23rd 1993, the Government announced the declaration of 350,000 ha of the assessed areas, a declaration which it described as "a Christmas present to our grandchildren." The assessed areas had been fragmented and trimmed to allow access for 4WD vehicles, trail bikes and horse riders. An example of this was the Deua Wilderness, nominated by the Federation of Bushwalking Clubs.
-The announcement was bitterly attacked by the anti- wilderness lobby, led by the anti-
-wilderness faction within the
+The announcement was bitterly attacked by the anti-wilderness lobby, led by the anti-wilderness faction within the Government, mainly composed of National Party members, two of whom threatened to resign, putting the Government's tenure of office in doubt. The "declarations" became "proposals" and in order to gain time and appease the rebels, the Government appointed the
-,
-Government, maim 'composed
-of National Party members, two of whom threatened to resign, putting the Government's tenure of office in doubt. The "declarations" became "proposals" and in order to gain time and appease the rebels, the Government appointed the
 Surveyor General, whose expertise lay in the demarcation of land tenures rather than in ecology or park management, to report on three of the areas.
-The Surveyor General sought the views of 4WD clubs, horse riders, miners, graziers, loggers and everybody else with an interest in exploiting the areas for profit or pleasure. Notably. missing was any reference to the interest' of bushwalkers, who are the principal users of many wilderness areas. Nor was it recognised that wilderness is not solely for the benefit of local interest group's, but for the people of the State and the nation.
-Acting on the Surveyor- General's report, the 350,000 ha were 'further ' fragmented, trimmed and truncated to allow vehicular and equestrian access, leaving only 113,000 ha (.1% of the State's wilderness) for declaration. I3ushwalkers are only too aware of the damage caused by such access, but wedon't have to take their word for it. The State Pollution Control Commission, in its report on 'the recreational use of off-road vehicles, stated that The use of vehicles in areas with high wilderness ,.values, jeoparelise wilderness qualities. The desire to explore. and trail-blaze areas of virgin country can cause immeasurable damage to flora and fauna. leaving deep. impressions as vehicles tyre-spin their way to gain traction in rough terrain. Thern damage to'. tracks caused by horses is only too evident in areas such as Mobbs Swamp and Ku-ring-gai. The National Parks Association opposes the use of horses not only in wilderness but in all national parks.
-On Sept 22nd Bob Can moved "That this House censures the Premier for breaching his promise on wilderness.' He quoted his words when speaking to the Wilderness Bill in 1987; when he said"... if we fail in the task now before us, if we do not accept the responsibility to protect some of what remains, then we must surely, and rightly expect the condemnation of this and future generations. He also re-affirmed his 1987 commitment to declare '12 new wilderness areas together with 20 new national parks in his first year Of office.
-In reply Government speakers ignored the purpose of wilderness protection, which is to preserve the last substantial
-remnants of - the natural environment and the last refuge of many endangered species. Nor did they recognise the damage caused by the interests', which' were served by the reduction of the wilderness areas from 800,000 to 113,000 ha. All the well worn anti-Wilderness themes were repeated, such as:
-> That there is no "access" to wilderness. There is nothing to prevent anyone from entering a wilderness provided they-
-continued on page14
- INN!'
+The Surveyor General sought the views of 4WD clubs, horse riders, miners, graziers, loggers and everybody else with an interest in exploiting the areas for profit or pleasure. Notably missing was any reference to the interest of bushwalkers, who are the principal users of many wilderness areas. Nor was it recognised that wilderness is not solely for the benefit of local interest groups, but for the people of the State and the nation.
+Acting on the Surveyor- General's report, the 350,000 ha were further fragmented, trimmed and truncated to allow vehicular and equestrian access, leaving only 113,000 ha (.1% of the State's wilderness) for declaration. Bushwalkers are only too aware of the damage caused by such access, but we don't have to take their word for it. The State Pollution Control Commission, in its report on the recreational use of off-road vehicles, stated that //The use of vehicles in areas with high wilderness values, jeopardise wilderness qualities. The desire to explore and trail-blaze areas of virgin country can cause immeasurable damage to flora and fauna leaving deep impressions as vehicles tyre-spin their way to gain traction in rough terrain.// The damage to tracks caused by horses is only too evident in areas such as Mobbs Swamp and Ku-ring-gai. The National Parks Association opposes the use of horses not only in wilderness but in all national parks.
+On Sept 22nd Bob Can moved "That this House censures the Premier for breaching his promise on wilderness.' He quoted his words when speaking to the Wilderness Bill in 1987; when he said"... //if we fail in the task now before us, if we do not accept the responsibility to protect some of what remains, then we must surely, and rightly expect the condemnation of this and future generations//. He also re-affirmed his 1987 commitment to declare '12 new wilderness areas together with 20 new national parks in his first year of office.
+In reply Government speakers ignored the purpose of wilderness protection, which is to preserve the last substantial remnants of the natural environment and the last refuge of many endangered species. Nor did they recognise the damage caused by the interests which were served by the reduction of the wilderness areas from 800,000 to 113,000 ha. All the well worn anti-Wilderness themes were repeated, such as:
+  * That there is no "access" to wilderness. There is nothing to prevent anyone from entering a wilderness provided they get out of their vehicles and off their horses.
+  * That wilderness is only for the young and fit. Anyone can enjoy it. A modicum of fitness; which most can achieve, is necessary only for overnight walks.
+  * That valuable resources are "locked up" in wilderness. This argument overlooks the fact that wilderness consists of the least productive country in the State. Otherwise it would not be Wilderness. "Locking up" this country leaves 96% of the State for economic exploitation.
+  * That wilderness is solely for the benefit of bushwalkers. The purpose of declaration is environmental preservation, but supposing it was for the benefit of bushwalkers. Why shouldn't provision be made for this form of recreation, in which more people participate than in any sport?
+  * Billions of dollars are "locked up" in sporting facilities. Wilderness preservation is virtually cost free.
+  * That the areas are not "pristine". Of course they are not. The whole State is affected by some form of development, but the wilderness areas are the best we have.
+  * That there are pests weeds and feral animals in the areas. Again, of course there are. They are everywhere,
+The wilderness campaign has been a boost for environmental awareness. It has brought nature conservation to public attention and engendered widespread support. The censure motion, only the third passed in 55 years, is strong proof of public concern. And, as Pam Allan; Shadow Minister for the Environment, pointed out, it has united the conservation movement.
 ====== The September General Meeting ======
- Barry Wallace
+Barry Wallace
- It was 2001 when your scribe, serving as chairman, called the 20 Or so members present to order and began the meeting. There were apologies from Denise Shaw and Greta James. New Member Shiela Spetersi wag welcomed into membership in the usual way.
-The minutes of 'the, previous meeting were read and received with no matters arising.
+It was 2001 when your scribe, serving as chairman, called the 20 or so members present to order and began the meeting. There were apologies from Denise Shaw and Greta James. New Member Shiela Speters was welcomed into membership in the usual way.
- Correspondence, apart from the mass of commercial entreaties and reciprocally : supplied copies 'of
- magazines, included a letter from a kangaroo -Valley real estate company
+The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received with no matters arising.
- regarding- the Shoalhaven City COUricil's plans' for future rural
- development. They were of course acting in a purely altruistic fashion in this, though there was some Suggestion that they would be prepared to point out the. possible benefits to affected parties: A letter from Gestetner drew our attention to. an apparently Overdue account, at 45 days. Brian Harvey had written to us accepting our offer of honorary membership. The Westpac helicopter rescue service has written thanking tis ,for our donation and the recognition that it conveyed.' Natural Areas Limited has written confirming our ownership of 500 shares and offering us the opportunity to -write out 'our own scrip should we have the time and resources. Morag Ryder wrote concerning the recent outbreak of thefts from cars. parked at Kanangra Walls, musing on' ihe possibility of organising minders for cars parked during walks. Matters arising from the correspondence. included an' assurance that the,. outstanding account from Gestetne,r will be dealt with in the near future and some 'discussion of police efforts to apprehend' the ipersons responsible for ,theft S from cars. at
+Correspondence, apart from the mass of commercial entreaties and reciprocally supplied copies of magazines, included a letter from a Kangaroo Valley real estate company regarding the Shoalhaven City Council's plans for future rural development. They were of course acting in a purely altruistic fashion in this, though there was some suggestion that they would be prepared to point out the possible benefits to affected parties. A letter from Gestetner drew our attention to an apparently overdue account, at 45 days. Brian Harvey had written to us accepting our offer of honorary membership. The Westpac helicopter rescue service has written thanking us for our donation and the recognition that it conveyed. Natural Areas Limited has written confirming our ownership of 500 shares and offering us the opportunity to write out our own scrip should we have the time and resources. Morag Ryder wrote concerning the recent outbreak of thefts from cars. parked at Kanangra Walls, musing on the possibility of organising minders for cars parked during walks. Matters arising from the correspondence. included an assurance that the outstanding account from Gestetner will be dealt with in the near future and some discussion of police efforts to apprehend the persons responsible for thefts from cars at Kanangra.
-Kanarigra .
-,
+The treasurer's report indicated that we received income of $1,288 spent $9,490 and closed the month with a balance of $1,668. Unlike last month's report, where we went on, on, at a maddening pace at least twice to the walks reports, this month was a relatively placid affair. The first weekend covered was 12 13 14 August with Greta James leading a party of 9 on a walk 're-routed from the Red Rocks area to Kanangra Walls due to the shortage of water at Red Rocks. The fates were not kind. Strong gale force winds over Friday night gave way to strong winds throughout - the weekend as the party went via Pages Pinnacle - Gingra Creek - Kowmung River and Roots Ridge. They returned to the cars around 1700 to find that they had been broken into and any items of value stolen. Wilf Hilder's Pederation walk stages 11 and 12 is somewhat of a mystery. Some informants said there were 4 on the walk, others that the walk had been moved back two weeks. You can either write your own script or ask Wilf sometime. Tom Wenman's Saturday day walk in the Megalong Valley. saw the 16 starters getting away at 0730 for what was described as a good day. Eddie Giacomel also reported a good day for the 15 who went on his Sunday walk from Evans Lookout to Perrys Lookdown and back via the Cliff Top Track. The party of 16 who went on Errol Sheedy's Sunday walk from Engadine to Waterfall enjoyed fine conditions and a good walk.
-The treasurer's report indicated that we received income of $1,288 spent $9,490 and closed the month with a balance of $1,668. Unlike last. month's report, where we went on, on, at a maddening pace at least' twice tothe walks reports,. this month was a relatively placid affair. The, first weekend covered was 12 13 14 August with Greta James leading a party of 9 on a walk 're-routed from the Red Rocks area to Kanangra Walls due to the shortage of water at -Red Rocks. The fates were not kind. Strong. gale force winds over Friday night gave way: to strong winds throughout - the weekend as the party went Aria Pages Pinnacle Gingra Creek KOWITIM
-River 'and Rootes Ridge. They returned to the cars around 1700 to find that they had been broken into and
+Oliver Crawford led a group of 9 on his Wollombi N.P. walk over the weekend of 19, 20, 21 August. They encountered some rain on the Saturday evening but otherwise all went well. Jan Mohandas deferred his Six Foot Track in a day walk to some other date. Bill Holland reported serious deficiencies with his Wahroonga to Mt Kuring-gai Sunday walk. It seems the party of 24 were unable to procure coffee at Appletree Bay.
-any items of value stolen. Wilf Hilder's PederatiOn walk stages 11 and 12 is 'somewhat of a mystery. Some informants said there were 4 on the walk, others' that the walk had been moved back two weeks. You can either write your own script or ask Will sometime.. Tom Wenman's Saturday day walk in the Megalong Valley. saw the 16 starters getting away. at 0730 for what 'was described. as a good' day. Eddie Giacomel also, reported a good day for the 15 who went on his Sunday walk from Evans Lookout to Perrys LookdOwn and back via the Cliff 'Top Track. The party of 16 who went on Errol, Sheedy's Sunday walk from Engadine to Waterfall enjoyed fine conditions and a good walk.
- Oliver Crawford led a group of 9 on his Wollombi N.P. walk over the weekend Of 19, 20, 21 August. They encountered some rain on the Saturday evening but otherwise all went well: Jan Mohandas deferred his Six Foot Track in a day walk to some other date. Bill -Holland reported serious deficiencies with his Wahroonga to Mt. Kurin-gai Sunday walk. It seems the party of 24 were unable to procure 'coffee at Appletree Bay.
+The weekend of 26, 27, 28 August saw Jan Mohandas leading 8 brave souls on his Gingra Creek - Cloudmaker stroll. The weather was hot, there was little water in Gingra Creek and there were fires in the distance to add to the excitement. There was no report for Mamie Bloom's cycling day at Buxton Plateau. Laurie Bore led a party of 13 through fields of flowers in warm to hot conditions on his Little Beach to Box Head Sunday walk. David Trinder was ill so Greg Bridge took over as leader of the 15 starters who came to do the walk from Victoria Falls to Evans Lookout on Sunday. He re-routed the walk somewhat and details were sketchy but it did go.
-The weekend of 26, 27, 28 August saw Jan Mohandas leading 8 brave souls on his Gingra 'Creek - Cloudmaker stroll: The weather was
- hot, there was little water in G.ingra 'Creek and there were fires in the distance to add to the excitement. There was no report for Mamie Bloom's cycling day at Buxton Plateau. Laurie Bore 'led 'a party of 13 through fields of flowers in warm to hot conditions on his 'Little Beach to Box Head Sunday walk. David Trinder was
+Ian Wolfe led an extended ski touring trip over the period 18 to 29 August. The program got it wrong again! They went to NSW not Victoria. It seems the snow was better north of the border. The 4 member group spent their time making a crossing trip from Kiandra to Kosciusko in 4 days and visited Twin Valleys for a side trip.
-ill so Greg Bridge took ovet as leader Of 'the 15 starters who Came to do the. walk from Victoria Falls to, Evans Lookout on Sunday. He re-routed the walk somewhat and details were sketchy but it did go.
-Ian Wolfe led an extended ski' touring trip over the period 18 to 29 August. The program got it wrong 'again!' They. Went to. NSW not Victoria. It seems the snow was better north of the border. The 4 member group spent their time making a crossing trip from Kiandra to Kosciusko in 4 days and visited Twin Valleys. for a side trip.
+The first trip on the Spring walks program saw Ian Debert and Oliver Crawford cancelling their trips to Kanangra and the Wollongambe respectively. Bill Capon saved us from complete failure on the overnight trips front by leading a party of 8 on his Morton N.P. walk. They enjoyed a lazy Saturday but paid for it on the Sunday which turned out to be rather tough. Jan Mohandas led a party of 16 (or was it 21?) on his Saturday day walk from The Pinnacles to Bluegum and return with side trip up Perrys Lookdown. The conditions were either cool or hot depending on whom one believes. It's all in the mind you know. Ken Smith's Sunday walk in the Glenbrook area saw a party of 28 sweating it out in conditions that were generally agreed to be warm. The walk was described as good.
-The first trip on the Spring walks program saw Ian Debert and Oliver Crawford cancelling:, their trips to Kanangra arid the W011ongambe respectively. Bill Capon saved us from complete failure on the overnight trips front by leading a party of 8 on.. his Morton. N.P, walk They enjoyed a lazy Saturday but, paid for it on the Sunday, which turned out to be rather tough. Jan MOhandas led a party of 16 (or was it 21?) on' his Saturday day Walk from The Pinnacles to Bluegum and return with side trip up Perrys Lookdown. The conditions were either cool or hot depending on: whom one believes. It's all in the Mind you know. Ken Smith's Sunday walk in the Glenbrook area saw a party of 28 sweating it out in. conditions that were generally agreed to be 'warm. The walk wasAescribecl as good...
-September 10; 11 had Greta James leading a group of 5 on her, Splendour Rock trip iii. excellent weather with cool, fine conditions. Their numbers increased to :,7 on the return via 'Breakfast Creek as 2 intending participants, delayed by vehicle problems, re-joined the main party after Corning in down the' Tinpot track. Will deferred stages 13 and 14 of the Federation walk dire to a mix-up Over the necessity to book on certain train services. Jan Mohandas had a team of 9 gallopers awaY 'from Kanangra walls at around 0600 on his Saturday stroll from Kanangra to Katoomba. The weather was glorious but Dex Creek was reported as not flowing. Maurice Smith led 4 on his
+September 10, 11 had Greta James leading a group of 5 on her Splendour Rock trip in excellent weather with cool, fine conditions. Their numbers increased to 7 on the return via Breakfast Creek as 2 intending participants, delayed by vehicle problems, re-joined the main party after coming in down the Tinpot track. Wilf deferred stages 13 and 14 of the Federation walk due to a mix-up over the necessity to book on certain train services. Jan Mohandas had a team of 9 gallopers away from Kanangra walls at around 0600 on his Saturday stroll from Kanangra to Katoomba. The weather was glorious but Dex Creek was reported as not flowing. Maurice Smith led 4 on his Saturday walk in the Lane Cove N.P. and Bill Holland had a mob of 34 out enjoying good weather on his Sunday walk to Tootie Creek and back. All of which was probably just a conspiracy to bring the walks reports to an upbeat conclusion.
-Saturday walk in the Lane Cove N.P. and Bill Holland had a mob of 34 out enjoying good weather on his Sunday walk to Tootie Creek And back. All of Which was probably just a conspiracy to bring the walks reports. to an upbeat conclusion.
-The conservation report detailed some of the shortcomings in the NSW government's December 1993 "Christmas gift to our children" by way of wilderness declarations.' The size of wilderness to be declared has shrunk to , 113,000 hectares from an initial area of 350,000 hectares which was the surviving portion of 800,000 hectares assessed, The portions that are now proposed to be declared, survivors of a National Party assault, are small,
+The conservation report detailed some of the shortcomings in the NSW government's December 1993 "Christmas gift to our children" by way of wilderness declarations. The size of wilderness to be declared has shrunk to 113,000 hectares from an initial area of 350,000 hectares which was the surviving portion of 800,000 hectares assessed, The portions that are now proposed to be declared, survivors of a National Party assault, are small, fragmented areas. Some of the proposed declarations have been either lost in the melee or ignored. The last remaining wilderness officer with the NPWS has resigned. There appear to be no plans to replace the position. The opposition is to move a censure motion, providing details of the failures.
-fragmented areas. Some of the proposed declarations have been either lost in the melee or ignored. The last remaining wilderness officer with the NPWS has resigned. There appear tO be no plans to replace the position. The opposition is to move a censure motion, providing details of the failures.
- The Confederation report covered the successful AGM and Bush Dance
+The Confederation report covered the successful AGM and Bush Dance held at Mudgee. There was also some discussion of Confederation's proposed insurance cover for affiliated clubs. It seems the public liability policy may have optional extensions to cover specified risks (such as Coolana)?. There is also an optional, sports injury cover, but details are sketchy to non existent at present.
- held at Mudgee. There was also some discussion of Confederation's proposed insurance cover for affiliated clubs. It seems the public liability policy may have optional. extensions to cover specified risks (such as Coolana)?. There is also an optional, sports injury cover, but details are sketchy to non existent at present.
-The were no matters of general business so we proceeded to the announcements. Once people had all that off their collective chests the meeting closed at 2101. 0
+The were no matters of general business so we proceeded to the announcements. Once people had all that off their collective chests the meeting closed at 2101.
-The Agony of an Uncertain Prospect
+====== The Agony of an Uncertain Prospect ======
 Tom Wellman
-There is, I feel, nothing more - agonising or frustrating than the aspect of a doubtful prospect.
+There is, I feel, nothing more agonising or frustrating than the aspect of a doubtful prospect.
 The more desired the prospect, the greater the anguish caused by the uncertainty of its achievement. h'mm!
- So might many walks leaders feel when confronted by the prospect of their walk 'not going'.
-As a matter of fact, to my somewhat uncertain estimate, not much has been written about the feelings of walks' leaders regarding their , proposed ventures. I intend, in part and in 'some 'small Way to repair -this omission. Firt of all, there is the obligation to commit oneself some three months or more in advance to leading a walk in a certain area at a certain time. -Generally, from my experience, there is
+So might many walks leaders feel when confronted by the prospect of their walk 'not going'.
- a great enthusiasm when a walk is placed' on the programme. Sometimes, however, three months down. the track one tends to wonder about one's motivation. The weather is different for a start, and- ahl the weather!
-Herein lies the cause of many leader's anguish! - and I, am not just
+As a matter of fact, to my somewhat uncertain estimate, not much has been written about the feelings of walks' leaders regarding their proposed ventures. I intend, in part and in some small Way to repair this omission. First of all, there is the obligation to commit oneself some three months or more in advance to leading a walk in a certain area at a certain time. Generally, from my experience, there is a great enthusiasm when a walk is placed on the programme. Sometimes, however, three months down the track one tends to wonder about one's motivation. The weather is different for a start, and- ah! the weather!
- writing about a situation which may occur whilst a walk is in progress.
-In the week leading up to a Walk, the weather is all important, including the weather in Sydney. On A recent proposed expedition I listened with equanimity to the forecasters statement that it- would rain on Monday; Tuesday And possibly 'Wednesday, because he also said that the raio could clear to the north and we were walking in the' west. However, on this occasion, Tuesday came and Went, Wednesday did something similar, but the cloud coyer did not, and neither. did the rain: Clearing to the north became the emotive phrase; the overhead cloud cover and the falling rain became the ghastly reality..
+Herein lies the cause of many leader's anguish! - and I, am not just writing about a situation which may occur whilst a walk is in progress.
- Having gained a number of starters, your average walks leader gets a bit tense about the situation when Thursday turns in a very wet performance. Confident: statements about the weather changing for the good, and of course the statement that what is happening in Sydney bears no relationship to what, is happening in the proposed walking area tend sometimes to sound a bit defensive and don't always convince prospective starters. In the event, the bold and the =informed participate, and then there are those who suddenly have important business meetings; faihily demands, or are feeling a trifle unwell. Some are. refreshingly blunt about the situation though, "Its pissing down outside and
-I'm not coming on your walk" a recent starter advised me. What could I say? It was!! In the event the starter started, We had a great walk, the weather was glorious, and the clearing' to the North took place on Saturday. 0
+In the week leading up to a Walk, the weather is all important, including the weather in Sydney. On a recent proposed expedition I listened with equanimity to the forecasters statement that it  would rain on Monday, Tuesday and possibly Wednesday, because he also said that the rain could clear to the north and we were walking in the west. However, on this occasion, Tuesday came and went, Wednesday did something similar, but the cloud cover did not, and neither did the rain: Clearing to the north became the emotive phrase; the overhead cloud cover and the falling rain became the ghastly reality.
-Wilderness Lost cont'd from p 12 r
-- they get out of their vehicles and off their horses.
+Having gained a number of starters, your average walks leader gets a bit tense about the situation when Thursday turns in a very wet performance. Confident statements about the weather changing for the good, and of course the statement that what is happening in Sydney bears no relationship to what, is happening in the proposed walking area tend sometimes to sound a bit defensive and don't always convince prospective starters. In the event, the bold and the uninformed participate, and then there are those who suddenly have important business meetings; family demands, or are feeling a trifle unwell. Some are refreshingly blunt about the situation though, "Its pissing down outside and I'm not coming on your walk" a recent starter advised me. What could I say? It was!! In the event the starter started, we had a great walk, the weather was glorious, and the clearing to the North took place on Saturday.
-r That wilderness is only for the young and fit. Anyone can enjoy it. A modicum of fitness; which most can achieve, is necessary only for overnight walks.
-r)- Thai. valuable resources are "locked up" in wilderness. This argument overlooks the fact that wilderness consists of the least productive country in the State. Otherwise it would not be Wilderness. "Locking up" this country
- leaves 96% of the State for economic exploitation.
-t> That wilderness is solely for the benefit of bushWalkers. The purpose of declaration is environmental preservation, but supposing it was for the benefit of bushwalkers. Why shouldn't provision be made for this form of recreation, in which. More people participate than in any sport?
-Billions of dollars are "locked up" in sporting facilities. Wilderness preservation is virtually cost free.
-That the areas are not "pristine" Of course they are not. The whole State is affected by some form of development, but the wilderness areas are the best we hive.
-r> That there are pests weeds and feral animals in the areas. Again, of course there are. They are everyvvhere,
-The wilderness campaign has been a boost for environmental awareness. It has brought -nature conservation. to public attention and engendered widespread support. The censure motion, only the third passed in' 55 years, is strong proof of public concern. And, as Pam Allan; 'Shadow Minister for the. Environment, pointed out, it has united the conservation movement. 0 '