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199509 [2016/06/17 18:03] – [Elsie's Tallest Girl] vievems199509 [2016/06/17 19:36] (current) – [Invitation - Wilderness Rescue Practice] vievems
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 by Karen Brading by Karen Brading
  
-"An easy weekend walk including at least 50% with day packs only" the description read of Bill Holland's Meryla Pass walk on the weekend of 516 August. It proved to be a very accurate prediction for some of our party. +"An easy weekend walk including at least 50% with day packs only" the description read of Bill Holland's Meryla Pass walk on the weekend of 5/6 August. It proved to be a very accurate prediction for some of our party. 
-We left the cars at the top of Meryla Pass and strolled down the firetrail on a clear cold morning with the sounds of lyrebirdsand wrens to entertain us. We passed a clearing :where a homestead once stood and reached a Y junction, where a track to the left wound steeply downhill towards our evening camping site and /the right fork led into a dead end at Lake Yarninga+ 
-"We'll drop our packs here", Bill announced. Wed only need daypacks for the sidetrip. "Ofcourse, you can early' your overnight packs if you want to." As no-one was willing to take him tip on his offerwe hid our packs out of sight of the fire trail and set off at 1 1 am feeling slightly lighter. +We left the cars at the top of Meryla Pass and strolled down the firetrail on a clear cold morning with the sounds of lyrebirds and wrens to entertain us. We passed a clearing where a homestead once stood and reached a Y junction, where a track to the left wound steeply downhill towards our evening camping site and the right fork led into a dead end at Lake Yarrunga. 
-There were ten of us - Bill and Fran Holland, Alan and Anita Doherty, Paul Haines, Linda Mallett, Lorraine Bloomfield, Patrick WaSieliwski, Karen and Richard Brading.+ 
 +"We'll drop our packs here", Bill announced. We'only need daypacks for the sidetrip. "Of course, you can carry your overnight packs if you want to."  As no-one was willing to take him up on his offer we hid our packs out of sight of the fire trail and set off at 11am feeling slightly lighter. 
 + 
 +There were ten of us - Bill and Fran Holland, Alan and Anita Doherty, Paul Haines, Linda Mallett, Lorraine Bloomfield, Patrick Wasieliwski, Karen and Richard Brading. 
 After lunch we returned to the junction, passing a group of 4 teenagers accompanied by two dogs. One of them remarked that they had just come down through the bush, pointing to his friend's machete. This seemed strange as the cliffline is only broken by Meryla Pass. After lunch we returned to the junction, passing a group of 4 teenagers accompanied by two dogs. One of them remarked that they had just come down through the bush, pointing to his friend's machete. This seemed strange as the cliffline is only broken by Meryla Pass.
-At the junction we went in search of our packs. From behind the, bushes Paul let out a cry - "My pack is gone!". As everyone arrived we verified that 4 of the 19 packs were missing, clearly stolen. 40% of us were 
-left with day packs only 
  
-We immediately split into small groups to Search the area for signs of other people. Two of us raced back to check on the cars, another two checked the other campsite, while the rest looked around for any clues. +At the junction we went in search of our packs. From behind the bushes Paul let out a cry - "My pack is gone!" As everyone arrived we verified that 4 of the 10 packs were missing, clearly stolen. 40% of us were left with day packs only. 
-Alan used his eagle eyes to spot some fresh disturbance on the 'uphill bank about 500 metres down the dead-end track to the lake. Out of sight we found three of the four missing packs. Only Lorraine's, which was small and light, was still missing. Curiously in one of the three we found a cigarette + 
-lighter wrapped in Lorraine's pack cover, but otherwise the packs were still intact.+We immediately split into small groups to search the area for signs of other people. Two of us raced back to check on the cars, another two checked the other campsite, while the rest looked around for any clues. 
 + 
 +Alan used his eagle eyes to spot some fresh disturbance on the uphill bank about 500 metres down the dead-end track to the lake. Out of sight we found three of the four missing packs. Only Lorraine's, which was small and light, was still missing. Curiously in one of the three we found a cigarette lighter wrapped in Lorraine's pack cover, but otherwise the packs were still intact. 
 Light was failing so we regrouped and made camp outside the locked gate. Clearly the evidence indicated that the 4 teenagers we had passed were the culprits. There were no other people or vehicles in the area. Lorraine enjoyed a smorgasbord dinner and slept in Bill's car. Light was failing so we regrouped and made camp outside the locked gate. Clearly the evidence indicated that the 4 teenagers we had passed were the culprits. There were no other people or vehicles in the area. Lorraine enjoyed a smorgasbord dinner and slept in Bill's car.
-During the evening we decided on a plan to catch them red-handed when they returned to the scene of the crime. The teenagers had already told us when they were being picked up by their parents. So the next morning we replaced the packs and took up strategic positions nearby, knowing they would come back before 1 lam. We even had a camera ready to take their photo at the right moment. + 
-We were correct. At 10:50am, after nearly2 hours in the cold, the sound of barking dogs signalled their return. As two teenagers climbed up the bank straight towards the packs, their dogs sensed three bushwalkers hiding behind the trees. But just before they could give away their positions, Bill jumped up - "Hold it right there!". This startled the teenagers and they fled up the firetrail, dropping Lorraine's pack on their way. Bill continued to holler at them that they were caught and there were more of us up the track. Their two companions were:carrying theirgear and pretended nothing had happened. They all stopped without trouble as they had nowhere to run. An inspection of their gear revealed an identical cigarette lighter to the one we had found the previous evening. +During the evening we decided on a plan to catch them red-handed when they returned to the scene of the crime. The teenagers had already told us when they were being picked up by their parents. So the next morning we replaced the packs and took up strategic positions nearby, knowing they would come back before 11am. We even had a camera ready to take their photo at the right moment. 
-We waited with the teenagers until their fathers arrived and Bill and Alan explained to them What had happened. At 3 pm, 10 bushwalkers crowded into BoWral Police Station to make statements and tied up the 3 available police in the Southern Ilghlands. for 2 hours. Not an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but a suitable end to an eventful weekend. + 
-The moral of this stoiy is - keep Your pack on your back, or it may be found by someone's hound.+We were correct. At 10:50am, after nearly 2 hours in the cold, the sound of barking dogs signalled their return. As two teenagers climbed up the bank straight towards the packs, their dogs sensed three bushwalkers hiding behind the trees. But just before they could give away their positions, Bill jumped up - "Hold it right there!". This startled the teenagers and they fled up the firetrail, dropping Lorraine's pack on their way. Bill continued to holler at them that they were caught and there were more of us up the track.  Their two companions were carrying their gear and pretended nothing had happened. They all stopped without trouble as they had nowhere to run. An inspection of their gear revealed an identical cigarette lighter to the one we had found the previous evening. 
 + 
 +We waited with the teenagers until their fathers arrived and Bill and Alan explained to them what had happened. At 3pm, 10 bushwalkers crowded into Bowral Police Station to make statements and tied up the 3 available police in the Southern Highlands for 2 hours. Not an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but a suitable end to an eventful weekend. 
 + 
 +The moral of this stoiy is - keep your pack on your back, or it may be found by someone's hound.
  
 ===== Dot Butler ===== ===== Dot Butler =====
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 Tasmania 1995\\ by Louise Verdian Tasmania 1995\\ by Louise Verdian
  
-Our group of six congregated over the course of a day at the Youth Hostel in Hobart. We were all greatly excited by the 14 day walk ahead of usIt was to take us along some of the most 'spectacialie coastline Of southern Tasmania and then onto the highest mountains along the Pindar Range. .r +Our group of six congregated over the course of a day at the Youth Hostel in Hobart. We were all greatly excited by the 14 day walk ahead of usIt was to take us along some of the most spectacular coastline of southern Tasmania and then onto the highest mountains along the Pindar Range. 
-The next morning we were all off to a flying start - showers, hearty breakfasts :and that last minute fiddle with the packs:a We trarisferredby bus to. Coclde Creek which waslhe-start of the South'Ceast Track At CockleCreek we were greeted by a very enthusiastic ranger who methodically detailed minimal impact camping and reminded us of a $5,000 fine for lighting fires in the non- beach areas. 4:: + 
-And so it was that each one of us doriifed'a'lieavy but certainlynot unmanageable; '14 day pack and headed off along the South Coast track. Initially the track meandered through light forest and then opened onto a button grass plain 'called the Blowhole Valley. From the valley we obtained wonderful views of Lion Rock, Coal Bluff and finally South Coast Rivulet where we were to camp on our first night. +The next morning we were all off to a flying start - showers, hearty breakfasts and that last minute fiddle with the packs.  We transferred by bus to Cockle Creek which was the start of the South Coast Track.  At Cockle Creek we were greeted by a very enthusiastic ranger who methodically detailed minimal impact camping and reminded us of a $5,000 fine for lighting fires in the non-beach areas. 
-The campsite' 'at South Coast'Rivulet was juxtaposed.. between a well sheltered lagoon &one:side and fearsome wild Ocean an the other. PotarooS frequented the campsites but unlike Ian's visit six years previously there were no platypi to be seen sifting the banks of the lagoon on dusk. + 
-We had an early start the next morning as this section of the trip entailed a steady climb Of about 670 metres. In parts the track became quite, Muddy. It meandered through glorious rainforest onto the South Coast Range.. At the end of the range the track suddenly opened 'onto a rugged cliff that was to be the descent mite Granite Beach. +And so it was that each one of us donned heavy, but certainly not unmanageable14 day pack and headed off along the South Coast track. Initially the track meandered through light forest and then opened onto a button grass plain called the Blowhole Valley. From the valley we obtained wonderful views of Lion Rock, Coal Bluff and finally South Coast Rivulet where we were to camp on our first night. 
-l. + 
-Our descent was aided by a well p 'aced rope and ragged rocky outcrops that provided excellent footholds. Granite Beach was quite an anomaly, a thin strip of beach showered by a dense assortment ,of +The campsite at South Coast Rivulet was juxtaposed between a well sheltered lagoon on one side and fearsome wild ocean on the other. Potaroos frequented the campsites but unlike Ian's visit six years previously there were no platypi to be seen sifting the banks of the lagoon on dusk. 
-boulders and pebbles. At the entrance to the beach was a gentle waterfall. In the middle of the beach was the campsite set on a plateau some 12 metres above the beach. In the far distance the boulders gradually y#0-ted.,and,once again became sand. There was plenty + 
-to'eXplOre the 6M-ire +We had an early start the next morning as this section of the trip entailed a steady climb of about 670 metres. In parts the track became quite muddy. It meandered through glorious rainforest onto the South Coast Range. At the end of the range the track suddenly opened onto a rugged cliff that was to be the descent onto Granite Beach. 
-beach. We ended the evening watching the sea mist roll in to engulf the beach. + 
-Our plans for a sidetrip to South Cape the next day were thWarted. Unfortunately a light drizzle had set and the fluted cliffline was shrouded in ,a heavy blanket of cloud. Instead each tent group packed at their own pace and ambled over to ,Surprise Bay. It wadelightful to climb along a steep track Out of Granite Beach into a rainforest where one's olfactory senses were bombarded by the heady scent of leathei*pod trees. The once muddy track was now carpeted by a confetti of leatherWoOd Petals.  +Our descent was aided by a well placed rope and ragged rocky outcrops that provided excellent footholds. Granite Beach was quite an anomaly, a thin strip of beach showered by a dense assortment of boulders and pebbles. At the entrance to the beach was a gentle waterfall. In the middle of the beach was the campsite set on a plateau some 12 metres above the beach. In the far distance the boulders gradually vanished and once again became sand. There was plenty of time before and after dinner to explore the entire beach. We ended the evening watching the sea mist roll in to engulf the beach. 
-A party of eight had occupied the campsite at Surprise Bay. We back tracked a small way to a Very large campsite that overlooked the beach. Surprise Bay was ideal for fish:Mg.,' Not only were there a number of rocky outcrops from which to throw a line abut at the other end of the beach were waist deep pools where the other party had caught a large crayfish. + 
-The trip from Surprise Bay to Osmiridium beach was an easy day.two hours we were at the campsite beside Taylors creek. After lunch we spent many hours exploring this intriguing beach. The beach was divided +Our plans for a sidetrip to South Cape the next day were thwarted. Unfortunately a light drizzle had set in and the fluted cliffline was shrouded in a heavy blanket of cloud. Instead each tent group packed at their own pace and ambled over to Surprise Bay. It was delightful to climb along a steep track out of Granite Beach into a rainforest where one's olfactory senses were bombarded by the heady scent of leatherwood trees. The once muddy track was now carpeted by a confetti of leatherwood petals 
-into two At the western end one could scramble over the rocks, climb the rocks with,the aid of a rope and end up in a a well hidden private cove. It was probably an ideal place to fish. To get ..to the eastern end of the beach one had to venture a little way out into the sea to get around a rocky outcrop and into the other part of the beaa: It was a curious labyrinth Of rockpools and large expanses of sedimentary rocks. + 
-In the late afternoon we had our first clear glimpses of Precipitous Bluff from the beach. The cloud lifted just long enough to admire themajesty of this 1400 metre Peak, +A party of eight had occupied the campsite at Surprise Bay. We back tracked a small way to a very large campsite that overlooked the beach. Surprise Bay was ideal for fishing. Not only were there a number of rocky outcrops from which to throw a line but at the other end of the beach were waist deep pools where the other party had caught a large crayfish. 
-There was a more serious start to the sixth day of the trip as this day we left those wonderfulisolated beaches and headed inland towards Precipitous Bluff yVithin a couple of hours we had travelled through light forest and then descended very steeply down sand dunes that :overlooked Prion beach and MilfordCreek. We took a 'brief exploratory detour along the sandbank at Priori Beach but quickly realised this route Would become inaccessible. We backtracked to the west bank of Milford creek and climbed steeply up the sand dunes onto a lightly timbered crest then descended again to the sand dunes. + 
-By morning tea we were at the Prion Beach boat crossing. From here one can cross the mouth of New River Lagoon and continue towards the 'ilropbound +The trip from Surprise Bay to Osmiridium beach was an easy day.  Within two hours we were at the campsite beside Taylors creek.  After lunch we spent many hours exploring this intriguing beach. The beach was divided 
- Ranges to Malaleuca. In our case we did not cr'asSAhe lagoon but headed inland, wading through the lagoon for a number Of hours. The lagoon is approximately nine kilometresin length and due to low rainfall was never more than knee deep. Black swans graced the inner parts of the lagoon and at one point we had a brief glimpse of Federation Peak. By early afternoon we had finished wading the warm brackish waters of the Iagoon:andhad settled into a very pretty campsite. The weather remained overcast but the cloud stayed high. +into two parts.  At the western end one could scramble over the rocks, climb the rocks with the aid of a rope and end up in a a well hidden private cove.  It was probably an ideal place to fish. To get to the eastern end of the beach one had to venture a little way out into the sea to get around a rocky outcrop and into the other part of the beach.  It was a curious labyrinth of rockpools and large expanses of sedimentary rocks. 
-The big day had finally arrived - the ascent to Precipitious Bluff High Camp. Cavers Cave was the last place to have a saturation drink and to collect water. From this point we climbed through ancient rainforest. The track was very easy to lose The ribbon markers were either very sparse ornon-existent. + 
-The rainforest ceased abruptly at around 1200 metres. Our track now led us around the base of a precipitous dolorite cliff to a magnificent lunch spot. We had a cloudless view of New River Lagoon, the coastline of Prion Beach and the4ronbound Range. +In the late afternoon we had our first clear glimpses of Precipitous Bluff from the beach. The cloud lifted just long enough to admire the majesty of this 1400 metre peak. 
-As we continued the Climb, theviews became absolutely breathtaking. The final assault was via a narrow gully formed by fallen dolorite columns. We made camp in a small semi sheltered area on the summit. This area was a gently sloping garden of small pandanus, venus fly traps, mosses and 'Alpine grasses. Dolerite boulders were scattered along the peak. + 
-Unfortunately the cloud came over and it quickly became very windy and cold. PesPite,the cloud we still climbed to the summit to make our mark in the logbook.. - On this night everyone retired early to their_tents to cook dinner and sleep. +There was a more serious start to the sixth day of the trip as this day we left those wonderful isolated beaches and headed inland towards Precipitous Bluff.  Within a couple of hours we had travelled through light forest and then descended very steeply down sand dunes that overlooked Prion beach and Milford Creek.  We took a brief exploratory detour along the sandbank at Prion Beach but quickly realised this route would become inaccessible. We backtracked to the west bank of Milford creek and climbed steeply up the sand dunes onto a lightly timbered crest then descended again to the sand dunes. 
-All night our tents were buffeted a furious wind. We spent the next day'inour ,tents likeriing the rage outside. The day after the cloud remained low and gloomy but by this stage, it was time to break canip and head to Precipitous Bluff Low Camp despite the weather.. + 
-Clouds kept rollingoverthe valley throughout the morning ,,but by early afterhoon started to clear. We donned the day packs and made our way back to Precipitous Bluff summit. At 4 pm our two day wait was rewarded by mesmerizing views of Federation and its jagged peaks, the., whole southern coastline, New River Lagoon and the surrounding mountain ranges. +By morning tea we were at the Prion Beach boat crossing. From here one can cross the mouth of New River Lagoon and continue towards the Ironbound Ranges to Melaleuca In our case we did not cross the lagoon but headed inland, wading through the lagoon for a number of hours. The lagoon is approximately nine kilometres in length and due to low rainfall was never more than knee deep. Black swans graced the inner parts of the lagoon and at one point we had a brief glimpse of Federation Peak. By early afternoon we had finished wading the warm brackish waters of the lagoon and had settled into a very pretty campsite. The weather remained overcast but the cloud stayed high. 
-On day nine'we started walking in glorious sunshine. At least the sandfly bites were less itchy. We traversed the Kameruka range. It was mostly scrub-covered boulders and forests of six fool: scrub. From Tramp Camp we were in a mazeof eight foot Pandanus Forest and the track was difficult to find. After lunch at Wylie Knobwe walked onto Wylie Plateau to make camp. Again there were no problems finding water asHuey decided rain, wind and mist were the order of the day. Ian and Paul even decided'to ignore Huey altogether and climb Mt Victoria Cross. " + 
-From,,,Yrylie Plateau our group wandered ,to Ooze Lake via 'Coning Tree Saddle, Pindari Knob and Pindar Peak. On Piri'd' ar Mountain the winds were gusting at about 100 kms per hour. Twoof our members were reduced to crawling up the mountain and hanging ontoany boulder or bush that would secure them to the ground. It was much easier walking on the lee side of Mt Pindar and at afternoon tea some still had enough energy to reach the summit of Mt Pindar while others enjoyed a well earned rest. FromMt Pindar we could review the semicircular route we had walked that day. By late afternoon we were walking down a steep slope towards Ooze Lake. +The big day had finally arrived - the ascent to Precipitious Bluff High Camp. Cavers Cave was the last place to have a saturation drink and to collect water. From this point we climbed through ancient rainforest. The track was very easy to lose.  The ribbon markers were either very sparse or non-existent. 
-Now you may be wondering why its called Ooze Lake. I'm not sure as to the true origin of its name but from observation it would appear that the whole mountainside was oozing with water. There were rivulets of water everywhere and we had a very cramped campsite trying to avoid the watercourses. We also had some trouble with boot-stealing wildlife about an hour after we had retired. A quoll had taken a liking to our leader's left boot. It was found about 10 metres away from his tent in an undamaged state but another party member was not so lucky. She had found one boot that night with a quoll sitting inside it, and the next day, after some considerable searching, found the other boot in the woods but with the tongue and side chewed out of the boot! Nonetheless the boot was still quite useable. + 
-From Ooze Lake we walked via Maxwell Ridge and took a sidetrip to Mt La Perouse and the Cockscomb before arriving at Reservoir Lake. It was a very energetic climb to the summit of Mt La Perouse but our efforts were richly rewarded. The summit was barren exceptfor a few snow diifts. There was also a huge cairn to Which we all added our donation of one rock each. We found a sheltered lunch spot and enjoyed fabulous views over the Swallow Lakes and to the far south including Cockle Creek and the Blow Hole Valley. On the other side of Mt La Perouse summit there were views of the Cockscomb, the Hippo and even Mt Pindar. +The rainforest ceased abruptly at around 1200 metres. Our track now led us around the base of a precipitous dolorite cliff to a magnificent lunch spot. We had a cloudless view of New River Lagoon, the coastline of Prion Beach and the Ironbound Range. 
-Reservoir Lake is actually two tiered lakes joined by a small waterfall. The upper lake has a large quartz-like shelf which leads into a beautiful forest of mature mossy King Billy Pines. From Reservoir Lake we had easy access to Pigsty Ponds and Arndefl Falls. + 
-The rain didn't let up the next day. We set out in light drizzle and Mist and by mid afternoon we were knee deep in mud and "tracks" that were nothing more than fast 'flowing streams. We arrived mid afternoon at Moonlight Flats and ten minutes after the tents were erected the sun was out again. +As we continued the climb, the views became absolutely breathtaking. The final assault was via a narrow gully formed by fallen dolorite columns. We made camp in a small semi sheltered area on the summit. This area was a gently sloping garden of small pandanus, venus fly traps, mosses and Alpine grasses. Dolerite boulders were scattered along the peak. 
-Our last day was spent Wading through muddy tracks but enjoying glorious sunshine. As we traversed the plateau we could see the Hippo and the mountains we had missed the day before. We descended through rainforest saying good-bye to the mountains. By lunchtime we had arrived at an old quarry which was only half an hour from our pickup point.+ 
 +Unfortunately the cloud came over and it quickly became very windy and cold. Despite the cloud we still climbed to the summit to make our mark in the logbook.  On this night everyone retired early to their tents to cook dinner and sleep. 
 + 
 +All night our tents were buffeted by a furious wind. We spent the next day in our tents listening to the rage outside. The day after the cloud remained low and gloomy but by this stage, it was time to break camp and head to Precipitous Bluff Low Camp despite the weather. 
 + 
 +Clouds kept rolling over the valley throughout the morning but by early afterhoon started to clear. We donned the day packs and made our way back to Precipitous Bluff summit. At 4pm our two day wait was rewarded by mesmerizing views of Federation and its jagged peaks, the whole southern coastline, New River Lagoon and the surrounding mountain ranges. 
 + 
 +On day nine we started walking in glorious sunshine. At least the sandfly bites were less itchy. We traversed the Kameruka range. It was mostly scrub-covered boulders and forests of six foot scrub. From Tramp Camp we were in a maze of eight foot Pandanus Forest and the track was difficult to find. After lunch at Wylie Knob we walked onto Wylie Plateau to make camp. Again there were no problems finding water as Huey decided rain, wind and mist were the order of the day. Ian and Paul even decided to ignore Huey altogether and climb Mt Victoria Cross. 
 + 
 +From Wylie Plateau our group wandered to Ooze Lake via Leaning Tree Saddle, Pindari Knob and Pindar Peak. On Pindar Mountain the winds were gusting at about 100 kms per hour. Two of our members were reduced to crawling up the mountain and hanging on to any boulder or bush that would secure them to the ground. It was much easier walking on the lee side of Mt Pindar and at afternoon tea some still had enough energy to reach the summit of Mt Pindar while others enjoyed a well earned rest.  From Mt Pindar we could review the semicircular route we had walked that day. By late afternoon we were walking down a steep slope towards Ooze Lake. 
 + 
 +Now you may be wondering why it'called Ooze Lake. I'm not sure as to the true origin of its name but from observation it would appear that the whole mountainside was oozing with water. There were rivulets of water everywhere and we had a very cramped campsite trying to avoid the watercourses. We also had some trouble with boot-stealing wildlife about an hour after we had retired. A quoll had taken a liking to our leader's left boot. It was found about 10 metres away from his tent in an undamaged state but another party member was not so lucky. She had found one boot that night with a quoll sitting inside it, and the next day, after some considerable searching, found the other boot in the woods but with the tongue and side chewed out of the boot! Nonetheless the boot was still quite useable. 
 + 
 +From Ooze Lake we walked via Maxwell Ridge and took a sidetrip to Mt La Perouse and the Cockscomb before arriving at Reservoir Lake. It was a very energetic climb to the summit of Mt La Perouse but our efforts were richly rewarded. The summit was barren except for a few snow drifts. There was also a huge cairn to which we all added our donation of one rock each. We found a sheltered lunch spot and enjoyed fabulous views over the Swallow Lakes and to the far south including Cockle Creek and the Blow Hole Valley. On the other side of Mt La Perouse summit there were views of the Cockscomb, the Hippo and even Mt Pindar. 
 + 
 +Reservoir Lake is actually two tiered lakes joined by a small waterfall. The upper lake has a large quartz-like shelf which leads into a beautiful forest of mature mossy King Billy Pines. From Reservoir Lake we had easy access to Pigsty Ponds and Arndell Falls. 
 + 
 +The rain didn't let up the next day. We set out in light drizzle and mist and by mid afternoon we were knee deep in mud and "tracks" that were nothing more than fast flowing streams. We arrived mid afternoon at Moonlight Flats and ten minutes after the tents were erected the sun was out again. 
 + 
 +Our last day was spent wading through muddy tracks but enjoying glorious sunshine. As we traversed the plateau we could see the Hippo and the mountains we had missed the day before. We descended through rainforest saying good-bye to the mountains. By lunchtime we had arrived at an old quarry which was only half an hour from our pickup point.
 It had been a wonderful trip full of contrast and adventure. Thanks again Ian for a truly memorable experience.  It had been a wonderful trip full of contrast and adventure. Thanks again Ian for a truly memorable experience. 
  
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 by Barry Wallace by Barry Wallace
  
-The meeting began at around 2015 with some 25 or so Members present and the president presiding. The call for apologies brought no response so we moved on to welcome our sole new member for the night, Paul McCann. Paul isn't really a new new member, he just hasn't been available in the clubroom for welcome recently. The minutes of the July general meeting were read and received with no matters arising.+The meeting began at around 2015 with some 25 or so members present and the president presiding. The call for apologies brought no response so we moved on to welcome our sole new member for the night, Paul McCann. Paul isn't really a //new// new member, he just hasn't been available in the clubroom for welcome recently. The minutes of the July general meeting were read and received with no matters arising
 + 
 +Correspondence saw a letter of resignation from Ken Gould. We also received a letter from the NSW Minister for Land and Water Conservation advising us that a section of the Benowie Track which passes through an area having a predicted non zero level of exposure to ricochets from the nearby small arms firing range will have an alternative route surveyed and signposted for those souls who do not engage in games of probability at any odds. There was a letter from Elizabeth Ratcliff and Steve Lengakis advising us that someone (presumably a 4WD desperate) has used a bolt cutter to cut the chain on the gate at Coolana.  They also noted that someone had removed the nameplate from Dot's sapling but we were reassured from the body of the meeting that it has merely been taken away to repair the ravages of weathering.  A subscriptions due notice from Confederation completed the tally of incoming items.  For outgoing correspondence we sent a letter of thanks to a farmer who had provided access through his property near Glen Davis. As a matter of courtesy any party going to that area should check with the owner before entering the property. 
 + 
 +The walks secretary then presented the walks report. This began at the weekend of 15,16 July with Jan Mohandas leading some 23 souls on his Morton NP walk in what they described as perfect weather with cold winds and clear conditions. Maurie Bloom's cycling trip around Thirlrnere on the Saturday is reported to have gone but that's about as much as we know. Ken Smith led 8 on his Sunday leg stretcher from Glenbrook to Woodford. It turned out to be a full day by the sound of things, they caught the 1920 train at Woodford. The other two Sunday walks were not quite as strenuous. Laurie Bore led 20 on his Boudi NP "glorious beaches" walk and Bronny Niemeyer had 24 enjoying the wildflowers on her Loftus to Waterfall ramble. There was a bit of a mystery about 8 walkers who absconded without notice from Bronny's walk, but whether this was due to navigational difficulties or to the urgings of some inner caffeine or food deprived voice is unclear. 
 + 
 +The weekend of 21,22,23 July saw a dearth of details for Kenn Clacher's two day ski touring trip out from Dead Horse Gap. There were maybe 4 bods on the trip but we knew no more.  Wilf Hilder's series of Great South Walks has fallen out of synchronism with the walks program and he actually led some other section than the one programmed for the 3 Starters who went with him. Morag Ryder described her Katoomba to Leura Saturday walk as good on behalf of the 10 walkers who attended. There was no report for Tony Mayne's 24 km walk in The Royal the same day but Ron Waters reported 25 on his Wondabyne to Wondabyne Sunday Walk. They noticed the less than commodious accommodation at Wondabyne railway station while waiting for their train on what turned out to be a wet, cold afternoon. Dick Weston had some initial delays with his Sunday trip to Mount Solitary but the 19 starters eventually got going and managed to return to the cars through late rain showers at around 1700. 
 + 
 +There were no details available to the meeting of Ian Wolfe's 3 day ski touring trip over the 27 to 30 July. All indications are that there should not have been any lack of the basic ingredient. Ian Debert led a party of 4 on his Megalong Valley weekend walk. The Saturday was fine and windy but it turned out wet on the Sunday. Anne Maguire reported a party of 17 on her Grand Canyon walk on the Saturday enjoying a nice day and a good walk. Ken Smith's 60km leg stretcher from Wentworth Falls to Glenbrook the same day attracted 2 starters. Of the Sunday walks, Frank Sandor led 27 on his Lane Cove River trip and Eddie Giacomel had 22 on his Colo River Tootle Creek walk. 
 + 
 +The following weekend saw another Ian Woolfe ski touring trip mystery, with a scheduled four day trip and no details. Bill Holland's Meryla Pass walk was full of details just to balance the books. It seems the party of 10 had left their packs in the bush a little off the track near a junction and gone down one of the tracks toward the river when they met another party of four young people, accompanied by two dogs, travelling the same way. They discussed the matter of dogs being prohibited inside NPWS areas and generally passed the time of day with them. They were puzzled by their assertion that they had not come down the track the same way as Bill's mob but thought no more of it until they returned to their packs and found four of them missing. In the ensuing mill about and search Allan Doherty spotted some drag marks leading up a steep bank from a section of the track. A check along the drag marks revealed three of the missing packs stashed in two separate hiding places.  After an uncomfortable and worried night the party staked out the area around the hiding place at about the time the four had indicated they would be leaving to be picked up by parents. The dogs almost gave the game away, but the thieves were so busy discussing who should pick up which pack that they walked right in. Gotcha! 
 + 
 +They had the missing pack with them so after a search of all to retrieve separated and missing items, Bill's mob accompanied them to their pick up point, where they discussed the matter with the two cars of parents who turned up to collect them. The difference in responses from the two groups of parents was illuminating it seems. They then went on to report the incident at the nearest police station. 
 + 
 +Meanwhile Wilf (remember Wilf?), was busy conducting the asynchronous non-final Stages 17 and 18 of the Great South Walk with a party of 4. The only item of note seems to have been that they experienced curiously windless conditions on the Saturday. Tony Maynes' Saturday day walk from Bundeena to Otford along the rocks attracted 5 starters and was described as a brilliant walk on a sparkling day. Tony Crighton led a party of 21 plus one blow-in (Dick Weston) on his Leura to Bluegum and return trip. Good views were reported as a feature of the walk. Jim Calloway's Heathcote to Bundeena walk was slowed a bit by an injured prospective. They reported the park as recovering but still providing easier than usual walking in the aftermath of the bushfires. Doesn't it just make you long for the days when the scrub was.... And that was the end of the walks report.
  
-Correspondence saw a letter of resignation from Ken Gould. We also received a letter from the NSW Minister for Land and Water ConservatiOn advising us that a section of the genowie Track whieh passes through an area having a predicted non zero level of: exposure to ,riCochets from the nearby small arms firing range will have' an alternative route surveyed and signposted for those souls who do not engage in games of probability at any odds. There Was a letter from Elizabeth Ratcliff and Steve Lengakis advising us that someone (presumably a 4WD desperate) has used a -bolt cutter' t co cut the chain on the gate at Coolaria. They also noted that someone had removed the nameplate from Dot's sapling but we were reassured from the body of the 'meeting that it has merely been taken away to repair : the ravages of weathering. A subscriptions due notice from Confederation completed the tally of incoming kerns for outgoing correspondence we sent a letter of thanks to a farmer who had provided access through his property near Glen Davis. As a matter Of courtesy any party going to that area should check with the owner before entering the property. 
-The walks secretary then presented the walks report. This began at the weekend of 15, 16 July with Jan Mohandas leading some 23 souls on his Morton NP walk in what they described as perfect weather with cold wirids and clear conditions. Maurie Bloom's cycling trip around Thirlrnere on the Saturday is reported to have gone but that's about as Much as we know. Ken Smith led 8 on his Sunday legStretcher from Gleribrook to Woodford. It turned out to be a full day by the sound of things; they caught the 1920 train at Woodford. The ,other two Sunday walks were not quite as strenuous. Laurie Bore led 20 on; his Saudi NP "glorious beaches" walk and Bron ny Niemeyer had 24 enjoying the wildflowers on her Loftus to Waterfall ramble. There was a bit 'Of :a Mystery about 8 walkers who absconded without notice from Bronny's walk, but whether this Was due to navigational difficulties or to the urgings of some inner Caffeine or food deprived Voice is undear. 
-The weekend of 21, 22, 23 July saw a dearth of details for Kenn Clacher's two day ski touting trip out from Dead Horse Gap. There were maybe 4 bods on the trip but we knew no more: Wilf Hilder's. series of Great South Walks has fallen out of synchronism with the walks program and he actually led some other section than the one programmed for the'3 Starters who went with him. Morag Ryder described her Katoomba to LeUra Saturday walk as good on behalf of. the 1,0 walkers who attended. There was no report for Tony Mayne's 24 km walk in The Royal the same day;: but Ron Waters reported 25 on his Wondabyne to Wondabyne Sunday Walk. 'They riotieed the less than commodious accommodation at Wondabyne railway station while waiting for their train on what turned out to be a wet, cold afternoon. Dick Weston had some initial delays with his Sunday trip to Mount Solitary but the 19 starters eventually got going and managed to return to. the cars through late rain showers at around 1'700. 
-There were no details available to the meeting of Ian Wolfe's 3 day ski touring trip Over the 27 to 30 July. All indications are that there Should not have been any lack of the basic ingredient: Ian Debert led a party of 4 on his Megalong Valley weekend walk. The Saturday was fine and windy but it turned out wet on the Sunday. Anne Maguire reported a party of 17. on her Grand Canyon walk on the Saturday enjoying a nice day and a. good walk. Ken Smith's 60km legstretcher from Wentworth Falls to Glenbrook' the same day attracted 2 starters. Of the Sunday walks, Frank Sandor led 27 on his Lane COve River trip and Eddie Giaoomel had 22 on his Colo River Tootle Creek walk. 
-The following weekend saw another Ian Woolfe ski touring trip mystery, with a scheduled four day trip and no details. Bill Holland's Meryla Pass walk was: full of details just to balance the books.. It seems the party of 10 had left their' packs in the bush a little off the track near a junction and gone down one of the tracks toward the river when they met another party of four. young people, accompanied by two dogs, travelling the same way. They discussed the matter of dogs being 'prohibited inside NPWS areas and generally passed the time of day with them. They were puzzled by their assertion that they had not come down the track the same way as Bill's mob but thought no more. of it until they returned to their packs and found four of them missing. In the ensuing mill about and search Allan Doherty spotted some drag marks leading up a steep bank from a section of the track. A check along the drag marks revealed three , of the missing packs stashed in two separate hiding places. After an 
-uncomfortable and worried night the party staked out the area around the hiding place' at about the time the four had indicated they Would be leaving tO be picked up by parents.. The 'dogs almost gave the game away, but the thieves were so busy discussing who should pick up which pack that they walked right in. Gotcha! 
-They had the missing pack with them so after a search of all to retrieve separated arid missing items, Bill's mob. accompanied them to their pick up point; where they discussed the matter with the two cars of parents who turned. up to collect them. The difference in responses from the two groups of parents Was illuminating it seems. They then went on to report the incident at the nearest police station. . 
-. Meanwhile Wilf, (remember Wilf?), was busy conducting the asynchronous non-final Stages 17 and 18 of the Great :South Walk with a party of 4. The only item Of note: seems to have been that they experienced curiously windless conditions on the Saturday. Tony Maynes' Saturday day walk from Bundeena to Otford along the rocks attracted 5 starters and was 'described as a brilliant walk on a sparkling day. Tony Crighton led a party of 21 plus one blow-in (Dick Weston) on his Leura to Bluegum and return trip. Good views were reported as a feature of the walk. : Jim Calloway's Heathoote to Bundeena walk was slowed a bit by an injured prospective: They reported the. park. as recovering but still providing easier than usual walking in the aftermath of the bushfires. Doesn't it just make you long for the days when the scrub Was And that was the end of the walks report:  
 The treasurer reported that we spent $5,648 and closed with a balance of $1,228. The treasurer reported that we spent $5,648 and closed with a balance of $1,228.
- Confederation report was short, mainly Concerning. their intention to write to the NSW Ministerfor Land and Water Conservation aboutthe problems of access to parks through inholdings on park boundaries. The report triggered an extended debate about confederation and our relationship to it. It would bediffi cult to summarise the debate here, as it roved over insurance, membership fees and the calculation thereof, the changing role of search and rescue, and conservation issues. Maybe someone willwrite an article about it for the magazine, + 
-Consetvation report brought news of an apparent improvement in the outlook for conservation under the new NSW government. It seems Pam Allen has indicated that.'Rocky Creek will be added to the Wolgan NationalPark. There is also an intention to declareAhree More national parks and make 'additions to theareas of the south east forest that are ProtectedSomel Wilderness declarations are expected within thenext 12 months and moves are underway to protect the remaining remnants of old growthforest. The newly cotporatised Sydney Water appears to be taking a restrictive and hard nosed attitude to bushwalker access routes through the exclusion areas in the Warragamba catchment. To date there seems to have been no action on our complaint about damageto Bungonia Gorge by adjacent mining activities.  +Confederation report was short, mainly concerning their intention to write to the NSW Minister for Land and Water Conservation about the problems of access to parks through inholdings on park boundaries. The report triggered an extended debate about confederation and our relationship to it. It would be difficult to summarise the debate here, as it roved over insurance, membership fees and the calculation thereof, the changing role of search and rescue, and conservation issues. Maybe someone will write an article about it for the magazine. 
-When the call was made for general businessthere was none to be had so the president moved on to the announcements and then closed the meeting at 2158 with a demure and almost inaudible strike of the gong.+ 
 +Conservation report brought news of an apparent improvement in the outlook for conservation under the new NSW government. It seems Pam Allen has indicated that Rocky Creek will be added to the Wolgan National Park.  There is also an intention to declare three more national parks and make additions to the areas of the south east forest that are protectedSome 7 wilderness declarations are expected within the next 12 months and moves are underway to protect the remaining remnants of old growth forest. The newly corporatised Sydney Water appears to be taking a restrictive and hard nosed attitude to bushwalker access routes through the exclusion areas in the Warragamba catchment. To date there seems to have been no action on our complaint about damage to Bungonia Gorge by adjacent mining activities.  
 + 
 +When the call was made for general business there was none to be had so the president moved on to the announcements and then closed the meeting at 2158 with a demure and almost inaudible strike of the gong.
  
 ===== Wilderness Rescue ===== ===== Wilderness Rescue =====
  
-"NAV 95" +"NAV 95"\\ pleasing result for SBW
-PLEASING RESULT FOR SBW+
  
-SBW was Well represented in the one-day competition of the Wilderness Search and Rescue's NAV '95 Rog2iining competition held on the weekend of 24/25 June. This is probably the premier rogainirig event on the NSW calender and this year attracted over 100 entries in the one and two day eventsThere were teams from bushwalking clubs, SES, Police Rescue, BushfireBrigades, and other organ sat including +SBW was well represented in the one-day competition of the Wilderness Search and Rescue's NAV '95 Rogaining competition held on the weekend of 24/25 June. This is probably the premier rogaining event on the NSW calender and this year attracted over 100 entries in the one and two day events.  There were teams from bushwalking clubs, SES, Police Rescue, Bushfire Brigades, and other organisations including some from interstate. 
-some from interstate+ 
-An SBW team of Edith Baker and Kenn Chlacher came second in the one-day event. Other teams to enjoy the day were KenSmith, Bob Horder and Ken Chaing, who also scored well before losing points for arriving home late, and Maurice Smith,Angelica Langley, Bill Ridley and Margaret Sheens who acquitted themselves very well. +An SBW team of Edith Baker and Kenn Chlacher came second in the one-day event. Other teams to enjoy the day were Ken Smith, Bob Horder and Ken Chaing, who also scored well before losing points for arriving home late, and Maurice Smith, Angelica Langley, Bill Ridley and Margaret Sheens who acquitted themselves very well. 
-.Results for the one dayevent were: + 
-Class 1ANC BushwalkerS, 600 pts; Sydney BuShwalkers, 580 pts; 3 Peaks Busliwalkers, 580 pts and Berrima Rescue SqUad,VRA, 480 pts. +Results for the one day event were: 
-Class 2: NordicSki Club, 360 pts..+ 
 +Class 1ANC Bushwalkers, 600 pts; Sydney Bushwalkers, 580 pts; 3 Peaks Bushwalkers, 580 pts and Berrima Rescue Squad VRA, 480 pts. 
 + 
 +Class 2: Nordic Ski Club, 360 pts.
  
  
Line 316: Line 355:
  
 The next practice weekend is in the Newnes Plateau region on 14 & 15 October 1995. The next practice weekend is in the Newnes Plateau region on 14 & 15 October 1995.
 +
 The practice will be a two day simulated search to test and build on search and rescue skills. This will be a team building exercise, drawing on skills picked up in previous instructional weekends, as well as those gained from your own bushwalking experience. The practice will be a two day simulated search to test and build on search and rescue skills. This will be a team building exercise, drawing on skills picked up in previous instructional weekends, as well as those gained from your own bushwalking experience.
  
199509.1466150607.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/06/17 18:03 by vievems

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