SBW Magazine & History Project

User Tools

Site Tools

Trace:
199603

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision		Previous revision
Last revisionBoth sides next revision
199603 [2020/04/16 17:43] – ljclarke6199603 [2020/04/16 19:04] – ljclarke6
Line 93: Line 93:
 ====== The South Coast of Tasmania ====== ====== The South Coast of Tasmania ======
  
-**Brian Holden**  +**Brian Holden **  
-29/02/96+ 29/02/96
  
  I was looking forward to getting back to Tassy since I rode about 500 km with 1200 cyclists (organised by Bicycle Victoria) last January. Cycling off the main roads in Tasmania nicely compliments bushwalking that charming little state. Hobart alone justifies a trip down there.  I was looking forward to getting back to Tassy since I rode about 500 km with 1200 cyclists (organised by Bicycle Victoria) last January. Cycling off the main roads in Tasmania nicely compliments bushwalking that charming little state. Hobart alone justifies a trip down there.
Line 117: Line 117:
  
 We had not experienced rain at all. As some locals were claiming that that was unheard of, I probably won't go back to repeat a walk which could never be as good.  We had not experienced rain at all. As some locals were claiming that that was unheard of, I probably won't go back to repeat a walk which could never be as good. 
 +
  
 ====== Is this the 'Last' Volley? ====== ====== Is this the 'Last' Volley? ======
Line 142: Line 143:
  
 "Sans wine, sans song, sans walker, sans shoe sans end" .. Omar Khayyam . (with apologies)  "Sans wine, sans song, sans walker, sans shoe sans end" .. Omar Khayyam . (with apologies) 
 +
  
 ====== Legal Aspects of Bushwalking Leadership ====== ====== Legal Aspects of Bushwalking Leadership ======
Line 162: Line 164:
  
 Breach of any of these terms may give rise to legal action. The contractual aspect of an activity should be considered when effecting insurance cover. Breach of any of these terms may give rise to legal action. The contractual aspect of an activity should be considered when effecting insurance cover.
 +
  
 ====== FROM THE CLUBROOM ====== ====== FROM THE CLUBROOM ======
Line 256: Line 259:
 ====== Are There Defences Against Leeches? ====== ====== Are There Defences Against Leeches? ======
  
-Peter Miller +**Peter Miller** 
-Down along the Clyde River in the Budawangs on Maurice Smiths gourmet walk they were everywhere, waving their nasty little heads in the direction of their next meal - us./ "They" of course were the leeches. It was raining when we pulled into - Yadborough Flat camping area an the leeches were already there + 
-r> P1 1 a from P10 +Down along the Clyde River in the Budawangs on Maurice Smith's gourmet walk they were everywhere, waving their nasty little heads in the direction of their next meal - us. "They" of course were the leeches. It was raining when we pulled into Yadborough Flat camping area and the leeches were already there waiting for us; hungry, agile, resourceful and numerous. 
-waiting for us; hungry, agile, resourceful and numerous.. + 
-As we. walked through the wet undergrowth by the river we were attacked, from all sides and had to develop strategies to repel , our repulsive, unwanted boarders. Having plenty of time to think about the problem as we trudged along in the rain and observing the varying degrees in which we were attacked I offer the following suggestions as a means of minimising the number of bights you are likely to get. +As we walked through the wet undergrowth by the river we were attacked from all sides and had to develop strategies to repel our repulsive, unwanted boarders. Having plenty of time to think about the problem as we trudged along in the rain and observing the varying degrees in which we were attacked I offer the following suggestions as a means of minimising the number of bites you are likely to get. 
-Weir white. joggers or sandshoes to make it easier to see them getting their first lift off the ground on their way to your succulent anldes.+ 
 +1. Wear white joggers or sandshoes to make it easier to see them getting their first lift off the ground on their way to your succulent ankles. 
 2. Wear long, close woven nylon socks instead of woollen socks as they seem to have difficulty penetrating the nylon. Panty hose can be worn for the same reason but they tend to tear and wear out. 2. Wear long, close woven nylon socks instead of woollen socks as they seem to have difficulty penetrating the nylon. Panty hose can be worn for the same reason but they tend to tear and wear out.
-3. Carry a can of pump action insect repellent such as Rid or Aerogard and spray your footwear, socks and legs before starting out. (Crossing rivers and creeks and rain washes the repellent ;off and it is necessary to reapply it.) The pump action repellent is best as it can also be sprayed onto those leaches which still manage to get a hold and causes them to quickly drop off. Pump action repellents also save you from hiving the evil tasting chemicals on your hands at meal times.+ 
 +3. Carry a can of pump action insect repellent such as Rid or Aerogard and spray your footwear, socks and legs before starting out. (Crossing rivers and creeks and rain washes the repellent off and it is necessary to reapply it.) The pump action repellent is best as it can also be sprayed onto those leaches which still manage to get a hold and causes them to quickly drop off. Pump action repellents also save you from having the evil tasting chemicals on your hands at meal times. 
 4. Do not wear gaiters as the leeches get inside where they cannot be seen and happily fill themselves at their mobile blood bank - you. 4. Do not wear gaiters as the leeches get inside where they cannot be seen and happily fill themselves at their mobile blood bank - you.
-5. Keep an eye on each others feet and legs and warn when leeches get through defences. + 
-6. Sleep in a tent with a sewn floor to repel invaders (no, they don't sleep at night). - If you are sleeping under a fly apply rep'ellent to your face and neck before going to sleep. +5. Keep an eye on each others' feet and legs and warn when leeches get through defences. 
-7. Strong soap, Tea tree oil, peifume or deodorant will act as a deterrent if you do not have insect repellent but remember to reapply it as it is washed off.+ 
 +6. Sleep in a tent with a sewn floor to repel invaders (no, they don't sleep at night). If you are sleeping under a fly apply repellent to your face and neck before going to sleep. 
 + 
 +7. Strong soap, Tea tree oil, perfume or deodorant will act as a deterrent if you do not have insect repellent but remember to reapply it as it is washed off. 
 I hope these observations will help You be better prepared when you are next going into known leech country. I hope these observations will help You be better prepared when you are next going into known leech country.
 +
 (Of course, the only totally reliable defence is to stay home and mow the lawn but that is not a course of action to be recommended.) (Of course, the only totally reliable defence is to stay home and mow the lawn but that is not a course of action to be recommended.)
-Change of date+ 
 +====== Change of date ====== 
 My Berowra, Mount Ku-Ring Gai, Berowra day walk on Saturday, May 4 has been postponed until the following weekend, Sunday, May 11. My Berowra, Mount Ku-Ring Gai, Berowra day walk on Saturday, May 4 has been postponed until the following weekend, Sunday, May 11.
-Peter Miller + 
-Weeding at Coolana +**Peter Miller** 
-Eradicating (or 'controlling') the weeds at Coolana seemed a rather daunting prospect when I first saw it and 111 admit that I thought it was quite impossible. Now, only a month or so later, the progress that's been made is amazing and now I'm convinced that the weeds can be licked (no - we'll poison the nettles and scotch thistles).+ 
 + 
 +====== Weeding at Coolana ====== 
 + 
 +Eradicating (or 'controlling') the weeds at Coolana seemed a rather daunting prospect when I first saw it and I'll admit that I thought it was quite impossible. Now, only a month or so later, the progress that's been made is amazing and now I'm convinced that the weeds can be licked (no - we'll poison the nettles and scotch thistles). 
 There are a great number of volunteer bush care groups in NSW and they all seem to be doing a very worthwhile job. Ed There are a great number of volunteer bush care groups in NSW and they all seem to be doing a very worthwhile job. Ed
-The following, submitted by Alex Colley, is an extract from a recent issue of "Hut News" the Blue Mountains Conservation Society Newsletter. + 
-It can be done! + 
-When you first stand in a weed infested gully and look around you, and look at the small amount of work you have achieved. that day, it seems hopeless. To clear all the weeds from this area will take forever, and with just a few people working only one morning a montkies impossible! +//The following, submitted by Alex Colley, is an extract from a recent issue of "Hut News" the Blue Mountains Conservation Society Newsletter.// 
-Popes Glen looked like one of those jobs less than four years ago. There were pine trees, laurels, cotoneasters, and holly, and masses of honeysuckle " - and ivy covered the ground and climbed over scrubs and up trees, thriving in a thick mulch of pine needles. r> P12 + 
-PAGE 12 +**It can be done!** 
-THE SYDNEY BUSITWALKER +When you first stand in a weed infested gully and look around you, and look at the small amount of work you have achieved. that day, it seems hopeless. To clear all the weeds from this area will take forever, and with just a few people working only one morning a month is impossible! 
-MARCH 1996 + 
-< from Pll weed control +Popes Glen looked like one of those jobs less than four years ago. There were pine trees, laurels, cotoneasters, and holly, and masses of honeysuckle and ivy covered the ground and climbed over scrubs and up trees, thriving in a thick mulch of pine needles.  
-The Popes Glen Bush care Group works on the last Saturday morning of each month from 9 to I. At the end of every month heaps of ivy and honeysuckle, and enormous stacks of holly and laurel and cotoneaster have been collected from the i-oad above by the council, small pine trees browned off and died.+ 
 +The Popes Glen Bush Care Group works on the last Saturday morning of each month from 9 to 1. At the end of every month heaps of ivy and honeysuckle, and enormous stacks of holly and laurel and cotoneaster have been collected from the road above by the council, small pine trees browned off and died. 
 One week day a number of large pine trees were cut down by contractors and their wood stacked beside the road. One week day a number of large pine trees were cut down by contractors and their wood stacked beside the road.
-What a transformation! Tall eucalypts and other native trees are recovering their strength after the long struggle to survive under the weight of the parasitic ivy. Freed from the creeping weeds, luscious tree ferns spread their fronds, and on the seemingly bare ground, ferns and tiny seedlings had been waiting for the chance to start growing. Gahnias have been planted beside the creek, and eucalypt saplings. Weed mats have been put down on the steep bank near the road and wattle planted. Steps have been built down the bank and a track' marked to the creek and eventually there will be a walking track along the creek to join up with the present Popes Glen Track so people won't have to walk along the road.+ 
 +What a transformation! Tall eucalypts and other native trees are recovering their strength after the long struggle to survive under the weight of the parasitic ivy. Freed from the creeping weeds, luscious tree ferns spread their fronds, and on the seemingly bare ground, ferns and tiny seedlings had been waiting for the chance to start growing. Gahnias have been planted beside the creek, and eucalypt saplings. Weed mats have been put down on the steep bank near the road and wattle planted. Steps have been built down the bank and a track marked to the creek and eventually there will be a walking track along the creek to join up with the present Popes Glen Track so people won't have to walk along the road. 
 Today you can stand in the gully and look around you and see the patches of good reclaimed bushland steadily increasing. In years down the track no-one will remember the weeds and people will walk through a pretty gully of tall eucalypts with understorey of tree ferns and other native shade and moisture loving plants. Today you can stand in the gully and look around you and see the patches of good reclaimed bushland steadily increasing. In years down the track no-one will remember the weeds and people will walk through a pretty gully of tall eucalypts with understorey of tree ferns and other native shade and moisture loving plants.
-What a wonderful result a small group of volunteers can achieve! 0 + 
-The February 1996 General Meeting. +What a wonderful result a small group of volunteers can achieve!  
-Barry Wallace+ 
 +====== The February 1996 General Meeting ====== 
 + 
 +**Barry Wallace** 
 Around 2013, with the assembled multitude numbering some 22 or so, it all got too much for the president so she called the meeting to order. The call for apologies brought these forth for Jim Calloway, Tony Holgate and Jan Roberts. Around 2013, with the assembled multitude numbering some 22 or so, it all got too much for the president so she called the meeting to order. The call for apologies brought these forth for Jim Calloway, Tony Holgate and Jan Roberts.
 +
 There were no new members for welcome so we went on to the minutes of the previous meeting. These were read and received with no matters arising. There were no new members for welcome so we went on to the minutes of the previous meeting. These were read and received with no matters arising.
 +
 Correspondence was comprised, strangely enough, of various letters. There was one from Confederation regarding a proposal to set up a Blue Mountains Crossing walking route. It seems Correspondence was comprised, strangely enough, of various letters. There was one from Confederation regarding a proposal to set up a Blue Mountains Crossing walking route. It seems
 Scripture Union Bushwalkers have an idea under consideration for a marked route across the mountains. Sounds vaguely familiar for some reason. We can only hope their deliberations are guided such that they follow the pattern of those before them and work out why it's not such a good idea before too much damage is done. Confederation is seeking a communications officer, human that is. We received a copy of the minutes of the Confederation's January general meeting. There was no outgoing correspondence. Scripture Union Bushwalkers have an idea under consideration for a marked route across the mountains. Sounds vaguely familiar for some reason. We can only hope their deliberations are guided such that they follow the pattern of those before them and work out why it's not such a good idea before too much damage is done. Confederation is seeking a communications officer, human that is. We received a copy of the minutes of the Confederation's January general meeting. There was no outgoing correspondence.
-The treasurer reported in absentia that we received income of '$1,102 and spent $1,098. + 
-Not only were the statistics absent from the walks report, there was a sort of apology, though whether this was for the presence in the past or absence on this occasion was unclear. The final conclusion seemed to be that the statistics are in suspense. So, if you think they were the greatest thing since sliced bread, or are unmoved by being told how many Sydharbs of drinking water your backyard pool consumes every rnilennia, tell Eddie. It's unlikely you'll make any difference, but it is good to have the people feel they have a role to play in the democratic process.+The treasurer reported in absentia that we received income of $1,102 and spent $1,098. 
 + 
 +Not only were the statistics absent from the walks report, there was a sort of apology, though whether this was for the presence in the past or absence on this occasion was unclear. The final conclusion seemed to be that the statistics are in suspense. So, if you think they were the greatest thing since sliced bread, or are unmoved by being told how many Sydharbs of drinking water your backyard pool consumes every milennia, tell Eddie. It's unlikely you'll make any difference, but it is good to have the people feel they have a role to play in the democratic process. 
 The walks reports began at the weekend of January 13, 14 with Peter Miller leading a party of 5 on a hot, cicada saturated walk on Marramarra Creek. The walk was pleasant and relaxed but the presence of trail bikes and a utility on the tracks beyond the access barrier detracted from the pleasure somewhat. Odd how quickly and unbidden the phrase "beer swilling overweight yobbos with mobile phones" sprang to mind on first sight. One should not so quickly rush to judgment, but they were each clutching a stubby, except for the one who had chosen to decorate a nearby tree with his empty, the were overweigh, overbelt in fact, and one of them had a mobile phone at waist, round the back where it wouldn't be uncomfortable. There went the neighbourhood. The walks reports began at the weekend of January 13, 14 with Peter Miller leading a party of 5 on a hot, cicada saturated walk on Marramarra Creek. The walk was pleasant and relaxed but the presence of trail bikes and a utility on the tracks beyond the access barrier detracted from the pleasure somewhat. Odd how quickly and unbidden the phrase "beer swilling overweight yobbos with mobile phones" sprang to mind on first sight. One should not so quickly rush to judgment, but they were each clutching a stubby, except for the one who had chosen to decorate a nearby tree with his empty, the were overweigh, overbelt in fact, and one of them had a mobile phone at waist, round the back where it wouldn't be uncomfortable. There went the neighbourhood.
-The weekend Of 19, 20, 21 January saw Kenn Clacher with a group of 4 in Yarramun Creek. + 
-Water conditions were such that they walked most of the way. On the Saturday Rosemary MacDougal's i> walk down to the Grose went but there were no other details. Torn Wenman led 7 on his Colo River trip r> <the same day. Conditions were hot but the party +The weekend Of 19, 20, 21 January saw Kenn Clacher with a group of 4 in Yarramun Creek. Water conditions were such that they walked most of the way. On the Saturday Rosemary MacDougal's  walk down to the Grose went but there were no other details. Tom Wenman led 7 on his Colo River trip the same day. Conditions were hot but the party managed to cope by floating in the river most of the time. Bill Holland's combined walk, swim, lunch, walk, barbecue trip attracted 11 brave souls. 
-managed to cope by floating in the river most of the time. Bill Holland's combined walk, swim, lunch, walk, barbecue trip attracted 11 brave souls. r> + 
-MARCH 1996 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 13 +Laurie Bore led 13 on his Sunday trip from Avalon to Dee Why in overcast conditions and Jim Callaway had 6 on his trip from Bundeena to Otford. It is alleged there exists a written report for this last trip, but no other evidence is to hand.  
-a Laurie Bore led 13 on his Sunday trip from Avalon to DeeWhy in overcast conditions and Jim Callaway had 6 on his trip from Bundeena to Otford. It is alleged there exists a written report for this last trip, but no other evidence is to hand. +The Australia day weekend saw Spiro leading a party of 14 on his trip into the Blue Breaks in glorious Weather. This latter no doubt had something to do with the numerous snakes encountered along the way. Jim Rivers (hi Jim) had a party of 13 along on this "had to be done again" version of his trip out from Little Forest Plateau. The weather was good, the views were excellent, there were no problems, and everyone was happy; and we wouldn't say this if Jim wasn't sending us detailed faxes. Tony Holgate on the other hand presented a verbal report for his weekend trip down Morong Deep. The party of 5 had a good time and Jan's scratches have almost healed. I'm not sure we wished to know that! On the Saturday Nancye Alderson and a cast of 25 took a historical walk from Linden to Woodford and on  Sunday Steven Ellis's trip to Bluegum went, but we haven other details. 
-The Australia day weekend saw Spiro leading a party of 14 on his trip into the Blue Breaks in glorious Weather. This latter no doubt had something to do with the numerous snakes encountered along the way. Jim Rivers (hi Jim) had a party of 13 along on this. Thad to be done again" version of his trip out from Little Forest Plateau. The weather was good, the views were excellent, there were no problems, and everyone was happy; and we wouldn't say this if Jim wasn't sending us detailed faxes. Tony Holgate on the other hand presented a verbal report for his weekend trip down Morong Deep. The party of 5 had a good time and Jan's scratches have almost + 
- healed. I'm not sure we wished to know that! On the Saturday Nancye Alderson and a cast of 25 took a historical walk from Linden to Woodford and on +John Hogan led his Lake Macquarie water sports trip over the weekend of 3,4 February with a party. of 4. The campsite was superb, the water was warm and the party had a good weekend. Greg Bridge's 
- Sunday Steven Ellis's trip to Bluegum went, but we haven other details. +walk out from Badgerys Lookout on the Saturday went, with no other details. Elwyn Morris led one of the two Sunday walks, going from Newport to Palm Beach via lunch at Avalon, afternoon tea at Whale Beach, the rocks, a few back streets and at least one concrete driveway. Conditions were sunny, with the coastal breeze holding temperatures in the comfort zone. There was no report for Wilf's stage five of the circumnavigation of Port Jackson. We place no reliance on the rumour that they are all under arrest for trespass. 
-. John Hogan led his Lake Macquarie water sports trip over the weekend -of 3,4 February with a party. of 4. The Campsite was superb, the water was warm and the party had a good weekend. Greg Bridge's + 
-walk out from Badgerys Lookout on the Saturday went, with no other details. Elwyn Morris led one of the two Sunday walks, going from Newport' to Palm Beach via lunch at Avalon, afternoon tea at Whale Beach, the rocks, a few back streets and at least one concrete driveway. Conditions were sunny, with the coastal breeze holding temperatures in the comfort zone: There was no report for Wilf's stage five of the circumnavigation of Port Jackson. We place no reliance on the rumour that they are all under arrest for trespass. +Geoff McIntosh and his abseiling consultant Kenn Clacher had parties of 8 and 7 on the Saturday and Sunday of their abseiling and canyoning in the vicinity of Hat Hill Creek trip over the weekend of 10, 11 February. Zol Bodlay's Saturday Duckponds walk went, but there were no other details. Allan Donnelley had a party of 5 on his Bell Creek Canyon trip the same day. Conditions were cool with some drizzle, but the spectacular creek took their minds off the discomfort, almost. Eddie Giacomel led 24 on his Mountain Lagoon walk, also on the Saturday, in  cool conditions, with the rain holding off until a heavy downpour as they approached the cars. Greta reported that her Faulconbridge to Glenbrook Sunday walk went smoothly with leeches to entertain the 11 walkers along the way. There was no report for Errol Sheedy's Waterfall to Heathcote walk but Geoff Dowsett had a party of 12, also entertained by leeches, on his Barren Grounds walk. The party came across one huge speckled leech which they later insisted was a diamond python. They also reported an interesting ascent along the way. One is left wondering whether they were there at all, or just overinvolved in an old board game. Well, it's one way to end the walks report. 
-Geoff McIntosh and his abseiling consultant Kenn Clacher had parties of 8 and 7 on the Saturday and Sunday of their abseiling and canyoning in the vicinity of Hat Hill Creek trip over the weekend of 10, 11 February, Zol Bodlay's Saturday Duckponds +
-. walk went, but there were no other details. Allan Donnelley had a party of 5 on his Bell Creek Canyon trip the same day. Conditions were cool with some drizzle, but the spectacular creek took their minds off the discomfort, almost. Eddie Giacomel led 24 on his Mountain Lagoon walk, also on the Saturday, in +
- cool conditions, with the rain holding off until a heavy downpour as they approached the cars. Greta reported that her Faulconbridge to Glenbrook Sunday +
-walk went smoothly with leeches to entertain the 11 walkers along the way. There was no report for Errol Sheedy's Waterfall to Heathc ote walk but Geoff Dowsett had a party of 12, also entertained by leeches, on his Barren Grounds walk. The party came across one huge speckled leech which they later insisted was a diamond python. They also reported an interesting ascent along the way. One is left wondering whether they were there at all, or just overinvolved in an old board game. Well, it's one way to end the walks report.+
 The conservation report brought news of a press release from NPWS detailing the closure of the abseiling route(sic.) on the face of Mount Banks. It appears someone, probably a commercial guide organisation, had installed about 50 rock bolts and several chains and cleared hundreds of metres of track. Traffic on the route had caused further damage to vegetation and set off erosion of the surface cover. There was also advice from Kosciusko National Park on action taken to apprehend people illegally hunting pigs with dogs in that park. The conservation report brought news of a press release from NPWS detailing the closure of the abseiling route(sic.) on the face of Mount Banks. It appears someone, probably a commercial guide organisation, had installed about 50 rock bolts and several chains and cleared hundreds of metres of track. Traffic on the route had caused further damage to vegetation and set off erosion of the surface cover. There was also advice from Kosciusko National Park on action taken to apprehend people illegally hunting pigs with dogs in that park.
 +
 The minister for urban affairs and planning has responded to our letter regarding the impact of changes in the Sydney Water Corporation regulations by advising that it is not expected that they will reduce access to walking areas in the National Parks. Andy McQueen has written requesting permission to use a cartoon and photograph previously published in the 1977 annual SBW magazine. He is also seeking the identity of whoever took the photo, of a mixed party walking the Grose. Any clues out there? The minister for urban affairs and planning has responded to our letter regarding the impact of changes in the Sydney Water Corporation regulations by advising that it is not expected that they will reduce access to walking areas in the National Parks. Andy McQueen has written requesting permission to use a cartoon and photograph previously published in the 1977 annual SBW magazine. He is also seeking the identity of whoever took the photo, of a mixed party walking the Grose. Any clues out there?
-Confederation report indicated that Rocky Creek Canyon is to be added to the Wollemi National Park. Risk taking in National Parks is technically prohibited Correspondence has been entered into. Meeting arrangements for confederation are under review. Sydney Bushwalkers will oppose the move to hold general meeting only every quarter instead of every month..+ 
 +Confederation report indicated that Rocky Creek Canyon is to be added to the Wollemi National Park. Risk taking in National Parks is technically prohibited. Correspondence has been entered into. Meeting arrangements for confederation are under review. Sydney Bushwalkers will oppose the move to hold general meeting only every quarter instead of every month. 
 General business saw passage of a motion that the club write to Pittwater Council regarding problems with access to Whale Beach from nearby walking tracks. General business saw passage of a motion that the club write to Pittwater Council regarding problems with access to Whale Beach from nearby walking tracks.
 +
 We are advised of the death of Ken Gould who joined the club in 1979 and was a member until illness led to his resignation last year. We are advised of the death of Ken Gould who joined the club in 1979 and was a member until illness led to his resignation last year.
-The meeting closed at about 2134 n + 
-PAGE 14 THE SYDNEY 13USHWALKER MARCH 1996 +The meeting closed at about 2134. 
-LETTER TO THE EDITOR + 
-WILDERNESS VISIONS + 
-Maurice Smith +====== LETTER TO THE EDITOR - 
-1 refer to Barry Wallace's report of the December 1995 General Meeting in our club's January 1996 newsletter (page 8) and also to Alex Colley's Conservation Secretary's report in the club's 68th annual report (page 7).+WILDERNESS VISIONS ====== 
 + 
 +**Maurice Smith** 
 + 
 +I refer to Barry Wallace's report of the December 1995 General Meeting in our club's January 1996 newsletter (page 8) and also to Alex Colley's Conservation Secretary's report in the club's 68th annual report (page 7). 
 Regrettably I was unable to attend the December general meeting. The members present voted to reject The Confederation of Bushwalking Club's (then) proposed nomination to NPWS of the Grose Valley as a wilderness within the meaning of the NSW Wilderness Act. Regrettably I was unable to attend the December general meeting. The members present voted to reject The Confederation of Bushwalking Club's (then) proposed nomination to NPWS of the Grose Valley as a wilderness within the meaning of the NSW Wilderness Act.
-My reason for writing is that I strongly believe that the club's members who so voted at that meeting, have let down the club. Strong words indeed! Yet I deliberately chose to use the word "let down" because 1 believe that is what occurred at the meeting.+ 
 +My reason for writing is that I strongly believe that the club's members who so voted at that meeting, have let down the club. Strong words indeed! Yet I deliberately chose to use the word "let down" because I believe that is what occurred at the meeting. 
 The rejection of the opportunity by the members present to further demonstrate the strong conservation traditions of the club does not sit well with me. The rejection of the opportunity by the members present to further demonstrate the strong conservation traditions of the club does not sit well with me.
-Grose Wilderness nomination + 
-The Grose Wilderness nomination was lodged with NPWS in late. January 1996. It required many months of effort to gather the necessary data, do the field research and to write the proposal. It cannot be said to be a quick casual effoit. This proposal was a serious undertaking by dedicated people who are committed to the preservation of some of our favourite walking areas. +**Grose Wilderness nomination** 
-The Grose 'Wilderness area nominated for wilderness assessment covers about 55,000 hectares, 95% of which is presently in the Blue Mountains National Park. The eastern most edge of the nominated area is only 55 kilometres from the Sydney GPO! +The Grose Wilderness nomination was lodged with NPWS in late January 1996. It required many months of effort to gather the necessary data, do the field research and to write the proposal. It cannot be said to be a quick casual effort. This proposal was a serious undertaking by dedicated people who are committed to the preservation of some of our favourite walking areas. 
-The "tourist" sections of the Grose Valley, for example, the Grand Canyon, the Perry's Lookdown track and Acicia Flats camping area, have been excluded from the nomination. This was because those sections are not capable of meeting the wilderness definition referred to below. The tourist sections have tracks, pit toilets,. signs, helicopter landing pads, and so on. Such facilities are needed for very heavy traffic areas. However, their presence precludes those areas from inclusion in the area nominated for assessment as wilderness. I have no problem with the exclusion of the superb tourist sections from the proposed wilderness boundaries. The magnificent Blue Gum + 
-Forest, of such renown, is included in the nominated area. +The Grose Wilderness area nominated for wilderness assessment covers about 55,000 hectares, 95% of which is presently in the Blue Mountains National Park. The eastern most edge of the nominated area is only 55 kilometres from the Sydney GPO! 
-What is a Wilderness? + 
-Section 6 of the NSW Wilderness Act requires that "an area of land shall not be identified as wilderness ... unless ... (a) the area is, together with its plant and animal Communities, in a state that has not been substantially modified by humans and their works or is capable of being restored to such a state; (b) the area is of sufficient size to make its maintenance in such a state feasible; and (c) the area is capable of providing opportunities for solitude and appropriate self-reliant recreation." +The "tourist" sections of the Grose Valley, for example, the Grand Canyon, the Perry's Lookdown track and Acacia Flats camping area, have been excluded from the nomination. This was because those sections are not capable of meeting the wilderness definition referred to below. The tourist sections have tracks, pit toilets, signs, helicopter landing pads, and so on. Such facilities are needed for very heavy traffic areas. However, their presence precludes those areas from inclusion in the area nominated for assessment as wilderness. I have no problem with the exclusion of the superb tourist sections from the proposed wilderness boundaries. The magnificent Blue Gum Forest, of such renown, is included in the nominated area. 
-Consequences of being declared as a Wilderness+ 
 +**What is a Wilderness?** 
 +Section 6 of the NSW Wilderness Act requires that "an area of land shall not be identified as wilderness ... unless ... (a) the area is, together with its plant and animal communities, in a state that has not been substantially modified by humans and their works or is capable of being restored to such a state; (b) the area is of sufficient size to make its maintenance in such a state feasible; and (c) the area is capable of providing opportunities for solitude and appropriate self-reliant recreation." 
 + 
 +**Consequences of being declared as a Wilderness**
 Following the lodgement of the nomination the NPWS now has two years in which to assess and decide whether the nominated area does meet the Wilderness Act's definition of wilderness. Assume, for the moment, that the nominated area is accepted as a "wilderness", what are the consequences? The major consequence is that the wilderness area will receive a higher level of protection than that now applying. This is particularly important because significant parts of the area are close to the present tourist attractions of the Blue Mountains. For example, the opportunities for commercial uses of the area will be significantly diminished. Any proposed developments that might effect the nominated area will be assessed to take into account their effects on the wilderness area. This is, without much debate, in the interests of all current and future generations of bushwalkers. Following the lodgement of the nomination the NPWS now has two years in which to assess and decide whether the nominated area does meet the Wilderness Act's definition of wilderness. Assume, for the moment, that the nominated area is accepted as a "wilderness", what are the consequences? The major consequence is that the wilderness area will receive a higher level of protection than that now applying. This is particularly important because significant parts of the area are close to the present tourist attractions of the Blue Mountains. For example, the opportunities for commercial uses of the area will be significantly diminished. Any proposed developments that might effect the nominated area will be assessed to take into account their effects on the wilderness area. This is, without much debate, in the interests of all current and future generations of bushwalkers.
-Our club's conservation heritage+ 
 +**Our club's conservation heritage**
 Sydney Bush Walkers have much to be proud of in its nearly 70 years of history in many difficult Conservation activities. For example, SBW members in the 1930's played an absolutely crucial and pivotal role in saving the Blue Gum Forest that is included in the nominated area. Sydney Bush Walkers have much to be proud of in its nearly 70 years of history in many difficult Conservation activities. For example, SBW members in the 1930's played an absolutely crucial and pivotal role in saving the Blue Gum Forest that is included in the nominated area.
 +
 What immense strategic vision and courage those members showed in the days when the conservation movement, that we now take for granted, hardly existed. The strategic vision demonstrated by our early members is praised by any bushwalker or tourist who enjoys the splendour of the Blue Gum Forest. In the depths of the 1930's Great Depression those far-sighted members took on a great financial burden to save the Blue Gum Forest. Their collective courage is something that we can only admire and be grateful for today. What immense strategic vision and courage those members showed in the days when the conservation movement, that we now take for granted, hardly existed. The strategic vision demonstrated by our early members is praised by any bushwalker or tourist who enjoys the splendour of the Blue Gum Forest. In the depths of the 1930's Great Depression those far-sighted members took on a great financial burden to save the Blue Gum Forest. Their collective courage is something that we can only admire and be grateful for today.
-Bushwalkers more recently demonstrated the strategic vision, intellectual rigour and political + 
-MARCH 1996 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 15 +Bushwalkers more recently demonstrated the strategic vision, intellectual rigour and political courage necessary for the development and passing of the NSW Wilderness Act and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Act. 
-a courage necessary for the development and passing of the NSW Wilderness Act and the NSW National Parks' and Wildlife Service Act. + 
-The letter of rejection +**The letter of rejection** 
-Sydney Bush Walkers wrote a letter to Confederation, wherein the club rejected the proposal because the "area is so degraded that we fear the nomination will devalue the concept of wilderness and the proposed road closures will have serious political ramOcations". [1] Allow me to consider these two reasons cited to justify the rejection of the proposal. +Sydney Bush Walkers wrote a letter to Confederation, wherein the club rejected the proposal because the //"area is so degraded that we fear the nomination will devalue the concept of wilderness and the proposed road closures will have serious political ramifications".// [1] Allow me to consider these two reasons cited to justify the rejection of the proposal. 
-Degraded Area+ 
 +**Degraded Area**
 As indicated earlier in this letter, for the nominated area to be declared a wilderness it must meet the definition of wilderness. As indicated earlier in this letter, for the nominated area to be declared a wilderness it must meet the definition of wilderness.
-If an area is degraded that does not prevent it's inclusion in the nomination as a wilderness provided that the area is capable of restoration (refer to the definition of "wilderness" quoted above). It is a sad fact that some of our NSW wilderness contain areas that are degraded. + 
-To reject the entire proposal because of some vague notion of "degraded". areas is akin to throwing out the baby with the bathwater. +If an area is degraded that does not prevent its inclusion in the nomination as a wilderness provided that the area is capable of restoration (refer to the definition of "wilderness" quoted above). It is a sad fact that some of our NSW wilderness contain areas that are degraded. 
-It seems that we have taken an "all or nothing" apiirOach'vhere we ihOu/c1 allow NPWS to undertake the asessinenf'PrOcess. + 
-Serious political ramifications +To reject the entire proposal because of some vague notion of "degraded" areas is akin to throwing out the baby with the bathwater. 
-Similarly, to reject the proposal because of "serious political ramifications" is, in my view, absolute bunkum. Serious political fights go on all the time to protect our environment and our traditional bushwalking areas. Two very recent (successful) examples of political fights are worthy cif recounting. The Kowinung Committee was instrumental in the Carr Government abandoning the Fahey Government's proposal to lift the height of the Warragamba Dam wall that would have flooded important wild and scenic rivers, including the Kowmung River. This was a worthy fight! Only last year Confederation fought Sydney Water and won the right to maintain bush walker access to the southern Blue Mountains. This was a worthy fight!+ 
 +It seems that we have taken an "all or nothing" approach where we should allow NPWS to undertake the assessment process. 
 + 
 +**Serious political ramifications** 
 +Similarly, to reject the proposal because of "serious political ramifications" is, in my view, absolute bunkum. Serious political fights go on all the time to protect our environment and our traditional bushwalking areas. Two very recent (successful) examples of political fights are worthy of recounting. The Kowmung Committee was instrumental in the Carr Government abandoning the Fahey Government's proposal to lift the height of the Warragamba Dam wall that would have flooded important wild and scenic rivers, including the Kowmung River. This was a worthy fight! Only last year Confederation fought Sydney Water and won the right to maintain bush walker access to the southern Blue Mountains. This was a worthy fight! 
 To shy away from another political fight to protect a wilderness area is lacking the political courage so capably demonstrated by our early club members. To shy away from another political fight to protect a wilderness area is lacking the political courage so capably demonstrated by our early club members.
-What was the real reason for rejection?+ 
 +**What was the real reason for rejection?**
 Why did the club reject the proposed wilderness nomination? Was it because of the several roads / fire trails traditionally used by bush walkers for access to the Grose Valley might be blocked off to vehicles? Why did the club reject the proposed wilderness nomination? Was it because of the several roads / fire trails traditionally used by bush walkers for access to the Grose Valley might be blocked off to vehicles?
 +
 As part of the wilderness assessment process NPWS will examine current uses of access roads. If the NPWS assessment is favourable, they then determine whether the access roads proposed be closed in the Wilderness need to be closed to bushwalkers (and tourists). Not to propose the closures would open a justifiable criticism we want everything and are not prepared to give anything in return. As part of the wilderness assessment process NPWS will examine current uses of access roads. If the NPWS assessment is favourable, they then determine whether the access roads proposed be closed in the Wilderness need to be closed to bushwalkers (and tourists). Not to propose the closures would open a justifiable criticism we want everything and are not prepared to give anything in return.
-The real message that is received + 
-Sydney Bush Walkers is the oldest bush walking club in NSW and is one of the oldest bushwalking clubs in Australia. SBW should, by supporting this proposal, continue to do everything possible to ensure that the superb bushwallcing areas so close to Sydney are protected and enhanced in status. In rejecting this proposal, I believe that the message that Sydney Bush Walkers sends is that it now lacks the strategic vision, and political courage of its early members in doing so and has not done its members proud.+**The real message that is received** 
 +Sydney Bush Walkers is the oldest bush walking club in NSW and is one of the oldest bushwalking clubs in Australia. SBW should, by supporting this proposal, continue to do everything possible to ensure that the superb bushwalking areas so close to Sydney are protected and enhanced in status. In rejecting this proposal, I believe that the message that Sydney Bush Walkers sends is that it now lacks the strategic vision, and political courage of its early members in doing so and has not done its members proud. 
 The potential gain to current and future generations of bushwalkers that will result from a successful nomination of the area is, I believe, a classic demonstration of the values exhibited by our early members. I believe that our decision to reject the proposal should be deplored by club members. The potential gain to current and future generations of bushwalkers that will result from a successful nomination of the area is, I believe, a classic demonstration of the values exhibited by our early members. I believe that our decision to reject the proposal should be deplored by club members.
 +
 The people who want to exploit our national parks for commercial advantage have not grown complacent. They're still vigorous and politically active. We must continue to do everything we can to protect our remaining (diminishing) natural environment. The people who want to exploit our national parks for commercial advantage have not grown complacent. They're still vigorous and politically active. We must continue to do everything we can to protect our remaining (diminishing) natural environment.
 +
 Where is the strategic vision now? Where is the intellectual rigour now? Where is the political courage now? Our early club members showed us how! Where is the strategic vision now? Where is the intellectual rigour now? Where is the political courage now? Our early club members showed us how!
-Let us rethink this rejected proposal. It isn't too late to demonstrate our strategic vision; intellectual rigour, political courage and conservation heritage by endorsing Confederation's Grose Wilderness Nomination.+ 
 +Let us rethink this rejected proposal. It isn't too late to demonstrate our strategic vision, intellectual rigour, political courage and conservation heritage by endorsing Confederation's Grose Wilderness Nomination.
 Good walking, Good walking,
-Maurice Smith +**Maurice Smith** 
-[1] Sydney Bush Walkers letter of 16 November 1995, to John lvlacris Conservation Officer of Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs, quoted with permission from Spiro Hajinakitas, Secretary of Sydney Bush Walker + 
-PAGE 16 THE SYDNEY RUSHWALKER MARCH 1996 +[1] Sydney Bush Walkers letter of 16 November 1995, to John Macris Conservation Officer of Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs, quoted with permission from Spiro Hajinakitas, Secretary of Sydney Bush Walker 
-The Cross Cut Saw. + 
-Pat Harrison + 
-. (Reprinted from May 1969 Sydney Bushwalker.)+ 
 +====== The Cross Cut Saw ====== 
 + 
 +**Pat Harrison** 
 +(Reprinted from May 1969 Sydney Bushwalker) 
  "And is this-Yarrow?-THIS the stream  "And is this-Yarrow?-THIS the stream
 Of which my fancy cherished, Of which my fancy cherished,
 So faithfully, a waking dream?" So faithfully, a waking dream?"
-The poet Wordsworth wrote these lines after he had first:seen Yarrow. in Scotland; but there had been other times when he had failed to get to that beautiful place, and on one of these occasions he wrote the following lines:- + 
-"If care with freezing years should come, And,wandering seem but folly,-+The poet Wordsworth wrote these lines after he had first seen Yarrow in Scotland; but there had been other times when he had failed to get to that beautiful place, and on one of these occasions he wrote the following lines:- 
 +"If care with freezing years should come,  
 +And,wandering seem but folly,-
 Should we be loath to stir from home, Should we be loath to stir from home,
  And yet be melancholy;  And yet be melancholy;
- Should life be dull, and spirits low, 'Twill soothe us in our sorrow, + Should life be dull, and spirits low,  
-That earth has something yet to show, The bonny holms of Yarrow." +'Twill soothe us in our sorrow, 
-The Cross cut Saw is one of a couple of places that have stood in the same relation to me. Once upon a timer invited a chap to go there on a walking tour but he mucked the proposal up before it got started and I abandoned it However, the Sydney Bushwalkers are a different proposition and can be relied on to stick fast to a plan; consequently seven of us (Ray Hookway, ]..rank Taeker, Roger G-owing, Bill Gillam, Ross Hughes, Jim Vatiliotis and myself) made our first landfall at the Paragon cafe at Goulbum at lOpm on Easter Thursday and our next one at Holbrook at 3.20am on Good Friday! The petrol stations were still open amidoing a roaring trade. +That earth has something yet to show,  
-After a couple of hours in our bags we drove as far as Table Top near Albury where we pulled off the road and 'boiled the billies for breakfast. The morningwas clear, and sunny, everyone was in good spirits, and other car loads of bushwalkers tooted us as they headed north. There was also a gorging of fruit and tomatoes - far better for these things to be inside your tumrnmy than inside the Fruit Inspector's hut across the border. +The bonny holms of Yarrow." 
-The next landfalls were to be Banana and Mirimbah, but because of a combination of events we did not see Bill's Toyota at either of these places although we waited at both of them. Ray's car had been in front but had pulled in for petrol while Bill was stuck behind a semi-trailer and consequently Bill thought that we were still ahead of him. + 
-We spent two hours in the sun at Mirimbah, - having lunch and waiting for Bill, and then learnt from some campers that a white Toyota station waggon with a NSW plate had been there hours ago and had asked directions to "The Springs". This of course was McAlister Springs where we were all going, so we threw our gear into the car and set off for the Howqua river which would be as far as we could drive; but no Toyota had been on the Howqua, either at Bindaree Hut or elsewhere, so we parked Ray's car at the foot of the Howitt spur after leaving messages for a white Toyota With campers scattered along the river. +The Cross cut Saw is one of a couple of places that have stood in the same relation to me. Once upon a time I invited a chap to go there on a walking tour but he mucked the proposal up before it got started and I abandoned it. However, the Sydney Bushwalkers are a different proposition and can be relied on to stick fast to a plan; consequently seven of us (Ray Hookway, Frank Taeker, Roger Gowing, Bill Gillam, Ross Hughes, Jim Vatiliotis and myself) made our first landfall at the Paragon cafe at Goulburn at lOpm on Easter Thursday and our next one at Holbrook at 3.20am on Good Friday! The petrol stations were still open amidoing a roaring trade. 
-We had driven about 525 miles since we left Sydney, all of it on very good roads. The 25 miles from Mirimbah to the Howqua were dirt and were up and over a mountain range, but it is as good a road as you would wish for, being wider and with far better grades (for example) than the road in and out of Jenolan Caves. There are Bushfire dugouts at the Howqua Gap (or Wooly Butt saddle as it is called on the map), which is on the Divide between the Delatite and Howqua river, and there are also dugouts 19 miles from Nfirimbah at a place where the road changes direction to descend to the Howqua. As we drove along from Howqua Gap to the 19 mile dugouts we got tantalising glimpses of the tilted sandstone escarpment of the Bluff Divide across the Howqua valley and these glimpses whetted our appetites no end for tomorrow's walk. The aspect of these mountains is completely different from any of ours such as the Snowy Mountains, the Brindabellas, the Budawang,s, the Blue Mountains, etc. They really looked good. Another splendid sight was of Mt Buller as we drove along the + 
-MARCH 1996 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 17 +After a couple of hours in our bags we drove as far as Table Top near Albury where we pulled off the road and boiled the billies for breakfast. The morning was clear and sunny, everyone was in good spirits, and other car loads of bushwalkers tooted us as they headed north. There was also a gorging of fruit and tomatoes - far better for these things to be inside your tummy than inside the Fruit Inspector's hut across the border. 
- ....= + 
- a road between Mansfield and Mirimbah. We set up camp at the foot of the Howitt Spur and we were finishing off our meal with a pot of tea when a lone walker, Barry Woods, drove up and camped with us and helped to yarn the hours away. Barry gave us good information about our proposed route and he also gave us spare maps which we concealed under Ray's car for Bill's use.(I Was sure that Bill would turn up eventually, although some opinions were that he had :either gone skiing or trout fishing). You can imagine how soundly we slept that night. The four of us slept -side by side. You all know how Roger Gowing snores yet no one heard anything all night. Best sleep l ever had. +The next landfalls were to be Benalla and Mirimbah, but because of a combination of events we did not see Bill's Toyota at either of these places although we waited at both of them. Ray's car had been in front but had pulled in for petrol while Bill was stuck behind a semi-trailer and consequently Bill thought that we were still ahead of him. 
-On the morrow we left maps and a note with + 
-detailed descriptions of our route,then we set off with +We spent two hours in the sun at Mirimbah, having lunch and waiting for Bill, and then learnt from some campers that a white Toyota station waggon with a NSW plate had been there hours ago and had asked directions to "The Springs". This of course was McAlister Springs where we were all going, so we threw our gear into the car and set off for the Howqua river which would be as far as we could drive; but no Toyota had been on the Howqua, either at Bindaree Hut or elsewhere, so we parked Ray's car at the foot of the Howitt spur after leaving messages for a white Toyota With campers scattered along the river. 
-- Barry up Howitt Spur on a very good track from which gradually unfolded wondeiful views of Mt Magdala and its Hell's Window (formed by a cleft at the edge of thepountain) on one side while the other gave us our first glimpse of the magical land of the Crosscut Saw, + 
- a jagged and spectacular series of bare alpine peaks about 5 miles long which connects Mt Speculation with the Mt Hewitt plateau. The crosscut saw is part of the Great Dividing Range and it is a razor back ridge, parts of it being only 4 or 5 feet wide. Somewhere near where the Alpine,Ash gave way to the Snow Gums we said goodbye to Barry who was off on a solo trip around the Crosscut Saw - The Viking - The Devil's Staircase and back over Hewitt to the Howqua. +We had driven about 525 miles since we left Sydney, all of it on very good roads. The 25 miles from Mirimbah to the Howqua were dirt and were up and over a mountain range, but it is as good a road as you would wish for, being wider and with far better grades (for example) than the road in and out of Jenolan Caves. There are Bushfire dugouts at the Howqua Gap (or Wooly Butt saddle as it is called on the map), which is on the Divide between the Delatite and Howqua river, and there are also dugouts 19 miles from Mirimbah at a place where the road changes direction to descend to the Howqua. As we drove along from Howqua Gap to the 19 mile dugouts we got tantalising glimpses of the tilted sandstone escarpment of the Bluff Divide across the Howqua valley and these glimpses whetted our appetites no end for tomorrow's walk. The aspect of these mountains is completely different from any of ours such as the Snowy Mountains, the Brindabellas, the Budawangs, the Blue Mountains, etc. They really looked good. Another splendid sight was of Mt Buller as we drove along the road between Mansfield and Mirimbah. We set up camp at the foot of the Howitt Spur and we were finishing off our meal with a pot of tea when a lone walker, Barry Woods, drove up and camped with us and helped to yarn the hours away. Barry gave us good information about our proposed route and he also gave us spare maps which we concealed under Ray's car for Bill's use.(I Was sure that Bill would turn up eventually, although some opinions were that he had either gone skiing or trout fishing). You can imagine how soundly we slept that night. The four of us slept -side by side. You all know how Roger Gowing snores yet no one heard anything all night. Best sleep l ever had. 
-A few hundred feet below the summit the Snow Gums ceased and the track zig-zagged up the rocks past odd bushes of flowering Boronia and finally emerged on the grassyplateau which is Mt Hewitt (5,715 feet). Mt Hewitt is named after Alfred William Howitt (1830-1908) who was an explorer (he searched for and found the sole surviour of the Burke and Wills expedition), scientist, geologist, botanist, and an expert on-the Australian Aboriginals. + 
-The view from the trig was panoramic - Buller, Stirling, Speculation, Cobbler, BUffalo, The Razor, The Viking, Wonnangatta Valley, Snowy Plains, Clear, and back to the Bluff but the most impressive sight of all was the CrosscUt, Saw lying at our feet and presenting a Series of ups and downs each of a few hundred feet, over which as we watched we could see a party of walkers threading their way.+On the morrow we left maps and a note with detailed descriptions of our route,then we set off with 
 +Barry up Howitt Spur on a very good track from which gradually unfolded wonderful views of Mt Magdala and its Hell's Window (formed by a cleft at the edge of the mountain) on one side while the other gave us our first glimpse of the magical land of the Crosscut Saw, a jagged and spectacular series of bare alpine peaks about 5 miles long which connects Mt Speculation with the Mt Howitt plateau. The Crosscut saw is part of the Great Dividing Range and it is a razor back ridge, parts of it being only 4 or 5 feet wide. Somewhere near where the Alpine, Ash gave way to the Snow Gums we said goodbye to Barry who was off on a solo trip around the Crosscut Saw - The Viking - The Devil's Staircase and back over Howitt to the Howqua. 
 + 
 +A few hundred feet below the summit the Snow Gums ceased and the track zig-zagged up the rocks past odd bushes of flowering Boronia and finally emerged on the grassy plateau which is Mt Hewitt (5,715 feet). Mt Howitt is named after Alfred William Howitt (1830-1908) who was an explorer (he searched for and found the sole survivor of the Burke and Wills expedition), scientist, geologist, botanist, and an expert on-the Australian Aboriginals. 
 + 
 +The view from the trig was panoramic - Buller, Stirling, Speculation, Cobbler, Buffalo, The Razor, The Viking, Wonnangatta Valley, Snowy Plains, Clear, and back to the Bluff but the most impressive sight of all was the Crosscut Saw lying at our feet and presenting a Series of ups and downs each of a few hundred feet, over which as we watched we could see a party of walkers threading their way. 
 We followed the cairns and snow poles across the flowery top of Hewitt through masses of golden Everlastings splashed with purple daisies,to the edge of the plateau overlooking the Terrible Hollow. On the far side of the hollow The Razor and The Viking stood up in the tilted pose characteristic of the area. We followed the cairns and snow poles across the flowery top of Hewitt through masses of golden Everlastings splashed with purple daisies,to the edge of the plateau overlooking the Terrible Hollow. On the far side of the hollow The Razor and The Viking stood up in the tilted pose characteristic of the area.
-While Frank was- busy with his camera the rest of us lolled about having an early, lunch and finally at + 
-1 lam set out for the traverse of the Croscut Saw as far as Mount Buggery.+While Frank was busy with his camera the rest of us lolled about having an early, lunch and finally at 
 +11am set out for the traverse of the Crosscut Saw as far as Mount Buggery. 
 Having been consigned to this well known locality on numerous occasions I was keen to see it. We arrived there about 90 minutes later to find it occupied by members of the Melbourne Women's Walking Club, some of whom who remembered Dot English (Butler) and asked if she still walked in bare feet? Having been consigned to this well known locality on numerous occasions I was keen to see it. We arrived there about 90 minutes later to find it occupied by members of the Melbourne Women's Walking Club, some of whom who remembered Dot English (Butler) and asked if she still walked in bare feet?
 +
 On the way out near the turn-off to Stanley's Name Spur we also met four boys from Timber Top and by a coincidence one of them was from my small home town in North Western NSW. Small world indeed. On the way out near the turn-off to Stanley's Name Spur we also met four boys from Timber Top and by a coincidence one of them was from my small home town in North Western NSW. Small world indeed.
 +
 On the way back along the narrow crest there was a most effective scene with The Terrible Hollow in bright sunshine while the Howqua side was gloomy with cloud looming up from Buller. For half an hour it seemed as if it would snow but it quickly passed away and bright sunshine returned. On the way back along the narrow crest there was a most effective scene with The Terrible Hollow in bright sunshine while the Howqua side was gloomy with cloud looming up from Buller. For half an hour it seemed as if it would snow but it quickly passed away and bright sunshine returned.
-It was about 3.30pm when we got back to Hewitt, and whom do you think we saw emerging from that horrible-looking gully between Hewitt and the Crosscut? Correct! It was Bill, Ross, and Jim who had blithely ignored our note, our directions, our maps, and had pioneered a new route up to Hewitt, a route which we appropriately called The Retribution Route. However, after we had looked down into that gully we reckoned that the penance they had performed had cleared away all of their sins.+ 
 +It was about 3.30pm when we got back to Howitt, and whom do you think we saw emerging from that horrible-looking gully between Howitt and the Crosscut? Correct! It was Bill, Ross, and Jim who had blithely ignored our note, our directions, our maps, and had pioneered a new route up to Hewitt, a route which we appropriately called The Retribution Route. However, after we had looked down into that gully we reckoned that the penance they had performed had cleared away all of their sins. 
 Ross was still shaking from an encounter with a snake met on a narrow ledge at face height. Ross was still shaking from an encounter with a snake met on a narrow ledge at face height.
-Anyway we were all together in a good campsite at McAlister Springs, which is about 1%. miles east of Howitt and connected to it by a narrow saddle. A spring gushes out of the mountainside here and forms the beginning of the McAlister River. The water must be boiled because of the chance of becoming infected with parasitic worms which t> + 
-PAGE 18 'THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER MARCH 1996 +Anyway we were all together in a good campsite at McAlister Springs, which is about 1 1/2. miles east of Howitt and connected to it by a narrow saddle. A spring gushes out of the mountainside here and forms the beginning of the McAlister River. The water must be boiled because of the chance of becoming infected with parasitic worms which emanate from the cattle which are brought up to the high plains in summer. To a New South Welshman, used to pure water and unchurned stream banks in our National Parks, the water supply here is not pristine and this condition is directly attributable to cattle grazing which should be stopped at once and the whole magnificent area from here to Kosciusko converted to a National Park forthwith. 
-4 FROM P15 the cross cut saw + 
-emanate from the cattle which are brought up to the high plains in summer. To a New South Welshman, used to pure water and unchumed stream banks in our National Parks, the water supply here is not pristine and this condition is directly attributable to cattle grazing which should be stopped at oriCe and the whole magnificent area from here to Kosciusko converted to a National Park forthwith. +Sunday's walk was a leisurely and scenic stroll back over Howitt, Magdala, Lovick, and on to the hut at the foot of The Bluff. We never saw much of Frank of course as he was performing prodigies of patience in photographing insects and flowers. 
-. Sunday's walk was a leisurely and scenic stroll back over Howitt, Magdala, Lovick, and on to the hut at the foot of The Bluff. We never saw much of Frank of course as he was performing prodigies of patience in photographing insects and flowers. + 
-From Magdala we dropped down about 800 feet on a narrow ridge and up about 600 feet to the jeep _track near No.1 Divide, where we left the Great Dividing Range and walked south-westward to a good hut under Mt Lovick where we used the tank water to make fizz. A nearby dam was filled with a murky 'liquid. +From Magdala we dropped down about 800 feet on a narrow ridge and up about 600 feet to the jeep track near No.1 Divide, where we left the Great Dividing Range and walked south-westward to a good hut under Mt Lovick where we used the tank water to make fizz. A nearby dam was filled with a murky liquid. 
-A steep climb over Mt Lovick and we were at The Bluff Hut at 4pm (another good one with bunks and a tank and another murky dam). - + 
-On the last morning we set out packless for The Bluff at 7.30am, that is all except Frank who was dawdling along in his own inimitable way, compiling a pictorial record of odd botanical and zoological specimens. At the Bluff we had completed a most magnificent ridge walk since reaching Howitt, even better than The Razorback between Feathertop and Hotharrt, but from the Bluff we could see other interesting routes such as the one along the Great Divide from No.1 Divide over Mt Clear, The Nobs and Mt McDonald, the last looking most enticing with its barish slopes and its three peaks somewhat reminiscent of Mt Cloudmaker in the Gangerangs. Further away to the east across the Mcalister River the skyline was dominated by Mt Reynard athwart the Snowy Plains.+A steep climb over Mt Lovick and we were at The Bluff Hut at 4pm (another good one with bunks and a tank and another murky dam). 
 + 
 +On the last morning we set out packless for The Bluff at 7.30am, that is all except Frank who was dawdling along in his own inimitable way, compiling a pictorial record of odd botanical and zoological specimens. At the Bluff we had completed a most magnificent ridge walk since reaching Howitt, even better than The Razorback between Feathertop and Hotham, but from the Bluff we could see other interesting routes such as the one along the Great Divide from No.1 Divide over Mt Clear, The Nobs and Mt McDonald, the last looking most enticing with its barish slopes and its three peaks somewhat reminiscent of Mt Cloudmaker in the Gangerangs. Further away to the east across the Mcalister River the skyline was dominated by Mt Reynard athwart the Snowy Plains. 
 Most of the rock in the area we traversed is sandstone with a decided tilt, said to have been caused by the movement of the granite mass of Mt Buffalo. Most of the rock in the area we traversed is sandstone with a decided tilt, said to have been caused by the movement of the granite mass of Mt Buffalo.
-Back to Bluff Hut by 10am to spend an hour lying in the sun before Frank sauntered back, then off to the jeep track down the 16 mile spur which for steepnesswould be hard to beat. Lace your footwear up tightly coming down here otherwise you will wear the ends off + 
-your toes as a couple of our party did. The track goes down for a couple of thousand feet without any levelling. It is almost as steep as the Gasper Buttress on Mt knolan, with a road thrown in for good measure. There were half a dozen cows ahead of us for some of the way and everyone was amazed at the strength of the cows' legs in relation to their small size and the great weight they carry. Bushwalkers, of course, could always get relief by turning around and walking down backwards part of the way. -+Back to Bluff Hut by 10am to spend an hour lying in the sun before Frank sauntered back, then off to the jeep track down the 16 mile spur which for steepness would be hard to beat. Lace your footwear up tightly coming down here otherwise you will wear the ends off your toes as a couple of our party did. The track goes down for a couple of thousand feet without any levelling. It is almost as steep as the Gasper Buttress on Mt Jennolan, with a road thrown in for good measure. There were half a dozen cows ahead of us for some of the way and everyone was amazed at the strength of the cows' legs in relation to their small size and the great weight they carry. Bushwalkers, of course, could always get relief by turning around and walking down backwards part of the way.  
 The 16 mile creek near its junction with the Howqua runs over smooth granite bars and you should have seen the fisherman's gleam in Bill's eyes as he viewed the pools above the little cascades. After lunch at Pike's Flat we followed the brawling, turbulent, white-water Howqua up to Bindaree Hut arriving there at 2.35pm. The 16 mile creek near its junction with the Howqua runs over smooth granite bars and you should have seen the fisherman's gleam in Bill's eyes as he viewed the pools above the little cascades. After lunch at Pike's Flat we followed the brawling, turbulent, white-water Howqua up to Bindaree Hut arriving there at 2.35pm.
-It was a beautiful afternoon at Binclaree, just as all of the other days had been, and four of us set out at once without packs on the 31/2. mile bash to bring the cars back from the foot of the Howitt Spur. Back at Bindaree for a wash in the icy Howqua then Bill's Toyota set out for home and we, followed soon after. Bill's car blew a head gasket near Holbrook and he finally got home at 7pm next day.+ 
 +It was a beautiful afternoon at Bindaree, just as all of the other days had been, and four of us set out at once without packs on the 3 1/2 mile bash to bring the cars back from the foot of the Howitt Spur. Back at Bindaree for a wash in the icy Howqua then Bill's Toyota set out for home and we followed soon after. Bill's car blew a head gasket near Holbrook and he finally got home at 7pm next day. 
 Our car group only intended to get out of the Howqua this night and we therefore camped on the Delatite at Mirimbah where the trees were undergoing a most glorious colour change. Our car group only intended to get out of the Howqua this night and we therefore camped on the Delatite at Mirimbah where the trees were undergoing a most glorious colour change.
-After sleeping like a top all other nights I lay awake all this night because of the noisy river and the whine of the timber jinkers which were apparently Making the most of the good weather. You haven't seen or heard anything unless you have seen and heard a timber jinker speeding along at 60mph with two huge ash logs chained on the back. + 
-We had a scenic drive home via Mansfield, Power's Lookout, Whitfield, DandOngadale, Buffalo River, Myrtleford of nostalgiafor Roger whose mother was born in the Vicarage there), and Beechwortli and Were home by midnight. El+After sleeping like a top all other nights I lay awake all this night because of the noisy river and the whine of the timber jinkers which were apparently making the most of the good weather. You haven't seen or heard anything unless you have seen and heard a timber jinker speeding along at 60mph with two huge ash logs chained on the back. 
 + 
 +We had a scenic drive home via Mansfield, Power's Lookout, Whitfield, Dandongadale, Buffalo River, Myrtleford (full of nostalgia for Roger whose mother was born in the Vicarage there), and Beechworth and Were home by midnight. 
  
199603.txt · Last modified: 2020/04/16 19:08 by ljclarke6
Donate Powered by PHP Valid HTML5 Valid CSS Driven by DokuWiki