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- | THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, Box 4476 GPO Sydney 2001. To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager. | + | ====== June 1997 ====== |
- | Editor: Patrick James | + | The SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, Box 4476 GPO Sydney 2001. To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager. |
- | 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089 | + | **Editor:** Patrick James\\ |
+ | 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089\\ | ||
+ | Telephone 9904 1515 | ||
- | Telephone | + | **Business Manager:** George Mawer\\ |
+ | 42 Lincoln Road Georges Hall\\ | ||
+ | Telephone | ||
- | Business | + | **Production |
- | 42 Lincoln Road Georges Hall | + | **Printers: |
- | Telephone 9707 1343 | + | THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKERS INCORPORATED was founded in 1927. Club meetings, are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. |
- | Production Manager: Fran Holland | + | |**President:**|Tony Holgate| |
+ | |**Vice-President: | ||
+ | |**Public Officer:**|Fran Holland| | ||
+ | |**Treasurer: | ||
+ | |**Secretary: | ||
+ | |**Walks Secretary: | ||
+ | |**Social Secretary: | ||
+ | |**Membership Secretary: | ||
+ | |**New Members Secretary: | ||
+ | |**Conservation Secretary: | ||
+ | |**Magazine Editor: | ||
+ | |**Committee Members: | ||
+ | |**Delegates to Confederation: | ||
- | Printers: Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell | + | ===== In This Issue ===== |
- | THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKERS INCORPORATED was founded in 1927. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. | + | |P 2|What goes down must come up..|Roger Sandall| |
+ | |P 2|Back to the Holy Bush|Steve Lengakis| | ||
+ | |P 3|May General Meeting|Barry Wallace| | ||
+ | |P 6|When you slip…|Elizabeth Miller| | ||
+ | |P 8|Pantoneys Crown|David Trinder| | ||
+ | |P 8|Katoomba…|by Christine Austin| | ||
+ | |P 9|Back from the Brink, book review|by Alex Colley| | ||
+ | |P 11|70th Anniversary Celebrations| | | ||
+ | |P 12|Circumnavigation…|Roger Treagus| | ||
+ | |P 13|Caution Six Foot…|Almis Simankevicius| | ||
+ | |P 14|Footnotes| | | ||
- | President: Tony Holgate | + | ===== Advertisers |
- | + | |P 5 |Alpsports| | |
- | Vice-President: | + | |P 7 |Eastwood Camping |
- | + | |P 10 |Willis Walkabouts| | |
- | Public Officer: Fran Holland | + | |Back cover |Paddy Pallin| |
- | + | ||
- | Treasurer: Greta James | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Secretary: Michele Powell | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Walks Secretary: Eddy Giacomel | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Social Secretary: Peter Dalton | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace | + | |
- | + | ||
- | New Members Secretary: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Jennifer Trevor-Roberts | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Conservation Secretary: Alex Colley | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Magazine Editor: Patrick James | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Committee Members: Don Wills & vacant position | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Delegates to Confederation: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | JUNE 1997 | + | |
- | + | ||
- | In This Issue | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 2 Hydro-philia, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Back to the Holy Bush, Steve Lengakis | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 3 May General Meeting, Barry Wallace | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 6 When you slip…, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 8 Pantoneys Crown, Carol Lubbers | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 8 Katoomba…, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 9 70th Anniversary Walks | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 11 70th Anniversary Celebrations | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 12 Circumnavigation…, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 13 Caution Six Foot…, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 14 Footnotes | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Advertisers | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 5 Alpsports | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 7 Eastwood Camping | + | |
- | + | ||
- | P 10 Willis Walkabouts | + | |
- | + | ||
- | back cover Paddy Pallin | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
===== Hydro-philia ===== | ===== Hydro-philia ===== | ||
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by Roger Sandall | by Roger Sandall | ||
- | (Nancye Alderson' | + | (Nancye Alderson' |
There wasn't a sign of the ghostly Mark or any other Foys, but his " | There wasn't a sign of the ghostly Mark or any other Foys, but his " | ||
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===== Back To The Holy Bush ===== | ===== Back To The Holy Bush ===== | ||
- | + | < | |
- | Back, back to the wild bush, | + | |
come sun, come rain, come heaven come hell. | come sun, come rain, come heaven come hell. | ||
- | |||
Over the hills, across the rivers | Over the hills, across the rivers | ||
- | |||
through scratchy scrub or muddy moors | through scratchy scrub or muddy moors | ||
- | |||
where you forget your wondrous soul. | where you forget your wondrous soul. | ||
Dirty boots, steaming breath, sweeping vistas; | Dirty boots, steaming breath, sweeping vistas; | ||
- | |||
heavy " | heavy " | ||
- | |||
while chewing a muesli bar. | while chewing a muesli bar. | ||
Back, back on the wallaby track | Back, back on the wallaby track | ||
- | |||
where you've chased your own ghost | where you've chased your own ghost | ||
- | |||
through the thick mist of time. | through the thick mist of time. | ||
- | |||
Back, back on the wombat trail | Back, back on the wombat trail | ||
- | |||
where goannas and echidnas greet you quietly, | where goannas and echidnas greet you quietly, | ||
- | |||
currawongs and cockatoos betray your pass. | currawongs and cockatoos betray your pass. | ||
Back, back to the sacred isolation; | Back, back to the sacred isolation; | ||
- | |||
up the mountains, across the valleys, | up the mountains, across the valleys, | ||
- | |||
where you've died a thousand times | where you've died a thousand times | ||
- | |||
with a heavy " | with a heavy " | ||
Back, back to the HOLY BUSH; | Back, back to the HOLY BUSH; | ||
- | |||
up the peaks, down the gullies, | up the peaks, down the gullies, | ||
- | |||
where you've resurrected a thousand times | where you've resurrected a thousand times | ||
- | + | with a heavy " | |
- | with a heavy " | + | |
S. Lengakis | S. Lengakis | ||
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The treasurer' | The treasurer' | ||
- | The walks reports began with a report that the extended walk over the period from 13 to 26 April in the Finke Gorge and Wattarrka (?) National Parks, organised by Jacqui Calandra went, and went to program. | + | The walks reports began with a report that the extended walk over the period from 13 to 26 April in the Finke Gorge and Watarrka [Kings Canyon] |
Maurice Smith' | Maurice Smith' | ||
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Tuesday 22 April was the day for Wilf's midweek walk out from Otford station but where was Wilf? At least three factions developed from the starting group, with Gretel leading a party of 3 from Otford to Bundeena as the nearest approximation to the real thing. | Tuesday 22 April was the day for Wilf's midweek walk out from Otford station but where was Wilf? At least three factions developed from the starting group, with Gretel leading a party of 3 from Otford to Bundeena as the nearest approximation to the real thing. | ||
- | Bill Capon' | + | Bill Capon' |
Ian Rannard' | Ian Rannard' | ||
- | The Coolana maintenance and instructional weekend was conducted over the weekend of 2, 3, 4 May. There was no report for Wayne Steele' | + | The Coolana maintenance and instructional weekend was conducted over the weekend of 2, 3, 4 May. There was no report for Wayne Steele' |
Ian Rannard had 12 on his midweek walk from Manly to the Quarantine Station and return on the Tuesday. | Ian Rannard had 12 on his midweek walk from Manly to the Quarantine Station and return on the Tuesday. | ||
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There was no general business so the president closed the meeting at around 2153, and not a moment too soon I say. | There was no general business so the president closed the meeting at around 2153, and not a moment too soon I say. | ||
- | ===== MAGAZINE ARTICLES WANTED | + | ===== Magazine Articles Wanted |
A constant stream of articles is wanted for The Sydney Bushwalker | A constant stream of articles is wanted for The Sydney Bushwalker | ||
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by Elizabeth Miller | by Elizabeth Miller | ||
- | I had been looking forward very much to Jim's walk to Claydens Creek. As our group, comprised of fearless leader Jim Rivers, John and Chris Poleson, Paul McCann, Melonie Parker, Merrilyn Sach and myself, set off the weather had cleared and the weekend promised to be great. We passed through the glorious Gaol House Pass and had dropped down another couple of hundred metres heading towards the creek on a track when I stepped onto a partially buried piece of wood which must have been extremely slippery after heavy rain the day before. My right foot shot out to the side and down I went. On the way down I heard a crack from the left ankle region and experienced a wave of nausea from the pain. Having collected myself, I strapped my ankle firmly and decided it " | + | I had been looking forward very much to Jim's walk to Claydens Creek. As our group, comprised of fearless leader Jim Rivers, John and Chris Poleson, Paul McCann, Melonie Parker, Merrilyn Sach and myself, set off the weather had cleared and the weekend promised to be great. We passed through the glorious Gaol House Pass and had dropped down another couple of hundred metres heading towards the creek on a track when I stepped onto a partially buried piece of wood which must have been extremely slippery after heavy rain the day before. My right foot shot out to the side and down I went. On the way down I heard a crack from the left ankle region and experienced a wave of nausea from the pain. Having collected myself, I strapped my ankle firmly and decided it " |
Walking on flat ground was not so bad, but climbing was agony and without Chris physically supporting me, Jim pulling and the encouragement of the others I could not have done it. We finally reached the cars just before 4 pm, and dear Merrilyn gave up her already spoilt weekend to drive me back to Sydney. | Walking on flat ground was not so bad, but climbing was agony and without Chris physically supporting me, Jim pulling and the encouragement of the others I could not have done it. We finally reached the cars just before 4 pm, and dear Merrilyn gave up her already spoilt weekend to drive me back to Sydney. | ||
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I pushed on with physio for one week, and when I complained that I was convinced there were further problems an X-ray was taken which revealed a fracture of the lower end of the fibula. A visit to an orthopaedic surgeon the next day identified the fracture as a "very nasty one" which would require fixation with a plate and screws. | I pushed on with physio for one week, and when I complained that I was convinced there were further problems an X-ray was taken which revealed a fracture of the lower end of the fibula. A visit to an orthopaedic surgeon the next day identified the fracture as a "very nasty one" which would require fixation with a plate and screws. | ||
- | Thankfully it is all behind me now and healing | + | Thankfully it is all behind me now and healing |
===== FOR SALE ===== | ===== FOR SALE ===== | ||
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- | ===== 70TH ANNIVERSRY WALKS ===== | + | ===== 70th Anniversary Walks ===== |
For the 1997 Spring Walks Program, as part of the 70th Anniversary Celebrations we are inviting members to repeat the walks in the Club's first walks program: THE WALKS PROGRAMME: 1928. Some of these walks may not be possible because of buildings, roads, railways, airports, etc. Those Anniversary Walks that are still possible should be good value. Walks leaders should contact the Walks secretary in the usual manner. The very first walk that the Club organised was Helensberg - Burning Palms - Garrawarra and return to either Helensberg or Lilyvale, on Sunday, 13 Nov. 1927 | For the 1997 Spring Walks Program, as part of the 70th Anniversary Celebrations we are inviting members to repeat the walks in the Club's first walks program: THE WALKS PROGRAMME: 1928. Some of these walks may not be possible because of buildings, roads, railways, airports, etc. Those Anniversary Walks that are still possible should be good value. Walks leaders should contact the Walks secretary in the usual manner. The very first walk that the Club organised was Helensberg - Burning Palms - Garrawarra and return to either Helensberg or Lilyvale, on Sunday, 13 Nov. 1927 | ||
- | 10, 11 MARCH LILYVALE TO GARIE OR WATTAMOLLA, | + | |10, 11 MARCH|LILYVALE TO GARIE OR WATTAMOLLA,|Leader: Mr. Duncan| |
- | + | | |Leave Sydney by 2 p.m. train and assemble at Lilyvale.|| | |
- | Leave Sydney by 2 p.m. train and assemble at Lilyvale. | + | |17,18 MARCH|BELL TO KURRAJONG, |
- | + | | |Camping Saturday night at Mt. Bell. Catch 2.25 p.m. train and assemble at Bell.(Excursion tickets to Bell)|| | |
- | 17,18 MARCH BELL TO KURRAJONG, | + | |25 MARCH|HORNSBY TO BEROWRA, VIA SPRING GULLY AND COCKLE CREEK, |
- | + | | |Splendid scenery. | |
- | Camping Saturday night at Mt. Bell. Catch 2.25 p.m. train and assemble at Bell.(Excursion tickets to Bell) | + | |1 APRIL|SPRINGWOOD, |
- | + | | |Springwood through Martin' | |
- | 25 MARCH HORNSBY TO BEROWRA, VIA SPRING GULLY AND COCKLE CREEK, | + | |1 APRIL|BUNDEENA TO HELENSBURGH, |
- | + | | |Catch 8.24 a.m. (Electric) train to Sutherland, tram to Cronulla and launch to Bundeena. | |
- | Splendid scenery. Fairly rough and no track in parts. Catch 8 a.m. train from Sydney or 8.28 a.m. from Milsons Point and assemble at Hornsby. (Excursion tickets to Berowra). | + | |6 APRIL|EASTER (4 DAYS), |
- | + | | |Picton Lakes, via Blue Gum Forest. Little River Canyon, Nattai Valley and Pass to Picton. | |
- | 1 APRIL SPRINGWOOD, | + | |15 APRIL|LIVERPOOL TO ENGADINE, |
- | + | | |via Holdsworthy, | |
- | Springwood through Martin' | + | |22 APRIL|SPRINGWOOD|Leader: Miss D Smeaton| |
- | + | | |through Hawkesbury Look-Out to Emu Plains. | |
- | 1 APRIL BUNDEENA TO HELENSBURGH, | + | |27,28,29 APRIL|MOSS VALE TO NOWRA|Leader: Mr. Austen| |
- | + | | |Camp Friday night at Fitzroy Falls. | |
- | Catch 8.24 a.m. (Electric) train to Sutherland, tram to Cronulla and launch to Bundeena. Assemble at Cronulla. | + | |6 MAY|NATIONAL PARK TO WATERFALL|Leader: Mr. and Mrs. Austen| |
- | + | | |via Artillary Hill and South-West Arm Creek. | |
- | 6 APRIL EASTER (4 DAYS), PICTON LAKES, | + | |13 MAY|HORNSBY TO BEROWRA|Leader: Miss Rankin| |
- | + | | |via Galston Gorge. | |
- | Picton Lakes, via Blue Gum Forest. Little River Canyon, Nattai Valley and Pass to Picton. Catch 7.50 a.m. train, Good Friday morning, and change at Picton for Picton Lakes. Assemble at Central Station at platform from which train leaves 1/2 hour before time of departure. NOTE.- Camp Units will be arranged. Intending party members pleas hand names to Mr. M J Dunphy as early as possible so that equipment and food lists may be sent out. | + | |20 MAY|NATIONAL PARK TO WATTAMOLLA|Leader: Mr. F Rice| |
- | + | | |Catch 8.44 a.m. (Electric) train from Sydney, and assemble at National Park Station.|| | |
- | 15 APRIL LIVERPOOL TO ENGADINE, | + | |27 MAY|PENRITH TO GLENBROOK|Leader: Mr. Jack Debert| |
- | + | | |Catch 9.27 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Penrith.|| | |
- | via Holdsworthy, | + | |2,3 JUNE|KING'S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND|Leader: Mr. Kilpatrick| |
- | + | | |Camp at Warragamba River. | |
- | 22 APRIL SPRINGWOOD Leader: | + | |10 JUNE|NATIONAL PARK TO STANWELL PARK|Leader: Miss M Marden| |
- | + | | |Catch 8.44 a.m. (Electric) train from Sydney, and assemble at National Park Station.|| | |
- | through Hawkesbury Look-Out to Emu Plains. Catch 8.55 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Springwood. | + | |17 JUNE|HEATHCOTE TO WATERFALL|Leader: |
- | + | | |via Uloola Falls and Kangaroo Creek. | |
- | 27,28,29 APRIL MOSS VALE TO NOWRA Leader: | + | |24 JUNE|CAMPBELLTOWN TO HELENSBURGH|Leader: Mr. Rigby| |
- | + | | |NO TRACK. | |
- | Camp Friday night at Fitzroy Falls. Catch 5.15 p.m. train Friday night to Moss Vale. Assemble at No 1 platform, Sydney Station. | + | |1 JULY|PENRITH TO EUROKA CREEK|Leader: Mr. Rigby| |
- | + | | |Rough. Catch 9.27 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Penrith.|| | |
- | 6 MAY NATIONAL PARK TO WATERFALL Leader: | + | |8 JULY|BEROWRA TO ASQUITH|Leader: Mr. King| |
- | + | | |through Smith' | |
- | via Artillary Hill and South-West Arm Creek. Catch 8.44 a.m. (Electric) train from Sydney and assemble at National Park Station. | + | |15 JULY|LILYVALE TO GARIE|Leader: Mr. C B Goldberg| |
- | + | | |Catch 8.50 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Lilyvale.|| | |
- | 13 MAY HORNSBY TO BEROWRA Leader: | + | |22 JULY|COWAN TO HAWKESBURY (ROAD)|Leader: Mr. Gordon Smith| |
- | + | | |Catch 8 a.m. train from Sydney or 8.1 a.m. from Milson' | |
- | via Galston Gorge. Catch 8 a.m. train from Sydney or 8.28 a.m. from Milsons | + | |29 JULY|Particulars to be forwarded later.|Leader: Mr. Drake| |
- | + | |5-9 AUGUST|BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND|Leader: Mr. J V Turner| | |
- | 20 MAY NATIONAL PARK TO WATTAMOLLA Leader: | + | | |Particulars to be forwarded later.|| |
- | + | |12 AUGUST|Particulars to be forwarded later.|Leader: Mr. Henley| | |
- | Catch 8.44 a.m. (Electric) train from Sydney, and assemble at National Park Station. | + | |19 AUGUST|Particulars to be forwarded later.|Leader: Mr. M Berry| |
- | + | |26 AUGUST|SUBLIME POINT FROM AUSTINMER.|Leader: Mr. Debert| | |
- | 27 MAY PENRITH TO GLENBROOK Leader: | + | | |Catch 8.50 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Austinmer.|| |
- | + | |8,9 SEPTEMBER|FAULCONBRIDGE TO RICHMOND|Leader: Mr. Docksey| | |
- | Catch 9.27 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Penrith. | + | | |via the Grose River. |
- | + | ||
- | 2,3 JUNE KING' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Camp at Warragamba River. Catch 1.25 p.m. train from Sydney to Penrith and then Duff's service car to Wallacia Post Office (fare 5/- each way), where the party will assemble. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 10 JUNE NATIONAL PARK TO STANWELL PARK Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Catch 8.44 a.m. (Electric) train from Sydney, and assemble at National Park Station. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 17 JUNE HEATHCOTE TO WATERFALL Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | via Uloola Falls and Kangaroo Creek. Catch 8.50 a.m. (Steam) train from Sydney and assemble at Heathcote Station. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | 24 JUNE CAMPBELLTOWN TO HELENSBURGH Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | NO TRACK. Catch 9 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Campbelltown. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 1 JULY PENRITH TO EUROKA CREEK Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Rough. Catch 9.27 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Penrith. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 8 JULY BEROWRA TO ASQUITH Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | through Smith' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 15 JULY LILYVALE TO GARIE Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Catch 8.50 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Lilyvale. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 22 JULY COWAN TO HAWKESBURY (ROAD) Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Catch 8 a.m. train from Sydney or 8.1 a.m. from Milson' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 29 JULY Particulars to be forwarded later. Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 5-9 AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Particulars to be forwarded later. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 12 AUGUST Particulars to be forwarded later. Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 19 AUGUST Particulars to be forwarded later. Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 26 AUGUST SUBLIME POINT FROM AUSTINMER. Leader: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Catch 8.50 a.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Austinmer. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 8,9 SEPTEMBER FAULCONBRIDGE TO RICHMOND Leader: | + | |
- | via the Grose River. Camp Saturday night at Grose River. Catch the 1.25 p.m. train from Sydney and assemble at Faulcongridge. | ||
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- | All 70th Anniversary Celebrations and functions are for members, prospective members, ex-members, and your/their partners and family. If you have aconnectin | + | All 70th Anniversary Celebrations and functions are for members, prospective members, ex-members, and your/their partners and family. If you have a connection |
==== 11-12 Oct. Reunion at Coolana: ==== | ==== 11-12 Oct. Reunion at Coolana: ==== | ||
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Parking is available at the Club. For public transport users the Club is a short cab or bus trip from North Sydney station. (buses 202, 203, 207 and 208) | Parking is available at the Club. For public transport users the Club is a short cab or bus trip from North Sydney station. (buses 202, 203, 207 and 208) | ||
- | More details next month but we have the Celebrity Room (main function room) from about 6 pm to 12 midnight. Come early, leave late and don't worry if the car turns into a pumpkin. There' | + | More details next month but we have the Celebrity Room (main function room) from about 6 pm to 12 midnight. Come early, leave late and don't worry if the car turns into a pumpkin. There' |
The dinner is not formal but Club dress rules do apply, smart casual is the way to dress. If in doubt ring the North Sydney Leagues Club. | The dinner is not formal but Club dress rules do apply, smart casual is the way to dress. If in doubt ring the North Sydney Leagues Club. | ||
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The idea to walk the track began some years ago when I had seen mention of it in our SBW magazine and other literature. The challenge of trekking an heritage path from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves and spending a night at Caves House had great appeal. And also to be out in the bush again, 'under canvas' | The idea to walk the track began some years ago when I had seen mention of it in our SBW magazine and other literature. The challenge of trekking an heritage path from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves and spending a night at Caves House had great appeal. And also to be out in the bush again, 'under canvas' | ||
- | We planned a week's holiday to really enjoy our time in the Blue Mountains. Looking at the Lands Department map, the track was only 46 kilometers | + | We planned a week's holiday to really enjoy our time in the Blue Mountains. Looking at the Lands Department map, the track was only 46 kilometres |
To save time, a taxi transported us to the Explorers Tree, and we started down the fire trail. We were on our way; how marvellous. The packs were heavy, but we had expected that in the first few hours; time for our muscles to become accustomed to these new strains and loads. Down, down we walked, following the descending track to Nellies Glen. Talk about rubber knees ! The surrounding cliffs, resolute guardians of this bushland looked magnificent. | To save time, a taxi transported us to the Explorers Tree, and we started down the fire trail. We were on our way; how marvellous. The packs were heavy, but we had expected that in the first few hours; time for our muscles to become accustomed to these new strains and loads. Down, down we walked, following the descending track to Nellies Glen. Talk about rubber knees ! The surrounding cliffs, resolute guardians of this bushland looked magnificent. | ||
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We used the river water and added a Puritab to each litre of water. An eagle glided high overhead. Small jumping fish occasionally plopped through the surface of the water chasing the mosquitoes that preferred to join us for their dinner. We marvelled that we had all this to ourselves that evening. Before the sun bade us final farewell, a short period of silence and stillness captured the beauty of this bushland setting. Then ,one cricket started chirping which invited the bush orchestra to join in. The stars also presented themselves as part of the evening' | We used the river water and added a Puritab to each litre of water. An eagle glided high overhead. Small jumping fish occasionally plopped through the surface of the water chasing the mosquitoes that preferred to join us for their dinner. We marvelled that we had all this to ourselves that evening. Before the sun bade us final farewell, a short period of silence and stillness captured the beauty of this bushland setting. Then ,one cricket started chirping which invited the bush orchestra to join in. The stars also presented themselves as part of the evening' | ||
- | Oh that lovely temptation to keep snoozing when I knew we should be on the track again. We had 19 kilometers | + | Oh that lovely temptation to keep snoozing when I knew we should be on the track again. We had 19 kilometres |
Our easy pace continued through breakfast, and once again we were ready to walk. Already it was a lot hotter than the previous day. The Bowtells Swing Bridge had to be tried and it was a lot of fun, but we decided to continue along to the original river crossing. After crossing over, the track took a decidedly long and steep inclination. For about two hours we slowly and painfully followed it. We had each internally decided to cadge a lift from any passing vehicle if the chance occurred. Because of our unpreparedness, | Our easy pace continued through breakfast, and once again we were ready to walk. Already it was a lot hotter than the previous day. The Bowtells Swing Bridge had to be tried and it was a lot of fun, but we decided to continue along to the original river crossing. After crossing over, the track took a decidedly long and steep inclination. For about two hours we slowly and painfully followed it. We had each internally decided to cadge a lift from any passing vehicle if the chance occurred. Because of our unpreparedness, | ||
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Lo and behold ! Our guardian angel appeared, driving a very comfortable looking four wheel drive vehicle. After some discussion with him, we all decided that it made a lot of sense for us to take a lift to at least past the 1065 height marker where the track becomes relatively flat. | Lo and behold ! Our guardian angel appeared, driving a very comfortable looking four wheel drive vehicle. After some discussion with him, we all decided that it made a lot of sense for us to take a lift to at least past the 1065 height marker where the track becomes relatively flat. | ||
- | Comfortably ensconced in the chariot and out of the heat, we ploughed ever upward and onward, marvelling at the tough hilly track that we didn't have to lug our packs over. I felt such a sense of relief. I will be more careful with my irreverent attitude to these vehicles in the future. Our driver told us that sixteen out of the twenty | + | Comfortably ensconced in the chariot and out of the heat, we ploughed ever upward and onward, marvelling at the tough hilly track that we didn't have to lug our packs over. I felt such a sense of relief. I will be more careful with my irreverent attitude to these vehicles in the future. Our driver told us that sixteen out of the twenty |
We noticed how dry it was along the Black Range fire trail. Reaching the gravel pit, the 'Black Range road' sign had been relocated and now pointed to the right fork, whereas the map showed it going straight ahead. We could have alighted at the Forestry HQ picnic grounds, but decided to accept a further lift to Binda Flats and thanked our driver for his assistance in getting us there. | We noticed how dry it was along the Black Range fire trail. Reaching the gravel pit, the 'Black Range road' sign had been relocated and now pointed to the right fork, whereas the map showed it going straight ahead. We could have alighted at the Forestry HQ picnic grounds, but decided to accept a further lift to Binda Flats and thanked our driver for his assistance in getting us there. |
199706.1439453846.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/08/13 18:17 by sbw