199708
Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Next revisionBoth sides next revision | |||
199708 [2012/09/29 11:34] – external edit 127.0.0.1 | 199708 [2015/11/11 15:19] – First pass sbw | ||
---|---|---|---|
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
- | 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. | + | THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, Box 4476 GPO Sydney 2001. To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager. |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Editor: Patrick James | Editor: Patrick James | ||
- | 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089 | + | |
- | Telephone 9904 1515 | + | 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089 |
- | Business Manager: George Mawer | + | |
- | 42 Lindoln | + | Telephone |
- | Telephone 9707 1343 | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Business Manager: George Mawer | ||
+ | |||
+ | 42 Lincoln | ||
+ | |||
+ | Telephone | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Production Manager: Fran Holland | Production Manager: Fran Holland | ||
- | Printers: Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, | + | |
- | Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven | + | Printers: Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, |
- | & Les Powell | + | |
- | 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. | + | Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven |
- | President: Tony Holgate Vice-President: | + | |
- | Treasurer: Greta James Secretary: Michele Powell | + | & Les Powell |
- | Walks Secretary: Eddy Giacomel | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | 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). | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | President: Tony Holgate | ||
+ | |||
+ | Vice-President: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Public Officer: Fran Holland | ||
+ | |||
+ | Treasurer: Greta James | ||
+ | |||
+ | Secretary: Michele Powell | ||
+ | |||
+ | Walks Secretary: Eddy Giacomel | ||
Social Secretary: Committee | Social Secretary: Committee | ||
+ | |||
Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace | Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace | ||
- | New Members Secretary: | + | |
+ | New Members Secretary: | ||
Jennifer Trevor -Roberts | Jennifer Trevor -Roberts | ||
+ | |||
Conservation Secretary: Alex Colley | Conservation Secretary: Alex Colley | ||
+ | |||
Magazine Editor: Patrick James | Magazine Editor: Patrick James | ||
+ | |||
Committee Members: Don Wills & | Committee Members: Don Wills & | ||
+ | |||
Suzanne Garland | Suzanne Garland | ||
- | Delegates to Confederation: | + | |
+ | Delegates to Confederation: | ||
and Jim Callaway | and Jim Callaway | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
AUGUST 1997 | AUGUST 1997 | ||
- | In This Issue | + | |
- | P 2 Part 2: The Snows of Kilmanjaro. by Peter Freeman | + | |
- | P 3 Presidential Picnic Open Invitation | + | |
- | P 5 Part 2: Attempt at the Haute Route by David Rostron | + | In This Issue |
- | P 6 Eighty Years of Conservation Can we believe what we Sea by Geoff Grace | + | |
- | P 8 Kahurangi Kapers by Sandy Larson | + | |
- | P 10 June 1997 General Meeting by Barry Wallace | + | |
- | P12 July 1997 General Meeting by Barry Wallace | + | |
- | P 14 Lawrence Graham Harrison (Mouldy) by Christine Austin | + | |
- | P 16 Scone to Sydney via the Hunter Valley by Almis Simankevicius | + | P |
- | P18 Wild Call of the Wild by Steve Lengarkis | + | |
- | P19 Golden Stairs | + | by Peter Freeman |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P | ||
+ | |||
+ | Open Invitation | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P | ||
+ | |||
+ | by David Rostron | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P | ||
+ | |||
+ | Can we believe what we Sea | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Geoff Grace | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Sandy Larson | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P 10 June 1997 General Meeting | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Barry Wallace | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P 12 July 1997 General Meeting | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Barry Wallace | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P 14 Lawrence Graham Harrison (Mouldy) | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Christine Austin | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P 16 Scone to Sydney via the Hunter Valley | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Almis Simankevicius | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P 18 Wild Call of the Wild | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Steve Lengarkis | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | P 19 Golden Stairs | ||
by Carol Lubbers | by Carol Lubbers | ||
- | P 20 Cape York Adventure by Tom Wellman | + | |
- | P 22 Footnotes | + | |
- | : | + | |
- | LEastwood | + | P 20 Cape York Adventure |
- | Paoe | + | |
- | The Snows of Kilimanjaro: | + | by Tom Wenman |
- | The rain abated during the night and in the morning the Barranco Wall was visible, though the top was obscured by cloud. The temperature was 3 degrees and the wind had dropped. I decided to sleep in and let my companions continue with their shenanigans with the warm water which was getting harder to organise with a lack of wood and the difficulties of heating water in the higher altitudes. As I ate my breakfast I noticed strange looking trees, which looked like alpine cactus. Some were about 8 metres in height. | + | |
- | We proceeded to the base of the Barranco Wall and Stuart was still suffering some of the effects of altitude sickness, but, he was determined to continue. Small cairns marked the track which we negotiated with a great deal of care as the rocks were wet and the route quite exposed in places. After about one and a half hours of climbing we reached the cliff top. While we rested, Thobias taught the party what he called " | + | |
- | The weather turned nasty again with sleet and snow falling as we made our way across a number of small valleys, but essentially contouring around the mountain until we found shelter and had lunch of yes, you guessed it, a hard' | + | |
- | The three of us continued contouring around, crossing more valleys and a large flat area littered with boulders. Meanwhile, the weather deteriorated even further with visibility being reduced to about 10 metres and the temperature dropped to minus 5 degrees. We reached a junction in the track after about two hours and waited for Thobias. After waiting for more than half an hour and becoming increasingly cold in what was an exposed position we decided to continue on as we had a map and knew which track to take and that it was at least a two hour slog up a steep boulder strewn ridge to Barafu Hut | + | P 22 Footnotes |
- | campsite. Having left, a note and made appropriate markings of our route and intentions we set off up the ridge. | + | |
- | As we climbed higher and higher the snow became heavier and the wind stronger and the cairns became difficult to find with limited visibility to the point that I lost sight of the other two who appeared to be coping with the altitude better than me. I gave a blast on my whistle and they returned a blast. I yelled that I was having a break and they acknowledged. When I commenced walking again I gave another blast on the whistle. To my dismay there was no reply. They had continued on up the ridge. | + | |
- | After soup and corn bread fOr dinner that night we were told that we would not be sleeping in the tents and that we would have to make do in the hut which had the door wrenched from its hinges and a hole where a window was. It was still sncj wing, and the wind was howling. I did not expect much rest that night. | + | |
- | We had completed 10 kilometres and climbed 800 metres in about 10 hours of walking in terrible conditions that day. | + | Advertisers |
- | Thobias arranged that we would be woken at midnight for our attempt at the summit. This was to give sufficient time to reach the crater rim by sunrise and to make tlie descent to Horombo Hut during the day. The temperature in the hut was - 10 degrees and I slept in a pair of thermals, polarfleece pants and two polarfleece tops, balaclava, gloves, two pair of socks and my water bottle to stop the water from freezing. | + | |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years | + | P 4 Alpsports |
- | - 1997 | + | |
- | We were woken at midnight and yes, my companions wanted warm water to shave and when refused they produced battery powered shavers announcing that they had been saving the batteries. Unbelievable. | + | P 7 Eastwood |
- | Foolishly I had left my waterproof gloves folded over my ski pole. and they were now frozen solid with a fold across the palm. I had to defrost them in between my jacket and thermals. | + | |
- | By this time, the wind and snow had stopped and to my surprise when ['walked out of the hut I saw a sea of stars: Down on the plain the glowing lights of Moshi, the town nearest to Kilimanjaro. The ridge steepened to a 1400 metre high scree slope and although no technical climbing was involved, this was one of the steepest climbs on the mountain and the ski poles were used constantly for balance and any fall resulted in a.10- 20 metre slide through the scree. We zigzagged up and across the freezing ankle deep scree for five hours with everyone using Thobias' | + | P 9 Willis |
- | The walk around the crater rim to the summit was spectacular with a steep drop into the crater on one side and the icefields tumbling down the slope to form glaciers on the other. The summit, called "Uhuru Peak" (5896 metres) has a plaque inscribed with President Julius Nyrere' | + | |
+ | back cover Paddy Pallin | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== The Snows of Kilimanjaro: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | by Peter Freeman, Part 2 of two parts. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We had completed about 15 kilometres but had only attained a total 300 metres ascent. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The rain abated during the night and in the morning the Barranco Wall was visible, though the top was obscured by cloud. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We proceeded to the base of the Barranco Wall and Stuart was still suffering some of the effects of altitude sickness, but, he was determined to continue. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The weather turned nasty again with sleet and snow falling as we made our way across a number of small valleys, but essentially contouring around the mountain until we found shelter and had lunch of yes, you guessed it, a hard boiled egg, two slices of corn bread with jam and a mandarin. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The three of us continued contouring around, crossing more valleys and a large flat area littered with boulders. Meanwhile, the weather deteriorated even further with visibility being reduced to about 10 metres and the temperature dropped to minus 5 degrees. | ||
+ | |||
+ | As we climbed higher and higher the snow became heavier and the wind stronger and the cairns became difficult to find with limited visibility to the point that I lost sight of the other two who appeared to be coping with the altitude better than me. I gave a blast on my whistle and they returned a blast. | ||
+ | |||
+ | After soup and corn bread for dinner that night we were told that we would not be sleeping in the tents and that we would have to make do in the hut which had the door wrenched from its hinges and a hole where a window was. It was still snowing, and the wind was howling. I did not expect much rest that night. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We had completed 10 kilometres and climbed 800 metres in about 10 hours of walking in terrible conditions that day. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Thobias arranged that we would be woken at midnight for our attempt at the summit. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We were woken at midnight and yes, my companions wanted warm water to shave and when refused they produced battery powered shavers announcing that they had been saving the batteries. Unbelievable. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Foolishly I had left my waterproof gloves folded over my ski pole and they were now frozen solid with a fold across the palm. I had to defrost them in between my jacket and thermals. | ||
+ | |||
+ | By this time, the wind and snow had stopped and to my surprise when I walked out of the hut I saw a sea of stars. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The walk around the crater rim to the summit was spectacular with a steep drop into the crater on one side and the icefields tumbling down the slope to form glaciers on the other. | ||
I lingered around the summit for about half an hour taking photos, enjoying the sunshine even though it was minus 10 degrees, and drinking in the views down to the African plains. | I lingered around the summit for about half an hour taking photos, enjoying the sunshine even though it was minus 10 degrees, and drinking in the views down to the African plains. | ||
- | PRESIDENTIAL PICNIC | + | |
- | The following SBW ,; past presidents: Malcolm McGregor, Brian ' | + | |
- | BUS No 438 from Circular Quay to Altona St. or Fitzroy St. Abbotsford. | + | |
- | FERRY to Abbotsford Point from Circular Quay or from Pan-amatta, or from intermediate wharves. | + | ===== PRESIDENTIAL PICNIC |
- | As many member will be' corning | + | |
- | * see The Sydney Bushwalker page 13 July 1997, for the fuli list of past presidents. | + | |
- | OPEN INVITATION | + | The following SBW past presidents: |
- | The October issue of the Sydney Bushwalker is the 70th Anniversary Magazine. It will be published early in October and consists of an anthology of The Sydney Bushwalker literature. This edition is well in hand, however perhaps you, dear reader have in mind a particular piece of prose or poetry, published by SBW over the last 70 years, which you think should be included. If so, then as quick as a flash send me a fair photocopy of the article. Inclusion is likely but not guaranteed as such articles will need to match with articles already selected and with the size limit to the magazine. The following periods could be considered: 1938-1947, 1949-1956, | + | |
- | 1958-1960, 1962-1966, 1968-1974, 1976-1984. | + | Malcolm McGregor, Brian Harvey, Bill Rodgers |
- | Have you paid your SBW'subscriptions? | + | |
- | 1927 Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | + | Heather Joyce, John White, |
- | rnacpac | + | |
- | microlight | + | BUS No 438 from Circular Quay to Altona St. or Fitzroy St. Abbotsford. |
- | modified for Australian Bushwalk | + | |
- | by Australian Bush walkers | + | FERRY to Abbotsford Point from Circular Quay or from Parramatta, or from intermediate wharves. |
- | Club members have asked for their favourite bushwalking tent to be modified in two very specific ways to better suit their particular needs. | + | |
- | Firstly a full size flyscreen for maximum ventilation and | + | As many member will be coming |
- | Secondly two extra guy points on the pole itself for use in more | + | |
- | extreme conditions. | + | * see The Sydney Bushwalker page 13 July 1997, for the full list of past presidents. |
- | There are only a limited number of these special Microlights being produced. | + | |
- | So come into Alpsport soon and see one for yourself. | + | |
- | Features | + | |
- | A roomy one-person tent, but a snug fit for two | + | OPEN INVITATION |
- | | + | |
- | Fully seam-sealed tub floor | + | The October issue of the Sydney Bushwalker is the 70th Anniversary Magazine. |
- | | + | |
- | | + | anthology of The Sydney Bushwalker literature. This edition is well in hand, however perhaps you, dear reader have in mind a particular piece of prose or poetry, published by SBW over the last 70 years, which you think should be included. |
- | EXTRA GUY POINT | + | |
- | EXTRA -*- GUY | + | |
- | POINT | + | |
- | FULL | + | Have you paid your SBW subscriptions? |
- | FLYSCREEN | + | |
- | DOOR | + | |
- | Specifications | + | |
- | Floor Area: Vestibule:: | + | FULL PAGE AD |
- | In Use Weight: Total Weight: Roiled Size: Colour: | + | |
- | Persons: | + | FULL PAGE AD |
- | 2.0m2 0.8m2 1.6kg 1.8kg | + | |
- | 40cm x 12cm Indigo, | + | |
- | Tussock Green 180 cm | + | |
- | 1-2 | + | ===== ATTEMPT AT THE HAUTE ROUTE, or GUESS WHO’S COMING FOR DINNER ===== |
- | CM | + | |
- | ONLY AVAILABLE AT | + | by David Rostron, |
- | ALPSPORT | + | |
- | 1045 VICTORIA ROAD, WEST RYDE 2114 | + | It was snowing the next morning, so six of us had a part-piste day with one guide. |
- | PH: 9858 5844 | + | |
- | NEEMOMEWMEMEMEMEM NIMMIIISiorpiqba741111/ | + | The next day we went to the Great St Bernard Monastery/ |
- | "Immo= vonlows | + | |
- | INIMINOINNIMMIBINEW 111111101Iniir onusimar | + | We climbed a 3,200m snow peak the following morning. |
- | ATTEMPT AT THE HAUTE ROUTE, or GUESS WHO'S COMING FOR | + | |
- | DINNER | + | The following day three of the party skied back down the road, whilst four of us went over a high col for an 800m descent on reasonable snow and met the others. |
- | It was snowing the next morning, so six of us had a part-piste day with one guide. We did some trekking but visibility was poor for a few hours. It improved and we remained at the resort for some brilliant powder snow skiing. There were only about 10 skiers on the slopes and we carved tracks all over the mountain - it was a great afternoon. | + | |
- | The next day we went to the Great St Bernard Monastery/ | + | Fortunately we were able to climb almost 2000m by 3 cable cars, to about 3000m and then ski down to the Mont Fort Hut, at about 2700m. |
- | We climbed a 3,200m snow peak the following morning. Strong winds overnight had changed the snowpack to mainly crust and ice and it was almost all "survival" | + | |
- | The following day three of the party skied back down the road, whilst four of us went over a high col for an 800m descent on reasonable snow and met the others. Three then returned to Argentiere | + | A 7:00am start saw us climbing on icy snow to a col at 3200m. |
- | Fortunately we were able to climb almost 2000m by 3 cable cars, to about ,3000m and then ski down to the Mont Fort Hut, at about 2700m. This was another charming, 2-level stone hut with a superb panorama to the south which we enjoyed from the extensive balcony. The interior finishes of all these huts are timber with a slightly rustic feel, creating a delightful atmosphere. The food was again of a high standard. All the catered huts were in spotless condition. | + | |
- | A 7:00am start saw us climbing on icy snow to a col at 3200m. This was followed by a short descent and traverse, then a further lengthy climb on an extensive glacial plateau to 3400m. From this point we had one of our better ski runs over 2-3km in about 15cm of new powder snow. This was followed by a steeper descent over firmer snow to Prefouleri Hut at about 2600m. | + | It is the practice in the Alps to depart early - between about 4:00am and 7:00am and arrive at the huts about midday or in the early afternoon - to avoid the risk of avalanche and softening snow bridges over crevasses. |
- | It is the practice in the Alps to depart early - between about 4:00am and 7:00am and arrive at the huts about midday or in the early afternoon - to avoid the risk of avalanche and softening snow bridges over crevasses. We arrived at the hut at 11:45am and then had a long afternoon of inactivity broken by reading and card games. The guide had advised against further skiing because of the steep slopes in that area with the associated avalanche risk. This timber hut was a self-catered one at the site of an old quarry and not of the same high standard as the others. | + | |
- | The following day there was another 7:00am start, followed by 5 hours of climbing and traversing on mainly icy surfaces, to gain 900m and the Dix Hut. This was another beautifully-constructed, | + | The following day there was another 7:00am start, followed by 5 hours of climbing and traversing on mainly icy surfaces, to gain 900m and the Dix Hut. This was another beautifully-constructed, |
- | It was back to work that afternoon for a 600m climb of an adjacent snow peak and our maximum height for the trip at 3550m - the Matterhorn was visible from the summit. | + | |
- | The hut could accommodate about 100 and the numbers gradually built up to about 60 with some _parties | + | It was back to work that afternoon for a 600m climb of an adjacent snow peak and our maximum height for the trip at 3550m - the Matterhorn was visible from the summit. |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | + | |
- | There had been high cirrus cloud throughout the day and a change was expected. Our brilliant weather came to an end and we woke to 10cm of new snow, wind and limited visibility. There was no option but to exit to Arolla by the shortest route. A short ski across the glacier was followed by a 35m ascent of a cliff-face by way of steel ladders. Then it was off into the murk for a cautious downhill descent until we reached an established piste, where there was reasonable skiing for the last 2-3km to the village. We arrived about 1-1/2 hours before the scheduled time for our transport and enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee. It was back to Argentiere | + | The hut could accommodate about 100 and the numbers gradually built up to about 60 with some parties |
- | Those contemplating this type of trip need advanced downhill skiing skills plus a determination to plod up the long ascents with considerable weight on your feet - downhill gear with skins and ski crampons for icy sections. Unfortunately one is not always rewarded on the downhill descents. Some of these involve survival skiing and require no-falls technique. I often found myself thinking of our great spring snow conditions in Australia. I believe these are the best in the world. | + | |
+ | There had been high cirrus cloud throughout the day and a change was expected. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Those contemplating this type of trip need advanced downhill skiing skills plus a determination to plod up the long ascents with considerable weight on your feet - downhill gear with skins and ski crampons for icy sections. | ||
Ode for Patrick (from Joan Rigby, source unknown) | Ode for Patrick (from Joan Rigby, source unknown) | ||
- | Eye have a spelling checker It:came with my PC; | + | |
- | It plainly marks for my revue Mistakes Eye cannot sea. I've run this poem threw it I'm shore your pleased to no its letter perfect in ifs weigh My Checker told me sew. | + | Eye have a spelling checker |
- | Eighty Years of Conservation | + | |
- | The ; | + | It came with my PC; |
- | Opening dates and times are: | + | |
- | 9 am to 5 pm, 22 Sept. to 3 Oct. with | + | It plainly marks for my revue |
- | 9 pm closing 23, 24 and 25 Sept. only. | + | |
- | Can We Believe What We Sea? | + | Mistakes Eye cannot sea. |
+ | |||
+ | I've run this poem threw it | ||
+ | |||
+ | I'm shore your pleased to no | ||
+ | |||
+ | its letter perfect in it' | ||
+ | |||
+ | My Checker told me sew. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Eighty Years of Conservation | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The Fountain | ||
+ | |||
+ | Opening dates and times are: | ||
+ | |||
+ | 9 am to 5 pm, 22 Sept. to 3 Oct. with | ||
+ | |||
+ | 9 pm closing 23, 24 and 25 Sept. only. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Can We Believe What We Sea? | ||
by Geoff Grace. | by Geoff Grace. | ||
- | Way back in February 1988, I was one of a party of four led by Carol Bruce that traversed Tasmania' | + | Way back in February 1988, I was one of a party of four led by Carol Bruce that traversed Tasmania' |
- | I seemed to be alone in my view that the horizon we were viewing was not the true horizon of the sea. I was determined to check it out by calculations back in Sydney. From where we were on Mount Taurus, it was agreed that the line of sight to the (apparent) horizon intersected Precipitous Bluff slightly above the base of the Bluffs | + | |
- | Out with maps, calculator and trigonometry books. By using the nominal radius of the earth along with the height of Mount Taurus, the angle of depression to the true horizon can be calculated. Knowing the distance between Taurus and Precipitous Bluff (38km) and using the previously calculated angle of depression to the true horizon, the contour on the Bluff at which line of sight to the true horizon should intersect, can be determined. | + | |
- | My calculations showed that the line of sight from Mount Taurus to the true sea-level horizon should intersect | + | |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | + | I seemed to be alone in my view that the horizon we were viewing was not the true horizon of the sea. I was determined to check it out by calculations back in Sydney. |
- | At EastwoodCarnping Centre | + | |
- | WE'LL GET YOU COVERED | + | |
- | Packs, Tents, | + | |
- | Give us a call now | + | Out with maps, calculator and trigonometry books. |
- | eastvvood | + | |
- | sarcptwg | + | |
- | (02) 9858 3833 | + | |
- | 3 Trelawney Street (PO Box 131) Eastwood. N.S.W. 2122 | + | My calculations showed that the line of sight from Mount Taurus to the true sea-level horizon should intersect Precipitous Bluff close to the 430 metre contour. However, the junction of cliff and scree slope (close to the agreed intersection point) is in the vicinity of the 800 metre contour. |
- | KahOeangi }Capers | + | |
- | Part. 1..the Heaphy | + | |
- | I've left my job and am in New Zealand with my 21- speed bike. " | + | |
+ | FULL PAGE AD | ||
+ | |||
+ | FULL PAGE AD | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Kahurangi Kapers ===== | ||
+ | by Sandy Larson | ||
+ | |||
+ | Part 1 the Heaphy | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | I've left my job and am in New Zealand with my 21-speed bike. " | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Well, I've made it to Nelson after about 2 months cycling around Northern New Zealand. I've done a few walks here and there around the North Island and the Sounds. But looming ahead is the famous Heaphy Track, regarded as one of the best in NZ. I'd missed it for one reason or another on previous trips, but not this time. | Well, I've made it to Nelson after about 2 months cycling around Northern New Zealand. I've done a few walks here and there around the North Island and the Sounds. But looming ahead is the famous Heaphy Track, regarded as one of the best in NZ. I'd missed it for one reason or another on previous trips, but not this time. | ||
- | In to the Department of Conservation office in Nelson to organise 3 nights camping fees for $6 per night. The Heaphy is now part of the newly formed Kahurangi National Park. It also has a "Great Walks" classification, | + | |
- | one can camp, and $12 Hut fees. | + | |
- | . - | + | |
+ | In to the Department of Conservation office in Nelson to organise 3 nights camping fees for $6 per night. The Heaphy is now part of the newly formed Kahurangi National Park. It also has a "Great Walks" classification, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
My Nelson friend advised, "You also have to try the Wangapeka Track; it's totally different to the Heaphy and better in some ways". The Wangapeka is in the same park, roughly parallel to the Heaphy, and about 50 km south of it. Well, while I'm there.... | My Nelson friend advised, "You also have to try the Wangapeka Track; it's totally different to the Heaphy and better in some ways". The Wangapeka is in the same park, roughly parallel to the Heaphy, and about 50 km south of it. Well, while I'm there.... | ||
- | Heaphy Track: Day 1: | + | |
- | On the bus at 7.30 am, $40 to get to the start of the Heaphy track. Two changes of bus and some beautiful, scenery get- me to the track, along with about 10. -other walkers,. about 11.30 am The weather has been looking cloudy and ominous, and it's raining as we start to walk. | + | |
- | The track is very wide and well defined; It was once surveyed to put a road through to the river mouth, which never happened. As a result nearly all the track is benched and with only gentle gradients. I climb gradually up through beech forest and drizzling rain, to the 915 m Flanagan' | + | |
- | The weather | + | Heaphy Track: Day 1: |
- | Day 2: The plan is to go 24 km today to get to Mackay Hut. But I wake up with some kind of virus, a queasy gut and 'sore/weak. all over. Must content myself with 13 km to Saxon Hut, with rest and frequent toilet stops. At least the weather is good. The track leads onto Gouland Downs, a broad " | + | |
+ | On the bus at 7.30 am, $40 to get to the start of the Heaphy track. Two changes of bus and some beautiful scenery get me to the track, along with about 10 other walkers, about 11.30 am. The weather has been looking cloudy and ominous, and it's raining as we start to walk. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The track is very wide and well defined; It was once surveyed to put a road through to the river mouth, which never happened. As a result nearly all the track is benched and with only gentle gradients. I climb gradually up through beech forest and drizzling rain, to the 915 m Flanagan' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The weather | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Day 2: The plan is to go 24 km today to get to Mackay Hut. But I wake up with some kind of virus, a queasy gut and sore/weak all over. Must content myself with 13 km to Saxon Hut, with rest and frequent toilet stops. At least the weather is good. The track leads onto Gouland Downs, a broad " | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Near the picturesque Gouland Downs hut I encounter two other walkers, a Netherlander and a New Zealander, who are over the moon about having seen a real live Kiwi bird walking around in broad daylight. "Yes it was really a Kiwi and we could get right up to it and we've got photos to prove it." They are spreading the news to every other walker they meet. | Near the picturesque Gouland Downs hut I encounter two other walkers, a Netherlander and a New Zealander, who are over the moon about having seen a real live Kiwi bird walking around in broad daylight. "Yes it was really a Kiwi and we could get right up to it and we've got photos to prove it." They are spreading the news to every other walker they meet. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Gouland Downs contains a Karst area with lots of limestone formations, arches etc. to explore. Unfortunately I'm not feeling up to it today. | Gouland Downs contains a Karst area with lots of limestone formations, arches etc. to explore. Unfortunately I'm not feeling up to it today. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
On through tussock and bush and riverbeds to Saxon Hut about 2 pm. That's enough for me that day. Some afternoon rain anyway. I have a much needed rest the remainder of the day, can't eat a lot. | On through tussock and bush and riverbeds to Saxon Hut about 2 pm. That's enough for me that day. Some afternoon rain anyway. I have a much needed rest the remainder of the day, can't eat a lot. | ||
- | Day 3: Felt a bit better today, but not much. 11 km to Mackay Hut and 12 km to Lewis. This part of the track has grassy river flats and Indiana Jones bridges to cross the rivers. Mostly level or downhill walking, with tussock and beech vegetation. The rocks and gravel are a beautiful pink granite, some of the oldest rocks in NZ. At the Mackay Hut, which is still high up, I am treated to a magnificent view down the Heaphy Valley right to the river mouth and the sea beyond; the best view on the track. | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Day 3: Felt a bit better today, but not much. 11 km to Mackay Hut and 12 km to Lewis. This part of the track has grassy river flats and Indiana Jones bridges to cross the rivers. Mostly level or downhill walking, with tussock and beech vegetation. The rocks and gravel are a beautiful pink granite, some of the oldest rocks in NZ. At the Mackay Hut, which is still high up, I am treated to a magnificent view down the Heaphy Valley right to the river mouth and the sea beyond; the best view on the track. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
From there the track descends gradually to the Heaphy River and Lewis Hut. Again I've had enough for the day. Besides, this is a beautiful area to stop and enjoy, the junction of the Lewis and Heaphy Rivers. The tannin-coloured but clear Heaphy River offers an opportunity for a luxurious swim. | From there the track descends gradually to the Heaphy River and Lewis Hut. Again I've had enough for the day. Besides, this is a beautiful area to stop and enjoy, the junction of the Lewis and Heaphy Rivers. The tannin-coloured but clear Heaphy River offers an opportunity for a luxurious swim. | ||
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | ||
- | ' | ||
- | Page 9 I | ||
- | Sandflies are a teal nuisance on the NZ west Coast, they land on any ' | ||
- | Day 4: Gradually feeling a bit better. I negotiate a couple of long swing bridges to cross the Lewis and Heaphy Rivers, then down the Heaphy for 8 km to Hea,phy Hut. The beech forest has by now given way to podocarp (NZ pine) forest and nikau palms. This part of NZ has mild weather, and some of the vegetation is almost subtropical in nature. A few more swing bridges are provided to cross side creeks. Heaphy Hut is in another pretty area at the Heaphy mouth. Lots of sandflies but nice to stop for lunch and go for a wander on the driftwood-covered beach. I wouldn' | ||
- | From Heaphy Hut it's 16 km along the coast to Kohaihai River and the track end. It's generally flat, and the track runs mostly parallel to and just back of the beach/ | ||
- | In to the carpark about 4.30 pm, just in time to catch a lift the 20 or so km into Karamea. I find a Backpackers hostel to stay at, and into the pub for a couple of beer and a feast of soup, garlic bread and roast beef dinner (well, I've earned it haven' | ||
- | The Heaphy Track is not a spectacular track like some others might be. But it is pleasant, beautiful, and not overly intimidating. It's great selling point is the variety of scenery and vegetation over its length, from beech forest, tussock downs, river flats, limestone, podocam and palms to ocean beach. Despite my temporary lack of good health, it was still eminently enjoyable. | ||
- | Lay Day: A rest day looking around Karamea, sheltering from rain, organising Wangapeka passes at the DOC, and buying food. 1 don't need to buy much, as I didn't eat much on the Heaphy. Karamea is a friendly, pleasant place, off the beaten i track and wonderfully laid back. Good for a holiday on its own. | ||
- | Carlon, Albert Arthur (Bert) of Carlon' | ||
- | KAKADU Kakadu Highlights Nos. 16 and 77 are the most relaxed and leisurely trips we offer. | ||
- | Sep 7-20 Kakadu Highlights #13 $1200 | ||
- | Oct 12-25 Kakadu Highlights #16 $1300 | ||
- | Nov 4-15 Kakadu Highlights #17 $1200 | ||
- | RED CENTRE Local botanists predict one of the best ever Centralian wildflower displays this spring. | ||
- | Aug 31-Sep 19 Finke-Watarrka #2 Sep 21-Oct 11 Macdonnell Ranges #2 | ||
- | Be A Winner! | ||
- | uotetl: | ||
- | listed. Other cliscounts ma/ apply. C | ||
- | _Every trip is | ||
- | | ||
- | group is small. | ||
- | Too long? Most trips are split into. sections, any of which may be done on its own. | ||
- | Want more information? | ||
- | Ask for our brochure and trip notes. | ||
- | Save even | ||
- | more! Book with_ | ||
- | a friend and you | ||
- | both get an extra | ||
- | 1 CY., discount. | ||
- | Willis' | ||
- | 1927 - Sydney Bush-walkers 70 years - 1997 | ||
- | June 1997.: | ||
- | Everyone else was out of town or something so Your scribe took the chair for this one. If the notes. are more scrappy than usualit' | ||
- | The minutes were read and received with the only matter arising being notice from the treasurer of a deposit of moneys to a cash management fund: | ||
- | Thei-e was correspondence from D. Turner, from Pam Allan the NSW minister and NPWS, providing details of the road closure at Newhaven Gap, and from the federal communications minister regarding the conservation fund. | ||
- | The treasurer' | ||
- | $1,891 and closed with a balance of $15,902. | ||
- | The walks secretary was conducting a mapping test on some hapless prospective victim so the order of business was modified to give him time at his sport. Not only that, but the Conservation and Confederation reports were taken in reverse order due to a pervading belief the one has recently tended to the other. Why me! I could have been a lumberjack you know!. | ||
- | It seems the latest Confederation meeting was more interesting than average. As a result of the submission to the NSW government from the Public Land Users Group (PLUG) meeting, Confederation had received a letter from Keith Muir on behalf of the Colong Foundation protesting at the submission, and pointing out that it did not represent the views of many of the affiliated bodies, nor had it been agreed to by those bodies. Although Keith had been invited to the Confederation committee meeting by one of our delegates the meeting declined the offer for him to ,address the meeting. The committee debated the matter and passed a motion acknowledging that the president' | ||
- | notes that the costs of printing the " | ||
- | The Confederation General Meeting, with 45 present, followed the Committee Meeting. A spirited debate commenced on the matter of the , resolution from the Public Land Users Group and after a time the president was replaced in the chair to facilitate his ongoing engagement in the debate. The meeting exceeded the available time allowed and has been adjourned to another time. | ||
- | Conservation report saw reference to a series of items placed on the notice board for general interest. An impact statement has been received for the proposed airport at Holsworthy. The ACF has provided details of possible adverse effects on environmental standards and controls in the event that leases are upgraded to freehold title as part of the government' | ||
- | At last it was time for the walks report, really! The weekend of 16, 17, 18 May saw Carol Lubbers with a party of 12 enduring a wet Friday night at the base campsite for her Tayan Pic/ | ||
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | ||
- | Pipeline Pass later in the day. Sunday was a bit better so' a remnant party of 7 set off to Pantoneys Crown. The small party made for rapid progress and they completed the walk early. They reported that the area of Pantoney' | ||
- | Wilf Hilder s mid week walk went on Thursday | + | Sandflies are a real nuisance on the NZ west Coast; they land on any exposed skin, especially the ankles, and bite like rottweilers. You have to cover up completely. Fortunately they sleep after dark. |
- | The' | + | |
- | leg. One can only presurne | + | |
- | There was no report for Wilf s midweek walk on Thursday 29th although we are assured it did go. | + | |
- | The weekend of 30, 31 May, 1 June was all day walks. Tom Wenman led 20 on his test walk to Bluegum and back on Saturday, and Ken Smith had 3 on his walk from Springwood to Glenbrook the same day. They both reported cold conditions with Ken noting that the morning was glorious. Sunday saw Alan Mewett with a party of 16 braving the lantana maze somewhere out from Wondabyne. | + | Day 4: |
- | The June long weekend, 6, 7, 8, 9 June saw Kenn Clacher cancel his programmed walk from kanangra | + | |
- | General business saw a comment that Confederation should be engaging in the formation of a coalition of interests opposed to the proposed airport at Holsworthy, Announcements included notice that NPWS will be conducting a selective baiting program at Coolana to suppress dog numbers in the area. The meeting closed at around 2105. | + | |
- | 1927 - SydneyBushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | + | |
- | July 1997 General Meeting. | + | From Heaphy Hut it's 16 km along the coast to Kohaihai River and the track end. It's generally flat, and the track runs mostly parallel to and just back of the beach/ |
- | The meeting began at around 2012 with some 15 dr: So: members present and the president in the chAir: | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | In to the carpark about 4.30 pm, just in time to catch a lift the 20 or so km into Karamea. I find a Backpackers hostel to stay at, and into the pub for a couple of beer and a feast of soup, garlic bread and roast beef dinner (well, I've earned it haven' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The Heaphy Track is not a spectacular track like some others might be. But it is pleasant, beautiful, and not overly intimidating. It's great selling point is the variety of scenery and vegetation over its length, from beech forest, tussock downs, river flats, limestone, podocarp and palms to ocean beach. Despite my temporary lack of good health, it was still eminently enjoyable. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Lay Day: A rest day looking around Karamea, sheltering from rain, organising Wangapeka passes at the DOC, and buying food. I don't need to buy much, as I didn't eat much on the Heaphy. Karamea is a friendly, pleasant place, off the beaten track and wonderfully laid back. Good for a holiday on its own. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Carlon, Albert Arthur (Bert) of Carlon' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== June 1997 General Meeting. ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Everyone else was out of town or something so your scribe took the chair for this one. If the notes are more scrappy than usual it’s as good a reason as any other. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The minutes were read and received with the only matter arising being notice from the treasurer of a deposit of moneys to a cash management fund. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There was correspondence from D. Turner, from Pam Allan the NSW minister and NPWS, providing details of the road closure at Newhaven Gap, and from the federal communications minister regarding the conservation fund. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The treasurer’s report indicated that we began with $13,371, received income of $4,421, spent $1,891 and closed with a balance of $15,902. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The walks secretary was conducting a mapping test on some hapless prospective victim so the order of business was modified to give him time at his sport. | ||
+ | |||
+ | It seems the latest Confederation meeting was more interesting than average. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Confederation General Meeting, with 45 present, followed the Committee Meeting. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Conservation report saw reference to a series of items placed on the notice board for general interest. | ||
+ | |||
+ | At last it was time for the walks report, really! | ||
+ | |||
+ | Wilf Hilder’s mid week walk went on Thursday | ||
+ | |||
+ | The weekend of 23, 24, 25 May brought a touch of deja-vu | ||
+ | |||
+ | There was no report for Wilf’s midweek walk on Thursday 29th although we are assured it did go. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The weekend of 30, 31 May, 1 June was all day walks. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The June long weekend, 6, 7, 8, 9 June saw Kenn Clacher cancel his programmed walk from Kanangra | ||
+ | |||
+ | General business saw a comment that Confederation should be engaging in the formation of a coalition of interests opposed to the proposed airport at Holsworthy. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== July 1997 General Meeting. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The meeting began at around 2012 with some 15 or so members present and the president in the chair. | ||
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received, with no matters arising. | The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received, with no matters arising. | ||
- | Correspondence saw receipt of a leadership training and accreditation implementation guide from ORCA, with a cover letter from Nuni Char-vat, | + | |
- | The treasurer's report was next, with news that we began with $13,371, received income of $2,741, spent $12,070 and closed with a balance of $4,042. Don't panic, most of the expenditure shown was a deposit to an interest bearing fund. | + | Correspondence saw receipt of a leadership training and accreditation implementation guide from ORCA, with a cover letter from Nuri Chorvat. |
- | The walks secretary then rose to present the walks report, which went something like this. Wills mid week walk on Thursday 12 June probably went, but no details were available to the meeting. Saturday, June 14 saw Ken Smith leading a party of 2 on his walk out from Glenbrook. It was retiorted | + | |
- | wilderness on. Patrick James' | + | The treasurer’s report was next, with news that we began with $13,371, received income of $2,741, spent $12,070 and closed with a balance of $4, |
- | Ian Rannard's midweek trip in Brisbane Waters National Park went on the Tuesday with a party of four. Conditions were cold, windy and damp. | + | |
- | The weekend of 20, 21, 22 June saw fine clear conditions and a full moon for the party of 5 on Carol Lubbers' | + | The walks secretary then rose to present the walks report, which went something like this. |
- | There were no details for Wills Thursday midweek walk from Cronulla but there was a general remark that Thursdayas | + | |
- | Over the weekend of 28, 29 June the rain in the plain fell mainly on the rogaine, on Sunday at least. When Ken Smith says there were no Sydney Bushwalkers present we are left to wonder whether this is a second-hand report or whether Ken was wearing some other hat at the rogaine. Alan Wells' | + | Ian Rannard’s midweek trip in Brisbane Waters National Park went on the Tuesday with a party of four. Conditions were cold, windy and damp. |
- | 1927 Sydney Btishwa1l6drs 70: years - 1997 | + | |
- | encountered some spitting | + | The weekend of 20, 21, 22 June saw fine clear conditions and a full moon for the party of 5 on Carol Lubbers’ walk to The Castle in the Buddawangs National Park. There was no report for Wilf Hilder’s Stages 5 and 6 of the Great Illawarra Walk and Kenn Clacher’s cross country ski trip did not go. Of the day walks, Zol Bodlay led his Marra Marra National Park walk on a nice day wearing a plaster cast on one arm Ken Smith had 3 on his Faulconbridge to Lawson walk on a fine clear Sunday. |
- | There Was no report for Wilf Hilder's midweek walk on Thursday the 3' | + | |
- | Ken Smith's Faulconbridge to Lawson trip over the weekend of 5, 6 Ttily did not go. There was no report for Ken Cheng's Saturday walk in his backyard or for George | + | There were no details for Wilf’s |
- | There was no report for Ian Rannard' | + | |
- | Conservation report brought | + | Over the weekend of 28, 29 June the rain in the plain fell mainly on the rogaine, on Sunday at least. |
- | Confederation committee | + | |
- | Confederation General Meeting has passed a motion, approving of the newer phOto-topo maps. A proposal | + | There was no report for Wilf Hilder’s midweek walk on Thursday the 3rd of July. |
- | this. If you haven't already done so, lodge your reservations soon. | + | |
- | There was no general business to present so we moved to the announcements, | + | Ken Smith’s Faulconbridge to Lawson trip over the weekend of 5, 6 July did not go. There was no report for Ken Cheng’s Saturday walk in his backyard or for George |
- | meeting at around 2118 | + | |
+ | There was no report for Ian Rannard' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Conservation report brought | ||
+ | |||
+ | Confederation committee meeting | ||
+ | |||
+ | Confederation General Meeting has passed a motion approving of the newer photo-topo maps. A proposal | ||
+ | |||
+ | Details of the 70th anniversary activities will have appeared in the magazine by the time you read this. If you haven’t already done so, lodge your reservations soon. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There was no general business to present so we moved to the announcements, | ||
**************************************** | **************************************** | ||
+ | |||
For Your Information, | For Your Information, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
At Katoomba | At Katoomba | ||
- | Paddy Pallin has a new store in Katoomba (166b Katoomba Street) which will service local walkers, and give walkers visiting the Blue Mountains an opportunity to purchase last minute items, including | + | |
- | (047) 824466. | + | Paddy Pallin has a new store in Katoomba (166b Katoomba Street) which will service local walkers, and give walkers visiting the Blue Mountains an opportunity to purchase last minute items, including |
- | At Parramatta | + | |
- | The Paddy Pallin Parramatta store has relocated to 74 Macquarie Street, just around the corner from the old location. The new store is bigger, brighter and carries more stock & therefore offers more customer options. Tel: (02) 9633 1113. | + | |
+ | |||
+ | At Parramatta | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Paddy Pallin Parramatta store has relocated to 74 Macquarie Street, just around the corner from the old location. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
At Jindabyne | At Jindabyne | ||
+ | |||
Ex SBW member, Peter Sharp operating as Halcyon Guiding Services, offers fly fishing instruction and guiding (its a hard life but someone has to do it). Call Peter on 064 56 1438. | Ex SBW member, Peter Sharp operating as Halcyon Guiding Services, offers fly fishing instruction and guiding (its a hard life but someone has to do it). Call Peter on 064 56 1438. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
At Kangaroo Valley | At Kangaroo Valley | ||
- | All SBW members and their guests (family, kids, spouses, significant others, etc.) are invited to take part in the working bees at Club Coolana. See the walks program for details. Coolana is looking beautiful at present and further work is required to make the place perfect for the 70th Anniversary Reunion on 11 and 12 October 1997. | + | |
+ | All SBW members and their guests (family, kids, spouses, significant others, etc.) are invited to take part in the working bees at Club Coolana. | ||
In Sydney | In Sydney | ||
- | Bookings are now open for the 70th Anniversary Dinner on 17 October. Tickets are $30 per person and MUST be booked before hand, no ticket sales on the evening itself (repeating, no ticket sales, nil tickets i e. zero ticket sales at the venue itself) because we have to plan ahead, balance our budget and advise the numbers attending so the right number of potatoes can be peeled. | + | |
- | Details of the 70u anniversary activities Will have appeared in the magazine by the time you read | + | Bookings are now open for the 70th Anniversary Dinner on 17 October. Tickets are $30 per person and MUST be booked before hand, no ticket sales on the evening itself (repeating, no ticket sales, nil tickets i.e. zero ticket sales at the venue itself) because we have to plan ahead, balance our budget and advise the numbers attending so the right number of potatoes can be peeled. |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years 1997 | + | |
- | Lawrence Graham | + | |
+ | |||
+ | ===== Lawrence Graham Harrison (Mouldy) | ||
+ | |||
by Christine Austin | by Christine Austin | ||
- | On June 13th 190, I was one several Sydney | + | |
- | April 1931 (aged 22) We followed the river for some distance, making several crossings;- then a clearing - open grassland with giant bluegums huge trees seeming all the more massive because of the absence of scrub or undergrowth. All round the trees, to their very trunks, grew a brownish green grass. There we had our lunch. Again the good, nourishing, quickly prepared damper, cheese and honey, and two prunes each, ivith of course, plenty of tea. The river oaks at the edge of the clearing were particularly large, being in many cases 150 feet high. The staghorns and crow's nest ferns seemed to thrive on these trees. | + | On June 13th 1997, I was one several Sydney |
- | On our way. Through shaded jungle, past enormous ficus trees, one of which sheltered Jean and Ernie in a cavity between the roots - through small patches of stinging nettles and through the river. We made 33 crossings, most of which were wet ones. We passed two more open patches of country and finally stopped in an open gum forest Here our tents were pitched; | + | |
- | Then :7 Oh Wonderful! A. savory pottage - the Stew! It was eaten with much readiness by us all. The sweets consisted of stewed apples and custard. | + | April 1931 (aged 22) We followed the river for some distance, making several crossings;- then a clearing - open grassland with giant bluegums |
- | Here mention might he made of the camp routine. | + | |
- | Packs down. Ernie would select the tent sites, Jean start unpacking the food, and Mouldy collecting firewood for the cooking fire; then Ernie and Mouldy would get the fire sticks and tent poles, and portion of the wood for a large fire. Erection of the tents by Ernie and Mouldy - Jean industriously cooking tea. A joint gatheringof | + | On our way. Through shaded jungle, past enormous ficus trees, |
- | After tea would come a short period for digestion and washing up. Afterwards, the cooking fire having been greatly enlarged, would come one of the greatest delights of camping - the 'Camp- Fire', round which all signs of formality and shyness are forgotten. Tongues are loosened, opinions aired, and friendships ripened It is the peaceful solitude, the quiet calm, and childlike trust in each other that make it' | + | |
- | I think that he who can really appreciate the 'camp-fire' | + | Then - Oh Wonderful! |
+ | |||
+ | Here mention might be made of the camp routine. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Packs down. Ernie would select the tent sites, Jean start unpacking the food, and Mouldy collecting firewood for the cooking fire; then Ernie and Mouldy would get the fire sticks and tent poles, and portion of the wood for a large fire. Erection of the tents by Ernie and Mouldy - Jean industriously cooking tea. A joint gathering of large firewood - Jean still cooking tea. A wash, and then, Jean having finished cooking tea, consumption thereof. | ||
+ | |||
+ | After tea would come a short period for digestion and washing up. Afterwards, the cooking fire having been greatly enlarged, would come one of the greatest delights of camping - the ‘Camp-Fire’, round which all signs of formality and shyness are forgotten. | ||
+ | |||
+ | I think that he who can really appreciate the ‘camp-fire’ is tasting of ‘The solid joys and lasting pleasures’. | ||
Extract from a letter written in May 1953 to a friend in London | Extract from a letter written in May 1953 to a friend in London | ||
- | At Easter time I think I had the most perfect walking trip for some years. The weather | + | |
- | Below are some extracts from a short autobiography Mouldy wrote on 1615/89. The complete version was read at his funeral. I have included it for those who were not fortunate enough to know this remarkable man. Thank you to Ruth Tridgell for allowing, us to print it. | + | At Easter time I think I had the most perfect walking trip for some years. |
- | To start at the beginning, I was born on the 18th April 1909, weighed 9lbs and had short black hair. At the age Of 4'/ | + | |
+ | Below are some extracts from a short autobiography Mouldy wrote on 16/5/89. The complete version was read at his funeral. | ||
+ | |||
+ | To start at the beginning , I was born on the 18th April 1909, weighed 9lbs and had short black hair. At the age of 4½ I was allowed to go on stage and recite a nursery rhyme. | ||
We moved from Strathfield to Warrawee when I was 7 and stayed there for three years, later going to Wahroonga, Turrumarra, Killara and for the last 50 years I have been at Cremorne Point. | We moved from Strathfield to Warrawee when I was 7 and stayed there for three years, later going to Wahroonga, Turrumarra, Killara and for the last 50 years I have been at Cremorne Point. | ||
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years 1997 | + | |
- | [went to school at Warrawee Public School for 3 years, later going to Wahroonga Grammar School and then on to Barker College. I had an undistinguished record at school but did manage to pass the Intermediate Certificate. | + | I went to school at Warrawee Public School for 3 years, later going to Wahroonga Grammar School and then on to Barker College. I had an undistinguished record at school but did manage to pass the Intermediate Certificate. |
- | In 1923 my father, with one secretary, started A. S. Harrison & Co. to import raw materials for the rubber & paint trades, later including the plastics trade. I joined them in 1928. Our offices were then in Clarence Street, where we remained until 1970. At the end of 1939 we commenced making factice which we had previously imported from Britain. As the war had broken out export licences were no longer available so Bill Purnell suggested that we make it. This we did, and still. da'' | + | |
- | I have had a further 15 trips to the UK since, and about the same number to the USA. The most interesting trip to London was in 1971 when I flew to Katmandu and then joined a Penn Tour Group traveling-by bus from there to London. It took ten weeks and was filled with interest. Only one member of the party died on the way. My trips abroad have included visits to Russia, Alaska, China, Iceland, Mexico, Nepal, South America. | + | In 1923 my father, with one secretary, started A. S. Harrison & Co. to import raw materials for the rubber & paint trades, later including the plastics trade. |
- | In 198 I joined the Sydney Bushwalkers and was a very active member for about 40 years; in fact at a recent | + | |
- | As mentioned at the beginning, I had an, early interest in flowers which developed into horticulture, | + | I have had a further 15 trips to the UK since, and about the same number to the USA. The most interesting trip to London was in 1971 when I flew to Katmandu and then joined a Penn Tour Group traveling by bus from there to London. |
- | When in a foreign city, and I have time to spare, I visit the art gallery or museum and go straight to the Chinese porcelain section. In 1974 1 went to China and found -my visit especially interesting, | + | |
- | te | + | In 1928 I joined the Sydney Bushwalkers and was a very active member for about 40 years; in fact at a recent |
- | seeing so many places that had made the Old Chinese porcelains, as well as Modern | + | |
- | Since 1937 I have been associated with the Chamber of Commerce,. Sydney, and for many years with the Chamber of Manufactures. I have attended- international conferences with the Australian | + | As mentioned at the beginning, I had an early interest in flowers which developed into horticulture, |
- | I was invited to join the C.E.MA. which later became the Arts Council of Australia. I remained on the State Council for 25 years. The idea was to lake the arts to the country and also bring country drama to the city. It functioned very satisfactorily in a great number of country towns. | + | |
- | We staged the first performance of "Corroborree" | + | When in a foreign city, and I have time to spare, I visit the art gallery or museum and go straight to the Chinese porcelain section. |
- | have since enjoyed | + | |
- | was an Original | + | Since 1937 I have been associated with the Chamber of Commerce, Sydney, and for many years with the Chamber of Manufactures. |
- | I was a foundation member of the Plastics Institute of Australia and was on that Council for twelve. years, twice as president. Along the way I Collected | + | |
- | I have been a church warden- of St. Chad's Anglican Church at Cremorne Point. I am also a Life Member of the National Trust and Art Gallery Society and a number of other bodies. | + | I was invited to join the C.E.M.A. which later became the Arts Council of Australia. |
- | For the last twenty years I have been Governing Director of A S Harrison & Co and associated companies. I still go to the office each day and enjoy being there.' | + | |
- | 1927 Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | + | We staged the first performance of “Corroborree” in the old Empire Theater with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. |
- | Scone to Sydney via the Hunter Valley | + | |
- | by Almis Simankevicius | + | I was an original |
- | Similar to a grand bushwalk, I was 'tempted and challenged by the prospect of some 'country cycling. Carol and I have been with the Sydney Bushwalkers for 12 years and wanted to pick up the pace again. Cycling and bushwalking have a number of similar aspects; the feeling of movement and exploration coupled with your own efforts bring a sense of accomplishment. | + | |
- | An ominous growl followed us up the highway as a gigantic coal truck whooshed past, the side draught causing us to wobble on our bikes. You'd be flatter than a pancake if one of those babies hit you. Enroute between Scone and Sydney on a 7 day cycling trip this 8 km of road between Branxton and Belford was a tense, rubber in your face experience. The enormity of the coal trucks and the constant stream of traffic played havoc with our balance. It was a relief to turn off into vineyard country at Belford (North Pokolbin). Within a few kilometres we would be comfortably ensconced at the Thistle Inn Guesthouse. | + | I was a foundation member of the Plastics Institute of Australia and was on that Council for twelve years, twice as president. |
- | We first got the idea of a Scone cycling trip from Leigh Hemmings book - 'Great Australian Bike rides'. I had missed out on the RTA 1996 Big Ride and still felt like an outdoors holiday. Carol began warming to the idea so we outfitted her 25 year 'old Peugeot with a pannier rack, a rear flag and lights. My MTB had panniers, lights and a cycloputer. We would be staying at motels and guest houses. | + | |
+ | I have been a church warden of St. Chad’s Anglican Church at Cremorne Point. | ||
+ | |||
+ | For the last twenty years I have been Governing Director of A S Harrison & Co and associated companies. I still go to the office each day and enjoy being there. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Scone to Sydney via the Hunter Valley | ||
+ | ! by Almis Simankevicius | ||
+ | |||
+ | Similar to a grand bushwalk, I was tempted and challenged by the prospect of some country cycling. Carol and I have been with the Sydney Bushwalkers for 12 years and wanted to pick up the pace again. Cycling and bushwalking have a number of similar aspects; the feeling of movement and exploration coupled with your own efforts bring a sense of accomplishment. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | An ominous growl followed us up the highway as a gigantic coal truck whooshed past, the side draught causing us to wobble on our bikes. You’d be flatter than a pancake if one of those babies hit you. Enroute between Scone and Sydney on a 7 day cycling trip this 8 km of road between Branxton and Belford was a tense, rubber in your face experience. The enormity of the coal trucks and the constant stream of traffic played havoc with our balance. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | We first got the idea of a Scone cycling trip from Leigh Hemmings book - ‘Great Australian Bike rides’. I had missed out on the RTA 1996 Big Ride and still felt like an outdoors holiday. Carol began warming to the idea so we outfitted her 25 year old Peugeot with a pannier rack, a rear flag and lights. My MTB had panniers, lights and a cycloputer. We would be staying at motels and guest houses. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
We booked the Countrylink train to Scone and booked our bikes on as well, being at Hornsby station 50 minutes before departure so that we could box our bikes for train freight. It turned out that the luggage officer was a keen cyclist and was planning to cycle across Russia in the future. | We booked the Countrylink train to Scone and booked our bikes on as well, being at Hornsby station 50 minutes before departure so that we could box our bikes for train freight. It turned out that the luggage officer was a keen cyclist and was planning to cycle across Russia in the future. | ||
- | Three and a half hours later we disembarked with bikes at Scone Station in the late afternoon sun and went searching for a quiet motel. We had never cycled such distances before ( about 340 kms) so we wanted to get a good night's rest before we started out the next day. | + | |
- | Next morning the weather was magnificent and T- shirts were the go. If this was winter, then give me | + | |
- | more. We left Scone and followed the quiet rural roads towards Lake Glenbawn dam. The countryside and ambience were reminiscent of France. We marvelled at our awareness of the surroundings. Travelling at an average speed of 14 km/hr cyclists tend to be far more in touch with and alert to their environments. | + | |
- | It was pleasant to stop for morning coffee from the thermos near a clear water stream at the base of the dam. A few more hills further on , and accompanied by the chirping of birds enjoying the sunshine we rolled into Aberdeen. Being Saturday afternoon, we had arrived at Croft's Bakery for pies and cakes just before closing time. The proprietress wasn't aware that her shop was mentioned in the guide book, so it was a pleasant surprise for her. | + | Three and a half hours later we disembarked with bikes at Scone Station in the late afternoon sun and went searching for a quiet motel. We had never cycled such distances before ( about 340 kms) so we wanted to get a good night’s rest before we started out the next day. |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Next morning the weather was magnificent and T-shirts were the go. If this was winter, then give me more. We left Scone and followed the quiet rural roads towards Lake Glenbawn dam. The countryside and ambience were reminiscent of France. We marvelled at our awareness of the surroundings. Travelling at an average speed of 14 km/hr cyclists tend to be far more in touch with and alert to their environments. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | It was pleasant to stop for morning coffee from the thermos near a clear water stream at the base of the dam. A few more hills further on , and accompanied by the chirping of birds enjoying the sunshine we rolled into Aberdeen. Being Saturday afternoon, we had arrived at Croft’s Bakery for pies and cakes just before closing time. The proprietress wasn’t aware that her shop was mentioned in the guide book, so it was a pleasant surprise for her. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Crossing the mighty Hunter river, we followed some lovely quiet back roads. Through pastures of dairy cattle and lucerne fields. It was green and lush here, but not as lush as the local farmers would have liked. | Crossing the mighty Hunter river, we followed some lovely quiet back roads. Through pastures of dairy cattle and lucerne fields. It was green and lush here, but not as lush as the local farmers would have liked. | ||
- | The scene was English bucolic as we spied the two church spires of Muswellbrook in the distance. It had cooled down by now and were glad to be close to accommodation. Finding a map of the town took some doing, and eventually we pointed our bikes in the direction of the John Hunter motel with pool, hot spa and McDonald's next door. | + | |
- | You know the old saying-'red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning.' | + | |
- | However it was to be a long day and full of decisions. Would we stop here? Would we go there? You know that sort of day. The plan was to cycle to Singleton via Jerry's Plains. Maps are so deceptive to the unwary. We were learning that squiggly lines meant hills. Ever the optimist, I kept saying | + | |
- | We followed the Edderton road and then turned left into the Denman to Singleton road. This road to Jerry's Plains was fantastically smooth with a | + | The scene was English bucolic as we spied the two church spires of Muswellbrook in the distance. It had cooled down by now and were glad to be close to accommodation. Finding a map of the town took some doing, and eventually we pointed our bikes in the direction of the John Hunter motel with pool, hot spa and McDonald’s next door. |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | + | |
- | gentle downward-gradient-. With the wind behind | + | |
- | Travelling at these speeds (30-45km/ | + | |
- | Pushing on to Singleton we encountered the rolling hills amongst coal mining country, and lots o - electricity pylons. We had cycled 66 kilometers and were now out of puff. A chain had come off Carol's bike so we had to stop. Over the top of the crest a four wheel drive moved towards us and slowed down to check us out. A guardian angel in the disguiSe | + | You know the old saying-’red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning.’ There were lots of pinky red clouds next morning and I thought that it was time to get out the wet weather gear (Gortex coats and trousers), but the colourful clouds dissipated and we welcomed another glorious sunny day. |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | However it was to be a long day and full of decisions. Would we stop here? Would we go there? You know that sort of day. The plan was to cycle to Singleton via Jerry’s Plains. Maps are so deceptive to the unwary. We were learning that squiggly lines meant hills. Ever the optimist, I kept saying | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | We followed the Edderton road and then turned left into the Denman to Singleton road. This road to Jerry’s Plains was fantastically smooth with a gentle downward gradient. With the wind behind us, we made extra good time. Truly exhilarating. It made up for all the previous slopes and hills. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Travelling at these speeds (30-45km/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Pushing on to Singleton we encountered | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Fairoak, the bed and breakfast in Singleton that we had booked beforehand, was just the slice of luxury and comfort that we deserved after a long and tiring day. We slept in. | Fairoak, the bed and breakfast in Singleton that we had booked beforehand, was just the slice of luxury and comfort that we deserved after a long and tiring day. We slept in. | ||
- | Singleton is set on a plain. So when the winds came howling across, it was lovely to be cosseted inside enjoying breakfast, music and heaps of magazines, waiting for, an appropriate time to begin the day's cycling. | + | |
- | Finally we left Singleton, taking a wonderfully quiet route through Glendon and Ellersie mainly following ridges from which we saw the convoluted topography of this region. By now our muscles had become accustomed to the daily exercise and we were feeling fit. 'Cycling across the mighty Hunter river yet again and up a monster of a hill. Then came the: delightful descent to Branxton. Unfortunately the historic Branxton Inn was closed, so we couldn't try their cappuccinos for which they are famous. | + | |
- | Then that eight kilometers of tense _highway | + | |
- | .4.ge 17: | + | Singleton is set on a plain. So when the winds came howling across, it was lovely to be cosseted inside enjoying breakfast, music and heaps of magazines, waiting for an appropriate time to begin the day’s cycling. |
- | guest hOuses | + | |
- | Breakfast was served under a cloudless sky. We could smell the grapes in the air as we cycled through the evocative vineyards. The whole vista was inspiring; the huge Brokenback ranges in the distance framing the vine clad hills. A medium amount of traffic. We joined the Tyrells winery tour. Our tour guide, a Scot with a keen sense of humour made it memorable. He mentioned three of Tyrells employees; Jack who lifts the barrels up at one end, Dwayne who empties them, and Phil who has the job of refilling them with new brews. He also told us that acetic acid is another name for English wine. Tasting next. | + | |
- | Carol ordered a mixed case of Tyrells, not the English wine. All this tasting had given us an appetite, so we cycled off to McGuigan Brothers to buy some cheese from the Hunter Cheese factory. I love brie and camembert, and there was a gourmet's selection to choose from. The only remaining gastronomic item in this meal was fresh crusty bread, and that we procured from Sylvester Bros. bakery in Cessnock later that afternoon. That night we stayed in Nulkaba guesthouse, a double | + | |
- | Carol had ridden over a piece of metal which had fractured the outer layer of her tyre. Cessnock bicycle shop proved to be just the place for repairs. Two new tyres and a replacement water bottle for her and a mirror for me. My semi slicks had kept in good condition throughout. It was a change to walk around Cessnock's shopping centre instead of being perched upon our bikes. | + | Finally we left Singleton, taking a wonderfully quiet route through Glendon and Ellersie mainly following ridges from which we saw the convoluted topography of this region. By now our muscles had become accustomed to the daily exercise and we were feeling fit. Cycling across the mighty Hunter river yet again and up a monster of a hill. Then came the delightful descent to Branxton. Unfortunately the historic Branxton Inn was closed, so we couldn’t try their cappuccinos for which they are famous. |
- | Now fully equipped again, we found our way to the information booth to check the best way to Morisset. Best to cross the mountains at the legendary Heaton Gap we were informed. So along route 82 we set out. The road was smooth | + | |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years 1997 | + | |
- | and well graded; the pseudo bike lane gave us a sense of safety. Another warm sunny day. | + | |
- | Our muscles were working again as we saw the signs to Ihe approaching Gap. Fortunately, | + | Then that eight kilometers of tense highway |
- | Ah. Fortified again. The incline beckoned (we couldn't avoid it any longer), so we put our best pedals forward and gradually ascended, dismounting and walking when it was too steep. Actually, it wasn't that much tougher than some of the previous hills that we had cycled over. | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Breakfast was served under a cloudless sky. We could smell the grapes in the air as we cycled through the evocative vineyards. The whole vista was inspiring; the huge Brokenback ranges in the distance framing the vine clad hills. A medium amount of traffic. We joined the Tyrells winery tour. Our tour guide, a Scot with a keen sense of humour made it memorable. He mentioned three of Tyrells employees; Jack who lifts the barrels up at one end, Dwayne who empties them, and Phil who has the job of refilling them with new brews. He also told us that acetic acid is another name for English wine. Tasting next. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Carol ordered a mixed case of Tyrells, not the English wine. All this tasting had given us an appetite, so we cycled off to McGuigan Brothers to buy some cheese from the Hunter Cheese factory. I love brie and camembert, and there was a gourmet’s selection to choose from. The only remaining gastronomic item in this meal was fresh crusty bread, and that we procured from Sylvester Bros. bakery in Cessnock later that afternoon. That night we stayed in Nulkaba guesthouse, a double storey house based on an American design, run by Val and Jack. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Carol had ridden over a piece of metal which had fractured the outer layer of her tyre. Cessnock bicycle shop proved to be just the place for repairs. Two new tyres and a replacement water bottle for her and a mirror for me. My semi slicks had kept in good condition throughout. It was a change to walk around Cessnock’s shopping centre instead of being perched upon our bikes. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Now fully equipped again, we found our way to the information booth to check the best way to Morisset. Best to cross the mountains at the legendary Heaton Gap we were informed. So along route 82 we set out. The road was smooth and well graded; the pseudo bike lane gave us a sense of safety. Another warm sunny day. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Our muscles were working again as we saw the signs to the approaching Gap. Fortunately, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Ah. Fortified again. The incline beckoned (we couldn’t avoid it any longer), so we put our best pedals forward and gradually ascended, dismounting and walking when it was too steep. Actually, it wasn’t that much tougher than some of the previous hills that we had cycled over. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
The descent was magnificent. All the perspiration was blown away by the wind as we experienced an effortless freewheeling downhill ride. At the base the road continued, occasionally crossing high over the Newcastle freeway. | The descent was magnificent. All the perspiration was blown away by the wind as we experienced an effortless freewheeling downhill ride. At the base the road continued, occasionally crossing high over the Newcastle freeway. | ||
- | We chose Dora Creek as our overnight stop. This is a tranquil spot sited in a lovely backwater area on Lake Macquarie. Very appealing, however no accommodation could be found. And they like it that way - in Dora Creek. So, onto Morissa | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | We chose Dora Creek as our overnight stop. This is a tranquil spot sited in a lovely backwater area on Lake Macquarie. Very appealing, however no accommodation could be found. And they like it that way - in Dora Creek. So, onto Morisset | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
There was a noticeable change in the air the next morning. Still sunny, but with a real chill. Pastries and coffee while observing the magpies. A shift in our journey had occurred. The road was very busy, a chilly headwind and the realisation that in 36 hours we would be back in Sydney had diluted some of the easy, free feeling that we had till then. | There was a noticeable change in the air the next morning. Still sunny, but with a real chill. Pastries and coffee while observing the magpies. A shift in our journey had occurred. The road was very busy, a chilly headwind and the realisation that in 36 hours we would be back in Sydney had diluted some of the easy, free feeling that we had till then. | ||
- | On the map, our route to the Entrance had looked idyllic, but the repetitive streams of traffic kept irritating me. A morning tea of local cakes at a park in Wyee. Through Doyalson and Budgewoi we cycled till a side trip brought us to the Norah Head lighthouse. By now the weather had darkened, the roads from earlier rain. Rugged solid clouds, the grey tossed sea and the cold wind gave this. a feeling of bleak adventure. Back on the, road, a rain shower made us cycle faster. in case it turned out to be a real drencher. | + | |
- | Over the wide spanned bridge at the Entrance and into Shelley Beach where we searched for a comfortable | + | |
- | Our final day. There was 20 kilometers of cycling yet to reach Gosford from where we could catch the Citylink train back to Sydney. The traffic was now just plain irritating. Drivers were not discourteous - there were just too many of them ! This was like cycling in busy Sydney suburbs. We had been pampered by the quiet open spaces and roads of the Upper Hunter Valley. We turned into the main street of Gosford and took a last breather at the pleasant memorial park. | + | |
+ | On the map, our route to the Entrance had looked idyllic, but the repetitive | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Over the wide spanned bridge at the Entrance and into Shelley Beach where we searched for a comfortable night’s accommodation. The Palm Court motel in Bateau Bay had just the right feel about it, and Veronica made us very welcome. Dinner was taken in the adjoining restaurant and we complimented the 23 year old chef and owner on his fare. The carpetbagger steak was fantastic. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Our final day. There was 20 kilometers of cycling yet to reach Gosford from where we could catch the Citylink train back to Sydney. The traffic was now just plain irritating. Drivers were not discourteous - there were just too many of them ! This was like cycling in busy Sydney suburbs. We had been pampered by the quiet open spaces and roads of the Upper Hunter Valley. We turned into the main street of Gosford and took a last breather at the pleasant memorial park. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
I thought, as the train crossed the Hawkesbury river - what an absolutely fabulous holiday it had been ! | I thought, as the train crossed the Hawkesbury river - what an absolutely fabulous holiday it had been ! | ||
- | **************************************** Wild Call of the Wild, Steve Lengarkis | + | |
- | The wind dropped, the storm passed, | + | **************************************** |
+ | |||
+ | ===== Wild Call of the Wild ===== | ||
+ | , Steve Lengarkis | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The wind dropped, the storm passed, | ||
fast lifting fog revealed new peaks; | fast lifting fog revealed new peaks; | ||
- | hungry dingoes still howling down the gorge. Stop! Stop for a moment and listen: | + | |
+ | hungry dingoes still howling down the gorge. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Stop! Stop for a moment and listen: | ||
Can you hear the wild call of the Wild? | Can you hear the wild call of the Wild? | ||
- | colourful | + | |
- | the creek be/ow murmurs suspiciously, | + | |
+ | |||
+ | Colourful | ||
+ | |||
+ | under the poor shade of tired casurinas, | ||
+ | |||
+ | the creek below murmurs suspiciously, | ||
the dirty billy is boiling angry. | the dirty billy is boiling angry. | ||
+ | |||
Can you hear the wild call of the Wild? | Can you hear the wild call of the Wild? | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
Down Dingoe Creek | Down Dingoe Creek | ||
+ | |||
a new rhapsody echoes, | a new rhapsody echoes, | ||
- | as bellbirds and lyrebirds challenge each other. Can you hear the wild call of the Wild? | + | |
- | The sun sets fire over Wild Dog mountains, the whole campsite glows pure gold! | + | as bellbirds and lyrebirds challenge each other. |
+ | |||
+ | Can you hear the wild call of the Wild? | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The sun sets fire over Wild Dog mountains, | ||
+ | |||
+ | the whole campsite glows pure gold! | ||
Stop! Stop for a moment and listen: | Stop! Stop for a moment and listen: | ||
+ | |||
listen to the magic flute of silence, | listen to the magic flute of silence, | ||
- | to the whispering voice of the dreaming Bush. Can you hear the wild call of the Wild? | + | |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | + | to the whispering voice of the dreaming Bush. |
- | Golden Stairs - Mt. Solitary Kedumba River - Kings Tableland - Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital on Sunday, 13 July 1997 | + | |
- | The original leader, Bill Hope, had to fly to Europe on business on the day, before, so Carol Lubbers took up the challenge. Party: Steven Belfor (P), Michael Bickley, Ian Morrey (P), Roger Treagus & David Trinder | + | Can you hear the wild call of the Wild? |
- | The day dawned damp in the Blue Mountains, but not in Sydney. After waiting and waiting for 4 members who did not bother to tell us they would not be participating, | + | |
- | The sun shone weakly as we Ascended | + | |
- | Due to sudden icy cold wind carrying light rain, we shortened our lunchbreak at the end of Solitary and scuttled down off the Mount, thanking our lucky stars that we didn't have to walk UP that way. I do not remember it being THAT steep when I carried a weekend pack up there 5 years ago! (But that was before 5 operations, I suppose.) The rain steadily increased and the temperature steadily decreased. No-one wanted to stop for long, so we streaked on down the ridge towards the Kedumba River. By now, our lovely views were blotted out by misty rain clouds | + | |
- | through whole valley. | + | ===== Golden Stairs - Mt. Solitary |
- | Cro-SSing' | + | |
- | Plodding on and on, up the beastly cliffside, which no-one believed we could ever climb when viewed from Mt. Solitary earlier that day. We zigged and zagged the big W shaped road and, just when I thought we were at the top, there was MORE up, all the time, flanked by what appeared to be pristine lush green vegetation. Quite beautiful. The bush there does not seem to have suffered much from the interference of regular road grading. No time to stop, it was too cold and wet. Someone had leg cramps because of the cold and dragged at the back of our little pack, now strung out with David towing me up the cliff road. Damn those glasses of red wine the night before. | + | |
- | By 3.30 PM, we had all arrived at the cars, one raced off to Sydney to beat the traffic and 5 of us crammed into Michael's new SAAB with the HEATED front seats (and everything else that opened and shut, switched on and off, either automatically or intentionally, | + | The original leader, Bill Hope, had to fly to Europe on business on the day before, so Carol Lubbers took up the challenge. |
+ | |||
+ | The day dawned damp in the Blue Mountains, but not in Sydney. After waiting and waiting for 4 members who did not bother to tell us they would not be participating, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The sun shone weakly as we ascended | ||
+ | |||
+ | Due to sudden icy cold wind carrying light rain, we shortened our lunchbreak at the end of Solitary and scuttled down off the Mount, thanking our lucky stars that we didn’t have to walk UP that way. I do not remember it being THAT steep when I carried a weekend pack up there 5 years ago! (But that was before 5 operations, I suppose.) | ||
+ | |||
+ | Crossing | ||
+ | |||
+ | Plodding on and on, up the beastly cliffside, which no-one believed we could ever climb when viewed from Mt. Solitary earlier that day. We zigged and zagged the big W shaped road and, just when I thought we were at the top, there was MORE up, all the time, flanked by what appeared to be pristine lush green vegetation. | ||
+ | |||
+ | By 3.30 PM, we had all arrived at the cars, one raced off to Sydney to beat the traffic and 5 of us crammed into Michael’s new SAAB with the HEATED front seats (and everything else that opened and shut, switched on and off, either automatically or intentionally, | ||
Lightening fast change of clothes performed at Narrowneck (too cold to even change my underwear) and then on to the Parakeet for hot chocolate, hot coffee, hot food, hot, hot, hot anything to thaw us out. | Lightening fast change of clothes performed at Narrowneck (too cold to even change my underwear) and then on to the Parakeet for hot chocolate, hot coffee, hot food, hot, hot, hot anything to thaw us out. | ||
- | Despite the weather, we were all glad that we had completed the walk to programme as the area was one we each had been curious to visit or re-visit for some time. Thank you, Bill, in your absence, for the opportunity. | + | |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | + | Despite the weather, we were all glad that we had completed the walk to programme as the area was one we each had been curious to visit or re-visit for some time. Thank you, Bill, in your absence, for the opportunity. |
- | CAPE YORK ADVENTURE | + | |
+ | ===== CAPE YORK ADVENTURE | ||
+ | |||
An exploratory walk in the McIlwraith Range by Tom Wenman | An exploratory walk in the McIlwraith Range by Tom Wenman | ||
- | "There it is, 'Hill 824', the highest point in the range hereabouts. Now we shall be able to check our location, and from there it should be easy to locate the old, Leo Creek gold mine track" So hopes ran high as we poked our heads above the rainforest and scrub of the Mcllwraith Range for a rare glimpse of the country through which we Were walking. The trip notes, quoting from an earlier expedition, had said that due to the vegetation and terrain, navigation was a nightmare, we had found this to be so right. We set a bearing for the ' | ||
- | There were nine of us on Morie Ward's exploratory walk in the Mcilwraith Range, a seldom visited area of rainforest, rugged creeks, gorges and ridges. In fact to say the area was seldom visited is an understatement as the last known visit by a walking party was about ten years ago and before that, since the turn of the century, it is not known, other than no doubt the occasional prospector. Apparently, not even the aborigines ventured into this area. We had departed Cairns by charter aircraft for Coen after having been entertained by our good friend John Hogan, now a tour guide and operator in Cairns. | ||
- | The country surrounding Coen is rather dry, open bush, at this time of year, grazed by the occasional small herds of cattle. We left Coen with our +20kilo packs containing our food for the next thirteen days at about midday. It was hot and the packs were heavy. A local was heard to opine that whatever we had done, it surely would have been easier to go to goal! Our first marker was the local slaughter yards, after that we were on our own. A small but pleasant and swimmable creek encouraged the first afternoon tea of the trip and we relaxed gratefully in the shade of the trees. Peter lit a fire and boiled the billy, the first of many, mostly very pleasant. camped that night in a rather dry rainforest much frequented by cattle alongside a creek with pools of Water similarly visited, but we had seen our first Cooktown Orchid in flower and we were into our trip after all the planning and thoughts about it. Our next campsite was much more Congenial, by a | ||
- | delightful rocky creek with a substantial flow of water. An absolute delight of pools and cascades and waterfalls awe found on exploring it. Two days we camped here, exploring the area and carrying out some reconnaissance for our continued journey. Some wild life included a possible Papuan Frogmouth, some tortoises, a wallaby or two, and a charming yellow tree snake, which was most unconcerned by our presence. There were many orchids which gratified Morie' | ||
- | The push north east continued after this pleasant interlude, but another two days of base camping followed whilst we again explored the area and our onward path. This time we were camped by a pleasant and placid creek shaded by paper barks, our tents disposed in open grassland shaded by casuarina and small gums. On our arrival Michele had had an encounter with a snake, our second that day, mine had occurred earlier causing me to indulge in some nimble footwork albeit with my still heavy pack. Owen however had caused the greatest stir that afternoon when his carefree rendition of 'The Teddy Bears Picnic' | ||
- | Thus far the days had been pleasantly warm, about 24 degrees but the evenings developed a cool wind which encouraged a splendid campfire each night, whose warmth we enjoyed, together with a gentle fragrance from some of the wood which we | ||
- | 1927 Sydney Bushwalkers 70 years - 1997 | ||
- | were burning. | + | |
- | We continued our north easterly walk after these two days, into the heart of the range which we were exploring, and into the next creek system. The relatively easy days which we had pursued thus far however, were about to come to an end. It was on this day, our sixth that we sighted and eventually climbed most of the way up 'Hill 824', passing through some rather pleasant rainforest, much drier than that found in the cool temperate areas in NSW. In fact we rather anticipated our arrival | + | |
- | The, next day our push north east was continued, and we had high hopes of encountering and following the old 4WD track to the mine. Despite a long and tiring day however it was not to be, and we camped that night on a classic tropical rainforest creek, complete with leeches, and some light rain. We were almost it seemed, prisoners of the forest, enveloped by its tall palm and large leafed trees, and tangle of ferns and vines. | + | "There it is, 'Hill 824', the highest point in the range hereabouts. |
- | A subdued and gloomy dawn slowly heralded the new day. We felt sure we would find the track today but some time before noon, as neither it nor recognisable feature had been seen Morie decided that as we were unfamiliar with the country and uncertain | + | |
- | All next day we pressed north west alongside a ridge, pushing through scrub with 'wait a while' and other vine. At one point, Geoff, confident that the valley was broadening out and that river fiats beckoned, led a welcome plunge down to the river, but we were greeted by enormous boulders and about a 1.00ft | + | There were nine of us on Morie Ward's exploratory walk in the McIlwraith Range, a seldom visited area of rainforest, rugged creeks, gorges and ridges. |
- | We still had to get to it however. Morie mapped out a strategy and with high hopes we headed steeply down to a dry rocky creek and then up to the ridge. | + | |
- | The next day we fairly easily descended to the plain and some time after a swim and a pleasantly long lunch on the shady bank of Peach Creek, we located the known section of the elusive 4WD traCk. An excellent camp was established in a sandy part of the creek close to an fine pool, and that night we dined on jungle perch mostly caught by Owen, and Ted entertained us to some Milton somewhere along the way. | + | The country surrounding Coen is rather dry, open bush, at this time of year, grazed by the occasional small herds of cattle. |
- | The next day we made our way around the base of the escarpment to Horne creek where another pleasant campsite was established by a five star pool. No fishing though, too shallow. Some | + | |
- | 1927 | + | The push north east continued after this pleasant interlude, but another two days of base camping followed whilst we again explored the area and our onward path. This time we were camped by a pleasant and placid creek shaded by paper barks, our tents disposed in open grassland shaded by casuarina and small gums. On our arrival Michele had had an encounter with a snake, our second that day, mine had occurred earlier causing me to indulge in some nimble footwork albeit with my still heavy pack. Owen however had caused the greatest stir that afternoon when his carefree rendition of 'The Teddy Bears Picnic' |
- | - Sydney Bushwalkeis 70 years - 1997 | + | |
- | exploratory walking the next day followed to find the junction of the Horne and Peach creeks, which was mainlyinteresting | + | Thus far the days had been pleasantly warm, about 24 degrees but the evenings developed a cool wind which encouraged a splendid campfire each night, whose warmth we enjoyed, together with a gentle fragrance from some of the wood which we were burning. |
- | Saturday morning saw us marching along the main road through Cape York, to the obvious curiosity of passing 4WD travellers, to Coen Aerodrome where we spread some damp gear out to dry and some of us took advantage of the facilities to have a shower under the garden hose on the lawn outside the waiting room. | + | |
- | A somewhat turbulent start to the flight back to Coen in the Cessna 400, as the plane climbed up over the range, and we said goodbye to our intimate friend below us, with all the memories of a superb and unforgettable trip. | + | We continued our north easterly walk after these two days, into the heart of the range which we were exploring, and into the next creek system. |
- | Members of the party were, Peter Kaye, Ted Kelly, Owen Kimberly, Rosemary McDougal, Geoff McIntosh, Kerrie Norris, Michele Powell, Tom Wenman, with Morie Ward as leader. | + | |
+ | The next day our push north east was continued, and we had high hopes of encountering and following the old 4WD track to the mine. Despite a long and tiring day however it was not to be, and we camped that night on a classic tropical | ||
+ | |||
+ | A subdued and gloomy dawn slowly heralded the new day. We felt sure we would find the track today but some time before noon, as neither it nor recognisable feature had been seen Morie decided that as we were unfamiliar with the country and uncertain quite how long it would take us to get off the escarpment, the 1:100,000 map showed some fearsome territory, | ||
+ | |||
+ | All next day we pressed north west alongside a ridge, pushing through scrub with 'wait a while' and other vine. At one point, Geoff, confident that the valley was broadening out and that river flats beckoned, led a welcome plunge down to the river, but we were greeted by enormous boulders and about a 100ft cliff, all of which indicated that we were not where we had hoped we were. A tiring and hot climb back up the ridge followed, and then from a vantage point we saw what we believed would be the ridge to enable us to descend to the plain. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We still had to get to it however. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The next day we fairly easily descended to the plain and some time after a swim and a pleasantly long lunch on the shady bank of Peach Creek, we located the known section of the elusive 4WD track. An excellent camp was established in a sandy part of the creek close to an fine pool, and that night we dined on jungle perch mostly caught by Owen, and Ted entertained us to some Milton somewhere along the way. | ||
+ | |||
+ | | ||
+ | |||
+ | Saturday morning saw us marching along the main road through Cape York, to the obvious curiosity of passing 4WD travellers, to Coen Aerodrome where we spread some damp gear out to dry and some of us took advantage of the facilities to have a shower under the garden hose on the lawn outside the waiting room. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A somewhat turbulent start to the flight back to Coen in the Cessna 400, as the plane climbed up over the range, and we said goodbye to our intimate friend below us, with all the memories of a superb and unforgettable trip. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Members of the party were, Peter Kaye, Ted Kelly, Owen Kimberly, Rosemary McDougal, Geoff McIntosh, Kerrie Norris, Michele Powell, Tom Wenman, with Morie Ward as leader. | ||
**************************************** | **************************************** | ||
- | FOOTNOTES by Patrick James | + | |
+ | |||
+ | ===== FOOTNOTES | ||
+ | by Patrick James | ||
And a Big Happy Birthday to two happy vegemites who have celebrated significant birthdays since the last issue; stand up and take a bow: Don Matthews and Frank Rigby. | And a Big Happy Birthday to two happy vegemites who have celebrated significant birthdays since the last issue; stand up and take a bow: Don Matthews and Frank Rigby. | ||
- | This month sees the finish of two stories started last month. Does Peter Freeman get to the top of Kilimanjaro? | + | |
- | This month the start of a two part story, Sandy Larson and his 21 speed bike go on holidays together to New Zealand, peddling his speed machine (pushing dope) on his Kahurangi Kapers. This month also by bike a report how Almis and Carol consume their way from (buttered) Scone to Sydney. The group of SBWs who went walking in FNQ have returned whole, hale and hearty: SBW 1, crocodiles 0. Tom Wenman' | + | This month sees the finish of two stories started last month. |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | This month the start of a two part story, Sandy Larson and his 21 speed bike go on holidays together to New Zealand, peddling his speed machine (pushing dope) on his Kahurangi Kapers. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The group of SBWs who went walking in FNQ have returned whole, hale and hearty: SBW 1, crocodiles 0. Tom Wenman' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
General meeting reports for June and July brings us up to date with Club official reporting. | General meeting reports for June and July brings us up to date with Club official reporting. | ||
- | Bookings for the 70T1I Anniversary dinner have started to roll in, slowly. We have a large dining room which needs to be filled with happy members, ex-members and interested parties, people from the present, the past and the long, long ago. You may need to pass on the message: Keep in mind the other 70th Anniversary celebrations: | + | |
- | October, see page 3 for details. | + | |
- | The Coolana Reunion is for all. If the Reunion was called a Reunion/ | + | |
- | For the nostalgia evening at the clubrooms besides some formal exhibits there will be plenty of room for one and all to display items of nostalgic interest. Such things as your first pair of volleys or shorts that you can still fit into. Photos are a good idea, what you could do is put together a photo album of your time with SBW, showing you, and you, and also other people. Don't worry if you think your photos might be a bit boring, they may be but so will a lot of other people' | + | Bookings for the 70Th Anniversary dinner have started to roll in, slowly. |
- | The Committee is pleased to welcome the following NEW MEMBERS to the Club. Please update your membership list. | + | |
- | Ms Marcia Corderoy, 50 Ainsworth St., Lilyfield | + | Quarantine Reserve, Abbotsford on Saturday 18 October, see page 3 for details. |
- | 2040; 9560 0105 H, 9810 2469 W | + | |
- | Mr Peter Cunningham, 22 Elliot St., Beacon Hill | + | The Coolana Reunion is for all. If the Reunion was called a Reunion/ |
- | 2100; 9939 7427 H, 9459 2200 W | + | |
- | Mr Leigh Delbridge, 102/21 Elamang Ave. Kirribilli 2065; 9929 5681 H, 9926 7014 W | + | |
- | Ms Jitka Kopriva, 20/1 Owen Jones Row, Menai | + | |
- | 2234; 9541 1264 H, 9718 1441 W. | + | For the nostalgia evening at the clubrooms besides some formal exhibits there will be plenty of room for one and all to display items of nostalgic interest. Such things as your first pair of volleys or shorts that you can still fit into. Photos are a good idea, what you could do is put together a photo album of your time with SBW, showing you, and you, and also other people. |
- | 1927 - Sydney Bushwa1kers 70 years - 1997 | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The Committee is pleased to welcome the following NEW MEMBERS to the Club. Please update your membership list. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Ms Marcia Corderoy, 50 Ainsworth St., Lilyfield 2040; 9560 0105 H, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Mr Peter Cunningham, 22 Elliot St., Beacon Hill 2100; 9939 7427 H, 9459 2200 W | ||
+ | |||
+ | Mr Leigh Delbridge, 102/21 Elamang Ave. Kirribilli 2065; 9929 5681 H, 9926 7014 W | ||
+ | |||
+ | Ms Jitka Kopriva, 20/1 Owen Jones Row, Menai 2234; 9541 1264 H, 9718 1441 W. | ||
199708.txt · Last modified: 2019/11/06 18:07 by sbw