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199803 [2016/04/22 15:11] – kennettj199803 [2016/05/14 09:21] (current) – [Selling the Parks] kennettj
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 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. 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.
  
-|President| Tony Holgate| +|President| Eddy Giacomel| 
-|Vice-President| Morie Ward|+|Vice-President| Tony Holgate|
 |Public Officer| Fran Holland| |Public Officer| Fran Holland|
 |Treasurer| Greta James| |Treasurer| Greta James|
-|Secretary| Michele Powell| +|Secretary| Don Wills| 
-|Walks Secretary| Eddy Giacomel|+|Walks Secretary|Bill Capon |
 |Social Secretary| Peter Dalton| |Social Secretary| Peter Dalton|
 |Membership Secretary| Barry Wallace| |Membership Secretary| Barry Wallace|
-|New Members Secretary| Jennifer Trevor-Roberts|+|New Members Secretary| Jennifer Giacomel|
 |Conservation Secretary| Bill Holland| |Conservation Secretary| Bill Holland|
 |Magazine Editor| Patrick James| |Magazine Editor| Patrick James|
-|Committee Members| Suzanne Garland & Don Wills|+|Committee Members| Elwyn Morris & Louise Verdon|
 |Delegates to Confederation| Jim Callaway & Ken Smith| |Delegates to Confederation| Jim Callaway & Ken Smith|
  
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 In This Issue, No. 760: In This Issue, No. 760:
  
-P   2  Walking Abandoned Railways by Jim Longworth. +|P   2 | Walking Abandoned Railways by Jim Longworth| 
-P   4 The Wild Dogs Lament by Harry Hill.  +|P   4 |The Wild Dogs Lament by Harry Hill|  
-P   6 Committee 1998 +|P   6 |Committee 1998| 
-Investiture of the New President  +| |Investiture of the New President | 
-Subscriptions for 1998/99  +| |Subscriptions for 1998/99|  
-P7 Cars vs Public Transport by George Carter and Elwyn Morris. +|P7 |Cars vs Public Transport by George Carter and Elwyn Morris| 
-Kakadu by Carole Beales. +| |Kakadu by Carole Beales| 
-P8 Viva La Difference Part 2 by Peter Rossel . +|P8 |Viva La Difference Part 2 by Peter Rossel| . 
-P11 Selling the Parks by Alex Colley.  +|P11 |Selling the Parks by Alex Colley| 
-P 13 General Meeting by Barry Wallace +|P 13 |General Meeting by Barry Wallace| 
-P14 Ode to David Trinders 1997 Christmas Walkby Karen Brading +|P14 |Ode to David Trinders 1997 Christmas Walk by Karen Brading| 
- +| | Footnotes|
-Footnotes +
  
 Advertisers Advertisers
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 The following lines are known to have well established walking tracks along their length: The following lines are known to have well established walking tracks along their length:
  
-North coast: Booyong - Ballina (in parts ) +North coast: \\ 
-Syndicate Ridge +Booyong - Ballina (in parts )\\ 
-Crawford River - Purgatory +Syndicate Ridge\\ 
-Langley Vale - bush+Crawford River - Purgatory\\ 
 +Langley Vale - bush\\
 Wooten - bush Wooten - bush
  
-Newcastle: +Newcastle:\\ 
- +Adamstown - Belmont\\ 
-Adamstown - Belmont +Fassifern - Toronto\\
-Fassifern - Toronto+
 Hunter Valley - various closed coal mine lines Hunter Valley - various closed coal mine lines
  
-Blue Mountains: +Blue Mountains:\\ 
- +Giant landslide - Ruined Castle\\ 
-Giant landslide - Ruined Castle +Lapstone Zig Zag\\ 
- +Hartley - summit of the incline\\ 
-Lapstone Zig Zag +Mount Victoria - chert incline\\ 
- +Darvans deviation\\
-Hartley - summit of the incline +
- +
-Mount Victoria - chert incline +
- +
-Darvans deviation +
 Newnes Junction - Newnes Newnes Junction - Newnes
  
-Sydney: +Sydney:\\ 
- +West Head incline\\ 
-West Head incline +Thornleigh Zig Zag\\ 
- +Richmond - Kurrajong\\ 
-Thornleigh Zig Zag +Rookwood Cemetry\\ 
- +Como railway bridge\\
-Richmond - Kurrajong +
- +
-Rookwood Cemetry +
- +
-Como railway bridge +
 St. James tunnels St. James tunnels
  
 Illawarra:  Illawarra: 
 +Waterfall - Stanwell Park\\
  
-Waterfall - Stanwell Park +Southern Tablelands and Slopes:\\ 
- +Bargo - Nepean Dam\\ 
-Southern Tablelands and Slopes: +Colo Vale - Hill Top\\ 
- +Welby - Box Vale\\
-Bargo - Nepean Dam +
- +
-Colo Vale - Hill Top +
- +
-Welby - Box Vale +
 Swifts - Burrinjuck Dam Swifts - Burrinjuck Dam
  
 Those wishing to know more about walking abandoned railway lines, or assist in converting them into walking tracks, should contact either: Donald Ellsmore, SRA Heritage Manager, 11-31 York Street Sydney 2000, or Australian Rails to Trails, PO Box 223 East Melbourne 3002. Maps of disused lines are readily available.  A couple of walking guides have already been published.  For those wishing to learn more about the history of the abandoned lines that they are walking: the Australian Railway Historical Society, 67 Renwick Street Redfern 2016 (predominantly interested in the government lines), or the Light Railway Research Society of Australia, PO Box 21 Surrey Hills Victoria 3127 (specialising in the industrial lines), have published histories of  many of these now abandoned railway lines. Those wishing to know more about walking abandoned railway lines, or assist in converting them into walking tracks, should contact either: Donald Ellsmore, SRA Heritage Manager, 11-31 York Street Sydney 2000, or Australian Rails to Trails, PO Box 223 East Melbourne 3002. Maps of disused lines are readily available.  A couple of walking guides have already been published.  For those wishing to learn more about the history of the abandoned lines that they are walking: the Australian Railway Historical Society, 67 Renwick Street Redfern 2016 (predominantly interested in the government lines), or the Light Railway Research Society of Australia, PO Box 21 Surrey Hills Victoria 3127 (specialising in the industrial lines), have published histories of  many of these now abandoned railway lines.
 +
 +--------------
  
 Additional Walk Easter - 2 x Three Peaks Walk (4 days, medium hard) Maps: Jenolan & Kanangra Carlons Farm, Breakfast Crk, Mt Warrigal, Splendour Rock, Cox’s River, Kooriecone Ridge, Gentles Pass, Dex Crk, Mt Cloudmaker, Mt Stormbreaker, Kanangra Crk, Mt Paralyser, Whalania Crk, Nooroo Buttress, Mt Guougang, Mt Queahgong, Mt Jenolan, Jenolan Gorge, Cox’s River, Tinpot Ridge, Carlons Farm - light weight trip, 50% + off track, bring gloves - Tigers where are you?  Ian Wolfe 02 9904 3370 (H), 02 9378 8885 (W), 02 9378 8870 (W fax)  Additional Walk Easter - 2 x Three Peaks Walk (4 days, medium hard) Maps: Jenolan & Kanangra Carlons Farm, Breakfast Crk, Mt Warrigal, Splendour Rock, Cox’s River, Kooriecone Ridge, Gentles Pass, Dex Crk, Mt Cloudmaker, Mt Stormbreaker, Kanangra Crk, Mt Paralyser, Whalania Crk, Nooroo Buttress, Mt Guougang, Mt Queahgong, Mt Jenolan, Jenolan Gorge, Cox’s River, Tinpot Ridge, Carlons Farm - light weight trip, 50% + off track, bring gloves - Tigers where are you?  Ian Wolfe 02 9904 3370 (H), 02 9378 8885 (W), 02 9378 8870 (W fax)
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 by  Harry Hill by  Harry Hill
  
-Do I have a favorite? Yes, I do, +Do I have a favorite? Yes, I do,\\ 
- +It’s warrigal, dingo, wild dog poo.\\ 
-It’s warrigal, dingo, wild dog poo. +I admit I admire that chap,\\
- +
-I admit I admire that chap, +
 There’s such diversity in his crap. There’s such diversity in his crap.
  
-I have seen what dogs can do, +I have seen what dogs can do,\\ 
- +Doggy droppings, doogy poo.\\ 
-Doggy droppings, doogy poo. +Some of it is glistening white,\\
- +
-Some of it is glistening white, +
 Like a beacon in the night. Like a beacon in the night.
  
-Once upon the Grey mare track, +Once upon the Grey mare track,\\ 
- +A turd I saw, it took me back.\\ 
-A turd I saw, it took me back. +A wild dog had defecated there,\\
- +
-A wild dog had defecated there, +
 But where’s the bones, the fur, the hair?  But where’s the bones, the fur, the hair? 
  
-Upon Echidna he had dined, +Upon Echidna he had dined,\\ 
- +Anteater, porcupine, I don’t mind.\\ 
-Anteater, porcupine, I don’t mind. +and that dog to get his fill,\\
- +
-and that dog to get his fill, +
 Had eaten every bloomin quill. Had eaten every bloomin quill.
  
-That dog turd it fairly bristled,  +That dog turd it fairly bristled, \\ 
- +In passing it he surely whistled.\\ 
-In passing it he surely whistled. +Each spine, each quill, it did protrude,\\
- +
-Each spine, each quill, it did protrude, +
 Don’t get me wrong, I’m not being rude. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not being rude.
  
-That dog was cast-iron intestined, +That dog was cast-iron intestined,\\ 
- +He’d passed them all non-aligned.\\ 
-He’d passed them all non-aligned. +Many an anus would be mangled,\\
- +
-Many an anus would be mangled, +
 To pass them all right-angled. To pass them all right-angled.
  
-I know that you’ve all been saying “struth,” +I know that you’ve all been saying “struth,”\\ 
- +So I’ll finish with the truth.\\ 
-So I’ll finish with the truth. +Perhaps you laughed at the dirty bits\\
- +
-Perhaps you laughed at the dirty bits’ +
 But in the main you’ve had the shits. But in the main you’ve had the shits.
  
-So if one night at Pretty Plain, +So if one night at Pretty Plain,\\ 
- +You hear a howl, it sounds like pain,\\ 
-You hear a howl, it sounds like pain, +You’ll all know the reason now,\\
- +
-You’ll all know the reason now, +
 It’s a wild dog saying, “O-o-o-o wwww!” It’s a wild dog saying, “O-o-o-o wwww!”
  
 This poem by Harry Hill was published in the KHA newsletter Issue 76 of December 1991, and is re-published here with the authors consent. This poem by Harry Hill was published in the KHA newsletter Issue 76 of December 1991, and is re-published here with the authors consent.
  
-COMMITTEE 1998/99 +====== Committee 1998/99 ====== 
 +
  
-The AGM was held on 11 March 1998 and  the new committee elected.   Although you may have missed out on a Committee position your input to the management of the Club is always welcome; there's usually more work to be done than there are workers.  So don't be shy contact the appropriate Committee members and make your contribution known.  +The AGM was held on 11 March 1998 and  the new committee elected.  Although you may have missed out on a Committee position your input to the management of the Club is always welcome; there's usually more work to be done than there are workers.  So don't be shy contact the appropriate Committee members and make your contribution known.  
  
 INVESTITURE OF THE NEW PRESIDENT INVESTITURE OF THE NEW PRESIDENT
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 The subscriptions remain the same as for last year AND ARE NOW DUE.  The subscriptions remain the same as for last year AND ARE NOW DUE. 
  
-single members $35+single members $35\\ 
 +household membership $58\\ 
 +Non-active member $12\\ 
 +Non-active member + magazine $25\\ 
 +magazine subscription only $12
  
-household membership $58 +You may pay at the Clubrooms (cash or cheque) or by mail (cheque, bank cheque or money order), cheques etc. made out to Sydney Bushwalkers Inc.  Payment by mail to the Treasurer, Sydney Bushwalkers Inc. 
- +GPO Box 4476, Sydney 2001
-Non-active member $12 +
- +
-Non-active member + magazine $25 +
- +
-magazine subscription only $12 +
- +
-You may pay at the Clubrooms (cash or cheque) or by mail (cheque, bank cheque or money order), cheques etc. made out to Sydney Bushwalkers Inc.  Payment by mail to the Treasurer,  +
- +
-Sydney Bushwalkers Inc. +
- +
-GPO Box 4476 +
- +
-Sydney 2001+
  
 Include with your payment by mail the following details: Include with your payment by mail the following details:
  
-• membership type, +• membership type,\\ 
- +• name(s) of member(s) covered by this subscription,\\
-• name(s) of member(s) covered by this subscription, +
 • if changed, telephone numbers, mailing address + post code, • if changed, telephone numbers, mailing address + post code,
  
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- 
 Committee 1998/99 Committee 1998/99
  
-Committee Positions +Committee Positions \\ 
 +President Eddy Giacomel\\ 
 +Vice-president Tony Holgate\\ 
 +Secretary Don Wills\\ 
 +Treasurer Greta James\\ 
 +Public Officer Frances Holland\\ 
 +Walks Secretary Bill Capon\\ 
 +Social Secretary Peter Dalton\\ 
 +Membership Secretary Barry Wallace\\ 
 +New Members Secretary Jennifer Giacomel\\ 
 +Conservation Secretary Bill Holland\\ 
 +Magazine Editor Patrick James\\ 
 +Confederation Delegates Jim Callaway, Ken Smith\\ 
 +Members Representatives Elwyn Morris, Louise Verdon
  
-President Eddy Giacomel+Non-Committee Positions\\ 
 +Confederation Delegates Bill Holland, Tom Wenman\\ 
 +Magazine Production Manager Frances Holland\\ 
 +Magazine Business Manager Elizabeth Miller\\ 
 +Printers Kenn Clacher, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven, Les Powell, Tom Wenman\\ 
 +Assistants to Walks Secretary Tony Marshall\\ 
 +Assistants to New Members Secretary Carol Faulkner \\ 
 +Archivist Cindy Holland\\ 
 +Hon. Auditor Chris Sonter\\ 
 +Hon. Solicitor Rosemary MacDougal\\ 
 +Kosciuszko Huts Association Representatives Kenn Clacher, Ian Wolfe\\ 
 +Search & Rescue Contacts Bill Holland, Greta James, Morrie Ward\\ 
 +Coolana Maintenance Don Brooks, Frances Holland, Patrick James, Peter Rossel\\ 
 +Reunion Organiser Spiro Hajinakitas\\ 
 +Training Allen Donnelly, Bill Holland, Patrick James
  
-Vice-president Tony Holgate 
- 
-Secretary Don Wills 
- 
-Treasurer Greta James 
- 
-Public Officer Frances Holland 
- 
-Walks Secretary Bill Capon 
- 
-Social Secretary Peter Dalton 
- 
-Membership Secretary Barry Wallace 
- 
-New Members Secretary Jennifer Giacomel 
- 
-Conservation Secretary Bill Holland 
- 
-Magazine Editor Patrick James 
- 
-Confederation Delegates Jim Callaway 
- 
-Ken Smith 
- 
-Members Representatives Elwyn Morris 
- 
-Louise Verdon 
- 
-  
- 
-Non-Committee Positions 
- 
-Confederation Delegates Bill Holland 
- 
-Tom Wenman 
- 
-Magazine Production Manager Frances Holland 
- 
-Magazine Business Manager Elizabeth Miller 
- 
-Printers Kenn Clacher 
- 
-Barrie Murdoch 
- 
-Margaret Niven 
- 
-Les Powell 
- 
-Tom Wenman 
- 
-Assistants to Walks Secretary Tony Marshall 
- 
-Assistants to New Members Secretary Carol Faulkner  
- 
-Archivist Cindy Holland 
- 
-Hon. Auditor Chris Sonter 
- 
-Hon. Solicitor Rosemary MacDougal 
- 
-Kosciuszko Huts Association Representatives Kenn Clacher 
- 
-Ian Wolfe 
- 
-Search & Rescue Contacts Bill Holland 
- 
-Greta James 
- 
-Morrie Ward 
- 
-Coolana Maintenance Don Brooks 
- 
-Frances Holland 
- 
-Patrick James 
- 
-Peter Rossel 
- 
-Reunion Organiser Spiro Hajinakitas 
- 
-Training Allen Donnelly,  
- 
-Bill Holland 
- 
-Patrick James 
- 
-  
 ====== Cars Vs Public Transport ====== ====== Cars Vs Public Transport ======
  
  
-by George Carter  and Elwyn  Morris+by George Carter and Elwyn  Morris
  
 (having lost his car, Ray Hookway is lost for words, so Elwyn & George decide to have their two bobs worth and reply to Ray's article published last month) (having lost his car, Ray Hookway is lost for words, so Elwyn & George decide to have their two bobs worth and reply to Ray's article published last month)
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 What you can do to help: What you can do to help:
  
-• Write to politicians and express your horror. Ask friends, colleagues and family to do the same. +• Write to politicians and express your horror. Ask friends, colleagues and family to do the same.\\ 
- +• Attend the RALLY  on Sunday 5th April, 12pm at First Fleet Park, Circular Quay- speakers, music, cultural events. This is an issue of concern to all Australians.\\ 
-• Attend the RALLY  on Sunday 5th April, 12pm at First Fleet Park, Circular Quay- speakers, music, cultural events. This is an issue of concern to all Australians. +• Make a donation of your time or funds to the Jabiluka Campaign c/- The Wilderness Society, PO Box 928, Broadway 2037.\\
- +
-• Make a donation of your time or funds to the Jabiluka Campaign c/- The Wilderness Society, PO Box 928, Broadway 2037. +
 • Visit Kakadu now. The Mirrar Aboriginal people are arranging a blockade at the proposed mine site starting on 23rd March 1998. Transport available. • Visit Kakadu now. The Mirrar Aboriginal people are arranging a blockade at the proposed mine site starting on 23rd March 1998. Transport available.
  
    
 ====== Viva La Difference - Or Walk in the Pyrenees ====== ====== Viva La Difference - Or Walk in the Pyrenees ======
- 
  
 by Peter Rossel by Peter Rossel
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 The second and final instalment of Peter's Spanish walk.  Last month saw Peter and Roy survive rain, fog, mist and the wrong track to arrive at Hotel Portua: un hotel tres bon marchee.  Read on… The second and final instalment of Peter's Spanish walk.  Last month saw Peter and Roy survive rain, fog, mist and the wrong track to arrive at Hotel Portua: un hotel tres bon marchee.  Read on…
  
-14th September 1997 Having enjoyed a good breakfast prepared by our still slightly inebriated cook, we left Hotel Portua in high spirits to return to the village of Sare, some kilometres up the road. In the near distance gunshots could be heard, reminding us the hunting season had started. The village square which also functions as Pelote court was being prepared for today’s big match (Pelote a Basque outdoor game comparable to squash). We would have liked to stay longer in this friendly and picturesque Basque village but today’s objective, git d'etappe Ferme Esteben, was still some 7 to 8 hours away with a long, hot day forecast.+14th September 1997.  Having enjoyed a good breakfast prepared by our still slightly inebriated cook, we left Hotel Portua in high spirits to return to the village of Sare, some kilometres up the road. In the near distance gunshots could be heard, reminding us the hunting season had started. The village square which also functions as Pelote court was being prepared for today’s big match (Pelote a Basque outdoor game comparable to squash). We would have liked to stay longer in this friendly and picturesque Basque village but today’s objective, git d'etappe Ferme Esteben, was still some 7 to 8 hours away with a long, hot day forecast.
  
 At about 10am we left Sare and followed a narrow track towards the Spanish border and subsequently the small village of Ainhoa, where we arrived at noon. The track wound through attractive undulating farming and forestry country. En route we met a group of local hunters who proudly displayed the one hare they had bagged. Invitations were extended to come to Australia and hunt our “cochons sauvages” (wild pigs), roaming the country side in abundance. Eyes lit up, hands were shaken and it was “bon chasser et au revoir”, whilst they wished us “bon courage et bon route”. At about 10am we left Sare and followed a narrow track towards the Spanish border and subsequently the small village of Ainhoa, where we arrived at noon. The track wound through attractive undulating farming and forestry country. En route we met a group of local hunters who proudly displayed the one hare they had bagged. Invitations were extended to come to Australia and hunt our “cochons sauvages” (wild pigs), roaming the country side in abundance. Eyes lit up, hands were shaken and it was “bon chasser et au revoir”, whilst they wished us “bon courage et bon route”.
  
-After lunch we followed the steep track to col de Trois-Croix (570m), presenting spectacular views of sunny valleys and mountain slopes all around. The col was an alpine meadow with a small chapel and three huge crosses symbolising the crucifixion. Next came col - Zucutta about an hour away. The unmarked track, littered with stones and rocks slowed our progress, but gradually improved and became alpine meadows. On top we stretched out to enjoy the views and find the down hill track to Ferme Esteben. After some wandering around, the well hidden track was located even faint traces of white and red paint markings indicating the GR - 10 could be seen on a rock face. +After lunch we followed the steep track to col de Trois-Croix (570m), presenting spectacular views of sunny valleys and mountain slopes all around. The col was an alpine meadow with a small chapel and three huge crosses symbolising the crucifixion. Next came col - Zucutta about an hour away. The unmarked track, littered with stones and rocks slowed our progress, but gradually improved and became alpine meadows. On top we stretched out to enjoy the views and find the down hill track to Ferme Esteben. After some wandering around, the well hidden track was located even faint traces of white and red paint markings indicating the GR-10 could be seen on a rock face.
- +
-Ferme Esteben is an isolated farm with a small restaurant and gite d'etappe. The farmer told us a German couple was staying in the hut but no other visitors had been here for quite some time. The stone hut offered great views of the valleys below and could accommodate about fifteen people comfortably. Once settled we sat around for a chat and a cup of tea before going to the farm for dinner. The farmers wife served a tasty and generous meal supplemented by caraffes of Spanish red. It was late when the party broke up and had a last look at the clear, star sprinkled sky before turning in. +
  
-for the night.+Ferme Esteben is an isolated farm with a small restaurant and gite d'etappe. The farmer told us a German couple was staying in the hut but no other visitors had been here for quite some time. The stone hut offered great views of the valleys below and could accommodate about fifteen people comfortably. Once settled we sat around for a chat and a cup of tea before going to the farm for dinner. The farmers wife served a tasty and generous meal supplemented by caraffes of Spanish red. It was late when the party broke up and had a last look at the clear, star sprinkled sky before turning in for the night.
  
-15th September 1997 Today we can afford a late start. Our objective is the village of Birdarray, according to the topo guide only four hours away.+15th September 1997.  Today we can afford a late start. Our objective is the village of Birdarray, according to the topo guide only four hours away.
  
 It was already warm when we made our way to col - des Veaux (540m) and followed the ridge along the Spanish border up to col - de Mehatche (716m). As on the previous day the ridges consisted mainly of alpine meadows, offering great views in all directions.  It was already warm when we made our way to col - des Veaux (540m) and followed the ridge along the Spanish border up to col - de Mehatche (716m). As on the previous day the ridges consisted mainly of alpine meadows, offering great views in all directions. 
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 Occasionally we came across small herds of goats and horses. The leading animal usually carried a bell around its neck. We continued along the border till col - d'Artztey where we had to make our way down to Bidarray, faintly visible in the valley far below. Large birds circled overhead, presumably eagles and buzzards. Some swooped past us with a rush of air as we sat down to enjoy this magnificent, all around scenery. The hardly visible steep track leading to the valley seemed only suitable for goats with no fear of heights! Occasionally we came across small herds of goats and horses. The leading animal usually carried a bell around its neck. We continued along the border till col - d'Artztey where we had to make our way down to Bidarray, faintly visible in the valley far below. Large birds circled overhead, presumably eagles and buzzards. Some swooped past us with a rush of air as we sat down to enjoy this magnificent, all around scenery. The hardly visible steep track leading to the valley seemed only suitable for goats with no fear of heights!
  
-Slowly we set off, one wrong step could result in a nasty tumble over the edge. My adjustable walking stick proved invaluable.. Eventually the track improved and the valley floor was safely reached. At a mountain stream we had a refreshing dip and drank the last of our water, Bidarray was only an hour away.+Slowly we set off, one wrong step could result in a nasty tumble over the edge. My adjustable walking stick proved invaluable. Eventually the track improved and the valley floor was safely reached. At a mountain stream we had a refreshing dip and drank the last of our water, Bidarray was only an hour away.
  
 At the village edge the gite d'etappe was easily located. It looked like a large ski lodge which in fact it was. The caretaker advised we were the only guests. Accommodation for the night was Fr.50 each, including towels! At the village edge the gite d'etappe was easily located. It looked like a large ski lodge which in fact it was. The caretaker advised we were the only guests. Accommodation for the night was Fr.50 each, including towels!
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 Bidarray consists of an upper and lower part, the latter mainly for the locals. The upper part had a few hotels and a church dating back to 1625. Having first sampled the local ale we then headed down town for a meal and a chat with the locals. This was a very pleasant affair and we returned to our lodge much later than intended. Tomorrow would be a harder day! Bidarray consists of an upper and lower part, the latter mainly for the locals. The upper part had a few hotels and a church dating back to 1625. Having first sampled the local ale we then headed down town for a meal and a chat with the locals. This was a very pleasant affair and we returned to our lodge much later than intended. Tomorrow would be a harder day!
  
-16th September 1997 Bright and sunny day. On our way at 7am when still pleasantly cool. Our objective, the village of St. Etienne de Baigorry was about eight hours away including some stiff hill climbs. First on the programme was Pic - d'Iparla (1044m). The top was reached at about 1pm. We were a bit behind schedule, water supply was low and I suffered some sore toes as well! We figured that St. Etienne would not be reached before 7pm, if we followed the planned route. Fortunately the map showed a bad weather escape route to the hamlet of Urdos from where it would be an easy five kilometre to St. Etienne. In view of the circumstances it was decided to take this route. Also the topo guide mentioned the existence of a cafe, that sealed the deal! We proceeded to col-d'Harrieta (808m) the start of the track to Undos where we arrived at about 4pm.+16th September 1997.  Bright and sunny day. On our way at 7am when still pleasantly cool. Our objective, the village of St. Etienne de Baigorry was about eight hours away including some stiff hill climbs. First on the programme was Pic - d'Iparla (1044m). The top was reached at about 1pm. We were a bit behind schedule, water supply was low and I suffered some sore toes as well! We figured that St. Etienne would not be reached before 7pm, if we followed the planned route. Fortunately the map showed a bad weather escape route to the hamlet of Urdos from where it would be an easy five kilometre to St. Etienne. In view of the circumstances it was decided to take this route. Also the topo guide mentioned the existence of a cafe, that sealed the deal! We proceeded to col-d'Harrieta (808m) the start of the track to Undos where we arrived at about 4pm.
  
 The hamlet was only a small group of farm buildings with some nasty dogs, but no cafes or any other sign of humanity. Instead we found a water tap and had a welcome drink and wash. I changed my boots for sandals, what a relief! An hour later we walked into St. Eitenne, located the gite d'etappe behind a large ancient Basque farm and moved in as no one could be raised at the farm except a friendly watch dog. Then into the village for a drink and dinner.  The hamlet was only a small group of farm buildings with some nasty dogs, but no cafes or any other sign of humanity. Instead we found a water tap and had a welcome drink and wash. I changed my boots for sandals, what a relief! An hour later we walked into St. Eitenne, located the gite d'etappe behind a large ancient Basque farm and moved in as no one could be raised at the farm except a friendly watch dog. Then into the village for a drink and dinner. 
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 During conversation she kindly offered to drive us to St. Jean the following day. The offer was gladly accepted, departure time set at 8am. During conversation she kindly offered to drive us to St. Jean the following day. The offer was gladly accepted, departure time set at 8am.
  
-17 September 1997   Arrived in St. Jean as arranged and dropped our packs at the railway station before setting out for some sight seeing in this magnificent, ancient Basque town. Caught the late pm train to Bayonne and arrived back at the Paris - Madrid to be welcomed by Patrice, our friendly host. Booked seats on the GTV train to Paris for tomorrow. Patrice kindly arranged our hotel accommodation in Paris near Gare Montparnasse and gave me the address of a super camping shop “Le Vieux Campeur”, near the Sorbonne - Rue des Ecoles. It was now time to proceed to “Le Bistrot Ste. Cluque” for the farewell dinner to this lovely ancient and friendly Basque country.+17 September 1997.   Arrived in St. Jean as arranged and dropped our packs at the railway station before setting out for some sight seeing in this magnificent, ancient Basque town. Caught the late pm train to Bayonne and arrived back at the Paris - Madrid to be welcomed by Patrice, our friendly host. Booked seats on the GTV train to Paris for tomorrow. Patrice kindly arranged our hotel accommodation in Paris near Gare Montparnasse and gave me the address of a super camping shop “Le Vieux Campeur”, near the Sorbonne - Rue des Ecoles. It was now time to proceed to “Le Bistrot Ste. Cluque” for the farewell dinner to this lovely ancient and friendly Basque country.
  
 Before departing the following morning, Patrice was presented with the Australian Chateau Cardboard wine bladder to be used on his future exploits in the Pyrenees as a walker and mountaineer.  The train journey to Paris was fast and pleasant. After a few days of R&R in Paris our ways parted.  My solo walk from Belfort, direction Strassbourgh through the Vosges and Alsace-Lorraine was about to commence. But that is another story.  Before departing the following morning, Patrice was presented with the Australian Chateau Cardboard wine bladder to be used on his future exploits in the Pyrenees as a walker and mountaineer.  The train journey to Paris was fast and pleasant. After a few days of R&R in Paris our ways parted.  My solo walk from Belfort, direction Strassbourgh through the Vosges and Alsace-Lorraine was about to commence. But that is another story. 
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 Increased access could therefore could only mean more roads, or opening some or all of the 7,000 km. of fire trails and management tracks to vehicular and equestrian use. The Tourism Strategy report confirms this view and adds a further dimension. It aims to achieve ecologically sustainable development. Parks are to be "marketed" with a view to increasing revenue. "Key Regional Destinations" and marketing campaigns are to be developed and actively promoted, World Heritage and Biosphere Reserves are to be important components of promotion on an international level; information will be provided about commercial tour opportunities and advertised in the print media. Increased access could therefore could only mean more roads, or opening some or all of the 7,000 km. of fire trails and management tracks to vehicular and equestrian use. The Tourism Strategy report confirms this view and adds a further dimension. It aims to achieve ecologically sustainable development. Parks are to be "marketed" with a view to increasing revenue. "Key Regional Destinations" and marketing campaigns are to be developed and actively promoted, World Heritage and Biosphere Reserves are to be important components of promotion on an international level; information will be provided about commercial tour opportunities and advertised in the print media.
  
-The Strategy gives prominence to conservation. It gives priority to "the need to achieve the conservation of the protected areas system, the need to achieve ecologically sustainable visitor use." The community, it is stated, "is entitled to experience national parks in a way that does not damage the environment." The "desired future" is "Firstly te ensure that the protected areas of NSW fulfil their primary function, the conservation of heritage values." The S.B.W. could not have expressed it better. However the Strategy Report admits to a trade-off between heritage conservation and visitor use and the need to repair damage. "Nature tourism is defined as all visitor use of protected  areas" and includes "recreation pursuits such s horseriding and using 4WD for access." +The Strategy gives prominence to conservation. It gives priority to "the need to achieve the conservation of the protected areas system, the need to achieve ecologically sustainable visitor use." The community, it is stated, "is entitled to experience national parks in a way that does not damage the environment." The "desired future" is "Firstly to ensure that the protected areas of NSW fulfil their primary function, the conservation of heritage values." The S.B.W. could not have expressed it better. However the Strategy Report admits to a trade-off between heritage conservation and visitor use and the need to repair damage. "Nature tourism is defined as all visitor use of protected  areas" and includes "recreation pursuits such as horse riding and using 4WD for access." 
  
 These privileged users are incorrectly described as "stakeholders." The parks are not created for the use of any specific group. The stakeholders are the people of NSW  These privileged users are incorrectly described as "stakeholders." The parks are not created for the use of any specific group. The stakeholders are the people of NSW 
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 The reason for the presentation of the strategy reports is unstated. There can be no reason for them other than to open the parks to off road vehicular and equestrian access and to raise revenue from commercial development. The access report was no doubt inspired by the desire to win the support of the anti-conservation lobby, as was the reduction of the nominated Wollemi Wilderness by over 100,000 ha., but it may well enhance the overwhelming support for conservation measured in opinion polls, which was a factor in the election of the Carr and Howard Governments. The object of the tourism report is to provide justification for the raising of revenue by the commercialisation of parks at the expense of the natural environment.   The reason for the presentation of the strategy reports is unstated. There can be no reason for them other than to open the parks to off road vehicular and equestrian access and to raise revenue from commercial development. The access report was no doubt inspired by the desire to win the support of the anti-conservation lobby, as was the reduction of the nominated Wollemi Wilderness by over 100,000 ha., but it may well enhance the overwhelming support for conservation measured in opinion polls, which was a factor in the election of the Carr and Howard Governments. The object of the tourism report is to provide justification for the raising of revenue by the commercialisation of parks at the expense of the natural environment.  
- 
  
 ====== February 1998 General Meeting ====== ====== February 1998 General Meeting ======
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 by Barry Wallace by Barry Wallace
  
-It was around 2020 and there were some 16 or so members present when the president called the meeting to order and got proceedings underway.  The only apology was for John Hogan, so we moved on to welcome our new members.  Richard Darke and Rollin  Burford were welcomed into membership in the usual way.+It was around 20.20 and there were some 16 or so members present when the president called the meeting to order and got proceedings underway.  The only apology was for John Hogan, so we moved on to welcome our new members. Richard Darke and Rollin Burford were welcomed into membership in the usual way.
  
 The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received with no matters arising.  There was also a dearth of correspondence, with the secretary reduced to reading offers of accommodation in Katoomba. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received with no matters arising.  There was also a dearth of correspondence, with the secretary reduced to reading offers of accommodation in Katoomba.
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 The walks reports opened with no report for Paul McCann’s Buckenbowra State Forest walk over the Australia Day weekend.  Bit of an anticlimax really.  Bill Holland led a party of 8 on his Danjerra Dam area trip that same weekend.  Conditions were hot and not greatly relieved by the thunderstorm that turned up.  Tony Holgate had 10 on his Upper Ettrema walk which was re arranged into a patchwork or trips in the South-East Forest because of closures due to bushfires or threats of bushfires.  Don Brooks packed a great deal of variety into his Saturday walk out from Springwood for the party of 14.  They had rain, a storm, fine weather, some swims and numerous leeches.  There was no report for Ken Cheng’s Waterfall to Otford trip on the Sunday.  Alan Doherty’s midweek walk also failed to produce a report at the meeting. The walks reports opened with no report for Paul McCann’s Buckenbowra State Forest walk over the Australia Day weekend.  Bit of an anticlimax really.  Bill Holland led a party of 8 on his Danjerra Dam area trip that same weekend.  Conditions were hot and not greatly relieved by the thunderstorm that turned up.  Tony Holgate had 10 on his Upper Ettrema walk which was re arranged into a patchwork or trips in the South-East Forest because of closures due to bushfires or threats of bushfires.  Don Brooks packed a great deal of variety into his Saturday walk out from Springwood for the party of 14.  They had rain, a storm, fine weather, some swims and numerous leeches.  There was no report for Ken Cheng’s Waterfall to Otford trip on the Sunday.  Alan Doherty’s midweek walk also failed to produce a report at the meeting.
  
-Kenn Clacher’s two, one day canyon trips went, but no details were available to the meeting.  John Poleson reported a party of 9 on his Edgecliff to South Head urban stroll on the Saturday.  The day was pleasant and punctuated by swims.  Ken Smith rerouted his Medlow Bath trip on the same day to Faulconbridge for the party of two.  Greta James reported 9.5(well that’s what she said) on her Bundeena to Bundeena Sunday walk.  Conditions were hot, so they resorted to swimming to control their temperature.  Bill Holland was out of town when the date for his Berowra area walk came around, so it was scrubbed.  Anne Maguire let the party of 13 on her Sunday walk out from Blackheath through storm, tempest and hail, on an otherwise perfectly all-right day.+Kenn Clacher’s two one day canyon trips went, but no details were available to the meeting.  John Poleson reported a party of 9 on his Edgecliff to South Head urban stroll on the Saturday.  The day was pleasant and punctuated by swims.  Ken Smith rerouted his Medlow Bath trip on the same day to Faulconbridge for the party of two.  Greta James reported 9.5 (well that’s what she said) on her Bundeena to Bundeena Sunday walk.  Conditions were hot, so they resorted to swimming to control their temperature.  Bill Holland was out of town when the date for his Berowra area walk came around, so it was scrubbed.  Anne Maguire let the party of 13 on her Sunday walk out from Blackheath through storm, tempest and hail, on an otherwise perfectly all-right day.
  
 David Trinder had 12 on his extended walk down the Overland Track in Tasmania during February.  Somehow or other they managed to slip the walk into a spell of fine weather. David Trinder had 12 on his extended walk down the Overland Track in Tasmania during February.  Somehow or other they managed to slip the walk into a spell of fine weather.
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 With the Conservation Secretary away we had no Conservation report, and with no Confederation meeting in the intervening period, no Confederation report. With the Conservation Secretary away we had no Conservation report, and with no Confederation meeting in the intervening period, no Confederation report.
  
-General business saw passage of a motion the we write to the federal defence minister and NSW state Premier, pointing out the increasing access problems along the foreshore between Middle Head and Clifton Gardens and requesting assistance to maintain and facilitate access for recreational purposes.  This all relates to the curious intention of the federal government to permit the defence department, a federal servant, to sell off federally owned land to reduce its dependence on federal funding.  There is an even more Gilbertian suggestion that the federal government might pay itself moneys out of the Telstra derived conservation fund to purchase the land it already owns, from itself, for conservation purposes of course.  I hope you are paying attention at the back there.  The announcements followed and the meeting closed at 2105. +General business saw passage of a motion the we write to the federal defence minister and NSW state Premier, pointing out the increasing access problems along the foreshore between Middle Head and Clifton Gardens and requesting assistance to maintain and facilitate access for recreational purposes.  This all relates to the curious intention of the federal government to permit the defence department, a federal servant, to sell off federally owned land to reduce its dependence on federal funding.  There is an even more Gilbertian suggestion that the federal government might pay itself moneys out of the Telstra derived conservation fund to purchase the land it already owns, from itself, for conservation purposes of course.  I hope you are paying attention at the back there.  The announcements followed and the meeting closed at 21.05. 
  
 ====== Footnotes ====== ====== Footnotes ======
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 The youngest one in curls The youngest one in curls
  
-Now the fella had a little brother +Now the fella had a little brother\\ 
- +Who carried a baby in his pack\\ 
-Who carried a baby in his pack +She awoke at night every hour\\
- +
-She awoke at night every hour +
 But slept on the track But slept on the track
  
-It’s a story of our fearless leader +It’s a story of our fearless leader\\ 
- +Whose yellow pants are really quite a sight\\ 
-Whose yellow pants are really quite a sight +He goes searching for map and compass\\
- +
-He goes searching for map and compass +
 In the dead of night In the dead of night
  
-It’s a story of his partner Carol +It’s a story of his partner Carol\\ 
- +Who brought along a daughter of her own\\ 
-Who brought along a daughter of her own +Selina has hair which is the blondest\\
- +
-Selina has hair which is the blondest +
 But it is not her own But it is not her own
  
-It’s a story of speedy Jitka +It’s a story of speedy Jitka\\ 
- +Who had a tiny blister on her foot\\ 
-Who had a tiny blister on her foot +On a walk it burst and got infected\\
- +
-On a walk it burst and got infected +
 And now she hobbles to the toot And now she hobbles to the toot
  
-It’s a story of Geoff Bradley +It’s a story of Geoff Bradley\\ 
- +Who brought down John Carlson in his car\\ 
-Who brought down John Carlson in his car +John felt quite sick and went to Cooma\\
- +
-John felt quite sick and went to Cooma +
 So Geoff didn’t walk too far So Geoff didn’t walk too far
  
-It’s a story of John and Erith +It’s a story of John and Erith\\ 
- +Who missed a walk because they did sleep in\\ 
-Who missed a walk because they did sleep in +They climbed Koskiuszko a day later\\
- +
-They climbed Koskiuszko a day later +
 and were blasted in the wind and were blasted in the wind
  
-It’s a story of Joy and Ian +It’s a story of Joy and Ian\\ 
- +Who came down as quickly as they can\\ 
-Who came down as quickly as they can +They keep their curtains drawn down low\\
- +
-They keep their curtains drawn down low +
 To hide the cats in their van To hide the cats in their van
  
-Till one day when these walkers got together +Till one day when these walkers got together\\ 
- +And they knew that it was much more than a hunch\\ 
-And they knew that it was much more than a hunch +That this group would join the Brading family\\
- +
-That this group would join the Brading family +
 That’s the way we became a crazy bunch  That’s the way we became a crazy bunch
- 
199803.1461301882.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/04/22 15:11 by kennettj
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