MARCH 2001 Amongst the vast array of day packs that decorate the shelves of outdoor shops, it's difficult to pick something with the right features, what with 101 different types of nylon, all sorts
of different canvases, airflow systems, expanding pockets and neon colours.
So it's nice to know that if your the type of person that wants simple robust functionality that reflects years of local bushwalking experience with solid locally made material then the BLUE MOUNTAINS TRIASSIC could be your best companion for many years to come.
by David Noble It's good to see a pack made in the Biue Mountains for use In the Blue Mountains. The Triassic features two shoulder strap sizes so that the pack can be properly hip loaded, sitting down comfortably in the lumbar region of the back. This is sometimes difficult especially if you are a taller person. The harness system also includes a thick waist belt and chest strap enabling a tight fit which is great when climbing over rocks. The volume is large enough to allow a 50m rope and wetsuit to easily fit in and the top is made larger so that your stuff slides in and out with ease. The pack has a large front pocket for those essential items such as a torch, and a top pocket for the map and camera. The pack is large enough to be used as a weekend pack when no ropes etc. are needed. This can keep the bulk down and stop you from packing too much on those weekend bushwalks. The Triassic is made from durable 120z canvas which can withstand the abuse given to it in canyons and when walking through scrub. All the seams are double stitched and sealed to prevent failure. lt is also very water proof, on a recent trip down Hole In The Wall canyon, no water entered the main compartment despite a number of lengthy swims. The pack is bush green in colour making the walker almost invisible in the bush. This is handy for sneaking up on wildlife with a camera or just blending in to the wilderness as you walk along. Good for those who like to keep the visual impact minimal too. A quality Biue Mountains pack for our tough conditions, the Triassic carries a lifetime guarantee on workmanship and materials. Overall an excellent pack for either short or tall with the 2 shoulder strap options. And great for canyons or short weekend trips. NB; David Noble is a keen canyoner and bushwalker. He {s also the discoverer of the rare Wollem! Pine (WOLLEMIA NOBILIS) found In 1994,
# Australian 120z canvas
& Made in Katoomba the old traditional way
& 40 litre capacity
& Proper hip loading with 2 shoulder strap sizes for walking comfort
& Wide throat for easy loading and unloading
& Buckle up front pocket with internal divider
& Top lid pocket :
& Extendable lid for overloading
A Padded hip belt with 38mm buckle
4 Hip belt retainer for city use (conveniently holds the hip belt back and out of the way
4& Padded back (removable)
4 Thumb loops on shoulder straps for more comfortable walking
& Internal compression strap for holding down your canyon rope
4 Side compression straps for minimising volume
& Storm throat to keep out the rain
4 Hard wearing Cordura base
4 Price $159.00
ONLY AVAILABLE AT
= Alpsport
1045 VICTORIA RD, WEST RYDE Ph 9858 5844 |Page 2 ~
. The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 |
DX] The Editor, The Future of the SBW
It was pleasing to read of the concern about the organisation of the SBW expressed by Kay Chan and Eddie:Giacomel.
The Club started with five simple and clearly described objects, as set out in the Constitution. These have been followed and built upon. The SBW is no ordinary Club. Most other clubs exist for social, sporting or cultural activities. Their members do not need the physical and mental equipment necessary for bushwalking. For this reason I doubt whether any but our own members can advise on Club organisation.
The social and economic environment has greatly changed since 1927. This has inevitably impacted on Club activities. The main changes are threefold. Firstly the almost universal reliance on cars. This together with the greatly augmented road system it has engendered, together with bulldozer made tracks has rendered only a small fraction of the state to be left more than 5 km. from a road. This means that almost anywhere can be reached in less than a day's walk. I don't believe there is more leisure than in 1927, though many work long hours to pay for their cars. The second change is in population. Sydneys population has grown from one to four million and has expanded beyond Berowra, Penrith and Sutherland. In the old days employment was mostly concentrated in the CBD and the inner suburbs and public transport mainly served these areas. There was no question of driving to the club and access was easy. Now many members live in the outer suburbs. The third change is the advent of television. It is so much easier to relax in the armchair in front of the TV than to make the effort to come into the Clubroom. When membership was half the present level attendance in the Clubroom was some three times greater than now. :
It is overnight walks, particularly those occupying several days, that foster the community spirit that makes the Club. For this reason I support the proposal for
prospectives to do at least two overnight walks. I would like to add a requirement to do another three walks, not necessarily test walks. I think those who want to do only day walks should join another club - perhaps the NPA, which organises a large number of such walks. I believe it is overnight walking that distinguishes our club and creates our community spirit. The work of running the Club seems to fall exclusively on overnight walkers.
Admittedly the cost of modern bushwalking gear is an obstacle to membership, but if prospectives are not prepared to meet this cost they should choose a cheaper sport. They should however be able to hire gear so that they can decide whether they really want to become Club members. Kay Chans suggestion of a Club hire service has been tried, but it means finding space for the gear and a member volunteer to do the work. It should be possible to arrange one of the equipment shops to undertake hiring at a more reasonable rate.
The decline in overnight walking is regrettable. To my mind Jong walks in new country are the most enjoyable part of bushwalking. And there is plenty of new country to be explored. A map showing the State's wilderness areas was published in the September magazine. Few members would
have visited more than half of these areas.
And for we geriatrics it is a pleasure to enjoy the social events in the Clubroom and meet our many friends, both old and new.
Alex Colley
* A WORD OF CAUTION *
It has been drawn to the attention of the club committee that there may well be legal issues arising from people either joining a walk late, or leaving a walk early and walking out on their own.
Apart from the obvious risks involved in walking alone (accidents and injuries), legal issues may arise given that the walk was an official SBW event.
The committee resolved that it is the responsibility of any walker joining a programmed walks late or leaving it early to personally advise the leader of that walk of his/her intention.
The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. a The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001
Page 3 |
NEW SBW CLUB COMMITTEE. FOR 2001
A new club committee was elected at the AGM on March 14.
Many members of iast year's committee volunteered to serve another term which will facilitates a smooth transition, and there are several welcome new faces. Two people have since volunteered for the two positions that were not filled at the AGM those of the Vice President and Social Secretary.
The composition of the new committee is as follows:
COMMITTEE POSITIONS President. Wilf Hilder Vice President Peter Dalton ## Public Officer Fran Holland Treasurer Carole Beales Secretary Judy O'Connor Walks Secretary Carol Lubbers Social Secretary Gemma Gagne #4 Membership Secretary Barry Wallace New Members Secretary Kay Chan Conservation Secretary David Trinder Magazine Editor Bill Holland Committee members (1) Chris Dowling (2) Pam Morrison (1) Jim Callaway
(2) Geoff Bradley Confed. Delegates NON COMMITTEE POSITIONS Confed. Delegates. (1) Wilf Hilder (2) TomWenman Magazine Production
manager. Fran Holland Magazine Business Manager. Gretel Woodward
Printers. Kenn Clacher, Margaret Niven, Tom Wenman, Barrie Murdoch, Les Powell,, Don Brooks. Archivist Andrew Vilder Hon. Solicitor Richard Brading Hon. Auditor Chris Sonter
Coolana Maintenance Committee: Gemma Gagne, Patrick James, Bill Holland. Barry Wallace, Helen Gray Joan Rigby.
BWR S&R Contacts. Bill Capon, David Trinder K H A Delegates. Wayne Steele, Ian Wolfe Reunion Convenor Spiro Hajinaketas Natural Areas Delegate. Don Brooks
= New position occupant ## = Subject to confirmation. o000 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION NOW DUE The Annual General Meeting on March 14th agreed with the treasurer that the SBW annual subscriptions for the year 2001 would remain at the 2000 level. Single Membership = $37 Household membership = $61 Non Active Membership = $13 Non Active + Magazine = $26 Magazine only = $13 Payment can be made by mail or at the club on Wednesday nights. A form to facilitate the payment is enclosed with this magazine. This can be returned with your cheque to the Treasurer at our Milsons Point Box number. Prompt -payment will help reduce the treasurer's work load and ensure that you are covered by club insurance and that you receive the magazine and walks programs. Please also note any changes to your address or phone number on the form to permit Barry to update club records. ooog CLUB CONSTITUTION REVIEW. At the March AGM a motion was proposed and accepted that the club should hold a review of its constitution in order to make it more relevant to present day circumstances. 2 I |Page + - THE FEBRUARY 2001 GENERAL MEETING. Reported by Barry Wallace. It was around 2001 hours when the chairman called the 18 or so members present to order and began the meeting. There was an apology from Edith Baker, and a spurious one from someone who probably thought it was clever, but which unfortunately drowned out the other real one whoever it was. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted as correct, with no matters arising. New members Victoria Garamy and Barry Forbes were welcomed into full membership with constitution, badge, and applause. Correspondence comprised a letter to Jim Calloway confirming acceptance of one of his walks as a test walk, letters to our new members, and a letter from Confederation providing a copy of minutes of their most recent general meeting and supplying a draft copy of standards for abseiling practice. The treasurers report indicated that we began with a balance of $5,333.00, earned income of $286.00, spent $2,113.00 and closed with $3,507.00 in the kitty. Conservation report revealed that we have obtained a copy of the memorandum of understanding between the NPWS and the 4WD associations. We have written to the director of NPWS regarding this. Confederation is to hold a meeting to discuss the future of the Wilderness Rescue group. On the matter of tracks and access, Confederation is also reported to be seeking to offer NPWS the services of volunteers from member clubs. The walks reports began at the weekend of 20, 21 January with no report for Wilf Hilders overnight walk out from Bell railway station. Morag Ryder had a party of 6 on her Katoomba to Leura walk on the Saturday. The proposed route was reversed for some reason so the trip went from Leura to Katoomba. Michael Bickley had 19 starters out on the Saturday on his messing ~~ The Sydny Bushwalker March 20017 ~~~ _ | about in boats and on land trip around Jerusalem Bay. The event was reported as pleasant, with hot conditions. Richard Darkes Sunday sea-kayaking trip on Middle Harbour did not go. Anne McGuire had 13 on her Sunday walk out from Mount Hay road and Ron Watters had the party of 8 enjoying swims and scrub on his Dharwal SRA trip in hot conditions the same day. The midweek walk went on Wednesday 24“ January with Jim Calloway leading a group of four starters in 30 degrees Celsius temperatures on his Waterfall to Heathcote via Lake Eckersley walk. The effects of this temperature were compensated to some extent by numerous swims along the way. Australia day weekend saw Jim Rivers leading a party of 6 in hot scrubby conditions on his walk out from Little Forest Plateau. They reported numerous ticks and leeches all of which wanted to share. Wilf Hilder was also out and about that weekend, with 14 on his Shoalhaven trip out from Bungonia. Conditions were hot so they spent quite a bit of time swimming for relief. Ken Chengs Saturday walk out from Heathcote attracted 12 starters and was described as fine with overcast and humid conditions. There was no report for Geoff Dowsetts Sunday walk from Otford to Bundeena. Phil Newman reversed the direction of his Kanangra -Walls/Kowmung River trip over the weekend of 2, 3, 4 February due to the hot conditions and higher than usual water levels in the river. Zol Bodlay had a party of 9 on his Saturday Gourmet walk to Tootie Creek. There was no report for Rosemary Macdougals Ku-Ring-Gai National Park walk the same day. Jim Calloway had 2 on his Cronulla to Otford Sunday walk in warm conditions indulging in a spot of swimming. No report was available to the meeting for Richard Darkes trip from Hornsby to Mount Ku-Ring-Gai station the same day. The meeting also lacked details for Robin Plumbs walk from Newport to Barrenjoey Lighthouse which had been scheduled for Saturday 10 February. The 22 starters on Jim Percys day 5 of the Blue Mountains The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 Page 5 | Crossing walk experienced a wide range of weathers, ranging from warm, overcast and humid-in the moming to a storm after lunch followed by dense fog. Greg Bray cancelled his Sunday walk out from Carlons Farm. Sunday saw Errol Sheedy leading a party of 8 on his commemorative walk in The Royal out from Otford. Erroi first enjoyed this particular walk as a prospective back in 1972 under the leadership of Kath and Jim Brown, the mention of whom must surely bring this walks report to a fitting close, vale. Of general business there was none, so after announcements the meeting closed at 2102. nado REVIEW OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SBW The result of Eddy Giacomel's resolution at the AGM At the AGM on Wednesday March 14” the motion to accept the offer by Elyssebeth Leigh to assist a review of the management structure of the club was carried. The first of the two proposed meetings with Elyssebeth will be at held at 8pm on TUESDAY April 3“ in the large downstairs room at the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre. if this room is not available the meeting will be in our normal meeting room upstairs. All SBW members are invited to attend. The date for the second meeting will be advised later. 000 CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS The result ef Frank Grennan's Motion at the AGM All four changes proposed by the New Members Secretary and notified in the annual report were defeated. oo00 Jexouan avs, K Ravana Waus, | Yennannene: Guest Town | Stinveurs Teaex. Boveonra Caves. a Wee Wee, Nemnica B Departs from Sydney's Campbelltown Railway Station Vie Pasuith, Katoomba & Blackheath for | Kanangra Walls Mon & Wed at Tam. Frid at Zam J Retums 4pm Mon, Wed, Frid. Via Statlights, Mitteqong & Maruian for : Wog Wog-Nerriga Tues.8 Thurs & Sun at ttam | Retums 4 pm Tues, Fhurs, Sun. 5 Yerranderie Ghost Town first Saturday in each month, retums Sun at { pm (any Friday min 6} Group bonking discounts or charter service [ Tel 0246 832 344 Mob 0428 832344 | | www.wildernesstransit.com.au j Nsw WILDERNESS Tat FASTER BUS ⇐ SH | 10 Monolith Valley Tracks bas Tas (246m | for HOG WOG & NERRIGH Returas Mon (6th 4pm 70 Blue Mountain Tracks Yepats Tid 13h Tan dl via Penrith for Jenolan Caves, Kanangra Walls and Yerranderie Returns Mon {6th from Yerrandevie 12ncon. Kanangra Walls Spa & Returns Tues 17th from Kanangra Walls Spm [tel 0246 832 344 Mob 0428 832 344 | rPage 6 The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 MID-WEEK ACTIVITIES ($12 per head) so it will be a cheap week! “COOLANDEL” on the Shoalhaven River! Monday 30th April - Friday 4th May 2001 . . Day Walks, Canceing etc This is a delightful camping and holiday grounds on the banks of the Shoalhaven River. We have booked one cottage (sleeps six people) and can book another or use tent camping . The cost of the cottage is $70 per night Please let me know if you can join us. In order to confirm the booking J will need $20 deposit. Bill Holland The Club has a merry band of mid week walkers - those who have retired or can organise their working life to fit in with day walks and extended walks away from the crowded weekends. A newsletter is sent out every second month to inform those on the mid-week walkers list of planned activities. Please let me know if you would like to be added to the mailing list. There was a very good response to a survey sent cut with the last newsletter seeking expressions of interest in various activities, A total of twenty nine people responded (out of 34 sent out)! All responses were supportive and many offered suggestions for future activities. HERE IS A SUMMARY (not all boxes were marked). Not Very Interested Interested Interested _ Pebbly Beach (Cabins) 5 5 13 Jenolan Caves (Cabins) 8 6 7 Coolandel (Shoalhaven) 3 10 . Coolana (camping) _ 4 ? Lamington NP (camping) 3 16 10 Wombeyan Caves (cabins) 7 10 A Cycling/Camping Trip 15 6 2 Norfolk Island (or Lord Howe) 5 1] 12 . Hinchinbrook (camping) 6 7 10 Fraser Island _ (camping) 9 8 7 Kakadu or Kimberley (Willis) 6 9 8 Flinders Ranges (car camping) 8 10 6 Camping/Walking in NSW Parks 3 13 7 Tasmania (easy/medium grade) 6 M4 2 Our next activity is a week in cabins at Currawong Beach on the Pittwater followed in late April/May by a few days at Coolandel on the Shoalhaven River. Please let me know if you are interested Bill Holland 9484 6636 Dja vu “Where are we going? Discussions are under way at comunittee and general meetings…. about the purpose of the club, its strengths, its weaknesses, its size…… must expand walking activities …. ….recruit new members …. a higher percentage of active members is needed….. Bush Club Feb-March Newsletter NEW EDITOR ELECTED This is my last magazine. I have found the last two years in the job interesting and would like to thank all of those people who have given me their support and who have provided interesting articles for publication. Bill Holland was elected at the AGM as the new editor and I am sure that he will get the same support in the future. Ray Hookway. The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 Page 7 WALKING IN THE SIERRA NEVADAS (THE REAL ONES, NOT THE US COPY!) by Ian Wolfe & Louise Verdon Even in Spain one eventually tires of bullfights, flamenco, cathedrals, castles, fabulous Moorish Palaces and Tapas Bars. So having read about this waik in the Lonely Planet Trekking in Spain Guide it was to the hills we went to rejuvenate. From Granada (720m) this is fairly easy. You just get yourself on the Circumvalacium and drive around the city on a 6 lane freeway until you get to the appropriate exit and begin heading upwards. The road is the main drag to the ski resort behind Granada and is thus well graded and has splendid views of the rugged countryside. The S bends can be a bit tricky especially when you drive into a herd of goats casually crossing the road in the blind spot! We stopped off at the National Park Office to get some advice from the Ranger. Problem was that our Spanish was as limited as his French, English was fine for us but not for him and German or Italian were worse that the use of French! In the end we had a good look at the topo display map and made appropriate notes on the free tourist day trip map and received what we thought were timings for various legs from the Ranger (hey! Life is a chaotic, dynamic activity where you have got to have faith!) Back in our car we drove up in the crisp sunshine to eventually leave the tree line and skirt the resort to get to the car park which is at 2,550m. Here we enjoyed the view upwards with the spine of the Sierra Nevadas spread out before us. Our objective for the day was one of the main peaks called Pico Veleta (3,396m) which is the second highest peak in Spain and entails a round trip of about 15km. The highest is Mulhacen at 3,478m and stands clear and proud further to the North. eee Aboriginal Land Manyallatuk Is a small Aboriginal community south of Katherine. Their cultural tours show you some of the Will begin with a one day cultural four at the Manyallaluk Aboriginal community. Will spend a night at the community. Will be accompanied by an Aboriginal guide as well as one of the regular Williss Walkabouts guides. Will walk through remote and scenic parts of the park. Will finish with a boat cruise through the lower portion of Katherine Gorge. www. bushwalkingholidays.com.au local bush tucker and bush medicines and allow you to try your hand at some traditional skills. Their tours have won national awards. Standard and light-pack trips Carry everything yourself and pay less or carry no more than 8 kg and let us carry the Ss WALK SS _ rest for you. Your choice. Ask for the trip notes. a AE walkabout@ais.net.au 4 |Page 8 The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 It being late autumn (October 00) I had expected that most of the snow would have long since melted from the peaks. Mmmm well most of the snow was still there covering the ranges as far as we could see! In fact it commenced within 2 kms of the carpark but this was relatively OK as the bulk of the walk up the ridgeline was on a road or a path on which the snow had been compacted- This formed way also meant that we could safely ascend Pico Veleta without ice axes and crampons but meant that Mulhacen was out of the question. As to the temperature weli thermal underwear, Goretex top and bottom meant that we were quite comfortable! (I must admit that the boots got a bit chilly towards the end of the day!) We left the car shortly before liam and climbed happily upwards. I say happily because as we passed through the 3,000m mark the affects of altitude began to have their impact. Even though we were deliberately taking our time with a slow pace and frequent view stops the spinning head and unsteady steps appeared along with the pounding heart in the mouth syndrome. So we kept to a quiet pace that allowed us to soak up the splendid vistas of the rugged alpine ranges as well as the odd intrusion by man. This included a large radio telescope on an adjacent hill that was obviously tracking something in the heavens. Once we had attained the pass we left the formed way and climbed the ridge direct on a mixture of ice, crunchy snow and rock. This was quite OK and brought us to the summit about 3.20pm. The summit was fairly benign on one side in that it was a massive snow slope with a gradient of about 45 degrees but the other two sides were fairly airy. This combined with the affects of altitude led to Louise adopting the 6 points of contact approach (2 arms, 2 legs and 2 clenched glutimus maximus). I also took it easy as the altitude had led to a large vein in my leg beginning to throb noticeably. The view to the Virgen at 3,161m was complemented by the Laguna de la Caldera to the other side. Far below we spied two XC skiers coming up the southern side along the snow covered road (there are a number of manned and unmanned Refuges [ie huts] which can be used to link up multi day trips). All in all it certainly lived up to the Michelin rating of 4 stars. Our sojourn on the summit was enhanced by the arrival of a very nice Spanish couple with whom we swapped taking photographs and Olympic scores. They were well equipped except that he didnt have any sun glasses which are essential in such conditions of prolonged snow walking. After a last view we commenced the descent shortly after 4pm and this incorporated a degree of wary bum glissading on a more direct route than our ascent. We were amazed to meet more people coming up the mountain even though the daylight hours were waning and the snow was beginning to ice up. Of additional concern was that nearly all of them were completely inadequately equipped ie sandshoes rather than boots, no day pack, no water proofs and no water or food! We also met a German of the way up the mountain who was running to get to the top so that he could get back to pick up his girlfriend in Granada in an hour! We attempted to inject some sanity into the activities of these people by giving them accurate route and timing information before continuing downwards. Our downwards route was very pleasant in the soft afternoon sun with the whole of the northern flank of the range spread out before us as it descended to the plains of Andalusia. One strange event was the echoing of mournful howling. This led us to diverge from our route slightly towards the direction of the clamour. A peek over the intervening ridgeline revealed a small bowl filled with an extended kennel complex housing about 60 odd husky type dogs all giving full voice. The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Officia! publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 Page9 | Being a Wolfe I was tempted to join my brethren but the call of the wild was overcome by the pull of the ear lobe. We skirted the obligatory mountain shrine with towering Messiah to get back to the car at about 6.30pm. So ended a very pleasant day in the jagged hills with vistas unended to fill our memories. oo000 A PRACTICAL LESSON IN THE USE OF AN EPIRB (Emergency Beacon) by Owen Kimberley On the morning of Thursday 4 January 2001, we, a group of five members of SBW, set out from Sydney for a bushwalking trip in south west Tasmania. The group was myself, Michele, Cath, Marella and Bob. Our flight to Hobart went smoothly but on arrival in the terminal an announcement came for one of our party to go to the Qantas desk. There we were toid that one of our packs had been left in Sydney and that it would not be coming on another flight via Melbourne late in the day. This caused some disruption to our plans since we had booked for a charter flight to the South West. After some negotiation with Qantas they (Qantas) offered us a stretch limo plus driver to take us into town and back plus vouchers to the value of $35 each for lunch at a harbour front restaurant at Constitution Dock. There we were dressed in our bush walking clobber (since we had intended to fly directly to the start of the walk) being driven into town with quite a few of the Hobart peopie turning their heads to try to see who was behind the tinted glass of the limo. It was too good an opportunity for Cath to miss and she naturally gave the royal wave to all inquisitive children. After a movie and lunch we were met by the limo driver, or should I say chauffeur, for the drive to the Tasair terminal at Cambridge air strip (which is alongside Hobart International Airport) for our now deferred charter. We were in high spirits and soon met our young Cessna pilot. It is not the first time that I have accessed the start of a bushwalk via small plane but what made this one interesting was that the plane seemed to be really small and the pilot could manage to fit himself plus five passengers. plus five packs into it. One of the packs was shoved up into the legroom space under the dashboard in front of Bob, the heavier people (plus the pilot of course) were positioned in the front two of the three rows of seats and one of the packs was somehow wedged between Michele and myself in the secord (middle row). When we were all squeezed in, the pilot ran through the safety procedure spiel, such as where the life jackets were, how to open the doors and that in the event of a crash there was an emergency beacon up under the dashboard. We took off at approx 6pm and the flight was really spectacular. The evening light with its lengthening shadows really enhanced the beauty of the terrain and we delighted to in turn view many of the better known land marks such as Precipitous Bluff, Federation Peak and the Western Arthurs. The pilot announced via our head phones that we were starting our descent and when we were coming down over the Ironbound Range we enthusiastically pointed out our intended walking route of a week later. The landing was smooth, safe and spectacular. It was onto the beautiful hard- packed white sand of Cox Bight. The evening light made it one of lifes great visual experiences and we soon remarked that we were really fortunate that Qantas had delayed our fly-in. After disembarking we decanted fuel for our stoves (the South West is a fuel stove only region and, for obvious safety reasons, you are not allowed to carry it on the plane) from a supply which Tasair had in a locked tool box in the scrub at the side of the beach and stowed our food drop supplies (which Tasair had flown in earlier in the day) ready for our collection a week later. The first night was idyllic and balmy and uneventful except for the antics of the camp sites resident quoll (a spotted cat-like local) which has left me the souvenir of a bite out of the little toe corner of my thong. Fortunately I |Page 10 The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 was asleep inside the tent at the time and the thong (and the quoll) were outside. We started walking early next morning. Our plan was to spend four or five days walking along the coastline to South West Cape (the bottom left corner of Tasmania) and returning to our food drop for one night of fine food (and premium red wine) before spending six days walking east along the South Coast Track to Cockle Creek, at the bottom right, for a bus ride back up to Hobart. None of us had done the walk before, despite the S.C. Track being reasonably well known in bushwalking circles, having, I believe, been put in earlier last century to enable ship wrecked sailors to walk back to civilization. The walking was great. We walked across a number of beaches, in superb bays, and up and over headlands and heathland etc in between. The atmosphere became more misty and damp as the day progressed but it was jolly fine walking weather and we were pleased to reach our destination of Wilsons Bight before five oclock. We were pleased with our progress since it meant that we had time up our sleeve in case of future bad weather. We regrouped and had a quick word about taking it easy as we descended down the hill to the beach. I was at the lead walking around a headland towards the campsite end of the beach when, whoops, my feet slipped out from under me and I fell over onto an adjacent bench of rock. I landed on my chest and, although momentarily winded, decided that I was alright. Then I looked down at my left hand and at the rock that I had fallen against. The rock was a series of knife sharp ridges (or should I say blades) and my hand had two deep cuts in it. Michele had seen me slip and [ called back to her that I had hurt my hand and that I would continue to walk to the beach adjacent to the intended campsite. The five of us grouped in the middle of the beach and were soon joined by two other bushwalkers who were camped further up the beach at the campsite. It was now about ten past five. Whilst walking across the balance of the headland and the beach I had done some quick calculations and it is apparent that the others of the group were soon doing the same. The lacerations were deep. I was bleeding profusely. We would have to allow at least two days to walk back north to the airstrip at Bathurst Harbour (also known as Melaleuca). The weather was closing in and there would be no certainty that any flights would come into Melaleuca for some days after we got there. The injury did appear to be bad and, if we were to start to walk out and get into real strife when we were half way across the scrub, then we could also make life difficult for rescuers. We were on a hard-packed beach. We had two to two and a half hours of daylight left. Michele and I have been carrying an EPIRB in my pack for the past three years. I had never used it and hoped that I would never have to. Prior to buying it I had talked to the coordinating body in Canberra and, briefly, what it does, when activated, is send a signal to satellites and/or any commercial planes passing overhead which then pass the signal on to Canberra so that they can then determine where the signal comes from and notify the local rescue service. They then know that there is a distress signal but they do not know if it is a false alarm or from a lone bushwalker or from a crashed plane. i.e. I was told that it may take some time for them (the Rescue Service) to precisely zero in on where you are, particularly if a plane or relevant satellite does not pass overhead for some time. Except for one person who was flat out on another matter, all of the group decided and agreed that that it was appropriate and responsible to set it (the EPIRB) off. It was best to do it as soon as possible because of the limited daylight and the low cloud cover. Not too many commercial flights pass above South West Cape, so we could only speculate as to how long it would take for our signal to be picked up. The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. Whether it's bush walking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, trelkc- king or travel, a pack is your best friend or worst enemy. Why? Because you depend on the agility and comfort that your pack provides. The Mont Moto-Active adjustable har- ness system is deceptively simple, fast to adjust and easy to fit. Availabie in three sizes and featuring inter- changeable harness compo- nents, a truly best fit is possible, and best fit means a truly comfortable carry. camping centre eastwood. . Innovative designs, 4SWOnT detailed construc- tion and quality ma- terials. Back . anatomically con- Country toured hip-belts. Pack + Spandura and 3D Air-Flow fabrics for body contact peints. Bar tacks on the im- portant high stress points. * Triple stitched with webbing bound seams to ensure massive seam strength. Weuse Evazote foams, the most du- rabie, high quality foams available. * Hip-belt secures di- rectly to the allurnin- jum frame-stays for direct load transfer. Only highest quality Duraflex bucides. The shoulder yoke adjusts independ- ently of the frame stays. * =Dual aluminium y y Something Better. frame-stays adjusted and reinserted in seconds. w.mont.com.au Mont Adventure Equipment; The Australian company with over 20 years of manufacturing excellence. 3 Trelawmey Street Eastwood. Phone : 02 9858 3833. All packs personally fitted by our experienced Staff. [Page 12 The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 The group worked superbly. The beacon was activated. A bright orange garbage bag was placed on the beach with a SOS INJURY message in the sand. The wounds were initially dressed and then, maybe half an hour later, more thoroughly attended to with some sort of adhesive strips ( I think that they are called Steri strips, but I turned my head away and did not look at what they were doing at the time) that are used to tie wounds together instead of stitches. Water was heated and I was given a warm drink to sip. I was helped into warm dry clothes, our tent was erected and I got into my sleeping bag. It was gettmg dark and I was mentally preparing myself for a night with the injury. To that time I had been keeping pressure on the wounds with my clenched hand. What would happen when I went to sleep? Could I bump it during the night? Although I seemed to be coping alright, would I go into shock during the night? After about two hours the general discussion was that it was unlikely that any helicopter would come in that night and everyone started to set themselves up for the night. Then we heard it, the thwump, thwump, thwump, thwump. Someone in our group shouted to me to go to the beach and someone else ran back towards my tent saying that they were getting my gear together. I came onto the beach (from the campsite which was in the beachside scrub) and the rescue chopper was coming straight in and then landed with engine running at the end of the beach. They landed at the waters edge on top of a flat piece of rock which was level with the adjacent sand. It was apparent that they were reluctant to put the full weight of the chopper onto the sand. The rescue people ran across and made it clear that I was to get on board NOW! We took off with urgency and headed east along the coastline. The scenery was spectacular but it was all so surreal. I couldnt believe that it was happening. There were two drivers in the front of the vehicle and two rescue people seated in the back with me. One was a paramedic and the other was from police rescue and appeared to be in charge. I explained that I was worried about my wife (Michele) and that there would be difficulty in carrying my pack out, that I had been in my tent keeping warm and that the other people were busily getting my gear together at the time of my leaving camp. He asked me how heavy my pack was. About fifteen kilos I answered. He then asked me to wait and he started to communicate with the pilot. We kept flying east then finally they had a more lengthy conversation, checked how much fuel they had and turned back towards Wilsons Bight. We landed and the police officer ran up the beach to the campsite. After a couple of minutes he came running back down the beach with our tent loosely bundled up in . his arms, closely followed by Michele with -her overflowing pack. Someone else was running behind to pick-up.- any dropped pieces of baggage. Michele later told me that our (Micheles and my) gear had been almost packed at the time of our initial take off, but then, when we had flown into the twilight, they unpacked again and started to settle in for the night. Michele climbed aboard and we were again off. We flew right along the south coast and then around the corner and up the Derwent into Hobart where we landed at the rescue services base alongside the airport. The Paramedic had his ambulance waiting and drove us into Hobart Private Hospital where, by pure chance, a hand specialist was visiting another patient. He gave me an examination and again redressed the hand (but note that it was commented that a good dressing job had been done by my fellow bushwalkers). He prescribed antibiotics and recommended that we go out for a good meal prior to presenting early next morning (Saturday) for surgery. The surgeon and his anaesthetist etc came into hospital specifically for my op and I then spent the Saturday night in hospital. Because I had cut a muscle, my hand and arm were in a splint. The stitches were removed 10 days later and The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Ine” *” * 1 “rte The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 Page 13 | the splint came off a further week and a bit later (which is two days prior to my writing of this article). I have no reason to believe that there will be any significant long term damage. The three remaining members of the group continued with the walk. They tell me that the balance of their trip was safe and enjoyable and that they had a great time when they returned to food drop at Cox Bight. Michele and I managed to do a couple of day walks in the Hobart region (Hartz Mountain and South Bruny Island which were both enjoyable) before walking in from Cockle Creek (at the east end of the South Coast Track) for a day and a half where we again met out three colleagues at the appropriately named Surprise Bay so that we could walk out with them. Both they (the three) and us (Michele and I) had post mortems on the incident and I would like to now pass on some of these thoughts as follows:- e Jt was fortunate that we had the EPIRB and its use was appropriate. The chopper came more quickly than we had anticipated e Although there was some prior discussion about the need to be ready for a choppers arrival, we were not ready. The affected parties (i.e. in this case Michele and 1) should have kept our packs intact and ready to go. Instead of using our own tent, sleeping bag and stove etc., we should have kept them in our packs and used others. e We werent really prepared for the effects of shock. The reference above to one of our group being flat out refers to one who fainted (at the sight of all the blood etc I assume) and who was lying on the beach at the waters edge for much of the initial drama. Some of the party did not react as quickly as normal. I see nothing wrong with this since it is a natural reaction. The main thing is to recognize that it is not just the injured person who can be affected. * The two other bushwalkers who assisted us at Wilsons Bight were of great help. Not only were they well prepared but, since they were not my close friends, they were, in my opinion, less likely to be affected by shock. e The paramedic had a brief discussion with us in the ambuiance. It seems that the Tasmanian Government wants to regulate that walkers in the South West hire beacons from the Parks Service. There is however some sort of political debate as to whether satellite phones would be preferable. Apparently the problem _ with beacons is that they there are too many false alarms and that the rescuers do not know whether it is an evacuation like mine or someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest. He quoted the example of the previous day in which they had attended to an incident on the Franklin River where they had been called by an off duty paramedic with a sat. phone. At present satellite phones are too expensive for everyday bushwalking but I can see their benefit if readily available for short period hire in remote regions. An EPIRB is the most appropriate method currently available. 2000 I spoke to AMSA on 29” Jan and was informed that the quick response was because the signal was a dual freq transmission proving that it was genuine ie. not a stray 121.5 emission and that the signal was heard by two sats within 3 mins. First via the Qld LUT and then by the WA LUT. A third signal was heard whilst the helicopter was being readied. The first received signal was timed at 0626GMT. Ed. ao000 | Page 14 The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 J LEARNING TO LEAD WALKS PAINLESSLY by Maureen Carter How often have you considered leading a walk but lacked the confidence? Or, how often have you felt you had all the skills required, but then, just as you have worked out a walk of suitable length on gently undulating terrain, a little voice in your head cautions: what if….7 what if…..? I am proposing an idea to eliminate all your fears of leading a walk by taking a mentor along with you or joining an experienced leader as a trainee leader. This is not a new idea to bushwalking or to being trained in any skill. It will give you the opportunity to make mistakes in a comfortable environment without being embarrassed or laughed at in fact the group will expect you to make mistakes and will be disappointed when you dont! You would be able to hone your skills in the field and ask questions of your mentor as they arise, rather than mentally noting them to ask later, then forgetting. During the walk you could cover scenarios such what would we do if someone broke their ankle right now you could even ask for a victim and involve the whole party in a mock rescue. Or you could lead a discussion over lunch about what the group would do if a fire were heading your way right now. These walks could provide learning opportunities for the whole group and we could all contribute our experiences and expertise. I believe that this would be a productive way of holding training days for prospective members and leaders alike. My suggestion to help implement this mentor system, as soon as possible, would be for a new (or unconfident) leader to put a walk on the programme and ask for an experienced leader to accompany them as a mentor. Alternatively, a list could be kept of willing mentors that new leaders could contact. Also, experienced leaders could add to their walks descriptions that they are prepared to mentor a new leader on their walk. I think that this simple process of friendly tutorship could not only expand the number of people who are willing to put walks on the programme but, of course, it would also very quickly increase the number of walks available to members and _ prospective members. I am happy to assist in the implementation of this idea, if the Committee looks favourably on this suggestion. I would welcome your comments or suggestions and you could e- mail me on dccarter@sydpcug.org.au or telephone me at home on 9773 4637. oogd LAZARUS PURA AN SBW FOUNDATION MEMBER by Clio At a time when the SBW is going through a soul searching exercise about its future perhaps it is a good time to examine its history. Ed. Many years ago when I was scanning through the many papers of Myles Dunphy I came across a membership list (one of many) of the Mountain Trails Club. I can only recall, since I didnt record which document, that this showed a Lazarus Pura. And if I recall correctly there was a column showing nationality. It was the reference to a Russian Jew that stuck in my mind. (I cannot recall whether this list included prospective members). As I pursued various aspects of bushwalking I would occasional come across reference to Laz and particularly his singing. The following is extracted from these searches. Lazarus Pura was born in Circassia Russia on 4/12/1888, leaving Russia at age 12 for England where he remained for nine years. He then spent a year in New Zealand before moving to NSW in December 1910. In May The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers lac. The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 Page 15 1914 Lazarus Pura, tailor, of Oxford Street Sydney applied for, and __ received, naturalisation. From about 1925 the NSW Tourism Bureau was directing all enquiries about bushwalking to the Mountain Trails Club as it was the only well known club in existence. Occasionally some were invited to attend club meetings and, if they appeared to meet the clubs requirements, they were invited to become members. Lazarus Pura and Jack Debert were among the few to visit the club. In his later years Myles Dunphy wrote up his travel journals from his notes. Volume #11 includes a trip to Clear Hill over the Kings Birthday, June 1926, and contains the following description. Lazarus Pura was a Russian migrant (one of a family from Baku, of Azerbaijan, on the Caspian Sea). Crandon or Rigby had introduced him to the Mountain Trails Club members some time back, because he had taken a fancy to him and wanted the others to meet him. He was invited to attend meetings. He did so, and it was plain that the company did him a lot of good. He was very interested in the club and probably would like to have joined it, but was not invited to do so. The club was a bush brotherhood based on bush knowledge, the feeling that it was the natural environment in which the members actually were at home. This meant they were competent to look after themselves. In that sense, Laz Pura was not. Laz was a master tailor, an individual tailor who ran his own selective business. He was a gentleman, a musician as were his family, jrom all accounts. He had a fine sense for beauty and the outdoors. He was a bachelor. We were told that he did not resemble his family in appearance. He was of medium height, fairly slim, rather brown skin and Tartar physical characteristics including dark hair. He was quietly spoken, direct in manner, well educated, was a vegetarian, and loved discussion. He had a good baritone voice, joined in campfire singing, and his solo rendering of the Volga Boatmen out of the dark, away from the campfire, where he could turn about to produce the effect of song borne on the wind, was sensational, and very much in demand. Although of the reflective type Laz needed and appreciated company, preferably with quiet discussion of philosophy, literature, music, etc. He was not familiar with the natural sciences and, like most Europeans of urban areas although he was more Asiatic - he had no natural ability in the outdoors and with tools. He was physically awkward in small tents containing expensive gear, and his friends preferred him to camp solo with them, in the style of Walter Tarr (Taro) and Alan Hardie (called Dorman Long) all three being markedly individualistic. Laz joined the Sydney Bush Walkers soon after the forming of that club and so achieved plenty of company. After many years experience with SBW and MIC members in clubrooms and in the field he expressed a wish to visit Tasmania. Finding that no parties were going there he decided to go alone, against advice of friends who knew something of conditions there. He started to walk through Cradle Mountains, Lake St Clair National Park by himself, obviously hoping to meet other walkers. The weather turned bad, which kept visitors away, except for two fellows who met him in a hut. After a night together they passed on, presumably not wanting to be bothered with another traveller who seemed to be a foreigner. They went through but Laz Pura died a lonely death in cold conditions to which he was quite unused. (Myles Dunphy, 30 October 1968. The paragraphs are mine). In October 1927, at a Mountain Trails Club meeting, Alan Rigby moved that a new walking club be formed here and now, and it was seconded by Roy Davies. The meeting then closed. The first meeting of the new club was then declared open. Alan acted as chairman with [Page 16 The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 Myles as acting secretary. One of the decisions at this meeting was that Foundation Members of this new club were to be those people who attended this meeting: It was resolved that the absent [Mountain Trails] members who had previously indicated interest, namely, Messrs Roy Rudder, WLazarus Pura and Fred McKenzie should be considered as foundation members. (Myles Dunphy: Selected Writings Patrick Thompson) It would be rather difficult to ascertain now just how active Lazarus was with the club. Where his name does crop up (till about mid 1930s) it is with reference to his voice where obviously he made an impression. e Dot Butler - Laz Pura was a beautiful singer, and so was Smithy (Gordon Smith), Ernie Austen and Peter Page. e Paddy -.Laz Pura was a wonderful person with a lovely voice who was often called upon to sing two favourite songs - the Volga Boat Song and Dark Eyes. e Dorothy Svenson he sang the same two songs at every campfire and we all listened to the tired voice from the shadows. On 11 February 1949 Laz left on a trip though Cradle Mountain. Two hikers yesterday found the body of a Sydney man, believed to have been a Russian Jew, lying in the snow near Cradle Mountain. (Sydney Morning Herald, 22/2/1 949) : I would have left the story of Laz Pura here till I came across his name recently when I discovered thathe had come to the attention of the Commoniwealth Investigation Branch. His security file noted that in 1948 Laz declared membership of the Peoples Printing & Publishing Society. (This body had been set up to control and publish various Communist papers throughout the State). Laz also claimed to have been expelled from the Australian Communist Party though a well-known communist used to leave his loud-speaking apparatus in his Crows Nest residence. The Tribune (26/3/1949) reported that whilst in London Laz had joined the British Labor movement. When he died he had been a member of the Australian Communist Party for five years, and was valued for his enthusiastic but unobtrusive work in various branch activities. This simple biography has raised more questions than it has solved. 1. Whilst Myles states that Laz never became a member we have Myles own writings indicating that at least there is one, and possibly two, places where Lazarus Pura was listed as a member of the Mountain Trails Club. 2. Why did Laz Pura not become a member of the MTC? One rule of the club was There must be unanimity of opinion in the selection or election of new members. Membership of the Mountain Trails Club also required Members must be Australian born. Clumsiness does not seem to be all that sufficient reason to reject a member. How could a master tailor have no natural ability .. with tools? 3. Myles emphasises bush brotherhood for justifying non-acceptance of Lazs membership. This is not the only occasion Myles has reverted to lecturing the reader about his philosophy. Just as Myles, Bert Gallop et al learned about bushcraft by going out and practicing why couldnt Laz. 4. Laz was associated with the Mountain Trails Club for at least sixteen months. Why then did Myles record this information in the first place did he do this to all prospective members? Certainly he compiled pen sketches of the other club members. I would only know-this sort of information had I been The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 Page 17 walking with someone for a number of years but to record it (particularly for someone who wasnt to become a member)? 5. Was Laz discriminated against because of his foreign birth? Was it perhaps he brought politics into his conversations? Both Myles and the Communist Party seem to indicate a quiet man, not one to be forcing views. Mountaineers [Bushwalkers] are gregarious, argumentative creatures. Their gregariousness leads to clubs, and clubs lead to dinners and speeches, and their argumentativeness leads to committees and club journals, in which other club journals are adversely reviewed. (The Spirit of the Hills - F S Smythe) If I have sirmed in adopting a particular thesis or opinion to the exclusion of others, I hope the evidence is on my side. Clio Sources. Dot Butler Frank Pallin National Archives The Sydney Bush Walker NEW SERIES 3, 1:25 000 MAPS More information on new maps from the NSW LPI (Land and Property Information Unit) to add to the list of Series 3. 1-25 000 map list printed in the November, December and January Sydney Bushwalker magazines. There are also many new maps to different scales available and the department will soon be releasing CDs of Topo maps. To be placed on the email mailing list for notification of future releases, including CDs, email: Angela. Bateman@ditm.nsw.gov.au with the subject title 'add to new topo list. CONFEDERATION ACTIVITIES IN 2001 Refer to the Confederation Bushwalker or their of their program March 20“ Confederation meeting Ashfield RSL March 31” ~April 1 S&R training April 2-4“ St John Remote area 1* Aid course May 9-11” St Johns Remote area 1* Aid course CHAINSAW WANTED. There is an immediate and continuing need for a chainsaw at Coolana. In this instance size is not important, however bigger is better than smalier. If you have a petrol driven chainsaw that is surplus to your needs' perhaps we could doadeal. Please call: Bill Holland'(9484 6636) or Patrick James (9904 1515) of the Coolana Management Committee. MAP MAP NUMBER Brogo 8824-1N Cowan 9130-4N Currowan $926-4N Genoa 8823-38 Nellingen 8926-48 Pambula 8824-28 Yowrie 8825 3N Kioloa 8926-IN Kurrajong 9030-4N FREE Spare Copies of Old Magazines I have a number of copies of Sydney Bushwalker magazines dating from 1980 - 2000, some of which have been given by Club members to supplement the archives. As the archives magazine series are complete these copies are now available to members who wish to fill in gaps in their own sets of magazines. Please contact me for more information Bili Holland 9484 6636 BUSHWALKER MAGAZINE The Autumn issue of the Confederation Bushwalker, packed with information and interesting articles, is now available in the clubroom. PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY. |Page 18 The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001 WALKS ON THE PROGRAM As usual Carol's walks program is packed with interesting walks and it is difficult to pick out any for special mention but I'll stick my neck out and try. Ed Mar. 31 David Carter's walk from Kanangra through some classic Blue Mts country gives the promise of marvellous river and mountain scenery with an excellent campsite on Saturday night. A marvellous introduction to the area for prospectives. April 7“. Aided by his sumpter horses Jim Percy and his weary band of convicts and free settlers will set out from Mt York to complete the marathon replay of the 1813 crossing of the Blue Mountains, by planting a Union Jack on Mt Blaxland. Why dont you join him? Will you be having horse steaks at the barbeque on Saturday evening Jim? May 4”.6“ Bill Capon's Wollemi walk in the Capertee area is as he describes it, scenic and will be in new country to many prospectives. NEW EASTER WALK SUNDAY 15 APRIL 2001 ROYAL NATIONAL PARK Waterfall - Couranga Tk - Wallamarra Tk - Curra Moor Tk - Coast Track - Bundeena - ferry to | Cronulla. A good, long medium 24km - all on tracks, section of rainforest, sandstone ridges and coastal scenery. Map: RNP Tourist Leader: [ANRANNARD 9958 1514 (h & w) SBW MARCH-APRIL SOCIAL PROGRAM * Refer to the Autumn walks program for full details MARCH Deep Psychological Experience in wilderness areas' Talk and Slides. by Mathew McDonald. Brendon Hyde returns to talk and show slides about more of his adventures overseas. APRIL 6.39pm Committee meeting Observers Welcome. 8pm Cooking with interest for light weight packing.' by Kris Stephensen HH Wed 11” 8pm General Meeting Wed 18“ 8pm Natural Health Products presentation by KAIRE AUSTRALIA Anzac Day. Club closed
Wed 21*
Wed 28”
Wed 4“
Wed 25
tH CHANGE TO PRINTED PROGRAM
Do you have any suggestions for future Social Programs? If so please contact the new Social Secretary.
CONFEDERATION NOTES BWR TRAINING WEEKEND March 31” April 1 Cataract Scout Park. Refer to the SBW Autumn Walks Program for details ST JOHNS AMBULANCE REMOTE AREAS FIRST AID COURSE April 2-4“ & May 9-11” For details refer to Confederation Website WWW.bushwalking org.au
APRIL ARTICLES
Walking in Cazorla National Park by Ian Wolfe A Tale of Two Nomads. Pt.2 by Ian Debert Gower by Dick Whittington FUTURE ARTICLES Walking in Barrossa Gorge by Ian Wolfe Off The Wall by Kenn Clacher
The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc.
The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001
Page 19
<] March 13 2001-
To all Club members
ABOUT THE CLUB DATABASE
As reported on page 16 of the January magazine, the club now has an operational database. The database is designed to store general information about club walks activities in such a way that the information can be easily retrieved. The system requires leaders to fill in and return a report form with details of their walk. No research work is required as the leader will know the answer to everything asked for on the form which takes about ten minutes to fill in.
To get things started every leader of a programmed 'Summer 2000' walk was sent report forms together with a stamped return addressed envelope.
To date the response has been pathetic. Only about 25% of leaders have returned their forms and a couple of those made only a token effort. As the person operating the system I am rather disappointed. I expected that our leaders would do better but perhaps the holiday season was a factor.
However it may be that the form is seen as too complex for something new. So for the Autumn 2001 program the form has been simplified. The original form was designed to serve a number of purposes including being an information sheet to be left with a responsible person' as a safety precaution, plus more specific details of the walk than is given in the walks program. This has been deleted for the autumn program and the new single page form only requires leaders to supply participation details. It is information on participation that is required for the database. The names of the participants, membership status, home suburb plus a brief report by the leader.
I look forward to a 100% response for the autumn period.
Thankyou leaders.
George Mawer.
THE SAGA OF TWO NOMADS By Ian Debert and Joy Hines
Once more we are on the road again, this time for six months. Deciding to leave town just before the Olympics we made a hurried trip to Forster to visit Ian's mother and then to Gosford to leave our small car with a friend before heading to the Mountains where we spent the night with frends at Medlow Bath. Next day it was off to Broken Hill via Bathurst, Wellington, Dubbo and an overnight stay in Cobar then to Wilcannia where diesel fuel was $1-30 a litre! At Broken Hill we stayed at the very crowded caravan park.
Silverton the next day proved disappointing, the pub being the most interesting place with plenty of photos on the walls. We then headed for a rest area near Yunta in SA which was actually in a dry river bed. Next day on to Oodle Warre where we encountered a fruit and vegetable Quarantine inspection, no warning, Joy had to peel what we had and give them the skins. What a surprise!
From there we headed to Peterborough and Wilmington then on to Spencers Gulf, Port Agusta and on to Spuds Road House Pimba where we got free camping.
Next day it was on to Coober Pedy where the temperature was 36 with no shade available. On to Cadney Park Homestead where we stayed & swam in their very refreshing pool.
At Kulgerie we met a couple from our motor home club and again the next day another couple from our club so we all travelled in convoy to a caravan park called Jim's Place at Stuart Wells where we managed to get a glimpse of the Olympics on the TV.
Next day to Alice Springs where we intended to spend two weeks at a Motor Home Rally but ended up staying longer. We eventually found Blatherskite Park with between 600-700 motor homes and they gave us a spot way back covered in bindi eyes and rough grass The temperature was 36-37, which lasted for most of the rally. Page20
The Sydney Bushwalker March 2001
A lot of us stayed on after the rally for what the locals call the Henley-on-Todd Regatta. Entertainment was provided most nights from different people. I rode my push bike into town and the swimming pool was a great place to cool off. We did a 4WD trip one day to Chambers Pillar stopping at the way at the Ewindinna well with Rock Carvings that look like Egyptian Hieroglyphics, then on to Aridgold Date Farm and finally to Chambers Pillar for lunch. We walked up and around the Pillar. A mighty piece of rock! Well worth a visit. Then to Rainbow Valley viewing Mushroom Rock and a few Bearded Dragon Lizards en route. The next day we visited the Desert Park which has excellent displays as well as plenty of birds and a wonderful array of information booths with clever designs and gimmicks. You could spend a whole day there.
Saturday was the Henley-on-Todd and it was a very warm day. The town was crowded and a street parade ended up at the dry and sandy Todd River bed. Here it was all happening, from shovelling sand to boat races and people getting knocked off a long beam into water, what a fun day? I had a go at shovelling sand into a 44 gallon drum. It is not easy! Three quarters did me The winner filled his drum. He must work for the local council. The next day was packing up day. We decided to head for Tennant Creek stopping at Borrow Creek, a funny old place, Hotel/garage, old Court House. Very historic and plenty of Aboriginals. Wycliffe Well was another strange place, home of the UFO's, lots of space creatures and people believe they have seen odd happenings there. We camped at the Devil's Marbles, many large rocks piled up by nature on top of each other. A night was spent at Tennant Creek before returning to Alice Springs for a night then on to Ormiston Gorge, a Pound with wonderful scenery and a superb Gorge The next day to Glen Helen Resort and a short walk to the entrance of the water filled gorge, We stayed overnight on the way back We visited the Ochre pits where the rocks
were used by Aboriginals and Ellery Big Hole, boy is it a big deep hole. We did the Dolomite walk which is on dolomite rocks and gives you a good view of the surrounding countryside. Next day it was back to Alice Springs via Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm, both popular gorges and being Sunday there were lots of people. After spending a night in Alice we did the East McDonalds driving to Emily's Gap where we cooled off with a swim. Then on to the Gap, very small, and to Corroboree rock, owned by the Aboriginals as a tribunal site. We walked around it then on to Treppina Gorge, quite a spectacular and pretty bluff. We stayed overnight and did a one hour walk along the cliff tops taking in a panorama of the whole area. We also walked a part of the rim wall above the gorge. Then on to Ross River homestead 17 km further on. It is a real tourist spot with horse and camel rides and a swimming pool where we had a swim or two and stayed two nights. The weather was hot so rose early and walked to Bloomfield Bluff, on a sandy track and in a creek bed. Lots of bird life, so many varieties. From here it was back to VJims Place where we had stopped on the way up. It was here that I had my first camel ride. Both of us did a sunset trip, well we managed to get going on a bumpy ride into the sunset. The camel 'Murphy/Satchmo ate the tops of every smail tree all the way, no wonder they are slow, but we finally got back. The next day off to the Rock., The weather was not good with storms threatening but we were hoping it would rain on the Rock and it did. Just as we arrived at Yulara the heavens opened so we headed straight to the Rock paying $16.50 to see Our Rock' with waterfalls. It was certainly different and lots of photos were taken. In the afternoon we visited the nearby Olgas another popular tourist spot, with coach loads of people - too many. (Concluded next month)
oog0
The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydaey Bush Walkers Inc. The Leaders in Adventure since 1930
Ever since Paddy Pallin began making his gear in his back room, Paddy Pallin has led the way in manufacturing and selling a range of quality products for fellow bushwalkers. We understand that walkers need lightweight, functional equipment which will perform in all kinds of conditions, so if you want the best products and the best advice, come
in and see us.
WE SPECIALISE IN: * Footwear for bushwalking * Rucksacks
Day packs
* Gore-Tex rainwear
* Polartec fleece warmwear * Thermal bodywear
* Outdoor clothing
* Sleeping bags
* Tents
* Stoves and water purifiers
* Cross country skis and boots * Rockclimbing equipment
* Books and maps
* Accessories
And if you are just starting out, or perhaps trying something new, we have a range of equipment for hire at competitive prices.
For a free catalogue, drop into your nearest store, or call (02) 9524 1385.
Miranda 527 Kingsway City 507 Kent St Parramatta 2/74 Macquarie St Katoomba 166B Katoomba St Canberra 11 Lonsdale St. Braddon * Jindabyne Kosciusko Rd