DECEMBER 2004 Victoria Rd West Ryde noweits Tt 9858 5844
Tenis
Bushwaking Packs Travel Packs
Travel ware Sleeping Bags Rainwear Icebreaker Merino Snow wear Bushwaking boots Sleeping mats - Climbing Equipment Cookware
Water filters
GPS
Books & DVD's Family Tents
Tarps
Camping tables & chairs
Parking at rear of shop
icebreaker.com PURE MERING
alpsport@oeptusnet.coman
THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is the monthly bulletin of matters of interest to members of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc
PO Box 431 Milsons Point 1565. Editor: Bill Holland Production Manager: Frances Holland Printers: Kenn Clacher, Barrie Murdoch,
Tom Wenman Don Brooks Fran Holland
All! material in this magazine is copyright. Requests for reproduction should be directed to The Editor. billholland@bigpond.com
From the Committee Room 3 Message from President Maurice 3 Treasurer's Report 4 [Editor's Note and Letters 15 Odds and Ends 46 New Members Page 17 Social Notes 18 Christmas Bonus - Jokes
8 News from Coolana Dons regular report on our property
9 Threats to Threatened Species A Bill before State Parliament will influence decisions and Pamela Irving reports on concems
DECEMBER 2004
Issue No. 841
THIS MONTH INCLUDES
SPECIAL REPORTS
6,7 Electronic Media Survey Maurice smith reports on the survey of members devoted to electronic to the small screen
7 Messages on The Web Extracts from The Bushwalking Newsgroup
9 Memories of Jean Harvey A tribute from Shirley Dean
THE WALKS PAGES
11. The Walk Notes: Barry Wallace reports on pre-Ocfober walks
12 Box Brownies to Megapixels Bushwalking and cameras don't mix - writes Patrick James
13 SBW Expedition to Victoria Peak, The unofficial version by Alan Sauran
14 Mildura Houseboat - Moonan Broo!
The Mid week Walkers have two extended holidays Ss
Alpsport Front cover Paddy Pallin Back cover Newnes Hotel Cabins 5 Wilderness Transit 7 Williss Walkabouts 9
The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | Page 2
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004
The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc.
Our Club was formed in 1927 for the purpose of bringing bushwalkers together; enabling them to appreciate the great outdoors; establishing a regard for conservation and promoting social activities.
The Club's main activity is bushwalking but includes other activities such as cycling, canoeing and social events.
Our Walks Programme (published quarterly) features day walks on most Saturdays and Sundays, some mid week walks and overnight weekend walks.
Extended walks are organised in areas such as Lamington, Snowy Mountains etc as well as interstate.
Our meetings are held on Wednesday evenings (see Social Programme) at Kirmnbilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome. General Enquiries: Phone 0500 500 729
SBW Website www.sbw.org.au Office Bearers
President: Maurice Smith Vice-President: Rosemary MacDougal Treasurer: Tony Marshall Secretary: Leigh McClintock Walks Secretary: Peter Love Social Secretary - vacant - Membership Secretary Ron Watters
New Members Secretary: Grace Martinez
Conservation Secretary: Pamela Irving Magazine Editor: Bill Holland Committee Member: Barry Wallace Gail Crichton Delegates to Confederation: Jim Callaway - vacant - Contact The Committee:
Members are welcome to contact the following officers on Club matters:
President : Maurice Smith
9587 6325 (h) mauricethewalker@ihug.com.au Vice President : Rosemary MacDougal
9428 5668 (h) rmacdougal@bigpond.com Secretary: Leigh McClintock 8920 2388 (h) mceclintock@pacific.net.au Treasurer _ Tony Marshall
9713 6985 (h) thuilder@bigpond.net.au Members Secretary: Ron Watters 0419617491 wattersr@bigpond net.au
New Members Secretary: Grace Martinez 0405 473 029 (m) gracie_mar@yahoo.com.au
From The Committee Room - Decembe:
A report on proceedings at the
Management Committee meeting
held on 1* December
= The Scarpa boots competition will be announced in December or January magazine.
“ Printing trials with recycled paper had been carried out, awaiting final assessment
* Ted Nixon and Glenn Draper were accepted to full membership.
The rate of new signing on prospective members was down
The new walks grading system no longer be referred to as being on trial. The President will communicate the decision to leaders.
= Committee approved payments for Hall rental $200, magazine related expenses $427, Coolana- related expenses $274.
= The Treasurer noted that the club currently had no auditor. Two members were suggested as possibilities
= The Committee discussed a proposal to place the fully detailed Walks Program on the Members Only Area of the club's web-site. After lengthy discussion the motion was put to the vote, and lost. Several Committee members were of the opinion that before a final decision was made, certain practical problems needed to be solved, and leaders attitudes had to be more thoroughly understood. It was then agreed that all leaders would be contacted by telephone, that the proposed posting of the full walks program on the website be explained to them, and that their opinions be duly noted.
= The Committee also asked that the Web Site Sub-Committee discuss the security and implementation issues raised at the meeting, and propose appropriate measures and solutions so that all objections might be addressed.
= The results of the electronic survey will be conveyed to members, by electronic means and an article be placed in the magazine. The President undertook to take the necessary action.
= The Conservation Secretary reported that she
was preparing an article for the magazine on the
NSW Govemments plans to amend the
Threatened Species Conservation Act.
It was reported that Confederations new Editor
wanted to distribute The Bushwalker by email
to member clubs, who were then supposed to on-
send to their members.
= The position of Social Secretary was still vacant. Bill Holland offered to take care of the social activities until a new appointment was made at the AGM in March The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004 Page 3
Treasurers Report Tony Marshall Statement of Cash Flows for the eleven months to November 2004
SBW Bank Account
Opening Balance $6,745
Receipts 41,507
Payments 39,191
Closing Balance $9,061
Receipts
Membership Fees 26,866
Advertising 1,945
Interest General 1,058
Interest Coolana 1,190
Interest Conservation 449
Investment 6,000 Note I
Redemption
Donations Coolana 3,355
Other 644
Total $41,507
Payments
Administration 4.017
Affiliation & 8,516
Insurance
Magazine 6,838
Communications 951
Membership 765
Coolana 2,233 Note 2
Other 303
Investment 10,095
Equipment purchased 1,784 Note 3
SCA Grant 3,690 Note 4
Total $39,191
Note 1 Previously invested on behalf of general funds.
Note 2 Includes rates paid to June 2005.
Note 3 Projector $1,399, Mower $385.
Note 4 SCA Grant now filly expended.
Funds Invested
Conservation 9.891
Coolana 29,558
General 20,913
Total $60,362
Expressions of Interest Required Stewart Island - New Zealand February 2005 Approximately two weeks. Co-leaders welcome.
Please contact Margaret Rozea 95215997
December
Message from President Maurice:
It is my privilege as we near the Christmas and New Year season to wish all club members all the very best for the festive season. I trust that you have a safe and happy new year.
For those members who are shortly to head off to participate on an extended walk in the holiday period I wish you safe walking with lovely weather and excellent companions. I shall be in Victoria with other members starting from Boxing Day. Im really looking forward to my time there.
By the time you read this the clubs annual Christmas party will have come and gone. [see below - its on this Wednesday f the party goes along similar lines to previous years there will be a large number of members who will enjoy the opportunity to get together to renew their friendship and enjoy lots of festive food and drink.
Soon after we recover from the excesses of the festive season the clubs Annual General Meeting will be upon us. I am alrady starting to think about the March 2005 Annual General Meeting. Several committee member positions will be vacant as the current office holders will not be offering themselves for re-election. So please think about contributing to the good management of the club by standing for a committee position. Next month I will let you know the positions that will definitely be vacant.
With the continued spread of access to electronic mail and related tools one idea that has crossed some on committee is the possibility of electronic distribution of the Magazine and Walks Program instead of the current paper version to those members who so desire. While the issues and logistics have not been thought through fully what Im interested in is feedback from members about this possibility. If you are interested in discussing the possibility and the issues please contact me via email.
In the December Committee meeting we spent considerable time discussing the issue of the web-site Members Only Area. As a follow up to those discussions a Committee member will be individually contacting each member who has lead a trip in the past two years to canvass them about issues related to the placement of the Walks Program on the Members Only Area. I will let you know the results of that canvassing as soon as it is to hand.
Cheers for now and see you on the track again soon.
Maurice Smith
PAY ATTENTION - The Clubs Christmas Party is on this Wednesday 15 All welcome Bring a_ plate.
Club supplies refreshments [Page 4 The Sydney Bushwalker December 2004 | All Work and No Play Editors Note: % ~ Chris Sonter, 59, has First , Seasons Greetings to all. The rush to
been a CPA for more than 35 year. Working at the ATO (Australian Tax Office) consumed Sonters life. He found it difficult juggling his personal life and the Job. Four years ago he took early retirement but found there was a gap in my life. Sonter applied to be a volunteer with The Indigenous Community Volunteers, a Conberra-based organisation.
Ginigurra, a small community south of Cairns, population around 80, became Sonters new workplace. His task, amongst other, was to help the community prepare cash flow details and funding applications.
Sonters is a story of two lives….. when asked whether the two lives he has led could have been combined he answers quickly, ….They could. And I should have done better with the benefit of hindsight. My own beliefs were you work until the last day and then think afterwards {about what you can do}. I think I was in error there.
The bottom line for Sonter is that, after the (tax) investigative work which consumed his life, the lessons learnt doing volunteer work have made him a better person. Thats correct, absolutely correct, he says animatedly.
The above is an excerpt from a more detailed profile appearing in In The Black the monthly Journal of CPA Australia - December 2004. It is reproduced here with the kind permission of the author and the publishers of the Journal.
52 Letter to the Editor:
dise We are a non-profit environmental organisation based in northern Sydney. We
have just published two new walking maps of the Middle Harbour catchment and would be grateful if you could pass the information below to your members, either by e-mail or maybe reproduced in your newsletter. {see item on page5S]
-Regards
Helen Wortham
Christmas has begun. With many, many grandchildren and an equal opportunity world, I have been loyally assisting with shopping and gift buying. After all, half of the grandchildren are mine.
All this has left less time than usual for the magazine but thanks to the skills of our contributors the quality is still there.
This month we have a couple of special items; the Website Committee report on the Electronic Media Survey and a tribute to our late member Jean Harvey.
What Electronic Survey - I hear you ask! Back in July this year on Page 3 of the magazine those of you not on the Clubs email list were asked to phone in if you wanted to participate in a Web Site Survey. The great majority of club members didnt phone in - in fact no one phoned at all so the only ones to respond to the survey were those on the email list.
The response to this survey from 74 members and 28 prospectives is fully covered on pages 6,7.
Jean Harvey, together with her husband Brian were Club stalwarts for so many years. It is very sad that so often we have to report on the passing of older members. This month Shirley Dean pays tribute to Jean Harvey.
The walks reports are lagging a little. Our leaders and participants must be a shy lot. Or perhaps they have their heads down, charging along the track instead of sitting at home putting words on the screen to help their editor.
Never mind, in a seasonal jovial frame of mind I offer you this month a whole page of jokes.
So tum to the last page and have a merry merry, Christmas.
Bill Holland
Contact The Editor: oN
Copy for publishiing, - in the SBW y magazine should be received by the
# editdr by the end of the first week of
each month. .
Letters stating your viewpoint on matters of
interest. ate most welcome. Please send your submission in by: mail (preferably typed), on
Boppy disc, or by email addressed to The Editor Telephone: 94846636 . ~
Email: _ billholland@bignond.com
arrange to collect it.
EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon ; SBW has purchased an EPIRB for use by club members, in particular walks leaders. If you p > would like to take the EPIRB for a walk give Leigh McClintoch a ring on 8920 2386 and
Zz The Sydney Bushwalker December 2004 Page |
New Walking Maps Available for Middle Harbour Catchment |
Two fantastic new maps of walking tracks in the Middle Harbour catchment are now available for sale. The maps are produced by STEP, a community-based environment group from the Ku-ring-gai area, who previously published the popular Map of the Walking Tracks of the Lane Cove Valley.
The maps cover the entire Middle Harbour catchment, from the Harbour Bridge to Belrose, including all the bushland and foreshore areas of the lower North Shore and the Manly/North Head area. They are at the scale of 1:10000 and show a range of track types as well as points of interest. The maps also include photographs of the area and notes on the natural and cultural history.
Both maps are double-sided, with one map consisting of Sheets 1 and 2 (Bungaroo and Roseville Bridge) and the other consisting of Sheets 3 and 4 (Northbridge and North Harbour).
The production of the maps was done entirely by volunteers with the aim of raising money for conservation projects and to encourage more people to walk and enjoy the best of northern Sydney's bushland, foreshores and the built environment.
Copies of the maps and other STEP publications (Map of the Walking Tracks of the Lane Cove Valley and Field Guide to the Bushland of the Upper Lane Cove Valley) are available from the STEP website www.step.org.au
: re .. The Coolana Fund: Donations to: the Cookina usd a are very, welcome and wil be used to provide i income to assist with the thaintenance. of this worderful property.” Many thanks to those whe have already doizated or have indicate inion oink the Coola Fund in thie Wills, Please send in your tlonsifon, addressed to .
The Coolana, Fund
The Sydney Bush Watkers Nic. PO Box 431 Milsons Point 1565. ;
NEWNES HOTEL CABINS
Woliemi National Park
verandah.
This is the ideal base for numerous bushkwalks im the area.
catnpground,
Or give Us aring on Ph.: (02) 63 551 247 [Page 6 The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004
Electronic Media Survey By Maurice Smith on behalf of the Web-site Subcommittee
During August this year all members, including prospective members were invited to take part in the electronic media survey. For those members for whom we had an electronic mail (those members not well versed in the arcane world of computers need to know that electronic mail is usually known as email) address in the club database, their invitations were sent by email.
The other members for whom we did not have an email address we invited by means of an advertisement in the magazine to participate in the survey. In the lead up to the survey there had been considerable speculation among the web- site sub-committee members about the likely take-up rate of these mnon-email address members. In the survey period no member without on email address took up the invitation to participate in the survey. In some ways this was not a surprise
Just in case you dont remember, we have a truly excellent web-site at www.sbw.org.au.
Of those members who participated in the survey, we had 28 prospective members; this was about a 17% response rate for those members. And for full members we had 74 responses from members out of about 250, and this is a 30% response rate. Both response rates were excellent. Our survey technical advisor tells us that this response was more than sufficient for us to be able to draw statistically valid conclusions from the survey.
We asked quite a few questions and in this article it is not feasible to discuss the results of each question. In this article I will give you the highlights of the survey.
Of the participants, we had 13 who identified themselves as regular trip leaders, another 13 who identified themselves as intermittent leaders, 16 were aspiring leaders and the rest were not leaders. So in all we had a good cross section of our members.
We asked how and how often you would like to_be advised of club activities. The largest response by far was for ad-hoc emails. This result was quite a surprise as we had anticipated a desire only for regular mails on a monthly or less frequent basis. So pretty soon you can expect to receive ad-hoc emails advising of club activities. As always if you dont want to receive club emails all you have to do is advise us and we will take you off the email list. A few committee members had previously expressed concerns about the club sending out too many
emails about club activities however for most club members that is not an issue.
In developing the survey we were quite interested in learning whether members were able to receive email attachments. This was of particular interest as we had been advised that the clubs Social Secretarys email enclosing the quarterly Walks Program in Adobe Acrobat format was at times being blocked by electronic firewalls, particularly for those members using corporate email addresses. However, that turned out to be not a great issue for most of the members who responded to this question.
The next significant question was whether members were willing to receive documents such as the Walks Program or the Club Magazine as an email attachment_or would you want to download such documents from the web-site. For the Walks Program just over 50 % of members wanted to receive the Walks Program as an email attachment, while 20% wanted to download from the web-site. A similar result also prevailed for the Club Magazine.
The next significant response related to what you thought shouid be the purpose of the web- site. The responses were quite interesting in that about half of our members thought the web-site should be focussed on attracting and assisting prospective members and an almost equal number of our members thought that it should inform and entertain existing members and provide resources to aspiring and experienced leaders. Given that response we will now be examining how best to beef up the web-site to meet these various desires. We do think that the web-site is pretty good right now in attracting and assisting prospective members; however, sitting on our laurels is not an option. So over the next few months we will be devising improvements so that we are a step abead of what other clubs offer.
As part of our survey we were particularly interested in the response of members to whether there was a desire to have the full Walks Program in the publicly accessible section of the web-site. Most members were
willing to allow for the full details of the walk
except for the leaders details. The same question was asked in relation to the
password-protected Members Only Area on the web-site and just what level of detail was desired. Of the members who answered this section, just about all wanted the full details of
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004
Page 7 |
the walk, including the walks description, maps and such like. In addition, the desire for leaders details (name and telephone number) was strongly, but not exclusively expressed.
When we asked members about the desire to have a searchable archive of past Walks Program in the password-protected Members Only Area, we had a response that showed that members desire to have full details of the walks program and a fair degree of interest in having the leaders details as well.
When we asked members if they were interested in having the full club magazine or just selected articles in the Members Only Area the response was considerable interest in having the full magazine.
On behalf of the Web-site sub-committee we extend out thanks to all members who took the time to provide us with your ideas. You have given us a lot to think about and your input will be used by us to develop your web-site and to deliver the services to the members that you want to have provided.
, Messages on the Web
Here are some recent messages appearing on the News Group - Aus Bushwalking. Members should be aware that, as with most of these newsgroups, messages may reflect inaccuracies and/or mischief.
One Planet Factory Burns Down
(22nd November 2004) The One Planet factory in Melbourne burnt down last night. Investigations are under way to determine the cause of the blaze. This is a major blow for the last surviving Australian manufacturer of a range of outdoors equipment.
“Railway Fencing I'm sending this as a heads up to some future work by state rail that has the potential to affect bushwalking in the Royal National Park area. Lam not sure if you are aware of the proposal by State Rail to fence (1.8 - 2mjof the eastern boundary of the rail corridor between the Yarrawarrah overpass and Waterfall and deny access to the trail along the western boundary of Royal National Park. As a resident of the Shire I have become aware of this and the “supposed” consultation by State Rail with the community. This may have the potential to impact on your recreation and Iam trying to get the message out a bit wider before it becomes a “fait accompli”.
Sports Sandals: What a joke the latest fashion accessory for the
sports stores has become. Anybody read the
latest issue of Outdoors and the story on sports sandals. Here the top prices are over $200/pr.Has anybody ever paid this much for a pair-and can honestly say they areworth it?
A bit of moulded rubber/vibram/PU, some webbing and maybe a plastic clip.
I wear a $20 pair almost daily and use them on my mountain bike and some easy walking trails and have been on 2 sea kayak trips. So far they have lasted about 2 years, have hardly worn any tread and are so comfortable. What makes some sandals over $20? Ccan they be that much better or can fashion really entice that much money out of a dirty old bushwalkers back pocket?
A Timely Reminder
I have been warning people of this danger for several years, but alas,it has mostly fallen upon deaf ears. “Cicadas sounds have been recorded at levels of more than 90 dBA. In an area of mature woodland in Greenbelt, MD near Washington, DC, soundlevels recorded at a distance of eight feet with a Radio Shack Sound Level Meter measured a 3-second interval of sound ranging from 80 dBA to 89 dBA, as loud as a power lawn mower. More than two and a half hours of continuous exposure to 90 dBA noise can cause hearing loss,according to ASHAs audiology unit..
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|Page 8 The Sydney Bushwalker December 2004
NEWS FROM COOLANA
During the month 20 litres of unleaded petrol was used in the lawn mowers and brush cutter in an effort to keep the weeds at bay. By months end eighty percent of the camping flat was mown to slow up this crop of cobblers pegs.
The areas not mown included the _ sloping riverbank area west of the side creek and up the side creek; the Cobblers Pegs have already started to seed in these areas. Also missed were the flat up past the pit and the entire slope up to the tool shed these are
lightly infested areas but with flowering cobblers. Some patches near the start of the Rigby bypass track and around various log heaps. There were just not enough helpers to get it all done but eighty per cent of the camping flat is not a bad effort so thank you Chris, Mai, Bill, Patrick, Shirley, Hilary, Barry, Alan, Mort, George, Gretel, Wilf, Glen, Helen and anybody inadvertently missed for your efforts during the month.
The large number of logs scattered around the flat were a problem as the weeds growing around and between them could not be mown and the obstacles created an additional hazard for the person on the end of the mower. A large number were cut and stacked to reduce this problem. A fallen tree was removed from the branches of a large sand paper fig on the western end under which was found one of Franks signs indicating the way to the Rigby bypass track? Wilf completed the new track across to the eastern flat and the benches in the tool shed were almost finished.
The SCA plants continue to grow well some young trees approaching two metres high these are getting top heavy with thin weak trunks due to the supported provided by the guards. What happens when the guards are removed? Still no damage noted to the plants by grazing animals and several that had been declared dead were greening from the bottom up. Gretel weeded and watered around the SCA plants including those on the eastern flat. The weeds on the eastern flat are growing well including the Patersons Curse.
The camping flat grass is looking good and lush, for those people intending camping at Coolana over Christmas and New Year there is still water in the pipe and the water tank is full. There are still a number of dead standing trees so be careful where you pitch your tent, the river was over two metres deep, good for swimming.
Are You Able to Help at Coolana?
To keep in front of the cobblers pegs and keep the other nasties in check we have established a mowing roster. Although we have a couple of teams it would be nice to have more volunteers. We would like to have three teams of two or three people and each team to go down to mow once every three months. It would involve mowing for one day of 4 hours mowing. If you would like to help, and we really need some help, please contact Don Finch finchros@bigpond.com or 9452 3749 (H). Assistance with transport possible.
Join Us for Christmas/New Year at Coolana
People come and go at Coolana throughout the festive season but on New Years Eve there will be a special campfire to see out the old year and welcome in the new year. So bring your decorative gear and bell and whistles.
Theres lots of room for camping and the river level has returned to near normal.
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004 Page 9 |
Threats to the Threatened Species Conservation Act Pamela Irving
In 1996, the NSW Government introduced the Threatened Species Conservation Act to protect and conserve threatened species of NSW. It was intended to make developers and farmers address the threat to our native species caused by land clearance. Each development application had to comply with threatened species assessment requirements.
Now, however, because of complaints from developers that too much green tape was interfering with their work, the Carr Government has put a Bill into parliament to alter the above act. Economic and social factors will now be more influential in decisions on the fate of our threatened species.
Jeff Angel from the Total Environment Centre states that environment groups do not fully support the changes to the Threatened Species Conservation Act. The more you analyse whether the Bill will save species, the more it crumbles, he said.
The Minister has justified the reforms by stating that the Government has ended broad- scale land clearing however it has issued permits to clear tens.of thousands of hectares already this year… Without some critical amendments to the Threatened Species Bill, the new legislation risks further jeopardizing the survival of our plants and wildlife, said Clare Hammill of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
Australia has the worlds worst record for extinctions, from the time of white settlement in 1788. NSW currently has approximately 1000 threatened species.
The proposed amendments were tabled in parliament just before the recent National Threatened Species Day on Sep 7”. This date is significant it marks the anniversary of the date that the last Tasmanian tiger died in captivity in Hobart. National Threatened Species Day is part of Biodiversity Month which is celebrated every September.
The fine detail of both the Act and amendment are beyond the scope of this article. For further information look at the following: www.nccnsw.org.au/threatenedspecies or Www.npansw.org.au/species.
Objections to the proposed amendments can be sent to:
Hon Robert J Carr MP
Premier of NSW
Level 40 Governor Macquarie Tower
I Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Hon Robert Debus MP
Minister for the Environment
Level 36 Governor Macquarie Tower Is Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000
River National Park
Closed to the Public
The largest National of the dry season make them perfect for relaxing Park in the Kimberley around the campfire. contains an incredible concentration of well preserved Aboriginal rock art. The park includes rivers, gorges, waterfalls, ra nforest, open woodland and grassy plains, each with its own special wildlife.
Paradise faund or paradise lost? It's always been hard to get there. Its now almost impossible. in July 2004, the last 4WD track still open to the public was Closed. There is no airstrip. ff you want to visit the park, your choices are a very long canoe paddle with many portages, a very long and expensive flight in a helicopter or you can come with us. Every creek has its own character. Every one is worth a visit. Sandy beaches and flat rock ledges make excellent camp sites. The warm to cool nights
We have the answer. There js another way. If you want to find out how we do it, ask for our
www.bushwalkingholidays.com.au |Page 10
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004
Memories of Jean Harvey
One of the first members to welcome me into the club in 1944 was Jean, and also her husband Brian. Before I knew it I found myself helping Brian duplicate, collate, and post the
magazine, which had been typed by Jean. One only has to look at the finish of the magazine in those days to appreciate how much the technology has changed. The method in the 40s and 50s and 60s and 70s was a struggie by comparison. I dont think duplicator went electric till much later.
Jean was born in 1913, grew up in Wentworth Falls and it was there that her interest in the Blue Mountains and exploring the bush developed. She joined the club in the late 30s where she met and married Brian in 1942. They seem to set the standard of members marrying there were the Youngers, the aa Moppets, the Knightieys, the Butlers, the Colleys, the Rowens, the Kirkbys the MacGregors and many more. These friendships have lasted over 60 years; all played their part in guiding the club to what it is today.
After the war the Harveys built their home in Wahroonga. Building a home in the late 1940s and early 1950s was the only way of achieving home ownership. . Brian and Jean both had a passion for gardening. Jean had her camellias and azaleas and Brian propagated and cultivated native plants. I remember many happy social gatherings held there.
Bob and Christa Younger have a memory of an Easter trip with the Harveys, down the Kowmung, sometime between 1944 and 1948. Included in their trip were Jess Martin, Edna Stretton, Hilma Galliott as well as Bill Hall and Ruby Payne Scott. At that time the Kowmung had become a fashionable walk. The talk in the club was ail about the Kowmung when I joined and this inspired me to take a week off work in 1946 to walk the entire length, cross the Cox River, walk up Cedar Creek and into Katoomba. My companions were Russell Wilkins and Clem Hallstrom.
I have looked through the walks programme from 1930 and note that Brian led a walk in March 1938 to Waterfall and beyond. This was at the time when everybody worked Saturday mornings
so the departure of the train was about | pm. Brian and Jean were in charge of Instructional weekends in the 1950s. On of their favourite walks was through the Ku-ring-gai National Park Mt Ku- ring-gai, Woodnuts, Roach Trig, The Spinx Turramurra. (wild flowers) Miles 13.8m. 8.15 train ring JW1462.
Jean worked in a voluntary capacity for at least 50 years for the Crippled Childrens Association organising and holding many garden parties at their house.
Sometime in the early 70s Brian and Jean set up the Dungalla Club a bushwalking club mainly to cater for walkers who needed more camping, car trips and shorter walks. The Dungalla Club took a keen interest in the acquisition of Coolana, - some made personal donations while the club, as a whole, was more than generous in its donation of money towards some of the first plantings in the early 70s.
Last Easter Alec Colley, Christine Austin and I spent an afternoon with Jean; she was still grieving for Brian who had died a couple of years earlier. We had an interesting time reminiscing about some of the earlier walks we had done. She told me that Don Matthews had been given Brians slides to add to the club archives. Hopefully this will be more than a dream, as technology is considerably advanced since Brian took them. Both Brian and Jean were interested, caring and proud of the club and played an influential role in shaping the club in the 40s, 50s and 60s.
The Harveys embodied the spirit of the quite achievers in the club sadly Jeans death is almost the end of an era.
Shirley Dean
The above photos were taken by Brian Harvey about 1980 - supplied by Don Matthews)
i faves ss Finalising the Membership
S)) ist?
We are about to print the 2005
Membership List. If you have changed. your address or phone number recently
and would like to have your details correctly
printed for next year, please advise:
Members: Ron Watters
Prospectives: Grace Martinez
The advice should be in writing directed to the
Clubs postal address. This will ensure that our
records show your current address and prevent
delay in receiving the magazine each month The Sydney Bushwalker December 2004
Page 11 |
THE WALKS PAGES
Walks Notes: 8” September to 4“ October Over the period 6 to 8 September Jim Percy led a team of 3 on his trip from Mount Hay to the Pinnacles via the Grose River. Day 1 saw the party negotiating a scrambling-steep off-track descent to the Grose in fine and warm conditions, topped off with a river crossing. The following day was cloudy for the numerous creek and gully crossings and short up and down scrambles along the river, but the rain held off until after the party had dined. The last day saw a 700m ascent out of the Grose River valley that, while on track, required care in some sections. Conditions remained fine until near the finish, when a little rain was had. The scenery along the way was reported as magnificent
Stages 6 & 7 of the Great North Walk, scheduled for the weekend of 11, 12 September, were deferred one more time due to persisting problems with Wilfs knee. Kathy Geros Otford to Bundeena walk on Sunday 12” had 8 starters and cool, crisp spring conditions. The wildflowers along the way were glorious and the party managed to find a sunny lunch spot sheltered from the wind in a creek-bed near Eagle Rock. They also remarked on the splendid colours in the rock between Marley and Bundeena.
Bill and Fran Hollands bicycle ride out from Robyns farm near Bathurst saw a variable number of keen(?) cyclists over the period from Tuesday evening 14 September to Sunday 19. The total seems to add up to 16, and what with fine weather, beautiful rural scenery, relaxed happy hours and interesting evening meals, a good time was had by all. They even managed a spot of cycling in there somewhere I understand.
Maureen Carters walk in Morton National Park over the weekend 18, 19 September attracted a party of 6, in weather that varied from perfect on the Saturday to rain on Sunday. The views were spectacular and the climb of the Castle has become more strenuous. The party woke on Sunday morning to good soaking rain, and were treated to a misty Valley of the Monoliths and Green Room for taking the trouble to walk in it. The real adventure began on the way out from Yadboro Flat when both vehicles became bogged near the Pigeon House turn off. Both were freed with a little help from a friendly 4WD and some strong women.
Wilfs mid week walk on Thursday 23 September had 7 starters out in good but overcast weather with just the threat of rain. Wilf was impressed with bush regeneration areas in Cooper Park and Tamarama Park (Fletchers Glen) but seemed to feel that things
may have gone a bit far what with the obscuring of a former waterfall in the gully near the latter. The party lunched at Mistral Point, visited the Bali memorial at Coogee, and inspected the relics of a pilot wave powered electricity generator at Lurline Bay. The hilly terrain finally exacted a toll and the party opted to finish the walk at Maroubra instead of pressing on to Malabar.
I feel sure Peter Loves walk in the Colo Wilderness went over the weekend of 25, 26 September, as programmed, rather than 24, 25 September as his report suggests. His report also suggests there were 7 walkers on the trip, the weather was either exceptionally good, or warm, depending on which participant you consult, and the walk was mostly downhill. Similarly Tony Manes report indicates that his weekend qualifier in Morton National Park took place on Saturday only. The party of 13 enjoyed perfect weather but reported numerous small ticks, possibly due to the dry conditions.
Ian Thorpes Saturday circumnavigation of the Jamison Valley bad 3 starters one of whom was slightly handicapped by the remnants of a cold. Cool and cloudy weather provided ideal walking conditions with threatened showers holding off for the duration. Sunday saw Richard Darke with a party of 12 on his Sunday walk from Gordon to Narrabeen. Conditions were benign, particularly at the morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea sites, though Rosemary may not have considered this to be the case with two close reptilian encounters; a large carpet python and later a brown snake. Ron Watters Sunday qualifier out from Carlons Farm saw 1] starters out in sunny to hot conditions. Again snakes featured, with John Bradnam managing to step on an otherwise innocent black snake which was not amused. The summary said a good challenging day out.
The midweek walk went on Tuesday 28 September under the leadership of Bill Holland with 8 followers. It was a pleasant walk, with a sub-group turning back after lunch at Coogee.
Tony Holgate led a qualifying walk in Morton National Park over the extended weekend of 1, 2, 3, 4 October with a party of 12. It ended up being longer then programmed due to mud and water making the fire-trail impassable about 7 km from the start. All went well otherwise and the area seems to be recovering well from the bushfires. Richard Darke and Mark Patteson co- led a walk that same weekend in Mount Canobolas SRA with a party of 10.
This brings the walks reports for this period to an end. Barry Wallace
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004
The recent Photographic Walkshop* confirmed the conventional wisdom that photography and bushwalking dont really mix. The six of us got into the normal mode of walking and talking and generally forgot about the photos so that we did not see the diamond python until we nearly tripped over it. Of course the cameras were not ready, so fumble, fumble, fumble. Bushwalking photographs range from distant/background views, middle ground views, foreground views, close-up (eg bugs, blooms, flowers, fems, rock strata/structure, inscriptions, paintings) to moving objects (people, plants, water). I now think that an ideal Photographic Walkshop should be held within 200 metres of the start, and should be fairly static, just wandering around a little bit. It would be an easy matter to find a spot in say the Royal National Park or Lane Cove National Park where all these images could be captured. It could be combined with a picnic barbeque lunch. For a Photographic Walkshop participants need to bring the normal gear for a day walk plus a camera (digital or film), film, fully charged batteries, plenty of space on the memory card, flash if not built-in, instruction book if a new camera, tripod, Elements of Photography. Photographs are made up of visual elements and design elements. Visual elements being what the photographer sees such as line, tone, colour, shape (outline), form and texture. Design elements are how the visual elements exist in a composition, that is what the camera sees, such as position within the frame, proportion of components, the way the image is divided, emphasis, harmony, balance, perspective, depth, rhythm, and repeat of certain elements.
A photograph may also contain a triangular or diagonal element in its composition.
Tips for Brilliant Photography
1. Be totally familiar with the camera, some shots just wont wait till you are ready.
2. Fill the frame with your subject so that there is no doubt what is in the picture.
3. Rule of Thirds, the main elements of a composition should be placed at points one third of the way from the sides of the frame.
4. Consider the composition in portrait or landscape format.
Box Brownies to Megapixels
Patrick James.
5. Try different viewpoints (position of the camera), left or right, higher or lower.
6. Look at the space around the subject to make sure nothing is wrong, colour, shape, size, odd objects (trees growing out of heads, etc).
7. Focus on the eyes when photographing people or wildlife; the eyes must be in focus.
8. When photographing landscape keep horizons horizontal (level).
9. The colour, quality and direction of light changes throughout the day, select the viewpoint which makes the most of the available light. Wait or return at a more suitable time!
10. Research your subject (object to photograph, place to visit, etc.).
Tip for Group Photos.
Have the group take off their hats and
sunglasses. A group photo of bushwalkers with
their hats (and sunglasses) on is just that, a
group of hatted people, very difficult to tell
whos who.
Acknowledgements.
The idea for a Photographic Walkshop came
from Geoff Hawkshaw of the Illawarra
Ramblers who put on such a walk for the
Ramblers and supplied details of the visual and
design elements of photography. The idea was
expanded by Colin Bares of SBW. The triangular or diagonal elements come from Errol
Sheedy of SBW. The tips for brilliant
photography were printed in The Weekend
Australian Magazine, 16“ October 2004, and
came from a new book by Richard JAnson
Travel Photography: A Guide To Taking Better
Pictures, published by Lonely Planet, 2004. The
tip for group photos was my own contribution to
the art of photography.
* Waterfall to Heathcote via Bullawaring Track in the Heathcote National Park, led by Patrick James, 31 October 2004.
Leaders !
Please complete and mail your Walks Report as soon as possible after completing your walk. Your Magazine Editor would also appreciate receiving a report of your walk for inclusion in The Walks Pages; however, please ensure that all members named in your article are aware of the contents. Photos are very welcome.
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004 Page 13 |
SBW Expedition to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong = Alan Sauran
Here, Alan gives us the unofficial report of the trip to Hong Kong. Alan assure us that this is the only true version but Richard Darke tells us that next month we will see the official report of this very
successful trip
Following recent arduous SBW overseas trips to South America and New Zealand, and due to the favourable exchange rate, Richard decided that SBW was now ready the tackle the rigours of the Hong Kong urban built environment. Our expedition's aim was to ascend Victoria Peak along the steep north face, starting from Central MTR underground station on Hong Kong island's waterfront, and passing through the dense airless jungle of Mid Levels. Having been fully briefed at Richard and Suzys house before departure, we were cautiously optimistic of success.
Assembled at Central MTR at dawn on the first day, we firstly had to extricate ourselves from the underground station ~ no easy task if you cannot read Chinese. A GPS signal could not be received underground, our compass spun wildly near the numerous metal fixtures and of course the sun was not visible.
We decided to send one scout to each clearly numbered exit, with the main group remaining safely at the supply depot of Maxim's Cake Shop near the turnstiles. While we waited, neatly besuited office workers stared rudely at our Akubras, comfortable shorts and heavy climbing gear, but they did not offer to guide us out. We would have to rely on our own advanced navigation skills.
One happy scout ran back, having spotted the Star ferry departing for Kowloon. We were now oriented - the ferry should be kept behind us. But the other scouts had not returned, nor did they respond to our repeated calls of “Dayyyyo” echoing along the featureless passageways.
After a minute's silence in memory of the lost members, the successful scout led the depleted group outside, but the Peak remained hidden behind tall office and apartment buildings. Even worse, we had lost a full day traversing the MTR wilderness, and it would soon be dark. We needed to set up camp before the blinding multi-coloured neon advertising signs were tured on.
Water Is Very Important !
After vainly trying to penetrate the pavement with our aluminium tent pegs, we decided to either bivouac, braving any typhoons, or to find a cave. Fortunately, we almost immediately stumbled into a sheltered area under the giant modernistic Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation headquarters.
It was an auspicious campsite, facing out to sea and guarded by a stone lion on each flank. Quickly we gathered up large armfuls of used disposable wooden chopsticks from garbage bins, and Jaid them out parallel on the ground, according to the ancient laws of feng shui and SBW custom.
We were soon huddled around a roaring campfire. Happy Hour consisted of duty-free cognac and lemon barley. Wisely conserving our dried food, and taking advantage of local conditions, we ordered a Chinese takeaway numbers 52 and 73 with boiled rice, and were soon feasting unexpectedly on steamed chicken feet, congealed pig's blood rice porridge and fried rice. We fell asleep lulled by the gentle clatter of passing double-decker trams.
Late the next moming, after yum cha and visiting our tailors, we packed up quickly and assisted the police to douse the campfire.
Consulting our Hong Kong _ Tourist Information Office free maps, we detected three routes for ascending the north face. We could trek the whole way up, we could take the Mid Levels escalator halfway up and trek the remainder, or we could take the Peak tram the whole way up. We chose the hardest option, to locate the base station and take the tram.
Our perhaps foolhardy struggle to read Chinese characters and to find the Peak tram base station through thickening smog will be continued in the next instalment.
PS. We later learned that the lost scouts had foolishly entered a camera shop, where they had become hypnotised by the incredible bargains and had lost the will to climb mountains or even to go home. Our thoughts are with their families.
Please remember that walking in summer requires ample intake of water. In these drought conditions good quality water may be very scarce. Consumption on day walk can be between 3
fl - 4 litres. More if you are carrying a heavy week-end pack |Page 14 The Sydney Bushwalker December 2004
Houseboat on the Murray - 25 - 29 October
It was Sunday afternoon and there were ten of us, ready to have an enjoyable five days on the River t Murray. We met at the houseboat and, as arranged, the houseboat 2 manager let us aboard the night before our booking to settle in before leaving upstream early next day.
We purchased the food and other essential supplies for the group, had a pre-trip dinner on board and appointed the water-experienced Rick Angel as our skipper.
Rick showed us his experience next day safely manoeuvring us out of the crowded mooring, into the middle of the river and with twin motors humming we sped at 3-4 km per hour up-stream.
Strict discipline was imposed on the crew. Mooring and tying-up procedures explained. Helmsman and Watch appointed. Naturally, the men took these roles whilst the ladies read books or watched the passing scenery.
We motored up stream for two days, returned on the third and proceeded downstream on the fourth and returned on the fifth. Passing through the lock system was an interesting experience.
Each lunchtime and evening we moored the boat with skipper Rick instructing the placing of stringers and mooring lines , Gerry, Don and Paul hopping on shore and hauling on ropes.
We had planned to do a little walking on-shore but after the first day we found the banks were either private property (near Mildura) or not conducive to walking great distances. Besides, the boat was sooooo comfortable and happy hour sooooo enjoyable that a rather laid-back pattern to our day took over.
So after five days we returned to Mildura and commenced the drive back to Sydney.
Our houseboat was large. Three bedrooms, two lounge rooms and kitchen. Upper and lower deck. Our meal planning and organisation was fine, nearly all of the purchased food was consumed during the trip. The total cost for the five days, including houseboat hire, fiel food and wine and other items came to $180 per person.
I recommend the Ameroo Houseboat Hire and Manager, Bill, for their excellent service and assistance
Moonan Brook Forestry Cottage g - 12 November
This time there were seven of us; a number that fitted the cottage facilities very well although additional numbers could have been accommodated in the attached old schoolhouse area.
Moonan Brook is in the Upper Hunter Valley about 50 km north of Scone. The forestry cottage was Moonan Brook public school from about 1887 to 1963 . It was fascinating to read an extract from the Punishment Book which detailed who received a caning (number of stroke) and the reason -such as disobeying parents or swimming or truanting. Also, very sobering to see the same boys names on the school honour roll from the first World War where somehow the mischievous behaviour at school became heroic endeavour in war.
The cottage location was near the road entering Barrington Tops Forestry Area and the National Park. Reasonable bushwalking required a 15km car trip and four wheel drive was an advantage.
We drove to the tops and explored the Polblue Swamp and Junction Pools camping area and Careys Peak on different days and on the final day visited the Burning Mountain near Scone
It was another enjoyable week with the participants differing from those who attended the Mildura boat trip - proving that these mid-week extended activities have a wide appeal. Bill Holland
OS
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004 Page 15 |
ODDS AND ENDS
The Pittwater Track a new track for Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP
In the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase NP Plan of Management there is provision to develop a track to link the track from West Head to Currawong with the track network around Lovett Bay. Such a development would come close to establishing a track all the way along Pittwaters magnificent western shoreline from west head to Elvina Bay. I think it could be called the Pittwater Track. Currently it doesnt exist officially but that doesnt mean it cant be walked. It can, and what a lovely walk. It has rainforest, magnificent lookouts, 6 beautiful beaches, clear drinkable streams, camping at the Basin, accommodation at the Youth Hostel and public transport near both ends plus Pittwater views all the way. The National Parks funding cuts have put a temporary stop to the development but it is mostly there and we are walking it in February. See the Summer Walks Programme for details.
Roger Treagus
Mid-Week Walks In the Coming Month: Here are the mid-week walks for the next few weeks. Full details are in the Summer Walks Programme
Tues 21% December: Midweek Walk (Evening) Meet at Circular Quay (6pm) for an easy walk over the bridge finishing in a park for dinner (fish and chips or BYQ) on the grass
Wed_5” January: (Before Beach Barbecue) This easy walk will finish at Balmoral Beach in time to join the others for the beach barbecue. Thursday 6th Jan:
From Eastwood Train Station to Turramurra Train Station. An interesting medium grade traverse of the Lane Cove River Valley.
Thursday 13 Jan: Narrabeen Lake and rainforest, Collaroy Plateau, Mona Vale Beaches and beyond. Some road walking. Swimming and coffee shops.
Tues 18th January: Midweek Walk (Evening) Bondi Beach (6-00 pm) - Clovelly etc to Coogee with optional retum. An easy walk along the coastal pathway followed by dinner (fish and chips or BYO) in a beachside reserve.
Thursday 27“ Jan: Faulconbridge train station to Springwood train station. Optional swimming Medium grade.
Lets Get Together Again at Coolana Saturday/Sunday 13, 14” March
This is your opportunity to meet old and new friends. Join us around the campfire at Coolana and be part of the fun.
Try Something A Little Different Some weekends offer more than a weekend walk - theres perhaps a little sparkle added; something unusual to cater for warmer conditions or perhaps the not quite so fit walker. Here are some offerings from the Summer Walks Programme: December: Sun 19“ Easy Gourmet Day Walk Many to Manly via Clontarf. An east walk with swimming etc starting with breakfast at Manly. 20” ,31* Christmas at Coolana Come to the clubs beautiful property and enjoy the festive season January: Sat 22“ Night Walk You'll need a good torch and spare batteries to walk the Woodford Fire Trail by night. Dinner at Woodford, breakfast at Glenbrook. 29”,30“ Kangaroo Valley Canoe Trip Saturday morning start from Tallowa Dam for two hours to a five star camping site. 29”, 30th Kangaroo Valley Easy Walk Saturday morning start. Walk in for an hour to meet and camp with the canoeists coming in from Tallowa Dam.
And dont forget the extended Christmas/New Year walks in the Victorian and NSW alpine country, Nadgee/Croajingalong and in the Tasmanian South West.
Notice - Camp Fires and Stoves
All members are advised to check the restrictions on lighting fires in intended camping areas. Be aware that high to extreme bush fire danger currently applies throughout much of NSW. This means that fires in the open are restricted and may only be used under certain conditions eg. a camp fire for cooking purposes. However, most national parks,
reserves and forest areas around Sydney have Local Fire Bans which mean no fires of any nature are
permitted
Total Fire Bans may be declared on days of extreme fire danger and fires in the open, including cooking and camp fires, are totally prohibited for the period of the ban. Lighting any fire in the open on a day of Total Fire Ban may lead to a fine of $5,000 and six months imprisonment. This applies to any naked flame including camp fires and camping stoves.
|Page 16 The Sydney Bushwalker December 2004 |
NEW MEMBERS NEWS
Coolana Training Weekend: Eight new members attended the Coolana training weekend in November. The weather was kind to us and a great time was had by all present. Here we are relaxing around the fire.
The next training weekend will be held on the Clubs property at Coolana in the beautiful Kangaroo Valley on the weekend of 19%, 20“ February. This is your opportunity to obtain map reading, first aid and bushcraft skills.
Welcome to our new Prospective Members a Weekend: Walking Gear for Hire Congratulations To Our New Full Members. The clab.now has, a'smail pool of weekend… The following prospective members have walking equipment, available for bare. The rates become full members: for weekly hire. _ i Glenn Draper Ted Nixon Weekend pack. . $15
Sleeping baz: ~ $15 Please do not forget to record your walks. Sleeping mat: $5 It is very important that you keep a record of all Ground sheet: $2. walks that you participate in as you need to Tent: “990 complete the full membership form with all the Complete kit $50. details. Also, if you are ringing to book on a walk, (For hygiene reasons you must provide and use the leader will ask you what walks you have yout own sleeping bag liner) . participated in and the name of the leaders that you Equivalent refundable deposit required. have walked with. Please contact me if you have Contact: Geoff McIntosh 9419 4619 any questions www.sbw.org Cheers: Grace Martinez New Members Secretary
Forgotten Something ? Leaders - dont forget to send in your ry Please note that the closing date for the 2005 Autumn Walks Programme is Friday 14” January The Sydney Bushwalker | December 2004 Page 17 | SOCIAL NOTES Social Notes Social Programme:
You may remember that Caro announced her resignation last month due to work pressures and although she had planned to host the Movie Night at the Clubrooms a late message strongly suggested cancellation as she had a number of meetings scheduled late into the evening.
We could not cancel. I knew you had ali read the promo last month. Just to remind you, here it is again
Next month will be decidedly relaxed at the clubrooms with a movie night. We'll be doing fresh hot popcorn and showing a DVD on the big screen. If you've got some ideas of a movie that would be fun and appropriate - drop me an email
How could we cancel?
So the evening proceeded without Caro although she temporarily abandoned her meetings to pass on the projector and sound system to me. Thanks Caro!
My personal aversion to the smell of popcorn meant that the evening also proceeded without popcorn. And without bean bags, as none of the very few people present remembered this option. And, almost without people, as our usual email reminders had not been sent.
But we had a great presentation using the big, big screen, the Clubs data projector, an effective surround sound system and a choice of two DVDs. The name of the preferred choice cannot be given here but sufficient to say it was a film about survival in spectacular but extreme mountain conditions in a cold, cold country.
There was more than enough wine and treats for the scant audience and no-one missed the popcorn.
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and recommend a regular Movie Night on the Social Programme to the incoming Social Secretary.
Bill Holland
December:
Wed 15” 6.30 SBW Christmas Party
Come on down to the Clubrooms for the traditional Christmas Party. Everyone to bring a plate/dish drinks to be provided. (Helpers to set up & clean up needed too!)
January:
Wed 5“ 6pm _ Balmoral Beach Picnic
Bring your own food (or buy fish and chips) and drink for an evening of relaxation under the trees at the south end of the beach - from 6m.
(Uf you're feeling a bit energetic, join Bill Holland for a short walk commencing at 4pm before finishing up at Balmoral. See the walks program for more details.)
Wed 19” 7pm Committee Meeting
Wed 19“ 8pm Macquarie's Journeys
Ever thought that the early white explorers were a pretty adventurous lot? Ever thought you'd like to walk in their shoes? Come along and hear from club member Almis Simankevicius present on his recently released book titled, Macquaries Journeys, At the clubrooms.
Leaders Handbook
All leaders and aspiring leaders are urged to obtain a copy of the clubs publication SBW. Leaders Handbook.
These are available on request from George Mawer - see membership list
First Aid Certificates
To encourage leaders and members to get their St Johns First Aid Certificate, the Club will subsidise the cost of gaining an accredited Senior First Aid Certificate.
The next Senior First Aid Course will be on the weekend 2627” May. Refer to the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs website www.bushwalking.org.au for more details
Members contributions to this. magazine are
} mail (preferably typed), on- floppy disc, by fax or
billholland@bigpond. com '-
Contributions Welcome:
very welcome, Send i your interesting stories
by email addressed to The Editor . Fax: 9484 6009 (phone 94846636 first)
[Page 18 gp TZ
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2004
Here Is Your Christmas Bonus - A Page of Jokes!
Poor Ted
Two elderly ladies meet at the launderette after not seeing one another for some time. After inquiring about each other's health, one asked how the other's husband was doing.
“Oh! Ted died last week. He went out to the garden to dig up a cabbage for dinner, had a heart attack and dropped down dead right there in the middle of the vegetable patch!”
“Oh dear! I'm very sorry,” replied her friend, What did you do?“
Opened a can of peas.”
Knock on Wood:
Three ladies were discussing the travails of getting older. One said, “Sometimes I catch myself with a jar of mayonnaise in my hand, while standing in front of the refrigerator, and I can't remember whether I need to put it away, or start making a sandwich.”
The second lady chimed in with, “Yes, sometimes I find myself on the landing of the stairs and can't remember whether I was on my way up or on my way down.”
The third one responded, Well, ladies, I'm glad I don't have that problem. Knock on wood,“ as she rapped her knuckles on the table, and then said, “That must be the door, I'll get it!”
3, The Boyfriend:
: One night a teenage girl brought her new boyfriend home to meet her parents, and they were appalled by his appearance:
leather jacket, motorcycle boots, tattoos and pierced nose. :
Later, the parents pulled their daughter aside and confessed their concern. “Dear,” said the mother diplomatically, “he doesn't seem very nice.”
“Oh please, Mum,” replied the daughter, “if he wasn't nice, why would he be doing 500 hours of community service?”
Simple Economics:
Two not so bright blokes were selling watermelons off the back of a truck on the side of the road. They had bought the melons for a dollar and were selling them for a dollar.
After being there for a while ,one bloke said to the other “Hey mate we don't seem to be making much money, what do you think we should do?”
The other bloke looked at his mate and said “we'll just have to buy a bigger truck ”
Why Are You Staring At Me?”
A friend hosted a dinner party for people from work, and everyone was encouraged to bring their children.
All during the sit-down dinner one co-worker's three-year-old girl stared at the man sitting across from her. The girl could hardly eat her food from staring.
The man checked his tie, felt his face for food, patted his hair in place, but nothing stopped her from staring at him.. He tried his best to just ignore her but finally it was too much for him.
He asked her, “Why are you staring at me? “Everyone at the table had noticed her behaviour and the table went quiet for her response.
The little girl said, “I just want to see how you drink like a fish!”
Getting a Day Off Smith goes to see his supervisor in the front office. “Boss,” he says, “we're doing some heavy house- cleaning at home tomorrow, and my wife needs me to help with the attic and the garage, moving and hauling stuff.”
“We're short-handed, Smith,” the boss replies. “I can't give you the day off.”
“Thanks, boss,” says Smith, “I knew I could count on you!”
Grandpa Morris:
A. police car pulls up in front of Grandma Bessie's house, and Grandpa Morris gets out.
The polite policeman explains that this elderly gentleman said that he was lost in the park and couldn't find his way home.
Oh, Morris,” says Grandma, “you've been going to that park for 30 years! How could you get lost?” Leaning close to Grandma so that the policeman can't
hear, Morris whispers, “I wasn't lost; I was just too tired to walk home
Chinese Sick Leave
Hung Chow calls into work and says, “Hey, boss I no come work today, I really sick. Got headache, stomach-ache and legs hurt, I no come work.”
The boss says, “You know Hung Chow, I really need you today. When I feel like this I go to my wife and tell her give me sex. That makes everything better and I go work. You try that.”
Two hours later Hung Chow calls again. “Boss, I do what you say and I feel great. I be at work soon. You got nice house
We have to use with skill what simple equipment we can
carry on our backs to achieve shelter,
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