JANUARY 2005 4048 Victoria Ra West Ryde newetis Ti SBOE S644 * Tents 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 Mt Wilderness Equipment J. macpa ONT icebreaker.corm FURE MERING alpsport@eptusmet.com.an 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 Opinions expressed in this magazine are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. All material in this magazine is copyright . Requests for reproduction should be directed to The Editor. billholland@bigpond.com REGULAR FEATURES 3 Message from President Maurice 3 Treasurers Report 3 Editors Note New Members Page Ron Watters promotes a training weekend in the Nattai Valley Social Notes 17 18 CONSERVATION 8 Meet Old Blotchie Wilderness campaigner Claire McVeigh has some good news about an old tree 9 News from Coolana Gretel Woodward takes on task of reporting on Coolana JANUARY 2005 Issue No. 842 THIS MONTH INCLUDES SPECIAL REPORTS 2 Scarpa Boots Competion Write in and have a chance to win prizes 6,7 The People One Meets at Coolana Shirley Dean introduces us to to Dick Monks who has an interesting story to tell. S THE WALKS PAGE 10 Walk Notes Barry Wallace summarises your reports Munmorah SRA Richard Darke and 15 others race the tide to see interesting caves SBW Expedition to Hong Kong Susie Arnott gives the real story of their adventures Colo River Walk with Alison Sames Don Finch enjoys a pleasant weekend on the Colo River Wimpy Wine Weekend According to Susie Arnott, hardened SBW walkers are compromised by lifes little luxuries 11 12,13 14,15 16 ADVERTISERS Alpsport Paddy Pallin Newnes Hotel Cabins Scarpa Boots Wilderness Transit Willis's Walkabouts Front cover Back cover on & ao The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | Page 2 The Sydney Bushwalker January 2005 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. The 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 Kirribilli 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 Kathy Gero 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) tbhuilder@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 Message from President Maurice: I wish all readers all the very best for the New Year and I look forward to lots of wonderful bushwalking during 2005. While enjoying my seven day walk with eleven other members in the Victorian Alps starting on Boxing Day we slowly received information from other walkers about the disastrous tsunami that had occurred on the day we started our walk. As the information became clearer and the extent of the devastation expanded our thoughts turned to whether any of our members had been caught in the dreadful tsunami. Thus far, and thankfully, I have not heard of any club member being caught in the tsunami. However, I know of at least one member who has direct family members living in one of the countries that has suffered severe devastation. | have spoken with that member and was relieved to hear that her family members were all safe. Im sure that as time proceeds ] will hear further news of our members and their family who were involved directly or indirectly in the tsunami. 1 urge members to pass on to me any relevant news so that I can relay that news to our members. As we head towards the March Annual General Meeting there will several vacancies on the Management Committee. While Im aware that several committee members will not be offering themselves for re-election I dont have a comprehensive list of such members. So if you have the time, interest and the inclination to provide input to the committee please contact me to discuss how you can assist this wonderful club. Since my December 2004 column the committee has not yet met, so there is nothing new from the committee to pass on to interested readers. Cheers for now and see you on the track again soon. Maurice Smith January mid-Week Walk - Change Of Date The Thursday walk on 27" January along Sassafras Gully Springwood area, lower Blue Mountains has had to be transferred to Australia Day, Wednesday 26th January, 2005. In other words one day earlier and on a public holiday. Any inconvenience is regretted. Wilf Hilder - Leader. The Clubs AGM is on 9 March and the Clubs Annual Get-together at Coolana is on 12", 13" March | The Sydney Bushwalker January 2005 Page 3 Treasurers Report Tony Marshall Statement of Cash Flows for the twelve months to December 2004 SBW Bank Account Opening Balance January 6,745 Receipts 46,061 Payments 41,203 Closing Balance December 11,603 Receipts Membership Fees 27,166 Advertising 1,945 Interest General 1,213 Interest Coolana 1,214 Interest Conservation $23 Investment redemption 10,000 Donations Coolana 3,355 Other 645 Total 46,061 Payments Administration 5,327 Affiliation & Insurance 8,516 Magazine 7,249 Communications 951 Membership 765 Coolana 2,907 Note l Other 319 Investment 10,095 Equipment purchased 1784 Note2 SCA Grant 3,690 Note 3 Total 41,203 Note 1 Includes rates paid to June 2005. Note 2 Projector $1,399, Mower $385. Note 3 SCA Grant now fully expended. Funds Invested Conservation 9,965 Coolana 29,558 General 16,839 Total 56,362 Tony Marshall From the Social Calendar! Wed 16" February 8pm A Kimberley Evening Slides, chats and loads of great stories Editors Note: I trust you all had a good holiday and the new year has started well for you. Well, here we are in the middle of January with very hot and dry conditions in Sydney. There is the likelihood of continuing fire danger through to March meaning fire bans in most national parks, potentially dangerous walking conditions and problems in accessing good drinking water. Whilst, personally, I will not lead or participate in a walk on extreme fire danger days, it is up to each leader to consider the wellbeing and safety of the party and make the appropriate decision.. This month we announce a competition for all readers of this magazine. This is your chance to win a pair of Scarpa boots (or other Scarpa products such as walking or casual shoes etc) together with other prizes. You do not need to be a skilled writer or literary genius. Just put together a report, article, poem or letter featuring footwear and send it in to the Editor. I look forward to receiving your entries. This month the magazine features an article on the history of Kangaroo Valley, raising the possibility that William Throsby crossed the jand that is now part of Coolana. I suggest you check the grid references stated in this article to see where he crossed the river etc. We also have and interesting walk reports and an article on preserving Old Blotchie(this does not refer to pickling your Editor) Which reminds me? The Club has its AGM in March and all Committee positions become vacant -including that of Editor. After three years it may be time for a change and if any of you have the time and inclination to take on the editorial role I would be please to advise and assist you with this decision. See you at Coolana on 12"13th March Bill Holland | Contact The Editor: a Copy. for publishing in the SBW magazine should -be, received by the wef editor by the end of the: first week of each month. Letters stating your viewpoint. on matters of interest are most welcome. Please send your submission in by mail (preferably. typed), on floppy disc, or by email addressed to The Editor Telephone: 9484 6636 | | Email: _billholland@bigpond.com THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES, CHAPTER IVa NATURAL SELECTION; OR THE SURVIVAL OF THE PERFECTLY EVOLVED. AUSTRALIG ERRA Fig. 1: Scarpa Trek, circa 198s. Fig. 2: Australia yd Fig. 3: The highly evolved Trek Pro, circa 2005. HYDROPHOBIC HS-12 SILICONE TREATED LEATHER NEW, MORE COMFORTABLE CUT ONE-PIECE LEATHER UPPER VIBRAM GRINTA SOLE ---& MORE! 30095 Ag, 1) Qa i + i <3) oO 2005 * ADAPT & SURVIVE. In the mid eighties, Scarpa set a new standard for bushwalking boots with the Scarpa Trek. Comfortable, supportive and practically indestructible, each handmade Trek combined the highest-qualicy Iralian construction with a design that was completely focused on the needs of Australian bushwalkers. REVOLUTIONARY EVOLUTION. Now20 years lacer its time for a few changes. The new Trek Pro has been engineered from the ground up to take advantage of modern design techniques and materialslike incredibly grippy Vibram* Grinta soles, a hydrophobic one-piece leather upper, and completely redesigned inners water resistant than ever beforea boo thats perfectly evolved to survive Australian conditions. & cushioning. The end result is a boot that's more rugged, more comfortable and more durably (7) eo Proudly difributed by OuTDOOR AGENCIES PTY LTD call (22) 9438 2266 for your nearest Lockist. sales@ curdooragencits.com.au SCARPA The Sydney Bushwalker January 2005 Page 5 = LEE, ta age T S LEED Niemoyaneysousiwalkel, PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! For Your: Short Story Joke Article Poem Limerick Letter or Comment * * Your chance to win a pair of SCARPA BOOTS * * OTHER PRIZES also available! All you need to do is submit your entry on any subject featuring:- FOOTWEAR (This may cover the choice, failure or lack of suitable footwear when bushwalking, skiing, touring or other activity) Your entry may be humorous, serious, a personal experience, anecdotal, real or imaginary So, start writing NOW! Conditions: 1. Send in your short story, article, poem, letter or comment relating to an interesting or humorous experience with boots or other footwear. 2. The entry should be directed to the consequences of the choice of footwear, failure of footwear or lack of suitable footwear when bushwalking, touring etc. Brand names should be avoided. 3. The experience can be imaginary or real, personal, or anecdotal. 4. The prize for the most interesting/humorous entry will be a prize of Scarpa boots (value $300 or you choose other Scarpa products) donated by the agents for Scarpa Boots in Australia. Other prize packages also will be awarded. 5. The judges will be Maurice Smith - President SBW, Bill Holland - Editor of The Sydney Bushwalker and a representative of the Australian Agent for Scarpa Boots. 6. The competition will run until the end of April with prizes announced in the May 2005 issue of The Sydney Bushwalker. 7. Entries may be published in The Sydney Bushwalker as received, or at a later date. Address your entry to: 8. Boots and All Competition C/- W. Holland 216C Quarter Sessions Rd Westleigh NSW 2120 Or by email to: billholland@bigpond.com.au 9. Closing Date 30th April 2005 | Page 6 The Sydney Bushwalker January 2005 | The People One Meets At Coolana. Shirley Dean Hilary Walker and I met Dick Monks and his wife at Coolana. Dick, who is working on his family history, had discovered that Charles Throsby was part of his family. So there they were late in the afternoon trying to decide whether the crossing from Bendeela, up through Coolana and then on through the Skanzi Gap was the route which Throsby explored in March-April 1818. Throsby was endeavouring to make his way to Jervis Bay. Below is an account from Dick Monks of his findings Throsby was in Kangaroo Valley and _ the Shoalhaven from 29" March 1818 to 9th April. He probably followed the last (westernmost) kilometre or two of the Jack's corner road (refer to Map 8928-I- S,Bundanoon 1:25000) before descending down a very steep hill to the river flats somewhere in the vicinity of the homestead "Trendally" at 657532. He proceeded for about an hour along the north side of the river and camped probably close to the public camping area at 526688. In the morning they crossed the swollen river carrying their gear across a fallen tree and wading the unladen horses across. They then ascended in an unrecorded direction to Skanzi Gap. Throsby described the ford as a very good one, and because the local old-timers say that the one near where we recently met was well used until the dam was built 1 think there is a good chance that this was the location of Throsby's ford. (Coincidently there was a tree across the stream there the day | visited!). The previous day to get to Jack's Corner Road from the highlands Throsby had roughly followed the present Griffin's Fire trail and had camped the night on Yarrawa Creek (somewhere, between 630568 and 618566 1 suggest). In the morning he took a short diversion up to a point where he could see water emerging from a cliff face. Many have assumed that this was Fitzroy Falls, but 1 am convinced that it was more likely to be Crankey's Creek as there was insufficient time to get within sight of Fitzroy. (Crankey was the name of an Aborigine in the contemporary records, and he may have been one of the Aborigines who aided Throsby on this tip.) However, the party had been considerably delayed by flooding on the southern highlands. so it could have been another, intermittent, waterfall. (Now on map 8928-11-N Burrier 1:25000) After passing through Skanzi Gap, the party followed the Burrier Road for about a kilometre to about 683493 before dropping down to the - School Creek crossing- at 684486. From there they travelled south to the Burma Rd at 6874717 and followed it to the crossing of Bugong Creek at 663457 (after field inspection of the area 1 think he probably took the northern branch of the Burma Rd down to the creek.) Then he probably followed Abermethy's road up to the plateau at 668447 before heading south to Kellen's Creek and Burrier. Just which gap in the escarpment he used to get into the Kellets Creek 1 am not sure, but they followed it for about a mile to get to the Shoalhaven. At Burrier they crossed the Shoalhaven and went via Nowra Hill and Currambene creek to Jervis Bay, their objective. They retumed via the same route. So Jack's Corner road is only one of several current roads which should be regarded as the oldest roads in the Shoalhaven. Other sections of current roads used by the Aborigines, and then by Throsby on this trip, include: 1. Griffin's Fire Trail 2. On the north bank of the Kangaroo river - some of Camping Ground access road and the continuation of that road downstream to about Trendally 3. The entrance road to Coolana and the Skanzi Gap/Budjong road south as far as the Burma Track. 4, The Burma Track and Abemathy's road back up to the plateau 5. Either Abemathy's Road as far as the Budjong Road and thence to Budjong Vale, or possibly the 4WD track from laroo up Kellets Creek, up to the plateau and north to the T intersection. (But most likely Something in between these two). 6. On the south side of the Shoalhaven River: the road east from Burrier for probably at least Skm, perhaps as much as 10km. 7. A few kilometres of the road past Nowra Hill Radar Station. 8. The road down Currambene Creek from the Princes Highway to Huskisson. The name of the man who accompanied Throsby was Joseph Wild (conditional pardon). Wild was Throsby's right hand man on several exploratory trips and at the time one of the most experienced bushmen in the colony, having accompanied Barralier on one of his trips west from Nattai; naturalist Robert Brown on numerous excursions beyond the outskirts of Sydney, to the Kent Group of islands, Port Phillip, Port Dalrymple, Hobart and the Hunter River; and geologist A. Humphrey on his (largely undocumented and unproductive) trips. Under Throsby's directions Wild found the first pass from the Wlawarra to the Southern Highlands and discovered Lake George in the ACT. Macquarie named Wild's Pass across the Cookbundoon Range after him, and Wildes Meadow is where he eventually settled down to farm. There is strong evidence that Wild had very good relations with the Aborigines. (In his earliest years in the colony he may in fact have been what came to be disparagingly referred to as a 'combo' -someone who lived with both blacks and whites). After fairly superficial mentions of them in his 2 years circumnavigation with Flinders Robert Brown began to record a deeper interest in them only after Wild had joined him. It is clear that Throsby shared these close relations with the Aborigines although he did find the Jervis Bay blacks to be very threatening, and thought it prudent to make a diplomatic withdrawal back to the Shoalhaven. Over the years he received considerable - and at times brave - help from a number of clans and language groups and also defended them vigorously from various threats from white people. a The Sydney Bushwalker January 2005 Page 7 On this trip Bundel, a Camden/IIlawarra Aborigine and Broughton from the Shoalhaven accompanied Throsby, while Illawarra Aborigines Timelong and Munnaa/Munaaria sought Throsby out and joined him before he descended from the highlands. Along this well-used track way they met numerous new Aboriginal faces among whom Honnay was recognised by Throsby for his assistance. Despite his anxieties about the Jervis bay blacks he singled out Turong from them for special mention. It is entirely possible that his difficulties with the Jervis Bay natives was due to Aboriginal rivalries involving his guides. It is also to be noted that his dealings with all of them occurred in the context of the Camden, Southern Highlands and IlJawarra Aborigines having been recently hunted down in a three-month military operation which resulted in at least 16 (including a high proportion of women and children) . being driven to their deaths over the cliffs of the Cataract River at Appin. Other whites who accompanied Throsby were George Grimes (born in the colony), William Sly (prisoner), and Thomas Waters (prisoner). George Grimes. was probably the son of the former colonial surveyor and Sly and Waters were probably assigned servants of Throsby who probably victualled them and funded other aspects of this official expedition. As you can see 1 have a pretty fair knowledge of what 1 consider to be Throsby's probable route, but as yet 1 have not produced a map. Hopefully the above description will suffice for the moment. There are plenty of opportunities for walks related to Throsby's trip - including almost certainly through Coolana. There are a number of interesting if not challenging areas which require closer examination in the field and if a few of your members are interested 1 would be delighted to have the extra legs' to assist me in my field studies. If a small group of members of the club were inclined to help, I would be delighted to discuss with them the basis on which this might be achieved to the satisfaction of all. There is another matter that 1 would like to investigate with anyone who has attempted to navigate in both the northern and southern hemisphere, but 1 don't want to poison the outcomes by disclosing specifics of it at this stage. For the moment 1 would like to say only that several expatriate (ex-hemisphere?) journal-keepers in Australia appear to have made the same sort of error including, I am currently assuming, Throsby on this trip. 1 think | have experienced it myself when navigating in the northern hemisphere and 1 would J would like to find out if others have done so too. As a layman 1 suspect that Spatial Cognition is the scientific field of study which covers it and 1 am also hoping to enlist the aid of someone trained in this field. Finally, 1 have no objection to you sharing the above information with Club members or with the Kangaroo Valley Voice provided that, in addition to myself, the valuable assistance given to me by Dr Wolf Mayer, Visiting Fellow ANU, and Kangaroo Valley residents Tim Hansen and Peter Gerey are formally acknowledged in every case. 1 am looking forward to going down some interesting pathways with you and other members! However I am heading overseas for 12 months in February (spending some of itresearching Throsby) and if anyone is interested could you please ask them to contact me by about mid-January? Regards, Dick Monks. Phone 9437 4702, Email: dick.monks@bigpond.com *There are many articles in the Journal of the Royal Historical Society regarding early explorations. A.K.Weatherburn, The Exploration and Surveys of James Meehan between the Cowpastures, Wingecarribee River, Goulburn Plains, Shoalhaven River and Jervis Bay, 1805, 1818 and 1819) JRAHS December 1978, gives an interesting account. However in his forward to R.Roxburgh's article Vol.66? Part 4.287, March 198] Weatherburn admits that he possibly got it wrong and Meryla Pass was the route of Throsbys descent into the Valley. like to find out if others have done so too. As a layman 1 suspect that Spatial Cognition is the scientific field of study which covers it and I am also hoping to enlist the aid of someone trained in this field. NSW WILDERNESS TRANSIT | JENOLAN CAVES. KANANGRA WALLS. YERRANDERIE GHOST TOWN STARLIGHTS TRACK. BUNGONIA CAVES. Woe Wo. NERRica Departs from Sydney's Campbelltown Railway Station . Via Penrith, Katoomba & Blackheath for Kanangra Walls Mon & Wed at 11am. Frid at 7am Retums 4pm Mon, Wed, Frid. Via Starlights, Mittagong & Marulan for Wog Wog-Nerriga Tues.& Thurs & Sun at 11am Returns 4 pm Tues, Thurs, Sun. Yerranderie Ghost Town first Saturday in each month, returns Sun at 1 pm (any Friday min 6) Group booking discounts or charter service Tel 0246 832 344 Mob 0428 832 344 www.wildernesstransit.com.au | Forgotten Something ? Leaders - dont forget to send in your Walk Report forms Page 8 The Sydney Bushwalker January 2005 MEET OLD BLOTCHY Claire McVeigh Clair McVeigh is The Wilderness Society's NSW Campaigner. The following article, appearing in the Summer 2004 edition of Wilderness the magazine of the Wilderness Society, is reproduced here with the kind permission of the author. Old Blotchy is a truly magnificent old growth Spotted Gum tree, located in South Brooman State Forest, approximately 30 minutes north of Batemans Bay. Roughly 500 to 600 years old, with a circumference that takes nine adults to circle, hand to hand, Old Blotchy is one of the many great attractions of the Nature Coast of NSW. South Brooman State Forest is public land- it belongs to the people of NSW. Ironically; this does not mean that Old Blotchy's future is safe. Despite his immense size and age, this King of the Forests is in fact quite vulnerable. Vandalism, soil erosion and compaction, and risks of logging mean that, without proper protection in a National Park, Blotchy could be damaged beyond repair. Old Blotchy needs protection in National Park NOW! With the fate of trees such as this hanging in the balance, your voice is essential in ensuring their protection. See For Yourself! You can see Old Blotchy for yourself, either by joining The Wilderness Society on a weekend forest tour or by heading straight there yourself. We ask only one thing: please write a letter to Bob Carr requesting immediate protection of Old Blotchy and the other magnificent forests of South-east NSW. (Call or email Clare McVeigh on 02 9282 9553 or clare.mcveigh@wilderness.org.au for info on trips. fact sheets and letter guides). How To Get There Old Blotchy is in logging coupe 70 in South Brooman State Forest, off 18 Mile Peg Road. Just off the highway, about 30 minutes north of Batemans Bay on the left hand side (heading south) is 18 Mile Peg Road - a small dirt road but the entrance is fairly clear and easily accessible. Take this turn and go straight on (staying left as you reach the fork in the road) until you come to a road on the left. Depending on whether it has been raining, you can either leave the car here and walk, or turn left and follow the road until you see a path right. This takes you an open cleared patch, then back into the forest where you will see a small area for parking. The short path to the tree (max five minute walk) is behind you and slightly right. Have a great time! Stop Press !! | On 22% December the. NSW Government announced measures to, protect 6,115 hectares of the NSW south east, forests by incorporating these areas in national Parks. , The decision Promises to protect some, vital areas such as the upper Deua and Monga } State forests. The small South Brooman addition, , to Murramarang National Park, which includes the 500. year old icon tree Old Blotchy, completes the) final piece in the long standing proposal to protect all (State Forests east of, the highway! All forests from Ulladulla to. Batmans Bay, will now be protected i in national park. Protection at Last ! The reservation of Blotchy means that NPWS NSW should now ensure that its roots are protected by installing a boardwalk around the tree base. This means that the public can enjoy visiting the tree and learning about it, without causing any damage that may threaten his future. The new Nationla Park status also means that he is safe Jrom logging operations. This compartment of forest also marks the final addition to that area of the Murramarang National Park Please note that the area may have to be closed for a short period to allow NPWS to assess existing damage and carry out necessary work. [ The Sydney Bushwalker January 2005 Page 9 NEWS FROM COOLANA There is not a lot to report this month being such a busy time of the year for all concerned and no scheduled maintenance week-end, nevertheless Shirley, Hilary and myself managed a couple of days. After such a splendid effort at the last scheduled maintenance week-end the property was looking as good as we have ever seen it, (except for the other side of the creek), however one of the reasons it looked so good was that quite a lot of rain had obviously fallen over the past few weeks and everything was growing madly, unfortunately nothing is perfect and of course the weeds were starting to rear their ugly heads once again. We continued the general maintenance of weeding and in particular around all our new trees, this being our priority until they are big enough to look after themselves, but ] must say the majority of the trees planted are doing just fine and this latest fall of rain will ensure their future barring accidents. Don has nearly completed the shelving in the small shed, the materials, courtesy of Barry Wallace, being new timber which was destined for the tip therefore very economical. The installation of the shelving isa perfect job, professionally done, and next time any of our members are visiting Coolana they will see what I mean. The river was up further since our last visit and after it rained the night we were there it was up another couple of feet which was a great surprise and a wonderful sight. The next scheduled maintenance week-end on the 15th and 16th January will be a very busy one and we will be hoping for a good team to again chop the heads off those pesky Cobbler Pegs before they seed. Each time we manage to mow prior to seeding means our maintenance hours are gradually being cut down considerably for ever and a day. Gretel Woodward (filling in for Don Finch). Christmas and New Year at Coolana: Coolana is a most enjoyable place, especially in the summer holiday season when the day is hot and the river so inviting. And, there are no crowds! So it was not surprising that there was a constant flow of members from Christmas to New Years Eve. The New Years Eve campfire was very well attended by adults and children. Now, lets look forward to a great get-together in March! En Summer in Winter to the North Enjoy the world's most comfortable wilderness: clear skies and pleasant Every night brings another beautiful, Spacious camp site. temperatures, weather so perfect you can leave your tent at home You see no one else, no tracks, no 4WD's, no trail bikes, no farms - the only signs that anyone has been there before are the Aboriginal rock paintings that dot the landscape. Have a swim with every break: clear tropical pools, perfect for swimming, pure enough to drink. www.bushwalkingholidays.com.au Williss Walkabouts 12 Carrington Have a wander. Find your own