Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- 193302 [2014/02/13 23:53] – Smiffy has completed pages 1 to 8 smiffy
+++ 193302 [2014/03/13 21:44] (current) – [The Sydney Bushwalker] smiffy
@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 A Journal devoted to matters of interest to Members the Sydney Bush Walkers, Sydney, New South Wales.
-----
+No. 11 February 1933
-No. 11.	February, 1933.
-----
 __Publishing Committee:__
-Misses Brenda White, (Editor), Marjorie Hill, Dorothy Lawry, Rene Browne and Mr. Myles Dunphy.
+Misses Brenda White (Editor), Marjorie Hill, Dorothy Lawry, Rene Browne and Mr Myles Dunphy.
 ===== Editorial =====
@@ Line 94: / Line 92: @@
 Harry Savage
-===== "BEND DOWN, RICHARD" =====
+===== "Bend Down, Richard" =====
-As he walked down the Kowmung
-One pleasant Eastertide,
-Just five feet high a bough hung -
-To pass beneath he tried.
-He found no matter how young
-Or sprightly one might be,
-The "glow" was from his brow wrung
+As he walked down the Kowmung\\
+One pleasant Eastertide,\\
+Just five feet high a bough hung -\\
+To pass beneath he tried.\\
+He found no matter how young\\
+Or sprightly one might be,\\
+The "glow" was from his brow wrung\\
 When he was six foot three.
@@ Line 146: / Line 137: @@
 The "Improved Queensland" tent is proving increasingly popular and no wonder. It is a semi-pyramid tent with a 9" Wall and can be completely closed up. It stands 5 feet high and holds two people and their gear easily, with room for another if necessary.	Made in best quality japara, it weighs only 2½ lbs and the price is 30/-. Why go homeless when 30/- will buy such a tent.
-F.A. PALLIN,
+F A Pallin\\
+George Street, Sydney\\
+(above Hallams, Chemists, opp Wynyard Station)
-George Street, SYDNEY.
+__STOP PRESS:__\\
+STOCK OF COMPASSES - Prismatic and ordinary - PEDOMETERS, PACEOMETERS & MAP MEASURES\\
+__NOW ON HAND__
-(above Hallams, Chemists, opp. Wynyard Station).
+===== Kosciusko - the Trampers' Paradise =====
-__STOP PRESS:__
+The word "bushwalker" has purposely been omitted from the title, because there is no bush on the tops. There is plenty and to spare a couple of thousand feet down. But those who want to spend their holiday plunging through dense undergrowth need not go as far as Kosciusko to do so.
-STOCK OF COMPASSES - Prismatic and ordinary, PEDOMETERS, PACEOMETERS & MAP MEASURES
+Further, as there is no bush neither can there be extended meetings round the camp fire at night with the consequent long vigils in bed in the morning and sumptuous meals at all hours.
-__NOW__	__ON__	__HAND__.
+Kosciusko is not for people who want these things. It is essentially for those who want really to walk and camp - or tramp as it would be termed abroad - those who want to be up and doing with twenty miles behind them before sunset, not for the sake of a record, but just for the sheer love of walking for its own sake. For these the enervating heat of Sydney summer weather is not as a rule ideal, while the invigorating atmosphere of the heights is exactly what they search for.
-===== Kosciusko - the Trampers' Paradise =====
+In Kosciusko we have a plateau 5000 to 7000 feet high stretching about sixty miles. The valleys within the plateau are about 1000 to 1500 feet deep, while from the edge you may look down as much as 6000 feet.	Wherever you go on that plateau even in the hottest weather, you will find clear, bracing air, cool breezes, wide views, sparkling streams bordered with myriads of starlike flowers, and the air fragrant with swamp epacris and other sweet smelling things. You can walk for hours on end without tiring and with scenery utterly different from anything you are accustomed to, scenery wild and rugged perhaps rather than beautiful, but with the fascination of far horizons and the grandeur of naked hills.
-The word "bushwalker" has purposely been omitted from the title, because there is no bush on the tops. There is plenty and to spare a couple of thousand feet dawn. But those who want to spend their holiday plunging through dense undergrowth need. not go as far as Kosciusko to do so.
+But in order to enjoy it to the full you need to know beforehand what you may expect in the matter of weather and what differences, if any, you should make in your usual equipment. Generally speaking, Kosciusko weather is good. In fact its dry summer is one of its characteristics. It may occasionally be cold and windy, but usually the sun will shine. The temperature may rise to 85°F or fall to zero. You should therefore take Sydney winter, rather than summer, equipment, but with provision for wearing summer clothes if it should be hot, as it frequently is. Knickerbockers over shorts may be recommended, and you should put in a pair of warm gloves and a fly veil. There are no mosquitoes or sand-flies, and the flies are no worse than on the beaches; still they are the one pest and a fly veil makes all the difference to one's enjoyment. An eiderdown sleeping bag is essential at night for it is usually chilly. In the matter of footwear, rubber or nailed shoes are desirable for the snow grass is even more slippery than the bush. For your tent you must provide your own poles and not rely upon nature, and, while you may camp happily without a tent around Sydney, you would scarcely be so comfortable at Kosciusko. I would therefore suggest a conference with Paddy as to tent poles.
-Further, as there is no bush neither can there be extended meetings round the camp fire at night with the consequent long vigils in bed in the morning and sumptuous meals at all hours.
-Kosciusko is not for people who want these things. It is essentially flat those who want really to walk' and. camp - or tramp as it would be termed abroad those who want to be up and doing with twenty miles behind them before sunset, not for the sake of a record, but just for the sheer love of walking for its awn sake. For these the enervating heat of Sydney summer weather is not as a rule ideal, while the invigorating atmosphere of the heights is exactly what they search for.
+While there are a few scattered clumps of snow-gum on the plateau, they will probably not occur at the spot where you wish to camp. You therefore cannot expect the usual camp fire. There is, however, plenty of small wood from the heathery plants almost anywhere to boil your billy and cook your dinner. Apart from that, a camp fire is scarcely called for, because in summer it is not dark till 8.30pm, and it is light again at 4am. Go to bed with the sun and rise with the sun and you can leave both your torch and candle behind, especially if you adopt daylight saving time, as we did.
-In Kosciusko we have a plateau 5000 to 7000 feet high stretching about sixty miles. The valleys within the plateau are about 1000 to 3.500 feet deep, while from the edge you may look dawn as much as 6000 feet.	Wherever you go on that plateau even in the hottest weather, you will find clear, bracing air, cool breezes, wide views, sparkling streams bordered with myriads of starlike flowers, and the air
-fragrant with swamp epacris and other sweet smelling things.	You can walk for
+The only disadvantage of Kosciusko is that even in summer it is subject to an occasional snow-blizzard, when walking is quite out of the question. I have tried it and can assure you that the slushy snow underfoot, the swirling mists, snow and hail round your head, coupled with a piercing wind, combine to make it most unwise for anyone to venture further than he need. In such weather we tried to find our way to the summit along the well-defined bridle track, could see hardly any trace of the track and nothing at all more than three yards in front. In such weather there are three things you may do:- Drop down below 5000 feet when there will probably be only rain, and walk on if you can without getting into scrub. Make for one of the huts, of which there are several and stay there till it clears. If you are near the road, go to the Chalet where you will be received hospitably for small price. Indeed if you should not want to camp, the Chalet would be an excellent centre for walking.
-hours on end without tiring and with scenery utterly different from anything you are accustomed to, scenery wild and rugged perhaps rather than beautiful, but with the fascination of far horizons and the grandeur of naked hills.
-But in order to enjoy it to the full you need. to know beforehand what you may expect in the matter of weather and what differences, if any, you should make in your usual equipment.	Generally speaking, Kosciusko weather is good. In fact its dry summer is one of its cha racteristics. It may occasionally be cold and windy, but usually the sun will shine. The temperature may rise to 85F. or fall to zero. You should therefore take Sydney winter, rather than summer, equipment, but with provision for wearing summer clothes if it should be hot, as Et frequently is. Knickerbockers over shorts may be recommended, and you should
+The weather will probably clear in about three days at most and stay clear for the rest of the time, and of course the chances of meeting weather like this at all, are very remote. Generally, camping will be a sheer delight. There are bright, limpid streams everywhere, great boulders behind which you may find a sheltered spot for your tent. The most perfect camping spot I have ever found found was beside the Blue Lake. On the hillside above was a large snow rift which melted to form a gurgling brook that ran down beside our tent between flower-strewn banks and fell into clear, deep pools, cold but invigorating. Behind the tent was a huge rock which completely sheltered it, while in front we looked down upon the rock-encircled lake. Across the hills overhead the prevailing westerly wind blew with bitter force, but down in our little valley all was peace and calm, and on beds of fragrant wild thyme we slept untroubled from sunset to sunrise.
-put in a pair of warm gloves and a fly veil.	There are no mosquitoes or sand-
-flies-, and the flies are no worse than on the beaches; still they are the one pest and a fly veil makes all the difference to one's enjoyment. An eiderdown sleeping bag is essential at night for it is usually chilly. In the matter of footwear, rubber or nailed shoes are desirable for the snow grass is even more slippery than the bush. For your tent you must prdvide your awn poles And not rely upon nature, and, while you may camp happily without a tent around Sydney, you would scarcely be so comfortable at Kosciusko. I would therefore suggest a conference with Paddy as to tent poles.
+Marie B Byles
-While there are a few scattered clumps of snow-gum on the plateau, they will probably not occur at the spot where you wish to camp. You therefore cannot expect the usual camp fire. There is, however, plenty of small wood from the heathery plants almost anywhere to boil your billy and cook your dinner, Apart from that, a camp fire is scarcely called for, beacuse in summer it is not dark till 8.30 p.m., and it is light again at 4 a.m. Go to bed with the sun and rise with the sun and you can leave both your torch and candle behind, especially if you adopt daylight saving time, as we did.
-- 10 -
+===== Literary Explorations =====
-The only disadvantage of Kosciusko is that even in summer it is subject to an occasional snow-blizzard, when walking is quite out of the question. I have tried it and can assure you that the slushy snow underfoot, the swirling mists, snow and hail round your head, coupled with a piercing wind, combine to make it most unwise for anyone to venture further than he need.	In such weather we tried to find our way to the summit along the wall-defined bridle track, could seal hardly any trace of the track and nothing at all more than three yards in _front.
-In such weather there are three things you may do:- Drop dawn below 5000 feet when there will probably be only rain, and walk on if you can without getting into scrub. Make for one of the huts, of which there are several and stay there till it clears. If you are near the road, go to the Chalet where you will be recoived hospitably for small price. Indeed if you should not want to camp, the Chalet would be an excellent centre for walking.
+Since you have all been too busy eating Christmas dinners, enjoying holiday trips, and generally "seeing NSW first", to write out any of your favourite poems, or to do any literary explorations for "The Sydney Bushwalker", there's corner in this issue that I've had to fill. I hope you'll like my choice, and be stimulated to find something even more attractive for next issue.
-The weather will probably clear in about three days at most and stay clear for the rest of the time, and of course the chances of meeting weather like this Wall, are very remote. Generally, camping will be a sheer delight. There are bright, limpid streams everywhere, great boulders behind which you may find a sheltered spot for your tent. The most perfect camping spot I have ever found found was beside the Blue Lake.	On the hillside above was a large snow rift which melted to form a gurgling brook that ran down beside our tent between flower- strewn banks and fell into clear, deep pools, cold but invigorating. Behind the tent was a huge rock which completely sheltered it, while in front we looked down upon the rock-encircled lake. Across the hills overhead the prevailing westerly wind blew with bitter force, but down in our little valley all was peace and calm, and on beds of fragrant wild thyme we slept untroubled from sunset to sunrise.
-MARIE B. BTUS.
+D Lawry
-LITERARY EXPLORATIONS.
-Since you have all been too busy eating Christmas dinners, enjoying holiday trips, and generally "seeing T.S.W. first", to write out any of your favourite poems, or to do any literary explorations for "The Sydney Bushwalker", therets corner in this issue that I've had to fill. I hope you'll like my choice, and be
+__The Open Road__
-stimulated to find something even more attractive for next issue.
-D.LAWRY.
+The wide expanse and the laughing wind,\\
-THE OPEN ROAD
+And the open road for me;\\
-The wide expanse and the laughing wind,
+With the winking stars in the roof of the sky,\\
-And the open road for me;
+A night-light clear to see.\\
-With the winking stars in the roof of the sky,
+Into the crimson sunset glow,\\
-A. night-light clear to see. Into the crimson sunset glow,
+Over the rim of the world,\\
-Over the rim of the world,
+Where the gum trees raise their arms in prayer,\\
-Whore the gum trees raise their arms in prayer,
 With the banner of night unfurled.
-Over the ribbon-like, winding road,
-Bridge and gully and hill;
+Over the ribbon-like, winding road,\\
-More the rabbits go scudding into the dusk,
+Bridge and gully and hill;\\
-And the birds have sung their fill.
+Where the rabbits go scudding into the dusk,\\
-The walls of my house are the distant hills,
+And the birds have sung their fill.\\
-And my days and nights are free - The wide expanse and the laughing wind,
+The walls of my house are the distant hills,\\
+And my days and nights are free -\\
+The wide expanse and the laughing wind,\\
 And the open road for me.
-Mary Roche.
-NINE DAYS' WONDER IN THE MOUNTAINS : NO RAIN:
+Mary Roche
+===== Nine Days' Wonder in the Mountains : No Rain! =====
 There were six of us, Rene, Dunc, Jean, Scotty, Keith, and yours truly, and
 although we were all called various other names also, I will not mention them here as some of the younger Club members may read this article by mistake.
-A Friday night early in January about 10.30 saw Katoomba receive us with loud grins --we were attired in "walking scant lee" - and, having discovered that the menu was a trifle on the small side, we set about purchasing 1 lb. boiled lollies, 1 mile
-of string, 1 lb. candles, and a bottle of saccharine tablets; then with poetry in
+A Friday night early in January about 10:30 saw Katoomba receive us with loud grins - we were attired in "walking scanties" - and, having discovered that the menu was a trifle on the small side, we set about purchasing 1lb boiled lollies, 1 mile of string, 1lb candles, and a bottle of saccharine tablets; then with poetry in our souls and lead in our shoes we set off briskly for the Explorer's Tree and the Megalong. We had really started, Rene, boiled lollies, and all.
-our souls and lead in our shoes we set off briskly for the Explorer's Tree and the Megalong. We had really started, Rene, boiled lollies, and all:
-Saturday saw us going wearily - I mean warily - down Black Jerry's Ridge to the Cox River, that stream of streams, that mighty little trickle which consumes the enchanted Kowmung. (Must go carefully; I nearly spelt it wrongly).
+Saturday saw us going wearily - I mean warily - down Black Jerry's Ridge to the Coxs River, that stream of streams, that mighty little trickle which consumes the enchanted Kowmung. (Must go carefully; I nearly spelt it wrongly.)
-Was water ever so grand as on a hot day after several miles without any? We drank, and drank, and drank 	 and then remembered warnings of a polluted water supply higher up. Too late; We couldn't put it back so just hoped for the best, and had another drink.
-A delightful day followed: glorious weather, millions of flies, and plenty to eat. The fishermen went fishing --- and caught something! Really, that is. We had eels -- or is it eales, or eles? I think one of them is right, but anyhow we had eales, and very nice they were too, although 	 but I won't go any further as the cook is bigger than I.
+Was water ever so grand as on a hot day after several miles without any? We drank, and drank, and drank and then remembered warnings of a polluted water supply higher up. Too late; We couldn't put it back so just hoped for the best, and had another drink.
-At last the Kawmuag. Shhhl Can't you see the silvery trickle of the shingle, and hear the big bluffs on either hand amce more? (Hold on, that seems to be a bit wrong somehow)0 But of course you know what I means the poetry in our souls at Katoomba hasn't all oozed out yet and I still see in front of me in a misty phantasmagoria - (that beats your 'perspicacity', Rene) - the fairy dells and majestic causeways of the River with feathery oasuarinas adding their peaceful charm on every hand.
-Mother isn't very sympathetic in these moods; she says it's biliousness,. Anyway, I like being bilious.
+A delightful day followed: glorious weather, millions of flies, and plenty to eat. The fishermen went fishing --- and caught something! Really, that is. We had eels -- or is it eales, or eles? I think one of them is right, but anyhow we had eales, and very nice they were too, although ------- but I won't go any further as the cook is bigger than I.
-We spent five days along the Kowmung and saw much of the wild life at close hand. Snakes were there in plenty; kangaroo and wallaby, many kinds of birds including duck, lowrie, wrens, whistling magpies, and even a lyre bird and a black swan, and one day a small fox cub came chasing butterflies to within several feet of Dune. It is on record! that Rene thought it was a calf and was going to milk it.
-One evening a tiny possum paid us a visit, as also did a number of blackfish, but the latter came to stay. We fed right royally on fish, rabbits and wild honey, and even had a goodly share of mulberries at Church Crk. where we had a day of rest. Whilst the fishermen fished the never-ready, ever-restless ones, Keith and I explored the caves but missed the alleged turn-off underground and succeeded in only getting dirty and tired.
+At last the Kowmung. Shhh! Can't you see the silvery trickle of the shingle, and hear the big bluffs on either hand once more? (Hold on, that seems to be a bit wrong somehow.) But of course you know what I mean; the poetry in our souls at Katoomba hasn't all oozed out yet and I still see in front of me in a misty phantasmagoria - (that beats your 'perspicacity', Rene) - the fairy dells and majestic causeways of the River with feathery casuarinas adding their peaceful charm on every hand.
-The following day saw us as far as Caves Creek on Lannigan's Creek and so an Friday the 13th. at 9030 p.m. five non-superstitious fanatics made their way through the Colong Caves for a couple of hours, with 13 candles', and retired to their various couches tired and more or less pleased with the night's adventure.
-Water was scarce there being only a soak in the gully through which the track leads to Yerranderie, and a few mall holes over half a mile dawn stream. We left late an Saturday morning, about 10.30, and after teasing an echidna which Scotty
+Mother isn't very sympathetic in these moods; she says it's biliousness. Anyway, I like being bilious.
--12-
-found, and examining him as far as he would allow, we set off along the range round Oolong for the swamp and Yerranderie.
+We spent five days along the Kowmung and saw much of the wild life at close hand. Snakes were there in plenty; kangaroo and wallaby, many kinds of birds including duck, lowrie, wrens, whistling magpies, and even a lyre bird and a black swan, and one day a small fox cub came chasing butterflies to within several feet of Dunc. It is on record that Rene thought it was a calf and was going to milk it.
-It was very hot and so, some hourslater, the plum tree near Zucchetti's proved a welcome respite. Keith counted 105 to his credit while I fell ofir after three quarters of an hour. Scotty looked pale and the girls just didn't
-count; they let their belts out.	They washed in a large mater hole about eight inches wide, and the tadpoles in residence were justly peeved, so Jean and Duno carried them to another hole, one holding them while the othor fanned them with a wet hand to keep them alive. (It must have been the poetry in their souls). All would have been well but for the fact that Keith and Scotty washed in the other hole.
+One evening a tiny possum paid us a visit, as also did a number of blackfish, but the latter came to stay. We fed right royally on fish, rabbits and wild honey, and even had a goodly share of mulberries at Church Creek where we had a day of rest. Whilst the fishermen fished the never-ready, ever-restless ones, Keith and I explored the caves but missed the alleged turn-off underground and succeeded in only getting dirty and tired.
-We stayed in the school shed and after getting outside about seven yards of steak the five sane members of the party repaired to the Palais Royale and joined the merry band. of locals and Kammungites, who were clad, so I am told, in a motley collection of old boots, shoes, carpet slippers, and sandshoesc Neverthelesm, the dance was a howling success for which no small credit is due to Rene's short shirt whioh would persist in parting tenderly but most effectually from her shorts, to the great delight of all present.
-By the way, in case I should be misconstrued, there were other things worn as well as the varied assortment of footgear; so many people are prone to take me literally.
+The following day saw us as far as Caves Creek on Lannigans Creek and so an Friday the 13th at 9:30pm five non-superstitious fanatics made their way through the Colong Caves for a couple of hours, with 13 candles, and retired to their various couches tired and more or less pleased with the night's adventure.
-Yours truly being on the scrap heap with a warped shinbone, he took no interest in local politics that night except to say something rude when the revellers. turned up at midnight and woke him up.
-'Sunday was a day of gloom both in appearance and effect, and collecting our gear -- including the dried onions which we gave away to a poor man -- we wended our may to the Post Office and were met by our car. Followed a long drive into Camden, and so Home. The nine days' wonder was over It was raining hard.
+Water was scarce there being only a soak in the gully through which the track leads to Yerranderie, and a few small holes over half a mile down stream. We left late an Saturday morning, about 10:30, and after teasing an echidna which Scotty found, and examining him as far as he would allow, we set off along the range round Colong for the swamp and Yerranderie.
-BARNEY.
-"THEY SAW TORCHES GLENWING - A SIGNAL, OF COURSE,
+It was very hot and so, some hours later, the plum tree near Zucchetti's proved a welcome respite. Keith counted 105 to his credit while I fell off after three quarters of an hour. Scotty looked pale and the girls just didn't count; they let their belts out. They washed in a large water hole about eight inches wide, and the tadpoles in residence were justly peeved, so Jean and Dunc carried them to another hole, one holding them while the other fanned them with a wet hand to keep them alive. (It must have been the poetry in their souls.) All would have been well but for the fact that Keith and Scotty washed in the other hole.
-BUT NO ONE COULD READ IT 'MS HAROLD'S STRANGE MORSE."
-Now this is a dreadful thing - I do not mean Harold's Morse - because being Harold's, it was almost certain to have been O.K. - but the fact that no one could read itt
+We stayed in the school shed and after getting outside about seven yards of steak the five sane members of the party repaired to the Palais Royale and joined the merry band of locals and Kowmungites, who were clad, so I am told, in a motley collection of old boots, shoes, carpet slippers, and sandshoes. Nevertheless, the dance was a howling success for which no small credit is due to Rene's short shirt which would persist in parting tenderly but most effectually from her shorts, to the great delight of all present.
-In a Club such as ours we do not make a practice of getting lost -we may be mislaid, delayed or even mayliid, but we usually get there, sometines rather late, frequently rather hungry, but otherwise very little the worse for wear.
+By the way, in case I should be misconstrued, there were other things worn as well as the varied assortment of foot gear; so many people are prone to take me literally.
+Yours truly being on the scrap heap with a warped shinbone, he took no interest in local politics that night except to say something rude when the revellers turned up at midnight and woke him up.
+Sunday was a day of gloom both in appearance and effect, and collecting our gear -- including the dried onions which we gave away to a poor man -- we wended our may to the Post Office and were met by our car. Followed a long drive into Camden, and so home. The nine days' wonder was over: it was raining hard.
+Barney
+===== "They saw torches gleaming - a signal, of course, but no one could read it, 'twas Harold's strange Morse." =====
+Now this is a dreadful thing - I do not mean Harold's Morse - because being Harold's, it was almost certain to have been OK - but the fact that no one could read it!
+In a Club such as ours we do not make a practice of getting lost - we may be mislaid, delayed or even waylaid, but we usually get there, sometimes rather late, frequently rather hungry, but otherwise very little the worse for wear.
 Still, you never can tell, better bushmen than ourselves have been "bushed" before now, and a knowledge of signalling may come in very handy.
-We number among our members Rovers, ex-Soouts and men with what Aunty Cora calls the "Military bug," all I should imagine rather intimately acquainted with the Morse Code.
-Could it not be arranged for some of these to teach the rest of UB the system, and then have a few night jaunts on the lines of'Alan Rigby's Search and Rescue Parties to put it into practice?
+We number among our members Rovers, ex-Scouts and men with what Aunty Cora calls the "military bug", all I should imagine rather intimately acquainted with the Morse Code.
-BRENDA. WHITE.
--13 -
+Could it not be arranged for some of these to teach the rest of us the system, and then have a few night jaunts on the lines of Alan Rigby's search and rescue parties to put it into practice?
-Moss Vale,  Meryla Valley, Kangaroo River, Kangaroo Valley, Bugong, Illaroo, Bomaderry.
-Distance:	About 60 miles.
+Brenda White
-Fares: Train, and-class single to Moss Vale, 10/5d.
-From  Bomaderry, 11/5d.
+===== Moss Vale,  Meryla Valley, Kangaroo River, Kangaroo Valley, Bugong, Illaroo, Bomaderry =====
-In June 1930, "The Open Road" reported that one of the N.R.M.A. representatives- had succeeded in getting through the Meryla Valley to Kangaroo River by car, and that it was a very pretty trip, though the road was bad in parts.
+Distance: About 60 miles.\\
+Fares: Train, 2nd-class single to Moss Vale, 10/5d. From Bomaderry, 11/5d.
+In June 1930, "The Open Road" reported that one of the NRMA representatives had succeeded in getting through the Meryla Valley to Kangaroo River by car, and that it was a very pretty trip, though the road was bad in parts.
 The South Eastern Tourist Map shows a similar third-rate road running south from Kangaroo Valley to Bugong and Illaroo, and then east to Bomaderry.
 The directions are as follows:-
-Leaving Moss Vale by the Robertson Road, take the first turn off to the right past Tudor House, (2i- miles out). i-mile further an, turn to the right again and follow west for 1 mile, then turn south on the Neryla Road proper. Apparently this was an old convict-built road, being walled in places with free stone. In another .4 miles the road crosses Buadanoon Creek by a bridge about 50 feet above the water. After this the road is fairly sandy, and the country becomes more timbered. About 1 mile beyond this first bridge there is another over Gum Rock Creek, where there is a splendid swimming pool, good drinking water, and a splendid camp site0
-A little further on an orchard and homestead are passed on the left, and here the road passes under over-arching treds; the road then forks. The one on the left soon deteriorates into a bush track that leads to some splendid falls. On the way you cross two water channels and pass through a gate and some slip rails, beyond which you walk near a fence for about *-mile, until you can hear the sound of the Falls. There are a series of these Falls an Bray's Gully, also a splendid Lookout.	This deviation will add 4 or 5 miles to the length of the trip, but sounds worth while. Where this track re-joins the road, you may notice a tree which Mr. Briggs of the N.R.M.A. marked, with three nicks in June 1930.
+Leaving Moss Vale by the Robertson Road, take the first turn off to the right past Tudor House (2½ miles out). ¾ mile further on, turn to the right again and follow west for 1 mile, then turn south on the Meryla Road proper. Apparently this was an old convict-built road, being walled in places with free stone. In another 4 miles the road crosses Bundanoon Creek by a bridge about 50 feet above the water. After this the road is fairly sandy, and the country becomes more timbered. About 1 mile beyond this first bridge there is another over Gum Rock Creek, where there is a splendid swimming pool, good drinking water, and a splendid camp site.
-Continuing dawn the other branch of the road, you will come to another superb Lookout at the top of Meryla Valley. This is about 13 miles from Moss Vale. Coming dawn the mountain there are some very sharp hairpin bends in the road - and probably short cuts for walkers.
-About halfway down the mountain there is a- clearing of about 80 acres with plenty of good water, which is said to be an ideal camping ground. Here a hut stands which is parmanently occupied.	At the foot of the mountain there is a deep creek, Yarrunga Creek, with a very rough bottom, which has to be forded.
+A little further on an orchard and homestead are passed on the left, and here the road passes under over-arching trees; the road then forks. The one on the left soon deteriorates into a bush track that leads to some splendid falls. On the way you cross two water channels and pass through a gate and some slip rails, beyond which you walk near a fence for about ¼ mile, until you can hear the sound of the falls. There are a series of these falls an Bray's Gully, also a splendid lookout.	This deviation will add 4 or 5 miles to the length of the trip, but sounds worth while. Where this track rejoins the road, you may notice a tree which Mr Briggs of the NRMA marked, with three nicks in June 1930.
-Beyond the next hill going towards Bendiela, you reach cleared grating country, and the road soon improves and is good into the village of Kangaroo Valley # Total distance from Moss Vale, 32 miles, plus the deviation of 4 or
-miles.	According to the South-eastern Tourist map, the road to Bugang turns south west at the western end of the village, follows dawn the Kangaroo
+Continuing dawn the other branch of the road, you will come to another superb Lookout at the top of Meryla Valley. This is about 13 miles from Moss Vale. Coming down the mountain there are some very sharp hairpin bends in the road - and probably short cuts for walkers.
-- 14 -
-River for about 3 miles and then swings more nearly south another 2 miles to Bugong, This country is fairly hilly, the road crossing the watershed between the Kangaroo and Bugong.
+About halfway down the mountain there is a clearing of about 80 acres with plenty of good water, which is said to be an ideal camping ground. Here a hut stands which is permanently occupied. At the foot of the mountain there is a deep creek, Yarrunga Creek, with a very rough bottom, which has to be forded.
+Beyond the next hill going towards Bendiela, you reach cleared grating country, and the road soon improves and is good into the village of Kangaroo Valley. Total distance from Moss Vale, 32 miles, plus the deviation of 4 or 5 miles. According to the South-eastern Tourist map, the road to Bugang turns south west at the western end of the village, follows dawn the Kangaroo River for about 3 miles and then swings more nearly south another 2 miles to Bugong, This country is fairly hilly, the road crossing the watershed between the Kangaroo and Bugong.
 About 3 or 4 miles beyond Bugong, and about 4 miles north of the Shoalhaven River, it swings east to Illaroo, (which is probably only a station holding), and so on east until Bomaderry is reached. It appears as though the distance from Kangaroo Valley by this route will be about 25 miles.
-BY CANOE DOWN THE KOWMUNG.
-Since this account is being written for Bush Walkers, I will leave out the rhapsodies an the Kawmung River and especially the Rawmung oasuarinas - only a true Kowmunger can appreciate the country and such a one does not need being told about it.
+===== By Canoe down the Kowmung =====
-The idea started in Barry's fertile brain - after time had softened the memories of his upper Kawmung via the gorges trip, his mind inevitably turned back to his first love - for two months on the Kowmung with Jack Debert was his first experience of walking.
-I questioned the wild look in his eye at breakfast one morning and he came out with the whole brilliant (?) idea. "Many persons have canoed down the Shoalhaven and even more so down the Wollondilly - but no one had been fool enough yet to try the Kawmung. Haw about the Savages being the first fools?" Well - I was fool enough to fall for the idea. My experience of the Kawmung did not recall any insurmountable difficulties in connection with the actual canoeing but the task of getting the boat to the river offered some difficulties. The first job was to get a boat - like PaddV "I did not have the time or inclination " to build one, and since none were available for hiring, we set to purchasing one second-hand.	The boat finally selected was built by Mr. Spencer of Greenwimh for his own use some five years ago. It was 15 ft. 8 inches long and had a beam of
+Since this account is being written for Bush Walkers, I will leave out the rhapsodies on the Kowmung River and especially the Kowmung casuarinas - only a true Kowmunger can appreciate the country and such a one does not need being told about it.
- ft. 11 inches, and a depth amidships of 13i inches.	Hunt on Canadian lines. of 3/16 inch planking over some sixty ribs, the whole boat was again covered with
-canvas.	The construction was particularly strong, over five thousand copper rivets being used to attach the planking to the ribs and the addition of the canvas skin gave us a boat eminently suited to stand up to the hard knocks of the boulder-strewn Kowmung. The only disadvantage was its weight which was well over a hundred pounds.
+The idea started in Barry's fertile brain - after time had softened the memories of his upper Kowmung via the gorges trip, his mind inevitably turned back to his first love - for two months on the Kowmung with Jack Debert was his first experience of walking.
-Transport was solved by taking a lorry to Squatting Rock Gap near the head of the Colong Swamp. The journey was uneventful until we turned off the Burragorang Yerraaderie Road and took the stock route to the Colong Homestead.
-The track is vile, the first mile or so consisting of loose stones which just about shook the inside out of the lorry and did shake off some timber and packing. From the homestead there is a track up the swamp which leads to Squatting Rock Gap and thence to the Hornung. We succeeded in getting the lorry right to the Gap and
+I questioned the wild look in his eye at breakfast one morning and he came out with the whole brilliant (?) idea. "Many persons have canoed down the Shoalhaven and even more so down the Wollondilly - but no one had been fool enough yet to try the Kowmung. How about the savages being the first fools?" Well - I was fool enough to fall for the idea. My experience of the Kowmung did not recall any insurmountable difficulties in connection with the actual canoeing but the task of getting the boat to the river offered some difficulties. The first job was to get a boat - like Paddy "I did not have the time or inclination" to build one, and since none were available for hiring, we set to purchasing one second-hand. The boat finally selected was built by Mr Spencer of Greenwich for his own use some five years ago. It was 15' 8" long and had a beam of 2' 11", and a depth amidships of 13½". Hunt on Canadian lines of 3/16 inch planking over some sixty ribs, the whole boat was again covered with canvas. The construction was particularly strong, over five thousand copper rivets being used to attach the planking to the ribs and the addition of the canvas skin gave us a boat eminently suited to stand up to the hard knocks of the boulder-strewn Kowmung. The only disadvantage was its weight which was well over a hundred pounds.
-- 15 -
-so lightened our carry. Some Rover Scouts a'nd other friends (including Phil
+Transport was solved by taking a lorry to Squatting Rock Gap near the head of the Colong Swamp. The journey was uneventful until we turned off the Burragorang Yerranderie Road and took the stock route to the Colong Homestead. The track is vile, the first mile or so consisting of loose stones which just about shook the inside out of the lorry and did shake off some timber and packing. From the homestead there is a track up the swamp which leads to Squatting Rock Gap and thence to the Kowmung. We succeeded in getting the lorry right to the Gap and so lightened our carry. Some Rover Scouts and other friends (including Phil Brewster, one of our members and Arthur Webber ("Pinkie") whose name is on the list but we hope he won't be missed) came with us to help get the canoe down to the Kowmung, and after putting the boat an two bicycle wheels we started off for Billys Creek. The first hundred yards saw trouble for the angle of the hill caused a terrific side leverage on the lower wheel, so bent the axle - this was straightened only to bend again some few minutes later.	To ease the work of the canoe party, half of us carried two packs, the loads in some cases going well over a hundred pounds. This gave better results and four o'clock saw the whole party, canoe and all, in the bed of the dry Billys Creek. This route is possibly the shortest into the Kowmung but the bed of Billy Creek is far from being a negotiable route for a canoe. This portion proved so rough that we could not get the boat to the Kowmung before nightfall and so it was left in Billys Creek whilst we pushed on and made camp just above the junction. An hour's work early next morning saw the boat safely transported down the remainder of Billys Creek (on the shoulders of the carriers) at half past six in the morning the first canoe floated on that part of the Kowmung. After breakfast the whole party - canoe and all - moved up to Billys Hole, just below Lannigans Creek and we believe this to be the highest point reached by canoe on the Kowmung.
-Brewster, one of our members and Arthur Webber("Pinkie") whose name is an the list
-but we hope he won't be missed) came with us to help get the canoe down to the Kowmung, and after putting the boat an two bicycle wheels we started off for Billy's Creek. The first hundred yeards saw trouble for the angle of the hill caused a terrific side leverage on the lower wheel, so bent the axle - this was straightened only to bend again some few minutes later.	To ease the work of the canoe party, half of us carried two packs, the loads in some cases going well over a hundred pounds, This gave better results and four o'clock saw the whole party, canoe and all, in the bed of the dry Billy's Creek. This route is possibly the shortest into the Kawmung butthe bed of Billy Creek is far from bofrIg a negotiable route for a canoe0 This portion proved so rough that we could not get the boat to the Kawmung before nightfall and so it was left In Billy's Creek whilst we pushed on and made camp just above the junction. An hour's work early next morning saw the boat safely transported down the remainder of Billy's Creek (on the shoulders of the carriers) at half past six in the morning the first oanoe floated on that part of the Kowmung. After breaEfast the whole party - canoe and all - moved up to Billy's Hole, just below Lannigan's Creek and we believe this to be the highest point reached by canoe on the Kowmung.
+After lunch our carriers moved off on their steep climb to the lorry at Squatting Rock Gap. Their record of having lunch in the Kowmung and a late tea in Sydney must surely hold the record for fast trips out of the Kowmung. Harry went with them for at the last minute his business required his attendance in Sydney and he had to leave John Hill and myself to do the trip that he had planned.
-After lunch our carriers moved off on their steep climb to the lorry at Squatting Rock Gap. Their record of haeag lunch in the Kawmung and a late tea in Sydney must surely hold the record for fast trips out of the Kawmung. Harry went with them Lot at the last minute his business required his attendance in Sydney and he had to leave John Hill and myself to do the trip that he had planned.
-Next morning saw the start of the actual canoe trip but although the easuarina-fringed reaches seemed' to offer ideal canoeing country, the rapids proved so numerous and slaw to negotiate that our actual speed was less than a mile an hour, and at night-fall we camped between Manning's and Church Creek	The following day was not much better but we made our Objective in camping just
+Next morning saw the start of the actual canoe trip but although the casuarina-fringed reaches seemed to offer ideal canoeing country, the rapids proved so numerous and slow to negotiate that our actual speed was less than a mile an hour, and at night-fall we camped between Mannings and Church Creek. The following day was not much better but we made our objective in camping just before the Bulga Denis at the junction of Christys Creek. The day was most interesting for we lunched on Hoy's claim and actually saw gold washed from the pay dirt. The labour necessary to win the several small specks of gold we saw did not enamour us to a prospector's life and so our trip was not interrupted. In this part of the river we met several stockmen checking over their cattle, including Mr Venn and his son from the Abercrombie River who were particularly interested in our venture. So much so, that they accompanied us half way through the Bulga-Denis Canyon. Incidentally, no one on the river has heard of the Bulga Denis - they all know of the Big Bluff and some few have ventured into the middle section, but they are all so confident that cattle could not get past the lower bluffs that no cattleman at any rate, ever tries to get through.
-before the Rulga Denis at the junction of Christie's Creeke The day was most interesting for we lunched on Hay's claim and actually saw gold washed from the pay dirt. The labour necessary to win the several small specks of gold we saw did not enamour us to a prospector's life and so our trip was not intermapted.
-In this part of the river we met several stockmen checking over their cattle, including Mr. Venn and his son from the Abercrombie River who were particularly interested in our venture. So much so, that they accompanied us half way through the Bulga-Denis Canyon. Mncidentally, no one on the river has heard of the Bulga Denis - they all know of the Big Bluff and some few have ventured into the middle section, but they are all so confident that cattle could not get pact the lower bluffs that no cattleman at any rate, ever tries to get through.
+We faced the Bulga Denis with mixed feelings - its reputation was well known to us and we feared a rough time. On the other hand, we consoled ourselves with the thoughts that although the going might be tough on foot, the river by canoe might be easier - perhaps it was, but I have no inclination to go through the Bulga Denis again, either way. More than half the canyon consists of falls and rapids, some up to four feet high, but the centre and lower end offers some fine canoeing reaches. The whole day was spent negotiating the canyon and that night we camped a mile or so above Orange Bluff and just clear of the canyon. The ensuing three days were spent on the most pleasant part of the Kowmung - the river was wider and so were the rapids - in a number of cases we found difficulty in floating the canoe and it had to be lifted and pulled over the loose stones until it floated in the deeper water of the lower reaches. A number of waterfalls between six and ten feet high were encountered and these necessitated a complete portage of the canoe and gear. As we approached the Lower Kowmung Canyon, boulders again became prominent in the river bed, causing much inconvenience. Finally, we camped on the last possible site before the canyon, a small flat on left bank of the river. The rain which had been dogging us for the last day now came down in earnest and gave us a wet camp. Next morning the canyon was filled with mist as we pushed off on our last stage to the Coxs. From a canoeing point of view, the Kowmung Canyon is a replica of the Bulga Denis - an endless mixture of rapids, boulders, waterfalls and deep holes. We had ceased to worry about the care of the canoe and pulled and pushed it across rocks which in the earlier stages of the trip would have entailed unpacking half the gear.
-We faced the Bulga Denis with mixed feelings - its reputation was well known to us and we feared a rough time. On the other hand, we consoled ourselves with the thoughts that although the going might be tough on foot, the river "by canoe might be easier - perhaps it was, but I have no inclination to go through the Bulge. Denis again, either way. More than half the canyon consists of falls and rapids, some up to four feet high, but the centre and lower end offers some fine canoeing reaches. The whole day was spent negotiating the canyon and that night we camped a mile or so above Orange Bluff and just clear of the canyon. The ensuing three days were spent on the most pleasant part of the Sowmung - the river was wider and so were the rapids - in a number of cases we found difficulty
--16 -
+About mid-day I seemed to recognise Cox's River country ahead but another two hours elapsed before we floated at the junction of the Coxs and Kowmung - the first canoe through. We had a late lunch here and after leaving a note for Peter Page, pushed off down the Coxs. After the rock-strewn Kowmung, the Coxs seemed to have all the attributes that a river should have and we forgot its doubtful ancestry in the various mountain towns. To us it ranked equal with the Jordan of Biblical fame and the Mississippi and Amazon were not to be considered. The Black Dog Canyon offered some thrills for a short time, for the volume of water made the footing treacherous as we faced the canoe down the long rapids. After this, little trouble was experienced as we made our way easily down to McMahon's, who put us up as we were nearly out of food. Heavy rains and the long time taken to do the Kowmung altered our plans of going through the Warragamba to Penrith and we made Bimlow in Burragorang our finishing post. Torrential rains on the last day marred this portion of the trip, but as we lifted the canoe out of the Wollondilly River, we felt satisfied in having done something new in the annals of bush walking.
-in floating the canoe and it had to be lifted and pulled over the loose stones until it floated in the deeper water of the lower reaches.	A, number of waterfalls between six and ten feet high were encountered and these necessitated a
-complete portage of the canoe and gear.	As we approached the Lauer Kawmung Canvon, boulders again became prominent in the river bed, causing much inconvenience. Finally, we camped on the last possible site before the Canyon, a mall flat on left bank of the river. The rain which had been dogging US for the last day now came down in earnest and game us a wet camp. Next morning the Canyon was filled with mist as we pushed off on our last stage to the Cox.
+Bob Savage
-From a canoeing point of View, the Kawmung Canyon is a replica of the Bulga Denis - an endless mixture of rapids, boulders, waterfalls and deep holes. We had ceased to worry about the care of the canoe and pulled and pushed it across rocks which in the earlier stages of the trip would have entailed unpacking half the gear.
-About mid-day I seemed to recognise Cox's River country ahead but another two hours elapsed before we floated at the junction of the Cox and Kowmung -
+===== Social Notes =====
-the first canoe through.	We had a late lunch here and after leaving a note for Peter Page, pusheti off down the Cox. After the rock-strewn Kawmung, the Cox seemed to have all the attributes that a river should have and we forgot its doubtful ancestry in the various mountain towns. To us it ranked equal with the Jordan of Biblical fame and the Mississippi and Amazon were not to be considered. The Black Dog Canyon offered some thrills for a short time, for the volume of water made the footing treacherous as we faced the canoe down the long rapids. After this, little trouble was experienced as we made our way easily down to
-McMahon' a, who put us up as we were nearly out of food.	Heavy rains and the long time taken to do the Kamung altered our plans of going through the Warragamba to Penrith and we made Bimlow in Burragorang our finishing post. Torrential rains on the last day marred this portion of the trip, but as we lifted the canoe out of the Wollondilly River, we felt satisfied in having done something new in the annals of Bush walking.
+On December 14th, we repeated the Annual Concert with marked success, some people enjoying the second performance better than the first. There were over 200 present, with the result that the proceeds are £10:10:0 which will go towards reducing the Blue Gum Forest debt.
-BOB SAVAGE.
-SOCIAL NOTES.
+The Club did its annual good deed and gave 42 children a red-letter day on December 18th last. Many of these have been the club's guests for three years running and regard some of the members as old friends. Twelve of the children were residents of Lilyvale and nearby, and we were told the Christmas treat and party were the only taste of Christmas that they would receive, so we feel that there more than anywhere our efforts were not wasted.
-On December 14th., we repeated the Annual Concert with marked success, some people enjoying the second performance better than the first. There were over 200 present, with the result that the proceeds are Z1010:0 which will go towards reducing the Blue Gum Forest debt.
-The Club did its annual good deed and gave 42 children a red-letter day on December 18th. last. Many of these have been the Club's guests- for three years running and regard some of the members as old friends. Twelve of the children were residents of Wyvale and hearby, and we were told the Christmas treat and party were the only taste of Christmas that they would receive, so we feel that there more than anywhere our efforts were not wasted.
+Some of us decided that the Walks Programme was guilty of gross falsifications when the day was described as "easy". Those who were there worked harder than on any other day during the year.
-Some of us decided that the Walks Programme was guilty of gross falsifications when the day was described as "easy".	Those who were there worked harder than on any other day during the year.
-The Annual Christmas Camp was well attended, but there were many faces missing that we have been accustomed to seeing at Xmastidee
+The Annual Christmas Camp was well attended, but there were many faces missing that we have been accustomed to seeing at Xmastide.
-The weather was good and a happy spirit prevailed.	The Cricket Match between S.B.Ws. and Locals caused interest and excitement and resulted in a draw. The Water & Sewerage Board did good work and got
-the new pump installed In time	Opinions differ as to its successe The camp-fire concerto were particularly enjoyable, and the fancy dress parade an New Years Eve brought forth some startling effects.
+The weather was good and a happy spirit prevailed. The cricket match between SBWs and locals caused interest and excitement and resulted in a draw. The Water & Sewerage Board did good work and got the new pump installed in time. Opinions differ as to its success. The camp-fire concerts were particularly enjoyable, and the fancy dress parade an New Years Eve brought forth some startling effects.
-The S.B.W. will soon be a married people's Club, as we have had two more weddings from our members. The Club's first Secretary and Treasurer, Charlie Kilpatrick and. Vera Rankin were married on Jan. 15th., last, and prior to that, Enid Greenacre and Alan Rigby joined hearts and fortunes. Alan is the designer of the Club's distinctive and beautiful badge and also the Club's stationery.
+The SBW will soon be a married people's club, as we have had two more weddings from our members. The club's first secretary and treasurer, Charlie Kilpatrick and Vera Rankin were married on Jan 15th, last, and prior to that, Enid Greenacre and Alan Rigby joined hearts and fortunes. Alan is the designer of the club's distinctive and beautiful badge and also the club's stationery.
 We wish them health, wealth and happiness, and plenty of it.
-We are happy to be able to congratulate Anice and Frank on the birth of their son and heir.' I wonder is he a Pommy or an "Orstrailyan"? Anyway, whichever he is, he should be a good bushwalker and a fine fellow.
-RTE D. BROWNE, Han. Social Sec.
+We are happy to be able to congratulate Anice and Frank on the birth of their son and heir. I wonder is he a pommy or an "Orstrailyan"? Anyway, whichever he is, he should be a good bushwalker and a fine fellow.
-STOP TRESS:
-Sympathy is extended to Edith Griffiths ("Griff") who was unfortunate enough to fracture her right leg last week-end.	Willing hands carried her up from O'Hare's Creek - "Griff" set her teeth and did not utter a murmur.
+Rene D Browne, Hon Social Sec
-She was attended by Dr. Jones of Campbelltown, who made complimentary reference to the efficient First Aid that had been rendered, She was taken to her home by the Live-pool District Ambulance. Here:s hoping that she has a speedy recovery.
-Have just heard that two more members of the Club have decided to join forces - this time to the glory of dear Old Scotland - Jean Malcolm and our old friend "Dorman" (Alan Hardy).
+===== Stop Press =====
-We wish to congratulate them very heartily on their engagement. EDITOR.
+Sympathy is extended to Edith Griffiths ("Griff") who was unfortunate enough to fracture her right leg last weekend. Willing hands carried her up from O'Hare's Creek - "Griff" set her teeth and did not utter a murmur.
+She was attended by Dr. Jones of Campbelltown, who made complimentary reference to the efficient first aid that had been rendered. She was taken to her home by the Liverpool District Ambulance. Here's hoping that she has a speedy recovery.
+Have just heard that two more members of the club have decided to join forces - this time to the glory of dear old Scotland - Jean Malcolm and our old friend "Dorman" (Alan Hardy).
+We wish to congratulate them very heartily on their engagement.
+Editor