193412
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193412 [2014/09/10 10:12] – emmanuelle_c | 193412 [2014/09/12 13:22] (current) – [Social Notes.] emmanuelle_c | ||
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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 | + | ===== Editorial ===== |
I feel I cannot let the Christmas Number go to press without a few remarks about the Annual Camp. | I feel I cannot let the Christmas Number go to press without a few remarks about the Annual Camp. | ||
Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
I hope so! | I hope so! | ||
- | ====== The Wolgan Valley and Colo River ====== | + | ===== The Wolgan Valley and Colo River ===== |
(Concluded.) (From Dunc's Diary) | (Concluded.) (From Dunc's Diary) | ||
Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
We caught the 10 something train home and thus ended a real tough trip and I'm glad I went. | We caught the 10 something train home and thus ended a real tough trip and I'm glad I went. | ||
- | ====== Tally of Lost Property. | + | ===== Tally of Lost Property. ===== |
| Ninian | 1 knife, 1 packet of cigarettes. | | | Ninian | 1 knife, 1 packet of cigarettes. | | ||
Line 71: | Line 71: | ||
|Ray | 1 shaving brush. strap off camera. | | |Ray | 1 shaving brush. strap off camera. | | ||
|Me | Wonder of wonders - nothing, except skin and hair.| | |Me | Wonder of wonders - nothing, except skin and hair.| | ||
- | ====== Greetings | + | |
+ | ===== Greetings ===== | ||
Paddy Pallin extends to all Bushwalkers the heartiest of greetings. | Paddy Pallin extends to all Bushwalkers the heartiest of greetings. | ||
- | May the sun shine on you. | + | May the sun shine on you.\\ |
- | + | May you find shade for your tent\\ | |
- | May you find shade for your tent | + | And soft turf whereon to lie;\\ |
- | + | A quiet clear rocky pool,\\ | |
- | And soft turf whereon to lie; | + | Or perchance the tumbling surf.\\ |
- | + | Pleasant company,\\ | |
- | A quiet clear rocky pool, | + | Good food,\\ |
- | + | Peace\\ | |
- | Or perchance the tumbling surf. | + | And Happiness\\ |
- | + | ||
- | Pleasant company, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Good food, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Peace | + | |
- | + | ||
- | And Happiness | + | |
be yours. | be yours. | ||
Line 115: | Line 107: | ||
(over Hallams, opp. Wynyard Stn.) | (over Hallams, opp. Wynyard Stn.) | ||
- | ====== Mt. King George. | + | ===== Mt. King George. |
- | All bushwalkers of course know Mt. King George, that massive mountain on the northern side of the Grose River facing Govetts Leap Creek. The first known ascent was made on the 30th. September this year by a number of the S.B.W. - viz: Jeane Travis, Jessie Martin, Gordon Mannell and my self. Contrary to its own expectations, | + | All bushwalkers of course know Mt. King George |
and thirsty night. The next morning the landscape was draped with a light mantle of snow. Owing to the services of Mr. Pearce who lived at the first habitation, the party reached the Grose again and arrived at camp in the Blue Gum Forest to find that four search parties were combing the adjacent country. | and thirsty night. The next morning the landscape was draped with a light mantle of snow. Owing to the services of Mr. Pearce who lived at the first habitation, the party reached the Grose again and arrived at camp in the Blue Gum Forest to find that four search parties were combing the adjacent country. | ||
Line 126: | Line 118: | ||
The 8.53 a.m. from town duly arrived, packed chock-a-block, | The 8.53 a.m. from town duly arrived, packed chock-a-block, | ||
- | Leaving Leura at 12 noon, lunch was taken near a dairy 2 1/2 miles out. Gilbert Taylor and George Dibley had arranged to wait for us here, but their presence was hardly expected at this late hour. The day was rather hot and sultry as we progressed along the Mt. Hay track, passing through most uninteresting country. Although none of us had been in that direction before, the dome of Mt. King George lay in our line of vision all afternoon. We did branch off a little too soon, and in consequence had to cross a gully but found Lockley pylon without much difficulty. Here we had a little trouble finding the correct spot where the track descends, and much time was wasted. The slopes seemed to be endless, and the evening shadows lay heavily upon the leaf-strewn carpet of the Blue Gum Forest when we reached our destination. Here we found Gilbert, George and quite a number of Bushwalkers camped. Anticipating an early night we withdrew to a distance of some hundreds of yards and pitched the tent. After a dip preparations were made for tea. | + | Leaving Leura at 12 noon, lunch was taken near a dairy 2 1/2 miles out. Gilbert Taylor and George Dibley had arranged to wait for us here, but their presence was hardly expected at this late hour. The day was rather hot and sultry as we progressed along the Mt. Hay track, passing through most uninteresting country. Although none of us had been in that direction before, the dome of Mt. King George |
At 9 p.m. we crawled into our bags and I slept immediately. Probably the strains of "Danny Boy" and ten thousand other melodies were wafted along by the breezes at all sorts of ungodly hours in the morning; but I heard not, Morpheus and I were co-tenting. | At 9 p.m. we crawled into our bags and I slept immediately. Probably the strains of "Danny Boy" and ten thousand other melodies were wafted along by the breezes at all sorts of ungodly hours in the morning; but I heard not, Morpheus and I were co-tenting. | ||
Line 134: | Line 126: | ||
At 6.25 a.m. we left, carrying one small pack with two cameras, a torch, first-aid kit and compass, matches, chocolate, raisins and fifty feet of rope. The ascent of the extremely steep foothills of the mountain was laborious but otherwise almost without incident; almost, I say, for during one " | At 6.25 a.m. we left, carrying one small pack with two cameras, a torch, first-aid kit and compass, matches, chocolate, raisins and fifty feet of rope. The ascent of the extremely steep foothills of the mountain was laborious but otherwise almost without incident; almost, I say, for during one " | ||
- | After an hour we reached the base of the cliffs and skirted these until we were beneath the cliffs which presented the only possible route to the top. Immediately it was necessary to follow a ledge and zig-zag | + | After an hour we reached the base of the cliffs and skirted these until we were beneath the cliffs which presented the only possible route to the top. Immediately it was necessary to follow a ledge and zigzag |
- | The cleft for the moment | + | |
- | A, tiny pool of crystal water invited the attention of our parched throats. We lay down, relieved, and made a vicious attack on the chocolate and raisins. Some while later we emerged from the shady fissure to the hot blaze of a mountain. Summer' | + | The cleft for the moment |
- | Our Coo-ees were heard by Hoc Carruthers at camp, and his replies were clear enough. I'm afraid we wasted considerable time taking photos and in contemplation of the grand vista exposed to our view. Surmounting several crests of the range, the trig was at last visible and treading warily through prickles we reached the cairn, in 4 hours 35 minutes. | + | |
- | More photos followed and then it became necessary to think of the return journey. Jock selected a likely looking gully some few miles away and we followed the track from the trig to the Bell road. After a mile or two of road no track turning off was visible, and we decided to follow a ridge in the direction of the Grose. When some distance along this, Jock suggested descending to the gully on our right and suddenly - hey presto' | + | A tiny pool of crystal water invited the attention of our parched throats. We lay down, relieved, and made a vicious attack on the chocolate and raisins. Some while later we emerged from the shady fissure to the hot blaze of a mountain. Summer' |
- | Walking more quickly we followed the track which gradually descended and meandered first through a beautiful green gully comparable to the Rodriguez Pass, and later along the side of the Grose River but high up. In a delightful little angle of the track was some shade ,anda rocky pool offered an opportunity to slake our thirst. Joan and Jock scorned my suggestion of chocolate but I wolfed a full quarter of a pound. | + | |
+ | More photos followed and then it became necessary to think of the return journey. Jock selected a likely looking gully some few miles away and we followed the track from the trig to the Bell road. After a mile or two of road no track turning off was visible, and we decided to follow a ridge in the direction of the Grose. When some distance along this, Jock suggested descending to the gully on our right and suddenly - hey presto! in front of us lay a well defined and cut track. Our stocks soared high again. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Walking more quickly we followed the track which gradually descended and meandered first through a beautiful green gully comparable to the Rodriguez Pass, and later along the side of the Grose River but high up. In a delightful little angle of the track was some shade, | ||
Later the track was overgrown with prickly bushes and lawyer vine, so that at last in desperation we headed for the river, crossed and followed the track on the southern bank. Speeding up again we reached camp at 2.55 p.m. | Later the track was overgrown with prickly bushes and lawyer vine, so that at last in desperation we headed for the river, crossed and followed the track on the southern bank. Speeding up again we reached camp at 2.55 p.m. | ||
- | A dip apiece made a world of difference, and after consuming my share of nine eggs, bacon and etceteras, I felt almost a new woman. Time flaw and when everything was packed, the watch said 4.20 p.m. There was a little more than three hours to catch the last train - 7.30 p.m. | + | |
- | An average of four miles an hour was maintained along Govett' | + | A dip apiece made a world of difference, and after consuming my share of nine eggs, bacon and etceteras, I felt almost a new woman. Time flew and when everything was packed, the watch said 4.20 p.m. There was a little more than three hours to catch the last train - 7.30 p.m. |
- | when after the Junction the track commenced to wind steadily upwards, our pace | + | |
- | slackened. On the zig-zag to Govett' | + | An average of four miles an hour was maintained along Govett' |
- | reached the station. | + | |
- | In conclusion may I pay a tribute to the really wonderful performance of Joan. She had had three hours sleep on Friday night and on Saturday even less on account | + | In conclusion may I pay a tribute to the really wonderful performance of Joan. She had had three hours sleep on Friday night and on Saturday even less on account of a bad headache. Although the approximate distance was only 24 miles for the day we were, with the exception of a few short breaks, 13 hours on our feet, and the trip included the two severe ascents of King George |
- | of a bad headache. Although the approximate distance was only 24 miles for the day we were, with the exception of a few short breaks, 13 hours on our feet, and | + | |
- | the trip included the two severe ascents of King George and Govettis | + | |
- | very fair proportion of rough, rugged and prickly country as well. I do not say that' | + | |
Gordon Smith. | Gordon Smith. | ||
- | Amen and hear! hear! " | ||
- | ====== | + | Amen and hear! hear!\\ |
+ | "Jock" | ||
- | This is not the record of three very earnest young men spending a hazardous time in " | + | ===== "This all Sounds Like Kowmung to me" ===== |
- | We were three no-ologists, | + | |
- | " | + | This is not the record of three very earnest young men spending a hazardous time in " |
- | Of Cerberus and blackest midnight born | + | |
- | In Stygian cave forlorn | + | We were three no-ologists, |
- | tMongst | + | |
+ | " | ||
+ | Of Cerberus and blackest midnight born\\ | ||
+ | In Stygian cave forlorn\\ | ||
+ | ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | And now the story opens at the Mill near Jenolan. It rains as oft it has rained before; there is mud, such mud, and the three of us are struggling manfully with beans, bacon, a small fire, and a tame cat, which last was still happy, fat, and purring when we left. | ||
- | - And now the story opens at the Mill near Jenolan. It rains as oft it has | ||
- | rained before; there is mud, stuch mud, and the three of us are struggling manfully with beans, bacon, a small fire, and a tame cat, which last was still happy, fat, and purring when we left. | ||
Came the dawn after a hard night in the garage - a cold and chilly dawn with frost in the air, - and soon a start along the Kanangra road. | Came the dawn after a hard night in the garage - a cold and chilly dawn with frost in the air, - and soon a start along the Kanangra road. | ||
- | Frank distinguished himself by having a pack of gargantuan proportions, | + | |
+ | Frank distinguished himself by having a pack of gargantuan proportions, | ||
Evan was a somewhat lesser celebrity in a burglar Bill cap and something which looked a little more like a pack than a haystack. | Evan was a somewhat lesser celebrity in a burglar Bill cap and something which looked a little more like a pack than a haystack. | ||
- | I regret to say I had a water bottle which, on occasion, was also a hot water | + | |
+ | I regret to say I had a water bottle which, on occasion, was also a __hot water bottle__ | ||
The wind blew in gusts and we felt very cold at Rocky Top; when we reached the Mud Hut we found some of the more illustrious members of the S.B.W' | The wind blew in gusts and we felt very cold at Rocky Top; when we reached the Mud Hut we found some of the more illustrious members of the S.B.W' | ||
- | Snow fell lightly and next morning we were greeted by a much heavier fall lasting until 11 o' | ||
- | We oxplored Mounts Maxwell and Brennan and spied out the surroundings from Danae with its snowy top, Thurat, and Gangerang in a great half circle to Colong sway in the distance southwards where we were due in four days - and all the time the wind whistled over the Tops, and our capes waved wildly whenever we moved so that standing the camera and taking a picture was an art all on its own. Later | ||
- | a sudden squall with hail came upon us and we only wanted heavy mist and an earthquake to make our picture of sunny New South Wales complete in every detail. | ||
- | Tuesday was fine and we were away on the lower path for Gingra at 7.46 | ||
- | (New record). About 10.30 we were an the lookout for Wally' | ||
- | Our ridge landed us eventually din a slope which swear was close on 500. | ||
- | Our language | + | Snow fell lightly and next morning we were greeted by a much heavier fall lasting until 11 o' |
- | At last we broke out onto a flat on a creek bed and we all said " | + | |
- | It turned out to be Ferny Flat Creek, full of heavy undergrowth and nettles, and every nasty sort of thing that grew, flew, and buzzed, so trimming three | + | We explored Mounts Maxwell and Brennan and spied out the surroundings from Danae with its snowy top, Thurat, and Gangerang in a great half circle to Colong sway in the distance southwards where we were due in four days - and all the time the wind whistled over the Tops, and our capes waved wildly whenever we moved so that standing the camera and taking a picture was an art all on its own. Later a sudden squall with hail came upon us and we only wanted heavy mist and an earthquake to make our picture of sunny New South Wales complete in every detail. |
- | nettle stems for use as walking sticks we climbed out onto Hughes' | + | |
- | The Kawmung | + | Tuesday was fine and we were away on the lower path for Gingra at 7.46 (New record). About 10.30 we were on the lookout for Wally' |
- | Beyels | + | |
- | A couple of hours' rock hopping along Lannigants | + | Our ridge landed us eventually on a slope which swear was close on 50°. Our language |
+ | |||
+ | At last we broke out onto a flat on a creek bed and we all said " | ||
+ | |||
+ | It turned out to be Ferny Flat Creek, full of heavy undergrowth and nettles, and every nasty sort of thing that grew, flew, and buzzed, so trimming three nettle stems for use as walking sticks we climbed out onto Hughes' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Kowmung | ||
+ | |||
+ | Haye' | ||
+ | |||
+ | A couple of hours' rock hopping along Lannigan' | ||
We were pleased to find that the bats are re-inhabiting the lower part of the galleries, from where they were abducted by scientists some moons ago. | We were pleased to find that the bats are re-inhabiting the lower part of the galleries, from where they were abducted by scientists some moons ago. | ||
+ | |||
The track to Yerranderie via the swamp and the Tonalli River proved very thirsty and our water bottles were appreciated muchly; incidentally the swamp was actually wet. | The track to Yerranderie via the swamp and the Tonalli River proved very thirsty and our water bottles were appreciated muchly; incidentally the swamp was actually wet. | ||
+ | |||
In the township we made straight for the store, which has changed hands, the Goldings having left, and two young? men now being in occupation. | In the township we made straight for the store, which has changed hands, the Goldings having left, and two young? men now being in occupation. | ||
+ | |||
We were hungry - very hungry - but after 3 bottles of soft drinks, 2 cups of tea each, a pound of chocolate, a tin of salmon, a tin of jam, a can of tomatoes, 112 lb butter, and a loaf of bread, we felt a little better and also able to cope with the junior element which foregathered and proved to be, not half of Yerranderie' | We were hungry - very hungry - but after 3 bottles of soft drinks, 2 cups of tea each, a pound of chocolate, a tin of salmon, a tin of jam, a can of tomatoes, 112 lb butter, and a loaf of bread, we felt a little better and also able to cope with the junior element which foregathered and proved to be, not half of Yerranderie' | ||
+ | |||
We turned in early and next day, Frank and I climbed the Peak, and were rewarded with a superb view of the hills which enclose Yerranderie, | We turned in early and next day, Frank and I climbed the Peak, and were rewarded with a superb view of the hills which enclose Yerranderie, | ||
+ | |||
This seems a most appropriate finish to the article, that is two young men gazing from a mountain peak with far seeing eyes over a vast expanse of rugged - country, with the light of conquest in their eyes and the satisfied feeling of a trip well done - but I dislike doing the appropriate thing so will continue to the bitter end. | This seems a most appropriate finish to the article, that is two young men gazing from a mountain peak with far seeing eyes over a vast expanse of rugged - country, with the light of conquest in their eyes and the satisfied feeling of a trip well done - but I dislike doing the appropriate thing so will continue to the bitter end. | ||
- | We climbed | + | |
+ | We climbed | ||
Barney. | Barney. | ||
- | ====== Exploration of Tuglow Caves ====== | + | ===== Exploration of Tuglow Caves ===== |
- | A letter from Oliver Glanfield to Myles Dunphy | + | A letter from Oliver Glanfield to Myles Dunphy\\ |
23rd. August, 1934. | 23rd. August, 1934. | ||
+ | |||
Dear Myles, | Dear Myles, | ||
- | I have been trying to drop in and recount our experiences on our second | ||
- | visit to Tuglaw Caves on August 4, 5 and 6 inst., but having been unsuccessful in seeing you I am writing a brief outline of the trip. | ||
- | The party - Cedric Old and Keith Hardiman, both of the legal fraternity; and Win. Barnes, a doctor; and myself - left Sydney on Friday night in Old's car and stayed the night at his cottage at Wentworth Falls. This time we carried a | ||
- | thermometer as a matter of interest. At Wentworth Falls a strong westerly blow | ||
- | arose and sent the temperature down to 400F. Spent a good night indoors and moved off next morning in good sunshine to Jenolan. Along the main road, from about | ||
- | Hartley to Jenolan, snow had fallen the previous night and still remained in protected | ||
- | patches. Somehow we could not get warm. | ||
- | Passed through Jenolan and up the Oberon Hill, finding the whole country covered with a few inches of snow. Air temperature 350F generally, but once dropped to 330F. Good road but a bit slippery to Ginkin Turnoff (main Ginkin Road, not the short cut, which is in a terrible condition. Poor road to Ginkin, sky becoming | ||
- | ominously overcast, and a bad road to Tuglaw which necessitated detours, and once the | ||
- | removal of undergrowth by axe to provide a safe passage around a road bog of unknown depth. | ||
- | Arrived at Dennis' | ||
- | The river was greatly swollen and crossing proved difficult. Old tried to wade at the usual ford but the current was too strong and the cold water made his | ||
- | skin very sore. As the light was failing rapidly we decided to push a pole across the narrowest part where two limestone boulders formed a deep, rushing channel. A | ||
- | second lighter pole was also manoeuvred into position, and then I crawled across on | ||
- | all fours and fixed a rope to the opposite side. On this somewhat insecure bridge we crossed with our gear, and entered the hut at twilight, finding one of Dennis' | ||
- | Old, failing in a brave attempt to wade the river, ran up and down the bank | ||
- | trying to warm himself, clad in shirt, pullover, coat, overcoat and muffler, but | ||
- | without his trousers, and presented a strange sight in the fading light of the cold evening. After spending some time and considerable physical effort in warming himself he was unfortunate enough to step forward onto a seemingly solid-looking | ||
- | grass tussock by the side of the stream, and found himself dropped vertically into | ||
- | the chilly stream again. These incidents produced a deal of hilarity but the various comments cannot be recorded. | ||
- | SUNDAY, AUGUST 5th., 1934. The day broke clear and sunny, but fresh to cold. Party | ||
- | set out over Tuglau Mountain to the Caves. Much to my discredit, I admit an error in guiding and we found ourselves in the next gully upstream along the Kawmung from the Caves, but after a scouting trip on my part, we climbed out and arrived at the | ||
- | Caves about mid-day. We had brought along a winch made of one inch galvanized iron | ||
- | piping with handles, and rigged up this S.E. of the bigger entrance, having previously | ||
- | marked Z)112 200 feet of rope in 20 feet sections. Decided to lunch before the descent. During 1-unzh we drew lots for "first down," | + | I have been trying |
- | of the crevasse. This feeling intensified when I reached a larger cavern, the sides of which were beyond reach, However, I signalled for further lowering | + | |
- | up from what appeared to be a " | + | |
- | I had pulled a second rope dawn with me as a safety precaution and in coming_ up had moved it from the end of the crevasse into which I had been, to the other end, as a guide to the next man down. This was Hardiman. We lowered him to about 100 feet when he blew one blast - stop. His next signal was !down', | + | |
- | trousers and back pocket and contents, torn off against a rock somewhere in the ascent. | + | |
- | I would mention the matter of sound in the Caves. Each man had a fairly loud whistle | + | |
- | Next man down was Barnes. Profiting from the knowledge gained of the first two descents he successfully gained a solid (?) bottom at 110 feet. He left the rope; we hauled it up and sent dawn Old to join him, Hardiman and I pulled up the second rope (a mistaken move) and lowered ourselves into the smaller hole or entrance which we explored last Easter. However, we did not get far before the signal to haul up was heard (both entrances lead to a common cavern) 'and we had to hurry to allay fears of the boys being trapped. Old came up first, and then we realized that, as the second rope had been removed, we did not know where Barnes was. | + | |
- | After some deliberation I was lowered on the main rope, carrying the second rope, and after some manoeuvring, | + | |
- | Dusk was approaching rapidly, so we dismantled the winch and wound up the - ropes. Made a short trip to the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Kowmung River, which was running strongly - there were no placid pools between the rapids. | + | |
- | Started back to the hut, ascending straight up the side of Tuglaw | + | The party - Cedric Old and Keith Hardiman, both of the legal fraternity; and Win. Barnes, a doctor; and myself - left Sydney on Friday night in Old's car and stayed the night at his cottage at Wentworth Falls. This time we carried a thermometer as a matter of interest. At Wentworth Falls a strong westerly blow arose and sent the temperature down to 40°F [4.4°C]. Spent a good night indoors and moved off next morning in good sunshine to Jenolan. Along the main road, from about Hartley to Jenolan, snow had fallen the previous night and still remained in protected patches. Somehow we could not get warm. |
+ | |||
+ | Passed through Jenolan and up the Oberon Hill, finding the whole country covered with a few inches of snow. Air temperature 35°F [1.7°C] generally, but once dropped to 33°F [0.5°C]. Good road but a bit slippery to Gingkin Turnoff (main Gingkin Road, not the short cut, which is in a terrible condition). Poor road to Gingkin, sky becoming ominously overcast, and a bad road to Tuglow which necessitated detours, and once the removal of undergrowth by axe to provide a safe passage around a road bog of unknown depth. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Arrived at Dennis' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The river was greatly swollen and crossing proved difficult. [Cedric] Old tried to wade at the usual ford but the current was too strong and the cold water made his skin very sore. As the light was failing rapidly we decided to push a pole across the narrowest part where two limestone boulders formed a deep, rushing channel. A second lighter pole was also manoeuvred into position, and then I crawled across on all fours and fixed a rope to the opposite side. On this somewhat insecure bridge we crossed with our gear, and entered the hut at twilight, finding one of Dennis' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Old, failing in a brave attempt to wade the river, ran up and down the bank trying to warm himself, clad in shirt, pullover, coat, overcoat and muffler, but without his trousers, and presented a strange sight in the fading light of the cold evening. After spending some time and considerable physical effort in warming himself he was unfortunate enough to step forward onto a seemingly solid-looking grass tussock by the side of the stream, and found himself dropped vertically into the chilly stream again. These incidents produced a deal of hilarity but the various comments cannot be recorded. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __SUNDAY, AUGUST 5th., 1934.__ The day broke clear and sunny, but fresh to cold. Party set out over Tuglow Mountain to the Caves. Much to my discredit, I admit an error in guiding and we found ourselves in the next gully upstream along the Kowmung from the Caves, but after a scouting trip on my part, we climbed out and arrived at the Caves about mid-day. We had brought along a winch made of one inch galvanized iron piping with handles, and rigged up this S.E. of the bigger entrance, having previously marked our 200 feet of rope in 20 feet sections. Decided to lunch before the descent. During lunch we drew lots for "first down," I drew the short stick, so having had a good lunch, I got into the chair we made on the end of the rope, and realizing it was too late to back out now I gave three blasts on the whistle to be lowered. As you know, my experience in unexplored and partly explored caves is extensive, but I must admit a strange feeling came over me as I looked down that hole below, not knowing its depth or what it contained beyond the limit of the beam of my torch, and being lowered on an untested l 3/4" rope, steadying myself against the almost vertical side of the crevasse. This feeling intensified when I reached a larger cavern, the sides of which were beyond reach. However, I signalled for further lowering and, swinging freely in space, descended 40 feet or so to a ledge. Altering my direction somewhat I continued steadily downward, gaining confidence, sometimes with rocks against which I steadied myself, sometimes freely swinging, until I came to a ledge about 30 feet up from what appeared to be a " | ||
+ | |||
+ | I had pulled a second rope down with me as a safety precaution and in coming up had moved it from the end of the crevasse into which I had been, to the other end, as a guide to the next man down. This was Hardiman. We lowered him to about 100 feet when he blew one blast - stop. His next signal was ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | I would mention the matter of sound in the Caves. Each man had a fairly loud whistle of the vibrator or "Boy Scout" type. This could be heard to about 80 feet down, after which it was necessary to place a man at the mouth of the hole to repeat the signals to the winch-man, only 40 feet away. I intend, in future, using whistles of the " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Next man down was Barnes. Profiting from the knowledge gained of the first two descents he successfully gained a solid (?) bottom at 110 feet. He left the rope; we hauled it up and sent down Old to join him, Hardiman and I pulled up the second rope (a mistaken move) and lowered ourselves into the smaller hole or entrance which we explored last Easter. However, we did not get far before the signal to haul up was heard (both entrances lead to a common cavern) and we had to hurry to allay fears of the boys being trapped. Old came up first, and then we realized that, as the second rope had been removed, we did not know where Barnes was. | ||
+ | After some deliberation I was lowered on the main rope, carrying the second rope, and after some manoeuvring, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dusk was approaching rapidly, so we dismantled the winch and wound up the ropes. Made a short trip to the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Kowmung River, which was running strongly - there were no placid pools between the rapids. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Started back to the hut, ascending straight up the side of Tuglow | ||
+ | |||
+ | __MONDAY, AUGUST, 6th., 1934.__ Day broke beautifully; | ||
+ | |||
+ | From Tuglow to the main Oberon - Jenolan Road we encountered conditions worse than met with on the outward journey; the road bogs seemed to be more numerous and dangerous, but we successfully crossed or by-passed them and proceeded on to Jenolan for a mid-afternoon meal. From here to Sydney we overcame the difficulty of being cold, by actually getting inside our sleeping-bags and sitting in the car - excluding the driver, of course - although the cold was not so severe as on the outward journey. Stopping at Katoomba we bought packets of chips and fish, and proceeded, thus having our evening meal without delay, by changing drivers. To Sydney without event, then a good, hot bath and bed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We are convinced that the best way to enter Tuglow Caves is straight down the larger hole on a winch-controlled rope, and also that these Caves present possibilities in the way of good formations and extensive, although possibly steep, tunnels. | ||
- | MONDAY, AUGUST, 6th., 1934. Day broke beautifully; | ||
- | From Tuglaw to the main Oberon - Jenolan Road we encountered conditions worse than met with an the outward journey; the road bogs seemed to be more numerous and dangerous, but we successfully crossed or by-passed them and proceeded on to Jenolan for a mid-afternoon meal. From here to Sydney we overcame the difficulty of being cold, by actually getting inside our sleeping-bags and sitting in the car - excluding the driver, of course - although the cold was not so severe as on the outward journey. Stopping at Katoomba we bought packets of chips and fish, and proceeded, thus having our evening meal without delay, by changing drivers. To Sydney without event, then a good, hot bath and bed. | ||
- | We are convinced that the best way to -enter Tuglaw Caves is straight dawn the | ||
- | larger hole on a winch-controlled rope, and also that these Caves present possibilite-, | ||
I suggest that any would-be adventurers should be dissuaded from attempting exploration underground, | I suggest that any would-be adventurers should be dissuaded from attempting exploration underground, | ||
- | 411114.000 | ||
- | ====== "On the Wallaby" | + | ===== "On the Wallaby" |
+ | |||
+ | I came across the following lines in Henry Lawson, and thinking they expressed things rather well, I'm letting you have them. | ||
- | I came across the following lines in Henry Lawson, and thinking they expressed things rather wall, I'm letting you have them. | ||
Editor. | Editor. | ||
- | " | + | |
- | When the day has gone by with its tramp or its toil, And your camp-fire you light, and your billy you boil, There is comfort and peace in the bowl of your clay Or the yarn of a mate who is tramping that way." | + | " |
- | (ggalgg::: | + | There are joys to be found on the wallaby still\\ |
+ | When the day has gone by with its tramp or its toil,\\ | ||
+ | And your camp-fire you light, and your billy you boil,\\ | ||
+ | There is comfort and peace in the bowl of your clay\\ | ||
+ | Or the yarn of a mate who is tramping that way." | ||
Believe it or not - there is one member of the S.B.W. who has never been to Eras | Believe it or not - there is one member of the S.B.W. who has never been to Eras | ||
- | ====== Social Notes. ====== | + | ===== Social Notes. ===== |
+ | |||
+ | During October we had two very interesting lectures, one by Mr. W.L. Havard, B.Sc. on Jenolan Caves and the other by Miss Swan on a matter of historical interest. Mr Havard had some beautiful slides of the interior of most of the Caves at Jenolan. These were quite unique and most realistic. Miss Swan's talk about Mrs. Musgrove and her book was intensely interesting and amusing. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In October, we also held the last of the Club Dances, as the weather is now rather hot for dancing. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The 7th. Annual Concert was put forward a week and was held on the 13th. and 14th. of November. We think the idea of giving the concert on two nights in succession an admirable one from all points of view. There was a very fair attendance on the first night, and an excellent one on the second. The concert generally was the usual gratifying success. The consensus of opinion is that it is by far the best as yet put forward by the Bushwalkers. Some of the items would do credit to any professional body. | ||
- | During October we had two very interesting lectures, one by Mr. W.L. Havard, B.Sc. an Jenolan Caves and the other by Miss Swan on a matter of historical interest. Mr Havard had some beautiful slides of the interior of most of the Caves at Jenolan. These were quite unique and most realistic. Miss Swan's talk about Mrs. Musgrove and her book was intenaiy interesting and amusing. | ||
- | In October, we also held the last of the Club Dances,as the weather is now rather hot for dancing. | ||
- | The 7th. Annual Concert was put forward a week and was held on the 13th. and 14th. of November. We think the idea of giving the concert on two nights in succession an admirable one from all points of view. There was a very fair attendance on the first night, and an excellent one on the second. The concert generally was the usual gratifying success. The conoensus of opinion is that it is by far the best as yet put forward by the Bushwalkers. Some of the items would do credit to any professional body. | ||
Financially there should be a profit of round about 15. The father of one of our members, Miss Beryl Madgwick, paid a very gracious compliment to your Social Secretary, when he sent along about 50 Art copies of the programme as Souvenirs to be given by her to the Members of the Concert Party and assistants. I would like to take this opportunity of saying how much I appreciate this gracious act and also to say thank you. | Financially there should be a profit of round about 15. The father of one of our members, Miss Beryl Madgwick, paid a very gracious compliment to your Social Secretary, when he sent along about 50 Art copies of the programme as Souvenirs to be given by her to the Members of the Concert Party and assistants. I would like to take this opportunity of saying how much I appreciate this gracious act and also to say thank you. | ||
- | Mile on this subject I would like to thank all the Members of the Concert Party for their assistance, and also the House Manager, Ticker Seller and all those others who so ably guaranteed the success of our concert by their excellent work behind the scenes. | + | |
+ | While on this subject I would like to thank all the Members of the Concert Party for their assistance, and also the House Manager, Ticker Seller and all those others who so ably guaranteed the success of our concert by their excellent work behind the scenes. | ||
Once again on the 16th. November, we had the pleasure of listening to an evening' | Once again on the 16th. November, we had the pleasure of listening to an evening' | ||
- | One of our Club MembersoMiss | + | |
- | We wish to congratulate May and Paddy Pallin on the birth of their daughter, | + | One of our Club Members Miss D. Lawry, gave an intimate talk to the small attendance of Members |
- | on the 19th. October. May she always be able to say - " | + | |
+ | We wish to congratulate May and Paddy Pallin on the birth of their daughter, on the 19th. October. May she always be able to say - " | ||
On Friday 30th. November, Jock Marshall gave us a very interesting " | On Friday 30th. November, Jock Marshall gave us a very interesting " | ||
- | I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Club Members the Compliments of this Season allied to good walking and camping during their holidays. FOR TEE SOCIAL COMMITTEE | + | |
+ | I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Club Members the Compliments of this Season allied to good walking and camping during their holidays. | ||
+ | |||
+ | FOR THE SOCIAL COMMITTEE\\ | ||
Rene D. Browne, Hon. Social Secretary. | Rene D. Browne, Hon. Social Secretary. |
193412.1410307954.txt.gz · Last modified: 2014/09/10 10:12 by emmanuelle_c